bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphoea following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Oh Dawn Ai Qun , Tee Shang-Ian , Heng Yee Kiat
Published: July 2022

We present a case of generalized morphoea developing after recent COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and suggest the plausible pathomechanisms.
Long-term management options for sea urchin injury: a case series
Authors: James Mariel , Bakkour Waseem , Checkley Anna , Calonje Eduardo , Walker Stephen L.
Published: July 2022

In the UK, sea urchin-related injuries (SUIs) most commonly present in returning travellers. Delayed complications mainly affect the skin but nerves, tendons, joints and bones may also be involved. The management of chronic reactions may be challenging and a variety of approaches have been described. Surgical measures are often undertaken, particularly when retained spines are suspected. We demonstrate, through three cases presenting in the UK with chronic SUIs, that conservative management, surgery and intralesional corticosteroids may all be associated with satisfactory outcomes. Management options should consider the presence of retained spines, injury site, symptoms and importantly, patient preference.
Successful treatment of severe pityriasis rubra pilaris with secukinumab in a 3-year-old boy
Authors: Xu Yong-Hui , Dong Dan-Dan , Lin Yu-Feng , Wang Qian , Huang Liang-Mei , Shi Jian-Qiang
Published: July 2022

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare, scaly, keratotic inflammatory skin disease characterized by red scaly patches, keratosis papules, palmoplantar keratoderma and scaling of the scalp. In severe cases, ectropion of the eyelid may occur, and erythroderma may further develop. Recently, it has been reported that secukinumab, a monoclonal anti-interleukin-17A antibody, has certain efficacy in the treatment of PRP. Herein, we report a 3-year-old Chinese boy with severe Type III (classic juvenile) PRP who was successfully treated with secukinumab alone.
Anogenital dermatology: caseload analysis of new outpatient referrals at a single dermatology centre
Authors: Patel Nikesh , Patel Neil P.
Published: July 2022

Little is known about the volume of outpatient referrals for anogenital dermatoses received by NHS dermatology departments. We undertook a caseload analysis at our centre and found 6.0% of GP referrals to Dermatology were for anogenital dermatoses. This has important implications for training in this field of dermatology as well as for service provision.
Path Guiding with Vertex Triplet Distributions
Authors: Schüßler Vincent , Hanika Johannes , Jung Alisa , Dachsbacher Carsten
Published: July 2022

Good importance sampling strategies are decisive for the quality and robustness of photorealistic image synthesis with Monte Carlo integration. Path guiding approaches use transport paths sampled by an existing base sampler to build and refine a guiding distribution. This distribution then guides subsequent paths in regions that are otherwise hard to sample. We observe that all terms in the measurement contribution function sampled during path construction depend on at most three consecutive path vertices. We thus propose to build a 9D guiding distribution over vertex triplets that adapts to the full measurement contribution with a 9D Gaussian mixture model (GMM). For incremental path sampling, we query the model for the last two vertices of a path prefix, resulting in a 3D conditional distribution with which we sample the next vertex along the path. To make this approach scalable, we partition the scene with an octree and learn a local GMM for each leaf separately. In a learning phase, we sample paths using the current guiding distribution and collect triplets of path vertices. We resample these triplets online and keep only a fixed‐size subset in reservoirs. After each progression, we obtain new GMMs from triplet samples by an initial hard clustering followed by expectation maximization. Since we model 3D vertex positions, our guiding distribution naturally extends to participating media. In addition, the symmetry in the GMM allows us to query it for paths constructed by a light tracer. Therefore our method can guide both a path tracer and light tracer from a jointly learned guiding distribution.
Temporally sliced photon primitives for time‐of‐flight rendering
Authors: Liu Yang , Jiao Shaojie , Jarosz Wojciech
Published: July 2022

We derive a class of new Monte Carlo estimators for volumetric time‐of‐flight rendering, generalizing prior work on transient photon points and beams. Conceptually, our method starts with any steady‐state photon primitive – like a photon plane, parallelepiped, or parallelotope – and slices it with a temporal wavefront, producing a primitive of one dimension lower. We show how different unbiased temporally sliced primitives arise by analytically integrating any four dimensions within a novel extended spatio‐temporal path space formulation. The differences between these estimators reduce to the determinant of a 4×4 Jacobian matrix, with columns dictated by the chosen dimensions. We then show how to combine the relative strengths of different sliced primitives using multiple importance sampling. Finally, we implement several of the new estimators enabled by our theory and compare them to each other as well as previous techniques.
Single‐pass stratified importance resampling
Authors: Ciklabakkal Ege , Gruson Adrien , Georgiev Iliyan , Nowrouzezahrai Derek , Hachisuka Toshiya
Published: July 2022

