bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear fatigue life prediction model based on the theory of the S‐N fatigue damage envelope
Authors: Bjørheim Fredrik , Pavlou Dimitrios G. , Siriwardane Sudath C.
Published: March 2022

A nonlinear model is proposed in light of the theory of isodamage curves, to assess the cumulative fatigue damage under multistage loading. The isodamage curves were developed through the theory of the S‐N fatigue damage envelope, proposed by Pavlou. The adopted functional form of the fatigue damage is a commonly accepted general form. In the present work, a stress function for the fatigue life exponent is derived with the aid of the S‐N curve only. In the proposed nonlinear model, no adjusting parameters are necessary for fatigue damage estimation. The fatigue life prediction of the derived model is compared with experimental results of various alloys and existing models. The comparison is made for C35, C45, Al‐2024‐T42, 15HM, A336 GR 5, and A387 GR22 for two‐stage loading high‐low and low‐high, and Al 6082‐T6 for multistage loading.
Centredness in health care: A systematic overview of reviews
Authors: Feldthusen Caroline , Forsgren Emma , Wallström Sara , Andersson Viktor , Löfqvist Noah , Sawatzky Richard , Öhlén Joakim , J. Ung Eva
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The introduction of effective, evidence‐based approaches to centredness in health care is hindered by the fact that research results are not easily accessible. This is partly due to the large volume of publications available and because the field is closely linked to and in some ways encompasses adjoining fields of research, for example, shared decision making and narrative medicine. In an attempt to survey the field of centredness in health care, a systematic overview of reviews was conducted with the purpose of illuminating how centredness in health care is presented in current reviews.

Methods

Searches for relevant reviews were conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, PsychINFO, Web of Science and EMBASE using terms connected to centredness in health care. Filters specific to review studies of all types and for inclusion of only English language results as well as a time frame of January 2017–December 2018, were applied.

Results

The search strategy identified 3697 unique reviews, of which 31 were included in the study. The synthesis of the results from the 31 reviews identified three interrelated main themes: Attributes of centredness (what centredness is), Translation from theory into practice (how centredness is done) and Evaluation of effects (possible ways of measuring effects of centredness). Three main attributes of centeredness found were: being unique, being heard and shared responsibility. Aspects involved in translating theory into practice were sufficient prerequisites, strategies for action and tools used in safeguarding practice. Further, a variety and breadth of measures of effects were found in the included reviews.

Conclusions

Our synthesis demonstrates that current synthesized research literature on centredness in health care is broad, as it focuses both on explorations of the conceptual basis and the practice, as well as measures of effects. This study provides an understanding of the commonalities identified in the reviews on centredness in healthcare overall, ranging from theory to practice and from practice to evaluation.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patient representatives were involved during the initiation of the project and in decisions about its focus, although no patient or public representatives made direct contributions to the review process.
Embodied capital in the history of inequality
Authors: Mathew Johan
Published: March 2022

This article engages Thomas Piketty's Capital and Ideology from the perspective of the human body and public health. It explores how Piketty's account could be enriched by examining how economic inequality produces physiological inequity and how human health is essential to understanding the intractability of capitalist crises.
Pore architectures and oil absorption behavior of porous mullite beads fabricated via dripping‐ice templating
Authors: Zhao Junming , Hou Zhaoping , Zhang Peng , Liu Liangliang
Published: March 2022

Porous mullite beads with a good spherical shape and a uniform size distribution of about 1.2 mm were fabricated by ice‐templating in combination with dripping methods. These internal pore structures exhibited a radially oriented laminar channel from the center of the sphere to the surface. With the decreasing of freeze temperature to −196°C, the thickness of pore walls and the width of pore decreased. The mullite grain morphology in the pore wall was also influenced by the frozen temperature. High aspect ratio mullite grain was formed in the pore wall of beads frozen at −25°C, while low aspect ratio mullite whiskers constituted the pore wall of beads frozen at −196°C. In addition, the obtained porous mullite beads exhibited a good oil adsorption performance under capillary force for kerosene, edible oil, and motor oil with adsorption values of 3.37, 4.07, and 4.04 g/g, respectively.
Employability competences of workers in health care and finance. The role of self‐directed learning orientation and job characteristics
Authors: van der Baan Niels , Raemdonck Isabel , Bastiaens Ellen , Beausaert Simon
Published: March 2022

Employability, defined as a set of competences that allow an individual to create and maintain a job, is pivotal for both organizations and employees. Organizations with an employable workforce remain competitive and individuals who are employable experience better career development. The present study investigates self‐directed learning orientation (SDLO), job control, and job demand as predictors for three employability competences: occupational expertise, personal flexibility, and anticipation and optimization. Data were collected from a sample from two different sectors (health care and finance) in the Netherlands. A path model was built to investigate the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Results indicate that SDLO and job demands relate positively to all three employability competences. These results suggest that employees with a self‐directed learning orientation and employees working in a demanding job are more employable. In addition, we found that the positive relationship between SDLO and employability competences was moderated by job control. To create an employable workforce, supervisors and managers can promote employees’ orientation toward self‐directed learning and pay considerable attention to job design in terms of job demands and job control.
Familiarity with digital twin totality: Exploring the relation and perception of affordances through a Heideggerian perspective
Authors: Osmundsen Karen S. , Meske Christian , Thapa Devinder
Published: March 2022

