bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of nafamostat mesilate for anticoagulation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A systematic review
Authors: Sanfilippo Filippo , Currò Jessica Marika , La Via Luigi , Dezio Veronica , Martucci Gennaro , Brancati Serena , Murabito Paolo , Pappalardo Federico , Astuto Marinella
Published: May 2022

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents an advanced option for supporting refractory respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Systemic anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin (UFH) is routinely used. However, patients with bleeding risk and/or heparin‐related side effects may necessitate alternative strategies: among these, nafamostat mesilate (NM) has been reported.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search (PubMed and EMBASE, updated 12/08/2021), including all studies reporting NM anticoagulation for ECMO. We focused on reasons for starting NM, its dose and the anticoagulation monitoring approach, the incidence of bleeding/thrombosis complications, the NM‐related side effects, ECMO weaning, and mortality.

Results

The search revealed 11 relevant findings, all with retrospective design. Of these, three large studies reported a control group receiving UFH, the other were case series (n = 3) or case reports (n = 5). The main reason reported for NM use was an ongoing or high risk of bleeding. The NM dose varied largely as did the anticoagulation monitoring approach. The average NM dose ranged from 0.46 to 0.67 mg/kg/h, but two groups of authors reported larger doses when monitoring anticoagulation with ACT. Conflicting findings were found on bleeding and thrombosis. The only NM‐related side effect was hyperkalemia (n = 2 studies) with an incidence of 15%–18% in patients anticoagulated with NM. Weaning and survival varied across studies.

Conclusion

Anticoagulation with NM in ECMO has not been prospectively studied. While several centers have experience with this approach in high‐risk patients, prospective studies are warranted to establish the optimal space of this approach in ECMO.
Too old to save? COVID‐19 and age‐based allocation of lifesaving medical care
Authors: Jecker Nancy S.
Published: May 2022

Adults aged 65 and over are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and represent by far the largest share of severe disease and death. This paper critically examines ethical arguments for using implicit and explicit age criteria as a standard for allocating scarce lifesaving resources during the pandemic. Section 1 introduces the topic. Section 2 distinguishes standard from pandemic triage. Section 3 assesses ethical arguments for criteria that are implicitly age‐based, including quality‐adjusted life years, disability adjusted‐life years, and total number of future life years. Section 4 examines ethical arguments for criteria that are more directly age‐based, including fair innings, equality between old and young, and priority to the worse off. The paper concludes that neither implicit nor explicit age‐based allocation withstands careful scrutiny.
Organoid biobanking, autonomy and the limits of consent
Authors: Lewis Jonathan , Holm Søren
Published: May 2022

In the debates regarding the ethics of human organoid biobanking, the locus of donor autonomy has been identified in processes of consent. The problem is that, by focusing on consent, biobanking processes preclude adequate engagement with donor autonomy because they are unable to adequately recognize or respond to factors that determine authentic choice. This is particularly problematic in biobanking contexts associated with organoid research or the clinical application of organoids because, given the probability of unforeseen and varying purposes for which a donor's organoids could be employed and given the different ways in which a donor can relate to her biospecimens, a donor can value her organoids differently in different contexts, and her reasons for autonomously permitting use of her cells and tissues in one case may not support an autonomous decision in another. In response, this paper has three aims: first, to make the case for why organoid biobanks ought to respect donor autonomy conceived as authentic choice; second, to explore the autonomy‐respecting limits of established and widely prevalent models of biobank consent; and third, to propose certain conditions that organoid biobanks ought to support or facilitate in order to respect donor autonomy.
Simplifying the Estimation of Diagnostic Testing Accuracy Over Time for High Specificity Tests in the Absence of a Gold Standard
Authors: Drew Clara , Badio Moses , Dennis Dehkontee , Hensley Lisa , Higgs Elizabeth , Sneller Michael , Fallah Mosoka , Reilly Cavan
Published: May 2022

Many different methods for evaluating diagnostic test results in the absence of a gold standard have been proposed. In this paper, we discuss how one common method, a maximum likelihood estimate for a latent class model found via the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm can be applied to longitudinal data where test sensitivity changes over time. We also propose two simplified and nonparametric methods which use data-based indicator variables for disease status and compare their accuracy to the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) results. We find that with high specificity tests, the performance of simpler approximations may be just as high as the MLE.
Power Analysis for Cluster Randomized Trials with Continuous Coprimary Endpoints
Authors: Yang Siyun , Moerbeek Mirjam , Taljaard Monica , Li Fan
Published: May 2022

