bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy outcomes after first‐trimester exposure to fluoroquinolones: Findings based on an integrated database from two Japanese institutions
Authors: Goto Mikako , Anzai Tatsuhiko , Yamane Ritsuko , Yakuwa Naho , Takahashi Kunihiko , Murashima Atsuko
Published: June 2024

Given the paucity of safety data on fluoroquinolone antibiotics in pregnancy, a prospective observational cohort study was conducted in pregnant women who sought help and advice on drug use at two teratology information institutes in Japan. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of major congenital anomalies. The study population included pregnant women exposed to (i) fluoroquinolones (fluoroquinolone group), (ii) β‐lactams (infectious control group), or (iii) other agents considered to be nonteratogenic in humans (nonteratogenic control group) during the first trimester. The frequency of major congenital anomalies was compared across groups using a logistic regression model that adjusted for maternal age, smoking status, drinking status, facility consulted, and time of consultation. The fluoroquinolone group consisted of 411 women who had 383 children born alive. The infectious control and nonteratogenic control groups consisted of 1416 and 1482 women who had 1322 and 1401 children born alive, respectively. The incidence of major congenital anomalies was 1.5%, 2.0%, and 1.6% in the fluoroquinolone group, infectious control, and nonteratogenic control groups, respectively. Logistic regression showed that fluoroquinolone exposure is not a significant risk factor for major congenital anomalies. In conclusion, first‐trimester exposure to fluoroquinolone antibiotics was not associated with increased maternal or fetal risks.
Identifying High‐Quality Non‐Instrumental Dysphagia Screening Tools for Detection of Adult Dysphagia Case in Acute‐Care Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chun , Wu Meng‐Shan , Siao Shu‐Fen , Wang Ming‐Jhuan , Xu Yu‐Juan , Chen Cheryl Chia‐Hui
Published: June 2024

Introduction

As patients nowadays tend to have multiple diseases and complex medical histories, our aim was to identify high‐quality, non‐instrumental dysphagia screening tools used for the detection of adult dysphagia cases in all disease categories in acute‐care settings.

Method

A literature search was conducted in five databases from each database's earliest inception to 31 July 2021 and guided by five keywords: ‘dysphagia’, ‘deglutition’, ‘screening’, ‘test’ and ‘measure’. Without limiting the search in any specific disease category, reviewers assessed original studies and identified tools if they had been validated against instrumental evaluations and if they had been designed as a pass–fail procedure to screen whether dysphagia is absent or present. We further excluded any tool if it was (1) for pediatric focus, or (2) a patient self‐report questionnaire. All final tool candidates underwent a methodological quality appraisal using the Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2).

Result

Out of 195 studies with 165 tools identified, 20 tool candidates underwent QUADAS‐2 review. We found six high‐quality, non‐instrumental screening tools for detecting adult dysphagia cases in acute‐care settings, including the Yale Swallow Protocol, Gugging Swallowing Screen, Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test (both English and Portuguese versions), Sapienza Global Bedside Evaluation of Swallowing and Two‐Step Thickened Water Test. These high‐quality tools were developed primarily for patients with stroke. Only Yale Swallow Protocol was originally tested for heterogeneous populations with stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, oesophageal surgery, neurosurgery and head‐and‐neck cancer.

Conclusions

The results highlight the gap in the unavailability of high‐quality dysphagia screening tool in several emerged high‐risk populations including elderly inpatients, or patients following endotracheal extubation. Further research is needed to determine whether these six tools can be effectively applied across different high‐risk populations in acute‐care settings to screen for cases finding.
CLosure of Abdominal MidlineS Survey (CLAMSS): A national survey investigating current practice in the closure of abdominal midline incisions in UK surgical practice
Authors: Messenger David E. , Rajaretnam Niroshini , Slade Dominic A. J. ,   CLosure of Abdominal MidlineS Survey (CLAMSS) Collaborative, Abdominal Wall Subcommittees of the Association of Coloproctologists of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) and the British Hernia Society (BHS), The Dukes' Club
Published: June 2024

Aim

Incisional herniation (IH) is a frequent complication following midline abdominal closure with significant associated morbidity. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that the small bites technique (SBT) and prophylactic mesh augmentation (PMA) may reduce IH compared to mass closure techniques, but data are lacking on their implementation in contemporary surgical practice. This survey aimed to evaluate the use of the SBT and PMA and to identify factors associated with their adoption.

Method

Between 22 January 2023 and 16 March 2023, consultant surgeons across the UK were asked to complete a 25‐question survey on closure of an elective primary midline incision.

Results

Responses were received from 267 of 675 eligible surgeons (39.6%) in 38 NHS Trusts. Respondents were evenly split between tertiary centres (47.6%) and district general hospitals (49.4%). SBT and PMA were used by 19.9% and 3.0% of respondents, respectively. Compared to other techniques, surgeons using the SBT were more likely to close the anterior aponeurotic layer only, use single suture filaments, 2–0 gauge sutures and sharp needle points and routinely dissect abdominal layers to aid closure (all p < 0.001). Attendance at lectures/conferences on SBT (p = 0.043) and basing practice on available evidence (p < 0.001) were independently associated with use of the SBT. The commonest barriers to adopting SBT were a perceived lack of evidence (23.8%) and belief that personal IH rates were low (16.8%).

