bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meeting report: AT workshop 2023—A platform for discussing cutting‐edge science in DNA damage signaling, repair, and human disorders
Authors: Takata Minoru , Harada Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) is a rare devastating hereditary condition, which affects multiple organ systems including cerebellar motor function as well as DNA repair, resulting in a higher incidence of cancer and immunodeficiency. The genetic defect in A‐T lies in ATM kinase, which is activated by DNA damage and regulates a plethora of substrates including the p53 tumor suppressor. We have organized an international meeting “The 19th Ataxia‐Telangiectasia Workshop 2023 (ATW2023)” with support from the Molecular Biology Society of Japan (MBSJ) and other funders. Here, we report that ATW2023 was successfully held in Kyoto from March 2nd to 5th, 2023 with more than 150 participants traveling from all over the world, despite the still smoldering COVID‐19 pandemic. In this meeting report, we will briefly describe the highlights of the meeting and would like to express our gratitude to the MBSJ for the financial support.
Molecular detection of Helicobacter pylori and its genotypic antimicrobial resistance patterns in dyspeptic Mozambican patients
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Majaliwa Nashon D. , Vale Filipa F. , Cumbana Roqueia , Sumbana José J. , Muchongo Arsénio , Nassone Ema , Loforte Michella , Mondlane Liana , Botão Edília , Taviani Elisa , Carrilho Carla , Vítor Jorge M. B. , Sacarlal Jahit
Published: June 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori strains show a high level of genotypic diversity and express several genes that contribute to their pathogenicity and resistance. In Mozambique, there is lack of information regarding its resistance pattern to antibiotics. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori and its genotypic resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and fluoroquinolones in Mozambican dyspeptic patients. Since appropriate eradication should be based on the local resistance rate, our data will guide clinicians in choosing the best drugs for the effective treatment of H. pylori‐infected patients.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted between June 2017 and June 2020, in which 171 dyspeptic patients were recruited, and through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, gastric biopsies were collected from those patients. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for the detection of H. pylori and its resistance mechanisms to clarithromycin (23S rRNA), metronidazole (rdxA), and fluoroquinolones (gyrA); mutations conferring resistance to these antibiotics were investigated by sequencing 23S rRNA, rdxA, and gyrA genes.

Results

Of the 171 samples tested, H. pylori was detected in 56.1% (96/171). The clarithromycin resistance rate was 10.4% (the responsible mutations were A2142G and A2143G), the metronidazole resistance rate was 55.2% (4 types of mutations responsible for metronidazole resistance were identified which include, D59N, R90K, H97T, and A118T. However, in many cases, they appeared in combination, with D59N + R90K + A118T being the most frequent combination), and the fluoroquinolones resistance rate was 20% (the responsible mutations were N87I and D91G).

Conclusion

H. pylori infection remains common in dyspeptic Mozambican patients. High resistance to metronidazole and fluoroquinolones requires continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance and adaptation of therapy to eradicate this infection.
Low genetic diversity and high gene flow in the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola), a threatened marshland songbird with a fragmented breeding range
Authors: Kubacka Justyna , Dubiec Anna , Korb Judith , Salewski Volker , Dyrcz Andrzej , Foucher Julien , Giessing Benedikt , Leisler Bernd , Schulze‐Hagen Karl , Wink Michael , Panagiotopoulou Hanna
Published: June 2023

Breeding habitat loss and depletion of genetic diversity can have critically negative impacts on species, and especially so for habitat specialists. The Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola is a threatened European songbird that breeds in fens, which have been lost and fragmented over centuries. We used microsatellite loci to perform a spatial and longitudinal comparison, comparing samples collected recently (contemporary) with those obtained about two decades earlier (historical) from c. 25% of the breeding range (Biebrza and Polesie) of the Aquatic Warbler. With these data we explored changes in genetic diversity, expansions and reductions of population size, population structure, and gene flow. Allelic richness, expected heterozygosity, the number of effective and private alleles, and effective population size (NE ≈ 200) were low and comparable across time and space. We detected a genetic bottleneck in contemporary Biebrza, and a less certain bottleneck in both historical and contemporary Polesie. Across space, Biebrza and Polesie were not genetically differentiated in either period. All the historical samples clustered together, but in the contemporary samples a small part of Polesie clustered separately (FST = 0.011). Across time, Biebrza and Polesie showed low but significant differentiation (FST = 0.026–0.064), and historical and contemporary groups clustered apart. A principal coordinate analysis on genetic distance detected three groups, which spanned sampling locations. In the temporal comparison, the contemporary group and contemporary Biebrza had elevated mean within‐group pairwise relatedness. We did not recover signals for sex‐biased dispersal, asymmetric gene flow or isolation‐by‐distance using the molecular data. Our results suggest that the studied populations show: (1) impoverished genetic diversity, (2) a change in allele frequencies over the two decades studied and (3) high gene flow between distant breeding sites, implying high resilience to habitat fragmentation that should facilitate the success of recolonising restored habitat patches by Aquatic Warblers.
Sonocatalysis and Photocatalysis in Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Tiwari Saurabh , Gaur Akshay , Vaish Rahul
Published: June 2023

