bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal Keratitis: Diagnostic Characteristics of the Potassium Hydroxide Preparation With Calcofluor White in Northern California
Authors: Bacorn Colin , Luu Kieu-Yen , Li Jennifer Y.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The incidence of fungal keratitis demonstrates significant geographic and climatic variation. We report on the characteristics of the potassium hydroxide/calcofluor white (KOH–CFW) preparation observed at a tertiary center in Northern California, a region with a low incidence of fungal keratitis.

Methods:

Culture-proven cases of microbial keratitis during a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, and posttest probabilities were determined for the KOH–CFW assay. These results were compared with documented clinical impression and values reported in the literature.

Results:

Three hundred three of 368 episodes of microbial keratitis during the study period documented the results of a fungal culture, KOH–CFW assay, and a clinical impression. Twenty-one (6.9%) of these cultures were positive for fungal organisms. The sensitivity and specificity of the KOH–CFW test were 29% and 93%, respectively. Clinicians' initial clinical impression based solely on patients’ history and examination, without the aid of any histopathologic or biochemical test results, demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 33% and 89%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The observed sensitivity and specificity of the KOH–CFW preparation are significantly lower than many previously reported values. In regions with low incidence of fungal keratitis, the KOH–CFW preparation may have diagnostic performance similar to that of the clinical impression formed only on the basis of history and physical examination.
Complications of Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis in Ophthalmologists and Orthoptists: Epidemiology and Risk Factor, A Retrospective Questionnaire Analysis
Authors: Metzger Margaux , Navel Valentin , Bouvet Magalie , Pereira Bruno , Hébraud Jérémy , Coutu Adrien , Chiambaretta Frédéric , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the medical history of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis (AK) and subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) among French ophthalmologists and orthoptists and the frequency of unreported occupational diseases. We also described short-term and long-term consequences of AK and evaluated associated factors.

Methods:

The REDCap questionnaire was diffused online several times over 7 consecutive months, from October 2019 to May 2020, through mailing lists (French Society of Ophthalmology, residents, and hospital departments), social networks, and by word of mouth.

Results:

Seven hundred ten participants were included with a response rate of 6.2% for ophthalmologists, 3.8% for orthoptists, and 28.3% for ophthalmology residents. The medical history of AK was found in 24.1% (95% confidence interval 21%–27.2%) of respondents and SEI in 43.9% (36.5%–51.3%) of the AK population. In total, 87.1% (82.1%–92.1%) of AK occupational diseases were not declared. In total, 57.7% of respondents took 9.4 ± 6.2 days of sick leave, mostly unofficial, and 95.7% stopped surgeries for 13.0 ± 6.6 days. Among the AK population, 39.8% had current sequelae, with 17.5% having persistent SEIs, 19.9% using current therapy, and 16.4% experiencing continuing discomfort. SEIs were associated with wearing contact lenses (odds ratio 3.31, 95% confidence interval 1.19–9.21) and smoking (4.07, 1.30–12.8). Corticosteroid therapy was associated with a greater number of sequelae (3.84, 1.51–9.75).

Conclusions:

AK and SEI affect a large proportion of ophthalmologists and orthoptists, possibly for years, with high morbidity leading to occupational discomfort. Few practitioners asked for either to be recognized as an occupational disease. Associated factors would require a dedicated study.
Relationships between fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety and worry, and health behaviors and health service use: a systematic review
Authors: Reed Sarah C. , Berrett-Abebe Julie , Whitney Robin L. , Sarkar Sayantani , Bell Janice F.
Published: November 2021

Background:

This systematic review was conducted to improve our understanding of the relationship between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), anxiety and worry, and engagement in health behaviors and/or health service use.

Methods:

A systematic review following PRISMA methodology was performed to identify any publications that examined FCR, anxiety and worry, and health behaviors and/or health service use in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO from January 1990 to April 2021. Quality was assessed using QualSyst, a standard quality assessment for evaluating primary research articles.

Results:

Seventy articles met the inclusion criteria, but the outcomes were too heterogeneous to combine in statistical meta-analysis. The measurement of FCR also varied widely and was inconsistent across studies. Among FCR specific measures, 36% used some version of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. Prevention and detection of new and recurrent cancers accounted for 60% of all included studies, with the most frequently examined health behaviors being smoking status (17%) and physical activity (16%). Most associations indicated a significant relationship between FCR and current smoking, with those who are currently smoking experiencing higher levels of FCR. Relatively few studies explored the relationship between FCR and surveillance. Associations categorized under Interventions for Late Effects included a range of health services use with largely mixed results. Overall, studies had moderate to high quality.

