bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impacts of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Productivity: A Study of Accounting Faculty Who Are Caregivers of Children*
Authors: Wick Sara , Lento Camillo
Published: June 2023

This study explores how the COVID‐19 pandemic affected the productivity of accounting faculty who identify as caregivers of children. We examine the effects on caregivers of children because of the significant shift in the family‐work interface that resulted from remote working and learning. We draw on existing family‐work conflict research to develop four hypotheses that explore why the productivity of accounting faculty who are caregivers of children might be affected differently during the pandemic than that of accounting faculty who are non‐caregivers of children. We surveyed accounting faculty primarily across Canada and the United States. We find that accounting faculty caring for children during the pandemic experienced reduced research, teaching, and service productivity because of increased family‐work conflict and depletion. We supplement our main findings with an analysis of open‐ended questions to further understand productivity changes and supports for research, teaching, and service. Our study contributes to research examining family‐work conflict, employee productivity, and the accounting profession by making practical recommendations for providing targeted support for caregivers of children during times of crisis.
Survey of stigma across healthcare workers in an urban, academic medical center regarding perinatal patients using opioids
Authors: Braverman Alexis , Lin Tiffany , Messmer Sarah , Wollner Kathy , Taylor Renee , Williams Adrienne A. , Class Quetzal A.
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

To examine healthcare workers' attitudes towards pregnant woman using opioids across provider type, specialty, and years of service.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, anonymous survey of healthcare workers at an urban, academic medical center regarding attitudes towards pregnant women using opioids.

Results

One hundred and nineteen surveys were completed. Nurses were less likely to feel sympathetic towards pregnant women that use opioids (p = .016).

Discussion and Conclusions

Differences in attitudes towards pregnant women using opioids were found between clinicians and nurses.

Scientific Significance

Training and experience may contribute to attitude differences towards pregnant women using opioids.
The effectiveness and safety of intrauterine infusion of autologous regulatory T cells (Tregs) in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and low levels of endometrial FoxP3+ cells: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cai Songchen , Dai Su , Lin Rong , Huang Chunyu , Zeng Yong , Diao Lianghui , Lian Ruochun , Tu Wenwei
Published: June 2023

Problem

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized type of T cells that help maintain immune tolerance and homeostasis. The potential of Tregs cell‐based therapies in treating diseases has been demonstrated in several clinical trials, which have shown promising outcomes and high safety in autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and graft‐versus‐host disease. However, their effectiveness and safety in improving endometrial receptivity and reducing pregnancy loss in human reproduction are unknown.

Method of study

The study used a retrospective design and included patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and lower levels of endometrial FoxP3+ Tregs. Patients in the Tregs group (n = 33) received intrauterine Tregs infusion three times during the follicular phase, while the control group (n = 28) did not receive any intrauterine infusion.

Results

The intrauterine infusion of autologous Tregs increased the levels of FoxP3+ Tregs and CD56+ NK cells. Patients in the Treg group had higher live birth rates and lower miscarriage rates, especially early miscarriage rates. However, the two groups had no differences in the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and percentage of preterm delivery.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that intrauterine Tregs infusion may be a potential therapeutic approach for RPL. Further research in larger clinical trials is needed to confirm these findings.
Yubbi Yarning Circle Model: Collective Narratives and Cultural Expression in the Journey of Trauma
Authors: Wanjunagalin Peta , Thompson Robyn E
Published: June 2023

This article describes a “working model” that started as a culturally appropriate workshop created by students and staff involved in the Certificate III in Visual Arts at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Shepparton Campus, Victoria in 2018. The Yubbi Yarning Circle Model (YYCM) sees First Nations Artists, as both Facilitators and Storytellers, expressing the ongoing effects of Aboriginal Exemption using visual storytelling. We explore how the model of a visual narrative can be utilised in further cultural activities planned for research into Aboriginal Exemption and how this art resource may effectively be disseminated to Storytellers who not only have a history of Aboriginal Exemption, but also more broadly in the wider community. The YYCM approach is multi‐disciplinary and combines the cultural healing practices of the Yarning Circle, the Mariku knowledge of symbology, participatory action research using decolonised methodologies and findings on behavioral research from Northern Ireland about how the narrative can heal trauma.
Enabling workplace thriving: A multilevel model of positive affect, team cohesion, and task interdependence
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Hu Xiaowen , Wang Zhongmin , Griffin Mark A.
Published: June 2023

This research advances the workplace thriving literature by offering a multilevel view regarding the impact of positive affective resources on employee and team thriving. We conducted our study with 285 employees from 62 teams to examine a multilevel model involving the relationship between high‐activated positive affect (HAPA) and thriving at individual and team levels. Results demonstrated that team HAPA triggered team cohesion, which in turn enhanced team thriving, and that individual HAPA promoted individual thriving. While task interdependence did not moderate the effects of team HAPA on team cohesion or, in turn, on team thriving, cross‐level moderation showed that task interdependence strengthened the relationship between individual HAPA and individual thriving. These findings extend the knowledge regarding the relationship between positive affect and thriving by confirming the role of affect activation, identifying a team‐level mechanism, and clarifying a boundary condition.
LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of glass beads from Tié (12th–14th centuries), Kanem, Chad: Evidence of trans‐Sudanic exchanges
Authors: Magnavita Sonja , MacDonald Brandi L. , Magnavita Carlos , Oga April
Published: June 2023

