bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenically driven climate and landscape change effects on inland water carbon dynamics: What have we learned and where are we going?
Authors: Pilla Rachel M. , Griffiths Natalie A. , Gu Lianhong , Kao Shih‐Chieh , McManamay Ryan , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Shi Xiaoying
Published: July 2022

Inland waters serve as important hydrological connections between the terrestrial landscape and oceans but are often overlooked in global carbon (C) budgets and Earth System Models. Terrestrially derived C entering inland waters from the watershed can be transported to oceans but over 83% is either buried in sediments or emitted to the atmosphere before reaching oceans. Anthropogenic pressures such as climate and landscape changes are altering the magnitude of these C fluxes in inland waters. Here, we synthesize the most recent estimates of C fluxes and the differential contributions across inland waterbody types (rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds), including recent measurements that incorporate improved sampling methods, small waterbodies, and dried areas. Across all inland waters, we report a global C emission estimate of 4.40 Pg C/year (95% confidence interval: 3.95–4.85 Pg C/year), representing a 13% increase from the most recent estimate. We also review the mechanisms by which the most globally widespread anthropogenically driven climate and landscape changes influence inland water C fluxes. The majority of these drivers are expected to influence terrestrial C inputs to inland waters due to alterations in terrestrial C quality and quantity, hydrological pathways, and biogeochemical processing. We recommend four research priorities for the future study of anthropogenic alterations to inland water C fluxes: (1) before‐and‐after measurements of C fluxes associated with climate change events and landscape changes, (2) better quantification of C input from land, (3) improved assessment of spatial coverage and contributions of small inland waterbodies to C fluxes, and (4) integration of dried and drawdown areas to global C flux estimates. Improved measurements of inland water C fluxes and quantification of uncertainty in these estimates will be vital to understanding both terrestrial C losses and the “moving target” of inland water C emissions in response to rapid and complex anthropogenic pressures.
Occupational integration of adults with severe haemophilia (INTHEMO): A study based on the FranceCoag registry
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Anh Thu , Auquier Pascal , Beltran Anzola Any , d'Oiron Roseline , Biron‐Andréani Christine , Lienhart Anne , Rauch Antoine , Baumstarck Karine , Boucekine Mohamed , Milien Vanessa , Rosso‐Delsemme Natacha , Tabele Clemence , Giraud Nicolas , Sannié Thomas , Chambost Hervé , Resseguier Noémie ,   the INTHEMO Study Group
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Health of people with severe haemophilia (PwSH) improves thanks to the advancements in haemophilia care, giving them more opportunities in occupational integration. However, there is little literature on the occupational integration of PwSH.

Objectives

The main objective of our study was to assess the occupational integration of PwSH and to compare it with that of the general population. The secondary objective was to study the association between individual characteristics (sociodemographic, clinical and psycho‐behavioural) and occupational integration of PwSH.

Methods

A multicentre, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2018–2020 on PwSH, aged over 18 and under 65 years and included in the FranceCoag registry. Measurements included indicators of occupational integration, sociodemographic, clinical and psycho‐behavioural characteristics. The indicators of occupational integration were compared with those of the general population, using indirect standardization. The data of the general population were available from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). Determinants of occupational integration were explored using structural equation modelling.

Results

Of 1262 eligible people, 588 were included. PwSH had a lower employment rate than the general population (standardized ratio, .85; 95% CI, .77–.94). There were more PwSH at tertiary education level than expected (standardized ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17–1.61). HIV infection, poor physical health and mental health concerns were associated with a higher risk of unemployment in PwSH.

Conclusion

Employment rate of PwSH is lower than that of the general population despite their higher education level. Target interventions focusing on determinants of difficult occupational integration could be helpful for PwSH.
Substance use related cluster headache: A case series
Authors: Mathew Thomas , John Saji Kaithavalappil , Javali Mahendra , Vasireddy Manoj , Nadig Raghunandan , Sarma Gosala Raja Kukkuta
Published: July 2022

Background

Essential oils (EOs) with pro‐convulsant properties are known to cause seizures and may worsen migraine. Here we report five cases of cluster headache (CH) secondary to the usage of toothpastes containing pro‐convulsant EOs.

Methods

Patients were identified from the headache clinics of three tertiary care hospitals in south India. Detailed history, examination, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were done in all patients. CH was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.

Results

We had five cases of EO‐related CH (EORCH), from February 2020 to August 2021; three females and two males, with age ranging from 19 to 54 years. Three had new onset CH, while two had previous cluster attacks which had become refractory to medications for the past 1 year. The toothpastes contained EOs of camphor, eucalyptus, sage, thujone, clove, and fennel in various combinations. These toothpastes were used for a period of at least 3 months in those with new onset CH and for 12 months or more by those with chronic CH. After stopping the usage of these toothpastes, the CH attacks resolved completely within 5–10 days in all patients. In one patient we re‐challenged with the same toothpaste and got the CH attack after a period of 2 months. None of the patients had recurrence of CH attacks at follow‐up, ranging from 1 to 2 years.

