bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcome after COVID‐19 infection in multiple sclerosis: A nation‐wide multicenter matched‐control study
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Assar Hamid , Gradl Christiane , Heschl Bettina , Hiller Maria‐Sophie , Krajnc Nik , Di Pauli Franziska , Hegen Harald , Traxler Gerhard , Leutmezer Fritz , Wipfler Peter , Zulehner Gudrun , Guger Michael , Enzinger Christian , Berger Thomas ,   for the AUT‐MuSC‐19 investigators
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Long‐term outcome after COVID‐19 in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) has scarcely been studied, and controlled data are lacking. The objective of this study was to compare long‐term outcome after COVID‐19 in pwMS to a matched control group of pwMS without COVID‐19.

Methods

We included pwMS with polymerase chain reaction‐confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 and ≥6 months of follow‐up and, as a control group, pwMS matched 1:1 for age, sex, disability level, and disease‐modifying treatment type.

Results

Of 211 pwMS with COVID‐19 (mean age = 42.6 years [SD = 12.2], 69% female, median Expanded Disability Status Scale = 1.5 [range = 0–7.5], 16% anti‐CD20), 90.5% initially had a mild COVID‐19 course. At follow‐up, 70% had recovered completely 3 months (M3) after COVID‐19, 83% after 6 months (M6), and 94% after 12 months (M12). Mild initial COVID‐19 course was the only significant predictor of complete recovery (odds ratio [OR] = 10.5, p < 0.001). The most frequent residual symptoms were fatigue (M3: 18.5%, M6: 13.7%, M12: 7.3%), hyposmia (M3: 13.7%, M6: 5.2%, M12: 1.7%), and dyspnea (M3: 7.1%, M6: 6.6%, M12: 2.8%). Compared to matched controls, fatigue, hyposmia, and dyspnea were significantly more frequent at M3 and still slightly more frequent at M6, whereas there was no difference at M12. pwMS with COVID‐19 had neither a significantly increased risk for relapses (OR = 1.1, p = 0.70) nor disability worsening (OR = 0.96, p = 0.60).

Conclusions

Long‐term outcome of COVID‐19 is favorable in a large majority of pwMS, with only a small proportion of patients suffering from persistent symptoms usually resolving after 3–6 months. COVID‐19 is not associated with increased risk of relapse or disability.
Learning to Deal with Disagreement on Ethical Issues
Authors: Sinn Simone
Published: June 2022

This article deals with a new study document, Churches and Moral Discernment: Facilitating Dialogue to Build Koinonia, adopted by the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches in 2021. This document addresses basic issues of moral discernment in ecumenical relations and seeks to spell out how churches can deal constructively with disagreement on ethical issues. Such disagreement can lead to tensions that threaten division within churches and can become a burden in ecumenical cooperation between churches. Underlying the specific ethical questions and the complexity of church relations is often the question of the place and self‐understanding of churches in their specific society at a specific time. Thus, it is a question about dealing with the historicity of the public witness of the churches and their reference and relationship to the world. This touches not only on fundamental questions of ethics, but also on the understanding of the church and of ecumenism.
An Ecumenical Theology of Justice for and within Creation
Authors: Culp Kristine A.
Published: June 2022

In 2020, the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches (WCC) published Cultivate and Care: An Ecumenical Theology of Justice for and within Creation. This article offers an introduction to Cultivate and Care, highlighting its central themes and aspects, placing it in the context of two related Faith and Order documents, and evaluating its special contributions. The article also looks at the longer trajectory of theological themes that have informed the work of the Faith and Order Commission. Cultivate and Care was developed in conjunction with theological resources for the WCC’s Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace and, in that sense, it is a statement “on the way” to the hope for transformation within the horizon of the ultimate reign of God.
Pilgrimage toward a Common Vision of the Church
Authors: Wondra Ellen K.
Published: June 2022

In 2013, the World Council of Churches (WCC) published its second convergence statement, The Church: Towards a Common Vision (TCTCV), and invited churches, ecumenical councils and groups, and others to respond officially with their assessment of the extent to which convergence had been reached in many areas. After offering an outline of the process in the WCC and its Commission on Faith and Order that led to this statement, this article discusses the process of evaluating the responses to the document and the main issues that were raised in the responses. The article notes the uneven nature of the responses in that no responses were received from Latin America or Africa and very few responses came from Pentecostal, evangelical, charismatic, or independent churches and movements. The article concludes by affirming the need for changes in the methodology of Faith and Order to more readily and clearly hear those churches and peoples who have long and often been marginalized.
Toward an Ecumenical Theology of Companionship
Authors: Enns Fernando
Published: June 2022

Following the launch of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace at the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan, South Korea, in 2013, the Pilgrimage has offered a programmatic perspective for the whole of the global ecumenical fellowship. This article explores the experiences gained in the Pilgrimage in which four common themes emerged: (1) truth and trauma, (2) land and displacement, (3) gender justice, and (4) racial justice. The article goes on to explore theological reflections emerging from these experiences and proposes an ecumenical theology of companionship as a response. The development of such an ecumenical theology of companionship can help to give expression and orientation to the ethos, as well as the responsibility and mission, of those who go on pilgrimage.
Struggling Along in Nigeria: Depression, Treatment, and Morality
Authors: Otto Merel , van Roekel Eva
Published: June 2022

