bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation versus robotic‐assisted laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation for lower ureter pathology: Single‐institutional comparative study
Authors: Batra Rohan , Agrawal Anshul , Singh Abhishek , Ganpule Arvind , Sabnis Ravindra , Desai Mahesh
Published: August 2022

Objective

To compare and analyze the results of laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation and robotic‐assisted ureteric reimplantation at our tertiary institute.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of adult patients who underwent laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation and robotic‐assisted ureteric reimplantation between January 2000 and December 2020. Data were analyzed for 19 patients in the laparoscopic group and 47 patients in the robotic group. The data were compared in both the groups.

Results

The most common presentation was flank pain (67.89%) followed by recurrent UTI (21.05%) in both the groups. The baseline characteristics and demographic data including age, gender, laterality, Charlson comorbidity index, and BMI were comparable in both the groups. The time range from previous surgeries to presentation varied from 7 days to 5 years. There is statistically significant difference between the operative time in the laparoscopic (224.23 ± 76.61 min) and robotic groups (187.06 ± 52.81 min) (p = 0.027). There is statistically significant difference between the hospital stay also between the two groups (9.07 ± 2.75 vs. 6 ± 1.65 days p‐0.001). There were no differences in the complication rate and postoperative outcomes in both the groups. Mean length of follow‐up was 28 ± 25.5 (2–108) months and 20.57 ± 19.91 (2–96) months in both the groups, respectively. The success rates in terms of symptomatic improvement, decrease in hydronephrosis, and improved drainage in the laparoscopic and robotic groups were 94.73% and 95.45%, respectively, which were statistically not significant.

Conclusions

Robotic ureteric reimplantation and laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation are comparable in clinical outcomes. Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation is feasible, safe, and faster with excellent outcomes, decreased hospital stay, and minimal complications.
Validation of new baseline renal function predictive model in robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy cohort
Authors: Geldmaker Laura E , Baird Bryce A , Gonzalez Albo Giovanni A , Haehn Daniela A , Ericson Christian A , Wieczorek Mikolaj A , Ball Colleen T , Thiel David D
Published: August 2022

Objective

To validate a new baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (NB‐GFR) formula in a cohort of robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomies (RAPN).

Methods

NB‐GFR = 35 + preoperative GFR (× 0.65) – 18 (if radical nephrectomy) – age (× 0.25) + 3 (if tumor size >7 cm) – 2 (if diabetes). NB‐GFR was calculated in 464 consecutive RAPN from a single surgeon cohort. 143 patients were excluded secondary to insufficient eGFR follow up. We analyzed NB‐GFR accuracy utilizing the last observed eGFR 3–12 months post RAPN. Categorical variables were summarized with the frequency and percentage of patients. Numerical variables were summarized with the median, 25th percentile, and 75th percentile.

Results

The mean difference between observed and predicted NB‐GFR was 4.6 ml/min/1.73m2 (95% CI −6.9 to 16.1 ml/min/1.73m2). There was a pattern of higher observed NB‐GFRs being underestimated by the NB‐GFR equation while lower observed NB‐GFRs were overestimated by the NB‐GFR equation. The NB‐GFR formula had a high level of accuracy with 98.8% of predicted NB‐GFRs falling within 30% of the observed NB‐GFR (95% CI 86.8% to 99.5%). The median and interquartile range of the difference between observed and predicted NB‐GFR was 3.9 ml/min/1.73m2 (IQR 0.7 to 8.2 ml/min/1.73m2). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the ability of predicted NB‐GFR to identify those with an observed NB‐GFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 after RAPN was 98%, 92%, 88%, and 99%, respectively.

Conclusion

The NB‐GFR equation developed with partial and radical nephrectomy cohorts is accurate in predicting post‐operative eGFR 3–12 months following RAPN.
Stroke epidemiology and incidence in regional Queensland: findings of the Regional Queensland Stroke (REQUEST) study
Authors: Darshan Deepak , Gange Nisal , Chen Daniel , Bragg Anthony
Published: August 2022

Background

Stroke rates globally have been declining, but a majority of the studies on strokes have been in urban populations. Regional populations have been understudied, bgeographic health differentials can impact stroke presentations and outcomes.

Aim

To determine the incidence, risk factors for and survivability of stroke in patients presenting to a large rural stroke referral centre.

Methods

Data were collected from one major regional stroke referral centre in Queensland, Australia, over 12 months with follow‐up at 3.75 years for survival analysis. Patients were retrospectively enrolled based on a diagnosis made by a stroke physician. ICD‐10 codes at separation and postcode of residence were applied for case ascertainment. Trial of ORG10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification and the World Health Organization  standardised definition of stroke were applied.

Results

There were 105 strokes in a population of 106 760 persons over 12 months, giving a crude rate of 98 per 100 000 and standardised rate of 52/100 000 per year. Cardioembolism (n = 33, 31.4%) was the most common cause out of all ischaemic strokes (n = 87, 82.9%), followed by large vessel atherosclerosis (n = 26, 24.8%). Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor in all stroke types, and atrial arrhythmia was the most prevalent factor in cardioembolic strokes. Overall survival at 3.75 years was 61%.

