bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual Growth and Reproduction
Authors: Gurevitch Jessica , Scheiner Samuel M. , Fox Gordon A.
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores the critical components of the growth and reproduction of individuals and plants. It analyzes the movements of pollen, seeds, and fruits, and their importance for initiating spatial patterns in plant populations. The chapter then investigates how these traits evolve under the influence of natural selection, then presents the ecological consequences of variation in these traits in terms of population spread, speciation, and the ability of plant species to invade new environments. The chapter also asks if genetically engineered crops present a danger to their wild relatives. Next, the chapter discusses the within-plant level of anatomy and physiology. It then considers growth and reproduction at the level of the whole plant and of plant populations.
Plant Life Histories
Authors: Gurevitch Jessica , Scheiner Samuel M. , Fox Gordon A.
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the life cycle patterns of plant species. It focuses on the plant's schedule of birth, mortality, and growth, called life history. As the chapter reveals, there is tremendous variation in life history patterns. Some of that variation is due to factors internal to a plant: how it grows and develops; other variation is due to external factors: patterns of seasonality, water availability, and so forth. The chapter looks at that variation and its causes. It elaborates on the schedules of birth, mortality, and growth over a plant's life-span and the causes and consequences of variation in those schedules. For example, the implications of being perennial plants versus being annual plants. The chapter also examines phenology, the timing of growth and reproduction within a year. Variation in plant life histories has evolved over time, and this variation has important consequences for population dynamics.
Evolution: Processes and Change
Authors: Gurevitch Jessica , Scheiner Samuel M. , Fox Gordon A.
Published: September 2023

This chapter explicates the process of evolution by natural selection. Through this process, just a few simple consequences of biology and natural laws have resulted in the vast diversity of life. The chapter emphasizes that all of the species that make up ecological communities arose through evolution, and ecological processes provide the context for that evolution. The chapter then presents some examples of the results of natural selection. It discusses the reasoning behind the conclusions concerning the shaping of the trait by natural selection. Natural selection is only one of the factors that cause evolutionary change. Other processes may act in concert with natural selection, or they may act against it, or they may act independently of it. It then outlines the four processes which can produce results that might at first be assumed to be the outcome of natural selection: mutation, migration, genetic drift, and nonrandom mating.
Global Biodiversity Patterns, Loss, and Conservation
Authors: Gurevitch Jessica , Scheiner Samuel M. , Fox Gordon A.
Published: September 2023

This chapter reviews the global and regional patterns of diversity and the explanations that have been proposed for those patterns. Some of these hypotheses have now been ruled out, others explain observed patterns (at least in part), and still others are being debated vigorously by ecologists. The chapter also looks at species loss. Human activities have resulted in a high rate of extinctions of species of all kinds. While we are more likely to hear about the extinction of birds or mammals, we are also losing plants many times faster than would occur without human activities. The chapter takes a look at critical questions like: where are species being lost most rapidly? What can we do about it, and what is being done? In order to preserve biodiversity, the chapter aims to understand the existing patterns of diversity and the processes that sustain those patterns.
The Case for Interfaces in International Relations
Authors: Maia Pedro
Published: September 2023

This article aims at expanding current debates on technology in international relations (IR) by pointing toward an underexplored actor: the interface. The interface is a zone of contact, experience, and communication between users and computer technology. Although part of many engagements with world politics—e.g., security software and market analytics dashboards—interfaces remain underexplored in the discipline. This work first introduces what are interfaces and then presents two ways in which they matter for the discipline of IR by using the Frontex Joint Operations Reporting Application as an example. First, interfaces are a relevant—although not yet systemically analyzed—place to explore how politics is performed and staged, since their fluidity allows for different engagements with political matters and leads to multifaceted political formations. Second, interfaces introduce a distinct topology of governance. One of neither centralization nor decentralization—as pointed out by recent debates on political governance—but rather centralization and decentralization. In the conclusion, I introduce questions and concerns that could move the research of interfaces in IR forward.
Identifying Students’ Group Work Problems: Design and Field Studies of a Supportive Peer Assessment
Authors: Saccardi Isabella , Veth Danny , Masthoff Judith
Published: September 2023

Group projects are part of the core educational experience in higher education, but many students report bad experiences with them, characterized by negative emotions and group problems. Group problems may undermine learning and cause stress and frustration. This may be prevented by monitoring and supporting groups, but this is often not feasible for teachers, who lack time and resources. This research aims to find a method for early identification of group work problems via computer-supported assessment. First, interviews and focus groups provided insights into the most common group problems and which visual features students preferred in a peer assessment. Next, two assessment versions were created: a simple, time-efficient version, and a more engaging, interactive one. We also created an initial version of E-Mate, a virtual agent that provides feedback on the assessment. These were tested in a field study. Most students reported a positive experience with the peer assessment, regardless of the version used. Teachers were also positive about its usefulness. Based on the feedback received, new features were added to the peer assessment survey and the E-Mate was redesigned; this new version was tested in a second field study. The results are in line with the previous field study and confirm the positive reception and usefulness of the survey, supporting the use of five attributes to evaluate group collaboration and the usage of a peer assessment survey to assess group work.
Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on plasma and follicular fluid resolvin D1 concentration and mRNA abundance in granulosa cells in ewes
Authors: Carranza-Martin Ana C , Garcia-Guerra Alvaro , Relling Alejandro E
Published: September 2023

