bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Three-Dimensional Measurement-Based Periareolar Augmentation Mastopexy: Indication and Breast Crown Approach
Authors: Ma Xiaomu , Xu Boyang , Ouyang Yiye , Du Xingyi , Liu Chunjun
Published: June 2022

At present, there is no uniform and quantitative indication standard for periareolar augmentation mastopexy. The authors proposed an indication algorithm and a matched approach to delineate the outer circle, to optimize the result of this operation. Five parameters, including both implant and breast characteristics, were incorporated to form an indication algorithm based on three-dimensional measurement. The indication follows the principle that the circumference of the outer circle should be no more than two times the inner circle. To delineate the outer circle, a “crown” was made on the breast. The above approaches were used on patients who came for periareolar augmentation mastopexy from October of 2015 to January of 2019. Data analyzed included BREAST-Q score, areola diameter, the distance of the sternal notch to the nipple preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively, the distance of nipple elevation 1 year postoperatively, and complication and revision rates. A total of 28 breasts (14 patients) were included in this study. BREAST-Q scores 1-year postoperatively showed significant increases in Satisfaction with Breasts, Psychosocial Well-Being, and Sexual Well-Being (p = 0.000). The mean areolar diameter preoperatively and postoperatively was 6.7 ± 1.2 cm and 4.6 ± 0.4 cm, respectively (p = 0.000), and the mean sternal notch–to-nipple distance preoperatively and postoperatively was 22.2 ± 1.9 cm and 18.6 ± 1.0 cm, respectively (p = 0.000), with an average nipple elevation of 3.2 ± 1.1 cm. The overall complication rate was 7.1 percent (n = 2); both cases were areolar spreading. The overall revision rate was 0 percent. This preliminary study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the indication and breast crown approach in reducing complication and revision rates.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Profibrotic Signaling Pathways and Surface Markers Are Up-Regulated in Fibroblasts of Human Striae Distensae and in a Mouse Model System
Authors: Borrelli Mimi R. , Griffin Michelle , Chen Kellen , Deleon Diaz Nestor M. , Adem Sandeep , Mascharak Shamik , Shen Abra H. , Ngaage Ledibabari Mildred , Lewis Nicolette , Longaker Michael T. , Gurtner Geoffrey , Wan Derrick C. , Lorenz H. Peter
Published: June 2022

Background:

Striae distensae are common disfiguring cutaneous lesions but lack effective treatments because of an incomplete understanding of their pathophysiology. Dermal fibroblasts likely play an important role. The authors investigate the cellular-molecular features distinguishing fibroblasts from human striae distensae and normal skin. The authors also develop a mouse model of striae distensae.

Methods:

Human striae distensae and normal skin samples were compared for tensile strength and histologic structure. Fibroblasts from striae distensae and normal skin were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for gene expression analysis. Immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting were used to confirm gene expression data at the protein level. A mouse model of striae distensae formation was created by administering corticosteroids and mechanically loading the dorsal skin.

Results:

Human striae distensae exhibited reduced tensile strength, more disordered collagen fibers, and epidermal atrophy compared to human normal skin. There were 296 up-regulated genes in striae distensae fibroblasts, including the profibrotic lineage and surface marker CD26. Up-regulated genes were involved in profibrotic and mechanoresponsive signaling pathways (TGFβ and FAK-PI3-AKT-signaling). In contrast, 571 genes were down-regulated, including CD74 and genes of the AMPK pathway. Increased CD26 and decreased CD74 expression was confirmed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immunofluorescence. Similar cutaneous histologic and gene expression changes were induced in hypercortisolemic mice by mechanically loading the dorsal skin.

Conclusions:

Fibroblasts from human striae distensae exhibit increased profibrotic and decreased antifibrotic signaling. CD26 and CD74 are promising surface markers that may be targeted therapeutically. The authors’ mouse model of striae distensae can be used as a platform to test the efficacy of potential therapeutic agents.

Clinical Relevance Statement:

Striae distensae are common disfiguring cutaneous lesions whose etiology remains elusive, which has hindered development of effective treatment strategies. Dermal fibroblasts likely play an important role. The authors sought to elucidate the key cellular-molecular pathways distinguishing fibroblasts in striae distensae from those in normal skin.
Using the Septal Shift Technique to Correct Crooked Nose Deformity
Authors: Karaca Harun
Published: June 2022

Background:

Crooked nose deformity is defined as any degree of deviation of the anatomical structures involving the nasal bone, the upper and lower lateral cartilages, and the septum from the midsagittal plane of the face, in any direction.

