bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An insight into the therapeutic potential of a novel lytic Pseudomonas phage isolated from the river Ganga
Authors: Rathor Nisha , Thakur Chandan Kumar , Das Bimal Kumar , Chaudhry Rama
Published: May 2022

Aim

Bacteriophages are effective natural antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant pathogens. Therefore, identification and detailed characterization of bacteriophages become essential to explore their therapeutic potential. This study aims to isolate and characterize a lytic bacteriophage against drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods and Results

The Pseudomonas phage AIIMS-Pa-A1, isolated from the river Ganga water against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa, showed a clear lytic zone on spot assay. The phage revealed an icosahedral head (58.20 nm diameter) and a small tail (6.83 nm) under a transmission electron microscope. The growth kinetics showed an adsorption constant of 1.5 × 10−9 phage particles cell−1 ml−1 min−1 and a latent period of approximately 15 min with the burst size of 27 phages per infected cell. The whole-genome sequencing depicted a GC-rich genome of 40.97 kb having a lysis cassette of holin, endolysin and Rz protein, with features of the family Autographiviridae. The comparative genome analysis, Ortho-average nucleotide identity value, and phylogenetic analysis indicated the novelty of the phage AIIMS-Pa-A1.

Conclusions

The study concludes that the Pseudomonas phage AIIMS-Pa-A1 is a novel member of the Autographiviridae family, truly lytic in nature for drug-resistant P. aeruginosa.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The Pseudomonas phage AIIMS-Pa-A1 is having promising potential for future therapeutic intervention to treat drug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections.
Diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration with rapid on‐site evaluation performed by endoscopists in solid pancreatic lesions: A prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Song , Ni Muhan , Wang Pin , Zheng Jinyu , Sun Qi , Xu Guifang , Peng Chunyan , Shen Shanshan , Zhang Wei , Huang Shuling , Wang Lei , Zou Xiaoping , Lv Ying
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is the most established diagnostic method for pancreatic tissue. Rapid on‐site evaluation by a trained endoscopist (self‐ROSE) can improve the diagnostic accuracy. This research is aimed to analyze the application value of self‐ROSE for EUS‐FNA in solid pancreatic lesions.

Methods

A total of 194 consecutive patients with solid pancreatic lesions in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to EUS‐FNA with or without self‐ROSE in this single‐center randomized controlled trial. Before initiating self‐ROSE, the endoscopist underwent training for pancreatic cytologic sample adequacy assessment and cytopathological diagnosis of EUS‐FNA in pathology department for 1 month. Some parts of the slides of EUS‐FNA were air dried, stained on‐site with BASO Liu's reagent, and on‐site evaluated in self‐ROSE group. Between the two groups, the diagnostic performance of EUS‐FNA was analyzed, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy, with a comparison of the number of needle passes and the complication rates.

Results

The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 94.8%, 94.4%, 100%, 100%, and 58.3% in the self‐ROSE group, respectively, and 70.1%, 65.1%, 100%, 100%, and 32.6% in the non‐self‐ROSE group. The diagnostic accuracy (P < 0.001) and sensitivity (P < 0.001) were both significantly increased during EUS‐FNA in the self‐ROSE group compared to the non‐self‐ROSE group. The rate of cytologic sample adequacy was 100% in self‐ROSE group and 80.4% in non‐self‐ROSE group. The number of passes were 3.38 ± 1.00 in self‐ROSE group and 3.22 ± 0.89 in non‐self‐ROSE group (P = 0.228). No complications were found in both. There was acceptable consistency between endoscopist and pathologist in the cytopathological diagnosis (kappa = 0.666, P < 0.05) and in the sample adequacy rate (kappa = 1.000, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that self‐ROSE is valuable for EUS‐FNA in the diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions and is an important choice to routinely increase the accuracy of EUS‐FNA in centers without ROSE assessment.
Towards personalized treatment of T2N0 rectal cancer: A systematic review of long‐term oncological outcomes of neoadjuvant therapy followed by local excision
Authors: Peltrini Roberto , Imperatore Nicola , Di Nuzzo Maria Michela , Pellino Gianluca
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Total mesorectal excision (TME) remains the treatment of choice in T2N0 tumors. However, evidence suggest that one‐size‐fits‐all approach is not always beneficial for this group of patients. The aim of this study is to synthesize data on long‐term outcomes after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) followed by local excision (LE) in T2N0 rectal cancer patients in the perspective of a rectal‐preserving strategy.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases was conducted until October 2021 to identify studies comparing LE after NAT and TME or reporting oncologic outcomes after conservative approach. A pooled analysis was conducted using a fixed‐effect model in the case of non‐significant heterogeneity (P > 0.1), and a random effect model (DerSimonian–Laird method) when significant heterogeneity was present (P < 0.1) CRD42022300344.

Results

Nine studies were included in the analysis. Three of them were comparative studies. The pooled 3‐year DFS, 5‐year DFS, 3‐year OS, 5‐year OS, local and distant recurrence rates were 92.8% (95% CI 81.6–99.5%), 91.3% (95% CI 88.3–94.3%), 96.1% (95% CI 90.5–100%), 72.6% (95% CI 57.5–87.7%), 4% (95% CI 18–63%), and 4.9% (95% CI 2–7.8%), respectively, in subjects treated with NAT followed by LE. No heterogeneity was found for all these analyses, except for the 5‐year OS sub‐analysis (I2 95.5%, P < 0.001). Complete pathological response (ypT0) rate after NAT and LE ranges from 26.7% to 59%.

