bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prosthetic and orthodontic rehabilitation of a patient with severe maxillary central incisor root resorption associated with impacted maxillary canines
Authors: Takaoka Ryota , Ikeda Rieko , Isogai Yukako , Ishigaki Shoichi , Kibayashi Hiroyuki , Yamashiro Takashi , Yatani Hirofumi
Published: February 2022

Objective

This case report describes the orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with resorption of the roots of the maxillary central incisors due to the ectopic maxillary canines.

Clinical Considerations

A 16‐year‐old woman presented with severe resorption of the roots of the maxillary central incisors due to the ectopic maxillary canines. The impacted canines were orthodontically tracted with a lingual arch‐supporting temporary central incisors and vertical elastics, and, undesirable root proximity was later corrected by moving the canines distally 1.5 mm apart. Gingival replacement cords were placed into the gingival sulcus of the canines, and tooth preparation was performed along with rotary gingival curettage of the interdental papilla. Convex form was provided for the mesial and labio‐distal subgingival contour of the restorations.

Conclusions

The creeping attachment of the interdental papilla was successfully achieved by the orthodontic arrangement of interdental distance and the prosthetic stimulus via the retraction cord, rotary curettage, and convex mesial subgingival contours. In addition, selective retraction of the labio‐distal gingiva by overcontoured restorations moved the gingival zenith position (GZP) distally. Finally, the canine crown morphology and gingival level mimicked the central incisors.

Clinical Significance

This clinical report introduces a treatment workflow of to recover the esthetic disturbance due to severe root resorption of the maxillary central incisors associated with impacted maxillary canines. The present orthodontic and prosthetic procedure can improve both hard and soft tissue esthetics and could be used in similar cases, such as malformed teeth and tooth autotransplantation or transposition with disturbances in the interdental papilla height or the GZP.
Gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue in women of different ages and body mass index observed by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hexsel Doris , Dal’Forno Dini Taciana , Belem Luciana , Tanure Correa Isabella , Brandão Alice
Published: February 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a recognized method to assess the morphological characteristics of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). This study aimed to assess objectively different characteristics of SAT of women with different ages and body mass index (BMI) using MRI.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective, observational study. Pelvic‐MRI exams of 133 women aged between 15 and 80 years, with BMI 16–30 kg/m2 were assessed.

Results

There was a moderate positive correlation between the total fat thickness and the BMI (r = 0.64; p < 0.0001) considering the entire sample. Within the different age groups, strong positive correlation was observed for age groups 15 to 30 years (r = 0.76; p < 0.0001) and 46 to 60 years (r = 0.75; p < 0.0001), and moderate positive correlation in the others (r = 0.61; p < 0.0001 [31–45 years] and r = 0.53; p < 0.0001 [>61 years‐old]). There was no correlation between age and fat layer thickness. Correlation between deep fat layer thickness and BMI showed similar pattern to that of the total fat layer. Within the different BMI groups, SAT thickness tends to decrease with aging in patients with low BMI.

Conclusion

Inside each age group, the average thickness of the total fat layer increases according to BMI. The results suggest that BMI influences the thickness of SAT throughout life and how SAT changes with age in patients with different BMI. In patients with moderate BMI, the thickness of SAT remains stable.
Does omalizumab use in chronic spontaneous urticaria results in improvement in sexual functions?
Authors: Durmaz Koray , Ataseven Arzu , Temiz Selami Aykut , Isik Begum , Dursun Recep
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease that can affect the patient's quality of life (QoL), sexual functions, and mood.

Objective

We planned a retrospective study to investigate the effects of omalizumab use in CSU patients on sexual function. We also aimed to evaluate the sexual function, quality of life (QoL), and mood of CSU patients compared to the control group consisting of idiopathic pruritus patients.

Methods

A review of patients’ records with CSU attending the dermatology outpatient clinic from January 2020 to June 2020 was done. Urticaria activation score (UAS7), Beck depression inventory (BDI), Dermatology life quality index (DLQI), female sexual function index (FSFI) to female participants, and the international index of erectile function (IIEF) to male participants were used to assess the impact of the disease on patients’ life. The obtained data were analyzed by using SPSS software.

Results

Each one of the mean UAS, BDI, and DLQI score values decreased significantly in weeks in omalizumab group patients. IIEF score in male patients and FSFI score in female patients also increased in weeks in omalizumab group patients.