In this article, we analyze the multiple ways of moral beingwithdepression in urban Nigeria, including those of the ethnographer. This approach fits recent theorizing in moral anthropology and mental health that aims at uncovering how mental illness and ethical being come into being in between patients and meaningful others. We argue that the Nigerian experience of depression does not follow the Heideggerian model of moral breakdown and ethical performance but is rather a shared experience of struggling along without the ideal of a full recovery. By proposing a radical reconsideration of existing care models that are largely based on cure and correction, struggling along draws attention to the unfinishedness of depression. This is best described as a heightened everyday awareness that lingers in between reflective and unreflective modes of being that comprise both the physical and metaphysical worlds young Nigerians inhabit and allows for moral being with mental health struggles.
The landscape of genetic alterations of UVB‐induced skin tumors in DNA repair‐deficient mice
Authors: Yoshioka Ai , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Fukumoto Takeshi , Inoue Ituro , Nishigori Chikako , Kunisada Makoto
Published: June 2022

Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is mainly caused by ultraviolet (UV)‐induced somatic mutations and is characterized by UV signature modifications. Xeroderma pigmentosum group A (Xpa) knockout mice exhibit extreme UV‐induced photo‐skin carcinogenesis, along with a photosensitive phenotype. We performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples after repetitive ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure to investigate the differences in the landscape of somatic mutations between Xpa knockout and wild‐type mice. Although the tumors that developed in mice harboured UV signature mutations in a similar set of cancer‐related genes, the pattern of transcriptional strand asymmetry was largely different; UV signature mutations in Xpa knockout and wild‐type mice preferentially occurred in transcribed and non‐transcribed strands, respectively, reflecting a deficiency in transcription‐coupled nucleotide excision repair in Xpa knockout mice. Serial time point analyses of WES for a tumor induced by only a single UVB exposure showed pathogenic mutations in Kras, Fat1, and Kmt2c, which may be driver genes for the initiation and promotion of SCC in Xpa knockout mice. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects on tumor production in Xpa knockout mice by the anti‐inflammatory CXCL1 monoclonal antibody affected the pattern of somatic mutations, wherein the transcriptional strand asymmetry was attenuated and the activated signal transduction was shifted from the RAS/RAF/MAPK to the PIK3CA pathway.
Prognostic values of muscle mass assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis in older patients with heart failure
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Matsue Yuya , Maeda Daichi , Kasai Takatoshi , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Endo Yoshiko , Zoda Masato , Mizukami Akira , Yoshioka Kenji , Hashimoto Tomoaki , Ishikawa Kazuya , Minamino Tohru
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study aimed to compare bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in measuring skeletal muscle mass (MM), and its prognostic implications in old patients with heart failure.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated MM measured by both BIA and DEXA in 226 hospitalized elderly (≥65 years) patients with heart failure. The cut‐off values proposed by the Asian Working Group in Sarcopenia were used to define low MM. The prognostic endpoint was all‐cause death.

Results

The median age of the cohort was 82 years (interquartile range: 75–87), and 51.8% of patients were men. According to the BIA and DEXA, 177 (78.3%) and 120 (53.1%) patients were diagnosed with low MM, respectively, and the two assessment tools showed poor agreement (Cohen's kappa coefficient: 0.294). During the follow‐up, 32 patients (14.2%) died; only low MM defined by DEXA (hazard ratio 2.45, 95% confidence interval 1.05–5.72, P = 0.039), but not BIA (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.35–3.06, P = 0.955), was associated with poor prognosis after adjusting for pre‐existing risk factors. Moreover, low MM defined by DEXA (net reclassification improvement: 0.58, P < 0.001), but not BIA (net reclassification improvement: −0.005, P = 0.975), provides incremental prognostic predictability when considered with pre‐existing risk factors and brain natriuretic peptide level at discharge.

Conclusions

In elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure, low MM defined by DEXA and BIA show significant discordance. The MM defined by DEXA, but not BIA, provides additional prognostic value to pre‐existing prognostic models. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 610–615.
In Situ230Th/238UGeochronology of Young Volcanic Rocks on Inclusion‐Bearing Ilmenite
Authors: Keller Franziska , Guillong Marcel , Popa Răzvan‐Gabriel , Bachmann Olivier
Published: June 2022