Conclusion

LE following neoadjuvant CRT may provide comparable survival benefit to radical surgery for patients with clinical stage T2N0 in selected patients although the evidence is still limited to provide solid recommendations. A personalized therapeutic approach taking into account tumor and patient‐related factors should be considered.
Patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated fibrosis‐4 are under‐referred to hepatology and have unrecognized hepatic decompensation
Authors: Dunn Winston , Song Xing , Koestler Devin , Grdinovac Kristine , Al‐hihi Eyad , Chen John , Taylor Ryan , Wilson Jessica , Weinman Steven A.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends a high index of suspicion for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and an elevated fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4). We investigated the referral pattern of patients with T2D and FIB4 > 3.25 to the hepatology clinic and evaluated the clinical benefits to the patient.

Methods

We included patients aged 18–80 years with T2D and a FIB4 score >3.25 who had visited the internal medicine, family medicine, endocrinology clinic from 01/01/2014–5/31/2019. The first time point of high‐risk FIB‐4 was identified as the baseline for time‐to‐event analysis. The patients were classified based on whether they had visited the hepatology clinic (referred vs not referred).

Results

Of the 2174 patients, 290 (13.3%) were referred to the hepatology clinic, and 1884 (86.7%) were not referred. In multivariate analyses, the referred patients had a lower overall mortality risk (Hazard Ratio: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.38–87). Notably, the referred patients had the same rate of biochemical decompensation, as measured by progression to MELD ≥ 14, but a substantially higher rate of diagnosis in cirrhosis (27, 19–38) and cirrhosis complications, including ascites (2.9, 2.0–4.1), hepatic encephalopathy (99, 13–742), and liver cancer (14, 5–38).

Conclusions

We found that patients with T2D and high‐risk FIB4 are associated with better overall survival after referral to a hepatology clinic. We speculate that the survival difference is due to the increased recognition of cirrhosis and cirrhosis complications in the referred populations.
Effect of gastro‐esophageal reflux symptoms on the risk of Barrett's esophagus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eusebi Leonardo H , Telese Andrea , Cirota Giovanna G , Haidry Rehan , Zagari R Maurizio , Bazzoli Franco , Ford Alexander C
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Gastro‐esophageal reflux (GER) is the main predisposing factor for Barrett's esophagus (BE). A more precise estimate of the association of GER symptoms with the risk of BE would be important to prioritize endoscopic screening. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine this issue.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMBASE Classic were searched to identify cross‐sectional studies that reported the prevalence of BE based on presence of GER symptoms. The prevalence of BE was compared according to presence or absence of GER symptoms using an odds ratio (OR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Specificity and sensitivity of GER symptoms for predicting BE was calculated.

Results

Of 10,463 citations evaluated, 19 studies reported the prevalence of BE in 43,017 subjects. The pooled OR among individuals with weekly GER symptoms compared with those without was 1.67 (95% CI 1.30–2.15) for endoscopically suspected BE, and 2.42 (95% CI 1.59–3.68) for histologically confirmed BE. No significant association was found between weekly GER symptoms and the presence of short segment BE (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.86–1.97), whereas a strong association was present with long segment BE, with an OR of 6.30 (95% CI 2.26–17.61).

Conclusions

Gastro‐esophageal reflux symptoms are associated with an increased odds of BE, with a further increase when weekly symptoms are present. Overall, GER symptoms showed low sensitivity and specificity for predicting BE; however, a strong association was found between weekly GER symptoms and long segment BE, but not short segment BE, suggesting that it may be worth considering screening individuals with weekly GER symptoms to rule out long segment BE.
Survive and thrive: Personal stories of persistence and resilience in aging research
Authors: Wong Melisa L. , Brown Cynthia J. , Kitzman Dalane W. , Zeng Sandra , Mohile Supriya G.
Published: May 2022

An academic career in aging research is filled with the incredible highs of important discoveries that improve the lives of older adults and repeated lows when papers and grants are rejected or studies are negative. To normalize the experience of setbacks and failures in aging research, we invited three senior investigators to share their journeys of persistence and resilience as they have navigated their research careers. This career development symposium was presented at the 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society, which was held virtually. We aimed to connect researchers in aging, especially trainees and junior investigators, through personal stories of persistence and shared strategies to build resilience and respond to setbacks with a growth mindset.
Choosing a Birth Setting: A Shared Decision‐Making Approach
Authors: George Erin K. , Mitchell Stephanie , Stacey Dawn
Published: May 2022

Perinatal outcomes vary widely depending on individual birth settings (birth center, home, and hospital). The purpose of this case study is to explore a patient‐centered, shared decision‐making approach to achieve an informed, values‐based choice about birth settings. Engaging in a shared decision‐making approach regarding birth setting options would support people to have the information and ability to judge for themselves how benefits and risks across birth center, home, and hospital settings would best fit with their values and personal health. A patient decision aid about birth setting options could facilitate increased equity regarding access to birth settings that offer improved perinatal health outcomes, helping to reduce perinatal health disparities in the United States.
An Observational Approach to Examining White Parents’ Racial Socialization Practices With Adolescent Youth
Authors: Galán Chardée A. , Savell Shannon , Wilson Melvin , Shaw Daniel S.
Published: May 2022

