bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive behaviour before and after oestrus and oviposition in the captive short-beaked echidna (
Authors: Dutton-Regester Kate J. , Roser Alice , Meer Haley , Renfree Marilyn B. , Phillips Clive , Johnston Stephen D.
Published: August 2022

Context Most of our current knowledge regarding echidna reproductive behaviour is based on qualitative measurements; therefore, it is unclear if specific behavioural cues could be utilised in their captive reproductive management. Aims This study aimed to identify quantitative changes in general and reproductive behaviour of echidna breeding pairs and pregnant females that might facilitate the detection of oestrus and impending oviposition and provide a summary of reproductive behaviour observed in a captive colony over a three-year observation period. Methods Three echidna breeding pairs and two trios were were monitored daily for seven reproductive and eight general behaviours during the 2020 breeding season. After confirmed copulation, females were monitored for four egg-laying and eight general behaviours until egg incubation. General observations of reproductive behaviours during the 2018–2020 breeding seasons were recorded as part of routine husbandry. Key results For breeding pairs, there was a significant rate of change over time before and after copulation for the behaviours ‘urogenital sniffing’, ‘rolling’ and ‘copulation attempt’. For pregnant females, time engaged in ‘pacing’ significantly increased while ‘time eating’ and the ‘qauntity of food eaten’ significanlty decreased on the day of oviposition. We were not able to identify oestrus from specific behaviours, but our observations suggest that the female echidna’s period of receptivity is less than 24 h. Conclusions The frequency that males express ‘urogenital sniffing’, ‘rolling’ and ‘copulation attempt’ toward the female can be used to alert zookeepers that copulation has likely occurred. Increased pacing, reduced feeding time and quantity of food eaten can aid zookeepers to identify impending oviposition. Implications This study demonstrates that there are quantifiable changes in specific echidna behaviours that can be incorporated into zoo husbandry practices to improve the reproductive management of this species.
Wildland fire prevention: the impact of the Modifying Industrial Operations Protocol on the growth of industrial forestry-caused wildland fires in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Granville Kevin , Woolford Douglas G. , Dean C. B. , McFayden Colin B.
Published: August 2022

Background Industrial forestry operations in Ontario, Canada, may be restricted to reduce the risk of wildland fires. This is currently done according to the Modifying Industrial Operations Protocol (MIOP), which was implemented in 2008 as a replacement for the Woods Modification Guidelines that had been in place since 1989. One of MIOP’s objectives is to limit the negative impact or damage caused by fires ignited by industrial forestry operations. Aims Treating the incremental growth between discovery and final sizes as a measure of suppression effectiveness, we aimed to characterise and contrast growth distributions for three successive time periods using data spanning 1976–2019 on Crown forest areas of Ontario. Methods Stratifying by first responding group (Ontario Ministry vs forestry personnel), we tested for evidence of changes in the growth distribution using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Key results We found iterative improvements between successive time periods (Pre-Woods, then Woods Guidelines, then MIOP) in the growth distribution of fires first responded to by forestry personnel. Conclusions MIOP appears to be successfully limiting the negative impact of industrial forestry fires while increasing operational flexibility relative to the Woods Modification Guidelines. Implications MIOP has been implemented in a manner that still encourages safe operations while not contradicting this objective.
Noncanonical PDK4 action alters mitochondrial dynamics to affect the cellular respiratory status
Authors: Thoudam Themis , Chanda Dipanjan , Sinam Ibotombi Singh , Kim Byung-Gyu , Kim Mi-Jin , Oh Chang Joo , Lee Jung Yi , Kim Min-Ji , Park Soo Yeun , Lee Shin Yup , Jung Min-Kyo , Mun Ji Young , Harris Robert A. , Ishihara Naotada , Jeon Jae-Han , Lee In-Kyu
Published: August 2022

Dynamic regulation of mitochondrial morphology provides cells with the flexibility required to adapt and respond to electron transport chain (ETC) toxins and mitochondrial DNA-linked disease mutations, yet the mechanisms underpinning the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics machinery by these stimuli is poorly understood. Here, we show that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is genetically required for cells to undergo rapid mitochondrial fragmentation when challenged with ETC toxins. Moreover, PDK4 overexpression was sufficient to promote mitochondrial fission even in the absence of mitochondrial stress. Importantly, we observed that the PDK4-mediated regulation of mitochondrial fission was independent of its canonical function, i.e., inhibitory phosphorylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). Phosphoproteomic screen for PDK4 substrates, followed by nonphosphorylatable and phosphomimetic mutations of the PDK4 site revealed cytoplasmic GTPase, Septin 2 (SEPT2), as the key effector molecule that acts as a receptor for DRP1 in the outer mitochondrial membrane to promote mitochondrial fission. Conversely, inhibition of the PDK4-SEPT2 axis could restore the balance in mitochondrial dynamics and reinvigorates cellular respiration in mitochondrial fusion factor, mitofusin 2-deficient cells. Furthermore, PDK4-mediated mitochondrial reshaping limits mitochondrial bioenergetics and supports cancer cell growth. Our results identify the PDK4-SEPT2-DRP1 axis as a regulator of mitochondrial function at the interface between cellular bioenergetics and mitochondrial dynamics.
Porous lanthanide metal–organic frameworks with metallic conductivity
Authors: Skorupskii Grigorii , Le Khoa N. , Cordova Dmitri Leo Mesoza , Yang Luming , Chen Tianyang , Hendon Christopher H. , Arguilla Maxx Q. , Dincă Mircea
Published: August 2022

