bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular assist devices: A historical perspective at the intersection of medicine and engineering
Authors: Goodman Daniel , Stulak John , Rosenbaum Andrew N.
Published: August 2022

Over the last half‐century, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology has progressed from conceptual therapy for failed cardiopulmonary bypass weaning to an accepted destination therapy for advanced heart failure. The history of LVAD engineering is defined by an initial development phase, which demonstrated the feasibility of such an approach, to the more recent three major generations of commercial devices. In this review, we explore the engineering challenges of LVADs, how they were addressed over time, and the clinical outcomes that resulted from each major technological development. The first generation of commercial LVADs were pulsatile devices, which lacked the appropriate durability due to their number of moving components and hemocompatibility. The second generation of LVADs was defined by replacement of complex, pulsatile pumps with primarily axial, continuous‐flow systems with an impeller in the blood passageway. These devices experienced significant commercial success, but the presence of excessive trauma to the blood and in‐situ bearing resulted in an unacceptable burden of adverse events. Third generation centrifugal‐flow pumps use magnetically suspended rotors within the pump chamber. Superior outcomes with this newest generation of devices have been observed, particularly with respect to hemocompatibility‐related adverse events including pump thrombosis, with fully magnetically levitated devices. The future of LVAD engineering includes wireless charging foregoing percutaneous drivelines and more advanced pump control mechanisms, including synchronization of the pump flow with the native cardiac cycle, and varying pump output based on degree of physical exertion using sensor or advanced device‐level data triggers.
Diagnostic performance of patient self‐collected oral swab (tongue and cheek) in comparison with healthcare worker‐collected nasopharyngeal swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 detection
Authors: Mane Arati , Jain Shilpa , Jain Ankita , Nema Vijay , Kurle Swarali , Saxena Vandana , Pereira Michael , Sirsat Atul , Pathak Gaurav , Bhoi Vikalp , Bhavsar Shailaja , Panda Samiran
Published: August 2022

The present study was conducted to compare the performance of patient self‐collected oral swab (OS) with healthcare worker (HCW)‐collected nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in real‐world setting. Paired OS and NPS were collected from 485 consecutive individuals presenting with symptoms of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) or asymptomatic contacts of COVID‐19 cases. Both specimens were processed for RT‐PCR and cycle threshold (Ct) value for each test was obtained. Positive percent agreement (PPA), negative percent agreement (NPA), overall percent agreement (OPA) and kappa were calculated for OS RT‐PCR compared with NPS RT‐PCR as reference. A total of 116/485 (23.9%) participants were positive by NPS RT‐PCR. OS had PPA of 71.6%, NPA of 98.8%, OPA of 92.4% and kappa of 0.771. Almost all participants (483/485, 99.6%) reported OS as a convenient and comfortable sample for SARS‐CoV‐2 testing over NPS. All participants with Ct values <25 and majority (90.8%) with Ct values <30 were detected by OS. To conclude, OS self‐sampling was preferred in comparison with NPS due the ease and comfort during collection. The performance of OS RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection, however, was sub‐optimal in comparison with NPS RT‐PCR.
Diamond–Blackfan anaemia with iron overload: A serious issue
Authors: Quarello Paola , Ramenghi Ugo , Fagioli Franca
Published: August 2022

Transfusion‐dependent Diamond–Blackfan anaemia (DBA) patients rapidly develop iron overload and frequently experience cardiac complications. The report by Lecornec and colleagues offers useful details on indications and the management of deferiprone, a highly efficient chelator in removing excess cardiac iron but associated with a high risk of agranulocytosis in DBA patients.

Commentary on: Lecornec et al. Agranulocytosis in patients with Diamond–Blackfan anaemia (DBA) treated with deferiprone for post‐transfusion iron overload: A retrospective study of the French DBA cohort. British Journal of Haematology 2022;199:285‐288.
The effect of intensity of conditioning regimen on the outcome of HSCT in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Alsultan Abdulrahman , Abujoub Rodina , Elbashir Enas , Essa Mohammed F.
Published: August 2022

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) provides a cure for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study describes the effect of conditioning regimen intensity on HSCT outcomes among children younger than 14 years with SCD.

Methods

Transplants from HLA‐matched related donors (MRD) and unrelated donors (MUD) using either myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens or reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens were considered. Event‐free survival (EFS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and occurrence of GVHD.

Results

48 SCD patients underwent HSCT, 45 (93.8%) patients had MRD, 1 (2.1%) had 9/10 related donor, and 2 (4.1%) had MUD. The median age at transplant was 8.6 years (range, 3.1–13.8). Conditioning regimens were myeloablative (MAC) in 41 (85.4%) patients and of reduced intensity in 7 (14.6%) patients. EFS at 2 years was 100% among MAC group compared to 29% in the RIC group (p < .001). The median follow‐up was 43.4 months (range 26.8–134). All events in the RIC group were secondary graft failure. However, OS was 100% in both groups at 2 years. Acute GVHD II–IV was diagnosed in 2 (4.1%) patients. Chronic GVHD occurred in 2 (4.1%) patients. GVHD did not occur in patients who underwent MUD HSCT.