The racial socialization (RS) strategies used by White parents have received limited empirical attention. Thus, the current study examined the frequency and content of White parents’ RS messages to their White children during an observed parent–child discussion task on discrimination when youth were 14 years old. Participants were 243 White caregivers and their adolescent children (47.7% female). Overall, parents provided few RS messages, but when they did, they often relayed egalitarian messages or messages minimizing racism. Other types of RS strategies that emerged included acknowledging racism targeting people of color, discriminatory attitudes, and false beliefs in reverse racism.
Serial evaluation of thoracic radiographs and acute phase proteins in dogs with pneumonia
Authors: Menard Julie , Porter Ian , Lerer Assaf , Robbins Sarah , Johnson Philippa J. , Goggs Robert
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute phase proteins (APP) may guide treatment of pneumonia in dogs but correlations with radiographic abnormalities are poorly characterized.

Objectives

Develop a thoracic radiographic severity scoring system (TRSS), assess correlation of radiographic changes with APP concentrations, and compare time to APP and radiograph normalization with duration of antimicrobials treatment.

Animals

Sixteen client‐owned dogs, 12 with aspiration pneumonia, and 4 with community‐acquired pneumonia.

Methods

Concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin were measured on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 60 and orthogonal 2‐view thoracic radiographs were obtained on days 1, 7, 14, 28, and 60. Treatment was clinician‐guided and blinded to APP concentrations. Radiographic severity scores were assigned by blinded, randomized retrospective review by 2 board‐certified radiologists with arbitration by a third radiologist.

Results

Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to normalization of CRP (7 days [7‐14]) and SAA concentrations (7 days [7‐14]) were shorter than antimicrobial treatment duration (17.5 days [14.5‐33.5];P = .001 and .002, respectively) and TRSS normalization (14 days [8.8‐52],P = .02 and .02, respectively). The CRP and SAA concentrations were positively correlated with TRSS (CRPrs, 0.643; SAArs, 0.634; bothP < .0001). Both CRP and SAA identified normal thoracic radiographs area under the curve (AUC) 0.873 and 0.817, respectively, bothP < .0001. Interobserver agreement for TRSS assignment was moderate (κ, .499;P < .0001).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Concentrations of CRP and SAA normalized before radiographic resolution and before clinicians discontinued antimicrobial treatment. The CRP and SAA concentrations may guide duration of antimicrobial treatment for dogs with pneumonia.
Association between quantitative bacterial culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and antibiotic requirement in dogs with lower respiratory tract signs
Authors: Lebastard Matthieu , Beurlet‐Lafarge Stephanie , Gomes Eymeric , Le Boedec Kevin
Published: May 2022

Background

Historically, positive bacterial cultures from the lower respiratory tract (LRT) have been considered clinically relevant when quantitative bacterial cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were >1700 colony forming units (cfu)/mL. However, this threshold might not accurately predict a requirement for antibiotics.

Objectives

To study whether quantitative BALF bacterial culture results were predictive of antibiotic requirement in dogs with LRT signs.

Animals

Thirty‐three client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Dogs with positive quantitative bacterial culture of BALF were included. Dogs were divided into 2 groups, depending on whether they had a LRT infection requiring antibiotics (LRTI‐RA) or LRT disease not requiring antibiotics (LRTD‐NRA), based on thoracic imaging features, presence of intracellular bacteria on BALF cytology, and response to treatment. Predictive effect of cfu/mL and BALF total nucleated cell count (TNCC) on antibiotic requirement, adjusting for ongoing or prior antibiotic therapy and age, were studied using logistic regression.

Results

Twenty‐two and 11 dogs were included in the LRTI‐RA and LRTD‐NRA groups, respectively. The cfu/mL was not significantly predictive of antibiotic requirement, independent of ongoing or prior antibiotic treatment and age (LRTI‐RA: median, 10 000 cfu/mL; range, 10‐3 × 108; LRTD‐NRA: median, 10  000 cfu/mL; range, 250‐1.3 × 109; P = .27). The TNCC was not significantly predictive of antibiotic requirement when only dogs with bronchial disease were considered (LRTI‐RA: median, 470 cells/μL; range, 240‐2260; LRTD‐NRA: median, 455 cells/μL; range, 80‐4990; P = .57).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The cfu/mL is an inappropriate measure for determining whether antibiotics are of benefit in dogs with LRT signs.
Sebaceous adenoma occurring within an intracranial dermoid cyst
Authors: Minamisaka Takashi , Imura Johji , Shiraishi Keitaro , Takagi Kohji , Tomia Takahiko , Tanaka Sinichi , Noguchi Akira , Akai Takuya , Noguchi Kyo , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: May 2022