Conclusions:

Given the measurement heterogeneity of FCR, future research would benefit from consistent operationalization and measurement. Some evidence suggests that FCR is associated with poor health behaviors. More studies are needed examining the relationship between FCR and surveillance. Research and clinical interventions may choose to focus on early post-treatment survivorship, given greater opportunities for support and intervention around FCR and other psychosocial concerns.
Misleading Entry Wounds From Atypical Bullet Behavior
Authors: Haag Lucien C. , Jason Alexander
Published: November 2021

Some pistol bullets exhibit atypical wound ballistic behavior that can result in misleading and misinterpreted entry gunshot wounds. We demonstrate the atypical performance and behavior of these bullets using (1) high-speed videography of projectiles penetrating, perforating, and exiting soft tissue simulants; (2) Doppler radar tracking throughout simulated wound production; (3) downrange witness panels to record postperforation bullet orientation during a secondary impact; (4) laser tracking to assess and compare postperforation bullet deflection; (5) evaluation of “bullet wipe” around entry bullet holes in a victim's clothing; and (6) projectile penetration depth for differentiating primary from secondary gunshot wounds. Truncated cone and certain flat-point full-metal-jacketed pistol bullets in the 3 most common calibers of 9 mm, .40 caliber, and .45 caliber typically perforate the victim with little or no yawing, producing straight wound tracks and continuing to travel nose forward upon exiting. Any secondary gunshot victim downrange sustains a normal-appearing entry wound. Common pistol bullets exiting gunshot victims are typically destabilized and enter a yawing or tumbling flight, resulting in entry wounds that appear as typical, first strike entry wounds when in fact, they are secondary gunshot wounds. However, some bullets retain their nose-forward flight after emerging from a gunshot victim. These secondary but normal-appearing, round-shaped entry wounds may be erroneously identified as direct, primary strikes.
Pattern forming systems coupling linear bulk diffusion to dynamically active membranes or cells
Authors: Gomez D. , Iyaniwura S. , Paquin-Lefebvre F. , Ward M. J.
Published: November 2021

Some analytical and numerical results are presented for pattern formation properties associated with novel types of reaction–diffusion (RD) systems that involve the coupling of bulk diffusion in the interior of a multi-dimensional spatial domain to nonlinear processes that occur either on the domain boundary or within localized compartments that are confined within the domain. The class of bulk-membrane system considered herein is derived from an asymptotic analysis in the limit of small thickness of a thin domain that surrounds the bulk medium. When the bulk domain is a two-dimensional disk, a weakly nonlinear analysis is used to characterize Turing and Hopf bifurcations that can arise from the linearization around a radially symmetric, but spatially non-uniform, steady-state of the bulk-membrane system. In a singularly perturbed limit, the existence and linear stability of localized membrane-bound spike patterns is analysed for a Gierer–Meinhardt activator-inhibitor model that includes bulk coupling. Finally, the emergence of collective intracellular oscillations is studied for a class of PDE-ODE bulk-cell model in a bounded two-dimensional domain that contains spatially localized, but dynamically active, circular cells that are coupled through a linear bulk diffusion field. Applications of such coupled bulk-membrane or bulk-cell systems to some biological systems are outlined, and some open problems in this area are discussed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing’s theory of morphogenesis’.
Hesperetin inhibits KSHV reactivation and is reversed by HIF1α overexpression
Authors: Long Wen-ying , Zhao Guo-hua , Wu Yao
Published: November 2021

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), an oncogenic virus, has two life cycle modes: the latent and lytic phases. KSHV lytic reactivation is important for both viral propagation and KSHV-induced tumorigenesis. The KSHV replication and transcription activator (RTA) protein is essential for lytic reactivation. Hesperetin, a citrus polyphenolic flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, cardiovascular and anti-tumour effects. However, the effects of hesperetin on KSHV replication and KSHV-induced tumorigenesis have not yet been reported. Here, we report that hesperetin induces apoptotic cell death in BCBL-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Hesperetin inhibits KSHV reactivation and reduces the production of progeny virus from KSHV-harbouring cells. We also confirmed that HIF1α promotes the RTA transcriptional activities and lytic cycle-refractory state of KSHV-infected cells. Hesperetin suppresses HIF1α expression to inhibit KSHV lytic reactivation. These results suggest that hesperetin may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of KSHV infection and KSHV-associated lymphomas.
The efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for negative symptoms in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lorentzen Rasmus , Nguyen Tuan D. , McGirr Alexander , Hieronymus Fredrik , Østergaard Søren D.
Published: November 2021