Pragmatic trials evaluating health care interventions often adopt cluster randomization due to scientific or logistical considerations. Systematic reviews have shown that coprimary endpoints are not uncommon in pragmatic trials but are seldom recognized in sample size or power calculations. While methods for power analysis based on K () binary coprimary endpoints are available for cluster randomized trials (CRTs), to our knowledge, methods for continuous coprimary endpoints are not yet available. Assuming a multivariate linear mixed model (MLMM) that accounts for multiple types of intraclass correlation coefficients among the observations in each cluster, we derive the closed-form joint distribution of K treatment effect estimators to facilitate sample size and power determination with different types of null hypotheses under equal cluster sizes. We characterize the relationship between the power of each test and different types of correlation parameters. We further relax the equal cluster size assumption and approximate the joint distribution of the K treatment effect estimators through the mean and coefficient of variation of cluster sizes. Our simulation studies with a finite number of clusters indicate that the predicted power by our method agrees well with the empirical power, when the parameters in the MLMM are estimated via the expectation-maximization algorithm. An application to a real CRT is presented to illustrate the proposed method.
Carrier frequency of autosomal recessive genetic conditions in diverse populations: Lessons learned from the genome aggregation database
Authors: Schmitz Matthew J. , Aarabi Mahmoud , Bashar Ali , Rajkovic Aleksandar , Gregg Anthony R. , Yatsenko Svetlana A.
Published: May 2022

An equitable approach by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has recently recommended carrier screening for genes associated with moderate to severe autosomal recessive conditions with a carrier frequency of ≥1/200 in the Genome Aggregation Database exomes (gnomADv2.0.2). We analyzed carrier frequencies in gnomADv3.1.1 genomes representing diverse populations. ClinVar data on 35 996 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 419 genes were used to estimate the gnomAD frequency of heterozygous carriers. We found that ninety‐two genes had a carrier frequency of ≥1/200, of which 63 were shared between v3.1.1 and v2.0.2 and 29 were new in v3.1.1. Addition of new populations (Amish, Finnish and Middle Eastern) increased the number of new genes with a carrier frequency of ≥1/200 to 71. Changes in carrier frequencies were attributed to new gnomAD populations, different sample sizes, new ClinVar data, and technical differences between exomes and genomes. This study highlights the dynamic changes in carrier frequencies due to new datasets from diverse populations and provides updated carrier frequencies based on the combined data from 184 352 genomes and exomes in gnomAD. We recommend a periodic review for inclusion of new population data to update carrier screening panels in the future.
German S1 guideline: Contact dermatitis
Authors: Dickel Heinrich , Bauer Andrea , Brehler Randolf , Mahler Vera , Merk Hans F. , Neustädter Irena , Strömer Klaus , Werfel Thomas , Worm Margitta , Geier Johannes
Published: May 2022

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the epidermis and dermis at the site of exposure triggered by external agents. The two main forms are irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, which cause significant health and socioeconomic costs in addition to a marked reduction in quality of life. The anamnesis and the clinical picture are decisive for the necessary diagnostic measures. The most accurate possible diagnostic classification of contact dermatitis by means of allergological testing is important for disease management, since not only classical eczema therapy but also avoidance of the exogenous triggering factors are of great importance here. The choice of therapy should be based on the acuity, clinical severity, morphology of the lesions and localization of the contact dermatitis. A combination of basic therapy, topical, physical, and systemic therapy adapted to the patient’s needs is required, whereby not all forms of therapy must be carried out simultaneously but can be used in a varying manner. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies aim at the recognition of the triggering noxae or allergens with subsequent contact avoidance or minimization.

The present S1‐guideline on contact dermatitis is primarily intended to provide dermatologists, allergologists and physicians working in allergology and occupational dermatology with a decision‐making aid for the selection and implementation of suitable and sufficient diagnostics, therapy, and prevention.
Phenotypic plasticity in Acanthoscelides quadridentatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its effect on the seed fate of Mimosa setosa (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae)
Authors: de Sousa‐Lopes Bruno , Rossi Marcelo Nogueira , Del‐Claro Kleber
Published: May 2022

In animals, changes in colour pigmentation in an intraspecific context are usually described as a polymorphism adaptive to environmental factors. According to the thermal melanism hypothesis (TMH), melanic individuals are more active because they may attain higher temperature and then benefit from higher size, foraging time and reproduction. The polymorphic seed‐beetle Acanthoscelides quadridentatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) naturally attacks the seeds of two plant varieties, Mimosa setosa var. paludosa and M. setosa var. setosa, in the Brazilian savanna.

The authors tested TMH in this system, predicting that melanic beetles would be larger, and infringe worst germination rate and higher seed mortality. Additionally, they tested whether seed weight plays a role in germination.

The authors found two beetle morphs: a melanic/1.1‐fold larger and another lighter/smaller. Seeds of M. setosa var. setosa are 1.9‐fold heavier and its intact seeds germinate faster and with a higher amount than the seeds of M. setosa var. paludosa. There is no difference in the attack rate by beetle morphs. The attacked seeds of both plant varieties did not germinate.

The authors evidence phenotypic plasticity in A. quadridentatus, highlighting that TMH is confirmed for the relationship between melanism and larger sizes, although there was no difference in foraging of melanic individuals. This study shed light on the importance of plant varieties in driving the morphology of seed‐beetles.
Microbial volatiles and succession of beetles on small carrion
Authors: Trumbo Stephen T. , Newton Alfred F.
Published: May 2022

Ecological succession is understood in general terms (facilitation, tolerance, inhibition) even though the system‐specific mechanisms often remain elusive. The succession of insects on carrion is an important model because of its applications to ecosystem function and forensic science.

