bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting public databases of genomic variation to quantify evolutionary constraint on the branch point sequence in 30 plant and animal species
Authors: Nosková Adéla , Li Chao , Wang Xiaolong , Leonard Alexander S. , Pausch Hubert , Kadri Naveen Kumar
Published: March 2023

The branch point sequence is a degenerate intronic heptamer required for the assembly of the spliceosome during pre-mRNA splicing. Disruption of this motif may promote alternative splicing and eventually cause phenotype variation. Despite its functional relevance, the branch point sequence is not included in most genome annotations. Here, we predict branch point sequences in 30 plant and animal species and attempt to quantify their evolutionary constraints using public variant databases. We find an implausible variant distribution in the databases from 16 of 30 examined species. Comparative analysis of variants from whole-genome sequencing shows that biased or erroneous variants that are widespread in public databases cause these irregularities. We then investigate evolutionary constraint with largely unbiased public variant databases in 14 species and find that the fourth and sixth position of the branch point sequence are more constrained than coding nucleotides. Our findings show that public variant databases should be scrutinized for possible biases before they qualify to analyze evolutionary constraint.
Identification ofToxoplasmaCalcium Dependent Protein Kinase 3 as a Stress-Activated Elongation Factor 2 Kinase
Authors: Lis Agnieszka , Baptista Carlos Gustavo , Dahlgren Kelsey , Corvi Maria M. , Blader Ira J.
Published: March 2023

Toxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular parasite whose tachyzoite form causes disease via a lytic growth cycle. Its metabolic and cellular pathways are primarily designed to ensure parasite survival within a host cell. But during its lytic cycle tachyzoites are exposed to the extracellular milieu and prolonged exposure requires activation of stress response pathways that include reprogramming the parasite proteome. Regulation of protein synthesis is therefore important for extracellular survival. We previously reported that in extracellularly stressed parasites that the elongation phase of protein synthesis is negatively regulated by theToxoplasmaoxygen sensing protein, PhyB. PhyB acts by promoting the activity of elongation factor eEF2, which is a GTPase that catalyzes the transfer of the peptidyl-tRNA from the A site to the P site of the ribosome. In the absence of PhyB, eEF2 is hyper-phosphorylated, which inhibits eEF2 from interacting with the ribosome. eEF2 kinases are atypical calcium-dependent kinases and BLAST analyses revealed the parasite kinase, CDPK3, as the most highly homologous to theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeeEF2 kinase,RCK2. In parasites exposed to extracellular stress, loss of CDPK3 leads to decreased eEF2 phosphorylation and enhanced rates of elongation. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that CDPK3 and eEF2 interact in stressed parasites. Since CDPK3 and eEF2 normally localize to the plasma membrane and cytosol, respectively, we investigated how the two can interact. We report that under stress conditions that CDPK3 is not N-myristoylated likely leading to its cytoplasmic localization. In summary, we have identified a novel function for CDPK3 as the first protozoan extracellular-stress induced eEF2 kinase.

IMPORTANCE

Here, we identify the first protozoan kinase that phosphorylate elongation factor 2 and demonstrate that it is part of an integrated stress response.
HRD-One: CLINICAL VALIDATION AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT. Comparison between Myriad’s myChoice®, SOPHiA GENETICS® SOPHiA Homologous Recombination Solution and AmoyDx® HRD Focus Panel
Authors: Guarischi-Sousa Rodrigo , Kroll José Eduardo , Bonaldi Adriano , Pierry Paulo Marques , de Almeida Luiz Gustavo , Souza Camila Alves , Silva Juliana Santos , Villela Darine , Meliso Fabiana Marcelino , Milanezi Maria Fernanda Grillo , Neto Cristovam Scapulatempo , Yamamoto Guilherme Lopes
Published: March 2023

Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) testing has become increasingly important in clinical genomic labs due to the use of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor therapy for epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneum cancer. While sequencing and copy number variation analysis can identify patients with a pathogenic mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 who can benefit from PARPi therapy, there are also patients who may benefit but do not have these mutations. To address this, our lab has developed a test called HRD-One, in partnership with SOPHiA GENETICS, that can detect sequence variants in genes involved in HRR, as well as genomic scars that indicate Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD), which may be present even when a pathogenic variant is not detected. We tested 59 high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer samples using HRD-One and found that it had an overall categorical concordance of 94.74% with Myriad’s myChoice® score, which is a commercial HRD test. 12 out of 13 samples that carried a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in BRCA1/2 also had a positive HRD-One score, and 9 samples in which a pathogenic variant in BRCA1/2 was not identified had a positive score in both HRD-One and myChoice®. Of the samples that passed quality control, we observed an average of 1.62 points variation between replicates on a scale from -25.0 to +25.0. We also found that low-confidence results were associated with a low DNA input and the age of FFPE blocks, while the estimated tumor percentage in the block, NGS library yield, and score of genomic instability did not have a significant association. We determined that blocks older than 3 years or with a DNA input of less than 25ng are not reliable for producing high-quality results. Finally, we validated the HRD-One test with SOPHiA Homologous Recombination Solution (Library Prep kit II) and correlated it to myChoice®, and found that the AmoyDx® HRD Focus Panel had the same sensitivity but a higher number of false positive samples and therefore lower specificity. Overall, we have shown that HRD-One can provide a reproducible and concordant score for inferring HRD, and an HRD-One score of 2.0 or greater predicts HRD and correlates to Myriad’s myChoice® score of 42 in high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancers samples that meet our minimum quality criteria.
Prognostic whole-genome and transcriptome signatures in colorectal cancers
Authors: Nunes Luís , Li Fuqiang , Wu Meizhen , Luo Tian , Hammarström Klara , Lundin Emma , Ljuslinder Ingrid , Mezheyeuski Artur , Edqvist Per-Henrik , Löfgren-Burström Anna , Zingmark Carl , Edin Sofia , Larsson Chatarina , Mathot Lucy , Osterman Erik , Osterlund Emerik , Ljungström Viktor , Neves Inês , Yacoub Nicole , Guðnadóttir Unnur , Birgisson Helgi , Enblad Malin , Ponten Fredrik , Palmqvist Richard , Uhlén Mathias , Wu Kui , Glimelius Bengt , Lin Cong , Sjöblom Tobias
Published: March 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is caused by a sequence of somatic genomic alterations affecting driver genes in core cancer pathways1. To understand the functional and prognostic impact of cancer-causing somatic mutations, we analysed the whole genomes and transcriptomes of 1,063 primary CRCs in a population-based cohort with long-term follow-up. From the 96 mutated driver genes, 9 were novel to CRC and 24 to any cancer. Two distinct patterns of pathway co-mutations were observed, timing analyses identified 6 early and 3 late driver gene mutations, and several new signatures of CRC specific mutational processes were uncovered. Mutations in 10 protein-coding genes belonging to the WNT, EGFR, and TGF-β pathways, 2 mitochondrial DNA genes and 3 regulatory elements along with the COSMIC SBS44 signature impacted survival. Gene expression classification yielded 5 prognostic subtypes with distinct molecular features, in part explained by underlying genomic alterations. Microsatellite instable tumours could be divided in two classes with different levels of hypoxia and infiltration of immune and stromal cells. This study constitutes the largest integrated genome and transcriptome analysis of CRC to date, and links mutations, gene expressions and patient outcomes. The identification of prognostic mutations and expression subtypes can guide future efforts to individualize CRC therapy.
Prognostic Value of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Predicting Long-term Mortality after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Authors: Alarouri Hasan S. , Ponce Alejandra Chavez , Mahayni Abdulah , Samimi Sahar , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: March 2023

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) have been shown to have important prognostic value after various cardiac interventions. We assessed the association between the change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 (KCCQ-12) score after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and mortality.

Methods

We included patients who underwent TAVR at Mayo Clinic between February 2012, and June 2022, who completed KCCQ-12 prior to and 30-45 days after the procedure. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: those who experienced significant (≥ 19 points;group-1), modest (1-19 points;group-2), and no improvement (≤ 0 points;group-3).

Results

A total of 1,124 patients were included: 60.8% males; 97.6% Caucasian. Mean age was 79.4±8.3 years, KCCQ-12 score was 53.9±24.5, and median STS score was 4.9% (interquartile range 3.1-8.0). At 45 days, the mean change in KCCQ-12 score was 19±24 points: 46.3% (n= 520) of patients had a significant improvement in their KCCQ-12 score, while 33.4% (n= 375) and 20.4% (n = 229) had modest and no improvement, respectively. Median survival was higher in group-1 (5.7±0.2 years) compared to groups 2 and 3 (5.1±0.3 and 4.1±0.4 years, respectively;P<.001). Compared to patients in group 1, those in groups 2 and 3 had higher long-term risk-adjusted mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.64; 95%CI 1.28-2.10, and 2.44; 95%CI, 1.84-3.24, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients who experience modest or no improvement in KCCQ-12 score after TAVR have substantially higher long-term mortality. Delta KCCQ-12 is a cost-effective, efficient tool that can identify patients at increased risk of death at long-term follow-up post-TAVR.

Clinical Perspective

What is New?

This study documents the prognostic value of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 score in predicting long-term survival after TAVR.

Modest or no improvement in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 score after TAVR is associated with a considerably higher long-term mortality risk.

What are the Clinical Implications?

