bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure‐based discovery of Licoflavone B and Ginkgetin targeting c‐Myc G‐quadruplex to suppress c‐Myc transcription and myeloma growth
Authors: Liu Linlin , Geng Xiaoju , Zhang Jinyuan , Li Shihao , Gao Jian
Published: May 2022

G‐quadruplex (G4), present in the c‐Myc promoter, has emerged as an attractive cancer‐specific molecular target for drug development. So, the discovery of small molecules to stabilize c‐Myc‐G4 to inhibit transcription of c‐Myc protein is of great significance. Herein, a combined molecular docking‐based virtual screening strategy, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) free energy calculation was conducted on the existing L6000 Natural Compound Library. Four natural compounds, including Licoflavone B, Demethyleneberberine, Ginkgetin, and Mulberroside C, were predicted to have preferable binding affinities to c‐Myc G4 and then selected for commercial purchase and experimental evaluation. Compounds Licoflavone B and Ginkgetin can significantly inhibit myeloma cell proliferation, with IC50 values <8 μM against the RPMI‐8226 cell line. Moreover, our data demonstrated that the two compounds could simultaneously downregulate c‐Myc transcription and expression. Collectively, compounds Licoflavone B and Ginkgetin might be regarded as new candidates for the development of the more potent c‐Myc‐G4 stabilizers in the future.
Quad‐fisheye Image Stitching for Monoscopic Panorama Reconstruction
Authors: Cheng Haojie , Xu Chunxiao , Wang Jiajun , Zhao Lingxiao
Published: May 2022

Monoscopic panorama provides the display of omnidirectional contents surrounding the viewer. An increasingly popular way to reconstruct a panorama is to stitch a collection of fisheye images. However, such non‐planar views may result in problems such as distortions and boundary irregularities. In most cases, the computational expense for stitching non‐planar images is also too high to satisfy real‐time applications. In this paper, a novel monoscopic panorama reconstruction pipeline that produces better quad‐fisheye image stitching results for omnidirectional environment viewing is proposed. The main idea is to apply mesh deformation for image alignment. To optimize inter‐lens parallaxes, unwarped images are firstly cropped and reshuffled to facilitate the circular environment scene composition by the seamless ring‐connection of the panorama borders. Several mesh constraints are then adopted to ensure a high alignment accuracy. After alignment, the boundary of the result is rectified to be rectangular to prevent gapping artefacts. We further extend our approach to video stitching. The temporal smoothness model is added to prevent unexpected artefacts in the panoramic videos. To support interactive applications, our stitching algorithm is programmed using CUDA. The camera motion and average gradient per video frame are further calculated to accelerate for synchronous real‐life panoramic scene reconstruction and visualization. Experimental results demonstrate that our method has advantages in respects of alignment accuracy, adaptability and image quality of the stitching result.
Combining donor derived cell free DNA and gene expression profiling for non‐invasive surveillance after heart transplantation
Authors: Henricksen Erik J. , Moayedi Yasbanoo , Purewal Saira , Twiggs Julien Valverde , Waddell Kian , Luikart Helen , Han Jiho , Feng Kent , Wayda Brian , Lee Roy , Shudo Yasuhiro , Jimenez Shirin , Khush Kiran K. , Teuteberg Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Donor‐derived cell free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) and gene expression profiling (GEP) offer noninvasive alternatives to rejection surveillance after heart transplantation; however, there is little evidence on the paired use of GEP and dd‐cfDNA for rejection surveillance.

Methods

A single center, retrospective analysis of adult heart transplant recipients. A GEP cohort, transplanted from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017 and eligible for rejection surveillance with GEP was compared to a paired testing cohort, transplanted July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2020, with surveillance from both dd‐cfDNA and GEP. The primary outcomes were survival and rejection‐free survival at 1 year post‐transplant.

Results

In total 159 patients were included, 95 in the GEP and 64 in the paired testing group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics, except for less use of induction in the paired testing group (65.6%) compared to the GEP group (98.9%), P < .01. At 1‐year, there were no differences between the paired testing and GEP groups in survival (98.4% vs. 94.7%, P = .23) or rejection‐free survival (81.3% vs. 73.7% P = .28).

Conclusions

Compared to post‐transplant rejection surveillance with GEP alone, pairing dd‐cfDNA and GEP testing was associated with similar survival and rejection‐free survival at 1 year while requiring significantly fewer biopsies.
Tidy Fields and Clean Shirts: A Comparative Ethnography of Good Farming in South Dakota and Luis Eduardo Magalhães
Authors: Ofstehage Andrew
Published: May 2022

