bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced lung adenocarcinoma detected by choroidal metastasis in a patient with amyopathic dermatomyositis: A case report
Authors: Kawaguchi Takako , Yamasaki Kei , Shingu Tatsuya , Manabe Taiki , Koga Satoko , Naruse Sho , Kidogawa Moe , Ujimiya Fuki , Nishida Chinatsu , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: April 2022

A 63‐year‐old Japanese man with amyopathic dermatomyositis treated with immunosuppressants became aware of distortion of his left visual field, and a metastatic choroidal tumor was suspected. His chest computed tomography (CT) showed a pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and he was diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with choroidal metastasis. Malignancies associated with dermatomyositis (DM) are often rapidly progressive and, in choroidal metastasis associated with lung cancer, a choroidal lesion is often diagnosed prior to lung cancer; therefore, CT performed at the time of diagnosis of choroidal metastasis may show lung cancer lesions. When ocular symptoms are observed in DM patients, metastatic malignancies should be suspected, and systemic examinations, such as positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT, should also be performed.
Sex‐specific neurobehavioural outcomes and brain stimulation pattern in adult offspring paternally exposed to methamphetamine
Authors: Fan Yu , Li Zhaosu , Zheng Yanyan , Wei Xiaoyan , Zhang Zijing , Cai Qinglong , Liu Dekang , Ge Feifei , Guan Xiaowei
Published: April 2022

Paternal methamphetamine (METH) exposure results in long‐term behavioural deficits in the sub‐generations with a sex difference. Here, we aim to investigate the sex‐specific neurobehavioural outcomes in the first‐generation offspring mice (F1 mice) paternally exposed to METH prior to conception and explore the underlying brain mechanisms. We found that paternal METH exposure increased anxiety‐like behaviours and spatial memory deficits only in female F1 mice and caused depression‐like behaviours in the offspring without sex‐specific differences. In parallel, METH‐sired F1 mice exhibited sex‐specific brain activity pattern in response to mild stimulus (in water at room temperature for 3 min). Overall, paternal METH exposure caused a blunting phenomenon of prelimbic cortex (PrL), infralimbic cortex (IL) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) core in both male and female F1 mice, as indicated by the decreased c‐Fos levels under mild stimulus. Of note, the activity of central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) by mild stimulus was triggered in male but suppressed in female F1 mice, whereas the neurons of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), cingulate cortex (Cg1), NAc shell, medial habenula (mHb), dorsal hippocampal CA1 (dCA1) and ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) were only blunted in female F1 mice. Taken together, the distinct brain stimulation patterns between male and female F1 mice might contribute to the sex‐specific behavioural outcomes by paternal METH exposure, which indicate that sex differences should be considered in the treatment of offspring paternally exposed drugs.
The Toll‐like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod increases ethanol self‐administration and induces expression of Toll‐like receptor related genes
Authors: Lovelock Dennis F. , Liu Wen , Langston Sarah E. , Liu Jiaqi , Van Voorhies Kalynn , Giffin Kaitlin A. , Vetreno Ryan P. , Crews Fulton T. , Besheer Joyce
Published: April 2022

There is growing evidence that immune signalling may be involved in both the causes and consequences of alcohol abuse. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression is increased by alcohol consumption and is implicated in AUD, and specifically TLR7 may play an important role in ethanol consumption. We administered the TLR7‐specific agonist imiquimod in male and female Long–Evans rats to determine (1) gene expression changes in brain regions involved in alcohol reinforcement, the nucleus accumbens core and anterior insular cortex, in rats with and without an alcohol history, and (2) whether TLR7 activation could modulate operant alcohol self‐administration. Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) was dramatically increased in both sexes at both 2‐ and 24‐h post‐injection regardless of alcohol history and TLR3 and 7 gene expression was increased as well. The proinflammatory cytokine TNFα was increased 24‐h post‐injection in rats with an alcohol self‐administration history, but this effect did not persist after four injections, suggesting molecular tolerance. Ethanol consumption was increased 24 h after imiquimod injections but did not occur until the third injection, suggesting adaptation to repeated TLR7 activation is necessary for increased drinking to occur. Notably, imiquimod reliably induced weight loss, indicating that sickness behaviour persisted across repeated injections. These findings show that TLR7 activation can modulate alcohol drinking in an operant self‐administration paradigm and suggest that TLR7 and IRF7 signalling pathways may be a viable druggable target for treatment of AUD.
Referral for publicly funded aged care services in Indigenous populations: An exploratory cohort study of ethnic variation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Hikaka Joanna , Wu Zhenqiang , Bloomfield Katherine , Connolly Martin J. , Boyd Michal , Bramley Dale
Published: April 2022

Objectives

As people age, they are more likely to require support to maintain activities of daily living. Referral for formal assessment of need (assessed using the ‘international Resident Assessment Instrument’ [interRAI]) is the first step to access publicly funded services in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). It is unclear whether ethnic access inequities present in other areas of the NZ health system occur in this referral process. This exploratory research aimed to explore ethnic variation in referrals for interRAI assessment, and associated factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all new referrals for aged care services for those 55‐plus, received in 2018 by Waitematā District Health Board (WDHB), was conducted. The primary outcome was referral outcome (assessment and no assessment). Secondary outcomes included time from referral to assessment, reason for referral, mortality and, in the assessed cohort, assessment outcome.