It recently has been hypothesized that changing volatile cues produced by microbes drive succession on carrion. The authors investigated how two blends of sulphur volatiles attracted beetles that typically colonise during the fresh or active decay stages of carrion decomposition.

Most beetles attracted to a fresh carcass or to a fresh carcass + dimethyl sulphide/methyl thiocyanate (DMS/MeSCN) blend were burying beetles that breed on small carcasses (95% Nicrophorus spp. other than Ni. pustulatus), with more beetles attracted to the chemically‐supplemented traps.

Beetles attracted to carcasses in active decay (Ni. pustulatus, silphines, staphylinids) were also attracted to a fresh carcass + dimethyl disulphide/dimethyl trisulphide (DMDS/DMTS) blend, evidence that DMDS and DMTS are important cues for beetles during the middle stages of decomposition.

The Fresh + DMDS/DMTS traps, however, were not a perfect mimic of a carcass in active decay. There were seasonal differences in attractiveness that the authors speculate are due to beetles responding to cues from carcasses used for feeding versus breeding.

A second experiment demonstrated a synergy between DMDS and DMTS in attracting Ni. pustulatus and Euspilotus assimilis. The results support the hypotheses that changes in microbial communities and their volatiles during decomposition drive the succession of carrion‐frequenting insects and that blends of volatiles are necessary for some species to identify the targeted stage of decomposition.
Family functioning and racial socialization in transracial adoptive families
Authors: Hrapczynski Katie M. , Leslie Leigh A. , Kim HaeDong
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study of transracially adopted adolescents and their White parents examines family cohesion and expressiveness as predictors of parents' engagement in cultural socialization and preparation for bias. It also examines differences in adolescent and parent views of the level of cohesion and expressiveness in their family.

Background

Given the importance of both cultural socialization and preparation for bias on promoting the well‐being of adoptees, it is of value to examine why some White parents engage in these behaviors more frequently than others. Family functioning sets the tone for subsequent interactions and may be an important contributor to parents' racial socialization efforts.

Method

Seventy‐two transracially adopted parent–adolescent dyads completed an online survey.

Results

Generally, parents and adolescents reported high cohesion and moderate expressiveness, although transracially adopted adolescents tended to view their family more negatively than their parents. Parents who viewed their family as more cohesive and expressive were more likely to engage in cultural socialization. Those who viewed their family as more expressive were more likely to talk to their child about race and prepare them for discrimination. Contrary to expectation, when adolescents viewed their family as less expressive, their parents were more likely to engage in preparation for bias.

Conclusion and Implications

The importance of including multiple family members' perspectives to more fully understand transracial adoptive families and the need for White parents to engage in quality, not just frequent, racial socialization are discussed.
Interior crack initiation during the very‐high‐cycle fatigue of railway wheel steel under axial loading and rolling contact loading
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Gao Pengcheng , Wu Si , Zhang Guanzhen , Cong Tao
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a comparative study of the very‐high‐cycle fatigue (VHCF) behavior of railway wheel steel under axial loading and rolling contact loading was conducted. Fatigue tests were performed with an ultrasonic fatigue test machine under axial loading, and the fracture surfaces from the fatigue tests and shattered rims taken from the failed railway wheels were observed. The wheel steel under axial loading presents a VHCF behavior with Mode I crack, and that under rolling contact loading is a VHCF behavior with mix Mode II–III crack. For the VHCF behavior with Mode I crack, surface and interior crack initiation occurred with equal probability at both low and high stress levels and produced a dual linear S–N curve since the value of fatigue limits for the surface and interior crack initiation are close. For the VHCF behavior with mix Mode II–III crack, cracks were initiated from the interior Al2O3 inclusion, and the fatigue life was beyond 107 cycles. Fatigue bands were observed on the fracture surface under rolling contact loading. The ferrite nanograins formed due to the stress state of shear plastic strain with a large compressive stress. The formed nanograins were softer than the matrix caused by the redistribution of the carbon.
Effect of inserted adjunct questions on L2 reading with Chinese learners
Authors: Yang Shuyi
Published: May 2022

The present study examines the effect of adjunct questions on the reading comprehension of English‐speaking learners of Chinese as a second language (L2). In Experiment 1, fourth‐year (advanced) learners (n = 42) read two texts, either with or without adjunct questions, and completed a multiple‐choice cloze. In Experiments 2 and 3, second‐year (intermediate) learners (n = 40 and 34, respectively) read two texts, either with or without adjunct questions, and completed multiple‐choice cloze (Experiment 2) and written recall (Experiment 3). The results showed that the positive effect of adjunct questions only emerged among intermediate learners for written recall. These findings suggested that L2 level and comprehension assessment tasks modulate the effect of adjunct questions. Pedagogical implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
Native tree species richness enhances matrix functionality for soil arthropods in tropical plantation landscapes: A case study from the Himalayas
Authors: Chowdhury Annesha , Samrat Abhishek , Pandian Rathnavel , Devy Soubadra
Published: May 2022

Despite their distinctive role in regulating agroecosystems, soil fauna is largely excluded from conservation action. With increasing evidence supporting matrix functionality as critical for multiple species in agroecosystems, it is important that efforts meant to enhance biodiversity in managed systems be inclusive and effective for all species and not just charismatic fauna.