Conclusion

A minority of UK consultant surgeons have adopted the SBT or PMA. Practice change should be driven by more widespread dissemination of current evidence and procedural information.
Matilda Smith, her life and work forCurtis's Botanical Magazine
Authors: Rix Alison
Published: June 2024

The artist Matilda Smith (1854–1926) is probably best known for her major contribution toCurtis's Botanical Magazine,for which she drew well over 2000 plates during her career at Kew, which lasted for over forty years, from 1878–1920.
The hibernation promoting factor of Betaproteobacteria Comamonas testosteroni cannot induce 100S ribosome formation but stabilizes 70S ribosomal particles
Authors: Ueta Masami , Wada Akira , Wada Chieko
Published: June 2024

Bacteria use several means to survive under stress conditions such as nutrient depletion. One such response is the formation of hibernating 100S ribosomes, which are translationally inactive 70S dimers. In Gammaproteobacteria (Enterobacterales), 100S ribosome formation requires ribosome modulation factor (RMF) and short hibernation promoting factor (HPF), whereas it is mediated by only long HPF in the majority of bacteria. Here, we investigated the role of HPFs of Comamonas testosteroni, which belongs to the Betaproteobacteria with common ancestor to the Gammaproteobacteria. C. testosteroni has two genes of HPF homologs of differing length (CtHPF‐125 and CtHPF‐119). CtHPF‐125 was induced in the stationary phase, whereas CtHPF‐119 conserved in many other Betaproteobacteria was not expressed in the culture conditions used here. Unlike short HPF and RMF, and long HPF, CtHPF‐125 could not form 100S ribosome. We first constructed the deletion mutant of Cthpf‐125 gene. When the deletion mutant grows in the stationary phase, 70S particles were degraded faster than in the wild strain. CtHPF‐125 contributes to stabilizing the 70S ribosome. CtHPF‐125 and CtHPF‐119 both inhibited protein synthesis by transcription‐translation in vitro. Our findings suggest that CtHPF‐125 binds to ribosome, and stabilizes 70S ribosomes, inhibits translation without forming 100S ribosomes and supports prolonging life.
Pain experiences of nephrolithiasis patients planned for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A qualitative study
Authors: Deniz Doğan Sevgi , Yurtseven Şeyma , Köse Tosunöz İpek
Published: June 2024

This study was carried out to determine the pain experienced by nephrolithiasis patients scheduled for PNL and the methods of coping with pain. The qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 22 patients aged between 23 and 75 years who experienced pain due to nephrolithiasis. The data were collected between January and November 2023 using the “Personal Information Form” and “Semi‐structured Interview Form”. The content analysis was used to investigate the pain experienced by patients. Patients reported the character of pain as pulling, stabbing, scratching, swelling, pressing, and indescribable, and the intensity of the pain as the most severe pain experienced, unbearable, and killing. Patients reported the effects of the pain as tiring, immobilized, breathtaking, and appetite suppressant. The methods used by the patients were categorized under two themes: pain‐orientated and directed at the source of pain. In addition to pharmacological methods to cope with pain, patients reported hot application and distraction techniques. Patients also reported using some herbs in addition to the medical treatments recommended by the physician to reduce kidney stones to cope with the pain they experienced. In line with these results, the subjective nature of pain should not be forgotten during pain assessment, which is one of the most important steps in controlling the pain of patients with renal colic due to nephrolithiasis, and pain should be evaluated in all its dimensions. Considering that patients also use nonpharmacological methods to control this severe pain, these methods should be questioned.
Chalcogenide mid‐infrared 3 × 1 fiber combiner for highly efficient 2–5 µm power and wavelength combining
Authors: Gu Xiaonan , Qiu Tianying , Xiao Feixiang , Gao Mingkang , Qi Sisheng , Feng Xian , Tian Kangzhen , Yang Zhiyong
Published: June 2024