Metallic charge transport and porosity appear almost mutually exclusive. Whereas metals demand large numbers of free carriers and must have minimal impurities and lattice vibrations to avoid charge scattering, the voids in porous materials limit the carrier concentration, provide ample space for impurities, and create more charge-scattering vibrations due to the size and flexibility of the lattice. No microporous material has been conclusively shown to behave as a metal. Here, we demonstrate that single crystals of the porous metal–organic framework Ln
1.5
(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaoxytriphenylene) (Ln = La, Nd) are metallic. The materials display the highest room-temperature conductivities of all porous materials, reaching values above 1,000 S/cm. Single crystals of the compounds additionally show clear temperature-deactivated charge transport, a hallmark of a metallic material. Lastly, a structural transition consistent with charge density wave ordering, present only in metals and rare in any materials, provides additional conclusive proof of the metallic nature of the materials. Our results provide an example of a metal with porosity intrinsic to its structure. We anticipate that the combination of porosity and chemical tunability that these materials possess will provide a unique handle toward controlling the unconventional states that lie within them, such as charge density waves that we observed, or perhaps superconductivity.
Model-free prediction test with application to genomics data
Authors: Cai Zhanrui , Lei Jing , Roeder Kathryn
Published: August 2022

Testing the significance of predictors in a regression model is one of the most important topics in statistics. This problem is especially difficult without any parametric assumptions on the data. This paper aims to test the null hypothesis that given confounding variablesZ,Xdoes not significantly contribute to the prediction ofYunder the model-free setting, whereXandZare possibly high dimensional. We propose a general framework that first fits nonparametric machine learning regression algorithms onY|ZandY|(X,Z), then compares the prediction power of the two models. The proposed method allows us to leverage the strength of the most powerful regression algorithms developed in the modern machine learning community. ThePvalue for the test can be easily obtained by permutation. In simulations, we find that the proposed method is more powerful compared to existing methods. The proposed method allows us to draw biologically meaningful conclusions from two gene expression data analyses without strong distributional assumptions: 1) testing the prediction power of sequencing RNA for the proteins in cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing data and 2) identification of spatially variable genes in spatially resolved transcriptomics data.
ThnL, a B12-dependent radical
S
-adenosylmethionine enzyme, catalyzes thioether bond formation in carbapenem biosynthesis
Authors: Sinner Erica K. , Li Rongfeng , Marous Daniel R. , Townsend Craig A.
Published: August 2022

Complex carbapenems are important clinical antibiotics used to treat recalcitrant infections. Their biosynthetic gene clusters contain three essential B
12
-dependent radical
S
-adenosylmethionine (rSAM) enzymes. The majority of characterized enzymes in this subfamily catalyze methyl transfer, but only one is required to sequentially install all methionine-derived carbons in complex carbapenems. Therefore, it is probable that the other two rSAM enzymes have noncanonical functions. Through a series of fermentation and in vitro experiments, we show that ThnL uses radical SAM chemistry to catalyze thioether bond formation between C2 of a carbapenam precursor and pantetheine, uniting initial bicycle assembly common to all carbapenems with later tailoring events unique to complex carbapenems. ThnL also catalyzes reversible thiol/disulfide redox on pantetheine. Neither of these functions has been observed previously in a B
12
-dependent radical SAM enzyme. ThnL expands the known activity of this subclass of enzymes beyond carbon–carbon bond formation or rearrangement. It is also the only radical SAM enzyme currently known to catalyze carbon–sulfur bond formation with only an rSAM Fe–S cluster and no additional auxiliary clusters.
On-demand anchoring of wireless soft miniature robots on soft surfaces
Authors: Soon Ren Hao , Ren Ziyu , Hu Wenqi , Bozuyuk Ugur , Yildiz Erdost , Li Meng , Sitti Metin
Published: August 2022

