bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Typifying conservation practitioners’ views on the role of education
Authors: Brias‐Guinart Aina , Korhonen‐Kurki Kaisa , Cabeza Mar
Published: January 2022

Education is an established tool to enhance human–environment relationships, despite the lack of empirical evidence to support its use. We used theories of change to unpack assumptions about the role of education in conservation. We interviewed practitioners from 15 conservation organizations in Madagascar to typify implicit pathways of change and assess whether emerging pathways echo theoretical advances. Five pathways were drivers of change: increasing knowledge, changing emotional connection and changing traditional cultural practices, fostering leaders, diversifying outcomes, and influencing community and society. These pathways reflect existing sociopsychological theories on learning and behavioral change. Most interviewees’ organizations had a predominant pathway that was often combined with elements from other pathways. Most pathways lacked culturally grounded approaches. Our research reveals assumptions about the role of education in conservation and indicates that organizations had different ideas of how change happens. The diversity of practices reflects the complexity of factors that influence behavior. Whether this diversity is driven by local sociocultural context, interaction with other conservation approaches, or contingencies remains unclear. Yet, typifying the pathways of change and reflecting on them is the first step towards comprehensive evaluation of when and which pathways and interactions to promote.
Early humoral immune response to two doses of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine in a diverse group of solid organ transplant candidates and recipients
Authors: Huang Howard J. , Yi Stephanie G. , Mobley Constance M. , Saharia Ashish , Bhimaraj Arvind , Moore Linda W. , Kloc Malgorzata , Adrogue Horacio E. , Graviss Edward A. , Nguyen Duc T. , Eagar Todd N. , Jones Stephen L. , Ankoma‐Sey Victor , MacGillivray Thomas E. , Knight Richard J. , Gaber A. Osama , Ghobrial R. Mark
Published: January 2022

Response to two doses of a nucleoside‐modified messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine was evaluated in a large solid‐organ transplant program. mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine was administered to transplant candidates and recipients who met study inclusion criteria. Qualitative anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Total Immunoglobulin (Ig) and IgG‐specific assays, and a semi‐quantitative test for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein IgG were measured in 241 (17.2%) transplant candidates and 1163 (82.8%) transplant recipients; 55.2% of whom were non‐Hispanic White and 44.8% identified as another race. Transplant recipients were a median (IQR) of 3.2 (1.1, 6.8) years from transplantation. Response differed by transplant status: 96.0% versus 43.2% by the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Total Ig (candidates vs. recipients, respectively), 93.5% versus 11.6% by the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG assay, and 91.9% versus 30.1% by anti‐spike titers after two doses of vaccine. Multivariable analysis revealed candidates had higher likelihood of response versus recipients (odds ratio [OR], 14.6; 95 %CI 2.19, 98.11; P = .02). A slightly lower response was demonstrated in older patients (OR .96; 95 %CI .94, .99; P = .002), patients taking antimetabolites (OR, .21; 95% CI .08, .51; P = .001). Vaccination prior to transplantation should be encouraged.
On the creation of free‐standing emergency departments by hospitals—Some insights
Authors: Patidar Nitish , Lee Kang Bok , Weech‐Maldonado Robert , Bailur Rekha Prabhu , Rao Shashank
Published: January 2022

Emergency departments (EDs) are an integral part of many acute care hospitals. Recently, however, hospitals have been increasingly experimenting with a new type of ED, for example, freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs). These are EDs that are physically separate from acute care hospitals but provide many of the same services provided by traditional EDs. Because of this geographic decoupling between the parent hospital and the FSED, hospitals can potentially reach out and provide services to user groups that may otherwise have been located too far away to serve. While this sounds good in theory, some have argued that FSEDs often get located in geographically proximate markets, rather than truly underserved areas, thereby exacerbating health care inequities. The current study investigates hospitals setting up FSEDs and examines their accrued business impacts to the parent hospital. By gathering a panel dataset covering several years of FSED openings and hospital performance, we examine how market share and operating margins of parent hospitals are impacted when they set up FSEDs. Results indicate that while there are some positive performance implications for hospitals who create FSEDs, a majority of these benefits are seen only for the first FSED created. We contend that this finding is driven by the fact that FSEDs are unlikely to be able to truly reach out to untapped populations, on account of their inherent nature. In conclusion, we question whether FSEDs are indeed a scalable approach to increasing health care access and reach.
Divergent occurrences of juvenile and adult trees are explained by both environmental change and ontogenetic effects
Authors: Heiland Lukas , Kunstler Georges , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Buras Allan , Dahlgren Jonas , Hülsmann Lisa
Published: January 2022