The concept of affordances has become central in information systems literature. However, existing perspectives fall short in providing details on the relational aspect of affordances, which can influence actors' perception of them. To increase granularity and specificity in this regard, researchers have suggested that it be supplemented with other concepts or theories. In this article, we argue that the Heideggerian concepts of ‘familiarity’ and ‘referential totality’ are well suited for increasing our understanding of the relational aspects of affordances in information systems research. To explore this idea, we conducted a case study of a project concerning the development of a digital twin (i.e., digital representation of a physical asset) in the Norwegian grid sector. We found that users' familiarity with the digital twin totality enabled them to perceive digital twin affordances, and that without this familiarity, affordances remained latent for the users. Through our study, we offer a nuanced perspective on the relational aspect of affordance perception, contributing to affordance theory in that regard. Further, we contribute to practice and information systems research by providing valuable insights into how digital twins are understood and applied in practice.
Beyond environmental science: Climate action in Hindu religion and Sant Mat tradition
Authors: Saryal Rajnish
Published: March 2022

This paper explores Hindu religious concepts in their broadest form in general, and the philosophy and teachings ofRadha Soami Satsang Beas(a religious sect with its headquarters in Punjab, India) in particular, to access whether and in what ways the Indic spiritual value system is dovetailed with ecological ethics to make a case for climate action. Considering the influence of this sect in India and the size of its faith community, its role in propagating ecological ethics through the notion of karma, practice of vegetarianism, and service are examined here. The paper concludes that although the philosophical teachings ofRadha Soami Satsang Beaslike living a lighter life by practising vegetarianism and service do have great ecological values, the ethnographic account of theRadha Soami Satsang Beasshows that the devotees do not show any proclivity toward climate action due to the lack of direct teaching by theirguruon the subject and therefore do not establish any relation between philosophical underpinnings of the sect and ecological stewardship. Nevertheless, the ecological sensibilities of this community are more aligned with their spiritual goal and are reflected in their behaviour.
Optimization of the composition of a solid culture medium for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis using factorial design and response surface methodology
Authors: Dane Hannah , Koidis Anastasios , Stewart Linda D. , Grant Irene R.
Published: March 2022

Aim

To develop an optimized solid culture medium for improved growth of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP).

Methods and results

Seven medium constituents (factors) were assessed at various concentrations for their ability to positively affect MAP growth. The factors tested were Tween 80, egg yolk, casitone, taurocholic acid, Mycobactin J, agar and either OADC or ADC supplement. After an initial screening of individual factors, a fractional factorial design and a response surface methodology (RSM) central composite design were used to assess the effects of multiple factors simultaneously and design a new solid culture medium. MAP growth became visible on streak plates of the optimized solid medium 2 weeks earlier than on Herrold's egg yolk medium (HEYM).

Conclusions

MAP grew faster on the optimized solid medium than on HEYM. It consisted of Middlebrook 7H9 broth with 1.0% Tween 80, 0.019% casitone, 1.4% bacteriological agar, 10% egg yolk, 10% ADC and 1.65 μg ml−1 Mycobactin J.

Significance and impact of the study

This is the first study to use an RSM approach to optimize the composition of a solid medium for MAP culture. The new medium could improve MAP culture in future by reducing incubation times and increasing MAP colony numbers.
Genetically based atrial fibrillation: Current considerations for diagnosis and management
Authors: Pensa Anthony V. , Baman Jayson R. , Puckelwartz Megan J. , Wilcox Jane E.
Published: March 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common atrial arrhythmia and is subcategorized into numerous clinical phenotypes. Given its heterogeneity, investigations into the genetic mechanisms underlying AF have been pursued in recent decades, with predominant analyses focusing on early onset or lone AF. Linkage analyses, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), and single gene analyses have led to the identification of rare and common genetic variants associated with AF risk. Significant overlap with genetic variants implicated in dilated cardiomyopathy syndromes, including truncating variants of the sarcomere protein titin, have been identified through these analyses, in addition to other genes associated with cardiac structure and function. Despite this, widespread utilization of genetic testing in AF remains hindered by the unclear impact of genetic risk identification on clinical outcomes and the high prevalence of variants of unknown significance (VUS). However, genetic testing is a reasonable option for patients with early onset AF and in those with significant family history of arrhythmia. While many knowledge gaps remain, emerging data support genotyping to inform selection of AF therapeutics. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the complex genetic basis of AF and explore the overlap of AF with inherited cardiomyopathy syndromes. We propose a set of criteria for clinical genetic testing in AF patients and outline future steps for the integration of genetics into AF care.
Either you control social media or social media controls you: Understanding the impact of self‐control on excessive social media use from the dual‐system perspective
Authors: Zahrai Kseniia , Veer Ekant , Ballantine Paul William , de Vries Huibert Peter , Prayag Girish
Published: March 2022

