bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression controlling signalling molecules within mutualistic associations of an invasive plant: An evolutionary perspective
Authors: Tian Baoliang , Pei Yingchun , Li Weiqiang , Zhang Junli , Zhang Shulin , Ding Jianqing , Zhang Xuebin , Siemann Evan
Published: July 2024

Chemical signals are crucial in mediating ecological and evolutionary adaptation of plants to their environments. Indeed, invasive plants may produce greater amounts of chemical metabolites in their new ranges. Some of these chemicals can enhance their mutualistic interactions and improve invasive plant performance, but genetic mechanisms of such adaptations are unexplored.

We used Triadica sebifera plants as a model to investigate evolutionary changes in chemical signals that enhance arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal associations. Previous studies found that T. sebifera plants from invasive populations had higher root exudate concentrations of the flavonoid quercetin and elevated AM fungal colonization compared with those from native populations. Here, we explored genetic variation in strigolactone concentrations in root exudates and their contribution to AM fungal colonization with strigolactone analogue GR24 additions. In addition, we studied how gene expression patterns related to flavonoid and strigolactone biosynthesis varied among invasive and native populations using comparative genomics, transcriptomics and fluorescent real‐time quantitative PCR.

We found that plants from invasive populations had higher concentrations of the strigolactone 5‐deoxystrigol in root exudates that were correlated with higher AM fungal colonization rates, relative to those from native populations. Exogenous applications of GR24, a synthetic analogue of 5‐deoxystrigol, increased AM fungal colonization. We found higher expression of a single gene in flavonoid (FLS) and strigolactone (DAD1) biosynthesis pathways increased levels of quercetin and 5‐deoxystrigol in plants from invasive populations, respectively.

Synthesis. Understanding the role of genetic evolution in enhancing mutualisms of invasive plants provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of plant invasion. This study suggests that an invasive plant enhanced its mutualisms by upregulating the expression of key genes related to secondary metabolites in root exudates which stimulate symbiotic relationships with AM fungi. Thus, these findings provide insights into genetic mechanisms that underlie higher AM fungal colonization and enhanced invasive plant performance.
Potential mediation effect of insulin resistance on the association between iron metabolism indicators and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Xin , Han Xin Yu , Fan Hong , Guo Cheng Nan , Li Yi , Wang Hai Li , Liu Zhen Qiu , Zhang Tie Jun
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Iron metabolism and insulin resistance (IR) are closely related to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the interplay between them on the occurrence and progression of NAFLD is not fully understood. We aimed to disentangle the crosstalk between iron metabolism and IR and explore its impact on NAFLD.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 to evaluate the association between serum iron metabolism indicators (ferritin, serum iron, unsaturated iron‐binding capacity [UIBC], total iron‐binding capacity [TIBC], transferrin saturation, and transferrin receptor) and NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of IR played in these relationship.

Results

A total of 4812 participants were included, among whom 43.7% were diagnosed with NAFLD and 13.2% were further diagnosed with NASH. After adjusting the covariates, the risk of NAFLD increases with increasing serum ferritin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–2.14), UIBC (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.17–1.79), and TIBC (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.68). Higher levels of serum ferritin (aOR 3.70, 95% CI 2.25–6.19) and TIBC (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13–2.56) were also positively associated with NASH. Participants with IR were more likely to have NAFLD/NASH. Moreover, IR‐mediated efficacy accounted for 85.85% and 64.51% between ferritin and NAFLD and NASH, respectively.

Conclusion

Higher levels of serum ferritin and TIBC are closely associated with the occurrence of NAFLD and NASH. IR may be considered a possible link between NAFLD or NASH and increased serum ferritin levels.
Role of breastfeeding in disease prevention
Authors: Masi Andrea C. , Stewart Christopher J.
Published: July 2024

Human milk provides the infant with many bioactive factors, including immunomodulating components, antimicrobials and prebiotics, which modulate the infant microbiome and immune system maturation. As a result, breastfeeding can impact infant health from infancy, through adolescence, and into adulthood. From protecting the infant from infections, to reducing the risk of obesity, type 1 diabetes and childhood leukaemia, many positive health outcomes are observed in infants receiving breastmilk. For the mother, breastfeeding protects against postpartum bleeding and depression, increases weight loss, and long‐term lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Beyond infants and mothers, the wider society is also impacted because of avoidable costs relating to morbidity and mortality derived from a lack of human milk exposure. In this review, Medline was used to search for relevant articles to discuss the health benefits of breastfeeding and its societal impact before exploring future recommendations to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind breastfeeding's positive effects and promote breastfeeding on a global scale.
A BBCH‐scale code for the phenology of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq.)
Authors: Ran Ruilan , Chen Guoxiong , Zhao Pengshan
Published: July 2024

Sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq.), an annual psammophyte, is a promising wild plant for de novo domestication. Although many related studies have been documented recently, a basic phenological scale describing its growth stages is lacking. To address this gap, we have defined nine principal growth stages, each subdivided into several secondary stages according the international BBCH coding system. The growth stages mainly include seedling emergence, leaf development, formation of the primary branches, main stem elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, ripening and senescence. Importantly, the growth sequence of sand rice reveals a distinctive stage, coded as BBCH21, characterized by the elongation of the first pair of primary branches, which occurs prior to main stem visible (BBCH30). This branch priority phenotype in sand rice strongly challenges the generally recognized growth pattern of ‘apical dominance’ in dicotyledons. The sequential and chronological progression of principal growth stages of sand rice was further determined in an experimental field with a representative genotype from the Tengger desert of Northwest China in 2023. The establishment of BBCH scale of sand rice lays a methodological foundation for morphological assessment among different germplasms and between wild‐type and mutant plants. This will accelerate the de novo domestication process of sand rice using natural selection and artificial mutagenesis.
Genome‐wide study of OsWRKY gene in Oryza sativa subsp. japonica
Authors: Meher Jhumishree , Narware Jeetu , Masurkar Prahlad
Published: July 2024

WRKY transcription factor (TF) family is well known to govern essential physiological functioning as well as regulate plant response to biotic and abiotic stress. In this study, we have identified 108 OsWRKY genes in the genome of Oryza sativa subsp. japonica, using the updated genomic data from the Rice Annotation Project Database and Oryzabase, which were further used to conduct the phylogenetic study, motif analysis, gene structure analysis, chromosomal mapping, and prediction of sub‐cellular localization. The multiple sequence alignment OsWRKY proteins revealed the presence of nine different types of alterations in the conserved heptapeptide sequence WRKYGQK associated with 19 OsWRKY genes. Physiochemical analysis discloses the hydrophobic amino acid‐rich, thermally stable, and polar nature of OsWRKY proteins. These genes were noted as highly conserved between the two cultivated sub‐species of Oryza sativa, that is Indica and japonica type. Additionally, from motif analysis, we have found a new motif, which was categorized as hAT family C‐terminal dimerization region associated with four members of group IIc. We have identified 21 stress‐responsive OsWRKY genes, and their significance to the different biotic and abiotic stress‐mediated cascades was further evaluated by analysing 1500 kb upstream sequences and this disclosed the presence of important phytohormone‐responsive cis‐elements in the OsWRKY gene, suggesting its direct involvement in defence against a wide range of external stressors and these 21 OsWRKY genes are tentatively listed as possible candidates for more study.
Supply chain risks and geographical supplier distribution strategy
Authors: Zhuo Qianru , Qin Libin , Liu Wei , Liu Ying , You Jiaxing
Published: July 2024

This study empirically examines the impact of supply chain risks on the corporate strategy of the geographical distribution of suppliers, by employing text analysis to procure firm‐level supply chain risk data. The findings indicate that, as supply chain risks intensify, firms are inclined to opt for geographically closer suppliers. Heterogeneity studies suggest that the effect of supply chain risks on the selection of geographically proximate suppliers is more pronounced within firms characterised by intense competition, low supplier concentration, low switching costs and in non‐state‐owned enterprises. Further analysis identifies that the supply chain risks, which drive strategies for firms to utilise a geographically proximate supplier distribution, stem from various sources. Each of these sources varies in its impact on a firm's strategies. Tests of economic consequences reveal that, in scenarios of heightened supply chain risks, firms' strategic geographic adjustments in supplier selection can favourably impact their supply chain management efficiency and operational risk.
Federal judge ideology, securities class action litigation, and stock price crash risk
Authors: Cui Xiaoyu , Han Jianlei , Kim Jeong Bon , Qi Baolei
Published: July 2024

This study investigates whether and how federal judge ideology affects firm‐specific stock price crash risk. Using a comprehensive sample of US firms, we find a decline in the likelihood of future stock price crashes for firms headquartered in more liberal circuits. In identifying potential mechanisms, we show that liberal judge ideology reduces information opacity, risk‐taking behaviours and overinvestment, and thus curbs stock price crash risk. Furthermore, the curbing effect is more salient for firms with poor monitoring quality and those in low social capital areas. Overall, this study elucidates how federal judge ideology affects capital markets.
Cone‐beam computed tomography‐based descriptive classification for transverse root fracture
Authors: Saini Aakriti , Sharma Sidhartha , Kumar Vijay , Chawla Amrita , Gupta Shalini , Kahler Bill , Logani Ajay
Published: July 2024

Transverse root fracture (TRF) is classified as a cervical, middle or apical third root fracture on a periapical radiograph. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) suggests that cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) should be considered, when conventional radiographs provide ‘insufficient’ information for diagnosis and treatment planning. Considering that CBCT can divulge additional information, it would be beneficial to have a clinically pertinent three‐dimensional classification for TRF. The proposed alphanumeric classification includes the traumatised tooth number, describes the number of TRF, the facial and lingual location of each fracture line on the anatomic root, and its position relative to the crest of the alveolar bone. Further, diastasis, displacement of the coronal fragment and status of the alveolar bone at the site of TRF are also documented. This comprehensive classification system would provide a standard format for reporting, aid in referral communication and can be applied for future outcome studies on TRF.
Certainty in holistic thinking and responses to contradiction: Dialectical proverbs, counter‐attitudinal change and ambivalence
Authors: Santos David , Requero Blanca , Moreno Lorena , Briñol Pablo , Petty Richard
Published: July 2024