Conclusions

Omalizumab can play an effective role in enhancing the sexual function of CSU patients in addition to improving their DLQI.
Dissecting Conglomerate Valuations
Authors: BOGUTH OLIVER , DUCHIN RAN , SIMUTIN MIKHAIL
Published: February 2022

We develop a new method to estimate Tobin's Qs of conglomerate divisions without relying on standalone firms. Divisional Qs differ considerably from those of standalone firms across industries, over time, and in their sensitivity to economic shocks. The differences are explained by intraconglomerate covariance structures and access to internal capital markets that mitigate external financing frictions. Consequently, the Qs capture variation in the allocation of assets in the economy: within firms through internal capital markets and across focused and diversified firms through diversifying acquisitions. Overall, our method provides opportunities to study the economic mechanisms that explain corporate diversification.
Place‐based investment and neighborhood change: The impacts of New Markets Tax Credits on jobs, poverty, and neighborhood composition
Authors: Theodos Brett , Stacy Christina , Teles Daniel , Davis Chris , Hariharan Ananya
Published: February 2022

We undertake the first study of the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program that estimates the impacts of different types of projects on expected outcomes. We also explore an enhanced set of outcome measures that allows us to understand the mechanisms behind the impacts of the program and how it affects the composition of neighborhoods. To do so, we first create a typology of NMTC project types and then use a difference in differences approach to estimate the impact of NMTC projects on their expected outcomes, including firms, jobs, residents with jobs, median income, poverty rate, population, population with a bachelor's degree, and turnover rate. For each project that we expect would lead to an increase in the number of firms in a neighborhood, we find that an average of 18 new firms enter. Similarly, for projects with anticipated job and income effects, we find 101 new jobs in the community and 27 more residents in the neighborhood with jobs, along with modestly higher incomes and a decline in neighborhood poverty rate of 0.7%. However, we cannot determine whether there are economic gains for pre‐existing residents since we also find an increase in the number of adults with a college degree large enough to account for the increases in residents with jobs and wages and for much of the estimated decline in poverty. An event study analysis shows that for firms, pre‐existing trends might threaten a causal interpretation of the estimates, but these pre‐trends do not exist for new jobs in the community or residents in the neighborhood with jobs.
The NAFLD‐MAFLD debate: Is there a Consensus‐on‐Consensus methodology?
Authors: Fouad Yasser , Dufour Jean‐François , Zheng Ming‐Hua , Bollipo Steven , Desalegn Hailemichael , Grønbaek Henning , Gish Robert G.
Published: February 2022

Polarizing opinions have recently arisen in hepatology on the name and redefinition of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction. In spite of growing and robust evidence of the superior utility of the term metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) definition for clinical and academic practice, controversy abounds. It should therefore come, as no surprise that the most common arguments used in contrarian op‐eds is that there are no consensus on any name change. In this context, we suggest that discourse on an accurate understanding of what scientific consensus means, the various methods of achieving consensus, as well as other alternative models for reaching agreement is pivotal for the field. In this opinion piece, we provide an overview of these aspects as it applies to the case of fatty liver disease. We provide evidence that consensus on a change from non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to MAFLD has already been achieved. We believe that the time has come for redirecting stakeholder focus and energy on capitalizing on the momentum generated by the debate to improve the lives of people at its centre, our patients.
Impact of calcineurin inhibitor‐free immunosuppression on de novo donor‐specific antibody formation in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Meszaros Magdalena , Dubois Valérie , Congy‐Jolivet Nicolas , Hamada Sarah , Thevenin Céline , Faure Stephanie , Boillot Olivier , Kamar Nassim , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Del Bello Arnaud , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: February 2022

Background & Aims

Low calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels expose liver transplant recipients to rejection episodes and potentially to antibody‐mediated rejection. There are little data on the impact of CNI‐free immunosuppression on de novo donor‐specific HLA antibody (dnDSA) development. Here we evaluated the prevalence of dnDSA in liver transplant recipients on CNI‐free maintenance regimens and their associations with histopathological abnormalities of allografts.

Methods

Seven hundred and twenty‐seven liver transplant recipients underwent a first liver transplant between 2000 and 2018 in three French transplant centres and had protocolized follow‐up with dnDSA screening and allograft biopsy 1, 5 and 10 years after transplantation.

Results

CNIs were withdrawn in 166 (22.8%) patients with or without conversion to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and/or maintenance with mycophenolic acid. DSA were present after withdrawal in 30.1% (50/166) patients on CNI‐free immunosuppression compared with 16% (90/561) on CNI maintenance therapy (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of dnDSA 10 years after transplant was 20% in the CNI group versus 28% in the CNI‐free group (p < 0.01). dnDSAs were associated with histological graft abnormalities (significant allograft fibrosis or rejection) (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.2–4.1; p = 0.01). In univariate Cox regression analysis, being on a CNI‐free regimen did not impact graft histology.

Conclusions

Patients on a CNI‐free IS regimen have a higher prevalence of dnDSA than patients on a standard IS regimen. dnDSAs but not CNI‐free immunosuppression were associated with abnormal allograft histology.
Longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis: A presentation of IgG4‐related disease
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa , Moura João , Pinto Eduarda , Santos Ernestina
Published: February 2022

The neurological involvement by IgG4‐related disease is not completely understood. We report the case of a patient that developed progressive paraparesis and urinary retention. The spinal MRI revealed a longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis, and the CSF was inflammatory. Anti‐AQP4 and anti‐MOG antibodies were negative in a live cell‐based assay. IgG4 level was 231 mg/dL in serum, twice the upper limit of normal. Later, mediastinal lymphadenopathies and intermediate uveitis were discovered, which are features of IgG4‐related disease leading to the diagnosis. This case highlights that IgG4‐related disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord syndromes.
SnRK2 subfamily I protein kinases regulate ethylene biosynthesis by phosphorylating HB transcription factors to induce ACO1 expression in apple
Authors: Jia Meiru , Li Xingliang , Wang Wei , Li Tianyu , Dai Zhengrong , Chen Yating , Zhang Kaikai , Zhu Haocheng , Mao Wenwen , Feng Qianqian , Liu Liping , Yan Jiaqi , Zhong Silin , Li Bingbing , Jia Wensuo
Published: February 2022

Ethylene (ETH) controls climacteric fruit ripening and can be triggered by osmotic stress. However, the mechanism regulating ETH biosynthesis during fruit ripening and under osmotic stress is largely unknown in apple (Malus domestica).

