bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foraging behaviour affects nest architecture in a cross-species comparison of ant nests
Authors: O'Fallon Sean , Drager Kim , Zhao Art , Suarez Andrew , Pinter-Wollman Noa
Published: July 2023

Animals construct and inhabit nests that can exhibit dramatic intra- and interspecific variation due to differences in behaviour, the biotic and abiotic environment, and evolutionary history. In ants, variation in nest architecture reflects both differences in ecology and in the collective behaviour of the colonies that live in the nests. Each component of the nest (such as depth, and the number, size and connectivity of chambers) reflects selective pressures for different functions, or structural constraints that are imposed by the environment or evolutionary history. To determine potential drivers of nest structure variation in subterranean nests, we performed a meta-analysis of measures of published ant nests to compare different structural elements within and across species. We complemented this survey with 42 nest casts of two closely related species. We quantified nest features that can potentially impact ant foraging behaviour and examined whether phylogeny or foraging strategy are better explanatory variables for the variation we observed. We found that foraging strategy better explained nest features than evolutionary history. Our work reveals the importance of ecology in shaping nest structure and provides an important foundation for future investigations into the selective pressures that have shaped ant nest architecture.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
Beak shape and nest material use in birds
Authors: Sheard Catherine , Street Sally E. , Evans Caitlin , Lala Kevin N. , Healy Susan D. , Sugasawa Shoko
Published: July 2023

The evolution of behaviour can both influence, and be influenced by, morphology. Recent advances in methods and data availability have facilitated broad-scale investigations of physical form and behavioural function in many contexts, but the relationship between animal morphology and object manipulation—particularly objects used in construction—remains largely unknown. Here, we employ a new global database of nest materials used by 5924 species of birds together with phylogenetically informed random forest models to evaluate the link between beak shape and these nest-building materials. We find that beak morphology, together with species diet and access to materials, can predict nest-material use above chance and with high accuracy (68–97%). Much of this relationship, however, is driven by phylogenetic signal and sampling biases. We therefore conclude that while variation in nest material use is linked with that of beak shape across bird species, these correlations are modulated by the ecological context and evolutionary history of these species.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
Long-term environmental stability does not erode plasticity in nest building responses to changing ambient conditions
Authors: Chung Meng-Han Joseph , Barber Iain , Head Megan L.
Published: July 2023

The primary function of animal nests is to protect developing offspring from hostile and fluctuating environments. Animal builders have been shown to adjust nest construction in response to changes in their environment. However, the extent of this plasticity, and its dependence on an evolutionary history of environmental variability, is not well understood. To test whether an evolutionary history with flowing water impacts male ability to adjust nests in response to flow regime, we collected three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from three lakes and three rivers, and brought them into reproductive condition in controlled laboratory aquaria. Males were then allowed to nest under both flowing and static conditions. Nest building behaviour, nest structure and nest composition were all recorded. In comparison to males building nests under static conditions, males building in flowing water took longer to construct their nests and invested more in nesting behaviour. Moreover, nests built in flowing water contained less material, were smaller, more compact, neater and more elongated than nests built under static conditions. Whether males came from rivers or lakes had little impact on nesting activities, or male capacity to adjust behaviours in response to flow treatment. Our findings suggest that aquatic animals which have experienced a stable environment over a long period of time retain plasticity in nest-building behaviours that allow them to adjust nests to ambient flow conditions. This ability may prove crucial in coping with the increasingly unpredictable flow regimes found in anthropogenically altered waterways and those resulting from global climate change.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
In vitroformation and extended culture of highly metabolically active and contractile tissues
Authors: Bagdasarian Isabella A. , Tonmoy Thamidul Islam , Park B. Hyle , Morgan Joshua T.
Published: July 2023

