bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine‐learning‐based approach for predicting response to anti‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) receptor or ligand antibody treatment in patients with migraine: A multicenter Spanish study
Authors: Gonzalez‐Martinez Alicia , Pagán Josué , Sanz‐García Ancor , García‐Azorín David , Rodríguez‐Vico Jaime Samuel , Jaimes Alex , García Andrea Gómez , de Terán Javier Díaz , González‐García Nuria , Quintas Sonia , Belascoaín Rocío , Casas Limón Javier , Latorre Germán , Calle de Miguel Carlos , Sierra Álvaro , Guerrero‐Peral Ángel Luis , Trevino‐Peinado Cristina , Gago‐Veiga Ana Beatriz
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Several variables have been reported to be associated with anti‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) receptor or ligand antibody response, but with differing results. Our objective was to determine whether machine‐learning (ML)‐based models can predict 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐month responses to anti‐CGRP receptor or ligand therapies among migraine patients.

Methods

We performed a multicenter analysis of prospectively collected data from patients with migraine receiving anti‐CGRP therapies. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. Response rates in the 30% to 50% range, or at least 30%, in the 50% to 75% range, or at least 50%, and response rate of at least 75% regarding the reduction in the number of headache days per month at 6, 9 and 12 months were calculated. A sequential forward feature selector was used for variable selection and ML‐based predictive models for the response to anti‐CGRP therapies at 6, 9 and 12 months, with model accuracy not less than 70%, were generated.

Results

A total of 712 patients were included, 93% were women, and the mean (SD) age was 48 (11.6) years. Eighty‐four percent of patients had chronic migraine. ML‐based models using headache days/month, migraine days/month and the Headache Impact Test (HIT‐6) yielded predictions with an F1 score range of 0.70–0.97 and an area under the receiver‐operating curve score range of 0.87–0.98. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) summary plots and dependence plots were generated to evaluate the relevance of the factors associated with the prediction of the above‐mentioned response rates.

Conclusions

Our results show that ML models can predict anti‐CGRP response at 6, 9 and 12 months. This study provides a predictive tool that can be used in a real‐world setting.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of an Australian Incarcerated Trans Woman's Letters of Complaint and Self‐Advocacy
Authors: Halliwell Sherree D. , du Plessis Carol , Hickey Andrew , Gildersleeve Jessica , Mullens Amy B. , Sanders Tait , Clark Kirsty A. , Hughto Jaclyn M. W. , Debattista Joseph , Phillips Tania M. , Daken Kirstie , Brömdal Annette
Published: June 2022

This case study provides a critical discourse analysis of 121 letters of complaint and self‐advocacy authored by Natasha Keating, a trans woman incarcerated in two Australian male correctional facilities from 2000 to 2007. During her incarceration, Natasha experienced victimization, misgendering, microaggression, and institutional discrimination. Despite this, Natasha embodied and “fought” against the injustices she experienced, whilst seeking to speak for other trans incarcerated persons also silenced and treated with indifference, contributing to changes in the carceral system. This original case study analyzes the discursive strategies Natasha employed to construct and reclaim an affirming self‐identity through a deliberate campaign to effect social change and policy concessions within a system designed to curtail self‐determination. Through her empathic and impassioned letter‐writing approach, leveraging a military metaphor, this novel analysis showcases the significant implications her activism/agentism and determination had in naming and seeking to dismantle the systems of oppression trans incarcerated women experience.
Molecular, behavioural and morphological comparisons of sperm adaptations in a fish with alternative reproductive tactics
Authors: Kvarnemo Charlotta , Green Leon , Svensson Ola , Lindström Kai , Schöld Sofie , Griful‐Dones Martina , Havenhand Jonathan N. , Leder Erica H.
Published: June 2022

In species with alternative reproductive tactics, there is much empirical support that parasitically spawning males have larger testes and greater sperm numbers as an evolved response to a higher degree of sperm competition, but support for higher sperm performance (motility, longevity and speed) by such males is inconsistent. We used the sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus) to test whether sperm performance differed between breeding‐coloured males (small testes, large mucus‐filled sperm‐duct glands; build nests lined with sperm‐containing mucus, provide care) and parasitic sneaker‐morph males (no breeding colouration, large testes, rudimentary sperm‐duct glands; no nest, no care). We compared motility (per cent motile sperm), velocity, longevity of sperm, gene expression of testes and sperm morphometrics between the two morphs. We also tested if sperm‐duct gland contents affected sperm performance. We found a clear difference in gene expression of testes between the male morphs with 109 transcripts differentially expressed between the morphs. Notably, several mucin genes were upregulated in breeding‐coloured males and two ATP‐related genes were upregulated in sneaker‐morph males. There was a partial evidence of higher sperm velocity in sneaker‐morph males, but no difference in sperm motility. Presence of sperm‐duct gland contents significantly increased sperm velocity, and nonsignificantly tended to increase sperm motility, but equally so for the two morphs. The sand goby has remarkably long‐lived sperm, with only small or no decline in motility and velocity over time (5 min vs. 22 h), but again, this was equally true for both morphs. Sperm length (head, flagella, total and flagella‐to‐head ratio) did not differ between morphs and did not correlate with sperm velocity for either morph. Thus, other than a clear difference in testes gene expression, we found only modest differences between the two male morphs, confirming previous findings that increased sperm performance as an adaptation to sperm competition is not a primary target of evolution.
Early as compared to late initiation of twice‐weekly hemodialysis and short‐term survival among end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Panaput Thanachai , Domrongkitchaiporn Somnuek , Thinkhamrop Bandit , Sirivongs Dhavee , Praderm Laksamon , Anukulanantachai Jirasak , Kanokkantapong Chavasak , Tungkasereerak Pakorn , Pongskul Cholatip , Anutrakulchai Sirirat , Keobounma Thathsalang , Narenpitak Surapong , Intarawongchot Pisith , Suwattanasin Amarit , Tatiyanupanwong Sajja , Niwattayakul Kannika
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The impact of timing of hemodialysis (HD) for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with twice‐weekly HD remains unclear. We aimed to determine the effects of late initiation of HD on short‐term mortality and hospitalization.