Precise age determinations of volcanic deposits from the Late Pleistocene and Holocene are fundamental for hazard assessment. Retrieving accurate radiogenic ages typically relies on analysing specific minerals (such as zircon or sanidine), which are in many cases lacking in the deposits. We present a new230Th‐238U disequilibrium dating method by LA‐ICP‐MS for inclusion‐bearing ilmenite, and discuss its details and challenges. The technique is tested on ilmenites from the 86.4 ± 1.1 ka Aso‐4 super‐eruption, Japan, and from the Lower Pumice (63.1 ± 4.7 ka) and Upper Pumice (58.4 ± 2.7 ka) eruptions of Nisyros volcano, Greece. Ilmenites of the Aso‐4 eruption produce well‐defined global isochrons yielding ilmenite crystallisation ages of 89 ± 10 ka (2s) and 81 ± 15 ka (2s). Two‐point isochron model ages from the Nisyros eruptions produce youngest population ages of 66.3 ± 5.7 ka (1s) for the Lower Pumice and 61.2 ± 4.4 ka (1s) for the Upper Pumice. The age determinations obtained during this study are compatible with data reported from conventional techniques. These results demonstrate the applicability of this new method to date young volcanic deposits in a quick, reproducible way, and without relying on zircon or K‐bearing phases.
Virtual Site Investigation to Evaluate Conceptual Site Model Development at DNAPL‐Impacted Sites
Authors: Mumford Kevin G. , Bryck Sean , Kueper Bernard H. , Mancini Silvia , Kavanaugh Michael , Reynolds David
Published: June 2022

The development of a conceptual site model (CSM) is essential to support decision making for the investigation and remediation of contaminated sites, including sites impacted by dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Dynamic investigation strategies using high‐resolution site investigation tools can be used to increase the accuracy, and increase the precision (reduce the uncertainty) of a CSM, while balancing life‐cycle costs. However, the evaluation of CSM accuracy is limited by the hydrogeological and biogeochemical complexities inherent in subsurface systems. This study simulated DNAPL migration, dissolution, and reactive transport to create three high‐resolution “virtual sites” composed of 0.4–1 billion parameter values each, which were investigated by teams of leading practitioners. Use of these virtual sites allowed key hydrogeological and biogeochemical parameters to be known by the model developers but not the investigation teams. Comparison of the CSMs developed by these practitioners to the simulated values across multiple metrics (e.g., dissolved concentrations, DNAPL mass, and mass discharge) showed that 92% of those metrics were estimated within a factor of 10 and 63% were within a factor of 3 of the true (simulated) values. Furthermore, estimates of dissolved phase plume footprint were often more accurate than estimates of DNAPL source footprint, and the approaches used for investigation and data analysis were both important for CSM development. Overall, none of the site investigation approaches used to develop the CSMs resulted in the highest accuracy for all metrics, which demonstrates the need to establish best‐practices that draw from multiple approaches and vary depending on investigation objectives.
Post‐procedural bleeding rate and haemostatic treatment use for dental procedures before and after the implementation of a standardized protocol for people with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Champagne Pier‐Ann , Bourassa Michelle , Desjardins Marie‐Pier , Cloutier Stéphanie , Demers Christine , Singbo Narcisse Ulrich , Néron Hélène , Pelland‐Marcotte Marie‐Claude
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Persons with inherited bleeding disorders are at a substantial risk of bleeding following dental procedures.

Aim

To compare the outcomes and use of haemostatic treatment pre‐ and post‐implementation of a standardized protocol for dental procedures at a Hemophilia Treatment Centre.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of outpatient and inpatient dental procedures and maxillofacial surgeries sustained by people with bleeding disorders treated at a comprehensive Hemophilia Treatment Centre (2013‐2020), comparing patients’ outcomes before and after the introduction of the protocol in 2018. The protocol, built using a multidisciplinary approach, suggested haemostatic treatment based on the invasiveness of the dental procedure and the proposed anaesthesia. Our primary outcome was the rate of procedural bleeding leading to medical or dental reintervention within 10 days. Secondary outcomes included the use of systemic haemostatic treatment and treatment‐related adverse effects.

Results

Overall, 137 dental procedures in 95 patients (median age: 29 years; 78% males; 74% haemophilia, 14% von Willebrand disease, 12% other disorders) were included.

Seventeen procedural bleedings were reported (12.4%). Procedural bleeding occurred in 14.8% and 8.9% of patients in the control and intervention groups (p = .304). No major bleeding occurred. Tranexamic acid was used more consistently after protocol implementation (72.8% vs. 89.3%, p = .019), while factor concentrates use decreased (65.4% vs. 44.6%, p = .016), and desmopressin use remained constant (46.4% vs. 32.1%, p = .100). No treatment‐related adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

The use of a standardized protocol increased the use of tranexamic acid, with a nonstatistically significant reduction in procedural bleeding rate.
Including the voice of paediatric patients: Cocreation of an engagement game
Authors: Teela Lorynn , Verhagen Lieke E. , Gruppen Mariken P. , Santana Maria J. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Haverman Lotte
Published: June 2022

Background

Engaging patients in health care, research and policy is essential to improving patient‐important health outcomes and the quality of care. Although the importance of patient engagement is increasingly acknowledged, clinicians and researchers still find it difficult to engage patients, especially paediatric patients. To facilitate the engagement of children and adolescents in health care, the aim of this project is to develop an engagement game.

Methods

A user‐centred design was used to develop a patient engagement game in three steps: (1) identification of important themes for adolescents regarding their illness, treatment and hospital care, (2) evaluation of the draft version of the game and (3) testing usability in clinical practice. Adolescents (12–18 years) were engaged in all steps of the development process through focus groups, interviews or a workshop. These were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in MAXQDA.