3D cell culture models have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to animal and 2D cell culture models for pharmaceutical testing and disease modeling. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a cost-effective and accessible molding material for 3D cultures; however, routine PDMS molding may not be appropriate for extended culture of contractile and metabolically active tissues. Failures can include loss of culture adhesion to the PDMS mold and limited culture surfaces for nutrient and waste diffusion. In this study, we evaluated PDMS molding materials and surface treatments for highly contractile and metabolically active 3D cell cultures. PDMS functionalized with polydopamine allowed for extended culture duration (14.8 ± 3.97 days) when compared to polyethylamine/glutaraldehyde functionalization (6.94 ± 2.74 days); Additionally, porous PDMS extended culture duration (16.7 ± 3.51 days) compared to smooth PDMS (6.33 ± 2.05 days) after treatment with TGF-β2 to increase culture contraction. Porous PDMS additionally allowed for large (13 mm tall × 8 mm diameter) constructs to be fed by diffusion through the mold, resulting in increased cell density (0.0210 ± 0.0049 mean nuclear fraction) compared to controls (0.0045 ± 0.0016 mean nuclear fraction). As a practical demonstration of the flexibility of porous PDMS, we engineered a vascular bioartificial muscle model (VBAM) and demonstrated extended culture of VBAMs anchored with porous PDMS posts. Using this model, we assessed the effect of feeding frequency on VBAM cellularity. Feeding 3×/week significantly increased nuclear fraction at multiple tissue depths relative to 2×/day. VBAM maturation was similarly improved in 3×/week feeding as measured by nuclear alignment (23.49° ± 3.644) and nuclear aspect ratio (2.274 ± 0.0643) relative to 2x/day (35.93° ± 2.942) and (1.371 ± 0.1127), respectively. The described techniques are designed to be simple and easy to implement with minimal training or expense, improving access to dense and/or metabolically active 3D cell culture models.
A typology of user misbehaviours in the sharing economy context
Authors: Golf-Papez Maja , Culiberg Barbara
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the types of user misbehaviours in the sharing economy (SE) context. SE offers a fruitful study setting due to the scope of potential misbehaviour and the expanded role of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study drew on online archival data from the AirbnbHell.com website, where people share their stories about their Airbnb-related negative experiences. The authors reviewed 405 hosts’, guests’ and neighbours’ stories and coded the identified forms of misbehaviours into categories. The typology thus developed was validated in the context of the Uber Rides service.

Findings

User misbehaviours in the SE context can be distinguished based on the domain in which the user role is violated and the nature of violated norms. These two conceptual distinctions delineate a four-fold typology of user misbehaviours: illegal, unprofessional, unbefitting and uncivil behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

The trustworthiness of the stories could not be assessed.

Practical implications

The presented typology can be used as a mapping tool that facilitates detection of the full scope of misbehaviours and as a managerial tool that provides ideas for effective management of misbehaviours that correspond to each category.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first empirically derived comprehensive typology of user misbehaviours in SE settings. This typology enables classification of a broad set of misbehaviours, including previously overlooked unprofessional behaviours carried out by peer-service providers. The study also puts forward a revised definition of consumer misbehaviours that encompasses the impact of misbehaviours on parties not directly involved in the SE-mediated exchange.
Young peoples’ environmentally sustainable tourism attitude and responsible behavioral intention
Authors: Schönherr Sarah , Pikkemaat Birgit
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Environmental tourism impacts are considered to be unbalanced. The implementation of environmental sustainability focuses on restoring a balance through environmentally responsible behavior. As Generation Z was found in recent studies to exhibit divergent levels of environmentally responsible behavior compared to other generations, but also to have intra-generational differences, this study aims to explore the underlying reasons and explanations behind their attitudes and behavioral attempts.

Design/methodology/approach

Four focus group discussions with young people belonging to Generation Z allow to probe deep into their environmental sustainability orientation.

Findings

The results of this study demonstrate that Generation Z’s environmental attitude is triggered by social pressure, social media, as well as by the COVID-19 pandemic. For their touristic behavioral intention, they concentrate predominantly on climate-friendly travel and on-site mobility, waste avoidance as well as emphasizing economic and social sustainability. By furthermore highlighting Generation Z’s responsibility ascription to the supply and the demand side, in addition to illustrating the demand for framework conditions to be created from governments and destinations, the knowledge scope on environmental sustainability is expanded.