Here, we explored the roles of SnRK2 protein kinases in ETH biosynthesis related to fruit ripening and osmoregulation. We identified the substrates of MdSnRK2‐I using phosphorylation analysis techniques. Finally, we identified the MdSnRK2‐I‐mediated signaling pathway for ETH biosynthesis related to fruit ripening and osmoregulation.

The activity of two MdSnRK2‐I members, MdSnRK2.4 and MdSnRK2.9, was significantly upregulated during ripening or following mannitol treatment. Overexpression of MdSnRK2‐I increased ETH biosynthesis under normal and osmotic conditions in apple fruit. MdSnRK2‐I phosphorylated the transcription factors MdHB1 and MdHB2 to enhance their protein stability and transcriptional activity on MdACO1. MdSnRK2‐I also interacted with MdACS1 and increased its protein stability through two phosphorylation sites. The increased MdACO1 expression and MdACS1 protein stability resulted in higher ETH production in apple fruit. In addition, heterologous expression of MdSnRK2‐I or manipulation of SlSnRK2‐I expression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit altered fruit ripening and ETH biosynthesis.

We established that MdSnRK2‐I functions in fruit ripening and osmoregulation, and identified the MdSnRK2‐I‐mediated signaling pathway controlling ETH biosynthesis.
Meta‐Skepticism
Authors: Risberg Olle
Published: February 2022

The epistemological debate about radical skepticism has focused on whether our beliefs in apparently obvious claims, such as the claim that we have hands, amount to knowledge. Arguably, however, our concept of knowledge is only one of many knowledge‐like concepts that there are. If this is correct, it follows that even if our beliefs satisfy our concept of knowledge, there are many other relevantly similar concepts that they fail to satisfy. And this might give us pause. After all, we might wonder: What is so great about the concept of knowledge that we happen to have? Might it be more important, epistemically speaking, to investigate whether our beliefs satisfy some other relevantly similar concept instead? And how should questions such as these even be understood? This paper discusses the epistemological significance of these issues. In particular, a novel skeptical stance called ‘meta‐skepticism’ is introduced, which is a kind of skepticism about the idea that some knowledge‐like concepts are epistemically more important than others. It suggested that it is unclear whether this form of skepticism can be avoided.
Education level is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with amnestic‐mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Inamura Keisuke , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Nagata Tomoyuki , Tagai Kenji , Nukariya Kazutaka , Shigeta Masahiro
Published: February 2022

Background

We examined differences in the severity of neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) subsyndromes according to education level among patients with amnestic‐mild cognitive impairment (a‐MCI) with the aim of identifying patient demographics related to NPS subsyndromes.

Methods

Overall, 140 patients with a‐MCI were included. We divided the patients into three groups according to their educational level (primary education, middle education, and high education) and compared their demographics. To explore the severity of NPS subsyndromes according to educational level, we used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) after adjustments for the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Finally, NPS subsyndromes that were identified as being related to educational level were further explored using a general linear model (GLM).

Results

Significant differences in several demographics were observed among the three groups. Among the NPS subsyndromes, the scores for aggressiveness were significantly higher in the primary and high education groups than in the middle education group, while the apathy/eating problem scores were significantly higher in the primary education group than in the other groups. The GLM analyses showed that aggressiveness was related to marital status and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI‐J) score, while apathy/eating problems were related to the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) percentage, the ZBI‐J score, and the education level in years.

Conclusions

Among NPS subsyndromes, aggressiveness and apathy/eating problems differed according to education level in patients with a‐MCI. A GLM analysis suggested that not only education level, but also various other factors should be considered when determining the need for NPS interventions.
Comparing impacts of meditation training in focused attention, open monitoring, and mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy on emotion reactivity and regulation: Neural and subjective evidence from a dismantling study
Authors: Brown Kirk Warren , Berry Daniel , Eichel Kristina , Beloborodova Polina , Rahrig Hadley , Britton Willoughby B.
Published: February 2022