Several trials have shown preliminary evidence for the efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a treatment for negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Here, we synthesize this literature in a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials of TMS in patients with schizophrenia. Specifically, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were searched for sham-controlled, randomized trials of TMS among patients with schizophrenia. The standardized mean difference (SMD, Cohen’sd) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated for each study (TMS vs. sham) and pooled across studies using an inverse variance random effects model. We identified 56 studies with a total of 2550 participants that were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed statistically significant superiority of TMS (SMD=0.37, 95%CI: 0.23; 0.52, p-value <0.00001), corresponding to a number needed to treat of 5. Furthermore, stratified analyses suggested that TMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, using a stimulation frequency >1 Hz, and a stimulation intensity at or above the motor threshold, was most efficacious. There was, however, substantial heterogeneity and high risk of bias among the included studies. In conclusion, TMS appears to be an efficacious treatment option for patients with schizophrenia suffering from negative symptoms, but the optimal TMS parameters have yet to be resolved.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response is Associated with Age in Convalescent Outpatients
Authors: Zhai Bo , Clarke Karen , Bauer David L. , Kupul Saran , Schratz Lucas J. , Nowalk M. Patricia , McElroy Anita K. , McLachlan James B. , Zimmerman Richard K. , Alcorn John F.
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented global impact on human health. Understanding the antibody memory responses to infection is one tool needed to effectively control the pandemic. Among 173 outpatients who had virologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, we evaluated serum antibody concentrations, microneutralization activity, and enumerated SARS-CoV-2 specific B cells in convalescent blood specimens. Serum antibody concentrations were variable, allowing for stratification of the cohort into high and low responders. Serum antibody concentration was positively associated with microneutralization activity and participant age, with participants under the age of 30 showing the lowest antibody level. Neither participant sex, the timing of blood sampling following the onset of illness, nor the number of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein specific B cells correlated with serum antibody concentration. These data suggest that young adult outpatients did not generate as robust antibody memory, compared with older adults. Further, serum antibody concentration or neutralizing activity trended but did not significantly correlate with the number of SARS-CoV-2 memory B cells. These findings have direct implications for public health policy and current vaccine efforts. Knowledge gained regarding antibody memory following infection will inform the need for vaccination in those previously infected and allow for a better approximation of population-wide protective immunity.
Electrical signature of heterogeneous human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Tsai Tunglin , Vyas Prema D. , Crowell Lexi L. , Tran Mary , Ward Destiney W. , Qin Yufan , Castro Angie , Adams Tayloria N.G.
Published: November 2021

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have gained traction in transplantation therapy due to their immunomodulatory, paracrine, immune-evasive, and multipotent differentiation potential. Given the heterogeneous nature of hMSCs, therapeutic treatments and robust in vivo and in vitro experiments require additional biomarkers to ensure reproducibility when using these stem cells. In this work, we utilized dielectrophoresis (DEP), a label-free electrokinetic phenomenon, to investigate and quantify the heterogeneity of hMSCs derived from the bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AD). Through computer simulation, we identified that the transient slope of the DEP force spectra can be used as a metric of heterogeneity. The electrical properties of BM-hMSCs were compared to homogeneous mouse fibroblasts (NIH-3T3), human fibroblasts (WS1), and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). BM-hMSCs DEP profile was most different from HEK-293 cells. We compared the DEP profiles of BM-hMSCs and AD-hMSCs and found they have similar membrane capacitances, differing cytoplasm conductivity, and transient slopes. Inducing both populations to differentiate into adipocyte and osteocyte cells revealed they behave differently in response to differentiation-inducing cytokines. Histology and RT-qPCR analyses of the differentiation-related genes revealed differences in heterogeneity between BM-hMSCs and AD-hMSCs. The differentiation profiles correlate well with the DEP profiles developed and indicate that these BM-hMSCs have higher differentiation potential than AD-hMSCs. Our results demonstrate using DEP, membrane capacitance, cytoplasm conductivity, and transient slope can uniquely characterize the inherent heterogeneity of hMSCs to guide robust and reproducible stem cell transplantation therapies.
Embryonic valproate exposure alters mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons distribution and septal dopaminergic gene expression in domestic chicks
Authors: Adiletta Alice , Pross Alessandra , Taricco Nicolò , Sgadò Paola
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the role of the dopaminergic system in the regulation of social behavior is being progressively outlined, and dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system are increasingly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. To further elucidate the role of the dopaminergic system in ASD, we investigated the effects of embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA) on the postnatal development of the mesencephalic DA system in the domestic chick. We found that VPA affected the rostro-caudal distribution of DA neurons, without changing the expression levels of several dopaminergic markers in the mesencephalon. We also investigated a potential consequence of this altered DA neuronal distribution in the septum, a social brain area previously associated to social behaviour in several vertebrate species, describing alterations in the expression of genes linked to DA neurotransmission. These findings support the emerging hypothesis of a role of DA dysfunction in ASD pathogenesis. Together with previous studies showing impairments of early social orienting behaviour, these data also support the use of the domestic chick model to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms involved in early ASD symptoms.
Error compensation based on surface reconstruction for industrial robot on two-dimensional manifold
Authors: Li Guanhua , Zhu Wei Dong , Dong Huiyue , Ke Yinglin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present error compensation based on surface reconstruction to improve the positioning accuracy of industrial robots.

