bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of instant rice characteristics and processing conditions on starch digestibility—A review
Authors: Lin Jiakang , Li Cheng
Published: June 2023

Instant rice is increasingly popular around the world due to its convenience, but it commonly has a high glycemic index, and a frequent consumption might contribute to the occurrence of many chronic diseases. In this review, the main factors determining starch digestibility of instant rice were comprehensively evaluated, aiming to help the rice industry develop instant rice with slow starch digestibility. Starch digestibility in instant rice can be reduced by manipulating its intrinsic and extrinsic nutrients. Processing conditions, including pre‐gelatinization, storage, and reheating are also important for the starch digestibility of instant rice. Individual differences in terms of glycemic response to the same carbohydrate‐based diet should be considered when knowledge is transformed from in vitro method to human conditions. This review contains important information that has the potential to reduce the starch digestibility of instant rice and improve public health.
Modeling the formulation pH of elderberry syrup with multiple weak acids
Authors: Fragedakis Nicholas , Skinner Caitlin R. , Shriner Mileah , Ruinsky Mollie , Yang Seo Young , Wine Robert P. , Johnston Lynette , Breidt Fred
Published: June 2023

The objective of this work was to develop methods to assess the influence of the ingredients of an acidified elderberry syrup on product pH. A measure of total ingredient buffering (tBeta) was defined as the area under the buffer capacity curve of a food mixture or ingredient for pH 2–12. Citric acid (1% w/v), elderberry juice (75% v/v), and malic acid (0.75% w/v) had greater buffering (tBeta values of 15.33, 12.00, and 10.95, respectively) than ascorbic acid (0.75%) or lemon juice (3% v/v) (tBeta of 5.74 and 3.30, respectively). All other ingredients, including added spices (≤1% each) and honey (25% w/v), had tBeta values <2. The observed pH for the syrup mixture (pH 2.67) was within 0.11 pH units of the predicted pH based on combined buffer models of the acid and low acid ingredients (pH 2.78) using Matlab software. A total of 16 model syrup formulations containing elderberry juice with mixed acids (malic, acetic, and ascorbic) and having pH values between 3 and 4 were prepared. The pH values of the formulations were compared to predicted values from combined buffer models of the individual ingredients. Regression analysis indicated an excellent fit of the observed and predicted pH data, with a root mean square error of 0.076 pH units. The results indicated that buffer models may be useful for in silico estimates of how the ingredients in acid and acidified foods may influence pH, thus aiding in product development and safety assessments.

Practical Application

Buffer models using recently developed titration methods for individual acid and low‐acid food ingredients can be used to estimate the pH of formulations of these ingredients in silico. The total buffering (tBeta) for ingredients or mixtures, along with ingredient concentrations, may be a useful metric for helping to determine which ingredients will have the greatest impact on pH. Such models can aid product development efforts and safety assessments.
Effects of extrusion on physical properties of glutinous rice and its application in the improvement of quality characteristics of glutinous rice products
Authors: Qi Wen , Ma Chun‐Min , Xing Wen‐Jing , Fan Jing , Yang Yang , Yang Chun‐Hua , Zhang Na
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effects of extrusion on the physical properties of glutinous rice and addressed the challenges associated with its hardened texture and reduced taste in glutinous rice products by adding extruded glutinous rice to assess their anti‐retrogradation effect compared with different improvers. Glutinous rice flour with different gelatinization degrees was obtained by changing the initial moisture content of glutinous rice grains before extrusion, and their physicochemical properties and the effect of adding them to rice products were analyzed. Results showed that with the increase in moisture content, the viscosity, water absorption index of extruded glutinous rice flour, and product viscosity increased, while the gelatinization degree, water solubility index, and product elasticity decreased, and the hardness of the rice products showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. Twenty percent moisture content of glutinous rice products showed the best properties mentioned above. The effects of adding different improvers on retrogradation degree, quality characteristics, microstructure, and moisture migration of glutinous rice products were analyzed by texture profile analysis, sensory evaluation, scanning electron microscopy, and low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance. It was found that soybean polysaccharides, xanthan gum, and extruded glutinous rice flour had better anti‐retrogradation effects, while colloid and soybean polysaccharides provided a tighter and more three‐dimensional internal structure to the rice products. Our study showed that extruded glutinous rice flour had good anti‐retrogradation properties and little effect on flavor and taste, but it would increase the roughness and viscosity of the products, which had advantages and disadvantages compared with other improvers.
Comparison of gastrointestinal ultrasound with capsule endoscopy in patients with small bowel Crohn's disease
Authors: Welera Haissou Elodie , Han Ze Min , Lu Yi shi , Yan Li Hua , Xu Pei Chun , Zhao Xin Mei , Zhi Fa Chao
Published: June 2023

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association between gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) and capsule endoscopy (CE) in assessing disease activity in patients with small bowel Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