Chemical analysis of glass from African archaeological sites has become a standard research tool over the past decades. Despite the multiplication of studies, the continent still exhibits vast unexplored regions. One of these is the surroundings of Lake Chad. This paper discusses the results of LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of recently excavated glass beads from the late medieval Chadian site of Tié. We demonstrate that the composition of those glass beads largely matches assemblages from along the East African coast. This indicates that most of the beads examined entered the region via a hitherto undocumented east–west Sudanic route linking Northeast Africa with Lake Chad.
Effect of alveolar ridge preservation on peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis prevalence: A multicenter, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Buonocunto Nino , Cinquini Chiara , Mijiritsky Eitan , Tagger‐Green Nirit , Porreca Annamaria , Di Nicola Marta , Iezzi Giovanna , Barone Antonio
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) is a procedure with the aim to reduce bone resorption that occurs after tooth extraction, facilitating the following implant placement. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of mucositis and peri‐implantitis around implants inserted in sites treated with ARP and to investigate possible risk factors.

Materials and methods

Patients who received at least one dental implant inserted in a grafted socket were considered eligible for this study. Patients were recalled for a follow‐up visit; medical history, clinical and demographic data were collected. Univariate logistic regression analyses have been performed for both implant‐level and patient‐level variables. Indeed, moderation analysis was used to investigate the indirect relationship between age and marginal bone level.

Results

Fifty‐one patients who received 61 implants were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Thirty‐three implants were classified as “healthy” (54.1%), 23 implants showed signs of peri‐implant mucositis (37.7%), and 5 implants were diagnosed with peri‐implantitis (8.2%). Data analyzed at the patient level showed that 49% of the patients were healthy, 45.1% of the patients had mucositis and 5.9% of the patients were affected by peri‐implantitis. Mandibular sites and type III grafted sockets showed a significant association with peri‐implantitis; in addition, a history of periodontitis and an increase in age showed higher risks of developing mucositis or peri‐implantitis.

Conclusions

Implants inserted in grafted sockets showed favorable rates of healthy implants in the long term.

Clinical relevance

The ridge preservation procedures do not seem to increase the risk of developing mucositis or peri‐implantitis.
Starting a national, prospective colorectal cancer registry in a developing country: how to do it, potential limitations and results of a pilot study
Authors:   Argentinian Colorectal Cancer Consortium
Published: June 2023

Aim

Prospective registries of patients operated on for malignancies at a national scale are not common in developing countries. The aim of this work is to report the process of creation of a prospective national colorectal cancer registry in a middle‐income country in Latin America and the main results of a pilot study involving eight centres.

Method

The project involved the creation of a national database including all patients operated on for colorectal cancer in Argentina and a 30‐year plan to make improvements based on the information provided by the registry. The first phase comprised the prospective registration of all patients treated in eight tertiary referral centres during a 6‐month period.

Results

Three hundred and seventeen patients were prospectively recruited during the study period, and 244 (77%) were operated on for colon cancer. The completion rate for all variables was >95%. The median age for the group was 66.88 years. Right‐sided colon tumours were the most frequent. Colorectal specialists performed 257 (81.07%) of the procedures, and in 273 (87.22%) patients a laparoscopic approach was used with an overall conversion rate of 12.45%. Major complication and anastomotic leakage rates for the group were 18.55% and 8.81%, respectively. The mortality rate was 1.94%. Multivariate analysis showed that young patients and operations performed by general surgeons were the most common factors independently related to worse postoperative outcomes. Note that this manuscript describes an early phase of the project that included only eight tertiary referral centres.

Conclusion

Despite its limitations, this study describes the effort made to generate reliable data on which to base future decisions to improve patient care. Furthermore, it might set an example for other developing countries to start their own registries.
COVID‐19 and cytopathology: The many faces of the pandemic's impact 3 years on
Authors: Mahadeva Ula , Vigliar Elena
Published: June 2023

This Special Issue aims to highlight some of the aspects that are inherent to the persisting impact of COVID‐19 on cytopathology practice.
Schlafstörungen in der Dermatologie – eine umfassende Übersicht
Authors: Mann Caroline , Gorai Surajit , Staubach‐Renz Petra , Goldust Mohamad
Published: June 2023