Conclusion

EOs with pro‐convulsive properties may trigger and sustain CH. Physicians may consider inquiring about the exposure to these pro‐convulsant EOs in patients with CH and may consider advising the discontinuation of products like toothpastes containing them as a possible means of CH remission.
The role of experts in forming family policy under an adversarial subsystem in the Czech Republic
Authors: Saxonberg Steven , Formánková Lenka , Hašková Hana
Published: July 2022

This article analyzes the interplay between policymakers and scientists in developing the Family Policy Plan for the Czech Republic in 2017. As former members of the government commission that developed the plan, we base the article on participatory observation. When we joined the commission, a ‘window of opportunity’ had opened as the country for the first time ever had feminist‐friendly minister and vice‐minister of labour and social affairs. We explain why due to the inter‐ and intra‐party dynamics, the parental leave reform to introduce ‘daddy months’ failed. We argue an adversarial subsystem existed in that the three coalition partners disagreed on the reform. According to Ingold and Gschwend (2014), under such circumstances, scientists play a strategic role, especially if there is unity among them. However, although there was basic unity among the scientists in the commission, the coalition partners at the governing level were able to block or water down the reform proposal under the study.
Delta neutrophil index as a prognostic factor for mortality in patients with Fournier's gangrene
Authors: Shin In Sik , Gong Seong Chan , An Sanghyun , Kim Kwangmin
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The delta neutrophil index represents the fraction of circulating immature granulocytes and is a marker of infection and sepsis. Our study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the delta neutrophil index in predicting mortality in patients with Fournier's gangrene.

Methods

We enrolled patients with Fournier's gangrene who were admitted to the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital (Wonju, Korea) between September 2010 and December 2021. We retrospectively analyzed the patients' characteristics, factors related to management, scoring systems such as the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, and laboratory data measured at initial presentation.

Results

There were 58 (68.2%) survivors and 27 (31.8%) non‐survivors. The initial levels of serum lactate, hemoglobin, delta neutrophil index, albumin, international normalized ratio, creatinine, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, Uludag Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, and prognostic nutritional index differed between survivors and non‐survivors. Age, international normalized ratio, and delta neutrophil index were independent predictors of mortality in Fournier's gangrene. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, delta neutrophil index on the day of admission was the best indicator of mortality (area under the curve, 0.804; 95% confidence interval [0.679–0.929]). The optimal cutoff for delta neutrophil index in predicting mortality was 11.25% (sensitivity, 74.1%; specificity, 91.4%). The initial delta neutrophil index was the best indicator of mortality (area under the curve, 0.804; 95% confidence interval 0.679–0.929).

Conclusion

The delta neutrophil index can be useful for predicting mortality in patients with Fournier's gangrene. A delta neutrophil index >11.25% at initial presentation is a reliable predictor of Fournier's gangrene.
Use of research evidence in the policy domain: A best‐evidence synthesis of social science research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Authors: Fussy Daniel Sidney
Published: July 2022

The use of research evidence in policymaking provides policymakers with a sound basis for policy decisions and actions. While the use of research evidence is on the rise, its evidence remains largely under‐reported especially from social sciences and developing world context. This may perpetuate the prevailing myth that policymakers do not use research evidence in policy deliberations and, thus, discourage researchers, funders, and policymakers from making greater investment in producing, disseminating, and using research evidence. Using the intersection of Weiss’ typology of research use and a best‐evidence synthesis approach, this paper reviews and reports evidence on the use of research evidence in the policy domain from four national level studies undertaken in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Conceptual and instrumental uses of research evidence are evident through a demand for research evidence, research‐based policy products, and citations of research in policy documents. The paper broadens our understanding on the use of research evidence from developing countries context and social science research, and informs different funders, researchers, and policymakers about the potential utility of research they respectively fund and/or undertake.
Blowing the whistle during the first wave of COVID‐19: A case study of Quebec nurses
Authors: Gagnon Marilou , Perron Amélie , Dufour Caroline , Marcogliese Emily , Pariseau‐Legault Pierre , Wright David Kenneth , Martin Patrick , Carnevale Franco A.
Published: July 2022

The experiences of nurses who blew the whistle during the COVID‐19 pandemic have exposed gaps and revealed an urgent need to revisit our understanding of whistleblowing.

Aim

The aim was to develop a better understanding of whistleblowing during a pandemic by using the experiences and lessons learned of Quebec nurses who blew the whistle during the first wave of COVID‐19 as a case study. More specifically, to explore why and how nurses blew the whistle, what types of wrongdoing triggered their decision to do so and how context shaped the whistleblowing process as well as its consequences (including perceived consequences).

Design

The study followed a single‐case study design with three embedded units of analysis.

Methods

We used content analysis to analyse 83 news stories and 597 forms posted on a whistleblowing online platform. We also conducted 15 semi‐structured interviews with nurses and analysed this data using a thematic analysis approach. Finally, we triangulated the findings.

