bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of surgical site wound infection after instant breast reconstruction: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jin Lijun , Ba Tu
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the meta‐analysis was to evaluate and compare the effects of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of surgical site wound infection after instant breast reconstruction. The results of this meta‐analysis were analysed, and the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using dichotomous or contentious random‐ or fixed‐effect models. For the current meta‐analysis, 18 examinations spanning from 2009 to 2023 were included, encompassing 19 301 females with instant breast reconstruction. Systemic antibiotic prophylaxis had a significantly lower surgical site wound infection rate (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75–0.98, p = 0.02) compared with the standard of care after instant breast reconstruction in females. Topical antibiotic prophylaxis had a significantly lower surgical site wound infection rate (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.13–0.52, p < 0.001) compared with the standard of care after instant breast reconstruction in females. The examined data revealed that systemic and topical antibiotic prophylaxis had a significantly lower surgical site wound infection rate compared with the standard of care after instant breast reconstruction in females. However, given that several examinations had a small sample size, consideration should be given to their values.
Restricted dispersal and inbreeding in a high‐elevation bird across the ‘sky islands’ of the European Alps
Authors: Ceresa Francesco , Brambilla Mattia , Kvist Laura , Vitulano Severino , Pes Michele , Tomasi Laura , Pedrini Paolo , Bettega Chiara , Anderle Matteo , Hilpold Andreas , Kranebitter Petra
Published: December 2023

Aim

High‐elevation specialist species are threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and their distributions are becoming increasingly reduced and fragmented. In such a context, dispersal ability is crucial to maintain gene flow among patches of suitable habitat. However, information about dispersal is often lacking for these species, especially for those taxa that are usually considered as good dispersers such as birds. We adopted a landscape genomics approach to investigate dispersal in a climate‐sensitive high‐elevation specialist bird. Our aims were to assess the levels of gene flow within a wide mountain area, and to assess the effects of geographic distance and landscape characteristics on dispersal, by testing the isolation by distance (IBD) hypothesis against the isolation by resistance (IBR) hypothesis.

Location

European Alps.

Taxon

Montifringilla nivalis.

Methods

We sampled individuals from several breeding areas and obtained single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data by ddRAD sequencing. We then calculated site‐ and individual level genetic distances and individual inbreeding coefficients. To test IBD versus IBR, we related genetic distances to both geographic distances and different measures of landscape resistance by using maximum likelihood population effects models.

Results

Gene flow among breeding areas was partly restricted, and we found support for IBD, indicating that geographic distance limits snowfinch dispersal. Spatial patterns of genetic distances suggested that philopatry strongly contributed to determine the observed IBD. High inbreeding coefficients in several individuals indicated frequent mating among relatives.

Main Conclusions

Restricted dispersal and frequent inbreeding within ‘sky island’ systems can also occur in highly mobile species, because their potential ability to cover very large distances can be counteracted by high philopatry levels that are likely related to high dispersal costs. IBD and philopatry will increasingly hinder snowfinch dispersal among suitable areas within the future more restricted and fragmented breeding range, increasing the risks of local extinctions.
Comparing the productive failure and directive instruction for declarative safety knowledge training using virtual reality
Authors: Lu Song , Feng Zhenan , Lovreglio Ruggiero , Wang Fei , Yuan Xiaoming
Published: December 2023

Background Study

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a popular technology for safety training in construction. Several VR training prototypes have been designed and tested, which show they can perform better than traditional training tools. However, most of these existing tools are not underpinned by clear pedagogical theory, and studies assessing the impact of pedagogical theories on the effectiveness of VR prototypes are still rare in the literature.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate if and how the productive failure theory and the directive instruction theory have an impact on the effectiveness of VR safety training for confined space workers.

Methods

The study used a randomized controlled method involving 74 participants. The effectiveness of these two training methods was assessed in terms of knowledge acquisition and retention.

Results and Conclusions

The results illustrate that the productive failure training design performed better in terms of knowledge acquisition and retention. This paper introduces the Productive Failure Theory and shows the great potential of this approach for self‐service VR safety training in the field of construction.
Association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and periodontitis: Results from a large population‐based study
Authors: Wu Yuxuan , Yang Han , Jin Weiqiu , Wu Yuying , Yu Yiming , Chen Qiansi , He Baochang , Yan Fuhua , Li Yanfen , Chen Fa
Published: December 2023

Aim

To explore the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (measured using urinary metabolites) and periodontitis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014.

Materials and Methods

Weighted binary logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to evaluate independent and joint associations between the six urinary monohydroxylated metabolites of PAHs (OH‐PAHs) and periodontitis.

Results

In all, 3413 participants were included in this study. All six urinary OH‐PAHs were present at higher levels in the periodontitis group compared with the non‐periodontitis group (p < .001). Fully adjusted multivariable logistic regressions showed positive associations between the six urinary OH‐PAHs and periodontitis (p < .05). Higher concentrations of OH‐PAHs were also positively associated with attachment loss, periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and the number of tooth loss. BKMR and WQS regression yielded similar positive associations between OH‐PAH mixtures and periodontitis.