Conclusions

MAC in children with SCD is well tolerated and associated with an excellent outcome for HLA‐matched HSCT in SCD. There was a high rate of secondary graft failure with the use of RIC. Future studies are needed to optimize RIC regimens in HSCT of children with SCD.
A review of clinical efficacy data supporting emergency use authorization for COVID‐19 therapeutics and lessons for future pandemics
Authors: Yoo Seo‐Hyun , Kim Lauren , Lu Michelle , Nagoshi Kira , Namchuk Mark N.
Published: August 2022

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the availability of therapeutics in the context of a public health emergency. To date, an evidentiary standard for clinical efficacy to support an EUA has not yet been established. This review examines the clinical data submitted in support of EUA for antiviral and anti‐inflammatory therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) through December of 2021 and the resilience of the authorization as new clinical data arose subsequent to the authorization. In the vast majority of cases, EUA was supported by at least one well‐powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) where statistically significant efficacy was demonstrated. This included branded medications already approved for use outside of the context of COVID‐19. When used, the standard of a single RCT seemed to provide adequate evidence of clinical efficacy, such that subsequent clinical studies generally supported or expanded the EUA of the therapeutic in question. The lone generic agent that was granted EUA (chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine) was not supported by a well‐controlled RCT, and the EUA was withdrawn within 3 months time. This highlighted not only the ambiguity of the EUA standard, but also the need to provide avenues through which high quality clinical evidence for the efficacy of a generic medication could be obtained. Therefore, maintaining the clinical trial networks assembled during the COVID‐19 pandemic could be a critical component of our preparation for future pandemics. Consideration could also be given to establishing a single successful RCT as regulatory guidance for obtaining an EUA.
Responses of soil greenhouse gas emissions to land use conversion and reversion—A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Zhaohui , Wang Lingqing , Wan Xiaoming , Yang Jun , Peng Qin , Liang Tao , Wang Yazhu , Zhong Buqing , Rinklebe Jörg
Published: August 2022

Exploring the responses of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to land use conversion or reversion is significant for taking effective land use measures to alleviate global warming. A global meta‐analysis was conducted to analyze the responses of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions to land use conversion or reversion, and determine their temporal evolution, driving factors, and potential mechanisms. Our results showed that CH4 and N2O responded positively to land use conversion while CO2 responded negatively to the changes from natural herb and secondary forest to plantation. By comparison, CH4 responded negatively to land use reversion and N2O also showed negative response to the reversion from agricultural land to forest. The conversion of land use weakened the function of natural forest and grassland as CH4 sink and the artificial nitrogen (N) addition for plantation increased N source for N2O release from soil, while the reversion of land use could alleviate them to some degree. Besides, soil carbon would impact CO2 emission for a long time after land use conversion, and secondary forest reached the CH4 uptake level similar to that of primary forest after over 40 years. N2O responses had negative relationships with time interval under the conversions from forest to plantation, secondary forest, and pasture. In addition, meta‐regression indicated that CH4 had correlations with several environmental variables, and carbon–nitrogen ratio had contrary relationships with N2O emission responses to land use conversion and reversion. And the importance of driving factors displayed that CO2, CH4, and N2O response to land use conversion and reversion was easily affected by NH4+ and soil moisture, mean annual temperature and NO3−, total nitrogen and mean annual temperature, respectively. This study would provide enlightenments for scientific land management and reduction of GHG emissions.
Kihon Checklist items associated with the development of frailty and recovery to robust status during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hirose Tamaki , Sawaya Yohei , Ishizaka Masahiro , Hashimoto Naori , Kubo Akira , Urano Tomohiko
Published: August 2022

Aim

The Kihon Checklist (KCL) is used to assess frailty in daily life. We aimed to identify KCL items associated with the development of frailty and recovery to robust status during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a 1‐year prospective cohort study of community‐dwelling adults aged 70 and 75 years in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Information regarding age, sex, presence of disease and KCL items was collected in May 2020 (baseline) and June 2021 (follow‐up) using a mailed questionnaire. Changes in frailty status as determined by the KCL at baseline and follow‐up were evaluated. To clarify factors related to changes in the frailty status, we conducted two sets of binomial logistic regression analyses with the presence/absence of development of frailty and presence/absence of recovery to robust status at follow‐up as the dependent variables and the KCL items as the independent variables.

Results

The analysis included 716 participants who provided complete responses to both questionnaires. The KCL Items 6, 10, 20, 23 and 24 were related to the development of frailty, and the KCL Items 6, 15, 21 and 23 were associated with the recovery to robust status.

Conclusions

The baseline KCL items regarding physical function and associated mental aspects were related to both development of frailty and recovery to robust status during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Cognitive and depressive declines were associated with the development of frailty, while good oral environment and sense of fulfillment in life were associated with the recovery to robust status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 745–752.
Effect of HIV and antiretroviral therapy use on body weight changes in a cohort of U.S. veterans living with and without HIV
Authors: Garcia Jose M. , Dong Yongquan , Richardson Peter , Kramer Jennifer R. , Hartman Christine M. , Royse Kathryn , White Donna L. , Chiao Elizabeth Y.
Published: August 2022

Objective

People living with HIV have high rates of obesity and obesity‐related comorbidities. Our study sought to evaluate weight trajectory in a retrospective cohort of people living with HIV and matched HIV‐negative veterans (controls) and to evaluate risk factors for weight gain.