Results

New referrals (n = 3263) were ethnically representative of the general older adult population in WDHB. Māori were younger and more likely to be referred for higher‐level care needs than non‐Māori, non‐Pasifika (NMNP) (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in referral outcome, time to assessment or mortality between ethnicities. NMNP were more likely to access lower‐level care services than Māori or Pasifika older adults (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Ethnicity was not associated with aged care service assessment access once people were referred for publicly funded services, nor was it associated with time to assessment or mortality in this exploratory study. Māori had higher care needs than NMNP at the time of referral.
Mesh versus non‐mesh repair of groin hernias: a rapid review
Authors: Smith Sarah M. , Khoja Adeel A. , Jacobsen Jonathan Henry W. , Kovoor Joshua G. , Tivey David R. , Babidge Wendy J. , Chandraratna Harsha S. , Fletcher David R. , Hensman Chris , Karatassas Alex , Loi Ken W. , McKertich Karen M. F. , Yin Jessica M. A. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Mesh is frequently utilized intraoperatively for the repair of groin hernias. However, patients may request non‐mesh hernia repairs owing to adverse events reported in other mesh procedures. To inform surgical safety, this study aimed to compare postoperative complications between mesh and non‐mesh groin hernia repairs and identify other operative and patient‐related risk factors associated with poor postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE and grey literature were searched to 9 June 2021 for studies comparing mesh to non‐mesh techniques for primary groin hernia repair. Outcomes of interest were postoperative complications, recurrence of hernia, pain and risk factors associated with poorer surgical outcomes. Methodological quality was appraised using the AMSTAR 2 tool.

Results

The systematic search returned 4268 results, which included seven systematic reviews and five registry analyses. Mesh repair techniques resulted in lower hernia recurrence rates, with no difference in chronic pain, seroma, haematoma or wound infection, compared to non‐mesh techniques. Risk factors associated with increased risk of hernia recurrence were increased body mass index (BMI), positive smoking status and direct hernia. These were independent of surgical technique. Patients under 40 years of age were at increased risk of postoperative pain.

Conclusions

Surgical repair of primary groin hernias using mesh achieves lower recurrence rates, with no difference in safety outcomes, compared with non‐mesh repairs. Additional risk factors associated with increased recurrence include increased BMI, history of smoking and hernia subtype.
Current controversies: Null hypothesis significance testing
Authors: Sedgwick Philip M. , Hammer Anne , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Pedersen Lars Henning
Published: April 2022

Traditional null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) incorporating the critical level of significance of 0.05 has become the cornerstone of decision‐making in health care, and nowhere less so than in obstetric and gynecological research. However, such practice is controversial. In particular, it was never intended for clinical significance to be inferred from statistical significance. The inference of clinical importance based on statistical significance (p < 0.05), and lack of clinical significance otherwise (p ≥ 0.05) represents misunderstanding of the original purpose of NHST. Furthermore, the limitations of NHST—sensitivity to sample size, plus type I and II errors—are frequently ignored. Therefore, decision‐making based on NHST has the potential for recurrent false claims about the effectiveness of interventions or importance of exposure to risk factors, or dismissal of important ones. This commentary presents the history behind NHST along with the limitations that modern‐day NHST presents, and suggests that a statistics reform regarding NHST be considered.
The risk of unexpected hospital admissions and primary care visits after an elective day‐case gastroscopy: a cohort study within England
Authors: Crooks Colin J. , Card Timothy R. , West Joe
Published: April 2022

Aim

To determine the excess of acute medical contacts following a day‐case diagnostic gastroscopy.

Methods

Cohort study using English linked primary, secondary care and death registry electronic health data. We included 277,535 diagnostic day‐case gastroscopies in 225,304 people between 1998 and 2016 and followed up for 30 days. 1,383,535 30‐day periods without a gastroscopy within 991,249 people frequency matched on year, gender and decade of birth. Non‐cancer deaths, emergency non‐cancer admissions and cardio, vascular or respiratory (CVR) primary care consultations were identified and adjusted for each other as competing risks. Outcomes related to possible indications for gastroscopy were censored.

Results

5.1% of day‐case diagnostic gastroscopies were followed by emergency hospital admission, 0.4% for a CVR diagnosis. Adjusted for age, sex, morbidity, time trends, indications and competing risks, there was a 0.1% excess of CVR‐related hospital admissions compared to controls. This reduced to 0.05% (95% confidence interval 0.04–0.06%) in people under 40 years without morbidity and increased to 1.1% (0.6%–1.6%) in people over 90 years with high comorbidity. Similarly, by 30 days, 3.8% had a primary care consultation for a CVR problem, with an excess after adjustment ranging from 0.13% (0.11%–0.16%) to 0.31% (0.14%–0.50%). Overall numbers needed to harm ranged from 1 in 294 gastroscopies to 1 in 67 gastroscopies.