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of increasing dietary omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on plasma and follicular fluid resolvin D1 (RvD1) concentration and the mRNA expression of genes related to RvD1 production, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, hormone receptors and production, and free fatty acid receptors in the granulosa cells of ewes. Dorset × Hampshire ewes (n = 24) aged 2 to 4 yr and with an initial body weight (BW) of 84.08 ± 13.18 kg were blocked by body condition score (BCS) and BW, and randomly assigned to 12 pens. Each pen within each block was randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) diet without fatty acid supplementation (control), 2) diet with 0.5% n-3 PUFA supplementation (PUFA0.5), and 3) diet with 1% n-3 PUFA supplementation (PUFA1). BW, BCS, and blood samples were obtained on day 1 and every 21 d for 3 mo. Ewes were then synchronized, superstimulated, and ovariectomized. Antral follicles were aspirated to evaluate RvD1 concentration in follicular fluid, and granulosa cells were used to determine mRNA abundance. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using a mixed model (MIXED or GLIMMIX with log as a link function when data presented a nonnormal distribution). A polynomial effect of treatments was used to analyze RvD1 concentration and mRNA expression when there was no interaction. In addition, the correlation between plasma and follicular fluid RvD1 concentration was evaluated. We found no differences in BW (P = 0.28) and BCS (P = 0.29) between treatments. The concentration of RvD1 in plasma and follicular fluid linearly increased (P = 0.03) and tended to increase (P = 0.06) concomitantly to increasing PUFA supplementation. Plasma and follicular fluid RvD1 concentrations were positively correlated (r = 0.61; P < 0.01). The abundance of GPX1 and GPR32 mRNA tended to increase linearly with increasing PUFA supplementation (P = 0.06). In addition, PUFA supplementation linearly decreased and tended to decrease IL-1β and COX-2 mRNA abundance (P = 0.01 and P = 0.06, respectively). In conclusion, the correlation between plasma and follicular fluid RvD1 concentration indicates a relationship between both compartments. Also, the decrease of IL-1β and the increase of GPX1 mRNA abundance after PUFA supplementation could have beneficial effects on follicle development.
A three-state mechanism for trifluoroethanol denaturation of an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP)
Authors: Hossain Mujahid , Huda Noorul , Bhuyan Abani K
Published: September 2023

Relating the amino acid composition and sequence to chain folding and binding preferences of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) has emerged as a huge challenge. While globular proteins have respective 3D structures that are unique to their individual functions, IDPs violate this structure–function paradigm because rather than having a well-defined structure an ensemble of rapidly interconverting disordered structures characterize an IDP. This work measures 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE)-induced equilibrium transitions of an IDP called AtPP16-1 (Arabidopsis thaliana phloem protein type 16-1) by using fluorescence, circular dichroism, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods at pH 4, 298 K. Low TFE reversibly removes the tertiary structure to produce an ensemble of obligate intermediate ($\mathrm{I}$) retaining the native-state ($\mathrm{N}$) secondary structure. The intermediate $\mathrm{I}$ is preceded by a non-obligate tryptophan-specific intermediate ${\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{w}}$ whose population is detectable for AtPP16-1 specifically. Accumulation of such non-obligate intermediates is discriminated according to the sequence composition of the protein. In all cases, however, a tertiary structure-unfolded general obligate intermediate $\mathrm{I}$ is indispensable. The $\mathrm{I}$ ensemble has higher helical propensity conducive to the acquisition of an exceedingly large level of α-helices by a reversible denaturation transition of $\mathrm{I}$ to the denatured state $\mathrm{D}$ as the TFE level is increased. Strikingly, it is the same $\mathrm{N}\rightleftharpoons \mathrm{I}\rightleftharpoons \mathrm{D}$ scheme typifying the TFE transitions of globular proteins. The high-energy state $\mathrm{I}$ characterized by increased helical propensity is called a universal intermediate encountered in both genera of globular and disordered proteins. Neither $\mathrm{I}$ nor $\mathrm{D}$ strictly show molten globule (MG)-like properties, dismissing the belief that TFE promotes MGs.
Fertility of immigrants and their descendants in Spain: intergenerational convergence to the native population’s behaviour?
Authors: García-Gómez Jesús , Del Rey Alberto , Stanek Mikolaj
Published: September 2023