Originality/value

In particular, this study enriches environmentally responsible behavior research by incorporating the perspective of Generation Z, while it deepens Generation Z’s behavioral understanding. Furthermore, the results of this study allow to derive implications for tourism policymakers.
Unlocking the restraint—Development of a behaviour change intervention to increase the provision of modified constraint‐induced movement therapy in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Weerakkody Ashan , Emmanuel Robyn , White Jocelyn , Godecke Erin , Singer Barby
Published: July 2023

Background

Strong evidence supports the provision of modified constraint‐induced movement therapy (mCIMT) to improve upper limb function after stroke. A service audit identified that very few patients received mCIMT in a large subacute, early‐supported discharge rehabilitation service. A behaviour change intervention was developed to increase the provision of mCIMT following an unsuccessful ‘education only’ attempt. This paper aims to systematically document the steps undertaken and to provide practical guidance to clinicians and rehabilitation services to implement this complex, yet effective, rehabilitation intervention.

Methods

This clinician behaviour change intervention was developed over five stages and led by a working group of neurological experts (n = 3). Data collection methods included informal discussions with clinicians and an online survey (n = 35). The staged process included reflection on why the first attempt did not improve the provision of mCIMT (stage 1), mapping barriers and enablers to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and behaviour change wheel (BCW) to guide the behaviour change techniques (stages 2 and 3), developing a suitable mCIMT protocol (stage 4), and delivering the behaviour change intervention (stage 5).

Results

Reflection among the working group identified the need for upskilling in mCIMT delivery and the use of a behaviour change framework to guide the implementation program. Key determinants of behaviour change operated within the TDF domains of knowledge, skills, environmental context and resources, social role and identity, and social influences. Following the development of a context‐specific mCIMT protocol, the BCW guided the behaviour change intervention, which included education, training, persuasion, environmental restructuring, and modelling.

Conclusion

This paper provides an example of using the TDF and BCW to support the implementation of mCIMT in a large early‐supported discharge service. It outlines the suite of behaviour change techniques used to influence clinician behaviour. The success of this behaviour change intervention will be explored in future research.
Forensic uncertainty, fragile remains, and DNA as a panacea: an ethnographic observation of the challenges in twenty‐first‐century Disaster Victim Identification
Authors: Easthope Lucy
Published: July 2023

This is an account of ethnographic research examining the specialist scientific processes known as ‘Disaster Victim Identification’ (DVI) in three settings: Québec, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In cases of multiple deaths, a series of actions accompanied by a plethora of tools are often invoked, housed at a disaster scene, forensic laboratories, a family assistance centre, and a mortuary. In this article, I examine a process dedicated to connecting the biological remains of the deceased with a confirmed validation of personhood. I describe a situation where responders/scientists will attempt multiple testing and re‐testing of human remains, often pushing boundaries of available science. I argue that the search for certainty in identification lies at the heart of the activation of DVI processes, particularly when it is connected to DNA testing. Observing intimate forensic settings and the bricolage of the forensic anthropologist's labour has allowed me to track the production of the science of identity. I then reflect on the wider implications of these observations for affected communities and the responding scientists. Finally, I argue that there is complexity and ambivalence surrounding the increased use of technologies when applied to identification of victims.
A case of anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis masquerading as Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Pillay S. Sujitha , Nune Arvind , Manzo Ciro , Barman Bhupen , Raza Hasnain
Published: July 2023

Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) ‐positive vasculitis is a small‐vessel vasculitis that affects multiple body systems. Salivary gland involvement in ANCA‐associated vasculitis is rare. When present, it mimics infection or malignancy, which might lead to misdiagnosis. In this report, we describe a 72‐year‐old man who presented with parotid and submandibular gland pain and swelling in addition to dry mouth and eyes. He had bilateral non‐tender parotid gland lumps and no lymphadenopathies. Laboratory tests were positive for ANCA, hematuria, and proteinuria but negative for Anti‐Ro and ‐La. He was treated with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide for acute kidney injury. Unfortunately, the patient died a few months later. This case report sheds light on a rare manifestation of salivary gland involvement in ANCA‐associated vasculitis that mimics Sjögren syndrome and the challenges associated with its diagnosis and treatment.
Welcome
Authors: Choy Tim
Published: July 2023

