bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deubiquitinase inhibitor PR‐619 potentiates colon cancer immunotherapy by inducing ferroptosis
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Liu Chang , Wang Tao , Liu Hua , Wei Bin
Published: August 2023

A substantial number of colon cancer patients do not benefit from immunotherapy using programmed cell death 1 (PD1) antibodies. Therefore, combination therapy drugs are required to improve the efficacy of colon cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies have shown that deubiquitinases are negative regulators of anti‐tumour immunity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the deubiquitinase inhibitor PR‐619 in combination with anti‐PD1 for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The results revealed that co‐treatment with PR‐619 and anti‐PD1 significantly inhibited tumour growth in tumour‐bearing BALB/c mice compared to monotherapy with a single drug. In addition, PR‐619/anti‐PD1 combined therapy inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, induced intratumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and enhanced the release of anti‐tumour cytokines. Moreover, PR‐619 induced ferroptosis in colon cancer cells, thereby inducing the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns that triggered anti‐tumour immunity. Finally, we discovered that PR‐619 could degrade the GPX4 protein, the high expression of which was associated with poor prognosis and blocked CD8+ T cells infiltration in colon cancer. In conclusion, PR‐619 may potentiate immunotherapy by inducing ferroptosis, and thereby promoting CD8+ T cells‐mediated anti‐tumour immunity, providing a potential strategy for colon cancer treatment.
Roles and competencies of nurses and physicians in shared decision‐making in cardiac surgery: A scoping review
Authors: van Dieën Milou S. H. , Paans Wolter , Mariani Massimo A. , Dieperink Willem , Blokzijl Fredrike
Published: August 2023

Aim

Identification and synthesis of research data related to the roles and competencies of physicians and nurses that are prerequisites for careful shared decision‐making with patients potentially undergoing cardiac surgery.

Design

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched from inception dates up to March 2022, to identify primary studies published in a peer‐reviewed journal. Study selection, assessment of the methodological quality and data extracting of the included studies were done by at least two independent researchers. To describe the findings of the studies, an emergent synthesis approach was used to visualize a descriptive representation of professional roles and competencies in shared decision‐making, in an overview.

Results

The systematic search revealed 10,055 potential papers, 8873 articles were screened on title and abstract and 76 full texts were retrieved. Eight articles were included for final evaluation. For nurses and physicians, 26 different skills were identified in the literature to practice shared decision‐making in cardiac surgery. The skills that emerged were divided into five professional roles: moderator; health educator; data collector; psychological supporter and translator.

Conclusions

This review specifies the professional roles and required competencies related to shared decision‐making in cardiac surgery. Further research is needed to compare our findings with other clinical areas and from there to arrive at a professional division of roles between the different clinical disciplines involved.

Impact

The visualization of generic shared decision‐making competencies and roles should establish the professional division of positions between various clinical physician and nurse disciplines in order to create a treatment plan based on evidence, values, preferences and the patient's personal situation.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Radiological assessment of immunotherapy effects and immune checkpoint‐related pneumonitis for lung cancer
Authors: Hu Qiongjie , Wang Shaofang , Ma Li , Sun Ziyan , Liu Zilin , Deng Shuang , Zhou Jianlin
Published: August 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy have revolutionized advanced lung cancer care. Interestingly, the host responses for patients received ICIs therapy are distinguishing from those with cytotoxic drugs, showing potential initial transient worsening of disease burden, pseudoprogression and delayed time to treatment response. Thus, a new imaging criterion to evaluate the response for immunotherapy should be developed. ICIs treatment is associated with unique adverse events, including potential life‐threatening immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related pneumonitis (ICI‐pneumonitis) if treated patients are not managed promptly. Currently, the diagnosis and clinical management of ICI‐pneumonitis remain challenging. As the clinical manifestation is often nonspecific, computed tomography (CT) scan and X‐ray films play important roles in diagnosis and triage. This article reviews the complications of immunotherapy in lung cancer and illustrates various radiologic patterns of ICI‐pneumonitis. Additionally, it is tried to differentiate ICI‐pneumonitis from other pulmonary pathologies common to lung cancer such as radiation pneumonitis, bacterial pneumonia and coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) infection in recent months. Maybe it is challenging to distinguish radiologically but clinical presentation may help.
Determining the instantaneous bruising pattern in a sample potato tuber subjected to pendulum bob impact through finite element analysis
Authors: Celik H. Kursat , Akinci Ibrahim , Erkan Mustafa , Rennie Allan E. W.
Published: August 2023

