bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ross procedure versus repair for treatment of a unicuspid aortic valve in adults
Authors: Abeln Karen B , Matsushima Shunsuke , Ehrlich Tristan , Giebels Christian , Schäfers Hans-Joachim
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

Aortic stenosis or regurgitation in patients with a unicuspid valve morphology requires interventions early in life. We have performed either primary valve repair or the Ross procedure. The goal of this study was to compare the midterm results of repair and pulmonary autograft replacement.

METHODS

Between December 1998 and April 2022, a total of 345 patients (77% male; mean age 34 ± 9.7 years) underwent treatment of a unicuspid aortic valve. Patients were excluded if they were <18 years (n = 84) or >54 years (n = 3) at the time of the operation. The remaining cohort was divided into 2 groups: 167 (64%) patients underwent valve repair; 91 (36%) patients underwent pulmonary autograft replacement.

The indications for surgery were aortic regurgitation (n = 104), aortic stenosis (n = 45), combined disease (n = 103) and endocarditis (n = 6). Fifty-one patients had root dilatation (>43 mm) with aortic regurgitation (repair n = 23; Ross n = 28). Mean follow-up was 5.9 years (SD: 5 years) [range 0.1–22.3 years].

RESULTS

There were 1 early and 3 late deaths; 47 patients required reintervention. Survival at 10 years was 95% in the Ross group and 97% after valve repair (P = 0.769). Freedom from reintervention at 10 years was 98% in the Ross group and 80% after valve repair (P = 0.012). A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed a trend towards better durability in patients < 26 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The ideal treatment of the unicuspid aortic valve remains debatable. Repair of a unicuspid valve can be considered a bridge to pulmonary autograft replacement, at least in younger patients. The appropriate times to replace and to repair require further investigation.
Co-occurrence pattern of bacteria and fungi on the leaves of the invasive aquatic plant Alternanthera philoxeroides
Authors: Zhao Biying , Chen Jiangjun , Zou Yujuan , Dai Zhicong , Xing Peng , Wu Qinglong L
Published: March 2023

The microbes that are attached to aquatic plants play critical roles in nutrient cycles and the maintenance of water quality. However, their community compositions, biodiversity and functions have not been well explored for the invasive plants in inland waters. Here, the co-occurrence patterns between bacteria and fungi on the leaves of Alternanthera philoxeroides and their potential ecological interactions were studied during the growing seasons. Along with significant variations in the alpha diversity of attached microbes over time, shifts in their community composition were significantly associated with the dynamics of plant stoichiometry, substrate composition and extracellular enzyme activity. Deterministic processes (heterogenous selection) play a predominant role in community assembly of the attached bacteria, while stochasticity (undominated process) was the major driver for the attached fungal assembly. Compared with the free-living microbial network, the attached microbial network was structurally simple but highly modular. The attached microbes had more intra-phylum links (primarily within the phyla Actinomycetota, Alphaproteobacteria, Bacillota and Basidiomycota) and distinct co-exclusion patterns between bacteria and fungi in the modules. In summary, the study will be helpful in understanding the microbes and their interactions in the phyllosphere of A. philoxeroides, an key invasive species under national management and control.
What can the eyes tell us about atypical sexual preferences as a function of sex and age? Linking eye movements with child-related chronophilias
Authors: Vásquez-Amézquita Milena , Leongómez Juan David , Salvador Alicia , Seto Michael C
Published: March 2023

Visual attention plays a central role in current theories of sexual information processing and is key to informing the use of eye-tracking techniques in the study of typical sexual preferences and more recently, in the study of atypical preferences such as pedophilia (prepubescent children) and hebephilia (pubescent children). The aim of this theoretical-empirical review is to connect the concepts of a visual attention-based model of sexual arousal processing with eye movements as indicators of atypical sexual interests, to substantiate the use of eye-tracking as a useful indirect measure of sexual preferences according to sex and age of the stimuli. Implications for research are discussed in terms of recognizing the value, scope and limitations of eye-tracking in the study of pedophilia and other chronophilias in males and females, and the generation of new hypotheses using this type of indirect measure of human sexual response.
Complexities of recapitulating polygenic effects in natural populations: replication of genetic effects on wing shape in artificially selected and wild-caught populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Pelletier Katie , Pitchers William R , Mammel Anna , Northrop-Albrecht Emmalee , Márquez Eladio J , Moscarella Rosa A , Houle David , Dworkin Ian
Published: March 2023

