bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maladaptive brain organization at 1 month into abstinence as an indicator for future relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Muller Angela M. , Meyerhoff Dieter J.
Published: February 2021

Abstinence is a lifelong endeavor, and the risk of a relapse is always present for patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The aim of the study was to better understand specific characteristics of the intrinsic whole‐brain‐network architecture of 34 AUD patients that may support abstinence or relapse. We used Graph Theory Analysis (GTA) of resting‐state fMRI data from treatment seekers at 1 month of abstinence and their follow‐up data as abstainers or relapsers 3 months later, together with data from 30 light/non‐drinking controls scanned at the same interval. We determined the group‐specific intrinsic community configurations at both timepoints as well as the corresponding modularity Q, a GTA measure that quantifies how well individual network communities are separated from each other. Both AUD groups at both timepoints had community configurations significantly different from those of controls, but the three groups did not significantly differ in their Q values. However, relapsers showed a maladaptive community configuration at baseline, which became more similar to the controls’ community organization after the relapsers had started consuming alcohol again during the study interval. Additionally, successful recovery from AUD was not associated with re‐gaining the intrinsic brain organization found in light/non‐drinkers, but with a re‐configuration resulting in a new brain organization distinctly different from that of healthy controls. Resting‐state fMRI provides useful measures reflecting neuroplastic adaptations related to AUD treatment outcome.
Induction of IL‐1β and antimicrobial peptides as a potential mechanism for topical dithranol
Authors: Benezeder Theresa , Gehad Ahmed , Patra VijayKumar , Clark Rachael , Wolf Peter
Published: February 2021

Topical dithranol is effective in autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, inducing hair regrowth in a high percentage of cases. Exact mechanisms of dithranol in alopecia areata, with seemingly healthy epidermis besides altered hair follicles, are not well understood. To better understand dithranol's mechanisms on healthy skin, we analysed its effect on normal murine as well as xenografted human skin. We found a strong increase in mRNA expression of anti‐microbial peptides (AMPs) (eg Lcn2, Defb1, Defb3, S100a8, S100a9), keratinocyte differentiation markers (eg Serpinb3a, Flg, Krt16, Lce3e) and inflammatory cytokines (eg Il1b and Il17) in healthy murine skin. This effect was paralleled by inflammation and disturbed skin barrier, as well as an injury response resulting in epidermal hyperproliferation, as observed in murine and xenografted adult human skin. This contact response and disturbed barrier induced by dithranol might lead via a vicious loop between AMPs such as S100a8/a9 (that led to skin swelling itself after topical application) and cytokines such as IL‐1β to an immune suppressive environment in the skin. A better understanding of the skin's physiologic response to dithranol may open up new avenues for the establishment of novel therapeutics (including AMP‐related/interfering molecules) for certain skin conditions, such as alopecia areata.
Cryo‐EM structures of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane complex
Authors: Bai Lin , Li Huilin
Published: February 2021

The transmembrane α‐helices of membrane proteins are in general highly hydrophobic, and they enter the lipid bilayer through a lateral gate in the Sec61 translocon. However, some transmembrane α‐helices are less hydrophobic and form membrane channels or substrate‐binding pockets. Insertion of these amphipathic transmembrane α‐helices into the membrane requires the specific membrane‐embedded insertase called the endoplasmic reticulum membrane complex (EMC), which is a multi‐subunit chaperone distinct from the GET insertase complex. Four recent cryo‐electron microscopy studies on the eukaryotic EMC have revealed their remarkable architectural conservation from yeast to humans; a general consensus on the substrate transmembrane helix‐binding pocket; and the evolutionary link to the prokaryotic insertases of the tail‐anchored membrane proteins. These structures provide a solid framework for future mechanistic investigation.
Pathogenesis of diabesity‐induced kidney disease: role of kidney nutrient sensing
Authors: Hinden Liad , Kogot‐Levin Aviram , Tam Joseph , Leibowitz Gil
Published: February 2021

Diabetes kidney disease (DKD) is a major healthcare problem associated with increased risk for developing end‐stage kidney disease and high mortality. It is widely accepted that DKD is primarily a glomerular disease. Recent findings however suggest that kidney proximal tubule cells (KPTCs) may play a central role in the pathophysiology of DKD. In diabetes and obesity, KPTCs are exposed to nutrient overload, including glucose, free‐fatty acids and amino acids, which dysregulate nutrient and energy sensing by mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 and AMP‐activated protein kinase, with subsequent induction of tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Pharmacological treatments that modulate nutrient sensing and signaling in KPTCs, including cannabinoid‐1 receptor antagonists and sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, exert robust kidney protective effects. Shedding light on how nutrients are sensed and metabolized in KPTCs and in other kidney domains, and on their effects on signal transduction pathways that mediate kidney injury, is important for understanding the pathophysiology of DKD and for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in DKD and probably also in other forms of kidney disease.
Damage detection and fatigue life estimation under random loads: A new structural health monitoring methodology in the frequency domain
Authors: Marques Denys E. T. , Vandepitte Dirk , Tita Volnei
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a methodology for structural health monitoring of fatigue cracks under stationary random loads. The methodology is composed of two parts: an empirical correlation to monitor the evolution of damage indices and a numerical scheme for fatigue life estimation. The damage indices are based on the variation of the vibrational response of the structure due to crack propagation. Two damage metrics are studied, and the methodology is verified for a cantilever beam subjected to random base excitation. The case study validates the effectiveness of the methodology and shows that both metrics have the potential for damage detection. For the numerical estimation of the fatigue life, the proposed framework uses the probability density function of the stress, which is obtained from frequency‐domain methods, and an equivalent stress approach based on the Walker's equation for fatigue crack growth. Excellent agreement is found between the predicted fatigue life and the experimental values.
Map Comparison Methods for Three‐Dimensional Space and Time Voxel Data
Authors: Smith Alex K. , Dragićević Suzana
Published: February 2021