Commonly conducted mindfulness‐based trainings such as Mindfulness‐based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness‐based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) highlight training in two key forms of meditation: focused attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM). Largely unknown is what each of these mindfulness practices contributes to emotional and other important training outcomes. This dismantling trial compared the effects of structurally equivalent trainings in MBCT, FA, and OM on neural and subjective markers of emotional reactivity and regulation among community adults, with the aim to better understand which forms of training represent active ingredients in mindfulness trainings. Participants with varying levels of depressive symptoms were randomized to one of the three trainings. Before and after each 8‐week training, N = 89 participants completed a modified version of the Emotional Reactivity and Regulation Task while electroencephalographic (EEG) and self‐reported emotional responses to negative, positive, and neutral photographic images were collected. Examination of EEG‐based frontal alpha band asymmetry during passive viewing (reactivity) and active regulation phases of the task showed that FA and MBCT trainings produced significant leftward hemispheric shifts in frontal alpha asymmetry, commonly associated with a shift toward approach‐based positive affect. Self‐reported emotional responses to negative images corroborated these results, suggesting salutary changes in both emotional reactivity and regulation. OM training had limited beneficial effects, restricted to the subjective outcomes. The findings suggest that MBCT may derive its greatest benefit from training in FA rather than OM. Discussion highlights the potential value of FA training for emotional health.
Polarization and frames of advocacy coalitions in South Korea's nuclear energy policy
Authors: Nam Aerang , Weible Christopher M. , Park Kyudong
Published: February 2022

This study explores the structure of advocacy coalitions and frames over time in South Korea's adversarial nuclear energy policy subsystem. It relies on the Advocacy Coalition Frameworks and Discourse Network Analysis to guide data collection from 1149 policy statements in 502 newspaper articles of South Korea spanning four years. Using E‐I Index, modularity index, and coalition polarization for data analysis, it finds an alignment of advocacy coalitions with increasing polarization through external events and the ongoing adaptation of frames to these events. The findings contribute insights into the characteristics of distinct, stable, and polarized coalitions and their frames in the high‐conflicted policy areas in tumultuous times in the context of non‐Western countries.
Design of a phenomenon‐based science outreach program and its effects on elementary students’ epistemological understanding of, and attitudes toward, science
Authors: Helsel Ryan T. , Lambert Sammi , Dickerson Lindsey , Strelich Jack , Woods Vanessa , Feldwinn Darby
Published: February 2022

This study describes the design and implementation of a science outreach program (elementary; 2nd–5th) and its associated student outcomes. Key features of the program include: (a) phenomenon‐based, NGSS‐aligned curriculum designed by science education experts and influenced by educational, sociocultural, and cognitive science theories, (b) active engagement by elementary students in experimentation and exploration of a common phenomenon (2 per year, called modules) across multiple sessions (6–8 per module), (c) professional development (PD) provided to scientists (mentors) and teachers to supply classrooms with multiple (5–7) adult more knowledgeable others (AMKOs), and (d) close classroom interaction between elementary students and mentors, allowing for students to participate in evidence‐based sense‐making through whole‐class and small‐group discussions. We examined the effects of program participation on students’ epistemological understanding of science (EUS) and attitudes toward science, as well as surveyed teachers to determine how they felt the program affected students’ attitudes and EUS. Student measures indicated they developed a deeper understanding of the process of scientific knowledge generation and were more likely to report liking science more than less. Similarly, teachers’ self‐reports corroborated these results, as well as showed teachers thought the structure of the program effectively integrated mathematics and language arts.
Rotation at subduction margins: How complexity at fault‐scale (the 2019 Albanian Mw 6.4 earthquake) mirrors the regional deformation
Authors: Pezzo Giuseppe , Palano Mimmo , Chiarabba Claudio
Published: February 2022

A variety of tectonic processes spread along the circum‐Mediterranean orogenic belts driven by the convergence of major plates, episodes of slab retreat and lateral and vertical mantle flows. Here, we provide an updated view of crustal stress and strain‐rate fields for the Albanides belt in the eastern Adria‐Eurasia convergence boundary. We framed a new geodetic‐based source model for the 2019 Mw6.4 Durrёs earthquake in light of the regional deformation, propending for a transpressional west‐dipping seismogenic fault. Our results highlight a fault‐scale complexity which mirrors the long‐time scale deformation of the Albanides plate boundary, where the rotation induced by the fast Hellenic rollback is accommodated also by transpression on inherited structures.
Epidemiology of candidemia in lung transplant recipients and risk factors for candidemia in the early posttransplant period in the absence of universal antifungal prophylaxis
Authors: Marinelli Tina , Pennington Kelly M. , Hamandi Bassem , Donahoe Laura , Rotstein Coleman , Martinu Tereza , Husain Shahid
Published: February 2022

Background

Lung transplant recipients are at increased risk of candidemia, especially in the early posttransplant period. However, the specific predisposing factors have not been established. The natural history of candidemia after lung transplantation, in the absence of universal antifungal prophylaxis, is not known.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the epidemiology of candidemia at any time posttransplant in patients who underwent lung transplantation at our center between 2016 and 2019. We undertook a case‐control study and used logistic regression to evaluate the risk factors for candidemia during the first 30 days posttransplantation.