Results

(1) The important themes for adolescents (N = 15) were included: visiting the hospital, participating, disease and treatment, social environment, feelings, dealing with staff, acceptation, autonomy, disclosure and chronically ill peers. (2) Then, based on these themes, the engagement game was developed and the draft version was evaluated by 13 adolescents. Based on their feedback, changes were made to the game (e.g., adjusting the images and changing the game rules). (3) Regarding usability, the pilot version was evaluated positively. The game helped adolescents to give their opinion. Based on the feedback of adolescents, some last adjustments (e.g., changing colours and adding a game board) were made, which led to the final version of the game, All Voices Count.

Conclusions

Working together with adolescents, All Voices Count, a patient engagement game was developed. This game provides clinicians with a tool that supports shared decision‐making to address adolescents' wishes and needs.

Patient or Public Contribution

Paediatric patients, clinicians, researchers, youth panel of Fonds NutsOhra and patient associations (Patient Alliance for Rare and Genetic Diseases, Dutch Childhood Cancer Organization) were involved in all phases of the development of the patient engagement game—from writing the project plan to the final version of the game.
Wear behavior of (Mo–Nb–Ta–V–W)C high‐entropy carbide
Authors: Medved' Dávid , Ivor Michal , Kovalčíková Alexandra , Múdra Erika , Csanádi Tamás , Sedlák Richard , Ünsal Hakan , Tatarko Peter , Tatarková Monika , Šajgalík Pavol , Dusza Ján
Published: June 2022

Wear characteristics of an (Mo–Nb–Ta–V–W)C high‐entropy carbide were investigated using ball‐on‐flat technique. The experimental material with a high relative density of 99.0%, single phase, average grain diameter of 10.7 μm, and nanohardness of grains 28.6 GPa was prepared by ball‐milling and two‐step field‐assisted sintering. The tribological test was realized during dry sliding in air with the SiC ball as tribological partner at applied loads 5, 25, and 50 N. The microstructure, deformation, and damage characteristics were studied using scanning electron microscopy and confocal electron microscopy. The friction coefficient values during the test with 5 and 25 N were very similar and stable, with a value of approximately .4, whereas during the test with 50 N, it decreased from the value of .48–.42. The specific wear rate increased with increasing load from 3.71 × 10–7 mm3/N m at 5 N to 2.59 × 10–6 mm3/N m at 50 N. The dominant wear mechanism was mechanical wear with intensive grains pullout, fracture, and powder formation, without visible tribochemical reactions and tribo‐layer formation. The wear rate decreased due to the created rolling contacts among the tribopartners thanks to the hard and spherical nanopowders present.
Slurry erosion behavior of thermally sprayed ceramic nanocomposite coatings on turbine steel
Authors: Kumar Rajinder , Goyal Khushdeep , Bhandari Deepak
Published: June 2022

The aim of the present study is to investigate the slurry erosion behavior of nano‐yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) reinforced Cr3C2–25NiCr ceramic nanocomposite coatings deposited on turbine steel. The Cr3C2–25NiCr coating powder, 95% (Cr3C2–25NiCr) + 5% YSZ, and 90% (Cr3C2–25NiCr) + 10% YSZ nanocomposite coating powder deposited on CA6NM steel samples by using high‐velocity oxy‐fuel coating technique. L9orthogonal array Taguchi method was used to design the experiment. Erosion tests were performed on erosion test rig under hydro accelerated conditions at different levels of various parameters. Erosion tests and analysis of variance resulted that for coated samples, velocity is the major influencing factor followed by slurry concentration, impact angle, and particle size. Velocity was the largest contributor to the mass loss, whereas particle size has the least contribution to mass loss of the coated samples. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of eroded samples revealed that craters, micropores, platelets, plowing, spalling, and so on were responsible for the mass loss of uncoated and coated samples. The incorporation of YSZ nanoparticles decreased the porosity; erodent particles cannot penetrate more deeply inside the workpiece and resulted in less erosion. It has been resulted that 95% (Cr3C2–25NiCr) + 5% YSZ and 90% (Cr3C2–25NiCr) + 10% YSZ ceramic nanocomposite coatings exhibited better erosion resistance as compared to Cr3C2–25NiCr coatings due to high microhardness and low porosity.
Disaster selfies: How ethical reminders can mitigate morally questionable consumption practices
Authors: Akin Tugce , von Schuckmann Julia
Published: June 2022

Joyful selfies taken at disaster sites create a controversial topic in terms of moral boundaries in digital life. While some consider it acceptable to take smiley selfies in a tragedy zone, others find this behaviour morally questionable. This article demonstrates empirically that excessive time spent on social media explains, at least partially, a greater tendency to like morally ambiguous content on social media. Specifically, this article shows that consumers tend to like more questionable content (such as smiley disaster selfies) on social media when they spend more time online. Further, this article shows that this effect is mediated by increased individualistic thinking. Responses to the survey experiment (N = 206) compared the tendency to like morally ambiguous content between groups of little, moderate and excessive use of social media, and tested for the mediating role of individualistic thinking on the relationship between time spent and liking behaviour. Second, the moderating role of an ethical reminder on time spent and the fact of liking morally ambiguous contents is demonstrated. In the presence of an ethical reminder, the effect of time spent on social media and liking morally ambiguous content becomes insignificant. This article contributes to theory on social media consumption by offering a novel underlying mechanism, such as increased individualistic thinking, as one variable that partly explains the liking for morally ambiguous content. This article also offers practical contributions for social media platforms and policy makers, showing that ethical reminders could be a possible and simple nudge to help consumers act more morally or become aware of morally questionable content.
Child ADHD and autistic traits, eating behaviours and weight: A population‐based study
Authors: Harris Holly A. , Bowling April , Santos Susana , Greaves‐Lord Kirstin , Jansen Pauline W.
Published: June 2022

Background

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have an increased obesity risk. Although these conditions commonly co‐occur, shared factors relating to obesity risk are unknown.