Map comparisons in three‐dimensional space (3D) and 3D time series (4D) are becoming a necessity with increased availability of multidimensional data and model simulation outputs. Therefore, this research study extends the two‐dimensional (2D) map comparison methods with the aim to propose a suite of 3D approaches such as 3D Kappa, 3D Fuzzy, and 4D Fuzzy Kappa coefficients specifically designed to perform with voxel data. These proposed approaches can account for fuzziness where small categorical differences in 3D space or space‐time are given a degree of similarity instead of a binary similarity value. The developed approaches are tested using different voxel data sets: (a) hypothetical with two and four classes to confirm the methods produce expected results, (b) voxelized LiDAR data to demonstrate the comparison of real 3D data sets, (c) soil horizon voxel data sets to conduct a sensitivity analysis of 3D voxel window sizes, (d) 4D outputs from an agent‐based forest‐fire smoke model to demonstrate the 4D Fuzzy Kappa coefficient and a sensitivity analysis of 4D voxel window size. The obtained results indicate that 3D and 4D voxel data comparisons are feasible allowing for further work on comparison of 3D data and evaluation of multidimensional models.
Assessment of environmental governance in disaster vulnerability context of rural Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Md Nazirul Islam , Wen Jing , Yang Bo , Yusufzada Shaheen , Huda Nazmul , Mahbub Farzana
Published: February 2021

Bangladesh faces many climate‐driven hazards due to its geophysical position and is more vulnerable than most developing countries. The natural resources‐based livelihood of the riverine island (char) dwellers is frequently hampered by the adverse effect of environmental changes. This study intends to assess the status of environmental governance for protecting disaster‐prone communities in Bangladesh. Geographically isolated disaster‐prone riverine island areas of northern Bangladesh have been purposively selected for this study. A qualitative method has been applied to explore the extent of governmental intervention. The intervention of environmental governance has been measured by assessing the role of government in disaster management by engaging with a state, market, and community for char community. In addition, secondary data were used to substantiate the argument. This study reveals that environmental governance initiatives are not enough to protect char dwellers from frequent hazards and fail to ensure livelihood resilience. The status of environmental governance in char areas is very poor, weak, inactive, and unable to address the present problem and future challenges. The article suggests that a comprehensive disaster management strategy should be implemented in the char areas through strengthening local government capacity.
“LOOK at YOU!”: Disembodiment between ugly bodies and able minds
Authors: Damianidou Eleni , Georgiadou Andri
Published: February 2021

Evidence points to embodiment being perceived as a lived human experience that bridges the natural and the cultural. Therefore, embodied social identities seem to be related with the way people perceive their body as beautiful/ugly, namely worthy/not worthy. Using data from interviews with employees with disability, this paper explores the process of shaping the body within the postcolonial masculine organizational culture. On these grounds, we argue that the above process involves taking decisions at three levels: first, one must decide what their body is; second, define what their body can be; and third, assume what their body will be. Further, the data revealed how those with “ugly bodies” construct their identities in relation to nondisabled colleagues. Our theoretical and managerial contribution includes a better understanding of how workplace and social life tend to be organized based on the ideal(able) body.
The morphology, thermal property, and failure mechanism of GdNdZrO thermal barrier coatings by EB‐PVD
Authors: Shen Zaoyu , Liu Zheng , Liu Guanxi , He Limin , Mu Rende , Xu Zhenhua
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, the Gd2Zr2O7 thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been evaluated as a promising alternative to yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Thus, this investigation focuses on the thermal property, morphology, and failure mechanism of double ceramic layers (DCLs) GdNdZrO/YSZ advanced TBCs. The GdNdZrO coatings with columnar morphology have been deposited on NiCoCrAlYHf bond coating using an electron beam physical vapor deposition method. Material characterizations mainly include X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal conductivity of GdNdZrO ceramic material is 0.494 W/mK at 1200°C. The thermal shock life of GdNdZrO/YSZ TBCs shows an average shock life of 5235 cycles. The TBC degradation occurs on the crack area within thermally grown oxide layer leading to the interface instability. The interface broken might play an important role in the failure mechanism of TBCs.
Patterns of antibiotic prescribing and appropriateness for respiratory tract infections in a teaching hospital in Jordan
Authors: Alkhaldi Sireen M. , Yaseen Nada A. , Bataineh Elaf A. , Al‐Rawashdeh Baeth , Albadaineh Mones A. , Mubarak Sura M. , Jaras Razan E. , Taha Hana A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a public health concern that promotes antibiotic resistance globally. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in Jordan to encourage judicious antibiotic prescribing.

