bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two wrongs make a right: heat stress reversion of a male-sterile Brassica napus line
Authors: Schuhmann Petra , Engstler Carina , Klöpfer Kai , Gügel Irene L , Abbadi Amine , Dreyer Felix , Leckband Gunhild , Bölter Bettina , Hagn Franz , Soll Jürgen , Carrie Chris
Published: February 2022

Male-sterile lines play important roles in plant breeding to obtain hybrid vigour. The male sterility Lembke (MSL) system is a thermosensitive genic male sterility system of Brassica napus and is one of the main systems used in European rapeseed breeding. Interestingly, the MSL system shows high similarity to the 9012AB breeding system from China, including the ability to revert to fertile in high temperature conditions. Here we demonstrate that the MSL system is regulated by the same restorer of fertility gene BnaC9-Tic40 as the 9012AB system, which is related to the translocon at the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts 40 (TIC40) from Arabidopsis. The male sterility gene of the MSL system was also identified to encode a chloroplast-localized protein which we call BnChimera; this gene shows high sequence similarity to the sterility gene previously described for the 9012AB system. For the first time, a direct protein interaction between BnaC9-Tic40 and the BnChimera could be demonstrated. In addition, we identify the corresponding amino acids that mediate this interaction and suggest how BnaC9-Tic40 acts as the restorer of fertility. Using an RNA-seq approach, the effects of heat treatment on the male fertility restoration of the C545 MSL system line were investigated. These data demonstrate that many pollen developmental pathways are affected by higher temperatures. It is hypothesized that heat stress reverses the male sterility via a combination of slower production of cell wall precursors in plastids and a slower flower development, which ultimately results in fertile pollen. The potential breeding applications of these results are discussed regarding the use of the MSL system in producing thermotolerant fertile plants.
Basic modal congruent and monotonic multilattice logics
Authors: Grigoriev Oleg , Petrukhin Yaroslav
Published: February 2022

In the paper, we introduce multilattice versions of the basic congruent and monotonic modal logics. In the case of congruent and monotonic ones, we also study their extensions by Gödel’s rule. We formulate these logics in the form of sequent calculi and prove syntactic embedding theorems (as a consequence, we obtain cut admissibility and decidability). Then we present them algebraically and semantically: via modal multilattices and via general and descriptive neighbourhood frames. We show the dual equivalency of the categories of modal multilattices and descriptive neighbourhood frames. Using Lindenbaum–Tarski algebras, we prove that the sequent calculi under consideration are sound and complete with respect to modal multilattices.
Adding creatinine to routine pregnancy tests: a decision tree for calculating the cost of identifying patients with CKD in pregnancy
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Chatrenet Antoine , Cataldo Manuela , Torreggiani Massimo , Attini Rossella , Masturzo Bianca , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Versino Elisabetta ,   Kidney and Pregnancy Study Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology, Santoro Domenico , Moroni Gabriella , Gammaro Linda , Gernone Giuseppe , Covella Bianca
Published: February 2022

Background

Even in its early stages, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The current guidelines for pregnancy management suggest identifying risk factors for adverse outcomes but do not mention kidney diseases. Since CKD is often asymptomatic, pregnancy offers a valuable opportunity for diagnosis. The present analysis attempts to quantify the cost of adding serum creatinine to prenatal screening and monitoring tests.

Methods

The decision tree we built takes several screening scenarios (before, during and after pregnancy) into consideration, following the hypothesis that while 1:750 pregnant women are affected by stage 4–5 CKD and 1:375 by stage 3B, only 50% of CKD cases are known. Prevalence of abortions/miscarriages was calculated at 30%; compliance with tests was hypothesized at 50% pre- and post-pregnancy and 90% during pregnancy (30% for miscarriages); the cost of serum creatinine (production cost) was set at 0.20 euros. A downloadable calculator, which makes it possible to adapt these figures to other settings, is available.

Results

The cost per detected CKD case ranged from 111 euros (one test during pregnancy, diagnostic yield 64.8%) to 281.90 euros (one test per trimester, plus one post-pregnancy or miscarriage, diagnostic yield 87.7%). The best policy is identified as one test pre-, one during and one post-pregnancy (191.80 euros, diagnostic yield 89.4%).

Conclusions

This study suggests the feasibility of early CKD diagnosis in pregnancy by adding serum creatinine to routinely performed prenatal tests and offers cost estimates for further discussion.
The bHLH/HLH transcription factors GhFP2 and GhACE1 antagonistically regulate fiber elongation in cotton
Authors: Lu Rui , Li Yang , Zhang Jiao , Wang Yao , Zhang Jie , Li Yu , Zheng Yong , Li Xue-Bao
Published: February 2022