Potato bruising resulting from mechanical impact during production operations including harvest and postharvest is a significant concern within the potato production sector, leading to consumer complaints and economic losses. The detection of instantaneous internal bruising poses a particular challenge as it can progress over time during storage or transportation, making it difficult to identify immediately after external impact. This study aims to investigate the progression of bruising and accurately represent the instantaneous dynamic deformation behavior of potato tubers under four pendulum bob impact cases (pendulum arm angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°). To analyze the dynamic impact deformation characteristics of the tubers, solid modeling based on a reverse engineering approach and explicit dynamic engineering simulations were employed. The simulation results yielded valuable numerical data and visual representation of the deformation progression. The loading conditions considered in this study indicated that the maximum stress values, reaching 0.818 MPa at a pendulum arm angle of 90°, remained below the bio‐yield stress point of the tuber flesh (1.05 MPa) determined through experimental compression tests. Therefore, it was concluded that the impact did not cause permanent deformation (i.e., permanent bruising) in the tuber. However, the numerical analysis clearly demonstrated the sequence of stress occurrences, which is a key contributing factor to potential permanent bruising. In this regard, the bruising energy threshold of 318.314 mJ (R2: 0.96) was extrapolated. The numerical findings presented in this study can aid in evaluating the susceptibility of tuber samples to bruising. By employing nonlinear explicit dynamics simulations, this research contributes to the advancement of understanding complex deformation and bruising in solid agricultural products. Moreover, the application of these techniques holds significant industrial implications for enhancing the handling and transportation of agricultural produce.

Practical applications

This research aims to tackle the challenge of accurately representing the immediate internal bruising pattern in potato tubers resulting from mechanical impact. Conventional methods, such as physical or analytical expressions, may not fully capture the distribution of bruising experienced by the tubers. To overcome this limitation, an engineering simulation approach is proposed to provide a more precise depiction of the instantaneous bruising pattern. By advancing the understanding of complex deformation and bruising in solid agricultural products, this research contributes to improving the efficiency and quality of agricultural production in the industry. Additionally, this study offers a step‐by‐step guide on how to conduct these simulations effectively.
Investor Tax Credits and Entrepreneurship: Evidence from U.S. States
Authors: DENES MATTHEW , HOWELL SABRINA T. , MEZZANOTTI FILIPPO , WANG XINXIN , XU TING
Published: August 2023

Angel investor tax credits are used globally to spur high‐growth entrepreneurship. Exploiting their staggered implementation in 31 U.S. states, we find that they increase angel investment yet have no significant impact on entrepreneurial activity. Two mechanisms explain these results: crowding out of alternative financing and low sensitivity of professional investors to tax credits. With a large‐scale survey and a stylized model, we show that low responsiveness among professional angels may reflect the fat‐tailed return distributions that characterize high‐growth startups. The results contrast with evidence that direct subsidies to firms have positive effects, raising concerns about promoting entrepreneurship with investor subsidies.
Current perspectives on endometrial receptivity: A comprehensive overview of etiology and treatment
Authors: Hiraoka Takehiro , Osuga Yutaka , Hirota Yasushi
Published: August 2023

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) remains a challenging problem in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Further insights into uterine abnormalities that can disturb embryo implantation should be obtained. This review provides an overview of the effects of organic and non‐organic uterine disorders on endometrial receptivity. The results suggest that various uterine pathologies can lead to defective embryo implantation via multiple mechanisms. In particular, uterine adenomyosis dysregulates molecular and cellular interactions that are vital for successful embryo implantation with a background of chronic inflammation, which may be alleviated by pretreatment with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist. Uterine myomas can cause endometrial deformation and adverse alterations in uterine contractility. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of myomectomy remains debated, and endometrial polyp removal may be considered, particularly in patients with RIF. Chronic endometritis abrogates the appropriate uterine immunological environment critical for embryo implantation. Abnormal endometrial microbiota have been suggested to influence endometrial receptivity; however, supporting evidence is currently scarce. Platelet‐rich plasma therapy may be a potential treatment for thin endometria; nevertheless, further validation is required. Endometrial receptivity analysis can detect dysregulation of the window of implantation, and new non‐invasive methods for predicting endometrial receptivity have recently been proposed. However, numerous issues still need to be fully clarified. Further clinical and basic studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiology of defective endometrial receptivity and identify optimal treatments for patients undergoing ART, especially those with RIF.
Heroes or Villains? Recasting Middle Management Roles, Processes, and Behaviours
Authors: Tarakci Murat , Heyden Mariano L. M. , Rouleau Linda , Raes Anneloes , Floyd Steven W.
Published: August 2023

Middle management ranks are once again being questioned by scholars and practitioners alike. This introduction to the special issue represents a timely reference point for consolidating, reviving, and guiding the next wave of researchers seeking to engage this debate. We review the foundations and recent advances in middle management research and develop an organizing framework in terms of middle management's organizational roles, coordination processes, and agentic behaviours. We also identify how new ways of organizing, technology, and middle manager needs are changing to shape each of these themes. The collection of works we synthesize in this introduction offer theoretical advances and empirical evidence on how these changes affect middle management roles, processes, and behaviours. We conclude by mapping out promising research avenues for future research in middle management.
Exposure to household dysfunction at childhood and later number of teeth among older Japanese adults: A life course study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Abbas Hazem , Takeuchi Kenji , Kiuchi Sakura , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the life course association between exposure to two household dysfunctions (father violence against mother and parental divorce) at childhood (≤18 years) with later number of remaining teeth (≥65 years) in functionally independent older Japanese population. This was the first study to investigate this research question in the Asian context.