Methods

The researchers conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of oral antibiotics prescribed in the family medicine clinics in a teaching university hospital in Jordan in 2017. Antibiotic prescribing rates and the types of antibiotics prescribed were analysed. Patients' age, gender, type of insurance, and the RTIs diagnosis were investigated as possible factors that could be associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for RTIs.

Results

Our findings revealed that 20 133 prescriptions, (27.3%) of all the prescriptions issued in the family medicine clinics included an antibiotic. Penicillins accounted for 52.7% of all the antibiotics prescribed, followed by macrolides (21.6%) and cephalosporins (16.4%). The most common indication for prescribing the antibiotics was RTIs (51.1%). The majority of antibiotics prescribed for respiratory diagnosis were for upper RTIs (URTI) (61.5%), followed by otitis media (16.9%) and tonsillitis (15.4%). Only 28.8% of all the antibiotics prescribed were appropriate and indicated. Older patients were significantly more likely to be prescribed an antibiotic compared to the younger (P < .001). Also, hospital employees and university employees were significantly more likely to be prescribed an antibiotic compared to the Ministry of Health employees (P < .001).

Conclusions

Antibiotics were inappropriately prescribed, and their prescribing rate was high in the outpatient setting in the family medicine clinics studied in Jordan. This calls for policy‐level interventions to promote judicious antibiotic prescribing to minimise the avoidable burden of microbial resistance and unnecessary expenditure.
The association between Sugars Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) and lipid profile among children and youth: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Nikniaz Leila , Abbasalizad‐Farhangi Mahdieh , Vajdi Mahdi , Nikniaz Zeinab
Published: February 2021

Background

The relationship between sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) intake and serum lipids among children and youth has been reported in several studies, but the results are still controversial.

Objective

In the current study, we summarized the results of studies that assessed the relationship between SSBs consumption and serum lipids among children and youth in a systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Sciences, Cochrane and Scopus electronic databases were searched for observational studies reporting an association between SSBs intake and serum lipids among children and youth that were published before May 2020. For data extracted from cohort studies, only cross‐sectional baseline data were included in the current meta‐analysis. The Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics.

Results

In our search, 1845 studies were retrieved of which 13 studies (two cohorts and eleven cross‐sectional) were included. High SSB consumption was associated with 1.21 mg/dL increase in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C; pooled WMD: 1.21 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.23, 2.20; P = .01), 1.45 mg/dL decrease in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C, pooled WMD: −1.46 mg/dL; 95% CI, −2.25, −0.67; P < .0001) and 2.49 mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol (TC, pooled WMD: −2.49 mg/dL; 95% CI, −2.89, −2.10; P < .0001). In dose‐response meta‐analysis, there was an evidence of departure from linearity in the relationship between SSB consumption and change in LDL‐C (P‐nonlinearity = .03) and TC (P‐nonlinearity = .01). However, no departure from linearity was observed between SSB intake and change in HDL‐C (P‐nonlinearity = .56) or triglyceride (TG) values (P‐nonlinearity = .85).

Conclusion

According to our results, high SSB consumption was significantly associated with higher LDL‐C and lower HDL‐C and TC among children and youth. However, owing to the limited number of the included studies, further well‐designed interventional studies are needed to better elucidate causality.
Efficacy of an educational program for medical staff in preventing incidents related to Foley catheter insertion and maintenance: A single‐institution retrospective study
Authors: Komiya Akira , Kitamura Hiroshi , Wakasugi Masahiro , Okudera Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To analyze incidents related to Foley catheter insertion and maintenance, and to compare the rate of incidents before and after a medical staff education program.

Methods

Data regarding Foley catheter insertion incidents and maintenance were collected at Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan. The degree of harm for each incident was assessed. In the middle of the study period, a medical staff education program by urologists was implemented to help understand basic urological anatomy, urethral catheter insertion techniques and catheter safety. The incidents before and after the intervention were then compared.

Results

During the study period, Foley catheter insertion was carried out in 12 476 patients. Related incidents were reported in 66 (0.53%), including 22 (0.18%) occurring during catheter insertion and 44 (0.35%) occurring during catheter maintenance. A total of 13 (0.10%) cases of urethral injury were reported. The degree of harm associated with catheter insertion incidents was moderate in 13. Nine of these incidents occurred before the education program (9/6799, 0.13%), and four were reported after the end of the program (4/5677, 0.07%, P = 0.4303). Transient suprapubic cystostomy was required in two due to urethral injury reported before the program. Among 44 incidents occurring during catheter maintenance, 37 catheters were removed or cut by the patient. Such incidents occurred regardless of the education program.