Changes in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 score may identify patients with higher residual mortality risk after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Chromosome-level assemblies of thePieris manniibutterfly genome suggest Z-origin and rapid evolution of the W chromosome
Authors: Blattner Lucas A. , Ruffener Simona , Berner Daniel
Published: March 2023

The insect order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moth) represents the largest group of organisms with ZW/ZZ sex determination. While the origin of the Z chromosome predates the evolution of the Lepidoptera, the W chromosome is considered younger, but its origin is debated. To shed light on the origin of the lepidopteran W, we here produce chromosome-level genome assemblies for the butterflyPieris mannii, and compare the sex chromosomes within and betweenP. manniiand its sister speciesP. rapae. Our analyses clearly indicate a common origin of the W chromosomes of the twoPierisspecies, and reveal similarity between the Z and W in chromosome sequence and structure. This supports the view that the W originates from Z-autosome fusion rather than from a redundant B chromosome. We further demonstrate the extremely rapid evolution of the W relative to the other chromosomes and argue that this may preclude reliable conclusions about the origin of the W based on comparisons among distantly related Lepidoptera. Finally, we find that sequence similarity between the Z and W chromosomes is greatest toward the chromosome ends, perhaps reflecting selection for the maintenance of recognition sites essential to chromosome segregation. Our study highlights the utility of long-read sequencing technology for illuminating chromosome evolution.

Significance

Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) typically exhibit a ZW/ZZ sex determination system, but the origin of the W chromosome is controversial. Based on a chromosome-level reference genome for the Southern Small white butterfly and comparative genomic analyses, we propose that the W chromosome in this group of butterflies derives from the Z chromosome and evolves extremely rapidly.
Derivation of the small-angle scattering profile of a target biomacromolecule from a profile deteriorated by aggregates. AUC–SAS
Authors: Morishima Ken , Inoue Rintaro , Sugiyama Masaaki
Published: March 2023

Aggregates cause a fatal problem in the structural analysis of a biomacromolecule in solution using small-angle X-ray or neutron scattering (SAS): they deteriorate the scattering profile of the target molecule and lead to an incorrect structure. Recently, an integrated method of analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and SAS, abbreviated AUC–SAS, was developed as a new approach to overcome this problem. However, the original version of AUC–SAS does not offer a correct scattering profile of the target molecule when the weight fraction of aggregates is higher than ca 10%. In this study, the obstacle point in the original AUC–SAS approach is identified. The improved AUC–SAS method is then applicable to a solution with a relatively larger weight fraction of aggregates (≤20%).
Entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intention among higher education students in Vietnam: do entrepreneurial self-efficacy and family support matter?
Authors: Pham Hong Hai , Le Thi Loan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The current study aims to explain the relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intention through a moderated mediation model from the lens of social cognitive career theory (SCCT). Specifically, two main objectives of this study are (1) to explore the mediation role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy in the relationship between entrepreneurial education and start-up intention and (2) to investigate the moderate role of family support on the effect of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 1879 students in Vietnam and SPSS PROCESS macro developed by Hayes (2012) to examine the indirect effect of entrepreneurial education on start-up intention via entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the moderated mediation effect of family support.

Findings

This study reveals that the association between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intention is partially mediated via entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Also, the effect of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and start-up intention was negatively moderated by family support. Furthermore, the indirect effect of entrepreneurial education on intention to form a venture via entrepreneurial self-efficacy is also negatively moderated by family support.

Originality/value

The entrepreneurial education and start-up intention linkage remain a significant gap in the entrepreneurship literature. Therefore, this research study is expected to contribute to clarifying this linkage by utilizing the SCCT to explain how entrepreneurial education contributes to entrepreneurial intention.
Impacts of adopting a new management practice: Operational Coaching™
Authors: Tinelli Michela , Ashley-Timms Dominic , Ashley-Timms Laura , Phillips Ruth
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This article reports the results of a randomized field experiment that tested the effects of a new business intervention among managers of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual managers (learners) were randomly assigned in clusters (companies) to either an intervention group (265 learners; 40 SMEs) receiving a novel virtual, blended training program designed to stimulate a change in management behavior or a no-intervention group (118 learners; 22 SMEs).

Findings

The results show that the primary objective of changing management behavior to use more of an Operational Coaching™ style of management has been achieved (to a statistically significant level), and this is against the backdrop of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Positive trends in SME productivity metrics were also observed in the intervention group companies.

Originality/value

These important results could be indicative of the economic and productivity impact that a change in management behavior could have, and they warrant serious further investigation.
Employee turnover and the social outreach (breadth): international evidence from the microfinance industry
Authors: Mia Md Aslam , Jibir Adamu , Omeke Michael
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Earlier studies on employee turnover have invested enormous scholarly mileage to understand and address human resource challenges. Considering the substantial evidence on the negative and non-linear relationship between employee turnover and firms’ performance, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of employee turnover on the social outreach (e.g. breadth of outreach) of microfinance institutions (MFIs), also known as the financial inclusion agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study objective, the authors collected unbalanced panel data of 1,391 MFIs, covering a total of 96 economies and a period of 2010–2018. The organizational and macroeconomic data were obtained from the World Bank’s Mix Market and World Development Indicators databases, respectively, and subsequently analysed using the pooled ordinary least squares, random effects model, fixed effects model and generalized method of moments.