Objectives

To examine the shared and unique associations of ADHD and autistic traits with eating behaviours and BMI.

Methods

Children (N = 4134) from the population‐based Generation R Study were categorized into subgroups based on parent‐reported ADHD and autistic traits scores at 6 years: ADHDHigh, ASDHigh, ADHD+ASDHigh and REF (reference group: ADHD+ASDLow). Multiple linear regressions examined the associations between subgroups and eating behaviours (at 10 years) and BMIz (at 14 years), relative to REF. Mediation analyses tested the indirect effect of subgroup and BMIz through eating behaviours.

Results

ADHD + ASDHigh children expressed both food approach (increased food responsiveness and emotional overeating) and avoidant eating behaviours (increased emotional undereating, satiety responsiveness/ slowness in eating and picky eating, and decreased enjoyment in food). ASDHigh children were more food avoidant, while ADHDHigh children had more food approach behaviours and greater BMIz. ADHDHigh and BMIz were indirectly associated with food responsiveness and emotional overeating.

Conclusions

ADHD and autistic trait phenotypes show distinct associations with potential obesity risk factors, and further research is needed to improve targeted early intervention.
How to deal with negative online employer reviews: An application of image repair theory
Authors: Kollitz Rouven , Ruhle Sascha , Wilhelmy Annika
Published: June 2022

Although negative employer reviews pose a threat to employers by reducing organizational attractiveness, employers can respond to reviews to avert these threats. However, we lack a clear understanding of the response strategies and factors that determine response strategies' impact. To address this issue, we introduce image repair theory (IRT) as a promising theoretical foundation in the study of employer response. Using an experimental design, we tested the effects of IRT's general image repair strategies (i.e., Denial, Evasion of Responsibility, Reducing Offensiveness, Corrective Action, and Mortification) and the mechanisms underlying these effects according to IRT. Moreover, we explored the role of review content (i.e., the type of employer image information the review entails) as a contingency factor. We found differences between Denial, Corrective Action, and Mortification, which show that the choice of response strategies can matter and that the relationship between response strategy and potential applicants' perceptions of organizational attractiveness is mediated by attributions of responsibility rather than by perceived offensiveness. In addition, our results suggest that when negative reviews contain information about instrumental rather than symbolic employer image attributes, potential applicants can attribute more responsibility to the employer. Furthermore, only the effects of Reducing Offensiveness and Mortification were dependent on the review's content. We discuss theoretical implications and practical recommendations for employers that respond to negative employer reviews.
Mineralocorticoid receptor deficiency in Treg cells ameliorates DSS‐induced colitis in a gut microbiota‐dependent manner
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Yu‐Lin , Zhou Lu‐Jun , Sun Xue‐Nan , Wang Yong‐Li , Du Lin‐Juan , Liu Yuan , Zhu Hong , Chen Bo‐Yan , Sun Jian‐Yong , Liu Yan , Xu Shuo , Ye Hui‐Lin , Huang Shi‐Jia , Wang Xiaoxia , Li Bin , Duan Sheng‐Zhong
Published: June 2022

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a classic nuclear receptor and an effective drug target in the cardiovascular system. The function of MR in immune cells such as macrophages and T cells has been increasingly appreciated. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of Treg MR in the process of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We treated Treg MR‐deficient (MRflox/floxFoxp3YFP‐Cre, KO) mice and control (Foxp3YFP‐Cre, WT) mice with dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) to induce colitis and found that the severity of DSS‐induced colitis was markedly alleviated in Treg MR‐deficient mice, accompanied by reduced production of inflammatory cytokines, and relieved infiltration of monocytes, neutrophils and interferon γ+ T cells in colon lamina propria. Faecal microbiota of mice with colitis was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the composition of gut microbiota was vastly changed in Treg MR‐deficient mice. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics abolished the protective effects of Treg MR deficiency and resulted in similar severity of DSS‐induced colitis in WT and KO mice. Faecal microbiota transplantation from KO mice attenuated DSS‐induced colitis characterized by alleviated inflammatory infiltration compared to that from WT mice. Hence, our study demonstrates that Treg MR deficiency protects against DSS‐induced colitis by attenuation of colonic inflammatory infiltration. Gut microbiota is both sufficient and necessary for Treg MR deficiency to exert the beneficial effects.
Antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity using T cells with NK‐like phenotype in combination with avelumab, an anti‐PD‐L1 antibody
Authors: Liu Dong , Hu Yuefeng , Wei Jian , Zhang Wen , Piao Chunmei , Lu Yongcheng , Wang Yue , Liu Jingwei , Lu Xu
Published: June 2022