Untethered soft miniature robots capable of accessing hard-to-reach regions can enable new, disruptive, and minimally invasive medical procedures. However, once the control input is removed, these robots easily move from their target location because of the dynamic motion of body tissues or fluids, thereby restricting their use in many long-term medical applications. To overcome this, we propose a wireless spring-preloaded barbed needle release mechanism, which can provide up to 1.6 N of force to drive a barbed needle into soft tissues to allow robust on-demand anchoring on three-dimensional (3D) surfaces. The mechanism is wirelessly triggered using radio-frequency remote heating and can be easily integrated into existing untethered soft robotic platforms without sacrificing their mobility. Design guidelines aimed at maximizing anchoring over the range of the most biological tissues (kPa range) and extending the operating depth of the device inside the body (up to 75%) are also presented. Enabled by these advances, we achieve robust anchoring on a variety of ex vivo tissues and demonstrate the usage of such a device when integrated with existing soft robotic platforms and medical imaging. Moreover, by simply changing the needle, we demonstrate additional functionalities such as controlled detachment and subsurface drug delivery into 3D cancer spheroids. Given these capabilities, our proposed mechanism could enable the development of a new class of biomedical-related functionalities, such as local drug delivery, disease monitoring, and hyperthermia for future untethered soft medical robots.
Research Spotlight: Olfactory Coding In Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Sachse Silke , Hansson Bill S.
Published: August 2022

The chemical senses—taste and smell—are the oldest animal senses. They are characterized by a multidimensional and diverse stimulus space, consisting of many molecules that cannot be classified along any narrow set of dimensions. In the case of the olfactory system, animals detect low molecular weight volatile chemicals (i.e. odorants) with the help of specialized olfactory sensory neurons that express one or a few ligand-binding odorant receptor proteins. Animals cope with the problem of recognizing an extremely large number of different odorants by programming a very large number of functionally different olfactory neurons. Odours activate these neurons and generate characteristic activity patterns across the neuron population, which are relayed to second-order olfactory neurons. The entire available raw information about the animal’s olfactory environment is present in these patterns; however, olfactory information is further processed before it is relayed to higher-order brain centres. Drosophila melanogaster provides an attractive model organism for studying olfaction, as it allows genetic, molecular, and physiological analyses. In recent years, immense progress has been achieved in understanding the olfactory neuronal circuits that underlie the coding and processing of odours in Drosophila. Here, the chapter reviews our present state of knowledge regarding the anatomical architecture of the fly’s olfactory system as well as giving recent insights into the coding strategies of the different neuronal populations involved.
Practical Strategies Related to the Application of Balloon Tamponade Therapy in Acute Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Bari Vase , Subramanian Ram Mohan
Published: August 2022

IMPORTANCE:

Acute gastrointestinal variceal hemorrhage is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic liver disease. Approximately one-third of cirrhotic patients will have variceal hemorrhage, and each bleeding episode is associated with up to 20% mortality. Balloon tamponade devices are used to achieve temporary hemostasis of bleeding esophagogastric varices and as a bridge to definitive therapy. Rapid and proper placement is crucial in a life-threatening bleed both to improve patient’s chances of survival and minimize procedural complications. Passage of the tube can be complicated by coiling in the oropharynx or mid-esophagus particularly if an endotracheal tube is in place or the patient has large variceal burden. Endoscopic placement can be a useful adjunct but may not be readily accessible depending on resources and availability of specialists. Here, we describe a technique of balloon tamponade placement using a stiffening guidewire to overcome this challenge.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives were to: 1) describe the guidewire method for balloon tamponade tube placement and 2) highlight proof of concept through clinical application.

DESIGN:

We conducted a retrospective case series of patients treated with balloon tamponade using the guidewire method.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:

This study was done at a single-center quaternary-care facility. Patients admitted to the surgical ICU and treated with a balloon tamponade device for acute variceal hemorrhage were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

Patient characteristics were assessed including age, sex, model for end stage liver disease score, etiology of cirrhosis, and definitive treatment received.

RESULTS:

Nine patients were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 50 ± 19, and mean model for end stage liver disease was 39 ± 8. Alcohol cirrhosis was the most common cause of cirrhosis in this sample (n = 5). Six patients were able to be bridged to definitive treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

Guidewire-assisted balloon tamponade placement is practical, is effective, and can be performed by acute care providers.
In Situ-forming Collagen Hydrogels Crosslinked by Multifunctional Polyethylene Glycol as a Matrix Therapy for Corneal Defects: 2-Month Follow-up In Vivo
Authors: Logan Caitlin M. , Fernandes-Cunha Gabriella Maria , Chen Fang , Le Peter , Mundy David , Na Kyung Sun , Myung David
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

We recently showed that in situ-forming collagen gels crosslinked through multifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) supported corneal epithelialization 7 days after treatment of lamellar keratectomy wounds. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the longer-term regenerative effects of this gel in animals.

Method:

Corneal wound healing was assessed 60 days after lamellar keratectomy and gel treatment using slitlamp examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), pachymetry, corneal topography, an ocular response analyzer, and tonometry. The corneas were evaluated for the presence of beta-tubulin, cytokeratin 3, zonula occludens-1, and alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA) markers. Gene expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1), cluster of differentiation 31, CD163, alpha-SMA, hepatocyte growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and protein expression of CD44 and collagen VI were evaluated.