Fiber combiner is an effective device to enhance the power level or broaden the spectral wavelengths through a single monolithic output aperture, by fusing multiple fibers together. This is particularly important in mid‐infrared (MIR) 2–5 µm range, in which the output power of a single laser is limited. Due to the high MIR transmission, chalcogenide glass is an ideal host for constructing MIR fiber combiner. In this study, we report the design, fabrication, and characterization of a homemade 3 × 1 chalcogenide glass fiber combiner. The fiber combiner includes a 3 × 1 As–S input fiber bundle and an output fiber. The input fiber bundle was made by tapering three As–S multimode fibers with a core diameter of 200 µm and a cladding diameter of 250 µm. The taper reduction ratio R was 2, and the length of the taper transition region was ∼2 cm. The output fiber with core diameter of 360 µm and cladding diameter of 570 µm was then spliced with the tapered end of the fiber bundle. The total length of the combiner was ∼53 cm. The measurement of power combination at 4.56 µm indicated that the transmission efficiency of three ports reached 80%, whereas the power combining efficiency of the combiner was measured to be ∼48%. In addition, efficient wavelength combining over one octave has been demonstrated, by launching three different lasers at 2.1, 3.39, and 4.56 µm through the 3 × 1 combiner. It proves that chalcogenide fiber combiner is promising for the applications of high‐level power combination and broadband wavelength combining in MIR 2–5 µm range.
Psychosocial and mental impact of alopecia areata: Analysis of the Danish Skin Cohort
Authors: Clemmesen Maria Elise Ross , Gren Susanne Thiesen , Frøstrup Anne Grete , Thomsen Simon Francis , Egeberg Alexander , Thein David
Published: June 2024

Importance

Alopecia areata (AA) carries a psychological burden for patients beyond hair loss. However, quality‐of‐life measurement tools such as EQ‐5D used in clinical trials may not adequately capture the burden of AA, the perceived stigmatization or the psychosocial impact of AA.

Objective

To investigate the potential association between disease severity and the degree of social isolation, perceived stigmatization, anxiety and depression, alcohol consumption and work absenteeism using multiple PRO measures in patients with AA.

Design, Setting and Participants

Using the Danish Skin Cohort, the study included adult patients diagnosed with AA. The study included multiple PRO measures, including Skindex‐16, EQ‐5D‐5L, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption (AUDIT‐C) and the Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale (AASIS). The questionnaires were dispatched to the patients in January 2023. The severity of AA was determined based on scalp involvement using a modified Alopecia Areata Scale. Multiple multivariate linear regressions were conducted using Skindex‐16, AASIS and WPAI, while multivariate logistic regressions were applied to HADS, AUDIT‐C and EQ‐5D‐5L.

Results

A total of 376 patients were included, of which 177 (47%) had severe disease, 41 (11%) had moderate disease, 94 (25%) had mild disease, and 64 (17%) were in remission. The median age of patients was 55 (IQR, 47–66 years) and most were female (70%). Skindex‐16 and AASIS were the only PRO measures able to distinguish between severity. For these scores, moderate and severe diseases, female sex, and involvement of eyebrows increased the score and negatively impacted patient quality of life.

Conclusion and Relevance

The results indicate the importance of using the proper tool for the intended measurement of quality of life and that factors such as the severity of AA, as well as female sex and involvement of the eyebrows, may potentially increase the psychosocial burden of AA.
ICE1 interacts with IDD14 to transcriptionally activate QQS to increase pollen germination and viability
Authors: Luo Landi , Zheng Yan , Li Xieshengyang , Chen Qian , Yang Danni , Gu Zhijia , Yang Ya , Yang Yunqiang , Kong Xiangxiang , Yang Yongping
Published: June 2024

In flowering plants, sexual reproductive success depends on the production of viable pollen grains. However, the mechanisms by which QUA QUINE STARCH (QQS) regulates pollen development and how transcriptional activators facilitate the transcription of QQS in this process remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION 1 (ICE1), a basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor, acts as a key transcriptional activator and positively regulates QQS expression to increase pollen germination and viability in Arabidopsis thaliana by interacting with INDETERMINATE DOMAIN14 (IDD14). In our genetic and biochemical experiments, overexpression of ICE1 greatly promoted both the activation of QQS and high pollen viability mediated by QQS. IDD14 additively enhanced ICE1 function by promoting the binding of ICE1 to the QQS promoter. In addition, mutation of ICE1 significantly repressed QQS expression; the impaired function of QQS and the abnormal anther dehiscence jointly affected pollen development of the ice1‐2 mutant. Our results also showed that the enhancement of pollen activity by ICE1 depends on QQS. Furthermore, QQS interacted with CUT1, the key enzyme for long‐chain lipid biosynthesis. This interaction both promoted CUT1 activity and regulated pollen lipid metabolism, ultimately determining pollen hydration and fertility. Our results not only provide new insights into the key function of QQS in promoting pollen development by regulating pollen lipid metabolism, but also elucidate the mechanism that facilitates the transcription of QQS in this vital developmental process.
Predictive model of IVF outcomes for polycystic ovarian morphology and polycystic ovary syndrome in GnRH antagonist protocol using AMH‐MoM and ovarian sensitivity index
Authors: Ko Yoo Ra , Yu Eun Jeong , Park Jae Eun , Park Jae Kyun , Eum Jin Hee , Kim Tae Hyung , Lee Woo Sik , Lee Hee Jun
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between AMH and ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with PCOM and PCOS.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 559 patients who underwent the IVF‐ET cycle between January 2018 and December 2022 at Gangnam Cha Hospital. Patients were divided into 3 groups matched for age and BMI: the PCOS group (n = 54), based on the new 2023 PCOS guideline; the PCOM group (n = 53); and the control group (n = 452) with normal ovaries. Serum AMH levels were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) for each corresponding age. The ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) was calculated as the number of retrieved oocytes divided by the total dose of recombinant FSH administered (per 1000 IU).