Methods

This was a retrospective database analysis of data extracted from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse that included people living with HIV (n = 22 421) and age‐matched HIV‐negative controls (n = 63 072). The main outcomes were baseline body weight and weight change from baseline at 1, 2, and 5 years after diagnosis (baseline visit for controls).

Results

Body weight at baseline was lower in people living with HIV than in controls. People living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) gained more weight than did controls. In a sub‐analysis of ART‐exposed people living with HIV, age >50 years, African American race, body mass index (BMI) <25, CD4 ≤200, and HIV diagnosis year after 2000 were associated with more weight gain at year 1. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) plus non‐NRTIs (NNRTIs) were associated with less weight gain than NRTIs plus protease inhibitors, NRTIs plus integrase inhibitors, or NRTIs plus other agents at year 1.

Conclusions

Among US veterans, those living with HIV had lower rates of obesity than age‐matched HIV‐negative controls; however, primarily in the first 2 years after starting ART, people living with HIV gained more weight than did controls.
Common practices of dental implants maintenance among dental hygiene professionals in Israel and Germany
Authors: Eickholz Peter , Winkler Patrizia , Elez Ivana , Slutzkey Gil , Saminsky Michael
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the common practices of dental implant maintenance among dental hygiene professionals (DHP) in Israel (IL) and Germany (GE).

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed by the Periodontology Departments of Tel Aviv (IL) and Frankfurt University (GE) to address demographics, training, prevention and treatment of peri‐implant diseases. The questionnaire was distributed by DHP associations via social media.

Results

The responses of 376 DHPs (IL: 169; GE: 207) were analysed. Most participants were female (IL: 168/99%; GE: 203/98%), had received education (IL: 179/97%; GE: 207/97%) and were working in their home countries (IL: 182/99%; GE: 211/99%). Peri‐implant probing was not performed by 22% of DHPs in IL and 5% in GE. Of the DHPs who used probes, 49% used metal probes in IL, while 40% used plastic probes in GE (p < 0.001). A majority of DHPs performed peri‐implant instrumentation (IL: 168/99%; GE: 190/92%). Most DHPs from IL did not use devices other than hand and/or sonic/ultrasonic instruments for peri‐implant cleaning (IL: 130/77%; GE 5/2%); in GE, the use of airflow (IL: 31/18%; GE: 199/96%) is popular (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Most DHPs in IL and GE perform peri‐implant probing and debridement. However, there are some distinct differences between the two countries regarding the choice of instruments and treatment regimens.
Additive manufacturing of silicon nitride ceramics: A review of advances and perspectives
Authors: Dong Xingjie , Wu Jianqin , Yu Honglin , Zhou Qing , Wang Wenqing , Zhang Xueqin , Zhang Lu , Li Ling , He Rujie
Published: August 2022

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic has been widely applied in various engineering fields. The emergence of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies provides an innovative approach for the fabrication of complex‐shaped Si3N4 ceramic components. This article systematically reviews the advances of the AM of Si3N4 ceramic in recent years and forecasts the potential perspectives in this field. This review aims to motivate future research and development for the AM of Si3N4 ceramic.
Ultrahigh hardness Li2O–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass–ceramics containing multiphase nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Lina , Sun Tengfei , Hao Zhenbang , Xie Jun , Zhang Jihong , Han Jianjun , Wang Mingzhong , Cui Xiuzhen , Liang Xinhui
Published: August 2022

Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2‐based glass–ceramics containing nanocrystals have attracted much attention due to their low expansion coefficient, good mechanical properties, for different applications, such as fire‐safe glass, dental materials, and electronic devices protectors. In current research, ultrahigh hardness Li2O–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass–ceramics were prepared by conventional melt‐quenching and subsequent heat‐treatment method. MgO was introduced via Li2O substitution to change glass crystallization and mechanical properties. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated the glass transition and crystallization temperatures increased with MgO/Li2O ratio increase, for better glass network connectivity from Raman spectra analysis. In addition, the main crystal phase changed from Li2SiO5 and LiAlSi4O10, to the combination of LiAlSi2O6 and MgAl2Si4O12, and finally to MgAl2Si4O12. The Vickers hardness of glass–ceramics was highly dependent on MgO/Li2O ratios in glass components and heat‐treatment temperatures, corresponding with the crystal phases in glass–ceramics. The highest hardness could reach 9.34 GPa, which was much higher than traditional silicate glass–ceramics. The scanning electron microscope images confirmed the crystal diameters that varied from 30 to 100 nm and were determined by MgO content. Transmission electron microscope images and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy mapping also confirmed the precipitation of multiphase nanocrystals in glass matrix. The changes of glass structure, and corresponding crystal combinations in glass–ceramics resulting from MgO introduction, were responsible for the ultrahigh hardness glass.
Norovirus attribution study: Detection of norovirus from the commercial food preparation environment in outbreak and non-outbreak premises
Authors: Elviss Nicola C. , Allen David J. , Kelly Daniel , Akello Joyce Odeke , Hau Sarah , Fox Andrew J. , Hopkins Mark , Derrick Jade , O'Brien Sarah , Iturriza-Gomara Miren ,   Conducted as part of NoVAS
Published: August 2022

Aims

Norovirus remains the most significant virological risk that is transmitted via food and the environment to cause acute gastroenteritis. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that the contamination of the commercial food production environment with norovirus will be higher in premises that have recently reported a foodborne norovirus outbreak than those that have not.