Results:

Intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, and hysteresis for the corneas treated with collagen–PEG gels did not significantly change compared with the saline group. However, placido disk topography revealed greater regularity of the central cornea in the gel-treated group compared to the saline group. The gel-treated group exhibited a lower degree of epithelial hyperplasia than the saline group. Immunohistochemical and gene expression analysis showed that the gel-treated corneas exhibited lower alpha-SMA expression compared with the saline group. CD163 and CD44 were found to be elevated in the saline-treated group compared with normal corneas.

Conclusions:

The in situ-forming collagen-PEG gel promoted epithelialization that improved central corneal topography, epithelial layer morphology, and reduced expression of fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers after 60 days compared to the saline group.
Lateralized Raise in Intraocular Pressure During Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Vandeurzen Jelle , Vansteelandt Kristof , Lemmens Sophie , Sienaert Pascal
Published: August 2022

Right unilateral ECT causes an increase in eye pressure that is partially lateralized, higher on the right side.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) changes during and after electroconvulsive therapy.

Methods

In 20 patients, IOP was measured using a handheld iCare tonometer before, during, and up to 15 minutes after the seizure. Electrode placement was either right unilateral (RUL) or bilateral (BL). Statistical analyses were done at baseline, during, and 15 minutes after the seizure.

Results

In the RUL group (n = 14), the IOP in the left eye increased from 14.8 mm Hg before the seizure to 27.8 mm Hg during the seizure (P = 0.0001) and decreased to 14.0 mm Hg after the seizure (P = 0.0002). The IOP in the right eye increased from 15.4 mm Hg before the seizure to 34.4 mm Hg during the seizure (P = 0.0001) and decreased to 16.0 mm Hg after the seizure (P = 0.0002).

In the BL group (n = 6), the IOP in the left eye increased from 13.0 mm Hg before the seizure to 26.3 mm Hg during the seizure (P = 0.1250) and decreased to 14.5 mm Hg after the seizure (P = 0.250). In the right eye, the IOP increased from 13.3 mm Hg before the seizure to 28.4 mm Hg during the seizure (P = 0.1250) and decreased to 13.7 mm Hg after the seizure (P = 0.25).

When the results were compared between the 2 electrode placements, the difference in IOP between the right and left eye was higher in the RUL group during (RUL 6.7 mm Hg vs BL 2.0 mm Hg, P = 0.0231) and after (RUL 2.1 mm Hg vs BL −0.8 mm Hg, P = 0.0492) the seizure.

Conclusions

RUL stimulation with electroconvulsive therapy causes a rise in IOP that is partially lateralized, ipsilateral to the side of stimulation.
Insight on Selective Breeding the Robustness Based on Field Survival Records: New Genetic Evaluation of Survival Traits in White-leg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) Breeding Line
Authors: Ren Shengjie , Mather Peter B. , Tang Binguo , Hurwood David A.
Published: August 2022

Survival is an old trait in animal breeding, yet commonly neglected nowadays for its simple binary records and low levels of heritability in aquaculture species. These traits however, can provide valuable field data when selecting for robustness in genetic improvement programs. In the current study, linear multivariate animal model (LMA) was used for the genetic analysis of survival records from two-year classes (BL2019 and BL2020) of white-leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) breeding lines with a total number of 52, 248 individuals from 481 fullsib families recorded for data collection. During grow-out test period, 10 day intervals of survival data were considered as independent traits. Two survival definitions, binary survivability (S) and continuous survival in days (SL), were used for the genetic analysis of survival records to investigate; i) whether adding more survival time information could improve estimation of genetic parameters; ii) the trajectory of survival heritability across time, and iii) patterns of genetic correlations of survival traits across time. Levels of heritability estimates for both S and SL were low (0.005 to 0.076), while heritability for survival day number was found to be similar with that of binary records at each observation time and were highly genetically correlated (rg >0.8). Heritability estimates of body weight (BW) for BL2019 and BL2020 were 0.486 and 0.373, respectively. Trajectories of survival heritability across time showed a gradual increase across the grow-out test period but slowed or reached a plateau during the later grow-out test period. Genetic correlations among survival traits in the grow-out tests were moderate to high, and the closer the times were between estimates, the higher were their genetic correlations. In contrast, genetic correlations between both survival traits and body weight were low but positive. Here we provide the first report of the trajectory of heritability estimates for survival traits across time in aquaculture. Results will be useful for developing robust improved white-leg shrimp culture strains in selective breeding programs based on field survival data.
Deciphering causal genomic templates of complex molecular phenotypes
Authors: Bhate Salil S. , Seigal Anna , Caicedo Juan
Published: August 2022