Recent climate warming has fueled interest into climate‐driven range shifts of tree species. A common approach to detect range shifts is to compare the divergent occurrences between juvenile and adult trees along environmental gradients using static data. Divergent occurrences between life stages can, however, also be caused by ontogenetic effects. These include shifts of the viable environmental conditions throughout development (‘ontogenetic niche shift') as well as demographic dependencies that constrain the possible occurrence of subsequent life stages. Whether ontogenetic effects are an important driver of divergent occurrences between juvenile and adult trees along large‐scale climatic gradients is largely unknown. It is, however, critical in evaluating whether impacts of environmental change can be inferred from static data on life stage occurrences. Here, we first show theoretically, using a two‐life stage simulation model, how both temporal range shift and ontogenetic effects can lead to similar divergent occurrences between adults and juveniles (juvenile divergence). We further demonstrate that juvenile divergence can unambiguously be attributed to ontogenetic effects, when juveniles diverge from adults in opposite direction to their temporal shift along the environmental gradient. Second, to empirically test whether ontogenetic effects are an important driver of divergent occurrences across Europe, we use repeated national forest inventories from Sweden, Germany and Spain to assess juvenile divergence and temporal shift for 40 tree species along large‐scale climatic gradients. About half of the species‐country combinations had significant juvenile divergences along heat sum and water availability gradients. Only a quarter of the tree species had significant detectable temporal shifts within the observation period. Furthermore, significant juvenile divergences were frequently associated with opposite temporal shifts, indicating that ontogenetic effects are a relevant cause of divergent occurrences between life stages. Our study furthers the understanding of ontogenetic effects and challenges the practice of inferring climate change impacts from static data.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of semi‐circular bending specimen for mixed mode I/III and pure mode III fracture tests
Authors: Bakhshizadeh Majid , Pirmohammad Sadjad
Published: January 2022

This paper suggests a simple loading configuration for conducting the SCB (semi‐circular bend) tests on brittle materials to produce mixed mode I/III loadings. In the suggested test setup, the SCB specimen containing an inclined crack is loaded using a conventional three‐point bending fixture, but the bottom supports touches nearly half of the specimen thickness rather than the entire thickness. It is found that various mixed mode I/III loadings can be provided by rotating the crack, and especially the SCB specimen experiences pure mode III when the crack angle is set to be 90°. Different values of the crack length, span and crack angle are then considered in the numerical analyses to further study the proposed SCB test setup. Finally, several experiments are successfully conducted on the rock samples under various mixed mode I/III and pure mode III loadings to evaluate the SCB test setup in practical point of view.
Learning in migration management? Persistent side effects of the EUTF
Authors: Boersma Meindert , Koch Dirk‐Jan , Kroon Louise , McDougal Dion , Verhoeff Gijs , Wang Yue
Published: January 2022

This study contributes to the existing literature on the unintended effects of migration management programmes beyond migration. By combining a structured literature review with fifteen in‐depth interviews with diplomats, consultants, and researchers – all involved with the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), the largest migration management programme since 2015 – this study examines why policymakers do not always learn from unintended effects. The paper identifies four unintended effects: increased border guard violence; increased organized crime of smugglers and undermined livelihoods; exacerbation of poor governance in recipient countries; and legitimation of governments with limited legitimacy. While officials involved in the EUTF recognize the occurrence of these unintended effects, the EUTF insufficiently addresses these effects. This study analyses the technical, institutional, and ideological limits to learning that prevent migration management instruments such as the EUTF from effectively mitigating unintended effects.
Sparser Ordinal Regression Models Based on Parametric and Additive Location‐Shift Approaches
Authors: Tutz Gerhard , Berger Moritz
Published: January 2022

The potential of location‐shift models to find adequate models between the proportional odds model and the non‐proportional odds model is investigated. It is demonstrated that these models are very useful in ordinal modelling. While proportional odds models are often too simple, non‐proportional odds models are typically unnecessary complicated and seem widely dispensable. In addition, the class of location‐shift models is extended to allow for smooth effects. The additive location‐shift model contains two functions for each explanatory variable, one for the location and one for dispersion. It is much sparser than hard‐to‐handle additive models with category‐specific covariate functions but more flexible than common vector generalised additive models. An R package is provided that is able to fit parametric and additive location‐shift models.
Risks of ozonated oil and ozonated water on human skin: A systematic review
Authors: Leon Brian R. , Romary Daniel J. , Landsberger Sarah A. , Bradner K. Nicole , Ramirez Mirian , Lubitz Robert M.
Published: January 2022

Ozonated water and oil are emerging as potential dermatologic therapeutics, particularly for the treatment of various wounds. However, the safety of these liquids has not been extensively studied. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the risks of ozonated liquids to human skin tissue based on the available literature. We completed a structured search of five scientific databases and identified 378 articles for consideration. Based on pre‐established inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine studies were included in this review. Two studies specifically evaluated the cytotoxicity of ozonated liquids on human cells, five studies evaluated ozonated liquids in randomised controlled trials (RCTs), one was a post‐market surveillance study, and one was a crossover study in humans. None of the included studies found any significant human dermatologic risks associated with ozonated water or liquid. Because of the small sample size, however, additional short‐ and long‐term RCTs specifically designed to evaluate the dermatological risks of ozonated liquids are recommended.
Pyroptosis in glioblastoma: A crucial regulator of the tumour immune microenvironment and a predictor of prognosis
Authors: Lin Jinhu , Lai Xiang , Liu Xiaoping , Yan Hua , Wu Changwu
Published: January 2022

Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death, has a dual role in tumorigenesis and tumour progression and affects the prognosis of patients; however, the role of pyroptosis in glioblastoma (GBM) is still unclear. In this study, based on GBM patients' data from two independent cohorts, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognostic value of 33 pyroptosis‐associated genes (PAGs) in GBM, as well as their role in the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) of GBM. We identified 29 PAGs that were differentially expressed between GBM and normal brain tissue, 18 of which were upregulated in GBM tissue. Most of the 33 PAGs were strongly correlated with the levels of immune cell infiltration. Based on the 33 PAGs, the GBM samples can be divided into two clusters (C1‐C2), with C1 having a ‘hot’ but immunosuppressive TIME and C2 having a ‘cold’ TIME, suggesting different immunotherapeutic responses in the two clusters. In addition, we identified four PAGs that were strongly associated with GBM prognosis and constructed a risk model based on these four PAGs. This risk model is an independent prognostic factor for GBM patients, and there is a different immune status between high‐ and low‐risk groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that pyroptosis is closely associated with the prognosis and TIME of GBM and provides an important basis for further studies on the relationship between pyroptosis and GBM.
Factors associated with nurses’ positive attitudes towards families’ involvement in nursing care: A scoping review
Authors: Barreto Mayckel da Silva , Marquete Veronica Francisqueti , Camparoto Camila Wohlenberg , García‐Vivar Cristina , Barbieri‐Figueiredo Maria do Céu , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: January 2022

Aim

To map the factors associated with nurses’ positive attitudes towards families’ involvement in nursing care and to identify any existing gaps in knowledge.

Background

Several tools have been proposed to assess the attitudes, beliefs and practices of nurses towards families in different care contexts. However, there is a knowledge gap on how the results of these tools can identify the factors that are associated with more positive attitudes of nurses.

Design

A scoping review based on the steps proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Methods

Three independent reviewers searched the databases: PUBMED/Medline; LILACS; Virtual Health Library; PsycInfo; Google Scholar; SCOPUS and CINAHL, from 2006 to August 2021, guided by the question: What are the factors associated with nurses’ positive attitudes towards families´ involvement in nursing care, in studies that used one or both of the following two scales ‘Families’ Importance in Nursing Care‐ Nurses’ Attitudes’ and ‘Family Nursing Practice Scale’? This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA‐ScR.

Results

Twenty‐six primary studies were identified, in which 9,620 nurses participated. Positive attitudes were associated with three types of variables: (a) personal—longer working career (42.3%) and older age (26.9%); (b) educational—higher level of academic education (30.8%) and family nursing education (23.0%); and (c) workplace—working in primary health care and/or outpatient clinics (34.6%) or in a unit with philosophy/approach to families (23.0%).

Conclusions

Personal variables such as age and time of service are non‐modifiable aspects, but educational and workplace variables are subject to intervention to improve nurses’ attitudes towards families’ involvement in nursing care. Continuing development programmes about family care can constitute important strategies to improve positive attitudes of nurses towards families in practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Recognising the characteristics associated with nurses´ positive attitudes towards families may enable the development of tailored interventions that promote family‐focused care.
Statistical approaches to determine emotional drivers and improve the acceptability of prebiotic whey soursop beverage processed by ultrasound
Authors: Portela Jessica B. , Guimarães Jonas T. , Lino Debora L. , Brito Sass Carla A. , Pagani Mônica M. , Pimentel Tatiana C. , Freitas Mônica Q. , Cruz Adriano G. , Esmerino Erick A.
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate the expected emotional profiling and overall liking of soursop flavored prebiotic whey beverages subjected to ultrasound processing. For this purpose, four images of products and their related claims were provided for consumers (n = 453) in an online questionnaire: (a) pasteurized soursop flavored whey beverage (PAST), (b) pasteurized soursop flavored prebiotic whey beverage (PREPAST) with a claim, (c) ultrasound soursop flavored whey beverage (US) with a claim, and (d) ultrasound soursop flavored prebiotic whey beverage (PREUS) with a claim. PAST sample received the lowest purchase intent and overall liking scores, and it was associated with negative emotions. PREPAST, US, and PREUS samples received the highest purchase intent and overall liking scores, and they were associated with some positive emotions. Prebiotic addition and its claim contributed with pleasant, secure, mild, and satisfied emotions to the pasteurized product. In contrast, the US evoked adventurous, joyful, docile, and curious emotions. Active, satisfied, interested, enthusiastic, and docile emotions were the drivers of liking for the samples, while pleasant, interested, secure, satisfied, and curious emotions are recommended in a whey beverage with high overall liking. Overall, both the prebiotic claim and the emerging technology showed great receptivity among participants.