Methods

A multicenter cohort study was conducted in 11 HD centers in Northeastern Thailand (HEmodialysis Network of the NorthEastern Thailand study group). We recruited adult ESRD patients who were treated with twice‐weekly HD for more than 3 months and had data on eGFR at HD initiation. Clinical and laboratory values at the time of recruitment were recorded. Late and early (eGFR at start <5 and >5 ml/min/1.73 m2) initiations were defined. Outcomes were disease‐related death (excluding any accidental deaths) and first hospitalization. Data analysis was performed by multivariable cox‐regression analysis.

Findings

A total of 407 patients who had data on eGFR at HD initiation (303 in late group and 104 in early group) were included for analysis. There were 56.8% male with a mean age of 55 years. During the 15.1 months of follow‐up, there were 27 (6.6%) disease‐related deaths. The 1‐year survival rate was similar among late and early initiation groups. The incidence density of first hospitalization in the late group was significantly lower than those in the early group (HR adjusted, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40–0.99, p = 0.047). Among 303 patients who were in the late start group, patients with diabetes had a higher mortality rate (HR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.40–8.70, p = 0.007) when compared to non‐diabetic patients.

Discussion

Early initiation of HD at eGFR >5 ml/min/1.73 m2 had no short‐term survival benefit compared to the late group in ESRD patients treated with twice‐weekly HD for at least 3 months in a resource‐limited setting. A survival benefit from an early start of HD was found among diabetic patients.
Personalized medicine in inflammatory bowel disease: Perspectives on Asia
Authors: Park Su Hyun , Park Sang Hyoung
Published: June 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract with variable disease courses and complications, which in some cases can result in significant morbidities and disabilities. Etiologies remain unclear due to complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Considering the heterogeneity of inflammatory bowel diseases, personalized approaches in diagnosing and managing affected patients would be beneficial in maximizing treatment efficacies and minimizing adverse events. Personalized medicine may also help to stratify patients with a high risk of progression and inflammatory bowel disease‐related complications and identify sub‐phenotypic mechanisms to facilitate drug discovery and the development of new treatments. In Asia, with a rapidly increasing incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, studies have shown that patients of Asian ethnicity differ from their Western counterparts in terms of genetic and clinical aspects of inflammatory bowel diseases. Therefore, personalized medicine may differ for patients of Asian ethnicity with inflammatory bowel diseases. We reviewed and summarized current evidence concerning personalized medicine for the diagnosis and management of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and its possible role from an Asian perspective.
Does Observed Conflict Recovery Play a Role in Adolescent Dating Aggression?
Authors: Lorber Michael F. , Slep Amy M. S. , Heyman Richard E. , Tiberio Stacey S. , Damewood Gabriella N. , Mitnick Danielle M. , Bruzzese Jean‐Marie
Published: June 2022

In a study of conflict recovery and adolescent dating aggression, 14‐ to 18‐year‐old couples (N = 209 dyads) participated in a 1‐hr observational assessment. Negative behavior was observed during conflict‐evoking “hot” tasks and in a “cooldown” task. Physical and psychological dating aggression were assessed via questionnaires. Negative behavior measured in the cooldown task was not associated with dating aggression after controlling for carryover effects of negativity from the hot to cooldown tasks. Moreover, cooldown negativity moderated the associations of hot task negativity and dating aggression. Actor and partner effects were disentangled via dyadic data analyses. Given the paucity of observational studies of dating aggression, our findings are an important contribution to the literature and in need of replication and extension.
Early reattenders to the paediatric emergency department: A prospective cohort study and multivariate analysis
Authors: Stokle Matthew , Tinker Rory J , Munro Samuel P , Mullen Niall
Published: June 2022

Aims

The rate of unplanned reattendances is used as an indicator of the quality of care delivered in a paediatric emergency department (PED). With early reattendance in the UK well above the national target of 1–5%, we aimed to identify the factors which predict unplanned early reattendance to the PED.

Methods

This is a prospective, single‐centre cohort study undertaken over 12 months. Data were collected on all patients who reattended the PED within 7 days of their initial visit as well as for a comparative cohort of patients with no visit in the preceding or subsequent 7 days. Multiple patient and departmental variables were recorded and analysed using a multivariate regression model.