We develop a mathematical theory proposing that complex molecular phenotypes (CMPs, e.g., single-cell gene expression distributions and tissue organization) are produced from templates in the genome. We validate our theory using a procedure termed Causal Phenotype Sequence Alignment (CPSA). CPSA finds a candidate template of a CMP by aligning – without using genetic variation or biological annotations – a phenotypic measurement (e.g., a tissue image) with a reference genome. Given any edit to the CMP (e.g., changing cellular localization), CPSA outputs the genomic loci in the alignment corresponding to the edit. We confirm that three CMPs (single-cell gene expression distributions of the immune system and of embryogenesis, and tissue organization of the tumor microenvironment) have templates: the loci output by CPSA for therapeutically significant edits of these CMPs reveal genes, regulatory regions and active-sites whose experimental manipulation causes the edits. Our theory provides a systematic framework for genetically redesigning CMPs.
The host transcriptional response to superinfection by influenza virus and streptococcus pneumonia
Authors: Cohn Ofir , Yankovitz Gal , Mandelboim Michal , Peshes-Yaloz Naama , Bacharach Eran , Gat-Viks Irit
Published: August 2022

Secondary bacterial challenges during influenza virus infection (‘superinfection’) cause excessive mortality and hospitalization. Here we present a longitudinal study of gene-expression changes in murine lungs during superinfection, with an initial influenza A virus (IAV) infection and a subsequent Streptococcus pneumonia (SP) infection. In addition to the well-characterized impairment of the innate immune response, we identified superinfection-specific alterations in endothelial-related genes, including a previously uncharacterized rapid downregulation of particular angiogenic and vascular markers. Superinfection-specific alterations were also evident in the analysis of cellular states related to the host’s immune resistance against pathogens. We found that superinfected mice manifested an excessive rapid induction of immune resistance starting only a few hours after the secondary bacterial challenge. In addition, there was a substantial rewiring of the resistance program: interferon-regulated genes were switched from positive to negative correlations with resistance, whereas genes of fatty-acid metabolism were switched from negative to positive correlations with resistance. Thus, the transcriptional resistance state in superinfection is reprogrammed toward repressed interferon signaling and induced fatty acid metabolism. Our findings suggest new insights into the remodeling of the host defense upon superinfection, providing promising targets for future therapeutic interventions.
Transcriptional activation of Jun and Fos members of the AP-1 complex is a conserved signature of immune aging that contributes to inflammaging
Authors: Karakaslar Emin Onur , Katiyar Neerja , Hasham Muneer , Youn Ahrim , Sharma Siddhartha , Chung Cheng-han , Marches Radu , Korstanje Ron , Banchereau Jacques , Ucar Duygu
Published: August 2022

Diverse mouse strains have different health and life spans, mimicking the diversity among humans. To capture conserved aging signatures, we studied long-lived C57BL/6J and short-lived NZO/HILtJ mouse strains by profiling transcriptomes and epigenomes of immune cells from peripheral blood and the spleen from young and old mice. Transcriptional activation of the AP-1 transcription factor complex, particularly Fos, Junb, and Jun genes, was the most significant and conserved aging signature across tissues and strains. ATAC-seq data analyses showed that the chromatin around these genes was more accessible with age and there were significantly more binding sites for these TFs with age across all studied tissues, targeting pro-inflammatory molecules including Il6. Age-related increases in binding sites of Jun/Fos factors were also conserved in human peripheral blood ATAC-seq data. Single-cell RNA-seq data from the mouse aging cell atlas Tabula Muris Senis showed that the expression of these genes increased with age in B, T, NK cells, and macrophages, with macrophages from old mice expressing these molecules more abundantly than other cells. Functional data showed that upon myeloid cell activation via poly(I:C), the levels of c-JUN protein and its binding activity increased more significantly in spleen cells from old mice compared to cells from young mice. In addition, upon activation, old cells produced more IL6 compared to young cells. In sum, we showed that the aging-related transcriptional activation of Jun/Fos members of the AP-1 complex is conserved across immune tissues and long- and short-living mouse strains, possibly contributing to increased inflammation with age.
The economic-administrative role of geographic information systems in rural tourism and exhaustive local community development in African marginalized communities
Authors: Ramaano Azwindini Isaac
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the latent part of geographic information systems in inclusive sustainable rural tourism, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and community development and empowerment in Southern Africa, Africa generally and many rural areas elsewhere worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint utilizes literature and document reviews to assess African and worldwide agricultural, environmental and tourism resources management scenarios. It thus liaises with CBNRM and geographic information systems in sustainable tourism and local community development applications.

Findings

This review viewpoint uncovers a better potential synergetic relationship between tourism and rural (agricultural) activities that geographic information systems along a concept of CBNRM can amplify. Hence, it has poised a need for a decent and integrated tourism strategy to develop and empower the pertinent communities in many rural and marginalized areas within the continent.

Originality/value

Many rural communities in Southern Africa and Africa broadly dwell in low-income areas. Such milieus are rich in natural biodiversity, including tourism destination areas. Geographic information systems, sustainable tourism and CBNRM can form a gestalt of local community development projects within their environs.
The effect of rheumatoid arthritis on upper extremity functions: A kinematic perspective
Authors: Gur Kabul Elif , Unver Fatma , Alptekin Ahmet , Korkmaz Halil , Calık Bilge Basakcı , Taşçı Murat , Çobankara Veli
Published: August 2022

Aim

To examine the global upper extremity kinematics in 3D while performing “jar opening motion” in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and to compare these with healthy individuals.