Resampling is the process of selecting from a set of candidate samples to achieve a distribution (approximately) proportional to a desired target. Recent work has revisited its application to Monte Carlo integration, yielding powerful and practical importance sampling methods. One drawback of existing resampling methods is that they cannot generate stratified samples. We propose two complementary techniques to achieve efficient stratified resampling. We first introduce bidirectional CDF sampling which yields the same result as conventional inverse CDF sampling but in a single pass over the candidates, without needing to store them, similarly to reservoir sampling. We then order the candidates along a space‐filling curve to ensure that stratified CDF sampling of candidate indices yields stratified samples in the integration domain. We showcase our method on various resampling‐based rendering problems.
A bidirectional formulation for Walk on Spheres
Authors: Qi Yang , Seyb Dario , Bitterli Benedikt , Jarosz Wojciech
Published: July 2022

Numerically solving partial differential equations (PDEs) is central to many applications in computer graphics and scientific modeling. Conventional methods for solving PDEs often need to discretize the space first, making them less efficient for complex geometry. Unlike conventional methods, the walk on spheres (WoS) algorithm recently introduced to graphics is a grid‐free Monte Carlo method that can provide numerical solutions ofPoisson equations without discretizing space. We draw analogies between WoS and classical rendering algorithms, and find that the WoS algorithm is conceptually equivalent to forward path tracing. Inspired by similar approaches in light transport, we propose a novel WoS reformulation that operates in the reverse direction, starting at source points and estimating the Green's function at “sensor” points. Implementations of this algorithm show improvement over classical WoS in solving Poisson equation with sparse sources. Our approach opens exciting avenues for future algorithms for PDE estimation which, analogous to light transport, connect WoS walks starting from sensors and sources and combine different strategies for robust solution algorithms in all cases.
Physics‐Based Inverse Rendering using Combined Implicit and Explicit Geometries
Authors: Cai G. , Yan K. , Dong Z. , Gkioulekas I. , Zhao S.
Published: July 2022

Mathematically representing the shape of an object is a key ingredient for solving inverse rendering problems. Explicit representations like meshes are efficient to render in a differentiable fashion but have difficulties handling topology changes. Implicit representations like signed‐distance functions, on the other hand, offer better support of topology changes but are much more difficult to use for physics‐based differentiable rendering. We introduce a new physics‐based inverse rendering pipeline that uses both implicit and explicit representations. Our technique enjoys the benefit of both representations by supporting both topology changes and differentiable rendering of complex effects such as environmental illumination, soft shadows, and interreflection. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique using several synthetic and real examples.
Organ donation from patients with a rare disease is often safe: the italian guidelines
Authors: Dallapiccola Bruno , Moriconi Stefano , Rugge Massimo , Cardillo Massimo , Carcassi Carlo , Colledan Michele , Strologo Luca Dello , Vici Carlo Dionisi , Facchin Paola , Gridelli Bruno , La Rocca Valentino , Lombardini Letizia , Mazzucato Monica , Peritore Daniela , Amoroso Antonio
Published: July 2022

Although a disease is defined as rare when it has a prevalence of less than 1:2000, the overall prevalence of rare diseases in the population is greater than 1%. Among potential organ donors, a similar frequency is observed. To date, guidelines have not been established, and operational decisions have been made empirically, case‐ by‐case, based on the experience and expertise of clinicians. For this reason, the Italian Superior Health Council (CSS) has appointed a working Group to address “patients with a rare disease as potential organ donors,” with the aim of devising recommendations for the management of transplant cases in which the donors have a rare disease. This group evaluated 493 diseases (10% of all rare diseases, including over 95% of patients with a rare disease) to deliver a technical report dealing with the suitability of organ donation and transplantation, with a focus on the organs most frequently used, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas. This work has made it clear that a rare disease “per se” does not contraindicate organ donation at all. Indeed, in donors affected by a rare disease, almost 80% of the organs are suitable for transplantation, approximately 7% are unsuitable, and approximately 14% are suitable as non‐standard with an acceptable risk.
The 15‐Hour Week: Keynes's Prediction Revisited
Authors: Crafts Nicholas
Published: July 2022

In 1930, Keynes opined that by 2030, people would work only 15 hours per week. As such, this prediction will not be realized. However, expected lifetime hours of leisure and home production in the UK rose by 58% between 1931 and 2011, rather more than Keynes would have expected. This reflects increases in life expectancy at older ages and much longer expected periods of retirement. Leisure in retirement contributes to high life satisfaction for the elderly, but building up savings to pay for it is a barrier to working only 15 hours per week.
Idiopathic upper extremity deep vein thrombosis: A systematic review
Authors: Yuen Hiu Lam Agnes , Tan Ee , Tran Huyen , Chunilal Sanjeev Daya
Published: July 2022

Background

Idiopathic upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) management is controversial and ranges from anticoagulation alone to the addition of further interventions such as thrombolysis and decompressive surgery.

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effects of anticoagulation alone compared to anticoagulation with additional interventions such as thrombolysis or decompressive surgery on the incidence of recurrent UEDVT and post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients with idiopathic UEDVT (including those associated with the oral contraceptive pill).