Conclusions

PAHs and their mixture are positively associated with periodontitis, which may provide novel insights into periodontitis prevention from an environmental exposure perspective.
A centromere map based on super pan‐genome highlights the structure and function of rice centromeres
Authors: Lv Yang , Liu Congcong , Li Xiaoxia , Wang Yueying , He Huiying , He Wenchuang , Chen Wu , Yang Longbo , Dai Xiaofan , Cao Xinglan , Yu Xiaoman , Liu Jiajia , Zhang Bin , Wei Hua , Zhang Hong , Qian Hongge , Shi Chuanlin , Leng Yue , Liu Xiangpei , Guo Mingliang , Wang Xianmeng , Zhang Zhipeng , Wang Tianyi , Zhang Bintao , Xu Qiang , Cui Yan , Zhang Qianqian , Yuan Qiaoling , Jahan Noushin , Ma Jie , Zheng Xiaoming , Zhou Yongfeng , Qian Qian , Guo Longbiao , Shang Lianguang
Published: December 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a significant crop worldwide with a genome shaped by various evolutionary factors. Rice centromeres are crucial for chromosome segregation, and contain some unreported genes. Due to the diverse and complex centromere region, a comprehensive understanding of rice centromere structure and function at the population level is needed. We constructed a high‐quality centromere map based on the rice super pan‐genome consisting of a 251‐accession panel comprising both cultivated and wild species of Asian and African rice. We showed that rice centromeres have diverse satellite repeat CentO, which vary across chromosomes and subpopulations, reflecting their distinct evolutionary patterns. We also revealed that long terminal repeats (LTRs), especially young Gypsy‐type LTRs, are abundant in the peripheral CentO‐enriched regions and drive rice centromere expansion and evolution. Furthermore, high‐quality genome assembly and complete telomere‐to‐telomere (T2T) reference genome enable us to obtain more centromeric genome information despite mapping and cloning of centromere genes being challenging. We investigated the association between structural variations and gene expression in the rice centromere. A centromere gene, OsMAB, which positively regulates rice tiller number, was further confirmed by expression quantitative trait loci, haplotype analysis and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 methods. By revealing the new insights into the evolutionary patterns and biological roles of rice centromeres, our finding will facilitate future research on centromere biology and crop improvement.
From molecules to behavior: Implications for perineuronal net remodeling in learning and memory
Authors: Sanchez Brenda , Kraszewski Piotr , Lee Sabrina , Cope Elise C.
Published: December 2023

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are condensed extracellular matrix (ECM) structures found throughout the central nervous system that regulate plasticity. They consist of a heterogeneous mix of ECM components that form lattice‐like structures enwrapping the cell body and proximal dendrites of particular neurons. During development, accumulating research has shown that the closure of various critical periods of plasticity is strongly linked to experience‐driven PNN formation and maturation. PNNs provide an interface for synaptic contacts within the holes of the structure, generally promoting synaptic stabilization and restricting the formation of new synaptic connections in the adult brain. In this way, they impact both synaptic structure and function, ultimately influencing higher cognitive processes. PNNs are highly plastic structures, changing their composition and distribution throughout life and in response to various experiences and memory disorders, thus serving as a substrate for experience‐ and disease‐dependent cognitive function. In this review, we delve into the proposed mechanisms by which PNNs shape plasticity and memory function, highlighting the potential impact of their structural components, overall architecture, and dynamic remodeling on functional outcomes in health and disease.

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A pilot study examining a double‐conjugated, retinoid‐based skincare regimen for darker, blemish‐prone skin
Authors: Hartman Corey L. , Dyck Rayna M. , Nelson Diane B.
Published: December 2023

Background

Retinoids and alpha‐ and beta hydroxy acids are common components utilized in regimens for blemish‐prone skin. However, balancing efficacy and tolerability is often challenging.

Patients/Methods

This pilot study evaluated a double‐conjugated retinoid serum specifically formulated for blemish‐prone skin (AHARet‐SA) in combination with exfoliating peel pads (double‐conjugated retinoid, glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids), a cleanser, mineral‐based sunscreen, and a lightweight moisturizer in female participants with mild‐to‐moderate blemish‐prone skin. Fifty‐five percent of participants were Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) IV and 27% were FST V. Participants used the exfoliating peel pads (3x/week for 8 weeks; 2x/week for 4 weeks) followed by nightly AHARet‐SA and a moisturizer (as needed). Improvements in skin were assessed using the 5‐point Investigator Global Assessment Scale, and participant satisfaction and tolerability were assessed over 12 weeks.