Among intracranial cystic lesions, dermoid cysts and epidermoid cysts are relatively common benign tumors. In a small number of these tumors, it is known that squamous cell carcinomas arise in the lining epithelium of the cysts. Among tumors derived from the appendage, only one case of hidradenoma within a dermoid cyst and no cases of sebaceous tumor have been reported previously. In the present case, a protruding lesion was present in the cystic wall, and it was composed of two cell types: sebaceous cells (sebocytes) and basaloid/germinated cells, being characteristic of this tumor. It is essential to distinguish it from other sebaceous lesions such as hyperplasia, sebaceoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation derived from the epidermis. The critical distinguishing points in making a differential diagnosis among these lesions are the ratio of the two cell types and the presence or absence of other components such as hair sacs, invasion or cellular atypia. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the tumor cells were positive for the epithelial markers, such as cytokeratin (CK)14, p63, p40, high‐molecular CK, and adipophilin; these findings are peculiar to sebaceous adenoma. Although there have been several similar case reports of sebaceous tumors associated with dermmoid cysts in the ovaries, most of the intracranial lesions were squamous cell carcinomas that developed within the cysts, and there has been no precedent showing an association with a sebaceous tumor. The present report describes the first case of sebaceous adenoma that occurred in an intracranial dermoid cyst.
Increased incidence of facial pityriasis versicolor in children during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A consequence of mask usage?
Authors: Kaliyadan Feroze , Ashique Karalikkattil T. , Jayasree Puravoor
Published: May 2022

We describe a case series of seven children presenting with pityriasis versicolor on the face, localized to the area of coverage by the mask. The increased use of face masks after the opening up of schools, combined with a humid environment and associated sweating might be responsible for an increased presentation of facial pityriasis versicolor in children in our community.
Access to kidney transplantation among pediatric candidates with prior solid organ transplants in the United States
Authors: Husain Syed Ali , King Kristen L. , Owen‐Simon Nina L. , Fernandez Hilda E. , Ratner Lloyd E. , Mohan Sumit
Published: May 2022

Background

Pediatric kidney transplant candidates require timely access to transplant to optimize growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. We studied access to transplant for pediatric candidates with prior organ transplants.

Methods

We used US registry data to identify pediatric kidney transplant candidates added to the waiting list 2015–2019 and used competing risk regression to study the association between prior transplant status and probability of receiving a kidney transplant, treating wait‐list removal and death as competing events.

Results

Of 4962 pediatric kidney transplant candidates included, 89% had no prior transplant and 11% had received a prior organ transplant (kidney 87%, liver 5%, heart 5%). Prior transplant recipients were older at listing (median 15 vs. 12 years) and more likely to have PRA≥98% (22% vs. 0.3%) (both p < .001). There was no significant difference in the proportion of candidates from each group who were preemptively wait‐listed. Unadjusted competing risk regression showed a lower risk of kidney transplant after wait‐listing among candidates with prior organ transplant (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.47–0.59, p < .001). This association remained significant after adjusting for candidate characteristics (HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.63–0.83, p < .001). Among deceased donor kidney recipients, median KDPI was similar between groups, but recipients with prior transplants were more likely to receive kidneys from donors with hypertension (4% vs. 1%, p = .01) and donors after cardiac death (11% vs. 4%, p < .001).

Conclusions

Pediatric kidney transplant candidates with prior organ transplants have reduced access to transplant after wait‐listing. Allocation system changes are needed to improve timely access to transplant for this vulnerable group.
Flow and presentness in experience
Authors: Torrengo Giuliano , Cassaghi Daniele
Published: May 2022

In the contemporary landscape about temporal experience, debates concerning the “hard question” of the experience of the flow—as opposed to debates concerning more qualitative aspects of temporality, such as change, movement, succession and duration—are gaining more and more attention. The overall dialectics can be thought of in terms of a debate between the realists (who take the phenomenology of the flow of time seriously, and propose various account of it) and deflationists (who take our description of temporal phenomenology as “flowy” to be spurious, and propose various explanation of this spuriousness). In this paper we look inside the realist side. We distinguish primitivist realism, according to which the feeling of time flowing is an irreducible sui generis phenomenology, and various forms of reductionist realism, according to which the experience of the flow is ultimately explainable in terms of a more basic phenomenology. We present reasons to be sceptical against the various reductionist proposals. The conclusion is thus disjunctive: either primitivism or deflationism is the correct account of the purported experience of the flow of time.
The novel frontal alpha asymmetry factor and its association with depression, anxiety, and personality traits
Authors: Monni Alessandra , Collison Katherine L. , Hill Kaylin E. , Oumeziane Belel Ait , Foti Dan
Published: May 2022

Frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) is widely examined in EEG research, yet a procedural consensus on its assessment is lacking. In this study, we tested a latent factorial approach to measure FAA. We assessed resting‐state FAA at broad, low, and high alpha bands (8–13; 8–10.5; and 11–13 Hz) using mastoids as reference electrodes and Current Source Density (CSD) transformation (N = 139 non‐clinical participants). From mastoid‐referenced data, we extracted a frontal alpha asymmetry factor (FAAf) and a parietal factor (PAAf) subjecting all asymmetry indices to a varimax‐rotated, principal component analysis. We explored split‐half reliability and discriminant validity of the mastoid factors and the mastoid and CSD raw asymmetry indices (F3/4, F7/8, P3/4, and P7/8). Both factor and raw scores reached an excellent split‐half reliability (>.99), but only the FAAf reached the maximum discriminant validity from parietal scores. Next, we explored the correlations of latent factor and raw FAA scores with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and personality traits to determine which associations were driven by FAA after variance from parietal activity was removed. After correcting for false discovery rate, only FAAf at the low alpha band was negatively associated with depression symptoms (a latent CES‐D factor) and significantly diverged from PAAf’s association with depression symptoms. With respect to personality traits, only CSD‐transformed F7/8 was positively correlated with Conscientiousness and significantly diverged from the correlations between Conscientiousness and P3/4 and P7/8. Overall, the latent factor approach shows promise for isolating functionally distinct resting‐state EEG signatures, although further research is needed to examine construct validity.
An Australian blue carbon method to estimate climate change mitigation benefits of coastal wetland restoration
Authors: Lovelock Catherine E. , Adame Maria F. , Bradley Jennifer , Dittmann Sabine , Hagger Valerie , Hickey Sharyn M. , Hutley Lindsay B. , Jones Alice , Kelleway Jeffrey J. , Lavery Paul S. , Macreadie Peter I. , Maher Damien T. , McGinley Soraya , McGlashan Alice , Perry Sarah , Mosley Luke , Rogers Kerrylee , Sippo James Z.
Published: May 2022

Restoration of coastal wetlands has the potential to deliver both climate change mitigation, called blue carbon, and adaptation benefits to coastal communities, as well as supporting biodiversity and providing additional ecosystem services. Valuing carbon sequestration may incentivize restoration projects; however, it requires development of rigorous methods for quantifying blue carbon sequestered during coastal wetland restoration. We describe the development of a blue carbon accounting model (BlueCAM) used within the Tidal Restoration of Blue Carbon Ecosystems Methodology Determination 2022 of the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), which is Australia's voluntary carbon market scheme. The new BlueCAM uses Australian data to estimate abatement from carbon and greenhouse gas sources and sinks arising from coastal wetland restoration (via tidal restoration) and aligns with the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories. BlueCAM includes carbon sequestered in soils and biomass and avoided emissions from alternative land uses. A conservative modeled approach was used to provide estimates of abatement (as opposed to on‐ground measurements); and in doing so, this will reduce the costs associated with monitoring and verification for ERF projects and may increase participation in blue carbon projects by Australian landholders. BlueCAM encompasses multiple climate regions and plant communities and therefore may be useful to others outside Australia seeking to value blue carbon benefits from coastal wetland restoration.
The impact of predation on population dynamics of the Crested Ibis in the Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi, central China
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wu Si , Tong Yi‐Wei , Zhang Ya‐Zu , Li Xia , Ye Xin‐Ping , Yu Xiao‐Ping
Published: May 2022

Predation is one of the most important extrinsic factors acting upon animal populations and is a strong selective force in the evolution of form and function. Understanding the impact of predation on bird population dynamics is crucial for understanding the predation pressure of bird populations and implementing conservation strategies, especially for threatened or endemic bird species. In this paper, we sorted the predation events in the wild Crested Ibis population in Yangxian County, Shaanxi Province, from 1981 to 2021 and in the reintroduced Crested Ibis population in Ningshan from 2008 to 2021. With the use of age‐classified Leslie matrix models to simulate Crested Ibis populations under different predation pressures, the random population growth rate was estimated, and the impact of predation on population dynamics was evaluated. The results showed that snakes and raptors were the main predators of Crested Ibis in the wild and reintroduced populations, and the number of dead individuals was unevenly distributed within the three age classes in both the wild population (df = 2,χ2 = 13.236,p < 0.05) and reintroduced population (df = 2,χ2 = 49.273,p < 0.01). Predation caused a reduction in the potential annual population growth rate of 2.37% (confidence interval [CI]: 2.29–2.45) in the wild population and 2.88% (CI: 2.82–2.94) in the reintroduced population. The overall average growth rates of the wild and reintroduced populations derived from population model simulations were 12.84 and 18.13%, respectively, which suggested that the wild and reintroduced populations was increasing under the current predation pressure and that the impact of predation on the population was acceptable and sustainable.
Contagious COVID‐19 policies: Policy diffusion during times of crisis
Authors: Mistur Evan M. , Givens John Wagner , Matisoff Daniel C.
Published: May 2022

The COVID‐19 crisis demanded rapid, widespread policy action. In response, nations turned to different forms of social distancing policies to reduce the spread of the virus. These policies were implemented globally, proving as contagious as the virus they are meant to prevent. Yet, variation in their implementation invites questions as to how and why countries adopt social distancing policies, and whether the causal mechanisms driving these policy adoptions are based on internal resources and problem conditions or other external factors such as conditions in other countries. We leverage daily changes in international social distancing policies to understand the impacts of problem characteristics, institutional and economic context, and peer effects on social distancing policy adoption. Using fixed‐effects models on an international panel of daily data from 2020, we find that peer effects, particularly mimicry of geographic neighbors, political peers, and language agnates drive policy diffusion and shape countries' policy choices.
Individuals who text crisis text line: Key characteristics and opportunities for suicide prevention
Authors: Pisani Anthony R. , Gould Madelyn S. , Gallo Carlos , Ertefaie Ashkan , Kelberman Caroline , Harrington Donald , Weller Daniel , Green Shannon
Published: May 2022

Objective

Text‐based crisis services are increasingly prominent, with inclusion in the national 988 crisis number launching in 2022. Yet little is known about who uses them. This study seeks to understand the population served by Crisis Text Line (CTL), the largest crisis text service in the United States.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted on de‐identified Crisis Counselor reports, texter post‐conversation survey responses, and anonymized text conversation data from 85,877 texters who contacted CTL during a 12‐month period. We examined Crisis Counselor's ratings of suicide ideation severity, texters' reports of race, gender, sexual orientation, recent mental health symptoms, and additional sources of help, and logs of frequency of contact.