The present research examined whether consideration of individuals' certainty in their holism can enhance the ability of this individual difference to predict how they respond to contradiction‐relevant outcomes. Across four studies, participants first completed a standardized measure of holistic‐analytic thinking. Then, they rated how certain they were in their responses to the holism scale or were experimentally induced to feel high or low certainty. Next, participants were exposed to dialectical proverbs (Study 1a and 1b), to a counter‐attitudinal change induction (Study 2), or to a paradigm of attitudinal ambivalence (Study 3). Results revealed that participants with higher certainty in their holistic thinking exhibited higher preference for dialectical proverbs (Study 1a and 1b), changed their attitude less following a counter‐attitudinal task (Study 2) and showed weaker correspondence between objective and subjective ambivalence (Study 3). Beyond examining new domains and discovering novel findings, the present work was designed to be the first to show moderation of previously identified effects in the domain of holistic thinking and responses to contradiction.
LncRNA HULC augments high glucose‐associated pancreatic cancer progression and drug resistance by enhancing YAP activity and autophagy
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Chowdhury Shibasish , Mukherjee Sudeshna , Chowdhury Rajdeep
Published: July 2024

Background Information: One of the confounding factors in pancreatic cancer (PC) pathogenesis is hyperglycemia. The molecular mechanism by which high glucose (HG) influences PC severity is poorly understood. Our investigation delved into the impact of lncRNA highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC) and its interaction with yes‐associated protein (YAP) in regulating the fate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDAC) under HG‐induced conditions. PDAC cells were cultured under normal or HG conditions. We thereafter measured the effect of HG on the viability of PDAC cells, their migration potential and drug resistance properties. The lncRNAs putatively dysregulated in PC and diabetes were shortlisted by bioinformatics analysis followed by wet lab validation of function. Results: HG led to enhanced proliferation and drug refractoriness in PDAC cells. HULC was identified as one of the major deregulated lncRNAs following bioinformatics analysis. HULC was found to regulate the expression of the potent transcriptional regulator – YAP through selective histone modifications at the YAP promoter. siRNA‐mediated ablation of HULC resulted in a concurrent decrease in YAP transcriptional activity. Importantly, HULC and YAP were found to co‐operatively regulate the cellular homeostatic process autophagy, thus inculcating drug resistance and proliferative potential in PDAC cells. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy or YAP led to a decrease in HULC levels, suggesting the existence of an inter‐regulatory feedback loop. Conclusions: We observed that HG triggers aggressive properties in PDAC cells. Mechanistically, up‐regulation of lncRNA HULC resulted in activation of YAP and differential regulation of autophagy coupled to increased proliferation of PDAC cells. Significance: Inhibition of HULC and YAP may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for PDAC. Furthermore, this study portrays the intricate molecular interplay between HULC, YAP and autophagy in PDAC pathogenesis.
Anti‐LINGO‐1 treatment restores myelination of corticospinal tract neurons and improves functional recovery after stroke
Authors: Strecker Jan‐Kolja , Schmidt‐Pogoda Antje , Diederich Kai , Zaremba Dario , Wieters Frederique , Beuker Carolin , Koecke Mailin Hannah Marie , Straeten Frederike Anne , Wiendl Heinz , Minnerup Jens
Published: July 2024

Demyelination of corticospinal tract neurons contributes to long‐term disability after cortical stroke. Nonetheless, poststroke myelin loss has not been addressed as a therapeutic target, so far. We hypothesized that an antibody‐mediated inhibition of the Nogo receptor‐interacting protein (LINGO‐1, leucine‐rich repeat and immunoglobulin domain‐containing Nogo receptor‐interacting protein) may counteract myelin loss, enhance remyelination and axonal growth, and thus promote functional recovery following stroke. To verify this hypothesis, mice were subjected to photothrombotic stroke and received either an antibody against LINGO‐1 (n = 19) or a control treatment (n = 18). Behavioral tests were performed to assess the effects of anti‐LINGO‐1 treatment on the functional recovery. Seven weeks after stroke, immunohistochemical analyses were performed to analyze the effect of anti‐LINGO‐1 treatment on myelination and axonal loss of corticospinal tract neurons, proliferation of oligodendrocytes and neurogenesis. Anti‐LINGO‐1 treatment resulted in significantly improved functional recovery (p < 0.0001, repeated measures analysis of variance), and increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone of the ipsilateral hemisphere (p = 0.0094 and p = 0.032, t‐test). Notably, we observed a significant increase in myelin (p = 0.0295, t‐test), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α‐positive oligodendrocyte precursor cells (p = 0.0356, t‐test) and myelinating adenomatous polyposis coli‐positive cells within the ipsilateral internal capsule of anti‐LINGO‐1‐treated mice (p = 0.0021, t‐test). In conclusion, we identified anti‐LINGO‐1 as the first neuroregenerative treatment that counteracts poststroke demyelination of corticospinal tract neurons, presumably by increased proliferation of myelin precursor cells, and thereby improves functional recovery. Most importantly, our study presents myelin loss as a novel therapeutic target following stroke.
Exploring cellular diversity in lung adenocarcinoma epithelium: Advancing prognostic methods and immunotherapeutic strategies
Authors: Zhang Lianmin , Cui Yanan , Mei Jie , Zhang Zhenfa , Zhang Pengpeng
Published: July 2024