Identifying the genetic architecture of complex traits is important to many geneticists, including those interested in human disease, plant and animal breeding, and evolutionary genetics. Advances in sequencing technology and statistical methods for genome-wide association studies have allowed for the identification of more variants with smaller effect sizes, however, many of these identified polymorphisms fail to be replicated in subsequent studies. In addition to sampling variation, this failure to replicate reflects the complexities introduced by factors including environmental variation, genetic background, and differences in allele frequencies among populations. Using Drosophila melanogaster wing shape, we ask if we can replicate allelic effects of polymorphisms first identified in a genome-wide association studies in three genes: dachsous, extra-macrochaete, and neuralized, using artificial selection in the lab, and bulk segregant mapping in natural populations. We demonstrate that multivariate wing shape changes associated with these genes are aligned with major axes of phenotypic and genetic variation in natural populations. Following seven generations of artificial selection along the dachsous shape change vector, we observe genetic differentiation of variants in dachsous and genomic regions containing other genes in the hippo signaling pathway. This suggests a shared direction of effects within a developmental network. We also performed artificial selection with the extra-macrochaete shape change vector, which is not a part of the hippo signaling network, but showed a largely shared direction of effects. The response to selection along the emc vector was similar to that of dachsous, suggesting that the available genetic diversity of a population, summarized by the genetic (co)variance matrix (G), influenced alleles captured by selection. Despite the success with artificial selection, bulk segregant analysis using natural populations did not detect these same variants, likely due to the contribution of environmental variation and low minor allele frequencies, coupled with small effect sizes of the contributing variants.
Measurable Tilings by Abelian Group Actions
Authors: Grebík Jan , Greenfeld Rachel , Rozhoň Václav , Tao Terence
Published: March 2023

Let $X$ be a measure space with a measure-preserving action $(g,x) \mapsto g \cdot x$ of an abelian group $G$. We consider the problem of understanding the structure of measurable tilings $F \odot A = X$ of $X$ by a measurable tile $A \subset X$ translated by a finite set $F \subset G$ of shifts, thus the translates $f \cdot A$, $f \in F$ partition $X$ up to null sets. Adapting arguments from previous literature, we establish a “dilation lemma” that asserts, roughly speaking, that $F \odot A = X$ implies $F^{r} \odot A = X$ for a large family of integer dilations $r$, and use this to establish a structure theorem for such tilings analogous to that established recently by the second and fourth authors. As applications of this theorem, we completely classify those random tilings of finitely generated abelian groups that are “factors of iid”, and show that measurable tilings of a torus ${\mathbb{T}}^{d}$ can always be continuously (in fact linearly) deformed into a tiling with rational shifts, with particularly strong results in the low-dimensional cases $d=1,2$ (in particular resolving a conjecture of Conley, the first author, and Pikhurko in the $d=1$ case).
Special Lagrangian Fibrations, Berkovich Retraction, and Crystallographic Groups
Authors: Goto Keita , Odaka Yuji
Published: March 2023

We explicitly construct special Lagrangian fibrations on finite quotients of maximally degenerating abelian varieties and glue these to the Berkovich retraction to form a “hybrid” fibration. We also study their symmetries explicitly that can be regarded as crystallographic groups. In particular, a conjecture of Kontsevich–Soibelman [ 24, Conjecture 3] is solved at an enhanced level for finite quotients of abelian varieties in any dimension.
Promoting equity through inclusive learning, planning and implementing: lessons from Nigeria's mass drug administration programme for neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Piotrowski Helen , Gwani Noela , Yashiyi James , Oluwole Akinola , Ayuba Samson , Surakat Mobolanle , Adekeye Oluwatosin , Lar Luret , Kevin Diltokka Gideon , Lawong Bernsah Damian , Ntuen Uduak , Islamiat Soneye , Kafil-Emiola Maryam , Usman Hauwa , Theobald Sally , Thomson Rachael , Dean Laura , Ozano Kim
Published: March 2023

Background

An inclusive, localised approach to planning and implementing equitable mass drug administration was developed through participatory action research (PAR). This new approach aligns with principles of learning health systems (LHS). Tools were co-developed to support scaling up the new approach across two Nigerian states. Lessons are distilled here to enable learning for other programmes.

Methods

Observations and reports by researchers (2019–2021) from 23 meetings and workshops, 8 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) were used.

Results

Nine key steps of best practice were identified to promote inclusive LHS for participatory planning and implementing: utilise participatory research methodologies to facilitate community engagement and tailor interventions; develop tools and governance structures to support learning, teamwork and sustainability; strengthen capacity for participation and collaboration with space for dialogue and shared learning; undertake participatory planning to develop action plans; advocate for implementation; monitor action plans; review and act on successes and challenges; apply community evaluation to understand challenges and enablers and disseminate policy and programme changes.