Results

We identified five themes across the case study. (1) During the first wave of COVID‐19, Quebec nurses experienced a shifting sense of loyalty and relationship to workplace culture. (2) They witnessed exceedingly high numbers of intersecting wrongdoings amplified by mismanagement and long‐standing issues. (3) They reported a lack of trust and transparency; thus, a need for external whistleblowing. (4) They used whistleblowing to reclaim their rights (notably, the right to speak) and build collective solidarity. (5) Finally, they saw whistleblowing as an act of moral courage in the face of a system in crisis. Together, these themes elucidate why and how nurse whistleblowing is different in pandemic times.

Conclusion

Our findings offer a more nuanced understanding of nurse whistleblowing and address important gaps in knowledge. They also highlight the need to rethink external whistleblowing, develop whistleblowing tools and advocate for whistleblowing protection.

Impact

In many ways, the COVID‐19 pandemic has challenged our foundational understanding of whistleblowing and, as a result, it has limited the usefulness of existing literature on the topic for reasons that will be brought to light in this paper. We believe that studying the uniqueness of whistleblowing during a pandemic can address this gap by describing why and how health care workers blow the whistle during a pandemic and situating this experience within a broader social, political, organizational context.
Self‐management model based on information–motivation–behavioral skills model in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lim Kyeung Eun , Kim Sung Reul , Kim Hye Young , Kim So Ri , Lee Yong Chul
Published: July 2022

Aim

To develop and test a predictive model of self‐management based on the theory of the information–motivation–behavioural skills model and previous literature on self‐management for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

A descriptive, correlational, cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

A convenience sample recruited 248 patients with COPD from the pulmonary medicine clinic in South Korea between July 2020 and June 2021. We used self‐administrated, structured questionnaires for dyspnoea, health status, knowledge, attitude, social support, self‐efficacy and self‐management. Data were analysed using path analysis to test a self‐management model for patients with COPD.

Results

Gender, COPD self‐management knowledge, social support and COPD self‐efficacy had a direct effect on COPD self‐management. Dyspnoea, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage, health status, COPD self‐management attitude and social support had an indirect effect on self‐management in patients with COPD. These variables explained 43.2% of the total variance for self‐management in patients with COPD.

Conclusions

When assessing self‐management of COPD; demographic and clinical factors, knowledge, attitudes, social support and self‐efficacy included in the information–motivation–behavioural skills model should be considered together.
The relationship between high–normal blood pressure in the first half of pregnancy and the risk of hypertensive disease of pregnancy
Authors: Zou Xiao‐Yi , Yang Ning , Cai Wei , Niu Xiu‐Long , Wei Mao‐Ti , Zhang Xin , LI Yu‐Ming
Published: July 2022

Early warning of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) can improve maternal and infant outcomes. However, few studies had evaluated the warning value of high–normal blood pressure (BP) before the onset of HDP. This was a prospective cohort study to investigate the relationship between high‐normal BP in the first half of pregnancy and the risk of HDP. According to the maximum BP measured before 20+6 weeks of gestation, the cohort was divided into three groups: optimal BP (SBP < 120 mmHg and DBP < 80 mmHg), normal BP (120 mmHg ≤ SBP < 130 mmHg or 80 mmHg ≤ DBP < 85 mmHg), and high–normal BP (130 mmHg ≤ SBP < 140 mmHg or 85 mmHg ≤ DBP < 90 mmHg). The relationship between different BP levels in the first half of pregnancy and HDP risk was assessed by general linear models. Ten thousand one hundred and ninety‐three normotensive pregnant women with complete information were finally included for data analysis. Among them, 532 pregnant women were diagnosed with HDP, with a total HDP incidence of 5.2%. The incidences in the optimal, normal, and high–normal BP groups were 2.4%, 6.0%, and 21.8%, respectively. Compared to women with optimal BP in the first half of pregnancy, women with high‐normal BP had a 445% increased risk of HDP (aRR: 5.45, 95% CI: 4.24–7.00), and even women with normal BP had a 107% increased risk of HDP (aRR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.68–2.56). This study demonstrated that among low‐risk healthy women, women with high–normal BP in the first half of pregnancy had a significantly higher risk of HDP.
Effect of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor medication on new prescriptions of antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics and antidyslipidemics in Japan: Analysis using the JMDC Claims Database
Authors: Gouda Maki , Arakawa Kenji , Inagaki Masaya , Ushirogawa Yoshiteru
Published: July 2022

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on new prescriptions of drugs, including antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics and antidyslipidemics, for the treatment of lifestyle‐related diseases in Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus using the JMDC Claims Database.

Materials and Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were newly treated with SGLT2i or other oral antidiabetic drugs and had not been prescribed any antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics or antidyslipidemics for at least 1 year were extracted from the database. Using propensity score calibration matching (1:1), we assessed the proportion of patients who started the aforementioned concomitant medications within 2 years, and the risk ratio of SGLT2i to other antidiabetic medication groups was calculated.