Third party certifications are a popular mechanism for claiming pro‐conservation practises in tropical agricultural lands. Therefore, we asked whether voluntary practises codified by third party certifications of tropical tea plantations support soil biodiversity, and what factors explain soil arthropod abundance and richness in such certified and uncertified landscapes.

We used pitfall trap data and soil samples across two seasons in large tea plantations, and small tea‐growing agroforestry farms in the Darjeeling Himalayas in India. Plantations certified and those not certified were selected for the study.

Soil arthropod morphospecies abundance, richness and diversity were significantly higher in summer as opposed to winter. Contrary to our expectations, there was no significant difference in soil arthropod abundance, richness and diversity between uncertified small agroforestry farms and certified large monoculture plantations. Our analysis establishes tree species richness and season as the most important predictors of soil arthropod abundance, richness and effective number of species.

We recommend that increased abundance and diversity of native trees in the tea matrix should be a crucial criterion for agroecosystem management. This would improve matrix functionality for species that are sensitive to management and reflect practises that enhance biodiversity.
Metaproteomics reveals protein composition of multiple saccharifying enzymes in nongxiangxing daqu and jiangxiangxing daqu under different thermophilic temperatures
Authors: Xia Yu , Zhu Min , Du Yake , Wu Zhengyun , Gomi Katsuya , Zhang Wenxue
Published: May 2022

Daqu provides hydrolytic enzymes that saccharifying the macromolecular carbohydrate in fermenting grains. The process of saccharification is the premise of Baijiu production. But little is known about the protein composition associated with the activity of saccharifying enzymes in daqu. This study investigated related proteins between nongxiangxing daqu and jiangxiangxing daqu by metaproteomics. We present that the amylase system (α‐amylase, glucoamylase and α‐glucosidase) and cellulase system (cellobiohydrolases, endoglucanase and β‐glucosidase) are regarded as the main saccharifying enzymes. Combined with protein‐based taxonomic annotation, the key proteins involving in amylase system were mainly from Kroppenstedtia, Lichtheimia, Byssochlamys and Thermomyces, while Thermoascu contributed the most to cellulase system. Moreover, it was found that the up‐regulated amylase proteins at thermophilic fermentation period in jiangxiangxing daqu in comparison with nongxiangxing daqu were affiliated to Aspergillus, Rhizomucor, Byssochlamys and Thermomyces, along with Thermoascu contributing to cellulase system. These findings will provide clues for improving saccharification efficiency in Baijiu production.
Use of an edible coating containing galbanum gum and cumin essential oil for quality preservation in sweet cherries
Authors: Asghari Mohammadreza , Azarsharif Zahra , Farrokhzad Alireza , Tajic Hosein
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, the use of natural compounds is considered as an effective strategy for maintaining the quality and heath promoting capacity of fresh products. Changes in quality parameters, main phenolics and antioxidants of sweet cherries in response to coating with a novel bioactive edible coating were studied. Fruit were treated with different concentrations of galbanum gum (GG), cumin essential oil (CEO) and CaCl2 (CA) and stored at 2 ± 1°C with 90–95% RH for 30 days plus 1 day at ambient condition, and were subjected to quality analysis. All phenolic constituents and antioxidants of fruit juice were substantially decreased during storage in control fruit and a bioactive coating containing 1 or 2% GG + 100 or 200 µL L−1 CEO + 1% CA maintained main fruit phytochemicals including phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonols, anti‐stress and antioxidant enzymes activities. The coating significantly (P ≤ 0.01) enhanced fruit total antioxidant activity, flavonoids and ferulic acid contents. The results showed that it is possible to enhance the sweet cherry fruit health‐promoting phytochemicals and shelf life by the use of a natural edible coating containing GG and CEO.
Effect of cavitation jet on the structural, emulsifying properties and rheological properties of soybean protein‐oxidised aggregates
Authors: Guo Yanan , Li Bailiang , Cheng Tianfu , Hu Zhaodong , Liu Shuangqi , Liu Jun , Sun Fuwei , Guo Zengwang , Wang Zhongjiang
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cavitation jets on the structural, emulsifying and rheological properties of soybean protein oxidation aggregates. The results showed that oxidation might induce the formation of larger particle sizes and molecular weight protein aggregates and the decrease of emulsifying properties. The cavitation jet at a short treatment time (<6 min) broke down the disulphide bonds and protein skeleton structures, which reduced the aggregate sizes and molecular weights and increased the emulsion activities, emulsion stabilities, apparent viscosity and elastic modulus. The cavitation jet at a long treatment time (>6 min) supported disulphide bond formation among molecules by intermolecular interactions to form protein aggregates. In addition, the skeleton structure showed cross‐linking aggregation. This increased the particle sizes and molecular weights and reduced the emulsion properties, consistency index K and elastic modulus. The findings showed that a cavitation jet at 6 min on oxidised aggregates of soybean protein might enhance the structural, emulsifying and rheological characteristics for the industry.
Isolation of antimicrobial compounds from aniseed and techno‐economic feasibility report for industrial‐scale application
Authors: Bontzolis Christos , Plioni Iris , Dimitrellou Dimitra , Boura Konstantina , Kanellaki Maria , Nigam Poonam S. , Koutinas Athanasios
Published: May 2022