Methods

The Japan Gerontological Evaluation study (JAGES) self‐reported retrospective data gathered in 2013 was used (n = 21,604). Each household dysfunction was binary variable (Yes/No), while the five categories of the number of remaining teeth were ≥20, 10–19, 5–9, 1–4, and no teeth. Sex‐stratified ordered logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of having fewer teeth. The models were adjusted for age, economic adversity in childhood, educational attainment, comorbidities, and smoking status.

Results

Overall, 46.4% were men and a total of 1149 participants (5.3%) experienced household dysfunction at childhood [men = 642 (6.4%), women = 507 (4.4%)]. The regression models showed higher OR of having fewer teeth among men who experienced a household dysfunction [OR = 1.16; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–1.36] than men who did not. This association was not observed among women [OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.79–1.13]. Similar magnitude and direction of the association was observed among men but not among women when the two components of household dysfunction were used separately and aggregately as exposure variables.

Conclusion

An exposure to a household dysfunction at childhood was associated with having fewer teeth in later life among men but not among women.
Does smoking influence tryptophan metabolism in periodontal inflammation? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Önder Canan , Akdoğan Nihan , Kurgan Şivge , Balci Nur , Serdar Ceyhan Ceran , Serdar Muhittin A. , Günhan Meral
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of smoking and periodontal inflammation on tryptophan‐kynurenine metabolism as well as the correlation between these findings and clinical periodontal parameters.

Background

It has been shown that the tryptophan amino acid's primary catabolic pathway, the kynurenine pathway (KP), may serve as a key biomarker for periodontal disease. Although there are studies investigating the effect of smoking on KYN‐TRP metabolism, the effect of smoking on periodontal disease through KP has not been revealed so far.

Methods

The salivary and serum samples were gathered from 24 nonsmoker (NS‐P) stage III, grade B generalized periodontitis and 22 smoker (S‐P) stage III, grade C generalized periodontitis patients, in addition to 24 nonsmoker (NS‐C) and 24 smoker (S‐C) periodontally healthy control individuals. Saliva and serum IL‐6, kynurenine (KYN), and tryptophan (TRP) values, and KYN/TRP ratio were analyzed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded.

Results

Salivary TRP values were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups than control groups (p < .05). Salivary KYN values were highest in NS‐P group (p < .05). Salivary KYN values did not differ significantly between periodontitis groups (p = .84). Salivary KYN/TRP ratio was significantly lower in NS‐P group compared to other groups (p < .001). Serum TRP value is higher in S‐P group than other groups; however, significant difference was found in S‐C group (p < .05). Serum KYN values were significantly lower in smokers than nonsmokers. Serum KYN/TRP ratio is higher in NS‐P group. NS‐P group has the highest salivary IL‐6 levels, NS‐C group has the lowest values (p < .05).

Conclusions

Our results point out that smoking exacerbates inflammation in the periodontium and increases TRP destruction and decreases IDO activity by suppressing KP in serum. As a result, kynurenine and its metabolites may be significant biomarkers in the link between smoking and periodontal disease.
Triple Roles, Worship, and “Period Shaming”: How Muslim Women Maintain Belonging and Connection in Ramadan
Authors: Buckley Anisa , Carland Susan
Published: August 2023

Ramadan is a time when Muslims experience an increased connection to God and an increased sense of belonging through communal acts of worship, but Muslim women are often excluded from many acts of worship due to religious restrictions while they are menstruating. This study innovatively applies concepts of “religious citizenship” and women's “triple roles” drawn from lived religion and feminist literature to a new context of Muslim women and their everyday practices. Based on research with more than 60 culturally diverse Melbourne Muslims who kept anonymous diaries before, during, and after Ramadan 2021, this analysis shows how Muslim women's understandings of religious belonging and connection in Ramadan are shaped by their own reconfigured approaches to worship and socialization alongside their everyday workload. It provides a unique opportunity to investigate the invisible challenges faced by Muslim women in worship and devotion during Ramadan.
Mind Attribution to Gods and Christians in the Chinese Cultural Context
Authors: Tian Qirui , Becker Maja , Hilton Denis
Published: August 2023

