bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling methanogenesis with iron reduction by acetotrophic Methanosarcina mazei zm‐15
Authors: Yang Zhen , Lu Yahai
Published: June 2022

Application of ferric iron is conventionally considered to inhibit methanogenesis in anoxic environments. Here we show that Methanosarcina mazei zm‐15, a strain isolated from the natural wetland of Tibetan plateau, is capable of Fe(III) reduction, which significantly promotes its growth and methanogenesis. We grew Ms. mazei zm‐15 in a medium containing acetate supplemented with Fe(III) in ferric citrate or ferrihydrite and to some cultures anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate (AQDS) was applied as an electron shuttle. The reduction of Fe(III) species occurred immediately. Ferric citrate was more readily reduced than ferrihydrite. The X‐ray diffraction spectra analysis showed the formation of magnetite from ferrihydrite and amorphous reduced products from ferrihydrite plus AQDS. The analysis of protein contents revealed that Fe(III) reduction contributed 36%–46% of the cell growth. The growth yield, estimated as protein increment per acetate consumed for Fe(III) reduction, increased by 20‐ to 30‐fold compared with methanogenesis, which is in consistence with the difference in free energy available by Fe(III) reduction relative to methanogenesis. We propose that the outer‐surface multiheme c‐type cytochrome predicted from Ms. mazei zm‐15 genome serves as the terminal reductase with the energy‐converting hydrogenase and F420H2 dehydrogenase involved in electron transport chain for Fe(III) reduction. The findings shed a light to better understand the ecophysiology of Methanosarcina in anaerobic environments.
MAPK15 protects from oxidative stress‐dependent cellular senescence by inducing the mitophagic process
Authors: Franci Lorenzo , Tubita Alessandro , Bertolino Franca Maria , Palma Alessandro , Cannino Giuseppe , Settembre Carmine , Rasola Andrea , Rovida Elisabetta , Chiariello Mario
Published: June 2022

Mitochondria are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose aberrant production by dysfunctional mitochondria leads to oxidative stress, thus contributing to aging as well as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Cells efficiently eliminate damaged mitochondria through a selective type of autophagy, named mitophagy. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of the atypical MAP kinase family member MAPK15 in cellular senescence, by preserving mitochondrial quality, thanks to its ability to control mitophagy and, therefore, prevent oxidative stress. We indeed demonstrate that reduced MAPK15 expression strongly decreases mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, while increasing mitochondrial ROS levels. We show that MAPK15 controls the mitophagic process by stimulating ULK1‐dependent PRKN Ser108 phosphorylation and inducing the recruitment of damaged mitochondria to autophagosomal and lysosomal compartments, thus leading to a reduction of their mass, but also by participating in the reorganization of the mitochondrial network that usually anticipates their disposal. Consequently, MAPK15‐dependent mitophagy protects cells from accumulating nuclear DNA damage due to mitochondrial ROS and, consequently, from senescence deriving from this chronic DNA insult. Indeed, we ultimately demonstrate that MAPK15 protects primary human airway epithelial cells from senescence, establishing a new specific role for MAPK15 in controlling mitochondrial fitness by efficient disposal of old and damaged organelles and suggesting this kinase as a new potential therapeutic target in diverse age‐associated human diseases.
The prevalence of familial vesicoureteric reflux in infants with normal antenatal scans
Authors: Singhal Nidhi , Gopal Milan , Ali Alaa , McGlade Fiona , Ahmed Imran , Harkensee Christian , Gittins Nicola , Senasi Ramdas , Peace Richard , Athiraman Naveen , Tse Yincent
Published: June 2022

Aim

To determine the prevalence of familial vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) by studying the outcomes of screening in a contemporary cohort of newborns with normal antenatal kidney scans.

Methods

A review of screening outcomes in newborns with a first degree relative with VUR, normal antenatal scans and no prior urine infections between 2014–2019 at three maternity units in the North East of England was conducted. Imaging consisted of micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) in all and renal tract ultrasound scan (RUS) routinely in two units and by clinician preference in one unit.

Results

At a median age of 59 days, 265 infants underwent MCUG. High‐grade VUR (Grades 3–5) was detected in 13 (4.9%) and low‐grade VUR (Grades 1–2) in 24 (9.1%). In the 152 infants who had a RUS, abnormalities were detected in 21 (13.8%). An abnormal postnatal RUS has a low positive predictive value (14.3%) for high‐grade VUR, but a normal RUS has a high negative predictive value (95.4%).

Conclusion

Compared to historical cohorts from two decades ago, the yield from familial VUR screening is low and unjustifiable in the setting of normal antenatal anomaly scans.
The effect of environmental noise isolation on bronchiolitis severity in hospitalised children
Authors: Ziv Noa , Zagon‐Rogel Michal , Waisman Yehezkel , Rom Eran , Attias Joseph , Krause Irit
Published: June 2022

Aim

Bronchiolitis is an infectious disease, with no effective treatment. Music and Mozart's works specifically are known to have a positive effect on physiological parameters, while noise is considered harmful. We aim to evaluate the short‐term effect of environmental noise detachment and/or music listening on the course of bronchiolitis in hospitalised children.