Drawing on dual‐system theories, this study shows that excessive social media users demonstrate a psychological imbalance between the impulsive and reflective systems in their minds. We provide empirical evidence of an inconsistency between conscious attitudes and the actual behavior toward social media. The findings show that excessive users are driven more by their implicit attitudes rather than explicit beliefs in consuming social media. Although a high level of self‐control indicates healthy social media use, the findings suggest that self‐control has no significant influence on excessive users with a positive implicit attitude and high‐impulsive social media use. This duality of self‐control dispels beliefs about its ability to regulate excessive online behaviors. Therefore, this study (1) theorizes what constitutes excessive social media use, (2) outlines how implicit measurements are incorporated in consumer research, and (3) offers practical implications for managing unhealthy online behaviors.
Distribution of tubal endometriosis: A 10‐year retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Fengque , Li Jingjing , Lin Jiajing , Chen Saiqiong , Qin Rongyan , Liao Xiaojie , Qin Aiping
Published: March 2022

Aim

To investigate the distribution of tubal endometriosis (EM) in the right and left sides and four parts of the fallopian tube.

Methods

A retrospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted on patients with tubal EM at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from October 2011 to September 2021. Chi‐square and binomial tests were used for analysis.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (53.97%) had tubal resection due to EM (EM group). Twenty‐nine patients (46.03%) had tubal resection due to non‐EM (non‐EM group). Thirty‐two patients (50.80%) had left fallopian tube EM, 21 (33.33%) had right fallopian tube EM, and 10 (15.87%) had bilateral fallopian tube EM, with significant differences among them (p = 0.000). In the EM group, 15 patients (44.12%) had left fallopian tube EM, 13 (38.23%) had right fallopian tube EM, and 6 (17.65%) had bilateral fallopian tube EM (p = 0.052). In the non‐EM group, statistically different (p = 0.001) diagnoses of left fallopian tube EM, right fallopian tube EM, and bilateral fallopian tube EM were 17 (58.62%), 8 (27.59%), and 4 (13.79%), respectively. In the EM group, 18 patients (52.94%) were in the ampullary region; 16 (47.06%) were in the nonampullary region (p = 0.864). In the non‐EM group, 22 cases (75.86%) were in the ampullary region and 7 (24.14%) were in the nonampullary region, with a significant difference between them (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

The incidence of left fallopian tube EM was higher than that of right and bilateral fallopian tube EM. The incidence of tubal ampullary EM was higher than that of nonampullary region.
Concussion Education in the School Setting: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mallory Kylie D. , Saly Lauren , Hickling Andrea , Colquhoun Heather , Kroshus Emily , Reed Nick
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Concussions are a prevalent injury among youth, and concussion education has the potential to promote positive concussion‐related behaviors. Recent recommendations and legislation have increased concussion education provided in schools; however, little is known about the education context, delivery method, development, and evaluation. A scoping review was conducted to identify peer‐reviewed literature on concussion education delivered in the school setting.

METHODS

Six databases were searched (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and ERIC) to identify published articles from 2002 to July 16, 2020 that delivered concussion education in the school setting. Included studies described the concussion education and were written in English.

RESULTS

A total of 11,373 articles were identified and screened, with 27 studies meeting eligibility criteria and therefore, included. The studies delivered education to various stakeholders including students (n = 12; 44.4%), coaches (n = 5; 18.5%), educators (n = 3; 11.1%), parents (n = 1; 3.7%), and a mixed audience (n = 6; 22.2%). The education format varied and six studies (22.2%) developed the education based on a theory, model, or framework.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found substantial variability in the context, delivery method, development, and evaluation of education delivered in schools and further evaluation of this education is needed to ensure it is best‐suited for school‐based stakeholders.
Medical education for African American communities in the rural South: A focus group approach to identify fundamental considerations
Authors: Wheat John R. , Gardner Antonio J. , Downey Laura H. , Cox Melissa S. , Johnson Gwendolyn J. , Guin Susan M. , Leeper James D. , Moore Cynthia E. , Brandon John E.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We sought to understand concerns fundamental to planning medical education specific to rural southern African Americans who are virtually nonexistent in American medical schools.

Methods

A diverse multidisciplinary research team conducted this qualitative study with 3 focus groups, including 17 rural medical educators recruited nationwide, 10 African American alumni of a rural medical education pipeline in Alabama, and 5 community and institutional associates of this pipeline. Analysis of recorded transcripts generated themes fitting an ecological model suggesting concerns and intervention foci at individual, community, and institutional levels.