Though the PD‐L1 checkpoint inhibitor avelumab has shown efficacy in the treatment of some types of cancer, improved treatment strategies are desperately needed. We evaluated whether combined treatment with avelumab and adoptively transferred T‐NK cells can provide enhanced anti‐cancer effects for treating PD‐L1‐expressing tumours. Our results demonstrate that avelumab specifically targets tumour cells with high PD‐L1 expression, and that cytolytic effects are mediated by T‐NK effector cells cultured from patient peripheral blood monocytic cell populations. The effects were dependent on CD16 and the perforin/granzyme pathway, supporting a role for the T‐NK subpopulation. In vivo assays verified the efficacy of T‐NK cells in combination with avelumab in reducing tumour growth. Furthermore, T‐NK + avelumab prolonged survival in a mouse orthotopic xenograft model. Collectively, our findings provide a basis for the combined use of adoptively transferred T‐NK cells with avelumab as a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
Multi‐responsive mesoporous polydopamine composite nanorods cooperate with nano‐enzyme and photosensitiser for intensive immunotherapy of bladder cancer
Authors: Wu Xiang , Wei Yongbao , Lin Rongcheng , Chen Pingzhou , Hong Zhiwei , Zeng Rong , Xu Qingjiang , Li Tao
Published: June 2022

Bladder cancer is a common malignancy in the urinary system. Defects of drug molecules in bladder during treatment, such as passive diffusion, rapid clearance of periodic urination, poor adhesion and permeation abilities, lead to low delivery efficiency of conventional drugs and high recurrence rate of disease. In this study, we designed multi‐responsive mesoporous polydopamine (PDA) composite nanorods cooperating with nano‐enzyme and photosensitiser for intensive immunotherapy of bladder cancer. The strongly adhesive mesoporous PDA with wheat germ agglutinin on nanoparticles could specifically adhere to epithelial glycocalyx and made the nanoparticles aggregate in urinary pathways. Meanwhile, 2,3‐dimethylmaleic anhydride could be hydrolysed in acidic conditions of tumour microenvironment, giving it a positive charge (charge reversal), which is more amenable to enter cancer cells. Afterwards, manganese dioxide nanorods could catalyse the reaction of excess H2O2 in tumour microenvironment to generate active oxygen, so as to change the hypoxic environment in tumour, and achieve a pH‐responsive for slow release of PD‐L1. After the ICG was irradiated by infrared light, a large amount of singlet oxygen was generated, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect and reducing toxicity in vivo. Besides, mesoporous PDA with indocyanine green photothermal agent could have a local heat up quickly under the near‐infrared light to kill cancer cells, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Accordingly, this mesoporous PDA composite nanorods shed a light on bladder tumour treatment.
Comparison of the immunogenicity of five COVID‐19 vaccines in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jeewandara Chandima , Aberathna Inoka Sepali , Danasekara Saubhagya , Gomes Laksiri , Fernando Suranga , Guruge Dinuka , Ranasinghe Thushali , Gunasekera Banuri , Kamaladasa Achala , Kuruppu Heshan , Somathilake Gayasha , Jayamali Jeewantha , Jayathilaka Deshni , Wijayatilake Helanka Dinesh Kumara , Pushpakumara Pradeep Darshana , Harvie Michael , Nimasha Thashmi , de Silva Shiromi Devika Grace , Wijayamuni Ruwan , Schimanski Lisa , Rijal Pramila , Tan Jack , Townsend Alain , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: June 2022

To determine the antibody responses elicited by different vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2, we compared antibody responses in individuals 3 months post‐vaccination in those who had received different vaccines in Sri Lanka. Abs to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral (wild type) virus (WT) as well as to variants of concern (VoCs), and ACE2 blocking Abs, were assessed in individuals vaccinated with Moderna (n = 225), Sputnik V (n = 128) or Sputnik light (n = 184) and the results were compared with previously reported data on Sinopharm and AZD1222 vaccinees. A total of 99.5% of Moderna, >94% of AZD1222 or Sputnik V and >70% of Sputnik light, >60% of Sinopharm vaccine recipients, had a positive response to ACE2 blocking antibodies. The ACE2 blocking antibody levels were highest to lowest was Moderna > Sputnik V/AZD1222 (had equal levels) > Sputnik light > Sinopharm. All Moderna recipients had antibodies to the RBD of WT, alpha and beta, while positivity rates for delta variant was 80%. The positivity rates for Sputnik V vaccinees for the WT and VoCs were higher than for AZD1222 vaccinees while those who received Sinopharm had the lowest positivity rates (<16.7%). The total antibodies to the RBD were highest for the Sputnik V and AZD1222 vaccinees. The Moderna vaccine elicited the highest ACE2 blocking antibody levels followed by Sputnik V/AZD1222, while those who received Sinopharm had the lowest levels. These findings highlight the need for further studies to understand the effects on clinical outcomes.
International Nurses Day: Nurses can change the world, given the investment and support they deserve
Authors: Catton Howard
Published: June 2022