Results

Significant mean improvement from baseline in skin clarity occurred after 4 weeks (14%; p = 0.04) with progressive improvements through week 12 (52%; p = 0.004). Eighty‐eight percent of participants reported improvements in the appearance and texture of their skin and fewer blemishes/breakouts. Mild, transient adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

A regimen comprised of a double‐conjugated serum and exfoliating peel pads formulated for blemish‐prone skin led to significant improvements from baseline in skin clarity after 12 weeks in participants with predominately darker skin tones and mild‐to‐moderate blemish‐prone skin.
Vice versa: The decoupling of content and topic heterogeneity in collusion research
Authors: Schmal W. Benedikt
Published: December 2023

Collusive practices continue to be a significant threat to competition and consumer welfare. It should be of utmost importance for academic research to provide the theoretical and empirical foundations to antitrust authorities and enable them to develop proper tools to encounter new collusive practices. Utilizing topical natural language machine learning techniques allows me to analyze the evolution of economic research on collusion over the past two decades in a novel way. It enables me to review some 800 publications systematically. I extract the underlying topics from the papers and conduct a large set of uni‐ and multivariate time series and regression analyses on their individual prevalences. I detect a notable tendency towards monocultures in topics and an endogenous constriction of the topic variety. In contrast, the overall contents and issues addressed by these papers have grown remarkably. This caused a decoupling: Nowadays, more datasets and cartel cases are studied but with a smaller research scope.
The role of cognitive biases in conspiracy beliefs: A literature review
Authors: Gagliardi Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

In recent years, several studies have found that conspiracy believers tend to be more susceptible to cognitive biases (e.g., conjunction fallacy, proportionality bias, agency detection bias, etc.). The aim of this work is to review such literature, systematizing these concepts in a unifying framework of conspiracy mentality as a set of biased cognitive processes, which categorizes cognitive biases in two classes: those that contribute to belief formation and those that contribute to belief updating. Drawing on several empirical results, this paper summarizes the role of cognitive biases in conspiratorial thinking, offering some insights for future research and raising questions about the possible weaknesses of this approach.
Distinct regulation of two flagella by calcium during chemotaxis of male gametes in the brown alga Mutimo cylindricus (Cutleriaceae, Tilopteridales)
Authors: Kinoshita‐Terauchi Nana , Shiba Kogiku , Umezawa Taiki , Inaba Kazuo
Published: December 2023

Brown algal male gametes show chemotaxis to the sex pheromone that is released from female gametes. The chemotactic behavior of the male gametes is controlled by the changes in the beating of two flagella known as the anterior and posterior flagellum. Our previous study using Mutimo cylindricus showed that the sex pheromone induced an increment in both the deflection angle of the anterior flagellum and sustained unilateral bend of the posterior flagellum, but the mechanisms regulating these two flagellar waveforms were not fully revealed. In this study, we analyzed the changes in swimming path and flagellar waveforms with a high‐speed recording system under different calcium conditions. The extracellular Ca2+ concentration at 10−3 M caused an increment in the deflection angle of the anterior flagellum only when ionomycin was absent. No sustained unilateral bend of the posterior flagellum was induced either in the absence or presence of ionomycin in extracellular Ca2+ concentrations below 10−2 M. Real‐time Ca2+ imaging revealed that there is a spot near the basal part of anterior flagellum showing higher Ca2+ than in the other parts of the cell. The intensity of the spot slightly decreased when male gametes were treated with the sex pheromone. These results suggest that Ca2+‐dependent changes in the anterior and posterior flagellum are regulated by distinct mechanisms and that the increase in the anterior flagellar deflection angle and sustained unilateral bend of the posterior flagellum may not be primarily induced by the Ca2+ concentration.
The value of a head turn in neurolocalization
Authors: Nagendran Aran , José López Roberto , Suñol Anna , Brocal Josep , Gonçalves Rita
Published: December 2023

Background

A head turn is a clinically relevant abnormality identified on neurological examination and historically has been an isolated or concomitant sign of ipsilateral forebrain dysfunction. Experimental studies in quadrupedal mammals suggest that changes in head posture may be identified as originating in other parts of the central nervous system (CNS).

Objectives

To identify whether other locations within the CNS could give rise to a head turn and whether the head turn identified is isolated or concomitant with other deviations in head and body posture.

Animals

Forty‐nine client‐owned dogs with a presentation of a head turn, from 6 veterinary referral centers.

Methods

Multicenter observational prospective study including dogs with photographic evidence of a head turn, full neurological examination, and advanced imaging.

Results

Of the population, 15/49 had head turn only, 9/49 had head turn and head tilt only, 12/49 had head turn and body turn only, and 13/49 had head turn, head tilt, and body turn. Nearly all dogs with forebrain disease (23/24), and, all with brainstem and cerebellar disease, had an ipsilateral head turn and body turn (if present). In the cerebellar group, all head tilts were contralateral to the lesion location. In the cervical spinal cord group, all head turns, body turns and head tilts were contralateral to the lesion location.

Conclusion

A head turn, although most likely associated with, is not exclusively seen with forebrain disease. Certain combinations of head turn, head tilt and body turn suggest a neurolocalization other than the forebrain, with appropriate classification needed.
How career ready are your students? Reflections on what we are (not) teaching anthropology students
Authors: Nolan Riall W. , Briody Elizabeth K.
Published: December 2023

