bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiles of chemosensory genes of termite soldier and worker antennae
Authors: Suzuki Ryohei H. , Hanada Takumi , Hayashi Yoshinobu , Shigenobu Shuji , Maekawa Kiyoto , Hojo Masaru K.
Published: April 2023

Termites have an elaborate social system that involves cooperation and division of labour among colony members. Although this social system is regulated by chemical signals produced in the colony, it remains unclear how these signals are perceived by other members. Signal transduction is well known to be triggered by the reception of odorant molecules by some binding proteins in the antennae, after which, a signal is transmitted to chemosensory receptors. However, there is insufficient information on the role of chemosensory genes involved in signal transduction in termites. Here, we identified the genes involved in chemosensory reception in the termite Reticulitermes speratus and performed a genome‐wide comparative transcriptome analysis of worker and soldier antennae. First, we identified 31 odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs), and three chemosensory protein A (CheA) from the genome data. Thereafter, we performed RNA sequencing to compare the expression levels of OBPs, CheAs, and previously identified chemosensory receptor genes between worker and soldier antennae. There were no receptor genes with significant differences in expression between castes. However, the expression levels of three non‐receptor odorant‐detection/binding proteins (OBP, CheA, and Sensory neuron membrane protein) were significantly different between castes. Real‐time qPCR (RT‐qPCR) analysis using antennae and other head parts confirmed that these genes were highly expressed in soldier antennae. Finally, independent RT‐qPCR analysis showed that the expression patterns of these genes were altered in soldiers from different social contexts. Present results suggest that gene expression levels of some non‐receptors are affected by both castes and behavioural interactions among colony members in termites.
Non‐traumatic emergency department dental visits among patients 0–25 years of age: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Musa Ali A. R. , Sethi Sneha , Poirier Brianna F. , Oliver Kelly J. , Jensen Emilija D.
Published: April 2023

Background

Nontraumatic dental conditions (NTDC) that made children attending to emergency departments (EDs) of tertiary hospitals can put significant financial and time strain on hospitals.

Aim

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to calculate the prevalence of paediatric presentations to EDs of tertiary hospitals for NTDC and describe the characteristics of these presentations.

Design

A systematic search strategy using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases was performed to identify studies quantifying NTDC presentations to EDs of tertiary hospitals from inception through to July 2022. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for studies reporting prevalence.

Results

The search identified 31 099 studies, from which 14 were found to meet the inclusion criteria. A random effects model was used for meta‐analysis, and the prevalence of NTDC reported through EDs of tertiary hospitals ranged from 52.3% to 77.9%.

Conclusions

Nontraumatic dental conditions, which may be preventable when caused by dental caries, made up a high proportion of dental visits to tertiary hospital EDs. Public health initiatives should be considered to reduce the burden of NTDC on EDs.
RETRACTED: Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells‐derived extracellular vesicles as a treatment to heal diabetic wounds: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chang Xiaocen , Li Jia
Published: April 2023

A meta‐analysis study to assess the influence of mesenchymal stromal cells‐derived extracellular vesicles (MSC‐EVs) as a treatment to heal the diabetic wound (DW). A comprehensive literature examination till February 2023 was implemented and 2975 linked studies were appraised. The picked studies contained 381 animals with diabetes mellitus in the picked studies' baseline, 217 of them were using MSC‐EVs, and 173 were using control. Odds ratio in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the consequence of MSC‐EVs as a therapy to heal DWs by the dichotomous and continuous styles and a fixed or random model. MSCs‐EVs had a significantly higher rate of wound closure of DWs (Mean deviation [MD], 22.20; 95% CI, 19.16–25.24, P < .001), lower width of the scar (MD, −2.57; 95% CI, −3.35 to −1.79, P < .001), higher collagen deposition (MD, 30.82; 95% CI, 20.77–40.86, P < .001), and a higher rate of re‐epithelialisation (MD, 34.36; 95% CI, 20.13–48.58, P < .001) compared with the control. MSCs‐EVs had a significantly higher rate of wound closure of DWs, lower width of the scar, higher collagen deposition, and higher rate of re‐ epithelialisation compared with the control. Although precautions should be taken when commerce with the consequences because all of the picked studies for this meta‐analysis was with low sample sizes.
RETRACTED: A systematic review of medical science students' knowledge and related factors towards burns first aids
Authors: Alizadeh Otaghvar Hamidreza , Parvizi Arman , Ghorbani Vajargah Pooyan , Mollaei Amirabbas , Karkhah Samad , Takasi Poorya , Hosseini Seyed Javad , Firooz Mahbobeh , Sadeh Tabarian Mansooreh , Jamshidbeigi Amirreza , Farzan Ramyar , Haddadi Soudabeh
Published: April 2023