This work evaluates the antimicrobial activity of the fractionated aqueous extract obtained from the aerial parts of aniseed. Fifteen fractions were collected by column chromatography using ethanol and water as mobile phases. All fractions were tested as potential antimicrobial agents against three common food‐spoilage microorganisms: a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), a mold (Aspergillus awamori) and a bacterium (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus). Fraction 2 exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity in both types of susceptibility test, and therefore, it was further studied for the identification of bioactive compounds. GC‐MS analysis of Fraction 2 revealed the presence of threo‐Anethole glycol. Based on laboratory‐scale experiments, a process flowsheet for potential industrial‐scale application is proposed combined with a techno‐economic feasibility report. Fraction 2 with the detected compound threo‐Anethole glycol showed promising results encouraging the attempts for industrial‐scale application of antimicrobial compounds produced from aniseed.
Effects of drying methods on colour, amino acids, phenolic profile, microstructure and volatile aroma components of Boletus aereus slices
Authors: Zheng Qiaoran , Gao Pingping , Liu Tingting , Gao Xiaoxv , Li Wenfeng , Zhao Guohua
Published: May 2022

This study is to investigate the effects of hot air drying (HD) at 60–80 °C (HD‐60, HD‐70 and HD‐80), microwave pretreatment combined with HD (MHD), ultrasound pretreatment combined with HD (UHD) and vacuum freeze drying (FD) on the quality of Boletus aereus slices. Key characteristics, including colour, free amino acids, microstructure, volatile aroma components, phenolic profile and antioxidant activity, were studied. Amongst these drying methods, FD was the best way to preserve colour and volatiles of Boletus aereus slices. Fifteen amino acids were detected in Boletus aereus slices, and HD‐60 showed a higher content of total amino acids than other drying regimes. Two phenolic acids were identified in Boletus aereus slices, namely, protocatechuic acid and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid. MHD presented the highest content of phenolic compounds, followed by FD. Antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with phenolic compounds of Boletus aereus slices. Moreover, the cell structure of Boletus aereus slices was damaged after drying, and FD had a more porous structure than other drying methods. These results will be beneficial to the further industrial production of Boletus aereus slices.
A single‐structured LuAG:Ce,Mn phosphor ceramics with high CRI for high‐power white LEDs
Authors: Ling Junrong , Zhang Ye , Yang Jian , Li Yanan , Xu Wentao , Zhou Youfu , Hong Maochun
Published: May 2022

The realization of high color rendering index (CRI) is still a great challenge for high‐power LEDs (hp‐LEDs), which is hindered by the phosphor converter. In this work, based on the strategy of Ce3+ and Mn2+ multi‐ion substitution, the single‐structured LuAG:Ce,Mn ceramics with high CRI were prepared via regulating the ratio of tri‐color (red, green, and blue) components. The effects of Mn2+‐Si4+ pairs doping content on the crystal structure, morphologies, and luminescence properties were investigated in detail. The red emission centered at 590  and 750 nm were effectively compensated by regulating Mn2+ occupancy sites, resulting in a significant improvement of CRI. Pure white light with general CRI Ra up to 91.0, special CRI R9 reaching 37.9 and LE as high as 85.07 lm/W was achieved, when the hp‐LEDs were constructed from related phosphor ceramic Ce02Mn7. These results suggest that the LuAG:Ce,Mn phosphor ceramics are highly promising color converters for hp‐LEDs application.
Single‐cell transcriptional profiling of human carotid plaques reveals a subpopulation of endothelial cells associated with stroke incidences
Authors: Li Fengchan , Du Yun , Hong Lei , Liu Ziting , Yan Kunmin , Liu Chu , Zhu Zhen , Lu Qiongyu , Tang Chaojun , Zhu Li
Published: May 2022