North American farmers manage massive soy farms in the Brazilian Cerrado from the clean offices off the dusty streets of Luis Eduardo Magalhães, Brazil. As they delegate field work to farmworkers, they focus on paperwork, managing investment capital, and satisfying the investors that control that capital. This comparative ethnographic article considers the agrarian values and farm life of the author's childhood on a small South Dakota farm alongside the experience of transnational soybean farmers in Brazil to understand the perception of good farming in two different contexts. This imaginary of the good farmer tells us about what behaviors are rewarded within farming communities and how farming behaviors become idealized. While “good farming” in 1980s South Dakota was measured by straight rows, high crop yields, and weed‐free fields, good farming for transnational farmers is measured by efficiency, profit, and clean shirts. Transnational farmers center the farmer, not the field, as the site of aestheticizing as they disassociate from crops, work, and even land.
Liraglutide increases islet Ca2+ oscillation frequency and insulin secretion by activating hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels
Authors: Zaborska Karolina E. , Jordan Kelli L. , Thorson Ariel S. , Dadi Prasanna K. , Schaub Charles M. , Nakhe Arya Y. , Dickerson Matthew T. , Lynch Joshua C. , Weiss Adam J. , Dobson Jordyn R. , Jacobson David A.
Published: May 2022

Aim

To determine whether hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels impact glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor (GLP‐1R) modulation of islet Ca2+ handling and insulin secretion.

Methods

The impact of liraglutide (GLP‐1 analogue) on islet Ca2+ handling, HCN currents and insulin secretion was monitored with fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology and enzyme immunoassays, respectively. Furthermore, liraglutide‐mediated β‐to‐δ‐cell cross‐communication was assessed following selective ablation of either mouse islet δ or β cells.

Results

Liraglutide increased β‐cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency in mouse and human islets under stimulatory glucose conditions. This was dependent in part on liraglutide activation of HCN channels, which also enhanced insulin secretion. Similarly, liraglutide activation of HCN channels also increased β‐cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency in islets from rodents exposed to a diabetogenic diet. Interestingly, liraglutide accelerated Ca2+ oscillations in a majority of islet δ cells, which showed synchronized Ca2+ oscillations equivalent to β cells; therefore, we assessed if either cell type was driving this liraglutide‐mediated islet Ca2+ response. Although δ‐cell loss did not impact liraglutide‐mediated increase in β‐cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency, β‐cell ablation attenuated liraglutide‐facilitated acceleration of δ‐cell Ca2+ oscillations.

Conclusion

The data presented here show that liraglutide‐induced stimulation of islet HCN channels augments Ca2+ oscillation frequency. As insulin secretion oscillates with β‐cell Ca2+, these findings have important implications for pulsatile insulin secretion that is probably enhanced by liraglutide activation of HCN channels and therapeutics that target GLP‐1Rs for treating diabetes. Furthermore, these studies suggest that liraglutide as well as GLP‐1‐based therapies enhance δ‐cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency and somatostatin secretion kinetics in a β‐cell‐dependent manner.
Interindividual variability in average glucose‐glycated haemoglobin relationship in type 1 diabetes and implications for clinical practice
Authors: Xu Yongjin , Bergenstal Richard M. , Dunn Timothy C. , Ram Yashesvini , Ajjan Ramzi A.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) can fail to reflect average glucose levels, potentially compromising management decisions. We analysed variability in the relationship between mean glucose and HbA1c in individuals with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Three months of continuous glucose monitoring and HbA1c data were obtained from 216 individuals with type 1 diabetes. Universal red blood cell glucose transporter‐1 Michaelis constant KM and individualized apparent glycation ratio (AGR) were calculated and compared across age, racial and gender groups.

Results

The mean age (range) was 30 years (8‐72) with 94 younger than 19 years, 78 between 19 and 50 years, and 44 were >50 years. The group contained 120 women and 96 men with 106 white and 110 black individuals. The determined KM value was 464 mg/dl and AGR was (mean ± SD) 72.1 ± 7 ml/g. AGR, which correlated with red blood cell lifespan marker, was highest in those aged >50 years at 75.4 ± 6.9 ml/g, decreasing to 73.2 ± 7.8 ml/g in 19‐50 years, with a further drop to 71.0 ± 5.8 ml/g in the youngest group (p <0 .05). AGR differed between white and black groups (69.9 ± 5.8 and 74.2 ± 7.1 ml/g, respectively; p < .001). In contrast, AGR values were similar in men and women (71.5 ± 7.5 and 72.5 ± 6.6 ml/g, respectively; p = .27). Interestingly, interindividual AGR variation within each group was at least four‐fold higher than average for between‐group variation.

Conclusions

In this type 1 diabetes cohort, ethnicity and age, but not gender, alter the HbA1c‐glucose relationship with even larger interindividual variations found within each group than between groups. Clinical application of personalized HbA1c‐glucose relationships has the potential to optimize glycaemic care in the population with diabetes.
Noninvasive diode laser–an effective and safe treatment of iris cysts in 46 eyes of 35 horses
Authors: Stas Emanuël K. L. , Hermans Hanneke , Slenter Inge J. M. , Veraa Stefanie , Ensink Jos M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Iris cysts in horses are often asymptomatic and noticed incidentally. However, cysts can cause local corneal oedema and erratic behaviour like shying, decreased performance and head‐shaking.