Conclusions

PAR in disease programmes can support health systems to embed cyclical and iterative learning to sustainably address localised equity challenges. However, it takes time, resources and political commitment.
Mixed-methods evaluation of integrating female genital schistosomiasis management within primary healthcare: a pilot intervention in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Piotrowski Helen , Oluwole Akinola , Fapohunda Victoria O , Adejobi Josephine B , Nebe Obiageli J , Soneye Islamiat , Kafil-Emiola Maryam , Gideon Ntuen Uduak , Ekpo Uwem F , Ahmed Aminat O , Abdussalam Hameedat Opeyemi , Imhonopi Gloria B , Ojo Omobola Yetunde , Odubena Oluwafayokemi Y , Adebola Ise Oluwa-Adelokiki , Soyinka Festus O , Ogunmola Olusola O , Olalupo Abosede F , Isiyaku Sunday , Thomson Rachael , Ozano Kim
Published: March 2023

Background

Detection and management of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) within primary healthcare is crucial for achieving schistosomiasis elimination, however, current technical strategies are not feasible in many settings. In Nigeria, there are currently no established standard operating procedures to support front-line health workers. This article presents an evaluation of piloting an FGS care package in two LGAs of Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods

We used quantitative and qualitative analysis, including 46 interviews with patients, health workers and the quality improvement team; observations of training, learning sessions and supervision across 23 heath facilities; and records of patients detected and managed.

Results

Of 79 women and girls who were screened, 66 were treated and followed up. Health workers assimilated knowledge of FGS and effectively diagnosed and managed patients, demonstrating the feasibility of using symptomatic screening and treatment tools to diagnose and care for women or girls with suspected FGS. Challenges included establishing a referral pathway to tertiary care for patients with complications, insecurity, gender norms that limited uptake and sensitization, the limited capacity of the workforce, conflicting priorities and praziquantel acquisition.

Conclusions

Simple tools can be used in primary healthcare settings to detect and manage women and girls with FGS. Contextual challenges must be addressed. Sustainability will require political and financial commitments.
Lessons from participatory community mapping to inform neglected tropical disease programmes in Nigeria
Authors: Lar Luret A , Dean Laura , Adekeye Tosin , Oluwole Akinola S , Lawong Damian , Kevin Gideon , Yashiyi James , Gwani Noela , Usman Hauwa , Danjuma Mohammed , Faneye Adebisi , Kafil-Emiola Maryam Abolajoko , Okoko Ochefu O , Isiyaku Sunday , Thomson Rachael , Ozano Kim
Published: March 2023

Background

Participatory research methods promote collaborations between researchers and communities to collectively overcome implementation challenges for sustainable social change. Programmes usually take a top-down approach to addressing such challenges. This study developed and piloted contextualised participatory methods to identify community structures that could improve the equity of medicine administration for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in northern and southern Nigeria.

Methods

Participants and researchers conducted transect walks and social mapping to understand which community-based structures could be used to maximise accessibility and acceptability of medicines for NTDs.

Results

Using visual participatory methods with a diverse set of stakeholders facilitated the identification of new structures within the community that could be used to improve the equity of medicine distribution and access. Available materials such as sticks, stones and leaves were appropriately used by respondents in the rural areas, which increased meaningful engagement irrespective of their literacy level. Structures identified included Qur'anic schools, football grounds, mechanics shops, shrines, village head's houses and worship centres. Challenges in using these structures for medicine distribution included resistance from school authorities and restrictions to women's access due to traditions and norms, particularly within palaces and mosques.

Conclusions

This article highlights the importance of meaningful community engagement methods and engaging gatekeepers in visual participatory methods. It emphasizes the importance of including divergent views of various population groups in order to ensure that all communities are reached by NTDs programmes.
Stronger together: evidence for collaborative action on neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Dean Laura , Ozano Kim , Thomson Rachael
Published: March 2023

This editorial has been written by programme leads at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK to condense the learning shared across articles. Articles within this supplement have been written and led by authors in Nigeria and Liberia, and informed by learnings from across the partnership including from our partners in Ghana and Cameroon and articles previously published. Early career researchers were supported throughout the COUNTDOWN programme to publish evidence and lead the production of impactful papers. Decision makers and local implementers from each context are also authors on the papers within the supplement and were supported to engage with the writing process.
Discovering risk patterns in people with affective disorder–induced disabilities associated with their healthcare delay
Authors: Du Wei , Chung Younjin
Published: March 2023

Background

People with affective disorder–induced disabilities (ADIDs) often experience complex needs that delay their healthcare. Discovering hidden patterns in these people for real-world use of health services is essential to improve healthcare delivery.

Methods

A cross-sectional study population (2501 adults with ADIDs) was obtained from the Australian national representative survey of disability in 2015, including 21 demographic, health and social characteristics and healthcare delay information in general practice, specialist and hospital services. The Self-Organising Map Network was used to identify hidden risk patterns associated with healthcare delay and investigate potential predictors of class memberships by means of simple visualisations.

Results

While experiencing disability avoidance showed across different healthcare delays, labour force appeared not to have any influence. Approximately 30% delayed their healthcare to general practice services; these were young, single females in great need of psychosocial support and aids for personal activities. Those who delayed their healthcare commonly presented a lack of social connections and a need for contact with family or friends not living in the same household.