Methods

This is a prospective, double‐blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients were divided into three intervention groups: 1‐Mozart's Sonata, 2‐instrumental music, 3‐silence. Music was heard via media players and soundproof headphones. Disease severity was evaluated before and after intervention using the Modified Tal score.

Results

Seventy music sessions were included in the analysis (Mozart n = 23, instrumental n = 22, silence n = 25). A one‐point drop in the average bronchiolitis severity score was observed in all three groups from 7.1 (CI 95%, 5 to 9.2) to 6.1 (CI 95%, 4.3 to 7.9), p < 0.001. No significant difference was found between the three groups with respect to change in the severity score before and after the intervention.

Conclusion

Isolation from disturbing sounds heard in paediatric departments could be considered a simple non‐invasive intervention in children hospitalised with bronchiolitis. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long‐term effects of this intervention and the specific effect of music.
Main outcomes from the first 2 years of France's screening programme for neonatal permanent hearing loss through a descriptive study
Authors: Doncarli Alexandra , Tillaut Hélène , Akkari Mohamed , Baladi Blandine , Creutz‐Leroy Margaux , Parodi Marine , Beltzer Nathalie , Goulet Véronique , Regnault Nolwenn
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of France's neonatal hearing loss screening programme  years after its launch, and to estimate permanent bilateral neonatal hearing loss (PBNHL) prevalence and distribution by severity.

Methods

This descriptive study used aggregated regional data on all births in France in 2015–2016. Screening coverage, refusal rate, positive predictive value (PPV), proportion of children with suspected PBNHL, PBNHL prevalence and distribution by severity were calculated.

Results

Eight hundred thousand neonates were eligible for the screening programme per year. Between 2015 and 2016, screening coverage increased (83.3% vs. 93.8%; p < 0.001), and the refusal rate remained stable (0.1%). In 2016, when considering the additional tests performed several weeks after birth, the proportion of suspected PBNHL neonates decreased (1.4% vs. 0.9%) while the PPV increased (4.7% vs. 7.6%). In 2015, the estimated prevalence of PBNHL (moderate to profound) was 0.09% (95% CI 0.08–0.10). Among neonates with >= 41 decibels deficit, 56.8%, 16.6%, and 26.6% had moderate, severe and profound hearing loss, respectively.

Conclusion

The national target of 90% screening coverage was exceeded. The additional test could be useful to avoid overcrowding in diagnostic structures. Diagnostic data quality must be improved to confirm PBNHL prevalence and distribution by severity.
Horizon effects and adverse selection in health insurance markets
Authors: Darmouni Olivier , Zeltzer Dan
Published: June 2022

This paper highlights the idea that increasing the length of insurance contracts can reduce adverse selection in health insurance markets while preserving community rating. Private health insurance contracts in the United States have short, one‐year terms, even though health risks may be serially correlated. Intuitively, because risk is mean‐reverting, longer contracts allow for pooling of risk within individuals over time, as opposed to just across individuals with traditional short‐term contracts. In equilibrium, such horizon effects lead to lower premiums and greater coverage. The mechanism depends on two key conditions. First, the pooling of risk within individuals is the greatest when mean reversion in risk is intermediate. Second, two‐sided commitment is present to preserve community rating. Counterfactual analysis using administrative claims data illustrates that a simple reform that implements two‐year instead of one‐year contracts could increase equilibrium coverage and yield non‐trivial welfare gains on net, in spite of restricting consumer choice.
Factors affecting abnormal triggering with non‐invasive ventilators: A before‐and‐after study
Authors: Xu Zhaoning , Sheng Dongqin , Jiao Kefan , Zhang Chi , Hao Junping , Ma Dedong
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Abnormal triggering of non‐invasive ventilator (NIV) is the main reason for increasing the possibility of patient intolerance and directly affecting the treatment effect.

Objective

To investigate factors that affect abnormal triggering of NIV.

Methods

Thirty health volunteers from August 2018 to August 2019 were recruited. Two kinds of NIVs, Curative Flexo ST30 and Resmed Stellar™ 150, were selected, with S/T mode, respiratory rate of 10 bpm and inspiration time of 1.0 s. Every volunteer received ventilation in two ventilators, five oxygen flows (5/10/15/20/25 L/min), five support pressures (independent inspired positive airway pressure/expired positive airway pressure [IPAP/EPAP]: 8/4; 10/4; 12/4; 16/6; 20/8 cm H2O), two oxygen injection sites (proximal to the mask or the ventilator) and three masks (Curative: Bestfit™; Resmed: Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask™; Zhongshan: ZS‐MZ‐A™) for 60 min, respectively.