Design/methodology/approach

In previous research, it has been proved that the positioning error of industrial robots is continuous on the two-dimensional manifold of six-joint space. The point cloud generated by positioning error data can be used to fit the continuous surfaces, which makes it possible to apply surface reconstruction on error compensation. The moving least-squares interpolation and the B-spline method are used for the error surface reconstruction.

Findings

The results of experiments and simulations validate the effectiveness of error compensation by the moving least-squares interpolation and the B-spline method.

Practical implications

The proposed methods can control the average of compensated positioning error within 0.2 mm, which meets the requirement of a tolerance (±0.5 mm) for fastener hole drilling in aircraft assembly.

Originality/value

The error surface reconstruction based on the B-spline method has great superiority because fewer sample points are needed to use this method than others while keeping the compensation accuracy at the same level. The control points of the B-spline error surface can be adjusted with measured data, which can be applied for the error prediction in any temperature field.
Managers’ skills and fund flows in the Japanese mutual fund market
Authors: Omori Kozo , Kitamura Tomoki
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Mutual fund investors assess a fund manager’s skills when allocating their capital. To identify the rationale behind retail investors’ decisions, this study aims to examine the relation between mutual fund flows and abnormal returns (alpha), as well as the various risk factors in the Japanese mutual fund market, which has distinctive characteristics regarding investors and distributors.

Design/methodology/approach

Six standard asset pricing models are used to investigate how investors assess mutual fund managers’ skills: the market-adjusted return, the capital asset pricing model and the Fama–French three-factor model and its augmented versions.

Findings

Contrary to the literature, this study finds that investors in Japan mainly rely on alpha to assess mutual funds. In particular, investors respond to alpha for fund inflows and their evaluations depend on the market environment and their mutual fund search costs.

Originality/value

This study measures the response of investors to the skills of mutual fund managers in the Japanese market – especially for funds purchased through bank-related distributors that have aimed to capture inexperienced retail investors since deregulation in the 1990s – and reveals their high response to alpha.
Tensions with international mindedness: teaching in the international baccalaureate program
Authors: Chernoff Karen Fran
Published: November 2021

Purpose

International mindedness (IM) is a core element of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Implementation of IM varies with the type of international school and where the IB school is situated. This article seeks to understand the tensions that three teachers experienced while teaching the IB Diploma Program history curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, three IB teachers examined their experiences teaching the history curriculum. This article offers relevant research on the difficulties in implementing IM and the following tensions: (1) situating the IB curriculum; (2) with hegemonic privilege and (3) in high-stakes testing.

Findings

IM can be integrated into the history curriculum to make the history curriculum relevant for the global community. While each interviewee enjoys teaching in the IB program and believes the IB history curriculum offers opportunity for IM, they also feel the history curriculum would benefit from modification. Each interviewee's points of view bring a relevancy and an authenticity for why tensions exist when teaching IB diploma history.

Originality/value

There is a gap of research in how and to what extent teachers implement IM into the IB high school history curriculum. Further, teachers' views regarding the IB history curriculum and whether the history curriculum facilitates one's teaching IM is largely anecdotal. Thus, this study is unique in its offering three interviews by IB high school history teachers on IM and the tensions they feel when teaching about and attempting to implement IM.
The use of error rates to predict and characterize the efficacy of presumptive field tests
Authors: Morris Keith B. , Spaulding Jamie S. , Ho Jennifer N.
Published: November 2021