Patients/Methods

A systematic search was conducted for studies which focused on acute UEDVT treatment defined as therapies starting within 4 weeks of symptom onset. We limited studies to those that recruited 10 or more subjects and involved at least 6 weeks to 12 months anticoagulation alone or together with additional interventions with at least 6‐month follow‐up. Primary outcomes were symptomatic recurrent radiologically confirmed UEDVT and PTS. Secondary outcomes were symptomatic venous thromboembolism, bleeding and mortality.

Results

We found seven studies which reported recurrent UEDVT rates and five that reported PTS rates. All studies were retrospective or cross‐sectional. None compared anticoagulation alone to anticoagulation with additional intervention. Study heterogeneity precluded meta‐analysis and risk of bias was moderate to serious. Recurrent UEDVT occurred in 0% to 12% post‐anticoagulation alone and 0% to 23% post‐additional interventions. PTS rates varied from 4% to 32% without severe PTS. Only limited studies reported on our secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence behind idiopathic UEDVT management. Prospective comparative studies in this area are essential.
Preferential flow patterns in forested hillslopes of east Tibetan Plateau revealed by dye tracing and soil moisture network
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Genxu , Cui Junfang , Guo Li , Mello Carlos R. , Boyer Elizabeth W. , Tang Xiangyu , Yang Yi
Published: July 2022

Preferential flow (PF) through soil and regolith results in a rapid vertical and lateral water movement within the profile. This study focused on quantifying PF in contrasting forested hillslopes of the Hailuo Valley, located on China's east Tibetan Plateau. Quantifying PF in this region is challenging since the underlying matrix is complex, with shallow soils, thick underlying saprolite, and the combined effect of moraines and weathered residual material. We developed new methods that integrated dye tracing with a high‐frequency soil moisture monitoring network to characterise PF pathways and quantity PF frequency on contrasting forested hillslopes (coniferous and broadleaved). Dye tracing experiments showed that soil‐root interfaces in the upper soil layer (10–50 cm) and soil‐rock interfaces in the deeper soil layer (50–100 cm) were the primary PF pathways and that large rocks strongly influence the percolation depth of water. The high‐frequency soil moisture network revealed that the mean PF frequency was 67.8% and 71.7% in the coniferous and broadleaved forests, respectively. The frequency of PF in the deeper soil layer increased from upslope to the downslope locations on both forested hillslopes, highlighting the tendency for PF to occur downslope. In addition to matrix conditions (e.g., stony saprolite soil), the total amount and maximum intensity of precipitation (as throughfall in this study) were identified as factors that control PF occurrence. In contrast, the initial soil water conditions (at 10, 50 and 100 cm depth) were insignificant in predicting PF occurrence. Results of this field‐based study highlight that PF is a ubiquitous and critical subsurface flow mechanism that regulates rainfall‐runoff relationships in forests of the Tibetan Plateau, underscoring the need to consider PF in hillslope hydrological modelling.

Highlights

Combined dye tracing and soil moisture monitoring network were applied to explore PF on forested hillslopes.

Root networks and rock fragments constituted the main PF paths.

PF frequency increased from upslope to downslope in two forest types.

Initial soil moisture conditions showed no controlling effect on PF occurrence.
Evidence in stable isotope ratios for lichen‐feeding by Lithosiini moths from a tropical rainforest but not from a temperate forest
Authors: Kawagoe Hasumi , Itioka Takao , Hyodo Fujio , Iku Asano , Shimizu‐kaya Usun , Meleng Paulus
Published: July 2022

Lithosiini (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) is distinctive in having some species that feed on lichens, whereas the majority of moths feed on vascular plants. However, the larval diet of most Lithosiini species is poorly known. This study examines whether Lithosiini species, collected in a tropical rainforest of Borneo (nine species) and a temperate forest of Japan (eight species), feed on lichens as larvae, based on stable isotope analyses. As a result, the δ15N values for eight of nine Lithosiini species collected from Borneo were notably lower than those of nine co‐occurring herbivorous non‐Lithosiini species, and were similar to those of sympatric, lichen‐feeding termites; however, δ13C and δ15N values of one Lithosiini species (Adites sp.) were significantly higher than those of the other moth species and similar to those of humus‐feeding termites and predatory insects occurring at the same site. These results have suggested that the Lithosiini in the Southeast Asian tropical rainforests contain some species that feed on lichens as their larval main diet and at least one species whose larvae feed on humus or animal‐derived materials. In contrast, the δ13C and δ15N values of all examined Lithosiini species (eight species) in the temperate forest have suggested that their larvae fed on plants and not on lichens. Our stable isotope ratio analysis presented quantitative evidence suggesting lichen‐feeding by Lithosiini moths in a tropical rainforest without observation of feeding behavior during the larval stages.
On the trail of iron uptake in ancestral Cyanobacteria on early Earth
Authors: Enzingmüller‐Bleyl Tristan C. , Boden Joanne S. , Herrmann Achim J. , Ebel Katharina W. , Sánchez‐Baracaldo Patricia , Frankenberg‐Dinkel Nicole , Gehringer Michelle M.
Published: July 2022