Immunotherapy has brought significant advancements in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but identifying suitable candidates remains challenging. In this study, we investigated tumour cell heterogeneity using extensive single‐cell data and explored the impact of different tumour cell cluster abundances on immunotherapy in the POPLAR and OAK immunotherapy cohorts. Notably, we found a significant correlation between CKS1B+ tumour cell abundance and treatment response, as well as stemness potential. Leveraging marker genes from the CKS1B+ tumour cell cluster, we employed machine learning algorithms to establish a prognostic and immunotherapeutic signature (PIS) for LUAD. In multiple cohorts, PIS outperformed 144 previously published signatures in predicting LUAD prognosis. Importantly, PIS reliably predicted genomic alterations, chemotherapy sensitivity and immunotherapy responses. Immunohistochemistry validated lower expression of immune markers in the low‐PIS group, while in vitro experiments underscored the role of the key gene PSMB7 in LUAD progression. In conclusion, PIS represents a novel biomarker facilitating the selection of suitable LUAD patients for immunotherapy, ultimately improving prognosis and guiding clinical decisions.
Client and family experiences with telehealth‐delivered early psychosis services
Authors: Florence Ana Carolina , Stefančić Ana , Sheitman Adrienne , Fidaleo Kaleigh , Bello Iruma , Dixon Lisa , Drake Robert Eldon , Nossel Ilana , Cabassa Leopoldo J. , Montague Elaina , Pagdon Shannon , Lyn Jamaitreya , Patel Sapana R.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted a significant shift to delivering early psychosis services using telehealth. Little is known about the experience of using telehealth in early psychosis services. This quality improvement qualitative project investigated the experiences of program participants and family members with telehealth services in OnTrackNY, an early intervention program for psychosis in New York State during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The project team conducted individual interviews and focus groups. Data analyses used a matrix approach.

Results

Nineteen OnTrackNY program participants and nine family members participated in five focus groups and nine individual interviews. Data were organized into five themes (a) accessibility: most individuals had a device and internet access and challenges were related to connectivity, such as image freezing and sound breaking; (b) convenience/flexibility: benefits included the reduced commute and costs; (c) levels of comfort/privacy with telehealth: program participants felt less judged and less anxiety leading up to in‐person appointments while also expressing privacy concerns; (d) sense of connectedness: in‐person social connections were deemed important and not replaceable by telehealth; and (e) suggestions: program participants expressed a preference for in‐person group activities and suggested hybrid options, highlighting the importance of in‐person visits to establish rapport at the beginning of treatment before transitioning to telehealth.

Conclusions

Telehealth services were generally well accepted. Suggestions for future service delivery include offering a combination of telehealth and in‐person services based on program participants' preferences and prioritizing in‐person services during the early phase of treatment.
The Asymptomatic Proportion of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron Variant Infections in Households: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shi Nancy D. J. , Marcato Adrian J. , Spirkoska Violeta , Meagher Niamh , Villanueva‐Cabezas Juan‐Pablo , Price David J.
Published: July 2024

Understanding the clinical spectrum of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, including the asymptomatic fraction, is important as asymptomatic individuals are still able to infect other individuals and contribute to ongoing transmission. The WHO Unity Household transmission investigation (HHTI) protocol provides a platform for the prospective and systematic collection of high‐quality clinical, epidemiological, serological and virological data from SARS‐CoV‐2 confirmed cases and their household contacts. These data can be used to understand key severity and transmissibility parameters—including the asymptomatic proportion—in relation to local epidemic context and help inform public health response. We aimed to estimate the asymptomatic proportion of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infections in Unity‐aligned HHTIs. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis in alignment with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered our systematic review on PROSPERO (CRD42022378648). We searched EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE and bioRxiv and medRxiv from 1 November 2021 to 22 August 2023. We identified 8368 records, of which 98 underwent full text review. We identified only three studies for data extraction, with substantial variation in study design and corresponding estimates of the asymptomatic proportion. As a result, we did not generate a pooled estimate or I2 metric. The limited number of quality studies that we identified highlights the need for improved preparedness and response capabilities to facilitate robust HHTI implementation, analysis and reporting, to better inform national, regional and global risk assessments and policymaking.
Current nursing and midwifery contribution to leading digital health policy and practice: An integrative review
Authors: Janes Gillian , Chesterton Lorna , Heaslip Vanessa , Reid Joanne , Lüdemann Bente , Gentil João , Oxholm Rolf‐André , Hamilton Clayton , Phillips Natasha , Shannon Michael
Published: July 2024

Aim

To review the current nursing and midwifery contribution to leading digital health (DH) policy and practice and what facilitates and/or challenges this.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Methods

Pre‐defined inclusion criteria were used. Study selection and quality assessment using the appropriate critical appraisal tools were undertaken by two authors, followed by narrative synthesis.