Basic helix–loop–helix/helix–loop–helix (bHLH/HLH) transcription factors play important roles in cell elongation in plants. However, little is known about how bHLH/HLH transcription factors antagonistically regulate fiber elongation in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). In this study, we report that two bHLH/HLH transcription factors, fiber-related protein 2 (GhFP2) and ACTIVATOR FOR CELL ELONGATION 1 (GhACE1), function in fiber development of cotton. GhFP2 is an atypical bHLH protein without the basic region, and its expression is regulated by brassinosteroid (BR)-related BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (GhBZR1). Overexpression of GhFP2 in cotton hindered fiber elongation, resulting in shortened fiber length. In contrast, suppression of GhFP2 expression in cotton promoted fiber development, leading to longer fibers compared with the wild-type. GhFP2 neither contains a DNA-binding domain nor has transcriptional activation activity. Furthermore, we identified GhACE1, a bHLH protein that interacts with GhFP2 and positively regulates fiber elongation. GhACE1 could bind to promoters of plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2;7 (GhPIP2;7) and expansions 8 (GhEXP8) for directly activating their expression, but the interaction between GhFP2 and GhACE1 suppressed transcriptional activation of these target genes by GhACE1. Taken together, our results indicate that GhACE1 promotes fiber elongation by activating expressions of GhPIP2;7 and GhEXP8, but its transcription activation on downstream genes may be obstructed by BR-modulated GhFP2. Thus, our data reveal a key mechanism for fiber cell elongation through a pair of antagonizing HLH/bHLH transcription factors in cotton.
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) in Pain Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial of IPS for Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions
Authors: Sveinsdottir Vigdis , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting , Ljosaa Tone Marte , Linnemørken Lene Therese Bergerud , Knutzen Thomas , Ghiasvand Reza , Reme Silje Endresen
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Although complex pain conditions require an interdisciplinary approach, employment services are rarely provided in pain centers. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an effective approach to increase work participation among patients with severe mental illness, and recent evidence suggests that this method can be successfully repurposed for new target groups. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of IPS integrated with interdisciplinary treatment as usual (TAU) for patients with chronic pain in a tertiary pain center.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial comparing IPS integrated with TAU (n = 38) with TAU alone (n = 20) was conducted. Participants were patients with chronic pain who were 18–65 years of age and currently on long-term sick leave or disability benefits or unemployed. The primary outcome was employment within 12 months after enrollment, with additional long-term follow-up after 24 months. Secondary outcomes included health and quality of life, measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

Results

During 12-month follow-up, 52.8% in the IPS group and 38.9% in the TAU group had attained employment. The difference increased during 24-month follow-up but did not reach statistical significance. Findings on secondary outcomes were generally nonsignificant.

Conclusions

The IPS in Pain trial is the first study to evaluate the effect of IPS for patients with chronic pain conditions. It shows that IPS can be integrated into the daily practice of interdisciplinary pain treatment, with employment rates exceeding 50% in 1 year and a clear trend in favor of the IPS group. Results did not, however, reach significance. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to draw clear conclusions about effectiveness.
History of solar neutrino observations
Authors: Nakahata Masayuki
Published: February 2022

The first solar neutrino experiment, led by Raymond Davis Jr, showed a deficit of neutrinos relative to the solar model prediction, referred to as the “solar neutrino problem” since the 1970s. The Kamiokande experiment, led by Masatoshi Koshiba, successfully observed solar neutrinos, as first reported in 1989. The observed flux of solar neutrinos was almost half the predicted value and confirmed the solar neutrino problem. This problem was not resolved for some time due to possible uncertainties in the solar model. In 2001, it was discovered that the solar neutrino problem is due to neutrino oscillations by comparing the Super-Kamiokande and Sudbury Neutrino Observatory results; this was the first model-independent comparison. Detailed studies of solar neutrino oscillations have since been performed, and the results of solar neutrino experiments are consistent with solar model predictions when the effects of neutrino oscillations are taken into account. In this article, the history of solar neutrino observations is reviewed with the contributions of Kamiokande and Super-Kamiokande detailed.
PREMATURE MENOPAUSE AND OBESITY DUE TO OOCYTE LOSS IN FEMALE MICE CHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO LOW DOSE-RATE γ-RAYS
Authors: Nakamura S , Tanaka III I B , Komura J , Tanaka S
Published: February 2022

In previous reports, the authors showed a significant overall increase in neoplasms originating from the ovaries (2007) and increased body weights (2007, 2010) in female B6C3F1 mice chronically exposed to low dose-rate γ-rays at 20 mGy/day (total doses = 8 (2007) or 6 Gy (2010)), as well as significant increases in serum leptin, total cholesterol, adipose tissue deposits and liver lipid content (2010). The present study chronicles the progression of ovarian failure in relation to obesity and dyslipidemia in female B6C3F1 mice chronically exposed to low dose-rate of γ-rays from 9 to 43 weeks of age (total dose = 4.8 Gy). We monitored changes in body weights, estrus cycles, ovarian follicle counts, serum cholesterol and serum leptin. The number of mice with irregular estrus cycles and increased body weights (with increased fat deposits) significantly increased from 30–36 weeks of age. Depletion of oocytes in ovaries from irradiated mice at 30 weeks of age (accumulated dose = 3 Gy) was also observed. Findings suggest that obesity in female B6C3F1 mice continuously irradiated with low dose-rate of γ-rays at 20 mGy/day is a consequence of premature menopause due to radiation-induced oocyte depletion.
Online platforms for research data: A requirements and cost analysis
Authors: Reichenbach Rebecca , Eberl Christoph , Lindenmeier Jörg
Published: February 2022