Methods

Sampling of commercial food production environments was carried out across a 16-month period between January 2015 and April 2016 in the South East and the North West of England by local authority environmental health departments as part of routine surveillance visits to premises. A total of 2982 samples, 2038 virological and 944 bacteriological, were collected from 256 premises. Sixteen of these premises, six from South East and ten from North West England, were sampled as part of a public health outbreak investigation.

Results & Conclusions

Overall, 2038 swabs were submitted for norovirus testing, with an average of eight swabs per premises (range 4 to 23) and a median of seven. Of the premises sampled, 11.7% (30/256) yielded at least one norovirus-positive sample (environmental, and/or food handler hand swab), and 2.5% of the swabs were positive for norovirus. A peak in the positivity rate was seen in the South East in April 2016. No associations were found between norovirus positivity and bacteriology indicators, or between bacteriology indicators and hygiene ratings.

Significance and impact of study

This study demonstrates that food premises and food handlers remain a potential source of norovirus transmission and outbreaks.
Program evaluation of an adapted PEERS® social skills program in young adults with autism spectrum disorder and/or mild intellectual impairment and social skills difficulties
Authors: Honan Ingrid , Sharp Nicole , McIntyre Sarah , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Balde Isabelle , Quinn Kirsten , Morgan Marita , Rothery Sophie , Butchers Teigan , Laugeson Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Social challenges are common for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or mild intellectual impairment, yet few evidence‐based interventions exist to address these challenges. PEERS®, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, has been shown to be effective in improving the social skills of young adults with ASD; however, it requires a significant time commitment for parents of young adults. As such, this mixed‐methods study aimed to investigate the experiences of young adults, parents and PEERS® social coaches participating in an adapted PEERS® program, and to evaluate its acceptability and efficacy.

Method

Young adults with ASD and/or mild intellectual impairment participated in a 16‐week PEERS® program. Parents and PEERS® social coaches attended fewer, condensed sessions, where they learnt program content to support the young adults' social skill development at home and in the community. Focus groups were conducted post intervention. Quantitative pre−post assessment using the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, the Test of Young Adult Social Skills Knowledge, and Quality of Socialization Questionnaire‐Young Adults was completed by young adults. The Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition was completed by young adults and their parents.

Result

Qualitative results revealed that, taken together, young adults, parents and PEERS® social coaches all felt that the adapted PEERS® program was ‘challenging, but worth it’. The program was acceptable with a 93% attendance rate across all sessions. Whilst young adults' perceptions of their own social functioning did not change post‐intervention, their knowledge of social skills content improved significantly (p < 0.05). Parent perceptions of young adults' social responsiveness also improved (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Social skill knowledge, social responsiveness, and social engagement improved significantly following the completion of the adapted PEERS® program. It was deemed acceptable and worthwhile by young adults, their parents and PEERS® social coaches.
Vertical space use and thermal range of the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), (Rüppell, 1837) in the western North Atlantic
Authors: Guttridge Tristan L. , Müller Lukas , Keller Bryan A. , Bond Mark E. , Grubbs R Dean. , Winram William , Howey Lucy A. , Frazier Bryan S. , Gruber Samuel H.
Published: August 2022

The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is a highly mobile, large‐bodied shark primarily found in coastal‐pelagic and semi‐oceanic waters across a circumtropical range. It is a target or by‐catch species in multiple fisheries, and as a result, rapid population declines have occurred in many regions. These declines have contributed to the species being assessed as globally critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Although conservation and management measures have yielded promising results in some regions, such as the United States, high levels of at‐vessel and post‐release mortality remain a major concern to the species population recovery. This examined the vertical space use and thermal range of pop‐off archival satellite–tagged S. mokarran in the western North Atlantic Ocean, expanding the understanding of the ecological niche of this species and providing insight into by‐catch mitigation strategies for fisheries managers. The results showed that S. mokarran predominantly used shallow depths (75% of records <30 m) and had a narrow temperature range (89% of records between 23 and 28°C). Individual differences in depth use were apparent, and a strong diel cycle was observed, with sharks occupying significantly deeper depths during the daytime. Furthermore, two individuals were confirmed pregnant with one migrating from the Bahamas to South Carolina, U.S.A., providing further evidence of regional connectivity and parturition off the U.S. East Coast. The findings suggest that S. mokarran may be vulnerable to incidental capture in the western North Atlantic commercial longline fisheries due to substantial vertical overlap between the species and the gear. The results can be incorporated into conservation and management efforts to develop and/or refine mitigation measures focused on reducing the by‐catch and associated mortality of this species, which can ultimately aide S. mokarran population recovery in areas with poor conservation status.
Analysis of lumbar spine stenosis specimens for identification of amyloid
Authors: Maurer Mathew S. , Smiley Dia , Simsolo Eli , Remotti Fabrizio , Bustamante Angela , Teruya Sergio , Helmke Stephen , Einstein Andrew J. , Lehman Ronald , Giles Jon T. , Kelly Jeffery W. , Tsai Felix , Blaner William S. , Brun Pierre‐Jacques , Riesenburger Ron I. , Kryzanski James , Varga Cindy , Patel Ayan R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common reason for spine surgery in which ligamentum flavum is resected. Transthyretin (TTR) amyloid is an often unrecognized and potentially modifiable mechanism for LSS that can also cause TTR cardiac amyloidosis. Accordingly, older adult patients undergoing lumbar spine (LS) surgery were evaluated for amyloid and if present, the precursor protein, as well as comprehensive characterization of the clinical phenotype.