Conclusions

Incidence of stroke in a regional Queensland population is similar to other regional populations and when compared with larger cities. Despite a global trend in stroke reduction, modifiable risk factors like hypertension and atrial arrhythmias continue to be over‐represented in the stroke population. All‐cause mortality after stroke is high, especially during the initial period.
Adhesion in thermally sprayed coatings: An insight from interfacial residual stress
Authors: Ghara Tina , Bandyopadhyay Partha P.
Published: August 2022

A thermally sprayed coating consists of multiple layers of different materials, that is, topcoat, bondcoat, and substrate. These three layers form two different junctions, namely, topcoat–bondcoat, and bondcoat–substrate. The residual stress state in two different materials in the interfaces was investigated using a systematic X‐ray diffraction‐based procedure consisting of phase and stress analysis. A transfer of residual stress from one material to the other was found to take place at the interfaces. The residual stress state of the topcoat influenced the stress field of the bondcoat, whereas the residual stress of substrate was affected by the stress state of the bondcoat at the interfaces. It was also perceived that the residual stress field along the depth of a multilayer coating system can be measured using a single X‐ray target with a proper investigation procedure, eliminating the need of using different X‐ray sources for different materials. It was found that the residual stress from one material transfers to another, and in the process, clamping of one surface by the other takes place at multiple locations throughout the surface. This is how mechanical interlocking between two layers takes place. Thus, the result can provide a basic understanding on the micro‐mechanism of coating adhesion.
New insights into Xenopus sex chromosome genomics from the Marsabit clawed frog X. borealis
Authors: Evans Ben J. , Mudd Austin B. , Bredeson Jessen V. , Furman Benjamin L. S. , Wasonga Domnick Victor , Lyons Jessica B. , Harland Richard M. , Rokhsar Dan S.
Published: August 2022

In many groups, sex chromosomes change frequently but the drivers of their rapid evolution are varied and often poorly characterized. With an aim of further understanding sex chromosome turnover, we investigated the polymorphic sex chromosomes of the Marsabit clawed frog, Xenopus borealis, using genomic data and a new chromosome‐scale genome assembly. We confirmed previous findings that 54.1 Mb of chromosome 8L is sex‐linked in animals from east Kenya and a laboratory strain, but most (or all) of this region is not sex‐linked in natural populations from west Kenya. Previous work suggests possible degeneration of the Z chromosomes in the east population because many sex‐linked transcripts of this female heterogametic population have female‐biased expression, and we therefore expected this chromosome to not be present in the west population. In contrast, our simulations support a model where most or all of the sex‐linked portion of the Z chromosome from the east acquired autosomal segregation in the west, and where much genetic variation specific to the large sex‐linked portion of the W chromosome from the east is not present in the west. These recent changes are consistent with the hot‐potato model, wherein sex chromosome turnover is favoured by natural selection if it purges a (minimally) degenerate sex‐specific sex chromosome, but counterintuitively suggest natural selection failed to purge a Z chromosome that has signs of more advanced and possibly more ancient regulatory degeneration. These findings highlight complex evolutionary dynamics of young, rapidly evolving Xenopus sex chromosomes and set the stage for mechanistic work aimed at pinpointing additional sex‐determining genes in this group.
Prolonged use of newly prescribed gabapentin after surgery
Authors: Bongiovanni Tasce , Gan Siqi , Finlayson Emily , Ross Joseph , Harrison James D. , Boscardin John , Steinman Michael A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Surgeons have made substantial efforts to decrease postoperative opioid prescribing, largely because it can lead to prolonged use. These efforts include adoption of non‐opioid pain medication including gabapentin. Like opioids, gabapentin use may be prolonged, increasing the risk of altered mental status and even overdose and death when taken concurrently with opioids. However, little is known about postoperative prolonged use of gabapentin in older adults.

Methods

We merged a 20% sample of Medicare Carrier, MedPAR and Outpatient Files with Part D for 2013–2018. We included patients >65 years old without prior gabapentinoid use who underwent common non‐cataract surgical procedures. We defined new postoperative gabapentin as fills for 7 days before surgery until 7 days after discharge. We excluded patients whose discharge disposition was hospice or death. The primary outcome was prolonged use of gabapentin, defined as a fill>90 days after discharge. To identify risk factors for prolonged use, we constructed logistic regression models, adjusted for procedure and patient characteristics, length of stay, disposition location, and care complexity.

Results

Overall, 17,970 patients (3% of all eligible patients) had a new prescription for gabapentin after surgery. Of these, the mean age was 73 years old and 62% were female. The most common procedures were total knee (45%) and total hip (21%) replacements. Prolonged use occurred in 22%. Those with prolonged use were more likely to be women (64% vs. 61%), be non‐White (14% vs. 12%), have concurrent prolonged opioid use (44% vs. 18%), and have undergone emergency surgery (8% vs. 4%). On multivariable analysis, being female, having a higher Charlson comorbidity score, having an opioid prescription at discharge and at >90 days and having a higher care complexity were associated with prolonged use of gabapentin.