Data Sources

Six databases and hand searching for papers published from 2012 to February 2024.

Findings

Four themes were identified from 24 included papers. These are discussed according to the World Health Organization's Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery and indicate nurses/midwives are leading DH policy and practice, but this is not widespread or systematically enabled.

Conclusion

Nurses and midwives are ideally placed to help improve health outcomes through digital healthcare transformation, but their policy leadership potential is underused.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Nurses/midwives' DH leadership must be optimized to realize maximum benefit from digital transformation. A robust infrastructure enabling nursing/midwifery DH policy leadership is urgently needed.

Impact

This study addresses the lack of nursing/midwifery voice in international DH policy leadership. It offers nurses/midwives and health policymakers internationally opportunity to: drive better understanding of nursing/midwifery leadership in a DH policy context; enhance population outcomes by optimizing their contribution; Develop a robust infrastructure to enable this.

Reporting Method

Reporting adheres to the EQUATOR network, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Financial Absorption of Cohesion Policy Funds: How Do Programmes and Territorial Characteristics Influence the Pace of Spending?
Authors: Santos Anabela M. , Conte Andrea , Molica Francesco
Published: July 2024

Using data from the execution of 2014–2020 cohesion policy, this article presents a novel indicator to measure how fast European territories were able to spend their allocated budget and then explores the drivers of such financial performance. This analysis aims to fill a gap in scientific literature as most existing studies tend to focus solely on the total absorption at the end of the period without looking at the average financial performance over time. The article also explores the influence on financial absorption of the governance model (nationally or regionally managed programmes) and the thematic structure of the funds, which has never been done before. The determinants of the speed of financial absorption are investigated through a Tobit model. Results show that both programme‐specific and territorial characteristics are relevant factors in explaining the varying levels of fund absorption. This suggests that increased flexibility in spending rules and the adoption of more tailored strategies could be instrumental in improving fund absorption.
What comes first: teeth or face? Recommendations for an interdisciplinary collaboration between facial esthetic surgery and dentistry
Authors: Ntovas Panagiotis , Grybauskas Simonas , Beiglboeck Fabian M , Kalash Ziad , Aida Seyidaliyeva , Att Wael
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of the present study was to provide recommendations in order to facilitate communication between dental professionals and surgeons who are collaborating in the field of dentofacial esthetics.

Clinical Considerations

Smile esthetics are beyond the scope, both of the surgeons who are collaborating with facial esthetics and of the dentists, as a wide range of treatment options from both sides is available. It can be difficult for the surgeon or the dentist that first comes in contact with the patient to conduct an individualized global treatment plan, in order to find out how the various phases of the treatment can be sequenced, as a workflow for an efficient interaction between facial surgery and dentistry still does not exist in the scientific literature.

Conclusions

Facial cosmetic procedures and dental treatment have to be planned as individual elements of the whole dentofacial esthetic rehabilitation. The treatment has to be initiated with the design of the smile and the intraoral mock‐up, followed by the required surgical interventions, and to be finished with the delivery of the definitive dental restoration.

Clinical Significance

Dentofacial esthetics require comprehensive communication between surgeons and dentists. Following the proposed recommendations, an individualized interdisciplinary treatment plan can be conducted, defining the role of each specialty.
Patient‐Provider Trust as a Key Component of Prenatal Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): A Concept Analysis
Authors: Gilliland Paige D. , Phipps Jennifer E. , Derret Breän , D'Souza Indira , Ha Stephanie , Patil Shwetha , Simmons Leigh Ann
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The concept of patient‐provider trust in prenatal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) screening remains unexplored. This concept analysis illuminates the role of trust in prenatal ACE screening to improve patient‐provider relationships, increase patient uptake of ACE screening, and ensure that ACE screening is implemented in a strengths‐based, trauma‐informed way.

Methods

A concept analysis was conducted using the Rodgers’ evolutionary method to define the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of this construct. The databases searched were PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus between 2010 and 2021. A total of 389 articles were retrieved using the search terms prenatal, adverse childhood experiences screening, adverse childhood experiences, and adverse childhood experiences questionnaire. Included articles for detailed review contained prenatal screening, trauma screening (ACE or other), trust or building trust between patient and health care provider, patient engagement, and shared decision making. Excluded articles were those not in the context of prenatal care and that were exclusively about screening with no discussion about the patient‐provider relationship or patient perspectives. A total of 32 articles were reviewed for this concept analysis.