Results

In 856,796 patients with diabetes mellitus, 734, 1,197 and 703 propensity score calibration‐matched patients in each group were analyzed for the prescription of antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics and antidyslipidemics, respectively. The new prescriptions of antihypertensives and antigout/antihyperuricemics were lower in the SGLT2i group than those in the other oral antidiabetic drug group (risk ratio 0.66 and 0.37, respectively), whereas those of antidyslipidemics were more common in the SGLT2i group (risk ratio 1.43).

Conclusions

New prescriptions of antihypertensives or antigout/antihyperuricemics were lower for patients taking SGLT2i than those taking other oral antidiabetic drugs, probably due to a reduction of blood pressure and uric acid levels by SGLT2i. The more frequent prescriptions of antidyslipidemics might partially reflect a moderate increase in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as a result of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition.
Mortality and prognostic factors in patients with bullous pemphigoid: a retrospective multicenter Italian study
Authors: Bardazzi F. , Filippi F. , Chessa M.A. , Iommi M. , Loi C. , Campanati A. , Rizzetto G. , Tagliati C. , Atzori L. , Muratori S. , Genovese G. , Gisondi P. , Schena D. , Balestri R. , Rech G. , Feliciani C. , Lasagni C. , Bigi L. , De Simone C. , Di Zenzo G. , Moro F. , Borghi A. , Di Lernia V. , D'Arrigo G. , Tripepi G. , Gori M. , Pitino A.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Bullous pemphigoid is the most common autoimmune bullous dermatosis. In recent years several studies have tried to identify the main factors of the disease related with an increased risk of death. The aim of this multicenter Italian study was to assess the risk score of death considering epidemiologic, clinical, immunological, and therapeutic factors in a cohort of patients affected by bullous pemphigoid and try to identify the cumulative survival up to 120 months.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with bullous pemphigoid who were diagnosed between 2005 and 2020 in the 12 Italian centers. Data collected included sex, age at the time of diagnosis, laboratory findings, severity of disease, time at death/censoring, treatment, and multimorbidity.

Results

A total of 572 patients were included in the study. The crude mortality rate was 20.6%, with an incidence mortality rate of 5.9 × 100 person/year. The mortality rate at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 3.2%, 18.2%, 27.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Multivariate model results showed that the risk of death was significantly higher in patients older than 78 years, in presence of multimorbidity, anti‐BP180 autoantibodies >72 U/mL, or anti‐BP230 > 3 U/mL at diagnosis. The variables jointly included provided an accuracy (Harrel's Index) of 77% for predicting mortality.

Conclusion

This study represents the first nationwide Italian study to have retrospectively investigated the mortality rates and prognostic factors in patients with bullous pemphigoid. A novel finding emerged in our study is that a risk prediction rule based on simple risk factors (age, multimorbidity, steroid‐sparing drugs, prednisone use, and disease severity) jointly considered with two biomarkers routinely measured in clinical practice (anti‐BP230 and anti‐BP180 autoantibodies) provided about 80% accuracy for predicting mortality in large series of patients with this disease.
For‐profit hospitals could play a distinctive role as anchor institutions
Authors: Choyke Kelly Lynn , Franz Berkeley , Rodriguez Vanessa , Cronin Cory E.
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Hospitals have a longstanding presence in United States communities and contribute to economic development and community well‐being through widespread employment, purchasing and direct community engagement. Most of the data on anchor institutions to date, however, has focused on nonprofit organisations, especially nonprofit hospitals, colleges and universities. The aim of this study is to better understand if for‐profit hospitals engage in explicit anchor activities, and whether these organisations adopt unique strategies in carrying out this study.

Methods

We used an inductive, qualitative approach to understand how for‐profit hospitals perceive their anchoring efforts as distinct as compared to nonprofits. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 23 hospital leaders, researchers and members of advocacy organisations, representing 11 different hospital organisations and 10 communities; and used thematic analysis to generate study findings.

Results

For‐profit hospitals do see at least three primary differences that render them distinctive in their efforts to anchor themselves within their communities—namely, barriers that for‐profits encounter that nonprofits may not; their emphasis on strategic and synergistic practices; and their status as hospitals that also support their communities economically as tax‐paying entities.

Conclusion

With a better understanding of their unique contributions as for‐profit organisations, policymakers can identify ways to leverage these hospitals to support their communities through outreach and engagement.
Preparation and characterization of an alkali‐pickled preserved egg white heat‐induced gel
Authors: Ye Yang , Li Anjiao , Feng Tingting , Yuan Xianling , Xiao Xia , Wang Yang
Published: July 2022

In recent years, heavy‐metal salts for pickling preserved eggs and the long production period have affected its acceptability and industrialization. In this study, we used the method of short‐term pickling of no‐heavy‐metal salts to obtain gels by alkali‐picked and heat induced. The physicochemical properties, secondary structure and free amino acid composition of egg whites during pickling were determined. Furthermore, the texture and chromatic characters of the preserved egg white gels after heating were analyzed. After 7 days of pickling, the pH and free alkalinity can reach the level of preserved eggs, presenting the value of 11.48 and 184.03 mg/100 g respectively. The α‐helix content decreased from 36.01% to 32.39%. On the other hand, the β‐turns increased from 16.98% to 18.82%, and the Random coils increased from 26.31% to 28.76%. The free sulfhydryl content of preserved egg white increased gradually, whereas the total sulfhydryl content, the Td value, and free amino acid content decreased during the pickling process. The hardness and springiness of the gel remained largely unchanged during the pickling time (5–8 days). The gel's appearance, chromatic, and texture reached the level of traditional preserved egg in a relatively short pickling time, providing a new idea for the rapid picking of preserved egg white gel. The treatment in this study is important for improving the efficiency of industrial production of preserved egg white gels.