Practical Applications

Consumer perception is crucial for adopting products processed by nonconventional technologies, being the correct and adequate message on the product label is essential for successful commercialization. This study brings data about this topic, taking as an example a functional dairy food (prebiotic whey soursop flavored beverage) processed by ultrasound.
Evolutionary breakdown of distyly to homostyly is accompanied by reductions of floral scent inPrimula oreodoxa
Authors: Zeng Gui , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Yuan Shuai , Zhang Dian‐Xiang
Published: January 2022

Reproductive traits that function in pollinator attraction may be reduced or lost during evolutionary transitions from outcrossing to selfing. Although floral scent plays an important role in attracting pollinators in outcrossing species, few studies have investigated associations between floral scent variation and intraspecific mating system transitions. The breakdown of distyly to homostyly represents a classic example of a shift from outcrossing to selfing and provides an opportunity to test whether floral fragrances have become reduced and/or changed in composition with increased selfing. Here, we evaluate this hypothesis by quantifying floral volatiles using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry in two distylous and four homostylous populations ofPrimula oreodoxaFranchet, a perennial herb from SW China. Our analysis revealed significant variation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among populations ofP. oreodoxa. Although there was no difference in VOCs between floral morphs in distylous populations as predicted, we detected a substantial reduction in VOC emissions and the average number of scent compounds in homostylous compared with distylous populations. A total of 12 compounds, mainly monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, distinguished homostylous and distylous morphs; of these, (E)‐β‐ocimene was the most important in contributing to the difference in volatiles, with significantly lower emissions in homostyles. Our findings support the hypothesis that the transition from outcrossing to selfing is accompanied by the loss of floral volatiles. The modification to floral fragrances inP. oreodoxaassociated with mating system change might occur because high selfing rates in homostylous populations result in relaxed selection for floral attractiveness.
Bulk synthesis of stoichiometric/meteoritic troilite (FeS) by high‐temperature pyrite decomposition and pyrrhotite melting
Authors: Moreau Juulia‐Gabrielle , Jõeleht Argo , Aruväli Jaan , Heikkilä Mikko J. , Stojic Aleksandra N. , Thomberg Thomas , Plado Jüri , Hietala Satu
Published: January 2022

Stoichiometric troilite (FeS) is a common phase in differentiated and undifferentiated meteorites. It is the endmember of the iron sulfide system. Troilite is important for investigating shock metamorphism in meteorites and studying spectral properties and space weathering of planetary bodies. Thus, obtaining coarse‐grained meteoritic troilite in quantities is beneficial for these fields. The previous synthesis of troilite was achieved by pyrite or pyrrhotite heating treatments or chemical syntheses. However, most of these works lacked a visual characterization of the step by step process and the final product, the production of large quantities, and they were not readily advertised to planetary scientists or the meteoritical research community. Here, we illustrate a two‐step heat treatment of pyrite to synthesize troilite. Pyrite powder was decomposed to pyrrhotite at 1023–1073 K for 4–6 h in Ar; the run product was then retrieved and reheated for 1 h at 1498–1598 K in N2 (gas). The minerals were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) at room temperature, and in situ high‐temperature XRD. The primary observation of synthesis from pyrrhotite to troilite is the shift of a major diffraction peak from ~43.2°2θ to ~43.8°2θ. Troilite spectra matched an XRD analysis of natural meteoritic troilite. Slight contamination of Fe was observed during cooling to troilite, and alumina crucibles locally reacted with troilite. The habitus and size of troilite crystals allowed us to store it as large grains rather than powder; 27 g of pyrite yielded 17 g of stochiometric troilite.
Understanding Hong Kong nationalism: A topic network approach
Authors: Ho Justin Chun‐ting
Published: January 2022

Drawing on data from Facebook, this article examines how elements of nationalism discourse were invoked by political actors to advance their agenda. In this paper, a novel mixed‐method approach is introduced. The analysis begins with the quantitative phase, and topic modelling is used to identify the recurring themes in corpus. A topic network is generated based on the semantic association and centrality measures from social network analysis are used to identify the core topics in the discourse. In the qualitative phase, texts from the core topics are analysed discursively. The findings reveal that Hong Kong nationalism discourse includes three frames: the threat frame that constructs the overarching narrative of China Threat, the identity frame that engages with the debate on localism and nationalism and the action frame that discusses the actions to be taken in response to the threats.
The role of the androgen receptor in the pathogenesis of obesity and its utility as a target for obesity treatments
Authors: Venkatesh Varun S. , Grossmann Mathis , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Davey Rachel A.
Published: January 2022

Obesity is associated with hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis dysregulation in males. Here, we summarize recent evidence derived from clinical trials and studies in preclinical animal models regarding the role of androgen receptor (AR) signaling in the pathophysiology of males with obesity. We also discuss therapeutic strategies targeting the AR for the treatment of obesity and their limitations and provide insight into the future research necessary to advance this field.
Infections in children and adolescents treated with dupilumab in pediatric clinical trials for atopic dermatitis—A pooled analysis of trial data
Authors: Paller Amy S. , Beck Lisa A. , Blauvelt Andrew , Siegfried Elaine C. , Cork Michael J. , Wollenberg Andreas , Chen Zhen , Khokhar Faisal A. , Vakil Jignesh , Zhang Annie , Bansal Ashish , Cyr Sonya L.
Published: January 2022

Background/Objective

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) have increased risk of cutaneous and extracutaneous infections. Dupilumab has previously been associated with reduced risk of serious/severe infections and non‐herpetic skin infections in adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD. This analysis assessed infection rates with dupilumab versus placebo in pediatric patients with moderate‐to‐severe and severe AD participating in clinical trials.