Online platforms serving the research community offer the potential to accelerate research efforts to solve societal challenges. Based on Semantic Web technologies, domain-specific research platforms can pave the way for a ‘digital transformation’ in science. Researchers will be able to share and analyse research data. A prerequisite for the success of such platforms is the identification and consideration of stakeholders’ requirements. However, meeting all requirements is cost-intensive. Existing funding models cannot be easily transferred to such new online platforms. With this paper, we contribute to the discussion in science and politics on how the provision of research data can be organized via online platforms in the future. As a basis, this study empirically investigated funder and user requirements of an online platform for materials research data and conducted a cost analysis to assess possible funding models that might ensure the long-term operation of these platforms.
How universities influence societal impact practices: Academics’ sense-making of organizational impact strategies
Authors: de Jong Stefan P L , Balaban Corina
Published: February 2022

Societal impact of academic research has become a central concern of contemporary science policies. As key players in the higher education sector, universities play a crucial role in translating policy into organizational strategies, which then have the potential to shape academics’ practices. This article investigates the influence that universities may have on academics’ impact practices. We employ an analytical framework that combines a novel method for studying university impact strategies, sense-making theory, and insights from literature on impact. Our data consist of interviews with sixteen philosophers and anthropologists working across four universities in the Netherlands and the UK. We find that, in response to organizational goals and Human Resource Management policies, academics report changing their impact practices. We call for universities to use their influence responsibly in order to enable a broad range of impact practices.
The other side of the boundary: Productive interactions seen from the policy side
Authors: Tellmann Silje Maria , Gulbrandsen Magnus
Published: February 2022

The literatures on productive interactions and related frameworks depict impact processes as collaborative efforts to permeate various boundaries between research and societal stakeholders. However, the impact literature is biased towards looking at these processes from the researcher side. This paper analyses policymakers’ interactions with researchers and the different forms of boundary work that ensue, which contributes to improved understanding of the stakeholder side of interactions. Our point of the departure is the interactions related to Research and development (R&D) units and their networks in the central administration in Norway. Using in-depth interviews with twenty-two civil servants in the field of welfare policy, we show how the combination of competitive and collaborative modes of boundary work makes interactions productive. Because research is a strategic asset in the policy domain, control over knowledge production and autonomy to decide when to follow the evidence (or not) is a central feature of knowledge work in policy organisations.
From ‘productive interactions’ to ‘enabling conditions’: The role of organizations in generating societal impact of academic research
Authors: de Jong Stefan P L , Balaban Corina , Nedeva Maria
Published: February 2022

Societal impact of academic research has been high on both policy and scientific agendas for several decades. Scholars increasingly focus on processes when analyzing societal impact, often inspired by the concept of ‘productive interactions’. Building on this concept, we assert that processes do not take place in isolation. Rather, we suggest that productive interactions emerge in environments that offer conditions for these interactions to occur. This special section brings together three papers that focus on ‘enabling conditions’ that organizations provide to enable societal impact.
Integrative taxonomy of crustacean y-larvae (Thecostraca: Facetotecta) using laboratory-rearing and molecular analyses of single specimens, with the description of a new vermiform species
Authors: Olesen Jørgen , Dreyer Niklas , Palero Ferran , Eibye-Jacobsen Danny , Fujita Yoshihisa , Chan Benny K K , Grygier Mark J
Published: February 2022

Facetotecta, the taxon established for ‘y-larvae’, is the last major crustacean group for which the adult stage remains unknown. With only 14 described nominal species, all in the genus Hansenocaris, their incompletely known life cycle, small size and dearth of molecular data have hampered assessments of their true species diversity. Based on field studies during which > 11 000 y-larvae were sampled, a new integrative approach for studying the taxonomy of y-larvae is outlined. It focuses on last-stage nauplii and y-cyprids and includes methods for rearing lecithotrophic y-larvae for documenting the morphology of specimens with live photomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and for obtaining molecular systematic data. This new and integrated approach, whereby each single specimen provides multiple kinds of information, was implemented to describe Hansenocaris demodex sp. nov., a unique y-larval form with semi-vermiform nauplii that occurs in the waters of Okinawa (southern Japan) and Taiwan. A preliminary Facetotecta phylogeny shows remarkable congruence between the morphology of all newly sequenced y-larvae and molecular data (18S rDNA). Four independent clades are formed by H. demodex and three other types/species of y-larvae, together being the sister-group to a smaller clade including H. itoi and unnamed species from GenBank.
Anthracnose: A New Leaf Disease on Radermachera sinica (China Doll) in China
Authors: Yu Lin , Lyu Chuang , Tang Yafei , Lan Guobing , Li Zhenggang , She Xiaoman , He Zifu
Published: February 2022