Despite the growing market in industry, government, and non‐profits for anthropologists, and their evident success there, anthropology has no real framework for teaching students about the practical applications of anthropology. This pattern appears at all degree levels—bachelor's, master's, and PhD. With that in mind, the Anthropology Career Readiness Network set out to investigate and identify some of the main gaps in academic training with respect to practice. Using Delphi surveys, we queried practitioners about perceived gaps in their training. The results showed that respondents felt quite underprepared in terms of job search strategies. They also lacked skills in transferring anthropology to workplace settings and explaining the value of their discipline to people in those settings. Although sobering on one level, our study points to a clear path ahead for curriculum development. The Network continues to work with practitioners, students, and instructors to build our collective capacity to prepare people to enter the workplace of their choice and to thrive there.
Incorrect recombination partner associations contribute to meiotic instability of neo‐allopolyploid Arabidopsis suecica
Authors: Chéron Floriane , Petiot Valentine , Lambing Christophe , White Charles , Serra Heïdi
Published: December 2023

Combining two or more related homoeologous genomes in a single nucleus, newly formed allopolyploids must rapidly adapt meiosis to restore balanced chromosome segregation, production of euploid gametes and fertility. The poor fertility of such neo‐allopolyploids thus strongly selects for the limitation or avoidance of genetic crossover formation between homoeologous chromosomes.

In this study, we have reproduced the interspecific hybridization between Arabidopsis thaliana and Arabidopsis arenosa leading to the allotetraploid Arabidopsis suecica and have characterized the first allopolyploid meioses.

First‐generation neo‐allopolyploid siblings vary considerably in fertility, meiotic behavior and levels of homoeologous recombination. We show that centromere dynamics at early meiosis is altered in synthetic neo‐allopolyploids compared with evolved A. suecica, with a significant increase in homoeologous centromere interactions at zygotene. At metaphase I, the presence of multivalents involving homoeologous chromosomes confirms that homoeologous recombination occurs in the first‐generation synthetic allopolyploid plants and this is associated with a significant reduction in homologous recombination, compared to evolved A. suecica.

Together, these data strongly suggest that the fidelity of recombination partner choice, likely during the DNA invasion step, is strongly impaired during the first meiosis of neo‐allopolyploids and requires subsequent adaptation.
Do Financial Markets Respond to Populist Rhetoric?
Authors: ÇAKMAKLI CEM , DEMİRALP SELVA , GÜNEŞ GÖKHAN ŞAHİN
Published: December 2023

With the global rise in populism over the last decade, there has been an increase in political commentaries (PC) by leaders that criticize their central banks and argue for lower interest rates. We analyse the effects of PCs on exchange rates, bond yields, and the risk premium for six countries that are subject to political pressures. Utilizing a specification with time‐varying parameters, we show that PCs affect the level and the volatility of exchange rates, bond yields and the risk premium in Turkey. The response increases over time. In other countries, there is a significant impact on exchange rate volatility.
Small extracellular vesicle‐based human melanocyte and melanoma signature
Authors: Agüera‐Lorente Andrea , Alonso‐Pardavila Ainhoa , Larrinaga María , Boyano María Dolores , González Esperanza , Falcón‐Pérez Juan Manuel , Asumendi Aintzane , Apraiz Aintzane
Published: December 2023

Intercellular communication is a cell‐type and stimulus‐dependent event driven not only by soluble factors but also by extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs include vesicles of different size and origin that contain a myriad of molecules. Among them, small EVs (sEV; <200 nm) have been shown to modulate not just regional cell responses but also distant organ behavior. In cancer, distant organ modulation by sEVs has been associated to disease dissemination, which is one of the main concerns in melanoma. Description of broadly conserved alterations in sEV‐contained molecules represents a strategy to identify key modifications in cellular communication as well as new disease biomarkers. Here, we characterize proteomes of cutaneous melanocyte and melanoma‐derived sEVs to deepen on the landscape of normal and disease‐related cell communication. Results reveal the presence of unique protein signatures for melanocytes and melanoma cells that reflect cellular transformation‐related profound modifications. Melanocyte‐derived sEVs are enriched in oxidative metabolism (e.g., aconitase 2, ACO2) or pigmentation (e.g., tyrosinase, TYR) related proteins while melanoma‐derived sEVs reflect a generalized decrease in mature melanocytic markers (e.g., melanoma antigen recognized by T‐cells 1, MART‐1, also known as MLANA) and an increase in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related adhesion molecules such as tenascin C (TNC).
Logical Pluralism and Paradoxical Assertions in the Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Friedman‐Biglin Noah , Vaidya Anand Jayprakash
Published: December 2023

Many authors show how useful logic can be as a tool for building theories that can account for problems in the philosophy of religion, such as paradoxical assertions. As a consequence, one's philosophy of logic is crucial as well, since it determines which logics, from the set of available and constructible logics, one can use to build a theory. In this paper, we present the relatively recent debate between logical pluralism and monism because the positions in this debate determine which logic(s) can, with justification, be applied to build a theory that addresses problems in the philosophy of religion. We begin by presenting the problem of paradoxical assertions and the debate over logical pluralism that bears on the addressing paradoxical assertions. We then canvass strategies for arguing in favor of logical monism, and pluralism; ultimately, we conclude that the Western tradition has reached a stalemate on this issue. We then turn our attention to the potential for Indian religious traditions to contribute to the debate. We present the five‐step‐syllogism from Nyāya‐Hindu philosophy, the four corners of reasoning from Buddhist philosophy, and the seven‐fold theory of predication from Jaina philosophy. The upshot of our presentation is to lay the groundwork for cross‐traditional logical debate by identifying the ways in which Indian discussions of debate and dialogue relate to modern approaches to logic and the philosophy of logic.
Skin cancer survivorship and sun protection behaviors in the United States
Authors: Domínguez Bueso Daniela L. , González Ruiz Liza M. , Mondragón Márquez Lía I. , Liu Jason J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Skin cancer survivors are more vulnerable to subsequent skin cancers and other malignancies, but previous studies have not examined in detail their sun protection behavior prevalence by sociodemographic factors. We aimed to understand the sociodemographic disparities in the prevalence of three important types of sun protection behaviors: using sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, among skin cancer survivors and those without skin cancer history.