Method

Twenty‐four women (12 healthy, 12 RA) were included. Evaluations were made with a JAMAR dynamometer, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and 3D kinematic analysis of global upper extremity during “jar opening motion.” The time taken during “jar opening motion” was analyzed in 2 parts (Part 1, Part 2), with total time: part 1 + part 2. In addition, shoulder‐to‐table distance; elbow flexion angle; wrist extension angle; the area scanned and angular rotation by arm, forearm and hand were used in the analysis.

Results

Between groups, there was a statistical difference in: bilateral hand grip strength; part 1, part 2, total time; shoulder‐to‐table distance; elbow flexion angle; the area scanned by hand; angular rotation of arm and hand in favor of the healthy group (P < .05). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, the most predictive variable for disability was elbow flexion, explaining 53.9% of disability.

Conclusion

Compared to healthy individuals, individuals with RA have slower motion, more elbow flexion, less hand grip strength, circular pattern in hand, rotation in arm and hand. Increased disability may result in greater load on elbow flexion.
How Does Education Affect Health Beliefs? A Case of Women in India
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ayona , Awasthi Kshitij
Published: August 2022

Positive externalities of education on health have been widely studied in the prior literature. However, the focus has been on the count of years of schooling rather than the levels of schooling, which is a commonly overlooked yet meaningful way of assessing the education – health relationship. Further, the role of health beliefs in determining the relation between education and health has been understudied, particularly for women. We address these two important questions by using a large‐scale household survey data from India. We find that education levels have differential impact on health beliefs and the impact is highest for individuals with higher levels of education. These findings indicate how educational interventions at lower levels can be effective in improving health beliefs to encourage appropriate health behaviour from early stages of life.
Psilocybin and the Meaning Response: Exploring the Healing Process in a Retreat Setting in Jamaica
Authors: Orozco Maria , Harris Shana
Published: August 2022

In the past decade, the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms has become a popular therapeutic tool for people looking to deal with mental and emotional health issues. The emerging interest in psilocybin therapy in the global north has led to the development of retreat centers in locations where psilocybin is legal or unregulated. Drawing on ethnographic research at a psilocybin retreat center in Jamaica, this article examines the emotional and somatic reactions attributed to psilocybin that influence the social interactions and the mental and emotional state of the guests at this retreat center. We argue that guests go through a symbolic healing process that involves the construction of a meaning response based on internal and collective experiences of altered consciousness via psilocybin. Additionally, we emphasize how both attending the retreat and the psychedelic experience there can be considered a liminal state that leads to different modes of relation while in Jamaica.
An overview of three‐dimensional imaging devices in dentistry
Authors: Hou Xingyu , Xu Xiaotong , Zhao Menghua , Kong Jiawen , Wang Mingchang , Lee Eui‐Seok , Jia Qi , Jiang Heng Bo
Published: August 2022

Objective

To review four types of three‐dimensional imaging devices: intraoral scanners, extraoral scanners, cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), and facial scanners, in terms of their development, technologies, advantages, disadvantages, accuracy, influencing factors, and applications in dentistry.

Methods

PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and Google Scholar databases were searched. Additionally, the scanner manufacturers' websites were accessed to obtain relevant data. Four authors independently selected the articles, books, and websites. To exclude duplicates and scrutinize the data, they were uploaded to Mendeley Data. In total, 135 articles, two books, and 17 websites were included.

Results

Research and clinical practice have shown that oral and facial scanners and CBCT can be used widely in various areas of dentistry with high accuracy.

Conclusion

Although further advancement of these devices is desirable, there is no doubt that digital technology represents the future of dentistry. Furthermore, the combined use of different devices may bring dentistry into a new era. These four devices will play a significant role in clinical utility with high accuracy. The combined use of these devices should be explored further.

Clinical significance

The four devices will play a significant role in clinical use with high accuracy. The combined use of these devices should be explored further.
A meta‐analytic review of attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities as measured by the ASQ‐ID and related variables: Is context the key?
Authors: Correa A. B. , Moreno J. D. , Castro A.
Published: August 2022

Background

The attitudes of others towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities are one of the main perceived barriers to them expressing their sexuality. Research on what influences these attitudes yields heterogeneous results.

Method

A systematic review of the literature and a meta‐analysis were carried out.

Results

Eleven studies using the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire—Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ASQ‐ID) were included. Within the included studies, the country's socio‐economic development and level of individualism were associated with attitudes towards the sexual rights, parenting and self‐control of adults with intellectual disabilities. General population and staff samples held more favourable attitudes than family samples in terms of sexual rights and parenting. Age and gender did not yield significant results.