Objectives

To describe the use of diode laser as a noninvasive treatment option for iris cysts in the horse and to document factors influencing its efficacy, associated complications, long‐term outcome and rate of recurrence.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Case records of horses treated for iris cysts by diode laser at the Utrecht University Equine Clinic were reviewed between 2008 and 2020. Diagnosis was based on ophthalmic and ultrasonographic evaluation. Long‐term follow‐up was obtained in two phases, a telephone survey with the owner and a photographic re‐evaluation of the treated eyes.

Results

Thirty‐five horses were included, with a total of 46 eyes treated. One day after diode laser treatment (short‐term), 35/46 treated eyes had a good decrease in cyst size, 7/46 had a moderate effect, 1/46 had a minimal effect, 1/46 had no effect, and in two cases the effect was unspecified. The decrease in size after diode laser treatment in polycystic eyes (odds ratio [OR] 0.381, 95% CI 0.1530–0.724),p = 0.001), thick‐walled cysts (OR = 0.139; CI = 0.023–0.726,p = 0.02) and hyperplastic corpora nigra (OR = 0.081; CI = 0.004–0.528,p = 0.03) was significantly less satisfactory, with ORs of 0.381, 0.139 and 0.081, respectively. Minor complications, such as mild reactive uveitis, were reported in 8/46 (17%) eyes. On long‐term follow‐up (median 19 months; IQR 25.5), clinical signs had diminished or disappeared in most cases (93%) and 83% of the owners would recommend the treatment. Based on long‐term photographic re‐evaluation (median 32.5 months; IQR 49.75), 2/16 cases of recurrence were seen.

Main limitations

Retrospective design, follow‐up by telephone questionnaire and photographic re‐evaluation. Loss to follow‐up in the photographic re‐evaluation.

Conclusions

Both short‐ and long‐term results indicate diode laser treatment is a useful and safe option for iris cyst size reduction, with a low risk of recurrence. Presurgical ultrasonography is recommended to assess the feasibility of treatment and to allow for better surgical planning.
Handling uncertainty using optimal clustering with rough sets‐based rule generation model for data classification
Authors: Bhukya Hanumanthu , Sadanandam Manchala
Published: May 2022

In recent times, MapReduce has become a popular tool for handling big data. At the same time, uncertainty is related to arbitrariness, fuzziness, ambiguity, irregularity and incomplete knowledge. In RS theory, the uncertainty behaviour of the data in the dataset of interest is managed by using upper and lower approximate sets and classification accuracy. The RS model is integrated with data clustering technique for optimal outcomes. With this motivation, this study designs an Optimal Clustering with RS‐Based Rule Generation Model (OC‐RSRGM) for data classification on MapReduce environment. The OC‐RSRGM technique aims to generate an optimal set of rules using RST for the data classification process and it involves a two‐stage process namely Optimal Fuzzy c‐Means Clustering (OFCM) and RSRGM‐based rule generation with classification. The OFCM technique is derived to eradicate the local optimal problem of the FCM (Fuzzy c‐Means) model using Barnacles Mating Optimizer (BMO). It provides the decision‐makers with all the information needed to design appropriate mechanisms to support their decision‐making activities. The Hadoop MapReduce tool is used to handle big data. The proposed method combines an FCM, BMO, RS theory to accomplish effective decision‐making. The OC‐RSRGM technique can be employed to continuous value dataset where data point does not offer any class details and it might be uncertain. To validate the performance of OC‐RSRGM technique, a detailed experimental analysis is carried out to highlights the betterment of OC‐RSRGM technique. The proposed OC‐RSRGM technique has obtained an effective outcome with the CT of 5.43 s.
Becoming nose‐blind—Climate change impacts on chemical communication
Authors: Roggatz Christina C. , Saha Mahasweta , Blanchard Solène , Schirrmacher Paula , Fink Patrick , Verheggen François , Hardege Jörg D.
Published: May 2022

Chemical communication via infochemicals plays a pivotal role in ecological interactions, allowing organisms to sense their environment, locate predators, food, habitats, or mates. A growing number of studies suggest that climate change‐associated stressors can modify these chemically mediated interactions, causing info‐disruption that scales up to the ecosystem level. However, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms is scarce. Evidenced by a range of examples, we illustrate in this opinion piece that climate change affects different realms in similar patterns, from molecular to ecosystem‐wide levels. We assess the importance of different stressors for terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems and propose a systematic approach to address highlighted knowledge gaps and cross‐disciplinary research avenues.
High fatty liver index is an independent predictor of ischemic heart disease during a 10‐year period in a Japanese population
Authors: Mori Kazuma , Tanaka Marenao , Higashiura Yukimura , Hanawa Nagisa , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Furuhashi Masato
Published: May 2022

Aim

Fatty liver index (FLI), which is calculated by using body mass index, waist circumference and levels of γ‐glutamyl transferase and triglycerides, is a validated surrogate marker of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between FLI and the development of ischemic heart disease (IHD) during a 10‐year period.

Methods

Among subjects who received annual health checkups (n = 28 990), a total of 18 851 subjects (men/women: 11 659/7192) were enrolled after exclusion of subjects with missing data and those with IHD at baseline.