Drawing on the distinction in mind perception between agency and experience, this research examined whether and how culture‐based religion affects mind attribution to gods and Christians in a religious priming paradigm. When attributing mind to gods in Study 1, participants in the religious priming condition attributed more agency to gods than those in the neutral condition. When attributing mind to human religious targets in Study 2, religious participants in the religious priming condition attributed more experience to a Christian target than those in the neutral condition, while atheist participants in the religious priming condition attributed less experience to a Christian target than those in the neutral condition. In addition, religious participants in the religious priming condition attributed more experience to an atheist target than those in the neutral condition. Taken together, mind attribution to religious targets varied on agency and experience, and showed its own cultural features in China.
Texture term usage and hedonic ratings in two age‐diverse cohorts of Americans
Authors: Ma Kai Kai , Madhavan Aarthi , Etter Nicole M. , Hopfer Helene , Hayes John E.
Published: August 2023

This study explores the use of food texture terms by adults in the northeastern United States. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of food texture on food liking and texture term usage among age groups via two complementary online surveys that differed in the specific task given to participants. Survey 1 gathered common food items associated with 25 texture terms using open‐ended questions from 345 participants (45% men, 55% women; age range = 20–79 years); it also collected liking scores for foods with these textures. Next, a new group of participants (n = 349, 46% men, 54% women; age range = 20–79 years) completed Survey 2, which asked them to match up to three texture terms to 32 different foods drawn from Survey 1, using a provided list of 35 texture terms. “Tough,” “Chalky,” and “Rubbery” had a negative impact on food liking scores while “Tender,” “Juicy,” and “Crispy” were associated with higher mean food liking scores. “Soft,” “Crunchy,” “Crispy,” “Juicy,” and “Greasy” were commonly used texture terms regardless of age. Within those aged 50–79 years, “Smooth,” “Tender,” “Crunchy,” “Soft,” “Moist,” “Crispy,” and “Creamy” were used more often while “Chalky,” “Rough,” “Mealy,” “Foamy/Airy,” “Gritty” were used less often. Our results identified commonly used texture terms and revealed differential usage in older and younger adults. These data deepen our understanding of the texture of foods in the modern food environment, highlighting how texture perception may vary with age.
Prevalence of antibiotic use for dogs and cats in United States veterinary teaching hospitals, August 2020
Authors: Beaudoin Amanda L. , Bollig Emma R. , Burgess Brandy A. , Cohn Leah A. , Cole Stephen D. , Dear Jonathan D. , Fellman Claire L. , Frey Erin , Goggs Robert , Johnston Andrea , Kreuder Amanda J. , KuKanich Kate S. , LeCuyer Tessa E. , Menard Julie , Reagan Krystle L. , Sykes Jane E. , Veir Julia K. , Viviano Katrina , Wayne Annie , Granick Jennifer L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Awareness of prescribing practices helps identify opportunities to improve antibiotic use (AU).

Objectives

To estimate AU prevalence in dogs and cats in U.S. veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) and identify antibiotic drugs commonly prescribed, indications for use, and evidence of bacterial infection.

Animals

Medical record data were collected from dogs and cats examined at 14 VTHs.

Methods

Data were collected from VTH medical records of dogs and cats examined by primary care, urgent care, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, and surgery services on a single day during August 13‐September 3, 2020. Data included signalment; clinical service; inpatient or outpatient status; clinical conditions; diagnostic tests; evidence of bacterial infection; intended reason for AU; name and route of antibiotics prescribed.

Results

Of 883 dogs and cats, 322 (36.5%) were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic. Among 285 antibiotics administered systemically intended for treatment of infection, 10.9% were prescribed without evidence of infection. The most common class of antibiotics presribed for systemic administration was potentiated penicillin for dogs (115/346, 33.3%) and cats (27/80, 33.8%). For dogs and cats, first‐generation cephalosporins (93/346, 26.9% and 11/80, 13.8%, respectively) and fluoroquinolones (51/346, 14.7% and 19/80, 23.8%, respectively) was second or third most‐prescribed. Common AU indications included skin, respiratory, and urinary conditions, and perioperative use.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Collaborative data collection provides a sustainable methodology to generate national AU prevalence estimates and bring attention to areas requiring additional research and detailed data collection. These efforts can also identify practice improvement opportunities in settings where future veterinarians are trained.
The role of salinity on genome‐wide DNA methylation dynamics in European sea bass gills
Authors: Blondeau‐Bidet Eva , Banousse Ghizlane , L'Honoré Thibaut , Farcy Emilie , Cosseau Céline , Lorin‐Nebel Catherine
Published: August 2023