Findings

Overall, the authors found that employee turnover has a positive impact on the social outreach of MFIs, which suggests that employee turnover reduces organizational blindness and groupthink, potentiates efficiency gains and minimizes retention costs. On the contrary, this study does not find evidence of a non-linear effect of employee turnover on the outreach objectives of MFIs. Meanwhile, these effects were observed to vary depending on the proxy, sub-samples and techniques used in the analysis.

Originality/value

Motivated by the paucity of literature, the study has uniquely investigated the effect of employee turnover on the social outreach objective of MFIs by using relatively recent and global-level data. The study findings can help managers and the human resource departments to make optimum decisions about employee turnover management.
Phylogenic position and low genomic diversity of “Candidatus Rickettsia kotlanii” inferred by complete genome sequences of two Japanese isolates
Authors: Gotoh Yasuhiro , Takano Ai , Andoh Masako , Kasama Kentaro , Nakamura Keiji , Ando Shuji , Hayashi Tetsuya
Published: March 2023

Many Rickettsia species of the spotted fever group (SFG) cause tick‐borne diseases known as “spotted fever.” One of the candidate SFG Rickettsia species is “Candidatus Rickettsia kotlanii,” which was first detected in Haemaphysalis concinna in Hungary in 2006. However, its precise phylogenetic position in the SFG is not clear because only single‐gene sequence–based phylogenetic analyses were performed using very limited genes. Here, we present the complete genome sequences of two Japanese “Ca. R. kotlanii” isolates, which differed only by a 135 bp insertion/deletion (InDel). Using these genomes and publicly available whole genome sequences of other Rickettsia species, the precise phylogenetic position of “Ca. R. kotlanii” in Rickettsia was determined to be in a clade of the SFG. The phylogenetic relationships and average nucleotide identity of “Ca. R. kotlanii” relative to the other species indicated that “Ca. R. kotlanii” is an independent taxon in the SFG. Notably, although the genomes of the two isolates were almost identical, the isolates were obtained from different tick species in different regions and years, suggesting extremely low genomic diversity in “Ca. R. kotlanii.” While the genome of “Ca. R. kotlanii” is the smallest in the transitional group and SFG Rickettsia sequenced to date, we identified genes uniquely present or absent in “Ca. R. kotlanii,” but most were apparently degraded. Therefore, analyses of differences at the sequence (single nucleotide polymorphisms and small InDels) or gene expression level will be required to understand the functional or physiological features unique to “Ca. R. kotlanii.”
Devouring and Asphyxia: Symptoms of a Cultural Complex in Present Times1
Authors: Wahba Liliana Liviano
Published: March 2023

The article discusses dominance and oppression in society due to cultural complexes filled with collective memories of destructiveness and perpetration, implicit memories which have remained repressed. Individual personal complexes and traumas are intertwined with traumatizing historical circumstances, setting up pairs of perpetrator and victim. The metaphors of devouring and asphyxiation are used to denote interpersonal and group relationships in which feelings of imprisonment, suffocating anxiety and expulsion are predominant, all of which leads to painful projections and introjections, dissociation and suffering. Asphyxiating death symbolizes not only environmental devastation by fire, the pandemic and the plague, but is also seen as a symptom of acute anxiety in modern times. Devouring stands for the annulment of the objectified Other in a patriarchal society best revealed in fratricidal struggles, the oppression of women and, ultimately, wars.
Determination of geographical origin for Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz by stable isotope and multielement analyses combined with chemometrics
Authors: Hai Chengying , Yang Xiaolong , Fu Haiyan , Chen Hengye , He Song , Kang Liping , Hao Qingxiu , Zhou Li , Zhan Zhilai , Liu Zhi , Yang Jian , Guo Lanping
Published: March 2023

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is an expensive edible Chinese herb with medicinal properties. Its economic value and medicinal properties are closely related to its geographical origin. In this study, a method based on stable isotopes and multiple elements combined with chemometrics was developed to identify the geographical origin of AMK. Five stable isotope ratios, including δ2H, δ18O, δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S, and 41 elements in 281 AMK samples from 10 regions were analyzed. An analysis of variance of stable isotope ratios and elements revealed that the δ2H, δ18O, Mg, Ca, and rare‐earth element concentrations in AMK from different geographical regions were significantly different. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis proved that Ca, K, Mg, and Na can be used for classifying (variable importance >1) and accurately identifying AMK from Panan, Xianfeng, and other areas with 100% discrimination accuracy. In addition, we achieved a good identification of protected geographic indication products of similar quality. This method realized the geographical discrimination of AMK from different producing areas and could potentially control the fair trade of AMK.

Practical Application

The quality of AMK is highly dependent on its geographical origin. Confusion over the origin of AMK impacts consumer rights. This study developed an accurate and effective classification method based on stable isotopes and multiple elements to ascertain the geographical origin of AMK, thereby providing an effective method for determining its quality.
Mild cognitive impairment is associated with passive suicidal ideation in older adults: A population‐based study
Authors: Rymo Irma , Fässberg Madeleine Mellqvist , Kern Silke , Zetterberg Henrik , Skoog Ingmar , Waern Margda , Sacuiu Simona
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between MCI and passive/active suicidal ideation in a population‐based sample of older adults.