Findings

Three major themes operating at all ecological levels were: (1) How “rural minority student” is defined, with “rural” often supplanting race to indicate minority status; (2) Multiple factors relate to rural racial minority student recruitment and success, including personal relationships with peers, mentors, and role models and supportive institutional policies and culturally competent faculty; and (3) Challenges to recruitment and retention of rural minority students, especially financial concerns and preparation for medical education.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that individuals, communities, and institutions provide intervention points for planning medical education specific to southern rural African Americans. These spheres of influence project a need for partnership among communities and rural medical educators to affect broad programmatic and policy changes that address the dire shortage of rural African American health professionals to help ameliorate health inequities experienced in their home communities. It is likely that linear thinking and programming will be replaced by integrated, intertwined conceptualizations to reach this goal.
Economic freedom vs. egalitarianism: An empirical test of weak & strong sustainability, 1970–2017
Authors: de Soysa Indra
Published: March 2022

Many argue that free markets drive climate change and harm environmental sustainability. They suggest that democratic controls over profligate capital and unregulated markets better secure economic wellbeing and environmental objectives. Eco‐modernists, contrarily, argue that economic freedoms generate entrepreneurial technological change for reducing poverty and increasing environmental quality since people's demands for cleaner consumption are likely to be met by markets, and free markets are less likely to be affected by rent‐seeking. Moreover, democratic publics also demand higher consumption and the protection of jobs in dirty industry, which would work against environmental causes. This study contrasts the effects of economic freedom and egalitarian democracy on environmental sustainability and atmospheric pollution, assessed as both weak and strong sustainability. The results show that economies that are friendlier to free markets increase physical capital (wealth) with lower damage to total environmental sustainability, measured as depletion of physical, human, and natural capital, including atmospheric pollution. Egalitarian democracy consistently reduces economic sustainability and increases atmospheric pollution. There is some evidence for an inverted‐U shape relationship between egalitarianism and CO2 emissions independently of economic freedom and the level of development. The results are robust to a battery of testing procedures, alternative models and data, different sample sizes, a barrage of relevant diagnostic tests of robustness, and potential endogeneity.
A novel score predicts mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: MOTS ‐ Modified TIPS Score
Authors: Fürschuß Luisa , Rainer Florian , Effenberger Maria , Niederreiter Markus , Portugaller Rupert H. , Horvath Angela , Fickert Peter , Stadlbauer Vanessa
Published: March 2022

Background and aims

The high risk for severe shunting‐related post‐interventional complications demands a stringent selection of candidates for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). We aimed to develop a simple and reliable tool to accurately predict early post‐TIPS mortality.

Methods

144 cases of TIPS implantation were retrospectively analysed. Using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of factors predicting mortality within 90 days after TIPS, a score integrating urea, international normalized ratio (INR) and bilirubin was developed. The Modified TIPS‐Score (MOTS) ranges from 0 to 3 points: INR >1.6, urea >71 mg/dl and bilirubin >2.2 mg/dl account for one point each. Additionally, MOTS was tested in an external validation cohort (n = 187) and its performance was compared to existing models.

Results

Modified TIPS‐Score achieved a significant prognostic discrimination reflected by 90‐day mortality of 8% in patients with MOTS 0–1 and 60% in patients with MOTS 2–3 (p < .001). Predictive performance (area under the curve) of MOTS was accurate (c = 0.845 [0.73–0.96], p < .001), also in patients with renal insufficiency (c = 0.830 [0.64–1.00], p = .02) and in patients with refractory ascites (c = 0.949 [0.88–1.00], p < .001), which are subgroups with particular room for improvement of post‐TIPS mortality prediction. The results were reproducible in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

Modified TIPS‐Score is a novel, practicable tool to predict post‐TIPS mortality, that can significantly simplify clinical decision making. Its practical applicability should be further investigated.
Acceptability of 11 fortified balanced energy‐protein supplements for pregnant women in Nepal
Authors: Lama Tsering P. , Khatry Subarna K. , Isanaka Sheila , Moore Katie , Jones Leslie , Bedford Juliet , Katz Joanne , de Pee Saskia , LeClerq Steven C. , Tielsch James M.
Published: March 2022

Evidence suggests that multiple micronutrient and balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation during pregnancy can decrease the risk of stillbirth and small‐for‐gestational‐age births and increase birth weight. We conducted a mixed‐methods formative research study to identify the most acceptable among a range of 11 candidates fortified BEP supplements for use in pregnancy and lactation in a rural district in Nepal. Forty pregnant women aged 15–40 years participated in a test meal tasting of 11 different sweet and savoury candidate BEP supplements. Each participant rated the products on organoleptic properties using a 7‐point hedonic scale (1 = Dislike it very much to 7 = Like it very much), ranked her ‘top 3’ most liked supplements, and subsequently discussed each product with peers in focus group discussions (FGDs). Five supplements (sweet lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS), savoury LNS, sweet vanilla biscuits, vanilla instant drinks and seasoned pillows) achieved the maximum overall median hedonic score of 7, with sweet LNS and seasoned pillows ranking as the top 2. This was consistent with the assessments in FGDs. Women in the FGDs expressed dislike of the smell and taste of the cocoa drink, savoury masala bar, sweet mango bar and savoury curry biscuit, which was consistent with the hedonic scale scores. This study provides valuable insights into our understanding of women's acceptance of different BEP supplements during pregnancy in rural Nepal and has helped identify the two most accepted BEP supplements to be used in a two‐month home trial to assess utilisation and compliance in this setting.
Evolutionary and ecological drivers of local adaptation and speciation in a North American avian species complex
Authors: Brown Joshua I. , Harrigan Ryan J. , Lavretsky Philip
Published: March 2022