Epigenetic modifications, like DNA methylation, generate phenotypic diversity in fish and ultimately lead to adaptive evolutionary processes. Euryhaline marine species that migrate between salinity‐contrasted habitats have received little attention regarding the role of salinity on whole‐genome DNA methylation. Investigation of salinity‐induced DNA methylation in fish will help to better understand the potential role of this process in salinity acclimation. Using whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing, we compared DNA methylation patterns in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles in seawater and after freshwater transfer. We targeted the gill as a crucial organ involved in plastic responses to environmental changes. To investigate the function of DNA methylation in gills, we performed RNAseq and assessed DNA methylome‐transcriptome correlations. We showed a negative correlation between gene expression levels and DNA methylation levels in promoters, first introns and first exons. A significant effect of salinity on DNA methylation dynamics with an overall DNA hypomethylation in freshwater‐transferred fish compared to seawater controls was demonstrated. This suggests a role of DNA methylation changes in salinity acclimation. Genes involved in key functions as metabolism, ion transport and transepithelial permeability (junctional complexes) were differentially methylated and expressed between salinity conditions. Expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism (tricarboxylic acid cycle) was increased, whereas the expression of DNA methyltransferases 3a was repressed. This study reveals novel links between DNA methylation, mainly in promoters and first exons/introns, and gene expression patterns following salinity change.
Parallel optimization method of train scheduling and shunting at complex high‐speed railway stations
Authors: Zhong Mingxuan , Yue Yixiang , Zhou Leishan , Zhu Jianping
Published: August 2023

The train operations of large stations are critical in determining the efficiency of the railway network. Large high‐speed railway stations often have more than two adjacent stations running in multiple directions and must address highly complex train operation patterns. To develop a more efficient operation plan than the existing route‐based representations for modeling train conflicts, a more systematic track‐based resource network (TRN) representation for a railway station that simulates fixed equipment is used in this paper. Based on this high‐fidelity TRN, an improved operation scheduling model (OSM) is introduced for the integrated scheduling of train operations, including shunting operations. Besides, two approaches based on Lagrangian relaxation (LR) and the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) are described in detail to address the operation scheduling problem (OSP) for stations, and an efficient heuristic rule‐based algorithm is also designed to generate lower bound solutions. To improve the algorithm efficiency, we designed a parallelization strategy for the proposed approaches. Based on real‐world case studies, the computing results demonstrate that the parallelized ADMM‐based approach can always find high‐quality feasible solutions for complex stations and generate conflict‐free station operation plans with significantly improved efficiency.
Pilot study on nasal microbiota dynamics and MRSA carriage of a pig cohort housed on straw bedding
Authors: Effelsberg Natalie , Kobusch Iris , Schollenbruch Hannah , Linnemann Sabrina , Bang Corinna , Franke Andre , Köck Robin , Boelhauve Marc , Mellmann Alexander
Published: August 2023

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be transmitted between pigs and humans on farms. Hence, the reduction of MRSA carriage in pigs could decrease the risk of zoonotic transmission. Recently, straw bedding has been found to significantly reduce MRSA carriage in pigs. The mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear but changes in the nasal microbiome may play a role. In this exploratory study, the nasal microbiota of pigs kept on straw was examined using V1/V2 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Nasal swabs were collected from 13 pigs at six different time points during the course of a full fattening cycle resulting in 74 porcine samples. In addition, straw samples were collected at each time point. Eleven out of 13 pigs were MRSA positive at housing‐in. We found a strong temporal pattern in the microbial communities. Both microbial diversity and abundance of Staphylococcus species peaked in week 5 after introduction to the straw stable decreased in week 10, when all pigs turned MRSA‐negative, and increased again toward the end of the fattening period. These findings show that the introduction of pigs into a new environment has a huge impact on their nasal microbiota, which might lead to unfavorable conditions for MRSA. Moreover, other Staphylococcus species may play a role in eliminating MRSA carriage. We designed a follow‐up study including two different husbandry systems to further assess these effects.
Sesame allergy in children: New insights into diagnosis and management
Authors: Saf Sarah , Borres Magnus P. , Södergren Eva
Published: August 2023

Sesame is a potentially potent allergen that can trigger skin, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tract symptoms, and anaphylaxis. Only 20% to 30% of sesame‐allergic children develop tolerance. The prevalence of sesame allergy depends on local diets and ranges from 0.1% to 0.9%. A high risk of accidental exposure to sesame has resulted in mandatory food labeling in many countries. More than half of patients with sesame allergy are also allergic to peanut/tree nuts. Serum‐specific IgE testing with a quantitative Ses i 1 component can be performed safely and has higher clinical specificity and better positive predictive value for oral food challenge (OFC) than whole sesame extract or skin prick testing (SPT). Compared with SPT or OFC, in vitro Ses i 1 testing requires no special techniques and carries no risk of reactions. Diagnosis of suspected sesame allergy begins with a thorough history and physical examination. A positive sesame extract test (≥0.1 kUA/L) should prompt further testing. In patients with a high probability of reacting, results of component testing may facilitate a decision about performing an OFC. In a Japanese study of OFC and Ses i 1, there was a 5% probability of a positive OFC with Ses i 1 sIgE levels <0.13 kUA/L, and a 50% probability of a positive OFC with levels >32.0 kUA/L. Most patients could safely consume sesame if sIgE levels were <0.13 kUA/L. Ses i 1 testing can be used to guide appropriate management (avoidance, emergency medication, and oral immunotherapy).
Palaeobiology and taphonomy of the rangeomorph Culmofrons plumosa
Authors: Pasinetti Giovanni , McIlroy Duncan
Published: August 2023