Results

FLI at baseline was significantly higher in men than in women. During the 10‐year period, 450 men (3.9%) and 123 women (1.7%) had new onset of IHD determined by a self‐reported questionnaire survey. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with a restricted cubic spline showed that hazard risk (HR) for the development of IHD increased with a higher FLI at baseline after adjustment of age, sex, current smoking habit, family history of IHD and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease at baseline. There was no significant interaction between FLI and sex for the adjusted HR. When divided by tertiles of FLI at baseline (T1∼T3), the adjusted risk for development of IHD in the T3 group (HR [95% confidence interval]: 1.34 [1.05–1.71]) was significantly higher than that in the T1 group as the reference. The addition of FLI into traditional risk factors for IHD significantly improved the discriminatory capability.

Conclusions

A high level of FLI is an independent predictor of new onset of IHD during a 10‐year period.
High‐intensity ultrasound processed acerola juice containing oligosaccharides and dextran promotes Lacticaseibacillus casei NRRL B‐442 growth
Authors: Silva do Nascimento Cristiano , Santos Brenda N. , Rodrigues Sueli
Published: May 2022

In the present study, a prebiotic acerola juice containing gluco‐oligosaccharides and dextran was produced and processed by high‐intensity ultrasound (HIUS). After a simulated in vitro digestion, the gluco‐oligosaccharides and dextran maintained 90% and 80% of their initial concentration in all prebiotic’s juices. At the same time, Vitamin C and phenolic compounds concentration increased significantly by 19% and 7% (P < 0.05). After the in vitro digestion, the prebiotic juice HIUS processed by 10 min showed the highest increase in gluco‐oligosaccharides and bioactive compound concentrations. The HIUS processing imparted some dextran hydrolysis and improved its fermentability by Lacticaseibacillus casei. Gluco‐oligosaccharides were extensively consumed as substrate in simulated intestinal conditions, promoting the L. casei NRRL B‐442 growth and production of organic acids and short‐chain organic acids. The prebiotic juice HIUS processed for 6 min showed the best responses regarding the metabolism of L. casei NRRL B‐442. The results showed high‐intensity ultrasound processed acerola juices containing gluco‐oligosaccharides and dextran as a prebiotic food.
Conceptualising service integration for inclusive activation: Exploring transferal and translation of models from health care
Authors: Saltkjel Therese , Andreassen Tone Alm , Minkman Mirella
Published: May 2022

Conceptual frameworks are important for advancing systematic understanding in a field of research. Many conceptual models have been developed to study service integration, but few have addressed activation. Based on an outline of the literature on the integration of labour market services, we explored two complementary conceptual models from integrated care and assessed whether the models could be transferred to the context of inclusive activation. The transferral of conceptual models is contingent upon whether the significant features of inclusive activation are like those of health care, and whether barriers to integrated labour market services are considered. We argue that the models facilitate a more analytical focus on service integration. Nevertheless, the models must be adjusted to account for the significant position of workplaces and employers, the importance of frontline professionals' knowledge base, the co‐production of service provision and the values characterising the service encounters.
Application of a three‐dimensional visualization model in intraoperative guidance of percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Zichen , Wang Gang , Zhou Jianfang , Zhu He , Guo Hongfeng , Huang Huagang , Yu Mingchuan , Zhu Gang , Li Ningchen , Na Yanqun
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To establish a three‐dimensional visualization model of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, apply it to guiding intraoperative puncture in a mixed reality environment, and evaluate its accuracy and clinical value.

Methods

Patients with percutaneous nephrolithotomy indications were prospectively divided into three‐dimensional group and control group with a ratio of 1:2. For patients in three‐dimensional group, positioning markers were pasted on the skin and enhanced computed tomography scanning was performed in the prone position. Holographic three‐dimensional models were made and puncture routes were planned before operation. During the operation, the three‐dimensional model was displayed through HoloLens glass and visually registered with the patient's body. Puncture of the target renal calyx was performed under three‐dimensional‐image guiding and ultrasonic monitoring. Patients in the control group underwent routine percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone position under the monitoring of B‐ultrasound. Deviation distance of the kidney, puncture time, puncture attempts, channel coincidence rate, stone clearance rate, and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results

Twenty‐one and 40 patients were enrolled in three‐dimensional and control group, respectively. For three‐dimensional group, the average deviation between virtual and real kidney was 3.1 ± 2.9 mm. All punctures were performed according to preoperative planning. Compared with the control group, the three‐dimensional group had shorter puncture time (8.9 ± 3.3 vs 14.5 ± 6.1 min, P < 0.001), fewer puncture attempts (1.4 ± 0.6 vs 2.2 ± 1.5, P = 0.009), and might also have a better performance in stone clearance rate (90.5% vs 72.5%, P = 0.19) and postoperative complications (P = 0.074).