Radermachera sinica (China doll) is a popular evergreen horticultural crop worldwide. However, little information has been provided to describe the anthracnose disease of R. sinica. In 2018, symptoms suspected of leaf anthracnose were observed on R. sinica in gardens and commercial greenhouses in Guangzhou, China. Lesions on diseased leaves showed thinned and grayish white centers, dark-brown to black borders, and raised black spots. Twenty-seven single-conidia isolates were obtained from symptomatic leaf lesions. Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analysis, 19 isolates were identified as Colletotrichum siamense and six and two isolates were identified as C. fructicola and C. karstii, respectively. An in vivo pathogenicity test was conducted on leaves of R. sinica plants, and it was discovered that C. siamense was more aggressive under wounded conditions than under unwounded conditions, and caused symptomatic necrotic lesions on the leaf. Afterward, the same pathogen was reisolated from lesions of inoculated leaves to fulfill Koch’s postulates. However, neither C. fructicola nor C. karstii caused visible lesions on leaves of R. sinica under wounded or unwounded conditions, indicating that they may be asymptomatic endophytes or opportunistic pathogens on R. sinica. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of Colletotrichum spp. associated with anthracnose disease on R. sinica in China.
Managing White Mold on Common Bean with Type III Growth Habit by Integrating Partial Resistance, Plant Density, and Fungicide
Authors: Vieira Rogério F. , Lima Renan C. , Teixeira Pablo H. , Paula Júnior Trazilbo J. , Carneiro José Eustáquio S. , Possamai Felipe , Braun Heder , Lima Marilene S.
Published: February 2022

The combination of plant density, fungicide, and levels of genotype resistance to white mold (WM) has not been studied for its effect on performance of common bean with type III growth habit under WM pressure. We established four sprinkler-irrigated trials in the fall to winter season in Brazil, combining density (8, 14, 20, or 26 plants/m2), genotype (susceptible or partially resistant to WM), and fungicide to manage WM (two fluazinam applications or without fluazinam) at 0.5 m row spacing in fields infested with sclerotia. One trial was established in a warm region, aiming to obtain low WM pressure. For three trials, the linear mixed model was used. WM pressure in the trials ranged from low to high. Genotype × density × fungicide and genotype × density interactions were not significant for incidence, severity, and yield for all trials. In the three trials, severity was 29% lower at eight than at 26 plants/m2, and yield at 14 plants/m2(3,294 kg/ha) was 14% higher than yield at eight plants/m2(P = 0.035) where fluazinam was applied. However, without fluazinam, density did not affect yield. In conclusion, choices of plant density for type III bean cultivars do not need to take into account their resistance levels to WM in the fall to winter season. However, fungicide treatment to manage WM affects the choice of density, with 8 to 12 plants/m2recommended if fungicide is not an option to manage WM (as in organic systems), and 10 to 14 plants/m2recommended if fungicide applications are likely.
A Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase in Nondefoliating Strain of Verticillium dahliae Manipulates Virulence via Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Jin Xianjiang , Wang Yonglin , Zhang Baolong , Liu Tingli
Published: February 2022

Verticillium dahliae is a broad host-range phytopathogenic fungus that causes destructive vascular wilt on plants worldwide. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, also known as CYPs/P450s, are broadly distributed in organisms and are involved in a diverse array of molecular/metabolic processes. In this study, using reverse transcription quantitative PCR analysis, we observed that the expression of a P450 gene (Chr2g00380) in the E-class P450, group IV from V. dahliae isolate JR2 was highly induced during tomato infection. Targeted deletion of Chr2g00380 in JR2 did not affect hyphal growth and morphology; however, the mutants exhibited increased sensitivity to H2O2 and defects in melanized microsclerotia formation compared with the wild type. Loss of Chr2g00380 resulted in reduced virulence on tomato and tobacco plants but did not cause phenotypic changes in infection structure formation or in the penetration of cellophane membranes. These data provide evidence for an involvement of a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in virulence in V. dahliae.
The Impact of Computer-Assisted Navigation on Charges and Readmission in Patients Undergoing Posterior Cervical Fusion Surgery
Authors: Tang Justin E. , Dominy Calista L. , Arvind Varun , Cho Brian H. , White Christopher , Pasik Sara D. , Shah Kush C. , Kim Jun S. , Cho Samuel K.
Published: February 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study of 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD).

Objective:

The aim was to evaluate cost and outcomes associated with navigation use on posterior cervical fusion (PCF) surgery patients.

Summary of Background Data:

Computer-assisted navigation systems demonstrate comparable outcomes with hardware placement and procedural speed compared with traditional techniques. Innovations in technology continue to improve surgeons’ performance in complicated procedures, causing need to analyze the impact on patient care.