Results

There were significant differences in AMH‐MoM value among women with PCOS [2.7 ± 1.3 (95% CI 2.3–3.0)], those with PCOM [2.0 ± 1.0 (95% CI 1.7–2.3)], and controls [0.8 ± 0.7 (95% CI 0.8–0.9)] (p < 0.001). The abortion rates in the normoovulatory, PCOM, and PCOS groups were 18.2%, 21.1%, and 25.0%, respectively. OSI and live birth rate were positively correlated with the AMH‐MoM value in normoovulatory women (r = 0.389, p < 0.05, r = 0.122, p < 0.05), while no such correlation was observed in women with PCOM and PCOS.

Conclusions

Ovarian response and live birth rate are possibly correlated with the AMH‐MoM value in normoovulatory women, but not in women with PCOM and PCOS.
Towards addressing the awarding gap—Using critical race theory to contextualise the role of intersectionality in Black pharmacy student attainment
Authors: Mawdsley Andrew , Magola‐Makina Esnath , Willis Sarah C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The awarding gap between White and Black students in UK health curricula is well established. Critical race theory (CRT) is a lens to deconstruct pedagogic practice and consider the intersectionality of Black student lived experience to provide a realist critique of the phenomenon of Whiteness in higher education and the impact this has on Black attainment. Using one UK pharmacy programme as a case study, this paper aims to explore Black lived experience as a means of problematising and disrupting structural oppressions.

Methods

Sixteen Black students from one UK pharmacy degree programme were purposively recruited to the study. Love and breakup letter methodology (LBM) was used to facilitate sharing experiences of intersectionality in relation to their undergraduate education, with data thematically analysed through the lens of CRT.

Results

Two meta‐themes (identity and inclusion; and cultural capital) and four subthemes (social capital; access; family expectations; and help‐seeking) were identified. The intersectionality of Black students was articulated as not possessing the social capital and the ‘language’ to succeed within the White structures of the curriculum. The conflict of capital and the absence of Black culture gave rise to confined help‐seeking behaviours. Whilst Black students experienced equality of access to the curriculum, an absence of rights to legitimate involvement (inclusion) worked to diminish participation in the curriculum.

Discussion

This is the first study to consider the intersectionality of Black pharmacy students in relation to academic awarding gaps and has found that oppressive educational structures marginalise and other Black experience. Black students experience the curriculum as a place where their social and cultural capital is undervalued, and as a White space where they lack the artefacts to succeed, leading to peripheral participation and detachment. The approach used in this study can be adopted across medical and health education as a means to problematise racial inequality through the exemplar of White:Black awarding gaps.
Psammogeton raniae‐magotrae sp. nov. (Apiaceae) from Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Bhellum B. L.
Published: June 2024

A new species of Psammogeton (Apiaceae) found in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is described and illustrated. It is closely allied to Psammogeton canescens and P. shivalikensis but differing from them in having noticeably radical and deeply ternate leaves, with acuminate apex, peduncle 1–3 cm long, nearly smooth or faintly ribbed, flowers dull white or pale yellow, an elongated stylopodium, fruits with hair that is nearly twice the fruit width. Together with the images, a distribution map and comparative account with morphological and phenological details of closely related P. canescens and P. shivalikensis are provided. Keys to all five species are also included.
Home‐Country Natural Disasters and Mental Health of Migrants*
Authors: Bharadwaj Prashant , Doiron Denise , Fiebig Denzil G. , Suziedelyte Agne
Published: June 2024

While natural disasters cause loss of life and worsen health in the local areas they impact, the overall health impacts of these disasters can be more widespread. Using linked administrative and survey data (the 45 and Up Study) from Australia, a country where one in four residents was born overseas, we show that migrant mental health is significantly affected by home‐country natural disasters. In the 3 months following a disaster, mental health related drug use and visits to mental health specialists increase by 7% and 34%, respectively. The effects persist for up to 12 months after the initial shock. To place these effects in context we provide suggestive comparisons to the impacts of home‐country terrorist attacks and macroeconomic shocks on mental health, and also compare the effects on mental health to physical health conditions of migrants.
Surgical treatment compared with “wait and see” in patients affected by oral leukoplakia to prevent oral cancer: Preliminary data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lombardi Niccolò , Arduino Paolo G. , Lampiano Marta , Gambino Alessio , Broccoletti Roberto , Varoni Elena M. , Lodi Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Objective

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is one of the most common and investigated oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Preventing OSCC occurrence should be the primary outcome in the clinical management of OL. Surgical removal of OL is performed by most clinicians, although its effectiveness in reducing OSCC onset has still not been established by randomized controlled trials (RCT). Wait and see approach is characterized by frequent clinical examinations and periodical biopsies of OL, avoiding unnecessary surgical procedures.

This is the first multicenter RCT in literature aiming at comparing the effectiveness of surgical removal and the “wait and see” approach in preventing OSCC onset in patients affected by dysplastic and non‐dysplastic OL.

Methods

Two Italian referral care centres for oral diseases were involved in this multicenter two‐arm RCT comparing the surgical removal of OL (group A) and the “wait and see” approach (group B), with the aim of reducing oral cancer onset.

Results

This report shows preliminary data on the first 161 patients, with a mean follow‐up of 19.14 ± 11.25 months. Eight cases of OSCC occurred (6 out 8 involving the tongue): one case in group A and seven cases in group B. Moreover, OL recurred in 13 (20%) cases after surgical excision.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this preliminary report, these initial data underline the increased risk of OSCC onset in the case of OL of the tongue in the presence of epithelial dysplasia in group B (“wait and see”) compared to group A (surgery). This RCT is currently ongoing at the same clinical departments, with the aim of enrolling 310 patients and collecting data at 5‐year follow‐up, in order to achieve conclusive results, in an evidence‐based medicine approach.
Validity and reliability of the Turkish Version of the Oral Behaviors Checklist
Authors: Yıldız Nazım Tolgahan , Kocaman Hikmet , Bingöl Hasan
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC‐TR).

Materials and Methods

The study included 223 patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and 94 individuals without TMD. Face and content validity were analyzed. Structural (with confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]), convergent (with pain intensity, Fonseca Anamnestic Index [FAI], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], and Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP‐14]), divergent (with active pain‐free maximum mouth opening [MMO]), and discriminant validity were investigated to evaluate the construct validity. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test–retest reliability were computed.

Results

Face and content validity were satisfactory. The CFA has verified the structural validity of the OBC‐TR. Strong associations between the OBC‐TR score and pain intensity (r = 0.88), FAI (r = 0.90), HADS (r = 0.82–0.86), and OHIP‐14 (r = 0.83) scores, and MMO (r = −0.85) verified the convergent and divergent validity of the OBC‐TR. Concerning discriminant validity, the OBC‐TR discriminated between patients with TMD and individuals without TMD (p < 0.05). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.91) were satisfactory.

Conclusion

The OBC‐TR is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the frequency of oral parafunctional behaviors in Turkish‐speaking patients with TMD.
The irreplaceable role of surviving megafauna in long‐distance seed dispersal: evidence from an experiment with Neotropical mammals
Authors: Giombini Mariano I. , Pésole Diana , Benítez Anuncio Daniel , Costa Sebastián A. , Fernando Foletto L. , Esteban Pizzio C. , Dip Yordanoff Ana L. , Genoveva Gatti M. , Di Bitetti Mario S.
Published: June 2024

The downsizing of disperser assemblages by selective defaunation is a worldwide phenomenon thought to have important consequences in animal‐dispersed plants. Numerous large‐seeded Neotropical plants currently depend on the last megafaunal survivors, the large tapirs Tapirus spp., and medium‐sized frugivores. The extent to which medium frugivores are functionally equivalent to tapirs remains unresolved. We combined feeding trials, seed dispersal kernel modeling based on seed retention times and animal movement simulation (Levy walks), and germination experiments in a large‐seeded palm to assess the dispersal quality provided by the largest (tapirs) and two medium (foxes and howler monkeys) frugivore species in terms of dispersal distances and gut passage effects on germination. Tapirs retained the seeds in the gut for much longer (mean = 221 hours) than howlers (43 h) and foxes (22 h). Median dispersal distance by tapirs (1252 m) was 14 and 40 times larger than that by foxes (88 m) and howlers (31 m), respectively. The seed dispersal kernel of tapirs showed a 5th percentile value (291 m) larger than the 95th percentiles of foxes (285 m) and howlers (108 m). Manually depulped and gut‐passed seeds germinated in similar proportions, showing, respectively, 3.5 and 2.5–2.9 times higher values than intact fruits. Germination probability and seed viability decreased with retention time in howlers' and tapirs' gut, with howlers showing a steeper negative relationship. Such detrimental effect implies a trade‐off between germination success and dispersal distance. We conclude that tapirs may not play a unique role in germination enhancement but move seeds much further than medium frugivores, thus playing a critical role as long‐distance dispersers of many plants. This study provides important insights on palm–frugivore interactions and the potential consequences for large‐seeded plants of losing the last megafaunal representatives in the Neotropics.
Factors influencing the therapeutic effect of hyperopic correction on esotropia in patients with partially accommodative esotropia
Authors: Li Xinnan , Kang Ying , Chen Linxing , Yang Hui , Shen Tao
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To collate data on partially accommodative esotropia (PAET) to better understand this condition's aetiology and to evaluate and predict the therapeutic effect of a hyperopic correction on PAET.