Results

76% of texters were under 25. 79% were female. 48% identified as other than heterosexual/straight. 64% had only one conversation. 79% were above the clinical cutoff for depression and 80% for anxiety, while 23% had thoughts of suicide. 23% received help from a doctor or therapist, and 28% received help only from CTL.

Conclusions

CTL reaches a highly distressed, young, mostly female population, including typically underserved minorities and a substantial percentage of individuals who do not receive help elsewhere. These findings support the decision to include texting in the forthcoming national 988 implementation.
Marketing of self: Using tattoos to symbolize ownership and control of One's body. Narratives from Middle Eastern women
Authors: Khair Nadine
Published: May 2022

Negative perceptions are associated to women with tattoos. This paper explores the impact of culture on Middle Eastern women with tattoos and their response towards rejection and perceptions. The study adopts a social constructivist approach that integrates narratives from Middle Eastern women. This is precisely conducted to obtain an insider's view through reflections of personal experiences of women with tattoos in Jordan. Such methods help by extracting social insights that can be limited in traditional positivistic methods. The findings generated from the narratives, narrated by seven Middle Eastern women, reveal the symbolic meanings associated to tattoos and the sense of ownership and control women have over their own bodies. Furthermore, results reveal a form of individualism in a collective and masculine culture with a patriarchal mindset. Middle Eastern women in this study are considered warriors that are successfully overcoming cultural‐bound impediments. This paper allows Middle Eastern women to express their voice in the ownership of their own bodies and in the decision taken in the practice of tattooing.
Decisions that matter: State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policy restrictiveness limits SNAP participation rate
Authors: Newby Kara , Chen Xi
Published: May 2022

Objective

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers free benefits to qualifying individuals, but participation varies greatly from state to state. We explore the impact of SNAP administration policies, political factors, and socio‐demographic characteristics to explain this variation.

Method

We utilize a policy index that aggregates the effect of 10 SNAP administrative policies to evaluate the effects of policies over time on state SNAP participation rates.

Results

Less restrictive administrative policies are associated with increases in SNAP participation. Additionally, the unified Democratic control of state government, poverty, and unemployment all increase SNAP participation.

Conclusion

Differences in SNAP state participation rates are not spurious. More restrictive administrative policies lower participation. Thus, SNAP policies are not purely “administrative” decisions; they can either work to encourage or discourage participation in the program.
Full genomic sequence of the novel HLA‐C*14:132 allele identified using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Khor Seik‐Soon , Omae Yosuke , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: May 2022

HLA‐C*14:132 differs from HLA‐C*14:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 3 at positions 829.
Is intravenous immunoglobulin a risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates with haemolytic disease of the newborn? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Jie , Zhong Xiao‐Yun , Song Si‐Jie , Liao Ling‐Fan , Wu Yan
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

To assess whether the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in late‐preterm and term newborns with haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary centre. Infants with HDN during early neonatal period (<7 days) who were of ≥34 weeks' gestation and born between January 2019 and October 2021 were included. Propensity score, interaction as well as univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed.

Results

One‐thousand two‐hundred and fifty‐nine infants with HDN were enrolled, of whom 192 (15.3%) received IVIG. NEC was diagnosed in 29 (2.3%) patients with 5 (2.6%) in the IVIG group and 24 (2.2%) in the non‐IVIG group. No significant association between IVIG administration and confirmed NEC was observed using univariate analysis (p > 0.05). The possible predictors of NEC, as assessed by multivariate analysis, were caesarean delivery, haemoglobin on admission <130 g/L and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). There was no interactive effect of IVIG against NEC for prematurity, low birth weight, caesarean delivery, haemoglobin on admission <130 g/L and PDA.