Results

All factors mentioned above affected normal triggering. With the increase of oxygen flow and support pressure, the frequency of auto‐triggering and ineffective‐triggering increased (P < 0.05). For Curative Flexo ST30 ventilator, when the oxygen injection site was proximal to the ventilator, the frequency of auto‐triggering and ineffective‐triggering is significantly lower than when it was proximal to the mask, whereas the result in Resmed Stellar™ 150 is totally different (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

When using Curative Flexo ST30 ventilator, the oxygen injection site should be proximal to the ventilator, whereas Resmed Stellar™ 150 ventilator is just the opposite. Attention should be paid to the effectiveness of ventilators when oxygen flow and support pressure settings are high, as abnormal triggers occur more frequently. Choosing the suitable mask is also important.
Who cares about winning?
Authors: Baron‐Schmitt Nathaniel
Published: June 2022

Why do we so often care about the outcomes of games when nothing is at stake? There is a paradox here, much like the paradox of fiction, which concerns why we care about the fates and threats of merely fictional beings. I argue that the paradox threatens to overturn a great deal of what philosophers have thought about caring, severing its connection to value and undermining its moral weight. I defend a solution to the paradox that draws on Kendall Walton's solution to the paradox of fiction, developing his idea that it be extended to games. The solution takes games to involve make‐believe: in particular, players and spectators make‐believe that the outcome of the game matters. I also explore how the phenomenon extends beyond games. And I explore some moral implications: in particular, my view preserves the idea that we have reason not to impede others in their pursuit of what they care about.
Mechanical thrombectomy failure in anterior circulation strokes: Outcomes and predictors of favorable outcome
Authors: Marnat Gaultier , Gory Benjamin , Sibon Igor , Kyheng Maeva , Labreuche Julien , Boulouis Grégoire , Liegey Jean‐Sebastien , Caroff Jildaz , Eugène François , Naggara Olivier , Consoli Arturo , Mazighi Mikael , Maier Benjamin , Richard Sebastien , Denier Christian , Turc Guillaume , Lapergue Bertrand , Bourcier Romain ,   Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Investigators
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Despite continuous improvement and growing knowledge in the endovascular therapy of large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS), mechanical thrombectomy (MT) still fails to obtain satisfying intracranial recanalization in 10% to 15% of cases. However, little is known regarding clinical and radiological outcomes among this singularly underexplored subpopulation undergoing failed MT. We aimed to investigate the outcome after failed MT and identify predictive factors of favorable outcome despite recanalization failure.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients prospectively included in the ongoing observational multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke registry from January 2015 to September 2020. Patients presenting with anterior circulation LVOS treated with MT but experiencing failed intracranial recanalization defined as final modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 0, 1 and 2a were included. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed along with the exploration of predictive factors of Day‐90 favorable outcome.

Results

The study population comprised 533 patients. Mean age was 68.8 ± 16 years, and median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) were 17 (IQR 12–21) and 7 (IQR 5–8), respectively. Favorable outcomes were observed in 85 patients (18.2%) and 186 died (39.0%). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 14.1%. In multivariable analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, p < 0.001), a lower admission NIHSS (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83–0.91, p < 0.001), a lower number of MT passes (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.77–0.87, p < 0.001), a lower delta ASPECTS between initial and Day‐1 imaging (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71–0.98, p = 0.026) and stroke etiology [significant difference among etiological subtypes (p = 0.024) with a tendency toward more favorable outcomes for dissection (OR 2.01, 95% CI 0.71–5.67)] were significantly associated with a 90‐day favorable outcome.

Conclusions

In this large retrospective analysis of a multicenter registry, we quantified the poor outcome after MT failure. We also identified factors associated with favorable outcome despite recanalization failure that might influence therapeutic management.
Concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin are increased in serum and peritoneal fluid from horses with inflammatory abdominal disease and non‐strangulating intestinal infarctions
Authors: Winther Malou F. , Haugaard Simon L. , Pihl Tina H. , Jacobsen Stine
Published: June 2022

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is produced in response to inflammation in horses, but it has not yet been investigated as a biomarker in horses with the abdominal disease.

Objectives

To investigate NGAL in serum and peritoneal fluid in horses with the abdominal disease.

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

Data from medical records of 270 horses admitted with acute abdominal disease (simple obstructions [n = 43], strangulating obstructions [n = 104], inflammatory abdominal disease [n = 99], non‐strangulating intestinal infarction [NSII, n = 24]) and 9 healthy control horses were reviewed, and serum and peritoneal fluid samples were retrieved from a biobank. NGAL was measured in serum and peritoneal fluid by ELISA. Differences in NGAL concentrations between groups were assessed.

Results

Healthy horses had low serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of NGAL (median = 21.0 and 9.5 μg/L, respectively). Neither serum nor peritoneal fluid NGAL concentrations (median serum, peritoneal fluid) differed between healthy horses and horses with simple (28.1 μg/L, 13.0 μg/L) and strangulating intestinal obstructions (34.7 μg/L, 38.4 μg/L). Horses with NSII (308.0 μg/L, 2163.0 μg/L) and inflammatory abdominal disease (171.1 μg/L, 314.1 μg/L) had higher serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of NGAL than the other groups (p < 0.001). Peritoneal fluid NGAL concentrations in horses with NSII were higher than in horses with inflammatory abdominal disease (p = 0.03).

Main limitations

Retrospective study design; small group of control horses.