This systematic review aims to examine the knowledge of medical science students about burn first aid. A comprehensive, systematic search was performed in different international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database (SID) using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as “Knowledge”, “First aid”, “Medical science student” and “Burn” from the earliest to February 1, 2023. The quality of the studies included in this systematic review was evaluated by using the appraisal tool for cross‐sectional studies (AXIS tool). Thirteen studies had a total of 5046 students studying medical sciences. Among them, 62.24% were female and 77.67% were medical students. The studies included in this systematic review were conducted in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Malaysia. Medical science students' average knowledge of first aid for burns is 56.92 out of 100, which is considered to be a moderate level of knowledge. Factors such as the experience of first aid training, academic year, clinical experience, and economic status had a significant positive relationship with the knowledge of medical science students about first aid for burns. Also, factors such as age, academic specialisation, academic year, information sources, and fathers' occupation had a significant relationship with the knowledge of medical students about first aid for burns. Therefore, it is suggested that healthcare managers and policymakers make the necessary plans to ensure that first aid training courses are implemented during medical science students' studies as a part of their curriculum.
Study on robust additive of CaCO3 for fast fabrication of highly transparent AlON ceramics by pressureless sintering
Authors: Ma Liya , Sun Xiannian , Guo Haoran , Shan Yingchun , Han Xiaoguang , Xu Jiujun , Li Jiangtao
Published: April 2023

Fabrication of transparent AlON ceramics is extra sensitive to both particle size of starting powder and sintering additive due to shuttling transformation between AlON and Al2O3 + AlN during heating. One possible solution is to select robust additive to suppress the shuttling transformation. In this work, three AlON powders with different median particle sizes of 0.6, 0.9, and 1.1 μm were prepared. After studying the effect of CaCO3 on densification process, AlON ceramics with the maximum transmittance of ≥81.1% were successfully fast prepared by pressureless sintering (PS) at 1880°C for only 2.5 h by using three AlON powders doped with different CaCO3 amount. Specifically, AlON ceramics prepared from 1.1 μm with 0.5–0.8 wt.% CaCO3 doping consistently showed the maximum transmittance of ≥85.3%, which indicates that CaCO3 can serve as a robust additive to enable fast fabrication of highly transparent AlON ceramics even by PS.
The impact of Confucianism on auditor judgment
Authors: Deng Yingwen , Wu Yongliang , Zeng Changli , Zhang Min
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the relationship between Confucianism and auditor judgment. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2006 to 2019, we find that the Confucian atmosphere in auditors’ hometowns is positively associated with their audit adjustments. The mechanism analyses show that Confucianism in auditors’ hometowns can influence auditor morality and further affect their judgment. We also find that the positive relationship between Confucianism in auditors’ hometowns and audit adjustments is reinforced by auditor exposure to strong Confucian atmospheres in their places of education and workplaces but weakened by Western culture diffusion. Moreover, auditors who are more influenced by Confucianism are associated with more improvements in client financial reporting quality, more upward and downward adjustments, more small and large adjustments and more audit effort but not higher audit fees. Overall, this study provides evidence that supports the imprinting effect of traditional Confucianism on auditors.
Rinse model implementation of alkaline detergent in clean‐in‐place process with gradual flow reduction for economy of water and effluent reduction
Authors: Brasileiro Rafaella Gaião , Silva Lucas Donizete , Sislian Rodrigo , Gedraite Rubens
Published: April 2023

Demand for water savings in clean‐in‐place (CIP) process has increased due to the limited offer of this natural resource. Thus, this work investigated the CIP with variable flow in the rinse step in a stainless steel piping system contaminated with alkaline detergent residues compared to CIP with constant flow for rinse water (RW) saving purposes. In addition, the dynamics of the conductivity of the effluent of the CIP system, typically found in dairies, was investigated and water consumption estimated. For this purpose, a CIP prototype was used, which was subjected to cleaning with alkaline detergent (NaOH) at 70°C for 15 min and later rinsed, evaluating the flow reduction effect. The removal of alkaline residue was evaluated under steady state and variable conditions using computer simulation in software Matlab™/Simulink™. The dynamics of alkaline residue removal was modeled using the first order transfer function with dead time (FOPDT) and the gradual flow reduction strategy for rinsing was predicted using the interpolation of the models. The results showed that both strategies were significant for the residues of detergent removal. However, the reduction in spent RW volume was more significant for the variable flow, representing 35% of potable water savings compared to the conventional process with constant flow, what suggests an interesting strategy to reduce the environmental impact caused by the CIP process. Finally, the FOPDT models were effective in predicting the rinse dynamics and determining the time of the process.

Practical applications

Strategies to reduce rinse water consumption and to guarantee food safety are essential. Variable rinse flow can be used in dairy industries to improve economy of water and energy during rinse stage of a CIP process in comparison with the time spent considering the stationary flow process, commonly employed in dairy. In addition, this change is attractive, as it can be made with only adjustments to the control system, not necessarily requiring new equipment.
Sural nerve biopsy utility by masked assessment of individual histologic preparations
Authors: Soontrapa Pannathat , Dyck Peter J. , Dyck P. James B. , Klein Caroline M. , Engelstad JaNean , Davies Jenny , Shahar Shelly , Harmsen W. Scott , Mandrekar Jay , Spinner Robert J. , Ida Cristiane M. , Klein Christopher J.
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Comprehensive study of sural nerve biopsy utility based on individual histopathologic preparations is lacking. We aimed to quantify the value of different histologic preparations in diagnosis.