Every year on International Nurses Day (IND), the International Council of Nurses (ICN) releases a report with resources that can be used by nurses around the world. This year's report responds to the World Health Organization's (WHO) latest strategy for nursing and midwifery, and the findings of the State of the World's Nursing report. In this article, ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton describes the main points of the IND report and recommends that nurses everywhere read it, alongside the WHO strategy, and use that information to increase their knowledge of the global nursing workforce and influence global healthcare policy. It is a toolkit that can assist nurses, other healthcare providers, governments and international organisations to turn global strategy into meaningful local action and improved clinical practice on the ground.
Nurses' experiences of workplace violence in the emergency department
Authors: Al‐Natour Ahlam , Abuziad Lubna , Hweidi Lama Issa
Published: June 2022

The aim

To describe nurses’ perceptions about predisposing factors, nurses’ roles and effective strategies to combat workplace violence (WPV) in the emergency department (ED).

Background

Various forms of WPV against nurses is highly prevelent in EDs in Jordan and elsewhere. There is a dearth of information about predisposing factors for WPV and what strategies nurses use to counter this.

Method

A qualitative descriptive design was used to describe nurses’ perceptions about their roles and effective strategies regarding WPV. A purposive sample of 24 nurses (12 male and 12 female) who were working in the ED at two Jordanian hospitals participated in this study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted for each participant. The data were analysed using Colaizzi's narrative analysis steps and the Lincoln and Guba's framework to ensure credibility and trustworthiness.

Results

Three major themes emerged from the analysis of the data: (1) predisposing factors for WPV  in ED, (2) the roles adopted by nurses in WPV incidents and (3) beneficial strategies to counter WPV.

Conclusion

Participant nurses provided insights into the predisposing factors of WPV in Jordanian EDs. A range of strategies and roles used by nurses to counter WPV in health institutions and community contexts were identified. However, the effective strategies used by nurses confronted by WPV did not emerge from having been trained or educated for such crises and therefore WPV remains underestimated and underreported.

Implication for nursing policymakers

Violence of all types is a crime and laws need to be not only strong but also appropriately enforced. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace for staff. Their organizational policies about workplace safety must reflect national laws as well as the human rights of people who come to work in their organizations. Workplace policies need to emphasise safety measures, professional training and education for assuring a safe hospital environment. It is crucial to conduct culturally competent programmes for preventing and countering WPV, taking into consideration the nurses’ Jordanian cultural backgrounds and context.
Functional gradient films on aluminum alloy to improve its laser‐induced damage ability and reduce pollutant particles’ generation
Authors: Yin Jiaheng , Cui Yaowen , Lu Lihua , Zhang Peng , Cao Yongzhi , Yan Yongda , Du Yunlong
Published: June 2022

Laser‐induced damage on metal parts by stray light is a common issue for high‐energy laser systems, especially inertial‐confinement fusion (ICF) systems. Micro‐dust could be produced from the surface irradiated and adhere to and cause further damage of other optical parts like potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal. We propose a functional gradient film based on aluminum anodization to raise the laser‐induced damage threshold (LIDT). The number of particles produced by a 355‐nm nanosecond laser was considered a factor of LIDT. To investigate the interaction theoretically, a coupled model of electromagnetic radiation and heat conversion based on Ohm's law for a nanosecond laser pulse absorbed by the films was used to calculate the LIDT temperature. Films with different roughnesses and an untreated aluminum alloy (AA) were irradiated. The LIDT was 0.5 J/cm2, with a temperature of 5790 K, which largely prevented the laser damage of the AA and reduced particles produced while metal damaged. The combination of simulations and experiments provided a new and simple indication of LIDT for aluminum‐based functional gradient films. It also provided a guide for clean manufacturing with less particle generation, which is vital to the success of ICF systems that will generate sustainable energy.
Assessing various environmental descriptors with respect to genotype x environment interaction for milk production traits in Bavarian Fleckvieh cattle
Authors: Erbe Malena , Edel Christian , Emmerling Reiner , Götz Kay‐Uwe
Published: June 2022

Genotype x environment (GxE) interaction for production traits in Fleckvieh cattle was assessed by means of various environmental descriptors (EDs). It was also of particular interest to search for EDs useful for studying differing robustness or resilience of individuals which implies reasonable GxE interaction. The set of studied EDs included farm/herd environment (e.g. herd size, housing/feeding regimes, herd production level), geographical location (e.g. height above sea level), temperature humidity index and fat‐to‐protein ratio. Milk, fat and protein yield deviations for the first test day, the first 100 days and the 305‐day‐yield of the first lactation were used as phenotypes. Genetic correlations were estimated with bi‐ and multivariate sire models in case of categorical EDs and reaction norm sire models in case of continuous EDs. Further, rank correlations of bulls' estimated breeding values were calculated for different environmental levels/classes. Almost all estimated genetic correlations were significantly different from 1, but not <0.93. There were some exceptions for extremely different classes/levels of some EDs (e.g. average herd‐year production, organic vs conventional farm systems, way of concentrated feed supply). Rank correlations were rarely below 0.95. In summary, no substantial GxE interactions for milk production traits were found with the studied EDs.
Genome‐wide identification of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulviadraco) and their expression profiling under the challenge of Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Li Ronghui , Shu Mingyu , Liu Xuanxuan , Nei Zhiwei , Ye Ben , Wang Heyu , Gong Yifu
Published: June 2022