Results

There were a total of 19 420 index visits to the PED, of which 1461 patients had an unscheduled reattendance within 7 days – a rate of 7.5%. Factors associated with unplanned but related reattendance include young age and diagnosis with a respiratory or other medical illness. Interestingly, the grade of clinician appeared to be relevant with patients seen by junior members of the medical team less likely to reattend. Acuity of illness was not a significant factor. A substantial number of unplanned early reattenders (36.3%) would have been missed had a time period of 72 h been used rather than 7 days.

Conclusions

This study identifies the typical patient who will have an unplanned, related early reattendance to a PED. This study also supports the use of a 7‐day time period when using early reattendance as a performance indicator.
Addressing Black men's oral health through community engaged research and workforce recruitment
Authors: Smith Patrick D. , Murray Marcus , Hoffman La Shawn , Ester Todd V. , Kohli Richie
Published: June 2022

Background

Racism negatively affects the life experiences and subsequent health of Black men, including oral disease prevalence and outcomes. Few examples in the literature discuss how racism may affect successful, unsuccessful, and non‐attempts to address Black men's oral health.

Aims

This commentary describes anti‐racism approaches to address Black men's oral health through community‐based participatory research, oral health promotion, and workforce recruitment.

Materials and Methods

Stakeholders from two organizations and one dental school share their experiences and key insights on how to strengthen efforts while minimizing the influence of racism on Black men's participation.

Results

Common insights identified were a need to engage a diverse range of Black men within varying social and economic contexts, race and gender concordance among program leaders and participants, and the value of partnership to reach Black men in places where they feel comfortable and supported.

Discussion and Conclusion

These examples stress the imperative of addressing racism among Black men in the development and improvement of targeted oral health interventions. They also emphasize the value of commitment from institutional leadership, relationship building with Black men, and the empowerment of Black men to lead program development and implementation efforts.
American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic dentists' experiences of discrimination
Authors: Fleming Eleanor , Mertz Elizabeth , Jura Matthew , Kottek Aubri , Gates Paul
Published: June 2022

Objective

Little is known about the scope and role of discriminatory experiences in dentistry. The purpose of this study is to document the experiences that American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), Black, and Hispanic dentists have had with discrimination.

Methods

This study reports data from a 2012 nationally representative study of dentists documenting experiences with discrimination during their dental careers or during dental school by the setting of the discrimination, the providers' education, and geographic location. This study does not differentiate between levels of discrimination and focuses holisticly on the experience of any discrimination.

Results

Seventy‐two percent of surveyed dentists reported any experience with discrimination in a dental setting. The experiences varied by race/ethnicity, with 49% of AI/AN, 86% Black, and 59% of Hispanic dentists reporting any discriminatory experiences. Racial/ethnic discrimination was reported two times greater than any other type.

Conclusions

Experiences with racial/ethnic discrimination are prevalent among AI/AN, Black, and Hispanic dentists, suggesting that as a profession work is needed to end discrimination and foster belonging.
A student‐led qualitative study to explore dental undergraduates' understanding, experiences, and responses to racism in a dental school
Authors: Ahmadifard Arefeh , Forouhi Sara , Waterhouse Paula , Muirhead Vanessa
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This qualitative study explored dental student participants' understanding of racism, their experiences, and responses to racism in dental school, and the impacts of their experiences.

Methods

An interpretative phenomenological analysis design recruited students from the undergraduate dental degree and the BSc in Oral Health Science course at a UK dental school in December 2020. Two students and a qualitative researcher facilitated the online focus groups. A topic guide including scenario questions guided the discussions that lasted an average of 2 h. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty‐five participants took part in five focus groups. Several themes emerged related to participants' experiences and reactions. They described a spectrum of racist encounters ranging from more subtle forms, such as stereotyping and microaggression to racial mocking. They were concerned about professionalism, not knowing how and when to respond to patients' racist behavior. They described gender discrimination and intersectional biases but felt compelled to put patients' interests first. They were unsure about how to respond to stereotyping or racism from staff because of perceived imbalances in the staff‐patient‐student triad relationship. They expressed fears of gaslighting and despondency. They also felt that the COVID‐19 pandemic and anonymity from virtual learning environments enabled racist behavior.

Conclusion

This study revealed a complex triad relationship between participants, staff and patients, and experience of intersectionality and three levels of racism: interpersonal, structural, and institutional. It highlighted the need for further research to develop actions including structural policies and equality and diversity training.
Racial and oral health equity in dental school curricula
Authors: Demopoulos Christina A. , Kohli Richie , Dhar Sohini , Raju Karen
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the current efforts to move dental school curriculum beyond diversity and inclusion toward an anti‐racism approach to racial equity.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, an electronic Qualtrics survey was sent to 67 Dental School Associate Deans/Deans of Academic Affairs and 15 Dental Public Health (DPH) Residency Program Directors. Survey topics included oral health equity, Critical Race Theory (CRT), racism and the physiologic impacts of racism on oral health. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate frequencies.