From a forensic perspective, a presumptive test, one which indicates the presence or absence of a certain target material such as blood, is an invaluable tool. Among these tests, there are different specificities, sensitivities, and shelf lives. The accuracy of a test is an algebraic combination of the specificity and sensitivity of the test. Each test has limitations as given by its false positive and false negative rates. The aim of this study was to illustrate how the false positive and false negative rates are to be properly determined using a simulation study for the phenolphthalein test. New presumptive tests must be properly evaluated/validated through testing of commonly encountered household items and other potentially probative items usually found at crime scenes, however, the makeup of test sets must appropriately captureallerror rates. In order to correctly use these results when the test is applied to an unknown sample recovered at a crime scene, the error rates cannot be applied directly to estimate whether or not the sample is actually the analyte of interest. In a validation study, the forensic scientist calculates the false positive rate as the p(Positive Reaction|Blood), whereas at the scene, the crime scene investigator wishes to determine the p(Blood|Positive Reaction). All crime scene investigators need to ensure that the conditional is not transposed when interpreting such results. Furthermore, this work provides a model for the assessment of a multiple test diagnostic system intended for investigators.
Can the add‐on placebo effect augment the physical and mental health outcomes of exercise? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Qiu Yue , Mao Zhixiong , Yun Dongting
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to clarify whether the add‐on placebo effect can augment the psychological and physiological benefits of exercise. The inclusion criteria were met by 18 studies with 1,221 participants. The add‐on placebo effects promoted a more positive affect (g = 0.430), greater self‐esteem (g = 0.454), improved cardiorespiratory fitness (g = 0.273), and decreased perceived exertion (g = 0.476) and blood pressure (g = 0.268). Improved affect benefits were moderated by placebo type (elaboration > external medium), self‐selected exercise intensity (no > yes), and exercise type (running > nonspecific). The results support the proposal that the add‐on placebo effect can provide significant positive benefits for exercisers, particularly in terms of psychological responses.
Application of computer‐generated images to train pattern recognition used in semiquantitative immunohistochemistry scoring
Authors: Kristiansen Glen , Schmid Matthias
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to clarify whether the pattern recognition involved in scoring proliferation fractions can be trained by abstract computerized images of virtual tissues. Twenty computer‐generated images with randomly distributed blue or red dots were scored by 12 probands (all co‐workers or collaborators of the Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn). Afterward, the probands underwent a training phase during which they received an immediate feedback on the actual rate of positivity after each image. Finally, the initial testing series was rescored. In a second round with 15 different probands, 20 Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry images of tonsil tissue were scored, followed by the same training phase with computer‐generated images, before the immunohistochemistry slides were scored again. Paired t‐tests were used to compare the differences in mean rates pre‐ and post‐training. Concerning computerized images, untrained probands scored the percentages of positive dots with a mean deviation from the true rates of 8.2%. Following training, the same testing series was scored significantly better with a mean deviation of 4.9% (mean improvement 3.3%, p < 0.001). Scoring real immunohistochemistry slides, the training with computerized images also improved correct estimations, albeit to a lesser degree (mean improvement 1%, p = 0.03). Abstract computerized images of virtual tissues may be a useful tool to train and improve the accuracy of pattern recognition involved in semiquantitative scoring of immunohistochemistry slides. As a side results, this study highlights the value of computer‐generated images to verify the performance of image‐analysis software.
A modified method for resected specimen processing in rectal cancer: Semi‐opened with transverse slicing for measuring of the circumferential resection margin
Authors: Ishii Masayuki , Takemasa Ichiro , Okita Kenji , Okuya Koichi , Hamabe Atsushi , Nishidate Toshihiko , Akizuki Emi , Sato Yu , Miura Ryo , Korai Takahiro , Sugita Shintaro , Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: November 2021

Circumferential resection margin (CRM) is essential for oncological quality assessment in rectal cancer surgery. CRM represents a surrogate parameter for oncological outcomes and is important for stratifying treatment strategies in Western nations. In Japan, the mesentery is removed for specimen processing in order to extract as many lymph nodes (LNs) as possible; consequently, CRM cannot be measured. Given the diversification of treatment strategies for rectal cancer, the lack of measurement of CRM to assess surgical outcomes is a crucial issue that must be resolved. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a method enabling measurement of CRM while enjoying the advantages of the Japanese method. In the method we developed, the mesentery is removed from the rectum more than 2 cm away from the tumor, and the vicinity of the tumor is circularized. It is necessary to investigate the usefulness of this method prospectively in a multi‐center study.
Telecom reforms in India: An assessment of policy architecture, outcomes, and political underpinnings
Authors: Sathye Suneeta , Sathye Milind
Published: November 2021

The Indian telecom network is the second‐largest in the world after China and the fastest growing network globally. Consequently, India's telecom reforms have engaged the attention of researchers. This policy review traces these reforms and their impact using the sequencing literature. It also examines the political ideologies that shaped relevant policies, the outcomes produced and outlines the outlook for the future. The study contributes to the public versus private debate using the sequencing lens, not used hitherto, to study the reforms and thereby advance relevant literature. The lessons for information technology policy and for public administration and management are also highlighted.
A 21st century cognitive portrait of the Himba, a remote people of Namibia
Authors: Trémolière Bastien , Davidoff Jules , Caparos Serge
Published: November 2021

This research sketches the cognitive portrait of the Himba, a remote population from Northern Namibia living in a non‐industrial society almost completely devoid of modern artefacts. We compared the Himba sample to a French sample, exploring cognitive reflection, moral judgement, cooperative behaviour, paranormal beliefs, and happiness. We looked for both differences and similarities across cultures, and for the way cognitive functioning is associated with a range of demographic variables. Results showed some important group differences, with the Himba being more intuitive, more religious, happier, and less utilitarian than the French participants. Further, the predictors of these beliefs and behaviours differed between the two groups. The present results provide additional support to the recent line of research targeting cultural variations and similarities, and call for the need to expand psychology research beyond the Western world.
Treatment of refractory subacute cuataneous lupus erythematosus with baricitinib
Authors: Joos L. , Vetterli F. , Jaeger T. , Cozzio A. , von Kempis J. , Rubbert-Roth A.
Published: November 2021