Conclusions

The rate of incidents related to Foley catheter use at our institution is low. A specific medical staff education program might prevent iatrogenic catheter‐related urethral injury requiring cystostomy.
Estimating the potential impact of interventions to reduce over‐calling and under‐calling of melanoma
Authors: Gibson M. , Scolyer R.A. , Soyer H.P. , Ferguson P. , McGeechan K. , Irwig L. , Bell K.J.L.
Published: February 2021

Background

Pathologists sometimes disagree over the histopathologic diagnosis of melanoma. ‘Over‐calling’ and ‘under‐calling’ of melanoma may harm individuals and healthcare systems.

Objectives

To estimate the extent of ‘over‐calling’ and ‘under‐calling’ of melanoma for a population undergoing one excision per person and to model the impact of potential solutions.

Methods

In this epidemiological modelling study, we undertook simulations using published data on the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of melanocytic histopathology in the U.S. population. We simulated results for 10 000 patients each undergoing excision of one melanocytic lesion, interpreted by one community pathologist. We repeated the simulation using a hypothetical intervention that improves diagnostic agreement between community pathologist and a specialist dermatopathologist. We then evaluated four scenarios for how melanocytic lesions judged to be neither clearly benign (post‐test probability of melanoma < 5%), nor clearly malignant (post‐test probability of melanoma > 90%) might be handled, before sending for expert dermatopathologist review to decide the final diagnosis. These were (1) no intervention before expert review, (2) formal second community pathologist review, (3) intervention to increase diagnostic agreement and (4) both the intervention and formal second community pathologist review. The main outcomes were the probability of ‘over‐calling’ and ‘under‐calling’ melanoma, and number of lesions requiring expert referral for each scenario.

Results

For 10 000 individuals undergoing excision of one melanocytic lesion, interpreted by a community pathologist, a hypothetical intervention to improve histopathology agreement reduced the number of benign lesions ‘over‐called’ as melanoma from 308 to 164 and the number of melanomas ‘under‐called’ from 289 to 240. If all uncertain diagnoses were sent for expert review, the number of referrals would decrease from 1500 to 737 cases if formal second community pathologist review was used, and to 701 cases if the hypothetical intervention was additionally used.

Conclusions

Interventions to improve histopathology agreement may reduce melanoma ‘over‐calling’ and ‘under‐calling’.
Integrative taxonomy reveals the historically poorly defined armoured catfish Hypostomus variipictus (Ihering 1911), from the upper rio Paraná basin, Brazil (Siluriformes, Loricariidae)
Authors: Azevedo Filipe Manoel , Zawadzki Cláudio Henrique , Soria Thatiana Vanessa , Fabrin Thomaz Mansini Carrenho , Oliveira Alessandra Valéria De , Prioli Sônia Maria Alves Pinto , Prioli Alberto Jose
Published: February 2021

In a recent expedition to the rio Grande basin, a tributary of the rio Paraná in southern Brazil, individuals of the armoured catfish genus Hypostomus with a peculiar and beautiful colour pattern composed of pale vermiculations on the head and four to five horizontal stripes on the flanks were collected. Initially, the specimens were identified as a colour morph of the pale‐spotted H. margaritifer. However, when we compared their partial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene to sequences of some typically pale‐spotted H. margaritifer, the striped specimens were genetically distinct. Further analysis of the striped individuals revealed that they are the poorly known but valid species Hypostomus variipictus, which was described by Ihering in 1911 from the rio Pardo, a tributary of the rio Grande, upper rio Paraná basin, in São Paulo State, Brazil. Since its descriptions, no robust taxonomic work has been published concerning this species. In this study, the newly sampled population was compared to the original description and to the holotype of H. variipictus, providing the foundation for a complete redescription, proper diagnosis, and first live colour illustration and description of the previously hidden H. variipictus.
High environmental temperature and low pH stress alter the gill phenotypic plasticity of Hoven's carp Leptobarbus hoevenii
Authors: Mohamad Suhaini , Liew Hon Jung , Zainuddin Rabiatul Adawiyyah , Rahmah Sharifah , Waiho Khor , Ghaffar Mazlan Abd , Nhan Hua Thai , Loh Jiun‐Yan , Lim Leong‐Seng , Chang Yumei , Liang Liqun , De Boeck Gudrun
Published: February 2021