Medical records of 74 patients with small bowel CD who were treated at our hospital between January 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, including 50 men and 24 women. All patients underwent both GIUS and CE within one week after their admissions. The Simple Ultrasound Scoring of Crohn's Disease (SUS‐CD) and Lewis score were used to assess disease activity during GIUS and CE, respectively. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of SUS‐CD was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.99; P < 0.001). And the diagnostic accuracy of GIUS was 79.7%, with a sensitivity of 93.6%, a specificity of 81.8%, a positive predictive value of 96.7%, a negative predictive value of 69.2% in predicting active small bowel CD. Furthermore, the agreement between GIUS and CE was assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis and SUS‐CD was correlated with Lewis score (r = 0.82, P < 0.001)

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate a strong correlation between GIUS and CE in assessing the disease activity in patients with CD affecting the small intestine.
The effects of chilling and forcing temperatures on spring synchrony between larch casebearer and tamarack
Authors: Nanninga Claudia , Ward Samuel F. , Aukema Brian H. , Montgomery Rebecca A.
Published: June 2023

Spring phenological synchrony can be important for tree‐insect interactions. Depending on the magnitude and direction of phenological shifts, overwintering insects could be affected in many ways, for example, facing starvation or having to contend with increased chemical or physical defences of host trees. If temperature has different influences on the phenology of trees and insects, climate change can alter spring phenological synchrony.

In this experiment, we exposed tamarack seedlings and larch case bearer larvae from Minnesota, USA, to a variety of chilling and forcing temperatures and measured spring phenology (twig bud break and larval activation). We additionally measured case bearer performance on seedlings that were exposed to different forcing × chilling levels, tracking larval survivorship to adulthood.

Warmer forcing enhanced larval activation and bud break, but larval development slowed down past 21°C. Higher chilling temperatures accelerated bud break, but the effect was inconclusive for larvae. There was no chilling × forcing interaction for either species. Spring activity accelerated more quickly with increases in temperature for larvae than for seedlings, resulting in increased phenological synchrony at warmer temperatures. Activation rates for overwintering larvae were highest at 27°C, while survivorship to adulthood following spring activation was highest at 21°C. At temperatures at or beyond 27°C, no larvae reached adulthood.

Warmer winters and springs will likely initially increase spring synchrony between tamarack and larch case bearer, exposing larvae to younger, potentially more nutritious foliage, but extremely warm spring temperatures may decrease survivorship of larvae to adulthood.
Clinical tests for confirming tracheal intubation or excluding oesophageal intubation: a diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hansel J. , Law J. A. , Chrimes N. , Higgs A. , Cook T. M.
Published: June 2023

Unrecognised oesophageal intubation causes preventable serious harm to patients undergoing tracheal intubation. When capnography is unavailable or doubted, clinicians still use clinical findings to confirm tracheal intubation, or exclude oesophageal intubation, and false reassurance from clinical examination is a recurring theme in fatal cases of unrecognised oesophageal intubation. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of five clinical examination tests and the oesophageal detector device when used to confirm tracheal intubation. We searched four databases for studies reporting index clinical tests against a reference standard, from inception to 28 February 2023. We included 49 studies involving 10,654 participants. Methodological quality was overall moderate to high. We looked at misting (three studies, 115 participants); lung auscultation (three studies, 217 participants); combined lung and epigastric auscultation (four studies, 506 participants); the oesophageal detector device (25 studies, 3024 participants); ‘hang‐up’ (two non‐human studies); and chest rise (one non‐human study). The reference standards used were capnography (22 studies); direct vision (10 studies); and bronchoscopy (three studies). When used to confirm tracheal intubation, misting has a false positive rate (95%CI) of 0.69 (0.43–0.87); lung auscultation 0.14 (0.08–0.23); five‐point auscultation 0.18 (0.08–0.36); and the oesophageal detector device 0.05 (0.02–0.09). Tests to exclude events that invariably lead to severe damage or death must have a negligible false positive rate. Misting or auscultation have too high a false positive rate to reliably exclude oesophageal intubation and there is insufficient evidence to support the use of ‘hang‐up’ or chest rise. The oesophageal detector device may be considered where other more reliable means are not available, though waveform capnography remains the reference standard for confirmation of tracheal intubation.
Positivity and coping as key to well‐being and psychological adjustment during the pandemic of COVID‐19: A follow‐up study in Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Maria José , Sofia Rui , Carreno David F. , Eisenbeck Nikolett , Cruz José Fernando A.
Published: June 2023

This follow‐up study aimed to analyze the protective role of positivity and coping strategies on the well‐being and psychological distress levels reported during Portugal's first and third waves of COVID‐19. The total sample consisted of 135 participants (82.0% women) with ages ranging from 20 to 72 years (M = 39.29, SD = 11.46). Results suggested a significant decrease in well‐being levels but no changes in psychological distress were observed. Positivity was a strong and significant predictor of well‐being and psychological distress during the pandemic crisis. Among the set of strategies used by individuals at the first wave, denial, self‐blame, and self‐distraction predicted a poorer adaptation with more significant mental health impairment, with self‐blame standing out as the most harmful. This study highlighted the key role of positivity in adjusting to the current pandemic crisis and the lasting detrimental impact of specific coping strategies.
Dynamic Enrichment of Bayesian Small-Sample, Sequential, Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial Design Using Natural History Data: A Case Study from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Wang Sidi , Kidwell Kelley M. , Roychoudhury Satrajit
Published: June 2023

