bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiprocessing for the Particle Tracking ModelMODPATH
Authors: Pérez‐Illanes Rodrigo , Fernàndez‐Garcia Daniel
Published: December 2022

Particle tracking has several important applications for solute transport studies in aquifer systems. Travel time distribution at observation points, particle coordinates in time and streamlines are some practical results providing information of expected transport patterns and interaction with boundary conditions. However, flow model complexity and simultaneous displacement of multiple particle groups leads to rapid increase of computational requirements. MODPATH is a particle tracking engine for MODFLOW models and source code displays potential for parallel processing of particles. This article addresses the implementation of this feature with the OpenMP library. Two synthetic aquifer applications are employed for performance tests on a desktop computer with increasing number of particles. Speed up analysis shows that dynamic thread scheduling is preferable for highly heterogeneous flows, providing processing adaptivity to the presence of slow particles. In simulations writing particles position in time, thread exclusive output files lead to higher speed up factors. Results show that above a threshold number of particles, simulation runtimes become independent of flow model grid complexity and are controlled by the large number of particles, then parallel processing reduces simulation runtimes for the particle tracking model MODPATH.

Article impact statement: Parallel particles processing for MODPATH using the OpenMP library
Is the definition of late diagnosis correct?
Authors: Puła Joanna , Kowalska Justyna , Paciorek Marcin , Bednarska Agnieszka , Skrzat‐Klapaczyńska Agata , Horban Andrzej
Published: December 2022

Background

The study analysed 1711 patients of the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw diagnosed with HIV infection in 2008–2010 and 2016–2018. Research was conducted examining the changes in CD4 cell counts before starting antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in order to find people who were misclassified as late‐diagnosed.

Methods

Patients with late diagnosis were distinguished on the basis of the consensus definition. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to analyse the change in CD4 cell counts before starting ARV treatment.

Results

In the years 2008–2010, the CD4 count was remeasured before starting ARV treatment in 90 late‐diagnosed patients. The median change in the CD4 count was 22 cells/μL. In 49 of these, the number of CD4 cells spontaneously increased before the start of treatment. We can suspect that these patients were misclassified as late‐diagnosed.

Conclusions

The consensus definition of late diagnosis often leads to overestimation of the number of late‐diagnosed patients. The crucial problem is a transient decline in the CD4 lymphocyte count in the acute phase of HIV infection. A potential solution is to introduce serum HIV viral load measurement into the definition.
Point count offsets for estimating population sizes of north American landbirds
Authors: Edwards Brandon P. M. , Smith Adam C. , Docherty Teegan D. S. , Gahbauer Marcel A. , Gillespie Caitlyn R. , Grinde Alexis R. , Harmer Taylor , Iles David T. , Matsuoka Steven M. , Michel Nicole L. , Murray Andrew , Niemi Gerald J. , Pasher Jon , Pavlacky David C. , Robinson Barry G. , Ryder Thomas B. , Sólymos Péter , Stralberg Diana , Zlonis Edmund J.
Published: December 2022

Bird monitoring in North America over several decades has generated many open databases, housing millions of structured and semi‐structured bird observations. These provide the opportunity to estimate bird densities and population sizes, once variation in factors such as underlying field methods, timing, land cover, proximity to roads, and uneven spatial coverage are accounted for. To facilitate integration across databases, we introduce NA‐POPS: Point Count Offsets for Population Sizes of North American Landbirds. NA‐POPS is a large‐scale, multi‐agency project providing an open‐source database of detectability functions for all North American landbirds. These detectability functions allow the integration of data from across disparate survey methods using the QPAD approach, which considers the probability of detection (q) and availability (p) of birds in relation to area (a) and density (d). To date, NA‐POPS has compiled over 7.1 million data points spanning 292 projects from across North America, and produced detectability functions for 338 landbird species. Here, we describe the methods used to curate these data and generate these detectability functions, as well as the open‐access nature of the resulting database.
Comparison of emulsifying properties and emulsion stabilising properties of pea protein isolate with various modification methods
Authors: Xia Xuanze , Li Tingting , Li Qiang , Zhao Jiajia , Guan Yanming , Qian Haifeng , Li Yan , Zhou Sumei , Wang Li
Published: December 2022

The present study compared the effect of various modification methods on emulsifying properties and emulsion stabilising properties of the pea protein isolate (PPI) and investigated the possible mechanism of emulsion stability from the perspectives of interfacial and rheological properties. The PPI was modified by physical extrusion (EPPI), chemical phosphorylation (PPPI), and synergistic extrusion and phosphorylation (EPPPI); natural PPI was used as a control. The results revealed that the adsorption energy of modified PPI at the O/W interface was reduced, and the viscoelasticity of the interfacial film of modified PPI was increased, suggesting that modified PPI could have better adsorption at the O/W interface. The emulsions by modified PPI had higher electrostatic repulsion, smaller particle size, and more uniform particle size distribution. Moreover, the emulsions by modified PPI promoted the formation of the spatial network structure by increasing the viscosity and extending the linear viscoelastic zone. These results showed that EPPI, PPPI, and EPPPI could improve PPI's emulsifying and emulsion‐stabilising properties.
Self‐regulation linking the quality of early parent–child relationship to adolescents' obesity risk and food consumption
Authors: Kim Joo Hyun , Bost Kelly K.
Published: December 2022

Background

The quality of parent–child relationships has been examined as a contributor to children's healthy behaviours and weight outcomes, but the mechanisms accounting for associations remain understudied.