Results

Overall response rate was 31.7% (DPH = 6, predoctoral Dental = 20). The majority of respondents that answered the question stated that the educational program offered instruction in oral health equity (96.2%), racism (75%), and the physiologic impacts of racism on oral health (83.3%). Only 17.4% of the respondents stated that the educational program offered instruction in CRT. The main barriers to providing the instruction was limited faculty trained in the topics to offer the instruction or there was limited time to offer additional content in the curriculum.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate that oral health equity, racism and the physiologic impacts of racism are being discussed in dental education to some extent, but there is limited instruction in CRT. More robust efforts are needed to ensure dental students and DPH residents are competent in providing anti‐racist and unbiased health care; there should be an incorporation of anti‐racism standards in the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)'s predoctoral and Advanced Education Program standards.
Mojavia aguilerae and M. dolomitestris — two new Nostocaceae (Cyanobacteria) species from the Americas
Authors: Baldarelli Lauren M. , Pietrasiak Nicole , Osorio‐Santos Karina , Johansen Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2022

While nostocacean cyanobacteria are ubiquitous and play critical roles in terrestrial ecosystems, their taxonomy and biogeography still entail mysteries. We isolated two Nostoc‐like cyanobacteria from biological soil crusts of the Atacama (Chile) and Mojave (USA) Deserts. An initial 16S rRNA gene phylogeny placed both in monophyly with Mojavia pulchra. Here, we describe two new species of the previously monotypic Mojavia using a polyphasic approach including morphology, 16S rRNA phylogenies, secondary structure, and percent similarity of the 16S‐23S ITS region. Like M. pulchra, both new species produce compact microcolonies, arthrospore‐like akinetes, and monocytes, traits characteristic of the genus. Mojavia aguilerae sp. nov. is morphologically distinct from both other species in producing bluntly conical end cells, abundant enlarged akinetes in multiseriate filaments, and gold‐colored cells during senescence. Mojavia dolomitestris sp. nov. exhibited distinctly firm, light‐colored, compartmentalized mucilage. M. dolomitestris is somewhat cryptic with M. pulchra, but has more densely packed microcolonies, rarity and later onset of brownish sheath pigmentation, and an origin from soils derived from dolomite. The two new species strengthened the position of Mojavia as a robust genus sister to Nostoc. Although 16S rRNA gene data could not separate the Mojavia species from each other, the three species showed distinct dissimilarities in secondary ITS structure and differed greatly from Nostoc sensu stricto. The high dissimilarities between their 16S‐23S ITS regions suggest a long evolutionary history of the three species as separate lineages. Mojavia is an evolutionary and ecologically unique nostocacean genus, and its rarity and restricted habitat point to an urgent need for recognition and protection.
Phylogeography and cryptic species structure of a locally adapted parasite in New Zealand
Authors: Feijen Frida , Zajac Natalia , Vorburger Christoph , Blasco‐Costa Isabel , Jokela Jukka
Published: June 2022

The phylogeographic patterns of many taxa on New Zealand's South Island are characterized by disjunct distributions that have been attributed to Pleistocene climatic cycles and the formation of the Southern Alps. Pleistocene glaciation has been implicated in shaping the contemporary genetic differentiation between populations of the aquatic snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum. We investigated whether similar phylogeographic patterns exist for the snail's locally adapted trematode parasite, Atriophallophorus winterbourni. We found evidence for a barrier to gene‐flow in sympatry between cryptic, but ecologically divergent species. When focusing on the most common of these species, disjunct geographic distributions are found for mitochondrial lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene. The boundary between these distributions is found in the central part of the South Island and is reinforced by low cross‐alpine migration. Further support for a vicariant origin of the phylogeographic pattern was found when assessing nuclear multilocus SNP data. Nuclear and mitochondrial population differentiation was concordant in pattern, except for populations in a potential secondary contact zone. Additionally, we found larger than expected differentiation between nuclear‐ and mitochondrial‐based empirical Bayes FST estimates (global FST: 0.02 vs. 0.39 for nuclear and mitochondrial data, respectively). Population subdivision is theoretically expected to be stronger for mitochondrial genomes due to a smaller effective population size, but the strong difference here, together with mitonuclear discordance in a putative contact zone, is potentially indicative of divergent gene flow of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.
Investigating key factors underlying neurodegeneration linked to alpha‐synuclein spread
Authors: Pang Cindy C. C. , Sørensen Maja H. , Lee Krit , Luk Kelvin C. , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Virginia M. Y. , Noble Wendy , Chang Raymond C. C.
Published: June 2022

Aims

It has long been considered that accumulation of pathological alpha‐synuclein (aSyn) leads to synaptic/neuronal loss which then results in behavioural and cognitive dysfunction. To investigate this claim, we investigated effects downstream of aSyn preformed fibrils (PFFs) and 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA), because aSyn PFFs induce spreading/accumulation of aSyn, and 6‐OHDA rapidly causes local neuronal loss.

