bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity of coronary artery disease is associated with diminished circANRIL expression: A possible blood based transcriptional biomarker in East Africa
Authors: Akan Gokce , Nyawawa Evarist , Nyangasa Bashir , Turkcan Mehmet Kerem , Mbugi Erasto , Janabi Mohammed , Atalar Fatmahan
Published: December 2023

Antisense Noncoding RNA in the INK4 Locus (ANRIL) is the prime candidate gene at Chr9p21, the well‐defined genetic risk locus associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). ANRIL and its transcript variants were investigated for the susceptibility to CAD in adipose tissues (AT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the study group and the impact of 9p21.3 locus mutations was further analysed. Expressions of ANRIL, circANRIL (hsa_circ_0008574), NR003529, EU741058 and DQ485454 were detected in epicardial AT (EAT) mediastinal AT (MAT), subcutaneous AT (SAT) and PBMCs of CAD patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and non‐CAD patients undergoing heart valve surgery. ANRIL expression was significantly upregulated, while the expression of circANRIL was significantly downregulated in CAD patients. Decreased circANRIL levels were significantly associated with the severity of CAD and correlated with aggressive clinical characteristics. rs10757278 and rs10811656 were significantly associated with ANRIL and circANRIL expressions in AT and PBMCs. The ROC‐curve analysis suggested that circANRIL has high diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.9808, cut‐off: 0.33, sensitivity: 1.0, specificity: 0.88). circANRIL has high diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.9808, cut‐off: 0.33, sensitivity: 1.0, specificity: 0.88). We report the first data demonstrating the presence of ANRIL and its transcript variants expressions in the AT and PBMCs of CAD patients. circANRIL having a synergetic effect with ANRIL plays a protective role in CAD pathogenesis. Therefore, altered circANRIL expression may become a potential diagnostic transcriptional biomarker for early CAD diagnosis.
Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides attenuate diabetic nephropathy via the miR‐30a‐3p/TRIM16 axis
Authors: Zheng Rong , Xu Qin , Wang Yiwen , Zhong Yifei , Zhu Rong
Published: December 2023

Objective

The molecular mechanism of the protective effect of Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides (CCPs) on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN) is still unclear. This study aims to further understand the molecular mechanisms behind the therapeutic benefits of CCP on diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Mice were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 8). Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharide dissolved in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide was administered by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. The CCP doses were divided into low, medium, and high, 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively. The efficacy of CCP was determined by assessing the renal function and histological alterations in diabetic db/db mice. The degree of glomerular mesangial dilatation and sclerosis was evaluated using semiquantitative markers. Cell viability, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in high glucose (HG)‐cultured MPC5 podocytes were determined. The interaction of miR‐30a‐3p and tripartite motif‐containing protein 16 (TRIM16) was examined by luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence were used to analyze gene and protein expressions.

Results

The in vivo findings illustrated that CCP may protect mice with type 2 diabetes from inflammation and oxidative damage (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CCP has a therapeutic value in protecting renal function and morphology in diabetic nephropathy by reversing podocyte EMT. The in vitro results indicated that CCP dose‐dependently inhibited HG‐induced apoptosis, EMT, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial ROS levels in MPC5 podocytes (P < 0.05). Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the interaction between miR‐30a‐3p and TRIM16 in MPC5 podocytes cultured in high glucose (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The protective effect of CCP on HG‐induced MPC5 can be achieved by miR‐30a‐3p/TRIM16 axis.
Consent searches and underestimation of compliance: Robustness to type of search, consequences of search, and demographic sample
Authors: Sommers Roseanna , Bohns Vanessa K.
Published: December 2023

Most police searches today are authorized by citizens' consent, rather than probable cause or reasonable suspicion. The main constitutional limitation on so‐called “consent searches” is the voluntariness test: whether a reasonable person would have felt free to refuse the officer's request to conduct the search. We investigate whether this legal inquiry is subject to a systematic bias whereby uninvolved decision‐makers overstate the voluntariness of consent and underestimate the psychological pressure individuals feel to comply. We find evidence for a robust bias extending to requests, tasks, and populations that have not been examined previously. Across three pre‐registered experiments, we approached participants (“Experiencers”) with intrusive search requests and measured their behavioral compliance and self‐reported feelings of psychological freedom. Another group of participants (“Forecasters”) reported whether they would comply if hypothetically placed in the same situation. Study 1 investigated participants' willingness to allow experimenters access to their unlocked personal smartphones in order to read through the search histories on their web browsers—a private sphere where many individuals feel they have something to hide. Results revealed that whereas 27% of Forecasters reported they would permit such a search, 92% of Experiencers complied when asked. Study 2 replicated this underestimation‐of‐compliance effect when individuals were asked to permit a search of their purses, backpacks, and other bags—traditional searches not eligible for the heightened legal protection extended to digital devices. Study 3 replicated the gap between Forecasters' projections and Experiencers' behavior in a more representative sample, and found it persists even when participants' predictions are incentivized monetarily.
Stressful life events, social support, and epigenetic aging in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Skinner Harlyn G. , Palma‐Gudiel Helena , Stewart James D. , Love Shelly‐Ann , Bhatti Parveen , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Wallace Robert B. , Salmoirago‐Blotcher Elena , Manson JoAnn E. , Kroenke Candyce H. , Belsky Daniel W. , Li Yun , Whitsel Eric A. , Zannas Anthony S.
Published: December 2023