Practical applications

Heat treatment is a standard method in food processing, helping improve the texture and quality of products. After heat treatment, the physicochemical properties of the alkali‐pickled eggs can reach the state of traditionally preserved egg whites. Therefore, the method described in this study can help shorten the pickling time of preserved egg white products and provide theoretical support for developing new preserved egg products.
Norepinephrine modulation of heat dissipation in female rats lacking estrogen
Authors: Fonseca Cristina S. , Aquino Nayara S. S. , Goncalves Gleisy K. N. , Drummond Lucas R. , Hipolito Laisa T. M. , Silva Juneo F. , Silva Kaoma S. C. , Henriques Patricia C. , Domingues Talita E. , Lacerda Ana C. R. , Guatimosim Silvia , Coimbra Candido C. , Szawka Raphael E. , Reis Adelina M.
Published: July 2022

Postmenopausal hot flushes are caused by lack of estradiol (E2) but their neuroendocrine basis is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the interrelationship between norepinephrine and hypothalamic neurons, with emphasis on kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), as a regulatory pathway in the vasomotor effects of E2. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats displayed increased tail skin temperature (TST), and this increase was prevented in OVX rats treated with E2 (OVX + E2). Expression of Fos in the hypothalamus and the number of ARC kisspeptin neurons coexpressing Fos were increased in OVX rats. Likewise, brainstem norepinephrine neurons of OVX rats displayed higher Fos immunoreactivity associated with the increase in TST. In the ARC, the density of dopamine‐ß‐hydroxylase (DBH)‐immunoreactive (ir) fibers was not altered by E2 but, importantly, DBH‐ir terminals were found in close apposition to kisspeptin cells, revealing norepinephrine inputs to ARC kisspeptin neurons. Intracerebroventricular injection of the α2‐adrenergic agonist clonidine (CLO) was used to reduce central norepinephrine release, confirmed by the decreased 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol/norepinephrine ratio in the preoptic area and ARC. Accordingly, CLO treatment in OVX rats reduced ARC Kiss1 mRNA levels and TST to the values of OVX + E2 rats. Conversely, CLO stimulated Kiss1 expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and increased luteinizing hormone secretion. These findings provide evidence that augmented heat dissipation in OVX rats involves the increase in central norepinephrine that modulates hypothalamic areas related to thermoregulation, including ARC kisspeptin neurons. This neuronal network is suppressed by E2 and its imbalance may be implicated in the vasomotor symptoms of postmenopausal hot flushes.
Medical therapies for melasma
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K. , Patil Anant , Blicharz Leszek , Kassir Martin , Konnikov Nellie , Gold Michael H. , Goldman Mitchel P. , Galadari Hassan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: July 2022

Melasma is a common malady affecting all races with a higher incidence in Hispanics, Middle Eastern, Asians, and African origin females (Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III–V). Women are affected much more often than men. Melasma remains a significant cause of cosmetic morbidity and psychosocial embarrassment affecting quality of life necessitating effective and reliable treatment. Unfortunately, treatment remains unsatisfactory due to limited efficacy, adverse effects, and relapses after stopping treatment. Although chemical peels, laser and light therapies and dermabrasion may have utility, the evidence available for their efficacy is limited and they often cause post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in individuals with darker skin types. Medical therapies remain mainstay in the management of melasma. The triple combination, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (Triluma, Galderma, Ft. Worth Texas, often modified incorporating different corticosteroids) remains the only US FDA‐approved treatment for melasma and is the gold standard due its demonstrated efficacy across ethnicities. Oral tranexamic acid alone or in combination with other modalities has also shown significant efficacy. Several cosmeceuticals and botanical extracts used as skin lightening agents have been demonstrated to be useful. Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and silicones provide photoprotective and camouflage effect. We propose that a multimodality approach to the treatment of melasma is the most effective treatment approach. This review is focused on the medical therapies for melasma.
A review of Phillips‐type right‐tailed unit root bubble detection tests
Authors: Hu Yang
Published: July 2022

Recent developments on the right‐tailed unit root tests of Phillips et al., which are used to date stamp the origination and collapse dates of asset price bubbles, have generated considerable interest. This paper provides a review for both empirical researchers that adopt these new econometric tools to detect the presence of asset price bubbles, and theoretical papers that extend these testing procedures. This paper also uses the psymonitor package in R to demonstrate the practical use of such tests using an example based on data for British Railway Mania of the 1840s.
A robust subpixel refinement technique using self‐adaptive edge points matching for vision‐based structural displacement measurement
Authors: Wang Miaomin , Xu Fuyou , Xu Yan , Brownjohn James
Published: July 2022