Conclusions

There was an excess of vascular and respiratory events associated with a diagnostic gastroscopy. In younger patients, this risk manifested as an increase in primary care consultations while in older patients there was an increase in emergency hospital admissions.
Novel prognostic predictor of haemoglobin–platelet index in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: Anaemia and thrombocytopenia are associated with IL‐6 production in lymphoma cells
Authors: Taniguchi Takahide , Nakayama Shoko , Tanaka Hirokazu , Rai Shinya , Hirase Chikara , Morita Yasuyoshi , Tatsumi Yoichi , Ashida Takashi , Matsuda Mitsuhiro , Hashimoto Shigeo , Matsumura Itaru
Published: April 2022

We previously reported that a novel haemoglobin–platelet index (HPI) based on anaemia and thrombocytopenia was useful to predict the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (DLBCL NOS). Here, we analyse the utility of HPI in a new validation cohort with DLBCL NOS (n  = 94). As a result, we confirm that HPI was effective for differentiating progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival in this validation cohort. So, we further compare the utility of HPI with previously reported prognostic markers such as the National Comprehensive Center Network‐International Prognostic Index (NCCN‐IPI), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), and platelet‐albumin (PA) score, using a larger number of 160 patients consisting of the derivation cohort (n  = 66) and a validation cohort (n  = 94). As a result, the patients with a higher HPI score had significantly worse outcomes, and HPI predicted the prognosis of DLBCL NOS independently of NCCN‐IPI. HPI was more sensitive than GPS and almost the same as PA score in predicting PFS. Moreover, the patients whose lymphoma cells were positive for interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (75/111 cases) judged by immunohistochemical staining had significantly lower haemoglobin levels and platelet counts than IL‐6‐negative cases (36/111 cases), suggesting the involvement of IL‐6 produced by lymphoma cells in anaemia and thrombocytopenia in DLBCL NOS patients.
Uptake of planning as a self‐regulation strategy: Adolescents’ reasons for (not) planning physical activity in an intervention trial
Authors: Renko Elina , Kostamo Katri , Hankonen Nelli
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Planning is an effective self‐regulation strategy. However, little is known why some people take up planning and some do not. Such understanding would help interventions to promote planning. We investigated how adolescents explain their (non) use of planning for physical activity after an intervention.

Methods

Qualitative content analysis was employed to investigate follow‐up interviews (a purposeful sampling; n = 19 low‐to‐moderately active, vocational school students) of Let's Move It trial participants twice post‐intervention: 6–8 weeks and 14 months post‐baseline. In the intervention, planning was one of the key techniques used to promote PA.

Results

We identified seven categories linked to reasons for (not) using planning. Most were related to feelings anticipated to result from planning. Action‐ and identity‐related concerns were also raised. The reasons for planning were that the plan (1) helps to clarify what to do and to get things done, (2) strengthens the feeling of autonomy, (3) promotes a sense of progress, ability and control over one's PA. The reasons for not planning were that (having) a plan may (1) feel forced and like an unpleasant duty, (2) take away life's spontaneity and freedom, (3) result in anticipated annoyance and bad mood if one fails to enact the plan, or (4) be an effective strategy for others but not for the interviewee.

Conclusions

Planning may not only link to behavioural control but also the sense of autonomy, and thus subsequent motivation. We suggest various strategies to promote planning, including challenging non‐planner identity and harnessing social dimension of planning.
Contact allergy in children with and without atopic dermatitis: An Italian multicentre study
Authors: Bonamonte Domenico , Hansel Katharina , Romita Paolo , Fortina Anna Belloni , Girolomoni Giampiero , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Patruno Cataldo , Napolitano Maddalena , Patrizi Annalisa , Argenziano Giuseppe , Micali Giuseppe , Calzavara Pinton Piergiacomo , Foti Caterina , Stingeni Luca ,   Italian Society of Dermatology and Venereology, Pediatric Dermatology Group
Published: April 2022

Background

Contact allergy and atopic dermatitis (AD) are both common inflammatory T cell‐mediated diseases and many factors may influence the prevalence of contact allergy in AD patients. In children, their possible correlation was debated with conflicting results.

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of contact sensitivity in children and to investigate the association with AD.

Materials and methods

A retrospective multicentre study on children aged from 0 to 14 years patch tested between January 2017 and December 2018 was performed. Children were consecutively patch tested with the SIDAPA (Società Italiana Dermatologia Allergologica Professionale Ambientale) baseline series.

Results

Among the 432 children investigated for contact allergy, 125 (28.9%) showed a positive reaction to at least one of the allergens tested, with a higher prevalence of positive patch test reactions in girls (32.3%) than in boys (25.0%). The most frequent contact allergens were nickel sulphate (10.2%), cobalt chloride (6.7%), methylisothiazolinone (3.7%), fragrance mix‐2 (3.2%), potassium dichromate (2.8%), fragrance mix‐1 (2.1%) and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (2.1%). One‐hundred‐three children (23.8%) suffered from AD showing a higher prevalence of positive patch test (36.9%) compared to children without AD (26.4%).