Objective

This study examined whether the quality of early parent–child relationship is associated with adolescent obesity risk and whether self‐regulation and (un)healthful food consumption mediate these associations.

Methods

Employing structural equation modelling, two theory‐driven models were examined using a large sample (N = 1237) drawn from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Indicators of the quality of parent–child relationship included assessments of child attachment security and observational assessments of maternal sensitivity (15, 24, and 36 months). Self‐regulation at 54 months was assessed using behavioural and computerized tasks and, at ages 11–12 and 15 years, using parental ratings of self‐control. Food consumption was self‐reported at age 11–12. Height and weight measures in early/middle childhood and adolescence were used to compute BMI z‐scores.

Results

No direct associations between the quality of parent–child relationship and adolescent obesity risk were found in either model. Instead, child self‐regulation was found to mediate the associations between the quality of parent–child relationship and both unhealthy food consumption and higher adolescent BMI status.

Conclusion

The findings highlight how the nature of parent–child relationships impacts developing regulatory processes in children which, in turn, have implications for obesity‐related behaviours and outcomes. Interventions to reduce childhood obesity should consider self‐regulation skills across multiple domains, and early parenting practices that foster these capacities.
Learning that cannot come from a book: An evaluation of an undergraduate alcohol and other drugs subject co‐produced with experts by experience
Authors: Goodhew Mark , River Jo , Samuel Yvonne , Gough Chris , Street Kevin , Gilford Candice , Cutler Natalie , Orr Fiona
Published: December 2022

Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use is a significant public health issue and is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Despite this, people who use drugs are often reluctant to seek care due to the lack of trauma‐informed treatment and harm reduction treatment options, as well as experiences of stigma and discrimination in health services. Arguably, AOD education that is co‐produced with people who use alcohol and drugs can enhance future health professionals' ability to practice in ways that support the needs of this population. This paper reports on a qualitative co‐evaluation of a co‐produced undergraduate nursing AOD subject. The AOD subject was co‐planned, co‐designed, co‐delivered, and co‐evaluated with experts by experience, who have a lived experience of substance dependence and work as advocates and peer workers. Following the delivery of the subject in 2021 and 2022, focus groups were undertaken with 12 nursing students. Focus group data indicate that the co‐produced subject supported participants to understand and appreciate how stigma impacts on nursing care and how to recognize and undertake ‘good’ nursing care that was oriented to the needs of service users. Student participants noted that being co‐taught by people who use drugs was particularly powerful for shifting their nursing perspectives on AOD use and nursing care and took learning beyond what could be understood from a book. Findings indicate that co‐produced AOD education can shift nursing students' perceptions of AOD use by providing access to tacit knowledge and embodied equitable and collaborative relationships with people who use drugs.
Non‐thermal plasma as an efficient pretreatment to lignocellulosic raw materials
Authors: Pereira Gabriela N. , Cesca Karina , Pereira Maria Angélica F. , Monteiro Rudke Carla Roana , Borges Otilia Monica Alves , Cubas Anelise Leal Vieira , Zanella Eduardo , Stambuk Boris U. , Poletto Patrícia , de Oliveira Débora
Published: December 2022

Non‐thermal plasma is an ecologically correct technique that is increasingly being explored. In this work, plasma was applied as a delignification technique for different lignocellulosic residues (brewery, banana peel, and mango seed peel). The influence of non‐thermal plasma on the physical and chemical characteristics of the residues was also explored by the techniques scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and RAMAN spectroscopy. Delignification of approximately 48% was observed in 5 min of the process for the brewery by‐product, 35% the mango seed shell, and 24% the banana peel. Small changes in morphology (SEM), degradation temperature (DSC), compositional analysis (FTIR, XRD, and RAMAN) after pretreatment with non‐thermal plasma were observed. Thus, we bring unprecedented results using non‐thermal plasma as an alternative pretreatment for different lignocellulosic residues, indicating an attractive technique for subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis and thus obtaining added‐value products, such as bioethanol and xylooligosaccharides.
The amino acid residue E96 of Ghd8 is crucial for the formation of the flowering repression complex Ghd7‐Ghd8‐OsHAP5C in rice
Authors: Li Shuangle , Hu Yong , An Chen , Wen Qingli , Fan Xiaowei , Zhang Zhanyi , Sherif Ahmed , Liu Haiyang , Xing Yongzhong
Published: December 2022