Cyanobacteria oxygenated Earth's atmosphere ~2.4 billion years ago, during the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE), through oxygenic photosynthesis. Their high iron requirement was presumably met by high levels of Fe(II) in the anoxic Archean environment. We found that many deeply branching Cyanobacteria, including two Gloeobacter and four Pseudanabaena spp., cannot synthesize the Fe(II) specific transporter, FeoB. Phylogenetic and relaxed molecular clock analyses find evidence that FeoB and the Fe(III) transporters, cFTR1 and FutB, were present in Proterozoic, but not earlier Archaean lineages of Cyanobacteria. Furthermore Pseudanabaena sp. PCC7367, an early diverging marine, benthic strain grown under simulated Archean conditions, constitutively expressed cftr1, even after the addition of Fe(II). Our genetic profiling suggests that, prior to the GOE, ancestral Cyanobacteria may have utilized alternative metal iron transporters such as ZIP, NRAMP, or FicI, and possibly also scavenged exogenous siderophore bound Fe(III), as they only acquired the necessary Fe(II) and Fe(III) transporters during the Proterozoic. Given that Cyanobacteria arose 3.3–3.6 billion years ago, it is possible that limitations in iron uptake may have contributed to the delay in their expansion during the Archean, and hence the oxygenation of the early Earth.
Disturbance‐dependent Yellow‐legged Gull (Larus michahellis) predation on Larid chicks decreases with chick age
Authors: Chokri Mohamed Ali , Hamza Foued , Bennour Chaker , Almalki Mohammed , Besnard Aurélien
Published: July 2022

Predation is one of the key factors shaping the dynamics of animal populations. In birds, nest loss due to predation can be a significant cause of low reproductive success. Ground‐nesting birds are among the bird groups most susceptible to predation, mainly because their nests are easily accessible to a broad suite of potential predators. For these birds, anthropogenic disturbances can generate changes in nest predation risk by altering their antipredator behaviour and also by altering the behaviour of the predator species, i.e. the predator becoming much more aware of predation opportunities due to frequent disturbances and/or motivated to repeat predation attempts when some are successful. To date, most previous studies investigating this have focused on a single effect, either predation or disturbance, on chick survival. It remains unknown how the risk of predation with and without disturbance varies with chick age. In this study, we used behavioural observations to assess how the interaction between predators and disturbance affects predation risk in chicks and how this interacts with chick age. Specifically, we investigated the effect of disturbance caused by humans and stray dogs on the predation of Slender‐billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei chicks by Yellow‐legged Gulls Larus michahellis, and whether this depended on the age of the chicks. Our results revealed that disturbance had a significant positive effect on predation measures of Slender‐billed Gull chicks by Yellow‐legged Gulls, but that this effect was mediated both by disturbance type and the age of chicks. Stray dogs entering the colony had a stronger disturbance effect on chicks than passing humans, increasing predation risk by Yellow‐legged Gulls. Our results also showed that chick age interacts with disturbance type to determine the predation risk. This is probably mediated by chicks' capacity to escape predation by gathering in a single large crèche that runs into the water when disturbed. To preserve Slender‐billed Gull colonies in one of its few remaining breeding sites in Tunisia, and as gulls tend to react even when the disturbance occurs relatively far from the colonies, it is crucial to (1) restrict human access to dikes and islets where large colonies breed and (2) construct artificial islets attractive to gulls and inaccessible to stray dogs.
Cytocompatibility and bioactive potential of AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer: An in vitro study
Authors: Sanz José Luis , López‐García Sergio , Rodríguez‐Lozano Francisco Javier , Melo María , Lozano Adrián , Llena Carmen , Forner Leopoldo
Published: July 2022

Aim

To assess the cytocompatibility and bioactive potential of the new calcium silicate cement‐based sealer AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHPbcs) on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) compared with the epoxy resin‐based sealer AH Plus (AHP) and the calcium silicate cement‐based sealer Endosequence BC Sealer (ESbcs).

Methodology

Standardized sample discs and 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 eluates of the tested materials were prepared. The following assays were performed: surface element distribution via SEM–EDX, cell attachment and morphology via SEM, cell viability via a MTT assay, cell migration/proliferation via a wound‐healing assay, osteo/cemento/odontogenic marker expression via RT‐qPCR and cell mineralized nodule formation via Alizarin Red S staining. HPDLSCs were isolated from extracted third molars. Comparisons were made with hPDLSCs cultured in unconditioned (negative control) or osteogenic (positive control) culture media. Statistical significance was established at p < .05.

Results

A higher peak of Ca2+ was detected from ESbcs compared with AHPbcs and AHP in SEM–EDX. Both AHPbcs and ESbcs showed significantly positive results in the cytocompatibility assays (cell viability, migration/proliferation, attachment and morphology) compared with a negative control group, whilst AHP showed significant negative results. Both AHPbcs and ESbcs exhibited an upregulation of at least one osteo/odonto/cementogenic marker compared with the negative and positive control groups. Both ESbcs and AHPbcs showed a significantly higher calcified nodule formation than the negative and positive control groups, indicative of their biomineralization potential and were also significantly higher than AHP group.