Conclusions

In late‐preterm and term infants with HDN, there was no evidence that the early use of IVIG led to the development of NEC.
Correlation of platelet‐derived growth factor and thromboxane A2 expression with platelet parameters and coagulation indices in chronic altitude sickness patients
Authors: Yin Yujuan , Geng Hui , Cui Sen , Hua‐Ji Lin
Published: May 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) elevated in chronic altitude patients, and are they related to thrombosis in chronic mountain sickness?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The expression of PDGF and TXA2 in both the bone marrow and the peripheral blood of patients with chronic mountain sickness is elevated, and they are considered to be correlated in the mechanism of thrombosis in the chronic mountain sickness.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) along with platelet parameters and coagulation indices in chronic mountain sickness (CMS) patients and healthy individuals on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The levels of PDGF and TXA2 were examined in 22 CMS patients (age, 52.77 ± 9.92 years, haemoglobin, 219 ± 13 g/l) and 25 healthy individuals (age, 47.80 ± 9.78 years, haemoglobin, 146 ± 18 g/l), and the association between platelet parameters and coagulation indices was investigated. Mean platelet volume and fibrinogen degradation product were higher in the CMS compared to the control group (10.58 ± 0.83 vs. 8.92 ± 1.61, 7.50 ± 2.15 vs. 4.40 ± 2.51), platelet count and plateletcrit were lower in the CMS compared to the control group (0.13 (0.80, 0.16) vs. 0.23 (0.18, 0.24), 109 ± 46 vs. 204 ± 86). The levels of PDGF and TXA2 in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of CMS patients were higher (P < 0.01) in comparison to the control group. The two factors had no statistically significant relationship with platelet parameters or coagulation indices (P > 0.159). According to the current findings, platelets in CMS patients were activated, resulting in aberrant coagulation and PDGF and TXA2 expression, which could be due to physiological adjustments to the plateau's high altitude. To summarize, PDGF and TXA2 levels in CMS patients were not correlated with coagulation or platelet parameters, implying that the mechanism behind their increased expression warrants additional investigation.
Abundance of ectoparasitic ticks and mites (Acari: Ixodida, Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes) on rodents in the Alamedin Gorge of Kyrgyz Range, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Akyshova Burulsun , Chen Yan-Nan , Chen Jun
Published: May 2022

The Alamedin Gorge is one of the famous resorts in Kyrgyzstan. There are more than 150 thousand vacationers and tourists visiting this gorge each year, and the visitors could be potential hosts for ectoparasites. Thus, the risk of epidemic diseases caused by ectoparasites could not be ignored. To monitor the abundance of parasitic arthropods and their hosts is very important for early warning and controlling the epidemic disease accurately. In this paper, rodents were captured with traps and ectoparasitic acarines were separated from them in the Alamedin Gorge in different seasons from 2019 to 2020. It showed that there were 33 species in 15 genera representing six families of ticks, gamasid mites and chigger mites parasitizing on five species of rodents. Neotrombicula (Neotrombicula) kharadovi, N. (N.) monticola and Ixodes crenulatus are dominant species. The species diversity of host rodent and parasitic acarines, the seasonal dynamic of communities of acarines, the distribution of acarines in different biotopes and elevation gradients were analysed. It is helpful for assessing the risk of the epidemic disease, and establish effective preventive measures by sanitary and epidemiological services in this area.
An overview of research on the family Cheyletidae (Acariformes) in Turkey, with a checklist of the Turkish cheyletid mites
Authors: Doğan Salih
Published: May 2022

This paper provides an overview of the research on the family Cheyletidae of Turkey with a list of cheyletid species known from Turkey. For now, this family is represented by 35 valid species and one species inquirenda, Apodicheles heteropalpus (Mégnin) in 20 genera in Turkey. Some setal variations in two species, Cheletomimus (Hemicheyletia) bregetovae (Volgin) and Cheyletus trouessarti Oudemans were reported herein. Two previously misidentified species from Turkey, Cheletomimus (Hemicheyletia) wellsi (Baker) and Columbicheyla macroflabellata Thewke & Enns were corrected as Cheletomimus (Hemicheyletia) bregetovae (Volgin) and Microcheyla granifera Kuznetzov, respectively. This work presents the first records of three species, Acaropsella rohdendorfi (Volgin), Cunliffella variegata (Barilo) and Lepidocheyla caucasica Volgin from Turkey. This is the first report on the occurrence of the genus Cunliffella Volgin in Turkey. The presence of newly recorded species indicates that Turkey has diverse cheyletid species which is still waiting to be discovered. This study also includes comments on some members of the genera Lepidocheyla and Cheletomimus Oudemans. In this regard, the name Lepidocheyla solimani Zaher & Hassan 1986 is considered as nomen nudum.
Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Fitness Are Key Correlates of Tactical Soccer Skill in Grassroots Soccer Players Aged 8–14 Years
Authors: Duncan Michael J. , Clarke Neil D. , Bolt Lee , Eyre Emma , Roscoe Clare M.P.
Published: May 2022