Conclusions

The percutaneous nephrolithotomy three‐dimensional model manifested acceptable accuracy and good value for guiding puncture in a mixed reality environment.
Trauma‐informed mental health practice during COVID‐19: Reflections from a Community of Practice initiative
Authors: Macedo Davi Manzini , Reilly Julie‐Anne , Pettit Sophie , Negoita Carmen , Ruth Laura , Cox Elizabeth , Staugas Rima , Procter Nicholas
Published: May 2022

This article discusses insights arising from a Community of Practice (CoP) initiative within a mental health short stay inpatient unit adjacent to a major Emergency Department to explore how COVID‐19 has influenced engagement and support of people in mental distress. The present initiative was designed as a collaboration between the University of South Australia and SA Health. Community of Practice (CoP) is combined with a narrative review of current evidence to explain specific nursing care responses within an operating environment of pandemic‐induced fear and uncertainty. Meetings discussed the challenges associated with delivering mental health care for people experiencing mental health distress in the COVID‐19 context. Applying trauma‐informed principles to mental health care delivery was identified to be of relevance in the context of an ongoing pandemic. Humanizing nursing care and increasing people's sense of predictability and safety contributed to therapeutic engagement and support during COVID‐19. Factors discussed to mitigate the effects of safety measures include, for example, nuanced verbal and non‐verbal engagement of health workers with people in mental distress when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). We highlight the need to ‘humanise’ nursing and openly communicating that both practitioners and people in distress are navigating special circumstances. The CoP participants additionally acknowledged that the experience of moral distress among frontline health workers needs to be addressed in future policy responses to COVID‐19. Person‐centred and trauma‐informed responses at the point of care might help to mitigate the pandemic short‐ and long‐term effects for both service users and frontline health workers.
Effectiveness of moist dressings in wound healing after surgical suturing: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Chen Maojun , Duan Dan , Liu Wenjie , Cui Wenyao , Li Li
Published: May 2022

The moist healing theory proves that a moderately moist and airtight environment is conducive to wound healing. However, different moist dressings have different functions. We aim to evaluate the effects of moist dressings on wound healing after surgical suturing and identify superior moist dressings. Randomised controlled trials investigating the application of moist dressings were retrieved from electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Wound healing, surgical site infection (SSI), and times of dressing change were assessed. The values of the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve were calculated based on the Bayesian network meta‐analysis. Inconsistency tests and funnel plots were applied to analyse the consistency and publication bias. All the analysis complies with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) 2020 Checklist and AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) Guidelines. Sixteen randomised controlled trials involving 4444 patients were pooled in the network meta‐analysis. The ionic silver dressing (SUCRA, 93%) ranked first in wound healing, the metallic silver dressing (SUCRA, 75.9%) ranked first in SSI, and the hydrocolloid dressing (SUCRA, 73.9%) ranked first in times of dressing change. Inconsistency was only observed in wound healing, and no publication bias was observed in this study. The effects of moist dressings are better than gauze dressings in the process of wound healing. The ionic silver dressing is effective in wound healing, whereas the metallic silver dressing is effective in SSI prevention. The hydrocolloid dressing requires the fewest times of dressing change. More high‐quality RCTs are required to support the network meta‐analysis.
Potential role of INTERLEUKIN‐17 in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus: a systematic review with META‐analysis
Authors: Husein‐ElAhmed H. , Steinhoff M.
Published: May 2022

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease of unknown aetiology, which may evolve into squamous cell carcinoma. Recent advances on OLP pathogenesis suggest the presence of Th17 cells and the up‐regulation of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) expression are crucial events. Our aim was to test the hypothesis in the literature about an important role of IL‐17 in OLP by systematically investigating the overexpression of IL‐17 in the lesional tissue and blood from OLP patients and healthy controls. A total of 22 studies comprising 658 OLP patients and 362 control subjects fulfilled inclusion criteria were subjected to meta‐analysis. The assessment of IL‐17 in the lesional tissue by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed a significant elevation in the OLP group (RR:1.35 95%CI: 0.20–2.50, I2 = 92%). There was a statistical overexpression of IL‐17 in the serum of OLP group detected by ELISA (RR:2.47 95%CI: 1.17–3.77, I2 = 97%) and flow cytometry (RR:3.04 95%CI: 0.69–5.39, I2 = 97%). In the erosive OLP group, the tissue IL‐17 assessed by PCR was higher than in reticular OLP patients (RR:0.78 95%CI: 0.21–1.36, I2 = 0%). Peripheral assessment of IL‐17 by ELISA (RR:1.43 95%CI: 0.01–2.85, I2 = 94%) and flow cytometry (RR:1.55 95%CI: 0.29–2.81, I2 = 89%) revealed significant elevation in erosive OLP group. The dominating overexpression of IL‐17 and Th17 cells in the local inflammatory infíltrate and serum of OLP patients confirms its role, probably in the interaction between T cells and keratinocytes. Notably, the upregulation of IL‐17 is more intense in erosive than in reticular OLP suggesting a positive correlation between IL‐17 levels and disease severity. Further research is warranted to investigate the potential role of anti‐IL‐17 drugs to manage this chronic condition.
Earlier menopause is associated with higher risk of incident frailty in community‐dwelling older women in England
Authors: Kojima Gotaro , Taniguchi Yu , Aoyama Reijiro , Urano Tomohiko
Published: May 2022

Background

Although it is well known that women have higher risk of frailty, mechanisms are not clear. Reproductive history may be related to the sex difference in frailty.