Applying a subpixel refinement technique in vision‐based displacement sensing can significantly improve the measurement accuracy. However, digital image signals from the camera are highly sensitive to drastically varying lighting conditions in the field measurements of structural displacement, causing pixels expressing a tracking target to have nonuniform grayscale intensity changes in different recording video frames. Traditional feature points‐based subpixel refinement techniques are neither robust nor accurate enough in this case, presenting challenges for accurate measurement. This paper proposes a robust subpixel refinement technique—self‐adaptive edge points matching (SEPM)—to obtain accurate subpixel‐level displacements under drastic illumination change conditions. Different from traditional feature points‐based methods, the gradient and shape information of the target edge contour are used in the SEPM calculation. Three tests under different illumination conditions were conducted to evaluate the performance of the SEPM. The results show that the SEPM is capable of producing accurate subpixel‐level displacement data with less 1/16‐pixel root mean‐square error.
Stateness and democratic backsliding in the former Yugoslavia: How political actors subvert democracy in the name of the nation
Authors: Milacic Filip
Published: July 2022

With respect to the relationship between the state and democracy, the scholarly research thus far has mainly oscillated between two perspectives: ‘no state, no democracy’ versus ‘no democracy, no state’. Using the example of former Yugoslav republics and based on Mill's method of difference that is complemented with process tracing, we offer an alternative approach. We posit that a democracy can emerge within the context of unresolved matters of state and nation but it is unlikely that it will flourish. Furthermore, we argue that stateness problem creates conditions that facilitate democratic backsliding even if a country achieves a considerable level of democratic development: a fertile ground for ethno‐political entrepreneurship and national identity‐based political divisions that promote polarization. Accordingly, besides facilitating democratization, a resolved stateness problem should be regarded as a condition that fosters democratic resilience as well. The article contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between the state and democracy and reveals the mechanisms that are behind a successful subversion of democracy in the name of the nation.
Updates and new reports for the flora of southern and central Somalia (with notes on Dicoma popeana and Ipomoea corrugata)
Authors: Baldesi Giacomo , Baldini Riccardo Maria , Pignotti Lia
Published: July 2022

Based on the collections held at FT Herbarium new and noteworthy records of vascular plants are provided for the flora of southern and central Somalia. Six taxa – Rhinacanthus dichotomus var. dichotomus, Glinus oppositifolius, Panicum pooides, Urochloa comata, Corchorus capsularis, Cayratia ibuensis – are recorded as new for the flora of Somalia. For three taxa – Digitaria brunoana, Justicia carnosa, Dicoma popeana – previously known only from the type locality, new localities are presented. For two taxa – Stictocardia incomta, Vangueria gillettii – previously known in Somalia only from single collections, additional records are included. New distributional records are reported for 20 species (Trianthema portulacastrum, Neuracanthus polyacanthus, Marsedenia rubicunda, Tacazzea apiculata, Nidorella aegyptiaca, Pluchea sarcophylla, Vernonia popeana, Vernonia galamensis subsp. galamensis var. petitiana,Bourreria lyciacea, Commiphora staphyleifolia, Evolvulus alsinoides, Jacquemontia ovalifolia, Jacquemontia tamnifolia, Euphorbia migiurtinorum, Leucas jamesii, Caucanthus edulis, Hibiscus panduriformis, Paullinia pinnata, Melhania rotundata, Triumfetta trigona). Notes on the morphology of Dicoma popeana and Ipomoea corrugata are also included.
Passiflora guayaquilensis (Passifloraceae): a new species of wild passion fruit from coastal Ecuador
Authors: Cornejo Xavier , Kuethe J. R.
Published: July 2022

Passiflora guayaquilensis (Passifloraceae), a new species of wild passion fruit in subg. Decaloba from the seasonally deciduous dry forests of coastal Ecuador is here formally described and illustrated. The new species is similar to Passiflora morifolia, but differs notably in the morphology of the flower and fruit. The conservation status of P. guayaquilensis is assigned here as Vulnerable.
Rare Bone Metastasis of Neuroendocrine Tumors of Unknown Origin: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pan Qing , Yang Wenbo , Zhang Zhicai , Shao Zengwu
Published: July 2022

Background

The neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is rare, accounting for about 0.5% of all tumors. NETs have the characteristics of metastasis, especially lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone.

Case presentation

We report a 30‐year‐old man diagnosed with a NET with bone metastasis and presented with waist and leg pain. The imaging findings of this case showed multiple osteosclerosis and no apparent bone destruction. We collected the patient's previous examinations, including laboratory, imaging, and pathological examination to get a precise diagnosis. Given this case, we carried out symptomatic support treatment to relieve the patients' pain symptoms.