Methods

Eighty‐nine consecutive patients diagnosed with PAET with a spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error >+2.50 D were included in this retrospective review. Clinical characteristics, including gender, age, SE, angle of esodeviation, accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio, near‐distance disparity (NDD) and anatomical features of the rectus muscles were compared among different PAET subgroups. Multiple linear regression was used to identify independent factors that influenced the therapeutic effect of a hyperopic correction on esotropia.

Results

No significant differences were observed for the angle of esodeviation as a function of age in individuals with PAET. The incidence of SE in PAET participants >9 years old was significantly greater than in those <5 and 6–8 years of age. The therapeutic effect of hyperopic correction on esotropia was positively associated with SE both at distance and near. In addition, the limbus insertion distance (LID) of the lateral rectus (LR) muscle was positively associated with NDD at distance, but negatively associated at near.

Conclusion

A greater incidence of hyperopia was observed in older (>9 years old) PAET patients. A hyperopic correction had a greater effect on esotropia in individuals with a higher SE, larger LID of the LR muscle and a smaller NDD.
Early Graft Loss With Suspected Seventh‐Day Syndrome Following Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hartjes Kayla , Koo Donna , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Sweeny Katherine F. , Wehrman Andrew , Elisofon Scott , Lee Christine K. , Cuenca Alex G. , Kim Heung Bae , Lee Eliza J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Allograft dysfunction within the first week posttransplant is an uncommon but known complication following liver transplantation. Seventh‐Day Syndrome (7DS) is a rare complication of allograft dysfunction following liver transplantation characterized by the rapid clinical deterioration of a formerly well‐functioning allograft within the first week posttransplant. The etiology of 7DS is unknown, and treatment options remain limited. While cases of graft survival have been reported, the risk of mortality remains exceedingly high without urgent retransplantation.

Methods

Patient data was retrospectively analyzed and a literature review performed.

Results

We present a unique case of split liver transplantation into two pediatric recipients in which one recipient developed rapidly progressive graft failure approximately 1 week postoperatively requiring urgent retransplantation while the other recipient had an unremarkable postoperative course. Upon clinical manifestation of progressive graft failure, the patient was treated with thymoglobulin, rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis. Despite this, the patient's clinical status continued to decline and she underwent retransplantation 11 days following her initial liver transplant.

Conclusion

Seventh‐Day Syndrome is a rare complication following liver transplantation that is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Our case adds to the limited literature on 7DS in children and is the first to report a comparative posttransplant clinical course in two recipients who received split grafts from the same donor.
A comparative evaluation of the effects of 635 nm laser on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of buccal fat pad mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Etemadi Ardavan , Karimi Mohammad Amin , Karimi Mohammadreza , Hodjat Mahshid , Pour Mahsa Sheibani , Karimi Alireza , Chiniforush Nasim
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 635 nm diode laser with different powers on undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells obtained from buccal fat pad. Human buccal fat stem cells were cultured in DMEM containing 10% FBS, penicillin, and streptomycin under 5% CO2 and 95% humidity. Cells were cultured in 96‐well plate and 24 h later, laser irradiation with 635 nm diode laser was performed in four groups of 200, 300, 400, and 500 mW powers in addition to the control group with the same energy density of 4 J/cm2. MTT and flow cytometry assay was performed to evaluate cell proliferation and viability on 2 and 4 days after irradiation. Alizarin red assay and real‐time PCR (OPN, OCN, ALP, and RUNX‐2 genes) was performed to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. According to the MTT assay, none of the mentioned powers of 635 nm diode laser had significant effect on cell proliferation. Cells irradiated with power of 400 mW and 500 mW significantly showed a greater number of necrotic cells compared to the control group in Day 4. Cells irradiated with 300 mW power significantly exhibited a greater amount of nodule formation compared to all groups. Results of this study indicated that 635 nm diode laser with energy density of 4 J/cm2 has a positive effect inducing osteogenic differentiation when applying with a power of 300 mW in buccal fat pad mesenchymal stem cells.
Causal relationship between inflammatory skin diseases and breast cancer: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Yiling , Zhao Juhua
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Prior research has explored the relationship between inflammatory skin disorders and breast cancer (BC), yet the causality of this association remains uncertain.

Methods

Utilizing a bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, this study aimed to elucidate the causal dynamics between various inflammatory skin conditions—namely acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, urticaria, and rosacea—and BC. Genetic variants implicated in these disorders were sourced from comprehensive genome‐wide association studies representative of European ancestry. In the forward MR, BC was posited as the exposure, while the reverse MR treated each inflammatory skin disease as the exposure. A suite of analytical methodologies, including random effects inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WME), and MR‐Egger, were employed to probe the causative links between inflammatory skin diseases and BC. Sensitivity analyses, alongside evaluations for heterogeneity and pleiotropy, were conducted to substantiate the findings.

Results

The MR analysis revealed an increased risk of acne associated with BC (IVW: OR = 1.063, 95% CI = 1.011–1.117, p = 0.016), while noting a decreased risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in BC patients (IVW: OR = 0.941, 95% CI = 0.886–0.999, p = 0.047). No significant associations were observed between BC and psoriasis vulgaris, urticaria, or rosacea. Conversely, reverse MR analyses detected no effect of BC on the incidence of inflammatory skin diseases. The absence of pleiotropy and the consistency of these outcomes strengthen the study's conclusions.