Methods:

The 2016 NRD was queried for patients with PCF surgery ICD-10 codes. Cost and readmission rates were compared with and without navigation. Nonelective cases and patients below 18 years of age were excluded. Univariate analysis on demographics, surgical data, and total charges was performed. Lastly, multivariate analysis was performed to assess navigation’s impact on cost and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

A total of 11,834 patients were identified, with 137 (1.2%) patients undergoing surgery with navigation and 11,697 (98.8%) patients without. Average total charge was $131,939.47 and $141,270.1 for the non-navigation and navigation cohorts, respectively (P=0.349). Thirty-day and 90-day readmission rates were not significantly lower in patients who received navigation versus those that did not (P=0.087). This remained insignificant after adjusting for several variables, age above 65, sex, medicare status, mental health history, and comorbidities. The model adjusting for demographic and comorbidities maintained insignificant results of navigation being associated with decreased 30-day and 90-day readmissions (P=0.079).

Conclusions:

Navigation use in PCF surgery was not associated with increased cost, and patients operated on with navigation did not significantly have increased routine discharge or decreased 90-day readmission. As a result, future studies must continue to evaluate the cost-benefit of navigation use for cervical fusion surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Patient Factors Impacting Baseline Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) in Patients Undergoing Cervical Spine Surgery for Myelopathy or Radiculopathy
Authors: DiMaria Stephen , Wilent W. Bryan , Nicholson Kristen J. , Tesdahl Eric A. , Valiuskyte Kornelija , Mao Jennifer , Seger Philip , Singh Akash , Sestokas Anthony K. , Vaccaro Alex R.
Published: February 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective review of 2532 adults who underwent elective surgery for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) with motor evoked potentials (MEPs) between 2017 and 2019.

Objective:

Evaluate attainability of monitorable MEPs across demographic, health history, and patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM) factors.

Summary of Background Data:

When baseline IONM responses cannot be obtained, the value of IONM on mitigating the risk of postoperative deficits is marginalized and a clinical decision to proceed must be made based, in part, on the differential diagnosis of the unmonitorable MEPs. Despite known associations with baseline MEPs and anesthetic regimen or preoperative motor strength, little is known regarding associations with other patient factors.

Methods:

Demographics, health history, and PROM data were collected preoperatively. MEP baseline responses were reported as monitorable or unmonitorable at incision. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the odds of having at least one unmonitorable MEP from demographic and health history factors.

Results:

Age [odds ratio (OR)=1.031, P<0.001], sex (male OR=1.572, P=0.007), a primary diagnosis of myelopathy (OR=1.493, P=0.021), peripheral vascular disease (OR=2.830, P=0.009), type II diabetes (OR=1.658, P=0.005), and hypertension (OR=1.406, P=0.040) were each associated with increased odds of unmonitorable MEPs from one or more muscles; a history of thyroid disorder was inversely related (OR=0.583, P=0.027). Patients with unmonitorable MEPs reported less neck-associated disability and pain (P<0.036), but worse SF-12 physical health and lower extremity (LE) and upper extremity function (P<0.016). Compared with radiculopathy, unmonitorable MEPs in myelopathy patients more often involved LE muscles. Cord function was monitorable in 99.1% of myelopathic patients with no reported LE dysfunction and no history of hypertension or diabetes.

Conclusion:

Myelopathy, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and/or symptomatic LE dysfunction increased the odds of having unmonitorable baseline MEPs. Unmonitorable baseline MEPs was uncommon in patients without significant LE weakness, even in the presence of myelopathy.
Perception and Knowledge of Mercury by Occupationally Exposed Health Care Personnel
Authors: Álvarez-Solorza Isabel , Upegui-Arango Luz D. , Borja-Aburto Víctor , González-González Norma , Fischer Felix , Bustamante-Montes L. Patricia
Published: February 2022

Thermometers and baumanometers frequently contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal. Inadequate management of this substance can constitute an occupational hazard by exposing health care professionals to health risks including memory loss, psychosomatic symptoms, fatigue, and other signs of cognitive dysfunction as reported in several studies.

Purpose:

To assess Mexico's health care professionals' health and mercury-related knowledge and risk perception and to explore the measurement properties of a questionnaire assessing that level of knowledge.

Materials and Methods:

Mixed methodology. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted to measure health care professionals' knowledge of mercury and to validate an instrument using a Rasch analysis in 160 professionals. A qualitative study involving in-depth interviews was conducted to identify participants' risk perception for mercury exposure.

Results:

The total knowledge of mercury was 19.0 ± 2.0 on a scale of 0 to 28 points. The scores for medical specialists were significantly (P < .001) higher, ranging between 20.0 ± 2.05 and 23.0 ± 1.63. In general, the level of risk perception for mercury exposure was low. The questionnaire presented a reasonable fit to the Rasch model (good item fit with a Bonferroni-adjusted P = .000714). The response categories of three items were collapsed, and two pairs of items were bundled into two super items.