Methods

We used the 2015 U.S. National Health Interview Survey to analyze 29,523 participants, of which 772 were skin cancer survivors and 28,751 were those without skin cancer history. We assessed overall and specific sun protection behavior prevalence based on using sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing. Weighted Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios.

Results

Melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer survivors had similar overall sun protection behavior (p > .05). Among all skin cancer survivors, 36.0% infrequently used sunscreen, 50.2% infrequently wore protective clothing, 47.8% infrequently sought shade, and 30.0% lacked frequent overall sun protection, which significantly differed from those without skin cancer history (p < .0001). The prevalence of frequent overall sun protection behavior was lower for those who were younger at survey, males, less educated, single or never married, or lived in poverty, regardless of their skin cancer history (p < .01).

Conclusions

By identifying subpopulations with higher prevalence of infrequent sun protection among those with or without skin cancer history, our findings may encourage efforts to reduce sociodemographic disparities in sun protection behaviors and promote primary and tertiary skin cancer prevention.
Risk factors of cognitive frailty in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and its implication for death: a cohort study
Authors: Wu Xia , Huang Kehan , Jiang Tingting , Yu Huiqin
Published: December 2023

Backgrounds

Cognitive frailty, a clinical syndrome with physical frailty and cognitive impairment, leads to mortality and other adverse health outcomes in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cognitive frailty, and its influencing factors, and follow its impact on short‐term mortality in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, to provide a theoretical scientific reference basis for clinical intervention and management of cognitive frailty.

Methods

A sample of 243 elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the respiratory department of a tertiary care hospital was conveniently sampled from November 2021 to February 2023, and the prevalence of cognitive frailty was investigated using the General Information Survey Scale, the Fried Phenotype Scale, the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Anxiety Self‐Rating Scale, the Brief Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Mortality Record. The mortality was recorded by telephone follow‐up after 6 months. A database was created and statistical analysis such as one‐way analysis of variance, logistic regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox survival analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 47 patients (19.3%) had cognitive frailty; there were statistical differences in the prevalence of cognitive frailty by medical payment type, physical exercise, and sleeping time (P < 0.05). During a 6‐month follow‐up, 38 patients (15.6%) died. Cox survival analysis showed that the risk of death in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the cognitive frailty group was 3.212 times higher than that in the normal cognitive function and non‐frailty group (95% CI 1.646–6.270, P = 0.001), and 5.266 times higher than that in the normal cognitive function and frailty group (95% CI 3.159–8.778, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of cognitive frailty in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is high, and clinical staff should pay attention to patients' medical burden and financial ability, and reduce the incidence of cognitive frailty by instructing patients to perform physical exercise and arrange sleep time. Cognitive frailty is an important risk factor for mortality within 6 months in elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, and early intervention should be emphasised to reduce or delay cognitive frailty and mortality.
Ellipro scores of donor epitope specific HLA antibodies are not associated with kidney graft survival
Authors: Kardol‐Hoefnagel Tineke , Senejohnny Danial Mohammadi , Kamburova Elena G. , Wisse Bram W. , Gruijters Maartje L. , Joosten Irma , Allebes Wil A. , van der Meer Arnold , Hilbrands Luuk B. , Baas Marije C. , Spierings Eric , Hack Cornelis E. , van Reekum Franka E. , van Zuilen Arjan D. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Drop Adriaan C. A. D. , Plaisier Loes , Melchers Rowena C. A. , Seelen Marc A. J. , Sanders Jan Stephan , Hepkema Bouke G. , Kroesen Bart‐Jan , Bungener Laura B. , Roozendaal Caroline , Tilanus Marcel G. J. , Voorter Christina E. , Wieten Lotte , van Duijnhoven Elly M. , Gelens Mariëlle A. C. J. , Christiaans Maarten H. L. , van Ittersum Frans J. , Nurmohamed Shaikh A. , Lardy Neubury M. , Swelsen Wendy , van der Pant Karlijn A. M. I. , van der Weerd Neelke C. , ten Berge Ineke J. M. , Hoitsma Andries , van der Boog Paul J. M. , de Fijter Johan W. , Betjes Michiel G. H. , Roelen Dave L. , Claas Frans H. , Bemelman Frederike J. , Heidt Sebastiaan , Otten Henny G.
Published: December 2023