Method

The sample included 916 participants without dementia acquired from the two population‐based studies Prospective Population Study of Women (PPSW) and the H70‐study. Cognitive status was assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychiatric examination and classified according to the Winblad et al. criteria: 182 participants were classified as cognitively intact, 448 had cognitive impairment but did not fulfill MCI criteria and 286 were diagnosed with MCI. Passive/active suicidal ideation was assessed using the Paykel questions.

Results

Passive or active suicidal ideation (any level) was reported by 16.0% of those with MCI and 1.1% of those who were cognitively intact. MCI was associated with past year life‐weariness (OR 18.32, 95% CI 2.44–137.75) and death wishes (OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.19–23.64) in regression models adjusted for covariates including major depression. Lifetime suicidal ideation was reported more frequently in MCI (35.7%) than in cognitively intact participants (14.8%). MCI was associated with lifetime life‐weariness (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.67–5.05). Among individuals with MCI, impairments in memory and visuospatial ability were associated with both past year and lifetime life‐weariness.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest reports of past year as well as lifetime passive suicidal ideation to be more frequent among individuals with MCI compared to those cognitively intact, indicating that individuals with MCI may constitute a high‐risk group for suicidal behavior.
Dehumanization of women and men in elective abortion: A preregistered replication in China
Authors: Tian Qirui , Pacilli Maria Giuseppina , Giovannelli Ilaria
Published: March 2023

Although abortion in China has been legalized for several decades, it is still controversial and the woman and man involved are at risk of being stigmatized. The current research replicated two studies conducted in Italy by investigating how the abortion decision of the woman and man influence received moral outrage, dehumanization, and perceptions of female professional competence. Study 1, which only included female participants, found higher moral outrage toward a woman having an abortion when the pregnancy was depicted as referring to a “child” (vs. “foetus”), and higher dehumanization of the woman in terms of human nature. Study 2, which included both male and female participants, and clarified responsibility for the abortion decision with respect to the woman and the man, revealed higher moral outrage and a reduction in the attribution of human uniqueness to the man, and of human nature to both the woman and the man. Moral outrage mediated dehumanization when participants had low positive attitudes toward abortion in Study 1 and high positive attitudes in Study 2. Both studies showed a negative impact of the decision to have an abortion on the woman's perceived traditional professional competence. The results generally align with the findings from Italy and yield some practical implications on reducing abortion stigma. Future abortion stigma research should consider more gender‐related factors.
Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services
Authors: Nolan Joshua J. , Ormondroyd Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests (DTC‐GT) offer a variety of genetic health risk information. Understanding evidence of impacts is required for effective policy to protect consumers and healthcare services. We undertook a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines, searching five literature databases for articles assessing analytic or clinical validity, or reporting consumer or healthcare professional experience with health risk information derived from DTC‐GT, published between November 2014 and July 2020. We performed a thematic synthesis to identify descriptive and analytical themes. Forty‐three papers met inclusion criteria. Many consumers submit raw DTC‐GT data for third‐party interpretation (TPI). DTC‐GT sometimes report ‘false positive’ or incorrectly interpreted rare variants, or that such information can result from TPI. Consumers have high expectations of DTC‐GT and TPI, and are broadly satisfied, although many do not act on results. A minority of consumers experience adverse psychological impacts. Healthcare consultations can be complex, and professionals have reservations about the validity and utility of DTC‐GT‐derived information. The contrast between consumer and health professional perceptions can result in mutual dissatisfaction with consultations. Health risk information from DTC‐GT and TPI is broadly valued by consumers but presents complex challenges for healthcare services and some consumers.
Temporary diverting stoma in therapy‐refractory luminal colonic Crohn's disease: an alternative to immediate colorectal resection?
Authors: van der Holst Adrianus. M. , Otten Antonius T. , Praag Elise M. Meima‐van , van Renterghem Alexander R. P. K. M. , Bourgonje Arno R. , van Loo Ellen S. , Dijkstra Gerard , Buskens Christianne J. , Stassen Laurents P. S.
Published: March 2023

Aim

Creation of a diverting stoma in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) can counteract luminal inflammation. The clinical utility of a diverting stoma with the prospect of restoration of gastrointestinal continuity warrants further investigation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long‐term effects of creation of a diverting stoma on the disease course in patients with luminal colonic CD.

Method

In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study we investigated the disease course of patients who received a diverting stoma in the biological era. Clinical characteristics, medication use and surgical course were assessed at the time of creation of the diverting stoma and during follow‐up. The primary outcome was the rate of successful and lasting reestablishment of gastrointestinal continuity.