Methods

A prospective, cohort study in 2 academic medical centers enrolled 47 subjects (age 69 ± 7 years, 53% male) undergoing clinically indicated LS decompression. The presence of amyloid was evaluated by Congo Red staining and in those with amyloid, precursor protein was determined by laser capture microdissection coupled to mass spectrometry (LCM‐MS). The phenotype was assessed by disease‐specific questionnaires (Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and the 36‐question short‐form health survey, as well as biochemical measures (TTR, retinol‐binding protein, and TTR stability). Cardiac testing included technetium‐99m‐pyrophosphate scintigraphy, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and cardiac biomarkers as well as measures of functional capacity.

Results

Amyloid was detected in 16 samples (34% of participants) and was more common in those aged ≥ 75 years of age (66.7%) compared with those <75 years (22.3%, p < 0.05). LCM‐MS demonstrated TTR as the precursor protein in 62.5% of participants with amyloid while 37.5% had an indeterminant type of amyloid. Demographic, clinical, quality‐of‐life measures, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical measures did not differ between those with and without amyloid. Among those with TTR amyloid (n = 10), one subject had cardiac involvement by scintigraphy.

Conclusions

Amyloid is detected in more than a third of older adults undergoing LSS. Amyloid is more common with advancing age and is particularly common in those >75 years old. No demographic, clinical, biochemical, or cardiac parameter distinguished those with and without amyloid. In more than half of subjects with LS amyloid, the precursor protein was TTR indicating the importance of pathological assessment.
The lncRNA39896–miR166b–HDZs module affects tomato resistance to Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Hong Yuhui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Cui Jun , Meng Jun , Chen Yinhua , Zhang Chengwei , Yang Jinxiao , Luan Yushi
Published: August 2022

The yield and quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) is seriously affected by Phytophthora infestans. The long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) Sl‐lncRNA39896 is induced after P. infestans infection and was previously predicted to act as an endogenous target mimic (eTM) for the microRNA Sl‐miR166b, which function in stress responses. Here, we further examined the role of Sl‐lncRNA39896 and Sl‐miR166b in tomato resistance to P. infestans. Sl‐miR166b levels were higher in Sl‐lncRNA39896‐knockout mutants than in wild‐type plants, and the mutants displayed enhanced resistance to P. infestans. A six‐point mutation in the region of Sl‐lncRNA39896 that binds to Sl‐miR166b disabled the interaction, suggesting that Sl‐lncRNA39896 acts as an eTM for Sl‐miR166b. Overexpressing Sl‐miR166b yielded a similar phenotype to that produced by Sl‐lncRNA39896‐knockout, whereas silencing of Sl‐miR166b impaired resistance. We verified that Sl‐miR166b cleaved transcripts of its target class III homeodomain‐leucine zipper genes SlHDZ34 and SlHDZ45. Silencing of SlHDZ34/45 decreased pathogen accumulation in plants infected with P. infestans. Additionally, jasmonic acid and ethylene contents were elevated following infection in the plants with enhanced resistance. Sl‐lncRNA39896 is the first known lncRNA to negatively regulate resistance to P. infestans in tomato. We propose a novel mechanism in which the lncRNA39896–miR166b–HDZ module modulates resistance to P. infestans.
Comparative study of the usefulness of risk score assessment in the early stages of COVID‐19 affected pregnancies: Omicron variant versus previous variants
Authors: Magawa Shoichi , Nii Masafumi , Maki Shintaro , Enomoto Naosuke , Takakura Sho , Kusaka Naoko , Maegawa Yuka , Osato Kazuhiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Kondo Eiji , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: August 2022

Aim

To evaluate the utility of the risk score in assessing the current status and prognosis of COVID‐19 in pregnancy.

Methods

Seventy‐seven cases affected before the Omicron variant epidemic and 50 pregnant cases affected by the Omicron variant were included. The risk score consists of maternal background, current condition, and examination findings. We determined the risk score in the early stages of disease onset.