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and other rare diseases, recruiting patients into clinical trials is challenging. Additionally, assigning patients to long-term, multi-year placebo arms raises ethical and trial retention concerns. This poses a significant challenge to the traditional sequential drug development paradigm. In this paper, we propose a small-sample, sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial (snSMART) design that combines dose selection and confirmatory assessment into a single trial. This multi-stage design evaluates the effects of multiple doses of a promising drug and re-randomizes patients to appropriate dose levels based on their Stage 1 dose and response. Our proposed approach increases the efficiency of treatment effect estimates by (i) enriching the placebo arm with external control data, and (ii) using data from all stages. Data from external control and different stages are combined using a robust meta-analytic combined (MAC) approach to consider the various sources of heterogeneity and potential selection bias. We reanalyze data from a DMD trial using the proposed method and external control data from the Duchenne Natural History Study (DNHS). Our method's estimators show improved efficiency compared to the original trial. Also, the robust MAC-snSMART method most often provides more accurate estimators than the traditional analytic method. Overall, the proposed methodology provides a promising candidate for efficient drug development in DMD and other rare diseases.
Community midwives' perspectives on perinatal care for asylum seekers and refugees in the Netherlands: A survey study
Authors: Verschuuren A.E.H. , Tankink J.B. , Franx A. , van der Lans P.J.A. , Erwich J.J.H.M. , Jong E.I. Feijen‐de , de Graaf J.P.
Published: June 2023

Background

The rise of forced migration worldwide compels birth care systems and professionals to respond to the needs of women giving birth in these vulnerable situations. However, little is known about the perspective of midwifery professionals on providing perinatal care for forcibly displaced women. This study aimed to identify challenges and target areas for improvement of community midwifery care for asylum seekers (AS) and refugees with a residence permit (RRP) in the Netherlands.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, data were collected through a survey aimed at community care midwives who currently work or who have worked with AS and RRP. We evaluated challenges identified through an inductive thematic analysis of respondents' responses to open‐ended questions. Quantitative data from close‐ended questions were analyzed descriptively and included aspects related to the quality and organization of perinatal care for these groups.

Results

Respondents generally considered care for AS and RRP to be of lower quality, or at best, equal quality compared to care for the Dutch population, while the workload for midwives caring for these groups was considered higher. The challenges identified were categorized into five main themes, including: 1) interdisciplinary collaboration; 2) communication with clients; 3) continuity of care; 4) psychosocial care; and 5) vulnerabilities among AS and RRP.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that there is considerable opportunity for improvement in perinatal care for AS and RRP, while also providing direction for future research and interventions. Several concerns raised, especially the availability of professional interpreters and relocations of AS during pregnancy, require urgent consideration at legislative, policy, and practice levels.
Technology addiction, abduction and adoption in higher education: Bird's eye view of the ICT4AD policy in Ghana 20 years on
Authors: Adarkwah Michael Agyemang , Huang Ronghuai
Published: June 2023

Twenty years after its inauguration, the information communication and technology for accelerated development (ICT4AD) policy intended to transform Ghana into an information and technology‐driven high‐income economy through digital education has been unsuccessful. In this digital era, young adults' attachment to technological tools is anticipated to expedite technological adoption in the education sector. Still, there are less promising indicators of realizing this expectation because of situational factors that curtail technology usage and adoption in higher education (HE). It is estimated that the adoption of technology in HE will aid Ghana in using ICT as its engine of growth. This paper gauges the progress of the ICT4AD policy after two decades, presents an intricate account of why technology integration in HE in Ghana is still in its infancy and proposes interventions for sustaining and advancing the objectives of the ICT4AD policy. Drawing from an extensive review of literature on three conceptualized thematic themes relating to technology (ie, addiction, abduction and adoption), policymakers in education and stakeholders in HE will be able to identify their roles in guaranteeing the success of the promulgated ICT4AD policy. Viable areas of research are also discussed in the study.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic?

The promulgated information communication and technology for accelerated development (ICT4AD) policy of Ghana hopes to transform the country into a technology‐driven economy.

Technology integration in education and society is still in its infancy in Ghana in this information age.

What this paper adds?

It gauges the progress of the ICT4AD policy and presents an intricate account of why technology integration in HE in Ghana is still in its infancy and proposes interventions for sustaining and advancing the objectives of the ICT4AD policy.

It sounds the alarm that the ICT4AD policy is at its terminal stage and calls on policymakers in education to revisit and revise the policy.