Background

Elevated psychosocial stress has been linked with accelerated biological aging, including composite DNA methylation (DNAm) markers that predict aging‐related outcomes (“epigenetic age”). However, no study has examined whether stressful life events (SLEs) are associated with epigenetic age acceleration in postmenopausal women, an aging population characterized by increased stress burden and disease risk.

Methods

We leveraged the Women's Health Initiative, a large muti‐ancestry cohort of postmenopausal women with available psychosocial stress measures over the past year and epigenomic data. SLEs and social support were ascertained via self‐report questionnaires. Whole blood DNAm array (450 K) data were used to calculate five DNAm‐based predictors of chronological age, health span and life span, and telomere length (HorvathAge, HannumAge, PhenoAge, GrimAge, DNAmTL).

Results

After controlling for potential confounders, higher SLE burden was significantly associated with accelerated epigenetic aging, as measured by GrimAge (β: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.59) and DNAmTL (β: −0.016, 95% CI: −0.028, −0.004). Exploratory analyses showed that SLEs‐GrimAge associations were stronger in Black women as compared to other races/ethnicities and in those with lower social support levels. In women with lower social support, SLEs‐DNAmTL associations showed opposite association in Hispanic women as compared to other race/ethnicity groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that elevated stress burden is associated with accelerated epigenetic aging in postmenopausal women. Lower social support and/or self‐reported race/ethnicity may modify the association of stress with epigenetic age acceleration. These findings advance understanding of how stress may contribute to aging‐related outcomes and have important implications for disease prevention and treatment in aging women.
Underweight in the first 2 years of life and nutrition risk in later childhood: a prospective cohort study
Authors: South Courtney A. , Keown‐Stoneman Charles D. G. , Birken Catherine S. , Malik Vasanti , Zlotkin Stanley H. , Maguire Jonathon L. ,   and the TARGet Kids! collaboration
Published: December 2023

Background

Children with underweight in the first 2 years have lower body mass index z‐score (zBMI) and height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ) in later childhood. It is not known if underweight in the first 2 years is associated with nutrition risk in later childhood.

Objective

(1) Determine the relationship between underweight (zBMI < −2) in the first 2 years and nutrition risk measured by the Nutrition Screening for Toddlers and Preschoolers (NutriSTEP) score from 18 months to 5 years. (2) Explore the relationship between underweight in the first 2 years and the NutriSTEP subscores for eating behaviours and dietary intake from 18 months to 5 years.

Methods

This was a prospective study, including healthy full‐term children in Canada aged 0–5 years. zBMI was calculated using measured heights and weights and the WHO growth standards. NutriSTEP score was measured using a parent‐completed survey and ranged from 0 to 68. Nutrition risk was defined as a score ≥21. Linear mixed effects models were used.

Results

Four thousand nine hundred twenty‐nine children were included in this study. At enrolment, 51.9% of participants were male. The prevalence of underweight children was 8.8%. Underweight in the first 2 years was associated with higher NutriSTEP (0.79, 95% CI: 0.29,1.29), higher eating behaviour subscore (0.24, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.46) at 3 years and higher odds of nutrition risk (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07,1.82) at 5 years.

Conclusions

Children with underweight in the first 2 years had higher nutrition risk in later childhood. Further research is needed to understand the factors which influence these relationships.
The effect of progressive relaxation exercises and transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation administered to women delivering via cesarean delivery on pain, breastfeeding success, and comfort levels: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Öztürk Özen Derya , Koç Gülten , Nacir Barış
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effect of progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation administered to women delivering via cesarean delivery on acute pain, breastfeeding success, and comfort levels.

Methods

This is a single‐blind, randomized controlled study. This study was carried out in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a university hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health in Turkey between August 20, 2018 and April 15, 2019. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups, which included a transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) group, a PRE group, a combined intervention group, and a control group. Data were collected with a Data Collection Form, The Visual Analogue Scale, The LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnostic Tool, and The Postpartum Comfort Scale.

