bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the nanomechanical properties of microcomedones after treatment with sodium salicylate ex vivo using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Al‐Rekabi Zeinab , Rawlings Anthony V. , Lucas Robert A. , Raj Nidhin , Clifford Charles A.
Published: August 2021

Objective

The treatment of acne presents a major clinical and dermatological challenge. Investigating the nanomechanical properties of the microcomedone precursor lesions using atomic force microscopy (AFM) may prove beneficial in understanding their softening, dissolution and prevention. Although the exact biochemical mechanism of NaSal on microcomedones is not fully understood at present, it appears to exhibit a significant exfoliation effect on the skin via corneodesmosome dissolution.

Methods

Therefore, to support this exploration, sodium salicylate (NaSal), a common ingredient employed in skin care products, is applied ex vivo to microcomedones,collected by nose strip adhesive tape, and their nanomechanical properties are assessed using AFM. Although the exact biochemical mechanism of NaSal on microcomedones is not fully understood at present, it appears to exhibit a significant exfoliation effect on the skin via corneodesmosome dissolution.

Results

Herein, our findings demonstrate that when microcomedones are treated with 2% NaSal, samples appeared significantly more compliant (‘softer’) ((1.3 ± 0.62) MPa) when compared to their pre‐treated measurements ((7.2 ± 3.6) MPa; p = 0.038). Furthermore, elastic modulus maps showed that after 2% NaSal treatment, areas in the microcomedone appeared softer and swollen in some, but not in all areas, further proving the valuable impact of 2% NaSal solution in altering the biomechanical properties and morphologies in microcomedones.

Conclusion

Our results are the first of their kind to provide qualitative and quantitative mechanobiological evidence that 2% NaSal decreases the elastic modulus of microcomedones. Therefore, this study provides evidence that NaSal can be beneficial as an active ingredient in topical treatments aimed at targeting microcomedones.
Spectrum mutations of PRF1, UNC13D, STX11, and STXBP2 genes in Vietnamese patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Xinh Phan Thi , Chuong Ho Quoc , Diem Truong Pham Hong , Nguyen Tuan Minh , Van Nguyen Dinh , Mai Anh Nguyen Hoang , Nghia Huynh , Vu Hoang Anh
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The prevalence of gene mutations in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) varied between studies. Thus far, data on the genetic background of HLH in Vietnamese patients are limited.

Methods

We recruited 94 HLH patients and analyzed for the 4 genes using Sanger sequencing technology.

Results

Pathogenic variants were observed in 36 (38.29%) patients, including 27 in UNC13D, 5 in STXBP2, 3 in PRF1, and 2 in STX11 (one patient with digenic variants in both UNC13D and STX11). Monoallelic variants accounted for 77.8% of all cases with mutation. A total of 23 different types of pathogenic variants were documented in the 4 genes tested, including 15 in UNC13D, 3 in PRF1, 3 in STXBP2, and 2 in STX11. Interestingly, the novel splicing variant c.3151G>A in UNC13D was recurrently identified in 8 unrelated patients.

Conclusion

Vietnamese patients with HLH showed a distinct genetic variant spectrum, in which UNC13D is the predominant genetic lesion associated with HLH.
Artesunate relieves acute kidney injury through inhibiting macrophagic Mincle‐mediated necroptosis and inflammation to tubular epithelial cell
Authors: Lei Xian‐ying , Tan Rui‐zhi , Jia Jian , Wu Song‐lin , Wen Cheng‐li , Lin Xiao , Wang Huan , Shi Zhang‐jing , Li Bo , Kang Yan , Wang Li
Published: August 2021

Artesunate is a widely used derivative of artemisinin for malaria. Recent researches have shown that artesunate has a significant anti‐inflammatory effect on many diseases. However, its effect on acute kidney injury with a significant inflammatory response is not clear. In this study, we established a cisplatin‐induced AKI mouse model and a co‐culture system of BMDM and tubular epithelial cells (mTEC) to verify the renoprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of artesunate on AKI, and explored the underlying mechanism. We found that artesunate strongly down‐regulated the serum creatinine and BUN levels in AKI mice, reduced the necroptosis of tubular cells and down‐regulated the expression of the tubular injury molecule Tim‐1. On the other hand, artesunate strongly inhibited the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α), protein levels of inflammatory signals (iNOS and NF‐κB) and necroptosis signals (RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL) in kidney of AKI mouse. Notably, the co‐culture system proved that Mincle in macrophage can aggravate the inflammation and necroptosis of mTEC induced by LPS, and artesunate suppressed the expression of Mincle in macrophage of kidney in AKI mouse. Overexpression of Mincle in BMDM restored the damage and necroptosis inhibited by artesunate in mTEC, indicating Mincle in macrophage is the target of artesunate to protect tubule cells in AKI. Our findings demonstrated that artesunate can significantly improve renal function in AKI, which may be related to the inhibition of Mincle‐mediated macrophage inflammation, thereby reducing the damage and necroptosis to tubular cells that provide new option for the treatment of AKI.
Chronic chemogenetic stimulation of the anterior olfactory nucleus reduces newborn neuron survival in the adult mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Libbrecht Sarah , Van den Haute Chris , Welkenhuysen Marleen , Braeken Dries , Haesler Sebastian , Baekelandt Veerle
Published: August 2021