Ghd7 is an important gene involved in the photoperiod flowering pathway in rice. A Ghd7‐involved transcriptional regulatory network has been established, but its translational regulatory pathway is poorly understood. The mutant suppressor of overexpression of Ghd7 (sog7) was identified from EMS‐induced mutagenesis on the background of ZH11 overexpressing Ghd7. MutMap analysis revealed that SOG7 is allelic to Ghd8 and delayed flowering under long‐day (LD) conditions. Biochemical assays showed that Ghd8 interacts with OsHAP5C and Ghd7 both in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, a point mutation E96K in the α2 helix of the Ghd8 histone fold domain (HFD) destroyed its ability to interact with Ghd7. The prediction of the structure shows that mutated amino acid is located in the interaction region of CCT/NF‐YB/YC complexes, which alter the structure of α4 of Ghd8. This structural difference prevents the formation of complex NF‐YB/YC. The triple complex of Ghd8‐OsHAP5C‐Ghd7 directly bound to the promotor of Hd3a and downregulated the expression of Ehd1, Hd3a and RFT1, and finally resulted in a delayed heading. These findings are helpful in deeply understanding the Ghd7‐involved photoperiod flowering pathway and promote the elucidation of rice heading.
Having less: A personal project taxonomy of consumers' decluttering orientations, motives and emotions
Authors: Roster Catherine A. , Ferrari Joseph R.
Published: December 2022

This study examines consumers' orientations toward decluttering and what differentiates consumers' engagement with decluttering as a routine social practice. An internet survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 172 adult consumers who recently engaged in home decluttering projects. Cluster analysis used appraisals of personal project dimensions to create a taxonomy in which we identified three orientations toward decluttering: disengaged, enthusiastic, and challenged. Subsequent analyses compared appraisals of success and affective and motivational differences across the three orientations. Findings reveal that decluttering is enjoyable, easy, and most successful for consumers with an enthusiastic orientation who intrinsically value decluttering and link it to self‐identify. Those who lack time or adequate control experience more stress and less success. Circumstances, and especially normative pressures, seemed to drive these orientations. All orientations experienced relatively high positive emotions after decluttering, which substantiates the positive influence of decluttering on emotional well‐being.
Parents' perceptions of the sensitivity of their children's personal information and willingness to share with social media marketers: Implications for sharenting
Authors: Hoy Mariea Grubbs , Fox Alexa K. , Deitz George D.
Published: December 2022

Many stakeholders such as parents, companies, and policymakers play a role in children's online privacy. This study explores how parents who have at least one child age 10 and younger perceive the sensitivity of their children's personal information and willingness to share it with social media marketers. Survey results of 418 parents indicate that a variety of types of children's information is perceived as sensitive, with certain information (e.g., videos, photos) that parents readily share via social media as highly sensitive. Findings also suggest that fathers and single parents are more likely to perceive their children's information as sensitive and yet are more willing to share it. This research contributes to the consumer welfare literature on children's privacy by providing a baseline of parents' attitudes regarding their children's data, extending prior research that has examined adults' perceptions of the sensitivity of their own information and willingness to share with social media marketers.
No, I Do Belong: How Asian American and Asian Canadian Professionals Defy and Counter Workplace Racial Violence during COVID‐19
Authors: Kim Jennifer Y. , Shang Zhida
Published: December 2022

We explore the different types of racial violence encountered by Asian American and Asian Canadians (whom we refer to as Asians) in the workplace during COVID‐19 and how they respond. Using a grounded theory approach, we found that during the COVID‐19 pandemic, Asians experienced different types of workplace racial violence, most of which manifested as microaggressions, including a revival of the yellow peril trope, physical manifestations of bordering behaviour, and identity denial. In some cases, manifestations of physical violence also emerged. The data revealed that Asians demonstrated various types of agentic responses to challenge and counter unwanted and incorrect identities conveyed by the racial microaggressions. We enhance theory by shedding light on the experiences of Asians whose voice has largely been ignored in the organizational literature. Our study draws together and contributes to the theory on racial violence and racialized identity by highlighting the different types of racial violence faced by Asians and exploring the challenges they encounter in the face of racial microaggressions. Finally, we discuss practical implications of our study results and offer insight into how organizations can help support their Asian employees.
Social anhedonia, communication, and marital satisfaction in newlywed couples
Authors: Tan Kenneth , Jarnecke Amber M. , South Susan C.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Social anhedonia is associated with disinterest in social interactions and poor relationship functioning, yet little is known about the specific mechanisms underlying associations between social anhedonia and romantic relationship behaviors and satisfaction. We examined the links between social anhedonia, perceptions of conflict communication patterns, and marital satisfaction.