We study the fertility patterns of first, 1.5, and second-generation immigrants in Spain, analysing a database linking the 2012–15 birth registers to the 2011 census. While first-generation Latin American immigrants have a lower fertility level than the native population, the 1.5 generation arriving between the ages of 9 and 17 years have a higher level. Both the 1.5 generation arriving younger than 9 years and the second generation closely follow the native population’s fertility level. The first and 1.5 generations of Maghrebi immigrants have a much higher fertility level than the native population, and the second generation maintains a slightly higher level. The impact that age, labour market participation, and educational attainment have on the second generation’s level is closer to the Spanish population than among the first generation. Selection and disruption hypotheses help to explain the fertility of Latin American immigrants, while socialization and interrelation of events hypotheses do so for Maghrebi immigrants.
Application of neutron imaging in observing various states of matter inside lithium batteries
Authors: Gao Lei , Han Songbai , Ni Haijin , Zhu Jinlong , Wang Liping , Gao Song , Wang Yonggang , Huang Dubin , Zhao Yusheng , Zou Ruqiang
Published: September 2023

Lithium batteries have been essential technologies and become an integral part of our daily lives, powering a range of devices from phones to electric vehicles. To fully understand and optimize the performance of lithium batteries, it is necessary to investigate their internal states and processes through various characterization methods. Neutron imaging has been an indispensable complementary characterization technique to X-ray imaging or electron microscopy because of the unique interaction principle between neutrons and matter. It provides particular insights into the various states of matter inside lithium batteries, including the Li+ concentration in solid electrodes, the Li plating/stripping behavior of Li-metal anodes, the Li+ diffusion in solid ionic conductors, the distribution of liquid electrolytes and the generation of gases. This review aims to highlight the capabilities and advantages of neutron imaging in characterizing lithium batteries, as well as its current state of application in this field. Additionally, we discuss the potential of neutron imaging to contribute to the ongoing development of advanced batteries through its ability to visualize internal evolution.
Organic carbon cycling and black shale deposition: an Earth System Science perspective
Authors: Jin Zhijun , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Huajian , Ye Yuntao , Zhang Shuichang
Published: September 2023

Earth has a prolonged history characterized by substantial cycling of matter and energy between multiple spheres. The production of organic carbon can be traced back to as early as ∼4.0 Ga, but the frequency and scale of organic-rich shales have varied markedly over geological time. In this paper, we discuss the organic carbon cycle and the development of black shale from the perspective of Earth System Science. We propose that black shale depositions are the results of interactions among lithospheric evolution, orbital forcing, weathering, photosynthesis and degradation. Black shales can record Earth's oxygenation process, provide petroleum and metallic mineral resources and reveal information about the driver, direction and magnitude of climate change. Future research on black shales should be expanded to encompass a more extensive and more multidimensional perspective.
Persistent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pneumonia in Patients Treated With Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Furie Nadav , Mandelboim Michal , Zuckerman Neta , Belkin Ana , Seluk Lior , Shafran Inbal , Mass Ronen , Levy Liran , Chatterji Sumit , Baltaxe Erik , Peled Michael , Shulimzon Tiberiu , Avigdor Abraham , Amit Sharon , Onn Amir , Marom Edith M , Rahav Galia , Segel Michael J
Published: September 2023

We report 8 cases of persistent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia in patients previously treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 was negative in most cases; viral cell cultures confirmed that viable SARS-Co-2 virus was present. Four patients were treated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune globulins with rapid resolution of disease.
Riding the COVID-19 Wave? Issue Attention during the Pandemic
Authors: Tornafoch-Chirveches Queralt
Published: September 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic altered the political agendas and the existing agenda-setting processes of nations worldwide. While in times of crisis, incumbent parties cannot ignore problems and be purely strategic agenda setters, non-incumbent parties can be more selective and strategise the attention they devote to certain political issues. Based on an analysis of 1507 parliamentary questions posed by the parties in the multi-party parliament of Denmark before and during the first COVID-19 wave (March–June 2020), the present article aims at determining what explains issue emphasis during the crisis. During the first stages of the COVID-19 crisis, parties from both the right and the left of the political spectrum rather than emphasising only issues they ‘own’, devoted special attention to the most salient issues, including those connected to the pandemic. These findings have important implications for political responsiveness in times of crisis.
Ockham on Memory and the Metaphysics of Human Persons
Authors: Brower Toland Susan
Published: September 2023

This paper explores William Ockham's account of memory with a view to understanding its implications for his account of the nature and persistence of human beings. I show that Ockham holds a view according to which memory (i) is a type of self-knowledge and (ii) entails the existence of an enduring psychological subject. This is significant when taken in conjunction with his account of the afterlife. For, Ockham holds that during the interim state—namely, after bodily death, but prior to bodily resurrection—we retain and recall our embodied experiences. This entails that the subject of our embodied psychological states can survive in a disembodied state and continue to engage in characteristic rational activities—a claim that appears to run against Ockham's own commitment to a hylomorphic conception of human beings (as essentially material). A central aim of this paper is to explore the prospects for reconciling Ockham's account of interim memory with his account of human beings.
‘It’s a fragile open door’—enhancing COVID-19 vaccination rates in people receiving treatment for substance use disorder
Authors: Murnion Bridin , Carland Jane E , Jefferies Meryem , Au Michael , Tracy Marguerite
Published: September 2023