Conclusion

AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer exhibited a significantly higher cytocompatibility and bioactive potential than AH Plus and a similar cytocompatibility to that of Endosequence BC Sealer. Endosequence BC Sealer exhibited a significantly higher mineralization potential than the other tested sealers. The results from this in vitro study act as supporting evidence for the use of AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer in root canal treatment.
Edible insects: environmentally friendly sustainable future food source
Authors: Lumanlan Jane Cantre , Williams Mark , Jayasena Vijay
Published: July 2022

Meeting the increasing consumer demand for affordable, sustainable and nutritious food is a great challenge. The rapidly growing population will have unprecedented demand for meat and meat‐based products. The livestock sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and a major user of land and water resources. Excessive animal farming adversely affects the environment, accelerating climate change. This review article emphasises on edible insects as an alternative and sustainable food source. Edible insects can transform a wide variety of organic products, including agricultural and food wastes, into high‐quality proteins with essential amino acids. Edible insect oil contains healthy fatty acids such as lauric acid, oleic acid and omega‐3 and 6 commonly found in coconut oil, olive oil and fish oil with health benefits. Substitution of edible insects in some food products with low nutritional value can increase protein content up to 100%. Farming edible insects can be an effective solution to food waste management which is a global problem.
Effectiveness of two and three mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine doses against Omicron‐ and Delta‐Related outpatient illness among adults, October 2021–February 2022
Authors: Kim Sara S. , Chung Jessie R. , Talbot H. Keipp , Grijalva Carlos G. , Wernli Karen J. , Kiniry Erika , Martin Emily T. , Monto Arnold S. , Belongia Edward A. , McLean Huong Q. , Gaglani Manjusha , Mamawala Mufaddal , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Moehling Geffel Krissy , Tartof Sara Y. , Florea Ana , Lee Justin S. , Tenforde Mark W. , Patel Manish M. , Flannery Brendan ,   Strain Surveillance and Emerging Variants Team
Published: July 2022

Background

We estimated SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta‐ and Omicron‐specific effectiveness of two and three mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine doses in adults against symptomatic illness in US outpatient settings.

Methods

Between October 1, 2021, and February 12, 2022, research staff consented and enrolled eligible participants who had fever, cough, or loss of taste or smell and sought outpatient medical care or clinical SARS‐CoV‐2 testing within 10 days of illness onset. Using the test‐negative design, we compared the odds of receiving two or three mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine doses among SARS‐CoV‐2 cases versus controls using logistic regression. Regression models were adjusted for study site, age, onset week, and prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated as (1 − adjusted odds ratio) × 100%.

Results

Among 3847 participants included for analysis, 574 (32%) of 1775 tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 during the Delta predominant period and 1006 (56%) of 1794 participants tested positive during the Omicron predominant period. When Delta predominated, VE against symptomatic illness in outpatient settings was 63% (95% CI: 51% to 72%) among mRNA two‐dose recipients and 96% (95% CI: 93% to 98%) for three‐dose recipients. When Omicron predominated, VE was 21% (95% CI: −6% to 41%) among two‐dose recipients and 62% (95% CI: 48% to 72%) among three‐dose recipients.

Conclusions

In this adult population, three mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine doses provided substantial protection against symptomatic illness in outpatient settings when the Omicron variant became the predominant cause of COVID‐19 in the United States. These findings support the recommendation for a third mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine dose.
Competitive strategies for ensuring Fintech platform performance: Evidence from multiple case studies
Authors: Ng Evelyn , Pan Shan L.
Published: July 2022

The emergence of Fintech platforms has revolutionized the way financial services are provided. And yet, in spite of their growing prominence in the global financial sector, there remains a lack of understanding of the competitive strategies that are appropriate for these platform‐based businesses, and the implications of those strategies for their performance. Examining four case studies of some of the most successful Fintech platforms in China from the theoretical perspective of the core logics of strategy, we develop a theoretical framework that suggests that the nature of the competitive strategies deployed by a Fintech platform should be contingent on (1) the extent to which their services can be differentiated, as well as (2) the tangibility and physical presence of the platform’s service offerings. More specifically, our framework presents four different combinations of competitive strategies that Fintech platforms can adopt contingent on the nature of their services along these two dimensions. In addition, beyond the two dimensions, our framework suggests that all Fintech platforms should be underpinned by a common strategic core consisting of strategies that align the platform with social pressures. These pressures include those exerted by the government, the market, and society in general. With its findings, it is hoped that our study will provide specific guidance for Fintech practitioners on the appropriate competitive strategies to adopt in order to set their platforms on the path of commercial success.
Critical care nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pressure injury prevention in China: A multicentric cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Li Jiamin , Zhu Chen , Liu Ying , Li Zhaoyu , Sun Xiangyu , Bai Yunfeng , Song Baoyun , Jin Jingfen , Liu Yilan , Wen Xianxiu , Cheng Shouzhen , Wu Xinjuan
Published: July 2022