Method

The current research examined the role of social anhedonia on marital quality and functioning longitudinally across a year in a sample of 100 newlywed couples using an actor‐partner interdependence framework.

Results

Social anhedonia was negatively associated with own and partner's marital satisfaction. It was also negatively associated with constructive communication and positively associated with destructive communication. Furthermore, cross‐sectional mediation analyses showed that communication patterns mediated the social anhedonia‐satisfaction link.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings suggest that social anhedonia is likely to lead to lower marital satisfaction, partly through its effect on communication between partners.
Early post‐liver transplant use of direct‐acting antivirals in naive and NS5A inhibitor‐experienced HCV patients
Authors: Saracco Margherita , Tandoi Francesco , Maletta Francesca , Balagna Roberto , Romagnoli Renato , Martini Silvia
Published: December 2022

Direct‐acting antiviral drugs (DAA) are safe and effective in the HCV population. However, in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and/or active hepatocellular carcinoma or relapse to NS5A inhibitors, response rates are lower and DAA therapy must be postponed until after liver transplant in an era of organ shortage and suboptimal donors. We aimed to assess the prevalence of patients still HCV infected at time of transplantation over the last 3 years in our Center and describe the safety and efficacy of DAA therapy started as soon as possible after surgery. We enrolled all HCV viraemic patients transplanted in our Centre from January 2019 to March 2022. The follow‐up was closed in July 2022. Among 490 liver transplants, 49 (10%) patients were still HCV viraemic at operation, 43 naive to DAA and 6 were NS5A‐experienced. Median donor age was 64 years; donor risk index was 1.8. In naive patients, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was started after a median time of 1 day from surgery, while in NS5A‐experienced sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir after 14.5 days (p = .001). Response rate was 98%. 1 NS5A‐experienced patient experienced acute cholestatic hepatitis which promptly reverted after permanent DAA discontinuation. Hence, very early post‐liver transplant HCV eradication was safe and effective thanks to a close teamwork which involved anaesthesiologists, transplant surgeons and hepatologists.
Lessons from comparative primatology for understanding trait covariation and diversity in evolutionary ecology
Authors: Correia Isadora , Gomes Bruna de França , Villalobos Fabricio , Ferrari Stephen F. , Gouveia Sidney F.
Published: December 2022

Given the position of humans in the tree of life, comparative research on non‐human primates has attracted the interest of researchers in biology, medical sciences, anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Covariation of species' phenotypes has been of particular interest.

Learning from the historical development of comparative research with primates should thus be particularly valuable for evolutionary ecology and to improve understanding of phenotypic integration and diversity. Such learning would also help identify knowledge gaps, disputed questions, and new avenues of both basic and applied research in relation to the evolution of primate features and the conservation of our close relatives.

We conducted a historical assessment through a non‐systematic review and a systematic review, focusing on how the integration of different research lines in evolutionary ecology focused on primate phenotypic covariation unfolded throughout the 20th Century. The non‐systematic review allowed us to reconstruct the history of the discipline from its earliest origins, when bibliometric assessments were more limited in scope, and to identify the most appropriate keywords for the systematic review. We employed a standard protocol for the systematic review, applying two complementary analyses: co‐occurrence of keywords and bibliographic coupling of references. These analyses described the development of the conceptual and intellectual structures of comparative primatology from 1966 to 2020.

By identifying the most influential researchers and concept interrelations, we highlight primate phenotypes critical for the development of the discipline (in particular, brain and body sizes and behavioural patterns), showcasing the reach of these investigations for evolutionary ecology. Overall, our findings emphasise the crucial role that comparative primatology has played in developing the study of phenotypic integration and the very onset of phylogenetic comparative methods.
When plants are Trojan horses for viruses
Authors: Sáez Cristina , Pagán Israel
Published: December 2022

This article is a Commentary on Verhoeven et al. (2023), pp. 1146–1153.
Quality standards and recommendations for research in music and neuroplasticity
Authors: Papatzikis Efthymios , Agapaki Maria , Selvan Rosari Naveena , Pandey Varun , Zeba Fathima
Published: December 2022