Results

There were no significant differences in the maternal or gestational ages between the groups. The risk score was significantly lower in the After‐Group patients (those affected during the Omicron epoch), while 14.3% of the Before‐Group patients (those affected during the pre‐Delta and Delta epochs), experienced a worsening of disease after the visit to the center, whereas none of the After‐Group patients did. The Before Group's frequency of risk score items was higher among the two groups for “fever for ≥48 h,” “mild pneumonia image,” and “blood tests,” whereas “disease onset 14 days after the second vaccination” was increased in After Group. The blood test parameters for platelet count, C‐reactive protein, and D‐dimer levels were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

The risk score system appeared superior in detecting deteriorating cases. There were no cases of post‐illness deterioration in the After‐Group, suggesting that cases of the Omicron variant in pregnancy may have had a less severe course compared to that of previous variants. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of a specific blood test evaluation, suggesting the need for a combined evaluation of cases affected during pregnancy.
Clinical outcomes of implant‐supported monolithic zirconia crowns and fixed partial dentures: A systematic review
Authors: Kim Wanjin , Li Xiao Chun , Bidra Avinash S.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To determine the survival rates of implant‐supported monolithic zirconia crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPD).

Material and methods

An electronic search for articles in the English language literature published from January 1, 2001 to September 17, 2021 was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL search engines. After applying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definitive list of selected articles was used for calculating the interval survival rate (ISR) and cumulative survival rate (CSR). Restoration failure in this study was defined as the fracture or compromise of any part of the ceramic restoration that required the removal or remake of the implant‐supported restoration.

Results

The electronic search resulted in 457 titles. The systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 14 clinical studies that addressed the clinical outcomes of implant‐supported monolithic zirconia crowns and fixed partial dentures. Of these, 3 were randomized controlled trials, 5 were prospective studies, and 6 were retrospective studies. Follow‐up periods ranged from 1 to 5 years. Of the 644 implant‐supported monolithic zirconia restorations computed in this systematic review, there was only 1 reported failure of the monolithic zirconia restorative material over a follow‐up period of up to 5 years, for a cumulative survival rate of 99.84%. At the maximum follow‐up interval of 5 years, the cumulative survival rate for monolithic zirconia single crowns was 100% and the cumulative survival rate for monolithic zirconia fixed partial dentures was 99.60%.

Conclusions

Implant‐supported monolithic zirconia single crowns and fixed partial dentures have excellent short‐term (<5 years) survival rates but the evidence for medium‐term survival (>5 years) and beyond is lacking.
Boredom belief moderates the mental health impact of boredom among young people: Correlational and multi‐wave longitudinal evidence gathered during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tam Katy Y. Y. , Chan Christian S. , van Tilburg Wijnand A. P. , Lavi Iris , Lau Jennifer Y. F.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Young people's experience of boredom and its psychological health sequelae have been exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. The present study examined the moderating role of boredom beliefs—the extent to which one affectively dislikes boredom (boredom dislike) and cognitively accepts it (boredom normalcy)—on the association between boredom experience and mental well‐being. We also validated a new measure of boredom beliefs in two different samples of young people.

Method

We report data from a correlational study with British young people aged 12–25 (Study 1; N = 2495) and a 16‐week eight‐wave within‐subject study with Israeli adolescents aged 12–18 (Study 2; N = 314).

Results

Across both studies, disliking boredom was associated with higher frequency and intensity of boredom. Boredom dislike moderated the negative association between boredom and mental well‐being, such that the association was more salient among those who strongly disliked boredom. Normalizing boredom was positively associated with mental well‐being. The measure of boredom beliefs demonstrated fair validity and reliability.

Conclusion

Results provide novel insights into the potential buffering effect of boredom beliefs against the mental health impact of boredom, particularly at a time of reduced activity. These findings generalize across two different countries.
Evaluation of the blood neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a biomarker for meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology in dogs
Authors: Park Jooyoung , Lee Dohee , Yun Taesik , Koo Yoonhoi , Chae Yeon , Kim Hakhyun , Yang Mhan‐Pyo , Kang Byeong‐Teck
Published: August 2022

Background

The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been identified as a biomarker in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been found to be associated with changes in the NLR in humans.

Objectives

To examine the diagnostic value of the NLR in meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE) in dogs.

Animals

Thirty‐eight MUE dogs, 20 hydrocephalic dogs, 10 brain tumor (BT) dogs, 32 idiopathic epilepsy (IE) dogs, and 41 healthy dogs.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with a diagnosis of neurologic disease. The NLR was determined in all dogs.

Results

The median NLR was significantly higher in MUE dogs (6.08) than in healthy (1.78, P < .001), IE (2.50, P < .05), and hydrocephalic dogs (1.79, P < .05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the NLR for differentiation between MUE and healthy dogs was 0.96, and between the MUE dogs and dogs with other forebrain diseases was 0.86. An optimal cutoff of 4.16 for the NLR had a sensitivity of 71.1% and specificity of 83.9% to differentiate the MUE dogs from the dogs with other forebrain diseases.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The NLR could be a biomarker for diagnosing MUE and distinguishing it from other intracranial diseases in dogs.
A Place for Neuroscience in Teacher Knowledge and Education
Authors: Dubinsky Janet M. , Roehrig Gillian , Varma Sashank
Published: August 2022