During adult rodent life, newborn neurons are added to the olfactory bulb (OB) in a tightly controlled manner. Upon arrival in the OB, input synapses from the local bulbar network and the higher olfactory cortex precede the formation of functional output synapses, indicating a possible role for these regions in newborn neuron survival. An interplay between the environment and the piriform cortex in the regulation of newborn neuron survival has been suggested. However, the specific network and the neuronal cell types responsible for this effect have not been elucidated. Furthermore, the role of the other olfactory cortical areas in this process is not known. Here we demonstrate that pyramidal neurons in the mouse anterior olfactory nucleus, the first cortical area for odor processing, have a key role in the survival of newborn neurons. Using DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) technology, we applied chronic stimulation to the anterior olfactory nucleus and observed a decrease in newborn neurons in the OB through induction of apoptosis. These findings provide further insight into the network regulating neuronal survival in adult neurogenesis and strengthen the importance of the surrounding network for sustained integration of new neurons.

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Factors affecting the health status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin treatments: A multi‐mediation path analysis
Authors: Lee Kang Sun , Kim Hye Young , Jin Heung Young
Published: August 2021

Aims and objectives

To validate a hypothetical path model estimating the health status of patients with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes and to verify the mediating effects of diabetes management self‐efficacy, diabetes self‐management behaviour and haemoglobin A1c using a multi‐mediation model.

Background

Diabetes knowledge, personal and social motivations, diabetes management self‐efficacy and health behaviours may be interrelated and may directly or indirectly affect the objective and subjective health outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin treatments.

Design

Model testing correlational design.

Methods

The participants were 193 outpatients with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes. Data were collected between July and November 2019. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0® and AMOS 23.0. This study is based on STROBE guidelines.

Results

The model's fit indices were adequate. Diabetes‐related knowledge, psychological insulin resistance, family support for diabetes management, diabetes self‐care activities and haemoglobin A1c had significant direct effects on subjective health status. Diabetes management self‐efficacy had significant indirect effects on subjective health status via diabetes self‐care activities and haemoglobin A1c, and mediated the path through which diabetes knowledge, psychological insulin resistance and family support for diabetes management indirectly affect subjective health status. These variables explained 55.0% of the total variance of subjective health status.

Conclusion

Diabetes knowledge, psychological insulin resistance, diabetes management family support, diabetes management self‐efficacy and diabetes self‐care activities were found to be related to the subjective and objective health status.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings can help health professionals improve diabetes self‐care activities and haemoglobin A1c, which will influence subjective health status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, receiving insulin treatments.
Why Local Adaptation Sometimes Fails to be Effective for MNEs: Exploring the Dynamics of Collective Bonuses, Egalitarianism, and Informal Norms
Authors: Bourmault Nishani , Siegel Jordan
Published: August 2021

Past literature has documented the liability of foreignness (LOF) that foreign MNEs face when they introduce organizational practices abroad that work well in their home countries, particularly practices that conflict with local cultural norms. However, when foreign MNEs adopt practices that resemble those of their local counterparts, whether and why foreign MNEs still face a LOF is unclear. This study explores why foreign MNEs that implement a compensation practice used by local counterparts – collective bonuses – may not experience the same performance benefits. Our data consists of interviews and longitudinal survey data of the organizational practices of MNEs in France, a country where commitment to egalitarian resource distribution is culturally strong. We find that foreign MNEs, especially those from countries where egalitarian commitment is relatively low, benefit significantly less in terms of productivity when implementing collective bonuses than do their French counterparts. We show how even when foreign MNEs adopt local practices, they can subtly transfer the cultures of their home countries. In other words, they transfer informal, elusive norms (e.g., non‐egalitarian attitudes of top management) that can be problematic. Tension persists between the informal requirements to facilitate the practice in the host country and the MNE’s home‐country culture, a core part of their tacit knowledge. It is one of the first pieces to show that imitating local practices may not suffice to reduce LOF because cultural conflicts make such imitation ineffective. Our findings shed light on how MNEs’ cultural heritage can shape the effectiveness of their practices abroad.
Towards a decolonial curriculum of human rights education in Palestine
Authors: Albhaisi Nancy
Published: August 2021