Climate warming and low pH environment are known to negatively impact all levels of aquatic organism from cellular to organism and population levels. For ammonotelic freshwater species, any abiotic factor fluctuation will cause disturbance to the fish, specifically at the gills which act as a multifunctional organ to support all biological processes. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of temperature (28 vs. 32°C) and pH (7.0 vs. 5.0) stress on the gill plasticity of Hoven's carp after 20 days of continuous exposure. The results demonstrated that high temperature and low pH caused severe changes on the primary and secondary lamellae as well as the cells within lamellae. An increasing trend of the proportion available for gas exchange was noticed at high temperature in both pH exposures, which resulted from a reduction of the primary lamellae width with elongated and thinner secondary lamellae compared to fishes at ambient temperature. Following exposure to high temperature and acidic pH, Hoven's carp experienced gill modifications including aneurysm, oedema, hypertrophy, curling of secondary lamellae, epithelial lifting, hyperplasia and lamellae fusion. These modifications are indicators of the coping mechanism of Hoven's carp to the changing environment in order to survive.
Cave‐dwelling populations of Rhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Sierra de Zongolica, Veracruz, Mexico: an evidence‐based checklist with comments on their evolutionary history and taxonomy
Authors: Arroyave Jairo , De La Cruz Fernández Dalia A.
Published: February 2021

In this study, the authors present a comprehensive checklist of cave‐dwelling populations of Rhamdia from the Sierra de Zongolica (SdZ) in Veracruz, Mexico, including two new records, based on permanent and verifiable evidence in the form of voucher specimens. The authors use phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of voucher‐derived comparative cytochrome b data to shed light on the evolutionary history of these populations. The results of this study, while preliminary, suggest that hypogean forms of Rhamdia from the SdZ are cave‐adapted populations of the more widespread and epigean species R. laticauda.
Risk of metachronous neoplastic lesions during post‐polypectomy surveillance in individuals with advanced colorectal neoplasia at initial screening colonoscopy
Authors: Sekiguchi Masau , Kakugawa Yasuo , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Yamada Masayoshi , Sakamoto Taku , Saito Yutaka , Matsuda Takahisa
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

The evidence of associations between some types of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) at baseline and the risk of metachronous neoplasia is inconsistent. This study aimed to elucidate the incidence of metachronous neoplasia during post‐polypectomy surveillance in individuals with ACN at baseline and examine the risk factors for its high incidence.

Methods

Data from individuals who underwent endoscopic resection for ACN and received surveillance colonoscopy were analyzed. Data from individuals with no neoplastic lesions at baseline were used as reference. The incidence of metachronous ACN and clinically significant neoplasia (ACN and nonadvanced adenomas sized ≥ 5 mm) were evaluated. Risk factors for the higher incidence of these lesions were examined in individuals with ACN at baseline.

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 61.8 months, metachronous ACN and nonadvanced adenomas sized ≥ 5 mm were detected in 9.6% and 32.4% of individuals with ACN at baseline (n = 136), respectively. The cumulative incidence of metachronous ACN and clinically significant neoplasia in individuals with ACN at baseline (3‐year incidence: 5.5% and 16.9%, respectively) was higher than that in individuals with no neoplastic lesions at baseline (P < 0.01 for both). The presence of advanced histology at baseline, ≥ 5 neoplastic lesions at baseline, and family history of colorectal cancer were identified as risk factors for the higher incidence of clinically significant neoplasia.

Conclusions

The relatively high incidence of metachronous neoplasia in individuals with ACN at baseline was confirmed; careful surveillance is required for these individuals, particularly in those with the risk factors.
Tetanus and tetanus neurotoxin: From peripheral uptake to central nervous tissue targets
Authors: Megighian Aram , Pirazzini Marco , Fabris Federico , Rossetto Ornella , Montecucco Cesare
Published: February 2021

Tetanus is a deadly but preventable disease caused by a protein neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Spores of C. tetani may contaminate a necrotic wound and germinate into a vegetative bacterium that releases a toxin, termed tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT). TeNT enters the general circulation, binds to peripheral motor neurons and sensory neurons, and is transported retroaxonally to the spinal cord. It then enters inhibitory interneurons and blocks the release of glycine or GABA causing a spastic paralysis. This review attempts to correlate the metalloprotease activity of TeNT and its trafficking and localization into the vertebrate body to the nature and sequence of appearance of the symptoms of tetanus.

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Exploring the functional morphology of the Gorilla shoulder through musculoskeletal modelling
Authors: van Beesel Julia , Hutchinson John R. , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Melillo Stephanie M.
Published: February 2021

Musculoskeletal computer models allow us to quantitatively relate morphological features to biomechanical performance. In non‐human apes, certain morphological features have long been linked to greater arm abduction potential and increased arm‐raising performance, compared to humans. Here, we present the first musculoskeletal model of a western lowland gorilla shoulder to test some of these long‐standing proposals. Estimates of moment arms and moments of the glenohumeral abductors (deltoid, supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles) over arm abduction were conducted for the gorilla model and a previously published human shoulder model. Contrary to previous assumptions, we found that overall glenohumeral abduction potential is similar between Gorilla and Homo. However, gorillas differ by maintaining high abduction moment capacity with the arm raised above horizontal. This difference is linked to a disparity in soft tissue properties, indicating that scapular morphological features like a cranially oriented scapular spine and glenoid do not enhance the abductor function of the gorilla glenohumeral muscles. A functional enhancement due to differences in skeletal morphology was only demonstrated in the gorilla supraspinatus muscle. Contrary to earlier ideas linking a more obliquely oriented scapular spine to greater supraspinatus leverage, our results suggest that increased lateral projection of the greater tubercle of the humerus accounts for the greater biomechanical performance in Gorilla. This study enhances our understanding of the evolution of gorilla locomotion, as well as providing greater insight into the general interaction between anatomy, function and locomotor biomechanics.
Preview long hair follicular unit excision: An up‐and‐coming technique
Authors: Trivellini Roberto , Perez‐Meza David , Renaud Helen J. , Gupta Aditya K.
Published: February 2021