Research on how music influences brain plasticity has gained momentum in recent years. Considering, however, the nonuniform methodological standards implemented, the findings end up being nonreplicable and less generalizable. To address the need for a standardized baseline of research quality, we gathered all the studies in the music and neuroplasticity field in 2019 and appraised their methodological rigor systematically and critically. The aim was to provide a preliminary and, at the minimum, acceptable quality threshold—and, ipso facto, suggested recommendations—whereupon further discussion and development may take place. Quality appraisal was performed on 89 articles by three independent raters, following a standardized scoring system. The raters’ scoring was cross‐referenced following an inter‐rater reliability measure, and further studied by performing multiple ratings comparisons and matrix analyses. The results for methodological quality were at a quite good level (quantitative articles: mean = 0.737, SD = 0.084; qualitative articles: mean = 0.677, SD = 0.144), following a moderate but statistically significant level of agreement between the raters (W = 0.44, χ2 = 117.249, p = 0.020). We conclude that the standards for implementation and reporting are of high quality; however, certain improvements are needed to reach the stringent levels presumed for such an influential interdisciplinary scientific field.
Profiling of phytohormone‐specific microRNAs and characterization of the miR160‐ARF1 module involved in glandular trichome development and artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
Authors: Guo Zhiying , Hao Kai , Lv Zongyou , Yu Luyao , Bu Qitao , Ren Junze , Zhang Henan , Chen Ruibing , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in plant development and secondary metabolism through different modes of sequence‐specific interaction with their targets. Artemisinin biosynthesis is extensively regulated by phytohormones. However, the function of phytohormone‐responsive miRNAs in artemisinin biosynthesis remains enigmatic. Thus, we combined the analysis of transcriptomics, small RNAs, and the degradome to generate a comprehensive resource for identifying key miRNA‐target circuits involved in the phytohormone‐induced process of artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua. In total, 151 conserved and 52 novel miRNAs and their 4132 targets were determined. Based on the differential expression analysis, miR160 was selected as a potential miRNA involved in artemisinin synthesis. Overexpressing MIR160 significantly impaired glandular trichome formation and suppressed artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua, while repressing its expression resulted in the opposite effect, indicating that miR160 negatively regulates glandular trichome development and artemisinin biosynthesis. RNA ligase‐mediated 5′ RACE and transient transformation assays showed that miR160 mediates the RNA cleavage of Auxin Response Factor 1 (ARF1) in A. annua. Furthermore, ARF1 was shown to increase artemisinin synthesis by activating AaDBR2 expression. Taken together, our results reveal the intrinsic link between the miR160‐ARF1 module and artemisinin biosynthesis, and may expedite the innovation of metabolic engineering approaches for high and stable production of artemisinin in the future.
Group VII ethylene response factors, MtERF74 and MtERF75, sustain nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula microoxic nodules
Authors: Rovere Martina , Pucciariello Chiara , Castella Claude , Berger Antoine , Forgia Marco , Guyet Tran A. , Bosseno Marc , Pacoud Marie , Brouquisse Renaud , Perata Pierdomenico , Boscari Alexandre
Published: December 2022

Group VII ethylene response factors (ERF‐VII) are plant‐specific transcription factors (TFs) known for their role in the activation of hypoxia‐responsive genes under low oxygen stress but also in plant endogenous hypoxic niches. However, their function in the microaerophilic nitrogen‐fixing nodules of legumes has not yet been investigated. We investigated regulation and the function of the two Medicago truncatula ERF‐VII TFs (MtERF74 and MtERF75) in roots and nodules, MtERF74 and MtERF75 in response to hypoxia stress and during the nodulation process using an RNA interference strategy and targeted proteolysis of MtERF75. Knockdown of MtERF74 and MtERF75 partially blocked the induction of hypoxia‐responsive genes in roots exposed to hypoxia stress. In addition, a significant reduction in nodulation capacity and nitrogen fixation activity was observed in mature nodules of double knockdown transgenic roots. Overall, the results indicate that MtERF74 and MtERF75 are involved in the induction of MtNR1 and Pgb1.1 expression for efficient Phytogb‐nitric oxide respiration in the nodule.
The gender gap in pro‐environmental political participation among older adults
Authors: El Khoury Cristina , Felix Amédée , Lorenzini Jasmine , Rosset Jan
Published: December 2022

Citizens are increasingly concerned with environmental issues and some of them take contentious political actions or adapt their lifestyles to reduce their environmental footprint. Research finds that there is an eco‐gender gap in everyday environmental behaviours, with women more active than men. However, studies of the eco‐gender gap have infrequently looked at other forms of pro‐environmental political behaviours and focused mostly on young people. We contribute to the literature by examining to what extent older women and men differ in a range of pro‐environmental political behaviours, using a unique dataset based on a survey of individuals 64 years and older. We find strong evidence of a gender gap in everyday behaviours and political consumerism, but not in relation to contentious forms of political participation. This gender gap in relation to everyday behaviours and political consumerism diminishes with age.
Proposal of facial pigmentary unit and facial hyperpigmentation type for Fitzpatrick skin types II‐IV
Authors: Oh Seung‐Min , Lee Ye Eun , Ko Min Ji , Baek Ji Hwoon , Shin Min Kyung
Published: December 2022

Background

Studies on facial hyperpigmentation across different facial units are limiting. We aimed to analyze melanin pigmentation images to observe facial pigmentary demarcation lines (FPDLs) and suggest facial hyperpigmentation types for normal individuals.