The photocatalytic, sonocatalytic, and sono‐photocatalytic performances of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) ceramic (synthesized through solid‐state reaction route) were investigated for the degradation of an organic dye named methylene blue (MB). The as‐prepared BST ceramic powder was characterized using a scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The optical energy band gap of BST ceramic was found to be ∼3.17 eV. BST has shown significant catalytic activity following sonocatalysis and photocatalysis processes, i.e, ∼48% and ∼65% in 3 h, respectively. The synergic effect of the sonocatalysis and photocatalysis processes had shown an excellent degradation of 81% in 3 h. To determine the reactive species responsible for the degradation of MB dye, a scavenger test was also performed using isopropyl alcohol (IPA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and benzoquinone (BQ) scavengers. The degree of MB dye degradation was quantified by a phytotoxicity test on “Vigna radiata” seeds. Furthermore, the potentiality of BST ceramic was explored for water cleaning applications while irradiating it to solar radiation in real‐time conditions.
PKCζ activation promotes maturation of cord blood T cells towards a Th1 IFN‐γ propensity
Authors: Perveen Khalida , Quach Alex , Stark Michael J. , Prescott Susan , Barry Simon C. , Hii Charles S. , Ferrante Antonio
Published: June 2023

A significant number of babies present transiently with low protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) levels in cord blood T cells (CBTC), associated with reduced ability to transition from a neonatal Th2 to a mature Th1 cytokine bias, leading to a higher risk of developing allergic sensitisation, compared to neonates whose T cells have ‘normal’ PKCζ levels. However, the importance of PKCζ signalling in regulating their differentiation from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine phenotype propensity remains undefined. To define the role of PKCζ signalling in the regulation of CBTC differentiation from a Th2 to a Th1cytokine phenotype we have developed a neonatal T cell maturation model which enables the cells to develop to CD45RA−/CD45RO+ T cells while maintaining the Th2 immature cytokine bias, despite having normal levels of PKCζ. The immature cells were treated with phytohaemagglutinin, but in addition with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), an agonist which does not activate PKCζ. This was compared to development in CBTC in which the cells were transfected to express constitutively active PKCζ. The lack of PKCζ activation by PMA was monitored by western blot for phospho‐PKCζ and translocation from cell cytosol to the membrane by confocal microscopy. The findings demonstrate that PMA fails to activate PKCζ in CBTC. The data show that CBTC matured under the influence of the PKC stimulator, PMA, maintain a Th2 cytokine bias, characterised by robust IL‐4 and minimal interferon gamma production (IFN‐γ), and lack of expression of transcriptional factor, T‐bet. This was also reflected in the production of a range of other Th2/Th1 cytokines. Interestingly, introduction of a constitutively active PKCζ mutant into CBTC promoted development towards a Th1 profile with high IFN‐γ production. The findings demonstrate that PKCζ signalling is essential for the immature neonatal T cells to transition from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine production bias.
‘It just stops me from living’: A qualitative study of losses experienced by women with self‐reported endometriosis
Authors: Peterson Brianna , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Evans Subhadra
Published: June 2023

Aims

To understand the experience of loss in Australian women with endometriosis.

Design

A total of 532 participants completed an online survey containing three open‐ended questions relating to pelvic pain and activity loss due to endometriosis. Participants were Australian women aged between 18 and 50 years (M = 30.8, SD = 7.1) with a self‐reported diagnosis of endometriosis. An inductive, qualitative approach, with template analysis was used to identify and organize themes. A pragmatic feminist perspective was used to interpret the findings.

Results

Three main themes were identified: the loss of liberty: ‘I'm trapped in the house’; the loss of bodily autonomy: ‘I can barely move/breathe/talk’ and loss of connection: ‘It stops me from being social’. Pain emerged as the greatest concern for participants, preventing them from the physical functioning required to participate in many of life's activities.

Conclusions

The losses women with endometriosis experience are wide‐reaching, restricting control and choice across multiple life domains. Losses were often unacknowledged by loved ones and healthcare providers, further impacting the physical, emotional and mental health of participants.

Patient or Public Contribution

People with endometriosis were involved in the design of the study, including identifying topics of interest.
The treatment of plantar warts using microwave—A review of 85 consecutive cases in the United States
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Wang Tong , Cooper Elizabeth A. , Conenello Robert M. , Bristow Ivan R.
Published: June 2023

Background

Plantar warts (verrucae plantaris) are a common source of pain for patients and are often refractory to treatment. Previous work has shown a high clearance rate of verrucae using a surface‐based microwave device (Swift®).

Aims

To assess the efficacy, defined as the complete visible clearance of warts, in patients with verrucae plantaris receiving microwave treatment.

Patients

We undertook a retrospective review and identified records of 85 patients who underwent a course of microwave treatment at a single US‐based podiatry centre. Efficacy was analyzed on the basis on intention‐to‐treat.