Results

Thirty six patients with refractory luminal CD from four institutions underwent creation of a diverting stoma. Of the overall cohort, 20 (56%) patients had their gastrointestinal continuity reestablished after initial stoma creation and 14 (39%) who had their stoma reversed remained stoma‐free during a median of 3.3 years follow‐up (interquartile range 2.1–6.1 years). Absence of stoma reversal was associated with the presence of proctitis (p = 0.02). Colorectal resection after creation of a diverting stoma was performed in 28 (78%) patients, with 7 (19%) having a less extensive resection and 6 (17%) having a more extensive resection compared with the surgical plan before stoma creation.

Conclusion

A diverting stoma could potentially be an alternative to immediate definitive stoma placement in specific populations consisting of patients with luminal colonic CD, especially in the absence of proctitis.
‘My mind pretty much went to mush’: A qualitative exploration of trenbolone in the performance and image enhancing drug community
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy M. , Neumann David L. , Dunn Matthew
Published: March 2023

Introduction

There are a variety of harms associated with anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS), with some AAS associated with an increased risk profile for users. Despite potentially different risk profiles, these harms are seldom discussed with respect to specific compounds although recent ethnographic research has identified a need to do so. Specifically, myth has developed among users with trenbolone reportedly having more dramatic effects on individuals, with reports of aggression, violent behaviour and extreme mood disturbances, and this is reflected in extant literature. This paper aims to report on the narrative surrounding the use of trenbolone among AAS users.

Method

As part of a larger qualitative study, a number of AAS users were interviewed regarding their usage practices. A narrative emerged regarding the physical and psychological harms which accompanied their AAS use of which trenbolone played a central role (N = 16).

Results

Of all the AAS, trenbolone was viewed as having the most deleterious consequences for those who used it. Users reported an extreme shift in risk profile for psychosocial harms, particularly increased aggression and violent behaviour, as well as impulsivity regulation issues. AAS‐using peers and family members of users reported the readily observable effect of trenbolone.

Discussion and Conclusions

Users should be cognisant of the potential for significant harms and health‐care providers working with this group may consider more focused screening strategies. Future policy decisions regarding AAS may wish to consider the pivotal role trenbolone plays in adverse outcomes for this unique group of substance users.
Effects of a culturally tailored, family‐supported, community‐based self management education and support programme on clinical outcomes among adults with type 2 diabetes in Western Ethiopia: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Suen Lorna K. P. , Leung Doris Y. P.
Published: March 2023

Aim

To examine the preliminary effects of a culturally tailored, family‐supported, community‐based diabetes self management education and support (DSMES) programme for Ethiopian people with type 2 diabetes on glycosylated haemoglobulin (HbA1c), blood pressure, body mass index and lipid profiles.

Methods

A two‐arm pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted involving 76 participant–caregiver dyads from Western Ethiopia, which were randomly allocated to the intervention arm to receive 12 h of DSMES intervention guided by social cognitive theory on top of usual care, or to the control group, which received usual care. While HbA1c was a primary outcome, the blood pressure, body mass index and lipid profiles were secondary outcomes. Primary outcome was the change in HbA1c between baseline and 2‐month follow‐up between the groups. Generalised estimating equations was used to test the preliminary effect of the DSMES programme on the outcomes at baseline, post‐intervention and at 2‐month follow‐up for secondary outcomes. Cohen's d was used to estimate the between‐group effect sizes of the intervention.

Results

The DSMES produced significant improvement in HbA1c with large effect size (β = −1.667, p < 0.001, d = −0.81) and triglycerides with medium effect size (d = −0.50). HbA1c in the intervention group was decreased by 12 mmol/mol (1.1%). Although nonsignificant, the DSMES also had small to moderate effects (d = −0.123 to 0.34) on blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, low‐density and high‐density lipoproteins when compared with usual care.

Conclusion

A culturally tailored, social cognitive theory‐guided, family‐supported, community‐based DSME programme could have a benefit on HbA1c and triglycerides. A full RCT is warranted to test the effectiveness of the DSMES programme.
Meaning‐oriented consumption: A systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Jain Surabhi , Banerjee Ranjan , Sharma Ruppal Walia
Published: March 2023

The quest for finding meaning in life is central to human existence. Evidence supporting consumption as a source of meaning in life is scant and lies in discrete studies across multiple disciplines. We call consumption that engenders a sense of meaning in life ‘meaning‐oriented consumption’. In this paper we conduct a systematic literature review of 102 papers, using the Scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR‐4‐SLR) (Paul et al. (2021). International Journal of Consumer Studies, 45(4)). We draw on the theory of meaning in life to arrive at a theoretically grounded conceptualization of meaning‐oriented consumption. We discuss the antecedents and consequences of meaning‐oriented consumption, categories and processes that make consumption meaningful. We gather insights into the relationship between hedonic and meaning‐oriented consumption. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps in theory, context, constructs and methodology. This review identifies several consumption contexts and situations that offer potential for marketers to design meaningful offerings.
Comprehensive pediatric reference intervals for 79 hematology markers in the CALIPER cohort of healthy children and adolescents using the Mindray BC‐6800Plus system
Authors: Bohn Mary Kathryn , Wilson Siobhan , Steele Shannon , Adeli Khosrow
Published: March 2023

Background

Hematological parameters vary significantly throughout growth and development due to physiological processes such as fetal‐to‐adult erythropoiesis and puberty. Pediatric age‐ and sex‐specific reference intervals (RIs) are thus essential for appropriate clinical decision‐making. The current study aimed to establish RIs for both common and novel hematology parameters on the Mindray BC‐6800Plus system.