Materials and methods

3D facial melanin pigmentation images of 173 volunteers were obtained and analyzed for the presence of FPDLs. Pigmentation severity was assessed for each of the thirteen facial pigment units. The images were then grouped according to a pattern of hyperpigmentation to suggest three facial hyperpigmentation types—dark spot, photoaging and post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Results

Four groups of FPDLs including a novel group I were observed. Nasal, frontal, auricular were the darkest pigmented facial pigment unit, and the anterior neck was the least pigmented. The dark spot type was the most common facial hyperpigmentation type. The photoaging type and the PIH type showed age‐dependent distribution, as the photoaging type was more common among the subjects over 40s, and the PIH type was more common in younger subjects.

Conclusion

Facial hyperpigmentation among healthy individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types II‐IV is often accompanied by FPDLs and categorized into three types. Each type is modeled after the pattern of pigmentation associated with certain dermatological disorders. The practical implications of facial hyperpigmentation types can be resourceful in various fields including prevention and treatment of pigmentary disorders.
T‐box transcription factor 2 mediates antitumor immune response in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by regulating the expression of programmed death ligand 1
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Zhi , Sun Yadi
Published: December 2022

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second largest nonmelanoma skin cancer in humans; effective treatment options for metastatic CSCC are still in short. In this study, we aimed to explore the function of T‐box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) in CSCC.

Methods

The expression level of TBX2 was determined in CSCC samples and cell lines. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression was also analyzed in human CSCC samples. Furthermore, SCC13 cells were transfected with TBX2‐DN (loss of function) or normal TBX2 to check its role in regulating PD‐L1.

Results

The expression level of TBX2 was positively correlated with the stage of CSCC. CSCC tumor cell lines have significantly higher expression levels of TBX2 than normal skin cell lines, and SCC13 cells showed the highest expression. PD‐L1 expressions were upregulated during the progression of CSCC, and positively correlated with TBX2. Furthermore, PD‐L1 expression increased in SCC13 cells overexpressing TBX2. However, TBX2 did not regulate the activation of IFNγ signal, but mediated the expression of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) and PD‐L1 in both SCC13 and PDV cells.

Conclusion

TBX2 could mediate antitumor immune response in CSCC by regulating the expression of PD‐L1 through IRF1. It might be a prognostic marker in CSCC and synergistic target for PD‐1 immunotherapy.
Nanoplastic–plant interaction and implications for soil health
Authors: Zhou Pingfan , Wang Liuwei , Gao Jing , Jiang Yaqi , Adeel Muhammad , Hou Deyi
Published: December 2022

Nanoplastics (NPs) are accumulating in the soil environment at a rapid rate, which may cause serious consequences for ecosystems and human health. However, environmental behaviour and toxicity of NPs in the soil–plant system remain poorly understood. This review summarizes current studies on NP–plant interactions to unravel uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of NPs. NPs could be taken up by plant roots and transported upwards through the xylem to all organs of the plant, even to the edible parts such as the grain, thereby threatening human health. The interaction of NPs with plants affects plant transport of water and nutrients. Besides, it induces significant oxidative stress leading to inhibition of physiological and biochemical activities such as photosynthesis, and thus adversely affects plant growth and development. In addition, the co‐transport of NPs with other soil pollutants may induce the combined toxic effects. This study also discussed the potential mechanism of NP–plant interactions based on previous experience with engineered nanomaterials. Finally, a comprehensive assessment of the key challenges in each area was presented, and future perspectives are offered.
Donor and non‐donor perspectives on receiving information from routine genomic testing of donor blood
Authors: Thorpe Rachel , Jensen Kyle , Masser Barbara , Raivola Vera , Kakkos Athina , von Wielligh Kobie , Wong Jonathan
Published: December 2022

Background

Genomic testing is already used by blood collection agencies (BCAs) to identify rare blood types and ensure the best possible matching of blood. With ongoing technological developments, broader applications, such as the identification of genetic markers relevant to blood donor health, will become feasible. However, the perspectives of blood donors (and potential blood donors) on routine genomic testing of donor blood are under‐researched.

Study Design and Methods

Eight online Focus Groups were conducted: four with donors and four with non‐donors. Participants were presented with three hypothetical scenarios about the current and possible future applications of genomic testing: Performing rare blood type testing; identifying donors with genetic markers associated with iron metabolism; and identifying donors with genetic markers associated with bowel cancer.

Results

Testing to identify rare blood types was perceived to be an appropriate application for the BCA to undertake, while identifying markers associated with iron metabolism and cancer genetic markers were only partially supported. Participants raised concerns about the boundaries of acceptable testing and the implications of testing for privacy, data security, and health insurance. Perspectives of donors and non‐donors on all scenarios were similar.