Results

During the study period 712 lung transplants were performed on 705 patients. Twenty‐five lung transplant recipients (LTRs) (3.5%) experienced 31 episodes of candidemia. The median time to candidemia was 19.5 days (IQR 10.5–70.5), with 61.2% (n = 19) episodes of candidemia occurring within the first 30 days posttransplantation. Pretransplant hospitalization, posttransplant ECMO, and posttransplant renal replacement therapy were associated with an increased risk of candidemia in the first 30 days posttransplant. Of those with candidemia in the first 30 days, 31.2% died within 30 days of the index positive blood culture. Candidemia was associated with decreased survival within 30 days posttransplant.

Conclusion

This study highlights the greatest risk period of lung transplant recipients for development of candidemia and identifies several factors associated with increased risk of candidemia. These findings will help guide future studies on antifungal prophylaxis.
Incidence of sexually transmitted infections is lower among kidney transplant recipients compared to the general population—A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Helanterä Ilkka , Gissler Mika , Kanerva Mari , Rimhanen‐Finne Ruska , Lempinen Marko , Finne Patrik
Published: February 2022

Aim

The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among solid‐organ transplant recipients is currently unknown. We studied the risk of STIs among kidney transplant recipients compared with the general population in a nationwide cohort.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2019, all microbiological findings of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), and human immunodeficiency virus among kidney transplant recipients <65 years and transplanted between 1995 and 2017 in our country were captured from statutory national registries. Data from the general population of Finland, population 5.5 million, were used for comparisons. Incidence of STIs and age and sex‐adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated.

Results

Altogether 3612 transplantations, with a total follow‐up of 27 069 person‐years were included. A total of 30 STIs microbiological findings of STI were confirmed in 25 patients: C. trachomatis (N = 27), N. gonorrhoeae (N = 2), and syphilis (N = 1). No hospitalizations associated with STIs were detected. The risk of STI after kidney transplantation was significantly lower compared to the general population (SIR, 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.80). The lower risk of STIs was more pronounced in female patients (SIR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20–0.74), whereas in male patients the difference was statistically not significant (SIR 0.69, 95% CI 0.44–1.04). Of the confirmed STI cases, 30% were detected in patients who received their transplants during adolescence.

Conclusions

Within the Finnish kidney transplant population, the age and sex‐adjusted incidence of sexually transmitted infections is not higher compared to the general population. Highest frequency of infections was seen among patients transplanted during adolescence.
NS encodes an auxin transporter that regulates the ‘numerous spines’ trait in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Yang Xueyong , Xie Qing , Miao Han , Bo Kailiang , Dong Shaoyun , Xin Tongxu , Gu Xingfang , Sun Jiaqiang , Zhang Shengping
Published: February 2022

Fruit spine is an important agronomic trait in cucumber and the “numerous spines (ns)” cucumber varieties are popular in Europe and West Asia. Although the classical genetic locus of ns was reported more than two decades ago, the NS gene has not been cloned yet. In this study, nine genetic loci for the different densities of fruit spines were identified by a genome‐wide association study. Among the nine loci, fsdG2.1 was closely associated with the classical genetic locus ns, which harbors a candidate gene Csa2G264590. Overexpression of Csa2G264590 resulted in lower fruit spine density, and the knockout mutant generated by CRISPR/Cas9 displayed an increased spine density, demonstrating that the Csa2G264590 gene is NS. NS is specifically expressed in the fruit peel and spine. Genetic analysis showed that NS regulates fruit spine development independently of the tuberculate gene, Tu, which regulates spine development on tubercules; the cucumber glabrous mutants csgl1 and csgl3 are epistatic to ns. Furthermore, we found that auxin levels in the fruit peel and spine were significantly lower in the knockout mutant ns‐cr. Moreover, RNA‐sequencing showed that the plant hormone signal transduction pathway was enriched. Notably, most of the auxin responsive Aux/IAA family genes were downregulated in ns‐cr. Haplotype analysis showed that the non‐functional haplotype of NS exists exclusively in the Eurasian cucumber backgrounds. Taken together, the cloning of NS gene provides new insights into the regulatory network of fruit spine development.
Development and evaluation of checklists to support the recruitment of committed hematopoietic stem cell donors
Authors: Fingrut Warren B. , Chen Angela C. , Green Meagan , Weiss Jason T. , Mercer Dena , Allan David
Published: February 2022

Background

Checklists are memory recall tools used across healthcare to improve outcomes. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of checklists to support recruitment of committed allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donors.

Study Design and Methods

Checklists were developed with the following objectives: (1) improve best‐practice adherence; (2) reduce errors; and (3) support standardization at stem cell drives. Topics included: recruiting needed donors; securing informed consent; maintaining good‐documentation practices; and supervising registration and tissue sample collection. Checklists were iteratively revised with input from stakeholders. We evaluated the checklists by examining recruitment outcomes and errors (i.e., preventing registrants from being listed as donors) pre‐ (11/2011–8/2016) and post‐ (9/2016–11/2019) implementation by the Canadian donor recruitment organization Stem Cell Club. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to analyze recruiters' perspectives on the checklists.