We report on a patient who presented with refractory subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The scaly annular and polycyclic patches/plaques, and hyperkeratotic lesions on multiple fingers improved rapidly after treatment with baricitinib.
In need of what? Section 17 Provision under the Children Act 1989
Authors: Cooper Jennifer
Published: November 2021

This article considers Section 17 ‘child in need’ provision under the Children Act 1989, the main legislation governing Children's Services in England. Arguably, Section 17 has never been given the same priority as other statutory requirements under the Act. The intention was to create a broad umbrella provision for children living with their families, but children assessed as ‘in need’ are not entitled to receive such services unless they are disabled. This exploration is timely given the current Independent Review of Children's Social Care in England, ongoing austerity measures, high rates of child poverty and COVID‐19. Consideration is given to the development of Section 17 and what the future may hold.
A randomized clinical study using optical coherence tomography to evaluate the short‐term effects of high‐intensity interval training on cardiac allograft vasculopathy: a HITTS substudy
Authors: Rafique Muzammil , Solberg Ole Geir , Gullestad Lars , Bendz Bjørn , Holm Niels Ramsing , Neghabat Omeed , Dijkstra Jouke , Nytrøen Kari , Rolid Katrine , Lunde Ketil
Published: November 2021

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains a leading cause of long‐term mortality after heart transplantation. Both preventive measures and treatment options are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the short‐term effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIT) on CAV in de novo heart transplant (HTx) recipients as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The study population was a subgroup of the 81‐patient HITTS study in which HTx recipients were randomized to HIT or moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) for nine consecutive months. OCT images from baseline and 12 months were compared to assess CAV progression. The primary endpoint was defined as the change in the mean intima area. Paired OCT data were available for 56 patients (n = 23 in the HIT group and n = 33 in the MICT group). The intima area in the entire study population increased by 25% [from 1.8±1.4 mm2 to 2.3±2.0 mm2, P < .05]. The change was twofold higher in the MICT group (.6±1.2 mm2) than in the HIT group (.3±.6 mm2). However, the treatment effect of HIT was not significant (treatment effect = –.3 mm2, 95% CI [–.825 to .2 mm2] P = .29). These results suggest that early initiation of HIT compared with MICT does not attenuate CAV progression in de novo HTx recipients.
First trimester prenatal diagnosis of a severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and pulmonary valve atresia
Authors: Cordisco, MD Adalgisa , Lozza Virginia , Filice Maria Elena , Chiappa Enrico
Published: November 2021

Early diagnosis of congenital heart defect (CHD) increased in the last two decades, following technological evolution. A recent meta‐analysis (Yu, 2020), on diagnostic accuracy in ultrasound detection of major CHD in the first trimester of pregnancy, reported an overall sensitivity of 75%. Ultrasound imaging of this case refers to a tricuspid valve dysplasia with right atriomegaly and pulmonary valve atresia diagnosed in a 13‐week gestational‐age fetus with low risk for chromosomal abnormalities. To our knowledge, this is the first case describing such features in the first trimester. We believe the precocity and severity of onset make this a case of diagnostic interest.
Sampling bias exaggerates a textbook example of a trophic cascade
Authors: Brice Elaine M. , Larsen Eric J. , MacNulty Daniel R.
Published: November 2021

Understanding trophic cascades in terrestrial wildlife communities is a major challenge because these systems are difficult to sample properly. We show how a tradition of non‐random sampling has confounded this understanding in a textbook system (Yellowstone National Park) where carnivore [Canis lupus (wolf)] recovery is associated with a trophic cascade involving changes in herbivore [Cervus canadensis (elk)] behaviour and density that promote plant regeneration. Long‐term data indicate a practice of sampling only the tallest young plants overestimated regeneration of overstory aspen (Populus tremuloides) by a factor of 4–7 compared to random sampling because it favoured plants taller than the preferred browsing height of elk and overlooked non‐regenerating aspen stands. Random sampling described a trophic cascade, but it was weaker than the one that non‐random sampling described. Our findings highlight the critical importance of basic sampling principles (e.g. randomisation) for achieving an accurate understanding of trophic cascades in terrestrial wildlife systems.
Genome‐wide analysis reveals the genetic stock structure of hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae)
Authors: Koot Emily , Wu Chen , Ruza Igor , Hilario Elena , Storey Roy , Wells Richard , Chagné David , Wellenreuther Maren
Published: November 2021