Results

According to the findings of the study, it was determined that pain significantly decreased and comfort increased after having a cesarean delivery in all three intervention groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding the breastfeeding success, while there was no statistically significant change in this behavior in the TENS group, it was significantly better in the PRE group and the combined intervention group, where TENS and PRE were administered together (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

According to our study results, we recommend that TENS and PRE should be employed together after a cesarean delivery as safe non‐pharmacological methods in pain management, eliminating breastfeeding problems, and increasing comfort.
Welfare Consequence of Common Ownership in a Vertically Related Market*
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Matsumura Toshihiro , Zeng Chenhang
Published: December 2023

We investigate how common ownership affects welfare in a vertically related market. Although common ownership mitigates the double marginalization problem and improves welfare, it restricts competition among downstream firms and harms welfare. We find that whether common ownership is welfare‐improving depends on the degree of competitiveness in the downstream market. Common ownership is more likely to improve welfare when there are fewer downstream firms and a greater degree of product differentiation. In other words, common ownership may improve welfare when competition in the downstream market is weak.
Multiple genomic solutions for local adaptation in two closely related species (sheep and goats) facing the same climatic constraints
Authors: Benjelloun Badr , Leempoel Kevin , Boyer Frédéric , Stucki Sylvie , Streeter Ian , Orozco‐terWengel Pablo , Alberto Florian J. , Servin Bertrand , Biscarini Filippo , Alberti Adriana , Engelen Stefan , Stella Alessandra , Colli Licia , Coissac Eric , Bruford Michael W. , Ajmone‐Marsan Paolo , Negrini Riccardo , Clarke Laura , Flicek Paul , Chikhi Abdelkader , Joost Stéphane , Taberlet Pierre , Pompanon François
Published: December 2023

The question of how local adaptation takes place remains a fundamental question in evolutionary biology. The variation of allele frequencies in genes under selection over environmental gradients remains mainly theoretical and its empirical assessment would help understanding how adaptation happens over environmental clines. To bring new insights to this issue we set up a broad framework which aimed to compare the adaptive trajectories over environmental clines in two domesticated mammal species co‐distributed in diversified landscapes. We sequenced the genomes of 160 sheep and 161 goats extensively managed along environmental gradients, including temperature, rainfall, seasonality and altitude, to identify genes and biological processes shaping local adaptation. Allele frequencies at putatively adaptive loci were rarely found to vary gradually along environmental gradients, but rather displayed a discontinuous shift at the extremities of environmental clines. Of the 430 candidate adaptive genes identified, only 6 were orthologous between sheep and goats and those responded differently to environmental pressures, suggesting different putative mechanisms involved in local adaptation in these two closely related species. Interestingly, the genomes of the 2 species were impacted differently by the environment, genes related to signatures of selection were most related to altitude, slope and rainfall seasonality for sheep, and summer temperature and spring rainfall for goats. The diversity of candidate adaptive pathways may result from a high number of biological functions involved in the adaptations to multiple eco‐climatic gradients, and a differential role of climatic drivers on the two species, despite their co‐distribution along the same environmental gradients. This study describes empirical examples of clinal variation in putatively adaptive alleles with different patterns in allele frequency distributions over continuous environmental gradients, thus showing the diversity of genetic responses in adaptive landscapes and opening new horizons for understanding genomics of adaptation in mammalian species and beyond.
Gender differences in unplanned hospital admission: A population‐based approach
Authors: Labaka Ainitze , Elordi‐Guenaga Udane , Zubeldia‐Etxeberria Josune , Zinkunegi‐Zubizarreta Nagore , Ugartemendia‐Yerobi Maider , Pereda‐Goikoetxea Beatriz
Published: December 2023

Gender inequities are present not only in the health status of individuals but also in access to health services. Unplanned hospitalizations can indicate dysfunction in health systems by detecting unmet health problems prior to the health care needs of a person, while planned hospitalizations indicate effective management by the system. Thus, we aim to analyze the association between sex and the probability of unplanned or planned hospitalization for different diseases. A cross‐sectional retrospective study was performed with data regarding the 700 447 hospitalizations at all registered centers in the Basque Country from 2016 to 2018. Adjusted odds ratios were carried out to determine the association between sex and admission circumstances for each diagnostic category. Results showed that women had higher odds ratio for unplanned hospitalization for various diseases of the circulatory system and inguinal hernia among others, while men had a higher odds ratio for diseases such as neoplasms, metabolic diseases, and multiple sclerosis. The differences by sex indicate that the odds applied to the circumstance of hospitalization is a sensitive indicator and potentially applicable for detecting diseases likely to generate gender‐based inequalities.
Knowledge of osteoporosis prevention among people with endocrine disorders: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tan Yaqiong , Luo Bihua , Sheng Zhifeng
Published: December 2023