One hundred and twenty-one children (58 boys and 63 girls) aged 8–14 years (mean ± SD = 12 ± 1 years) who were regularly engaged in grassroots soccer participated in this study. Participants undertook assessments of fundamental movement skill (FMS) using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3, perceived ability using the Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children, physical fitness via 15-m sprint time, standing long jump distance, and technical skill using the university of Ghent dribbling test. The Procedural Tactical Knowledge Test was employed as a measure of tactical skill from which metrics for positioning and movement and recognizing spaces were derived. Maturation was determined from anthropometric measures. Analysis of covariance examined gender differences in tactical skills accounting for FMS, fitness, perceived ability, technical skill, maturation, and age. Results indicated no significant differences in tactical skills between boys and girls (p > .05). For recognizing spaces, 56% of the variance was explained with FMS (p = .001), physical fitness (p = .02), and technical skill (p = .02) contributing to the model. For positioning and movement, a significant model explained 55% of the variance in this element of tactical behavior with FMS (p = .002) and technical skill (p = .02) significantly contributing to the model.
Postural Control Adaptations in Yoga Single-Leg Support Postures: Comparison Between Practitioners and Nonpractitioners
Authors: Pinto Dafne Pires , Moreira Pedro Vieira Sarmet , Menegaldo Luciano Luporini
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates whether a group of regular Yoga practitioners shows postural control differences compared with healthy controls while performing single-leg Yoga postures. Ten Yoga practitioners were compared with a control group of 10 nonpractitioners performing two single-leg support Yoga postures: Vrksasana (tree posture) and Natarajasana (dancer posture). Rambling and trembling decomposition of the center of pressure trajectories was implemented using a genetic algorithm spectral optimization that avoids using horizontal forces and was validated with bipedal posture data. Additionally, the center of mass was estimated from body kinematics using OpenSim and compared with the rambling outputs. During Natarajasana, no postural control adaptations were observed. For Vrksasana, the Yoga practitioners showed a lower center of pressure ellipse confidence interval area, center of pressure anteroposterior SD, and smaller rambling SD in the mediolateral direction, suggesting possible supraspinal feed-forward motor adaptations associated with Yoga training.
Chromatin profiles classify castration-resistant prostate cancers suggesting therapeutic targets
Authors: Tang Fanying , Xu Duo , Wang Shangqian , Wong Chen Khuan , Martinez-Fundichely Alexander , Lee Cindy J. , Cohen Sandra , Park Jane , Hill Corinne E. , Eng Kenneth , Bareja Rohan , Han Teng , Liu Eric Minwei , Palladino Ann , Di Wei , Gao Dong , Abida Wassim , Beg Shaham , Puca Loredana , Meneses Maximiliano , de Stanchina Elisa , Berger Michael F. , Gopalan Anuradha , Dow Lukas E. , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Beltran Himisha , Sternberg Cora N. , Chi Ping , Scher Howard I. , Sboner Andrea , Chen Yu , Khurana Ekta
Published: May 2022

In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the loss of androgen receptor (AR) dependence leads to clinically aggressive tumors with few therapeutic options. We used ATAC-seq (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing), RNA-seq, and DNA sequencing to investigate 22 organoids, six patient-derived xenografts, and 12 cell lines. We identified the well-characterized AR-dependent and neuroendocrine subtypes, as well as two AR-negative/low groups: a Wnt-dependent subtype, and a stem cell–like (SCL) subtype driven by activator protein–1 (AP-1) transcription factors. We used transcriptomic signatures to classify 366 patients, which showed that SCL is the second most common subtype of CRPC after AR-dependent. Our data suggest that AP-1 interacts with the YAP/TAZ and TEAD proteins to maintain subtype-specific chromatin accessibility and transcriptomic landscapes in this group. Together, this molecular classification reveals drug targets and can potentially guide therapeutic decisions.
Immune-microbe interactions early in life: A determinant of health and disease long term
Authors: Brodin Petter
Published: May 2022

Research on newborn immunity has revealed the importance of cell ontogeny, feto-maternal tolerance, and the transfer of maternal antibodies. Less is known about postnatal adaptation to environmental exposures. The microbiome and its importance for health have been extensively studied, but it remains unclear how mutually beneficial relationships between commensal microbes and human cells first arise and are maintained throughout life. Such immune-microbe mutualism, and perturbations thereof, is most likely a root cause of increasing incidences of immune-mediated disorders such as allergies and autoimmunity across many industrialized nations during the past century. In this Review, I discuss our current understanding of immune development and propose that mismatches among ancestral, early-life, and adult environments can explain perturbations to immune-microbe interactions, immune dysregulation, and increased risks of immune-mediated diseases.
Persistent influence of precession on northern ice sheet variability since the early Pleistocene
Authors: Barker Stephen , Starr Aidan , van der Lubbe Jeroen , Doughty Alice , Knorr Gregor , Conn Stephen , Lordsmith Sian , Owen Lindsey , Nederbragt Alexandra , Hemming Sidney , Hall Ian , Levay Leah ,   IODP Exp 361 Shipboard Scientific Party†, Berke M. A. , Brentegani L. , Caley T. , Cartagena-Sierra A. , Charles C. D. , Coenen J. J. , Crespin J. G. , Franzese A. M. , Gruetzner J. , Han X. , Hines S. K. V. , Jimenez Espejo F. J. , Just J. , Koutsodendris A. , Kubota K. , Lathika N. , Norris R. D. , Periera dos Santos T. , Robinson R. , Rolison J. M. , Simon M. H. , Tangunan D. , Yamane M. , Zhang H.
Published: May 2022

Prior to ~1 million years ago (Ma), variations in global ice volume were dominated by changes in obliquity; however, the role of precession remains unresolved. Using a record of North Atlantic ice rafting spanning the past 1.7 million years, we find that the onset of ice rafting within a given glacial cycle (reflecting ice sheet expansion) consistently occurred during times of decreasing obliquity whereas mass ice wasting (ablation) events were consistently tied to minima in precession. Furthermore, our results suggest that the ubiquitous association between precession-driven mass wasting events and glacial termination is a distinct feature of the mid to late Pleistocene. Before then, (increasing) obliquity alone was sufficient to end a glacial cycle, before losing its dominant grip on deglaciation with the southward extension of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets since ~1 Ma.