Conclusions

More than one‐fifth of older adults prescribed gabapentin postoperatively filled a prescription >90 days after discharge, especially among patients with more comorbidities and concurrent prolonged opioid use, increasing the risk of adverse drug events and polypharmacy.
Changes of production and consumption structures in coastal regions lead to mercury emission control in China
Authors: Zhong Qiumeng , Li Hui , Liang Sai , Jetashree  , Wu Xiaohui , Qi Jianchuan , Wang Shuxiao
Published: August 2022

China is important in the global mercury (Hg) cycle and is experiencing substantial economic structure transitions. There are pronounced differences in economic development, industrial structure, and consumption patterns across regions in China. However, the impacts of regional economic structure transitions (i.e., production and final demand structures) on Hg emissions in China remain unknown. Here, we reveal the transboundary impacts of changes in regional economic structures on provincial Hg emissions in China. We found that the transitions of production and final demand structures in coastal regions led to Hg emission reductions in China during 2007–2017. In particular, production structure changes in East Coast contributed to 36 metric tons of national Hg emission reduction, where 28 metric tons occurred in other regions (especially Hebei). Its final demand structure transition contributed to 19 metric tons of national emission reduction, where 15 metric tons occurred in other regions (especially Henan). Unfortunately, production structure changes in Northwest and final demand structure changes in Southwest contributed to Hg emission increments in China during 2007–2017. For instance, changes in the final demand structure of Southwest caused 34 metric tons of emission increments, mainly from provinces within the region. Thus, spatially explicit measures for China's Hg emission control can focus on the optimizations of production structure in Northwest and final demand structure in Southwest, as well as the promotion of interregional joint actions between East Coast and North China (especially Hebei and Henan). The findings of this study can inform region‐specific policy decisions and interregional joint efforts to control Hg emissions around the world.
Law, ‘presentist’ agendas, and the making of ‘official’ memory after collective violence
Authors: HEARTY KEVIN
Published: August 2022

This article interrogates how law is used to make ‘official’ memory in transitional justice (TJ) contexts. It posits that law performs three key roles in the ‘making’ of memory after conflict and authoritarianism: visibility, definition, and judgement. Using insights from existing academic literature that has addressed TJ processes and mechanisms across geographical sites and time frames, it argues that law is central to memory making by rendering certain harms, victims, and victimizers either ‘seen’ or ‘unseen’, by categorizing certain actors and timeframes into binary groupings, and by judging particular actors and actions to be either morally good or morally bad. The decisions that law makes on each of these fronts, it is argued, are ultimately determined by how the prevailing post‐conflict state wishes to have the divisive past understood in the present.
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on sleep quality in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Richter Samanta Andresa , Ferraz‐Rodrigues Clarissa , Schilling Luísa Basso , Camargo Nathália Fritsch , Nunes Magda Lahorgue
Published: August 2022

We synthesise the literature on the potential influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on sleep quality in children and adolescents. The search identified studies that examined the relationship between sleep quality and disorders during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It began in May 2021 and has had two updates with the last in January 2022. The databases used were LILACS, PubMed, and EMBASE. Random effects models were performed to explore heterogeneity between studies. Data were presented as continuous variables (mean value and standard deviation) to perform a meta‐analysis. Twenty‐nine studies from 16 countries were identified: Nine had children and eight had adolescents. The overall quality of the studies ranged from high (27.6%) to medium (65.5%) and low (6.9%). Eight studies were eligible for meta‐analysis. There was an increase in sleep duration during the pandemic when compared with the previous period 0.33 (95%CI −0.07; 0.60) (p < 0.001) and late bedtime 0.78 (95%CI −0.33; 1.22) (p < 0.001). A trend toward reduced sleep efficiency was also detected 0.54 (95%CI −0.75; −0.33) p = 0.20. Parents’ reports of increased use of screen media/electronic devices were associated with worse sleep quality. The results suggest an influence of the pandemic on sleep characteristics such as increased sleep duration, late bedtimes, and poor sleep quality. These alterations were related to changes in family routines during this period.
Survival and failure rate of lower lingual bonded retainers: A retrospective cohort evaluation
Authors: Arqub Sarah Abu , Bashir Rehana , Obeng Kaimen , Godoy Lucas Da Cunha , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Upadhyay Madhur , Yadav Sumit
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the survival rates for lower lingual retainers (LLRs) and to establish a correlation between patients' treatment‐related factors (age, sex, malocclusion, appliance used for treatment, teeth bonded, retention protocols) to the survival of LLRs.

Materials and Methods

A total of 765 subjects [474 females and 291 males: mean age = 24.29 ± 10.67 years] between 2013 and 2022 were included. A customized data collection form was utilized to gather the data from the electronic health record (EHR) of subjects. Patient‐related factors, crowding or spacing, deep bite or open bite and duration of treatment were extracted from patients' files. Kaplan–Meier estimator was used for the survival function, whereas Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to associate risk factors with retainer survival.