People with endocrine disorders are at an increased risk of osteoporosis, yet their knowledge of osteoporosis prevention is rarely studied. This study aimed to assess the knowledge related to osteoporosis prevention and its associated factors among people with endocrine disorders in China. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a Chinese hospital's Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology. A total of 562 people with endocrine disorders completed the Chinese version of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool to assess their knowledge of osteoporosis prevention. Results showed that participants had a mean knowledge of 59.36 ± 23.90 out of 100, with only 52.1% scoring above 60 points. Being female, having higher education, with comorbidities, with a recent osteoporosis diagnosis, and having received health education related to osteoporosis prevention were associated with higher knowledge of osteoporosis prevention. Our study indicates that more efforts are needed to improve the knowledge related to osteoporosis prevention among people with endocrine disorders. This may be realized by strengthening and expanding diverse education, focusing on males and those with lower education and without comorbidities.
Age at primary surgery among orofacial cleft individuals in Indonesia
Authors: Sarilita Erli , Rafisa Anggun , Desai Priya , Mossey Peter A
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To observe the age at primary cleft surgery among charity organizations such as Smile Train in helping Indonesia manage patients with OFC.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted to identify patients with orofacial clefts who underwent primary surgery between 2001 and 2021. The age at the time of surgery was recorded for each patient. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and determine the average age at primary surgery.

Results

In the period between 2001 and 2021, a total of 34 239 individuals in Indonesia underwent primary lip surgery, while 16 768 individuals received primary palatal surgery, as recorded in the Smile Train database. Notably, a significant proportion of these surgeries were classified as delayed primary repairs. Approximately 65.3% of primary lip surgeries were performed beyond the recommended timeline of 6 months of age, indicating a delay in the surgical intervention. Similarly, 67% of primary palatal surgeries were also delayed, occurring after the recommended timeline of 18 months of life.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the age at primary surgery among individuals with orofacial clefts in Indonesia. The findings highlight the need for timely intervention and the importance of considering individualized treatment plans based on the specific type of orofacial cleft. Further research is warranted to explore factors influencing the age at primary surgery and their impact on treatment outcomes and long‐term functional outcomes in this population.
Organizational behavior and human resource management perspectives on entrepreneurship: Lessons learned and new directions
Authors: Waldman David A. , Stephan Ute , Song Zhaoli , Erez Miriam , Siegel Donald
Published: December 2023

This special issue of Personnel Psychology is devoted to micro‐based research on entrepreneurship, an emerging field that heretofore has been highly influenced by scholars in economics, strategy, and sociology. A theme of this special issue is that to further advance research on entrepreneurship, we need to develop a greater understanding of the role of individuals and teams in entrepreneurial activity from an OB/HR perspective. Accordingly, the goals of our overview article are twofold. First, we summarize the articles in the special issue, which address a number of important micro topics, including HRM practices in the entrepreneurial firm, leadership, identity, teams, well‐being, diversity/equity/inclusion, and careers and hiring. These articles are based on a variety of research methods and data sources from multiple nations. Second, we identify additional important topics for OB/HR scholars who are interested in conducting research on entrepreneurship. They include a global perspective, the bright versus dark side of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship and STEM workers, and genetic and biological determinants. We conclude with a consideration of methodological and research design issues.
The distribution of intestinal flora after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Tong Lin , Meng Yan , Zhang Luying , Yu Jie , Dou Ying
Published: December 2023

Background

This prospective study aimed to comprehensively understand the changes in intestinal flora at different stages after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pediatric patients and to analyze the effect of intestinal flora on acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), especially on gastrointestinal graft versus host disease (GI GVHD).

Methods

A total of 32 children with primary diseases of primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) and thalassemia were included. 16S sequencing was used to characterize the microbiota layout at three time points peri‐transplant including pre‐transplant, Day +3, and Day +30.

Results

By comparing the intestinal flora of children with GI GVHD and those without GI GVHD, it suggests that in children with GI GVHD, the distribution of intestinal flora after transplantation was more variable and more chaotic (chao1 index, Friedman test, p = .029). Besides, Veillonella and Ruminococcaceae were more abundant before transplantation, Bifidobacteriaceae and Bacillales were more abundant after transplantation. Comparing children with PID and thalassemia, it was found that the destruction of gut microbiota diversity was more significant in children with thalassemia after transplantation. The comparison of children with 0‐I° aGVHD and II‐III° aGVHD indicates that children with II‐III° aGVHD had more Bilophila before transplantation than children with 0‐I° aGVHD. Additionally, exploratory analyses to evaluate correlations between clinical characteristics (medications, immune cell recovery, etc.) and microbiome features were also performed.