Results

In patients who received ≥1 session there was a complete clearance rate of 60.0% (51/85) (intention‐to‐treat; 59 patients completed treatment, 26 lost to follow‐up) and 86.4% (51/59) per treatment completion; no significant differences in clearance rates of children and adults were observed (61.0% [25/41] vs. 59.1% [26/44]). There were 31 patients who received three sessions of microwave therapy with a clearance rate of 71.0% (22/31) as per intention‐to‐treat (27 patients completed treatment, 4 lost to follow‐up). An average of 2.3 sessions (SD: 1.1; range: 1–6) was required for the complete clearance of plantar warts. Complete clearance was also observed in some patients with recalcitrant warts following additional treatment sessions (42.9% [3/7]). A significant reduction in wart related pain was reported for all patients undergoing treatment. Some patients continued to report a reduced amount of pain post‐therapy compared with pretherapy.

Conclusions

Microwave treatment of verrucae plantaris appears to be a safe and effective procedure.
YAP/WNT5A/FZD4 axis regulates osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells under cyclic stretch
Authors: Zhang Xiaocen , Chang Maolin , Wang Beike , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhen , Han Guangli
Published: June 2023

Objective

To verify the role of YAP/WNT5A/FZD4 axis in stretch‐induced osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs.

Background

During orthodontic tooth movement, differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) at the tension side of the periodontal ligament mediates new bone formation. WNT5A promotes osteogenesis and its regulator Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is responsive to mechanical stimulation in hPDLCs. However, the mechanisms of YAP and WNT5A in alveolar bone remodeling remain unclear.

Methods

Cyclic stretch was applied to hPDLCs to mimic the orthodontic stretching force. Osteogenic differentiation was determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining, qRT‐PCR and western blotting. To detect activation of YAP and expression of WNT5A and its receptor Frizzled‐4 (FZD4), western blotting, immunofluorescence, qRT‐PCR and ELISA were performed. Verteporfin, Lats‐IN‐1, small interfering RNAs and recombinant protein were used to explore the relationship of YAP, WNT5A and FZD4, and the effect of their relationship on stretch‐induced osteogenesis of hPDLCs.

Results

WNT5A, FZD4 and nuclear localization of YAP were upregulated by cyclic stretch. YAP positively regulated WNT5A and FZD4 expression and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs under cyclic stretch by YAP inhibition or activation assay. Knockdown of WNT5A and FZD4 attenuated YAP‐induced and stretch‐induced osteogenic differentiation. Recombinant WNT5A rescued the suppressed osteogenic differentiation by YAP inhibitor in hPDLCs, whereas knockdown of FZD4 weakened the effect of WNT5A and amplified the suppression.

Conclusions

WNT5A/FZD4 could be positively regulated by YAP and the YAP/WNT5A/FZD4 axis mediated osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs under cyclic stretch. This study provided further insight into the biological mechanism of orthodontic tooth movement.
Quality of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid oral formulations for intended veterinary use in the UK, Malaysia, Serbia and Thailand
Authors: Pelligand L. , Baker D. , Sivagurunathan A. , Kovačević Z. , Suemanotham N. , Stair J. L. , Scott M. , Liu F. , Page S. W. , Guardabassi L. , Steagall P. V. ,   the Therapeutic Guidelines Group of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Amoxicillin/clavulanate is the most commonly used oral antimicrobial drug in companion animals. The objective of the study was to detect types and frequency of deficits in the quality of veterinary oral formulations of amoxicillin/clavulanate in various countries.

Materials and Methods

In a prospective study with purposive sampling, amoxicillin/clavulanate tablet formulations for canine use were collected in four countries (wholesalers or veterinary practice) and shipped to a central bioanalytical laboratory. Twenty‐four samples were collected from the UK (nine), Malaysia (nine), Serbia (four) and Thailand (two), yielding 18 different formulations (10 veterinary). Packaging inspection, tablet disintegration and content assay were conducted (validated high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultra‐violet detection); content was acceptable when within the 90% to 120% pre‐specified range (US Pharmacopeia).

Results

Secondary packaging was present for 13 of 24 samples and primary packaging integrity was verified for all but one sample. Amoxicillin trihydrate/potassium clavulanate label ratio was 4:1, except for three formulations (2:1). Tablet dose strength ranged from 250 to 625 mg. All formulations contained both analytes. For amoxicillin, two of 24 samples were out of specification with 72.8% (Malaysia) and 82.3% (Thailand) of labelled content. For clavulanate, four of 24 samples were out of specification with 46.9% (Serbia), 79.0% (UK), 84.3% (Serbia) and 86.5% (Thailand) of labelled content. One formulation (Thailand) failed for both analytes.

Clinical Significance

Antimicrobial formulations of substandard quality have negative consequences for efficacy in patients and potentially promote antimicrobial resistance. There was evidence of substandard formulations in all countries, not only for amoxicillin but especially for clavulanate; this could compromise equitable access to acceptable quality essential veterinary medicines worldwide.
Phenotypic and genetic aspects of hereditary ataxia in dogs
Authors: Stee Kimberley , Van Poucke Mario , Lowrie Mark , Van Ham Luc , Peelman Luc , Olby Natasha , Bhatti Sofie F.M.
Published: June 2023