Conclusions

NGAL is a marker of inflammation in horses with the abdominal disease. The high peritoneal fluid concentration of NGAL in horses with NSII compared to all other groups may render NGAL useful for identifying this condition, which is otherwise difficult to differentiate from other types of peritonitis. Thereby, NGAL may potentially facilitate timely surgical intervention in this group of patients. The results of this study must be evaluated in larger, and preferably prospective, studies to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic utility of NGAL.
Examining the linkages between marital quality and anxiety: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Postler Kaicee Beal , Helms Heather M. , Anastopoulos Arthur D.
Published: June 2022

This study examines the associations between marital quality and anxiety using meta‐analytic techniques. A total of k = 151 effects published between the years 2000 and 2019 were analyzed. It was hypothesized that better overall marital quality would be associated with less anxiety. Results showed significant associations between marital quality and anxiety in such a way that higher overall marital quality was associated with lower anxiety. Post hoc analyses revealed that higher levels of positive marital behaviors (e.g., communication and intimacy) and fewer negative marital behaviors (e.g., criticism) were associated with lower anxiety. Additional results examined potential moderators of the association between marital quality and anxiety, including study design, direction of longitudinal associations (i.e., marital quality predicting anxiety or vice versa), gender, assessment of anxiety, and the use of control variables to account for comorbidities and demographic factors. Findings from this study provide a comprehensive review of the associations between marital quality and anxiety, which may be used to inform future research and treatment.
Bayesian method for estimating initial crack size distribution for probabilistic risk analysis of repairable structural details
Authors: Lee Dooyoul , Lim Dongin , Kim Hwasoo , Baek Seil
Published: June 2022

A Bayesian method for estimating the initial crack length distribution is proposed for probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) of repaired structural details. Non‐informative prior is updated using a likelihood function, which is constructed using inspection capability, structural geometry, and material properties. The likelihood function based on the equivalent initial flaw size method was used for the left tail to avoid calculating the small‐crack growth. The right tail was estimated based on the inspection capability and the maximum possible crack length. The proposed method alleviates the difficulties in selecting the initial crack‐length distribution parameters. As an application, the KT‐1 aircraft risk after the repair was analyzed. The PRA was conducted using the initial crack length distribution estimated via the proposed method. The result was compared with the conventional lognormal initial crack‐length distribution.
The impact of Sino–US trade friction on the performance of China's textile and apparel industry
Authors: Ye Maosheng , Shen Jim H. , Golson Eric , Lee Chien‐Chiang , Li Yuting
Published: June 2022

This study applies the event‐analysis method and takes three Chinese listed textile and apparel companies that are representative of the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the textile value chain as research objects. By tracking the Baidu index trend of the keyword “trade war” to identify the ‘time window’ for each iconic event, we apply the autoregressive distributed lag approach to examine the impact of important landmark events on the performance of these companies during the period of Sino–US trade friction in 2018. We find that the impact diminished over time. Additionally, compared with upstream companies, midstream and downstream companies were hurt more. However, the risks were generally controllable.
Corporate investment and the exchange rate: The financial channel
Authors: Banerjee Ryan , Hofmann Boris , Mehrotra Aaron
Published: June 2022

Currency depreciation dampens corporate investment through a financial channel. Using firm‐level data for 16 major economies, we find that depreciation reduces investment by interacting with firm leverage. The finding is consistent with predictions from a stylized model of credit risk in which the exchange rate affects credit supply and investment when firms borrow in foreign currency, or in local currency from foreign lenders. Empirically, the channel is significantly more pronounced in emerging market economies (EMEs), reflecting greater dependence on foreign funding and less developed financial systems. Our findings suggest that the depreciation of EME currencies since 2011 probably contributed in a significant way to the investment slowdown in these economies.
Surgeon volume and risk of deep surgical site infection following open reduction and internal fixation of closed ankle fracture
Authors: Zhu Yanbin , Chen Wei , Qin Shiji , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yingze
Published: June 2022

Increasing evidences have shown that surgeon volume was associated with postoperative complications or outcomes in a variety of orthopaedics surgeries, but few were focused on ankle fractures. This study aimed to investigate the deep surgical site infection (DSSI) in association with the surgeon volume following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data on patients who underwent ORIF for acute closed ankle fractures between October 2014 and June 2020. Surgeon volume was defined as the number of ORIF procedures performed within 12 months preceding the index operation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the optimal cut‐off value, whereby surgeon volume was dichotomized as high or low. The outcome was DSSI within 1 year postoperatively. Multivariate logistics analysis was performed to examine the DSSI in association with surgeon volume and multiple sensitivity/subgroup analyses were performed to refine the findings. Among 1562 patients, 33 (2.1%) developed a DSSI. The optimal cut‐off value was 7/year. Low‐volume (<7/year) was significantly associated with a 5.0‐fold increased risk of DSSI (95%CI, 2.2‐11.3; P < .001). Sensitivity/subgroup analyses restricted to patients aged <65 years, with or without concurrent fractures, with unimalleolar fractures, bi‐ or trimalleolar fractures, receiving ORIF within 14 days and those operated by ≥10‐year experience surgeons showed the consistently significant results (ORs, 2.7‐6.8, all P < .05). The surgeon volume of <7 cases/year is associated with an increased risk of DSSI. It is more feasible that patients with complex fractures or conditions (eg, bi‐ and trimalleolar or presence of concurrent fractures) are preferentially directed to high‐volume and experienced surgeons.
Predicted Pleistocene–Holocene range and connectivity declines of the vulnerable fishing cat and insights for current conservation
Authors: Petersen Wyatt Joseph , Savini Tommaso , Chutipong Wanlop , Kamjing Anucha , Phosri Kitipat , Tantipisanuh Naruemon , Ngoprasert Dusit
Published: June 2022

Aim

Identifying appropriate conservation measures requires a reasonable understanding of a species' population status, distribution and vulnerability. However, for many species, these variables may not be understood under the context of current conditions alone. Here, we assess the potential role historical changes in climate, sea level and anthropogenic activity may have had on the distribution of one of the world's least‐understood wild cats and identify broader implications for conservation efforts that may not be apparent from just an examination of the species' current distribution.