Results

The checklists supported recruitment of donors from needed demographic groups as Stem Cell Club expanded its recruitment effort from 4118 registrants (60% male, 58% non‐European) pre‐implementation to 10,621 (52% male, 56% non‐European) post‐implementation. Checklist implementation was associated with a marked reduction in errors (from 13.2% to 1.9%) and a three‐fold increase in the match rate of recruited donors (from 0.024% to 0.075%). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of recruiter feedback supported that the checklists' objectives were realized from the recruiter perspective.

Discussion

We developed checklists to support donor recruitment and showed that their implementation was valued by recruiters and associated with both reduced errors and improved donor recruitment outcomes. The checklists are relevant to donor recruitment organizations worldwide.
Laboratory diagnosis of canine uroperitoneum based on cellular and biochemical characteristics of serum and abdominal fluid
Authors: Paes Paulo R. O. , Alonso Flavio H. , Chaves Nathalia G. , Andrade Ana M. , Ceregatti Mariah G. , Horta Rodrigo S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Literature on the laboratory diagnosis of uroperitoneum is scarce, and it is mostly based on the biochemical findings of cavitary fluid and serum. Cell count and protein concentrations measurements are rarely used and available studies on this subject are based on a relatively small cohort of individuals.

Objectives

We aimed to use a large sample pool of dogs to establish cutoff points for biochemical analytes in cavitary fluids and serum for the diagnosis of uroperitoneum. We also sought to evaluate the general classification of these cavitary fluids.

Methods

In a retrospective and prospective study, 180 canine abdominal effusion cases were evaluated, 30 of which were uroperitoneum (uroperitoneum group, UG) and 150 with other etiologies (non‐uroperitoneum group, NUG).

Results

The results showed that 83.3% of UG and 12.7% of NUG abdominal fluid cases were not classified as transudates or exudates. The use of specific cutoffs for fluid creatinine concentrations (≥2.1 mg/dL) and fluid:serum creatinine ratios (Cf: Cs ≥ 1.25) in these unclassified effusions resulted in an accuracy of 99.0% for the laboratory diagnosis of uroperitoneum.

Conclusions

The adoption of a new set of criteria and cutoffs based on the combination of parameters such as TP, TNCC, fluid creatinine and Cf: Cs improves the diagnosis of uroperitoneum in dogs.
A challenging case of lymphoproliferative disease in a cat
Authors: Palić Jelena , Heier Annabelle , Lehmbecker Annika , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Turba Maria Elena
Published: February 2022

A 7‐year‐old male castrated Maine Coon cat presented with edema of the right hindlimb and a markedly enlarged right popliteal lymph node. A CBC showed a neutropenia of 1.5 × 103/μL. Radiographs and ultrasonographic examination were unremarkable. Cytology of the right popliteal lymph node revealed a mixed population of cells, consisting predominantly of medium to large plasmacytoid lymphocytes, low to moderate numbers of well‐differentiated plasma cells and low numbers of small lymphocytes. Plasmacytoid lymphocytes had round nuclei with finely stippled chromatin and one prominent round nucleolus. Low numbers of binucleated cells and bizarre mitotic figures, and rare multinucleated cells were observed. Histopathologic examination of the lymph node showed effacement of the normal lymph node architecture by dense sheets of neoplastic cells. Round to polygonal tumor cells of intermediate size had a low to moderate amount of cytoplasm. Round to indented hyperchromatic nuclei were often eccentrically located and contained one distinct nucleolus. Anisocytosis and anisokaryosis were moderate and 21 mitoses/10 high power field (HPF) were present. Congo red staining was negative. High numbers of tumor cells were positive for lambda light chain immunoglobulin; moderate numbers stained positive for MUM‐1. A clonal BCR gene rearrangement was detected with an immunoglobulin heavy chain target (IGH), immunoglobulin lambda light chain (IgL), and kappa deleting element (Kde). Differential diagnoses for the lymphoproliferative disease in this cat included lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and myeloma‐related disorder.
Stochastic Model Predictive Control for Quasi-Linear Parameter Varying Systems: Case Study on Automotive Engine Control
Authors: Chen Kaian , Zhang Kaixiang , Li Zhaojian , Wang Yan , Wu Kai , Kalabić Uroš V.
Published: February 2022

This paper presents an efficient stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) framework for quasi-linear parameter varying (qLPV) systems. The framework applies to general nonlinear systems that are driven by stochastic additive disturbances and subject to chance constraints. The qLPV form is featured by a composition of a set of linear time-invariant (LTI) models with state-/control-dependent scheduling variables, which can be obtained by the spatial–temporal filtering-based system identification approach developed in our earlier work. The overall framework can then be transformed into a tube-based MPC optimization problem which can be efficiently handled by a series of quadratic programing (QP) problems. A case study on automotive engine control is presented as a pilot demonstration of the proposed qLPV–SMPC where we show its advantage over the zone-based MPC, much greater computational efficiency than nonlinear MPC (NMPC) and less conservativeness of the proposed method as compared to its robust MPC (RMPC) counterpart.
Natural Convection and Transport of Background Contamination in the Borexino Neutrino Detector
Authors: Di Marcello Valentino , Mereu Riccardo , Ianni Aldo , Rossi Nicola , Bravo-Berguño David , Calaprice Frank , Di Giacinto Attilio , Di Ludovico Antonio , Ianni Andrea , Pietrofaccia Lidio
Published: February 2022