Methods

We injected mouse aSyn PFFs into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of Sprague–Dawley rats. We investigated spread of pathological aSyn, phosphorylation of aSyn and tau, oxidative stress, synaptic/neuronal loss and cognitive dysfunction 60, 90 and 120 days after injection. Similarly, we injected 6‐OHDA into the MFB and examined the same parameters 1 and 3 weeks after injection.

Results

Following aSyn PFF injection, phosphorylated aSyn was found distant from the injection site in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. However, despite neuron loss being evident close to the site of injection in the substantia nigra at 120 days post injection, there were no other neurodegeneration‐associated features associated with aSyn including synaptic loss. In contrast, 6‐OHDA caused severe neuronal loss in the substantia nigra at 3 weeks post injection that was accompanied by phosphorylation of aSyn and tau, oxidative stress, loss of synaptic proteins, cognitive and motor dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that spread/replication and slow accumulation of pathological aSyn may not be sufficient to induce neurodegenerative changes. In contrast, oxidative stress responses in addition to aSyn accumulation were associated with other Parkinson's disease (PD)‐associated abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction. Our results may be important when considering why only some PD patients develop dementia.
Will treating progressive myopia overwhelm the eye care workforce? A workforce modelling study
Authors: Lingham Gareth , Loughman James , Kuzmenko Stella , Biba Matilda , Flitcroft Daniel Ian
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Treatments for myopia progression are now available, but implementing these into clinical practice will place a burden on the eye care workforce. This study estimated the full‐time equivalent (FTE) workforce required to implement myopia control treatments in the UK and Ireland.

Methods

To estimate the number of 6‐ to 21‐year‐olds with myopia, two models utilising separate data sources were developed. The examination‐based model used: (1) the number of primary care eye examinations conducted annually and (2) the proportion of these that are for myopic young people. The prevalence‐based model used epidemiological data on the age‐specific prevalence of myopia. The proportion of myopic young people progressing ≥0.25 dioptres (D)/year or ≥0.50 D/year was obtained from Irish electronic health records and the recommended review schedule from clinical management guidelines.

Results

Using the examination and prevalence models, respectively, the estimated number of young people with myopia was 2,469,943 and 2,235,713. The extra workforce required to provide comprehensive myopia management for this target population was estimated at 226–317 FTE at the 0.50 D/year threshold and 433–630 FTE at the 0.25 D/year threshold. Extra visits required for myopia control treatment represented approximately 2.6% of current primary eye care examinations versus 13.6% of hospital examinations.

Conclusions

Implementing new myopia control treatments in primary care settings over the medium‐term is unlikely to overwhelm the eye care workforce completely. Further increases to workforce, upskilling of current workforce and tools to reduce chair time will help to ensure sustainability of the eye care workforce into the future.
In vivo evaluation of facial papule dermatoses with reflectance confocal microscopy in children
Authors: Chen Lixin , Wang Ying , Gao Xibo , Qin Bei , Lian Jia , Ren Min , Zhang Wanxing , Wei Ran , Li Qinfeng
Published: June 2022

Background

Molluscum contagiosum (MC), milia, keratosis pilaris (KP), verruca plana (VP), seborrheic keratosis (SK), and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) are common papule dermatoses on the face of children that have a similar appearance. In vivo evaluation of facial papule dermatoses with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is helpful in the diagnosis of these ambiguous lesions in children. The purpose of this study was to clarify the RCM characteristics of MC, milia, KP, VP, SK, and JXG and explore the clinical application value of RCM for these common facial papule dermatoses.

Methods

We recruited 113 patients referred for unequivocal facial papule dermatosis, including 21 patients with MC, 17 patients with milia, 19 patients with KP, 36 patients with VP, 8 patients with SK, and 12 patients with JXG. We evaluated the characteristics and distinguishing features of the six kinds of facial papule dermatoses using RCM.

Results

The main RCM features of the six dermatoses included a well‐demarcated border of the lesion area. MC, milia and KP all manifested cyst‐like structures, and their distinguishing features were the location of the cystic structures and the refractive index of the contents. Although VP, SK, and JXG did not have obvious cystoid structures, VP was typically characterized by uniformly distributed petal‐like structures with a medium‐to‐high refractive index in the epidermis. With regard to SK, the characteristic features were an obviously thickened epidermis and cobblestone‐like structures. JXG was mainly characterized by multiple large round and ovoid cells with a foamy cytoplasm, and discoid‐shaped multinucleated large cells were diffusely distributed in the dermis.

Conclusion

RCM allows the real‐time visualization of major key diagnostic and distinguishing features of common facial papule dermatoses in children, including MC, milia, KP, VP, SK, and JXG.
Genetic compensation of triacylglycerol biosynthesis in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Lee Yi‐Ying , Park Rudolph , Miller Stephen M. , Li Yantao
Published: June 2022