Schlaf ist ein normaler physiologischer Prozess, der etwa ein Drittel des Lebens eines Menschen ausmacht. Da der normale Schlafzyklus die physiologische Homöostase aufrechterhält, kann seine Störung zu Erkrankungen führen. Es ist zwar nicht bekannt, ob Schlafstörungen Hautkrankheiten verursachen oder Hautkrankheiten den Schlaf beeinträchtigen, es besteht jedoch der Verdacht auf einen bidirektionalen Einfluss. Wir haben Daten zu „Schlafstörungen in der Dermatologie“ zusammengetragen, die von Juli 2010 bis Juli 2022 in PubMed Central veröffentlicht wurden (mit der Option „Volltext verfügbar“) und geben einen Überblick zu Schlafstörungen im Zusammenhang mit dermatologischen Erkrankungen und bestimmten Medikamenten, die in der Dermatologie verwendet werden, sowie zu Schlafstörungen, bei denen einige eingesetzte Medikamente Juckreiz oder dermatologische Probleme verursachen können. Es ist bekannt, dass atopische Dermatitis, Ekzeme und Psoriasis durch Schlafprobleme verschlimmert werden und umgekehrt. Bei diesen Erkrankungen werden Schlafmangel, nächtlicher Pruritus und gestörte Schlafzyklen oft zur Beurteilung des Behandlungserfolgs und der Lebensqualität eingesetzt. Zudem wurden einige Medikamente, die in erster Linie für dermatologische Erkrankungen verwendet werden, mit Veränderungen des Schlaf‐Wach‐Zyklus in Zusammenhang gebracht. Die Bewältigung der Schlafstörungen von Patienten sollte einen integralen Bestandteil des Managements dermatologischer Erkrankungen darstellen. Weitere Studien sind erforderlich, um den Einfluss von Schlaf und Hauterkrankungen weiter zu untersuchen.
Lokaltherapie der Psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Ramic Lejla , Sator Paul
Published: June 2023

Topische Therapie spielt eine wichtige Rolle bei der Behandlung der Psoriasis. Sie kommt vor allem bei leichten Verlaufsformen zum Einsatz und wird auch bei mittel‐ bis schwerer Psoriasis zusätzlich zur UV‐ und systemischen Therapie empfohlen. In diesem Übersichtsartikel fassen wir die aktuellen Therapieoptionen zusammen und berücksichtigen dabei besondere Lokalisationen (Gesicht, Capillitium, intertriginöse/genitale Areale, palmoplantar, Nägel) und Situationen (hyperkeratotisch, stark entzündlich) sowie auch die Anwendung in der Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit. In der Initialphase hat sich die Kombination aus topischen Kortikosteroiden und Vitamin‐D‐Analoga als Therapie der Wahl bewährt sowie auch jeweils als Monotherapie. In der Erhaltungstherapie wird die Fixkombination (Bet/Cal) 1–2 x pro Woche empfohlen.

Neben der richtigen Wahl der Wirkstoffe spielt auch die Wahl der richtigen Galenik eine bedeutende Rolle. Um die Adhärenz zu verbessern, ist es außerdem wichtig, die persönlichen Präferenzen und Erfahrungen der Patienten zu berücksichtigen. Führt die topische Therapie nicht zu einem zufriedenstellenden Ergebnis, sollte eine zusätzliche UV‐Therapie oder eine systemische Therapie allein oder in Kombination in Betracht gezogen werden.
Dawn of the Sino–Japan Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
Authors: Fujita Rikiya
Published: June 2023

The exchange of gastrointestinal endoscopy between Japan and China began in 1972. Half a century ago, Japan's endoscope technology was still developing. At the request of the Japan–China Friendship Association, I was invited to Peking Union Medical Hospital and gave a demonstration of gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
‘LandsatTS': an R package to facilitate retrieval, cleaning, cross‐calibration, and phenological modeling of Landsat time series data
Authors: Berner Logan T. , Assmann Jakob J. , Normand Signe , Goetz Scott J.
Published: June 2023

The Landsat satellites provide decades of near‐global surface reflectance measurements that are increasingly used to assess interannual changes in terrestrial ecosystem function. These assessments often rely on spectral indices related to vegetation greenness and productivity (e.g. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI). Nevertheless, multiple factors impede multi‐decadal assessments of spectral indices using Landsat satellite data, including ease of data access and cleaning, as well as lingering issues with cross‐sensor calibration and challenges with irregular timing of cloud‐free acquisitions. To help address these problems, we developed the ‘LandsatTS' package for R. This software package facilitates sample‐based time series analysis of surface reflectance and spectral indices derived from Landsat sensors. The package includes functions that enable the extraction of the full Landsat 5, 7, and 8 records from Collection 2 for point sample locations or small study regions using Google Earth Engine accessed directly from R. Moreover, the package includes functions for 1) rigorous data cleaning, 2) cross‐sensor calibration, 3) phenological modeling, and 4) time series analysis. For an example application, we show how ‘LandsatTS' can be used to assess changes in annual maximum vegetation greenness from 2000 to 2022 across the Noatak National Preserve in northern Alaska, USA. Overall, this software provides a suite of functions to enable broader use of Landsat satellite data for assessing and monitoring terrestrial ecosystem function during recent decades across local to global geographic extents.
Frequency of headache in emergency department patients with anaphylaxis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Yuedan , Smith Jonathan H. , Mullan Aidan F. , Vanmeter Derek E. , Anderson Joel R. , Campbell Ronna L.
Published: June 2023

Background

Multiple anaphylaxis mediators have been demonstrated to provoke migraine‐like attacks following intravascular infusion, suggesting that anaphylaxis could cause headache; however, headache is rarely noted in anaphylaxis and is not included among diagnostic criteria.

Objective

Our study objectives were to estimate the frequency of headache among prospectively enrolled emergency department (ED) patients with anaphylaxis and assess the association of headache with patient and anaphylaxis characteristics.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of ED patients aged ≥5 years who met anaphylaxis diagnostic criteria from January 8, 2020 to September 9, 2022 was conducted. The primary outcome of interest was headache frequency among patients who met at least one anaphylaxis criterion. We explored the association of headache with patient characteristics and anaphylaxis characteristics.