The assessment of the genetic structuring of biodiversity is crucial for management and conservation. This is particularly critical for widely distributed and highly mobile deep‐water teleosts, such as hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae). This species is significant to Māori people and supports the largest commercial fishery in New Zealand, but uncertainty about its stock structure presents a challenge for management. Here, we apply a comprehensive genomic analysis to shed light on the demographic structure of this species by (1) assembling the genome, (2) generating a catalogue of genome‐wide SNPs to infer the stock structure and (3) identifying regions of the genome under selection. The final genome assembly used short and long reads and is near complete, representing 93.8% of BUSCO genes, and consisting of 566 contigs totalling 501 Mb. Whole‐genome re‐sequencing of 510 hoki sampled from 14 locations around New Zealand and Australia, at a read depth greater than 10×, produced 227,490 filtered SNPs. Analyses of these SNPs were able to resolve the stock structure of hoki into two genetically and geographically distinct clusters, one including the Australian and the other one all New Zealand locations, indicating genetic exchange between these regions is limited. Location differences within New Zealand samples were much more subtle (global FST  = 0.0006), and while small and significant differences could be detected, they did not conclusively identify additional substructures. Ten putative adaptive SNPs were detected within the New Zealand samples, but these also did not geographically partition the dataset further. Contemporary and historical Ne estimation suggest the current New Zealand population of hoki is large yet declining. Overall, our study provides the first genomic resources for hoki and provides detailed insights into the fine‐scale population genetic structure to inform the management of this species.
Benefit and harm of anticoagulation in the prevention of thromboembolic stroke for non‐valvular atrial fibrillation in haemodialysis patients: a Top End of Northern Australia study
Authors: Xu Chi , Abeyaratne Asanga , Wong Yun Hui Sheryl , Majoni Sandawana William
Published: November 2021

Background

Warfarin for the prevention of non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (AF)‐related thromboembolic stroke in patients on maintenance haemodialysis is controversial. Despite the exclusion of haemodialysis patients in randomised control trials, the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology has recommended warfarin in high‐risk AF patients.

Aims

To retrospectively examine the utility of warfarin anticoagulation therapy in our prevalent haemodialysis patients over 10 years of follow up.

Methods

Eligible patients were retrospectively identified and stratified to two cohorts based on whether warfarin was prescribed. The outcomes of interest were ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke and death from any cause. Rate ratio and Cox proportional hazard regression model were used to compare the differences in outcome between the two cohorts. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyse survival.

Results

Three ischaemic strokes and four haemorrhagic strokes occurred in the unexposed group of 166 patients over 484.44 patient‐years of follow up. One ischaemic stroke and no cases of haemorrhagic stroke occurred in the exposed warfarin group of 16 patients over 39.32 patient‐years of follow up. Eighty‐seven percent of patients in both groups were indigenous. More than 90% of each cohort had a CHA2DS2‐VaSc score ≥2. One hundred and one deaths, 90 in the unexposed group and 11 in the warfarin group, occurred in the follow‐up period. A non‐statistically significant trend towards increasing mortality was observed in the warfarin group (hazard ratio = 1.63; P = 0.13).

Conclusion

This retrospective study of prevalent haemodialysis patients with co‐existing history of non‐valvular AF failed to demonstrate sufficient evidence for the routine use of warfarin for prophylaxis of thromboembolic stroke.
Regulation of posterior Hox genes by sex steroids explains vertebral variation in inbred mouse strains
Authors: Mulley John F.
Published: November 2021

A series of elegant embryo transfer experiments in the 1950s demonstrated that the uterine environment could alter vertebral patterning in inbred mouse strains. In the intervening decades, attention has tended to focus on the technical achievements involved and neglected the underlying biological question: how can genetically homogenous individuals have a heterogenous number of vertebrae? Here I revisit these experiments and, with the benefit of knowledge of the molecular‐level processes of vertebral patterning gained over the intervening decades, suggest a novel hypothesis for homeotic transformation of the last lumbar vertebra to the adjacent sacral type through regulation of Hox genes by sex steroids. Hox genes are involved in both axial patterning and development of male and female reproductive systems and have been shown to be sensitive to sex steroidsin vitroandin vivo. Regulation of these genes by sex steroids and resulting alterations to vertebral patterning may hint at a deep evolutionary link between the ribless lumbar region of mammals and the switch from egg‐laying to embryo implantation. An appreciation of the impact of sex steroids on Hox genes may explain some puzzling aspects of human disease, and highlights the spine as a neglected target forin uteroexposure to endocrine disruptors.
Influence of topical corticosteroids on malignant transformation of oral lichen planus
Authors: Bindakhil Mohammed , Akintoye Sunday , Corby Patricia , Stoopler Eric T. , Greenberg Martin S. , Shanti Rabie , Tanaka Takako I. , Sollecito Thomas P.
Published: November 2021

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is considered an oral potentially malignant disorder. While OLP has been associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), little is known about the role of topical corticosteroids therapy (TCT) in the promotion of carcinogenesis. The study aimed to determine if TCT influences the time of malignant transformation of OLP to OSCC. The study also investigates this correlation in the presence or absence of Candida overgrowth, and in the context of conventional OSCC risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and male gender.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of electronic health records at a tertiary care academic medical center was performed. Patients with OLP and OSCC were considered for inclusion. The diagnosis of OLP required both clinical and histological documentation.