The Borexino detector at Gran Sasso National Laboratories (INFN) has obtained extraordinary achievements for solar neutrino and geoneutrino physics during its lifetime. More recently, Borexino has provided the first experimental evidence of the subdominant CNO solar neutrino flux, thanks to an outstanding low background level obtained by means of intense purification campaigns and a continuous improvement of the detector thermal stabilization over the years. In particular, this impressive thermal steadiness has led to a progressive mitigation of the internal convective currents which are responsible for the continuous background contamination of the detector sensitive inner volume. To this purpose, numerical analyses are essential to better comprehend the detector fluid dynamics, the background behavior, and are also important to propose effective countermeasures to further reduce natural convection inside the detector. In this framework, the present work investigates the flow characteristics of the liquid scintillator by means of computational fluid dynamics analyses. In particular, a full 3D model of the Borexino inner vessel is considered in the simulations, addressing the complex nature of the natural convective currents under consideration both in transient and stationary conditions. The calculated flow pattern has been adopted to predict the transport behavior of 210Po, that is fundamental for the independent constraint of 210Bi, the main background constituent affecting CNO measurement. The convection-diffusion analysis demonstrates the applicability of the adopted methodology showing a good agreement between calculation and experimental data.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Rigid Vegetation at an Inclined Bank, on Streamflow Hydrodynamics
Authors: Masouminia Mohammadhosein , Türker Umut
Published: February 2022

This study is a computational analysis of hydrodynamic alterations of flow such as secondary current, turbulent kinetic energy, and shear stress, in an open channel with an increased vegetation density at an inclined bank. Two arrangements of rigid vegetation at an inclined bank, linear and staggered, are investigated for five different vegetation density. The computational analyses are performed under constant flow and stable bed conditions. The variations of stream wise flow velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and Reynolds stress along the main channel are evaluated and presented for each vegetation density. The results illustrated the impacts of vegetation density on the entire channel flow characteristics. These results are further analyzed based on average bed shear stress calculations. The main outcome of the study demonstrated that combined effect of inclined bank and effect of partly obstructed flow significantly generates Kelvin-Helmholtz type instability due to the presence of inflection point at different location along a vegetation cover. The calculated Reynolds stresses are higher at the main channel bed near the vertical bank, but shift to midflow depths near the boundary between the main channel and inclined bank. The turbulence kinetic energy profiles in the main channel and at the inclined bank exhibited results that were similar and parallel to the simulated stream wise velocities and Reynolds stresses. Furthermore, it is found that the ratio between bed shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy is almost 0.3 as the depth approaches the channel bed.
Retracted: Remaining Useful Life Prediction Method of Aero Engine With Multilayer Uncertainty
Authors: JiaShun Ma , Wu JianFeng , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2022

This paper was removed from publication at the request of the authors. November 10, 2022
Tuning the Pennes Perfusion Rate to Model Large Vessel Cooling Effects in Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Vaidya Nikhil , Baragona Marco , Lavezzo Valentina , Maessen Ralph , Veroy Karen
Published: February 2022

Radio frequency ablation (RFA) has become a popular method for the minimally invasive treatment of liver cancer. However, the success rate of these treatments depends heavily on the amount of experience the clinician possesses. Mathematical modeling can help mitigate this problem by providing an indication of the treatment outcome. Thermal lesions in RFA are affected by the cooling effect of both fine-scale and large-scale blood vessels. The exact model for large-scale blood vessels is advection-diffusion, i.e., a model capable of producing directional effects, which are known to occur in certain cases. In previous research, in situations where directional effects do not occur, the advection term in the blood vessel model has been typically replaced with the Pennes perfusion term, albeit with a higher-than-usual perfusion rate. Whether these values of the perfusion rate appearing in literature are optimal for the particular vessel radii in question, has not been investigated so far. This work aims to address this issue. An attempt has been made to determine, for values of vessel radius between 0.55 mm and 5 mm, best estimates for the perfusion rate which minimize the error in thermal lesion volumes between the perfusion-based model and the advection-based model. The results for the best estimate of the perfusion rate presented may be used in existing methods for fast estimation of RFA outcomes. Furthermore, the possible improvements to the presented methodology have been highlighted.
A typical presentation of type B insulin resistance syndrome with isolated hypoglycaemia and suppressed insulin
Authors: Brown Natasha , Du Toit Stephen , Conaglen John , Elston Marianne
Published: February 2022