Methods:

This study introduces a new technique to correct crooked nose deformity. Twenty-six with I-shaped, C- and reverse C-shaped, and S-shaped crooked nose deformity underwent open approach rhinoplasty. After performing in-out fracture osteotomy, L-strut septoplasty was preferred. Initially, the L-strut was sutured through the hole that opened to the maxillary spine and then passed to the dorsal section. In the dorsal part of the L-strut, a spreader graft with the appropriate thickness and length was sutured opposite to the deviated side, only at the keystone area. The L-strut was then incised vertically to form a cranial and caudal segment. The caudal portion was sutured by shifting to the other side of the spreader, beginning at the caudal end of the cranial portion. The upper lateral cartilages were sutured to the newly formed L-strut. Finally, tip-plasty was performed, and the procedure was terminated.

Results:

The septal shift technique is an effective method for treating crooked nose deformity.

Conclusion:

The septal shift technique is a new technique without complications used in the author’s routine practice as an effective method for treating crooked nose deformity.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
PrEP Access Affected by COVID-19 Is Associated With Increased Odds of HIV Seroconversion
Authors: Morgan Ethan , Caba Antonia E. , Eaton Lisa A. , Watson Ryan J.
Published: June 2022

Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual minority men and gender diverse (SMMGD) individuals report lower uptake and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) compared with White SMMGD. For some, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reduced access to PrEP prescriptions and related changes to PrEP use, yet little is known how pandemic-related changes to PrEP access and sexual activity might influence sexually transmitted infection (STI) status and HIV seroconversion among SMMGD of color. We used data from 4 waves of a national study of Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD's HIV, PrEP, and health experiences to assess whether self-reported changes to sexual activity were associated with STI status, and whether self-reported changes to PrEP access were associated with HIV seroconversion. Those who reported greater impact to their sexual activity during the pandemic [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10 to 1.40] and a greater number of sexual partners (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.38) were more likely to report a positive STI test. In addition, we found that compared with those who did not report pandemic-related changes to PrEP access, those who did report changes to PrEP access had significantly higher odds of HIV seroconversion during the study period (aOR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.02 to 7.68). These findings have implications for HIV and STI prevention and highlight the importance of novel interventions to improve PrEP access among Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD. Importantly, these findings also demonstrate the need to stay focused on key populations at risk of HIV infection during emerging public health crises to avoid an increase in rates of new diagnoses.
Biotypes of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders based on viral and immune pathogenesis
Authors: Johnson Tory P. , Nath Avindra
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) continues to be prevalent in people living with HIV despite antiretroviral therapy. However, understanding disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic avenues has been challenging. One of the challenges is that HAND is a heterogeneous disease and that patients identified with similar impairments phenotypically may have very different underlying disease processes. As the NeuroAIDS field is re-evaluating the approaches used to identify patients with HIV-associated neurological impairments, we propose the subtyping of patients into biotypes based on viral and immune pathogenesis.

Recent findings

Here we review the evidence supporting subtyping patients with HIV-associated neurological complications into four biotypes: macrophage-mediated HIV encephalitis, CNS viral escape, T-cell-mediated HIV encephalitis, and HIV protein-associated encephalopathy.

Subtyping patients into subgroups based on biotypes has emerged as a useful approach for studying heterogeneous diseases. Understanding biotypes of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairments may therefore enable better understanding of disease mechanisms, allow for the development of prognostic and diagnostic markers, and could ultimately guide therapeutic decisions.
Battlefield pain summit 2022: Expert consensus statements
Authors: Stark Thomas R. , Davidson Nathan L. , Cannon Jeremy W. , Polk Travis M. , Shackelford Stacy A. , Stallings Jonathan D. , Cap Andrew P. ,   the Battlefield Pain Research Steering Committee and Panel Discussion Members∗
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Battlefield pain occurs in combat casualties who experience multiple severe injuries. The nature of battlefield scenarios requires a distinct approach to battlefield pain research. A battlefield pain summit was thus convened to identify shortcomings in the current understanding of battlefield pain management, review the current state of battlefield pain research, and shape the direction of future research.

METHODS

On January 10 to 11, 2022, a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting hosted by the US Army Institute of Surgical Research defined research priorities for the Combat Casualty Care Research Program's Battlefield Pain research portfolio. Summit participants identified the following key focus areas under the umbrella of battlefield pain research: battlefield injury patterns; use of ketamine and nonopioid analgesics; analgesic delivery systems; the impact of analgesia on performance, cognition, and survival; training methods; battlefield regional anesthesia; and research models. Preliminary statements presented during the summit were refined and rank ordered through a Delphi process.

RESULTS

Consensus was achieved on 7 statements addressing ideal analgesic properties, delivery systems, operational performance concerns, and pain training. Ketamine was identified as safe and effective for battlefield use, and further research into nonopioid analgesics represented a high priority.