Conclusions

The pattern evidence provides an avenue to further develop integrated care strategies with better targeting of people with ADIDs, considering social participation challenges facing them, to improve health service utilisation.
One Step Forward, One Step Back: The Micro-Level Impacts of Conflict on Women's Security
Authors: Huber Laura
Published: March 2023

Despite conflict's violent and deleterious impacts, scholarship increasingly demonstrates that women's political rights at the macro-level increase after conflict. However, relatively less is understood about how conflict impacts women's security at the micro-level, especially regarding how it impacts men's and women's attitudes toward intimate partner violence. While conflict can challenge traditional gender roles that justify wife beating, it also promotes hypermasculinity, normalizes violence, and leads to backlash against women in an attempt to re-establish traditional gender hierarchies. International actors, particularly through aid, moderate the impact of conflict on attitudes toward wife beating by encouraging progressive gender roles and increasing socio-economic development. Using Demographic Health Survey data in Uganda, this analysis compares the influence of conflict and international aid at the microlevel on approval of wife beating. The results demonstrate that women exposed to both conflict and aid are relatively less likely to approve of wife beating relative to women exposed to conflict alone. In contrast, men exposed to violence and aid do not alter their justification of wife beating. This study clarifies how conflict impacts attitudes toward women's rights at the microlevel.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SLE
Authors: Zhao Xingwang , Wu Haohao , Li Shifei , Gao Cuie , Wang Juan , Ge Lan , Song Zhiqiang , Ni Bing , You Yi
Published: March 2023

Little is known about the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and autoimmune diseases, especially in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients met with many questions during the pandemic in COVID-19, such as how to minimize risk of infection, the complex pathological features and cytokine profiles, diagnosis and treatment, rational choice of drugs and vaccine, good nursing, psychological supervision, and so on. In this study, we review and discuss the multifaceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients living with SLE using the available literature. Cross-talk in implicated inflammatory pathways/mechanisms exists between SLE and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and SARS-CoV-2 displays similar clinical characteristics and immuno-inflammatory responses to SLE. Current epidemiological data inadequately assess the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with SLE. More evidence has shown that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine cannot prevent COVID-19. During the pandemic, patients with SLE had a higher rate of hospitalization. Vaccination helps to reduce the risk of infection. Several therapies for patients with SLE infected with COVID-19 are discussed. The cases in the study can provide meaningful information for clinical diagnosis and management. Our main aim is to help preventing infection and highlight treatment options for patients with SLE infected with COVID-19.
Neurosurgical care for patients with high-grade gliomas during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Analysis of routine billing data of a German nationwide hospital network
Authors: Gerlach Ruediger , Dengler Julius , Bollmann Andreas , Stoffel Michael , Youssef Farid , Carl Barbara , Rosahl Steffen , Ryang Yu-Mi , Terzis Jorge , Kristof Rudolf , Westermaier Thomas , Kuhlen Ralf , Steinbrecher Andreas , Pellissier Vincent , Hohenstein Sven , Heese Oliver
Published: March 2023

Background

Little is known about delivery of neurosurgical care, complication rate and outcome of patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Methods

This observational, retrospective cohort study analyzed routine administrative data of all patients admitted for neurosurgical treatment of an HGG within the Helios Hospital network in Germany. Data of the Covid-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020—May 31, 2022) were compared to the pre-pandemic period (January 1, 2016—February 29, 2020). Frequency of treatment and outcome (in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay [LOHS], time in intensive care unit [TICU] and ventilation outside the operating room [OR]) were separately analyzed for patients with microsurgical resection (MR) or stereotactic biopsy (STBx).

Results

A total of 1763 patients underwent MR of an HGG (648 patients during the Covid-19 pandemic; 1115 patients in the pre-pandemic period). 513 patients underwent STBx (182 [pandemic]; 331 patients [pre-pandemic]). No significant differences were found for treatment frequency (MR: 2.95 patients/week [Covid-19 pandemic] vs. 3.04 patients/week [pre-pandemic], IRR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.89–1.07; STBx (1.82 [Covid-19 pandemic] vs. 1.86 [pre-pandemic], IRR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.80–1.16, P > .05). Rates of in-hospital mortality, infection, postoperative hemorrhage, cerebral ischemia and ventilation outside the OR were similar in both periods. Overall LOHS was significantly shorter for patients with MR and STBx during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The Covid-19 pandemic did not affect the frequency of neurosurgical treatment of patients with an HGG based on data of a large nationwide hospital network in Germany. LOHS was significantly shorter but quality of neurosurgical care and outcome was not altered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Graphene-confined ultrafast radiant heating for high-loading subnanometer metal cluster catalysts
Authors: Han Ye-Chuang , Yi Jun , Pang Beibei , Wang Ning , Li Xu-Cheng , Yao Tao , Novoselov Kostya S , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: March 2023