Results

328 (42.9%) subjects had their LLRs failed, and the survival period was on average 17.37 ± 22.85 months. On the other hand, the follow‐up period for the retainers that did not fail was on average 47.19 ± 23.66 months. 192 (28.3%) subjects had segment failure (retainer detached from 3 teeth or less), while 51 (7.5%) subjects had failures in more than 3 teeth (complete). None of the evaluated clinical variables were significantly associated with LLRs failure except for the bite category (P = .013) and the appliance used for treatment (P < .001).

Conclusion

Success rate for LLRs was 57.1% over 47.19 months, failure rate was 42.9% over 17.37 months. The presence of deep bite and treatment with aligners were significantly associated with increased failure rate.
Management of Elderly Traumatic Ankle Arthritis with Ilizarov External Fixation
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Wenzhao , Yang Hai , Li Bohua , Liu Lei
Published: August 2022

Objective

To evaluate the clinical curative effect of Ilizarov external fixation and ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of elderly traumatic ankle arthritis.

Methods

From June 2013 to August 2019, 72 patients with elderly traumatic ankle arthritis were treated with arthrodesis through Ilizarov external fixation technique in our institution. Conventional double‐feet standing X‐ray films were taken before and after operation. The tibiotalar angle on X‐ray image was measured to evaluate the degree of talipes varus and valgus. The Foot and Ankle pain score of American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were compared by using paired t‐test to evaluate the functional recovery.

Results

All of the patients acquired effective postoperative 18–49 months follow‐up, with an average of 31.5 months. All patients were included in the analysis, among which 38 cases were males and 34 cases were females, with an average of 65.4 years (ranging from 60 to 74). All ankles achieved bony fusion; the clinical healing time was 12.7 weeks on average (11–18 weeks). The AOFAS score was 45.36 ± 6.43 preoperatively and 80.25 ± 9.16 at 12 months post‐operation, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). The VAS score was 8.56 ± 1.85 on average preoperatively and 2.72 ± 0.83 at 12 months post‐operation, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). The tibiotalar angle was 101.93° ± 4.12° preoperatively and 94.45° ± 2.37° at 12 months post‐operation, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). The results of the functional evaluation indicated that 44 patients (61.1%) had excellent results, 18 (25%) had good results, and 10 (13.9%) had fair results.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that it is possible to obtain satisfactory outcome with Ilizarov external fixation and ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of elderly traumatic ankle arthritis.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis after first dose of Pfizer‐BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccination with pharmacogenomic testing
Authors: Siripipattanamongkol Nunthana , Rattanasak Sirawich , Taiyaitieng Chanya , Inthajak Yanapha , Kuawatcharawong Nitchamon , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Tempark Therdpong
Published: August 2022

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare and acute life‐threatening condition and one of the severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions. There are limited data on TEN from the COVID‐19 vaccine regarding its pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis, particularly in children. We report a case of COVID‐19 vaccine‐induced TEN and the patient's human leukocyte antigen pharmacogenomic profile.
Willingness to get vaccinated with the first‐generation vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Corbalán‐Fernández Ana María , Justich‐Zabala Pablo , Pellicer‐Jordá MaríaTeresa , Mikulasova Eva , Gascón‐Cánovas Juan José
Published: August 2022

Objective

To explore people's decision‐making regarding whether or not to get vaccinated against COVID‐19.

Methods

A purposive sample of people over the age of 18 who had not yet been vaccinated against COVID‐19 was studied. Data were gathered using semi‐structured interviews in focus groups and personal in‐depth interviews. All interviews were conducted on the Zoom® platform and were recorded for subsequent verbatim transcription. Using a grounded theory approach, both open and axial coding of the narrative data were performed.

Results

Information saturation was reached after eight focus group meetings and 14 in‐depth interviews (n = 55). Six principal themes emerged, with the fear of possible adverse side‐effects and the worries generated by the speed of the development and commercialization of the vaccine amongst the main expressed anxieties. Social pressure to get vaccinated was a recurrent subject, as was the desire for clear and understandable information from reliable sources.

Conclusions

The willingness to get vaccinated against COVID‐19 is determined by a complex series of interconnected factors that define an explanatory model, which has evolved concurrently with the development of the vaccines and the progress of the vaccination campaigns. This model will be useful for deciding social scenarios aimed at tackling this or future pandemics and for designing formulas that will increase the initial acceptance of these vaccines.
‘Integrating’ immigrant children? School professionals’ reflections on the boundaries between educational ideals and society’s problematization of immigrants
Authors: Jacobsen Gro Hellesdatter , Piekut Anke
Published: August 2022

In Danish policy and public debates, the concept of integration is often related to a problematization of immigrants, which paradoxically makes their successful integration into Danish society unobtainable. In recent years, Denmark has become known for its increasingly restrictive policies regarding immigration and integration, although an internal ‘exceptionalist’ understanding of the country as a place without discrimination on the basis of race and ethnicity still prevails. Drawing on interviews with principals and teachers from 15 Danish schools, the paper analyses these professionals’ reflections on their work of educating immigrant children in a societal context of restrictive immigration and integration policies, focusing specifically on how they construct, cross, and work at the boundaries between school and society. The article contributes to our understanding of professionals’ processes of navigating and demarcating themselves from a highly politicized context of immigration and integration policies, while at the same time illuminating more general societal processes regarding race, integration, and nationalism.
Christian Religiosity, Religious Nostalgia, and Attitudes Toward Muslims in 20 Western Countries
Authors: Xia Weiqian
Published: August 2022