Hereditary ataxias are a large group of neurodegenerative diseases that have cerebellar or spinocerebellar dysfunction as core feature, occurring as an isolated sign or as part of a syndrome. Based on neuropathology, this group of diseases has so far been classified into cerebellar cortical degenerations, spinocerebellar degenerations, cerebellar ataxias without substantial neurodegeneration, canine multiple system degeneration, and episodic ataxia. Several new hereditary ataxia syndromes are described, but most of these diseases have similar clinical signs and unspecific diagnostic findings, wherefore achieving a definitive diagnosis in these dogs is challenging. Eighteen new genetic variants associated with these diseases have been discovered in the last decade, allowing clinicians to reach a definitive diagnosis for most of these conditions, and allowing breeding schemes to adapt to prevent breeding of affected puppies. This review summarizes the current knowledge about hereditary ataxias in dogs, and proposes to add a “multifocal degenerations with predominant (spino)cerebellar component” category regrouping canine multiple system degeneration, new hereditary ataxia syndromes that do not fit in 1 of the previous categories, as well as specific neuroaxonal dystrophies and lysosomal storage diseases that cause major (spino)cerebellar dysfunction.
Spray‐induced gene silencing to identify powdery mildew gene targets and processes for powdery mildew control
Authors: McRae Amanda G. , Taneja Jyoti , Yee Kathleen , Shi Xinyi , Haridas Sajeet , LaButti Kurt , Singan Vasanth , Grigoriev Igor V. , Wildermuth Mary C.
Published: June 2023

Spray‐induced gene silencing (SIGS) is an emerging tool for crop pest protection. It utilizes exogenously applied double‐stranded RNA to specifically reduce pest target gene expression using endogenous RNA interference machinery. In this study, SIGS methods were developed and optimized for powdery mildew fungi, which are widespread obligate biotrophic fungi that infect agricultural crops, using the known azole‐fungicide target cytochrome P450 51 (CYP51) in the Golovinomyces orontii–Arabidopsis thaliana pathosystem. Additional screening resulted in the identification of conserved gene targets and processes important to powdery mildew proliferation: apoptosis‐antagonizing transcription factor in essential cellular metabolism and stress response; lipid catabolism genes lipase a, lipase 1, and acetyl‐CoA oxidase in energy production; and genes involved in manipulation of the plant host via abscisic acid metabolism (9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, xanthoxin dehydrogenase, and a putative abscisic acid G‐protein coupled receptor) and secretion of the effector protein, effector candidate 2. Powdery mildew is the dominant disease impacting grapes and extensive powdery mildew resistance to applied fungicides has been reported. We therefore developed SIGS for the Erysiphe necator–Vitis vinifera system and tested six successful targets identified using the G. orontii–A. thaliana system. For all targets tested, a similar reduction in powdery mildew disease was observed between systems. This indicates screening of broadly conserved targets in the G. orontii–A. thaliana pathosystem identifies targets and processes for the successful control of other powdery mildew fungi. The efficacy of SIGS on powdery mildew fungi makes SIGS an exciting prospect for commercial powdery mildew control.
Ribosomal protein SA is a common component of neuronal intranuclear inclusions in polyglutamine diseases and Marinesco bodies
Authors: Yagita Kaoru , Sadashima Shoko , Koyama Sachiko , Noguchi Hideko , Hamasaki Hideomi , Sasagasako Naokazu , Honda Hiroyuki
Published: June 2023

Neuronal intranuclear inclusions (NIIs) are common key structures in polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases such as Huntington disease (HD), spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), and SCA3. Marinesco bodies (MBs) of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra are also intranuclear structures and are frequently seen in normal elderly people. Ribosomal dysfunction is closely related to two differential processes; therefore, we aimed to identify the pathological characteristics of ribosomal protein SA (RPSA), a ribosomal protein, in both states. To this end, we evaluated the autopsy findings in four patients with HD, two SCA3, and five normal elderly cases (NCs). Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that both NIIs and MBs contain RPSA. In polyQ diseases, RPSA was co‐localized with polyQ aggregations, and 3D‐reconstructed images revealed their mosaic‐like distribution. Assessments of the organization of RPSA and p62 in NIIs showed that RPSA was more localized toward the center than p62 and that this unique organization was more evident in the MBs. Immunoblotting of the temporal cortices revealed that the nuclear fraction of HD patients contained more RPSA than that of NCs. In conclusion, our study revealed that RPSA is a common component of both NIIs and MBs, indicating that a similar mechanism contributes to the formation of polyQ NIIs and MBs.
TWO BRONZE AGE MINIATURE WAGON AND WHEEL BURIALS IN ENCS (NORTH‐EASTERN HUNGARY)
Authors: Mengyán Ákos , Gémes Anett , SZeniczey Tamás , Hajdu Tamás
Published: June 2023

During an excavation of a Bronze Age, Füzesabony‐culture cemetery at Encs (north‐eastern Hungary), a clay wagon model with spoked wheels (grave 1290) and three miniature solid clay wheels were found (grave 1389). Miniature wagon and wheel models in burials began to appear in the Late Copper Age and lasted until the Iron Age in Central Europe. Their presence allows of several interpretations. These spoked wheels of grave 1290 provide early evidence about the appearance of such in the Carpathian Basin. Focussing on the two graves from Encs, this article reports AMS radiocarbon dates that suggest the spoked wheels belong to the early second millennium BC. The implications of these finds are interpreted though a comparative review of both wagon models from the Füzesabony culture and the evidence for early spoked wheels in the Carpathian Basin.
Pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic modeling of analgesics and sedatives in children
Authors: Bardol Maddlie , Pan Shan , Walker Suellen M. , Standing Joseph F. , Dawes Joy M.
Published: June 2023

Pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic modeling is an important tool which uses statistical methodology to provide a better understanding of the relationship between concentration and effect of drugs such as analgesics and sedatives. Pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic models also describe between‐subject variability that allows identification of subgroups and dose adjustment for optimal pain management in individual patients. This approach is particularly useful in the pediatric population, where most drugs have received limited evaluation and dosing is extrapolated from adult practice. In children, the covariates of weight and age are used to describe size‐ and maturation‐related changes in pharmacokinetics. It is important to consider both size and maturation in order to develop an accurate model and determine the optimal dose for different age groups. An adequate assessment of analgesic and sedative effect using pain scales or brain activity measures is essential to build reliable pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic models. This is often challenging in children due to the multidimensional nature of pain and the limited sensitivity and specificity of some measurement tools. This review provides a summary of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic methodology used to describe the dose–concentration–effect relationship of analgesics and sedation in children, with a focus on the different pharmacodynamic endpoints and the challenges of pharmacodynamic modeling.
The OSUMMER lines: A series of ultraviolet‐accelerated NRAS‐mutant mouse melanoma cell lines syngeneic to C57BL/6
Authors: Murphy Brandon M. , Jensen Daelin M. , Arnold Tiffany E. , Aguilar‐Valenzuela Renan , Hughes Jase , Posada Valentina , Nguyen Kimberly T. , Chu Vi T. , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Burd Craig J. , Burd Christin E.
Published: June 2023

An increasing number of cancer subtypes are treated with front‐line immunotherapy. However, approaches to overcome primary and acquired resistance remain limited. Preclinical mouse models are often used to investigate resistance mechanisms, novel drug combinations, and delivery methods; yet most of these models lack the genetic diversity and mutational patterns observed in human tumors. Here we describe a series of 13 C57BL/6J melanoma cell lines to address this gap in the field. The Ohio State University‐Moffitt Melanoma Exposed to Radiation (OSUMMER) cell lines are derived from mice expressing endogenous, melanocyte‐specific, and clinically relevant Nras driver mutations (Q61R, Q61K, or Q61L). Exposure of these animals to a single, non‐burning dose of ultraviolet B accelerates the onset of spontaneous melanomas with mutational patterns akin to human disease. Furthermore, in vivo irradiation selects against potent tumor antigens, which could prevent the outgrowth of syngeneic cell transfers. Each OSUMMER cell line possesses distinct in vitro growth properties, trametinib sensitivity, mutational signatures, and predicted antigenicity. Analysis of OSUMMER allografts shows a correlation between strong, predicted antigenicity and poor tumor outgrowth. These data suggest that the OSUMMER lines will be a valuable tool for modeling the heterogeneous responses of human melanomas to targeted and immune‐based therapies.
Assessment of the American Academy of Dermatology diagnostic criteria for pediatric atopic dermatitis and modification into a checkbox form: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Udkoff Jeremy , Borok Jenna , Vaida Florin , Tang Bin , Matiz Catalina , Ahluwalia Jusleen , Russell Emma , Eichenfield Lawrence
Published: June 2023

Background/Objectives

Diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis (AD) are limited in their performance and/or usability. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) consensus criteria include hierarchical categories of disease features to improve these metrics but have not been validated. Our objective was to create and validate a checkbox form of the AAD consensus criteria in the pediatric population.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of 100 pediatric patients with AD (n = 58) and diseases in the differential diagnosis of AD (n = 42).

Results

Having three or more “Essential,” ≥2 “Important,” ≥1 “Associated” features of the AAD criteria was optimal for the diagnosis of AD in children. This combination was 91.4% (95% CI, 84.2%–98.6%) sensitive and 95.2% (88.8%–100%) specific. The UK working party criteria and the Hanifin–Rajka criteria had sensitivities of 96.6% (95% CI 91.9%–100%) and 98.3% (95% CI 94.9%–100%) and specificities of 83.3% (95% CI 72.1%–94.6%) and 71.4% (95% CI 57.8%–85.1%), respectively. The AAD criteria had significantly greater specificity than the Hanifin–Rajka criteria (p = .002).

Conclusions

This study represents an important step in validating the AAD consensus criteria and formulating a useable checkbox form for diagnosing AD in the pediatric population.
Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for pityriasis lichenoides: A real‐life experience
Authors: Agaoglu Esra , Erdogan Hilal Kaya , Acer Ersoy , Saracoglu Zeynep Nurhan , Bilgin Muzaffer
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a papulosquamous disease affecting both children and adults, for which narrowband‐UVB (NB‐UVB) phototherapy is regarded as a commonly used treatment option. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of NB‐UVB phototherapy in the management of PL and to compare response rates in pediatric and adult age groups.

Materials and methods

This observational, retrospective study included 20 PL patients (12 pityriasis lichenoides chronica; PLC, 8 pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta; PLEVA) who failed to respond to other treatment modalities. The data for this study were collected retrospectively from patient follow‐up forms in the phototherapy unit.