Methods

One hundred consecutive sural nerves were studied by standard histological preparations plus graded teased nerve fibers (GTNF), immunohistochemistry, and epoxy‐semithin morphometry. Three examiners scored the individual preparations separately by a questionnaire of neuropathic and interstitial abnormalities, masked to the biopsy number, versus a gold‐standard of all preparations. Multivariate modeling was utilized to determine best approach versus the gold‐standard.

Results

Highest confidence (range 8–9 of 10) and inter‐rater reliability (99%) for fiber abnormalities came from GTNF, and interstitial abnormalities from paraffin stains (range 7–8, 99%). Vasculitic neuropathy associated with GTNF axonal degeneration (moderate to severe 79%) with OR 3.8, 95% CI (1.001–14.7), p = .04, but not significantly with the other preparations. Clinicopathologic diagnoses associated with teased fiber abnormalities in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, 80% (8/10); amyloidosis, 50% (1/2); adult‐onset polyglucosan disease 100% (1/1). GTNF and paraffin stains significantly correlated with fiber density determined by morphometric analysis (GTNF: OR 9.9, p < .0001, paraffin: OR 3.8, p = .03). GTNF combined with paraffin sections had highest accuracy for clinicopathologic diagnoses and fiber density with 0.86 C‐stat prediction versus morphometric analysis. Pathological results lead to initiation or changes of immunotherapy in 70% (35/50; initiation n = 22, reduction n = 9, escalation n = 4) with the remaining having alternative intervention or no change.

Interpretation

Nerve biopsy paraffin stains combined with GTNF have highest diagnostic utility, confidence, inter‐rater reliability, improving accuracy for a pathologic diagnosis aiding treatment recommendations. Immunostains and epoxy preparations are also demonstrated useful supporting consensus guidelines. This study provides class II evidence for individual nerve preparation utility.
‘For them farming may be the last resort, but for us it is a new hope’: Ageing, youth and farming in India
Authors: Mohanty B. B. , Lenka Papesh K.
Published: April 2023

Based on an empirical exercise carried out in five villages of Odisha in eastern India, the paper looks into ageing of the farm population and the experiences and responses of farmers of various age groups to farming. The findings of the study indicate that agriculture is greying, farmers are getting older and the youth, particularly of higher and cultivating castes, are averse to farming. The unwillingness of these youths to join farming is mainly attributed to loss of social status, declining profitability in agriculture and discouragement of immediate ‘mentors’, the middle‐aged farmers, caused by the perpetual decline of farm income and loss of social recognition. The hitherto nonfarming youths, belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and service‐rendering castes, especially the female youths, are joining farming to fill this gap, mostly as leased‐in cultivators.
The frequency of fatty liver in patients with alopecia areata: A case–control study
Authors: Tehranchinia Zohreh , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh , Haghighatkhah Hamidreza , Talebi Atefeh , Yarahmadi Amin , Zoghi Ghazal
Published: April 2023

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune‐mediated nonscarring hair loss disorder with multiple subtypes, including alopecia universalis (AU). Previous studies have shown a link between serum lipid profile and alopecia. We aimed to investigate the frequency of fatty liver in patients with AU and patchy alopecia areata (PAA) compared to a control group.

Methods

This case–control study included patients with AU and PAA referred to a dermatology clinic from September 23, 2019 to September 23, 2020. A group of individuals without hair loss disorders attending the same clinic were selected as controls. Participants' general information, including age, sex, weight, height, and waist circumference (WC), was recorded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. Also, hyperlipidemia and statin use were noted and liver enzymes were evaluated. For AU and PAA patients, disease duration and the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score were also recorded. Then, all subjects underwent ultrasound to assess fatty liver and its grade.

Results

Overall, 32 patients were included in each group. All three groups were comparable in age, sex, weight, height, BMI, WC, hyperlipidemia, abnormal liver enzymes, and statin use. Disease duration and SALT score were significantly higher in the AU than in the PAA group (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). The frequency of fatty liver was the highest in AU patients (40.6%), followed by 34.4% in PAA patients, and 21.9% in controls (p = 0.263). This was also the case for grade‐1 fatty liver, while grade‐2 was more common in PAA patients, and grade‐3 was only observed in one patient from the AU group (p = 0.496).

Conclusions

Fatty liver was more frequent in AU and PAA patients than controls, without statistically significant differences. There might be an association between fatty liver and AA, particularly the AU subtype.
Multimarket Contact in Health Insurance: Evidence from Medicare Advantage*
Authors: Lin Haizhen , McCarthy Ian M.
Published: April 2023

Many industries consist of large firms that compete in multiple geographic markets. Such overlap, defined as multimarket contact (MMC), may facilitate tacit collusion and soften competition. We examine the effects of MMC on health insurance prices and quality using comprehensive data on the Medicare Advantage (MA) market from 2008 through 2015. Our identification strategy exploits two plausibly exogenous changes to MMC: (1) out‐of‐market mergers; and (2) policy‐driven changes in the benchmark rates of other markets. Our results consistently support the mutual forbearance hypothesis, where we find that prices are significantly higher and high‐quality plans less pervasive as MMC increases.
Milk production and milk fatty acid profile as a response to feeding dairy cows with flax products during the persistence period
Authors: El‐Ganainy Shahira M. M. , Shams A. Sh. , Kandial M. H. H. , Badr Azza M. M.
Published: April 2023