Background

Follicular unit excision (FUE) is a popular hair transplant technique, but requires shaving the donor area. This is a deterrent for some patients wishing to keep their hair transplant discreet. The new long hair FUE technique avoids shaving the donor area, which appeals to a wider patient population; however, it has a reputation of being technically challenging and slow.

Aims

We review the tools and techniques developed for long hair FUE and present our experience using the Trivellini Long Hair System and Long Hair punch.

Discussion

With the new advances in tools and techniques for long hair FUE, this method is gaining momentum and has the potential to be the next trend in the hair transplant industry. There are a few different punch designs marketed specifically for long hair FUE (window/slotted, Trivellini Long Hair, and bi‐pronged). Although this technique is slower to perform than shaven FUE, graft survival and final outcome are comparable.

Conclusions

Innovations in technology have made the long hair FUE technique more accessible to hair transplant surgeons. It is important for hair restoration surgeons to keep knowledgeable about this technique in order to maintain a competitive business.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae treatment: Efficacy of topical eflornithine, long‐pulsed Nd‐YAG laser versus their combination
Authors: Shokeir Hisham , Samy Nevien , Taymour Mai
Published: February 2021

Background

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a chronic inflammatory disorder occurring mostly in regions of thick hair growth after shaving. PFB is characterized clinically by multiple painful, pruritic erythematous papules and, less commonly, pustules, nodules, or abscesses.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of topical eflornithine cream only, long‐pulsed Nd‐YAG laser, versus their combination for PFB management.

Patients and Methods

Overall, 40 male patients with PFB were allocated into 3 treatment groups; Group 1 (n = 12): Treated by topical eflornithine cream twice daily for 16 weeks, Group II (n = 13): Treated by long‐pulsed Nd‐YAG laser for 4 sessions 4‐week interval, Group III (n = 15): Treated by this combination for 16 weeks. The patients were evaluated after 16 weeks and for a further 12 weeks through serial photographs, Folliscopic evaluation, and a quartile grading system for improvement.

Results

After 16 weeks of treatments, the mean improvement percentages of the inflammatory papules, as well as hair density in the long‐pulsed Nd‐YAG laser +eflornithine cream, treated group were significantly higher compared with either eflornithine cream treated group or laser‐only treated group. The same relationship was demonstrated after 12 weeks of follow‐up but with lower improvements compared with 16 weeks of treatment outcome.

Conclusions

Topical eflornithine cream exerts an additive effect on long‐pulsed Nd‐YAG laser in enhancing the rate and degree of hair reduction and inflammatory papules in PFB cases with a further follow‐up improvement. This combined approach should be long‐established in larger sample sizes and long‐term studies.
A mindfulness intervention promoting work–life balance: How segmentation preference affects changes in detachment, well‐being, and work–life balance
Authors: Althammer Sarah Elena , Reis Dorota , van der Beek Sophie , Beck Laura , Michel Alexandra
Published: February 2021

This study evaluates a three‐week online self‐training intervention teaching mindfulness as a cognitive–emotional segmentation strategy. Daily effects on psychological detachment, affective well‐being, psychological and strain‐based work–family conflict, and satisfaction with work–life balance were assessed, with a particular focus on whether segmentation preferences moderate training responsiveness. A randomized wait‐list control group design was used for administering daily questionnaires to 190 participants. Psychological detachment, affective well‐being, and work–life interface measures were assessed daily. As expected, growth curve analyses revealed positive effects on psychological detachment, psychological work–family conflict, and work–life balance satisfaction. No effects were found for strain‐based work–family conflict. Additionally, segmentation preferences moderated the intervention effect on psychological detachment, such that participants with low segmentation preference reported stronger intervention effects. Unexpectedly, affective well‐being increased in both groups.

Practitioner points

Practicing mindfulness as a cognitive–emotional segmentation strategy enables detachment from work.

Mindfulness training reduces psychological work–life conflict and enhances work–life balance satisfaction, irrespective of preferences for segmentation or integration.

Mindfulness training increases detachment from work most successfully for integrators.

Organizational practices and policies are advised to include brief mindfulness interventions in work–life balance programmes.
Radiographic quantification of left atrial size in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Lam Christopher , Gavaghan Brad J. , Meyers Fiona E.
Published: February 2021

Background

In the absence of echocardiography, identification of cardiomegaly via thoracic radiography is a necessary criterion for classification of disease severity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

Objective

Modified‐vertebral left atrial size (M‐VLAS) facilitates objective radiographic assessment of the left atrium (LA) in 2 dimensions and identifies LA enlargement more accurately than existing methods.