It identifies the main factors curtailing effective technology integration in Ghana.

It suggests promising steps for Ghana to adopt technology as its engine of growth.

Implications of this study for practice and/or policy

It provides information to education practitioners and relevant school stakeholders on how to effectively adopt technology to develop 21st‐century skills among learners.

It explores the potential channels for policymakers in education to revisit and reinvest in the ICT4AD policy for the successful attainment of the policy objectives.

It calls on countries with similar contexts like Ghana to adopt a multifaceted approach to drive ICT initiatives.
Reproduction patterns among non‐Hodgkin lymphoma survivors by subtype in Sweden, Denmark and Norway: A population‐based matched cohort study
Authors: Entrop Joshua P. , Weibull Caroline E. , Smedby Karin E. , Jakobsen Lasse H. , Øvlisen Andreas K. , Glimelius Ingrid , Marklund Anna , Larsen Thomas S. , Holte Harald , Fosså Alexander , Smeland Knut B. , El‐Galaly Tarec C. , Eloranta Sandra
Published: June 2023

Previous studies concerning reproductive patterns among non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors are scarce and those available have reported conflicting results. Treatment regimens vary considerably between aggressive and indolent NHL and studies of reproductive patterns by subtypes are warranted. In this matched cohort study, we identified all NHL patients aged 18–40 years and diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 from the Swedish and Danish lymphoma registers, and the clinical database at Oslo University Hospital (n = 2090). Population comparators were matched on sex, birth year and country (n = 19 427). Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox regression. Males and females diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma subtypes had lower childbirth rates (HRfemale: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31–0.59, HRmale: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47–0.78) than comparators during the first 3 years after diagnosis. For indolent lymphomas, childbirth rates were not significantly different from comparators (HRfemale: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.48–1.04, HRmale: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.70–1.27) during the same period. Childbirth rates reached those of comparators for all subtypes after 3 years but the cumulative incidence of childbirths was decreased throughout the 10‐year follow‐up for aggressive NHL. Children of NHL patients were more likely to be born following assisted reproductive technology than those of comparators, except for male indolent lymphoma patients. In conclusion, fertility counselling is particularly important for patients with aggressive NHL.
Latent polydrug use patterns and the provision of injection initiation assistance among people who inject drugs in three North American settings
Authors: Rammohan Indhu , Jain Sonia , Sun Shelly , Marks Charles , Milloy M.‐J. , Hayashi Kanna , DeBeck Kora , González‐Zúñiga Patricia , Strathdee Steffanie , Werb Dan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We sought to identify latent profiles of polysubstance use patterns among people who inject drugs in three distinct North American settings, and then determine whether profile membership was associated with providing injection initiation assistance to injection‐naïve persons.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from three linked cohorts in Vancouver, Canada; Tijuana, Mexico; and San Diego, USA were used to conduct separate latent profile analyses based on recent (i.e., past 6 months) injection and non‐injection drug use frequency. We then assessed the association between polysubstance use patterns and recent injection initiation assistance provision using logistic regression analyses.

Results

A 6‐class model for Vancouver participants, a 4‐class model for Tijuana participants and a 4‐class model for San Diego participants were selected based on statistical indices of fit and interpretability. In all settings, at least one profile included high‐frequency polysubstance use of crystal methamphetamine and heroin. In Vancouver, several profiles were associated with a greater likelihood of providing recent injection initiation assistance compared to the referent profile (low‐frequency use of all drugs) in unadjusted and adjusted analyses, however, the inclusion of latent profile membership in the multivariable model did not significantly improve model fit.

Discussion and Conclusions

We identified commonalities and differences in polysubstance use patterns among people who inject drugs in three settings disproportionately impacted by injection drug use. Our results also suggest that other factors may be of greater priority when tailoring interventions to reduce the incidence of injection initiation. These findings can aid in efforts to identify and support specific higher‐risk subpopulations of people who inject drugs.
Crovalimab treatment in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria: Long‐term results from the phase I/II COMPOSER trial
Authors: Röth Alexander , Ichikawa Satoshi , Ito Yoshikazu , Kim Jin Seok , Nagy Zsolt , Obara Naoshi , Panse Jens , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Sica Simona , Soret Juliette , Usuki Kensuke , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Balachandran Nadiesh , Buri Muriel , Lundberg Pontus , Patel Himika , Shinomiya Kenji , Sostelly Alexandre , Nishimura Jun‐ichi
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study reports long‐term outcomes from the open‐label extension (OLE) period of the Phase I/II COMPOSER trial (NCT03157635) that evaluated crovalimab in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, who were treatment‐naive or switched from eculizumab at enrolment.

Methods

COMPOSER consists of four sequential parts followed by the OLE. The primary OLE objective was to assess long‐term crovalimab safety, with a secondary objective to assess crovalimab pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Exploratory efficacy endpoints included change in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), transfusion avoidance, haemoglobin stabilisation and breakthrough haemolysis (BTH).