Discussion

The principles of who benefits from genomic testing and the perceived role of BCAs were key in shaping participants' perspectives. Participants generally agreed that testing should be directly related to blood donation or be of benefit to the recipient or donor. Findings indicate that consent and communication are key to the acceptability of current and expanded genomic testing.
Feasibility Study of Rear Door Heat Exchanger for a High Capacity Data Center
Authors: Shalom Simon Vibin , Modi Himanshu , Sivaraju Krishna Bhavana , Bansode Pratik , Saini Satyam , Shahi Pardeep , Karajgikar Saket , Mulay Veerendra , Agonafer Dereje
Published: December 2022

Due to increased use of high-performance computing in datacenters to cater to huge workloads, old low-performance compute servers must be replaced endlessly with high-performance compute servers. Traditional air-cooling systems are insufficient to provision and run the servers in optimal conditions as the datacenter thermal footprint or rack density grows, resulting in thermal throttling. To sustain the growing needs, Rear Door Heat Exchangers (RDHx) are deployed in existing datacenters along with peripheral Computer Room Air Handling/Conditioning (CRAH/CRAC) units. RDHx transfers heat from the rear end of the racks and rejects it into the facility’s chilled water. This study will demonstrate the suitability of RDHx for low density as well as high density rack applications. A baseline CFD model had a generic datacenter layout with peripheral CRAH/CRAC units and RDHx. Several case studies were conducted by varying the air and liquid inlet temperatures for rack and RDHx, respectively. We also compared active and passive modes of operating RDHx while server fans provide flowrate based on the IT inlet temperature. The paper will also discuss the feasibility of designing a datacenter with only RDHx and no peripheral CRAC/CRAH units while maintaining the thermal envelop. The research will also provide a guideline in implementing RDHx based on the heat load and server design.
Pump-probe spectroscopy of chiral vibrational dynamics
Authors: Tikhonov Denis S. , Blech Alexander , Leibscher Monika , Greenman Loren , Schnell Melanie , Koch Christiane P.
Published: December 2022

A planar molecule may become chiral upon excitation of an out-of-plane vibration, changing its handedness during half a vibrational period. When exciting such a vibration in an ensemble of randomly oriented molecules with an infrared laser, half of the molecules will undergo the vibration phase-shifted by π compared to the other half, and no net chiral signal is observed. This symmetry can be broken by exciting the vibrational motion with a Raman transition in the presence of a static electric field. Subsequent ionization of the vibrating molecules by an extreme ultraviolet pulse probes the time-dependent net handedness via the photoelectron circular dichroism. Our proposal for pump-probe spectroscopy of molecular chirality, based on quantum-chemical theory and discussed for the example of the carbonyl chlorofluoride molecule, is feasible with current experimental technology.
Rare case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with spermatic cord and testicular metastasis
Authors: Yu Chung-Hao , En Meng , Yu Dah-Shyong
Published: December 2022

Male gonadal metastases from pancreatic carcinomas are extremely rare, with fewer than 20 cases documented in the literature. Herein, we report a man in his 50s who presented at the genitourinary outpatient department with an enlarged scrotum (right side) that had developed progressively over several weeks. He also reported mild upper abdominal discomfort. Scrotal sonography revealed a hydrocele on the right side without testicular lesions. A mass pancreatic tail lesion with invasion of the spleen and left adrenal gland was identified through abdominal CT and MRI. Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle biopsy and right radical orchiectomy were performed. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic tail with hematogenous metastasis to the right testis, epididymis and spermatic cord was verified on the basis of the pathology report. Disease progression occurred despite the patient receiving palliative chemoradiation therapy.
Chalazion in a patient with multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib
Authors: Ghimire Bipin , Hamajima Yuko , Carbajal-Carballo Lorena , Anusim Nwabundo
Published: December 2022

We present a case of a woman in her early 60s with multiple myeloma who, while undergoing treatment with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (CyBorD), noticed a whitish nodular swelling on the eyelid. This occurred after one cycle of CyBorD and on subsequent treatment, it also involved the contralateral eyelid. The lesions were initially managed with conservative measures by applying warm compresses, but the lesions progressively increased in size. CyBorD was discontinued and topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were initiated, resulting in a decrease in size of the lesions. On resolution of symptoms, she was rechallenged with CyBorD, and symptoms did not recur. The temporal relationship between bortezomib and the development of chalazion is based on connection and no association has been proven.
Primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis
Authors: Misirovs Rasads , Johnston Lisa , Green Richard
Published: December 2022

No part of the human body is immune to tuberculosis, the most common site being the lungs. We report a rare case of primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis without cervical lymphadenopathy nor pulmonary involvement. The only presenting symptom was an intermittent discomfort in the neck and throat. Several biopsies were performed to exclude nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to reach the final diagnosis of tuberculosis. The patient made full recovery following 6 months of treatment with antibiotics. A multidisciplinary approach by ear, nose and throat, radiology, pathology, and infectious disease colleagues was crucial in reaching the diagnosis and managing the patient.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep health among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Al-Ajlouni Yazan A , Al Ta'ani Omar , Shamaileh Ghaith , Mushasha Rand , Makarem Nour , Duncan Dustin T.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study sought to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep health among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations, understudied geographic regions including with regards to sleep health.