The politics of knowledge economy have long governed the process of spreading the United Nation's universal culture of human rights into diverse contexts. This article examines the strategies utilized in introducing and operationalizing the UN's normative discourse of human rights through integrating an ideological model of Human Rights Education in the Gaza Strip. This is through the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and its education provision services in Gaza. In particular, I apply an abridged version of Foucauldian Discourse Analysis, from a discursive psychological viewpoint, to generate an understanding of identity construction within the wider context of the continuing Israeli settler‐colonial project in Palestine. The aim is to challenge the particular subject position of Palestinian learners as advocates for human rights, which they cannot claim through the UN's highly bureaucratic and standardized tools. In this context, a decolonial response is indispensable for addressing the role of the politics of knowledge production of human rights in regulating the learners’ subjectivities while ignoring the intricate geopolitical and historical factors that shape the learners’ identities. Therefore, the article contributes to decolonial research by examining the UNRWA as a modern and hegemonic institution that guards and delivers a decontextualized HRE curriculum in Gaza.
Comparison of clinical and laboratory profile of survivors and non‐survivors of SARS‐CoV‐2‐related multisystem inflammatory syndrome of childhood in India: An observational study
Authors: Maheshwari Anu , Mahto Deonath , Kumar Virendra , Gulati Sameer , Pemde Harish , Saha Abhijeet , Mukherjee Sharmila B , Pandit Kaveri , Paharia Konpal , Basu Srikanta
Published: August 2021

Aim

The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic is characterised by multiple reports of paediatric multisystem inflammatory disease or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) with Kawasaki disease‐like features often complicated by myocarditis, shock and macrophage activation syndrome. Certain clinical and laboratory markers may be used to identify high risk cases.

Methods

All sequentially admitted patients hospitalised between April 2020 and October 2020, who met the WHO case definition for MIS‐C were included. Data included patient demographic information, presenting symptoms, organ dysfunction and laboratory parameters. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was diagnosed by nasopharyngeal swab real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and/or rapid antibody test for SARS‐CoV‐2 as recommended. The clinical and laboratory criteria were compared in the survival and non‐survival groups.

Results

A total of 29 patients with MIS‐C were treated during the study period. There were 21 survivors and 8 non‐survivors. The non‐survivors had more neurocognitive and respiratory symptoms along with increased incidence of myocarditis compared with survivors. The serum levels of CPK‐MB, D‐dimer, ferritin and triglyceride were significantly raised in non‐survivors as compared to survivors.

Conclusion

The non‐survivor group had higher CPK and greater proportion of children with troponin‐T elevation indicating higher incidence of myocardial injury and necrosis. The D‐dimer, ferritin and triglyceride were also higher in the mortality group, indicating the greater extent of inflammatory damage in this group.
Age‐related taxation of bequests in the presence of a dependency risk
Authors: Leroux Marie‐Louise , Pestieau Pierre
Published: August 2021

This paper studies the properties of the optimal taxes on bequests when individuals differ in wage and in their risks of mortality and old‐age dependance. Survival is positively correlated to income but dependency is negatively correlated with it. The government cannot distinguish between bequests motives, that is whether bequests resulted from precautionary reasons or from pure joy of giving reasons. Instead, it observes the timing of bequests and the health status at death. Under the utilitarian social welfare criterion, we show that bequests taxation results from a combination of equity, insurance, and public revenue motives. If redistribution concerns dominate insurance concerns, it is desirable to tax the most bequests of those individuals living long in good health and to tax the least bequests of those dying early. This is a direct consequence of the socio‐demographic structure we assumed where richer agents live longer and in better health than poorer agents. To the opposite, if insurance concerns dominate redistributive concerns, early bequests should be the most taxed and, bequests under dependency the least taxed. Under the Rawlsian criterion, we find that early bequests should be the least taxed and bequests left by the healthy long‐lived individuals should be the most taxed.
Remote sociophonetic data collection: Vowels and nasalization from self‐recordings on personal devices
Authors: Freeman Valerie , De Decker Paul
Published: August 2021

When the COVID‐19 pandemic halted in‐person data collection, many linguists adopted modern technologies to replace traditional methods, including speaker‐led options in which participants record themselves using their own personal computers or smartphones and then email or upload the sound files to online storage sites for researchers to retrieve later. This study evaluated the suitability of such ‘home‐made’ recordings for phonetic analysis of vowel space configurations, mergers, and nasalization by comparing simultaneous recordings from several popular personal devices (Macbook, PC laptop, iPad, iPhone and Android smartphone) to those taken from professional equipment (H4n field recorder, Focusrite with Audio Technica 2021 microphone). All personal devices conveyed vowel arrangements and nasalization patterns relatively faithfully (especially laptops), but absolute measurements varied, particularly for the female speaker and in the 750–1500 Hz range, which affected the locations (F1 × F2) of low and back vowels and reduced nasalization measurements (A1−P0) for the female's pre‐nasal vowels. Based on these results, we assess the validity of remote recording using these consumer devices and offer recommendations for best practices for collecting high fidelity acoustic phonetic data from a distance.
Sampling implications of variation in daily activity of the sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus at a coastal grassland site in the U.K.
Authors: Edwards C. D. , Campbell H.
Published: August 2021

The sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus L. (Acari: Ixodidae), is an important vector of many pathogens of medical and veterinary significance. Determining vector abundance is a requisite of assessing potential vector‐borne disease risk. Estimation of tick abundance is often conducted by blanket drag sampling a site, conducted at one time point during the day. The time of day chosen for sampling can vary, is not widely standardized and is often unreported by the investigator. This study investigated whether the time of day chosen for sampling had an effect on tick collection at an open grassland coastal site in North Devon, U.K., during May 2019 to July 2019. Tick abundance for both adults and nymphs in the evening period was more than twice that found in the mid‐day sampling period. Overall abundance differed with site aspect, ground temperature and relative humidity. This study shows that for this open grassland recreational site, the time of day chosen for sampling has important implications for tick collection and the assessment of the relative risk of human exposure to ticks and tick‐borne infections.
An investigation into the effect of nasogastric intubation on markers of autonomic nervous function
Authors: Abdul‐Razakq Humayra , Emmanuel Anton , Brugaletta Concetta , Sweis Rami , Perring Stephen
Published: August 2021

Background

Nasogastric (NG) intubation for esophageal manometry can be traumatic and may be associated with a temporary reduction/absence in esophageal peristalsis. This study explored the prevalence and effect on esophageal motor function. We also hypothesized that baseline anxiety as well as markers of autonomic nerve function were correlated to attenuated esophageal peristalsis.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with esophageal symptoms referred for esophageal manometry investigation (mean age 56.8 ± 16.7 years, range 23–85 years) reported baseline anxiety score (Likert scale) preintubation. Patients had continuous heart rate and blood pressure measured prior to intubation and until 10 min after catheter withdrawal. Quality of motility was assessed for each 5 ml water swallow using standard Chicago Classification metrics.

Key Results

Nasogastric‐intubation elicited a significant increase in heart rate (p < 0.001), systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p < 0.001) blood pressure, which was in part anticipatory. The median time taken for patients' first hypotensive peristalsis (Distal Contractile Integral; DCI ≥100 mmHg s cm) was 130 s (Interquartile range; 47–242 s) and for their first normal peristalsis (DCI ≥450 mm Hg s cm) was 150 s (IQR 61‐320 s), with improvement and consistent stabilization in DCI there onward. This corresponded closely to the time for initial recovery of heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure postintubation.

Conclusions and Inferences

Nasogastric intubation resulted in heightened sympathetic responses and/or dampened parasympathetic responses, and an associated temporary reduction or absence in esophageal peristalsis.
Functional dyspepsia: A critical appraisal of the European consensus from a global perspective
Authors: Moshiree Baha , Talley Nicholas J.
Published: August 2021

The European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility's (ESNM) consensus document on functional dyspepsia (FD) has provided a critical review of the evidence for 36 statements highly relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of FD. We provide here our expert opinion on the North American, Australian and Asian assessments of the same topics discussed, and provide evidence where the ESNM consensus may deviate from those in the other continents. New and exciting data about the pathogenesis of FD are emerging including the possible central role of duodenal micro‐inflammation (most notably eosinophilic duodenitis and intestinal mast cell disease), but this is a very dynamic field with several gaps remaining in our understanding that are summarized in this review. Identification of non‐invasive biomarkers and testing of targeted therapies, including assessing the benefits of multidisciplinary teams in the management of FD, should be future priorities.
Mana whenua engagement in Crown and Local Authority‐initiated environmental planning processes: A critique based on the perspectives of Ngāi Tahu environmental kaitiaki
Authors: Bennett Courtney , Matunga Hirini , Steyl Steven , Borell Phillip , Dionisio Rita , Hāpuku Aaron
Published: August 2021

In New Zealand, the Crown and Local Authorities are required to engage with iwi in resource management matters, yet iwi engagement is a widely recognised weakness in many resource management professionals' skillsets. Coloniality permeates many interactions with iwi, and reflects a profession where practitioners' skillsets have not kept pace with developments in resource management legislation that better recognise the rights and interests of mana whenua. This article explores the real‐life impacts of this skill paucity on Ngāi Tahu environmental kaitiaki, and, through a Braided River methodological approach comprised of Kaupapa Māori research and Narrative Inquiry, offers recommendations for best practice mana whenua engagement. The article concludes by discussing the coloniality of planning, and how this impacts practitioners' ability to implement these best practice recommendations.
Tools to study the severity of itch in 8‐ to 17‐year‐old children: Validation of TweenItchyQoL and ItchyQuant
Authors: Kong Ha Eun , Francois Sandy , Smith Shelby , Lee Grace , Bradley Bridget , Chen Kuang‐Ho , Lawley Leslie P. , Spraker Mary , Roberts James S. , Chen Suephy C.
Published: August 2021

Background/Objectives

Validated pruritus‐specific quality of life and self‐reported severity instruments exist primarily for adults. Clinical trials to develop therapeutics for children with chronic pruritus are hampered by the paucity of appropriate outcome measures. To address this gap, we aimed to develop validated instruments to measure itch‐specific quality of life and self‐reported severity in children.

Methods

We conducted in‐depth, open‐ended interviews of itchy children and generated concepts to develop TweenItchyQoL. We administered TweenItchyQoL, ItchyQuant, a cartoon‐annotated self‐reported pruritus severity numeric rating scale (NRS), and a non‐cartoon NRS to 175 itchy children aged 8‐17 years. We analyzed the data for feasibility, preference, reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness.