The foundational contributions from neuroscience regarding how learning occurs in the brain reside within one of Shulman's seven components of teacher knowledge, Knowledge of Students. While Knowledge of Students combines inputs from multiple social science disciplines that traditionally inform teacher education, teachers must also (and increasingly) know what happens inside students' brains. Neuroscience professional development provides neuroscience principles that teachers can learn and apply to distinguish among pedagogical choices, plan lessons, guide in‐the‐moment classroom decisions, and inform the views of students. Neuroscience does not directly invent new pedagogies. Rather, knowledge of neuroscience guides teachers in choosing appropriate pedagogies, pragmatically informing teaching. By providing physiological explanations for psychological phenomena relevant to education, teachers benefit from neuroscience content in their training and professional development.
Adaptations in vascular access procedures as an initiative to protect healthcare workers throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hackett Anna , Wells Celia , Gupta Rohit , Kohli‐Seth Roopa
Published: August 2022

COVID‐19 has led to procedural changes in vascular access services to protect healthcare workers and patients from further spread of the virus. Operational changes made by the vascular access service at a healthcare system in New York City during the first wave of the COVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic included a team‐based approach as well as consideration for types of lines placed to address the increase in patient volume while providing safety to healthcare workers and conserving personal protective equipment. The study consists of two samples of adult inpatients admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City in need of vascular access. Chi‐square tests of independence were used to analyze trends in data. By the fourth wave, usage of shorter lifespan ultrasound‐guided peripheral intravenous lines increased significantly and the use of longer lasting intravenous catheters decreased significantly between the first and fourth waves of COVID‐19. This paper aims to show that with greater knowledge about proper personal protective equipment and mindful resource use, hospitals are able to become more comfortable and efficient while providing increasingly frequent vascular access services in the current and future pandemics.
The epidermal bladder cell‐free mutant of the salt‐tolerant quinoa challenges our understanding of halophyte crop salinity tolerance
Authors: Moog Max William , Trinh Mai Duy Luu , Nørrevang Anton Frisgaard , Bendtsen Amalie Kofoed , Wang Cuiwei , Østerberg Jeppe Thulin , Shabala Sergey , Hedrich Rainer , Wendt Toni , Palmgren Michael
Published: August 2022

Halophytes tolerate high salinity levels that would kill conventional crops. Understanding salt tolerance mechanisms will provide clues for breeding salt‐tolerant plants. Many halophytes, such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), are covered by a layer of epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) that are thought to mediate salt tolerance by serving as salt dumps.

We isolated an epidermal bladder cell‐free (ebcf) quinoa mutant that completely lacked EBCs and was mutated in REBC and REBC‐like1. This mutant showed no loss of salt stress tolerance.

When wild‐type quinoa plants were exposed to saline soil, EBCs accumulated potassium (K+) as the major cation, in quantities far exceeding those of sodium (Na+). Emerging leaves densely packed with EBCs had the lowest Na+ content, whereas old leaves with deflated EBCs served as Na+ sinks. When the leaves expanded, K+ was recycled from EBCs, resulting in turgor loss that led to a progressive deflation of EBCs.

Our findings suggest that EBCs in young leaves serve as a K+‐powered hydrodynamic system that functions as a water sink for solute storage. Sodium ions accumulate within old leaves that subsequently wilt and are shed. This mechanism improves the survival of quinoa under high salinity conditions.
Effect of Age on the Patterns of Traumatic Femoral Fractures: Seven Years of Experience at a Regional Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Yuan Hong , Yu Hailong , Zhu Yunpeng , Xiang Liangbi , Wang Hongwei
Published: August 2022

Objective

Femoral fractures are a common cause of mortality and functional loss, mainly among older people, and there are few studies about the age in relation to traumatic femoral fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the patterns of traumatic femoral fractures in patients presenting to our regional tertiary hospital.

Methods

The records of 2020 patients who presented with traumatic femoral fractures between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' clinical and radiographic records were reviewed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for associated injuries and complications.

Results

The patients were divided into a child group (CH group, n = 342) aged under 18 years, a young adult group (YA group, n = 484) aged 18–60 years, and an older people group (OP group, n = 1194) aged 60 years and over. There were significant differences among the three groups in several indexes, such as sex ratio (χ2 = 301.699, p < 0.001), osteoporosis (χ2 = 375.463, p < 0.001), injury time of day (χ2 = 114.913, p < 0.001), injury cause (χ2 = 748.187, p < 0.001), injury location (χ2 = 490.153, p < 0.001), fracture side (χ2 = 57.000, p < 0.001), fracture site (χ2 = 806.650, p < 0.001), associated injuries (χ2 = 322.921, p < 0.001), coma after injury (χ2 = 147.814, p < 0.001), non‐surgery‐related complications (χ2 = 7.895, p = 0.019), and surgery‐related complications (χ2 = 82.186, p < 0.001). The YA group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with surgery‐related complications than the OP group. The OP group had a higher frequency of non‐surgery‐related complications than the YA group and CH group. The most common non‐surgery‐related complications were pneumonia (7.1%) in the OP group and deep venous thrombosis (6.4%) in the YA group. Multivariable logistic regression showed that young adults, high‐energy injury, outdoors, coma after injury, and fracture sites except for the proximal region were independent risk factors for associated injuries. Older age, male, and fracture site except for the proximal region were independent risk factors for complications.