CONCLUSION

The 7 consensus statements that emerged from this battlefield pain summit serve as a template to define the near-term research priorities for military-specific battlefield pain research.
Aurantiacibacter sediminis sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat
Authors: Kim Chul-Hwan , Yoo Yeonjae , Kim Dongjun , Khim Jong Seong , Pathiraja Duleepa , Kim Bogun , Choi In-Geol , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: June 2022

A yellow-coloured bacterium, designated as strain JGD-13T, was isolated from a tidal flat in the Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and rod-shaped. Growth was observed at 4–42 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0–12.0 (pH 7.0–8.0) and at 1–7 % (w/v) NaCl concentration (3 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain JGD-13T was closely related to

Aurantiacibacter gangjinensis

K7-2T with a sequence similarity of 98.2 %, followed by

Aurantiacibacter aquimixticola

JSSK-14T (98.1 %),

Aurantiacibacter atlanticus

s21-N3T (97.6 %),

Aurantiacibacter zhengii

V18T (97.6 %) and

Aurantiacibacter luteus

KA37T (97.5 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values with related strains were 70.3–76.2 % and 18.5–20.3 %. The genomic DNA G+C content was 60.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum-likelihood method showed that strain JGD-13T formed a clade with

A. aquimixticola

JSSK-14T and

A. gangjinensis

K7-2T. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (39.7 %) and C17 : 1
 ω6c (14.4 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one sphingoglycolipid and three unidentified lipids. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JGD-13T represents a novel species within the genus

Aurantiacibacter

, for which the name Aurantiacibacter sediminis JGD-13Tsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JGD-13T (=KCTC 72892T=KACC 21676T=JCM 33995T).
Analysis of microglial BDNF function and expression in the motor cortex
Authors: Honey Diana , Klann Eric , Weinhard Laetitia
Published: June 2022

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that regulates several aspects of brain function. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the expression and function of BDNF in neurons, its expression in microglia remains controversial. Using a combination of genetic tools and fluorescence imaging, we analyzed BDNF expression pattern and interrogated the effect of microglial BDNF deletion on neuronal activity, early-stage spine formation, and microglia-neuron interactions in the motor cortex. Our results suggest that microglia do not express BDNF in sufficient amounts to modulate neuronal function.
scDeepC3: scRNA-seq Deep Clustering by A Skip AutoEncoder Network with Clustering Consistency
Authors: Wu Gang , Jiang Junjun , Liu Xianming
Published: June 2022

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) reveals the heterogeneity and diversity among individual cells and allows researchers conduct cell-wise analysis. Clustering analysis is a fundamental step in analyzing scRNA-seq data which is needed in many downstream tasks. Recently, some deep clustering based methods exhibit very good performance by combining the AutoEncoder reconstruction-based pre-training and the fine-tune clustering. Their common idea is to cluster the samples by the learned features from the bottleneck layer of the pre-trained model. However, these reconstruction-based pre-training cannot guarantee that the learned features are beneficial to the clustering. To alleviate these issues, we propose an improved scRNA-seq Deep Clustering method by a skip AutoEncoder network with Clustering Consistency (i.e., named scDeepC3) from two aspects, an efficient network structure and a stable loss function. In particular, we introduce an adaptive shortcut connection layer to directly add the shallow-layer (encoder) features to deep-layer (decoder). This will increase the flow of forward information and back-forward gradients, and make the network training more stable. Considering the complementarity between the features of different layers, which can be seen as different views of the original samples, we introduce a clustering consistency loss to make the clustering results of different views consistent. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed scDeepC3 achieves better performance than state-of-the-arts and the detailed ablation studies are conducted to help us understand how these parts make sense.
Ubiquitin-based pathway acts inside chloroplasts to regulate photosynthesis
Authors: Sun Yi , Yao Zujie , Chen Honglin , Ye Yiting , Lyu Yuping , Broad William , Fournier Marjorie , Chen Genyun , Hu Yonghong , Mohammed Shabaz , Ling Qihua , Jarvis R. Paul
Published: June 2022

Photosynthesis is the energetic basis for most life on Earth, and in plants it operates inside double-membrane-bound organelles called chloroplasts. The photosynthetic apparatus comprises numerous proteins encoded by the nuclear and organellar genomes. Maintenance of this apparatus requires the action of internal chloroplast proteases, but a role for the nucleocytosolic ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) was not expected owing to the barrier presented by the double-membrane envelope. Here, we show that photosynthesis proteins (including those encoded internally by chloroplast genes) are ubiquitinated, and processed via the CHLORAD pathway: they are degraded by the 26S proteasome following CDC48-dependent retrotranslocation to the cytosol. This demonstrates that the reach of the UPS extends to the interior of endosymbiotically-derived chloroplasts, where it acts to regulate one of the most fundamental processes of life.
The de-industrialisation discourse and the loss of modern industrial heritage in the Arab world: Jordan as a case study
Authors: Jarrar Nedhal , Jaradat Suha
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Industrial heritage is considered an essential part of cultural heritage in the world. This heritage suffers from continued marginalisation in the Arab world, particularly in Jordan, where many industrial heritage sites have not been protected or studied well due to the lack of a clear definition of cultural heritage. Most of these sites, built in the 20th century, are gradually disappearing or scheduled for demolition. This paper explores the de-industrialisation discourse and the loss of modern industrial heritage in the Arab world, especially in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigates the modern industrial heritage in Jordan as a case study in the Arab world. A comprehensive understanding of the industrial heritage has been obtained by adopting a case study approach and using a reconnaissance survey of potential industrial heritage sites in Jordan.