Conclusions

Despite the topic being still controversial, the present study suggests a consistent prevalence of contact allergy among children with higher sensitivity rate among children with AD than without AD.
TrBase: A genome and transcriptome database of Temnopleurus reevesii
Authors: Kinjo Sonoko , Kiyomoto Masato , Suzuki Haruka , Yamamoto Takashi , Ikeo Kazuho , Yaguchi Shunsuke
Published: April 2022

Sea urchins have a long history as model organisms in biology, but their use in genetics is limited because of their long breeding cycle. In sea urchin genetics, genome editing technology was first established in Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, whose genome has already been published. However, because this species also has a long breeding cycle, new model sea urchins that are more suitable for genetics have been sought. Here, we report a draft genome of another Western Pacific species, Temnopleurus reevesii, which we established as a new model sea urchin recently since this species has a comparable developmental process to other model sea urchins but a short breeding cycle of approximately half a year. The genome of T. reevesii was assembled into 28,742 scaffold sequences with an N50 length of 67.6 kb and an estimated genome size of 905.9 Mb. In the assembled genome, 27,064 genes were identified, 23,624 of which were expressed in at least one of the seven developmental stages. To provide genetic information, we constructed the genome database TrBase (https://cell-innovation.nig.ac.jp/Tree/). We also constructed the Western Pacific Sea Urchin Genome Database (WestPac‐SUGDB) (https://cell-innovation.nig.ac.jp/WPAC/) with the aim of establishing a portal site for genetic information on sea urchins in the West Pacific. This site contains genomic information on two species, T. reevesii and H. pulcherrimus, and is equipped with homology search programs for comparing the two datasets. Therefore, TrBase and WestPac‐SUGDB are expected to contribute not only to genetic research using sea urchins but also to comparative genomics and evolutionary research.
Factors influencing transferability in species distribution models
Authors: Rousseau Josée S. , Betts Matthew G.
Published: April 2022

Species distribution models (SDMs) provide insights into species' ecology and distributions and are frequently used to guide conservation priorities. However, many uses of SDMs require model transferability, which refers to the degree to which a model built in one place or time can successfully predict distributions in a different place or time. If a species' model has high spatial transferability, the relationship between abundance and predictor variables should be consistent across a geographical distribution. We used Breeding Bird Surveys, climate and remote sensing data, and a novel method for quantifying model transferability to test whether SDMs can be transferred across the geographic ranges of 129 species of North American birds. We also assessed whether species' traits are correlated with model transferability. We expected that prediction accuracy between modeled regions should decrease with 1) geographical distance, 2) degree of extrapolation and 3) the distance from the core of a species' range. Our results suggest that very few species have a high model transferability index (MTI). Species with large distributions, with distributions located in areas with low topographic relief, and with short lifespans are more likely to exhibit low transferability. Transferability between modeled regions also decreased with geographical distance and degree of extrapolation. We expect that low transferability in SDMs potentially resulted from both ecological non‐stationarity (i.e. biological differences within a species across its range) and over‐extrapolation. Accounting for non‐stationarity and extrapolation should substantially increase the prediction success of species distribution models, therefore enhancing the success of conservation efforts.
Trait‐based characterisation of parasitoid wasp communities in natural and agricultural areas
Authors: Kishinevsky Miriam , Keasar Tamar
Published: April 2022

Life‐history traits are increasingly used to understand how arthropod communities assemble and function under diverse conditions, for example why some species are better adapted to agricultural intensification than others. We aimed to understand which traits characterise parasitoid wasps under agricultural disturbances. To this end, we studied parasitoid communities from pomegranate orchards and nearby natural habitats in Israel.

Ten sites along a climate gradient were sampled thrice along one fruit‐growing season. We compiled information on life‐history traits associated with development, adult diet and host taxa, for 27 well‐represented parasitoid species. We tested for relationships between the parasitoids' abundances, functional traits and environmental conditions, using RLQ and fourth‐corner analyses.

Life‐history traits were highly related to environmental variables. Koinobionts (wasps whose parasitized hosts feed and grow), and parasitoids of aphids and whiteflies, were more common, and sugar‐feeding was less common, in orchards than in natural habitats. Parasitism of larval hosts correlated with aridity, while egg parasitism increased with herbaceous vegetation cover.

Host composition and koinobiosis shape parasitoid communities in the orchards. Koinobiosis is often associated with life‐history traits such as small eggs, short life‐span, early egg maturation and high fecundity, which may be adaptive in the frequently disturbed orchard habitats. Further, dense vegetation conditions seem to favour egg parasitism (perhaps because of reduced risks of egg desication), while larval parasitism is more common in arid seasons and sites. These findings provide initial insights regarding the effects of land use and climate on the functional characteristics of parasitoid communities.
Hippocampal position and orientation as prognostic biomarkers for posttraumatic epileptogenesis: An experimental study in a rat lateral fluid percussion model
Authors: De Feo Riccardo , Manninen Eppu , Chary Karthik , Hämäläinen Elina , Immonen Riikka , Andrade Pedro , Ndode‐Ekane Xavier Ekolle , Gröhn Olli , Pitkänen Asla , Tohka Jussi
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to identify prognostic biomarkers for posttraumatic epileptogenesis derived from parameters related to the hippocampal position and orientation.