Methods

This is a pooled analysis from two 16‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 clinical trials of dupilumab: monotherapy in adolescents aged 12–17 years with moderate‐to‐severe AD (LIBERTY AD ADOL, NCT03054428) and with concomitant topical corticosteroids in children aged 6–11 years with severe AD (LIBERTY AD PEDS, NCT03345914). Data were pooled according to treatment received: placebo/approved dupilumab doses/other studied dupilumab doses/all dupilumab doses. Exposure‐adjusted rates (patients with ≥1 event per 100 patient‐years [nP/100 PY]) were used to compare treatment groups.

Results

Overall, 612 patients were included: 205 received placebo and 407 received dupilumab (261 received approved dupilumab doses and 146 received other studied dupilumab doses). Overall infection rates were numerically lower with dupilumab versus placebo (nP/100 PY: placebo, 227; approved dupilumab, 173; other dupilumab, 206; all dupilumab, 184). Total skin infections were numerically less frequent in all dupilumab‐treated groups versus placebo (nP/100 PY: placebo, 67; approved dupilumab, 30; other dupilumab, 46; all dupilumab, 36).

Conclusions

These data suggest that dupilumab treatment in children and adolescents with AD does not increase infection risk overall and is associated with lower rates of skin infections compared with placebo.
An analysis of the impact of technological innovation on productivity in South African manufacturing firms using direct measures of innovation
Authors: Kahn Amy , Sithole Moses , Buchana Yasser
Published: January 2022

While manufacturing is regarded as important for economic growth, there is evidence that productivity in the South African manufacturing sector has been relatively low compared to international standards. As the international literature shows a positive correlation between innovation and productivity, it is pertinent to investigate the role that innovation plays in this sector. South Africa is lagging behind other emerging market countries in terms of technological progress, and innovation efforts are deemed insufficient particularly in private firms. While there have been studies that measure the impact of R&D (as an innovation input) on productivity, the direct impact of innovation success on productivity has not been estimated in South Africa before. The business innovation survey (BIS) provides data that allow us to estimate these direct effects, thereby enabling this study to make an important contribution to the South African literature in this area of research. We estimate the effect of technological innovations on firm productivity using a sample of manufacturing firms from the BIS 2014–2016 data. Using a variation of the CDM model, we find that the introduction of product or process innovations has significant positive effects on productivity in South African manufacturing firms.
The Role of Decision Authority and Stated Social Intent as Predictors of Trust in Autonomous Robots
Authors: Lyons Joseph B. , Jessup Sarah A. , Vo Thy Q.
Published: January 2022

Prior research has demonstrated that trust in robots and performance of robots are two important factors that influence human–autonomy teaming. However, other factors may influence users’ perceptions and use of autonomous systems, such as perceived intent of robots and decision authority of the robots. The current study experimentally examined participants’ trust in an autonomous security robot (ASR), perceived trustworthiness of the ASR, and desire to use an ASR that varied in levels of decision authority and benevolence. Participants (N = 340) were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk. Results revealed the participants had increased trust in the ASR when the robot was described as having benevolent intent compared to self‐protective intent. There were several interactions between decision authority and intent when predicting the trust process, showing that intent may matter the most when the robot has discretion on executing that intent. Participants stated a desire to use the ASR in a military context compared to a public context. Implications for this research demonstrate that as robots become more prevalent in jobs paired with humans, factors such as transparency provided for the robot's intent and its decision authority will influence users’ trust and trustworthiness.
Corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth of the normal adult horse as measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Knickelbein Kelly E. , Lassaline Mary E. , Kim Soohyun , Scharbrough Machal S. , Thomasy Sara M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine corneal thickness (CT) and axial anterior chamber depth (ACD) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in normal adult horses. To compare corneal thickness measurements between UBM and ultrasonic pachymetry.

Animals studied

Sixty eyes of 30 healthy adult horses aged 8–24 years.

Procedures

Ultrasonic pachymetry (velocity of 1640 m/s) was utilized to obtain measurements of the central, superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal cornea. Triplicate images of the same corneal locations were acquired using UBM (50 MHz). Images of the axial anterior chamber were used to measure ACD. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was estimated using rebound tonometry, and axial globe length was measured using ultrasonographic biometry.