Findings

Seven categories were used in the analysis of the de-industrialisation phenomenon of heritage sites: ownership, location, design and types; structure, significance, deterioration and physical condition and conservation attempts and alterations. Three main approaches to industrial heritage were identified: demolition, occasional maintenance and rare examples of conservation and adaptive reuse.

Research limitations/implications

This study sheds light on the ownership issue of industrial structures in Jordan and invites policymakers, relevant authorities, private organisations and the public to consider the challenges and impact of de-industrialisation of such sites.

Originality/value

This research raises awareness of the de-industrialisation discourse, and highlights the value of industrial architecture dating back to the modernity period, which was short-lived in Jordan. It also calls for serious consideration of these sites to support sustainable development in the Arab World.
The economic domino effect on housing and construction sector – a case of India
Authors: B. Madhumitha , Onkar Preeti
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand the domino effect on housing and construction sector along the economic dimensions in light of COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The view point in this paper is written based on the domino effect of various sectors in India. Starting from the macro-economic events through to the micro-economic events, the changes are discussed along the platform of COVID-19. Early literature to support the discussions and a wide range of periodicals to observe the current events are used in arriving at a hypothesis.

Findings

The impact in any sector does not happen because of a sole event rather it is consequence of changes and trends that took place in multiple sectors. This paper identifies such changes in the sectors of oil industry, cement manufacturing, housing and construction sector during COVID-19. The paper concludes on confirming the hypothesis with two opinions. One by accepting the principle of domino effect that construction domain had various impacts by other sectors at different levels during pandemic. Another on considering the level of impact, the sector has withstood the impacts in various manners and is growing in extensive directions proving the sector to be resilient.

Originality/value

The paper showcases the impacts of various sectors on construction domain with an insight of most recent trends supported by early literature. The linking of elements is the significance of the paper.
Harmonious entrepreneurship: evolution from wealth creation to sustainable development
Authors: Kirby David Anthony , El-Kaffass Iman , Healey-Benson Felicity
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the evolution of entrepreneurship, explain the reasons for why it is not contributing significantly to the global sustainability challenge and propose a new approach and business model to better enable it to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a grounded theory–style approach based on case study production and analysis using secondary data and, where appropriate, personal observation.

Findings

The paper concludes that entrepreneurship has failed to address the sustainability challenge because of its emphasis on “making as much money as possible” and its failure to appreciate that the planet is a system. It concludes that for any solution to be successful it must be based on systems thinking and should integrate or harmonise the traditional, separately applied approaches to entrepreneurship in order to produce a business model with a Triple Bottom Line, whereby Profit, Planet and People are in Harmony.

Research limitations/implications

While the proposed model is based on a real-life case, it needs to be tested in different politico-economic contexts and industry sectors. It has the potential, though, to impact very considerably the traditional thinking on entrepreneurship and its application.

Practical implications

The proposed new approach will have significant implications for entrepreneurship education and training, including the adoption of a stakeholder rather than shareholder approach to management.

Social implications

Sustainability is arguably the most urgent and critical problem facing contemporary society. The proposed model provides a potential solution to that problem, particularly at the local community level.

Originality/value

The research proposes a new approach to entrepreneurship that breaks with the Friedman (1970) mantra that the purpose of business is to “make as much money as possible”.
Do celebrity endorsements influence stock investment intentions?
Authors: Shiva Atul , Arora Nilesh , Rishi Bikramjit
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Celebrity endorsement is a preferred marketing communication strategy adopted by business firms. The present study suggests theoretical underpinnings for investigating the effect of celebrity endorsement on individual investors' intentions to invest in the shares of companies. The study integrates marketing communication and behavioural finance theories to understand investor behaviour in the stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a questionnaire based on a conjoint analysis technique. The retail investors from India filled out the questionnaire. The authors developed an orthogonal design to generate retail investors' investment intentions and applied the full-profile conjoint method.

Findings

The results reveal that investors prefer to invest in technology-related firms when they employ entertainment celebrities to endorse their products. Investors prefer that entertainment celebrities' personalities match the single brand only they are endorsing. Further, investors choose to invest during corrective market trends in emerging economies, such as India.

Originality/value

The study offers practical implications for corporate entities and marketing professionals by analysing retail investors' investment intentions in financial markets.
Examining housing quality in Turkey through resident preferences and their housing conditions: a survey study
Authors: Gürsoy Özge , Akıncı Nazlı Ferah
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The inadequacy of regulations, the uncertainty of the quality of houses produced and the needs of users all highlight the need for a house analysis in Turkey. The goal of this study is to understand housing quality in Turkey based on the gap between expectations and existing housing stock, to identify the main housing expectations and the problematic issues in the current housing situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a survey using the quality indicators of several well-known housing quality assessment tools to reveal residents' housing preferences and current housing situation in Turkey. The authors analyzed the survey results to identify the gap between housing preferences and existing conditions to reveal the housing quality of Turkish housing.