Thermally activated ultrafast diffusion, collision and combination of metal atoms comprise the fundamental processes of synthesizing burgeoning subnanometer metal clusters for diverse applications. However, so far, no method has allowed the kinetically controllable synthesis of subnanometer metal clusters without compromising metal loading. Herein, we have developed, for the first time, a graphene-confined ultrafast radiant heating (GCURH) method for the synthesis of high-loading metal cluster catalysts in microseconds, where the impermeable and flexible graphene acts as a diffusion-constrained nanoreactor for high-temperature reactions. Originating from graphene-mediated ultrafast and efficient laser-to-thermal conversion, the GCURH method is capable of providing a record-high heating and cooling rate of ∼109°C/s and a peak temperature above 2000°C, and the diffusion of thermally activated atoms is spatially limited within the confinement of the graphene nanoreactor. As a result, due to the kinetics-dominant and diffusion-constrained condition provided by GCURH, subnanometer Co cluster catalysts with high metal loading up to 27.1 wt% have been synthesized by pyrolyzing a Co-based metal-organic framework (MOF) in microseconds, representing one of the highest size-loading combinations and the quickest rate for MOF pyrolysis in the reported literature. The obtained Co cluster catalyst not only exhibits an extraordinary activity similar to that of most modern multicomponent noble metal counterparts in the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction, but is also highly convenient for catalyst recycling and refining due to its single metal component. Such a novel GCURH technique paves the way for the kinetically regulated, limited diffusion distance of thermally activated atoms, which in turn provides enormous opportunities for the development of sophisticated and environmentally sustainable metal cluster catalysts.
Respiratory Viral Infections in Recipients of Cellular Therapies: A Review of Incidence, Outcomes, Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Wilson Dib Rita , Ariza-Heredia Ella , Spallone Amy , Chemaly Roy F
Published: March 2023

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are of major clinical importance in immunocompromised patients and represent a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies and those who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation. Similarly, patients receiving immunotherapy with CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor–modified T cells, natural killer cells, and genetically modified T-cell receptors are susceptible to RVIs and progression to lower respiratory tract infections. In adoptive cellular therapy recipients, this enhanced susceptibility to RVIs results from previous chemotherapy regimens such as lymphocyte-depleting chemotherapy conditioning regimens, underlying B-cell malignancies, immune-related toxicities, and secondary prolonged, profound hypogammaglobulinemia. The aggregated risk factors for RVIs have both immediate and long-term consequences. This review summarizes the current literature on the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical aspects of RVIs that are unique to recipients of adoptive cellular therapy, the preventive and therapeutic options for common RVIs, and appropriate infection control and preventive strategies.
Song Lyrics and Melodies in the Edward Bunting Collection
Authors: Lavelle Eilís
Published: March 2023

This chapter demonstrates possibilities of how one might attempt to synthesize texts and melodies found in the unpublished manuscript collection of Edward Bunting (1773–1843), focusing on one song in particular: ‘Nelly an Chúil Chraobhaigh’ as notated by two scribes, James Cody and Patrick Lynch, for Bunting. Attempts at combining text and melody are undertaken using melodies notated by James Cody and lyrics found in both Cody and Patrick Lynch’s hands. The difficulties and challenges of the process in matching lyrics to various melodic settings are discussed. In the case of the Bunting collections, these difficulties were compounded by the nature of the notations and the hugely different skills and traditions which Bunting, Lynch, and Cody brought to their work. That some of the songs and song-tunes which were notated in Bunting’s collection, including ‘Nelly an Chúil Chraobhaigh’, are still sung today demonstrates both the possibilities and rewards of revisiting this important archive.
On the Zeeman effect in magnetically arrested disks
Authors: Inoue Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2023

The magnetically arrested disk (MAD) scenario has been argued as the key accretion phase to realize the formation of relativistic jets. However, due to the lack of magnetic field measurements of accreting systems, MAD has not been observationally confirmed yet. Here we propose that a strong magnetic field accompanied by MAD would induce the Zeeman splitting of relativistically broadened Fe Kα fluorescence lines in X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei, where we consider a two-phase medium in the inner accretion disk, magnetically dominated hot corona, and cold reflector. Such a geometrical configuration is suggested from X-ray observations and recently confirmed by numerical simulations. Although turbulence in accretion flows would broaden the split lines, future X-ray high-energy resolution satellites, XRISM and Athena, would be capable of seeing the Zeeman effect on the Fe lines in X-ray binaries in the case with the MAD configuration. The signature of the Zeeman split lines would provide observational evidence for MAD.
Fast response of vegetation in East Asia to abrupt climatic events during the last deglaciation
Authors: Xu Deke , Lu Houyuan , Chu Guoqiang , Shen Caiming , Sun Qing , Wu Jing , Li Fengjiang , Song Bing , Cui Anning , Li Hao , Wu Naiqin
Published: March 2023