Conclusions

This study has synthetically shown the distribution of intestinal flora after allo‐HSCT, and some characteristic bacteria at different stages that may serve as potential biomarkers were screened out additionally, perhaps providing clues for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Spectral characteristics of the flavones and anthocyanins present in passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Authors: Silori Yogita , Chawla Sakshi , De Arijit Kumar , Shirke Rajendra P. , Grover Jagdeep , Ramasastry S. S. V. , Sathyamurthy Narayanasami
Published: December 2023

Rich in antioxidants with a variety of flavones and anthocyanins, passionflower/fruit has been extensively used in food, beverage, medicinal, and natural dyes industries. The individual components present in passionflower are identified by extracting them in methanol, partitioning them between ethyl acetate and aqueous layers, and recording their ESI mass spectrometric data. The steady‐state absorption and fluorescence spectra of the extract in methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide are recorded and the lifetime of the fluorescing species is reported. The pH dependence of the absorption spectrum confirms the presence of the anthocyanins.
Mechanical plaque removal in step‐1 of care
Authors: Van der Weijden G. A. (Fridus) , van Loveren Cor
Published: December 2023

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine is essential for taking care of our mouths, ensuring healthy teeth, and achieving fresh breath. Patient education on oral hygiene is an important component of their overall treatment. Firstly, patients should be informed about the direct connection between bacteria in dental plaque and oral diseases. It is important for patients to understand that these conditions can be treated, but the success of treatment greatly depends on their level of oral hygiene. This journey begins by selecting the appropriate toothbrush and mastering the correct brushing technique to effectively remove dental plaque while avoiding any potential damage to the gums. In addition to toothbrushes, there are other devices available for comprehensive dental cleaning, such as floss, interdental sticks, interdental brushes, and oral irrigators. These aids are particularly beneficial for eliminating dental plaque from hard‐to‐reach areas. Moreover, tongue brushing or tongue scraping can effectively reduce breath odor and tongue coating. Currently, self‐care recommendations for dental implants are primarily based on existing knowledge regarding natural teeth cleaning. Evidence‐based recommendations are derived from comprehensive systematic evaluation of various oral hygiene aids.
The macroeconomics of establishing a basic income grant in South Africa
Authors: Hollander Hylton , Havemann Roy , Steenkamp Daan
Published: December 2023

This paper quantifies the effect of fiscal transfers on the trade‐off between social relief and debt accumulation and discusses the economic growth and fiscal implications of different combinations of expanded social support and funding choices. Given South Africa's already high level of public debt, the opportunity to fund a basic income grant through higher debt is limited. Using a general equilibrium model, the paper shows that extending the social relief of distress grant could be fiscally feasible provided taxes rise to fund such a programme. Implementing such a policy would, however, have a contractionary impact on the economy. A larger basic income grant (even at the level of the food poverty line) would threaten fiscal sustainability as it would require large tax increases that would crowd‐out consumption and investment. The model results show that sustainably expanding social transfers requires structurally higher growth, which necessitates growth‐enhancing reforms that crowd‐in the private sector through, for example, relieving the energy constraint, increasing government infrastructure investment and expanding employment programmes.
The fatigue after infusion or transfusion pilot trial and feasibility study: A three‐armed randomized pilot trial of intravenous iron and blood transfusion for the treatment of postpartum anemia
Authors: Caljé Esther , Oyston Charlotte , Wang Zeke , Bloomfield Frank , Marriott Joy , Dixon Lesley , Groom Katie
Published: December 2023

Background

Evidence for the management of moderate‐to‐severe postpartum anemia is limited. A randomized trial is needed; recruitment may be challenging.

Study Design and Methods

Randomized pilot trial with feasibility surveys. Inclusion: hemoglobin 65–79 g/L, ≤7 days of birth, hemodynamically stable. Exclusion: ongoing heavy bleeding; already received, or contraindication to intravenous (IV)‐iron or red blood cell transfusion (RBC‐T). Intervention/control: IV‐iron; RBC‐T; or IV‐iron and RBC‐T. Primary outcome: number of recruits; proportion of those approached; proportion considered potentially eligible. Secondary outcomes: fatigue, depression, baby‐feeding, and hemoglobin at 1, 6 and 12 weeks; ferritin at 6 and 12 weeks. Surveys explored attitudes to trial participation.

Results

Over 16 weeks and three sites, 26/34 (76%) women approached consented to trial participation, including eight (31%) Māori women. Of those potentially eligible, 26/167 (15.6%) consented to participate. Key participation enablers were altruism and study relevance. For clinicians and stakeholders the availability of research assistance was the key barrier/enabler. Between‐group rates of fatigue and depression were similar. Although underpowered to address secondary outcomes, IV‐iron and RBC‐T compared with RBC‐T were associated with higher hemoglobin concentrations at 6 (mean difference [MD] 11.7 g/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7–20.7) and 12 (MD 12.8 g/L, 95% CI 1.5–24.2) weeks, and higher ferritin concentrations at 6 weeks (MD 136.8 mcg/L, 95% CI 76.6–196.9).