Genetic compensation has been proposed to explain phenotypic differences between gene knockouts and knockdowns in several metazoan and plant model systems. With the rapid development of reverse genetic tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi in microalgae, it is increasingly important to assess whether genetic compensation affects the phenotype of engineered algal mutants. While exploring triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis pathways in the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, it was discovered that knockout of certain genes catalyzing rate‐limiting steps of TAG biosynthesis, type‐2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes (DGTTs), triggered genetic compensation under abiotic stress conditions. Genetic compensation of a DGTT1 null mutation by a related PDAT gene was observed regardless of the strain background or mutagenesis approach, for example, CRISPR/Cas 9 or insertional mutagenesis. However, no compensation was found in the PDAT knockout mutant. The effect of PDAT knockout was evaluated in a Δvtc1 mutant, in which PDAT was upregulated under stress, resulting in a 90% increase in TAG content. Knockout of PDAT in the Δvtc1 background induced a 12.8‐fold upregulation of DGTT1 and a 272.3% increase in TAG content in Δvtc1/pdat1 cells, while remaining viable. These data suggest that genetic compensation contributes to the genetic robustness of microalgal TAG biosynthetic pathways, maintaining lipid and redox homeostasis in the knockout mutants under abiotic stress. This work demonstrates examples of genetic compensation in microalgae, implies the physiological relevance of genetic compensation in TAG biosynthesis under stress, and provides guidance for future genetic engineering and mutant characterization efforts.
CHARACTERISTICS STUDY OF LIQUID FUEL FROM PYROLYSIS OF POLYETHYLENE PLASTIC WASTE
Authors: Suhartono Suhartono , Romli Ate , Harsanti Mining , Suharto Suharto , Achmad Feerzet
Published: June 2022

Polyethylene plastic waste was selected as pyrolysis feedstock. This plastic waste is not recycled mechanically and is abundantly available at the landfill. The plastic-type of low and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) was converted into pyrolysis liquid fuel (PLF). This study aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of the PLF to attest to its potential use as a kerosene fuel for household purposes. The PLF was generated from the collecting of household plastic waste through pyrolysis. A design of the simple non-catalytic semi-batch reactor was applied to pyrolyze this plastics waste into PLF at about 360 °C and isothermal residence time up to about 1 hour. The high enough PLF yield of 50.3% (v/w) and 77.0% (v/w) was obtained from LDPE and HDPE plastics waste, respectively. The dominance of alkane (CH) and alkenes (C=C) functional groups of PLF and commercial kerosene fuel was analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis indicates that most PLF substances in the form of tetradecane (C14H30), pentadecane (C15H32), hexadecane (C16H34), octadecene (C18H36), eicosane (C20H42) are similar to commercial kerosene substances. The combustion properties of this PLF are so similar to the standard values of the kerosene fuel. The combination of thermal efficiency, ηT using wick stove and PLF from LDPE and HDPE of 45.66% and 32.37%, respectively was obtained in this work.
THE PERFORMANCE OF ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES FOR NICKEL LATERITE RESOURCE MODELING
Authors: Bargawa Waterman Sulistyana
Published: June 2022

The choice of estimation technique according to geological conditions and mineralization character is the main problem in estimating block grade of nickel laterite. CV (coefficient of variance) and variogram determine the choice of estimation technique for nickel laterite resource classification. This study aims to evaluate various techniques for estimating block grades and to select the appropriate method for the classification of nickel laterite resources. The basic statistical analysis is to find out the description of the data, while the variography is to find out the spatial correlation between the data. Nickel grade estimation results are based on Near Neighbor Polygon (NNP), Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), and Ordinary Kriging (OK) techniques to determine the classification of nickel resources. Accuracy levels are based on cross-sectional visualization comparisons, plan views, probability plots and linear regression analysis. The OK technique were not superior in grade estimation, especially in nickel laterite deposits. The results showed that the IDW technique was suitable to be applied to the limonite zone, while the NNP technique was suitable to be applied to the saprolite zone. Based on the performance of the estimation technique, the weighted average method can be applied for the classification of inferred, indicated, and measurable resources. The grade-tonnage curve shows the nickel laterite resource potential in the study area.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN TIDAL TURBINE WAKES: NUMERICAL STUDY FOR SHALLOW WATER APPLICATION
Authors: Suhri Gisrina Elin , Abdul Rahman Anas , Dass Lakshuman , Rajendran Kumaran , Abdul Rahman Ayu
Published: June 2022

The placement of tidal turbines in a tidal farm is challenging owing to the flow resistance caused by individual devices. To successfully deploy tidal turbines, the wake interaction between devices, often determined by the array's layout and spacing, must be understood. In this study, the impact of array configuration for shallow water application is examined numerically using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This is to propose a suitable array structure for possible implementation in Malaysia. This numerical study uses 15 turbines in a staggered and squared array with two sets of lateral and longitudinal spacing combinations. The horizontal axis tidal turbine (HATT) and vertical axis tidal turbine (VATT) are represented using disc and cylindrical models, respectively. The VATT with staggered setup and greater spacing model demonstrates faster wake recovery (between 10% to 21%), compared to the squared arrangement. This meets the far wake criteria and reduces the chance of wake mixing. It is also suitable for shallow depth implementation.
NUMERICAL COMPUTATION OF LIGAND AND SIGNAL ASSOCIATED TO INVADOPODIA FORMATION
Authors: Yaacob Noorehan , Shafie Sharidan , Suzuki Takashi , Admon Mohd Ariff
Published: June 2022