Pressure injury is a serious and preventable problem in intensive care units. Translating guidelines into clinical practice can reduce the incidence of pressure injury. Identifying clinical status, barriers and facilitators contribute to guideline implementation. To identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pressure injury prevention in Chinese critical care nurses. Secondary data were extracted from a multicentric clinical trial. Knowledge and attitudes toward pressure injury prevention were assessed by a fourteen‐item questionnaire. The observed practices were recorded using a case report form. The report complies with the STROBE statement. A total of 950 critical care nurses in 15 hospitals from six provinces of China were investigated. A total of 53.1% of nurses received a median score of 6 points or less. Knowledge regarding the repositioning procedure, risk assessment, and heel pressure injury prevention was insufficient. Over 99% of nurses strongly or somewhat agreed that pressure injury prevention was very important and that they were willing to take measures to prevent pressure injury. A total of 27 781 patient days of pressure injury prevention practice were recorded. Repositioning was the most commonly used prevention measure, followed by support surfaces and prophylactic dressings. A combination of repositioning, support surface, and prophylactic dressing was lacking. Chinese critical nurses showed a low level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward pressure injury prevention. Practices of pressure injury prevention were unsatisfactory. There is a clear gap between the guidelines and clinical practices. The barrier (low‐level knowledge) and facilitator (positive attitude) were identified in this study. According to these findings, strategies need to be developed to promote guideline implementation.
A systematic review of movement monitoring devices to aid the prediction of pressure ulcers in at‐risk adults
Authors: Moore Zena , Avsar Pinar , O'Connor Tom , Budri Aglecia , Bader Dan L. , Worsley Peter , Caggiari Silvia , Patton Declan
Published: July 2022

The present study sought to explore the impact of movement monitoring devices on risk prediction and prevention of pressure ulcers (PU) among adults. Using systematic review methodology, we included original research studies using a prospective design, written in English, assessing adult patients' movement in bed, using a movement monitoring device. The search was conducted in March 2021, using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases, and returned 1537 records, of which 25 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a pre‐designed extraction tool and quality appraisal was undertaken using the evidence‐based librarianship (EBL). In total, 19 different movement monitoring devices were used in the studies, using a range of physical sensing principles. The studies focused on quantifying the number and types of movements. In four studies the authors compared the monitoring system with PU risk assessment tools, with a variety of high and low correlations observed. Four studies compared the relationship between movement magnitude and frequency and the development of PUs, with variability in results also identified. Two of these studies showed, as expected, that those who made less movements developed more PU; however, the two studies also unexpectedly found that PUs occurred in both low movers and high movers. In the final two studies, the authors focused on the concordance with recommended repositioning based on the results of the monitoring device. Overall, concordance with repositioning increased with the use of a monitoring device. The synthesis of the literature surrounding bed monitoring technologies for PU risk prediction showed that a range of physical sensors can be used to detect the frequency of movement. Clinical studies showed some correlation between parameters of movement and PU risk/incidence, although the heterogeneity of approaches limits generalisable recommendations.
Salmonella contamination and hazard analysis in a storage facility for feed materials in Japan
Authors: Morita Takayuki , Ohyagi Noboru , Matsuura Junichi , Kawaguchi Tamio , Ishizaki Naoto
Published: July 2022

Aims

To reduce Salmonella contamination of animal feeds, Salmonella contamination in a feed materials storage facility was investigated, and hazard analysis was performed to acquire the basic information necessary to establish a control method for Salmonella. The result is that managers of feed materials storage facilities will be able to introduce the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems to quickly and efficiently.

Methods and Results

A total of 472 samples, including deposits, adhesions, environment samples and materials, were investigated. The detection rate in the storage facility was 5.1% (24/472) over the three-year investigation period. The serovars of detected Salmonella were Agona, Anatum, Bron (or Agbeni), Chester, Infantis, Mbandaka, Minnesota, Muenster, Sinstorf, Typhimurium, O18:– and O1,3,19:–. As a result of hazard analysis after confirming the multiplication factors and detection rate, important hazards were judged to be the outdoor equipment and dust collector.

Conclusions

The risk of Salmonella contamination in storage facilities was clarified. Important Salmonella hazards in storage facilities are Salmonella-contaminated feed materials, multiplication factors such as rainwater and dew condensation, and Salmonella-accumulated dust in dust collectors for fine-powder recovery. These results suggest that proper control of these hazards could reduce the risk of Salmonella in storage facilities.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This is the first report describing actual Salmonella contamination conditions and risk assessment using the hazard analysis at a feed materials storage facility in Japan. This study will consider implications for the feed industry because the hazard analysis clarified the sites of Salmonella contamination, the tendency of contamination and the points for implementing control measures in the feed materials storage facility.
High-titre production of aromatic amines in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Yang Taiwei , Wu Peiling , Zhang Yang , Cao Mingfeng , Yuan Jifeng
Published: July 2022

Aims

Aromatic amines with diverse physical characteristics are often employed as antioxidants and precursors to pharmaceutical products. As the traditional chemical methods pose serious environmental pollution, there is an arising interest in biomanufacturing aromatic amines from renewable feedstocks.