The response of enhanced dietary dairy cows with linolenic‐rich sources during the persistence period was studied to determine its effectiveness on some blood constituents, milk yield and milk fatty acid profile. A complete randomized design experiment was conducted in the spring and involved 20 Friesian cows (60 days in milk) that were divided into four groups of five animals by milk production according to different types of flax source in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic rations: a traditional diet with no flax source (CO), a diet contains flaxseed meal (FLM), a diet contains whole flaxseed (FLS) and a diet contains flax oil (FLO). DM intake and DMI% of weight were increased for cows fed FLM. However, Omega‐3 intake was reduced for cows fed on CO ration. Although, blood serum metabolites did not differ among treatments (p < 0.05) except serum cholesterol which was increased with FLO cows, and serum total lipid which was reduced with FLM cows. Cows fed on flax product and control peaked in milk production at the same time (8‐week post‐partum), and cows fed on FLM continued in peak production for a longer period. Using flax products enhanced milk production, cows fed FLM had higher milk yield than those fed CO (20.76 vs.16.32 kg/d), and there was no difference between cows fed FLO (17.87 kg/d) and those fed FLS (18.01 kg/d). Also, energy‐corrected milk yield and 3.5 fat‐corrected milk yield were increased with cows fed on FLM as compared with cows fed CO ration. Flax products had no significant effect on milk fat and protein %, whereas cows fed FLM had the greatest fat% value (3.35%) and FLS had the greatest protein% value (2.66%). Moreover, fat and protein yield increased significantly in treatment groups compared to the CO group, whereas they were the greatest in FLM g (0.700 and 0.540 kg/d), respectively. Concentrations of omega‐3‐fatty acids in milk fat were increased by using FLO in the ration; using flaxseed meal enhanced conjugated linoleic acids in milk fat and resulted in the highest omega‐6‐to‐omega‐3‐fatty‐acids ratio. The data suggest that flax seed meals can be used as a fat source in the diet of dairy cows during the persistence period with a good response to milk production and its health properties. Moreover, flax oil should be protected before use in rations to prevent its components from saturation or being changed in the rumen.
In vitro aflatoxins recovery after changing buffer or protozoa concentrations in the rumen fermentation fluid
Authors: Spanghero Mauro , Braidot Matteo , Sarnataro Chiara , Fabro Carla , Piani Barbara , Gallo Antonio
Published: April 2023

This study simulates in vitro the effects of (i) rumen acidity and (ii) change in rumen protozoa numbers on the recovery of aflatoxins (AFs). Two 24‐h fermentation experiments were carried out using the same batch in vitro fermentation systems and substrate (dried corn meal) containing 11.42, 2.42, 7.65 and 1.70 µg/kg of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively. In Experiment 1, two buffer concentrations (normal salts dosage or lowered to 25%) were tested. Buffer reduction decreased gas production (730 vs. 1101 mL, p < 0.05), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and NH3 concentrations in the fermentation liquid (39.8 vs. 46.3 mmol/L, and 31.7 vs. 46.5 mg/dL respectively, p < 0.01). Recovery of all four AFs types was higher (p < 0.01) in the reduced buffer fermentation fluid, both as a percentage of total AF incubated (73.6% vs. 62.5%, 45.9% vs. 38.1%, 33.6% vs. 17.9% and 18.9% vs. 6.24% for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively) and as amounts relative to VFA production (163.4 vs. 123.5, 22.1 vs. 15.7, 48.8 vs. 22.5 and 6.16 vs. 1.86 ng/100 mmol of VFA, for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively). In Experiment 2, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni extracts (S) or a Camphor essential oil (Cam) were added to fermenters and compared to the control (no additives, C). S and Cam addition resulted in a 25% reduction (p < 0.05) and a 15% increase (p < 0.05) in protozoa counts respectively, when compared to C. Both plant additives slightly reduced (p < 0.05) AFB1 recovery as a percentage of total AFB1 incubated (68.5% and 67.7% vs. 74.9% for S, Cam and C respectively). Recoveries of all other AFs were unaffected by the additives. In conclusion, the rumen in vitro AFB1 recovery (63%–75%) was higher than other AFs (3%–46%) and the acidic fermentation environment increased it. In our conditions, changes in protozoa numbers did not affect AFs recovery.
Hepatocytic ballooning in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: Dilemmas and future directions
Authors: Li Yang‐Yang , Zheng Tian‐Lei , Xiao Shu‐Yuan , Wang Peng , Yang Wen‐Jun , Jiang Li‐Lin , Chen Li‐Li , Sha Jun‐Cheng , Jin Yi , Chen Sui‐Dan , Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni , Li Jian‐Min , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: April 2023