Discussion

Willingness to participate supports feasibility for a future trial assessing the effectiveness of IV‐iron and RBC‐T for postpartum anemia. Dedicated research assistance will be critical to the success of an appropriately powered trial including women‐centered outcomes.
Dysfunctional iron metabolism in pressure injuries is related to aberrant CD163 and Homx‐1 signal transduction
Authors: Zhang Ju , Shan Hui , Guo Jinglin , Wang Xiaoying , Wang Weiwei
Published: December 2023

Dysregulation of iron metabolism has been associated with impaired chronic wound healing. However, changes in iron metabolism have yet to be reported in pressure injuries, a type of chronic wound. In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in iron metabolism and associated regulatory mechanisms in pressure injuries. We collected tissue biopsies and data from 20 consenting stage IV‐pressure injuries patients and 5 non‐pressure injuries patients hospitalised at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between March 2021 and June 2021. In addition, we measured the iron content by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Prussian blue staining in deep tissue pressure injury mouse models. An Enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay measured the expression of ferritin, ferroportin‐1 and transferrin. Immunofluorescence staining, high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing, Western blot and RT‐qPCR further analysed the fundamental mechanisms regulating iron metabolism. In this study, we observed numerous inflammatory cells infiltrating the marginal tissues of stage IV pressure injury patients and in deep tissue pressure injury models. The expression levels of pro‐inflammatory factors, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin‐6, were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The iron level was proportional to the degree of progression, with the most significant change appearing on the third day in deep tissue pressure injury models (p < 0.05). Enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay results suggested abnormal gene expression was related to iron metabolism, including a substantial increase in ferritin and a significant decrease in the expression of ferroportin‐1 (p < 0.05). In addition, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot showed that the expression of macrophage membrane receptor CD163 was abnormally elevated (p < 0.05). Both high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing and qRT‐PCR results suggested aberrant expression of the CD163/Homx‐1‐mediated signalling pathway. Dysfunctional iron metabolism was suggested to be related to the aberrant CD163/Homx‐1 signalling pathway in deep tissue pressure injury models.
Evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of diabetic foot ulcer management by wound care specialists in Indonesia
Authors: Jais Suriadi , Oe Makoto , Sanada Hiromi , Sasongko Agung , Haryanto Haryanto
Published: December 2023

Diabetic foot ulcers affect quality of life and economically burden patients and the Indonesian healthcare system. The comparative cost‐effectiveness of wound care specialists in private practices (e.g., wound clinics) and wound care nurses in national hospitals remains unknown. Thus, we used a decision tree to compare the cost and healing rates for patients after 12 weeks of wound care. Uncertainty was addressed using one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Among 89 participants (42 in the national hospital and 47 in the private practice), no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of sex, age, education level, smoking status, duration of diabetes, Wagner wound classification, glycated haemoglobin levels, neuropathy status, ankle‐brachial index, baseline characteristics, quality of life, DMIST (depth, maceration, inflammation/infection, size, tissue type of the wound bed, type of wound edge, and tunnelling/undermining) score and wound location (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed for days from first visit/assessment until complete healing, mean quality of life (p ≤ 0.001) and wound size (p = 0.047). Wound care specialists in private practices had a significantly lower cost of 2,804,423.3 Indonesian rupiah compared to 6,483,493.4 Indonesian rupiah for wound care nurses in national hospitals. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was −165,723.9. Therefore, wound care specialists in private practices are more cost‐effective for managing diabetic foot ulcers. Probability sensitivity analysis confirmed that 80%–90% of the scenarios were cost‐effective. These findings may inform healthcare resource allocation in Indonesia. Additionally, evidence‐based cost‐effectiveness measures were strengthened in private practices and national hospitals.
Towards the New National Capital (IKN) in Indonesia: Premises and Challenges of Food Security
Authors: Jiuhardi Jiuhardi , Hasid Zamruddin , Darma Surya , Priyagus Priyagus , Darma Dio Caisar
Published: December 2023

One of the successes of regional independence is food security. The essence of this paper dedicates the linkage between small and medium industry (SMI), population (Pop), food consumption (FC), and economic growth of agriculture, forestry and fisheries (EG_AFF) on food security (FS) towards a holistic New National Capital (IKN) in Indonesia. The comparative linear regression technique frames the data set starting from 2015 to 2021. Cross-regions that are qualified in “geospatial IKN” are focused into four clusters. From this analysis approach, it resulted in two important factors: (1) when SMI, Pop, FC, and EG_AFF increased, the simultaneous effect on FS increased; and (2) SMI has partial effect on FS in Balikpapan, Pop has partial effect on FS in Kutai Kartanegara, and FC has partial effect on FS in Balikpapan, Penajam Paser Utara (PPU), and Samarinda. This finding detects that SMI, Pop, FC, and EG_AFF guarantee food security in the short term. Finally, FC stimulates long-term food security in Balikpapan, PPU, and Samarinda, but has no implications in Kutai Kartanegara. The contemporary agenda is building an integrated agro-industrial system, considering alternative suggestions related to food productivity, and revitalizing revolutionary public facilities to separate food production centers from the new central government zone.
Measurements of Turbulence in Compressible Low-Density Flows at the Inlet of a Transonic Linear Cascade With and Without Unsteady Wakes
Authors: Pastorino Giacomo , Simonassi Loris , Lopes Gustavo , Boufidi Elissavet , Fontaneto Fabrizio , Lavagnoli Sergio
Published: December 2023