Results

A complete response (CR) was obtained in all pediatric patients with PL, while 53.8% of adult patients had achieved CR. The mean cumulative dose required to achieve the CR was higher in pediatric patients than adult patients with PL (p < .05). The CR was achieved in 6 (75%) of 8 PLEVA patients, while 8 (66.7%) of 12 PLC patients had reached to CR. The mean number of exposures for patients with PLC to achieve a CR was higher than patients with PLEVA (p < .05). Erythema was the most common adverse effect during phototherapy particularly in 5 (35.7%) of the patients with PL who had achieved CR.

Conclusions

NB‐UVB is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option for PL especially in diffuse types. A higher response can be obtained in children with higher cumulative dose. Patients with PLC may require more exposures for CR than patients with PLEVA.
Come‐from‐behind victories under ranked‐choice voting and runoff: The impact on voter satisfaction
Authors: Cerrone Joseph , McClintock Cynthia
Published: June 2023

Both ranked‐choice voting (RCV) and runoff seek to prevent the election of candidates with only minority support by enabling more broadly approved rivals to win through come‐from‐behind victories (CFBVs). Although CFBVs are intrinsic to RCV and runoff, they have received little scholarly attention. This study suggests that, amid voters' status quo bias, CFBVs provoke dissatisfaction. In a survey experiment fielded on U.S. voters, CFBVs under RCV significantly reduced satisfaction, while there was a weaker negative effect under runoff. Similarly, RCV was repealed or faced a visible repeal attempt in the vast majority of U.S. jurisdictions that experienced a CFBV in the first or second use of the rule. This was not the case for runoff. We encourage greater voter education, including regarding the rationale for and mechanics of CFBVs under RCV as well as consideration of runoff and other rules that encourage the election of candidates with majority support.

Related Articles

McCarthy, Devin, and Jack Santucci. 2021. “Ranked Choice Voting as a Generational Issue in Modern American Politics.” Politics & Policy 49(1): 33–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12390.

Nielson, Lindsay. 2017. “Ranked Choice Voting and Attitudes toward Democracy in the United States: Results from a Survey Experiment.” Politics & Policy 45(4): 535–70. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12212.

Stiers, Dieter. 2019. “Static and Dynamic Models of Retrospective Voting: A Clarification and Application to the Individual Level.” Politics & Policy 47(5): 859–76. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12324.
Ingroup favoritism on perceived risk of infectious diseases
Authors: Peng Mei , Bai Xuejun
Published: June 2023

Humans live in social groups; thus, infectious diseases may threaten human health and safety. Do individuals exhibit ingroup favoritism or ingroup devaluation when faced with varying risks of infectious diseases? We generated relatively realistic disease scenarios to examine this question. We reported the results from three experiments in which we tested individuals’ perceived disease risk from ingroup and outgroup members under high‐ and low‐risk conditions. Experiment 1 used a realistic influenza scenario, and Experiments 2 and 3 used a realistic scenario of exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). All three experiments showed that perceived disease risk was significantly lower from ingroup members than from outgroup members and significantly lower in low‐risk conditions than in high‐risk conditions. Furthermore, the perceived disease risk was significantly lower from ingroup members than from outgroup members in high‐risk conditions but did not significantly differ in low‐risk conditions, as in Experiment 1's influenza scenario and Experiment 2's COVID‐19 vaccination scenario. This suggests that ingroup favoritism is flexible. The results support ingroup favoritism and the functional flexibility principle in response to disease threats according to perceived disease risk.
The geography of payment activity on PayPal
Authors: Hillberry Russell , Mahlstein Kornel , Schropp Simon
Published: June 2023

We use data from PayPal to study the geography of online payment activity. An empirical gravity model finds a distance elasticity of −0.58 for payment value, a result that is 40% lower than typically observed in conventional trade data. The firm‐extensive margin is approximately half as sensitive to distance. The link between the scale of merchants' exports and transaction distance is considerably weaker than observed in conventional international trade data. Zipf's Law holds for PayPal merchants in some countries, but fails in smaller PayPal markets. Merchants' account ages only marginally affect the scale and average distance of their export sales.
Monetary union, asymmetric recession, and exit
Authors: Keuschnigg Christian , Kirschner Linda , Kogler Michael , Winterberg Hannah
Published: June 2023

We propose a model of the Eurozone and analyze an asymmetric recession in a vulnerable member state with high public debt, weak banks, and low growth. We compare macroeconomic adjustment under continued membership with two exit scenarios that introduce flexible exchange rates and autonomous monetary policy. An exit with stable investor expectations could significantly dampen the short‐run impact. Stabilization is achieved by a targeted monetary expansion combined with depreciation. However, investor panic may lead to escalation, aggravate the recession and delay the recovery.
Gingival metastasis of angiosarcoma of the breast as a first manifestation of spreading disease: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mota Maria Emília , Tomo Saygo , Alves Fábio de Abreu , Pellissari Guilherme Andrade , do Nascimento Antonio Geraldo , Lopes Rodrigo Nascimento
Published: June 2023

Background

Angiosarcoma is an aggressive malignant neoplasm of vascular origin. Oral metastases of angiosarcoma are rare and have a non‐specific clinical presentation, thus the diagnosis may be challenging.