Conclusion

Findings indicate an elevated incidence of acne and a reduced incidence of AD in individuals with BC within the European population.
Diversity and multifunctional potential for plant growth promotion in bacteria from soil and the rhizosphere
Authors: de Oliveira Larissa M. , Kavamura Vanessa N. , Clark Ian M. , Mauchline Tim H. , De Souza Jorge T.
Published: June 2024

Beneficial microorganisms play essential roles in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and health. In this study, we examined the potential of a collection of 138 bacterial strains to promote plant growth. The strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of two monocotyledonous and two dicotyledonous plant species and from bare fallow soil, all from the same site. Our interest in this study was to investigate the diversity and the potential for growth promotion in this collection of culturable bacteria. The most common trait was phosphorus (P) solubilization from aluminium phosphate (in 66.7% of the strains), whereas solubilization of P from phytic acid (6.5%) and from iron phosphate (5.8%) was the least common and they were only detected in bacterial strains from faba bean and oilseed rape. All bacterial strains inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum (from 5.4% to 87.2%). In total, 10 genera were identified among the strains by 16S rRNA sequencing and Pseudomonas was the most common in monocotyledonous plants and in bulk soil, while Stenotrophomonas was dominant in the rhizosphere of the dicotyledonous plants. Combinations of bacterial strains improved the spectrum of in vitro activity in most cases, however, wheat growth was generally lower. These strains have potential to be used as biofertilizers and/or biocontrol agents and further studies should be pursued to develop them into practical solutions for a more sustainable agricultural production.
Demonstration scale chemical–physical treatment and agricultural reuse of highly saline textile wastewater
Authors: Arous Fatma , Hamdi Chadlia , Bessadok Salma , Boudagga Soumaya , Aydi Ayda , Li Wentao , Kyriacou Stathis , Pinelli Davide , Frascari Dario , Jaouani Atef
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to develop an energy‐efficient process for treating highly saline textile wastewater (TWW) in a 10 m3/day pilot plant and evaluate forage sorghum irrigation with treated wastewater in terms of crop production and soil and irrigation device performance. The TWW treatment pilot plant, consisting of a coagulation/flocculation unit followed by a sand filter and an anion exchange resin column, produced treated effluent that complied with the permissible limits specified in the ISO 16075‐2:2020 standard for Category C irrigation water. The corresponding average energy consumption was 1.77 kWh/m3. Reusing treated TWW for forage sorghum irrigation over a 13‐week cycle yielded crop performances comparable with freshwater irrigation, with no negative impact on the irrigation system. Although soil profiles were similar between treated TWW and freshwater irrigation, both soils featured an increase in electrical conductivity, which may reversibly or irreversibly affect soil quality and damage salt‐sensitive crops. These findings demonstrate the effective treatment and reuse of saline TWW for irrigating salt‐tolerant crops, offering significant implications for industrial wastewater management and cropping patterns in arid and semi‐arid regions.
Derecho espacial en Colombia: avance intermitente impulsivo en busca de la creación de una agencia espacial
Authors: Londoño De Vivero Daniel Eduardo
Published: June 2024

El derecho espacial, como una subrama del derecho internacional, surgió en medio de la Guerra Fría, fortaleciéndose hasta nuestros días gracias al rápido avance de la tecnología. La adopción de una verdadera política pública sobre la utilización y exploración del espacio ultraterrestre contiene dos elementos fundamentales: el acatamiento de los compromisos internacionales del Estado establecidos en los instrumentos internacionales sobre la materia y el desarrollo de la legislación interna que sea implementada por una entidad especializada. Colombia ha participado de las discusiones internacionales sobre la materia; no obstante, solo es parte de dos de los cinco tratados existentes. Además, ha realizado algunos intentos por regular asuntos relevantes para el desarrollo del país en este ámbito. Desafortunadamente, la falta de una política de Estado real y consistente ha generado que, dependiendo de cada gobierno, se incorporen elementos, planes o programas, sin ninguna solución de continuidad. El propósito de este artículo es presentar una reflexión académica sobre el estado del derecho espacial en Colombia, haciendo énfasis en que no habrá una política de Estado sólida mientras no exista un ente especializado que tenga como misión principal establecer los programas, estrategias y planes a largo plazo y que además articule las funciones que ejercen distintos órganos relacionadas con el espacio ultraterrestre.
“I Found Comfort in Exercising”: Exploring Experiences With Exercise for Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Ramji Anusha V. , Dommett Eleanor J. , Runswick Oliver R.
Published: June 2024