Findings

Overall results show that residents in Turkey, regardless of their demographics, want and need better houses. It was determined that physical conditions, safety, aesthetics and accessibility are the issues for which the expectations of the participants are high and the lack of which is most felt.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the residents' perspective on housing and their housing quality. It emphasizes the need for more research on housing quality, the need for updated regulation and necessity of a housing quality assessment tool in Turkey.
Investigation and optimisation of process parameters for the green chemistry colouration using banana bio-resources waste
Authors: Mohtashim Quratulain , Asim Fareha , Farooq Salma
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The application of synthetic dyestuffs in the dyeing and printing industries has been criticized because of the introduction of contaminants into the environment. With time, the increasing international awareness of environment and ecology preservation has led to the industry’s attention towards natural dyes and their efficient usage compared to synthetic counterparts. Because the need for “Green” goods and services are rising public awareness, this paper aims to use a banana bio-resource waste to dye cotton fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

Factorial design with three variables, including parts of a banana plant, combination of alkalis and application temperature at three different levels, was studied to identify a significant correlation between the effect of these variables on the colour strength and fastnesses of the dyed cotton fabrics.

Findings

Dyeing samples achieved with various parts of banana are found to offer significant colour strength and a good wash and rub fastness. Experimental design analysis helped to formulate a standard workable dyeing recipe with the minimum use of resources exhibiting reasonably good wash and rub fastness.

Originality/value

This dyeing technique is novel and can be found useful for partially replacing synthetic dyes with natural colourants possessing good washing and rubbing fastness.
The Market for Corporate Control and Risk‐taking: Evidence from Global Merger and Acquisition Laws
Authors: Koirala Santosh , Rao Sandeep , Farag Hisham , Marshall Andrew
Published: June 2022

We examine the effect of international regulations governing the market for corporate control (MCC) on firm risk‐taking using the staggered enactment of country‐level merger and acquisition (M&A) laws of 34 countries. Consistent with the theoretical argument of deterrence, we show that the MCC leads to unintended consequences by discouraging value‐relevant corporate risk‐taking. Our investigation of real earnings management suggests that the MCC induces real earnings smoothing and also provides evidence of short‐termism. This reduction in corporate risk‐taking is associated with a decrease in real investments, an increase in cash‐holding, an increase in debt employment, and a propensity to diversify in M&A. Further examination of the heterogeneous effect of the quality of national governance institutions on the relationship between the MCC and risk‐taking shows that the country‐level investor protection and transparency levels positively moderate the effect of the MCC. Our study highlights that there could be complementary roles played by national institutional features and the MCC in encouraging value‐relevant corporate risk‐taking.
Using totalRNAquality metrics for time since deposition estimates in degrading bloodstains
Authors: Elliott Colin I. , Stotesbury Theresa E. , Shafer Aaron B. A.
Published: June 2022

The physicochemical changes occurring in biomolecules in degrading bloodstains can be used to approximate the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains. This would provide forensic scientists with critical information regarding the timeline of the events involving bloodshed. Our study aims to quantify the timewise degradation trends and temperature dependence found in total RNA from bloodstains without the use of amplification, expanding the scope of the RNA TSD research which has traditionally targeted mRNA and miRNA. Bovine blood with ACD‐A anticoagulant was deposited and stored in plastic microcentrifuge tubes at 21 or 4°C and tested over different timepoints spanning 1 week. Total RNA was extracted from each sample and analyzed using automated high sensitivity gel electrophoresis. Nine RNA metrics were visually assessed and quantified using linear and mixed models. The RNA Integrity Number equivalent (RINe) and DV200 were not influenced by the addition of anticoagulant and demonstrated strong negative trends over time. The RINe model fit was high (R2 = 0.60), and while including the biological replicate as a random effect increased the fit for all RNA metrics, no significant differences were found between biological replicates stored at the same temperature for the RINe and DV200. This suggests that these standardized metrics can be directly compared between scenarios and individuals, with DV200 having an inflection point at approximately 28 h. This study provides a novel approach for blood TSD research, revealing metrics that are not affected by inter‐individual variation, and improving our understanding of the rapid RNA degradation occurring in bloodstains.
Domestication of drinking: a survey study of changes in types of drinking occasions during periods of increasing and decreasing alcohol consumption in the 2000s in Finland
Authors: Mäkelä Pia , Kumpulainen Pekka , Härkönen Janne , Lintonen Tomi
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

In Finland, per‐capita alcohol consumption increased in the early 2000s and decreased after 2007. Our aim was to determine how these changes originated from changes in drinking practices.

Design

Repeated cross‐sectional general‐population surveys.