Conclusion

Bone metastases from NETs of unknown primary site are rare in both clinical and imaging manifestations. The disease is mainly manifested as multiple osteosclerosis, accompanied by muscle soreness and pain. It is recommended to try chemotherapy for this disorder.
Phloem turgor is maintained during severe drought in Ricinus communis
Authors: Gersony Jess Toby , Holbrook Noel M.
Published: July 2022

The phloem is a key player in whole plant functioning—transporting carbon from sites of production to sites of demand—and is likely influenced by drought due to its dependence on water for generating pressure‐driven bulk flow transport. Yet, phloem functioning during drought remains largely unknown due to a lack of experimental studies. Here, we use a phloem‐bleeding species, Ricinus communis, to investigate phloem loss‐of‐function in the context of leaf physiological processes, the mechanisms of phloem turgor maintenance during drought, and the role of turgor in phloem loss‐of‐function. We found that the solute concentration in the phloem sap doubled over the drought, which allowed phloem turgor to be maintained past the point at which leaves have reached permanent stomatal closure. We also found that phloem turgor did not decline before bleeding ceased, which suggests that phloem bleeding ceassation (interpreted as the cessation of transport) occurred when the phloem still had turgor. In sum, our findings highlight the robustness of phloem functioning, with important implications for forecasting whole‐plant carbon dynamics and drought‐induced tree mortality.
Analysis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Response to the Enhancement of 5‐aminolevulinic Acid‐mediated Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence by Iron Chelator Deferoxamine†
Authors: Howley Richard , Mansi Matthew , Shinde Janhavi , Restrepo Juliana , Chen Bin
Published: July 2022

As a tumor photodiagnostic agent, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is metabolized in the heme biosynthesis pathway to produce protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) with fluorescence. ALA‐PpIX fluorescence was evaluated in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and non‐tumor HK‐2 cell lines. We found that extracellular PpIX level was correlated with ABCG2 activity, illustrating its importance as a PpIX efflux transporter. Extracellular PpIX was also related to the Km of ferrochelatase (FECH) that chelates PpIX with ferrous iron to form heme. The Vmax of FECH was higher in all RCC cell lines tested than in the HK‐2 cell line. TCGA dataset analysis indicates a positive correlation between FECH expression and RCC patient survival. These findings suggest FECH as an important biomarker in RCC. Effects of iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) on the enhancement of PpIX fluorescence were assessed. DFO increased intracellular PpIX in both tumor and non‐tumor cells, resulting in no gain in tumor/non‐tumor fluorescence ratios. DFO appeared to increase ALA‐PpIX more at 1‐h than at 4‐h treatment. There was an inverse correlation between ALA‐PpIX fluorescence and the enhancement effect of DFO. These results suggest that enhancement of ALA‐PpIX by DFO may be limited by the availability of ferrous iron in mitochondria following ALA administration.
What's the coincidence in debunking?
Authors: Bhogal Harjit
Published: July 2022

Many moral debunking arguments are driven by the idea that the correlation between our moral beliefs and the moral truths is a big coincidence, given a robustly realist conception of morality.

One influential response is that the correlation is not a coincidence because there is a common explainer of our moral beliefs and the moral truths. For example, the reason that I believe that I should feed my child is because feeding my child helps them to survive, and natural selection instills in me beliefs and dispositions that help my children survive since that is conductive to my genes continuing through the generations. Similarly, the reason that it's morally good to feed my child is because it helps them to survive, and survival is morally valuable.

But if we look at some cases from scientific practice, and from everyday life, we can see, I argue, why this response fails. A correlation can be coincidental even if there is a common explainer. I give an account of the nature of coincidence that draws upon recent literature on scientific explanation and argue that the correlation between moral belief and moral truth is a coincidence, even given such common explainers. And I use this to defend a certain form of debunking argument.
The effect of temporary deferrals on donor return: A 26‐year assessment in a setting without retention activities
Authors: M. Ferreira Claudio , Vieites Yan , Goldszmidt Rafael , B. Andrade Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous studies that describe the negative association between temporary deferrals and donor return rates commonly come from settings where mechanisms are in place to win back lapsing donors. There is little evidence on the size and prevalence of this negative association in settings with no such retention activities.

Study Design and Methods

We use data from more than 2 million donation attempts made at a blood collection agency in Brazil over a 26‐year period. We describe the distribution of deferrals across donor demographic and behavioral characteristics, and estimate multivariate survival analysis models with matched samples to measure the impact of deferrals on return rates. We control for sex, race, age, education, donation type, number of previous attempts, previous donations, and previous deferrals. We test for heterogeneous effects in interaction models with selected donor demographic and behavioral characteristics.

Results

Temporary deferrals were associated with a 50% decrease in the likelihood of return. Although the effect was observed for all population subgroups and across the full length of the dataset, it varied in magnitude. The influence of deferrals was more negative among older donors and those reporting replacement motives, and less negative among more educated donors and those with a previous donation.