Case report

Herein we report a case of a 34‐year‐old female patient after treatment of a high‐grade angiosarcoma of the breast, who presented an asymptomatic bleeding purplish nodule in the maxillary interdental papilla between the first and second premolar. A biopsy was performed, and the histological examination revealed infiltration by malignant neoplasm of epithelioid and fusocellular pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that neoplastic cells were positive for ERG and CD31, and negative for cytokeratins AE1/AE3, confirming the diagnosis of metastatic angiosarcoma. After investigation, multiple metastases were discovered. The patient is under management with chemotherapy and palliative radiotherapy for the bone lesions.

Conclusion

Metastases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions in patients with a previous history of cancer. Due to the morphology of angiosarcomas, the metastatic lesions may resemble benign vascular lesions, therefore, biopsy is mandatory to exclude malignancy.
Midwives' experiences of encountering immigrant women during labour and birth who do not master the host country's language. A lifeworld hermeneutic study
Authors: Abdulle Amran Ahmed , Borrego Natalia , Lundgren Ingela
Published: June 2023

Background

Immigrant women are in a vulnerable position during labour and birth due to language barriers. Communication with women who do not master the host country's language is difficult for midwives, but there are few studies about midwives' experiences.

Aim

To explore Norwegian midwives' experiences of encountering immigrant women during labour and birth who do not master the native language.

Method

A hermeneutic lifeworld approach. Interviews with eight midwives working at specialist clinics and hospital maternity wards in Norway.

Results

The findings were interpreted based on four concepts in the theory “Birth territory: A theory for midwifery practice” by Fahy and Parrat presented in five themes: language barriers can cause disharmony and prevent participation, language barriers can lead to midwifery domination and poorer care, midwives strive for harmony and to be a guardian, medicalisd birth due to language barriers, and disharmony can lead to crossing boundaries. The main interpretation shows that it is midwifery domination and disintegrative power that are prominent. However, the midwives strived to use their integrative power and be guardians, but in doing so they encountered challenges.

Conclusion

Midwives need strategies for better communication with immigrant women involving the women and for avoiding a medicalised birth. To be able to meet immigrant women's needs and to establish a good relationship with them, challenges in maternity care need to be addressed. There are needs of care that focus on cultural aspects, leadership teams that support midwives, and both theoretical and organisational care models that support immigrant women.
Development and use of a mass‐balance model to calculate the likely effects of agrichemicals on trace element accumulation in soils supporting palm oil production
Authors: Thompson‐Morrison Hadee , Moltchanova Elena , Gaw Sally , Robinson Brett
Published: June 2023

Trace elements (TEs) can reduce both the quantity and quality of agricultural produce when essential trace elements are deficient or when any trace element accumulates beyond threshold concentrations in soil. Therefore, TEs in agricultural systems should be managed to ensure that soil concentrations are kept within guideline levels and do not affect production. Oil palm agriculture in Indonesia occurs on weathered, acidic soils that require substantial fertilizer inputs to maintain production. To understand whether TE accumulation in soils resulting from fertilizer and pesticide use may affect production in the future, we have developed a mass‐balance model to calculate likely concentrations of TEs in soils after given time periods under production conditions. Our model was developed to simulate processes which occur in the soil–plant system and involve the transport of TEs. It was developed to be rationally convenient, that is, parsimonious, working at environmentally relevant concentrations and able to be applied at the hectare scale to large agricultural systems. The model uses the mass‐balance equation and uses the critical parameters of rainfall, evaporation, erosion, soil adsorption coefficient, initial plant and soil contaminant concentrations, as well as soil‐ and‐crop specific parameters. We validated our model using a data set from a 64‐year fertilizer trial, which had known inputs and application rates of fluorine (F), cadmium (Cd) and uranium (U). We applied the validated model to a smallholder oil palm plantation in Indonesia, modelling accumulation of copper (Cu), F, Cd and U under recommended production conditions, to determine which TEs might limit production and the likely timeframes for this. Our results indicate that topsoil concentrations of Cu and F were likely to reach phytotoxic concentrations in soils (289 and 719 mg kg−1, respectively), within 50 years under these conditions. The future feasibility of intensive oil palm production on weathered, low fertility soils such as those in Indonesia should be assessed to avoid long‐term negative impacts on soil quality.
Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization Supported by an Expected Pareto Distance Change
Authors: Valladares Homero , Tovar Andres
Published: June 2023