Invadopodia are protrusions that are commonly spotted at the plasma membrane of the invasive cancer cells. In forming invadopodia, several molecular interactions are involved such as the ligand, extracellular matrix (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), actin, and signal which are interrelated. In this paper, the mathematical model of ligand and signal transduction is taken in the heat equation with the MMPs is set as function . Besides, the actin regulation moved the interface and thus computed as the signal gradient. The mathematical model is solved using the combination of methods finite difference, ghost fluid with linear extrapolation, and level set. Apart from that, the convergence results are also given to determine the effectiveness of the above-mentioned methods. Results showed that the stimulation of signal transduction from the ligand and membrane-associated receptor binding consequently moved the plasma membrane. Also, the methods used gave a good agreement in the convergence results.
SUBANG RADAR CAPPI DATA PROCESSING AND Z-R OPTIMIZATION FOR QUANTITATIVE PRECIPITATION ESTIMATES (QPE) OVER LANGAT RIVER BASIN
Authors: Tahir Wardah , Ramli Suzana , Abdullah Jazuri , Muhammad Nur Shazwani , M Rahim Nur Farhana Hairine
Published: June 2022

The main advantage of radar data over point gauge rainfall is its ability to provide continuous spatial and temporal resolution of rainfall details over a large area.  Weather radar transmits electromagnetic wave, interacts with raindrops and reflects some of the intercepted power (backscattering) that is subsequently converted into rainfall intensity. Despite its advantages, indirect rainfall estimation using radar reflectivity factor suffers from various sources of error such as ground clutter, partial beam occultation, beam blockage and attenuation effects.  Literatures on the use of radar quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) in Malaysia have been increasing since the past 15 years ago. However, none of the previous work have detailed out the sources of radar data used and its processing for rainfall rate conversion. This paper will discuss the fundamentals in radar data acquisition and processing for rainfall input to a case study of Langat river basin, Malaysia. The methodology in raw radar data processing is decribed in details and the use of CAPPI data for rainfall estimation over Langat river basin is discussed. The findings indicate a good performance of the radar CAPPI data as an alternative source to the rainfall measurement for Langat river basin with correlation coefficient between radar rainfall and gauged rainfall ranging from 0.69 to 0.75. Improvement on radar rainfall estimates is also recommended by newly derived optimized Z-R equations based on monsoon season. The results presented in this study are encouraging, especially for the application of water resources management for the river basin.
Role of NASA in Wind Energy
Authors: Viterna Larry A. , Rao K.R.
Published: June 2022

Since the beginning of NASA over 50 years ago there has been a strong link between the energy and environmental skills developed by NASA for the space environment and the needs of the terrestrial energy program. The technologies that served dual uses included solar, nuclear, biofuels and biomass, wind, geothermal, large-scale energy storage and distribution, efficiency and heat utilization, carbon mitigation and utilization, aviation and ground transportation systems, hydrogen utilization and infrastructure and advance energy technologies such as high-altitude wind, wave and hydro, space solar power (from space to earth) and nanotech photovoltaics. NASA, in particular with wind and solar energy, had extensive experience dating back to the 1970’s and 1980’s and continues today to have skills appropriate for solving our nation’s energy and environmental issues that mimic in fact those needed for space flight. NASA has long been interested in maturing new laboratory level technologies into industry products and has a well-founded system of interactions with Universities for research leading to proof-of-concept and then to prototype demonstrations and mission applications with industry. The capability to assess and then test the feasibility for future commercial development is a well-honed NASA skill. This has certainly promoted new businesses and job growth as a result. That is particularly evident in the case of photovoltaic energy but also relevant for wind energy as well.
Scope of Wind Energy Generation Technologies
Authors: Zayas Jose , Rao K.R.
Published: June 2022

The energy from the wind has been harnessed since early recorded history all across the world. There are proofs that wind energy propelled boats along the Nile River around 5000 B.C. The use of wind to provide mechanical power came somewhat later in time — by 200 B.C. simple windmills started pumping water in China, and vertical-axis windmills with woven reed sails were grinding grain in the Middle East. The Europeans got the idea of using wind power from the Persians who introduced it to the Roman Empire by 250 A.D. By the 11th century, a strong focus on technical improvements enabled wind power to be leveraged by the people in the Middle East extensively for food production. Returning merchants and crusaders carried this idea back to Europe where the Dutch refined the windmill and adapted it for draining lakes and marshes in 1300s.
Wind Energy in the U.S.
Authors: Baldwin Thomas , Seifert Gary , Rao K.R.
Published: June 2022

Humans have been harnessing the energy in the wind for several thousand years. Early uses included sailboats and windmills used to pump water and grind grain into flour — hence the term wind mill. In the 1800s, settlers in the western United States used wooden windmills to pump water, and many are still standing. In the late 1800s, the windmill was connected to an electric generator to produce electricity — hence, wind turbine.
Mobilization With Movement as Therapy to Reduce Knee Pain and Increase Knee Range of Motion
Authors: Plummer Steve , Leonard Julie
Published: June 2022