Materials and results

We report the establishment of a bacterial platform for synthesizing three types of aromatic amines, namely, tyramine, dopamine and phenylethylamine. First, we expressed aromatic amino acid decarboxylase from Enterococcus faecium (pheDC) in an Escherichia coli strain with increasing shikimate (SHK) pathway flux towards L-tyrosine. We found that glycerol served as a better carbon source than glucose, resulting in 940 ± 46 mg/L tyramine from 4% glycerol. Next, the genes of lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), pyruvate formate lyase (pflB), phosphate acetyltransferase (pta) and alcohol dehydrogenase (adhE) were deleted to mitigate the fermentation by-product formation. The tyramine level was further increased to 1.965 ± 0.205 g/L in the shake flask, which was improved by 2.1 times compared with that of the parental strain. By using a similar strategy, we also managed to produce 703 ± 21 mg/L dopamine and 555 ± 50 mg/L phenethylamine.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the knockout of ldhA-pflB-pta-adhE is an effective strategy for improving aromatic amine productions.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study achieved the highest aromatic amine titres in E. coli under shake flask reported to date.
Impact of a probiotic diet on well-being of healthy senior: THE PROBIOSENIOR PROJECT
Authors: Salvesi Chiara , Silvi Stefania , Fiorini Dennis , Scortichini Serena , Sagratini Gianni , Palermo Francesco A. , De Leone Renato , Egidi Nadaniela , Fatone Lorella , Cifani Carlo , Amedei Amedeo , Scocchera Francesca , Morici Mara , Gatto Beatrice , Mannucci Fausto , Valeriani Valerio , Malavasi Marco , Servili Sara , Casula Andrea , Cresci Andrea , Corradetti Ivano , Carpi Francesco , Picciolini Matteo , Coman Maria Magdalena , Verdenelli Maria Cristina
Published: July 2022

Aims

The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a probiotic diet on well-being of healthy seniors living in boarding and private homes in Marche Region, Italy. In particular, we focused on the modulation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Methods and Results

Ninety-seven healthy seniors took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled feeding study (59 fed probiotics, 38 fed placebo) for 6 months. Each volunteer ingested daily one food product or a dietary supplement enriched with Synbio® blend (Synbiotec Srl, Camerino, Italy) or the placebo (control group). Blood and faecal samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention period to perform biochemical and microbiological analyses. The serum HsCRP difference value after 6 months of treatment was significantly higher in the probiotic group than placebo (p < 0.05). After the intervention, a significant increase in faecal lactobacilli and a bifidobacteria increase in more participants were observed in the probiotic group. The 16S NGS analysis on the probiotic group showed a decreasing trend of Proteobacteria at the end of the treatment and conversely, an increasing trend of Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia phyla, to which the increase of Akkermansiaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae contributes at the family level. Finally, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and butyric acid were significantly higher in the probiotic group at the end of the treatment respect to the beginning.

Conclusions

Overall, this study emphasizes the beneficial anti-inflammageing effect of a prolonged diet based on functional foods enriched with Synbio® through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the consequent increase in the SCFA production.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Synbio® integration in elderly daily diet may be a preventive strategy to support healthy ageing.
Functional and safety characterization of beneficial vaginal lactic acid bacteria for the design of vaginal hygiene products
Authors: Silva Jessica Alejandra , Marchesi Antonella , Aristimuño Ficosecco María Cecilia , Nader-Macías María Elena Fátima
Published: July 2022

Aims

The aim was to complement the evaluation of functional and safety properties of beneficial vaginal lactic acid bacteria to select the most adequate strains as potential probiotics for their inclusion in a vaginal probiotic formula.

Methods and Results

Twenty-four beneficial vaginal lactic acid bacteria strains previously isolated from healthy women were characterized by applying phenotypical and genetic techniques. The biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide production by the different strains showed a strong influence of the growth medium on the expression of these properties. The evaluated strains evidenced different antibiotic susceptibility patterns by phenotypic tests, while the resistance genes were not always correlated with the phenotypic profiles. None of the evaluated strains showed lecithinase, gelatinase, or β-hemolytic activity. Based on the results obtained, Lactobacillus gasseri CRL 1320 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 1332 were selected to advance in the design of the products.

Conclusions

A wide variability in the properties expressed by beneficial vaginal lactic acid bacteria strains were shown, evidencing a strain-specific and independent behaviour of the species/metabolic group where classified. The selection criteria applied provided a valuable tool for the selection of the best vaginal lactobacilli strains for their inclusion in formulas for vaginal application.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Since probiotics are an important tool for improving human health, the designed formula are an excellent alternative to reconstitute the vaginal microbiota and prevent/treat urogenital tract infections in women. The results obtained contribute to deepen the characterization of homologous beneficial vaginal lactic acid bacteria and advance in the design of vaginal probiotic products.
Host‐marking pheromone of the South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus and cross‐recognition by the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Magalhães Diego Martins , Michereff Mirian Fernandes Furtado , Kovaleski Adalecio , Paranhos Beatriz Aguiar Giordano , Nava Dori Edson , Borges Miguel , Laumann Raúl Alberto , Blassioli‐Moraes Maria Carolina
Published: July 2022