The deep marine Ediacaran fossil record of Avalonia is dominated by the Rangeomorpha, a clade characterized by up to four orders of fractal‐like branching. Despite their abundance, morphological diversity and the recent increase in Ediacaran studies, aspects of their palaeobiology, palaeoecology and phylogenetic position in the tree of life are still hotly debated. The clade has traditionally been interpreted as consisting of organisms that lived erect in the water column and tethered to the seafloor, based on the intuitive interpretation of their frondose body plan. However, recent work has challenged this view and instead proposes a reclining mode of life for several rangeomorphs, possibly in symbiosis with chemoautotrophic bacteria. Here, we offer a detailed description of exceptionally preserved specimens of Culmofrons plumosa from the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark in Newfoundland, Canada. We suggest that Culmofrons plumosa should be reinterpreted as a reclining organism based on taphonomic and morphological evidence. Additionally, reproductive modes and a growth model of the species are here inferred, and they appear to be most consistent with a reclining mode of life, offering a novel palaeobiological reconstruction of the species.
Abscisic acid acts essentially on stomata, not on the xylem, to improve drought resistance in tomato
Authors: Haverroth Eduardo J. , Oliveira Leonardo A. , Andrade Moab T. , Taggart Matthew , McAdam Scott A. M. , Zsögön Agustin , Thompson Andrew J. , Martins Samuel C. V. , Cardoso Amanda A.
Published: August 2023

Drought resistance is essential for plant production under water‐limiting environments. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a critical role in stomata but its impact on hydraulic function beyond the stomata is far less studied. We selected genotypes differing in their ability to accumulate ABA to investigate its role in drought‐induced dysfunction. All genotypes exhibited similar leaf and stem embolism resistance regardless of differences in ABA levels. Their leaf hydraulic resistance was also similar. Differences were only observed between the two extreme genotypes: sitiens (sit; a strong ABA‐deficient mutant) and sp12 (a transgenic line that constitutively overaccumulates ABA), where the water potential inducing 50% embolism was 0.25 MPa lower in sp12 than in sit. Maximum stomatal and minimum leaf conductances were considerably lower in plants with higher ABA (wild type [WT] and sp12) than in ABA‐deficient mutants. Variations in gas exchange across genotypes were associated with ABA levels and differences in stomatal density and size. The lower water loss in plants with higher ABA meant that lethal water potentials associated with embolism occurred later during drought in sp12 plants, followed by WT, and then by the ABA‐deficient mutants. Therefore, the primary pathway by which ABA enhances drought resistance is via declines in water loss, which delays dehydration and hydraulic dysfunction.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior in the administration of medication in the home care setting: Cross‐cultural Spanish adaptation
Authors: Dionisi Sara , Muñoz‐Alonso Adoración , Giannetta Noemi , Aranburu‐Imatz Alejandra , López‐Soto Pablo J. , Galey‐Chica Pedro A. , Escribano‐Villanueva Francisco , Leo Aurora De , Liquori Gloria , Di Muzio Marco , Di Simone Emanuele
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to validate and adapt the “Knowledge Attitute and Behaviour in the administration of medication in the home care setting questionnaire” in the home care setting in Cordoba, Spain, through a cross‐validation process.

Design

Cross‐sectional study

Sample

106 community nurses provide home care in Cordoba, and are involved in the management of the medication process in the patient's home.

Measurements

Community nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward medication error prevention strategies in‐home care.

Results

For the evaluation of psychometric properties, Cronbach's α was calculated, which returned a value of 0.639, showing good internal consistency. Most participants agreed that the home care setting increases the risk of medication errors.

Conclusion

The study, underscores the importance of analyzing the phenomenon of medication errors in the home care setting. The characteristics and peculiarities of a home care setting are different from a hospital setting, which means that factors such as the environment, the figures involved in the care process (caregivers and/or family members), and the way in which they communicate with the rest of the multi‐professional team can influence both the type of errors and the likelihood of their occurrence.
High total bilirubin‐to‐uric acid ratio predicts poor sleep quality after acute ischemic stroke: a prospective nested case–control study
Authors: Geng Dandan , Wu Beilan , Lin Yisi , Chen Jiahao , Tang Wenjie , Liu Yuntao , He Jincai
Published: August 2023

Background

Sleep disorders are prevalent after stroke, resulting in high recurrence rates and mortality. But the biomarkers of sleep disorders in stroke patients remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the relationship between total bilirubin‐to‐uric acid ratio (TUR) and sleep quality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐six AIS patients were recruited and followed up 1 month after stroke in our study. Serum total bilirubin and uric acid levels were obtained within 24 h after admission. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality 1 month after stroke. We conducted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and screened the optimal biomarker to differentiate sleep disorders after stroke. Then the TUR was stratified according to the best cut‐off value (0.036) of the ROC and further analysed by binary logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the interaction was used to explore the difference in its effect on post‐stroke sleep quality in different subgroups.