Conclusion:

The levels of the knowledge of the health and safety risks and risk perception for mercury exposure in the Mexican health care professionals evaluated were low. Health care professionals should receive comprehensive training in the safe use and health risks of mercury.
Moving toward equity: fostering transdisciplinary research between the social and behavioral sciences and implementation science to end the HIV epidemic
Authors: Pyra Maria , Motley Darnell , Bouris Alida
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, social and behavioral scientists have developed interventions to stem the spread of the virus. The dissemination of these interventions has traditionally been a lengthy process; however, implementation science (IS) offers a route toward hastening delivery of effective interventions. A transdisciplinary approach, wherein IS informs and is informed by social and behavioral sciences (SBS) as well as community participation, offers a strategy for more efficiently moving toward health equity and ending the HIV epidemic.

Recent findings

There has been considerable growth in HIV research utilizing IS theories, methods and frameworks. Many of these studies have been multi or interdisciplinary in nature, demonstrating the ways that IS and SBS can strengthen one another. We also find areas for continued progress toward transdisciplinarity.

We review literature from 2020 to 2021, exploring the ways IS and SBS have been used in tandem to develop, evaluate and disseminate HIV interventions. We highlight the interplay between disciplines and make a case for moving toward transdisciplinarity, which would yield new, integrated frameworks that can improve prevention and treatment efforts, moving us closer to achieving health equity.
Quantification and Further Refinement of Lateral Calcaneal Artery Flap for Complicated Heel Defect Reconstruction
Authors: Alam Iftikhar , Malik Mujahid Abdul
Published: February 2022

Background:

Reconstruction of posterior heel defects requires tissues with adequate blood supply, good elasticity, and sensate; because of the traumatic origin in the young population, it ends up with morbidity. The lateral calcaneal artery is the arterial supply of the lateral calcaneal artery flap. This is one of the viable choices for coverage of hind foot soft-tissue defects. The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of the lateral calcaneal artery flap in terms of function, donor site morbidity, and duration of surgery.

Method:

This was a descriptive case series. Patients with complicated heel defects of small to medium size were included. The follow-up period was 6 months to 1 year of posttreatment. Outcome measures were noted and assessed in all patients in terms of function, donor area morbidity, and total duration of surgery. Significance was determined by assessing the gait, donor site pain, physical appearance at the surgical site, and time needed for surgery.

Results:

Twelve patients [men: eight (62.5%), women: four (37.5%)] were selected for this study, with their mean age being 14.4 ± 7.4 years. Mean defect size was (4.4 ± 0.5) cm. Mean flap size was 3.5–5.5 cm (P < 0.001). There was a near-normal gait in all patients, with a pain score of (0–2) on the visual analogue scale score, physical appearance by Vancouver scar scale score (0–3), and the mean duration of surgery was 45 ± 4.5 minutes.

Conclusion:

The lateral calcaneal artery flap is more effective for reconstruction of posterior heel and tendon Achilles defects in terms of function, donor area morbidity, and duration of surgery.
A Metastatic Well-differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient with an Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Nyeko-Lacek Miriam , John Hannah , Leong Samantha , Short Emma , Elazzabi Tawfik , Jessop Zita , Hemington-Gorse Sarah
Published: February 2022

Patients receiving hemodialysis have an increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Management of SCC usually relies on complete surgical excision of the primary tumor and may require regional lymph node dissection due to lymphatic spread. An 81-year-old man with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) presented with an unusually aggressive metastatic well-differentiated SCC, necessitating an axillary dissection for lymph node metastasis. He had been referred for radiotherapy to complete his oncological treatment following excision of the primary SCC on his forearm. An AVF site is subjected to significant changes in circulatory pressure, leading to reduced lymphatic drainage and likely focal immunosuppression. Increased lymphatic burden, combined with repeated trauma to the fistula in an immunosuppressed patient, potentially precipitated the development of an SCC on the affected limb. The individual risk factors for SCC such as sites of chronic inflammation and repeated trauma, host immunosuppression, and renal disease are well established. This patient demonstrates the perfect storm of all these risk factors, leading to a highly malignant metastatic SCC. As the standards of renal care improve and the number of patients with AVF increases, we must remain vigilant in the management of SCCs in these patients.
Do Our Colleagues Accurately Know What We Do?
Authors: Mrad Mohamed Amir , Al Qurashi Abdullah A. , Mortada Hatan , Shah Mardan Qutaiba N. M. , Abuthiyab Noorah , Al Zaid Nura , Al Bakri Hadeer , Mullah Abdullah
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Plastic surgery is a unique field‚ and its scope is beyond a specific demographic group or anatomic part. The poor understanding and misconception about plastic surgeons’ scope of practice has been well-established among the public, especially in Saudi Arabia; but the question is, do healthcare physicians share the same misconception? This study aims to answer this question.

Methods:

This study was conducted between September 11, 2021 and November 1, 2021. This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study utilizing a self-structured questionnaire targeting physicians in Saudi Arabia.

Results:

A total of 261 medical and surgical physicians participated in this study. Nearly 45% of them demonstrated a poor understanding of plastic surgery and its scope of practice, whereas only 16.1% were sufficiently knowledgeable. Male physicians were more likely to understand the field of plastic surgery when compared with female physicians. More than 80% of the physicians knew that cosmetic operations are done by plastic surgeons, whereas 50% or less knew that reconstructive operations are conducted by plastic surgeons.