Results

CT (mean ± SD µm) measured by UBM was 854 ± 61 (central), 994 ± 58 (superior), 930 ± 57 (temporal), 979 ± 55 (inferior), and 898 ± 48 (nasal). CT measured by UBM was greater than that measured by ultrasonic pachymetry at all locations and was statistically significant at all locations except inferior (p = 0.0006–0.048). No sex nor age effect was detected for CT at any location. The repeatability of ultrasonic pachymetry was superior to that of UBM. Mean ± SD ACD was 5.74 ± 0.41 mm. A weak positive correlation was identified between central CT and IOP and between central CT and axial globe length.

Conclusions

Normal data for CT and ACD of the adult horse obtained using UBM are provided. CT determined by UBM was greater relative to pachymetry at all corneal locations.
Microbiomes in physiology: insights into 21st‐century global medical challenges
Authors: Shehata Emad , Parker Aimée , Suzuki Toru , Swann Jonathan. R. , Suez Jotham , Kroon Paul. A. , Day‐Walsh Priscilla
Published: January 2022

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The role of the gut microbiome in physiology and how it can be targeted as an effective strategy against two of the most important global medical challenges of our time, namely, metabolic diseases and antibacterial resistance.

What advances does it highlight?

The critical roles of the microbiome in regulating host physiology and how microbiome analysis is useful for disease stratification to enable informed clinical decisions and develop interventions such as faecal microbiota transplantation, prebiotics and probiotics. Also, the limitations of microbiome modulation, including the potential for probiotics to enhance antimicrobial resistance gene reservoirs, and that currently a ‘healthy microbiome’ that can be used as a biobank for transplantation is yet to be defined.

The human gut microbiome is a key factor in the development of metabolic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, which are among the greatest global medical challenges of the 21st century. A recent symposium aimed to highlight state‐of‐the‐art evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in physiology, from childhood to adulthood, and the impact this has on global disease outcomes, ageing and antimicrobial resistance. Although the gut microbiome is established early in life, over time the microbiome and its components including metabolites can become perturbed due to changes such as dietary habits, use of antibiotics and age. As gut microbial metabolites, including short‐chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide, can interact with host receptors including G protein‐coupled receptors and can alter host metabolic fluxes, they can significantly affect physiological homoeostasis leading to metabolic diseases. These metabolites can be used to stratify disease phenotypes such as irritable bowel syndrome and adverse events after heart failure and allow informed decisions on clinical management and treatment. While strategies such as use of probiotics, prebiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation have been proposed as interventions to treat and prevent metabolic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, caution must be exercised, first due to the potential of probiotics to enhance antimicrobial resistance gene reservoirs, and second, a ‘healthy gut microbiome’ that can be used as a biobank for transplantation is yet to be defined. We highlight that sampling other parts of the gastrointestinal tract may produce more representative data than the faecal microbiome alone.
Low-temperature plasma atomic layer etching of molybdenum via sequential oxidation and chlorination
Authors: Lee Yebin , Kim Yongjae , Son Jiwon , Chae Heeyeop
Published: January 2022

In this study, an atomic layer etching (ALE) process for molybdenum was developed in two steps: plasma oxidation and plasma chlorination. In the plasma oxidation step, molybdenum was oxidized with oxygen plasma to form molybdenum oxide. As the plasma oxidation time increased, the atomic ratio of O-to-Mo, determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, increased, and then saturated to a value of 2.3. The oxidation depth of molybdenum was found to increase with increasing oxidation temperature—from 3.0 nm at 40 °C to 22.0 nm at 300 °C. It also increased with increasing RF (radio frequency) power—from 2.0 nm at 5 W to 5.5 nm at 25 W. In the plasma chlorination step, it is believed that molybdenum oxide was removed from the surface by forming molybdenum oxychloride (MoOCl2, MoOCl4, and MoO2Cl2) in chlorine plasma in the temperature range of 40–300 °C. The etch per cycle (EPC) continuously increased at temperatures above 100 °C; however, at temperatures below 40 °C, it was saturated. The RF power increased the EPC from 2.2 to 5.8 nm/cycle in the range of 5–25 W. It was found that the removal depth matched the oxidation depth at each RF power in ALE at 40 °C. The atomic composition of molybdenum after ALE was almost identical to that before ALE. This study demonstrates that the ALE of molybdenum at 40 °C can be realized by sequential plasma oxidation and chlorination.
Binaural reproduction of dummy head and spherical microphone array data—A perceptual study on the minimum required spatial resolution
Authors: Lübeck Tim , Arend Johannes M. , Pörschmann Christoph
Published: January 2022