Location

Tropical Asia.

Taxon

Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).

Methods

We used a presence‐only ecological niche model and a least‐cost graph‐based connectivity model to characterize the species' bio‐climatic niche and predict changes in suitability and connectivity under current and paleoenvironmental conditions.

Results

Fishing cat occurrence was associated with landscapes that were low in elevation and high in topographic wetness and climates that were warm with moderate annual precipitation and moderate seasonal variation in both temperature and precipitation. Since the Last Interglacial, the area predicted to be climatically suitable has ranged from 5.9 million km2 during the Last Glacial Maximum to 2.2 million km2 during the Current Era. Changes in regional connectivity correlated with changes in suitable area for all periods except the Current Era. Relative connectivity of areas affected by past sea level rise was highest in areas with large alluvial plains, emergent coastal areas and deltas.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that the fishing cat's current distribution and vulnerability can be explained by a synergistic combination of historical climate change, sea level rise, and anthropogenic land‐use change. Changes in suitability and connectivity over time highlight potential core areas that are underrepresented by historical survey efforts. Future survey efforts should include these areas, with an emphasis on quantifying tolerances to anthropogenic disturbances.
Toward Argument‐Based Fairness with an Application to AI‐Enhanced Educational Assessments
Authors: Huggins‐Manley A. Corinne , Booth Brandon M. , D'Mello Sidney K.
Published: June 2022

The field of educational measurement places validity and fairness as central concepts of assessment quality. Prior research has proposed embedding fairness arguments within argument‐based validity processes, particularly when fairness is conceived as comparability in assessment properties across groups. However, we argue that a more flexible approach to fairness arguments that occurs outside of and complementary to validity arguments is required to address many of the views on fairness that a set of assessment stakeholders may hold. Accordingly, we focus this manuscript on two contributions: (a) introducing the argument‐based fairness approach to complement argument‐based validity for both traditional and artificial intelligence (AI)‐enhanced assessments and (b) applying it in an illustrative AI assessment of perceived hireability in automated video interviews used to prescreen job candidates. We conclude with recommendations for further advancing argument‐based fairness approaches.
More POLST forms are being completed in nursing homes, but is this meaningful?
Authors: Lam Kenneth , Haddock Lindsey , Yukawa Michi
Published: June 2022

This editorial comments on the articles by Zingmond et al. and Jennings et al. in this issue.
A novel technique in reducing sebum production and improving atrophic acne scars
Authors: Sirithanabadeekul Punyaphat , Leetrakulwanna Visanee , Suwanchinda Atchima
Published: June 2022

Objective

Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) has gained popularity for the treatment of acne scars, owing to favorable outcomes and short downtimes. This study aimed to investigate FMR use in reducing facial sebum production and treating acne scars.

Materials and Methods

This single‐center, prospective, evaluator‐blinded trial compared sebum production after three sessions of FMR (Fractora® 24‐pin coated tip) performed one‐month apart. Results were evaluated with a sebumeter (Cutometer®), sebaceous gland histology, and subjects' assessment. Acne scars were graded according to the Echelle d'Evaluation clinique des Cicatrices d'acné scale, Goodman and Baron's qualitative grading system, acne scar volume measurement, and subjects' assessments.

Results

Sebumeter results revealed a significantly decreased (p < 0.05) sebum production since the first treatment, sustained throughout the study period. Histological assessment showed decreased density and size of sebaceous glands. The mean acne scar volume decreased significantly, without a significant increase in the mean melanin levels.

Conclusion

Fractora® 24‐pin coated tip can be used as an alternative for patients with acne scars, who wish to concomitantly reduce their facial oiliness. A significant decrease in facial oiliness and acne scars' volume can be seen after a single treatment session, with up to 15.48% decrease in facial oil production.
Political tournaments and regional growth‐enhancing policies: Evidence from Chinese prefectures
Authors: Bai Yu , Li Yanjun
Published: June 2022

In a performance‐based promotion mechanism that rewards economic growth, we demonstrate how local governments' chiefs are incentivized to make policy decisions favored by upper‐level offices. Using annual data from prefectures in China, we find evidence that in response to a higher level of competition in the geographic cluster, local chiefs implement several growth‐enhancing policies. These include prioritizing investment in public infrastructure over redistributive spending and allocating additional resources in the core regions, relative to the cross‐jurisdictional borders. We also find that these policies lead to further regional growth. The results remain consistent even when we instrument the endogenous political replacements with the sudden death of chiefs, and when we use various measures for the effectiveness of chiefs. This evidence suggests that relative performance evaluation plays an essential role in the political system of China.
Evaluation of real‐life clinical outcomes in Australian youth with type 1 diabetes on hybrid closed‐loop therapy: A retrospective study
Authors: Vijayanand Sathyakala , Stevenson Paul G , Broad Elizabeth , Davis Elizabeth A , Taplin Craig E , Jones Timothy W , Abraham Mary B
Published: June 2022

Aim

To determine the clinical outcomes and evaluate the perspectives of children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parents managing their child on hybrid closed‐loop (HCL) therapy.