Methods

Data were derived from two preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow‐up studies: EPITARGET (156 rats) and Epilepsy Bioinformatics Study for Antiepileptogenic Therapy (EpiBioS4Rx; University of Eastern Finland cohort, 43 rats). Epileptogenesis was induced with lateral fluid percussion‐induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adult male Sprague Dawley rats. In the EPITARGET cohort, ‐weighted MRI was performed at 2, 7, and 21 days and in the EpiBioS4Rx cohort at 2, 9, and 30 days and 5 months post‐TBI. Both hippocampi were segmented using convolutional neural networks. The extracted segmentation mask was used for a geometric construction, extracting 39 parameters that described the position and orientation of the left and right hippocampus. In each cohort, we assessed the parameters as prognostic biomarkers for posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) both individually, using repeated measures analysis of variance, and in combination, using random forest classifiers.

Results

The extracted parameters were highly effective in discriminating between sham‐operated and TBI rats in both the EPITARGET and EpiBioS4Rx cohorts at all timepoints (t; balanced accuracy > .9). The most discriminating parameter was the inclination of the hippocampus ipsilateral to the lesion at t = 2 days and the volumes at t ≥ 7 days after TBI. Furthermore, in the EpiBioS4Rx cohort, we could effectively discriminate epileptogenic from nonepileptogenic animals with a longer MRI follow‐up, at t = 150 days (area under the curve = .78, balanced accuracy = .80, p = .0050), based on the orientation of both hippocampi. We found that the ipsilateral hippocampus rotated outward on the horizontal plane, whereas the contralateral hippocampus rotated away from the vertical direction.

Significance

We demonstrate that assessment of TBI‐induced hippocampal deformation by clinically translatable MRI methodologies detects subjects with prior TBI as well as those at high risk of PTE, paving the way toward subject stratification for antiepileptogenesis studies.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for focal epilepsy: A systematic review of preclinical models and clinical studies
Authors: Ramos‐Fresnedo Andres , Perez‐Vega Carlos , Domingo Ricardo A. , Lee Seung Jin , Perkerson Ralph B. , Zubair Abba C. , Takahisa Kanekiyo , Tatum William , Quinones‐Hinojosa Alfredo , Middlebrooks Erik. H. , Grewal Sanjeet S.
Published: April 2022

Drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) is characterized by recurrent seizures despite appropriate treatment with antiseizure medication (ASM). Due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory potential, therapies with biologics such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a potential therapeutic benefit for structural causes of epilepsy, such as hippocampal sclerosis. In this article, we report a systematic review of the literature evaluating the preclinical and clinical studies of MSCs for DRE. Medline, Ovid EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Databases were searched electronically from their dates of inception to November 2021 using the following keywords: ((“mesenchymal”) AND (“stem cell”)) AND ((“epilepsy”) OR (“convulsion”) OR (“seizures”)). This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The initial query identified 488 studies representing 323 unique manuscripts. After application of selection criteria, 15 studies were included in this systematic review; 11 were preclinical studies and 4 were clinical studies. All preclinical studies were performed in rodents and all clinical studies were phase 1 trials. Thus far, therapy with MSCs appears to be safe for use in humans, as no severe adverse events related directly to the therapy were reported. Furthermore, MSC therapy appears to provide a statistically significant clinical benefit by reducing the seizure burden of patients, reducing the electrophysiological biomarkers of epilepsy, and improving their comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, animal studies reveal that the therapy exerts its effect by reducing aberrant mossy fiber sprouting (reduce excitatory pathways) and increasing γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons (increase inhibitory pathways). Both preclinical and clinical studies have shown MSC therapy to be safe and preliminary effective, thus warranting further studies to investigate its therapeutic potential.
Field Testing of a Novel Drilling Technique to Expand Well Diameters at Depth in Unconsolidated Formations
Authors: van der Schans Martin L. , Bloemendal Martin , Robat Niels , Oosterhof Ate , Stuyfzand Pieter J. , Hartog Niels
Published: April 2022