Results

A total 43 of 44 patients entered the OLE after completing the primary treatment period. Overall, 14 of 44 (32%) experienced treatment‐related adverse events. Steady state exposure levels of crovalimab and terminal complement inhibition were maintained over the OLE. During the OLE, mean normalised LDH was generally maintained at ≤1.5× upper limit of normal, transfusion avoidance was achieved in 83%–92% of patients and haemoglobin stabilisation was reached in 79%–88% of patients across each 24‐week interval. Five BTH events occurred with none leading to withdrawal.

Conclusions

Over a 3‐year median treatment duration, crovalimab was well tolerated and sustained C5 inhibition was achieved. Intravascular haemolysis control, haemoglobin stabilisation and transfusion avoidance were maintained, signifying long‐term crovalimab efficacy.
Sex steroid hormones and epilepsy: Effects of hormonal replacement therapy on seizure frequency of postmenopausal women with epilepsy—A systematic review
Authors: Carvalho Vanessa , Colonna Isabella , Curia Giulia , Ferretti Maria Teresa , Arabia Gennarina , Molnar Maria Judit , Lebedeva Elena R. , Moro Elena , de Visser Marianne , Bui Esther ,   the Gender and Diversity Issues in Neurology Task Force of the European Academy of Neurology
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is used for symptomatic treatment of menopause. Some evidence suggests a proconvulsant effect of estrogen and an anticonvulsant role of progesterone. Thus, the use of exogenous sex steroid hormones might influence the course of epilepsy in peri‐ and postmenopausal women with epilepsy (WWE). We conducted a systematic review on the impact of HRT on the frequency of seizures of WWE.

Methods

PubMed and Scopus were searched for articles published from inception until August 2022. Abstracts from the past 5 years from the European Academy of Neurology and European Epilepsy Congresses were also reviewed. Article reference lists were screened, and relevant articles were retrieved for consultation. Interventional and observational studies on WWE and animal models of estrogen deficiency were included. Critical appraisal was performed using the revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials and ROBINS‐E tool.

Results

Of 497 articles screened, 13 studies were included, including three human studies. One cross‐sectional study showed a decrease in seizure frequency in WWE using combined HRT, a case–control study showed an increase in comparison with controls, and a randomized clinical trial found a dose‐dependent increase in seizure frequency in women with focal epilepsy taking combined HRT. Ten studies addressing the impact of HRT in rat models were also included, which showed conflicting results.

Conclusions

There is scarce evidence of the impact of HRT in WWE. Further studies should evaluate the harmful potential, and prospective registries are needed for monitoring this population.
Tropical forest loss and geographic location drive the functional genomic diversity of an endangered palm tree
Authors: Santos Alesandro Souza , Cazetta Eliana , Faria Deborah , Lima Thâmara Moura , Lopes Maria Teresa Gomes , Carvalho Carolina da Silva , Alves‐Pereira Alessandro , Morante‐Filho José Carlos , Gaiotto Fernanda Amato
Published: June 2023

Human activity has diminished forests in different terrestrial ecosystems. This is well illustrated in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, which still hosts high levels of species richness and endemism, even with only 28% of its original extent remaining. The consequences of such forest loss in remaining populations can be investigated with several approaches, including the genomic perspective, which allows a broader understanding of how human disturbance influences the genetic variability in natural populations. In this context, our study investigated the genomic responses of Euterpe edulis Martius, an endangered palm tree, in forest remnants located in landscapes presenting different forest cover amount and composed by distinct bird assemblage that disperse its seeds. We sampled 22 areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in four regions using SNP markers inserted into transcribed regions of the genome of E. edulis, distinguishing neutral loci from those putatively under natural selection (outlier). We demonstrate that populations show patterns of structure and genetic variability that differ between regions, as a possible reflection of deforestation and biogeographic histories. Deforested landscapes still maintain high neutral genetic diversity due to gene flow over short distances. Overall, we not only support previous evidence with microsatellite markers, but also show that deforestation can influence the genetic variability outlier, in the scenario of selective pressures imposed by these stressful environments. Based on our findings, we suggest that, to protect genetic diversity in the long term, it is necessary to reforest and enrich deforested areas, using seeds from populations in the same management target region.
Pacemaking and placemaking on the UK canals
Authors: Kaaristo Maarja
Published: June 2023

This paper focuses on the complex relationship between pace and place, offering a novel lens for understanding mobility within the context of canal boating. Drawing on fieldwork on the canals in north‐west England, the paper focuses on mobile placemaking practices. Canal boats act as physical and material but also ideological pacemakers, guiding the boaters towards subscribing to the idea of slow living, where certain canal‐based pace‐myths play an important role. Pacemaking on the canals is therefore a form of placemaking, realised through the mobility of the vessel, materialities of the infrastructure, tempos and temporalities, representations and stories about canal life as well as the bodies on board and on towpaths as canal boaters modulate and manage their experience and performance of pace. The investigation of the interplay between the slow pace, rhythms, embodied practices, canal infrastructure, and the prevalent pace‐myths offers valuable insights into the ways places are shaped by the pace of mobility, thus expanding the concept of placemaking. By foregrounding pace as a key concept in mobility studies, the paper demonstrates the need for a more nuanced understanding of the temporalities associated with different modes of movement.
Disaster reparations? Rethinking disaster recovery through the politics of affect
Authors: O'Grady Nathaniel , Shaw Duncan
Published: June 2023