Background

People with substance use disorder are at high risk of harms from COVID-19 infection. Vaccine hesitancy is common in this population and compounds pre-existing barriers to accessing health care. A drug and alcohol service in Sydney, Australia introduced strategies to enhance COVID-19 vaccination in people receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT). We report vaccination outcomes and staff experiences of this.

Methods

This mixed methods study (i) retrospectively evaluated vaccine uptake in people accessing OAT and (ii) explored perceptions of staff who delivered vaccination interventions through surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Results

Of the 984 patients receiving OAT on 9 December 2021, 90.9% had received the first COVID-19 vaccination and 86.7% the second. Australia wide vaccination rates on that date were 93.1% and 88.7% for first and second doses, respectively. Staff commented that having a deep knowledge, understanding and connection with the patient group drove implementation and success of vaccination interventions. This was further supported by staff engagement with the vaccination interventions, and communication and sharing information, both between staff and with patients.

Conclusion

High rates of COVID-19 vaccination can be achieved in a vulnerable population. Engaged staff providing information and facilitating access to healthcare underpin this success.
Decision-making method for high-speed rail early warning system in complex earthquake situations
Authors: Tan Minjia , Hu Qizhou , Wu Yikai , Lin Juanjuan , Fang Xin
Published: September 2023

To address the shortcomings in decision-making methods for ground motion threshold warning models in high-speed rail earthquake early warning systems (HSREEWs), we propose a dual judgement method and corresponding early warning process for earthquake early warning decisions based on joint peak ground acceleration (PGA) and complex earthquake environmental risk evaluation (ERE) values. First, we analyse the characteristics of four complex earthquake environments based on the characteristics of high-speed rail (HSR) operating environments. Second, we establish an earthquake environmental risk evaluation index system and propose an adversarial interpretive structure modelling method-based complex earthquake situation evaluation model (AISM-based ESEM). The AISM method firstly evaluates the proximity by the TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution) method, then effectively rank targets with fuzzy attributes through opposite hierarchical extraction rules without sacrificing system functionality. Since PGA can reflect the current size of earthquake energy, combining PGA thresholds with ESEM-derived values of ERE can effectively determine the risk status of each train and make decisions on the most appropriate alarm form and control measures for that status. Finally, case analysis results under the background of Wenchuan Earthquake show that the new early warning decision-making method accurately assesses environmental risks in affected areas and provides corresponding warning levels as a supplement to existing HSREEWs warning models.
Phyllosphere, Front and Center: Focus on a Formerly ‘Ecologically Neglected’ Microbial Milieu
Authors: Leveau Johan H. J. , Beattie Gwyn A. , Lindow Steven E. , Mahaffee Walter F.
Published: September 2023

The phyllosphere encompasses leaves and other aerial tissues of plants, which together provide diverse habitats for micro- and macro-organisms. In this editorial for the Phytobiomes Journal Focus Issue on the Phyllosphere, we celebrate the tremendous growth and impact of phyllosphere science as a discipline by introducing and providing context for 14 articles by nearly 100 authors from over 40 institutions. These articles collectively highlight the current status of the field and offer ideas for future directions. They explore topics related to phyllosphere biodiversity, community assembly and dynamics, and the adaptive capacity of species, populations, and communities on leaf surfaces and other phyllosphere compartments. The articles also delve into the multipartite relationships that phyllosphere colonizers have with each other and with their host, and issues of global concern such as food security, food safety, and climate change. This collection of work illustrates the international, transdisciplinary and collaborative nature of phyllosphere science, the challenges that the discipline faces, and the importance of recruiting and training the next generation of phyllosphere scientists.
A missense mutation in zinc finger homeobox‐3 (ZFHX3) impedes growth and alters metabolism and hypothalamic gene expression in mice
Authors: Nolan Patrick M. , Banks Gareth , Bourbia Nora , Wilcox Ashleigh G. , Bentley Liz , Moir Lee , Kent Lee , Hillier Rosie , Wilson Dana , Barrett Perry , Dumbell Rebecca
Published: September 2023