Larger well diameters allow higher groundwater abstraction rates. But particularly for the construction of wells at greater depth, it may be more cost‐efficient to only expand the borehole in the target aquifer. However, current drilling techniques for unconsolidated formations are limited by their expansion factors (<2) and diameters (<1000 mm). Therefore, we developed a new technique aiming to expand borehole diameters at depth in a controlled manner using a low‐pressure water jet perpendicular to the drilling direction and extendable by means of a pivoting arm. During a first field test, the borehole diameter was expanded 2.6‐fold from 600 to 1570 mm at a depth of 53.5 to 68 m and equipped with a well screen to create an expanded diameter gravel well (EDGW). In keeping with the larger diameter, the volume flux per m screen length was two times higher than conventional 860 mm diameter wells at the site in the subsequent 3 year production period. Although borehole clogging was slower on a volumetric basis and similar when normalized to borehole wall area, rehabilitation of particle clogging at the borehole wall was more challenging due to the thickness of the gravel pack. While jetting the entire borehole wall before backfilling holds promise to remove filter cake and thus limit particle clogging, we found that a second borehole (expanded 4.1‐fold to 2460 mm) collapsed during jetting. Overall, the EDGW technique has potential to make the use of deeper unconsolidated aquifers economically (more) feasible, although further understanding of the borehole stability and rehabilitation is required to assess its wider applicability.
The quality of life and comfort levels of hemodialysis patients with constipation: A descriptive and cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bulbul Elif , Cepken Tugba , Caliskan Ferda , Palabiyik Birgul , Sayan Canan , Kazancioglu Rumeyza
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This study was conducted to determine the constipation‐related quality of life, bowel habits, and comfort levels of constipated hemodialysis patients. It is known that the prevalence of constipation is high in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional and correlational study. The study included 164 hemodialysis patients who were determined to have constipation by examining the constipation statuses of 385 patients based on the Rome‐IV criteria. The study was reported according to the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology Declaration.

Findings

It was determined that as the constipation‐related quality of life of the patients increased, their comfort levels also increased. Constipation‐related quality of life increased in parallel with an increasing Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) score and an increasing number of bowel movements. The BSS scores of the patients were found to have a significant positive correlation with the patients' bowel movement frequencies and a significant negative correlation with their constipation frequencies. There was a negative correlation between years of dialysis and bowel movement frequencies. The presence of a previous gastrointestinal system complaint, the presence of an impact of constipation on the patient's dialysis session, and comfort levels were determined to be significant predictors of constipation‐related quality of life that explained 26.3% of the total variance in constipation‐related quality of life.

Discussion

In patients receiving hemodialysis treatment, constipation is an important and frequently encountered problem. Constipation leads to a reduction in quality of life and hemodialysis‐related comfort.
Child‐rearing experiences of female nurses working three shifts in South Korea: A qualitative study
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , Shim JaeLan
Published: April 2022

Aim

To explore the experience of balancing a career with raising school‐aged children and working three shifts and to suggest working environment changes to balance these roles

Background

Female nurses working three‐day shift rotations experience irregular life patterns, parenting conflicts, and confusion over nursing roles.

Introduction

This qualitative study examined nurses with early school‐aged children who work three‐day shift rotations in South Korea.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological approach employed in‐depth interviews to collect data from 12 married, female nurses with children aged 4–9 years. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, and reporting rigor was demonstrated using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Findings

Four themes emerged in our findings: (1) challenging phase: facing a great crisis that completely shatters the axis of life; (2) chaos phase: endless inner conflict between work and parenting; (3) solutions for coping phase: struggling to continue a nursing career; and (4) expanding phase: stepping into the expanded world of care.

Conclusion

Nurses working three‐day shift rotations try to balance their lives through interactions between nursing and child‐rearing. Further research is needed to create an environment that promotes this balance.

Implications for nursing practice and policy

To provide a better work–life balance, policymakers should foster a participatory and supportive management style, ensure adequate nurse staffing, implement a flexible work system, provide clinical career opportunities, encourage professional autonomy and responsibility, and promote in‐service and shared social information or continuing education.
Identification of optimal reference genes for gene expression studies in a focal cerebral ischaemia model—Spatiotemporal effects
Authors: Pomierny Bartosz , Krzyzanowska Weronika , Jurczyk Jakub , Strach Beata , Skorkowska Alicja , Leonovich Innesa , Budziszewska Bogusława , Pera Joanna
Published: April 2022

A proper reference gene (RG) is required to reliably measure mRNA levels in biological samples via quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR). Various experimental paradigms require specific and stable RGs. In studies using rodent models of brain ischaemia, a variety of genes, such as β‐actin (Actb), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (Hprt1), peptidyl‐propyl isomerase A (Ppia) and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh), are used as RGs. However, most of these genes have not been validated in specific experimental settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time‐ and brain region‐dependent expression of RG candidates in a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). The following genes were selected: Actb, Hprt1, Ppia, Gapdh, tyrosine 3‐monooxygenase/tryptophan 5‐monooxygenase activation protein, zeta (Ywhaz) and beta‐2 microglobulin (B2m). Focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by 90 min of tMCAO in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Expression was investigated at four time points (12 and 24 h; 3 and 7 days) and in three brain areas (the frontal cortex, hippocampus and dorsal striatum) within the ischaemic brain hemisphere. The RT‐qPCR results were analysed using variance analysis and the ΔCt, GeNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper methods. Data from these algorithms were ranked using the geometric mean of ranks of each analysis. Ppia, Hprt1 and Ywhaz were the most stable genes across the analysed brain areas and time points. B2m and Actb exhibited the greatest fluctuations, and the results for Gapdh were ambiguous.
Does hyaluronidase injected in periocular area change skin ultrastructure?: Standardized in vitro analysis
Authors: Aguilar‐González Marina , Davó‐Cabrera Juan , Rausell‐Fontestad Nuria , Botella‐Estrada Rafael , España‐Gregori Enrique , Pérez‐López Marta
Published: April 2022

Background

Treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers as a strategy for rejuvenation has experienced a significant growth in recent years, accompanied by a parallel increase in its complications, the treatment of which, such as hyaluronidase, we must be aware of.