Conclusion:

This study shows that 44.1% of the participating physicians demonstrate poor knowledge regarding plastic surgery as a field, in addition to a lack of understanding about the scope of practice of plastic surgeons. We recommend enhancing promotional efforts that raise awareness about the nature of plastic surgery as a specialty among healthcare physicians.
Standardized Skin Flap Warming Effectively Improves Flap Survival without Obstructing Temperature Monitoring after DIEP
Authors: Wang Yijuan , Wu Gaoyan , Chu Chengyu , Li Xiaoyan , Zou Qiang , Cao Yanpei , Zhu Lingping
Published: February 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to determine whether skin flap warming after an operation interferes with temperature monitoring. The postoperative nursing workflow of subabdominal deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction was optimized.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis involving 69 patients who received one-stage breast reconstruction at the Huashan Hospital from July 2017 to December 2019 was performed. The postoperative physical care of patients, including flap temperature monitoring and flap warming, was reviewed.

Results:

All patients had successful operations. After surgery, all flaps were warmed following the standard protocol. Abnormal temperature and compromised circulation of flaps were observed in three of the patients. These patients received re-exploration surgery and all three flaps survived. A postoperative follow-up shows a high level of patient satisfaction in most cases.

Conclusions:

The appropriate warming of transplanted flaps did not interfere with temperature monitoring. This helped determine whether there was compromised circulation, leading to increased skin flap survival and improved patient satisfaction.
The Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration: methodological clarifications of recent reports
Authors: Nazarzadeh Milad , Canoy Dexter , Bidel Zeinab , Copland Emma , Rahimi Kazem , Teo Koon , Davis Barry R. , Chalmers John , Pepine Carl J. , Woodward Mark
Published: February 2022

Epidemiological evidence has consistently shown that people with higher systolic or diastolic blood pressure are at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, there has been limited randomized evidence to determine the role of blood pressure level at treatment initiation in the reduction of cardiovascular diseases risk. The extent to which other characteristics of individuals, such as prior disease history, age or sex, should be taken into account has also been controversial. Furthermore, effects on less commonly reported efficacy and safety outcomes remain underexplored. The Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration has collected individual-level participant data from 52 randomized clinical trials, with more than 360 000 participants, and is now the largest source of individual-level data from randomized clinical trials of blood pressure-lowering treatment. This resource provides an unprecedented opportunity to address major areas of uncertainty relating to stratified efficacy and safety of antihypertensive therapy. Recent reports have demonstrated the power of pooled analyses of the Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration dataset in filling long-standing gaps in our knowledge. However, there have been some misconceptions regarding the methods underpinning the recent reports, which we clarify in this article.
Reviewing the Consequences of Electronic Gaming Machine Misuse in Australian Older Adults: Implications for Addiction Nurses
Authors: Searby Adam , Maude Phil
Published: February 2022

This review explores contemporary literature exploring electronic gaming machine (EGM) use in the Australian context. EGMs, colloquially known in Australia as pokies (poker machines), lead statistics on gambling losses in Australia and are a substantially different form of gambling when compared with other means, such as sports or casino wagering. This article focuses on Australian literature on EGMs, with comparisons made with international trends. Searches of the Scopus, CINAHL, and Medline electronic journal databases were performed to find literature examining problem gambling through EGM use in older adults. The results of the search found that little literature exists regarding problematic EGM use in older adults; however of the studies that do exist, problem EGM use in the older adult cohort is frequently related to mental ill health as well as alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use. Addiction nurses are in a unique position to assess and detect problematic EGM gambling in older adults; however, few screening tools are used in clinical practice. Given the ease of access and increasing sophistication of EGMs, it is foreseeable that problematic EGM use will be an issue addiction nurses encounter in their future practice and one they should be aware of.
A closer look at adipose tissue lymphatics and their markers
Authors: Lackman Madeleine H. , Subashi Yelin , Karaman Sinem
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

Lymphatic vessels are found in most tissues, with the exception of the cornea and the central nervous system. Tissues that have high exposure to antigens, such as the skin and the intestine, have especially extensive lymphatic vascular networks. Despite being densely vascularized with blood vessels, adipose tissue is poorly permeated with lymphatic vasculature. Here, we focus on the recent advances in the research on adipose tissue lymphatics and present a lymphatic-focused analysis of published single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing datasets of adipose tissues.

Recent findings

Although lymphatic expansion in obesity may limit inflammation and promote glycerol efflux from adipose tissue, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) secrete factors that reduce brown adipocyte thermogenesis. Transcriptomic analyses of these cells show that they express common lymphatic markers such as Proxl, but datasets from different studies show great variation in gene expression values due to the low number of captured LECs, depot differences, and species-specific gene expression patterns.