Radical ethnonationalism has drastically risen in Western politics, largely mobilized by nostalgia for the country's past with homogeneity and Christianity as a cultural symbol against non‐Western immigrants, especially Muslims. However, how nostalgia for Christianity's past significance can invoke anti‐Muslim sentiments is unknown, especially given that Christianity is increasingly losing its previous status under secularization, resulting in radical backlash from the Christian right. In the current study, I examine whether nostalgia related to religion and the religious–secular gap in the perceived status of religion can induce anti‐Muslim attitudes among Christians from 20 Western countries using International Social Survey Programme data and mixed‐effect multilevel modeling. Contrary to expectations, anti‐Muslim attitudes are stronger for people with higher levels of Christian religiosity and doctrinal belief, and exclusivist view on religion, when they have less religious nostalgia by perceiving a stronger status of religion. Moreover, in countries with a larger religious–secular gap in the perceived status of religion, people holding exclusivist views on religion are more hostile to Muslims. Yet, the findings can still be consistent with theoretical expectations, since anti‐Muslim attitudes are likely promoted through backlash from the Christian community against religious diversity, expressed in demands for a larger salience of religion rather than nostalgia.
Ambiguity and uncertainty tolerance and psychological needs of medical students: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Babenko Oksana , Lee Ann
Published: August 2022

Background

Although the ubiquitous presence of ambiguity and uncertainty in medical practice is widely acknowledged, a greater understanding of contextual factors for educators to consider in helping students learn to respond to ambiguity and uncertainty adaptively is needed. Drawing on self‐determination theory, the purpose of this study was to explore the unique roles of basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence and relatedness—in medical students' tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey study of third‐year medical students (n = 70) at a large Canadian university. In regression analysis, the three basic psychological needs were entered as predictors of medical students' tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty while controlling for students' age and gender.

Results

Of the three needs, the need for competence was determined to be statistically significant in relation to students' tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty (β = 0.326; p = 0.038). The needs for autonomy and relatedness were determined to be not statistically significant (β = −0.170; p = 0.274 and β = 0.154; p = 0.218, respectively).

Discussion

We observed that medical students, who experienced satisfaction of the need for competence in the learning environment, reported greater tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty. Potential implications for medical education are discussed, based on self‐determination theory.
Prevalence of hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression with alternate day use of azathioprine and glucocorticoids for treatment of dermatological conditions in dogs
Authors: Eberhardy Aurrielle C. , Heinrich Nicole A. , McFadden Rendina A. , Reiter Lisa V.
Published: August 2022

Background

The use of azathioprine (AZA) in dogs is limited by the potential for hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the prevalence of AZA‐associated hepatotoxicity in dogs with dermatological conditions receiving alternate‐day AZA. The hypothesis was that dogs receiving AZA every other day (EOD) would have a lower prevalence of hepatotoxicity compared to published data for dogs receiving daily AZA. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of AZA‐associated myelosuppression over the same time period and population.

Animals

Forty‐one client‐owned dogs with dermatological conditions treated with AZA EOD and glucocorticoids with clinical and haematological follow‐up available for a minimum of two months of AZA therapy.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data from April 1994 to July 2020. Hepatotoxicity was defined as elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at least twofold above the reference range.

Results

Azathioprine‐associated hepatotoxicity was observed in two of 41 dogs (4.9%), with onset at 18 and 40 days, respectively. One dog receiving AZA at 1.9 mg/kg EOD had a fourfold increase in ALT. The other dog (AZA dose 2.3 mg/kg EOD) had a 30‐fold increase in ALT. Azathioprine was not associated with thrombocytopenia, anaemia or neutropenia in any dogs. Lymphopenia developed in one dog (2.4%) with onset at 105 days.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Alternate‐day AZA administration with tapering glucocorticoids was well‐tolerated in dogs with dermatological conditions.
The Ethical Issues in the Fundraising Industry and Its Governance: A Virtue Ethics Perspective
Authors: Yinchun WANG , Wei SU
Published: August 2022

Ethical issues in the contemporary Chinese fundraising industry are increasingly foregrounded, and effective governance has emerged as a particularly important and urgent priority. However, this issue has not received sufficient theoretical and practical attention. We apply a range of tools (factual and value-based, inductive and deductive approaches; historical and logical dialectics; and comparative analysis) to briefly describe the historical development of domestic and international fundraising ethics. We clarify its importance by drawing on a factual description of the main ethical issues in the fundraising industry. A comparative analysis of the three main ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics reveals that virtue ethics is more adaptable in guiding fundraising behavior in contemporary China. In order to effectively address the many ethical issues in the fundraising industry, we argue that a process approach should be adopted that draws on a virtue ethics perspective, which focuses on the character of fundraisers at the time of qualification. We optimize the code of fundraising ethics by drawing on a combination of character and normative provisions, and regulate fundraising behavior, which enables us to shape fundraisers’ professional virtues. Fundraising performance is evaluated by referring to fundraising results, motivation and emotion. We find that while there are still some ethical dilemmas and conflicts in the fundraising industry, issues of good and evil, right and wrong and value ranking still lack a consensus and are open-ended. Future research needs to address this limitation.
The Value of Creative Education in Training the Future Specialists in the Field of Creative Arts - Architecture, Interior Design, Fine Arts
Authors: Munteanu Angela , Valeriu Ivanov
Published: August 2022