Climate changes had major impacts on the vegetation of East Asia during the last deglaciation. However, the rate and pattern of vegetation succession in response to large-scale climatic events during this interval are controversial. Here, we present well-dated decadal-resolution pollen records from annually laminated Maar Lake Xiaolongwan during the last deglaciation. The vegetation changes were rapid and near-synchronous with millennial-scale climatic events, including Greenland Stadial 2.1a (GS-2.1a), Greenland Interstadial 1 (GI-1), Greenland Stadial 1 (GS-1), and the early Holocene (EH). The vegetation responded in different ways to the different rates of climate change. Vegetation change was gradual [∼1 thousand years (kyr) response time] during the transition between GS-2.1a and GI-1, but it was faster (∼0.4 kyr response time) during the transitions between GI-1, GS-1, and the EH, resulting in different patterns of vegetation succession. Additionally, the amplitude and pattern of vegetation changes resembled those in the records of regional climate change based on long-chain n-alkanes δ13C and stalagmite δ18O, as well as in the mid-latitude Northern Hemisphere temperature record and the Greenland ice core δ18O record. Therefore, the rate and pattern of vegetation succession in the Changbai Mountain of Northeast Asia during the last deglaciation were sensitive to the characteristics of changes in the regional hydrothermal conditions and mid-latitude Northern Hemisphere temperature, which were linked to both high- and low-latitude atmospheric-oceanic dynamics. Overall, our findings reveal a close relationship between ecosystem succession and hydrothermal changes during these millennial-scale climatic events in East Asia during the last deglaciation.
Portfolio use in postgraduate medical education: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Lim Annabelle Jia Sing , Hong Daniel Zhihao , Pisupati Anushka , Ong Yun Ting , Yeo Jocelyn Yi Huang , Chong Eleanor Jia Xin , Koh Yi Zhe , Wang Mingjia , Tan Rei , Koh Kai Kee , Ting Jacquelin Jia Qi , Lam Betrand Kai Yang , Chiam Min , Lee Alexia Sze Inn , Chin Annelissa Mien Chew , Fong Warren , Wijaya Limin , Tan Laura Hui Shuen , Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha
Published: March 2023

Background

Portfolios are increasingly commonplace in postgraduate medical education. However, poor understanding of and variations in their content, quality, and structure have hindered their use across different settings, thus dampening their efficacy.

Methods

This systematic scoping review on portfolios in postgraduate medical education utilized Krishna’s Systematic Evidence Based Approach (SEBA). Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis and Hsieh and Shannon’s directed content analysis were independently used to evaluate the data.

Results

In total, 12 313 abstracts were obtained, and 76 full-text articles included. Six key themes/categories were identified: (i) portfolio definitions and functions, (ii) platforms, (iii) design, (iv) implementation, (v) use in assessments, and (vi) evaluations of their usage.

Conclusions

Portfolios allow for better appreciation and assessments of knowledge, skills, and attitudes in time-, learner-, and context-specific competencies through the establishment of smaller micro-competencies and micro-credentialling. Organized into three broad stages—development, implementation, and improvement—a six-step framework for optimizing and instituting portfolios in postgraduate medical education is offered.
The Geography of Unemployment
Authors: Bilal Adrien
Published: March 2023

Unemployment rates differ widely across local labor markets. I offer new empirical evidence that high local unemployment emerges because of elevated local job-losing rates. Local employers, rather than local workers or location-specific factors, account for most of the spatial gaps in job stability. I propose a theory in which spatial differences in job loss emerge in equilibrium because of systematic differences between employers across local labor markets. The spatial sorting decisions of employers in turn shape heterogeneity across locations. Labor market frictions induce productive employers to overvalue locating close to each other. The optimal policy incentivizes them to relocate toward areas with high job-losing rates, providing a rationale for commonly used place-based policies. I estimate the model using French administrative data. The estimated model accounts for over three-quarters of the cross-sectional dispersion in unemployment rates and for the respective contributions of job-losing and job-finding rates. Inefficient location choices by employers amplify spatial unemployment differentials fivefold. Both real-world and optimal place-based policies can yield sizable local and aggregate welfare gains.
How to self-examine for tender and swollen joints: co-producing a training video for people with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sharp Charlotte A , Staniland Karen , Gandrup Julie , Cornell Trish , Dixon William G
Published: March 2023

Objective

This paper describes the co-production of a training video to support people with RA to self-examine for tender and swollen joints.

Methods

The patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group supporting a remote monitoring study elected to develop a video to train people with RA how to self-examine for tender and swollen joints, because nothing appropriate was publicly available to fulfil their needs. A core team of PPIE group members and clinicians developed the video, with input from conception to dissemination from the PPIE group. The video was posted, open access, on a YouTube website in February 2021, alongside supporting materials. The number of monthly hits was tracked and a survey developed to ascertain feedback.

Results

The video received 1000 hits in the first week, and >40 000 at 10 months. The top three countries viewing the video were India, the USA and the UK, with a range of ages and gender profile broadly corresponding to those of RA patients. Forty-eight survey responses were received (26 patients and 22 clinicians). Patients reported an improvement in their ability to self-examine after watching this video. Eighty-six per cent of patients and 71% of clinicians would recommend the video. It has been used and disseminated by a number of national organizations within the UK.