Throughout the speciation process, genomic divergence can be differentially impacted by selective pressures, as well as gene flow and genetic drift. Disentangling the effects of these evolutionary mechanisms remains challenging, especially for nonmodel organisms. Accounting for complex evolutionary histories and contemporary population structure often requires sufficient sample sizes, for which the expense of full genomes remains prohibitive. Here, we demonstrate the utility of partial‐genome sequence data for range‐wide samples to shed light into the divergence process of two closely related ducks, the Mexican duck (Anas diazi) and mallard (A. platyrhynchos). We determine the role of selective and neutral processes during speciation of Mexican ducks by integrating evolutionary and demographic modelling with genotype–environment and genotype–phenotype association testing. First, evolutionary models and demographic analyses support the hypothesis that Mexican ducks originally diverged ~300,000 years ago in climate refugia arising during a glacial period in southwest North America, and that subsequent environmental selective pressures played a key role in divergence. Mexican ducks then showed cyclical demographic patterns that probably reflected repeated range expansions and contractions, along with bouts of gene flow with mallards during glacial cycles. Finally, we provide evidence that sexual selection acted on several phenotypic traits as a co‐evolutionary process, facilitating the development of reproductive barriers that initially arose due to strong ecological selection. More broadly, this work reveals that the genomic and phenotypic patterns observed across species complexes are the result of myriad factors that contribute in dynamic ways to the evolutionary trajectories of a lineage.
“TWO IN ONE”: Transnational Inheritance and the Remaking of the Sinasite Houses as Shared Heritage Monuments
Authors: Stuckey Leigh
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

This article examines debates between Greeks and Turks about how to preserve the architectural heritage left behind by the Greek Orthodox population exiled from Sinasos in the 1923 Greek‐Turkish Compulsory Population Exchange. The restoration of Sinasos as a kind of residential and commercial open‐air museum, through the transformation of ancestral homes into hotels, engendered new cooperative and competitive relationships between Greeks and Turks with legitimate claims to the site. Greeks and Turks are typically portrayed as antagonistic, but understanding the historic properties as a form of inheritance much like the estates fundamental to “house societies” described by Claude Lévi‐Strauss reveals a transnational community with shared concerns around memory, heritage preservation, transnational identity formation, and touristic enterprise. [heritage, inheritance, house, memory, Turkey]
Repeated recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage may be involved in cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation: An autopsy case
Authors: Maruyama Kunitaka , Kashiwazaki Daina , Shiro Taisuke , Hori Emiko , Akioka Naoki , Okuno Noriko , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: March 2022

We report an autopsy case of repeated recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) diagnosed as having cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation (CAA‐ri) in a 65‐year‐old woman. She had no history of hypertension or other risk factors for stroke. She had a history of lobar ICH in the right parietal lobe 30 months prior. Follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 29 months after the initial ICH revealed superficial siderosis in the left frontal lobe. She initially presented with severe headache and dysarthria. An initial computed tomography (CT) revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage on the left frontal lobe. One hour later, an epileptic seizure occurred, and another CT performed at the time revealed lobar ICH in the frontal lobe. Emergency surgical hematoma evacuation was performed. The cortical artery was removed from the surgical specimen. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed lymphocytic perivascular cuffs, and immunohistochemical staining revealed abundant amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposits. The patient was diagnosed as having CAA‐ri. On the next day, and 19, 46, 55, 78, 79, and 85 days after admission, ICH recurred. We did not administer immunosuppressive drugs, such as high‐dose corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide, because of the patient's condition. Following the last ICH, the patient died on the 90th day after symptom onset. An autopsy was performed. Histologically, abundant Aβ deposits were observed within the leptomeningeal and cortical arteries. Further dense‐cored amyloid plaques were observed in the cortical samples. Our findings that ICH occurred initially three times in the left hemispheres and later five times in the right hemispheres were considered immune‐mediated effects on vascular function. Further, superficial hemosiderosis in the left frontal lobe occurred before the first three ICH events, and hyperintensity of the white matter on MRI was identified in the right parietal lobe, a typical finding of CAA‐ri. We hypothesize that the inflammatory process in CAA‐ri may be related to recurrent ICH.
Meta‐signature guided investigation of miRNA candidates as potential biomarkers of oral cancer
Authors: Stojkovic Goran , Jovanovic Ivan , Dimitrijevic Milovan , Jovanovic Jasmina , Tomanovic Nada , Stankovic Aleksandra , Arsovic Nenad , Boricic Ivan , Zeljic Katarina
Published: March 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to experimentally validate dysregulated expression of miRNA candidates selected through updated meta‐analysis of most commonly deregulated miRNAs in oral cancer and to explore their diagnostic and prognostic potential.

Materials and methods

Five miRNAs (miR‐31‐3p, miR‐135b‐5p, miR‐18a‐5p, miR‐30a‐5p and miR‐139‐5p) from updated meta‐signature were selected for validation by qRT‐PCR method in 35 oral cancer clinical specimens and adjacent non‐cancerous tissue.