Methods

A total of 1249 community‐dwelling women aged ≥60 in England were examined for associations between age at menopause and risk of developing frailty. Frailty defined by the frailty phenotype was measured at baseline and 4 years later. Age at menopause was used as a continuous variable and categorical groups: premature/early (10–45 years), normal (46–55 years), and late (56 years or older). Men with comparable conditions from the same cohort were also used as a comparison.

Results

Earlier age at menopause was significantly associated with higher risk of incident frailty. One year later menopause age was associated with a 3% decrease in incident frailty risk (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.95–1.00, p = 0.02). Women with premature or early menopause had a significantly higher risk of developing frailty compared with those with normal menopause (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.28–2.81, p = 0.001), while those with late menopause did not. In a supplementary analysis with older men, older women with premature or early menopause were more likely to develop frailty compared with older men (OR = 2.29, 95%CI = 151–3.48, p < 0.001), however, there was no significant difference between women with normal or late menopause.

Conclusions

Earlier menopause was significantly associated with higher risk of developing frailty. Our findings suggest that menopause or its related factors, such as decline in estrogen after menopause, potentially play an important role in the sex difference in frailty.
Standards for aseptic techniques in medical aesthetic practices in the Benelux: Consensus recommendations
Authors: Baharlou Samira , De Boulle Koenraad , van Heijningen Ivar , Cervini Isabella , Termohlen Peter
Published: May 2022

Introduction

While the demand for aesthetic procedures is rising, complications are rising alongside. Infection is a frequent complication, there is therefore an increased need for strict aseptic technique, particularly in procedures breaching the skin. The level of training of practitioners carrying out these procedures varies and there are no comprehensive guidelines on aseptic aesthetic practice in the Benelux region.

Objective

Developing a step‐by‐step procedure for achieving and maintaining a high standard of aseptic conditions in a standard aesthetic practice in the Benelux region.

Methods

A consensus group of 10 aesthetic medical practitioners (dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and cosmetic physicians) representing the Benelux region convened to discuss best practice for aseptic techniques in medical aesthetics. Step‐by‐step procedures were recommended to achieve optimal aseptic practice in private facilities and define important considerations for reducing infection risk. Recommendations were based on current evidence and extensive clinical experience.

Results

Recommendations were made to achieve and maintain a high standard of asepsis and infection control. Guidance included maintaining high standard aseptic conditions of the injecting room, the injecting area on the patient, the injection procedure, the materials, and procedures commonly used to achieve aseptic conditions.

Conclusions

This expert consensus summary publication recommends aseptic procedures, setting a standard with the goal of minimizing rates of complications in aesthetic clinical practice in the Benelux region.
Sensitivity and specificity of proposed Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire cut‐off scores for good quality sleep during an ICU stay
Authors: Elliott Rosalind , Axelin Anna , Richards Kathy C. , Vahlberg Tero , Ritmala‐Castren Marita
Published: May 2022

Background

The 5‐visual analogue scale Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire subjective sleep measure is widely used in intensive care. A cut‐off score indicative of good quality sleep has not been established and is required to guide the categorisation of individual patient and unit wide sleep quality.

Design and Methods

The aim was to determine the global Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire cut‐off score for good to very good sleep during an intensive care unit stay in non‐ventilated patients. The study was a secondary (cohort) retrospective analysis of patient self‐report data (n = 32) from an interventional study testing a sleep promotion bundle. The Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy studies statement were used to report the study. The study was conducted in two mixed adult 12 and 20‐bed ICUs of a tertiary referral hospital in a metropolitan area. In the morning, eligible patients were administered the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire together with a 5‐category item Likert scale in which patients rated their nocturnal sleep quality as ‘very poor’, ‘poor’, ‘fair’, ‘good’ and ‘very good’. Receiver Operator Curve analysis was performed.

Results

Thirty‐seven per cent (n = 32) of the total sample of 84 adult intensive care patients were females. The median age was 61.5 (51, 72) years. Self‐reported median global Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire score was 54.4 (30.1, 77.1) mm. A global score of ≥63.4 mm was the optimal cut‐off for self‐reported ‘good sleep’ (sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 81% and area under the curve: 0.896).

Conclusions

Although the study requires replication in ventilated patients and other ICU settings, the cut‐off score (63 mm) could be used to guide the categorisation of individual patient and unit wide sleep quality.
Fetal cardiac dysfunction in pregnancies affected by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A cohort study
Authors: Rodriguez Marcelo , Bombin Maritchu , Ahumada Herman , Bachmann Maritza , Egaña‐Ugrinovic Gabriela , Sepúlveda‐Martínez Alvaro
Published: May 2022

Aim

To analyze the presence of fetal myocardial dysfunction in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) at diagnosis.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 49 pregnant participants with ICP at diagnosis and 49 nonaffected controls from a single public hospital. ICP was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms after excluding other causes of pruritus and presence of autoimmune diseases. Total bile acids were not obtained in this cohort. ICP pregnancies were assessed with a functional echocardiography at diagnosis including PR‐interval, isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), ejection time (ET), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) for electrical, systolic, and diastolic function, respectively. Controls were assessed at recruitment. Perinatal outcomes were obtained from delivery books. The main outcome was the presence of PR‐interval prolongation or first‐degree fetal heart block, and echographic signs of diastolic and systolic dysfunction.