The solution to global (a posteriori) multi-objective optimization problems traditionally relies on population-based algorithms, which are very effective in generating a Pareto front. Unfortunately, due to the high number of function evaluations, these methods are of limited use in problems that involve expensive black-box functions. In recent years, multi-objective Bayesian optimization has emerged as a powerful alternative; however, in many applications, these methods fail to generate a diverse and well-spread Pareto front. To address this limitation, our work introduces a novel acquisition function (AF) for multi-objective Bayesian optimization that produces more informative acquisition landscapes. The proposed AF comprises two terms, namely, a distance-based metric and a diversity index. The distance-based metric, referred to as the expected Pareto distance change, promotes the evaluation of high-performing designs and repels low-performing design zones. The diversity term prevents the evaluation of designs that are similar to the ones contained in the current sampling plan. The proposed AF is studied using seven analytical problems and in the design optimization of sandwich composite armors for blast mitigation, which involves expensive finite element simulations. The results show that the proposed AF generates high-quality Pareto sets outperforming well-established methods such as the Euclidean-based expected improvement function. The proposed AF is also compared with respect to a recently proposed multi-objective approach. The difference in their performance is problem dependent.
Internal Heat Transfer Measurement on Metal-Based Additively Manufactured Channels Using a Transient Technique
Authors: Lüscher Patrick , Deflorin Marin , Voggesser Manuel , Stuber Peter , Galoul Vincent , Ko Minseok
Published: June 2023

The advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) of metals open new possibilities in the design of gas turbine parts. Especially the cooling efficiency of internal channels can be improved with more complex geometries. Naturally, AM channels have a higher surface roughness than conventionally manufactured parts, which influences the cooling air pressure loss as well as the heat transfer. Implementing novel cooling designs using AM can be possible only if the effect of increased surface roughness on the flow and on the heat transfer can be predicted with an appropriate accuracy. The objective of the current study was to measure these parameters experimentally in simple AM channels to build a database for designing complex and efficient cooling designs using the AM technique. A test rig and postprocessing method was elaborated to derive the local internal heat transfer distribution of metal-based AM channels. Six circular single channel coupons made by selective laser melting (SLM) were tested for Reynolds numbers ranging from 20,000 to 50,000. The coupon with the lowest relative roughness shows good agreement with the Dittus–Boelter correlation. All the other coupons show a consistent increase of internal heat transfer and flow friction with the increase of the internal surface roughness.
Automated Vibration and Acoustic Crepitus Sensing in Humans
Authors: Roytman Gregory , Faydenko Jocelyn , Budavich Matthew , Pocius Judith D. , Cramer Gregory
Published: June 2023

Crepitus vibrational and acoustic signal analysis of the human facet joints of the lumbar spine has historically been a difficult problem due to the inhomogeneous and varied signal characteristics. Although previous studies have examined tribological characteristics of facet joints, we have found vibrational and acoustic signals to be a satisfactory analog to facet joint tribology and function. Here, we improve upon our previous automated computational method, now enhancing it for the analysis of human crepitus. Compared with this group’s previous studies using a mechanical model, human crepitus is extremely complex. Therefore, we proposed an automated method (AM) of analysis that used a test set (n = 16) and an experimental set of data (n = 48). We had a fair level of interrater agreement (Kw = 0.367, standard error (SE) = 0.054, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.260–0.474) between the AM and human observers before adjustments were made in the AM. Following adjustments to the AM, interrater agreement improved to a substantial level (Kw = 0.788, SE = 0.056, 95% CI = 0.0.682–0.895). In the future, we recommend a machine learning study with a larger number of subjects who can better capture the nuances of varying types of human crepitus.
Ultrasound description and follow up of painful cervical interspinous bursitis in a Polymyalgia Rheumatica patient – a case report
Authors: Todorov Plamen Todorov , Batalov Anastas Zgurov
Published: June 2023

We present a Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) case with active Cervical Interspinous Bursitis (CIB) causing debilitat-ing neck pain as the most intensive symptom of the disease as reported by the patient. CIB was diagnosed and followed by Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSUS). MSUS examination of patient’s posterior cervical region reviled well demarcated an-/ hypoechoic lesions around and cranially of the spinous processes of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebra. The initial detailed sonographic characteristics of the CIB are described, as well as the evolution of lesions size and extent with the treatment and patient’s clinical improvement. To our knowledge this is the rst detailed sonographic description of CIB in PMR.
Pharmacological modulators of epithelial immunity uncovered by synthetic genetic tracing of SARS-CoV-2 infection responses
Authors: Jiang Ben , Schmitt Matthias Jürgen , Rand Ulfert , Company Carlos , Dramaretska Yuliia , Grossmann Melanie , Serresi Michela , Čičin-Šain Luka , Gargiulo Gaetano
Published: June 2023

Epithelial immune responses govern tissue homeostasis and offer drug targets against maladaptation. Here, we report a framework to generate drug discovery–ready reporters of cellular responses to viral infection. We reverse-engineered epithelial cell responses to SARS-CoV-2, the viral agent fueling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and designed synthetic transcriptional reporters whose molecular logic comprises interferon-α/β/γ and NF-κB pathways. Such regulatory potential reflected single-cell data from experimental models to severe COVID-19 patient epithelial cells infected by SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2, type I interferons, and RIG-I drive reporter activation. Live-cell image–based phenotypic drug screens identified JAK inhibitors and DNA damage inducers as antagonistic modulators of epithelial cell response to interferons, RIG-I stimulation, and SARS-CoV-2. Synergistic or antagonistic modulation of the reporter by drugs underscored their mechanism of action and convergence on endogenous transcriptional programs. Our study describes a tool for dissecting antiviral responses to infection and sterile cues and rapidly discovering rational drug combinations for emerging viruses of concern.