Results

We included 63 patients with anaphylaxis. In all, 17 (27%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 17%–40%) patients reported the presence of a headache. Female patients had more than a nine times increased odds of having headache (odds ratio [OR] 9.3, 95% CI 1.14–77.1, p = 0.016). Presentation with headache was associated with the presence of dyspnea (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.56–19.7, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Headache in anaphylaxis may be more common than previously recognized, especially in females. Larger prospective studies are needed to characterize headache as a marker of neurological involvement in anaphylaxis.
A trip into molten sulfur
Authors: Sawada Hikaru , Chen Chong , Iwamoto Hisanori , Takai Ken
Published: June 2023

Lakes of molten sulfur are features sometimes found in seafloor hydrothermal vent systems. Daikoku of the northern Mariana Arc is notable for being home to one of such features inside its summit caldera, the “Sulfur Cauldron” discovered in 2006. A number of oceanographic research cruises since then have revealed significant volcanic activities on Daikoku Seamount, including an eruption event in 2014 leading to the formation of a new basin‐like crater. How this event impacted the sulfur lake on Daikoku Seamount remained unclear. Here, we revisited Daikoku Seamount with a remotely operated vehicle to show that the new crater is currently home to a much larger molten sulfur lake than the Sulfur Cauldron, which we name the “Rengoku” sulfur lake. Our samples provided new insights on the structure of submarine sulfur lakes, and contribute to the time‐series observation of volcanic and hydrothermal activities on Daikoku Seamount.
Examining the bias of pitfall traps with enclosure experiments and removal sampling
Authors: Yamanaka Satoshi , Yamaura Yuichi , Ozaki Kenichi
Published: June 2023

Pitfall trapping is among the most widely used sampling methods for ground‐dwelling beetles. However, the sampled ground‐dwelling beetle abundance in pitfall traps may be biased, which can lead to difficulties when comparing the sampled abundance between different habitats.

To better understand the comparability of the sampled abundance, we focused on two sampling processes: a temporary migration process (referring to the individual movements into and out of the effective trap area) and a removal process (determining the number of individuals collected given the number of individuals within the trap area).

To examine the effects of the temporary migration process, we compared the sampled abundance of 10 ground‐dwelling beetle species inside and outside enclosures in 2 habitats (clear‐cut and forested sites) and found that installing the enclosure decreased the sampled abundance in both habitats, but the effects did not differ among habitats.

To examine the effects of the removal process, we examined the effects of daily soil temperature on the daily sampled abundance (removal probability) of Pterostichus thunbergi using removal sampling within enclosures. We found that soil temperature increased the removal probability, but this effect was limited and not consistent across survey periods.

The results suggest that the effects of the temporary migration process may not be habitat dependent and that the effects of the removal process may be small. Therefore, the traditional use of pitfall traps is, to some extent, a robust and comparable measure of the sampled abundance of ground‐dwelling beetles among different habitats.
White blood cell differentials performance of a new automated digital cell morphology analyzer: Mindray MC‐80
Authors: Khongjaroensakun Narin , Chaothai Nutdanai , Chamchomdao Laksika , Suriyachand Katesaree , Paisooksantivatana Karan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The manual differential count has been recognized for its disadvantages, including large interobserver variability and labor intensiveness. In this light, automated digital cell morphology analyzers have been increasingly adopted in hematology laboratories for their robustness and convenience. This study aims to evaluate the white blood cell differential performance of the Mindray MC‐80, the new automated digital cell morphology analyzer.

Methods

The cell identification performance of Mindray MC‐80 was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using pre‐classification and post‐classification of each cell class. The method comparison study used manual differentials as the gold standard for calculating Pearson correlation, Passing‐Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman analysis. In addition, the precision study was performed and evaluated.

Results

The precision was within the acceptable limit for all cell classes. Overall, the specificity of cell identification was higher than 95% for all cell classes. The sensitivity was greater for 95% for most cell classes, except for myelocytes (94.9%), metamyelocytes (90.9%), reactive lymphocytes (89.7%), and plasma cells (60%). Pre‐classification and post‐classification results correlated well with the manual differential results for all the cell types investigated. The regression coefficients were greater than 0.9 for most cell classes except for promyelocytes, metamyelocytes, basophils, and reactive lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The performance of Mindray MC‐80 for white blood cell differentials is reliable and seems to be acceptable even in abnormal samples. However, the sensitivity is less than 95% for certain abnormal cell types, so the user should be aware of this limitation where such cells are suspected.
Clinical symptoms of SARS‐CoV‐2 breakthrough infection during the Omicron period in relation to baseline immune status and booster vaccination—A prospective multicentre cohort of health professionals (SURPRISE study)
Authors: Kohler Philipp , Babouee Flury Baharak , Güsewell Sabine , Egger Thomas , Leal Onicio , Brucher Angela , Lemmenmeier Eva , Meier Kleeb Dorette , Möller J. Carsten , Ortner Manuela , Rieder Philip , Ruetti Markus , Schmid Hans‐Ruedi , Stocker Reto , Vuichard‐Gysin Danielle , Speer Oliver , Wiggli Benedikt , Besold Ulrike , McGeer Allison , Risch Lorenz , Friedl Andrée , Schlegel Matthias , Vernazza Pietro , Kahlert Christian R. , Kuster Stefan P. ,   SURPRISE Study Group
Published: June 2023