Results

Updated meta‐analysis has identified 13 most commonly deregulated miRNAs in oral cancer. Seven miRNAs were consistently up‐regulated (miR‐21‐5p, miR‐31‐3p, miR‐135b‐5p, miR‐31‐5p, miR‐424‐5p, miR‐18a‐5p and miR‐21‐3p), while five were down‐regulated (miR‐139‐5p, miR‐30a‐3p, miR‐375‐3p, miR‐376c‐3p and miR‐30a‐5p). Increased expression of miR‐31‐3p and miR‐135b‐5p, and decreased expression of miR‐139‐5p and miR‐30a‐5p were confirmed in oral cancer compared to adjacent non‐cancerous tissue. A three miRNAs combination (miR‐31‐3p, miR‐139‐5p and miR‐30a‐5p) gave the most promising diagnostic potential for discriminating oral cancer from non‐cancerous tissue (AUC: 0.780 [95% CI: 0.673–0.886], p < 0.0005, sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 51.4%). High expression of miR‐135b‐5p, miR‐18a‐5p and miR‐30a‐5p was associated with poor survival (p = 0.003, p = 0.048, p = 0.016 respectively).

Conclusion

miR‐31‐3p, miR‐139‐5p and miR‐30a‐5p panel was confirmed as a potential diagnostic biomarker when distinguishing oral cancer from non‐cancerous tissue. miR‐135b‐5p, miR‐18a‐5p and miR‐30a‐5p might serve as potential biomarkers of poor survival of oral cancer patients.
In vivo analysis of ciliary muscle in myopic Chinese young adults using ArcScan Insight® 100
Authors: Zhang Xiuyan , Wu Qiuxin , Wen Tiancai , Zhao Haiqiang , Tian Qingmei , Xu Jing , Tang Guodong , Li Runkuan , Guo Xiaoxiao , Song Jike , Bi Hongsheng
Published: March 2022

Objective

To analyse the morphological characteristics of the ciliary muscle (CM) and to explore its relationship with different ocular biometric parameters in myopic young Chinese adults.

Methods

This observational, cross‐sectional study included 50 right eyes from 50 myopic adults. The CM area (CMA), CM thickness (CMT) and CM length (CML) were measured using the ArcScan Insight® 100. CMT was determined at three points: 1.0 mm (CMT‐1), 2.0 mm (CMT‐2) and 3.0 mm (CMT‐3) posterior to the scleral spur. CML was measured on the scleral (CMLs) and vitreous (CMLv) aspects. The spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were examined to determine their associations with CM parameters (CMA, CML and CMT).

Results

The mean SER and AL were −4.39 ± 2.29 D and 25.61 ± 1.15 mm, respectively. Compared with the nasal CMA, CML and CMT (CMT‐1, CMT‐2 and CMT‐3) findings, the temporal CM parameters (CMA, CMLs, CMLv, CMT‐1, CMT‐2 and CMT‐3) were found to be significantly thicker (all p < 0.001, except CMLv and CMT‐1; p < 0.01). The nasal CMA was associated with the average corneal curvature (r = 0.30, p = 0.03) and SER (r = −0.30, p = 0.04). Nasal and temporal CMT‐2 were negatively correlated with SER (r = −0.33 and −0.32, respectively, both p < 0.05). There was no correlation between CM parameters (except nasal CMLs, r = 0.31, p = 0.03) and SFCT, or between CM parameters and either the AL or anterior chamber depth (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that there is temporal versus nasal asymmetry of the CM. CMA, CMT or CML did not vary with axial growth of the eye. The CM is not simply stretched as the eye elongates in myopic young adults.
Management of massive hemopericardium in the electrophysiology laboratory: The double long sheath technique
Authors: Chokr Muhieddine Omar , Santos Italo Bruno dos Santos Sousa , Gouvea Fabio Cesar , Kulchetscki Rodrigo , Andere Tamer El , Hardy Carina , Pisani Cristiano , Melo Sissy , Scanavacca Mauricio
Published: March 2022

Aim

To describe a simple and useful technique for acute management of massive hemopericardium inside the Electrophysiology (EP) laboratory

Methods and results

Five patients from a single center experience were identified, all with blood loss above 1000 ml after initial pericardiocenthesis. Using two long 8.5 F transseptal sheaths inside the pericardium space, with continuous negative pressure, allowed the complete cessation of bleeding or hemodynamic maintenance until definitive surgical repair in all patients

Conclusion

The use of two long sheaths for blood drainage, instead of conventional pericardiocenthesis, might be helpful to manage massive hemopericardium inside EP lab, avoiding urgent cardiac surgery or maintaining clinical stability until surgical staff is available.
Impact of baseline left ventricular ejection fraction on long‐term outcomes in cardiac contractility modulation therapy
Authors: Yücel Gökhan , Fastner Christian , Hetjens Svetlana , Toepel Matthias , Schmiel Gereon , Yazdani Babak , Husain‐Syed Faeq , Liebe Volker , Rudic Boris , Akin Ibrahim , Borggrefe Martin , Kuschyk Jürgen
Published: March 2022

Background

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM), being reserved for patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure (HF) and narrow QRS complex under guideline directed medical therapy, can recover initially reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); however, the influence of pre‐implantation LVEF on long‐term outcomes is not fully understood. This study aimed to compare the effects of lower and higher preimplantation LVEF on long‐term outcomes in CCM‐therapy.