Results

Compared to controls, ICP were above upper limit in conjugated bilirubin (2.0% vs. 20.4%; p = 0.008), aspartate aminotransferase (2.0% vs. 24.5%; p = 0.002), and alanine aminotransferase (4.1% vs. 28.6%; p = 0.002). ICP was associated with a higher PR‐interval (130 ± 12 ms vs. 121 ± 6 ms; p < 0.0001) with five first‐degree fetal heart blocks. IRT was significantly higher in ICP (42 ± 6 ms vs. 37 ± 5 ms; p = 0.0001), with no differences in ICT and ET. PR‐interval trend was only positively correlated with IRT in ICP pregnancies (p = 0.04 and p = 0.34, in ICP and controls, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that fetuses affected by maternal ICP are associated with electrical and diastolic myocardial dysfunction. More studies focused on antenatal and postnatal functional echocardiography are necessary to validate our results and consider these markers in the clinical management of ICP pregnancies.
Efficacy of hepatitis C virus eradication after curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and decreased hepatic functional reserve: A nationwide, multicentre study by the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group
Authors: Mashiba Toshie , Joko Kouji , Kurosaki Masayuki , Ochi Hironori , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Uchida Yasushi , Fujii Hideki , Kojima Yuji , Yoshida Hideo , Goto Tohru , Akahane Takehiro , Kondo Masahiko , Tsuji Keiji , Mitsuda Akeri , Hasebe Chitomi , Kusakabe Atsunori , Sohda Tetsuro , Furuta Koichiro , Kobashi Haruhiko , Ogawa Chikara , Ide Yasushi , Arai Hirotaka , Okada Kazuhiko , Shigeno Masaya , Nonogi Riko , Izumi Namiki
Published: May 2022

Improvements in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence rate and survival have been frequently reported following virus eradication after hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related HCC cure. However, the efficacy of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in patients who included those with advanced HCC and decreased hepatic functional reserve is unknown. A comparative examination was retrospectively conducted of 141 patients with hepatitis C who started DAA therapy within 1 year after undergoing curative HCC treatment and showed a sustained viral response (SVR) and 327 patients who underwent curative treatment for HCV‐related HCC and did not subsequently receive antiviral therapy. Whether DAA therapy was given was identified as an independent factor related to both HCC recurrence and survival. Both the recurrence and survival rates improved significantly with DAA therapy in Child‐Pugh (CP)‐A, whereas no difference in the recurrence rate was seen with DAA therapy in CP‐B. However, the survival rate was significantly higher in the DAA group in this class. Similarly, dividing the patients by the Milan criteria showed significant improvements in the recurrence rate and survival with DAA therapy in patients within the Milan criteria. Patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria showed no difference in recurrence rates, but the DAA group tended to have higher survival rates. Thus, DAA after curative therapy for HCC can be expected to improve survival in patients with advanced HCC or decreased hepatic functional reserve. HCV should be aggressively eradicated in all patients eligible for curative treatment of HCC.
Whole genome resequencing reveals signatures of rapid selection in a virus‐affected commercial fishery
Authors: Holland Owen J. , Toomey Madeline , Ahrens Collin , Hoffmann Ary A. , Croft Laurence J. , Sherman Craig D. H. , Miller Adam D.
Published: May 2022

Infectious diseases are recognized as one of the greatest global threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Consequently, there is a growing urgency to understand the speed at which adaptive phenotypes can evolve and spread in natural populations to inform future management. Here we provide evidence of rapid genomic changes in wild Australian blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) following a major population crash associated with an infectious disease. Genome scans on H. rubra were performed using pooled whole genome resequencing data from commercial fishing stocks varying in historical exposure to haliotid herpesvirus‐1 (HaHV‐1). Approximately 25,000 single nucleotide polymorphism loci associated with virus exposure were identified, many of which mapped to genes known to contribute to HaHV‐1 immunity in the New Zealand pāua (Haliotis iris) and herpesvirus response pathways in haliotids and other animal systems. These findings indicate genetic changes across a single generation in H. rubra fishing stocks decimated by HaHV‐1, with stock recovery potentially determined by rapid evolutionary changes leading to virus resistance. This is a novel example of apparently rapid adaptation in natural populations of a nonmodel marine organism, highlighting the pace at which selection can potentially act to counter disease in wildlife communities.
Emergence of Candida auris in intensive care units in Algeria
Authors: Zerrouki Hanane , Ibrahim Ahmad , Rebiahi Sid‐Ahmed , Elhabiri Yamina , Benhaddouche Djamel‐Eddine , de Groot Theun , Meis Jacques F. , Rolain Jean‐Marc , Bittar Fadi
Published: May 2022

Background

Currently, Candida auris is among the most serious emerging pathogens that can be associated with nosocomial infections and outbreaks in intensive care units. Clinicians must be able to identify and manage it quickly.