Setting

Finland in 2000, 2008 and 2016.

Participants

Finnish residents aged 15–69 years (n = 6703, response rate 59–78%).

Measurements

Event‐level data on drinking occasions (n = 21 097). Types of drinking occasions (drinking practices) were identified with latent class analysis using occasion characteristics. The aggregated volume of consumption and intoxication occasions were decomposed into contributions from drinking practice classes and years.

Findings

Nine drinking occasion types were identified: three at home without company other than family (51% of occasions in 2016), three socializing occasions in different places and with different company (33%) and three party occasion types (16%). Both the frequency of drinking occasion types and the occasion type‐specific amounts of alcohol consumed contributed to aggregate‐level changes in alcohol use. Drinking at home without external company (with family only; for men, also alone) contributed most to the increase in alcohol use before 2008. Big parties in homes and bars became less common in the 2000s, contributing most to the decline in drinking after 2008.

Conclusions

The rise in per‐capita alcohol consumption in Finland in the early 2000s appears to have been linked mainly to an increase in lighter drinking occasions at home without external company. The fall in per‐capita drinking after 2007 was linked mainly to a decrease in big parties in homes and in licensed premises. Changes in drinking frequency and the amounts of alcohol consumed per occasion changed in the same direction as alcohol affordability.
Morphological analysis of Prochilodus argenteus ovaries in successful and unsuccessful hypophysation‐induced reproduction
Authors: Ervilha Bernardo Borges , Diniz Mateus Augusto Silva , Paschoalini Alessandro Loureiro , dos Santos José Cláudio Epaminondas , Rizzo Elizete , Bazzoli Nilo
Published: June 2022

Pampus argenteus is a species of economic importance for professional fishing and aquaculture. To analyse the quality of oocytes of P. argenteus, 10 females were kept in tanks of 200 m2 with an average depth of 1 m in the Integrated Center of Fishing Resources and Aquaculture of Três Marias – CODEVASF. Specimens were submitted to hypophysation‐induced reproduction with crude extract of common carp pituitary (EBHC). Females received two doses (0.8–1.0 and 5.0–6.6 mg of EBHC/kg body weight, respectively), with a 12‐h interval between doses. For males, a single dose (2.7 mg/kg body weight) was applied at the same time as the females' second dose. Oocytes were extruded manually 8 h after the second hormonal dose at 26°C. It was observed that seven females responded positively to the procedure while the other three released bloody and lumpy oocytes. For histological analysis, ovarian fragments were fixed in Bouin's liquid for 8–12 h and submitted to routine histological techniques. The protocol was considered successful for 70% of females and 100% of males. The fertilization rate of the females from the unsuccessful group was very low, and histological analyses showed that most of their oocytes were in follicular atresia, suggesting a delay in hormonal administration or extrusion could have occurred. Despite the hypophysation protocol being considered adequate for the induced reproduction of P. argenteus, complementary studies are necessary to evaluate the possible causes of this degenerative process.
Age of the leftie: the lived experience of left‐handed surgeons
Authors: Othman Bushra , Chandra Raaj , Nestel Debra
Published: June 2022

Background

Left‐handers make up 10%–12% of all surgeons. Surgical education and practice by nature has significant technical demands but there is a paucity of data on left‐handers and training in surgery. The surgical curriculum has no specific salutation or recognition of left‐handers and the contributions and challenges they represent.

Methods

The purpose of the study was to explore, describe and understand the lived experience of left‐handed surgeons in relation to surgical education and training in Australia. Semi‐structured interviews were used to gather in‐depth information relating to the participants' experiences, viewpoints, beliefs and motivations.

Results

The responses of the participants involved were categorized using the data analysis method described by Colaizzi. Seven themes were identified: left‐handed surgeons are universal adapters; left‐handed instruments are not necessary for left‐handed trainees; most left‐handed trainees have experienced discrimination or negativity due to their laterality; ambidexterity is considered an advantage; communicating one's laterality is important; a formal mentoring program is not necessary; and simulation can be a complementary tool for left‐ handed trainees. Being a left‐handed surgical trainee need not be a negative experience.

Conclusion

With appropriate support and teaching, left‐handed trainees can develop into excellent surgeons. The themes from this study can be used by trainees, trainers and Colleges of surgical training to build awareness and optimize the training of future left‐handed surgeons.
Review article: vascular effects of PPARs in the context of NASH
Authors: Guixé‐Muntet Sergi , Biquard Louise , Szabo Gyongyi , Dufour Jean‐François , Tacke Frank , Francque Sven , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel , Gracia‐Sancho Jordi
Published: June 2022

Background

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand‐activated transcription factors known to regulate glucose and fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, endothelial function and fibrosis. PPAR isoforms have been extensively studied in metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data extend the key role of PPARs to liver diseases coursing with vascular dysfunction, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Aim

This review summarises and discusses the pathobiological role of PPARs in cardiovascular diseases with a special focus on their impact and therapeutic potential in NAFLD and NASH.