Methods

Six hundred and eighty‐seven healthy children and adolescents (30 days to 18 years) were enrolled. Participants were recruited as part of the Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals Program upon informed consent or identified from apparently healthy outpatient clinics. Whole blood was collected and assayed for 79 hematology parameters on the BC‐6800Plus system (Mindray). Age‐ and sex‐specific RIs were established as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP28‐A3c guidelines.

Results

Dynamic reference value distributions were observed for several hematology parameters, including erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, reticulocytes, and research‐use‐only markers. Age partitioning was required for 52 parameters, demonstrating changes in infancy and puberty. Sex partitioning was required for 11 erythrocyte parameters (i.e., red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, RBC distribution width coefficient of variation, hemoglobin distribution width, macrocyte count, macrocyte percentage, RBC (optical), and reticulocyte production index). Few parameters had undetectable levels in our healthy cohort (i.e., nucleated RBC count and immature granulocyte count).

Conclusions

The current study completed hematological profiling for 79 parameters on the BC‐6800Plus system in a healthy cohort of Canadian children and adolescents. These data emphasize the complex biological patterns of hematology parameters in childhood, particularly at the onset of puberty, and support the need for age‐ and sex‐specific RIs for clinical interpretation.
Experience of guilt in court hearings—Comparing rape, assault and fraud cases
Authors: Jacobsson Maritha
Published: March 2023

Feelings of guilt often occur when people are subjected to crime. In this study, guilt is defined as a moral and emotional category, as opposed to the legal guilt. The aim of this study was to investigate how crime victims related to feelings of guilt in the court process. Interviews with plaintiffs in rape cases (10) have been compared to interviews with plaintiffs in assault (10) and fraud cases (10) in order find out if there are differences in the perceptions of guilt for each type of crime. The interviews are analysed by discursive psychology and three interpretative repertoires have been identified: self‐blaming, guilt imposed and guilt resistance. The results show that plaintiffs in rape cases expressed more feelings of being guilt‐imposed compared to plaintiffs in fraud and assault cases. Some plaintiffs in the rape cases describe how they actively opposed what they perceived was guilty‐imposed practices in court.
Development of ZnO/selenium nanoparticles embedded chitosan‐based anti‐bacterial wound dressing for potential healing ability and nursing care after paediatric fracture surgery
Authors: Ruan Qianzi , Yuan Lita , Gao Shuxia , Ji Xuelian , Shao Wen , Ma Jianlin , Jiang Daiqi
Published: March 2023

The current study was aimed at the assessment of the effect of chitosan‐ZnO/Selenium nanoparticles scaffold on infected wound healing and care of paediatric surgery treatment. The nanoparticle scaffolds were developed from sources such as chitosan (CS), different concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO), and Selenium (SeNPs) nanoparticles by freeze‐drying method. The structural and chemical properties of nanoparticles were investigated by UV–Vis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and phase identification by x‐ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology of CS, chitosan‐ZnO (CS‐ZnO) and chitosan‐ZnO/SeNPs was analysed using a scanning electron microscope. The incorporation of ZnO and SeNPs along with CS polymer induces antioxidant and antimicrobial functions. The bacterial susceptibility to nanoparticle scaffolds against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed the excellent antibacterial effects of ZnO and SeNPs. In‐vitro studies of fibroblast of NIH 3 T3 and HaCaT cell lines revealed the biocompatibility, cell adhesion, cell viability, and proliferation of scaffold in the wound site. Also, results of in‐vivo studies strongly enhanced collagen synthesis, re‐epithelialization, and rapid wound closure. Thus, the synthesised chitosan‐ZnO/SeNPs nanoparticle scaffold resulted in significant improvement in histopathological indices in the full thickness of wound healing after nursing care of paediatric fracture surgery.
On the Controversy over the Origins of the Chicago Plan for 100% Reserves: Sorry, Frederick Soddy, it was Knight and (Most Probably) Simons!
Authors: TAVLAS GEORGE S.
Published: March 2023

The idea of 100% reserve requirements against demand deposits received a renewed impetus in recent years. In 1933, a group of University of Chicago economists, led by Frank Knight and Henry Simons, circulated two memoranda that proposed the scheme in what became known as the Chicago Plan of Banking Reform. That same idea had been proposed in 1926 by Frederick Soddy, a Nobel Laureate in chemistry. Soddy claimed precedence, a claim that caught on. I provide evidence showing that Knight, and probably Simons, conceived the idea of 100% reserves prior to the publication of Soddy's 1926 book.
Hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone neurons in stress‐induced psychopathology: Revaluation of synaptic contributions
Authors: Stanton Laura M. , Price Aidan J. , Manning Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2023