Following oviposition, females of many fruit flies deposit on the fruit surface a host‐marking pheromone (HMP) that can deter oviposition by conspecifics and heterospecifics, thereby minimizing overexploitation of hosts. We describe the oviposition behaviour of two economically important fruit flies (Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata) in agar spheres marked with methanolic and aqueous faeces extracts that contain the HMP. Laboratory bioassays revealed that A. fraterculus mated female produces an HMP that can be extracted from faeces, and causes a significant reduction in fruit infestation by both conspecifics and heterospecifics (cross‐recognition). Furthermore, mated female faeces extract contains higher amounts of methyl (9E)‐hexadecenoate, methyl hexadecanoate, methyl linoleate and methyl (9Z)‐octadecenoate than male faeces extract. Our results provide evidence for the potential use of this ovipositional deterrent in crop protection and pest management programmes for A. fraterculus and C. capitata.
A critical evaluation of the role of iron overload in fatty liver disease
Authors: Fernandez Monique , Lokan Julie , Leung Christopher , Grigg Andrew
Published: July 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with a condition known as the dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome, but the frequency and severity of iron overload in NAFLD is not well described. There is emerging evidence that mild to moderate excess hepatic iron can aggravate the risk of progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and eventually cirrhosis. Mechanisms are postulated to be via reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, lipid oxidation, and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to assess the evidence for true hepatic iron overload in NAFLD, to discuss the pathogenesis by which excess iron may be toxic, and to critically evaluate the studies designed to deplete iron by regular venesection. In brief, the studies are inconclusive due to heterogeneity in eligibility criteria, sample size, randomization, hepatic iron measurement, serial histological endpoints, target ferritin levels, length of venesection, and degree of confounding lifestyle intervention. We propose a trial designed to overcome the limitations of these studies.
Rapid improvement of rice eating and cooking quality through gene editing toward glutelin as target
Authors: Yang Yihao , Shen Ziyan , Li Youguang , Xu Chenda , Xia Han , Zhuang Hao , Sun Shengyuan , Guo Min , Yan Changjie
Published: July 2022

Rice eating and cooking quality (ECQ) is a major concern of breeders and consumers, determining market competitiveness worldwide. Rice grain protein content (GPC) is negatively related to ECQ, making it possible to improve ECQ by manipulating GPC. However, GPC is genetically complex and sensitive to environmental conditions; therefore, little progress has been made in traditional breeding for ECQ. Here, we report that CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of genes encoding the grain storage protein glutelin rapidly produced lines with downregulated GPC and improved ECQ. Our finding provides a new strategy for improving rice ECQ.
Plasma high‐density lipoprotein cargo is altered in Alzheimer's disease and is associated with regional brain volume
Authors: Pedrini Steve , Doecke James D. , Hone Eugene , Wang Penghao , Thota Rohith , Bush Ashley I. , Rowe Christopher C. , Dore Vincent , Villemagne Victor L. , Ames David , Rainey‐Smith Stephanie , Verdile Giuseppe , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Raida Manfred R. , Taddei Kevin , Gandy Sam , Masters Colin L. , Chatterjee Pratishtha , Martins Ralph N. ,   the AIBL Research Group
Published: July 2022

Cholesterol levels have been repeatedly linked to Alzheimer's Disease (AD), suggesting that high levels could be detrimental, but this effect is likely attributed to Low‐Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. On the other hand, High‐Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol levels have been associated with reduced brain amyloidosis and improved cognitive function. However, recent findings have suggested that HDL‐functionality, which depends upon the HDL‐cargo proteins associated with HDL, rather than HDL levels, appears to be the key factor, suggesting a quality over quantity status. In this report, we have assessed the HDL‐cargo (Cholesterol, ApoA‐I, ApoA‐II, ApoC‐I, ApoC‐III, ApoD, ApoE, ApoH, ApoJ, CRP, and SAA) in stable healthy control (HC), healthy controls who will convert to MCI/AD (HC‐Conv) and AD patients (AD). Compared to HC we observed an increased cholesterol/ApoA‐I ratio in AD and HC‐Conv, as well as an increased ApoD/ApoA‐I ratio and a decreased ApoA‐II/ApoA‐I ratio in AD. Higher cholesterol/ApoA‐I ratio was also associated with lower cortical grey matter volume and higher ventricular volume, while higher ApoA‐II/ApoA‐I and ApoJ/ApoA‐I ratios were associated with greater cortical grey matter volume (and for ApoA‐II also with greater hippocampal volume) and smaller ventricular volume. Additionally, in a clinical status‐independent manner, the ApoE/ApoA‐I ratio was significantly lower in APOE ε4 carriers and lowest in APOE ε4 homozygous. Together, these data indicate that in AD patients the composition of HDL is altered, which may affect HDL functionality, and such changes are associated with altered regional brain volumetric data.

image