Disaster recovery holds an ambiguous status in debates on disaster politics. Whilst some scholars have documented recovery's tendency to reproduce and exacerbate the historical conditions that underpin disasters and guide their uneven effects, others emphasise its potential to instigate attempts to transform these conditions and initiate new development pathways premised on a commitment to building more just, equitable worlds. In this paper, we extend understanding of the politics of disaster recovery through interviews with governmental organisations planning recovery from COVID‐19 across the world. The research sought to gather insight on the ramifications COVID was bearing on local communities and the arrangements that different agencies were making to mitigate these effects. But our inquiry also explored how COVID had sparked reappraisal of the current configuration and distribution of basic infrastructures that support collective life too. From these interviews, we elaborate on the notion of ‘disaster reparations’ as a potential ethos that could underpin future forms of disaster recovery. Departing from renditions that reduce its significance to monetary matters, reparations first addresses ways of making sense of disasters through the different affects that arise from lived encounters with their real‐time unfolding. Drawing on the work of Lauren Berlant, we argue that these affects signal the pervasiveness of a mode of critique concerned with ‘feeling historical’ about disasters that situates their occurrence within broader historical processes and conditions said to constitute our general contemporary moment. Secondly, we elaborate upon how these reparative affects instigate and connect with debates about how disaster recovery might be mobilised to attend to these conditions and thus address broader inequities. Overall, the paper extends scholarly understanding of the onto‐epistemologies that organise disaster recovery and the political responsibilities that might be integrated into recovery practices in the future.
CDKN2A/CDK4 status in Brazilian patients meeting clinical criteria for hereditary melanoma: a cross‐sectional descriptive trial
Authors: Arnaut Joyce R. M. B. , Guimarães Isabella dos S. , dos Santos Anna Cláudia E. , Rodrigues Elizângela M. , Machado Jorge R. da S. , de Melo Andreia C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer, and its incidence has increased worldwide. About 10% of cases are classified as hereditary melanoma (HM). CDKN2A and CDK4 are the major high‐risk genes. Families are also more prone to develop pancreatic cancer, and different forms of oncological surveillance are recommended.

Objectives

Describe the prevalence of CDKN2A/CDK4 germline mutations in melanoma‐prone patients and their phenotypic and histopathological features.

Methods

A total of 69 patients meeting the clinical criteria for HM were included in this cross‐sectional descriptive study. Amplification by PCR and genomic sequencing were used. The variants were classified according to American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria.

Results

The mean age at first diagnosis of melanoma was 44.8 years (SD ± 17.83). Most patients had phototype II (44.9%), more than 50 melanocytic nevi (76.8%), atypical nevus syndrome (72.5%), history of sunburn (76.8%), and multiple primary melanomas without a family history of this tumor (74.3%). Two hundred melanomas were observed. Most tumors had a Breslow index ≤1.0 mm (84.5%), location in the trunk (60.5%), and superficial spreading histological subtype (22.5%). Four variants were found in CDKN2A exons in seven patients (c.305C>A, c.26T>A, c.361G>A e c.442G>A), two variants in the 5′UTR region in five patients (c.‐25C>T and c.‐33G>C), and two variants in the 3′UTR region in 21 patients (c.*29C>G and c.*69C>T). One likely pathogenic variant (c.305C>A) was identified in one patient (1.4%). No variant was found in CDK4.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CDKN2A mutations was 1.4% in Brazilian patients meeting clinical criteria for HM.
Development and characterisation of barley‐based non‐conventional pasta supplemented with chickpea flour
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Singh Baljit , Singh Arashdeep , Kumar Vikas , Surasani Vijay Kumar Reddy
Published: June 2023

Chickpea flour was supplemented (10%–40%) with barley flour for making pasta and evaluated for its quality attributes. Results showed that the increasing level of chickpea improved the pasting properties and showed a significant increase in WAC (155.28%–257.02%) and OAC (224.40%–263.17%). Increasing chickpea exhibits a reduced cooking time (5.56–5.09 min) with cooking loss below desired range. The increase in chickpea concentration produced pasta with increased protein (11.13%–15.77%) and fibre content (1.97%–3.19%). The overall colour attributes improved and texture was also improved in comparison to barley pasta. Total phenolics and flavonoids increased from 2.26 to 3.46 mg GAE g−1 and 1.73 to 2.48 mg QE g−1, respectively, with rising chickpea levels in pasta. The presence of characteristics peak in FTIR spectra with absorption band between 3200 and 3300 cm−1 confirms the presence of phenolics compounds. The SEM reveals that the addition of chickpea flour impacts the structural integrity of the pasta owing to the increased protein and fibre. Thus, Barley–chickpea has a great potential to be used for pasta production with enhanced nutritive and quality attributes.
Innovations advancing our understanding of microglia in Alzheimer's disease: From in vitro to in vivo models
Authors: Maksour Simon , Ooi Lezanne
Published: June 2023