Methods

Children with T1D on HCL attending a tertiary diabetes centre between April 2019 and July 2021 were included. A retrospective analysis of glycaemic data was conducted to determine the clinical outcomes. Time spent in closed loop, time in target glucose range (TIR 3.9–10 mmol/L), hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months post‐HCL. User experience was assessed by questionnaires administered to parents of children with T1D.

Results

Seventy‐one children, mean (SD) age of 12.2 (3.2) years were commenced on HCL. Ten (14%) discontinued HCL use, with 60% discontinuing within the first 6 months. Glycaemic outcomes were analysed in 52 children. Time spent in closed loop was 78 (21) % at 4 weeks, declined to 69 (28) % at 3 months (P = 0.037) and 63 (34) % at 6 months (P = 0.001). The mean %TIR increased from 59.8 at baseline to 67.6 at 3 months and 65.6 at 6 months with a mean adjusted difference of 7.8% points [95% CI 3.6, 11.9] and 5.5% points [95% CI 1.4, 9.5], respectively. There was a reduction in time > 10 mmol/L and time < 3.9 mmol/L from baseline to 6 months. Although families faced challenges with technology, better glucose control with reduced glycaemic fluctuations were reported.

Conclusions

HCL therapy is associated with improved glycaemia; however, adequate support and education are required for best outcomes.
Population genetics of a lethally managed medium‐sized predator
Authors: Slater K. , de Jager D. , van Wyk A. M. , Dalton D. L. , Kropff A. S. , du Preez I.
Published: June 2022

Globally, levels of human–wildlife conflict are increasing as a direct consequence of the expansion of people into natural areas resulting in competition with wildlife for food and other resources. By being forced into increasingly smaller pockets of suitable habitat, many animal species are at risk of becoming susceptible to loss of genetic diversity, inbreeding depression and the associated inability to adapt to environmental changes. Predators are often lethally controlled due to their threat to livestock. Predators such as jackals (black backed, golden and side striped; Canis mesomelas, C. aureus and C. adustus, respectively), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (C. latrans) are highly adaptable and may respond to ongoing persecution through compensatory reproduction such as reproducing at a younger age, producing larger litters and/or compensatory immigration including dispersal into vacant territories. Despite decades of lethal management, jackals are problematic predators of livestock in South Africa and, although considered a temporary measure, culling of jackals is still common. Culling may affect social groups, kinship structure, reproductive strategies and sex‐biased dispersal in this species. Here, we investigated genetic structure, variation and relatedness of 178 culled jackals on private small‐livestock farms in the central Karoo of South Africa using 13 microsatellites. Genetic variation was moderate to high and was similar per year and per farm. An absence of genetic differentiation was observed based on STRUCTURE, principal component analysis and AMOVA. Relatedness was significantly higher within farms (r = 0.189) than between farms (r = 0.077), a result corroborated by spatial autocorrelation analysis. We documented 18 occurrences of dispersal events where full siblings were detected on different farms (range: 0.78–42.93 km). Distance between identified parent–offspring varied from 0 to 36.49 km. No evidence for sex‐biased dispersal was found. Our results suggest that in response to ongoing lethal management, this population is most likely able to maintain genetic diversity through physiological and behavioural compensation mechanisms.
Validation of an instrument assessing certified nurse–midwives' attitudes toward breastsleeping
Authors: Bishop‐Royse Jessica , Mueller Wiesemann Lucy , Simonovich Shannon D.
Published: June 2022

To date, attitudes toward breastsleeping among certified nurse–midwives caring for postpartum women are not well known. This study describes the validation procedures of two instruments assessing the attitudes of certified nurse–midwives toward breastsleeping. These tools were validated using an 18‐item survey administered to a convenience sample of certified nurse‐midwives. Participating certified nurse‐midwives were recruited for anonymous participation in an online survey in September–November 2019. Factor analysis and parallel analysis each revealed a two‐factor solution, suggesting that there were two main concepts representing the attitudes of certified nurse‐midwives toward breastsleeping: breastsleeping safety and breastfeeding experience. Statistically significant differences for mean breastsleeping safety scores were noted by age group, place of practice, and United States' geographical region.
Is bolus or continuous enteral feeding better in critically ill children: An evidence‐based review
Authors: Littler Hayley , Tume Lyvonne N.
Published: June 2022