The differences in plaque histology between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients have been widely accepted. Whether there is a heterogeneity of cells between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques remains largely unclear. To reveal the potential heterogeneity within different plaques, which may contribute to different stroke incidences, we obtained the scRNA‐seq data from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and identified eight cell types present in plaques. Further analysis of endothelial cells (ECs) revealed three distinct EC subpopulations appeared to be endowed with specific biological functions such as antigen processing and presentation, cell adhesion, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Of note, the differentially expressed genes of the EC 2 subpopulation showed that the genes involved in cell adhesion were up‐regulated in asymptomatic plaques compared to symptomatic plaques. Integrating the data of intraplaque haemorrhage and plaque stability, the 5th top‐enriched biological process was cell adhesion in the stable or non‐haemorrhaged plaques compared to unstable plaques or haemorrhaged plaques. Among these cell adhesion‐related genes, the intersection gene AOC3 may play a vital role in plaque haemorrhage and plaque stability. Targeting cell adhesion and the specialized genes may provide potential new therapeutic directions to prevent asymptomatic patients from stroke.
Political regimes matter: Participation practices in the context of a competitive oligarchic policymaking in water management in Duque de Caxias, Brazil, 2007–2017
Authors: Massardier Gilles
Published: May 2022

This article covers all types of participation in water policy processes in the city of Duque de Caxias in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Even though open opposition to the government is legally permitted since Brazil's democratization process, barriers remain for activist leaders to formulate and signify their preferences toward the government. The current literature on direct participation practices in policy processes tends to leave out political regime variables. This case study aims to show that, in fact, political regime variables are crucial. The article reintroduces participation practices in power dynamics in local water policymaking, building a model based on competitive oligarchy, multilevel policy coalitions, and political capacity literature. It argues that the political regime matters in understanding participation practices and that, despite legal democratization that opened rights to organize opposition and participation in Brazil in 2007, local activist leaders are restrained by a particular kind of oligarchy—an oligarchic technical–political–productivist policy coalition that “owns” policy through direct participation in the political process. This case study shows that four decades after the policy shift in the 1980s, in some territories and sectors Brazilian democracy may be on the pathway of competitive oligarchy—very open to opposition rights, but still closed to the participation of this opposition in policy and decision‐making processes.
Liver growth prediction in ALPPS – A multicenter analysis from the international ALPPS registry
Authors: Lopez‐Lopez Victor , Linecker Michael , Cruz Juan , Brusadin Roberto , Lopez‐Conesa Asuncion , Machado Marcel Autran , Hernandez‐Alejandro Roberto , Voskanyan Alejandro Sergey , Li Jun , Balci Deniz , Adam René , Ardiles Victoria , De Santibañes Eduardo , Tomassini Federico , Troisi Roberto I. , Lurje Georg , Truant Stéphanie , Pruvot Francois‐René , Björnsson Bergthor , Stojanovic Miroslav , Montalti Roberto , Cayuela Valentin , Kozyrin Ivan , Cai Xiujun , de Vicente Emilio , Rauchfuss Falk , Lodge Peter , Ratti Francesca , Aldrighetti Luca , Oldhafer Karl J. , Malago Massimo , Petrowsky Henrik , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Robles‐Campos Ricardo
Published: May 2022

Background

While ALPPS triggers a fast liver hypertrophy, it is still unclear which factors matter most to achieve accelerated hypertrophy within a short period of time. The aim of the study was to identify patient‐intrinsic factors related to the growth of the future liver remnant (FLR).

Methods

This cohort study is composed of data derived from the International ALPPS Registry from November 2011 and October 2018. We analyse the influence of demographic, tumour type and perioperative data on the growth of the FLR. The volume of the FLR was calculated in millilitre and percentage using computed‐tomography (CT) scans before and after stage 1, both according to Vauthey formula.

Results

A total of 734 patients were included from 99 centres. The median sFLR at stage 1 and stage 2 was 0.23 (IQR, 0.18–0.28) and 0.39 (IQR: 0.31–0.46), respectively. The variables associated with a lower increase from sFLR1 to sFLR2 were age˃68 years (p = .02), height ˃1.76 m (p ˂ .01), weight ˃83 kg (p ˂ .01), BMI˃28 (p ˂ .01), male gender (p ˂ .01), antihypertensive therapy (p ˂ .01), operation time ˃370 minutes (p ˂ .01) and hospital stay˃14 days (p ˂ .01). The time required to reach sufficient volume for stage 2, male gender accounts 40.3% in group ˂7 days, compared with 50% of female, and female present 15.3% in group ˃14 days compared with 20.6% of male.

Conclusions

Height, weight, FLR size and gender could be the variables that most constantly influence both daily growths, the interstage increase and the standardized FLR before the second stage.
The Politics of Trauma: Gender, Futurity, and Violence Prevention in South Africa
Authors: Pentecost Michelle
Published: May 2022

In this article, I consider the framing of trauma as an epigenetic exposure that warrants intergenerational interventions. I draw on ethnographic research conducted in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa in 2014–15 to illustrate how violence prevention in this context is increasingly framed in epigenetic terms. I show that, in contrast to the anticipatory logic of a programmatic focus on maternal investment as a means to arrest intergenerational cycles of violence, violence produces different infrastructures of anticipation and effects on intergenerational relations. I argue against the speculative conflation of trauma and intergenerational epigenetics, to resist a newly biologized view of the bodily manifestations of apartheid history—in itself a re‐inscription of damage, and a form of violence. Drawing on Murphy's concept of distributed reproduction (2017b), I argue for collectivized forms of intervention that aim for accountability and social justice.
Latent class analysis does not support the existence of Rome IV functional bowel disorders as discrete entities
Authors: Black Christopher J. , Houghton Lesley A. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Previously, we used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify novel subgroups in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are four other functional bowel disorders that, although characterized as discrete disorders, overlap considerably with, and fluctuate to, IBS. These might instead be conceptualized as a milder form of IBS. We explored this hypothesis using LCA in a cohort of people with non‐IBS functional bowel disorders.