A protein altering variant in the gene encoding zinc finger homeobox‐3 (ZFHX3) has recently been associated with lower BMI in a human genome‐wide association study. We investigated metabolic parameters in mice harboring a missense mutation in Zfhx3 (Zfhx3Sci/+) and looked for altered in situ expression of transcripts that are associated with energy balance in the hypothalamus to understand how ZFHX3 may influence growth and metabolic effects. One‐year‐old male and female Zfhx3Sci/+ mice weighed less, had shorter body length, lower fat mass, smaller mesenteric fat depots, and lower circulating insulin, leptin, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF1) concentrations than Zfhx3+/+ littermates. In a second cohort of 9–20‐week‐old males and females, Zfhx3Sci/+ mice ate less than wildtype controls, in proportion to body weight. In a third cohort of female‐only Zfhx3Sci/+ and Zfhx3+/+ mice that underwent metabolic phenotyping from 6 to 14 weeks old, Zfhx3Sci/+ mice weighed less and had lower lean mass and energy expenditure, but fat mass did not differ. We detected increased expression of somatostatin and decreased expression of growth hormone‐releasing hormone and growth hormone‐receptor mRNAs in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Similarly, ARC expression of orexigenic neuropeptide Y was decreased and ventricular ependymal expression of orphan G protein‐coupled receptor Gpr50 was decreased. We demonstrate for the first time an energy balance effect of the Zfhx3Sci mutation, likely by altering expression of key ARC neuropeptides to alter growth, food intake, and energy expenditure.
Management of limb length discrepancy after bone sarcoma resection about the knee in the skeletally immature
Authors: Kelly Sean P. , Ramkumar Dipak B. , Crawford Brooke , Lozano-Calderon Santiago A. , Gebhardt Mark C. , Anderson Megan E.
Published: September 2023

Patients with bone sarcomas increasingly choose limb salvage. This can lead to issues with limb length discrepancy (LLD) for the skeletally immature. We synthesize management options into an algorithm and report our results. Patients with bone sarcomas involving any location from the femoral diaphysis to the tibial diaphysis 12 years or younger were reviewed. Our clinical pathway prescribed patients with metadiaphyseal lesions to intercalary allograft reconstruction, epiphyseal lesions and less than 5 cm expected LLD to osteoarticular allograft and patients with more than 5 cm expected LLD to extendable prosthesis. Twenty patients met inclusion criteria: 11 with osteoarticular allografts, 5 with extendable prostheses and 4 with intercalary allografts; median age 11.5 years; median follow-up 8.2 years; and final median LLD 1.6 cm. Five patients had contralateral epiphysiodesis, two patients underwent contralateral femoral shortening and a median of 6 (range 4–8) lengthenings were performed for extendable prostheses. Four patients had residual LLD over 3 cm. There were 13 revisions in 8 patients and 2 amputations. Limb-salvage in paediatric bone sarcoma of the knee can be managed with multiple techniques producing satisfactory results in regards to LLD. Careful pre-operative planning and shared decision making is a requisite given the high rate of secondary procedures for both LLD and reconstructive failures. Level of evidence: Level III Retrospective Comparative Study.
Control groups for HIV prevention efficacy trials: what does the future hold?
Authors: Janes Holly , Buchbinder Susan
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

Ending the HIV epidemic will require the development of additional effective immune-mediated and nonimmune-mediated means of HIV prevention. Evaluating novel interventions requires large, controlled trials demonstrating efficacy. Recent advances in the field of HIV prevention necessitate new approaches to efficacy trial design.

Recent findings

Three classes of efficacy trial designs are possible: standard of prevention-controlled trials, active-controlled trials, and active-controlled trials augmented with external control data. Recent experience with these approaches provides lessons on considerations around and success of the designs. Additional experience and development is needed for the augmented active-controlled trial design.

Efficacy trials of new HIV prevention interventions are feasible but require careful consideration, given the complexity and dynamic state of the prevention field. While standard of prevention-controlled efficacy trials are reasonable approaches for HIV vaccine and monoclonal antibody efficacy trials, trials of new antiretroviral agents may require active-controlled designs.
The Suitability of a Large Particle Hyaluronic Acid Filler for the Treatment of Temporal Hollowing
Authors: Nikolis Andreas , Enright Kaitlyn M. , Nguyen Quynh , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers may be manufactured to have distinctive physical properties that optimize their use for specific indications. Fillers manufactured with large gel calibration (particle size; HA-V) may be particularly suitable for volumizing large surface areas such as the temporal hollows.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of HA-V for the treatment of temporal hollows.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, open-label, single-cohort, clinical trial was conducted. Twenty-six women who presented with bilateral temporal hollows at baseline were recruited. All subjects received treatment with HA-V and were observed at 4 to 5 in-person visits over 16 weeks. Subjective and objective measures of safety and efficacy parameters were collected through 2- and 3-dimensional imagery, questionnaires/scales (i.e., subject satisfaction, global aesthetic improvement, temporal hollowing severity), and adverse event diaries.

RESULTS

To achieve optimal correction, the investigator used an average of 1.70 syringes per subject, per side. All treatments were performed using a bolus injection technique to place the product on the periosteum (bone) of the temporal region. Following optimal correction, all subjects (100%) displayed improvement in their global aesthetic appearance, and 25 of 26 subjects (96.15%) displayed ≥1 grade improvement on the temporal volume scale. Subject satisfaction was high, with 91.3% of subjects being satisfied with the appearance of their temporal regions following optimal correction.