Results

Average completion time was 4.8 minutes for TweenItchyQoL and 33 seconds for ItchyQuant. The majority of patients either preferred ItchyQuant or found no difference between ItchyQuant and the NRS. Cronbach's alpha for TweenItchyQoL total and subscales ranged from 0.84 to 0.95. Test‐retest reliability coefficients were ≥0.7 for TweenItchyQoL and 0.4 for ItchyQuant. A 3‐dimensional bifactor model was most appropriate (RMSEA = 0.048) on the confirmatory factor analyses. As a function of those reporting worsening, improvement, or no change at their final visit, TweenItchyQoL and ItchyQuant scores in those cohorts changed as expected.

Conclusions

This new set of validated and feasible instruments shows promise to quantify itch severity and QoL impact in older children.
“Transient pseudo‐lentigines sign” in burrowing bug pigmentation
Authors: Amrani Ashish , Sil Abheek , Das Anupam
Published: August 2021

Cutaneous pigmentation due to the arthropod, Cydnidae (a.k.a. burrowing bug), is increasingly being reported in the literature. The transient nature of this pigmentation probably contributes to its underreporting. We report a case of an 8‐year‐old girl with a sudden onset of hyperpigmented lesions on her index finger, face, and neck due to burrowing bugs. We propose the term “transient pseudo‐lentigines sign” to better describe this fleeting arthropod‐induced pigmentation.
Pediatric epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: A review
Authors: Hignett Emma , Sami Naveed
Published: August 2021

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an acquired autoimmune blistering skin disorder that is rare in adults and even rarer in childhood. This review aims to identify cases of pediatric EBA and report their clinical features and course. Our literature review was conducted in MEDLINE® using the search terms related to juvenile epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. We identified 40 cases of pediatric EBA. Mucosal tissues were affected in 29 out of 40 cases. Treatment mostly consisted of a systemic corticosteroid combined with dapsone. Prognosis is favorable with 17 of 40 cases achieving complete remission, 9 of 40 with complete control with therapy, 12 of 40 with partial control with therapy, 1 of 40 with no response to therapy, and 1 of 40 terminating treatment early. Though it is a rare condition, childhood EBA should still be included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric blistering diseases.
A case of capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation and Ebstein’s anomaly in a child with EphB4 mutation
Authors: Sherwani Yousuf , Jenkins Samantha , Adelanwa Ayodele , Burch David Marshall , Chaudhuri Nita Ray , Zinn Zachary
Published: August 2021

Capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) is a rare condition characterized by multiple cutaneous capillary malformations with potential associated arteriovenous malformations. RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) and ephrin type‐B receptor 4 (EPHB4) genes are implicated. We present a child with CM‐AVM, due to EPHB4 mutation, and Ebstein's anomaly. Although EPHB4 is a known effector of vascular remodeling, its contribution to cardiogenesis is still being explored. Further research is needed to determine causality of Ebstein's anomaly in the setting of CM‐AVM due to EPHB4 mutation.
Dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with congenital absence of skin and brachydactyly of the great toes
Authors: Sawka Erika , Funk Tracy
Published: August 2021

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) encompasses a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited skin disorders characterized by blistering and erosions of the skin with minimal trauma. Dystrophic EB (DEB), both dominant and recessive, can be associated with several extracutaneous manifestations, including musculoskeletal deformities. Congenital deformities of the feet have rarely been reported in the literature. We describe an infant with dominant DEB and congenital absence of the skin who presented with congenital brachydactyly of the bilateral great toes.
Acute onset traction‐associated ulceration and alopecia
Authors: Johns Hannah R. , Wright Teresa S. , Pourciau Crystal Y.
Published: August 2021

Traction alopecia is a protracted form of hair loss resulting from persistent tension on the hair follicle . We report a case of a 9‐year‐old African American girl who presented with extensive scalp ulceration and alopecia 11 days after placement of a synthetic hair braid. Over a period of months, with consistent wound care and low‐tension hairstyling, most of the hair regrew. We propose that the ulceration and hair loss in this case represents an acute variant of traction alopecia due to pressure‐induced ischemia and necrosis.
Emergency department utilization for impetigo among the pediatric population: A retrospective study of the national emergency department sample 2013‐2015
Authors: Russell Emma R. , Tripathi Raghav , Carroll Bryan T.
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite the large burden of impetigo in childhood and high frequency of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for skin conditions, limited information exists on the use of EDs for impetigo among US children.

Objective

Our study aimed to generate national estimates of ED utilization and to identify sociodemographic predictors of impetigo‐related ED visits.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of children ages 1‐17 presenting to EDs with a primary diagnosis of impetigo using years 2013‐2015 of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample.

Results

Impetigo accounted for 163 909 of the 71 488, 511 pediatric ED visits and was the fourth most common presenting skin diagnosis. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, patients presenting to the ED with impetigo were most likely to be 6‐11 years old, male, and from lower‐income quartiles. Patients were most likely to be uninsured and most likely to present on weekends in the summer.