Setting

A systematic literature search of studies published from inception to 27 March 2022 was conducted on multiple databases using developed keywords.

Participants

Studies were included if they (1) investigated one or more aspects/dimensions of sleep health as an outcome (eg, sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep problems); (2) measured the impact of a COVID-19 pandemic-related domain (eg, impact of quarantine, work from home, lifestyle changes); (3) focused on at least one MENA region population; (4) were peer-reviewed; (5) included ≥100 participants; (6) were written in English and (7) had full-text article publicly available.

Primary and secondary outcomes measured

Primary outcomes were sleep duration, sleep quality and sleep problems.

Results

In line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 164 studies were included for data extraction. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies was used to assess the quality of the studies. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted sleep duration, sleep quality and presence and severity of sleep disorders in MENA populations, including adults, children, students, healthcare workers and people with chronic illnesses. The directionality and strength of associations, as well as the determinants of sleep health, varied by subpopulations.

Conclusions

Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep health of MENA populations. Sleep health interventions and policy measures should be tailored to the need of each subpopulation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022321128.
Importance of quick attainment of minimal disease activity for a positive impact on lives of patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Snoeck Henkemans Selinde V J , de Jong Pascal H P , Luime Jolanda J , Kok Marc R , Tchetverikov Ilja , Kasiem Fazira R , Welby Sarah , Prickett Adam R , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H M , Vis Marijn
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from the first year to the third year between patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who achieved minimal disease activity (MDA) in the first year after diagnosis and those who did not.

Methods

Consecutive, newly diagnosed, patients with DMARD naïve PsA with oligoarthritis or polyarthritis were selected from the Dutch southwest Early PsA cohoRt. Patients were categorised in three groups: (1) Patients who were in MDA at both 9 months and 12 months after diagnosis (sustained MDA); (2) Patients who achieved MDA in the first year but in whom it was not sustained at both 9 months and 12 months (non-sustained MDA); (3) Patients who did not achieve MDA in the first year (no MDA). PROs were compared between groups from the first year to the third year after diagnosis using a linear mixed model.

Results

240 patients were selected; 104 (43%) were classified as sustained MDA, 60 (25%) as non-sustained MDA and 76 (32%) as no MDA. Patients who did not achieve MDA in the first year experienced remarkably lower PROs during follow-up, compared with the sustained MDA group: health status (European Quality of life 5-Dimensions 5-Levels) was 0.23 units lower (95% CI −0.28 to −0.18), functional impairment (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index) was 0.81 units higher (95% CI 0.70 to 0.92), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) was 35.38 mm higher (95% CI 30.57 to 40.18), fatigue (Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue-Multidimensional Questionnaire) was 17.88 units higher (95% CI 14.60 to 21.16), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were, respectively, 3.26 units (95% CI 2.25 to 4.27) and 4.04 units higher (95% CI 3.10 to 4.99).

Conclusion

Failure to achieve MDA in the first year after PsA diagnosis was associated with worse PROs that persisted over the years.
A concrete sandwich wallboard damage identification method based on strain energy density increment
Authors: Zhou Daiyu , Xie Qun , Wang Xin
Published: December 2022

During the loading process of concrete members, the identification of characteristic damage states is not sensitive enough. This paper investigates the damage evolution of four concrete sandwich wallboards subjected to vertical compression by employing the strain energy density increment to enhance identification sensitivity. First, the equivalent elastic modulus model for a wallboard subjected to vertical compression is established based on the material stress–strain relationship. Then, the strain data of concrete, obtained from experiments and numerical simulations, are modeled as the normalized unit approximate strain energy density increments (NUASEDIs), which follow the damage evolution of the wallboard as a more sensitive index. The first cracking formation of wallboard corresponds to the first high NUASEDI. The failure damage state corresponds to the final high NUASEDI, which reflects the process changing from the local to the global failure. Finally, the strain energy density increment theory improves averagely the cracking identification sensitivity of concrete members by 13.32% and the failure identification sensitivity by 3.01%.
On endomorphisms of projective varieties with numerically trivial canonical divisors
Authors: Meng Sheng
Published: December 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a klt projective variety with numerically trivial canonical divisor. A surjective endomorphism [Formula: see text] is amplified (respectively, quasi-amplified) if [Formula: see text] is ample (respectively, big) for some Cartier divisor [Formula: see text]. We show that after iteration and equivariant birational contractions, a quasi-amplified endomorphism will descend to an amplified endomorphism. As an application, when [Formula: see text] is Hyperkähler, [Formula: see text] is quasi-amplified if and only if it is of positive entropy. In both cases, [Formula: see text] has Zariski dense periodic points. When [Formula: see text] is an abelian variety, we give and compare several cohomological and geometric criteria of amplified endomorphisms and endomorphisms with countable and Zariski dense periodic points (after an uncountable field extension).