Results and Conclusions

PPARs may be attractive for the treatment of NASH due to their liver‐specific effects but also because of their efficacy in improving cardiovascular outcomes, which may later impact liver disease. Assessment of cardiovascular disease in the context of NASH trials is, therefore, of the utmost importance, both from a safety and efficacy perspective.
Seropositivity to Campylobacter and association with abortion and lamb mortality in maiden ewes from Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria
Authors: Clune T , Bruce M , Glanville E , Campbell AJD , Lockwood A , Hancock S , Thompson AN , Beetson S , Brookes D , Trengove C , O'Handley R , Jacobson C
Published: June 2022

This case‐control study investigated associations between Campylobacter fetus or Campylobacter jejuni titre and reproductive outcomes in 22 flocks of Merino and non‐Merino maiden ewes aged 1–2 years old. Campylobacter titres were also determined for multiparous ewes aged 3 years or older on the same farms. C. fetus ‘positivity’ (titre ≥1:80) was detected for 12% (57/462; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 9.6 to 15.6) of maiden ewes and 31% (65/210; 95% CI 25.0 to 37.4) of mature ewes. The odds for failing to rear a lamb in C. fetus‐‘exposed’ maiden ewes (titre ≥1:10) was 2.01 times that of seronegative ewes (95% CI 1.09 to 3.77; P = 0.027), but there was no association between C. fetus‐‘positivity’ (titre ≥1:80) and failure to rise (OR 1.69; 95% CI 0.77 to 3.76; P = 0.191). C. fetus abortions were confirmed with microbial culture in one maiden ewe flock. In this flock, C. fetus titres fluctuated and often waned by lamb marking, highlighting the value of necropsies during abortion investigations. C. jejuni‐‘positivity’ (titre ≥1:80) was detected for 44% (204/462; 95% CI 39.7 to 48.7) maiden ewes, but odds of failing to rear were decreased for C. jejuni‐‘positive’ ewes (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.83; P = 0.007). The association between Campylobacter serology and the reproductive outcome was inconsistent in these flocks. Serology should be considered in the context of other risk factors and used in conjunction with other strategies to investigate the impact of Campylobacter exposure on ewe reproductive performance such as monitoring for abortions and lamb necropsies to determine aetiological diagnosis, and vaccination trials.
Melanoma care during one year pandemic in Berlin: decreasing appointment cancellations despite increasing COVID‐19 concern
Authors: Micek Aleksandra , Diehl Katharina , Teuscher Miriam , Schaarschmidt Marthe‐Lisa , Sasama Bianca , Ohletz Jan , Burbach Guido , Kiecker Felix , Hillen Uwe , Harth Wolfgang , Peitsch Wiebke K.
Published: June 2022

Background and objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic poses a great challenge for cancer patients. Our aim was to assess its influence on treatment and appointments of melanoma patients after one year of pandemic.

Methods

Melanoma patients treated in the Vivantes Skin Cancer Centre in Berlin, Germany completed a postal survey on pandemic‐related alterations in melanoma care. Impact factors on changes of appointments were examined with descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Data after one year of pandemic were compared to those after its first wave.

Results

Among 366 participants (57.7 % males; mean age 69.2 years, response rate: 36.1 %), 38 (10.1 %) reported postponed or missed appointments, mostly on their own demand (71.1 %) due to fear of COVID‐19 (52.6 %). Current treatment was associated with a lower risk of changing appointments (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.194, p = 0.002), higher age (OR: 1.037, p = 0.039), longer disease duration (OR: 1.007, p = 0.028), and higher school degree (OR: 2.263, p = 0.043) with higher probability. Among 177 patients currently receiving therapy, only 1.7 % experienced pandemic‐related treatment alterations. Concern about COVID‐19 was significantly higher after one year of pandemic than after its first wave, but the number of missed appointments was lower.

Conclusions

Pandemic‐related changes were rare in our cohort and decreased over time despite increasing concern.
Urgent computed tomography angiography in paediatric stroke
Authors: Briest Romain C. , Cheung Andrew K. , Kandula Tejaswi , Cardamone Michael , Pillai Sekhar C. , Sampaio Hugo , Teoh Hooi‐Ling , Webster Richard I. , Wenderoth Jason D. , Andrews P. Ian
Published: June 2022

Aim

To improve delivery of acute therapies for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

Method

We identified factors influencing the speed of diagnosis and delivery of acute therapies in a prospective cohort of 21 children with suspected AIS (eight with AIS, 13 stroke mimics) and explored them in a retrospective cohort with confirmed AIS.