Animals

Sixty‐four dogs with various stages of MMVD and 6 control healthy dogs.

Methods

Retrospective case–control study. Medical records were searched for dogs with varying severity of MMVD. Modified‐vertebral left atrial size, vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), vertebral heart size (VHS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) were measured from thoracic radiographs and compared with echocardiographically derived measurements.

Results

Positive correlation to LA/Ao was identified for M‐VLAS (r= 0.77,P< .001), VLAS (r= 0.76,P< .001), RLAD (r= 0.75,P< .001), and VHS (r= 0.67,P< .001). Receiver operating characteristic analyzes provided an area under the curve of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94‐1.00) for M‐VLAS, which was superior to VHS (0.90, 95% CI, 0.94‐1.00,P= .03) in identifying dogs with LA/Ao ≥1.6. A cut‐off value of ≥3.4 vertebrae using M‐VLAS provided 92.7% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity in predicting LA enlargement.

Conclusions and clinical importance

M‐VLAS, which is superior to VHS, offers an accurate and repeatable way to radiographically identify LA enlargement in dogs with MMVD.
A contract‐law analyses of the SMTA of the Plant Treaty: Can it work as a binding contract?
Authors: Tvedt Morten Walløe
Published: February 2021

The Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) of the Plant Treaty is the primary legal tool for making monetary benefit sharing work. International public law, including the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), is binding on states and have no legally binding effect on private companies. Access and benefit‐sharing, both under the ITPGRFA and the convention on biological diversity (CBD), aim at altering the actions of private users and companies. This article analyses the SMTA from a contract‐law perspective raising the question whether the SMTA can work as a binding contract? For a contract to work it must establish legally binding and enforceable obligations on a user of plant genetic resources. The method is to analyse the current SMTA from a contract legal language perspective. It will investigate, ways of coining the obligations in the wording, unclear trigger‐points, lack of remedies against breach of contract and limited enforcement mechanisms can explain lack of user payment. It will draw on contract‐law research to outline possible ways forward to an improved SMTA. The main aim is to contribute to a future improvement of a second generation SMTA.
Sex‐specific expression and DNA methylation in a species with extreme sexual dimorphism and paternal genome elimination
Authors: Bain Stevie A. , Marshall Hollie , de la Filia Andrés G. , Laetsch Dominik R. , Husnik Filip , Ross Laura
Published: February 2021

Phenotypic differences between sexes are often mediated by differential expression and alternative splicing of genes. However, the mechanisms that regulate these expression and splicing patterns remain poorly understood. The mealybug,Planococcus citri, displays extreme sexual dimorphism and exhibits an unusual instance of sex‐specific genomic imprinting, paternal genome elimination (PGE), in which the paternal chromosomes in males are highly condensed and eliminated from the sperm.Planococcus citrihas no sex chromosomes and both sexual dimorphism and PGE are predicted to be under epigenetic control. We recently showed thatP. citrifemales display a highly unusual DNA methylation profile for an insect species, with the presence of promoter methylation associated with lower levels of gene expression. Here, we therefore decided to explore genome‐wide differences in DNA methylation between male and femaleP. citriusing whole‐genome bisulphite sequencing. We identified extreme differences in genome‐wide levels and patterns between the sexes. Males display overall higher levels of DNA methylation which manifest as more uniform low levels across the genome. Whereas females display more targeted high levels of methylation. We suggest these unique sex‐specific differences are due to chromosomal differences caused by PGE and may be linked to possible ploidy compensation. Using RNA‐Seq, we identify extensive sex‐specific gene expression and alternative splicing, but we find no correlation withcis‐acting DNA methylation.
Contextual Competence: How residents develop competent performance in new settings
Authors: Teunissen Pim W. , Watling Christopher J. , Schrewe Brett , Asgarova Sevinj , Ellaway Rachel , Myers Kathryn , Topps Maureen , Bates Joanna
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Medical education continues to diversify its settings. For postgraduate trainees, moving across diverse settings, especially community‐based rotations, can be challenging personally and professionally. Competent performance is embedded in context; as a result, trainees who move to new contexts are challenged to use their knowledge, skills and experience to adjust. What trainees need to adapt to and what that requires of them are poorly understood. This research takes a capability approach to understand how trainees entering a new setting develop awareness of specific contextual changes that they need to navigate and learn from.

Methods

We used constructivist grounded theory with in‐depth interviews. A total of 29 trainees and recent graduates from three internal medicine training programmes in Canada participated. All participants had completed at least one community‐based rotation geographically far from their home training site. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and anonymised. The interview framework was adjusted several times following initial data analysis.