Conclusion

This co-produced, open-access training video for people with RA, originally intended to support a research study into remote monitoring, has been well received, reflecting an international interest in self-examination.
Changes in sexual activities, function, and satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic era: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qaderi Kowsar , Yazdkhasti Mansoureh , Zangeneh Sanaz , Behbahani Bahar Morshed , Kalhor Mehri , Shamsabadi Ahmadreza , Jesmani Younes , Norouzi Solmaz , Kajbafvala Mehrnaz , Khodavirdilou Rasa , Rahmani Nahid , Namadian Masoumeh , Ezabadi Sajjad Ghane , Alkatout Ibrahim , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Rasoal Dara
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Little is known about the impact of the coronavirus on sexual behavior, function, and satisfaction.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to systematically review people’s sexual function and behaviors and their changes in sexual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Comprehensive searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were conducted with keywords in accordance with MeSH terms: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, sexual health, sexual function, sexual dysfunctions, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual activities, and premarital sex. Two reviewers independently assessed full-text articles according to predefined criteria: original design, English studies, and investigating either the general population or sexual minorities.

Results

Risk of bias in the studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and data were pooled via random effects meta-analyses. We utilized the standardized mean difference to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity, functioning, and satisfaction. We included 19 studies in the analysis and 11 studies in the meta-analysis, with a sample size of 12 350. To investigate sexual activity changes, a sample size of 8838 was entered into the subgroup analysis, which showed a significant decrease in both genders (5821 women, P < .033; 3017 men, P < .008). A subgroup meta-analysis showed that the sexual function of men and women during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly declined (3974 women, P < .001; 1427 men, P < .001). Sexual desire and arousal decreased in both genders, though mainly in women. In investigating sexual satisfaction changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, a meta-analysis with a sample size of 2711 showed a significant decrease (P < .001). The most indicative changes in sexual behaviors during the pandemic were the increase in masturbating and usage of sex toys. Greater COVID-19 knowledge was associated with lower masturbation, oral sex, and vaginal sex. The more protective behaviors were associated with less hugging, kissing, cuddling, genital touching, watching porn with a partner, and vaginal sex.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased challenges and changes for individuals’ sexual behaviors. Efforts for preventive strategies should therefore be concentrated between pandemics, while ensuring that there is information available to the population during a pandemic for help in times of psychological distress or crisis.
Switching ubiquitous and muscle‐specific isoforms of mitochondrial respiratory complex IV in skeletal muscle fine‐tunes complex IV activity
Authors: Ye Xianglai , Xie Yaojun , Shi Yu , Wang Bo , Han Xinyu , Zhou Xiaoxuan , Pan Kexin , Wang Maofeng , Fang Hezhi
Published: March 2023

Respiratory complex IV (CIV, cytochrome c oxidase) is the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Some CIV subunits have two or more isoforms, which are ubiquitously expressed or are expressed in specific tissues like the lung, muscle, and testis. Among the tissue‐specific CIV isoforms, the muscle‐specific isoforms are expressed in adult cardiac and skeletal muscles. To date, the physiological and biochemical association between the muscle‐specific CIV isoforms and aerobic respiration in muscles remains unclear. In this study, we profiled the CIV organization and expression pattern of muscle‐specific CIV isoforms in different mouse muscle tissues. We found extensive CIV‐containing supramolecular organization in murine musculature at advanced developmental stages, while a switch in the expression from ubiquitous to muscle‐specific isoforms of CIV was also detected. Such a switch was confirmed during the in vitro differentiation of mouse C2C12 myoblasts. Unexpectedly, a CIV expression decrease was observed during C2C12 differentiation, which was probably due to a small increase in the expression of muscle‐specific isoforms coupled with a dramatic decrease in the ubiquitous isoforms. We also found that the enzymatic activity of CIV containing the muscle‐specific isoform COX6A2 was higher than that with COX6A1 in engineered HEK293T cells. Overall, our results indicate that switching the expression from ubiquitous to muscle‐specific CIV isoforms is indispensable for optimized oxidative phosphorylation in mature skeletal muscles. We also note that the in vitro C2C12 differentiation model is not suitable for the study of muscular aerobic respiration due to insufficient expression of muscle‐specific CIV isoforms.
Novel Application of Immunochromatographic Assay for Measurement of Total Tear Immunoglobulin E
Authors: Liu Xuhui , Wang Gaixin , He Jiwu , Xu Yunqiang , Yang Jinbo , Qian Zhuyun , Tao Yong
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new immunochromatographic assay (Aifeice) in the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis diseases (ACDs) and to explore the relationship between Aifeice testing results and the severity of ACDs.

Methods:

A multicenter prospective cross-sectional study (390 patients diagnosed with ACDs and 619 healthy controls) was conducted. Patients with ACDs were scored based on clinical symptoms. All participants received the Aifeice test. The positive testing results were further divided into 3 immunoglobulin E (IgE) grades. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the indexes associated with the testing results.