Type B insulin resistance syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting glucose homeostasis characterised by the presence of serum autoantibodies to the insulin receptor. Typically, these patients present with severe insulin resistance although a mixed hyperglycaemic and hypoglycaemic phenotype may also occur, as can an exceptionally rare isolated hypoglycaemia presentation. The classic biochemical pattern comprises elevated insulin levels despite significant hypoglycaemia. We report an adult man presenting with isolated hypoglycaemia and suppressed serum insulin and C-peptide levels. He demonstrated evidence of autoimmunity with positive antinuclear antibodies, reactive lymphadenopathy and cytopaenias but did not meet the criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus and underlying malignancy was not identified despite extensive investigation. Insulin receptor antibodies were present. Treatment with prednisone led to resolution of hypoglycaemia, with no recurrence after 36 months of follow-up. However, 42 months after initial presentation, he represented with high-grade lymphoma.
Sensory nerve conduction studies in probable painful neuropathy: comparing surface and near-nerve nerve conduction techniques
Authors: Bille Margrethe Bastholm , Ballegaard Martin
Published: February 2022

Introduction

We compared sensory nerve conduction studies (NCS) using surface and near-nerve recording electrodes in 53 patients with clinical probable painful neuropathy. Our aim was to validate the use of both recording techniques in that limited patient group.

Methods

Patients had sensory NCS using two established recording methods and quantitative sensory tests (QST). We compared normalised amplitudes of sensory sural nerve action potentials (SNAP) and sensory thresholds and used receiver operated curve (ROC) analysis of absolute SNAP amplitudes to find discriminatory levels predicting abnormal sensory thresholds.

Results

Mean sural SNAP z-scores differed depending on recording techniques (surface −1.0: SD 1.9; near-nerve −2.5: SD 1.7) with a numeric mean difference of −1.49 (Bland-Altman test: CI −1.872 to −1.12) with surface technique giving the z-value closest to zero. We documented a significant bias between the methods. Fifteen patients (28.3%) and 30 (56.6%) patients had abnormal results, respectively (χ2 test: p<0.001).

Sural SNAP amplitudes correlated significantly with vibration thresholds using the near-nerve (p<0.02) but not using the surface technique (p=0.11).

ROC analysis gave an optimal discriminative value of SNAP amplitudes for each QST measure, which were similar to our lower limit of normal values from investigating normal controls using near-nerve but not surface recording.

Conclusion

In patients with probable painful neuropathy, choosing sensory NCS technique introduces a bias in the diagnostic outcome. Differences in test performance suggest that using a normal sural NCS alone to delineate small fibre neuropathy from mixed neuropathy could result in poorly defined diagnostic groups.
Diamorphine pharmacokinetics and conversion factor estimates for intranasal diamorphine in paediatric breakthrough pain:systematic review
Authors: Gastine Silke , Morse James D , Leung Miriam TY , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Howard Richard F , Harrop Emily , Liossi Christina , Standing Joseph F , Jassal Satbir Singh , Hain Richard D , Skene Simon , Oulton Kate , Law Siew L , Quek Wan T , Anderson Brian J
Published: February 2022

Background

Intranasal diamorphine is a potential treatment for breakthrough pain but few paediatric data are available to assist dose estimation.

Aim

To determine an intranasal diamorphine dose in children through an understanding of pharmacokinetics.

Design

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to seek diamorphine pharmacokinetic parameters in neonates, children and adults. Parenteral and enteral diamorphine bioavailability were reviewed with respect to formation of the major metabolite, morphine. Clinical data quantifying equianalgesic effects of diamorphine and morphine were reviewed.

Review sources

PubMed (1960–2020); EMBASE (1980–2020); IPA (1973–2020) and original human research studies that reported diacetylmorphine and metabolite after any dose or route of administration.

Results

The systematic review identified 19 studies: 16 in adults and 1 in children and 2 neonatal reports. Details of study participants were extracted. Age ranged from premature neonates to 67 years and weight 1.4–88 kg. Intranasal diamorphine bioavailability was predicted as 50%. The equianalgesic intravenous conversion ratio of morphine:diamorphine was 2:1. There was heterogeneity between pharmacokinetic parameter estimates attributed to routes of administration, lack of size standardisation, methodology and pharmacokinetic analysis. Estimates of the pharmacokinetic parameters clearance and volume of distribution were reduced in neonates. There were insufficient paediatric data to characterise clearance or volume maturation of either diamorphine or its metabolites.

Conclusions

We estimate equianalgesic ratios of intravenous morphine:diamorphine 2:1, intravenous morphine:intranasal diamorphine 1:1 and oral morphine:intranasal diamorphine of 1:3. These ratios are based on adult literature, but are reasonable for deciding on an initial dose of 0.1 mg/kg in children 4–13 years.
Polarimetry for measuring the vacuum magnetic birefringence with quasi-static fields: a systematics study for the VMB@CERN experiment
Authors: Zavattini Guido , Della Valle Federico , Soflau Alina Mariana , Formaggio Lorenzo , Crapulli Giacomo , Messineo Giuseppe , Mariotti Emilio , Kunc Štepan , Ejlli Aldo , Ruoso Giuseppe , Marinelli Carmela , Andreotti Mirco
Published: February 2022

We present an experimental systematics study of a polarimetric method for measuring the vacuum magnetic birefringence based on a pair of rotating half-wave plates. The presence of a systematic effect at the same frequency as the sought for magneto-optical effect inhibits the use of strictly constant magnetic fields. We characterise this systematic, discuss its origin and propose a viable workaround.