bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of permanent and transient congenital hypothyroidism in cases referred from National Neonatal Screening Program
Authors: Donbaloğlu Zeynep , Çetinkaya Semra , Aycan Zehra , Karacan Küçükali Gülin , Şakar Merve , Savaş‐Erdeve Şenay
Published: June 2022

Aim

The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has increased world‐wide. Lowering cut‐off in screening programs has led to an increase in the rate of transient CH. We aimed to evaluate the rates of permanent and transient CH in cases referred from the screening program and to investigate the clinical and laboratory factors which predict transient CH.

Methods

In 109 cases referred from the neonatal screening program to our hospital, from September 2015 to April 2018, 52 primarily diagnosed CH cases were prospectively evaluated. Regularly followed up, 44 CH cases were included in the study at the end of 3 years.

Results

38.2 ± 1.31 weeks (w) and mean birthweight 3021.3 ± 389.6 gram (g) in the transient CH group; both were significantly lower compared to permanent CH cases with 39.06 ± 1.33 w and 3375.3 ± 425.3 g (P = 0.025, P = 0.007) respectively. Transient CH rate was found to be 50% (all hypoplastic) in the dysgenesis group and 73.3% in groups with normal and hyperplasic thyroid gland. While fT4, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, and thyroglobulin levels at diagnosis do not predict transient/permanent CH, levothyroxine (LT‐4) dosage was significantly lower in the transient CH group in all years. The optimal cut‐off value with highest sensitivity and specificity for LT‐4 dosage as a predictive marker to differentiate transient CH from permanent CH was 2.27 μg/kg/day (P = 0.004; sensitivity: 71%, specificity: 83%) at 1st year, 1.85 μg /kg/day (P = 0.013; sensitivity: 66%, specificity: 72%) at 2nd year and 1.69 μg /kg/day at 3rd year (P < 0.0001; sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 83%).

Conclusion

Transient CH is more frequent than expected. Our results suggest that LT‐4 requirement may be a good marker for predicting transient CH, while thyroid hormone levels at the time of diagnosis do not significantly predict permanent and transient CH. Therefore, infants with CH requiring LT‐4 doses <2.27 μg/kg/day at 1st year, <1.85 μg /kg/day at 2nd year may be re‐evaluated earlier to discriminate transient CH rather than at 3 years of age.
Monitoring the infection of powdery mildew pathogen on strawberry leaves by ATR‐IR technique
Authors: Wang Quanzhi , Zhang Sikai , Xu Junjie , Ke Xinyi , Peng Chao , Li Zhen , Chen Bo , Pan Shang , Gu Tingting
Published: June 2022

Powdery mildew is one of the most common fungal diseases in plants. The disease mainly occurs in leaves, fruits, and petioles. As infection at an early stage cannot be observed with the naked eye, it causes severe economic losses to global agriculture. Here, we used attenuated total reflection–infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR) to identify the stage of powdery mildew infection in strawberry leaves. For naturally diseased strawberry leaves, the ATR‐IR spectra on the abaxial surface had an intense peak at 1690 cm−1, showing gradually increased intensity from early‐to‐late stages of infection. This peak was attributed to the acetyl and carboxyl C=O stretching vibrations of the pathogen. However, the spectra of the abaxial surface did not demonstrate a comparable change in 1690 cm−1 peak. When strawberry leaves were inoculated with powdery mildew, ATR‐IR successfully identified the stages of this anthropogenic infection. Moreover, the peak area ratio of 1690/2920 cm−1 on the abaxial surface of strawberry leaves was extracted to quantitatively evaluate the stages of infection, using the fitting curve equation of y = 0.0015x2‐0.0014x‐0.0021 (R2 = .9721). This study indicated potential application of ATR‐IR in monitoring fungal infections in plants. In particular, the stages of infection can be quickly and accurately monitored using the ATR‐IR technique.
Detection of the origin of atrial tachycardia by 3D electro‐anatomical mapping and treatment by radiofrequency catheter ablation in horses
Authors: Van Steenkiste Glenn , Boussy Tim , Duytschaever Mattias , Vernemmen Ingrid , Schauvlieghe Stijn , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther
Published: June 2022

Background

Atrial tachycardia (AT) can be treated by medical or electrical cardioversion but the recurrence rate is high. Three‐dimensional electro‐anatomical mapping, recently described in horses, might be used to map AT to identify a focal source or reentry mechanism and to guide treatment by radiofrequency ablation.

Objectives

To describe the feasibility of 3D electro‐anatomical mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation to characterize and treat sustained AT in horses.

Animals

Nine horses with sustained AT.

Methods

Records from horses with sustained AT referred for radiofrequency ablation at Ghent University were reviewed.