Results

Approximately half of the prospective and total AIS cohorts presented with acute, sustained hemiparesis, and were diagnosed relatively quickly. AIS was suspected and diagnosed more slowly in the half presenting with symptoms other than sustained hemiparesis. Thirty‐one out of 51 patients with AIS (19 females, 32 males, mean age 8 years 6 months, SD 5 years 4 months) had arterial abnormalities identified by computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): 11 with large vessel occlusion, six with dissection, five with moyamoya disease, nine with other arteriopathies. Among these patients, those initially imaged with CTA were diagnosed more quickly than those with initial magnetic resonance imaging/angiography, which facilitated thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapy. Twenty out of 51 had AIS without arterial abnormalities on CTA or MRA: eight with lenticulostriate vasculopathy and 12 with other small‐vessel AIS. Among these patients, 80% were ineligible for thrombolysis for reasons beyond delay to diagnosis, and all showed good outcomes with supportive treatments alone.

Interpretation

Clinical features at presentation influence rapidity with which childhood AIS is suspected and diagnosed. Readily available CTA can direct thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion and thrombolysis in most, but not all, eligible patients.

What this paper adds

Children with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) commonly present with symptoms other than sustained hemiparesis.

Stroke is more slowly recognized in these patients, which limits potential therapies.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) accurately identifies AIS with large vessel occlusion, enabling timely endovascular thrombectomy.

CTA is sufficient to direct thrombolytic therapy in most eligible children.

Most childhood AIS without arterial abnormalities identified by CTA had good outcomes.
Neurovascular disease in Switzerland: 10‐year trends show non‐traditional risk factors on the rise and higher exposure in women
Authors: Hänsel Martin , Steigmiller Klaus , Luft Andreas R. , Gebhard Catherine , Held Ulrike , Wegener Susanne
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Effective risk factor modification is the prerequisite to prevent neurovascular disease such as stroke or vascular dementia. Non‐traditional vascular risk factors (nt‐vrfs) including stress significantly add to the risk of neurovascular disease arising from traditional vascular risk factors (t‐vrfs). In order to discover sex‐specific changes that may underlie previously reported inclines in the prevalence of neurovascular and cardiovascular disease in women, 10‐year trends in the prevalence of vrfs in Switzerland were assessed.

Methods

Anonymized data from 22,134 participants (51% women) of the governmental Swiss Health Survey, performed every 5 years (2007, 2012 and 2017), were obtained. Epidemiological parameters, t‐vrfs and nt‐vrfs were analyzed in a cross‐sectional study design.

Results

Over the observation period, the number of women having full‐time jobs increased considerably (2007 38%, 2012 39%, 2017 44%). This was accompanied by a substantial rise in the prevalence of nt‐vrfs in women and men including stress at work (2007, not available; 2012 women/men 58%/60%; 2017 women/men 66%/65%), low locus of control (women/men: 2007 21%/19%, 2012 22%/19%, 2017 25%/22%) and sleep disorders (women/men: 2007 30%/22%, 2012 28%/20%, 2017 32%/26%). Amongst t‐vrfs, only the prevalence of obesity and hypercholesterolemia increased over time in both sexes, whilst other t‐vrfs remained stable (hypertension [27%], diabetes [5%]) or decreased (smoking [9.4 cigarettes/day]).

Conclusions

A rise in women's economic participation alongside a higher affection with nt‐vrfs in the female Swiss population emphasizes the need to improve vascular risk stratification and implement effective preventive measures for neurovascular and cardiovascular disease.
Genome‐wide SNPs of vegetable leafminer, Liriomyza sativae: Insights into the recent Australian invasion
Authors: Xu Xuefen , Schmidt Thomas L. , Liang Jiaxin , Ridland Peter M. , Chung Jessica , Yang Qiong , Jasper Moshe E. , Umina Paul A. , Liu Wanxue , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: June 2022

Liriomyza sativae, the vegetable leafminer, is an important agricultural pest originally from the Americas, which has now colonized all continents except Antarctica. In 2015, L. sativae arrived on the Australian mainland and established on the Cape York Peninsula in the northeast of the country near the Torres Strait, which provides a possible pathway for pests to enter Australia and evade biosecurity efforts. Here, we assessed genetic variation in L. sativae based on genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated by double digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD‐seq), aiming to uncover the potential origin(s) of this pest in Australia and contribute to reconstructing its global invasion history. Our fineRADstructure results and principal component analysis suggest Australian mainland populations were genetically close to populations from the Torres Strait, whereas populations from Asia, Africa, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) were more distantly related. Hawaiian populations were genetically distinct from all other populations of L. sativae included in our study. Admixture analyses further revealed that L. sativae from the Torres Strait may have genetic variation originating from multiple sources including Indonesia and PNG, and which has now spread to the Australian mainland. The L. sativae lineages from Asia and Africa appear closely related. Isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) was found at a broad global scale, but not within small regions, suggesting that human‐mediated factors likely contribute to the local spread of this pest. Overall, our findings suggest that an exotic Liriomyza pest invaded Australia through the Indo‐Papuan conduit, highlighting the importance of biosecurity programs aimed at restricting the movement of pests and diseases through this corridor.