Microglia have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis through the identification of risk factor genes that are specifically or predominantly expressed in this cell type. Additional evidence suggests that microglia undergo dramatic morphological and phenotypic state changes during AD progression, as observed in human post‐mortem tissue and animal model research. Although valuable, these studies are often hampered by either representing one time point in human tissue (end point) or because of the lack of conservation between species of microglial transcriptomes, proteomes and cell states. Thus, the development and application of novel human model systems have been beneficial in the study of microglia in neurodegeneration. Recent innovations include the use of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐derived microglia in 2D or 3D culture systems, the transdifferentiation of microglia from patient monocytes and the xenotransplantation of hPSC‐derived microglia into mouse brains. This review summarizes the recent innovations that have advanced our understanding of microglia in AD, through the use of single‐cell RNA sequencing, hPSC‐derived microglia culture within brain organoids and xenotransplantation into mouse brain. Through outlining the strengths and limitations of these approaches, we provide recommendations that will aid future endeavours in advancing our understanding of the complex role of microglia in AD onset and progression.

image
MRI to differentiate multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease
Authors: Carnero Contentti Edgar , Okuda Darin T. , Rojas Juan I. , Chien Claudia , Paul Friedemman , Alonso Ricardo
Published: June 2023

Differentiating multiple sclerosis (MS) from other relapsing inflammatory autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) is crucial in clinical practice. The differential diagnosis may be challenging but making the correct ultimate diagnosis is critical, since prognosis and treatments differ, and inappropriate therapy may promote disability. In the last two decades, significant advances have been made in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD including new diagnostic criteria with better characterization of typical clinical symptoms and suggestive imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) lesions. MRI is invaluable in making the ultimate diagnosis. An increasing amount of new evidence with respect to the specificity of observed lesions as well as the associated dynamic changes in the acute and follow‐up phase in each condition has been reported in distinct studies recently published. Additionally, differences in brain (including the optic nerve) and spinal cord lesion patterns between MS, aquaporin4‐antibody‐positive NMOSD, and MOGAD have been described. We therefore present a narrative review on the most relevant findings in brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve lesions on conventional MRI for distinguishing adult patients with MS from NMOSD and MOGAD in clinical practice. In this context, cortical and central vein sign lesions, brain and spinal cord lesions characteristic of MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD, optic nerve involvement, role of MRI at follow‐up, and new proposed diagnostic criteria to differentiate MS from NMOSD and MOGAD were discussed.
Neuroimaging of complications arising after CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy: A review
Authors: Pinto Soniya N. , Liu Chia‐Shang J. , Nelson Marvin D. , Bluml Stefan , Livingston David , Tamrazi Benita
Published: June 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting the CD19 (cluster of differentiation 19) cell surface glycoprotein have emerged as a highly effective immunologic therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell malignancies. The engagement of CAR T cells with CD19 on the surface of neoplastic B cells causes a systemic cytokine release, which can compromise the blood‐brain barrier and cause an immune effector cell‐associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). In a small proportion of ICANS patients who demonstrate neuroimaging abnormalities, certain distinct patterns have been recognized, including signal changes in the thalami, external capsule, and brainstem, the subcortical and/or periventricular white matter, the splenium of the corpus callosum, and the cerebellum. On careful review of the underlying pathophysiology of ICANS, we noticed that these changes closely mirror the underlying blood‐brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammatory and excitotoxic effects of the offending cytokines released during ICANS. Furthermore, other uncommon complications of CD19 CAR T‐cell therapy such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, ocular complications, and opportunistic fungal infections can be catastrophic if not diagnosed in a timely manner, with neuroimaging playing a significant role in management. In this narrative review, we will summarize the current literature on the spectrum of neuroimaging findings in ICANS, list appropriate differential diagnoses, and explore the imaging features of other uncommon central nervous system complications of CD19 CAR T‐cell therapy using illustrative cases from two tertiary care institutions.
Modulation of reflex responses of the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle in freely moving rats
Authors: Chotirungsan Titi , Tsutsui Yuhei , Saka Nobuaki , Kawada Satomi , Dewa Nozomi , Suzuki Taku , Magara Jin , Tsujimura Takanori , Inoue Makoto
Published: June 2023

Background

Chewing and licking are primarily activated by central pattern generator (CPG) neuronal circuits in the brainstem and when activated trigger repetitive rhythmic orofacial movements such as chewing, licking and swallowing. These CPGs are reported to modulate orofacial reflex responses in functions such as chewing.