Objective: The research presents the efficiency and importance of the studied theme, the capitalization of creative education through the interaction of arts and creation. Thus, creativity being the main statement that motivated this qualitative study coming to explain clear principles of formation of a modern personality, capable of continuous adaptation to the unpredictable challenges and conjunctures of life, which can be defined only through the prism of the process of creative development.Methodology: Our study focuses on the development and applicative role of creativity through all methods and forms of related arts: architecture, urbanism, interior design, visual arts, applied in the curriculum of the higher school of architecture in the Republic of Moldova, which have an important role in the moral formation of personality skills, of the specialist in architecture, a modern person who can easily integrate into the labor market.Findings: Finally, the flexibility of approach and implementation of creativity in the study program, demonstrates through our work through multiple examples of outstanding personalities formed within the higher school of architecture in the Republic of Moldova, who only through the strategy of creativity offered them a wide spectrum of professional affirmation activities and the opportunity to work in a preferred field.
Dissimilar Welding of Inconel Alloys With Austenitic Stainless-Steel: A Review
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Pandey Chandan , Kumar Prakash
Published: August 2022

In this review paper, dissimilar welding between Inconel and austenitic stainless steel along with its application has been outlined for high-temperature applications. The mechanical and microstructural behavior of this dissimilar joint has been summarized thoroughly in this article. Dissimilar welding of Inconel alloys and stainless steel (SS) has massive demand in high temperature and high corrosive applications industries. Austenitic stainless steel contains 16–26% of Cr and 6–12% of Ni elements showing FCC structures have good weldability and high corrosion resistance. Austenitic stainless steel such as 304, 316 L, 304H, etc., containing austenite microstructure used in high-temperature applications like power plants, heat exchangers, heating elements, aircraft, and others. In addition, Ni-based Inconel alloys show high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance and are frequently used in high-temperature applications. Ni-based Inconel 718 alloy possesses excellent strength, corrosion resistance and creep resistance at high temperatures are frequently used in combustion chambers, power plants, and turbine blades applications. Inconel alloyed by elements Ti, Al and Nb attain strength by forming phases such as ɣ/-Ni3(-Ti, Al), ɣ//-Ni3Nb, and carbides such as MC and M23C6, nitrides, laves phase. The GTA dissimilar welding between expensive Inconel and cheaper stainless steel is successfully used in nuclear power plants. The dissimilarity in melting point, chemical composition, thermal, mechanical, and other properties between these materials make welding challengeable. This review paper focused on problems related to dissimilar welding like forming unmixed zone, elemental segregation, formation of laves phase, sensitization, microfissuring, and solidification cracking.
The Impact of a Nonlinear Pedagogical Approach to Primary School Physical Education Upon Children’s Movement Skill Competence
Authors: Cooke Daniel M. , Harrison Craig B. , Millar Sarah-Kate , Walters Simon
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effects of a nonlinear pedagogical approach to primary school physical education (PE) upon children’s movement skill competence. Methods: Forty-six (male = 25 and female = 21) children aged 6–9 years participated in either a nonlinear pedagogy (NP) or linear pedagogy approach to PE for 9 weeks. Children’s movement skill competence was assessed utilizing measures representative of children’s play at pretest, posttest, and 13-week retention test time points. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant improvements for general motor coordination (p < .05, d = 0.234) and time-to-contact judgment performance (p < .05) for the NP group only. Significant between-group differences existed for general motor coordination at the retention test time point (p < .05, d = 0.119) in favor of the NP group. Conclusion: Our results reveal that NP approaches to primary school PE can be efficacious in enhancing children’s movement skill competence. Thus, it seems appropriate that NP approaches to PE are utilized more readily within the primary school sector.
Mesoscopic simulations of active nematics
Authors: Kozhukhov Timofey , Shendruk Tyler N.
Published: August 2022

Coarse-grained, mesoscale simulations are invaluable for studying soft condensed matter because of their ability to model systems in which a background solvent plays a substantial role but is not the primary interest. Such methods generally model passive solvents; however, far-from-equilibrium systems may also be composed of complex solutes suspended in an active fluid. Yet, few coarse-grained simulation methods exist to model an active medium. We introduce an algorithm to simulate active nematics, which builds on multiparticle collision dynamics (MPCD) for passive fluctuating nematohydrodynamics by introducing dipolar activity in the local collision operator. Active nematic MPCD (AN-MPCD) simulations not only exhibit the key characteristics of active nematic turbulence but, as a particle-based algorithm, also reproduce crucial attributes of active particle models. Thus, mesoscopic AN-MPCD is an approach that bridges microscopic and continuum descriptions, allowing simulations of composite active-passive systems.
Response to Comment on “Microglial activation states drive glucose uptake and FDG-PET alterations in neurodegenerative diseases”
Authors: Xiang Xianyuan , Tahirovic Sabina , Ziegler Sibylle , Haass Christian , Brendel Matthias
Published: August 2022