Patients/Methods

14 patients (28 eyes) had indication for upper blepharoplasty surgery in the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe. After surgery, periocular skin of one eye of each patient was infiltrated with 300 U of hyaluronidase (14 cases) while the skin of the fellow eye was preserved untreated (14 controls). All samples were studied by the Pathology department, and finally, 6 variables (skin structure alteration, degeneration of elastic fibers, deposits, collagen fibers destructuring, inflammation, and other findings) were analyzed.

Results

No differences in skin structure, elastic fibers, and collagen dermal fibers were found between hyaluronidase‐treated skin and controls. A significant association between ex vivo application of hyaluronidase in periocular skin and the presence of amorphous extracellular deposits within the dermis was found.

Conclusions

Hyaluronidase applied ex vivo to periocular skin led to presence of deposits within the extracellular matrix compared to control eyelid skin but elastin and collagen dermis structure remained unaltered.
Partnering with support persons and clinicians to improve the health care experiences of patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Brown Catherine , Shahid Shaouli , Bernardes Christina M. , Toombs Maree , Clark Paul J. , Powell Elizabeth E. , Valery Patricia C.
Published: April 2022

Aim

To explore the care experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians diagnosed with cirrhosis with a focus on support needed.

Background

Cirrhosis disproportionately affects Indigenous Australians, and liver diseases contribute to the mortality gap between Indigenous and other Australian adults.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

Using yarning methods, Indigenous patients (n = 13) and support persons (n = 3) were interviewed by an Aboriginal researcher during April‐July, 2020. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes using an inductive approach.

Results

Six themes emerged. (1) Experience of diagnosis. This theme included stories of delays in the system, self‐awareness of signs and symptoms and relief of being diagnosed. (2) ‘Shame, shame, shame’. Experiences of prejudices and discrimination from health professionals, the lack of understanding of cirrhosis among health professionals, and stories about alcohol cessation and counselling around alcohol cessation. (3) Health literacy. Participants’ understanding of cirrhosis was variable. While the importance of knowledge was recognised, ‘what works for someone might not work for others’. Several patients partnered with their support persons and clinicians to bridge the health literacy gap. (4) Sources of support included family and friends, transport facilities, health professionals and peers. (5) Positive and negative aspects of communication and patient consultation were discussed. (6) Psychosocial counselling to ‘look after the caring side’. The need for more mental health care services was raised.

Conclusion

Barriers related to poor health literacy, stigma and lack of practical and emotional support, and issues with communication and patient consultation, may lead to inequitable access to cirrhosis care and treatment for Indigenous Australians.

Relevance to clinical practice

Gaining knowledge of the experiences of Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis is important for providing patient‐centred and culturally appropriate care. Liver specialist nurses have an important role in bridging the health literacy gap and in supporting Indigenous patients and families.
Systematic review of randomized control trials into effective preoperative weight loss interventions and impact on surgical outcomes for major benign gynecological surgery
Authors: Atkinson Andrea , Pass Glenn , Megaw Lauren
Published: April 2022

Aims

Limited information exists on what preoperative weight loss interventions (lifestyle, pharmacological, surgical) are effective in improving outcomes of elective, nononcological, gynecological surgery. Obesity rates are increasing and associated with poorer operative outcomes. We aimed to identify high quality studies into preoperative weight loss interventions and perform a systematic review of the literature to guide recommendations for reducing gynecological surgical complications and guide future research. Primary outcomes were mortality and surgical complications including conversion to open surgery, duration of surgery, and recovery.

Methods

The review was pre‐registered with PROPSERO. A systematic search was undertaken of the major electronic bibliographic databases. Search results were compiled and abstracts of studies identified before application of the Cochrane highly sensitive search strategy (CHSSS) were reviewed. Full text of studies after application of the CHSSS were evaluated for suitability. For data collection and analysis, a minimum three high‐quality randomized control trials were required to synthesize data in relation to the primary outcome.

Results

No trials met the inclusion criteria. No randomized control trials in gynecological cohorts were identified. Studies in gynecology‐oncology were excluded due to the confounding nature of weight loss as a feature of illness as opposed to health optimization.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence regarding preoperative weight loss interventions in gynecology. Further research is needed as the prevalence of obesity among women is increasing and definitive surgical management options in gynecology remain essential.