Dynamic binaural synthesis requires binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs) for each head orientation of the listener. Such BRIRs can either be measured with a dummy head or calculated from the spherical microphone array (SMA) data. Because the dense dummy head measurements require enormous effort, alternatively sparse measurements can be performed and then interpolated in the spherical harmonics domain. The real-world SMAs, on the other hand, have a limited number of microphones, resulting in spatial undersampling artifacts. For both of the methods, the spatial order N of the underlying sampling grid influences the reproduction quality. This paper presents two listening experiments to determine the minimum spatial order for the direct sound, early reflections, and reverberation of the dummy head or SMA measurements required to generate the horizontally head-tracked binaural synthesis perceptually indistinguishable from a high-resolution reference. The results indicate that for direct sound, N = 9–13 is required for the dummy head BRIRs, but significantly higher orders of N = 17–20 are required for the SMA BRIRs. Furthermore, significantly lower orders are required for the late parts with N = 4–5 for the early reflections and reverberation of the dummy head BRIRs but N = 12–13 for the early reflections and N = 6–9 for the reverberation of the SMA BRIRs.
Out-of-equilibrium criticalities in graphene superlattices
Authors: Berdyugin Alexey I. , Xin Na , Gao Haoyang , Slizovskiy Sergey , Dong Zhiyu , Bhattacharjee Shubhadeep , Kumaravadivel P. , Xu Shuigang , Ponomarenko L. A. , Holwill Matthew , Bandurin D. A. , Kim Minsoo , Cao Yang , Greenaway M. T. , Novoselov K. S. , Grigorieva I. V. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Fal’ko V. I. , Levitov L. S. , Kumar Roshan Krishna , Geim A. K.
Published: January 2022

In thermodynamic equilibrium, current in metallic systems is carried by electronic states near the Fermi energy, whereas the filled bands underneath contribute little to conduction. Here, we describe a very different regime in which carrier distribution in graphene and its superlattices is shifted so far from equilibrium that the filled bands start playing an essential role, leading to a critical-current behavior. The criticalities develop upon the velocity of electron flow reaching the Fermi velocity. Key signatures of the out-of-equilibrium state are current-voltage characteristics that resemble those of superconductors, sharp peaks in differential resistance, sign reversal of the Hall effect, and a marked anomaly caused by the Schwinger-like production of hot electron-hole plasma. The observed behavior is expected to be common to all graphene-based superlattices.
Vaccination with BNT162b2 reduces transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to household contacts in Israel
Authors: Prunas Ottavia , Warren Joshua L. , Crawford Forrest W. , Gazit Sivan , Patalon Tal , Weinberger Daniel M. , Pitzer Virginia E.
Published: January 2022

The effectiveness of vaccines against COVID-19 on the individual level is well established. However, few studies have examined vaccine effectiveness against transmission. We used a chain binomial model to estimate the effectiveness of vaccination with BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccine] against household transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Israel before and after emergence of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. Vaccination reduced susceptibility to infection by 89.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 88.7 to 90.0%], whereas vaccine effectiveness against infectiousness given infection was 23.0% (95% CI: −11.3 to 46.7%) during days 10 to 90 after the second dose, before 1 June 2021. Total vaccine effectiveness was 91.8% (95% CI: 88.1 to 94.3%). However, vaccine effectiveness is reduced over time as a result of the combined effect of waning of immunity and emergence of the Delta variant.
China’s seafood imports—Not for domestic consumption?
Authors: Asche Frank , Yang Bixuan , Gephart Jessica A. , Smith Martin D. , Anderson James L. , Camp Edward V. , Garlock Taryn M. , Love David C. , Oglend Atle , Straume Hans-Martin
Published: January 2022

An estimated 74.9% of China’s seafood imports are reexported
In Other Journals
Authors: Hines Pamela J. , Purnell Beverly A. , Vignieri Sacha , Szuromi Phil , Smith Keith T. , Lavine Marc S. , Ray L. Bryan
Published: January 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Draft Genome Sequences of 12 Panton-Valentine Leucocidin-Positive and Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from an Intensive Care Unit in Pakistan
Authors: Sung Kidon , Gudeta Dereje D. , Park Miseon , Chon Jungwhan , Kim Sungguk , Nawaz Mohamed S. , Foley Steven L. , Khan Saeed A.
Published: January 2022

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for difficult-to-treat staphylococcal infections due to multidrug resistance. Twelve Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive and multidrug-resistant clinical MRSA isolates from hospitals in Pakistan were sequenced and annotated to investigate genetic markers associated with antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and biofilm formation.
Prevalence rates of cataract and cataract surgery in elderly Chinese people living in suburban Shanghai: the Pujiang Cataract Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Shaohua , Chen Jiahui , Yang Fan , Xu Binxin , Tang Yating , Lu Yi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence rates of cataract and cataract surgery in suburban Shanghai, China.

Methods

This population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in Pujiang Town, Shanghai, China, using a random cluster sampling strategy. A total of 5846 participants (11,657 eyes) aged ≥65 years were enrolled. Detailed eye examinations included presenting visual acuity (VA), best-corrected VA, non-contact tonometry, measurement of ocular parameters using IOLMaster 700, slit-lamp assessment of lens opacities using the Lens Opacities Classification System III and dilated fundus evaluation.

Results

Cataract was present in 57.0% of participants (53.8% of eyes). Cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) were found in 41.3%, 41.0% and 12.6% of participants. Among participants with any cataract, VA was <20/40 in 32.5%. According to Global Burden of Disease Study visual impairment (VI) criteria, 52.5% of participants with PSC had VI, 4.9% were considered blind (VA <20/400) and 31.9% had moderate VI (VA ≥20/400 to <20/63). This rate was significantly greater than that in participants with cortical (32.0%) or nuclear (38.0%) cataract (P<0.05). Cataract surgery was performed in 8.1% of eyes (men, 3.1%; women, 5.0%) or 10.9% of participants (men, 4.2%; women, 6.7%).