Inadequate nutrition can lead to increased morbidity and mortality for mechanically ventilated children in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Enteral feeding can either be delivered by gravity bolus (intermittent) feeding or continuously via a pump and in UK PICUs variable practice exists. This evidence‐based review therefore aimed to examine the evidence surrounding the two feeding methods for ventilated children, to determine whether one provides better enteral nutrition. Four papers were included, three randomized controlled trials and a systematic review, which provide conflicting evidence. There is some suggestion that bolus feeding may be superior in medical children on PICU to achieve their energy and protein goals faster, however, the clinical significance of the results is questionable and further research is needed to identify whether one method of feeding can impact on patient outcomes.
A group of CLE peptides regulates de novo shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kang Jingke , Wang Xuening , Ishida Takashi , Grienenberger Etienne , Zheng Qian , Wang Jing , Zhang Yonghong , Chen Wenqiang , Chen Mengmeng , Song Xiu‐Fen , Wu Chengyun , Hu Zhubing , Jia Lingyu , Li Chen , Liu Chun‐Ming , Fletcher Jennifer C. , Sawa Shinichiro , Wang Guodong
Published: June 2022

Known for their regulatory roles in stem cell homeostasis, CLAVATA3/ESR‐RELATED (CLE) peptides also function as mediators of external stimuli such as hormones. De novo shoot regeneration, representing the remarkable plant cellular plasticity, involves reconstitution of stem cells under control of stem‐cell regulators. Yet whether and how stem cell‐regulating CLE peptides are implicated in plant regeneration remains unknown.

By CRISPR/Cas9‐induced loss‐of‐function studies, peptide application, precursor overexpression, and expression analyses, the role of CLE1–CLE7 peptides and their receptors in de novo shoot regeneration was studied in Arabidopsis thaliana.

CLE1–CLE7 are induced by callus‐induction medium and dynamically expressed in pluripotent callus. Exogenously‐applied CLE1–CLE7 peptides or precursor overexpression effectively leads to shoot regeneration suppression, whereas their simultaneous mutation results in enhanced regenerative capacity, demonstrating that CLE1–CLE7 peptides redundantly function as negative regulators of de novo shoot regeneration. CLE1–CLE7‐mediated shoot regeneration suppression is impaired in loss‐of‐function mutants of callus‐expressed CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and BARELY ANY MERISTEM1 (BAM1) genes, indicating that CLV1/BAM1 are required for CLE1–CLE7‐mediated shoot regeneration signaling. CLE1–CLE7 signaling resulted in transcriptional repression of WUSCHEL (WUS), a stem cell‐promoting transcription factor known as a principal regulator of plant regeneration.

Our results indicate that functionally‐redundant CLE1–CLE7 peptides genetically act through CLV1/BAM1 receptors and repress WUS expression to modulate shoot‐regeneration capacity, establishing the mechanistic basis for CLE1–CLE7‐mediated shoot regeneration and a novel role for CLE peptides in hormone‐dependent developmental plasticity.
miR156‐independent repression of the ageing pathway by longevity‐promoting AHL proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rahimi Arezoo , Karami Omid , Balazadeh Salma , Offringa Remko
Published: June 2022

Plants age by developmental phase changes. In Arabidopsis, the juvenile to adult vegetative phase change (VPC) is marked by clear heteroblastic changes in leaves. VPC and the subsequent vegetative to reproductive phase change are promoted by SQUAMOSA PROMOTOR BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE (SPL) transcription factors and repressed by miR156/157 targeting SPL transcripts.

By genetic, phenotypic, and gene expression analyses, we studied the role of the longevity‐promoting AT‐HOOK MOTIF NUCLEAR LOCALIZED 15 (AHL15) and family members in SPL‐driven plant ageing.

Arabidopsis ahl loss‐of‐function mutants showed accelerated VPC and flowering, whereas AHL15 overexpression delayed these phase changes. Expression analysis and tissue‐specific AHL15 overexpression revealed that AHL15 affects VPC and flowering time directly through its expression in the shoot apical meristem and young leaves, and that AHL15 represses SPL2/9/13/15 gene expression in a miR156/157‐independent manner. The juvenile traits of spl loss‐of‐function mutants appeared to depend on enhanced expression of the AHL15 gene, whereas SPL activity prevented vegetative growth from axillary meristem by repressing AHL15 expression.

Our results place AHL15 and close family members together with SPLs in a reciprocal regulatory feedback loop that modulates VPC, flowering time, and axillary meristem development in response to both internal and external signals.
MYC transcription factors coordinate tryptophan‐dependent defence responses and compromise seed yield in Arabidopsis
Authors: Guo Qiang , Major Ian T. , Kapali George , Howe Gregg A.
Published: June 2022

Robust plant immunity negatively affects other fitness traits, including growth and seed production. Jasmonate (JA) confers broad‐spectrum protection against plant consumers by stimulating the degradation of JASMONATE ZIM‐DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins, which in turn relieves repression on transcription factors (TFs) coincident with reduced growth and fecundity. The molecular mechanisms underlying JA‐mediated decreases in fitness remain largely unknown.

To assess the contribution of MYC TFs to growth and reproductive fitness at high levels of defence, we mutated three MYC genes in a JAZ‐deficient mutant (jazD) of Arabidopsis thaliana that exhibits strong defence and low seed yield.

Genetic epistasis analysis showed that de‐repression of MYC TFs in jazD not only conferred strong resistance to insect herbivory but also reduced shoot and root growth, fruit size and seed yield. We also provided evidence that the JAZ–MYC module coordinates the supply of tryptophan with the production of indole glucosinolates and the proliferation of endoplasmic reticulum bodies that metabolise glucosinolates through the action of β‐glucosidases.