Results

Eighty‐two patients met inclusion criteria, consisting of 48 women (58.25%) and 34 men (41.5%) and the mean patient age was 65.9 years (SD = 13.25). Forty‐five patients (54.9%) received TCT for OLP before they developed OSCC. The time between the OLP and OSCC diagnoses increased by four years in patients who received topical steroid therapy for OLP (p < 0.001) and decreased by three years (p = 0.010) in those with Candida overgrowth. Gender, smoking, and alcohol use did not have a statistically significant influence on the time between OLP and OSCC.

Conclusion

The management of OLP using TCT potentially delayed cancer development in our study. Conversely, it appears that Candida may play a role in the field cancerization of OLP patients.
Introduction: A Decade Review of Adolescence Research
Authors: Card Noel A. , Morris Amanda Sheffield , Salmivalli Christina , Carlo Gustavo
Published: November 2021

This paper provides an introduction to the Special Issue, A Decade Review of Adolescence Research. In this paper, we describe the goals of the special issue and the process of planning and reviewing reviews. We describe other special issues of JRA in the past decade, and preview upcoming changes and special issues in the journal.
Effects of Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Meniscal Repair in the White‐White Zone of the Meniscus
Authors: Xiao Wen‐feng , Yang Yun‐tao , Xie Wen‐qing , He Miao , Liu Di , Cai Zi‐jun , Yu Deng‐jie , Li Yu‐sheng , Wei Li‐cheng
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the role of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on the repair of meniscal white‐white zone injury through promoting the proliferation of canine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Methods

A total of 24 beagle dogs were selected to construct meniscal white‐white zone injury models in both lateral knee joints. All subjects were divided into four groups: control, BMSCs, PRP, and PRP + BMSCs. Immunohistochemistry was applied in the expression detection of type I and type II collagens. HE staining and methylene blue staining were performed to observe the injury of cartilage of lateral femoral condyle in each group. ELISA was used to detect the osteopontin (OPN) content in cartilage of lateral femoral condyle. HE staining and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to observe the healing of meniscus in each group. Outcome measures include the expression of OPN in the synovial fluid of knee joint, the expression of type I collagen and type II collagen, the healing of meniscus injury, and the damage degree of lateral femoral condyle cartilage.

Results

Compared with the control group, the expressions of type I and type II collagens were enhanced in the PRP group and the PRP + BMSCs group. Compared with 1 week before modeling, the expression of OPN was elevated in the control group and the BMSCs group at 3 weeks after modeling. There were no significant differences in the above indicators between the PRP group and the PRP + BMSCs group. According to MRI and pathological section after HE staining, meniscal healing in the PRP group and the PRP + BMSCs group was significantly improved as compared to that of the control group and the BMSCs group (all P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the PRP group and the PRP + BMSCs group (P > 0.05). All subjects were divided into the non‐healing group and the healing group in accordance with the HE staining results in previous experiment. The injury of cartilage of lateral femoral condyle was significantly heavier in the non‐healing group than that in the healing group.

Conclusion

The application of PRP alone or in combination with BMSCs could promote the clinical healing rate of meniscal white‐white zone injury.
Effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to mechanical instrumentation in reducing counts of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans from C‐shaped root canals
Authors: Mustafa Mohammed , Alamri Hadi Mohammed , Almokhatieb Ahmed A. , Alqahtani Ali Robaian , Alayad Abdullah S. , Divakar Darshan Devang
Published: November 2021

Background/Purpose

The aim was to assess the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to mechanical instrumentation (MI) in reducing Enterococcus faecalis (E faecalis) and Candida albicans (C albicans) counts from C‐shaped root‐canals.

Methods

Teeth with C‐shaped canals as identified on cone beam computed tomographic images were included. Following incubation with E faecalis and C albicans, samples were divided into 4 groups a four follows: Group‐1: MI with adjunct aPDT; Group‐2: aPDT alone; Group‐3: MI alone; and Group‐4: no treatment. The pulp chambers of these teeth were exposed and coronal pulp was mechanically derided using sterile endodontic excavators. Using flexible files, all canals were debrided up to size #30 K‐files with intermittent irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. In Groups 1 and 3, methylene‐blue was injected in all canals and aPDT was performed using a 600 nm diode laser. Sample‐size estimation was done on data from a pilot investigation and group‐comparisons were done using one way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post‐hoc adjustment tests. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Sixty periodontally hopeless mandibular second molars with C‐shaped canals were included. There was a statistically significant reduction CFU/mL of E faecalis (P < .001) and C albicans (P < .001). At post‐operative microbial assessments in Group‐1. There was no difference CFU/mL of E faecalis and C albicans at post‐operative microbial assessments in Groups 2‐4.

Conclusion

MI with adjunct aPDT is more effective in reducing count of E faecalis and C albicans from C‐shaped root canals.