Conclusion

This study provided national‐level estimates of ED use for impetigo among US children. Ultimately, the identification of factors associated with increased ED utilization may help in developing targeted interventions to reduce the use of emergency care for impetigo.
REDD+ and forest protection on indigenous lands in the Amazon
Authors: Garcia Beatriz , Rimmer Lawrence , Canal Vieira Leticia , Mackey Brendan
Published: August 2021

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) was introduced by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a mechanism to reverse the loss of forests and carbon stocks in developing countries. REDD+ operates on the basis of performance‐based payments. This article focuses on REDD+ as a market‐based mechanism in the voluntary carbon market (VCM). It assesses the viability of using REDD+ on indigenous lands in the Brazilian Amazon by examining three key aspects of REDD+—the legal, technical and market requirements—in light of recent policy developments in Brazil and under the UNFCCC. REDD+ as a market‐based mechanism in the VCM currently faces significant barriers as a useful tool for forest protection in the Amazon, due to the lack of an international carbon market under the UNFCCC, the highly complex technical requirements, and the low market demand for REDD+ credits in the VCM. Moreover, we suggest that, although legally possible under Brazilian law, REDD+ projects in the VCM may not be a suitable market‐based option for indigenous communities in the Amazon due to the current national and international climate policy context.
Optimal Statistical Inference for Individualized Treatment Effects in High-Dimensional Models
Authors: Cai Tianxi , Tony Cai T. , Guo Zijian
Published: August 2021

The ability to predict individualized treatment effects (ITEs) based on a given patient's profile is essential for personalized medicine. We propose a hypothesis testing approach to choosing between two potential treatments for a given individual in the framework of high-dimensional linear models. The methodological novelty lies in the construction of a debiased estimator of the ITE and establishment of its asymptotic normality uniformly for an arbitrary future high-dimensional observation, while the existing methods can only handle certain specific forms of observations. We introduce a testing procedure with the type I error controlled and establish its asymptotic power. The proposed method can be extended to making inference for general linear contrasts, including both the average treatment effect and outcome prediction. We introduce the optimality framework for hypothesis testing from both the minimaxity and adaptivity perspectives and establish the optimality of the proposed procedure. An extension to high-dimensional approximate linear models is also considered. The finite sample performance of the procedure is demonstrated in simulation studies and further illustrated through an analysis of electronic health records data from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Everyday terrorism: Campus sexual violence and the neoliberal university
Authors: Prior Sarah , de Heer Brooke
Published: August 2021

This article investigates the ways sexual violence experienced on college campuses in the United States is situated within the neoliberal university. Feminist theories are utilized to explore the relationship between sexual violence and neoliberal ideologies. The authors evaluate how neoliberal tenets imbedded in higher education have contributed to, and exacerbated, an environment where sexual victimization is common. An institutional level of analysis is utilized to examine the neoliberal influence on campus sexual violence and investigate the utility of the term everyday terrorism. The authors also address “crimes of omission”, institutional betrayal, and the significance of institutional bravery/courage. The authors provide recommendations for future research in the areas of everyday terrorism and campus violence.
The predominance and diagnostic value of neutrophils in differentiating transudates and exudates in dogs
Authors: Alonso Flavio H. , Christopher Mary M. , Paes Paulo R. O.
Published: August 2021

Background

There is disagreement in the literature about the proportion of neutrophils expected in canine transudates. A cutoff of <30% neutrophils has been recommended for distinguishing transudates from exudates, but its validity has not been established.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate differential cell counts in canine effusions and analyze the percentage and number of neutrophils in transudates and exudates.

Methods

Effusion data were obtained retrospectively from 263 dogs with pleural or peritoneal effusion. Low‐protein transudates, high‐protein transudates, and exudates were classified using the total protein (TP) concentration and total nucleated cell count (TNCC). Differential percentages and absolute neutrophil counts were compared by the effusion type and underlying etiology.

Results

Low‐protein transudates (n = 63), high‐protein transudates (n = 84), and exudates (n = 77) had a median (range) of 35% (0%‐100%), 59% (0%‐100%), and 90% (50%‐98%) neutrophils (P < .0001). All effusions with <50% neutrophils were transudates, but 53% of transudates had ≥50% neutrophils, and 69% had ≥30%. Median neutrophil counts were 62/µL (0‐892/µL), 538/µL (0‐4550/µL), and 45 590/µL (5400‐496 800/µL) in low‐protein transudates, high‐protein transudates, and exudates, respectively (P < .0001). Neutrophil counts correlated with TNCC (r2 = 0.99), such that using neutrophil cutoffs did not affect effusion classifications in most cases. Neutrophil percentages and counts were higher in effusions from dogs with uroabdomen and sepsis (P < .01); neutrophil counts were lower in dogs with hepatic insufficiency (P < .0001). Uroabdomen usually caused low‐protein, high‐neutrophil exudates.