Our results establish MYCs as major regulators of growth‐ and reproductive–defence trade‐offs and further indicate that these factors coordinate tryptophan availability with the production of amino acid‐derived defence compounds.
The importance of the motor system in the development of music‐based forms of auditory rehabilitation
Authors: Zendel Benjamin Rich
Published: June 2022

Hearing abilities decline with age, and one of the most commonly reported hearing issues in older adults is a difficulty understanding speech when there is loud background noise. Understanding speech in noise relies on numerous cognitive processes, including working memory, and is supported by numerous brain regions, including the motor and motor planning systems. Indeed, many working memory processes are supported by motor and premotor cortical regions. Interestingly, lifelong musicians and nonmusicians given music training over the course of weeks or months show an improved ability to understand speech when there is loud background noise. These benefits are associated with enhanced working memory abilities, and enhanced activity in motor and premotor cortical regions. Accordingly, it is likely that music training improves the coupling between the auditory and motor systems and promotes plasticity in these regions and regions that feed into auditory/motor areas. This leads to an enhanced ability to dynamically process incoming acoustic information, and is likely the reason that musicians and those who receive laboratory‐based music training are better able to understand speech when there is background noise. Critically, these findings suggest that music‐based forms of auditory rehabilitation are possible and should focus on tasks that promote auditory–motor interactions.
Standard volume infusion unmasked diastolic dysfunction in pediatric heart transplant recipients during surveillance cardiac catheterization, but without echocardiographic correlates
Authors: Biddix Ben , Hainstock Michael , Vergales Jeffrey , Shorofsky Michael , Conaway Mark , Mutters Tracey , McCulloch Michael A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Adult experience evaluating left ventricular diastolic function (LVDFx) includes volume administration during catheterization while obtaining pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) or left ventricular end diastolic pressures (LVEDP). Catheterization is inherently challenging in pediatric patients, making echocardiographic assessment ideal. Pediatric echocardiographic studies predicting LVDFx have variable hemodynamic and hydration conditions and have produced inconsistent results. We evaluated the association between simultaneous echocardiographic and catheterization assessment of LVDFx, using a fluid bolus for optimal loading conditions.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of pediatric heart transplant recipients receiving echocardiogram simultaneous with routine cardiac catheterization. Mitral valve inflow velocities, septal and lateral wall tissue Doppler indices, and PCWP and/or LVEDP were obtained and repeated following a 10 ml/kg bolus. Echocardiographic parameters were evaluated for an association with changes in PCWP or LVEDP following the bolus. Abnormal LVDFx was defined as PCWP or LVEDP ≥12 mm Hg.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients underwent catheterization. Median pre‐bolus PCWP and LVEDP were 11.0 mm Hg and 10.0 mm Hg, respectively. After bolus, median PCWP and LVEDP increased to 14.0 mm Hg (p < .001) and 13 mm Hg (p < .001), respectively. Of 21 patients with normal pre‐bolus catheterization hemodynamics, 14 (66.7%) increased to abnormal following fluid bolus. Using area under an ROC, no echocardiographic parameter of LVDFx, or their ratios, were associated with predetermined abnormal LVEDP and/or PCWP.

Conclusion

After bolus, our cohort demonstrated significant increases in LVEDP and/or PCWP, unmasking diastolic dysfunction. Fluid challenges should be considered in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization with suspected diastolic dysfunction. Echocardiographic measurements were unable to discriminate between normal and abnormal LVEDP and/or PCWP.
Use of antimicrobials in Chilean Salmon farming: Facts, myths and perspectives
Authors: Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben , Mancilla Marcos , Miranda Claudio D.
Published: June 2022

Chile is the second largest producer of salmon (only behind Norway), and high amounts of antimicrobials are used during the marine stage, mainly florfenicol. Intensive antimicrobials use is a relevant concern, prompting the urgent need for use reduction and advancements towards more restricted, efficient application. This review describes the historic and current use of antimicrobials in Chilean salmonid farming. Further covered is the experimental evidence reported to date, thus providing a clearer understanding for the pathogenic nature of Piscirickettsia salmonis—the most important bacterial pathogen and the main target of antimicrobials used in the Chilean industry. This review also assesses research exploring the impacts of antimicrobial treatment on the environment, as well as investigations on the antibiotic susceptibility of salmonid pathogens. This review of the scientific literature contributes to a more unbiased appraisal of the current situation in Chile. Unfortunately, various previous reports dealing with/on the antimicrobial use in the Chilean salmon farming industry have been arrived to insufficiently supported conclusions, thus the present review aims to clarify outdated or poorly substantiated information and assumptions in existing literature. The consequences of antimicrobials in fish farming are covered by this review, which is particularly relevant considering potential impacts on aquatic environments. Focus is given to the selection and spread of drug‐resistant bacteria and associated resistance‐encoding genes. Finally, herein are provided several recommendations from a One Health perspective for decreasing amounts of used antimicrobials, effectively controlling primary bacterial fish pathogens, developing proper prevention strategies and reducing the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.