Hepatocytic ballooning is a key histological feature in the diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and is an essential component of the two most widely used histological scoring systems for diagnosing and staging non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [namely, the NAFLD activity score (NAS), and the steatosis, activity and fibrosis (SAF) scoring system]. As a result of the increasing incidence of NASH globally, the diagnostic challenges of hepatocytic ballooning are unprecedented. Despite the clear pathological concept of hepatocytic ballooning, there are still challenges in assessing hepatocytic ballooning in ‘real life’ situations. Hepatocytic ballooning can be confused with cellular oedema and microvesicular steatosis. Significant inter‐observer variability does exist in assessing the presence and severity of hepatocytic ballooning. In this review article, we describe the underlying mechanisms associated with hepatocytic ballooning. Specifically, we discuss the increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response, as well as the rearrangement of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton, the appearance of Mallory‐Denk bodies and activation of the sonic Hedgehog pathway. We also discuss the use of artificial intelligence in the detection and interpretation of hepatocytic ballooning, which may provide new possibilities for future diagnosis and treatment.
Breastfeeding after return to work: An Australian national workplace survey
Authors: Burns Elaine , Elcombe Emma , Pierce Heather , Hugman Sky , Gannon Susanne
Published: April 2023

Breastfeeding initiation rates in Australia are high but duration rates fall well below the World Health Organization targets. Return to work is a known factor impacting 6 months exclusive breastfeeding and continuation into the infants second year of life. Work related factors can influence a woman's confidence in maintaining breastmilk supply after return to employment and determine whether she meets her personal breastfeeding goals. This cross‐sectional online survey is the first Australian study to explore women's experience of maintaining breastfeeding after return to work, in all work sectors. Results revealed variations across work sectors reflected in worker autonomy and confidence in speaking up about breastfeeding rights. Women who had autonomy or flexibility in planning their workday were more likely to be confident in maintaining breastmilk supply. The main predictors for milk supply confidence and meeting personal breastfeeding goals included having: a suitable place to express milk; confidence in speaking out about rights; a formal return‐to‐work plan; a supportive workplace; and returning to work after the period of exclusive breastfeeding. This study reveals that supportive workplace environments can lead to increased confidence in maintaining milk supply, extending durations of breastfeeding. Women who are confident in their rights to express breastmilk, or breastfeed at work, are more likely to meet their own breastfeeding goals. Education, and awareness raising, on the rights of breastfeeding women in the workplace, is a gender equity imperative that can improve experiences for breastfeeding women, and, increase manager and co‐worker knowledge for creating enabling workplace environments for breastfeeding employees.
Restricting diet for perceived health benefit: A mixed‐methods exploration of peripartum food taboos in rural Cambodia
Authors: Labonté Jocelyne M. , Kroeun Hou , Sambo Sreang , Rem Ngik , Luhovyy Bohdan L. , Karakochuk Crystal D. , Green Tim J. , Wieringa Frank T. , Sophonneary Prak , Measelle Jeffrey R. , Baldwin Dare , Whitfield Kyly C.
Published: April 2023

Food taboos encompass food restrictions practiced by a group that go beyond individual preferences. During pregnancy and lactation, food taboos may contribute to inadequate nutrition and poor maternal and infant health. Restriction of specific fish, meat, fruits and vegetables is common among peripartum women in many Southeast Asian countries, but data from Cambodia are lacking. In this mixed‐methods study, 335 Cambodian mothers were asked open‐ended questions regarding dietary behaviours during pregnancy and up to 24 weeks postpartum. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to characterize food taboos and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of this practice. Participants were 18–44 years of age, all of Khmer ethnicity and 31% were primiparous. Sixty‐six per cent of women followed food taboos during the first 2 weeks postpartum, whereas ~20% of women restricted foods during other peripartum periods. Pregnancy taboos were often beneficial, including avoidance of sugar‐sweetened beverages, coffee and alcohol. Conversely, postpartum avoidances typically included nutrient‐dense foods such as fish, raw vegetables and chicken. Food taboos were generally followed to support maternal and child health. No significant predictors of food taboos during pregnancy were identified. Postpartum, each additional live birth a woman had reduced her odds of following food taboos by 24% (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.76 [0.61–0.95]). Specific food taboo practices and rationales varied greatly between women, suggesting that food taboos are shaped less by a strict belief system within the Khmer culture and more by individual or household understandings of food and health during pregnancy and postpartum.
A 2D‐connected automated vehicle car‐following control algorithm
Authors: Yi Ran , Zhou Yang , Ou Jishun , Wang Xin , Ding Fan , Nie Qinghui
Published: April 2023

Car‐following prevails in daily traffic under various scenarios. However, most connected automated vehicle (CAV) car‐following algorithms in the literature only apply to one‐dimensional CAV control, which limits the application scenarios. This paper presents a two‐dimensional (2D) CAVs car‐following strategy on curved roads in the spatial domain with vehicle‐to‐vehicle and vehicle‐to‐infrastructure communication to expand the car‐following application scenarios. This control strategy constructs a 2D car‐following equilibrium policy by extending the simplified Newell's car‐following model. Based on that, a constrained optimal CAV car‐following control in the spatial domain is constructed to maintain the inter‐vehicle spacing and speed difference while regulating the lane deviation and avoiding work zones. As demonstrated by numerical results, our proposed algorithm maintains a high degree of consistency between equilibrium spacing and vehicle speed while duplicating the trajectory of the leading vehicle, implying empirical string stability. The results also suggest the robustness of handling different scenarios.
Prevalence and impact of disorders of Gut–Brain interaction in Sweden
Authors: Tornkvist Navkiran Thind , Simrén Magnus , Hreinsson Jóhann P. , Tack Jan , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Sperber Ami D. , Palsson Olafur S. , Josefsson Axel , Törnblom Hans
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous epidemiologic studies in Sweden have only covered some of the disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) and are not representative of the general population. This study aimed to define the prevalence and impact of DGBI in Sweden.