The effects of different types of pre‐existing immunity on the frequency of clinical symptoms caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 breakthrough infection were prospectively assessed in healthcare workers during the Omicron period. Among 518 participants, hybrid immunity was associated with symptom reduction for dizziness, muscle or limb pain and headache as compared to vaccination only. Moreover, the frequencies of dizziness, cough and muscle or limb pain were lower in participants who had received a booster vaccine dose. Thus, hybrid immunity appeared to be superior in preventing specific symptoms during breakthrough infection compared to vaccination alone. A booster vaccine dose conferred additional symptom reduction.
Interleukin‐13 contributes to the occurrence of oral submucosal fibrosis
Authors: Wang Liping , Tang Zhangui , Huang Junhui
Published: June 2023

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic progressive fibrosis disease that affects in oral mucosal tissues. Interleukin (IL)‐13 has been implicated in the development of fibrosis in multiple organs. Indeed, it contributes to diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis among others. Currently, its expression in OSF and the specific mechanisms are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL‐13 in OSF and further explore whether IL‐13 regulates—polarization of M2‐macrophages in OSF. Initially, in the tissues of patients with OSF, we observed a high expression of M2‐macrophages and IL‐13 protein. Additionally, we found a correlation between the expression of IL‐13 and the stage of OSF. Arecoline inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts (FBs) and promoted IL‐13 production in vitro. Furthermore, our observations revealed that M2‐macrophages increased upon co‐culturing M0‐macrophages with supernatants containing the IL‐13 cytokine. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that arecoline stimulates FBs leading to increased secretion of IL‐13, which in turn IL‐13 leads to polarization of M2‐macrophages and promotes the occurrence of OSF. This suggests that IL‐13 may be a potential therapeutic target of OSF.
Hidradenitis suppurativa presents a methylome dysregulation capable to explain the pro‐inflammatory microenvironment: Are theseDNAmethylations potential therapeutic targets?
Authors: Radhakrishna Uppala , Ratnamala Uppala , Jhala Devendrasinh D. , Uppala Lavanya V. , Vedangi Aaren , Patel Maulikkumar , Vadsaria Nikita , Shah Sushma , Saiyed Nazia , Rawal Rakesh M. , Mercuri Santo Raffaele , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Damiani Giovanni
Published: June 2023

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory skin condition with elusive pathogenesis that affects therapeutic intervention directly.

Objective

To characterize epigenetic variations in cytokines genes contributing to HS.

Methods

Epigenome‐wide DNA methylation profiling with the Illumina Epic array was performed on blood DNA samples from 24 HS patients and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched controls to explore DNA methylation changes in cytokine genes.

Results

We identified 170 cytokine genes including 27 hypermethylated CpG sites and 143 genes with hypomethylated sites respectively. Hypermethylated genes, includingLIF,HLA‐DRB1,HLA‐G,MTOR,FADD,TGFB3,MALAT1andCCL28; hypomethylated genes, includingNCSTN,SMAD3,IGF1R,IL1F9,NOD2,NOD1,YY1,DLL1andBCL2may contribute to the pathogenesis of HS. These genes were enriched in the 117 different pathways (FDRp‐values ≤ 0.05), including IL‐4/IL‐13 pathways and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling.

Conclusions

The lack of wound healing, microbiome dysbiosis and increased tumour susceptibility are all sustained by these dysfunctional methylomes, hopefully, capable to be targeted in the next future. Since methylome describes and summarizes genetic and environmental contributions, these data may represent a further step towards a feasible precision medicine also for HS patients.
Patient understanding: How should it be defined and assessed in clinical practice?
Authors: Cox Caitríona L.
Published: June 2023

In order for patients to make autonomous decisions in a healthcare setting, they must understand relevant information. There is, however, a lack of consensus on how understanding should be defined or assessed in this context, despite the fact that in practice doctors are regularly required to judge whether a patient has understood medical information. Current accounts of patient decision‐making often focus on the information which needs to be disclosed to the patient to support their autonomous decision‐making. Far less attention has been afforded to questions about how we might determine whether a patient has understood the information disclosed to them. Theoretical approaches to the concept of understanding in this context, and practically useful frameworks for assessing it, are lacking. In this paper, I use a number of hypothetical clinical situations to explore the conditions that are required for a patient to adequately understand information in medical decision‐making. Drawing upon the wider philosophical literature, I propose a number of criteria which are necessary for understanding in a medical context: patients must (1) grasp a body of information which (2) reasonably reflects a responsible body of medical professionals' best estimate of the truth, (3) to a degree which meets a context‐specific threshold. These criteria may be helpful in guiding assessments of patient understanding in clinical practice.
Successful surgical correction of a cataract in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) via field setting at a zoological facility
Authors: Anderson Chelsea E. , Tzu Jonathan H. , Hammond Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2023

A 41‐year‐old male vasectomized, zoo‐housed chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presented with progressive visual deficits due to bilateral cataract formation. Phacoemulsification and lenticular implant were performed by a veterinary and human board‐certified ophthalmologist team in a field setting. Post‐operative healing occurred without complication, and the patient returned to the troop with improved vision.
Elevated IGF‐1 concentrations in children with low grade glioma: A descriptive analysis in a retrospective national cohort
Authors: van Schaik Jiska , van Roessel Ichelle M. A. A. , Bos Iris D. , Claashen‐van der Grinten Hedi L. , Clement Sarah C. , van Iersel Laura , Bakker Boudewijn , Meijer Lisethe , Kremer Leontien , Schouten‐van Meeteren A. Y. Netteke , van Santen Hanneke M.
Published: June 2023

Children with low grade glioma (LGG) may present with, or develop, elevated concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1). The prevalence, pathophysiology, or its possible clinical effects are poorly understood. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of such elevated IGF‐1 concentrations and to describe its association with linear growth, body mass index (BMI), pituitary outcome, and tumor behavior in a large retrospective national cohort. From a nationwide retrospective cohort of pediatric brain tumor survivors diagnosed between 2002 and 2012, tumor, treatment, endocrine, and auxological data of children with LGG were collected (n = 358). Prevalence and risk factors for elevated IGF‐1 concentrations, as well as the association between having elevated IGF‐1 concentrations and receiving tumor treatment, were explored. IGF‐1 concentrations had only been measured in 45.5% of cases (n = 163/358). In 18.4% of 163 children with available IGF‐1 measurements, IGF‐1 concentrations were found elevated. No association was described between having an elevated IGF‐1 concentration and tumor behavior or height SDS at last moment of follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression identified posterior pituitary disorder (OR 6.14 95% CI: 2.21–17.09) and BMI SDS at follow‐up (OR 1.56 95% CI: 1.09–2.20) to be significantly associated with elevated IGF‐1 concentrations. In this retrospective cohort of children with LGG, IGF‐1 was found elevated in 18.4% of children with available IGF‐1 measurements. Elevated IGF‐1 seems to be related to hypothalamic dysfunction worsening over time. Larger prospective cohort studies are needed.
A Structure/Process Approach to Legitimacy: A Local Official's Selection and Legitimation of a Tax Policy in Mid‐Late Ming Dynasty China
Authors: Chen Zetao
Published: June 2023

Most studies on the connection between the legitimacy of an authority and its policy selection and legitimation follow a structure approach to legitimacy, which recognises an authoritative actor's selection and legitimation of a policy as determined by the subjects' collective commitment to values. Consequently, it cannot empirically explain policy variation under collective commitment to values and changes in those values. Building on existing processual theories and following the conceptualisation of legitimacy as a social process, this study proposes an integral process approach to legitimacy whereby an authority selects and legitimises a perceived legitimate policy towards subjects. Drawing on findings from a negative case methodology applied to the selection and legitimation of a tax policy by an official in Ming China, this study offers substantive content for an integral process approach to legitimacy. It develops the state legitimacy concept and contributes to emerging theories on the legitimacy dimension of fiscal state formation. Empirically, this study illustrates how the data from the nationwide field survey in mid‐late Ming China were used in tax collection at the local level and illuminates the discrepancies between the survey data and that recorded in local official tax registers.
Metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease in relation to site‐specific and multiple‐site subclinical atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zhang Ruosu , Man Sailimai , Lv Jun , Yu Canqing , Yin Jianchun , Wang Xiaona , Deng Yuhan , Wang Bo , Li Liming , Pang Yuanjie
Published: June 2023

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the newly proposed metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) were each associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. However, there is limited evidence on risk of atherosclerosis in individuals who meet the criteria for one but not the other. We aimed to investigate the associations of MAFLD or NAFLD status with site‐specific and multiple‐site atherosclerosis.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study involving 4524 adults within the MJ health check‐up cohort. Logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for subclinical atherosclerosis (elevated carotid intima‐media thickness [CIMT], carotid plaque [CP], coronary artery calcification [CAC] and retinal atherosclerosis [RA]) associated with MAFLD or NAFLD status, MAFLD subtypes and fibrosis status.

Results

MAFLD was associated with higher risks of elevated CIMT, CP, CAC and RA (OR: 1.41 [95% CI 1.18–1.68], 1.23 [1.02–1.48], 1.60 [1.24–2.08], and 1.79 [1.28–2.52], respectively), whereas NAFLD per se did not increase risk of atherosclerosis except for elevated CIMT. Individuals who met both definitions or the definition for MAFLD but not NAFLD had higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. Among MAFLD subtypes, MAFLD with diabetes had the highest risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, but the associations did not differ by fibrosis status. Stronger positive associations were observed of MAFLD with multiple‐site than single‐site atherosclerosis.

Conclusions

In Chinese adults, MAFLD was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, with stronger associations for multiple‐site atherosclerosis. More attention should be paid to MAFLD with diabetes, and MAFLD might be a better predictor for atherosclerotic disease than NAFLD.
Patient and nursing experience of flash glucose monitoring following kidney transplantation
Authors: Shaban Awf Abdulrahman , Minas Kimberley , Sunderland Andrew , Isard Tarryn , Chan Doris , Lim Wai Hon , Chakera Aron
Published: June 2023

Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) is increasingly used for blood glucose assessment due to ease of use and is now subsidized in Australia for blood glucose measurement for patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Dysglycaemia is common following kidney transplantation and is associated with worse outcomes and there are data to support the use of FGM post‐transplant to better detect and manage changes in blood glucose levels. There is, however, no data on patient or staff perceptions of FGM, or resource implications in this setting. We prospectively evaluated patients and nursing staff experiences of FGM compared to traditional capillary glucose measurement in the immediate post‐transplant setting, along with resource utilization, cost of testing, staff time taken to test and accuracy. Twenty‐one kidney transplant recipients had a FGM sensor applied in the post‐operative period and results compared to capillary blood glucose monitoring (CBGM) measured at least four times a day. Six‐hundred‐fifty‐six glucose measurements were obtained, median per patient of 30 readings (IQR 10). Pearson's correlation between FGM and CBGM readings is 0.95 (p < .001). FGM readings were lower than CBGM by an average of 1.2 mmol/L (SD 0.7). Using a 5‐point preference questionnaire (with ratings varying from strongly disagree‐strongly agree), both patients and nurses were highly satisfied with the usability and convenience of FGM, with all preferring FGM over CBGM. Average time to perform FGM was 3.6 s versus 64 s for CBGM. In average, cost of FGM was $58 less than traditional testing per patient. FGM is an accurate, convenient and cost‐effective tool that may support optimal management of glycaemic control in the post‐transplant period.
How to do things with sunk costs
Authors: Zhao Michael
Published: June 2023

It is a commonplace in economics that we should disregard sunk costs. The sunk cost effect might be widespread, goes the conventional wisdom, but we would be better off if we could rid ourselves of it. In this paper, I argue against the orthodoxy by showing that the sunk cost effect is often beneficial. Drawing on discussions of related topics in dynamic choice theory, I show that, in a range of cases, being disposed to honor sunk costs allows an agent to mimic a resolute chooser, someone who adopts the best plan at the outset of a decision problem and sticks with it, even when resoluteness is unfeasible. I discuss several kinds of cases in which honoring sunk costs coincides with resolute choice.
Different components of biodiversity mediate two ecosystem functions derived from naturally assembled filter‐feeder communities
Authors: Hopper Garrett W. , González Irene Sánchez , Bucholz Jamie R. , Lozier Jeffrey D. , Atkinson Carla L.
Published: June 2023

Positive biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships observed in experiments can be challenging to identify in natural communities. Freshwater animal communities are disproportionately harmed by global change that results in accelerated species loss. Understanding how animal‐mediated ecosystems functions may change as a result of global change can help determine whether biodiversity or species‐specific conservation will be effective at maintaining function. Unionid mussels represent half of imperiled species in freshwater ecosystems globally and perform important ecological functions such as water filtration and nutrient recycling. We explored BEF relationships for 22 naturally assembled mussel aggregations spanning three river basins. We used the Price equation to partition the contributions of species richness, composition, and context dependent interactions to two functions of interests: spatially‐explicit standing‐stock biomass (indirect proxy for function) and species‐specific nitrogen (N) excretion rates (direct measure of N recycling). Random and non‐random species loss each reduced biomass and N recycling. Many rare species with low contributions to biomass contributed to standing‐stock biomass in all basins. Widespread species had variable function across sites, such that context dependent effects (CDEs) outweighed richness effects on standing‐stock biomass in two basins, and were similar to richness effects in the third. Richness effects outweighed CDEs for N recycling. Thus, many species contributed a low proportion to overall N‐recycling; a product we attribute to the high evenness and functional effect trait diversity associated with these communities. The loss of low‐functioning species reduced the function of persisting species. This novel result using observational data adds evidence that positive species interactions, such as interspecific facilitation, may be a mechanism by which biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions. Our work stresses the importance of evaluating species‐specific contributions to functions in diverse systems, such as nutrient cycling when maintaining specific animal‐mediated functions is a management goal because indirect proxies may not completely characterize BEF relationships.
A conditional gene expression system in Porphyromonas gingivalis for study of the secretion mechanisms of lipoproteins and T9SS cargo proteins
Authors: Sasaki Yuko , Shoji Mikio , Sueyoshi Takayuki , Shibata Satoshi , Matsuo Takehiro , Yukitake Hideharu , Wolf Matthias , Naito Mariko
Published: June 2023

The Gram‐negative anaerobe, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is known to be a pathogen associated with chronic periodontitis. P. gingivalis possesses virulence factors such as fimbriae and gingipain proteinases. Fimbrial proteins are secreted to the cell surface as lipoproteins. In contrast, gingipain proteinases are secreted into the bacterial cell surface via the type IX secretion system (T9SS). The transport mechanisms of lipoproteins and T9SS cargo proteins are entirely different and remain unknown. Therefore, using the Tet‐on system developed for the genus Bacteroides, we newly created a conditional gene expression system in P. gingivalis. We succeeded in establishing conditional expression of nanoluciferase and its derivatives for lipoprotein export, of FimA for a representative of lipoprotein export, and of T9SS cargo proteins such as Hbp35 and PorA for representatives of type 9 protein export. Using this system, we showed that the lipoprotein export signal, which has recently been found in other species in the phylum Bacteroidota, is also functional in FimA, and that a proton motive force inhibitor can affect type 9 protein export. Collectively, our conditional protein expression method is useful for screening inhibitors of virulence factors, and may be used to investigate the role of proteins essential to bacterial survival in vivo.
BLZ8 activates a plastidial peroxiredoxin and a ferredoxin to protect Chlamydomonas reinhardtii against oxidative stress
Authors: Choi B. Y. , Park H. , Kim J. , Wang S. , Lee J. , Lee Y. , Shim D.
Published: June 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause damage to various cellular processes in almost all organisms, in particular photosynthetic organisms that depend on the electron transfer chain for CO2 fixation. However, the detoxifying process to mitigate ROS damage has not been studied intensively in microalgae. Here, we characterized the ROS detoxifying role of a bZIP transcription factor, BLZ8, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

To identify downstream targets of BLZ8, we carried out comparative genome‐wide transcriptomic profiling of BLZ8 OX and its parental CC‐4533 under oxidative stress conditions. Luciferase reporter activity assays and RT‐qPCR were performed to test whether BLZ8 regulates downstream genes. We performed an in silico functional gene network analysis and an in vivo immunoprecipitation assay to identify the interaction between downstream targets of BLZ8.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis and RT‐qPCR revealed that overexpression of BLZ8 increased the expression levels of plastid peroxiredoxin1 (PRX1) and ferredoxin‐5 (FDX5) under oxidative stress conditions. BLZ8 alone could activate the transcriptional activity of FDX5 and required bZIP2 to activate transcriptional activity of PRX1. Functional gene network analysis using FDX5 and PRX1 orthologs in A. thaliana suggested that these two genes were functionally associated. Indeed, our immunoprecipitation assay revealed the physical interaction between PRX1 and FDX5. Furthermore, the complemented strain, fdx5 (FDX5), recovered growth retardation of the fdx5 mutant under oxidative stress conditions, indicating that FDX5 contributes to oxidative stress tolerance.

These results suggest that BLZ8 activates PRX1 and FDX5 expression, resulting in the detoxification of ROS to confer oxidative stress tolerance in microalgae.
Molecular characterization of SrSTP14, a sugar transporter from thermogenic skunk cabbage, and its possible role in developing pollen
Authors: Koyamatsu Daiki , Otsubo Miyabi , Ohira Tomonori , Sato Mitsuhiko P. , Suzuki‐Masuko Hiromi , Shiota Takuya , Takenaka Takano Kohei , Ozeki Masaaki , Otsuka Koichi , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Watanabe Masao , Inaba Takehito , Ito‐Inaba Yasuko
Published: June 2023

In floral thermogenesis, sugars play an important role not only as energy providers but also as growth and development facilitators. Yet, the mechanisms underlying sugar translocation and transport in thermogenic plants remain to be studied. Asian skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius) is a species that can produce durable and intense heat in its reproductive organ, the spadix. Significant morphological and developmental changes in the stamen are well‐characterized in this plant. In this study, we focused on the sugar transporters (STPs), SrSTP1 and SrSTP14, whose genes were identified by RNA‐seq as the upregulated STPs during thermogenesis. Real‐time PCR confirmed that mRNA expression of both STP genes was increased from the pre‐thermogenic to the thermogenic stage in the spadix, where it is predominantly expressed in the stamen. SrSTP1 and SrSTP14 complemented the growth defects of a hexose transporter‐deficient yeast strain, EBY4000, on media containing 0.02, 0.2, and 2% (w/v) glucose and galactose. Using a recently developed transient expression system in skunk cabbage leaf protoplasts, we revealed that SrSTP1 and SrSTP14‐GFP fusion proteins were mainly localized to the plasma membrane. To dig further into the functional analysis of SrSTPs, tissue‐specific localization of SrSTPs was investigated by in situ hybridization. Using probes for SrSTP14, mRNA expression was observed in the microspores within the developing anther at the thermogenic female stage. These results indicate that SrSTP1 and SrSTP14 transport hexoses (e.g., glucose and galactose) at the plasma membrane and suggest that SrSTP14 may play a role in pollen development through the uptake of hexoses into pollen precursor cells.
Description of a new cellulosic natural fiber extracted from Helianthus tuberosus L. as a composite reinforcement material
Authors: Dalmis Ramazan
Published: June 2023

Natural fiber‐reinforced composites are generally known as eco‐friendly, long‐lasting, and recyclable materials. This study characterizes cellulosic Helianthus tuberosus L. fiber for polymer‐based green composites for the first time. Helianthus tuberosus L. fiber has many advantages as a reinforcement material in polymer‐based composites. For example, the high roughness of the fiber surface increases the locking into the composite body. One of the most critical advantages is its high thermal stability temperature of 247.3°C. Other advantages of the Helianthus tuberosus L. fiber are high cellulose content, high crystallinity, and high tensile strength. The hollow fiber structure allows its use in insulation materials. Finally, the high cellulose content of 62.65% supports its usage in various industries, including paper and paperboard manufacturing.