CONCLUSION

In this pivotal trial, HA-V was evidenced to have an excellent safety profile and proven efficacy up to 16 weeks, making it a suitable HA filler for volumization of the temporal region.
Outcomes of Upper Lip Mohs Surgery Repairs Using Standardized Scar Scales With Particular Emphasis on Vermillion Border Involvement
Authors: Kromer Courtney M. , Jefferson Julie , Crowe David , Knackstedt Thomas
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The lips are a common location for skin cancer, and thus, a common site for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). As an important cosmetic and functional facial unit, MMS defects and reconstruction can affect patient perception on functional and aesthetic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare aesthetic and functional outcomes after upper lip MMS between patients with vermillion sparing repairs (VSR) versus vermillion crossing repairs (VCR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients from a single institution from 2018 to 2022 undergoing MMS of the upper lip with linear or select flap repairs were included. Patients were assessed at a minimum of 6-week follow-up for self-assessment of functional and cosmetic outcomes, as well as physician assessment of scar cosmesis using validated Patient and Observed Scar Assessment Scale and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating scale. The results were compared between VSR and VCR groups.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were included in this study. No significant difference between patient assessment of functional and cosmetic outcome was identified between VSR and VCR.

CONCLUSION

Patient satisfaction with lip reconstruction can be high. Crossing the vermillion border does not affect patient assessment of aesthetic and functional results and should be considered if needed to optimize reconstructive outcomes.
Moderate LMWH Anticoagulation Improves Success Rate of Hind Limb Allotransplantation in Mice
Authors: Kern Barbara , Ashraf Muhammad-Imtiaz , Reutzel-Selke Anja , Mengwasser Joerg , Polenz Dietrich , Michaelis Edward , Pratschke Johann , Tullius Stefan G. , Witzel Christian , Sauer Igor M.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The mouse hind limb model represents a powerful research tool in vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation, but its applicability is limited due to poor graft survival (62%–83%). Vascular thrombosis and massive hemorrhage are the major causes for these drop-outs. We hypothesize that because of better anticoagulation effect and lower risk of thrombocytopenia, application of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) will minimize vascular complications and enhance graft and animal survival.

Methods:

Fifty allogeneic hind limb transplantations were performed (C57BL/6 to DBA/2 mice) using five different anticoagulation protocols. Bleeding and thromboembolic events were recorded macroscopically by postoperative hemorrhage and livid discoloration of the graft, respectively. Graft perfusion and survival were monitored daily by capillary-refill-time of graft toes within 2–3 seconds. Vascular congestion and tissue necrosis were examined by histological evaluation of hematoxylin-eosin-stained tissue sections.

Results:

All transplantations were technically successful. Increase in thromboembolic events and a concomitant decrease in bleeding events were observed with the decreasing concentration of heparin in the perfusion solution. Although treatment of donor and recipient with low dose of LMWH could not reduce thromboembolic events, moderate dose effectively reduced these events. Compared with the poor outcome of graft perfusion with heparin alone, additional treatment of donor and recipient with low dose of LMWH improved graft and animal survival by 18%. Interestingly, animals treated with moderate dose of LMWH demonstrated 100% graft and animal survival.

Conclusions:

Treatment of donor and recipient mice with a moderate dose of LMWH prevents vascular complications and improves the outcome of murine hind limb transplants.
Fixation of the Compressive Dressing for Nipple-areola Complex Graft during Double Incision Chest Contouring Surgery for Assigned-female-at-birth Persons with Diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria: Sutures or Staples?
Authors: Wahlström Edvin , Tingbäck Maria , Georgas Konstantinos , Selvaggi Gennaro
Published: September 2023

Background:

When transplanting skin grafts, a compressive dressing is usually used to hold the skin graft in place. Dressing fixation can be achieved with either sutures or staples. The purpose of this study was to compare sutures and staples as a method of fixation for the compressive dressings of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) grafts, during double incision chest contouring surgery in assigned-female-at-birth persons with diagnosis of gender dysphoria. The two methods of fixation were compared according to pain at removal, time consumption, difficulty of removal, costs, and sustainability.

Methods:

Forty patients were randomized to dressing fixation with either sutures or staples. Timing for dressing fixation during surgery and removing the dressing was measured. Pain during removal was measured using vNRS-11. Difficulty of removal was measured with VAS-100. Costs of materials were compared.

Results:

All NAC grafts survived, and no complications such as infection or bleeding occurred. Staples were significantly more painful to remove when compared to sutures [mean vNRS-11 2.98 (SD ± 2.43) versus 1.25 (SD ± 0.92), P < 0.001]. Fixation with staples was faster than fixation with sutures (5.3 versus 94.6 s). No difference in removal time was found. Nurses found staples easier to remove. Sutures were slightly less costly (18 SEK) compared to staples (30 SEK). Finally, sutures produce less material waste.