Clinical Scenario: Knee pain and limited knee range of motion (ROM) are among the most common conditions found in individuals who report lower body health-related issues. Factors such as weight gain, lack of mobility, balance issues, and pain can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, which, in turn, causes knee stiffness or knee limited ROM. As a result, the patient will be at higher risk of osteoporosis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, reduced quadriceps strength, heart disease, and even depression. Clinical Question: Is mobilization with movement (MWM) an effective method of treatment for reducing knee pain and increasing knee ROM in individuals being treated for knee pain and limited knee ROM? Summary of Key Findings: (1) The literature searched were peer-reviewed articles that investigated the effects of MWM as a therapy to reduce knee pain and increase knee ROM. (2) MWM was shown to be an effective treatment for reducing knee pain and increasing knee ROM. Clinical Bottom Line: There is conclusive evidence that MWM is an effective method of treatment for reducing knee pain and increasing knee ROM in individuals who experience knee pain and knee limited ROM. Strength of Recommendation: Grade (“A”) evidence exists showing that MWM therapy results are greater when performed either alone or in combination with a current conventional therapy for decreasing knee pain and increasing knee ROM.
Functional Role of YnfA, an Efflux Transporter in Resistance to Antimicrobial Agents in Shigella flexneri
Authors: Sen Tanuka , Verma Naresh K.
Published: June 2022

Shigella flexneri
has become a significant public health concern accounting for the majority of shigellosis cases worldwide. Even though a multitude of efforts is being made into the development of a vaccine to prevent infections, the absence of a licensed global vaccine compels us to enormously depend on antibiotics as the major treatment option.
Has Epizootic Become Enzootic? Evidence for a Fundamental Change in the Infection Dynamics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Europe, 2021
Authors: Pohlmann Anne , King Jacqueline , Fusaro Alice , Zecchin Bianca , Banyard Ashley C. , Brown Ian H. , Byrne Alexander M. P. , Beerens Nancy , Liang Yuan , Heutink Rene , Harders Frank , James Joe , Reid Scott M. , Hansen Rowena D. E. , Lewis Nicola S. , Hjulsager Charlotte , Larsen Lars E. , Zohari Siamak , Anderson Kristofer , Bröjer Caroline , Nagy Alexander , Savič Vladimir , van Borm Steven , Steensels Mieke , Briand Francois-Xavier , Swieton Edyta , Smietanka Krzysztof , Grund Christian , Beer Martin , Harder Timm
Published: June 2022

Phylogenetic evidence from the recent resurgence of high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, observed in European wild birds and poultry since October 2021, suggests at least two different and distinct reservoirs. We propose contrasting hypotheses for this emergence: (i) resident viruses have been maintained, presumably in wild birds, in northern Europe throughout the summer of 2021 to cause some of the outbreaks that are part of the most recent autumn/winter 2021 epizootic, or (ii) further virus variants were reintroduced by migratory birds, and these two sources of reintroduction have driven the HPAI resurgence.
The Specificity of ParR Binding Determines the Incompatibility of Conjugative Plasmids in Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Watts Thomas D. , Traore Daouda A. K. , Atkinson Sarah C. , Lao Carmen , Caltabiano Natalie , Rood Julian I. , Adams Vicki
Published: June 2022

Toxins produced by the Gram-positive pathogen
Clostridium perfringens
are primarily encoded by genes found on different conjugative plasmids. These plasmids encode highly similar replication proteins and therefore should be incompatible, but they are often found to coexist within the same isolate.
FabT, a Bacterial Transcriptional Repressor That Limits Futile Fatty Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Lambert Clara , Poyart Claire , Gruss Alexandra , Fouet Agnes
Published: June 2022

Phospholipids are vital membrane constituents that determine cell functions and interactions with the environment. For bacterial pathogens, rapid adjustment of phospholipid composition to changing conditions during infection can be crucial for growth and survival. Fatty acid synthesis (FASII) regulators are central to this process.
Full-Length 16S rRNA Gene Sequences from Raw Sewage Samples Spanning Geographic and Seasonal Gradients in Conveyance Systems across the United States
Authors: LaMartina Emily Lou , Schmoldt Angela L. , Newton Ryan J.
Published: June 2022

Wastewater microbiome research often relies on sequencing of hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA genes, which are difficult to classify at refined taxonomic levels. Here, we introduce a data set of near-full-length 16S rRNA genes from samples designed to capture known geographic and seasonal variations in municipal wastewater microbial communities.
A Validated Set of Ascorbate Peroxidase-Based Organelle Markers for Electron Microscopy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Li Hui , He Cheng-Wen , Zhu Jing , Xie Zhiping
Published: June 2022

Yeast is an excellent single cellular model system for studying basic cellular processes. However, yeast cells are much smaller than most animal and plant cells, making the observation and recognition of yeast subcellular structures challenging. Here we developed a set of yeast organelle markers for use in electron microscopy and documented our technical approach for using this method.
Stage-Specific COPII-Mediated Cargo Selectivity in African Trypanosomes
Authors: Sharif Mohamed , Bangs James D.
Published: June 2022

African trypanosomes synthesize dense surface coats composed of stage-specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol lipid anchored proteins. We previously defined specific machinery in bloodstream stage parasites that mediate the exit of these proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum.