bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The birth of the “digital turn” in bioethics?
Authors: Salloch Sabine , Ursin Frank
Published: October 2022

The so‐called “empirical turn” in bioethics gave rise to extensive theoretical and methodological debates and has significantly shaped the research landscape from two decades ago until the present day. Attentive observers of the evolution of the bioethical research field now notice a new trend towards the inclusion of data science methods for the treatment of ethical research questions. This new research domain of “digital bioethics” encompasses both studies replacing (or complementing) socio‐empirical research on bioethical topics (“empirical digital bioethics”) and argumentative approaches towards normative questions in the healthcare domain (“argumentative digital bioethics”). This article draws on insights taken from the debate on the “empirical turn” for sounding out perspectives for the newly developing field of “digital bioethics.” We particularly discuss the disciplinary boundaries, chances and challenges, and potentially undesirable developments of the research field. The article closes with concrete suggestions on which debates need to be initiated and which measures need to be taken so that the path forward of “digital bioethics” will be a scientific success.
Perceived academic performance explained by school climate, positive psychological variables and life satisfaction
Authors: Izaguirre Lorea Azpiazu , Rodríguez‐Fernández Arantzazu , Fernández‐Zabala Arantza
Published: October 2022

Background

Adolescents spend a large percentage of their time at school, where learning and achievement are important activities that are vital to their future educational success and subsequent career opportunities. However, studies reveal a significant drop in satisfaction and performance during the teenage years.

Aim

Based on the ecological model, this study aims to explore the relationship dynamics between contextual (school climate) and psychological (emotional intelligence and resilience) variables, life satisfaction and perceived academic performance, analysing, to this end, four theoretical models grounded in previous research.

Sample

The sample comprised a total of 1397 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years from the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (northern Spain).

Analysis

The Equations 6.2 program was used to estimate the measurement model and the structural models, using the robust maximum likelihood procedure.

Results

School climate and life satisfaction were found to directly influence perceived academic performance, whereas emotional intelligence and resilience did so indirectly, with the full mediation of life satisfaction.

Conclusions

These results have important educational implications, since they reveal existing relationship dynamics, which should serve as a basis for the effective implementation of school programs. They also indicate how important it is for adolescents to be psychologically well‐adjusted and satisfied with their lives, in order for them to perform optimally at school.
Depictions of penises in historical paintings reflect changing perceptions of the ideal penis size
Authors: Gül Murat , Altintas Emre , Özkent Mehmet Serkan , Fenner Annette , Serefoglu Ege Can
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To investigate alterations in depicted penis size by evaluating nude male paintings from the 15th to 21st centuries.

Materials and Methods

Nude‐male paintings were identified from various art history websites and analysed to determine changes in penis size over time. Two observers organised the paintings according to the century in which they were created and made the calculations. Penile length to ear length (PtEL) or penile length to nose length (PtNL) were calculated to standardise the measurements using professional image analysis software. PtEL was first attempted for all paintings; if PtEL could not be ascertained, then nose length was used instead of the ear, as the nose length is defined as equal to ear length according to the golden ratio. Thus, PtNL was ensured and both ratios were then referred to using a common term: penis depiction ratio (PDR). Further analysis was performed by dividing the paintings into three groups according to the historical development of art: Renaissance Period (1400–1599; 15th–16th centuries), Baroque–Rococo and Impressionism Period (1600–1899; 17th–19th centuries) and Contemporary Art Period (1900–2020; 20th and 21st centuries).

Results

Of 232 identified paintings, 72 (31.1%) were excluded because they depicted images of adolescents or an erect penis. The PDR was found to differ significantly between paintings created in different centuries (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that paintings from the 21st century demonstrated significantly higher PDRs than paintings from previous centuries (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

In paintings depicting nude males, the size of the penis has gradually increased throughout the past seven centuries, and especially after the 20th century. This observation illustrates the changing sociocultural inputs into male body image and emphasises the need for improved understanding of the sociocultural factors associated with the perception of penis size in men.
Extreme weather events threaten biodiversity and functions of river ecosystems: evidence from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Sabater Sergi , Freixa Anna , Jiménez Laura , López‐Doval Julio , Pace Giorgio , Pascoal Cláudia , Perujo Núria , Craven Dylan , González‐Trujillo Juan David
Published: October 2022

Both gradual and extreme weather changes trigger complex ecological responses in river ecosystems. It is still unclear to what extent trend or event effects alter biodiversity and functioning in river ecosystems, adding considerable uncertainty to predictions of their future dynamics. Using a comprehensive database of 71 published studies, we show that event – but not trend – effects associated with extreme changes in water flow and temperature substantially reduce species richness. Furthermore, event effects – particularly those affecting hydrological dynamics – on biodiversity and primary productivity were twice as high as impacts due to gradual changes. The synthesis of the available evidence reveals that event effects induce regime shifts in river ecosystems, particularly affecting organisms such as invertebrates. Among extreme weather events, dryness associated with flow interruption caused the largest effects on biota and ecosystem functions in rivers. Effects on ecosystem functions (primary production, organic matter decomposition and respiration) were asymmetric, with only primary production exhibiting a negative response to extreme weather events. Our meta‐analysis highlights the disproportionate impact of event effects on river biodiversity and ecosystem functions, with implications for the long‐term conservation and management of river ecosystems. However, few studies were available from tropical areas, and our conclusions therefore remain largely limited to temperate river systems. Further efforts need to be directed to assemble evidence of extreme events on river biodiversity and functioning.
Sex roles and sex ratios in animals
Authors: Kappeler Peter M. , Benhaiem Sarah , Fichtel Claudia , Fromhage Lutz , Höner Oliver P. , Jennions Michael D. , Kaiser Sylvia , Krüger Oliver , Schneider Jutta M. , Tuni Cristina , van Schaik Jaap , Goymann Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

In species with separate sexes, females and males often differ in their morphology, physiology and behaviour. Such sex‐specific traits are functionally linked to variation in reproductive competition, mate choice and parental care, which have all been linked to sex roles. At the 150th anniversary of Darwin's theory on sexual selection, the question of why patterns of sex roles vary within and across species remains a key topic in behavioural and evolutionary ecology. New theoretical, experimental and comparative evidence suggests that variation in the adult sex ratio (ASR) is a key driver of variation in sex roles. Here, we first define and discuss the historical emergence of the sex role concept, including recent criticisms and rebuttals. Second, we review the various sex ratios with a focus on ASR, and explore its theoretical links to sex roles. Third, we explore the causes, and especially the consequences, of biased ASRs, focusing on the results of correlational and experimental studies of the effect of ASR variation on mate choice, sexual conflict, parental care and mating systems, social behaviour, hormone physiology and fitness. We present evidence that animals in diverse societies are sensitive to variation in local ASR, even on short timescales, and propose explanations for conflicting results. We conclude with an overview of open questions in this field integrating demography, life history and behaviour.
Feedforward loop between IMP1 and YAP/TAZ promotes tumorigenesis and malignant progression in glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Jia , Wu Xujia , Wang Jia , Guo Xing , Chen Junju , Yang Xuesong , Zhong Jian , Li Xixi , Deng Zhong
Published: October 2022

YAP/TAZ have been identified as master regulators in malignant phenotypes of glioblastoma (GBM); however, YAP/TAZ transcriptional disruptor in GBM treatment remains ineffective. Whether post‐transcriptional dysregulation of YAP/TAZ improves GBM outcome is currently unknown. Here, we report that insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1 or IMP1) is upregulated in mesenchymal GBM compared with proneural GBM and correlates with worse patient outcome. Overexpression of IMP1 in proneural glioma stem‐like cells (GSCs) promotes while IMP1 knockdown in mesenchymal GSCs attenuates tumorigenesis and mesenchymal signatures. IMP1 binds to and stabilizes m6A‐YAP mRNA, leading to activation of YAP/TAZ signaling, depending on its m6A recognition and binding domain. On the other hand, TAZ functions as enhancer for IMP1 expression. Collectively, our data reveal a feedforward loop between IMP1 and YAP/TAZ maintaining GBM/GSC tumorigenesis and malignant progression and a promising molecular target in GBM.
Social goals as predictors of children's in vivo emotional responses to social challenges
Authors: Rudolph Karen D. , Li Yuetian , Li Xiaomei , Cai Tianying
Published: October 2022

This study examined the role of social goals in shaping children's in vivo emotional responses during a challenging dyadic peer interaction. In all, 132 children (Mage = 9.46 years, SD = 0.33; 50% girls; 72% White) participated in a dyadic social challenge (conflict‐of‐interest situation) and reported their social goals and emotions during the task, and observers coded child emotions and dyad negativity. Mastery goals predicted more positive emotions unless interactions were highly negative. Performance‐avoidance goals predicted more negative emotions, particularly in the context of negative interactions and disappointing outcomes. Performance‐approach goals predicted less negative displayed emotions but more negative self‐reported emotions. Findings provide novel insights into how context‐specific social goals contribute to affective social competence during peer interactions.
Demographics and perceptions of diversity in dermatopathology workforce and training environments in the United States
Authors: Ahmed Aadil , Gittens Brian E. , Stewart Scott A. , Shalin Sara C.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the demographics and perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of dermatopathology to provide a measurable baseline for future efforts to enhance equity measures within our subspecialty.

Methods

A questionnaire based on a previously validated instrument by Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) was sent to American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) members to collect the demographic information (gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, experience and practice setting, etc.) and evaluate eight diversity, engagement, and inclusivity statements on a 1–5 Likert scale.

Results

The demographics of 207 of 1331 (15%) respondents showed slight male predominance. Eleven percent of respondents identified as LGBTQI. The major racial distribution was comprised of 62% White, 18% Asian (including Middle Eastern/Indian), 10% Hispanic, and 4% Black respondents. New‐in‐practice respondents (those in practice—5 years or less) were more likely to have a pathology background (71% vs. 56%, p = 0.047) than their more‐established peers with more than 5 years of service. This trend also contributed to increased diversity in terms of gender (66% females) and race (48% non‐White) among the newer generation. Dermatology‐trained dermatopathologists were mostly White (70%) and male (53%). Analysis of respondent demographics with perception statements showed that White and US graduate respondents (compared to other groups) were more likely to have a positive perception about DEI within the field of dermatopathology.

Conclusions

The results provide a snapshot of the current state of diversity within the field of dermatopathology. Moreover, these results highlight opportunities for further increasing diversity in general and leadership in particular within dermatopathology.
Differential contribution of nuclear size scaling mechanisms between Xenopus species
Authors: Heijo Hiroko , Merten Christoph A. , Hara Yuki
Published: October 2022

Size of the nucleus, a membrane‐bound organelle for DNA replication and transcription in eukaryotic cells, varies to adapt nuclear functions to the surrounding environment. Nuclear size strongly correlates with cytoplasmic size and genomic content. Previous studies using Xenopus laevis have unraveled two modes, cytoplasmic and chromatin‐based mechanisms, for controlling nuclear size. However, owing to limited comparative analyses of the mechanisms among eukaryotic species, the contribution of each mechanism in controlling nuclear size has not been comprehensively elucidated. Here, we compared the relative contribution utilizing a cell‐free reconstruction system from the cytoplasmic extract of unfertilized eggs of Xenopus tropicalis to that of the sister species X. laevis. In this system, interphase nuclei were reconstructed in vitro from sperm chromatin and increased in size throughout the incubation period. Using extracts from X. tropicalis, growth rate of the reconstructed nuclei was decreased by obstructing the effective cytoplasmic space, decreasing DNA quantity, or inhibiting molecules involved in various cytoplasmic mechanisms. Although these features are qualitatively identical to that shown by the extract of X. laevis, the sensitivities of experimental manipulation for each cellular parameter were different between the extracts from two Xenopus species. These quantitative differences implied that the contribution of each mode to expansion of the nuclear envelope is coordinated in a species‐specific manner, which sets the species‐specific nuclear size for in vivo physiological function.
Risk of progression from pre‐diabetes to type 2 diabetes in a large UK adult cohort
Authors: Gardner Michael P. , Wang Jingya , Hazlehurst Jonathan M. , Sainsbury Chris , Blissett Jacqueline , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Thomas Neil , Bellary Srikanth
Published: October 2022

Aims

People with pre‐diabetes are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. This progression is not well characterised by ethnicity, deprivation and age, which we describe in a large cohort of individuals with pre‐diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study with The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database was conducted. Patients aged 18 years and over and diagnosed with pre‐diabetes [HbA1c 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) to 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) were included]. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate adjusted hazard rate ratios (aHR) for the risk of progression from pre‐diabetes to type 2 diabetes for each of the exposure categories [ethnicity, deprivation (Townsend), age and body mass index (BMI)] separately.

Results

Of the baseline population with pre‐diabetes (n = 397,853), South Asian (aHR 1.31; 95% CI 1.26–1.37) or Mixed‐Race individuals (aHR 1.22; 95% CI 1.11–1.33) had an increased risk of progression to type 2 diabetes compared with those of white European ethnicity. Likewise, deprivation (aHR 1.17; 95% CI 1.14–1.20; most vs. least deprived) was associated with an increased risk of progression. Both younger (aHR 0.63; 95% CI 0.58–0.69; 18 to <30 years) and older individuals (aHR 0.85; 95% CI 0.84–0.87; ≥65 years) had a slower risk of progression from pre‐diabetes to type 2 diabetes, than middle‐aged (40 to <65 years) individuals.

Conclusions

South Asian or Mixed‐Race individuals and people with social deprivation had an increased risk of progression from pre‐diabetes to type 2 diabetes. Clinicians need to recognise the differing risk across their patient populations to implement appropriate prevention strategies.
Vertebrate cranial evolution: Contributions and conflict from the fossil record
Authors: Johanson Zerina
Published: October 2022

In modern vertebrates, the craniofacial skeleton is complex, comprising cartilage and bone of the neurocranium, dermatocranium and splanchnocranium (and their derivatives), housing a range of sensory structures such as eyes, nasal and vestibulo‐acoustic capsules, with the splanchnocranium including branchial arches, used in respiration and feeding. It is well understood that the skeleton derives from neural crest and mesoderm, while the sensory elements derive from ectodermal thickenings known as placodes. Recent research demonstrates that neural crest and placodes have an evolutionary history outside of vertebrates, while the vertebrate fossil record allows the sequence of the evolution of these various features to be understood. Stem‐group vertebrates such asMetaspriggina walcotti(Burgess Shale, Middle Cambrian) possess eyes, paired nasal capsules and well‐developed branchial arches, the latter derived from cranial neural crest in extant vertebrates, indicating that placodes and neural crest evolved over 500 million years ago. Since that time the vertebrate craniofacial skeleton has evolved, including different types of bone, of potential neural crest or mesodermal origin. One problematic part of the craniofacial skeleton concerns the evolution of the nasal organs, with evidence for both paired and unpaired nasal sacs being the primitive state for vertebrates.
Nitrogen enrichment alters multiple dimensions of grassland functional stability via changing compositional stability
Authors: Xu Qianna , Yang Xian , Song Jian , Ru Jingyi , Xia Jianyang , Wang Shaopeng , Wan Shiqiang , Jiang Lin
Published: October 2022

Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is known to alter the composition and functioning of plant communities. However, how nutrient enrichment influences multiple dimensions of community‐ and ecosystem‐level stability remains poorly understood. Using data from a nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition experiment in a temperate semi‐arid grassland that experienced a natural drought, we show that N enrichment, not P enrichment, decreased grassland functional and compositional temporal stability, resistance and recovery but increased functional and compositional resilience. Compositional stability and species asynchrony, rather than species diversity, were identified as key determinants of all dimensions of grassland functional stability, except for recovery. Whereas grassland functional recovery was decoupled from compositional recovery, N enrichment altered other dimensions of functional stability primarily through changing their corresponding compositional stability dimensions. Our findings highlight the need to examine ecological stability at the community level for a more mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in the face of environmental change.
Spectrum of epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia: Delineation of disease subtypes from a large multicenter study
Authors: Cerulli Irelli Emanuele , Cocchi Enrico , Ramantani Georgia , Riva Antonella , Caraballo Roberto Horacio , Morano Alessandra , Giuliano Loretta , Yilmaz Tülay , Panagiotakaki Eleni , Operto Francesca F. , Giraldez Beatriz Gonzalez , Balestrini Simona , Silvennoinen Katri , Casciato Sara , Comajuan Marion , Fortunato Francesco , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Gamirova Rimma , Coppola Antonietta , Di Gennaro Giancarlo , Labate Angelo , Sofia Vito , Kluger Gerhard Josef , Gambardella Antonio , Kasteleijn‐NolstTrenite Dorothee G. A. , Baykan Betul , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Striano Pasquale , Di Bonaventura Carlo ,   the EMA Study Group
Published: October 2022

Objective

Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EEM) has been associated with marked clinical heterogeneity. Early epilepsy onset has been recently linked to lower chances of achieving sustained remission and to a less favorable neuropsychiatric outcome. However, much work is still needed to better delineate this epilepsy syndrome.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we included 267 EEM patients from nine countries. Data on electroclinical and demographic features, intellectual functioning, migraine with or without aura, family history of epilepsy, and epilepsy syndromes in relatives were collected in each patient. The impact of age at epilepsy onset (AEO) on EEM clinical features was investigated, along with the distinctive clinical characteristics of patients showing sporadic myoclonia involving body regions other than eyelids (body‐MYO).

Results

Kernel density estimation revealed a trimodal distribution of AEO, and Fisher–Jenks optimization disclosed three EEM subgroups: early onset (EO‐EEM), intermediate onset (IO‐EEM), and late onset (LO‐EEM). EO‐EEM was associated with the highest rate of intellectual disability, antiseizure medication refractoriness, and psychiatric comorbidities and with the lowest rate of family history of epilepsy. LO‐EEM was associated with the highest proportion of body‐MYO and generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS), whereas IO‐EEM had the lowest observed rate of additional findings. A family history of EEM was significantly more frequent in IO‐EEM and LO‐EEM compared with EO‐EEM. In the subset of patients with body‐MYO (58/267), we observed a significantly higher rate of migraine and GTCS but no relevant differences in other electroclinical features and seizure outcome.

Significance

Based on AEO, we identified consistent EEM subtypes characterized by distinct electroclinical and familial features. Our observations shed new light on the spectrum of clinical features of this generalized epilepsy syndrome and may help clinicians toward a more accurate classification and prognostic profiling of EEM patients.
A rapidDNAextraction method for the detection ofClavibacter sepedonicusandRalstonia solanacearumin potato samples in a multiplexPCRtest
Authors: Nechwatal Jan , Theil Sigrid
Published: October 2022

A method is described that generates DNA extracts suitable for the detection ofClavibacter sepedonicusandRalstonia solanacearumin potato samples, without the need for laborious, time‐consuming extraction protocols or expensive kits and laboratory equipment. Furthermore, a multiplex test is presented that allows the simultaneous detection of both pathogens in one standard PCR reaction. The methods described here allowed the detection of both bacteria in cell densities of 103cells per mL of plant extract, thus fulfilling the demands of official testing schemes, e.g. in the European Union. High potato starch content did not affect analytical sensitivity, and high concentrations of one pathogen did not impede the detection of the other. This method might be useful for all laboratories worldwide carrying out medium‐ to large‐scale potato testing for bacteria, and also seems to be suitable for the detection of virus diseases relevant for seed potato certification.
Evidence for older carbon loss with lowered water tables and changing plant functional groups in peatlands
Authors: Stuart Julia E. M. , Tucker Colin L. , Lilleskov Erik A. , Kolka Randall K. , Chimner Rodney A. , Heckman Katherine A. , Kane Evan S.
Published: October 2022

A small imbalance in plant productivity and decomposition accounts for the carbon (C) accumulation capacity of peatlands. As climate changes, the continuity of peatland net C storage relies on rising primary production to offset increasing ecosystem respiration (ER) along with the persistence of older C in waterlogged peat. A lowering in the water table position in peatlands often increases decomposition rates, but concurrent plant community shifts can interactively alter ER and plant productivity responses. The combined effects of water table variation and plant communities on older peat C loss are unknown. We used a full‐factorial 1‐m3 mesocosm array with vascular plant functional group manipulations (Unmanipulated Control, Sedge only, and Ericaceous only) and water table depth (natural and lowered) treatments to test the effects of plants and water depth on CO2 fluxes, decomposition, and older C loss. We used Δ14C and δ13C of ecosystem CO2 respiration, bulk peat, plants, and porewater dissolved inorganic C to construct mixing models partitioning ER among potential sources. We found that the lowered water table treatments were respiring C fixed before the bomb spike (1955) from deep waterlogged peat. Lowered water table Sedge treatments had the oldest dissolved inorganic 14C signature and the highest proportional peat contribution to ER. Decomposition assays corroborated sustained high rates of decomposition with lowered water tables down to 40 cm below the peat surface. Heterotrophic respiration exceeded plant respiration at the height of the growing season in lowered water table treatments. Rates of gross primary production were only impacted by vegetation, whereas ER was affected by vegetation and water table depth treatments. The decoupling of respiration and primary production with lowered water tables combined with older C losses suggests that climate and land‐use‐induced changes in peatland hydrology can increase the vulnerability of peatland C stores.
‘Advocacy groups are the connectors’: Experiences and contributions of rare disease patient organization leaders in advanced neurotherapeutics
Authors: Nguyen Christina Q. , Kariyawasam Didu , Alba‐Concepcion Kristine , Grattan Sarah , Hetherington Kate , Wakefield Claire E. , Woolfenden Susan , Dale Russell C. , Palmer Elizabeth E. , Farrar Michelle A.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Biomedical progress has facilitated breakthrough advanced neurotherapeutic interventions, whose potential to improve outcomes in rare neurological diseases has increased hope among people with lived experiences and their carers. Nevertheless, gene, somatic cell and other advanced neurotherapeutic interventions carry significant risks. Rare disease patient organizations (RDPOs) may enhance patient experiences, inform expectations and promote health literacy. However, their perspectives are understudied in paediatric neurology. If advanced neurotherapeutics is to optimize RDPO contributions, it demands further insights into their roles, interactions and support needs.

Methods

We used a mixed‐methodology approach, interviewing 20 RDPO leaders representing paediatric rare neurological diseases and following them up with two online surveys featuring closed and open‐ended questions on advanced neurotherapeutics (19/20) and negative mood states (17/20). Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using thematic discourse analysis and basic descriptive statistics, respectively.

Results

Leaders perceived their roles to be targeted at educational provision (20/20), community preparation for advanced neurotherapeutic clinical trials (19/20), information simplification (19/20) and focused research pursuits (20/20). Although most leaders perceived the benefits of collaboration between stakeholders, some cited challenges around collaborative engagement under the following subthemes: conflicts of interest, competition and logistical difficulties. Regarding neurotherapeutics, RDPO leaders identified support needs centred on information provision, valuing access to clinician experts and highlighting a demand for co‐developed, centralized, high‐level and understandable, resources that may improve information exchange. Leaders perceived a need for psychosocial support within themselves and their communities, proposing that this would facilitate informed decision‐making, reduce associated psychological vulnerabilities and maintain hope throughout neurotherapeutic development.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into RDPO research activities, interactions and resource needs. It reveals a demand for collaboration guidelines, central information resources and psychosocial supports that may address unmet needs and assist RDPOs in their advocacy.

Patient or Public Contribution

In this study, RDPO leaders were interviewed and surveyed to examine their perspectives and roles in advanced neurotherapeutic development. Some participants sent researchers postinterview clarification emails regarding their responses to questions.
Fermented coconut jelly as a probiotic vehicle, physicochemical and microbiology characterisation during an in vitro digestion
Authors: Domínguez‐Murillo A.C , Urías‐Silvas J.E.
Published: October 2022

There is little information on the survival of probiotics in plant‐based foods after simulated gastric and intestinal conditions, likewise the microstructure arrangement in the no‐dairy fermented food. This work aimed to study if the agar–agar in a fermented coconut jelly confers protection to probiotics, phenolic and antioxidant compounds during in vitro digestion. Samples containing higher agar–agar amounts tend to retain (P < 0.05) antioxidant and phenolic compounds in their network better, even after the in vitro digestion. Also, a compact and homogeneous microstructure was observed by the Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The texture profile analysis shows that 1% of agar samples presented the maximum hardness (P < 0.05) due to more bonding points and intermolecular interactions. Finally, the survival of probiotics remained above the recommended values (106–107 CFU g−1) after the in vitro digestion of a product with probiotic potential.
Reduction of faking with the use of a forced‐choice personality test: Cross‐cultural comparisons between South Korea and the United States
Authors: Lee HyeSun
Published: October 2022

Forced‐choice format tests have been suggested as an alternative to Likert‐scale measures for personnel selection due to robustness to faking and response styles. This study compared degrees of faking occurring in Likert‐scale and forced‐choice five‐factor personality tests between South Korea and the United States. Also, it was examined whether the forced‐choice format was effective at reducing faking in both countries. Data were collected from 396 incumbents participating in both honest and applicant conditions (NSK = 179, NUS = 217). Cohen's d values for within‐subjects designs (dswithin) for between the two conditions were utilized to measure magnitudes of faking occurring in each format and country. In both countries, the degrees of faking occurring in the Likert‐scale were larger than those from the forced‐choice format, and the magnitudes of faking across five personality traits were larger in South Korea by from 0.07 to 0.12 in dswithin. The forced‐choice format appeared to successfully reduce faking for both countries as the average dswithin decreased by 0.06 in both countries. However, the patterns of faking occurring in the forced‐choice format varied between the two countries. In South Korea, degrees of faking in Openness and Conscientiousness increased, whereas those in Extraversion and Agreeableness were substantially decreased. Potential factors leading to trait‐specific faking under the forced‐choice format were discussed in relation to cultural influence on the perception of personality traits and score estimation in Thurstonian item response theory (IRT) models. Finally, the adverse impact of using forced‐choice formats on multicultural selection settings was elaborated.
Expression levels of NPPB, ITGB6, CPNE4, EML5, and ITSN1 in fresh exudates swabbed from critically colonised and infected full‐thickness wounds in rats
Authors: Takizawa Chihiro , Minematsu Takeo , Nakagami Gojiro , Kitamura Aya , Koudounas Sofoklis , Kunimitsu Mao , Sanada Hiromi
Published: October 2022

Pressure injury management requires reliable identification of critical colonisation due to lack of infection signs. Our research group previously proposed the mRNAs natriuretic peptide B (Nppb), integrin subunit beta 6 (Itgb6), copine 4 (Cpne4), echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein like 5, and intersectin 1 as candidate markers in pooled exudates of critically colonised wounds. However, it is unclear whether mRNAs or proteins of the candidate genes would be suitable as biomarkers in fresh exudate. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity of the mRNAs and proteins as fresh exudate markers for critical colonisation. Three wound models of normal healing, critical colonisation, and infection were created in rats. Fresh swab‐collected exudates were collected, and mRNA and protein expression levels were measured. In the fresh wound exudates, the detection frequency of Itgb6 tended to decrease in the critically colonised and infected wounds (P = .067), and those of Cpne4 and Nppb tended to be lower in the infected wounds than in the normal healing and critically colonised wounds (P = .006 and .067, respectively). In contrast, there was no difference in protein expression in the exudates. This study suggests that Itgb6 mRNA in fresh exudates is a promising biomarker for critical colonisation.
What brings adults with Down syndrome to the hospital? A retrospective review of a Spanish cohort between 1997 and 2014
Authors: Aparicio Paloma , Barba Raquel , Moldenhauer Fernando , Suárez Carmen , Real de Asúa Diego
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adult patients with Down syndrome admitted to Spanish hospitals between 1997 and 2014. Secondary goals were to study trend changes over time, and to analyse differences between patients admitted to medical and surgical departments.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective observational study on data collected from the Minimum Basic Dataset (MBDS, Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos [CMBD]) of admissions of adults with Down syndrome to hospitals belonging to the Spanish National Health System from 1 January 1997 through 31 December 2014. We analysed epidemiological and clinical variables.

Results

We analysed 28,716 admissions of 16,874 adult patients with Down syndrome. Men accounted for 58.2% of the sample, and the mean age on admission was 41 ± 13 years, with an 11‐year increase in mean age during the study period. Admissions among persons with Down syndrome increased by 5% during the study period, with a noticeable rise in admissions of older adults and to medical departments. Almost one‐third of patients (31.8%) were admitted more than once. Age‐adjusted mortality was 15.7%. The most common comorbid conditions were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25%), hypothyroidism (18.6%), and epilepsy (14.3%). The departments with the highest numbers of admissions were internal medicine (26.3%), pulmonary medicine (6.9%), and general surgery (5.25%).

Conclusion

Hospital admissions among Spanish adults with Down syndrome have increased in recent decades, especially in older patients. We identified substantial differences between patients admitted to medical and surgical departments.
Protein succinylation associated with the progress of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bai Wenhui , Cheng Li , Xiong Liangkun , Wang Maoming , Liu Hao , Yu Kaihuan , Wang Weixing
Published: October 2022

Although post‐translational modification is critical to tumorigenesis, how succinylation modification of lysine sites influences hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains obscure. 90 tumours and paired adjacent normal tissue of liver cancer were enrolled for succinylation staining. 423 HCC samples with 20 genes related to succinylation modification from TCGA were downloaded for model construction. Statistical methods were employed to analyse the data, including the Non‐Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) algorithm, t‐Distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (t‐SNE) algorithm, and Cox regression analysis. The staining pan‐succinyllysine antibody staining indicated that tumour tissues had a higher succinyllysine level than adjacent tissues (p < 0.001), which could be associated with a worse prognosis (p = 0.02). The survival was associated with pathological stage, tumour recurrence status and succinyllysine intensity in the univariate or multivariable cox survival analysis model. The risk model from 20 succinyllysine‐related genes had the best prognosis prediction. The high expression of succinylation modification in HCC contributed to the worse patient survival prognosis. Model construction of 20 genes related to succinylation modification (MEAF6, OXCT1, SIRT2, CREBBP, KAT5, SIRT4, SIRT6, SIRT7, CPT1A, GLYATL1, SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT5, SUCLA2, SUCLG1 and SUCLG2) could be reliable in predicting prognosis in HCC.
7‐Epitaxol induces apoptosis in cisplatin‐resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via suppression of AKT and MAPK signalling
Authors: Yang Hui‐Ju , Velmurugan Bharath Kumar , Chen Mu‐Kuan , Lin Chia‐Chieh , Lo Yu‐Sheng , Chuang Yi‐Ching , Ho Hsin‐Yu , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Ko Jiunn‐Liang
Published: October 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Although cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is commonly used in HNSCC, frequent development of cisplatin resistance is a potential cause of poor HNSCC prognosis. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer efficacy of a major paclitaxel metabolite namely 7‐Epitaxol in cisplatin‐resistant HNSCC. The findings revealed that 7‐Epitaxol exerts cytotoxic effects in cisplatin‐resistant HNSCC cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Specifically, 7‐Epitaxol increased Fas, TNF‐R1, DR5, DcR3 and DcR2 expressions, reduced Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL (anti‐apoptotic proteins) expressions, and increased Bid and Bim L/S (pre‐apoptotic proteins) expressions, leading to activation of caspase‐mediated cancer cell apoptosis. At the upstream cell signalling level, 7‐Epitaxol reduced the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2 and p38 to trigger apoptosis. In vivo results showed that animals treated with 7‐Epitaxol show antitumor growth compared to control animals. Taken together, the study demonstrates the potential anticancer efficacy of 7‐Epitaxol in inducing apoptosis of cisplatin‐resistant HNSCC cells through the suppression of AKT and MAPK signalling pathways.
Effectiveness of a standardized skin care regimen to prevent atopic dermatitis in infants at risk for atopy: A randomized, pragmatic, parallel‐group study
Authors: Kottner Jan , Hillmann Kathrin , Fastner Alexandra , Conzade Romy , Heidingsfelder Stephanie , Neumann Konrad , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike ,   ADAPI Study Group
Published: October 2022

Background

It has been proposed that regular emollient application in early life could enhance skin barrier function and prevent atopic dermatitis (AD) especially in predisposed infants. This hypothesis was supported by evidence from exploratory and pilot trials showing protective effects in terms of reduced cumulative atopic dermatitis incidence with the use of daily emollient therapy starting immediately after birth.

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of a standardized skin care regimen for infants on the development of AD compared to not structured skin care regimen in infants with atopic predisposition.

Methods

Prospective, parallel group, randomized, pragmatic, investigator‐blinded intervention trial including 160 infants with 52 weeks intervention and 52 weeks follow up phase up to the age of two years. Infants were randomly assigned to receive a standardized skin care regimen including once daily leave‐on product application (lipid content 21%) or skin care as preferred by the parents.

Results

Using the intention to treat approach, the cumulative AD incidence was 10.6% after one year, and 19.5% after two years in the total sample. There were no statistical significant differences between intervention and control groups. Skin barrier parameters between the intervention and control groups were comparable. AD severity was higher and quality of life was more affected in the control group.

Conclusions

Regular emollient application during the first year of life does not prevent the development of atopic dermatitis. A standardized skin care regimen does not delay skin barrier development or causes side effects.
A Statistical Test for the Detection of Item Compromise Combining Responses and Response Times
Authors: van der Linden Wim J. , Belov Dmitry I.
Published: October 2022

A test of item compromise is presented which combines the test takers' responses and response times (RTs) into a statistic defined as the number of correct responses on the item for test takers with RTs flagged as suspicious. The test has null and alternative distributions belonging to the well‐known family of compound binomial distributions, is simple to calculate, and has results that are easy to interpret. It also demonstrated nearly perfect power for the detection of compromise with no more than 10 test takers with preknowledge of the more difficult and discriminating items in a set of empirical examples. For the easier and less discriminating items, the presence of some 20 test takers with preknowledge still sufficed. A test based on the reverse statistic of the total time by test takers with responses flagged as suspicious may seem a natural alternative but misses the property of a monotone likelihood ratio necessary to decide between a test that should be left or right sided.
Evaluation of shalgam residuals as a partial wheat flour substitution in tarhana production as a green food product
Authors: Tanguler Hasan , Tatlısoy Aslıhan
Published: October 2022