Results

We define trust in prenatal ACE screening as a network of evidence‐based attributes that include the timing of the screening, patient familiarity with the health care provider, cultural competence, demystifying trauma, open dialogue between the patient and health care provider, and patient comfort and respect.

Discussion

This concept analysis elucidates the importance of ACE screening and provides suggestions for establishing trust in the context of prenatal ACE screening. Results give insight and general guidance for health care providers looking to implement ACE screening in a trauma‐informed way. Further research is needed to evaluate pregnant patients' attitudes toward ACE screening and how a health care provider's trauma history might influence their care. More inquiry is needed to understand the racial, ethnic, and cultural barriers to ACE screening.
Allopolyploidization events and immense paleogenome reshuffling underlying the diversification of plants and secondary metabolites in Oleaceae
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Ding Yue , Li Yinfeng , Gao Xintong , Kong Xiangming , Long Feng , Feng Yishan , Zhang Yan , Li Yu , Yu Zijian , Lei Tianyu , Wang Li , Li Xiu‐Qing , Wang Jinpeng
Published: July 2024

Oleaceae, a eudicot family with great species diversity, has attracted much attention from botanists because it contains many plants with important economic, medicinal, and ornamental values. However, the history of polyploidization and ancestral genome reshuffling of Oleaceae remains unclear. Here, we clarified an Oleaceae‐common hexaploidization (OCH) event occurring at ~53–61 million years ago (Ma) common in all Oleaceae plants and an Oleaceae‐recent tetraploidization (ORT) event occurring at ~18–21 Ma shared by the lineages of Syringa, Olea, Osmanthus, and Fraxinus. We found that high‐frequency polyploidization events drove the frequency of gene loss in Oleaceae genomes and extended the size of regions containing adjacent gene loss, thereby promoting the degree of genome fragmentation. We revealed that biased fractionation between the OCH‐ and ORT‐produced subgenomes is likely attributed to the origin of allopolyploidization in the OCH and ORT events. Significantly, through paleochromosome rearrangement comparisons, we proposed a "two‐step" genome duplication model for OCH and determined the duplicated orders of OCH tripled genome. We reconstructed 11 protochromosomes of the most recent ancestral Oleaceae karyotype (AOK) and elucidated the trajectories of immense paleochromosome reorganization of Oleaceae species from ancestral eudicot karyotype. Notably, we tracked the diversification history of secondary metabolite synthesis genes in the Oleaceae and explored the effects of paleogenome evolution on specialized metabolite synthesis. Our findings provide new insights into the polyploidization and paleogenomic evolution of Oleaceae and have important scientific significance for understanding the genetic basis of species and secondary metabolic diversity in Oleaceae.
Oral cancer in India
Authors: Ray Cecily S. , Gupta Prakash C.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To describe the epidemiological status of oral cancer (OC) in India along with updates on risk factors, advances and gaps in preventive measures, treatment, costs of care and monitoring.

Methods

Two national estimates of incidence and mortality were cited, one for 2016 by the Global Burden of Disease India Study and one based on projections for 2020 by GLOBOCAN. The National Cancer Registry Project provided local and regional incidence and trends using data from 2012–2016. Scientific literature, reports of the NCRP, the IARC and government press releases were also consulted.

Results

Tobacco and areca nut habits are the major risk factors for OC in India. In the 1980s, intervention studies on oral screening, awareness generation and habit cessation in rural areas reduced tobacco use and oral leukoplakia. Lately, adoption of the tobacco control law and mass media communications have resulted in decreased tobacco use. However, the increasing popularity of highly carcinogenic tobacco products containing areca nut, with evasion of their bans, is increasing OC incidence.

Conclusion

Despite advances in care, there is growing incidence of OC, persisting poor awareness about the need to quit tobacco/areca nut/alcohol use and go for screening. Major efforts are needed to implement preventive activities.
Shining light on diurnal variation of non‐photochemical quenching: Impact of gradual light intensity patterns on short‐term NPQ over a day
Authors: Lazzarin Martina , Driever Steven , Wassenaar Maarten , Marcelis Leo F. M. , van Ieperen Wim
Published: July 2024

Maximal sunlight intensity varies diurnally due to the earth's rotation. Whether this slow diurnal pattern influences the photoprotective capacity of plants throughout the day is unknown. We investigated diurnal variation in NPQ, along with NPQ capacity, induction, and relaxation kinetics after transitions to high light, in tomato plants grown under diurnal parabolic (DP) or constant (DC) light intensity regimes. DP light intensity peaked at midday (470 μmol m‐2 s‐1) while DC stayed constant at 300 μmol m‐2 s‐1 at a similar 12‐hour photoperiod and daily light integral. NPQs were higher in the morning and afternoon at lower light intensities in DP compared to DC, except shortly after dawn. NPQ capacity increased from midday to the end of the day, with higher values in DP than in DC. At high light ΦPSII did not vary throughout the day, while ΦNPQ varied consistently with NPQ capacity. Reduced ΦNO suggested less susceptibility to photodamage at the end of the day. NPQ induction was faster at midday than at the start of the day and in DC than in DP, with overshoot occurring in the morning and midday but not at the end of the day. NPQ relaxation was faster in DP than in DC. The xanthophyll de‐epoxidation state and reduced demand for photochemistry could not explain the observed diurnal variations in photoprotective capacity. In conclusion, this study showed diurnal variation in regulated photoprotective capacity at moderate growth light intensity, which was not explained by instantaneous light intensity or increasing photoinhibition over the day and was influenced by acclimation to constant light intensity.
Partisanship and public support for presidential norms
Authors: James Chandler
Published: July 2024