Conclusions

Traumatic femoral fractures are mostly the result of low‐energy trauma and predominantly affect the proximal site of the femur among older people. A higher rate of shaft fractures, fractures occurring outdoors, and associated injuries were observed among young adults and children than among older people.
Analysis of the Effect of Antibiotic Bone Cement in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer through Tibia Transverse Transport
Authors: Ding Xiaofang , Yuan Yusong , Lu Hao , Wang Yuanli , Ji Kunyu , Lv Haorun , Xu Hailin , Zhou Junlin
Published: August 2022

Objective

To explore the efficacy of antibiotic bone cement (ABC) combined with the modified tibial transverse transport (mTTT) on the treatment of severe diabetic foot with infection.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 243 patients with TEXAS grade 3/4 stage D diabetic foot ulcers from December 2016 to December 2019. A total of 115 patients treated with mTTT were classified as the mTTT group (78 male and 37 female, mean age: 70.4 ± 6 years) and 128 patients who were treated with ABC combined with mTTT were in the ABC + mTTT group (89 male and 39 female, mean age: 68.9 ± 8 years). Follow‐up records during treatment and 6 months after surgery were collected, including the time required for white blood cells (WBC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) to return to normal range, wound healing time, pain visual analog scale (VAS), ankle‐brachial index (ABI), foot skin temperature, transcutaneous oxygen pressure measurement (TcPO2), complications, and other indicators. Normally distributed data were compared using the independent sample t‐test, non‐normally distributed data were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA analysis of variance.

Results

There were 128 cases in the ABC + mTTT group (89 male and 39 female, mean age: 68.9 ± 8 years) treated with ABC and mTTT, and 115 cases in the TTT group (78 male and 37 female, mean age: 70.4 ± 6 years) treated with mTTT alone. The time required for WBC and CRP to return to the normal range and wound healing time in the ABC + mTTT group were significantly shorter than those in the mTTT group (12.9 ± 4.6 vs. 22.6 ± 1.6 days, t = 3.979, p < 0.001; 25.3 ± 1.3 vs. 31.3 ± 2.3 days, t = 4.261, p = 0.001; 11.9 ± 3.8 vs. 15.9 ± 3.9 days, t = 4.539, p < 0.001). There were no significant intergroup differences in the foot skin temperature, VAS score, ABI, and TcPO2 (t = 0.349, 0.542, 0.765, 0.693 while all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although the application of ABC with mTTT for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers did not affect the wound healing time and ankle blood supply in the mid‐term, it could control ulcer infection faster and accelerate wound healing.
Applications of the Crenel Lateral Interbody Fusion Procedure in Treatment for Adjacent Segments Degeneration of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Zhang Di , Zeng Tong , Chen Keng , Jin Song
Published: August 2022

Objective

To observe the clinical and radiological effect of crenel lateral interbody fusion (CLIF) procedure in the management of lumbar spine adjacent segment degenerative (ASD).

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with lumbar spine ASD who underwent the CLIF procedure between June 2018 and December 2019 were included in the study. There were 13 males and 24 females, with a mean age of 64.30 ± 5.92 years. The VAS score of the back (VAS_Back) and legs (VAS_Leg), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, the height of the intervertebral space (HIS), the height of the intervertebral foramen (HIF), the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the vertebral canal, segmental lordosis (SL), and lumbar lordosis (LL) were recorded before the operation, 2 weeks after the operation, 3 months after the operation, and at the last follow‐up respectively. Clinical and radiological outcomes before and after the surgery were compared, and correlation and regression analyses were performed.

Results

There were no vascular and nerve‐related complications during the operation. The average follow‐up time was 16.63 ± 4.24 months. The median of both VAS_Back and VAS_Leg was 7 before surgery and 1 at the last follow‐up. Meanwhile, the average preoperative ODI score, HIS, HIF, CSA of the vertebral canal, LL, and SL was (67.48 ± 7.17) %, (4.80 ± 0.73) mm, (12.95 ± 2.07) mm, (59.52 ± 9.22) mm2, (37.22 ± 5.92)° and (4.78 ± 1.99)°, respectively. At the final follow‐up, ODI score, HIS, HIF, CSA of the vertebral canal, LL, and SL was (7.07 ± 2.66) %, (9.44 ± 0.61) mm, (17.30 ± 1.90) mm, (70.49 ± 8.95) mm2, (44.67 ± 6.38)° and (13.44 ± 3.27)°, respectively. In the VAS_Back, VAS_Leg, ODI score, LL, SL, HIS, HIF, and CSA of the vertebral canal, the difference between preoperative and 2 weeks after the operation, 3 months after the operation, and the last follow‐up were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, the difference was not statistically significant between each time point after the operation in the CSA of the vertebral canal, LL, and SL (P > 0.05). Nonetheless, the difference was statistically significant in ODI between each time point after the operation (P < 0.05). VAS_Leg was associated with HIS, HIF, and CSA of the vertebral canal, while LL and SL were risk factors for low back pain.

Conclusion

Crenel lateral interbody fusion is an effective procedure in the management of lumbar ASD. Not only was the postoperative swift recovery due to minimal invasion, but also adequate LL and SL were achievable.