Conclusions

Variables related to country context may underlie the differences observed between countries and therefore influence the population's general thinking and ideologies. Unexpectedly, no age differences were observed. Gender‐related results may reflect rapprochement between genders in sexuality. These findings are relevant for researchers and practitioners, as they suggest the importance of considering contextual factors when developing effective interventions that aim to support adults with disabilities to live their sexuality.
Pushing or clicking the grocery cart? Health and economic concerns during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Xu Yilan , Heo Wookjae , Kiss Diane Elizabeth , Cho Soo Hyun , Gutter Michael S.
Published: August 2022

Online Grocery Shopping (OGS) has grown dramatically during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is unknown, however, how consumers weighed pandemic situational factors versus household production considerations of timesaving and cost. We collect and analyze survey data from a nationally representative sample to examine how consumers with different health and socio‐demographic profiles consider these factors for OGS choices and how their choices changed in the first seven months of the pandemic. We find that consumers with moderate‐to‐high income, white, having insurance, and not in the labor force value the timesaving and convenience of OGS more than pandemic situational factors. Still, some consumers with health risks choose to shop in person because of the cost of OGS. Lung disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, age, income, and college degree explain the dynamics of OGS choice as the pandemic evolved. Our findings shed light on the development of technology‐assisted adaptation to future public health emergencies.
Development and application of a questionnaire to evaluate signs of temporomandibular disorder observed by caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Araújo Sarmento Juliana , Valadas Lidia Audrey Rocha , Sousa Jayra Adrianna da Silva , Gualberto Adriano Venicius Santana , Rodrigues Luciane Lacerda Franco Rocha , Guimarães Antônio Sérgio
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to detect signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), verifying whether the perception of signs observed by caregivers of non‐verbal autistic children are the same as those observed by caregivers of verbal ones.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional, exploratory and analytical study. The sample consisted of forty individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), thirty non‐verbal and ten verbal, besides their respective caregivers. For this, an experimental questionnaire was applied and compared to the European Academy of Orofacial Pain (EAOP) questionnaire, which is already validated and widely used throughout the world. All responses were compared using the chi‐square test and the questionnaires were compared with the McNemar test, considering p < .05.

Results

When comparing the number of coincident responses to the questionnaire between caregivers and children, the mean was 8.2 ± 1.61 responses. After performing the binomial test, no statistically significant discrepancy was found between the results of the two tests adopted when the questionnaires were compared (Mc Nemar test, p > .05)

Conclusion

The development of this questionnaire and its validation serve as a support for health professionals in the TMD area, for the detection of TMD in non‐verbal autistic children, providing them and their caregivers, who are faced with several difficulties in their day‐by‐day, a facilitating instrument.
Brachioradialis to Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Transfer – An Additional Transfer to Prevent Radial Deviation Deformity of the Wrist following Tendon Transfers for Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy
Authors: BHARDWAJ Praveen , VARADHARAJAN Vigneswaran , VENKATRAMANI Hari , SABAPATHY S. Raja
Published: August 2022

The usual recommendation in posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy is to use the flexor carpi radialis instead of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) for restoration of digital extension. The use of FCU takes away the only remaining ulnar deviator of the wrist. Although preserving the FCU prevents severe radial deviation deformity, we found that some patients still develop a radial deviation deformity, especially during wrist extension. We have used a brachioradialis (BR) to extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) transfer to prevent the development of a radial deviation deformity and find that it restores the normal radio-ulnar balance of the wrist by providing a dynamic ulnar stabiliser. It is a simple addition to the standard two tendon transfers for PIN palsy with minimal donor morbidity. We have used this triple transfer for PIN palsy in seven patients with satisfactory results and no complications.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Laurin–Sandrow Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: SATHISHKUMAR Kanagasabai , ANAND Sunil
Published: August 2022

Laurin–Sandrow syndrome (LSS) is an extremely rare syndrome of mirror hand and leg with less than 20 cases reported in literature. The syndrome has been attributed to a mutation in the MIPOL-1 (mirror-image polydactyly) gene located on locus 14q13.3-q21 coding for CCDC193 (coiled-coli domain containing 193) protein. It is characterised by limb, facial and central nervous system anomalies with the most constant being fibular dimelia with fibular ray duplication, polydactyly with secondary deformities of fixed equinus, knee joint instability and flexion deformity. It is associated less frequently with ulnar dimelia, thumb aplasia/hypoplasia, ulnar ray duplication, symbrachypolydactyly, ‘rosette’ hands, facial dysmorphism like hypertelorism, broad columella and flat nose, CNS anomalies like aplasia/hypoplasia of corpus callosum, hydrocephalus and muscular dystonia. We report a 2-year-old male child with LSS and perform a literature review to expound on this rare syndrome.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
COVID-19: Acing the Treatment
Authors: Hunter Jez , Bura Puskar , King Richard , Thomson George
Published: August 2022