Methods

We collected demographic, symptom, and psychological health data from 1375 adults in the community who self‐identified as having IBS and identified individuals meeting Rome IV criteria for any non‐IBS functional bowel disorder. We performed LCA to identify specific subgroups (clusters). We followed participants up at 12 months to reassess gastrointestinal and psychological heath and also gather data about healthcare utilization and impact of symptoms.

Key results

811 people met Rome IV criteria for IBS and 558 Rome IV criteria for another functional bowel disorder (76 (5.5%) functional constipation; 198 (14.5%) functional diarrhea; 129 (9.5%) functional abdominal bloating or distension; and 155 (11.4%) unspecified functional bowel disorder). LCA in these 558 people identified five clusters defined by a combination of gastrointestinal symptoms and the extent of psychological co‐morbidity. However, correlation between these clusters and the Rome IV functional bowel disorder diagnoses was poor and 75% of people were classified as having mild IBS using our previous IBS‐derived model. By 12 months, one‐third of people had fluctuated and met criteria for IBS. Clusters with high psychological burden had a poorer prognosis, with higher rates of medical consultation, medication use, and greater impact of symptoms on daily life.

Conclusions and inferences

The functional bowel disorders may be better characterized as a spectrum of IBS rather than separate disorders. Adopting this pragmatic stance may help to simply diagnosis, treatment, and recruitment of patients to research trials.
“Let's organize”: The organizational basis for stable public governance
Authors: Trondal Jarle
Published: May 2022

This study carries two distinct contributions to extant literature. Theoretically, it introduces an organizational approach to the study of public governance. Empirically, it demonstrates how the organizational architecture of government represents a stable and systemic capacity for public governance across time. The study establishes how stability serves as an enduring feature of public governance and how this is anchored in the organizational architecture of government systems. Moreover, structured flexibility is illustrated by how the civil service adapts to both international organizations and societal stakeholders. Theorizing the organizational dimension of public governance, this study also introduces a design tool that may be useful for deliberately (re)structuring public governance. Empirically, these arguments are probed by a sizable dataset with 13,173 observations across 40 years, consisting of nine surveys of civil servants at ministry and agency levels. The data enables a long‐term perspective on government civil servants over nearly half a century, thus allowing for a comprehensive study of the organizational basis for public governance.
Why do public agencies seek accountability? The role of audiences
Authors: de Boer Thijs
Published: May 2022

Accountability‐seeking behaviors of public agencies are said to be motivated, among others, by attempts at pre‐empting stricter mandatory provisions, logic of appropriateness motives, Machiavellian opportunism, reputational considerations, and a perceived need to compensate for the inadequacy of traditional arrangements. However, we do not know when a particular rationale, or a combination thereof, prevails. This study therefore examines how public agencies seek accountability, to whom and for what reason. Relying on data from 15 interviews with top‐level managers/directors and 75 survey responses, it demonstrates that the type of audience to whom the account is rendered is a key explanatory factor as to why specific mechanisms become “activated.” This study furthermore uncovers why certain rationales are associated with specific types of audiences. Thus, rather than a “holy grail” of one set of driving motivations, our study suggests, one should look at the audience to understand why a public agency seeks accountability.
The MdBBX22–miR858–MdMYB9/11/12 module regulates proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in apple peel
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Hui‐Juan , Qu Dong , Zhu Zhen‐Zhen , Yang Ya‐Zhou , Zhao Zheng‐Yang
Published: May 2022

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) have antioxidant properties and are beneficial to human health. The fruit of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.), especially the peel, is rich in various flavonoids, such as PAs, and thus is an important source of dietary antioxidants. Previous research on the regulation of PAs in apple has mainly focussed on the transcription level, whereas studies conducted at the post‐transcriptional level are relatively rare. In this study, we investigated the function of mdm‐miR858, a miRNA with multiple functions in plant development, in the peel of apple fruit. We showed that mdm‐miR858 negatively regulated PA accumulation by targeting MdMYB9/11/12 in the peel. During fruit development, mdm‐miR858 expression was negatively correlated with MdMYB9/11/12 expression and PA accumulation. A 5′‐RACE experiment, GUS staining assays and transient luminescent assays indicated that mdm‐miR858 cleaved and inhibited the expression of MdMYB9/11/12. Overexpression of mdm‐miR858 in apple calli, tobacco and Arabidopsis reduced the accumulation of PAs induced by overexpression of MdMYB9/11/12. Furthermore, we found that MdBBX22 bound to the mdm‐miR858 promoter and induced its expression. Overexpression of MdBBX22 induced the expression of mdm‐miR858 to inhibit the accumulation of PAs in apple calli overexpressing MdMYB9/11/12. Under light stress, MdBBX22 induced mdm‐miR858 expression to inhibit PA accumulation and thereby indirectly enhanced anthocyanin synthesis in the peel. The present results revealed that the MdBBX22–miR858–MdMYB9/11/12 module regulates PA accumulation in apple. The findings provide a reference for further studies of the regulatory mechanism of PA accumulation and the relationship between PAs and anthocyanins.
Impact of catch‐up vaccinations on anti‐HLA antibody response in pediatric kidney transplant candidates
Authors: Sweiss Helen , Lyons John Michael , Hitchman Kelley M. K. , Kincaide Elisabeth Lapp , Hall Reed , Ranch Daniel , Crowther Barrett
Published: May 2022