Objective

This study explored the modulation of reflex responses in the anterior and posterior bellies (ant‐Dig and post‐Dig, respectively) of the digastric muscle evoked by low‐intensity trigeminal stimulation in conscious rats.

Methods

The ant‐Dig and post‐Dig reflexes were evoked by using low‐intensity electrical stimulation applied to either the right or left inferior alveolar nerve. Peak‐to‐peak amplitudes and onset latencies were measured.

Results

No difference was observed between threshold and onset latency for evoking ant‐Dig and post‐Dig reflexes, suggesting that the latter was also evoked disynaptically. The peak‐to‐peak amplitude of both reflexes was significantly reduced during chewing, licking and swallowing as compared to resting period and was lowest during the jaw‐closing phase of chewing and licking. Onset latency was significantly largest during the jaw‐closing phase. Inhibitory level was similar between the ant‐Dig and post‐Dig reflex responses and between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides.

Conclusion

These results suggest that both the ant‐Dig and post‐Dig reflex responses were significantly inhibited, probably due to CPG activation during feeding behaviours to maintain coordination of jaw and hyoid movements and hence ensure smooth feeding mechanics.
Intra‐articular injections in the TMJ inferior joint space: A scoping review
Authors: De Nordenflycht Diego , Ayala Anaís , Orellana Luis , Tesch Ricardo de Souza
Published: June 2023

Objective

To perform a scoping review to identify the available evidence regarding intra‐articular injections in the inferior joint space (IJS) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Methods

An electronic search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed using the following terms: “Arthrocentesis”, “injection”, “joint injection”, “technique”, “Temporomandibular joint”, “Temporomandibular joint disorder”. Full‐text articles were obtained from the records after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Only articles with full‐text access were included.

Results

Thirteen articles were included for analysis—one technical note, three cadavers studies, one animal study, two case reports, five randomised clinical trials and one retrospective study; studies were classified as ‘patients‐based studies’ and ‘non‐patients‐based studies’. Most ‘patients‐based studies’ show moderate or high risk of bias. Techniques were categorised as ‘anatomical technique’ and ‘image‐guided technique’. Most ‘patients‐based studies’ show favourable outcomes such as pain reduction, increase in maximum mouth opening, improvement in quality of life and improvement in TMJ dysfunction indexes for the treatment of arthrogenic TMDs. Comparisons between superior and IJS injections are scarce. On the other hand, ‘non‐patients‐based’ studies show that image‐guided or ultrasound‐checked injection techniques achieved a higher effectiveness for needle location than anatomical (or blind) techniques.

Conclusion

The amount of available evidence is scarce, heterogeneous in design, and most ‘patients‐based studies’ show moderate or high risk of bias, which demands the generation of new research to obtain definitive conclusions. The tendency observed suggests that intra‐articular injections for the IJS of the TMJ are able to relieve TMJ pain, increase mouth opening and improve TMJ dysfunction, and image‐guided injection techniques seem to be more effective than anatomical techniques to locate the needle in the IJS.
Sepsis awareness and understanding in Australian parents: A National Child Health Poll survey
Authors: Peters Emma , Rhodes Anthea , Measey Mary‐Anne , Babl Franz E , Long Elliot
Published: June 2023

Aim

The primary aim of the study was to assess parental awareness and understanding of childhood sepsis. Secondary aims included parental knowledge of the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and what parents would do if they suspected sepsis in their own child.

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered as part of The Royal Children's Hospital National Child Health Poll. The Poll is a quarterly online survey of a sample of Australian families with at least one child aged 0–17 years old, representative by age, sex and state of residence. The questionnaire collected information on parental sepsis awareness, and for those defined as sepsis aware, information was gathered on sepsis knowledge, signs and symptoms, and how they would respond if they thought their child had sepsis. Signs and symptoms highly likely to be suggestive of sepsis were predefined based on published sepsis guidelines and awareness campaigns.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 3352 parents. Of those, 2065 (61.6%) had heard of the term sepsis and 2818 (84.1%) had heard of at least one alternate term for sepsis and were classified as ‘sepsis aware’. Of the ‘sepsis aware’ parents, 82.9% knew that sepsis was a life‐threatening condition, but only 33.8% knew that once diagnosed, sepsis may not be curable. Only 27.8% thought that they could recognise the signs of sepsis in their own child. Less than half of respondents correctly identified signs and symptoms that were highly likely to be suggestive of sepsis. Seventy‐one per cent of parents said they would seek urgent care at a hospital emergency department or other facility if they thought their child had sepsis, but only 37.3% said they would consider calling an ambulance.

Conclusion

There are considerable knowledge gaps in parental awareness and knowledge of sepsis, particularly sepsis recognition. Parental education should target these knowledge gaps in order to improve healthcare‐seeking behaviour and communication between parents and healthcare providers in order to facilitate early sepsis diagnosis and treatment.