Results:

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and total coincidence rate of the Aifeice test were 96.15%, 98.87%, 98.17%, 97.61%, and 97.82%, respectively. The total clinical score was significantly correlated with the IgE grade. The factors that affected the IgE score were conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival swelling, conjunctival papillae, and Horner–Trantas dots.

Conclusions:

The high sensitivity and specificity of Aifeice in the diagnosis of ACD was confirmed. This new immunochromatographic assay could be used to assess the severity of ACD.
Working Alone and/or in Remote Locations
Authors: Zimmerman Stacy M. , Scott Kenneth A. , Wingate Kaitlin C. , Ramirez-Cardenas Alejandra , Pompei Richard , Hagan-Haynes Kyla , Hill Ryan D. , Wood Eric
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to explore personal and work factors related to fatal cardiac events among oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers.

Methods

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction database was reviewed to identify fatal cardiac events among OGE workers from 2014 through 2019. A case series design was used to review case files, provide descriptive statistics, and summarize the findings.

Results

There were 75 fatalities identified, including 55 (73%) with sufficient information for review. Of the 55 workers, 18 (33%) worked alone. Thirty-six fatal cardiac events (66%) were unwitnessed by a coworker. Toxicology findings suggested some possible exposures to hydrogen sulfide or hydrocarbon gases or vapors. Missing data were common.

Conclusions

This study identified the need for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, emergency preparedness, lone worker programs, medical screening, and enhanced exposure control in the OGE industry.
Curative Effect Analysis of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Giant Laterally Spreading Rectal Tumors
Authors: Nie Xubiao , Jiang Airui , Wu Xiaoling , Bai Jianying , He Song
Published: March 2023

Goal:

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the treatment of giant lateral developing rectal-type tumors (laterally spreading tumors, LSTs).

Background:

There are no specialized studies on the efficacy of ESD in the treatment of LSTs measuring >5 cm in diameter, surgery was often used in the past, but it has the disadvantages of large trauma, many complications, and high cost.

Methods:

The data of 185 patients with rectal LSTs who had undergone ESD in the digestive endoscopy center of our hospital from January 2012 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the size of the lesions, the patients were divided into 2 groups: diameter ≤5 cm (110 cases) and diameter >5 cm (75 cases), and we summarized and analyzed the en bloc resection rate, curative resection rate, procedure time, muscle injury, bleeding, perforation, postoperative stricture, and recurrence.

Results:

There was no difference in the en bloc resection rate and R0 resection rate between the 2 groups (P=0.531). Moreover, there was no difference in the incidence of delayed perforation, postoperative stenosis, and recurrence, but the incidence of delayed bleeding was significantly higher in the giant LST group than the small LST group (P=0.001). Moreover, for giant rectal LSTs, the growth pattern of the lesion, JNET classification, and the extent of postoperative mucosal defect do not significantly affect the efficacy of ESD. It is worth mentioning that the operation time was longer in the group with a diameter >5 cm, in which perforation was more frequent and the muscle layer was more likely to be injured during ESD (P<0.001). The muscle injury during ESD was mainly related to the diameter of the lesion, the crossing the rectal pouch, and the operation time.

Conclusions:

The use of ESD to treat giant rectal LSTs (>5 cm) is relatively difficult and can easily lead to intraoperative muscle injury, perforation, and late postoperative bleeding. However, if active intervention is performed, patients can still achieve good efficacy and prognosis, which can be applied in hospitals with certain conditions.
Exploring the immunological role and prognostic potential of PPM1M in pan-cancer
Authors: Zeng Rongruo , Wang Lulu , Zhang Yuxu , Yang Ye , Yang Jie , Qin Yan
Published: March 2023

Background:

PPM1M is a member of the metal-dependent protein phosphatase family, and its role in the immunization process has not been studied in depth. In this study, we investigated the role of PPM1M in pan-cancer.

Methods:

Samples of cancer and normal tissues were obtained from the cancer genome atlas and genotype-tissue expression. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression were used to analyze the effect of PPM1M on prognosis. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the R package “clusterProfiler” to explore the role of PPM1M. The Sanger Box database was used to analyze the relationship between PPM1M and tumor immune checkpoint, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2 database and CIBERSORT method were used to analyze the relationship between PPM1M and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Finally, the cBioPortal database was used to analyze the genomic variation in PPM1M.

Results:

Among the variety of tumors, the expression of PPM1M was higher in normal tissues than in cancerous tissues. The expression of PPM1M is closely associated with patient prognosis, tumor immune checkpoint, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability. PPM1M is closely associated with the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor microenvironment. In addition, PPM1M is involved in the regulation of several immune-related pathways.

Conclusion:

In pan-cancer, PPM1M affects patient prognosis and may be a potential immunological biomarker. Furthermore, PPM1M may be a potential therapeutic target in tumor immunology.