Background

Efforts have been concentrated on improving vaccination administration during the pretransplant evaluation period. However, concern for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sensitization subsequent to vaccination exists.

Methods

A retrospective review of pediatric kidney transplant candidates (PKTCs) ≤18 years old who had received vaccinations between February 1, 2017 and November 30, 2019 was conducted. Emergence of de novo anti‐HLA antibody (HLA‐Ab) 3–4 weeks postvaccinations detected by the Luminex single antigen bead assay (SAB) was evaluated. Outcomes assessed included change in the HLA‐Ab mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ≥25% from baseline, and change in preexisting HLA‐Ab MFI strength, categorized as weak: 1000–2999; moderate: 3000–9999; and strong: ≥10 000.

Results

Sixty vaccinations were administered to 14 patients. Forty‐one potential de novo HLA‐Ab were detected in five patients. After additional antibody panel testing, 5/41 potential de novo HLA‐Ab were determined to be HLA specific; the remaining 36 were deemed nonspecific. The 5 de novo HLA‐Ab were observed in three patients and were deemed weak antibody (Ab). Median MFI showed a significant increase for nonspecific Ab, but not de novo HLA‐Ab. Median MFI values were deemed transient at 7–10 week follow‐up. No HLA‐donor–specific Ab developed posttransplant in the patients who developed de novo HLA‐Ab.

Conclusion

Vaccination resulted in a transient increase in non‐HLA–specific Ab. The majority of responses were non‐HLA specific, hypothesized to be related to denatured antigens on single antigen beads. These data suggest limited clinical impact of vaccinations on the emergence of de novo HLA‐Ab.
From laboratory to clinic: science commercialization within university‐centered entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Johnson David , Gianiodis Peter T. , Harrison Richard T. , Bock Adam J.
Published: May 2022

The commercialization of scientific discoveries within the university‐industry nexus is multifaceted and complex, characterized by dynamic interactions between multiple agents, organizations, and institutions. These interactions support a university‐centered entrepreneurial ecosystem (UCEE). Our study investigates agent‐institution dynamics within the UCEE to explore how individual agents seek to commercialize their scientific discoveries. Specifically, relying on 47 narrative interviews, we explore how UCEE agents across three UCEEs in the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia respond and adapt to institutional commercialization mandates during commercialization of their stem cell‐based regenerative medicine discoveries. Our findings emphasize the bi‐directional relationship between individual agents and institutions within a UCEE, facilitating a much‐needed multi‐level perspective on academic entrepreneurship research. We extend recent frameworks that propose how the formative stages of the entrepreneurial process – opportunity evolution – influences ecosystem emergence. Specifically, by investigating the latter stages of the entrepreneurial process – how (science‐based) opportunities are commercialized within UCEEs – we reveal distinct behavioral responses to science commercialization mandates, which underscore how UCEEs evolve. Furthermore, by explicating the importance of UCEE agent behavior during science commercialization, our study shines an important spotlight onto the microfoundations of science commercialization and UCEEs. Our research imparts important policy implications for institutions tasked with commercializing scientific discoveries and policy makers challenged with developing high growth, sustainable UCEEs.
Ideological and partisan biases in ratings of candidate quality in U.S. House elections
Authors: Martin Danielle Joesten
Published: May 2022

Objective

This article explores whether voters evaluate candidates’ ideology, partisanship, and quality independently or exhibit behavior consistent with motivating reasoning, rating co‐partisans and candidates ideologically similar to themselves as more competent.

Methods

Using a survey of voters and experts from 2010 U.S. House elections, I estimate a model predicting an individual's rating of incumbent candidate competence for office and challenger candidate competence for office.

Results

Individuals ideologically distant from a candidate rate the candidate as less competent, yet rate co‐partisan candidates as more competent. For incumbents, opposing partisanship amplifies the negative effect of ideological distance on candidate quality ratings, and shared partisanship mitigates the negative effect of ideological distance.

Conclusion

Only incumbents rated as the most competent can overcome the ideological and partisan biases of voters. Consistent with theories of affective polarization, these results imply that polarization runs deeper than partisan or ideological differences–it is personal.