The effects of powders obtained from substitute shalgam residues (bulgur flour and turnip) on tarhana quality and the conformations of some properties were evaluated for the first time by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Fermented turnip and bulgur flour were obtained by extracting the drinkable shalgam from traditional production. These were then dried in a freeze dryer at −100°C at 0.01 mbar pressure to obtain fermented turnip powder and bulgur flour powder and used in the production of tarhana at different rates. The use of shalgam residual powders as a substitute for wheat flour caused a significant increase in the general composition and functional, physical, and sensory properties of tarhana. The amount and type of powder substitute caused a decrease in the viscosity index and flow behavior index, which are viscosity indicators for foods. According to the Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) data, the strong band at which the maximum absorbance is obtained is 2924/cm, which is mainly due to the N–H stretching of amide. It was observed that the tarhanas were grouped according to the type and/or amount of powder and an important distinction. According to the sensory analysis, it has been determined that the most preferred sample in terms of color, taste, smell, and general impression is the A6 trial 850 g wheat flour +150 g fermented bulgur flour powder. Therefore, according to the data obtained, it can be said that ≥50 g shalgam residues can be used in the production of various foods with high added value, especially tarhana.

Practical applications

This is the first research on the use of shalgam residues (bulgur flour and turnip) in the formulation of tarhana or another food. As the use of shalgam residue powders instead of wheat flour, even in small amounts, provides a significant increase in dry matter, ash, total acidity level, total phenolic substance, anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, water holding capacity, and foam holding capacity in tarhana, the use of residues in different foods and beverages will help to increase the specified properties. These residual powders also can be used to change the flow properties of various foods as well as to improve the sensory (especially color) properties of various fermented foods by incorporating them into the formulation.
Microbiological and physicochemical properties of farm bulk tank milk and antimicrobial resistance of its dominant bacteria
Authors: Ozdikmenli Tepeli Seda , Zorba Murat , Yalman Musa , Bilgucu Ertuğrul , Demirel Zorba Nükhet Nilüfer
Published: October 2022

This study determined the antibiotic resistance of the dominant bacteria in the 85 farm BTMs according to the guidelines recommended by the epidemiological cutoff values in the EUCAST. In addition, some physicochemical and microbiological properties of farm BTMs were investigated. The milk samples were divided into two groups according to their SCC values. The milk samples with higher SCC than 400,000 cells mL−1 were further examined bacteriologically, and the antibiotic resistance of isolates was determined. The average TAMB value was 6.34 log CFU/mL in farm BTM. It was found that high‐SCC values did not affect other physicochemical properties of BTM samples, such as fat, protein and total solids, except for lactose content. Seventy‐two strains were isolated from 45 bulk milk samples. The most prevalent bacteria were Enterococcus spp. (23.61%). The other isolates were Citrobacter spp. (12.5%), Staphylococcus spp. (12.51%), Serratia spp. (11.12%), Klebsiella spp. (9.72%), Bacillus spp. (9.72%), and Enterobacter spp. (8.33%). In antibiotic resistance analysis, 52.6% of Enterobacterales isolates showed cefoxitin resistance, and nine Enterobacterales isolates were determined as the presumptive ESBL producers. None of them was confirmed as ESBL producers. Moreover, MDR was detected in 83.3% of Enterobacter spp. isolates and all Bacillus spp. isolates. The over and inappropriate use of antibiotics in mastitis treatment may cause antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms in milk. It was found that 52.7% of the isolated bacteria were MDR, which could pose a risk to public health and food safety, with the consumer's increasing interest in consuming raw milk.
The NAC transcription factor ONAC083 negatively regulates rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae by directly activating transcription of the RING‐H2 gene OsRFPH2‐6
Authors: Bi Yan , Wang Hui , Yuan Xi , Yan Yuqing , Li Dayong , Song Fengming
Published: October 2022

NAC transcription factors (TFs) play critical roles in plant immunity by modulating the expression of downstream genes via binding to specific cis‐elements in promoters. Here, we report the function and regulatory network of a pathogen‐ and defense phytohormone‐inducible NAC TF gene, ONAC083, in rice (Oryza sativa) immunity. ONAC083 localizes to the nucleus and exhibits transcriptional activation activity that depends on its C‐terminal region. Knockout of ONAC083 enhances rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae, strengthening pathogen‐induced defense responses, and boosting chitin‐induced pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI), whereas ONAC083 overexpression has opposite effects. We identified ONAC083‐binding sites in the promoters of 82 genes, and showed that ONAC083 specifically binds to a conserved element with the core sequence ACGCAA. ONAC083 activated the transcription of the genes OsRFPH2‐6, OsTrx1, and OsPUP4 by directly binding to the ACGCAA element. OsRFPH2‐6, encoding a RING‐H2 protein with an N‐terminal transmembrane region and a C‐terminal typical RING domain, negatively regulated rice immunity against M. oryzae and chitin‐triggered PTI. These data demonstrate that ONAC083 negatively contributes to rice immunity against M. oryzae by directly activating the transcription of OsRFPH2‐6 through the ACGCAA element in its promoter. Overall, our study provides new insight into the molecular regulatory network of NAC TFs in rice immunity.