Conclusions

Although effusions with <50% neutrophils are transudates, most transudates and exudates have ≥50% neutrophils, limiting the diagnostic usefulness of % neutrophils for classifying effusions. Absolute neutrophil cutoffs did not notably improve effusion classification but could warrant future studies.
A thermal time model for optimising herbicide dose in maize
Authors: Kaleibar Behnaz Pourmorad , Oveisi Mostafa , Alizadeh Hassan , Mueller Schaerer Heinz
Published: August 2021

Maize is sown in Iran from mid‐April to early September. Weather, weed flora and crop growth stage all vary over this time span, which changes herbicide efficacy. To avoid any excessive or inadequate usage of herbicide, we propose an empirical model that predicts the optimum dose based on the thermal time accumulated by maize after sowing. We planted maize in May and August in 2016 and 2017, arranged in a split‐plot design with four replications. Main plots were herbicide timing ranging from 2 to 8 leaves of maize, and sub‐plots were herbicide dose. Weed response to herbicide dose was parameterised using the standard dose–response model against thermal time (TT) of application. The parameter W0 weed fresh weight (WFW) in plots not treated with herbicide increased linearly, ED50 (the dose to decrease W0 by 50%) increased exponentially, and b (the slope of the curve at linear decrease) decreased exponentially with TT. We replaced the parameters by their specified function of change over TT resulting in a combined model, which predicts WFW from herbicide dose and application time. A hyperbolic model described the yield loss as a function of WFW. We included this relationship in a more developed model, which predicts per cent yield loss based on herbicide dose and application TT. The model performed well over validation tests with R2 ≥ 0.90. We recommend an early herbicide application not later than 600 TT after maize sowing that allows reduced dose, as we found a steady decrease in herbicide efficiency with delaying application time.
Optimization and Inverse Design of Floor Tile Airflow Distributions in Data Centers Using Response Surface Method
Authors: Phan Long , Hu Beichao , Lin Cheng-Xian , Dulikravich George S.
Published: August 2021

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become a popular tool compared to experimental measurement for thermal management in data centers. However, it is very time-consuming and resource-intensive when used to model large-scale data centers, and often unrealistic for real-time thermal analyses. In addition, it is prohibitive to use CFD for the optimization process where thousands of designs need to be generated. Floor tile airflow distribution control is a key technique for maintaining a sufficient cold air delivery to variable thermal loadings of server cabinets. Regular practice of deploying a set of identical floor tiles may not result in the best solution for airflow uniformity through tiles. In this paper, an optimization procedure based on response surface methodology (RSM) is proposed to find the best arrangement of mixed-porosity floor tiles for different targeted tile airflow distributions. Fast-approximation RSM based on radial basis function (RBF) allows thousands of designs to be generated for the optimization process which uses a genetic algorithm as its main solver. The method shows proven success in maximizing floor tile airflow uniformity, and in the inverse design optimization where various tile airflow distribution topologies, i.e., linear, parabolic, and sinusoidal shapes are targeted. For the considered data center and aisle configuration, the improvement over the all-uniform-tile design is 55% in terms of standard deviation to the average tile airflow rate, whereas 90%, 91%, and 94% in root-mean-square error (RMSE) for the linear, parabolic, and sinusoidal floor tile airflow distribution objectives, respectively.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
A mathematical formulation for the optimal impedance of a curved axial microperforated panel in a duct bend
Authors: Yang Cheng
Published: August 2021

Previous work [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 145, 501–511 (2019)] showed that a micro-perforated panel (MPP) placed in a duct bend will couple to the separated air channels to constitute a resonant system. This coupling effect results in the vibration of air mass inside micropores and provides damping to the duct. However, only limited attenuation was obtained. To enhance the damping effect, a mathematical formulation for the optimal impedance of the MPP (or a thin structure that has continuous normal velocity and pressure jump boundary conditions) is derived based on the concept of Cremer impedance which is mathematically equivalent to finding the exceptional point of a non-Hermitian system. Validation of the proposed model is made by examining the mode merging phenomenon at the exceptional point. The optimal damping is also compared with a straight duct having one of its wall lined.
The role of coarticulatory acoustic detail in the perception of verbal inflection
Authors: Tomaschek Fabian , Tucker Benjamin V.
Published: August 2021

The present study investigates the informativity of anticipatory coarticulatory acoustic detail about inflectional suffixes in English verbs, performing two experiments in which listeners classified inflectional functions of verbs. Listener response latencies were slower when acoustic detail resulting from anticipatory coarticulation mismatched with the inflectional suffix. The results indicate that listeners actively use coarticulatory phonetic detail to predict the verbs' inflectional function.
Band importance for speech-in-speech recognition
Authors: Buss Emily , Bosen Adam
Published: August 2021