Conclusions

The Pujiang Cataract Cohort Study has revealed the prevalence rates of cataract and cataract surgery among elderly individuals in suburban Shanghai, China. Although the frequency of cataract surgery has increased in China in recent decades, the high prevalence of cataract-related VI among older people suggests further attention to primary eyecare and medical awareness is necessary.
Racial disparities in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure outcomes
Authors: Helzberg James H , Parish Alice , Niedzwiecki Donna , Kim Charles Y , Patel Yuval A , Wilder Julius M , Muir Andrew J
Published: January 2022

Objective

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure is an important intervention for management of complications of portal hypertension. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of mortality from the TIPS procedure with a focus on race and ethnicity.

Design

TIPS procedures from 2012 to 2014 in the National Inpatient Sample were identified. Weighting was applied to generate nationally representative results. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome of interest. χ2and Student’s t-tests were performed for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Predictors of mortality following TIPS were assessed by survey-weighted logistic regression.

Results

17 175 (95% CI 16 254 to 18 096) TIPS cases were identified. Approximately 71% were non-Hispanic (NH) white, 6% were NH black, 16% were Hispanic and 7% were other. NH black patients undergoing TIPS had an in-hospital mortality rate of 20.1%, nearly double the in-hospital mortality of any other racial or ethnic group. NH black patients also had significantly longer median postprocedure and total lengths of stay (p=0.03 and p<0.001, respectively). The interaction of race by clinical indication was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (p<0.001). NH black patients had increased mortality compared with other racial/ethnic groups when presenting with bleeding oesophageal varices (OR 3.85, 95% CI 2.14 to 6.95).

Conclusion

This cohort study presents important findings in end-stage liver disease care, with clear racial disparities in in-hospital outcomes following the TIPS procedure. Specifically, black patients had significantly higher in-hospital mortality and longer lengths of stay. Further research is needed to understand how we can better care for black patients with liver disease.
Prescribing for pregnancy: inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Primrose Naomi , Johnston Emma
Published: January 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases commonly present in young adulthood and it is estimated that up to one in 200 pregnant women have IBD. Key factors for successful pregnancy outcome are disease remission at the time of conception and optimal disease control during pregnancy, with active disease increasing the risk of adverse effects for both mother and baby. This article forms part of a series on prescribing for pregnancy and discusses the impact of IBD on pregnancy and the influence pregnancy may have on IBD. It highlights the importance of prepregnancy care and collaborative working between obstetric and gastroenterology specialties as well as focusing on prescribing before, during and after pregnancy, exploring treatment options for IBD which are evolving rapidly as new immunosuppressive agents emerge.
Tumour-associated neutrophils secrete AGR2 to promote colorectal cancer metastasis via its receptor CD98hc–xCT
Authors: Tian Shaobo , Chu Yanan , Hu Jia , Ding Xueliang , Liu Zhibo , Fu Daan , Yuan Ye , Deng Yan , Wang Guobin , Wang Lin , Wang Zheng
Published: January 2022

Objective

Reciprocal cellular crosstalk within the tumour microenvironment (TME) actively participates in tumour progression. The anterior gradient-2 (AGR2) can be secreted to extracellular compartments and contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. We investigated the cellular source for secreted AGR2 in the TME and underlying mechanisms mediating secreted AGR2’s effects.

Design

Tissue microarray, tumour tissues, blood samples and tumour-associated neutrophils (TANs) from patients with CRC were isolated for phenotypical and functional analyses. The role of TAN-secreted AGR2 was determined in neutrophil-specific Agr2 knockout (Agr2f/f;Mrp-Cre) mice. The biological roles and mechanisms of secreted AGR2 in CRC metastasis were determined in vitro and in vivo.

Results

TANs were a predominant cell type for secreting AGR2 in the TME of CRC. TANs-secreted AGR2 promoted CRC cells’ migration. Neutrophils-specific ablation of Agr2 in mice ameliorated CRC liver metastases. The heavy chain of CD98 (CD98hc) served as the functional receptor for secreted AGR2. Mechanistically, secreted AGR2 increased xCT activity in a CD98hc-dependent manner, subsequently activating Ras homologue family member A/Rho-associated protein kinase 2 cascade. CRC cells actively recruited TANs through the C-X-C motif chemokine 2. Moreover, CRC-derived transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) educated peripheral blood neutrophils to become AGR2+TANs that secrete AGR2. Abundant infiltration of AGR2+TANs and high expression of TGF-β1 and CD98hc–xCT were correlated with poor prognosis of patients with CRC.

Conclusions

Our study unveils a novel crosstalk between TANs and CRC cells involving the secreted AGR2–CD98hc–xCT axis that promotes metastasis and impacts the outcomes of patients with CRC.