Results

Three hundred thirty‐one patients (40.2%) were considered as having poor sleep quality during the one‐month follow‐up. Compared to patients with good sleep, patients with poor sleep were more likely to have higher TUR (IQR), 0.05 (0.03–0.06) versus 0.03 (0.02–0.04), P < 0.001. After adjusting for confounding factors, binary regression analysis demonstrated that a high TUR (≥0.036) was independently related to post‐stroke poor sleep quality (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 2.02–6.96, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High TUR is associated with an increased risk of poor sleep quality in AIS patients, especially in females, diabetics, and patients with hyperlipidaemia.
Nature and conditions of gold mineralization at the Tau deposit, Mupane mine, Tati Greenstone Belt, Botswana: Evidence from fluid inclusion and arsenopyrite geothermometer
Authors: Seaba Onameditse Lulu , Imai Akira , Yonezu Kotaro , Nopeia Manuel , Baliki Kemmonye
Published: August 2023

The gold mineralization at the Tau deposit in northeastern Botswana can be distinguished into two stages. The first stage of mineralization consists of invisible gold associated with early, sulfur‐rich arsenopyrite (Apy1). The second stage is characterized by native gold associated with late, sulfur‐poor arsenopyrite (Apy2). This study aims to constrain the nature of the ore‐forming fluid at the Tau deposit on the basis of fluid inclusion microthermometry and arsenopyrite geothermometry. Quartz crystals closely associated with gold‐bearing sulfides (Apy1) from the host rock host three types of fluid inclusions occurring in the same assemblages: Type I, two‐phase aqueous fluid inclusions, Type II three‐phase aqueous‐carbonic fluid inclusions and Type III one‐ or two‐phase CO2‐rich fluid inclusions. Microthermometric and Raman spectroscopic studies revealed the dominance of coexisting H2O+NaCl (Type I) and CO2N2CH4 (Type III) fluid inclusions. The coexisting Type I and Type III fluid inclusions could represent products of the immiscibility of a homogenous H2OCO2NaClN2CH4 primary ore fluid. The salinity of Type I (calculated from melting temperature of ice) and Type II (calculated from dissolution temperature of clathrate) fluid inclusions vary from 3.4 to 9.2 wt% NaCl equiv. and 5.8 to 9.8 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. The overall fluid inclusion salinity range (<10 wt% NaCl equiv.) and gas compositions of fluids suggest that the primary ore‐forming fluid at the Tau deposit was of low salinity and H2OCO2N2CH4NaCl composition. Integration of fluid inclusion microthermometry and arsenopyrite geothermometer results suggest that the first stage and second stages of gold mineralization and the associated alteration at the Tau deposit occurred at pressure and temperature conditions of 75–145 MPa and 290–370°C and 85–160 MPa and 330–370°C, respectively. These results suggest that there was an increase in temperature from the first stage to the second stage of mineralization, resulting in the recrystallization of invisible gold‐bearing arsenopyrite in the first stage to form native gold‐bearing arsenopyrite in the second stage. Fluid composition and the estimated physico‐chemical conditions at the Tau deposit confirm that gold was transported as reduced bisulfide complexes and initial gold deposition was likely caused by a reduction in sulfur contents as a result of sulfidation reactions and pressure‐induced phase separation (fluid immiscibility).
I have never been invited—A cross‐sectional explorative study of family members' experiences of encounters with healthcare professionals in diabetes care
Authors: Kneck Åsa , Ewertzon Mats , Leksell Janeth , Årestedt Kristofer , Amsberg Susanne
Published: August 2023

Aim

To explore the experiences of family members of adult persons with type 1 diabetes concerning both the approach of healthcare professionals and feelings of alienation in encounters with professional diabetes care.

Methods

A cross‐sectional explorative quantitative and qualitative design. The Family Involvement and Alienation Questionnaire—Revised (FIAQ‐R), including an open‐ended question, was answered by 37 family members of adult persons with type 1 diabetes. Analyses included descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. The study has received ethical approval.

Results

Family members rated the approach of the healthcare professionals as being somewhat positive and considered that the approach towards them is important. They only felt partially alienated from the professional care. Qualitative data revealed that the family members often lacked direct access to the professional care and that their involvement was dependent on their relationship with the person with diabetes. Findings highlighted that the family members' wish to be involved in the care was sometimes unanswered.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, it is reasonable to stress the importance of considering family members' perspectives and involving them in diabetes care to improve overall patient support.
The Big‐Five personality factors, cognitive ability, health, and social‐demographic indicators as independent predictors of self‐efficacy: A longitudinal study
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Cheng Helen
Published: August 2023