PROSPERO registration ID: 165643.
Development of Mexico's natural gas market: A review of key policies from 1995 to 2018
Authors: Duhalt Adrián
Published: April 2022

Over a span of two and a half decades, natural gas has come to be considered the top fuel source in Mexico's energy blend, and as such, a series of reforms and policies have been implemented. The liberalization of Mexico's natural gas market began in the mid‐1990s, with the goal to respond to prospective demand increases. Yet, the policies failed to upgrade transport capabilities, local sources of supply, and competition in core areas of the value chain—leading to inefficiencies like supply restrictions and infrastructure bottlenecks that emerged toward the end of the 2000s and early 2010s. Mexico's growing demand went hand in hand with a persistent decrease in domestic production throughout the 2010s, the country became dependent on imports—principally from the United States—, and natural gas has become the most pressing issue in terms of energy security. The 2013–2014 energy reforms entailed an additional generation of structural amendments that sought to address these adverse conditions and create a more efficient market. While progress was achieved by 2018, mostly on the institutional front, the country remained heavily dependent on US supply. This article focuses on relevant policy considerations that have shaped the development trajectory of Mexico's natural gas market from 1995 to 2018.
Trends in the inpatient burden of alcohol‐related liver disease among women hospitalized in the United States
Authors: Bertha Madeline , Shedden Kerby , Mellinger Jessica
Published: April 2022

Alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States, but disparities for women with ALD exist. We sought to characterize trends in ALD hospitalizations and mortality among women. Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated ALD and non‐ALD discharges from 2003 to 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate mortality. ALD increased more rapidly among women, with alcohol hepatitis (AH) rising the most. When stratified by age and sex, changes in alcohol‐related cirrhosis (AC) and AH were greater in women in nearly all age groups. Similar increases were present when stratified by race, notably for Native American and Asian women. AH mortality increased in women in almost all age groups. While ALD remains predominantly male, discharges and mortality have disproportionately increased among women, particularly in young women and Native Americans. These findings shed light on populations in need of intensive public health interventions.
Focus on slurs
Authors: Mankowitz Poppy , Shaw Ashley
Published: April 2022

Slurring expressions display puzzling behaviour when embedded, such as under negation and in attitude and speech reports. They frequently appear to retain their characteristic qualities, like offensiveness and propensity to derogate. Yet it is sometimes possible to understand them as lacking these qualities. A theory of slurring expressions should explain thisvariability. We develop an explanation that deploys the linguistic notion of focus. Our proposal is that a speaker can conversationally implicate metalinguistic claims about the aptness of a focused slurring expression. This explanation of variability relies on independently motivated mechanisms and is compatible with any theory of slurring expressions.
The energy cost of repairing photoinactivated photosystem II: an experimental determination in cotton leaf discs
Authors: Yi Xiao‐Ping , Yao He‐Sheng , Fan Da‐Yong , Zhu Xin‐Guang , Losciale Pasquale , Zhang Ya‐Li , Zhang Wang‐Feng , Chow Wah Soon
Published: April 2022

Photosystem II (PSII), which splits water molecules at minimal excess photochemical potential, is inevitably photoinactivated during photosynthesis, resulting in compromised photosynthetic efficiency unless it is repaired. The energy cost of PSII repair is currently uncertain, despite attempts to calculate it.

We experimentally determined the energy cost of repairing each photoinactivated PSII in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) leaves, which are capable of repairing PSII in darkness.

As an upper limit, 24 000 adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules (including any guanosine triphosphate synthesized at the expense of ATP) were required to repair one entire PSII complex. Further, over a 7‐h illumination period at 526–1953 μmol photons m−2 s−1, the ATP requirement for PSII repair was on average up to 4.6% of the ATP required for the gross carbon assimilation.

Each of these two measures of ATP requirement for PSII repair is two‐ to three‐fold greater than the respective reported calculated value. Possible additional energy sinks in the PSII repair cycle are discussed.
24‐nt phasiRNAs move from tapetal to meiotic cells in maize anthers
Authors: Zhou Xue , Huang Kun , Teng Chong , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Batish Mona , Meyers Blake C. , Walbot Virginia
Published: April 2022

In maize, 24‐nt phased, secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) are abundant in meiotic stage anthers, but their distribution and functions are not precisely known.

Using laser capture microdissection, we analyzed tapetal cells, meiocytes and other somatic cells at several stages of anther development to establish the timing of 24‐PHAS precursor transcripts and the 24‐nt phasiRNA products.

By integrating RNA and small RNA profiling plus single‐molecule and small RNA FISH (smFISH or sRNA‐FISH) spatial detection, we demonstrate that the tapetum is the primary site of 24‐PHAS precursor and Dcl5 transcripts and the resulting 24‐nt phasiRNAs. Interestingly, 24‐nt phasiRNAs accumulate in all cell types, with the highest levels in meiocytes, followed by tapetum.

Our data support the conclusion that 24‐nt phasiRNAs are mobile from tapetum to meiocytes and to other somatic cells. We discuss possible roles for 24‐nt phasiRNAs in anther cell types.