Microglial FDG uptake alterations are the source of FDG-PET changes in models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Bacterial Hydratases Involved in Steroid Side Chain Degradation Have Distinct Substrate Specificities
Authors: Schroeter Kurt L. , Abraham Nadine , Rolfe Nicolas , Barnshaw Rebecca , Diamond Jaclyn , Seah Stephen Y. K.
Published: August 2022

Characterization of the substrate specificity of hydratases described here will facilitate the development of specific inhibitors that may be useful as novel therapeutics against
M. tuberculosis
and to metabolically engineer bacteria to produce steroid pharmaceuticals with desired steroid rings and side chain structures.
Exploitation of a Bacterium-Encoded Lytic Transglycosylase by a Human Oral Lytic Phage To Facilitate Infection
Authors: Cen Lujia , Chang Yunjie , Bedree Joseph K. , Ma Yansong , Zhong Qiu , Utter Daniel R. , Dong Pu-Ting , Lux Renate , Bor Batbileg , Liu Jun , McLean Jeffrey S. , Le Shuai , He Xuesong
Published: August 2022

The evidence for the presence of a diverse and abundant phage population in the host-associated oral microbiome came largely from metagenomic analysis or the observation of virus-like particles within saliva/plaque samples, while the isolation of oral phage and investigation of their interaction with bacterial hosts are limited. Here, we report the isolation of LC001, the first lytic phage targeting oral
Schaalia odontolytica
.
Multiple Introductions of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta Variants into White-Tailed Deer in Pennsylvania
Authors: Marques Andrew D. , Sherrill-Mix Scott , Everett John K. , Adhikari Hriju , Reddy Shantan , Ellis Julie C. , Zeliff Haley , Greening Sabrina S. , Cannuscio Carolyn C. , Strelau Katherine M. , Collman Ronald G. , Kelly Brendan J. , Rodino Kyle G. , Bushman Frederic D. , Gagne Roderick B. , Anis Eman
Published: August 2022

Coronaviruses have been documented to replicate in numerous species of vertebrates, and multiple spillovers of coronaviruses from animals into humans have founded human epidemics. The COVID-19 epidemic likely derived from a spillover of SARS-CoV-2 from bats into humans, possibly via an intermediate host.
Sugar is not always sweet: exploring the relationship between hyperglycemia and COVID-19 in a predominantly African American population
Authors: Skwiersky Samara , Rosengarten Sabrina , Meisel Talia , Macaluso Francesca , Chang Megan , Thomson Alastair , Da Silva Brandon , Oommen Alvin , Salvani Jerome , Banerji Mary Ann
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of admission glucose in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with and without diabetes mellitus in a largely African American cohort.

Design and methods

This study included 708 adults (89% non-Hispanic Black) admitted with COVID-19 to an urban hospital between 1 March and 15 May 2020. Patients with diabetes were compared with those without and were stratified based on admission glucose of 140 and 180 mg/dL. Adjusted ORs were calculated for outcomes of mortality, intubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, acute kidney injury (AKI), and length of stay based on admission glucose levels.

Results

Patients with diabetes with admission glucose >140 mg/dL (vs <140 g/dL) had 2.4-fold increased odds of intubation (95% CI 1.2 to 4.6) and 2.1-fold increased odds of ICU admission (95% CI 1.0 to 4.3). Patients with diabetes with admission glucose >180 mg/dL (vs <180 g/dL) had a 1.9-fold increased mortality (95% CI 1.2 to 3.1). Patients without diabetes with admission glucose >140 mg/dL had a 2.3-fold increased mortality (95% CI 1.3 to 4.3), 2.7-fold increased odds of ICU admission (95% CI 1.3 to 5.4), 1.9-fold increased odds of intubation (95% CI 1.0 to 3.7) and 2.2-fold odds of AKI (95% CI 1.1 to 3.8). Patients without diabetes with glucose >180 mg/dL had 4.4-fold increased odds of mortality (95% CI 1.9 to 10.4), 2.7-fold increased odds of intubation (95% CI 1.2 to 5.8) and 3-fold increased odds of ICU admission (95% CI 1.3 to 6.6).

Conclusion

Our results show hyperglycemia portends worse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with and without diabetes. While our study was limited by its retrospective design, our findings suggest that patients presenting with hyperglycemia require closer observation and more aggressive therapies.
Real-life impact of uncontrolled severe asthma on mortality and healthcare use in adolescents and adults: findings from the retrospective, observational RESONANCE study in France
Authors: Roche Nicolas , Garcia Gilles , de Larrard Alexandre , Cancalon Charlotte , Bénard Stève , Perez Vincent , Mahieu Aymeric , Vieu Laurine , Demoly Pascal
Published: August 2022

Objective

To characterise uncontrolled severe asthma and compare the disease burden with the general and asthmatic populations.