This study set out to examine to what extent a set of psychological, health and socio‐demographic factors are associated with self‐efficacy (SE) in a large sample of over 12,000 participants over a two‐year period. We were interested in the correlates of self‐efficacy (criterion variable) with gender, age, education and occupation, the Big‐Five personality factors and cognitive ability, as well as mental and physical health (predictor variables). Regression analyses showed that four of the Big‐Five personality factors (extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness), cognitive ability, mental and physical health, gender, education and occupation were all significant and independent predictors of self‐efficacy, accounting for 23% of the variance of the outcome variable. Personality variables, particularly Neuroticism and Conscientiousness, were the most powerful predictors of SE two years later. The implications for encouraging SE in individuals are discussed.
Multidecadal trend analysis of hydrological drought along River Niger using the Streamflow Drought Index
Authors: Ogunjo Samuel , Olusola Adeyemi , Durowoju Olufemi
Published: August 2023

Droughts affect human well‐being and the economy of countries across the world. Understanding the long‐term evolution of droughts within a particular region will help in drought mitigation and adaptation plans, thereby reducing drought impact on the environment. This study examined the multidecadal trends in hydrological droughts at two stations along River Niger using 3‐month, 6‐month, and annual time scales. Hydrological drought events were identified using the streamflow drought index (SDI) between 1915 and 1990 based on the Theil‐Sen slope and Mann‐Kendall approaches. Across the timescales, extreme and severe droughts occurred in 1982/84 and 1983/84 with ‐2 ≤ Sd < ‐1.5. On an annual scale, the results from the annual SDI further showed that the 7th and 8th decades (1971−1990) recorded more drought events of varying degrees ranging from mild to extreme drought in both stations than in other decades. The last two decades (7th and 8th) further revealed the most extended hydrological drought duration from 1974/75 to 1988/89 for Baro and from 1979/80 to 1988/89 for Lokoja. The highest severity recorded at Baro was ‐15.56 and ‐14.26 at Lokoja. The prolonged duration of drought events across the stations and their associated yearly intensities suggests that more proactive measures are needed to ameliorate the hydrological drought impact in the study area.
Defensive pessimism and precautionary action during the COVID pandemic
Authors: Norem Julie K. , Xiao Le Fan , Li Mohan , Dombroski Jordan
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this research was to test, in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the hypothesis that individuals who use defensive pessimism as a strategy to manage anxiety are likely to act to prevent or mitigate negative outcomes. Across three crowd‐sourced samples (Total N = 1416), defensive pessimism was correlated with self‐reports of more precautionary behavior (Studies 1, 2, & 3) and fewer COVID‐positive results (Study 3).
Tracking, calculating, watching: Governing and delay in the Jakarta Smart City
Authors: Webber Sophie , Maalsen Sophia , Emmanuel Leah
Published: August 2023

Jakarta is widely lauded by global consultancies, technology giants and critical scholars as an increasingly important ‘smart’ city. One of the reasons for this is the attempted use by state, corporate and individual actors of smart technologies, discourses and practices to solve the urban challenges of flooding, traffic and waste management in the context of climate change and urbanisation. In this paper, we examine the efforts of the Jakarta Smart City programme and office to govern these challenges. Where smart cities are often described as offering speed and real‐time efficiency, we instead find that the technologies and practices mobilised by the Jakarta Smart City programme govern by projecting, delaying and hypothesising into the future. We describe these governance strategies and outline three of their key forms: keeping track of objects and people, calculating and projecting state savings, and mundane watching but not acting. Rather than facilitating exacting and real‐time policy responses to address these urban problems, these practices instead produce temporal relations of delay that push action further into the future. Building on existing research about futuring and anticipation, and the tempos and rhythms of smart cities, our contribution is to highlight slowness and delay as a key mode of governing.
An Affordable Telerobotic System Architecture for Grasp Training and Object Grasping for Human–Machine Interaction
Authors: Hazra Sudip , Abdul Rahaman Abdul Hafiz , Shiakolas Panos S.
Published: August 2023

Due to mobility impairment, a person might rely on wheelchairs, canes, and crutches for assistance but could face challenges when performing tasks such as grasping and manipulating objects due to limitations in reach and capability. To overcome these challenges, a multidegree-of-freedom robotic arm with an anthropomorphic robotic hand (ARH) could be used. In this research, we propose an architecture and then implement it toward the development of an assistive system to assist a person with object grasping. The architecture interlinks three functional modules to provide three operation modes to calibrate the system, train a user on how to execute a grasp, synthesize grasps, and execute a grasp. The developed system consists of a user input and feedback glove capable of capturing user inputs and providing grasp-related vibrotactile feedback, a coppeliasim virtual environment emulating the motions of the ARH, and an underactuated ARH capable of executing grasps while sensing grasp contact locations. The operation of the developed system is evaluated to determine the ability of a person to operate it and perform a grasp using two control methods; using a synthesized grasp or under real-time continuous control. The successful evaluation validates the architecture and the developed system to provide the ability to perform a grasp. The results of the evaluation provide confidence in expanding the system capabilities and using it to develop a database of grasp trajectories of objects with different geometries.