In kidney transplantation, donor HLA antibodies are a risk factor for graft loss. Accessibility of donor eplets for HLA antibodies is predicted by the ElliPro score. The clinical usefulness of those scores in relation to transplant outcome is unknown. In a large Dutch kidney transplant cohort, Ellipro scores of pretransplant donor antibodies that can be assigned to known eplets (donor epitope specific HLA antibodies [DESAs]) were compared between early graft failure and long surviving deceased donor transplants. We did not observe a significant Ellipro score difference between the two cohorts, nor significant differences in graft survival between transplants with DESAs having high versus low total Ellipro scores. We conclude that Ellipro scores cannot be used to identify DESAs associated with early versus late kidney graft loss in deceased donor transplants.
Complete HLA genotyping of type 1 diabetes patients and controls from Mali reveals both expected and novel disease associations
Authors: Noble Janelle A. , Besançon Stéphane , Sidibé Assa Traore , Rozemuller Erik H. , Rijkers Maaike , Dadkhodaie Fereshte , de Bruin Helma , Kooij Jannetje , Martin Harper R. N. , Ogle Graham D. , Mack Steven J.
Published: December 2023

HLA genotyping was performed on 99 type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients and 200 controls from Mali. Next‐generation sequencing of the classical HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DRB3, ‐DRB4, ‐DRB5, ‐DQA1, ‐DQB1, ‐DPA1, and ‐DPB1 loci revealed strong T1D association for all loci except HLA‐C and ‐DPA1. Class II association is stronger than class I association, with most observed associations predisposing or protective as expected based on previous studies. For example, HLA‐DRB1*03:01, HLA‐DRB1*09:01, and HLA‐DRB1*04:05 predispose for T1D, whereas HLA‐DRB1*15:03 is protective. HLA‐DPB1*04:02 (OR = 12.73, p = 2.92 × 10−05) and HLA‐B*27:05 (OR = 21.36, p = 3.72 × 10−05) appear highly predisposing, although previous studies involving multiple populations have reported HLA‐DPB1*04:02 as T1D‐protective and HLA‐B*27:05 as neutral. This result may reflect the linkage disequilibrium between alleles on the extended HLA‐A*24:02~HLA‐B*27:05~HLA‐C*02:02~HLA‐DRB1*04:05~HLA‐DRB4*01:03~HLA‐DQB1*02:02~HLA‐DQA1*02:01~HLA‐DPB1*04:02~HLA‐DPA1*01:03 haplotype in this population rather than an effect of either allele itself. Individual amino acid (AA) analyses are consistent with most T1D association attributable to HLA class II rather than class I in this data set. AA‐level analyses reveal previously undescribed differences of the HLA‐C locus from the HLA‐A and HLA‐B loci, with more polymorphic positions, spanning a larger portion of the gene. This may reflect additional mechanisms for HLA‐C to influence T1D risk, for example, through expression differences or through its role as the dominant ligand for killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR). Comparison of these data to those from larger studies and on other populations may facilitate T1D prediction and help elucidate elusive mechanisms of how HLA contributes to T1D risk and autoimmunity.
Determination of the 3′UTR region of HLA‐B*53:01:03 sequence by next generation sequencing
Authors: Cheng Zi‐An , Bian Cheng , Lin Ke‐Qin , Sun Hao , Yang Zhao‐Qing
Published: December 2023

The 3′UTR of the HLA‐B*53:01:03 allele has been determined by next generation sequencing.
The novel HLA‐C*12:392 allele was identified in four unrelated bone marrow donors
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Kadirov Azat , Andryushkina Anna V. , Shagimardanova Elena I.
Published: December 2023

One nucleotide substitution in codon 83 of HLA‐С*12:02:02:01 results in the novel allele, HLA‐C*12:392.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*53:69 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Alanazi Hanan , Alshubaili Abdullah , Cereb Nezih , Hajeer Ali , Jawdat Dunia
Published: December 2023

The HLA‐B*53:69 allele differs from HLA‐B*53:01:01:01 by two nucleotide changes in exon 3.
Confirmation and extension of 18 HLA alleles identified in donors from the Russian bone marrow registry
Authors: Loginova Maria , Paramonov Igor
Published: December 2023

Eighteen HLA allele sequences were confirmed and extended: 3 HLA‐A, 6 HLA‐B, 3 HLA‐C, 2 HLA‐DRB1, and 4 HLA‐DQB1 alleles.
Serological characteristics and clinical implications of IgG subclasses in visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Han Xin‐Yu , Li Han‐Bing , Wei Jun‐Hao , Xu Xiao‐Yong , Li Yan , Che Yi‐Qun
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) represents the most severe form of Leishmaniasis infection, often resulting in fatality without timely treatment. Previous studies have found that immunosuppression increases the risk of VL disease progression and mortality, and the total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in peripheral blood vary before and after treatment. However, the distinct levels and roles of IgG subclasses in VL have not been documented yet. This study aims to elucidate the characteristics and clinical significance of IgG subclasses in VL.

Methods

A total of 43 cases newly‐diagnosed with VL were enrolled in the cohort. We measured the levels of IgG subclasses before and after standard treatment and conducted assessments of bone marrow features. In addition, we analysed other haematological indices and examined the variations in IgG subclasses, as well as their correlation with clinical and laboratory factors.