Discussion

We found that temporary deferrals meaningfully harm donor careers in a setting where specific retention activities are absent. Although the effects are widespread across the population and persistent in time, there are also heterogeneities, which must be considered when designing interventions targeted at wining‐back specific groups of deferred donors.
Inter‐pathologist agreement on diagnosis, classification and grading of canine glioma
Authors: Krane Gregory A. , Shockley Keith R. , Malarkey David E. , Miller Andrew D. , Miller C. Ryan , Tokarz Debra A. , Jensen Heather L. , Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Breen Matthew , Mariani Christopher L.
Published: July 2022

Histopathological evaluation of tumours is a subjective process, but studies of inter‐pathologist agreement are uncommon in veterinary medicine. The Comparative Brain Tumour Consortium (CBTC) recently published diagnostic criteria for canine gliomas. Our objective was to assess the degree of inter‐pathologist agreement on intracranial canine gliomas, utilising the CBTC diagnostic criteria in a cohort of eighty‐five samples from dogs with an archival diagnosis of intracranial glioma. Five pathologists independently reviewed H&E and immunohistochemistry sections and provided a diagnosis and grade. Percentage agreement and kappa statistics were calculated to measure inter‐pathologist agreement between pairs and amongst the entire group. A consensus diagnosis of glioma subtype and grade was achieved for 71/85 (84%) cases. For these cases, percentage agreement on combined diagnosis (subtype and grade), subtype only and grade only were 66%, 80% and 82%, respectively. Kappa statistics for the same were 0.466, 0.542 and 0.516, respectively. Kappa statistics for oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma and undefined glioma were 0.585, 0.566 and 0.280 and were 0.516 for both low‐grade and high‐grade tumours. Kappa statistics amongst pairs of pathologists for combined diagnosis varied from 0.352 to 0.839. 8 % of archival oligodendrogliomas and 61% of archival astrocytomas were reclassified as another entity after review. Inter‐pathologist agreement utilising CBTC guidelines for canine glioma was moderate overall but varied from fair to almost perfect between pairs of pathologists. Agreement was similar for oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas but lower for undefined gliomas. These results are similar to pathologist agreement in human glioma studies and with other tumour entities in veterinary medicine.
Simultaneous measurement of central amygdala neuronal activity and sympathetic nerve activity during daily activities in rats
Authors: Ikegame Shizuka , Yoshimoto Misa , Miki Kenju
Published: July 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The functional relationships between central amygdala neuronal activity (CeANA) and sympathetic nerve activity in daily activities remain unclear. We aimed to measure CeANA, renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA and LSNA, respectively), heart rate (HR) and arterial pressure simultaneously in freely moving rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The CeANA was significantly related to RSNA and LSNA and HR in a behavioural state‐dependent and regionally different manner; meanwhile, CeANA was tightly associated with RSNA and HR across all behavioural states. Thus, it is likely that the amygdala is a component of neural networks generating regional differences in RSNA and LSNA.

The central amygdala (CeA) is involved in generating diverse changes in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in response to changes in daily behavioural states. However, the functional relationships between CeA neuronal activity (CeANA) and SNA in daily activities are still unclear. In the present study, we developed a method for simultaneous and continuous measurement of CeANA and SNA in freely moving rats. Wistar rats were chronically instrumented with multiple electrodes (100‐μm‐thick stainless‐steel wire) for the measurement of CeANA, renal SNA (RSNA) and lumbar SNA (LSNA), and electroencephalogram, EMG and ECG electrodes, in addition to catheters for measurement of arterial pressure (AP). During the transition from non‐rapid eye movement sleep to quiet wakefulness, moving and grooming states, a significant linear relationship was observed between CeANA and RSNA (P < 0.0001), between CeANA and LSNA (P = 0.0309), between CeANA and heart rate (HR) (P = 0.0123) and between CeANA and EMG (P = 0.0089), but no significant correlation was observed between CeANA and AP (P = 0.5139). During rapid eye movement sleep, the relationships between CeANA and RSNA, LSNA, HR, AP and EMG deviated from the previously observed linear relationships, but the time course of RSNA and HR changes was the mirror image of that of CeANA, whereas the time course of changes in LSNA and AP was not related to that of CeANA. In conclusion, CeANA was related to RSNA, LSNA and HR in a behavioural state‐dependent and regionally different manner, and CeANA was tightly associated with RSNA and HR across all behavioural states.
Acoustic radiation simulation of forced vibrating plates using isogeometric analysis
Authors: Khanyile Ncamisile P. , Alia Ahlem , Dufrénoy Philippe , De Saxcé Géry
Published: July 2022

The analysis of the vibratory behavior of plates and their acoustic responses is very important in many sectors of industry. The excitation can be localized, as encountered in impact problems, or moving, as generated by a passing vehicle. Even though the dynamics of these problems have been widely studied via the finite element method, most research on the elastoacoustic response has been performed either experimentally or analytically. In addition, researchers have focused on the radiation of impacted plates at their centers and have been particularly interested in the initial transient wave. In this paper, the acoustic field radiated in air by a circular plate embedded in a rigid baffle, whether due to an impact or a moving force, is studied using isogeometric analysis, which has never been applied before to this kind of problem. For this purpose, both Reissner–Mindlin theory and the Rayleigh integral equation are discretized using the Bézier extraction method. Particular attention has been given to analysis of the near field radiation of a plate subjected to a moving force.