Methods

One‐hundred seventy‐two patients from our single‐centre registry were retrospectively included (2002–2019). Follow‐up data were collected up to 5 years after implantation. Patients were divided into Group 1 (baseline LVEF≤ 30%) and Group 2 (≥ 31%). Both groups were compared based on differences in survival, echocardiographic‐ and clinical parameters including LVEF, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), NYHA class or Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire‐score (MLWHFQ).

Results

11% of the patients did have a LVEF ≥31%. Mean LVEF ± SD for both groups were 21.98 ± 5.4 versus 35.2 ± 3.7%, respectively. MLWHFQ (47 ± 21.2 vs. 42±21.4) and mean peak oxygen consumption (VO2, 13.6 ± 4.1 vs. 12.7 ± 2.8 ml/kg/min) were comparable between both groups. LVEF‐grouping did not influence survival. Lower baseline LVEF resulted in significantly better recovery of echocardiographic parameters such as LVEF and TAPSE. Irrespective from baseline LVEF, both groups showed nearly comparable improvements for clinical parameters like NYHA‐class and MLWHFQ.

Conclusion

Long‐term biventricular systolic recovery potential in CCM‐therapy might be better for preimplantation LVEF values ≤30%, whereas clinical parameters such as NYHA‐class can improve irrespective from baseline LVEF.
Long‐term cholecalciferol supplementation in hemodialysis patients: Effects on mineral metabolism, inflammation, and cardiac parameters
Authors: Matias Patrícia João , Laranjinha Ivo , Ávila Gonçalo , Azevedo Ana , Jorge Cristina , Ferreira Carina , Aires Inês , Amaral Tiago , Gil Célia , Ferreira Aníbal
Published: March 2022

Background

Low levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are frequent in chronic kidney disease and are associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this 5‐year prospective study was to evaluate the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on mineral metabolism, inflammation and cardiac parameters in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

The study included 97 patients. Cholecalciferol was given after HD according to 25(OH)D baseline levels measured twice (end of winter and of summer). The 25(OH)D levels, circulating bone metabolism, inflammation parameters, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), pulse pressure (PP), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were evaluated before and after supplementation.

Results

There was a significant increase in 25(OH)D levels after supplementation (p < 0.001); however, serum calcium (p = 0.02), phosphorus (p = 0.018), and iPTH (p = 0.03) were decreased. Magnesium levels increased during the study (p = 0.03). A reduction in the number of patients under active vitamin D (p < 0.001) and in the dose and number of patients treated with darbepoetin (p = 0.02) was observed. Serum albumin increased (p < 0.001), and C‐reactive protein decreased (p = 0.01). BNP (p < 0.001), PP (p = 0.007), and LVMI (p = 0.02) were significantly reduced after supplementation.

Conclusions

Long‐term cholecalciferol supplementation allowed correction of 25(OH)D deficiency, improved mineral metabolism with less use of active vitamin D, attenuated inflammation, reduced the dose of the erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent, and improved cardiac dysfunction.
Determining subgroups that exist among US firearm owners
Authors: Bond Allison E. , Bandel Shelby L. , Anestis Michael D.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To identify and verify classes of firearm owners that exist within the United States and determine the sources that classes deemed credible to discuss firearm safety for suicide prevention.

Methods

The study is composed of two parts. Part 1 (N = 1018) utilizes a nationally representative sample of firearm owners. Part 2 (N = 1064) consists of firearm owners from Mississippi, Minnesota, and New Jersey.

Results

Four unique classes were identified in Sample 1: multiple firearms class, single handgun class, few firearms class, and long‐gun class. A three‐class solution was found for sample 2. Two of the classes from sample 1 replicated: multiple firearms class and single handgun class. Although many of the classes differed in the ranking of credible sources, a combination of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, law enforcement officers, and family members was ranked as credible sources among all classes.

Conclusions

Findings provide evidence of the heterogenous nature of firearm owners and can be utilized to better understand the subgroups of firearm owners. Additionally, the findings from the credible sources analyses can be leveraged to create more effective safe firearm storage messaging which may increase adherence with safe storage suggestions and ultimately reduce suicide rates.
Rethinking Rationality
Authors: Pothos Emmanuel M. , Pleskac Timothy J.
Published: March 2022