Objective

Here, we report for the first time in Algeria seven cases of C. auris infection or colonisation.

Methods and Results

The strains were isolated from clinical sites including bronchial aspirates (n = 4), wound swabs (n = 1), urine sample (n = 1) and peritoneal fluid (n = 1), in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Candida auris was identified both by MALDI‐TOF and by sequencing the ITS region and the D1/D2 domain. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the E‐test method. Non‐wildtype susceptibility was observed for five strains against fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin. Genotyping showed the presence of four clades (I–IV) in one hospital.

Conclusions

Appropriate antifungal treatments with rapid and accurate microbial identification are the cornerstone for the management and control of C. auris infections.
Global prevalence and subgroup analyses of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) associated Candida auris infections (CACa): A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vaseghi Narges , Sharifisooraki Joobin , Khodadadi Hossein , Nami Sanam , Safari Fatemeh , Ahangarkani Fatemeh , Meis Jacques F. , Badali Hamid , Morovati Hamid
Published: May 2022

Background

Increased hospitalisation rates in the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) era lead to a new wave of hospital‐acquired infections such as emerging multidrug‐resistant Candida auris. We aimed to evaluate and estimate the global prevalence of coronavirus‐associated C. auris infection (CACa).

Methods

We searched related databases between December 2019 and April 2022 for studies that reported data about CACa. Meta‐analysis was performed using MedCalc software version 20.104 according to the DerSimonian and Laird method applying the random‐effects model. We evaluated heterogeneity using the χ2‐based Q statistic (significant for p‐value < .1) and the I2 statistic (>75% indicative of ‘notable’ heterogeneity). Moreover, if possible, an odds ratio (OR) analysis was performed for eligible data.

Results

Our meta‐analysis includes ten eligible studies, including 1942 patients hospitalised with COVID‐19; 129 were C. auris cases. The overall pooled prevalence of CACa was estimated at 5.7%. The mortality rate of CACa was estimated at 67.849%. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (59.374%), followed by diabetes mellitus (52.898%) and cardiovascular diseases (31.392%). Men with a prevalence rate of 80.012% were 3.27 (OR) times more prone to getting infected by C. auris.

Conclusion

We concluded that the prevalence of C. auris infections decreased during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the prevalence gradient changed from Asia to America. Unfortunately, there are many descriptive studies with duplicate content in the field of epidemiology of C. auris infections which are increasing every day. We suggest further non‐descriptive studies to accurately establish the cause‐and‐effect relationships between C. auris and COVID‐19 infections.
Invasional meltdown mediated by plant–soil feedbacks may depend on community diversity
Authors: Chen Duo , van Kleunen Mark
Published: May 2022

It has been suggested that establishment of one alien invader might promote further invasions. Such a so‐called invasional meltdown could be mediated by differences in soil‐legacy effects between alien and native plants. Whether such legacy effects might depend on the diversity of the invaded community has not been explored to date.

Here, we conducted a two‐phase plant–soil feedback experiment. In a soil‐conditioning phase, we grew five alien and five native species as invaders in 21 communities of one, two or four species. In the subsequent test phase, we grew five alien and five native species on the conditioned soils.

We found that growth of these test species was negatively affected by soils conditioned by both a community and an invader, and particularly if the previous invader was a conspecific (i.e. negative plant–soil feedback). Alien test species suffered less from soil‐legacy effects of previous allospecific alien invaders than from the legacy effects of previous native invaders. However, this effect decreased when the soil had been co‐conditioned by a multispecies community.

Our findings suggest that plant–soil feedback‐mediated invasional meltdown may depend on community diversity and therefore provide some evidence that diverse communities could increase resistance against subsequent alien invasions.
Pan‐brassinosteroid signaling revealed by functional analysis of NILR1 in land plants
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Bai Qunwei , Li Chenxi , Wang Lihaitian , Wei Qiang , Ali Khawar , Li Wenjuan , Huang Shengdi , Xu Hongxing , Li Guishuang , Ren Hongyan , Wu Guang
Published: May 2022

Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling has been identified from the ligand BRs sensed by the receptor Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1 (BRI1) to the final activation of Brassinozole Resistant 1/bri1 EMS‐Suppressor 1 through a series of transduction events. Extensive studies have been conducted to characterize the role of BR signaling in various biological processes. Our previous study has shown that Excess Microsporocytes 1 (EMS1) and BRI1 control different aspects of plant growth and development via conserved intracellular signaling.

Here, we reveal that another receptor, NILR1, can complement the bri1 mutant in the absence of BRs, indicating a pathway that resembles BR signaling activated by NILR1. Genetic analysis confirms the intracellular domains of NILR1, BRI1 and EMS1 have a common signal output.

Furthermore, we demonstrate that NILR1 and BRI1 share the coreceptor BRI1 Associated Kinase 1 and substrate BSKs. Notably, the NILR1‐mediated downstream pathway is conserved across land plants.

In summary, we provide evidence for the signaling cascade of NILR1, suggesting pan‐brassinosteroid signaling initiated by a group of distant receptor–ligand pairs in land plants.