In the present work, hot-wire anemometry was employed for the characterization of the turbulent field at the inlet of a high-speed low-pressure turbine cascade, in terms of turbulence intensity and integral length scales. This work addresses two major topics relevant to the turbomachinery field: the application of hot-wire anemometry in transonic and rarefied flow regimes and the decoupling of the deterministic and the stochastic fluctuations when measuring unsteady phenomena. In compressible and rarefied flows, a hot-wire is strongly sensitive to both density and velocity fluctuations, and the commonly used Nusselt–Reynolds correlations are not valid. In this article, a nondimensional calibration methodology, based on Nusselt, Reynolds, and Knudsen numbers, was coupled with a sensitivity analysis and employed to postprocess the experimental dataset, allowing to decouple the fluctuations of density and velocity and to compute the turbulence parameters. In the presence of unsteady wakes generated upstream of the cascade, two different phase-locked averaging techniques were employed to distinguish the wake deterministic fluctuations from the background turbulence intensity.
Multiple musculoskeletal abnormalities in a woman with breast cancer treated with aromatase inhibitor
Authors: Zardi Enrico Maria
Published: December 2023

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Enhancement of hardness and corrosion resistance of Al-Si-N multilayer color coating via SiN/AlSiN/AlN compositional gradient interlayer
Authors: Shi Xunwang , Zhang Sam , Li Jingchuan , You Yuhang , Yu Xiuhan , Sun Deen , Shao Yong , Du Hongji , Wang Dawen , Zhao Minghua , Zhu Moshu , Li Fengji
Published: December 2023

The color of AlN/Si/Al coating can be controlled by the thickness of the AlN layer according to the interference effect. However, the loading capacity is affected by the large hardness difference between the Si and Al layers. Corrosion resistance is relatively weak due to penetration defects in the AlN surface layer. In this work, therefore, a SiN/AlSiN/AlN interlayer is sputtered in between the Si/Al layer in the AlN/Si/Al coating as the transition layer. The chemical state, structure, morphology, color, hardness, and corrosion resistance of the as-deposited Al-Si-N coating are carefully characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectrometry, grazing incident x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscope, colorimeter, nanoindentation, and electrochemical corrosion meter, respectively. To evaluate the long-term corrosion resistance, the uncoated, AlN/Si/Al-coated, and AlN/Si/SiN/AlSiN/AlN/Al-coated AZ31B Mg alloys are immersed in salt solution for different durations, followed by characterization of morphology and composition. The results show that the SiN/AlSiN/AlN interlayer is of a gradient structure in both composition and hardness. The AlN crystals grow continuously from the Al bonding layer into the AlSiN layer, resulting in internal longitudinal grain boundaries. The coating surface becomes smoother with a roughness (Rq) of 12.6 nm. The color of the coating is controlled by the AlN surface layer thickness. The coating hardness increases from 6.5 to 20.6 GPa. The corrosion current density of the coating decreases from 2.02 × 10−6 to 1.99 × 10−8 A/cm2. The coating could withstand corrosion in salt solution for at least 192h. The gradient structure of the interlayer effectively alleviates the hardness difference between the Si layer and the Al layer and inhibits the penetration of the corrosive medium from the surface. The mechanism for the enhanced corrosion resistance is explained through a model.
Case reopened: A temporal basis for harmonic pitch templates in the early auditory system?
Authors: Li Yi-Hsuan , Joris Philip X.
Published: December 2023

A fundamental assumption of rate-place models of pitch is the existence of harmonic templates in the central nervous system (CNS). Shamma and Klein [(2000). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 107, 2631–2644] hypothesized that these templates have a temporal basis. Coincidences in the temporal fine-structure of neural spike trains, even in response to nonharmonic, stochastic stimuli, would be sufficient for the development of harmonic templates. The physiological plausibility of this hypothesis is tested. Responses to pure tones, low-pass noise, and broadband noise from auditory nerve fibers and brainstem “high-sync” neurons are studied. Responses to tones simulate the output of fibers with infinitely sharp filters: for these responses, harmonic structure in a coincidence matrix comparing pairs of spike trains is indeed found. However, harmonic template structure is not observed in coincidences across responses to broadband noise, which are obtained from nerve fibers or neurons with enhanced synchronization. Using a computer model based on that of Shamma and Klein, it is shown that harmonic templates only emerge when consecutive processing steps (cochlear filtering, lateral inhibition, and temporal enhancement) are implemented in extreme, physiologically implausible form. It is concluded that current physiological knowledge does not support the hypothesis of Shamma and Klein (2000).
Microsporidia persistence in host impairs epithelial barriers and increases chances of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Jin Jiangyan , Tang Yunlin , Cao Lu , Wang Xue , Chen Yebo , An Guozhen , Zhang Huarui , Pan Guoqing , Bao Jialing , Zhou Zeyang
Published: December 2023