We seek to understand rational decision making and if it exists whether finite (bounded) agents may be able to achieve its principles. This aim has been a singular objective throughout much of human science and philosophy, with early discussions identified since antiquity. More recently, there has been a thriving debate based on differing perspectives on rationality, including adaptive heuristics, Bayesian theory, quantum theory, resource rationality, and probabilistic language of thought. Are these perspectives on rationality mutually exclusive? Are they all needed? Do they undermine an aim to have rational standards in decision situations like politics, medicine, legal proceedings, and others, where there is an expectation and need for decision making as close to “optimal” as possible? This special issue brings together representative contributions from the currently predominant views on rationality, with a view to evaluate progress on these and related questions.
CYTOKININ RESPONSE FACTOR 2 is involved in modulating the salt stress response
Authors: Keshishian Erika A. , Cliver Brannan R. , McLaughlin William F. , Hallmark H. Tucker , Plačková Lenka , Goertzen Leslie R. , Novák Ondřej , Cobine Paul A. , Leisner Courtney P. , Rashotte Aaron M.
Published: March 2022

Cytokinin has strong connections to development and a growing role in the abiotic stress response. Here we show that CYTOKININ RESPONSE FACTOR 2 (CRF2) is additionally involved in the salt (NaCl) stress response. CRF2 promoter‐GUS expression indicates CRF2 involvement in the response to salt stress as well as the previously known cytokinin response. Interestingly, CRF2 mutant seedlings are quite similar to the wild type (WT) under non‐stressed conditions yet have many distinct changes in response to salt stress. Cytokinin levels measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) that increased in the WT after salt stress are decreased in crf2, potentially from CRF2 regulation of cytokinin biosynthesis genes. Ion content measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) was increased in the WT for Na, K, Mn, Ca and Mg after salt stress, whereas the corresponding Ca and Mg increases are lacking in crf2. Many genes examined by RNA‐seq analysis were altered transcriptionally by salt stress in both the WT and crf2, yet interestingly approximately one‐third of salt‐modified crf2 transcripts (2655) showed unique regulation. Different transcript profiles for salt stress in crf2 compared with the WT background was further supported through an examination of co‐expressed genes by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCMA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment terms found from salt‐treated transcripts revealed most photosynthesis‐related terms as only being affected in crf2, leading to an examination of chlorophyll levels and the efficiency of photosystem II (via the ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence, Fv/Fm) as well as physiology after salt treatment. Salt stress‐treated crf2 plants had both reduced chlorophyll levels and lower Fv/Fm values compared with the WT, suggesting that CRF2 plays a role in the modulation of salt stress responses linked to photosynthesis.
Evaluating validity evidence for 2 instruments developed to assess students' surgical skills in a simulated environment
Authors: Farrell Robin M. , Gilbert Gregory E. , Betance Larry , Huck Jennifer , Hunt Julie A. , Dundas James , Pope Eric
Published: March 2022

Objective

To gather and evaluate validity evidence in the form of content and reliability of scores produced by 2 surgical skills assessment instruments, 1) a checklist, and 2) a modified form of the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) global rating scale (GRS).

Study design

Prospective randomized blinded study.

Sample population

Veterinary surgical skills educators (n =10) evaluated content validity. Scores from students in their third preclinical year of veterinary school (n = 16) were used to assess reliability.

Methods

Content validity was assessed using Lawshe's method to calculate the Content Validity Index (CVI) for the checklist and modified OSATS GRS. The importance and relevance of each item was determined in relation to skills needed to successfully perform supervised surgical procedures. The reliability of scores produced by both instruments was determined using generalizability (G) theory.

Results

Based on the results of the content validation, 39 of 40 checklist items were included. The 39‐item checklist CVI was 0.81. One of the 6 OSATS GRS items was included. The 1‐item GRS CVI was 0.80. The G‐coefficients for the 40‐item checklist and 6‐item GRS were 0.85 and 0.79, respectively.

Conclusion

Content validity was very good for the 39‐item checklist and good for the 1‐item OSATS GRS. The reliability of scores from both instruments was acceptable for a moderate stakes examination.

Impact

These results provide evidence to support the use of the checklist described and a modified 1‐item OSAT GRS in moderate stakes examinations when evaluating preclinical third‐year veterinary students' technical surgical skills on low‐fidelity models.
Neuromodulatory control of inhibitory network arborization in the developing postnatal neocortex
Authors: Steinecke André , Bolton McLean M. , Taniguchi Hiroki
Published: March 2022

Interregional neuronal communication is pivotal to instructing and adjusting cortical circuit assembly. Subcortical neuromodulatory systems project long-range axons to the cortex and affect cortical processing. However, their roles and signaling mechanisms in cortical wiring remain poorly understood. Here, we explored whether and how the cholinergic system regulates inhibitory axonal ramification of neocortical chandelier cells (ChCs), which control spike generation by innervating axon initial segments of pyramidal neurons. We found that acetylcholine (ACh) signaling through nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and downstream T-type voltage-dependent calcium (Ca
2+
) channels cell-autonomously controls axonal arborization in developing ChCs through regulating filopodia initiation. This signaling axis shapes the basal Ca
2+
level range in varicosities where filopodia originate. Furthermore, the normal development of ChC axonal arbors requires proper levels of activity in subcortical cholinergic neurons. Thus, the cholinergic system regulates inhibitory network arborization in the developing neocortex and may tune cortical circuit properties depending on early-life experiences.