Methods

We used Swedish data from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study which include information on DGBI diagnoses, psychological distress, quality of life (QoL), healthcare utilization, and the impact of stress on GI symptoms.

Key Results

The prevalence of having any DGBI was 39.1% (95% CI 37.0–41.2); esophageal disorders 6.1% (5.1–7.3), gastroduodenal disorders 10.7% (9.3–12.0), bowel disorders 31.6% (29.6–33.6), and anorectal disorders 6.0% (5.1–7.2). Subjects with a DGBI more commonly reported anxiety and/or depression, reduced mental and physical QoL, and more frequent doctor visits due to health problems. Subjects with a DGBI reported bothersome gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms to a greater extent and more than 1/3 had visited a doctor due to GI problems and of those 1/3 had seen multiple doctors. Prescription medications were available among 36.4% (31.0–42.0) who had bothersome GI symptoms and a DGBI, with sufficient symptom relief in 73.2% (64.0–81.1). Psychological factors and eating were reported to worsen GI symptoms and stress during the last month was greater in subjects with a DGBI.

Conclusions and Inferences

DGBI prevalence and its impact in Sweden is in line with global data, including increased healthcare utilization. GI symptoms are commonly affected by psychological factors and eating, and a high proportion of those on prescription medication report sufficient GI symptom relief.
What about the children? Adult mental health practitioners' experiences and views of family‐focused practice in Early Intervention Services
Authors: Tuck Molly , Wittkowski Anja , Allott Rory , Gregg Lynsey
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a significant risk of negative outcomes for families when a parent experiences serious mental illness. Family‐focused practice (FFP) emphasises the “whole family” as the unit of care and has been found to improve outcomes for service users and their families. Despite its benefits, FFP is not routinely implemented in UK adult mental health services. This study explores adult mental health practitioners' experiences and views of FFP within Early Intervention Psychosis Services in the UK.

Methods

Sixteen adult mental health practitioners employed in three Early Intervention Psychosis teams in the Northwest of England were interviewed. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Five core themes were generated: (1) A limited understanding of FFP, (2) Our practitioners, (3) Our approach, (4) Our families and (5) Our services. Practitioners' understanding of FFP was limited and typically excluded dependent children. Practitioners' age, professional and personal experience, and preconceptions of families influenced delivery, and in turn, the engagement approach they adopted impacted families' responsiveness. The diversity and dynamics of service user families such as age, socioeconomic status, culture and stigma impacted FFP. An operational context characterised by insufficient resources reduced FFP; however, organisational structures such as leadership, clinical supervision and multi‐disciplinary teams facilitated FFP.

Conclusions

FFP is not yet embedded within Early Intervention Services. Practice recommendations include agreeing on a formal definition of FFP and its scope; the development of FFP policy; clarity in relation to staff responsibilities and identities; the adoption of a collaborative approach which encourages service user choice and for time to be ring‐fenced to prioritise FFP. Future research should ascertain service user and family views on the facilitators and barriers to engaging with FFP in Early Intervention Services.
Conflicts of Rights and Action‐Guidingness
Authors: Rettig Cristián , Fornaroli Giulio
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we raise two points. First, any rights‐based theory should provide a method by which to guide reasoning in addressing conflicts of rights. The reason, we argue, is that these theories must provide guidance on what should be done. Second, this method must contain two key recommendations: (1) We should try to find a deliberative mechanism through which none of the rights is simply eliminated from the scene; (2) these rights may be balanced against each other to define which right should prevail, but without considering non‐rights‐interests as if they were rights in the process. These recommendations instantiate two crucial principles that underlie our common intuitions on rights, namely, the principle that rights deserve equal respect and the principle that rights should be taken seriously.
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) can directly suppress basic ovarian cell functions in two farm animal species and protect ovarian cells from the proliferation‐stimulating influence of xylene
Authors: Tarko Adam , Štochmaľová Aneta , Fabová Zuzana , Harrath Abdel Halim , Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: April 2023

The influence of the functional food plant chia (Salvia hispanica L.) on reproduction functions and its ability to prevent the negative effects of environmental contaminants has not yet been studied. Our study aimed to examine the effect of chia seed extract alone and in combination with xylene on the markers of proliferation, apoptosis and hormones release by cultured bovine and porcine ovarian granulosa cells. The extract of chia reduced all of the measured parameters in bovine and porcine ovarian cells but had no effect on the proliferation of porcine cells. Xylene, stimulated proliferation and IGF‐I release and inhibited the release of progesterone and testosterone but not apoptosis of bovine granulosa cells. It promoted proliferation, apoptosis and progesterone output by porcine cells. Chia mitigated the stimulatory effect of xylene on proliferation but not on other parameters in both species. The present results are the first demonstration of a direct effect of chia on basic ovarian cell functions. They confirmed a direct influence of xylene on these functions and found a similar stimulatory action of xylene on bovine and porcine ovarian cell proliferation. The present observations demonstrated species‐specific differences in the characteristics of xylene influences on ovarian cell apoptosis and secretory activity. Finally, the present results indicate that chia can be a natural protector against the proliferation‐stimulating effects of xylene on ovarian cells in both species.
Outcomes associated with translocation techniques vary between two closely related and critically imperiled plant species
Authors: Jonas Jayne L. , Victor Sasha L. , Paschke Mark W.
Published: April 2023