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 is the functional receptor that the SARS-Cov-2 virus requires to enter cells and cause dysregulated inflammatory conditions that contribute towards acute lung injuries. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system with its physiological surveillance and regulation system can be implicated in both harm and therapeutic benefit. The initial observational studies suggesting the discontinuation of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers have been firmly rebutted by international societies. On the contrary, these therapeutics may confer a survival benefit in COVID-19 infections. Understanding the biological plausibility of this pathway alongside the emerging therapeutic evidence may yield new modes of treatment. Such developments appear fundamentally important in the battle against the inevitable emergence of new variants and their potential to drive future waves of COVID-19 pandemics.
Status of Visual Impairment among Children with Special Needs in Rural China
Authors: Wu Jiali , Chen Jieqiong , Zhao Ruyi , Zeng Lan , Li Tong , Wang Wenqiu , Jia Huixun , Wang Fenghua , Zhu Hong , Tan Wei , Sun Xiaodong
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of visual defects in children with special needs. However, routine ocular examinations for these children in rural areas of China are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the status of visual impairment (VI) in children at special education schools in rural China. Methods: A total of 316 students from two special schools in Zunyi city, Guizhou province, were enrolled. Full ophthalmic examinations were performed, and gene-sequencing services were offered to potential patients. Results: The mean age of the 316 participants was 12.27 ± 3.49 years and 75 showed abnormal ophthalmic manifestations on slit-lamp examination. Visual acuity (VA) was assessed in 232 eyes, and the mean VA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, logMAR) was 0.27 ± 0.34. Whole-exome sequencing identified 19 mutations in these children, which might explain their visual complaints. Children with Down syndrome had a significantly higher prevalence of ocular disorders than those without. Conclusion: VI is common among children at special education schools in rural areas; however, routine screening and effective interventions have not been consistently implemented. Efforts should be made to address this issue in these already disadvantaged children.
Memórias para José
Authors: Cunha Yasmeen
Published: August 2022

Poema de Yasmeen Cunha
Quatro “Sonetos sobre a morte”, de Jean de Sponde
Authors: Ribeiro Guilherme Cunha
Published: August 2022

Neste trabalho, apresento as traduções de quatro "Sonetos sobre a morte", de Jean de Sponde (1557-1595) – os de número 1, 2, 5 e 6 – para o português brasileiro, a partir da perspectiva da tradução poética. Chamo aqui de tradução poética aquele ato tradutório cujo objetivo não é somente transmitir um significado, mas sobretudo ser uma poiéin (como os Gregos diriam), uma fabricação ou um fazer que corresponda à totalidade do poema e seus efeitos, em seu complexo fundo-e-forma. Apresento ainda, à guisa de introdução, algumas rápidas anotações biográficas a respeito deste poeta desconhecido. Neste trabalho, apresento as traduções de quatro "Sonetos sobre a morte", de Jean de Sponde (1949), oe de número 1, 2, 5 e 6, para o português brasileiro, a partir da perspectiva da tradução poética.
WISC-IV and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Indicators of Specific Learning Disorder and Discrepant Academic Achievement
Authors: R Malini , Thomas Immanuel
Published: August 2022

Though several studies have been undertaken to explore the correlates of academic achievement, there is a dearth of studies relating to the cognitive profiles of children who show marked discrepancies between their cognitive potential and actual academic achievement. The present study was undertaken in this context. The study was conducted on a sample of 308 students in the age range of 12–16 years, drawn from different schools in Kerala, India. The participants belonged to four groups, that is, Underachievers, Normal achievers, Overachievers, and those with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). WISC-IV India and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) were used for assessing cognitive functions. Results indicated that the SLD group could be discriminated from the other three groups in terms of Digit span, Letter-Number sequencing, Working Memory Index, and Processing Speed Index. Further, a retention score obtained from RAVLT could discriminate between the SLD and UA groups. Discriminant analysis of the variables resulted in the extraction of two significant functions composed of three variables of WISC and two variables of RAVLT. The results indicated that the different groups of scholastically backward children, though similar in their overall IQ, had distinct and characteristic cognitive profiles.
Seeing Red: A Grounded Theory Study of Women’s Anger after Childbirth
Authors: Ou Christine H. K. , Hall Wendy A. , Rodney Paddy , Stremler Robyn
Published: August 2022

Persistent intense anger is indicative of postpartum distress, yet maternal anger has been little explored after childbirth. Using grounded theory, we explained how and why mothers develop intense anger after childbirth and the actions they take to manage their anger. Twenty mothers of healthy singleton infants described their experiences of anger during the first two postpartum years. Mothers indicated they became angry when they had violated expectations, compromised needs, and felt on edge (e.g., exhausted, stressed, and resentful), particularly around infants’ sleep. Mothers described suppressing and/or expressing anger with outcomes such as conflict and recruiting support. Receiving support from partners, family, and others helped mothers manage their anger, with more positive outcomes. Women should be screened for intense anger, maternal-infant sleep problems, and adequacy of social supports after childbirth. Maternal anger can be reduced by changing expectations and helping mothers meet their needs through social and structural supports.