Little is known about how adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience exercise, resulting in a lack of recommendations for supporting this population. We aimed to explore how adults with ADHD experience exercise as a management tool before and after diagnosis and how and why individuals experience issues related to exercise dependence. Fifteen active adults with a diagnosis of ADHD participated in semistructured interviews. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) exercise as a necessity for ADHD, reflecting the need to exercise before a formal ADHD diagnosis, and use of exercise as a management tool postdiagnosis; (b) goals and achievements to live by, reflecting how exercise patterns revolved around a need to make progress toward targets; and (c) activity or exercise: a roller coaster journey, covering the ups and downs of exercise journeys. This article highlights the importance of exercise for adults to manage ADHD and how this can be encouraged and supported.
Transmission of social bias through observational learning
Authors: Schultner David T. , Lindström Björn R. , Cikara Mina , Amodio David M.
Published: June 2024

People often rely on social learning—learning by observing others’ actions and outcomes—to form preferences in advance of their own direct experiences. Although typically adaptive, we investigated whether social learning may also contribute to the formation and spread of prejudice. In six experiments (n= 1550), we demonstrate that by merely observing interactions between a prejudiced actor and social group members, observers acquired the prejudices of the actor. Moreover, observers were unaware of the actors’ bias, misattributing their acquired group preferences to the behavior of group members, despite identical behavior between groups. Computational modeling revealed that this effect was due to value shaping, whereby one’s preferences are shaped by another’s actions toward a target, in addition to the target’s reward feedback. These findings identify social learning as a potent mechanism of prejudice formation that operates implicitly and supports the transmission of intergroup bias.
Chronic alcohol induces subcircuit-specific striatonigral plasticity enhancing the sensorimotor basal ganglia role in action execution
Authors: Sitzia Giacomo , Bariselli Sebastiano , Gracias Alexa , Lovinger David M.
Published: June 2024

Functional deficits in basal ganglia (BG) circuits contribute to cognitive and motor dysfunctions in alcohol use disorder. Chronic alcohol exposure alters synaptic function and neuronal excitability in the dorsal striatum, but it remains unclear how it affects BG output that is mediated by the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Here, we describe a neuronal subpopulation-specific synaptic organization of striatal and subthalamic (STN) inputs to the medial and lateral SNr. Chronic alcohol exposure (CIE) potentiated dorsolateral striatum (DLS) inputs but did not change dorsomedial striatum and STN inputs to the SNr. Chemogenetic inhibition of DLS direct pathway neurons revealed an enhanced role for DLS direct pathway neurons in execution of an instrumental lever-pressing task. Overall, we reveal a subregion-specific organization of striatal and subthalamic inputs onto the medial and lateral SNr and find that potentiated DLS-SNr inputs are accompanied by altered BG control of action execution following CIE.
The spin-forbidden transition in iron(IV)-oxo catalysts relevant to two-state reactivity
Authors: Rice Derek B. , Wong Deniz , Weyhermüller Thomas , Neese Frank , DeBeer Serena
Published: June 2024

Quintet oxoiron(IV) intermediates are often invoked in nonheme iron enzymes capable of performing selective oxidation, while most well-characterized synthetic model oxoiron(IV) complexes have a triplet ground state. These differing spin states lead to the proposal of a two-state reactivity model, where the complexes cross from the triplet to an excited quintet state. However, the energy of this quintet state has never been measured experimentally. Here, magnetic circular dichroism is used to assign the singlet and triplet excited states in a series of triplet oxoiron(IV) complexes. These transition energies are used to determine the energies of the quintet state via constrained fitting of 2p3d resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. This allowed for a direct correlation between the quintet energies and substrate C─H oxidation rates.
Highly efficient, selective, and stable photocatalytic methane coupling to ethane enabled by lattice oxygen looping
Authors: Zhai Guangyao , Cai Lejuan , Ma Jun , Chen Yihong , Liu Zehua , Si Shenghe , Duan Delong , Sang Shuaikang , Li Jiawei , Wang Xinyu , Liu Ying-Ao , Qian Bing , Liu Chengyuan , Pan Yang , Zhang Ning , Liu Dong , Long Ran , Xiong Yujie
Published: June 2024

Light-driven oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) for multi-carbon (C
2+
) product evolution is a promising approach toward the sustainable production of value-added chemicals, yet remains challenging due to its low intrinsic activity. Here, we demonstrate the integration of bismuth oxide (BiO
x
) and gold (Au) on titanium dioxide (TiO
2
) substrate to achieve a high conversion rate, product selectivity, and catalytic durability toward photocatalytic OCM through rational catalytic site engineering. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the lattice oxygen in BiO
x
is effectively activated as the localized oxidant to promote methane dissociation, while Au governs the methyl transfer to avoid undesirable overoxidation and promote carbon─carbon coupling. The optimal Au/BiO
x
-TiO
2
hybrid delivers a conversion rate of 20.8 millimoles per gram per hour with C
2+
product selectivity high to 97% in the flow reactor. More specifically, the veritable participation of lattice oxygen during OCM is chemically looped by introduced dioxygen via the Mars-van Krevelen mechanism, endowing superior catalyst stability.