Conclusion:

Being that all other outcomes are similar or insignificant, the less-pain experienced at removal of sutures makes this the preferable method for fixation of the compressive dressing for NAC grafts during double incision chest contouring surgery.
Lately Diagnosed Acanthamoeba Keratitis Manifesting as an Intrastromal Corneal Abscess: A Case Report
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Karjou Zahra , Esfandiari Hamed
Published: September 2023

A 42-year-old female contact lens wearer presented to a local emergency department with a 3-day history of decreased vision and ocular discomfort in her right eye. She was started on topical fluorometholone and oral acyclovir with initial diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis. After 3 weeks of worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with bacterial corneal ulcer and treated with levofloxacin eye drops every 2 hr. After 14 days of no improvement, she was referred to our clinic for further workup. Slitlamp examination demonstrated a solitary dense 3×3-mm infiltration involving anterior and central corneal stroma. The overlying epithelium was intact, and there was no subepithelial infiltration, radial perineuritis, keratic precipitates, or anterior chamber reaction. Corneal sensation was normal. Confocal microscopy and corneal biopsy were definitive for Acanthamoeba infection. The patient received polyhexamethylene biguanide 0.02% every 2 hr and oral ketoconazole 200 mg twice a day, which resulted in improvement in her signs and symptoms within 10 days. The medications were gradually tapered off over 5 months per clinical response. At the 9-month follow-up visit, the best-corrected visual acuity was 5/10 with a superficial central stromal scar at slitlamp examination. Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in contact lens wearers who present with intrastromal corneal abscess.
Identification and Management of a Novel PRDM5 Gene Pathologic Variant in a Family With Brittle Cornea Syndrome
Authors: Sklar Bonnie A. , Pisuchpen Phattrawan , Bareket Mor , Milman Tatyana , Eagle Ralph C. , Minor Jade , Procopio Rebecca , Capasso Jenina , Levin Alex V. , Hammersmith Kristin
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report a novel PRDM5 pathologic variant and ophthalmic findings in a family with 3 children diagnosed with brittle cornea syndrome (BCS). Histopathologic findings and surgical outcome of a child with BCS who underwent full-thickness corneal transplant are described.

Methods:

This is an observational case report of a nonconsanguineous Laotian family with 3 siblings diagnosed with BCS. Data collected included visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, corneal pachymetry, corneal topography, and general medical findings. Targeted testing through PRDM5 gene sequencing with copy number variation detection was conducted.

Results:

The 3 siblings included a 12-year-old boy and 8- and 6-year-old sisters, all of whom presented with myopia, blue-tinted sclerae, thin corneas, and variable corneal scarring. All 3 affected children were found to be homozygous for the PRDM5 gene variant c.1117_1123delinsTTTAATGCTTACAAATGTTTG p.Asp373Phefs*57. Coding sequences of PRDM5 and ZNF469 genes were sequenced in their entirety, and this was the only pathologic variant present in this family. The youngest affected sister developed persistent hydrops with severely decreased vision and underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Histopathology revealed severe corneal thinning, diffuse absence of Bowman layer, and ruptured Descemet membrane scrolls.

Conclusions:

Three siblings with clinical signs of BCS, including corneal thinning, myopia, and blue sclerae, were found to have a novel PRDM5 gene pathologic variant. This pathologic variant has not been previously reported, although 1 downstream nonsense pathologic variant has been reported as pathogenic. The similar phenotypes in all affected patients support the pathogenicity of this variant. Surgical management of BCS presents unique challenges due to severe tissue fragility.
Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels as a predictor for Alzheimer disease progression
Authors: Tsai Meng-Ju , Lin Yung-Shuan , Chen Chun-Yu , Lee Wei-Ju , Fuh Jong-Ling
Published: September 2023

Background:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and decreased peripheral levels of this protein are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. This study focuses on whether serum BDNF levels could be used as a predictor of AD progression.

Methods:

In this longitudinal observational study, we recruited cognition normal participants (N = 98) and AD (N = 442) from the Clinic at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital. We conducted a mini-mental status exam, a 12-item memory test, a categorical verbal fluency test, and a modified 15-item Boston naming test. A Serum BDNF level and apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele status were measured. The AD patients were followed prospectively. Based on the difference of MMSE scores, these patients were divided into fast decliners (decline ≥ 3/y) and slow decliners (MMSE decline < 3/y). Logistic regression was conducted to examine the impact of serum BDNF levels and other factor on the likelihood of AD patients being slow decliners. Pearson’s correlation was used to estimate the relationship between serum BDNF levels and the score of neuropsychological tests.