A prominent scholarship contends that presidential norms are particularly vital to a well‐functioning democracy. However, scant empirical research exists on the topic. I investigate public attitudes toward a novel battery of what many scholars and journalists consider presidential norms and examine the extent to which partisan and policy concerns affect attitudes toward them. Original survey data show that Americans strongly support presidential norms. I argue that there are two salient dimensions of presidential norms—what I call structural norms and presentation norms. Structural norms promote and support constitutional government. Presentation norms concern expectations about when and how presidents should present themselves before the public. Partisans evaluate the two types of presidential norms differentially, with Republicans notably expressing lower support for structural norms. I then present experimental evidence that the public's support for presidential norms is malleable to partisan framing. These results suggest that the public supports presidential norms in the abstract, but compelling rhetoric can facilitate presidential norm violations.
Characteristics of unilateral and bilateral bovine twin foetuses
Authors: Agerholm Jørgen Steen , Buelund Lene Elisabeth , Graff Katrine , Sørensen Tenna Vanggaard , Secher Jan Bojsen‐Møller
Published: July 2024

Twin pregnancy in cattle is undesirable for a number of reasons, including a higher abortion risk compared to pregnancies with a single foetus. Yet, the abortion risk is significantly influenced by the intrauterine location of the foetuses, that is, the abortion risk is several times higher if they are implanted in the same uterine horn (unilateral twin pregnancy) than if they are implanted with one foetus in each uterine horn (bilateral twin pregnancy). The reason for the higher abortion risk in unilateral twin pregnancies is unknown, but it may be related to malnutrition of the outermost foetus due to a limited placental capacity, as is the case for equine twin foetuses. A slaughterhouse study was performed and the foetuses of cattle pregnant with twins were measured. We identified 65 cases of twin pregnancies, of which 35 were unilateral twin pregnancies and 30 were bilateral twin pregnancies. There was no significant difference between the outermost and the more centrally located foetus in unilateral twin pregnancies in terms of body weight and length of the metacarpal diaphysis. Growth retardation of the outermost foetus could therefore not be confirmed as the cause of the higher abortion risk in unilateral bovine twin pregnancies. Four cases of pre‐slaughter foetal mortality were identified. In three of these cases, both twins were dead, of equal size and at a comparable level of degradation. In the fourth case, with approximately 40‐day‐old twin foetuses of equal size, only one of the foetuses showed signs of pre‐slaughter death.
Age‐related decline in GABAergic intracortical inhibition can be counteracted by long‐term learning of balance skills
Authors: Kuhn Yves‐Alain , Egger Sven , Bugnon Matteo , Lehmann Nico , Taubert Marco , Taube Wolfgang
Published: July 2024

Ageing induces a decline in GABAergic intracortical inhibition, which seems to be associated not only with decremental changes in well‐being, sleep quality, cognition and pain management but also with impaired motor control. So far, little is known regarding whether targeted interventions can prevent the decline of intracortical inhibition in the primary motor cortex in the elderly. Therefore, the present study investigated whether age‐related cortical dis‐inhibition could be reversed after 6 months of balance learning and whether improvements in postural control correlated with the extent of reversed dis‐inhibition. The results demonstrated that intracortical inhibition can be upregulated in elderly subjects after long‐term balance learning and revealed a correlation between changes in balance performance and intracortical inhibition. This is the first study to show physical activity‐related upregulation of GABAergic inhibition in a population with chronic dis‐inhibition and may therefore be seminal for many pathologies in which the equilibrium between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters is disturbed.

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Key points

Ageing induces a decline in GABAergic intracortical inhibition.

So far, little is known regarding whether targeted interventions can prevent the decline of intracortical inhibition in the primary motor cortex in the elderly.

After 6 months of balance learning, intracortical inhibition can be upregulated in elderly subjects.

The results of this study also revealed a correlation between changes in balance performance and intracortical inhibition.