Predicting masked speech perception typically relies on estimates of the spectral distribution of cues supporting recognition. Current methods for estimating band importance for speech-in-noise use filtered stimuli. These methods are not appropriate for speech-in-speech because filtering can modify stimulus features affecting auditory stream segregation. Here, band importance is estimated by quantifying the relationship between speech recognition accuracy for full-spectrum speech and the target-to-masker ratio by channel at the output of an auditory filterbank. Preliminary results provide support for this approach and indicate that frequencies below 2 kHz may contribute more to speech recognition in two-talker speech than in speech-shaped noise.
Evolutionary Trajectories toward Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
Authors: Carattoli Alessandra , Arcari Gabriele , Bibbolino Giulia , Sacco Federica , Tomolillo Dario , Di Lella Federica Maria , Trancassini Maria , Faino Luigi , Venditti Mario , Antonelli Guido , Raponi Giammarco
Published: August 2021

From January 2019 to April 2020, 32 KPC-producing, ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA)-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains were isolated in a university hospital in Rome, Italy. These strains belonged to the sequence type 512 (ST512), ST101, and ST307 high-risk clones.
Host Bioenergetic Parameters Reveal Cytotoxicity of Antituberculosis Drugs Undetected Using Conventional Viability Assays
Authors: Cumming Bridgette M. , Baig Zainab , Addicott Kelvin W. , Chen Dongquan , Steyn Adrie J. C.
Published: August 2021

High attrition rates in tuberculosis (TB) drug development have been largely attributed to safety, which is likely due to the use of endpoint assays measuring cell viability to detect drug cytotoxicity. In drug development for cancer, metabolic, and neurological disorders and for antibiotics, cytotoxicity is increasingly being assessed using extracellular flux (XF) analysis, which measures cellular bioenergetic metabolism in real time.
Valproic Acid Inhibits Chronic
Toxoplasma
Infection and Associated Brain Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Enshaeieh Marjan , Saadatnia Geita , Babaie Jalal , Golkar Majid , Choopani Samira , Sayyah Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Individuals infected with
Toxoplasma gondii
are prone to psychobehavioral disorders, most notably schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Valproic acid reportedly inhibits the proliferation of
T. gondii
tachyzoites
in vitro
.
OsaR (PA0056) Functions as a Repressor of the Gene
fleQ
Encoding an Important Motility Regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ma Yibing , Liu Yujie , Bi Yutong , Han Xiao , Jin Yongxin , Xu Haijin , Qiao Mingqiang
Published: August 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a widespread human pathogen, which accounts for serious infections in the hospital, especially for lung infection in cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
P. aeruginosa
infection is closely associated with its motility and biofilm formation, which are both under the regulation of the important transcription factor FleQ. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms of
fleQ
have not been fully elucidated.
Identifying Small Open Reading Frames in Prokaryotes with Ribosome Profiling
Authors: Vazquez-Laslop Nora , Sharma Cynthia M. , Mankin Alexander , Buskirk Allen R.
Published: August 2021

Small proteins encoded by open reading frames (ORFs) shorter than 50 codons (small ORFs [sORFs]) are often overlooked by annotation engines and are difficult to characterize using traditional biochemical techniques. Ribosome profiling has tremendous potential to empirically improve the annotations of prokaryotic genomes.
Insights into a Pyruvate Sensing and Uptake System in
Vibrio campbellii
and Its Importance for Virulence
Authors: Göing Stephanie , Gasperotti Ana Florencia , Yang Qian , Defoirdt Tom , Jung Kirsten
Published: August 2021

Bacterial infections are a serious threat to marine aquaculture, one of the fastest growing food sectors on earth. Therefore, it is extremely important to learn more about the pathogens responsible, one of which is
Vibrio campbellii
.
Retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer changes in children who recovered from COVID-19: a cohort study
Authors: Burgos-Blasco Barbara , Güemes-Villahoz Noemi , Morales-Fernandez Laura , Callejas-Caballero Ignacio , Perez-Garcia Pilar , Donate-Lopez Juan , Ramos-Amador Jose Tomas , Garcia-Feijoo Julian
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the optic nerve and macular parameters of children who recovered from COVID-19 compared with healthy children using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid.

Patients

Children between 6 and 18 years old who recovered from COVID-19 with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and historical controls were included.

Interventions

All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, including macular and optic nerve OCT. Demographic data, medical history and COVID-19 symptoms were noted.

Main outcome measures

Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, macular retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, macular ganglion cell layer thickness and retinal thickness.

Results

90 patients were included: 29 children who recovered from COVID-19 and 61 controls. Patients with COVID-19 presented an increase in global peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (mean difference 7.7; 95% CI 3.4 to 12.1), temporal superior (mean difference 11.0; 95% CI 3.3 to 18.6), temporal inferior (mean difference 15.6; 95% CI 6.5 to 24.7) and nasal (mean difference 9.8; 95% CI 2.9 to 16.7) sectors. Macular retinal nerve fibre layer analysis showed decreased thickness in the nasal outer (p=0.011) and temporal inner (p=0.036) sectors in patients with COVID-19, while macular ganglion cell layer thickness increased in these sectors (p=0.001 and p=0.015, respectively). No differences in retinal thickness were noted.

Conclusions

Children with recent history of COVID-19 present significant changes in peripapillary and macular OCT analyses.