Results:

In a logistic regression model containing serum BDNF levels, age, sex, APOE4 carrier status, education levels, and baseline MMSE score, higher serum BDNF levels were associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in the AD group. Serum BDNF levels positively correlated with the results of multiple neuropsychological tests.

Conclusion:

BDNF is a protective factor against AD progression and likely plays a role in establishing a link between AD pathology and clinical manifestations.
Validation of traditional Chinese version of Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care Questionnaire in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Tsai Ming-Chieh , Chou Yun-Yun , Loh El-Wui , Lin Ashleigh Peng , Wu Hsueh-Chi , Hsiao Li-Sin , Chang Chia-Li , Chen Shu-Fen , Ahmedzai Sam H. , Tam Ka-Wai
Published: September 2023

Background:

Holistic health care considers all aspects of patient care, namely the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects. To assess which patient needs are unmet, a screening questionnaire covering the four aforementioned aspects is required. Therefore, the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care (SPARC), a multidimensional, self-reported questionnaire designed to screen patients regardless of diagnosis, was developed. This study developed a translated and validated traditional Chinese version of the SPARC for patients in Taiwan.

Methods:

The original English version of the SPARC was translated into a traditional Chinese version (SPARC-T) through forward-backward translation. Semistructured debriefing interviews were conducted with participants to evaluate the SPARC-T. The reliability and validity of the SPARC-T were assessed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and a correlation analysis conducted using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire.

Results:

Fifty-three patients were enrolled from our hospital: 22 had cancer but the majority had nonmalignant chronic conditions. About internal consistency, the Cronbach’s alpha values for all domains of the SPARC-T were favorable. A correlation analysis of the SPARC-T and FACT-G revealed significant correlations for the domains of physical symptoms, independence and activity, family and social issues, sleep, and treatment issues; no significant correlation was identified for the “psychological issues” domain.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that the SPARC-T is an effective tool for screening Mandarin-speaking patients. Thus, it can be used in hospitals to holistically screen and identify the needs of patients to ensure they can receive appropriate professional support and holistic health care.
Using artificial intelligence algorithms to predict the overall survival of hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tang Shao-Yu , Chen Tz-Heng , Kuo Ko-Lin , Huang Jue-Ni , Kuo Chen-Tsung , Chu Yuan-Chia
Published: September 2023

Background:

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are a vulnerable population at high risk for severe complications from COVID-19. The impact of partial COVID-19 vaccination on the survival of HD patients remains uncertain. This prospective cohort study was designed to use artificial intelligence algorithms to predict the survival impact of partial COVID-19 vaccination in HD patients.

Methods:

A cohort of 433 HD patients was used to develop machine-learning models based on a subset of clinical features assessed between July 1, 2021, and April 29, 2022. The patient cohort was randomly split into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets for model development and evaluation. Machine-learning models, including categorical boosting (CatBoost), light gradient boosting machines (LightGBM), RandomForest, and extreme gradient boosting models (XGBoost), were applied to evaluate their discriminative performance using the patient cohorts.

Results:

Among these models, LightGBM achieved the highest F1 score of 0.95, followed by CatBoost, RandomForest, and XGBoost, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.94 on the testing dataset. The SHapley Additive explanation summary plot derived from the XGBoost model indicated that key features such as age, albumin, and vaccination details had a significant impact on survival. Furthermore, the fully vaccinated group exhibited higher levels of anti-spike (S) receptor-binding domain antibodies.

Conclusion:

This prospective cohort study involved using artificial intelligence algorithms to predict overall survival in HD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. These predictive models assisted in identifying high-risk individuals and guiding vaccination strategies for HD patients, ultimately improving overall prognosis. Further research is warranted to validate and refine these predictive models in larger and more diverse populations of HD patients.
Electrophysiological status indexed by early changes in impedance after cochlear implantation: A literature review
Authors: Li Lieber Po-Hung
Published: September 2023

Cochlear implantation is a major treatment option for severe-to-profound hearing loss. By insertion into the cochlea and stimulation of the cochlear nerve, cochlear implantation can improve the performance of hearing and speech performance of the implantees. The microenvironment of the cochlea is innate and gets disturbed in response to the insertion of a foreign body. However, real-time changes inside the cochlea in terms of electrophysiology at the molecular level can never be investigated in vivo in human beings. Thus, impedance is a good guide that reflects the electrophysiology inside the cochlea. Because the initial measurement of impedance cannot be performed earlier than the traditional interval of 1 month postoperatively, early changes in impedance have not been explored until recently; however, surgeons are now trying the initial switch-on earlier than 1 month after implantation. This review discusses the scenario of electrophysiological variation after early switch-on in <1 day postimplantation. Evidence has shown that fluctuations in impedance after implantation depend on the interplay between cell cover formation, fibrosis, electrode design, and electrical stimulation. Further studies addressing the correlation between impedance and clinical parameters are required to develop reliable biomarkers for better performance of cochlear implantation.