This is the first study to show physical activity‐related upregulation of GABAergic inhibition in a population with chronic dis‐inhibition.
History and variations of Lindsay's wheel of acoustics: From a nested pie chart including words to a drawn acoustics world
Authors: Robin Olivier , Simard Marc , Potel Catherine , Bruneau Michel
Published: July 2024

In 1964, Robert Bruce Lindsay introduced “The Science of Acoustics,” a graphical representation that has become popular and is often called the Wheel of Acoustics. This communication first recalls the historical context and initial versions of this representation. Adaptations to its original design are then introduced. Some follow the idea of a wheel representation but focus on specific acoustic domains or perceptual descriptions of sound. Other adaptations propose a slightly modified arrangement of the wheel's elements while including icons to illustrate covered topics. We introduce a wheel that blends realistic and iconic representations following a primarily hand-drawn and artistic vision. This visual tool can be used for acoustics teaching and popularization to improve audience engagement and provide more in-depth and concrete examples. The Drawn Acoustics World is provided in English and French versions, and also in a text-free version that can be used to adapt to any language.
Cannabis use and acute postoperative pain outcomes in older adults: a propensity matched retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sajdeya Ruba , Rouhizadeh Masoud , Cook Robert L , Ison Ronald L , Bai Chen , Jugl Sebastian , Gao Hanzhi , Mardini Mamoun T , Dasa Osama , Zandbiglari Kimia , Adiba Farzana I , Winterstein Almut G , Price Catherine C , Pearson Thomas A , Seubert Christoph N , Tighe Patrick J
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cannabis use is increasing among older adults, but its impact on postoperative pain outcomes remains unclear in this population. We examined the association between cannabis use and postoperative pain levels and opioid doses within 24 hours of surgery.

Methods

We conducted a propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study using electronic health records data of 22 476 older surgical patients with at least 24-hour hospital stays at University of Florida Health between 2018 and 2020. Of the original cohort, 2577 patients were eligible for propensity-score matching (1:3 cannabis user: non-user). Cannabis use status was determined via natural language processing of clinical notes within 60 days of surgery and structured data. The primary outcomes were average Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) score and total oral morphine equivalents (OME) within 24 hours of surgery.

Results

504 patients were included (126 cannabis users and 378 non-users). The median (IQR) age was 69 (65–72) years; 295 (58.53%) were male, and 442 (87.70%) were non-Hispanic white. Baseline characteristics were well balanced. Cannabis users had significantly higher average DVPRS scores (median (IQR): 4.68 (2.71–5.96) vs 3.88 (2.33, 5.17); difference=0.80; 95% confidence limit (CL), 0.19 to 1.36; p=0.01) and total OME (median (IQR): 42.50 (15.00–60.00) mg vs 30.00 (7.50–60.00) mg; difference=12.5 mg; 95% CL, 3.80 mg to 21.20 mg; p=0.02) than non-users within 24 hours of surgery.

Discussion

This study showed that cannabis use in older adults was associated with increased postoperative pain levels and opioid doses.
The Character of M Dwarfs
Authors: Henry Todd J. , Jao Wei-Chun
Published: July 2024

M dwarfs dominate the stellar population, accounting for three of every four stars, the nearest of which is Proxima Centauri, the closest destination beyond our Solar System. These cool stars span large ranges in luminosities (one ten-thousandth to 6% L⊙) and temperatures (2,100–3,900 K) and have spectra dominated by absorption bands of titanium oxide (TiO) and, for the latest spectral types, vanadium oxide (VO). They have masses that span 0.075 to 0.61 M⊙, a factor of eight, which is comparable with a spread in masses for dwarf types mid-B through K. Unlike these more massive stars, in the age of the Universe no M dwarfs have evolved in any significant way. M dwarf systems are multiple roughly one-quarter of the time, with the closest binaries found in orbits that have been circularized via tides for orbital periods of about one week. Unlike any other type of main sequence star, there is a gap in the distribution of M dwarfs near masses of 0.35 M⊙ that pinpoints the separation of partially and fully convective stars, yet both types of M dwarfs are often active, showing both Hα in emission and flares. Many planets are found orbiting M dwarfs, and most of them are terrestrial or neptunian in size, rather than jovian, yet much more work remains to be done to characterize the exoplanet population. Overall, the Solar Neighborhood is dominated by M dwarfs that are likely orbited by many small, as yet unseen, planets—some of which may harbor life very near to that in our Solar System:
▪M dwarfs account for three of every four stars.▪M dwarf counts increase all the way to the end of the main sequence.▪M dwarfs are partially radiative at high masses and fully convective at low masses.
Beyond Meta-Omics: Functional Genomics in Future Marine Microbiome Research
Authors: Chen Yin
Published: July 2024

When President Bill Clinton and Francis Collins, then the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, celebrated the near completion of the human genome sequence at the White House in the summer of 2000, it is unlikely that they or anyone else could have predicted the blossoming of meta-omics in the following two decades and their applications in modern human microbiome and environmental microbiome research. This transformation was enabled by the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and sophisticated computational biology tools and bioinformatics software packages. Today, environmental meta-omics has undoubtedly revolutionized our understanding of ocean ecosystems, providing the genetic blueprint of oceanic microscopic organisms. In this review, I discuss the importance of functional genomics in future marine microbiome research and advocate a position for a gene-centric, bottom-up approach in modern oceanography. I propose that a synthesis of multidimensional approaches is required for a better understanding of the true functionality of the marine microbiome.