Results

The levels of total IgG, IgG1, and the ratios of both IgG1/IgG and IgG1/IgG2 decreased significantly after treatment, whereas the ratios of IgG2/ IgG showed an obvious increase. The VL patients without hyperglobulinemia displayed significant lower IgG1/IgG2 ratios, but higher IgG2/IgG ratios compared with those with hyperglobulinemia. In addition, VL patients with positive bone marrow amastigotes had significant higher IgG1/IgG and IgG1/IgG2 ratios, but lower IgG2/IgG ratios. IgG subclasses were correlated with abnormal blood test results, particularly immunological elements including IgM and Complement 4 (C4).

Conclusions

IgG1 and IgG2 exhibited contrasting changes after treatment in VL patients. The features of bone marrow and laboratory tests indicated that IgG1 and IgG2 serve different roles in the progression of VL. The ratios of IgG subclasses may be more precise indicators to evaluate immune reaction in VL than traditional total IgG.
The study of variant s antigen expression revealing a novel c.160C>T (p.Arg54Cys) variant on GYPB*s allele associated with partial s phenotype
Authors: Wei Ling , Zhu Siying , Wen Jizhi , Liao Zhijian , Luo Guangping , Ji Yanli
Published: December 2023

Background

Little s antigen is mainly defined by a single nucleotide polymorphism at c.143C (p.Thr48) on the GYPB gene. Several variants on GYPB can alter the expression of s antigen. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of variant s antigen expression in the Chinese population.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 4983 whole blood samples were collected to screen the individuals with discrepant s typing results using two different monoclonal anti‐s. Then, the sequence of GYPB exon 4 was analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to quantify s antigen expression on red blood cells (RBCs). In vitro expression study was performed to verify the effect of the GYPB variants identified on the expression of s antigen.

Results

Four donors were identified to have discrepant s typing results. Sanger sequencing showed that three donors carried the c.173C > G variant (p.Pro58Arg) specific for sD antigen, the other one carried a novel GYPB (c.160C > T, p.Arg54Cys) variant. Flow cytometry identified a partial and weak expression of s antigen on the RBCs of the four donors. Furthermore, in vitro expression study confirmed the effect of the two variants on the s antigen expression.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that in addition to p.Thr48, the two extra amino acids p.Arg54 and p.Pro58 are also important for full expression of s antigen. Since the individuals with partial s antigen are at risk for the development of alloanti‐s, it is important to select at least two different monoclonal anti‐s for correct s typing.
Hematopoietic progenitor cell count as a potential quantitative marker in apheresis products during allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Huang Lunhui , Liu Liangyi , Song Zhen , Li Qiang , He DaShui , Guo GuiQing , Zhu Guoqing , Jiang Erlie , Xia Yonghui
Published: December 2023

Background

The quality and quantity of hematopoietic stem cells in apheresis products are essential to the success of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (PB‐HSCT). While the flow cytometry measurement of CD34+ cells as a golden standard for stem cell count is labor and cost‐intensive, hematopoietic progenitor cell number evaluated by XN Sysmex series automated hematology analyzers (XN‐HPC) is suggested as a surrogate marker.

Materials and methods

We evaluated the correlation and consistency of XN‐HPC and CD34+ cell count in apheresis samples from both allogeneic donors and autologous patients during PB‐HSCT.

Results

Good correlation and consistency were observed between XN‐HPC and CD34+ cell counts in harvests collected from healthy donors (R = .852) rather than autologous patients (R = .375). Subgroup analysis showed that the correlation was especially poor when autologous patients used plerixafor as an additional mobilizer or were diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). In the setting of allogeneic transplantation, the correlation coefficients were even better in samples from non‐first‐round apheresis (R = .951), with high white blood cell (WBC) counts (R = .941), or having successful engraftment within 2 weeks (R = .895). ROC analysis suggested that an optimal XN‐HPC count of 1127 × 106/L best predicted a sufficient yield of CD34+ stem cells, with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity being 92% and 72%, respectively (AUC = 0.852).

Conclusions

XN‐HPC is a sufficient quantitative marker for stem cell assessment of harvest yield in allogeneic but not autologous HSCT.
A systematic review of the facilitators and barriers to rapid response team activation
Authors: Hecht Jonathan D. , Yoder Linda H. , Danesh Valerie , Heitkemper Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Outcomes associated with rapid response teams (RRTs) are inconsistent. This may be due to underlying facilitators and barriers to RRT activation that are affected by team leaders and health systems.

Aims

The aim of this study was to synthesize the published research about facilitators and barriers to nurse‐led RRT activation in the United States (U.S.).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Four databases were searched from January 2000 to June 2023 for peer‐reviewed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies reporting facilitators and barriers to RRT activation. Studies conducted outside the U.S. or with physician‐led teams were excluded.

Results

Twenty‐five studies met criteria representing 240,140 participants that included clinicians and hospitalized adults. Three domains of facilitators and barriers to RRT activation were identified: (1) hospital infrastructure, (2) clinician culture, and (3) nurses' beliefs, attributes, and knowledge. Categories were identified within each domain. The categories of perceived benefits and positive beliefs about RRTs, knowing when to activate the RRT, and hospital‐wide policies and practices most facilitated activation, whereas the categories of negative perceptions and concerns about RRTs and uncertainties surrounding RRT activation were the dominant barriers.