Land use and climate change put many rare plant species at risk of extinction. Translocation of rare species within restoration projects may be essential for their future survival, but successful recruitment from translocated individuals can be difficult to achieve. Physaria obcordata and Physaria congesta are endemic to a narrow band of shale outcrops subject to intense energy development in the Piceance Basin (Colorado, U.S.A.). We examined approaches for establishing new populations of these critically imperiled species in suitable but unoccupied habitats within their endemic range by monitoring fall‐sown seeds and fall‐ or spring‐transplanted seedlings for 6 years. Because these species are obligately outcrossing and populations exhibit genetic clustering, we monitored three translocation sites near (<600 m, one cluster) and three far (>600 m, mixed clusters) from the existing conspecific populations. Seeding and spring transplanting were successful for P. congesta but fall transplants did not survive. P. congesta were more than twice as likely to survive in sites near existing populations. Seeding largely failed for P. obcordata but transplanting in either season performed equally well, especially in sites far from the existing populations. Transplants first flowered after 1 year and recruitment occurred after 3 years in both species. Recruitment continued in both species through 2021. Although these species share many life history traits and habitat requirements, we found they differ in important ways relevant to translocation and long‐term population viability. Our work highlights the importance of understanding the unique population ecology of even closely related rare species to improve the likelihood of successful conservation.
Management of auto‐immune blistering disease in an older patient with severe intellectual disability
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Altoum Dana , Alqaisi Dua'a , Taimeh Dina , Sawair Faleh
Published: April 2023

Management of chronic oral mucosal diseases might be challenging in older individuals with intellectual disability because of associated comorbidities, variable clinical presentations, and various barriers imposed by the intellectual disability. This report describes the presentation and management of pemphigus vulgaris in an older female with severe intellectual disability.
Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy in dogs with thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Scheemaeker Stephanie , Vandermeulen Eva , Ducatelle Richard , Stammeleer Lisa , Devriendt Nausikaa , Roggeman Tom , Daminet Sylvie
Published: April 2023

Currently, a histological diagnosis of highly vascularized canine (c) thyroid carcinoma (TC) is primarily obtained following excisional biopsy (EB) through thyroidectomy. Non‐EBs are contraindicated in unresectable invasive cTCs due to their highly vascularized nature, which subsequently, lack histological diagnosis. We hypothesised ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy (UGCNB) to be a safe biopsy technique to obtain an accurate histological diagnosis in unresectable TCs. Nine client‐owned dogs with suspected naturally occurring TC, presented for surgical excision, were included. First, a UGCNB was taken from the cervical tumour, followed by EB. Haemorrhage following UGCNB was evaluated preoperatively and once the tumour was surgically exposed by visual inspection and ultrasonography. Histological analysis, including cell organisation, tumour capsular and vascular invasion, and immunohistochemistry were performed and compared between both biopsy specimens (i.e., UGCNB and EB) of the same dog. Pre‐ and peroperative visual inspection revealed minor, localised haemorrhage, subsequent to the UGCNB, in 7/9 dogs. Histology of the EBs confirmed TC in 8/9 dogs and was inconclusive in 1/9 dogs. Histology of the UGCNBs revealed neoplastic thyroid tissue in 7/9 UGCNBs and was inconclusive in 1/9 UGCNBs. The remaining UGCNB contained no mass related tissue and was, therefore, excluded. Histological parameters (i.e., cell organisation, tumour capsular and vascular invasion) were not concordant between 6/8 included UGCNBs and their respective EB. Immunolabelling for thyroglobulin and calcitonin was concordant between all eight included UGCNBs and their respective EB. The remaining evaluated immunohistochemical markers (i.e., cyclooxygenase‐2 [COX‐2], P‐glycoprotein and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) were concordant between the included UGCNBs and the EBs in 6/8 dogs. To conclude, UGCNBs can be safely obtained in suspected cTCs and enable a reliable diagnosis of the thyroid origin, thyroid cell origin and potential therapeutic markers such as COX‐2, P‐glycoprotein and VEGF. Subsequently, UGCNB enables clinicians to establish an individually tailored treatment plan in dogs with unresectable TC.
Dual-Task Interference of Gait Parameters During Different Conditions of the Timed Up-and-Go Test Performed by Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Åberg Anna Cristina , Larsson Liss Elin , Giedraitis Vilmantas , Berglund Lars , Halvorsen Kjartan
Published: April 2023

The Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test has been combined with different verbal/cognitive tasks (i.e., TUG dual task [TUGdt]) as a form of motor-cognitive testing. However, it is still unclear how different TUGdt conditions affect gait among older adults. Thirty community-dwelling older adults, with mean age of 73 years, participated in the study. Data were collected using marker-free video recordings. Gait parameters were extracted using a semiautomatic deep learning system. Comparisons of execution time and gait parameter outcomes were made under TUG and three types of TUGdt test conditions: TUGdt-naming animals, TUGdt-months backwards, and TUGdt-serial 7s. Statistical analyses were based on mean values of the gait parameters for each participant and TUG condition, including TUGdt gait cost, that is, the relative difference between TUGdt and TUG. All the investigated TUGdt conditions resulted in varying degrees of gait parameter changes. Under TUGdt conditions, participants took shorter and slower steps, with TUGdt-serial 7s causing the largest interference.
GPCR-mediated calcium and cAMP signaling determines psychosocial stress susceptibility and resiliency
Authors: Inaba Hiromichi , Li Haiyan , Kawatake-Kuno Ayako , Dewa Ken-ichi , Nagai Jun , Oishi Naoya , Murai Toshiya , Uchida Shusaku
Published: April 2023

Chronic stress increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders. Although behavioral responses to repeated stress vary across individuals, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we perform a genome-wide transcriptome analysis of an animal model of depression and patients with clinical depression and report that dysfunction of the Fos-mediated transcription network in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) confers a stress-induced social interaction deficit. Critically, CRISPR-Cas9–mediated ACC Fos knockdown causes social interaction deficits under stressful situation. Moreover, two classical second messenger pathways, calcium and cyclic AMP, in the ACC during stress differentially modulate Fos expression and regulate stress-induced changes in social behaviors. Our findings highlight a behaviorally relevant mechanism for the regulation of calcium- and cAMP-mediated Fos expression that has potential as a therapeutic target for psychiatric disorders related to stressful environments.
A conserved oligomerization domain in the disordered linker of coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins
Authors: Zhao Huaying , Wu Di , Hassan Sergio A. , Nguyen Ai , Chen Jiji , Piszczek Grzegorz , Schuck Peter
Published: April 2023

The nucleocapsid (N-)protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a key role in viral assembly and scaffolding of the viral RNA. It promotes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), forming dense droplets that support the assembly of ribonucleoprotein particles with as-of-yet unknown macromolecular architecture. Combining biophysical experiments, molecular dynamics simulations, and analysis of the mutational landscape, we describe a heretofore unknown oligomerization site that contributes to LLPS, is required for the assembly of higher-order protein-nucleic acid complexes, and is coupled to large-scale conformational changes of N-protein upon nucleic acid binding. The self-association interface is located in a leucine-rich sequence of the intrinsically disordered linker between N-protein folded domains and formed by transient helices assembling into trimeric coiled-coils. Critical residues stabilizing hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between adjacent helices are highly protected against mutations in viable SARS-CoV-2 genomes, and the oligomerization motif is conserved across related coronaviruses, thus presenting a target for antiviral therapeutics.
Metasurface-based realization of photonic time crystals
Authors: Wang Xuchen , Mirmoosa Mohammad Sajjad , Asadchy Viktar S. , Rockstuhl Carsten , Fan Shanhui , Tretyakov Sergei A.
Published: April 2023

Photonic time crystals are artificial materials whose electromagnetic properties are uniform in space but periodically vary in time. The synthesis of these materials and experimental observation of their physics remain very challenging because of the stringent requirement for uniform modulation of material properties in volumetric samples. In this work, we extend the concept of photonic time crystals to two-dimensional artificial structures—metasurfaces. We demonstrate that time-varying metasurfaces not only preserve key physical properties of volumetric photonic time crystals despite their simpler topology but also host common momentum bandgaps shared by both surface and free-space electromagnetic waves. On the basis of a microwave metasurface design, we experimentally confirmed the exponential wave amplification inside a momentum bandgap and the possibility to probe bandgap physics by external (free-space) excitations. The proposed metasurface serves as a straightforward material platform for realizing emerging photonic space-time crystals and as a realistic system for the amplification of surface-wave signals in future wireless communications.
Pandemic preparedness strategies must go beyond vaccines
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Purcell Lisa A. , Corti Davide , Virgin Herbert W.
Published: April 2023

Monoclonal antibodies can fill a critical gap to help stop the next infectious disease outbreak from becoming the next pandemic.
The
alg-1
Gene Is Necessary for Orsay Virus Replication in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Cubillas Ciro , Sandoval Del Prado Luis Enrique , Goldacker Sydney , Fujii Chika , Pinski Amanda N. , Zielke Jon , Wang David
Published: April 2023

All viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that recruit the cellular machinery of the host they infect to support their own proliferation. We used
Caenorhabditis elegans
and its only known infecting virus, Orsay virus, to identify host proteins relevant for virus infection.
Specialized
cis
-Acting RNA Elements Balance Genome Cyclization to Ensure Efficient Replication of Yellow Fever Virus
Authors: Li Dan , Lu Hai-Tao , Ding Yu-Zhen , Wang Hong-Jiang , Ye Jing-Long , Qin Cheng-Feng , Liu Zhong-Yu
Published: April 2023

Yellow fever virus (YFV), the prototype of the
Flavivirus
genus, can cause devastating yellow fever disease. Although it is preventable by vaccination, there are still tens of thousands of yellow fever cases per year, and no approved antiviral medicine is available.