Design

Retrospective observational study using a national sample of a French healthcare database (Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires (EGB)).

Setting

The EGB, an anonymised permanent sample of health insurance databases, representing 1/97th of the French population.

Participants

Patients (≥12 years) were selected in year 2014 and followed 2 years. A cohort of patients with uncontrolled severe asthma was defined using an algorithm based on peer-reviewed literature and Global Initiative for Asthma recommendations. Index date was the occurrence of the first marker of uncontrolled asthma. This cohort was matched with two control cohorts, general population and asthmatic controls, on baseline characteristics.

Main outcomes measures

Mortality, healthcare use and associated costs were studied in the 2 years of follow-up.

Results

Among 467 716 individuals in the EGB, 16 588 patients with asthma were identified, including 739 (4.5%) with uncontrolled severe disease. The survival probability at 2 years for patients with uncontrolled severe asthma (92.0%) was lower than in the general population cohort (96.6%; relative risk of death: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.70 to 3.29; p<0.0001) and tended to be lower than in the control asthmatic cohort (94.3%; p=0.07). Emergency department visits and hospitalisations were higher in patients with uncontrolled severe asthma than in the general population (64.7% vs 34.9%; p<0.0001) and asthmatic controls (64.7% vs 55.2%; p=0.0002). Other components of healthcare use (medical and paramedical visits, medications) were increased in patients with uncontrolled severe asthma compared with control populations. These increases translated into higher costs (p<0.0001 for both comparisons).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the huge burden of uncontrolled severe asthma in terms of mortality, morbidity and healthcare resource consumption compared with other patients with asthma and with the general population and emphasises the importance of appropriate management in this high-risk population.
Antitumor efficacy of90Y-NM600 targeted radionuclide therapy and PD-1 blockade is limited by regulatory T cells in murine prostate tumors
Authors: Potluri Hemanth K , Ferreira Carolina A , Grudzinski Joseph , Massey Christopher , Aluicio-Sarduy Eduardo , Engle Jonathan W , Kwon Ohyun , Marsh Ian R , Bednarz Bryan P , Hernandez Reinier , Weichert Jamey P , McNeel Douglas G
Published: August 2022

Background

Systemic radiation treatments that preferentially irradiate cancer cells over normal tissue, known as targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT), have shown significant potential for treating metastatic prostate cancer. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the ability of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to sensitize tumors to T cell checkpoint blockade. Combining TRT approaches with immunotherapy may be more feasible than combining with EBRT to treat widely metastatic disease, however the effects of TRT on the prostate tumor microenvironment alone and in combinfation with checkpoint blockade have not yet been studied.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice-bearing TRAMP-C1 tumors and FVB/NJ mice-bearing Myc-CaP tumors were treated with a single intravenous administration of either low-dose or high-dose90Y-NM600 TRT, and with or without anti-PD-1 therapy. Groups of mice were followed for tumor growth while others were used for tissue collection and immunophenotyping of the tumors via flow cytometry.

Results

90Y-NM600 TRT was safe at doses that elicited a moderate antitumor response. TRT had multiple effects on the tumor microenvironment including increasing CD8 +T cell infiltration, increasing checkpoint molecule expression on CD8 +T cells, and increasing PD-L1 expression on myeloid cells. However, PD-1 blockade with TRT treatment did not improve antitumor efficacy. Tregs remained functional up to 1 week following TRT, but CD8 +T cells were not, and the suppressive function of Tregs increased when anti-PD-1 was present in in vitro studies. The combination of anti-PD-1 and TRT was only effective in vivo when Tregs were depleted.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the combination of90Y-NM600 TRT and PD-1 blockade therapy is ineffective in these prostate cancer models due to the activating effect of anti-PD-1 on Tregs. This finding underscores the importance of thorough understanding of the effects of TRT and immunotherapy combinations on the tumor immune microenvironment prior to clinical investigation.
Flow force analysis and optimization of lock valve for heavy-duty automatic transmission
Authors: Wu Huaichao , Peng Zhao , Mu Junqi , Zhao Limei , Yang Lv
Published: August 2022

One of the main factors determining the stability of lock valve during opening is the flow force on spool. The size of the flow force profoundly affects the dynamic characteristics of the spool. In this paper, the flow force on a heavy-duty automatic transmission lock valve during the opening process is analyzed and optimized, and aiming to improve the opening smoothness of the lock valve. First, numerical simulation of the opening process of the main oil chamber flow path in the lock valve is carried out using dynamic mesh technology. The influence of internal flow field on the flow force under different parameters is studied. Second, the structural parameters and peaks of flow force obtained from the random sampling method are used as samples for training and prediction using the BP neural network. The prediction results pass the accuracy test. Last, the prediction results of the BP neural network are optimized using the genetic algorithm. Subsequent results show that this optimization method significantly reduces the flow force of spool and improves the stability of the lock valve during opening by only changing the structural parameters. It also provides a new systematic direction for the optimization of other nonlinear mapping relationships.