Results

Contextual competence results from trainees’ ability to attend to five key stages. Participants had first to meet their physiological and practical needs, followed by developing a sense of belonging and legitimacy, which paved the way for a re‐constitution of competence and appropriate autonomy. Trainee's attention to these stages of adaptation was facilitated by a process of continuously moving between using their knowledge and skill foundation and recognising where and when contextual differences required new learning and adaptations.

Discussion

An ability to recognise contextual change and adapt accordingly is part of Nussbaum and Sen's concept of capability development. We argue this key skill has not received the attention it deserves in current training models and in the support postgraduate trainees receive in practice. Recommendations include supporting residents in their capability development by debriefing their experiences of moving between settings and supporting clinical teachers as they actively coach residents through this process.
Hydraulic failure and tree size linked with canopy die‐back in eucalypt forest during extreme drought
Authors: Nolan Rachael H. , Gauthey Alice , Losso Adriano , Medlyn Belinda E. , Smith Rhiannon , Chhajed Shubham S. , Fuller Kathryn , Song Magnolia , Li Xine , Beaumont Linda J. , Boer Matthias M. , Wright Ian J. , Choat Brendan
Published: February 2021

Eastern Australia was subject to its hottest and driest year on record in 2019. This extreme drought resulted in massive canopy die‐back in eucalypt forests. The role of hydraulic failure and tree size on canopy die‐back in three eucalypt tree species during this drought was examined.

We measured pre‐dawn and midday leaf water potential (Ψleaf), per cent loss of stem hydraulic conductivity and quantified hydraulic vulnerability to drought‐induced xylem embolism. Tree size and tree health was also surveyed.

Trees with most, or all, of their foliage dead exhibited high rates of native embolism (78–100%). This is in contrast to trees with partial canopy die‐back (30–70% canopy die‐back: 72–78% native embolism), or relatively healthy trees (little evidence of canopy die‐back: 25–31% native embolism). Midday Ψleaf was significantly more negative in trees exhibiting partial canopy die‐back (−2.7 to −6.3 MPa), compared with relatively healthy trees (−2.1 to −4.5 MPa). In two of the species the majority of individuals showing complete canopy die‐back were in the small size classes.

Our results indicate that hydraulic failure is strongly associated with canopy die‐back during drought in eucalypt forests. Our study provides valuable field data to help constrain models predicting mortality risk.
Facilitating corals in an early Silurian deep‐water assemblage
Authors: Dhungana Alavya , Mitchell Emily G.
Published: February 2021

Corals are powerful ecosystem engineers and can form reef communities with extraordinary biodiversity through time. Understanding the processes underlying the spatial distribution of corals allows us to identify the key biological and physical processes that structure coral communities and how these processes and interactions have evolved. However, few spatial ecology studies have been conducted on coral assemblages in the fossil record. Here we use spatial point process analysis (SPPA) to investigate the ecological interactions of anin situtabulate and rugose coral community (n = 199), preserved under volcanic ash in the Silurian of Ireland.SPPAis able to identify many different sorts of interactions including dispersal limitation and competition within and between taxa. OurSPPAfound that the spatial distribution of rugose corals were best modelled by Thomas clusters (pd = 0.834), indicating a single dispersal episode and that the tabulate corals were best modelled by double Thomas clusters (pd = 0.820), indicating two dispersal episodes. Further, the bivariate distribution was best modelled by linked double clusters (pd = 0.970), giving significant evidence of facilitation between the tabulate and rugose populations, and identifying the facilitators in this community to be the tabulate corals. This interaction could be an important ecological driver for enabling the aggregation of sessile organisms over long temporal periods and facilitation may help to explain trends in reef diversity and abundance during the Ordovician biodiversification and in the early Silurian.
Abscisic acid mediates barley rhizosheath formation under mild soil drying by promoting root hair growth and auxin response
Authors: Zhang Yingjiao , Xu Feiyun , Ding Yexin , Du Huan , Zhang Qian , Dang Xiaolin , Cao Yiying , Dodd Ian C. , Xu Weifeng
Published: February 2021

Soil drying enhances root ABA accumulation and rhizosheath formation, but whether ABA mediates rhizosheath formation is unclear. Here, we used the ABA‐deficient mutant Az34 to investigate molecular and morphological changes by which ABA could affect rhizosheath formation. Mild soil drying with intermittent watering increased rhizosheath formation by promoting root and root hair elongation. Attenuated root ABA accumulation in Az34 barley constrained the promotion of root length and root hair length by drying soil, such that Az34 had a smaller rhizosheath. Pharmacological experiments of adding fluridone (an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor) and ABA to drying soil restricted and enhanced rhizosheath formation respectively in Az34 and wild‐type Steptoe barley. RNA sequencing suggested that ABA accumulation mediates auxin synthesis and responses and root and root hair elongation in drying soil. In addition, adding indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) to drying soil increased rhizosheath formation by promoting root and root hair elongation in Steptoe and Az34 barley. Together, these results show that ABA accumulation induced by mild soil drying enhance barley rhizosheath formation, which may be achieved through promoting auxin response.