Results

The AT was drug resistant in 4 out of 9 horses. In 8 out of 9 horses, AT originated from a localized macro‐reentrant circuit (n = 5) or a focal source (n = 3) located at the transition between the right atrium and the caudal vena cava. In these 8 horses, local radiofrequency catheter ablation resulted in the termination of AT. At follow‐up, 6 out of 8 horses remained free of recurrence.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Differentiation between focal and macro‐reentrant AT in horses is possible using 3D electro‐anatomical mapping. In this study, the source of right atrial AT in horses was safely treated by radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Discovery of inhibitors against mycobacterium branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases through in silico screening and experimental evaluation
Authors: Pham M.T. , Tran T.T.A. , Zayabaatar E.
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases and is caused by Mycobacterium bovis (Mb) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt). Branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases (BCATs) were reported to be the key enzyme for methionine synthesis in Mycobacterium. Blocking the methionine synthesis in Mycobacterium can inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium. Therefore, in silico screening of inhibitors can be a good way to develop a potential drug for treating TB. A pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-form of Mycobacterium bovis branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases (MbBCAT), an active form of MbBCAT, was constructed manually for docking approximately 150 000 compounds and the free energy was calculated in Autodock Vina. The 10 compounds which had the highest affinity to MbBCAT were further evaluated for their inhibitory effects against MbBCAT. Within the selected compounds, compound 4 (ZINC12359007) was found to be the best inhibitor against MbBCAT with the inhibitory constant Ki of 0·45 μmol l−1 and IC50 of 2·37 μmol l−1. Our work provides potential candidates to develop effective drugs to prevent TB since the well-known structural information would be beneficial in the structure-based modification and design.
Association of hospital and community factors on the attainment of Baby‐Friendly designation: A breastfeeding health promotion
Authors: Tafili Aurora , Zakari Nazik M. A. , Hamadi Hanadi Y. , Spaulding Aaron
Published: June 2022

The Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global health promotion intervention that outlines the Ten Steps hospitals should implement to support newborns' breastfeeding. This US‐based study aimed to determine which hospital characteristics and community factors are associated with hospitals' attainment of Baby‐Friendly designation. We used a cross‐sectional design and used 2018 data from the Baby‐Friendly, USA Inc. designation program merged with the American Hospital Association annual survey data set. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to assess hospital characteristics of interest among the sample consisting of 312 Baby‐Friendly hospitals and 1449 non‐Baby‐Friendly. Our results show that Baby‐Friendly hospitals are more likely to be government nonfederal hospitals, in the Midwest or South regions, serve communities with higher birth totals, and reside in competitive markets. Based on the results of this study, hospitals should seek further and examine their community's characteristics and structures to identify opportunities and encourage the attainment of improved breastfeeding initiatives such as Baby‐Friendly designation.
Plenty more fish in the sea? – is there a place for seafood within a healthier and more sustainable diet?
Authors: Steenson Simon , Creedon Annette
Published: June 2022

Fish and other seafood species play an important nutritional, economic and social role within current diets worldwide, providing significant amounts of protein and micronutrients for an estimated 3 billion people. Advice to consume fish is a common feature of dietary guidelines globally, including in the UK. However, increased global demand for seafood has led to overfishing and environmental damage linked to aquaculture expansion; issues, which are exacerbated by climate change. This raises the question of whether future demand for seafood can be met sustainably. In this article, we provide professionals working in diet, nutrition and health with an insight into the challenges facing the seafood sector and offer advice on how consumers may include seafood within a healthier and more sustainable diet. While a complex and multi‐faceted challenge, fisheries scientists estimate that successful implementation of better management practices (for farmed and wild‐capture fisheries) can meet future demand, allow fish stocks to rebuild to sustainable levels, help mitigate environmental effects of aquaculture, and ensure profitable fisheries to support the ~60 million people employed by the seafood sector globally. Those working within the UK food system, including nutrition and health professionals, and businesses, can support the transition towards a more sustainable future for seafood by: encouraging consumption of a wider variety of species by UK consumers; increasing awareness of and knowledge about ‘ecolabel’ certifications designed to help consumers identify more sustainable choices; and engaging with multi‐stakeholder initiatives addressing sustainability challenges facing the seafood sector.
Application of Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging to Evaluate and Predict the Surgical Outcome for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Han Xiao , Ma Xiaodong , Li Donghang , Wang Jinchao , Jiang Wen , Li Guangqi , Cheng Xiaoguang , Guo Hua , Tian Wei
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Although the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) has been shown useful to evaluate the spinal cord dysfunction, there are few prospective studies on analyzing the operation recovery of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) disease using NODDI. This study aims to investigate the preoperative evaluation and predictive ability of NODDI in DCM patients who received posterior cervical laminoplasty.

Methods

This prospective study included 55 patients with DCM from January to December 2017. NODDI metrics, including intracellular volume fraction (Vic), isotropic volume fraction (Viso), and orientation dispersion index (ODI) were measured at the maximally compressed (MC) level and the non‐compressed C2 level in each patient at the preoperative and the 3‐ and 6‐month postoperative follow‐up stages. Neurological function was assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system at each stage. Spearman's correlation and Kendall's tau‐b correlation were used to analyze the relationship between NODDI metrics and mJOA scores. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to examine the changes in the NODDI and mJOA scores between the preoperative and 6‐month follow‐up stages. ROC analysis was used to further evaluate the predictive capability.

Results

Preoperative Vic at the level of C2 has a significant correlation with the preoperative mJOA score (r = 0.278, p = 0.048). Vic and Viso at the MC level were significantly different between the preoperative period and 6‐month follow‐up. Viso at the MC level was correlated with the mJOA score at 6‐month follow‐up (r = −0.302, p = 0.044). Vic and ODI at the C2 level predicted the surgical prognosis, with areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.663 (p = 0.042) and 0.716 (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

The preoperative NODDI metrics at the C2 level are capable of evaluating the severity of spinal cord dysfunction and predict the surgical outcome.
A Novel Anatomic Reconstruction for Posterior Tibialis Tendon in Treatment of Flexible Adult‐Acquired Flatfoot Deformity
Authors: Hu Yong , Wang Yifan , Huang Zheng , Li Zhengxun , Xu Wenpeng , Zhou Dongsheng , Zhang Ning
Published: June 2022

Objective

To present a novel approach for the anatomic reconstruction of the posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) in restoring plantar insertions and evaluate its efficiency in treating flexible adult‐acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) caused by PTT dysfunction.

Methods

For AAFD treatment, a novel PTT reconstruction method was presented. The current study involved 16 patients, including three men, and 13 women, from August 2017 to July 2019. The mean age was 43.2 ± 15.1 years (21–64 years). The innovative PTT repair method was used on all patients. The treatment involved performing a traditional Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) transfer in the navicular tuberosity and suturing the plantar insertions to FDL as tension was applied to tighten the plantar structures of the foot. The results were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical outcome was assessed using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the satisfaction VAS, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle–hindfoot scale (AOFAS‐AH). Isokinetic testing was performed using a dynamometer at 60°/s and 120°/s for inversion/eversion and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion, respectively, to determine the mean peak torque. Radiographic measurements were employed to assess the outcomes.

Results

Bone surgeries combined with the modified anatomic PTT reconstruction were performed on patients with medializing calcaneal osteotomy in 12 (75%) patients and subtalar joint fusion in four (25%) patients. The branch linking to the plantar insertions was detected in every case, with an average width of 3.5 ± 0.8 mm (3.1–4.3 mm). All patients were followed up for the mean of 16.8 ± 1.8 months (range, 15–20 months). The average postoperative functional scores, including pain VAS, satisfaction VAS, total AOFAS‐AH, and all AOFAS‐AH sub‐scales, steadily improved during the follow‐up. In the last follow‐up, isokinetic testing revealed no loss of plantarflexion strength (p = 0.350 and 0.098) and significant improvement in the inversion strength (p = 0.007 and 0.008) in the operated ankles at 60°/s and 120°/s. Radiographic outcomes, particularly the talar head uncovering, improved significantly after more than a year (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

The novel technique for PTT reconstruction in restoring the plantar insertions serves as an effective procedure in treating AAFD caused by PTT dysfunction in terms of delivering a consistent improvement in ankle inversion strength, medial longitudinal arch restoring, and satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Invasive and non‐invasive assessment of macro‐ and micro‐circulatory effects of vasopressors during sevoflurane anesthesia in a pediatric experimental model: A randomized trial
Authors: Kallab Rita , Sudy Roberta , Dos Santos Rocha Andre , Diaper John , Petak Ferenc , Keli Barcelos Gleicy , Habre Walid
Published: June 2022

Background

While non‐invasive assessment of macro‐ and micro‐circulation has the promise to optimize anesthesia management, evidence is lacking for the relationship between invasive and non‐invasive measurements of cardiac output and microcirculatory indices.

Aims

We aimed to compare the abilities of non‐invasive techniques to detect changes in macro‐ and micro‐circulation following deep anesthesia and subsequent restoration of the compromised hemodynamic by routinely used vasopressors in a randomized experimental study.

Methods

A 20%–25% drop in mean arterial pressure was induced by sevoflurane in anesthetized mechanically ventilated just‐weaned piglets (n = 12) prior to the administration of vasopressors in random order (dopamine, ephedrine, noradrenaline, and phenylephrine). Simultaneous transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac output assessment with the invasive pulse index continuous contour (PiCCO) method was compared with non‐invasive estimates obtained with electrical conductivity (ICON) and echo Doppler (Cardio Q). Changes in microcirculation were characterized by sublingual red blood cell velocity, jugular cerebral venous oxygen saturation, and arterial lactate.

Main outcome measures

Cardiac output indices obtained by invasive and non‐invasive methods.

Results

Changes in cardiac output measured invasively and non‐invasively correlated significantly after sevoflurane (r = .78, p = .003 and r = .76, p = .006 between PiCCO and ICON or Cardio Q, respectively). Following the administration of vasopressors, invasive and non‐invasive cardiac output assessments were unrelated with significant correlations observed only between PiCCO and ICON after dopamine and ephedrine. Sevoflurane‐induced hypotension decreased jugular cerebral venous oxygen saturation significantly and was recovered by all vasopressors. Sevoflurane and vasopressors had no effect on red blood cell velocity, which increased only after dopamine. No consistent changes in lactate were observed during the study period.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that non‐invasive cardiac output measurements may not accurately reflect changes in macrocirculation after hemodynamic optimization by vasopressors. Due to the incoherence between macro‐ and micro‐circulation, monitoring microcirculation is essential to guide patient management.
Long‐term follow‐up of motor cortex stimulation on central poststroke pain in thalamic and extrathalamic stroke
Authors: Guo Song , Zhang Xiaolei , Tao Wei , Zhu Hongwei , Hu Yongsheng
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the long‐term effects of motor cortex stimulation (MCS) on central poststroke pain (CPSP) in patients with thalamic and extrathalamic stroke.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 21 cases of CPSP patients who were treated with MCS. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) before the operation and at follow‐up assessments. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

The average follow‐up time was 65.43 ± 26.12 months. In the thalamus stroke group (n = 11), the mean preoperative VAS score was 8.18 ± 0.75 and the final mean follow‐up VAS score was 4.0 ± 2.14. The mean total NPSI score at the last follow‐up (20.45 ± 12.7) was significantly reduced relative to the pre‐MCS score (30.27 ± 8.97, p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean PSQI value at the last follow‐up (12.63 ± 1.91) was significantly reduced compared with the pre‐MCS value (16.55 ± 1.97, p < 0.001). In the extrathalamic stroke group (n = 11), the mean preoperative VAS score was 8.2 ± 0.79 and the final mean follow‐up VAS score was 6.6 ± 2.12. The mean total NPSI score before MCS was not statistically different from that at the last follow‐up. There were no statistical differences in sleep quality before versus after surgery.

Conclusion

Motor cortex stimulation has higher long‐term efficacy in CPSP patients with stroke confined to the thalamus than in CPSP patients with stroke involving extrathalamic structures.
Sensitivity to punishment and emotional eating: The mediating role of shame and rumination
Authors: Salemi Elnaz , Mirzazade Zahra , Dehshiri Gholamreza , Zahraei Shaghayegh
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The relationship between sensitivity to punishment (SP) and emotional eating has been previously examined. However, effective variables in this relationship have yet to be recognized. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SP and emotional eating via facets of shame and rumination.

Design

Serial Mediation model was proposed.

Method

Female university students in Iran (n = 174) completed Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire‐Revised and Clarified (SPSRQ‐RC), Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), Experience of Shame Scale (ESS) and Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS).

Results

SP showed a significant effect on emotional eating. Moreover, we observed that the relationship between SP and emotional eating was separately mediated by shame (general, characterological and bodily shame) and rumination. We further noticed the sequentially mediating role of shame (general, characterological and behavioural shame) and rumination in the relationship between SP and emotional eating.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that high SP can increase the risk of emotional eating through negative emotions (e.g. shame) and disturbed cognitions (e.g. rumination). Therefore, for a better understanding, it seems necessary to consider emotional eating a maladaptive behaviour adopted as a possible result of the impairment of temperamental, emotional and cognitive systems.
Macroeconomy and macropartisanship: Economic conditions and party identification
Authors: Okolikj Martin , Quinlan Stephen , Lewis‐Beck Michael S.
Published: June 2022

“It's the economy stupid”—is the phrase that captures the ubiquity of economics in determining election outcomes. Nevertheless, while several studies support the premise of economic voting, a constant critique of valence economic models is that partisan bias contaminates voters' economic perceptions, thus invaliding any independent effect of economic opinions on the vote. Here, we test whether partisanship may itself be endogenous to the macroeconomy. Aggregating data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES), supplemented with European Social Survey (ESS) data to bolster the time analysis, we focus on macropartisanship and find a drop‐off of party identifiers for governing parties in tandem with the economic downturn, specifically from rising unemployment. More generally, macropartisanship responds to economic conditions, suggesting that the endogeneity concern between party attachment and valence economic conditions is not unidirectional. That is, while economic perceptions may be influenced by party identification, party identification can be influenced by economic conditions.

Related Articles

Dettrey, Bryan J. 2013. “Relative Losses and Economic Voting: Sociotropic Considerations or ‘Keeping up with the Joneses?’” Politics & Policy 41(5): 788–806. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12038.

Fernandes, Ivan Filipe, Gustavo Andrey De Almeida Lopes Fernandes, and Artur Zimerman. 2022. “For Whom the Bell Tolls: Party Mediation Effects on Economic Voting in a Large Democratic Federation.” Politics & Policy 50(2): 324–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12453.

Stegmaier, Mary, and Michael S. Lewis‐Beck. 2009. “Learning the Economic Vote: Hungarian Forecasts, 1998–2010.” Politics & Policy 37(4): 769–80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00197.x.
Cover Image, Volume 14, Issue 3
Authors: Dong Shuang‐lin , Dong Yun‐wei , Cao Ling , Verreth Johan , Olsen Yngvar , Liu Wen‐jing , Fang Qi‐zhi , Zhou Yan‐gen , Li Li , Li Jing‐yu , Mu Yong‐tong , Sorgeloos Patrick
Published: June 2022

The cover image is based on the Review Article Optimization of aquaculture sustainability through ecological
intensification in China by Shuang‐lin Dong et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12648

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Exceptional Gegenbauer polynomials via isospectral deformation
Authors: García‐Ferrero María Ángeles , Gómez‐Ullate David , Milson Robert , Munday James
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we show how to construct exceptional orthogonal polynomials (XOP) using isospectral deformations of classical orthogonal polynomials. The construction is based on confluent Darboux transformations, where repeated factorizations at the same eigenvalue are allowed. These factorizations allow us to construct Sturm–Liouville problems with polynomial eigenfunctions that have an arbitrary number of real‐valued parameters. We illustrate this new construction by exhibiting the class of deformed Gegenbauer polynomials, which are XOP families that are isospectral deformations of classical Gegenbauer polynomials.
Psychiatric care and education understood from a student perspective: Enhancing competences empowering personal and social recovery
Authors: Damsgaard Janne Brammer , Overgaard Camilla Margrethe Lyhne , Dürr Dorte Wiwe , Lunde Anita , Thybo Peter , Birkelund Regner
Published: June 2022

Background

During the last decades, a recovery‐based approach has called for a change in mental health care services. Several programmes have been presented, and the need to develop student and professional competences in education and clinical practice has been documented.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore how psychiatric care is understood seen from a student perspective (nursing students, masters nurses and a master in applied philosophy) with focus on their personal competences and the educational interventions empowering processes for users' personal and social recovery.

Method

A qualitative design with a phenomenological–hermeneutic approach based on the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

All interviewees expressed that both theoretically and clinically students did not experience a recovery‐oriented approach empowering users' personal and social recovery process. On the contrary, they experienced that both education and practice were dominated by a biomedical approach providing clinical recovery. However, several students were aware of their need of developing personal and relational competences to be able to support the users' personal and social recovery journey. The students expressed that there is a need for educational processes targeting personal competences in ‘becoming a professional’ supporting ‘presentness and awareness’ and thereby the development of relational abilities and the courage to engage.

The results relate to two nursing schools and two universities.

Conclusion

A biomedical approach dominates and makes it difficult to develop students' personal competences during education in practice and theory vital to the development of personal and social recovery‐oriented practices. It is recommended that educators—in practice and in school—accentuate presentness, awareness and creativity as crucial relational capabilities and incorporate this in their teaching and supervision method, supporting the education and formation of the students' (and teachers' and supervisors') personal development processes.
“It's (Not) Like the Flu”: Expert Narratives and the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States
Authors: Au Larry , Fu Zheng , Liu Chuncheng
Published: June 2022

We trace the crafting of expert narratives during the initial months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States. By expert narratives, we refer to how experts drew different lessons from past disease experiences to guide policymakers and the public amidst uncertainty. These expert narratives were mobilized in different sociopolitical contexts, resulting in varying configurations of expertise networks and allies that helped contain and mitigate COVID‐19. In Mainland China, experts carefully advanced a managed narrative, emphasizing the new pandemic akin to the 2003 SARS outbreak can be managed while destressing the similar mistakes the government made during the two crises. In Hong Kong, experts invoked a distrust narrative, pointing to a potential coverup of COVID‐19 similar to SARS, activating allies in civil society to pressure policymakers to act. In the United States, experts were mired in a contested narrative and COVID‐19 was compared to different diseases; varying interpretations of COVID‐19’s consequences was exacerbated by political polarization. In expert narratives, the resonance of the past is emergent: the past becomes a site of struggle and a cultural object that is presented as potentially useful in solving problems of the present.
Prevalence and risk factors of antibodies to HLA according to different cut‐off values of mean fluorescence intensity in haploidentical allograft candidates: A prospective study of 3805 subjects
Authors: Ma Ning , Guo Jia‐Pei , Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Yu , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Yan‐Rong , Zhao Xiao‐Su , Cheng Yi‐Fei , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Chang Ying‐Jun
Published: June 2022

The importance of anti‐HLA antibodies in transplantation settings, such as HLA‐mismatched or haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and platelet refractoriness, is widely recognized. In previous reports, it was mentioned that several cut‐off values of donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were related to graft rejection in the environment of HLA mismatched stem cell transplantation and the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of anti‐HLA antibodies according to those cut‐off values of MFI. A total of 3805 patients with hematologic disease were prospectively enrolled and analyzed. When using MFI of anti‐HLA antibodies ≥500, ≥1000, ≥1500, ≥2000, ≥5000, and ≥ 10,000 as cut‐off values for positivity, the prevalence of class I or II anti‐HLA antibodies ranged from 4.6% to 20.2% in all cases. When the MFI cut‐off value was ≥500 for positivity, multivariate analysis indicated that platelet transfusion, underlying disease, and pregnancy were the most important risk factors for the presence of anti‐HLA antibodies for the total patients. Subgroup analysis according to age, gender, and underlying disease showed that pregnancy was the most important risk factor for the presence of anti‐HLA antibodies. For all patients (n = 3805), when anti‐HLA antibody positivity was defined according to different MFI cut‐off values, including ≥1000, ≥1500, ≥2000, ≥5000, and ≥ 10,000, an association of platelet transfusion and pregnancy with anti‐HLA antibodies was also demonstrated. Our results suggest that pregnancy and platelet transfusion are the main risk factors for the prevalence of anti‐HLA antibodies in haploid allograft candidates, providing evidence for guiding the evaluation of anti‐HLA antibodies and helping donor selection for HLA‐mismatched transplant candidates.
Evaluating clinical effectiveness of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients: A propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Tucker Mollie , Azar Marwan M. , Cohen Elizabeth , Gan Geliang , Deng Yanhong , Foppiano Palacios Carlo , Malinis Maricar
Published: June 2022

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at disproportionate risk for severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Vaccination is a key preventative strategy but is associated with decreased humoral responses among SOTR. Whether dampened immune responses correlate with reduced clinical effectiveness is unclear. Our study was designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in the early vaccine era.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing SARS‐CoV‐2 infection rates between SOTRs who received two doses of mRNA or one dose of Ad26.Cov2.S vaccine and those not fully vaccinated (partially vaccinated and unvaccinated). To evaluate clinical effectiveness of vaccine, cause‐specific Cox regression model and modified Poisson regression model were built using the propensity score‐matched cohort. Additionally, the clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 of fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated SOTR were compared.

Results

Of 2705 SOTRs, 1668 were included in our final matched analysis, which showed a 73% reduction of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 76% reduction of all‐cause‐mortality among fully vaccinated patients. Thirty‐nine SOTRs developed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, including nine fully vaccinated and 30 not fully vaccinated. Among fully vaccinated patients, 22% had severe/critical COVID‐19 and 0% mortality versus not fully vaccinated SOTRs, of whom 37% had severe/critical COVID‐19 and 6.67% COVID‐19‐related mortality.

Conclusion

In SOTRs, completion of primary vaccine series in the early vaccine era was associated with a significant reduction of COVID‐19 and was protective against severe/critical disease and death. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of current vaccine recommendations for SOTR against emerging new variants.

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High prevalence of MRSA and VRSA among inpatients of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kejela Tekalign , Dekosa Fili
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess the prevalence of methicillin and vancomycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients admitted to Mettu Karl Referral Hospital.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted to study the point prevalence of MRSA and VRSA. A total of 384 patients (male = 201 and female = 183) admitted to medical (109), paediatric (109) and surgical (166) wards of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital from November 2019 to April 2020 were included in the study. We studied 384 samples (166 wound swabs and 218 nasal swabs) collected from inpatients. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated, characterised and identified based on morphological and biochemical features and confirmed by PCR amplification of the nuc gene. The isolates were checked against 12 antibiotics, and MRSA isolates were primarily identified using cefoxitin (30 μg) and confirmed by amplification of mecA gene. Staphylococcus aureus resistance to Vancomycin was tested by the broth microdilution method.

Results

The rate of isolation of Staphylococcus aureus was 32.8% (126/384). The point prevalence of MRSA and VRSA from clinical specimens was 18.8% (72/384) and 2.6% (10/384), respectively. Of 126 Staphylococcus aureus isolated, 57.1% (72) were MRSA and 7.9% (10) were VRSA. Of the 166 samples collected from patients in the surgical ward, the rates of isolation of MRSA and VRSA were 21.1% (35/166) and 4.8% (8/166), respectively. A high rate of isolation of MRSA and VRSA was recorded among patients admitted to surgical wards compared with medical and paediatric wards.

Conclusions

This study showed a high prevalence of MRSA and VRSA in the hospital. Proper implementation of infection control practices and investigation of underlying risk factors are urgently needed to mitigate the further spread of the pathogen.
In vitro antifungal susceptibility ofFusariumspecies andAspergillus fumigatuscultured from eleven horses with fungal keratitis
Authors: Martinez Paoul S. , Whitley R. David , Plummer Caryn E. , Richardson Rebecca L. , Hamor Ralph E. , Wellehan James F. X.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To examine the relationship between Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) and response to therapy of 6Fusariumspp.and 5Aspergillus fumigatusisolated from equine ulcerative keratitis cases.

Procedure

Fungi were identified by morphology and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequencing and evaluated at the University of Texas Fungal Testing Laboratory for susceptibility to three azole antifungals (miconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), natamycin, and two echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin). A Mann–Whitney rank sum test was used for the comparison of time to heal between infections of different fungal genera and in vitro susceptibility to the drug administered.

Results

Fusariumspp. were resistant to azole antifungals in 6/6 cases (100%).Fusariumspp. were susceptible to echinocandins and natamycin in all cases.A. fumigatuswas resistant to anidulafungin in 1/5 cases (20%) and posaconazole in 1/5 cases (20%) The remainder ofA. fumigatusisolates were susceptible to all antifungal agents tested.Fusariumisolates were treated with antifungals to which they were not susceptible; however, all cases ofA. fumigatuswere treated with antifungals to which they were susceptible. AllFusariumcases andA. fumigatuscases experienced clinical resolution, regardless of surgical intervention. There was no statistical correlation between fungal genus and time to heal (p < .082).

Conclusions

The in vitro susceptibility indicated that all cases ofFusariumspp. were resistant to azole antifungal drugs which were used as treatment. Clinical outcomes, however, showed that all cases healed despite resistance to antifungals.
Die on this hill? A new monotypic, microendemic and montane vertebrate genus from the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Torkkola Janne J. , Wilmer Jessica Worthington , Hutchinson Mark N. , Couper Patrick J. , Oliver Paul M.
Published: June 2022

The upland rainforests of the Australian Wet Tropics (AWT) are renowned for their diverse and highly relictual biota, and are amongst the best‐studied areas of tropical rainforest in the world. Nonetheless, the evolutionary history of many endemic AWT taxa remains poorly resolved. Here we use molecular data to show that a small thigmothermic and heat‐sensitive lizard endemic to the Thornton Uplands in the northern portion of the AWT is a palaeoendemic that likely diverged from the nearest living taxa around the early Miocene. On the basis of genetic and morphological data, we remove this taxon from the genus Calyptotis where it was formerly placed, redefine Calyptotis and describing a new monotypic genus, Calorodius gen. n. This taxon is the second microendemic, monotypic and montane vertebrate genus recognised from the AWT, and highlights the potential for small areas of upland habitat in AWT to function as evolutionary refugia. However, despite the deep divergence of this lineage, there is no strong evidence that cool‐mesic environments are ancestral to the broader radiation of sphenomorphin skinks that it sits within. The impacts of future anthropogenic climate change on this new genus are difficult to predict, but a tiny range and apparent sensitivity to even relatively moderate temperatures raise concerns, especially if accelerating climate change leads to more regular drought events and heatwaves in the mountain ranges where it occurs.
Gatekeeping role of
Nf2
/Merlin in vascular tip EC induction through suppression of VEGFR2 internalization
Authors: Bae Jung Hyun , Yang Myung Jin , Jeong Seung-hwan , Kim JungMo , Hong Seon Pyo , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Yoo Hyung , Koh Gou Young
Published: June 2022

In sprouting angiogenesis, the precise mechanisms underlying how intracellular vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling is higher in one endothelial cell (EC) compared with its neighbor and acquires the tip EC phenotype under a similar external cue are elusive. Here, we show that Merlin, encoded by the neurofibromatosis type 2 (
NF2
) gene, suppresses VEGFR2 internalization depending on VE-cadherin density and inhibits tip EC induction. Accordingly, endothelial
Nf2
depletion promotes tip EC induction with excessive filopodia by enhancing VEGFR2 internalization in both the growing and matured vessels. Mechanistically, Merlin binds to the VEGFR2–VE-cadherin complex at cell-cell junctions and reduces VEGFR2 internalization–induced downstream signaling during tip EC induction. As a consequence, nonfunctional excessive sprouting occurs during tumor angiogenesis in EC-specific
Nf2
-deleted mice, leading to delayed tumor growth. Together,
Nf2
/Merlin is a crucial molecular gatekeeper for tip EC induction, capillary integrity, and proper tumor angiogenesis by suppressing VEGFR2 internalization.
The risk variant rs11836367 contributes to breast cancer onset and metastasis by attenuating Wnt signaling via regulatingNTN4expression
Authors: Yang Han , Ting Xia , Geng Yue-Hang , Xie Yuntao , Nierenberg Jovia L. , Huo Yan-Fei , Zhou Yan-Ting , Huang Yang , Yu Yu-Qing , Yu Xin-Yao , Li Xiao-Fei , Ziv Elad , Zhang Hongquan , Fang Wei-Gang , Shen Yin , Tian Xin-Xia
Published: June 2022

Most genome-wide association study (GWAS)–identified breast cancer–associated causal variants remain uncharacterized. To provide a framework of understanding GWAS-identified variants to function, we performed a comprehensive study of noncoding regulatory variants at theNTN4locus (12q22) andNTN4gene in breast cancer etiology. We find that rs11836367 is the more likely causal variant, disrupting enhancer activity in both enhancer reporter assays and endogenous genome editing experiments. The protective T allele of rs11837367 increases the binding of GATA3 to the distal enhancer and up-regulatesNTN4expression. In addition, we demonstrate that loss ofNTN4gene in mice leads to tumor earlier onset, progression, and metastasis. We discover thatNTN4, as a tumor suppressor, can attenuate the Wnt signaling pathway by directly binding to Wnt ligands. Our findings bridge the gaps among breast cancer–associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms, transcriptional regulation ofNTN4, and breast cancer biology, which provides previously unidentified insights into breast cancer prediction and prevention.
Promotion of row 1–specific tip complex condensates by Gpsm2-Gαi provides insights into row identity of the tallest stereocilia
Authors: Shi Yingdong , Lin Lin , Wang Chao , Zhu Jinwei
Published: June 2022

The mechanosensory stereocilia in hair cells are organized into rows of graded height, a property crucial for auditory perception. Gpsm2-Gαi-Whirlin-Myo15-Eps8 complex at tips of the tallest stereocilia is proposed to define hair bundle row identity, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we find that Gpsm2 could undergo phase separation. Moreover, row 1–specific Gpsm2-Gαi complex significantly promotes the formation of the five-component tip complex density (5xTCD) condensates. The 5xTCD condensates display much stronger actin-bundling ability than those without Gpsm2-Gαi, which may provide critical insights into how Gpsm2-Gαi specifies the tallest stereocilia. A deafness-associated mutation of Gpsm2 leads to impaired formation of the 5xTCD condensates and consequently reduced actin bundling, providing possible clues for etiology of hearing loss in patients with Chudley-McCullough syndrome.
NuRD complex recruitment to Thpok mediates CD4
+
T cell lineage differentiation
Authors: Gao Yayi , Zamisch Monica , Vacchio Melanie , Chopp Laura , Ciucci Thomas , Paine Elliott L. , Lyons Gaelyn C. , Nie Jia , Xiao Qi , Zvezdova Ekaterina , Love Paul E. , Vinson Charles R. , Jenkins Lisa M. , Bosselut Rémy
Published: June 2022

Although BTB–zinc finger (BTB-ZF) transcription factors control the differentiation of multiple hematopoietic and immune lineages, how they function is poorly understood. The BTB-ZF factor Thpok controls intrathymic CD4
+
T cell development and the expression of most CD4
+
and CD8
+
lineage genes. Here, we identify the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex as a critical Thpok cofactor. Using mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation in primary T cells, we show that Thpok binds NuRD components independently of DNA association. We locate three amino acid residues within the Thpok BTB domain that are required for both NuRD binding and Thpok functions. Conversely, a chimeric protein merging the NuRD component Mta2 to a BTB-less version of Thpok supports CD4
+
T cell development, indicating that NuRD recruitment recapitulates the functions of the Thpok BTB domain. We found that NuRD mediates Thpok repression of CD8
+
lineage genes, including the transcription factor
Runx3
, but is dispensable for
Cd4
expression. We show that these functions cannot be performed by the BTB domain of the Thpok-related factor Bcl6, which fails to bind NuRD. Thus, cofactor binding critically contributes to the functional specificity of BTB-ZF factors, which control the differentiation of most hematopoietic subsets.
Three residues in the BTB domain promote a good partnership between NuRD and Thpok
Authors: Okuyama Kazuki , Taniuchi Ichiro
Published: June 2022

Among the BTB-ZF transcription factor family, three amino acids in the BTB domain make Thpok unique in repressing cytotoxic lineage-related genes via recruitment of the NuRD chormatin-remodeling complex (see the related Research Article by Gao
et al.
).
Social innovation in health, community engagement, financing and outcomes: qualitative analysis from the social innovation in health initiative
Authors: Moscibrodzki Patricia , Ahumuza Emmanuel , Li Jingjing , Sun Xiaoming , Tao Yusha , Van Niekerk Lindi , Amazigo Uche , Halpaap Beatrice , Awor Phyllis , Tucker Joseph D
Published: June 2022

Background

Social innovation in health is a community-engaged process that links social change and health improvement, drawing on the diverse strengths of local individuals and institutions. However, there are few studies that examine community engagement, financing and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to use a qualitative descriptive analysis to assess 40 social innovations in health identified through a global open call.

Methods

This qualitative analysis examined social innovation case studies from low- and middle-income countries identified by a global social innovation network. A crowdsourcing open call identified projects and key components of each social innovation were evaluated by an independent panel. We used a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention framework to measure community engagement as shared leadership, collaboration, involvement, consultation or informing. We used descriptive statistics to examine key aspects of community engagement, financing, health outcomes and non-health outcomes.

Results

Data from 40 social innovations were examined. Social innovations were from Africa (21/40), Asia (11/40), and Latin America and the Caribbean (8/40). Community engagement was diverse and robust across the cases and 60% (24/40) had either shared leadership or collaboration. Financing for social innovation came from research grants (23), national or provincial government support (15), revenues from sales (13), donations (13) and local government support (10). Social innovations reported health and non-health outcomes.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate social innovations had robust community engagement. Innovative financing mechanisms provide mechanisms for sustaining social innovations. Further research on health and non-health outcomes of social innovation is needed.