Stress has a strong influence on mental health around the world. Decades of research has sought to identify mechanisms through which stress contributes to psychiatric disorders such as depression, to potentially guide the development of therapeutics targeting stress systems. The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is the key endocrine system that is responsible for coordinating body‐wide changes that are necessary for survival under stress, and much of the research aimed at understanding the mechanisms by which stress contributes to depression has focussed on HPA axis dysfunction. Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) sit at the apex of the HPA axis, integrating signals relevant to stress and external threats, to ensure HPA axis activity is appropriate for the given context. In addition to this, emerging research has demonstrated that neural activity in PVNCRH neurons regulates stress related behaviours via modulation of downstream synaptic targets. This review will summarize convergent evidence from preclinical studies on chronic stress and clinical research in mood disorders demonstrating changes in PVNCRH neural function, consider how this may influence synaptic targets of PVNCRH neurons, and discuss the potential role of these PVNCRH synaptic pathways in the development of maladaptive behaviours following chronic stress that are relevant to depression. We will also highlight important questions for future research aimed at precisely dissecting endocrine and synaptic roles of PVNCRH neurons in chronic stress, their potential interactions, and therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of stress related disorders.
Burden and determinants of anaemia among in‐school young adolescents in Ethiopia, Sudan and Tanzania
Authors: Partap Uttara , Tadesse Amare W. , Shinde Sachin , Sherfi Huda , Mank Isabel , Mwanyika‐Sando Mary , Sharma Deepika , Baernighausen Till , Drysdale Roisin , Worku Alemayehu , Tinkasimile Amani , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: March 2023

Anaemia among adolescents is a global health problem. However, evidence regarding its burden and risk factors, particularly for younger adolescents and in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), remains scarce. We aimed to assess the prevalence and potential determinants of anaemia among urban and semi‐urban in‐school young adolescents in Ethiopia, Sudan and Tanzania. We conducted a school‐based survey among 3558 adolescents aged 10−14 years. A capillary blood sample was used to assess haemoglobin concentration. We assessed anaemia prevalence and examined associations between measures at the individual, household and school levels and anaemia using Poisson regression models adjusted for school and country‐level clustering. The prevalence of anaemia was 32.0% overall, and 10.8% in Ethiopia, 25.0% in Sudan and 58.3% in Tanzania. Being a boy [adjusted risk ratio (RR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08−1.15, p < 0.001], poorer diet quality (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02−1.23 p = 0.015), no school handwashing stations (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20−1.32, p < 0.001) and food insecurity (RR for moderate/severe anaemia: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02−1.10, p = 0.002) were associated with increased anaemia risk. Younger age (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86−0.96, p < 0.001) and increasing height‐for‐age z‐score (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91−0.95, p < 0.001) were associated with decreased anaemia risk. Associations were consistent for moderate or severe anaemia. There was no evidence of effect modification by sex. This study highlights anaemia as a public health problem and identified nutritional, dietary and hygiene measures as key risk factors of anaemia among young adolescents in SSA. School‐based interventions addressing these factors could reduce the burden of anaemia in adolescence.
Replicate contact zones suggest a limited role of plumage in reproductive isolation among subspecies of the variable seedeater (Sporophila corvina)
Authors: Ocampo Diego , Winker Kevin , Miller Matthew J. , Sandoval Luis , Uy J. Albert C.
Published: March 2023

After establishing secondary contact, recently diverged populations may remain reproductively isolated or may hybridize to a varying extent depending on factors such as hybrid fitness and the strength of assortative mating. Here, we used genomic and phenotypic data from three independent contact zones between subspecies of the variable seedeater (Sporophila corvina) to examine how coloration and genetic divergence shape patterns of hybridization. We found that differences in plumage coloration are probably maintained by divergent selection across contact zones; however, the degree of plumage differentiation does not match overall patterns of hybridization. Across two parallel contact zones between populations with divergent phenotypes (entirely black vs. pied plumage), populations hybridized extensively across one contact zone but not the other, suggesting that plumage divergence is not sufficient to maintain reproductive isolation. Where subspecies hybridized, hybrid zones were wide and formed by later‐generation hybrids, suggesting frequent reproduction and high survivorship for hybrid individuals. Moreover, contemporary gene flow has played an important role in shaping patterns of genetic structure between populations. Replicated contact zones between hybridizing taxa offer a unique opportunity to explore how different factors interact to shape patterns of hybridization. Overall, our results demonstrate that divergence in plumage coloration is important in reducing gene flow but insufficient in maintaining reproductive isolation in this clade, and that other factors such as divergence in song and time since secondary contact may also play an important role in driving patterns of reduced hybridization and gene flow.