Microsporidia are intracellular fungus-like pathogens and the infection symptoms include recurrent diarrhea and systematic inflammations. The major infection route of microsporidia is the digestive tract. Since microsporidia are hard to fully eliminate, the interactions and persistence of the pathogen within epithelium may modulate host susceptibility to digestive disorders. In this study, both
in vitro
and
in vivo
infection models were applied. The alterations of epithelial barrier integrity, permeability, and tight junction proteins after microsporidia infection were assessed on MDCK/Caco-2 monolayers. The fecal intestinal microbiota and tissue alterations after microsporidia infection were assessed on C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, the susceptibility to develop dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) was also analyzed by the murine infection model. The results demonstrated that microsporidia infection increased epithelium permeability, weakened wound healing capability, and destructed tight junction protein zonula occludens-1. Microsporidia infection also dysregulates intestinal microbiota. These impairing effects of microsporidia increased host vulnerability to develop enteritis as shown by the murine model of DSS-induced IBD. Our study is the first to elucidate molecular mechanisms of the damaging effects of microsporidia on host epithelium and pointed out the cryptic threats of latent microsporidia infection to public health as reflected by the increased chances of developing more severe diseases.

IMPORTANCE

Microsporidia are widely present in nature and usually cause latent and persistent infections in hosts. Given the fact that the digestive tract is the major infection route, it is of great importance to explore the consequences of microsporidia infection on the intestinal epithelial barrier and the risks to the host. In this study, we demonstrated the destructing effects of microsporidium infection on epithelial barriers manifested as increased epithelial permeability, weakened wound healing ability, and disrupted tight junctions. Moreover, microsporidia made the host more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium-induced inflammatory bowel disease. These findings provide new evidence for us to better understand and develop novel strategies for microsporidia prevention and disease control.
Qualitative interview study exploring the perspectives of pregnant women on participating in controlled human infection research in the UK
Authors: Dorey Robert B , Theodosiou Anastasia A , Read Robert C , Vandrevala Tushna , Jones Christine E
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Pregnant women have been historically excluded from interventional research. While recent efforts have been made to improve their involvement, there remains a disparity in the evidence base for treatments available to pregnant women compared with the non-pregnant population. A significant barrier to the enrolment of pregnant women within research is risk perception and a poor understanding of decision-making in this population.

Objective

Assess the risk perception and influences on decision-making in pregnant women, when considering whether to enrol in a hypothetical interventional research study.

Design

Semistructured interviews were undertaken, and thematic analysis was undertaken of participant responses.

Participants

Twelve pregnant women were enrolled from an antenatal outpatient clinic.

Results

Participants were unanimously positive about enrolling in the proposed hypothetical interventional study. Risk perception was influenced by potential risks to their fetus and their previous experiences of healthcare and research. Participants found the uncertainty in quantifying risk for new research interventions challenging. They were motivated to enrol in research by altruism and found less invasive research interventions more tolerable.

Conclusion

It is vital to understand how pregnant women balance the perceived risks and benefits of interventional research. This may help clinicians and scientists better communicate risk to pregnant women and address the ongoing under-representation of pregnant women in interventional research.
Assessing the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial examining the effect of hearing aids on cognitive decline in elderly individuals: a study protocol
Authors: Fuchten Denise , Smit Adriana L , Huenges Wajer Irene M C , Rhebergen Koen S , Stegeman Inge
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Hearing loss is one of the leading potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia. There is growing evidence suggesting that treating hearing loss with hearing aids could be a relatively low-cost intervention in reducing cognitive decline and the risk of dementia in the long term. However, given the current constraints of the limited evidence, it is premature to draw definitive conclusions about the effect of hearing aids on cognitive functioning. More long-term randomised studies examining this effect would be recommended. Prior to embarking on large-scale lengthy randomised controlled trials (RCTs), it is imperative to determine the viability of such studies. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to assess the feasibility of a RCT that investigates the effect of hearing aids on cognitive functioning in elderly hearing impaired individuals.

Methods and analysis

In this randomised controlled feasibility trial, 24 individuals aged 65 years or older with mild to moderate hearing loss (≥35–<50 dB pure tone average (0.5–4 kHz) unilateral or bilateral) will be included and randomised towards a hearing aid intervention or no intervention. At baseline and at 6-month follow-up, a test battery consisting of cognitive tests and questionnaires will be administered to both groups. The primary outcome of the study is the willingness of hearing impaired individuals to be randomised for hearing amplification in a study regarding cognition. The secondary outcomes are the feasibility of the test battery and the therapy compliance of hearing aid use.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University Medical Centre Utrecht (NL80594.041.22, V.3, January 2023). The trial results will be made accessible to the public in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN84550071.