Linking Evidence to Action

Facilitators and barriers to RRT activation were interrelated. Some facilitators like hospital leader and physician support of RRTs became barriers when absent. Intradisciplinary communication and collaboration between nurses can positively and negatively impact RRT activation. The expertise of RRT nurses should be further studied.
Teacher Training for the Education of the Incarcerated in Slovakia and Abroad
Authors: Lukáč Marek , Lukáčová Silvia
Published: December 2023

The paper focuses on the competencies of prison teachers and the issues involved in their training for teaching adults as well as teaching in a prison environment. It tries to answer the question of what a teacher involved in the formal education of incarcerated adults should be like, whether they should be trained before the process of education, and whether the system of further professional education gives them the opportunity to develop their competencies for teaching in prison. The current practice in the undergraduate training of teachers and their further professional education does not reflect the specifics of the formal education of the incarcerated. At the same time, models for training prison teachers have existed abroad for a long time, and research reveals that the teachers themselves feel the need for specific training to teach in this specific environment.
Storm-driven sedimentation and dynamics of a sediment slug in an ephemeral stream: Influence on sediment-routing systems within source areas
Authors: García Antonio F. , Mahan Shannon A.
Published: December 2023

Stream-terrace morphostratigraphy and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) geochronology indicate that storm-driven sedimentation has caused down-system decoupling of the uppermost reaches of McMillan Creek (southern California, USA) from the lower reaches of McMillan Creek since 1960 ± 190 yr B.P. This is significant because source-to-sink studies report high degrees of sediment transport connectivity over millennial time scales during periods of high fluvial discharge in sediment routing systems.

The most recent relatively large-magnitude episode of sedimentation emplaced a sediment slug in the ephemeral channel of McMillan Creek. The sediment slug is correlated to the “California Storm of January 1862” via OSL dating. In this paper, a conceptual model of sediment slug dynamics in an ephemeral stream over 16 decades is developed based on fluvial sedimentation events that in most instances included reworking slug-derived sediment. Due to the episodic nature of streamflow in ephemeral streams and the dearth of sediment transport between streamflow events, sediment slug coherency is sustained over longer periods of time in ephemeral streams than in perennial streams having steady or variable flow regimes.

The longevity of sediment-slug coherency in ephemeral streams leads to more prolonged down-system decoupling in sediment routing systems than down-system decoupling caused by ordinary fluvial sedimentation. In McMillan Creek, it is possible that up-system decoupling driven by sedimentation has been contemporaneous with down-system decoupling, but factors other than sedimentation may have a more significant role in up-system decoupling. Source-to-sink studies completed in areas having a Mediterranean climate cannot assume that sediment flux out of upland source areas includes the total amount of sediment available for transport.
Thurston syndrome with thalassaemia: a rare case devising a novel molecular and phenotypic variation
Authors: KS Aswanth , Bansal Adity , Verma Prashant Kumar , Bhat Nowneet Kumar
Published: December 2023

A male infant presented with progressive paleness of the body since 3 months of age. On examination, the child had pallor, microcephaly with dysmorphic facies (depressed nasal bridge, low set ears, retrognathia, high arched palate and tongue hamartoma). Postaxial polydactyly in bilateral hands and feet, broad great toes, with syndactyly of left fourth and fifth toes were present. The haemogram showed severe anaemia with a microcytic hypochromic picture. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was normal. However, the parents’ HPLC was suggestive of beta thalassaemia trait. Whole-exome sequencing revealed Thurston syndrome with beta-thalassaemia in homozygous pattern with a novel mutation. It is a rare genetic syndrome exclusively found in the South Asian population. Due to the rarity, identification of this syndrome is often difficult and requires awareness among clinicians. However, it is important to diagnose the disorder accurately in order to provide appropriate genetic counselling and prognostication to the parents.
Haemodialysis patient with chronic kidney disease and pulmonary hypertension treated effectively with pulmonary vasodilators
Authors: Umetani Ken , Atsumi Maoko
Published: December 2023

A male patient in his 70s on periodic haemodialysis complained of dysdialysis several months prior and was diagnosed subsequently with pulmonary hypertension (PH). To confirm this diagnosis, a catheter examination was performed after haemodialysis in the dry state. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, cardiac index (CI) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were 9 mm Hg, 42 mm Hg, 2.63 L/min/m2and 5.9 WU, respectively. The pathophysiological diagnosis was precapillary PH, which mimicked idiopathic PH. The pulmonary vasodilators were administered in a careful sequential manner. After initiation of therapy, dysdialysis disappeared within a few months, while mean PA pressure, CI and PVR improved to 24 mm Hg, 3.47 L/min/m2and 2.3 WU, respectively. Although the cause of PH in haemodialysis patients is multifactorial, catheter examination in the dry state is useful for clarifying a patient’s haemodynamic state. In a haemodialysis PH patient with precapillary PH, pulmonary vasodilators are an effective treatment option.