As serine/threonine protein kinases, mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) take part in cellular metabolism. This work found 14 MAPK genes in the yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulviadraco) genome and evaluated their taxonomy, conserved domains and evolutionary linkages for a better understanding of the MAPK gene family's evolutionary relationship and antibacterial immune response. The findings revealed that several MAPK genes are activated in response to immunological and inflammatory responses. Collinearity research revealed that in yellow catfish and zebrafish, there are six pairs of highly similar MAPK genes, indicating that these genes have been more conserved throughout evolution. The MAPK gene quantification findings revealed that JNK1a, JNK1b, p38delta and p38alpha b expression levels were considerably upregulated, indicating that they act in fish innate immunity. The findings implied that MAPK genes may involve in defence against detrimental microbe in yellow catfish, which will help researchers better understand how MAPK genes work in the innate immune system.
Social isolation affects intra‐specific interaction behaviour and reduces the size of the cerebellar brain region in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Guo Haoyu , Näslund Joacim , Thomassen Søren T. , Larsen Martin H.
Published: June 2022

The social environment can affect the development of behavioural phenotypes in fish, and it is important to understand such effects when rearing fish in artificial environments. Here, the authors test the effects of spatial isolation on social interaction propensity and brain development in hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. Salmon reared in isolation generally stayed further away from a conspecific in a standardized intruder test than conspecifics reared together in groups. Isolated salmon also tended to be more active in an intruder test, albeit non‐significantly so, but this pattern was not detected in open‐field tests without an intruding conspecific. The cerebellar brain region was relatively smaller in isolated salmon, suggesting that the brain was developing differently in these fish. Therefore, some features of the behavioural and neural phenotype are affected by rearing in isolation. These effects should be considered when rearing salmon, particularly for experimental purposes as it may affect results of laboratory studies on behavioural expression and brain size.
Non‐linear shrinkage of Batson's #17 resin during vascular corrosion casting
Authors: Shih Kang‐Chi Julia , Peiffer Véronique , Rowland Ethan M. , Sowinski Peter , Weinberg Peter D.
Published: June 2022

Many studies of cardiovascular function require a realistic representation of vascular geometry. Corrosion casting has been used to acquire such geometries for many decades. However, the fidelity with which this method reproduces vascular anatomy has not been completely determined. Here we report on the non‐linear shrinkage characteristics and exothermic properties of Batson's #17, a widely used casting resin, in model systems and in aortas of rats and rabbits. The setting process was captured using high‐resolution photography. Shrinkage ranged from 3.4 ± 1.5% of the diameter in 1 ml plastic syringes (inner diameter 4.8 mm) to 19.6 ± 5.6% in the aorta of rats (diameter 1.5–2.6 mm). In addition, aortic curvature and branching angles changed during setting. These effects should be determined and corrected in studies of vascular geometry where high accuracy is required.
Inter‐rater variability and consistency within four acne grading systems recommended in China, USA, and Europe
Authors: Yu Ruixing , Fei Wenmin , Ning Xiaoli , Cui Yong
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate the correlation among different investigators (intrarater variation) in the assessment of acne vulgaris severity using Acne Grading System (AGS), International Improvement Grading System (IIGS), Investigator Global Assessment of acne (IGA), and Global Evaluation Acne (GEA), and to compare AGS and IIGS with the IGA recommended in the United States, and GEA in Europe.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted among patients with acne vulgaris, attending the dermatology outpatient clinics at five hospitals in China. Four investigators were engaged using AGS, IIGS, IGA, and GEA to assess severity of acne vulgaris. Correlation among AGS, IIGS, GEA, and IGA were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1107 participants suffering from acne vulgaris were enrolled. There was evidence of adequate internal consistency among AGS, IIGS, IGA, and GEA. For the intrarater reliability, AGS, IIGS, GEA, and IGA demonstrated excellent reliability. Moreover, AGS, IIGS, IGA, and GEA were significantly correlated with each other (p ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion

IIGS and AGS were reliable, and correlated well with IGA and GEA.
A study of combination unilateral subcutaneous botulinum toxin a treatment for androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Tian Kai , Gao Suyue , Jia Zou , Xu Wushuang , Li Ke , Wu Lijun
Published: June 2022

Objective

To observe the efficacy of unilateral subcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin A combined with finasteride and minoxidil in the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with androgenic alopecia were treated with finasteride and minoxidil as standard therapy and were randomly assigned to subcutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A in one hemisphere of the head at the beginning of a 6‐month treatment. Before treatment, 3 months after treatment, and 6 months after treatment, the patient's head hair growth was photographed and evaluated.

Results

After 3 and 6 months of treatment, hair density of the treated androgenic alopecia patients was higher than before treatment (p < 0.05), and the hair density of the botulinum toxin A injection side was higher than that of the control side (p < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, the response rate of botulinum toxin A combined with finasteride and minoxidil was 77.5%, with no significant side effects observed.

Conclusion

Finasteride and minoxidil have a significant effect on androgenic alopecia, and the effect is further increased after combined with botulinum toxin A subcutaneous injection.