As the importance of LECs in the homeostasis of adipose tissue has become evident, investigators want to shed light on the specific interactions of lymphatics with other cell types in adipose tissues. Extracting LECs from readily available transcriptomics datasets provides a standpoint for investigators for future research. However, systematic studies are needed to reveal unique identities according to depot and species-specific LEC signatures.
Impact of COVID-19 of oncology pharmacy services: Results of 8-months survey
Authors: Bienert Agnieszka , Meier Klaus , Kokisheva Antonina , Brambila Rodrigo A. Gama , Veraldi Marianna , Marques Nuno Vilaca , Kuzmanović Maja , Andreianu Dan Paul , Badibouidi Ferdinand , Vallespin Romina Morales
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic stroke at the beginning of 2020, challenging the health systems worldwide. As hospitals became overwhelmed by the number of cases, and community pharmacies became one of the few non-stop operating services, and the work rhythm and workload of pharmacists changed importantly.

Methods:

To investigate which and how the changes occurred, especially among oncology pharmacists, the ESOP together with the EAHP developed a survey, translated to 9 languages, and distributed online. The questions were changed over the duration of the survey (August 2020 to March 2021), adapting to the global situation. The answers were analyzed with basic descriptive statistics.

Results:

Over 1000 health professionals, predominantly pharmacists (over 85%), from 64 countries participated in the monthly survey, providing information relevant to both the hospital and the community pharmacy. More than 50% of hospital pharmacists reported shortage of chemotherapeutics, while the availability of COVID-19 related medications had more fluctuations in the hospital pharmacy. Contrastingly, over 80% of community pharmacists reported medications shortages in April 2020. The survey showed the negative impact of the pandemic on chemotherapeutic preparations, with decreased productions during the first and second waves (February-May 2020, and November 2020 to January 2021). The survey also helped visualize the stress levels and workloads of pharmacists. More than 70% of participants reported in August 2020 to have needed to procure themselves with Personal Protective Equipment. Working hours increased for 43% of the respondents, and more than 60% reported to have felt emotionally stressed.

Conclusions:

Thus, the presented results give a broad, yet detailed overview of how the pandemic has affected health professionals both in the hospital and the community, how professionals and governments have reacted to the situation, and how the care of oncology patience and the practice of oncology pharmacy has changed and reacted during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Acute Childhood Encephalopathy in a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Hui Wun Fung , Leung Karen Ka Yan , Au Cheuk Chung , Fung Cheuk Wing , Cheng Frankie W.T. , Kan Elaine , Hon Kam Lun Ellis
Published: February 2022

Aim

Childhood encephalopathy comprises a wide range of etiologies with distinctive distribution in different age groups. We reviewed the pattern of encephalopathy admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary children's hospital.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records and reported the etiologies, clinical features, and outcomes of children with encephalopathy.

Results

Twenty-four admissions to the PICU between April 2019 and May 2020 were reviewed. The median (interquartile range) age was 10.0 (14.7) years and 62.5% were boys. Confusion (66.7%) was the most common presentation. Adverse effects related to medications (33.3%) and metabolic disease (20.8%) were predominant causes of encephalopathies in our study cohort. Methotrexate was responsible for most of the medication-associated encephalopathy (37.5%), whereas Leigh syndrome, pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency and Wernicke's encephalopathy accounted for those with metabolic disease. The median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission was 12.5 (9.0). Antimicrobials (95.8%) and antiepileptic drugs (60.9%) were the most frequently given treatment. Children aged 2 years or younger were all boys (P = 0.022) and had a higher proportion of primary metabolic disease (P = 0.04). Intoxication or drug reaction only occurred in older children. The mortality was 8.3%, and over half of the survivors had residual neurological disability upon PICU discharge. Primary metabolic disease (P = 0.002), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.019), failure to regain GCS back to baseline level (P = 0.009), and abnormal cognitive function on admission (P = 0.03) were associated with cerebral function impairment on PICU discharge.

Conclusions

Primary metabolic encephalopathy was prevalent in younger children, whereas drug-induced toxic encephalopathy was common among older oncology patients. Survivors have significant neurologic morbidity. Failure to regain baseline GCS was a poor prognostic factor for neurological outcomes.
Nonutility of Diagnostic Testing in Ambulatory Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Taylor Rachel A. , Thomas Ronald , Lawrence David
Published: February 2022

Background

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common arrhythmia in the pediatric population. Patients often present to the emergency department and undergo extensive diagnostic assessment. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of diagnostic studies obtained in such patients and to assess clinical significance of these results.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed from 2011 to 2018 in a single-center ED, including patients 21 years of age or younger presenting with SVT without shock.

Results

A total of 40 patients with 92 encounters were included for analysis. The mean age was 8.58 (±5.51) years; 55% female. A total of 67.4% underwent serologic laboratory evaluation, of which 8 (12.9%) had any abnormality. Only one was deemed clinically significant to warrant intervention. Nearly 30% of patients underwent chest radiography, with no clinically significant findings.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing ED management of uncomplicated SVT are likely to undergo laboratory investigation and unlikely to have abnormal studies impacting their care. Given the associated risk of false-positive studies, the discomfort to the patient and parent, and cost of these studies, routine laboratory or radiographic investigation in this population may be unwarranted.