An ethic of hospitality thrums through Kathleen Stewart's deeds and works, built in bits by listening close, right there and then: tuning in as method. This piece is part of a special section of “hundreds” for Stewart.
Designing a New Civic Economy? On the Emergence and Contradictions of Participatory Experimental Urbanism
Authors: Thompson Matthew , Lorne Colin
Published: July 2023

Can we remake local economies from scratch – not through political struggle but by design – to solve wicked problems and transform urban governance? Such questions are raised by an emergent trend within urban experimentation that emphasises participation and commoning in designing peer‐to‐peer provisioning systems through a platform logic. This article deconstructs the discourses animating what we term “participatory experimental urbanism” and reflects on what this might mean for local state restructuring in times of neoliberal austerity. By following its policies and prototypes as they move and mutate across the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Barking & Dagenham, we examine two exemplary initiatives, Open Works and Participatory City, tracing their beginnings in Lambeth's “cooperative council” model and their ongoing assembling into novel public‐common‐philanthropic partnerships. Foregrounding the contradictions within this latest turn towards urban governance‐beyond‐the‐state, we draw out the implications for the future of social innovation, design‐thinking, and the experimental city.
Anthelmintic nitazoxanide protects against experimental pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Chen Xu‐Yang , Dong Yan‐Chao , Yu Yuan‐Yuan , Jiang Man , Bu Wen‐Jie , Li Ping , Sun Zhi‐Jie , Dong De‐Li
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Nitazoxanide is a therapeutic anthelmintic drug. Our previous studies found that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide activated adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signals. As AMPK activation and/or STAT3 inhibition are targets for treating pulmonary fibrosis, we hypothesized that nitazoxanide would be effective in experimental pulmonary fibrosis.

Experimental Approach

The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate of cells was measured by using the high‐resolution respirometry system Oxygraph‐2K. The mitochondrial membrane potential of cells was evaluated by tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining. The target protein levels were measured by using western blotting. The mice pulmonary fibrosis model was established through intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The examination of the lung tissues changes were carried out using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson staining.

Key Results

Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide activated AMPK and inhibited STAT3 signalling in human lung fibroblast cells (MRC‐5 cells). Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced proliferation and migration of MRC‐5 cells, collagen‐I and α‐smooth muscle cell actin (α‐SMA) expression, and collagen‐I secretion from MRC‐5 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced Smad2/3 activation in mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE‐12 cells). Oral administration of nitazoxanide reduced the bleomycin‐induced mice pulmonary fibrosis and, in the established bleomycin‐induced mice, pulmonary fibrosis. Delayed nitazoxanide treatment attenuated the fibrosis progression.

Conclusions and Implications

Nitazoxanide improves the bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, suggesting a potential application of nitazoxanide for pulmonary fibrosis treatment in the clinic.
Sampling local ant diversities and the importance of trait analyses
Authors: Probst Rodolfo S. , Silva Rogério R. , Brandão Carlos R. F.
Published: July 2023

Ants are an incredibly diverse and ubiquitous group of invertebrates in most terrestrial ecosystems. Although extensively sampled, the majority of ant inventories do not evaluate the effect of different sampling techniques in capturing nontraditional metrics of diversity. We aimed to quantify TD (taxonomic) and FD (functional) diversities for a local ant assemblage by integrating metrics and evaluating complementarity of pitfall traps and Winkler extractors for the leaf litter versus epigeic ant faunas and to determine the effect of sampling techniques on functional composition (community‐weighted means of 11 morphological traits) and functional diversity (multi‐trait morphospace measured with three different metrics). We sampled the local community in an Atlantic Forest fragment using week‐long pitfall traps and 1m2 leaf litter samples submitted to Winkler extractors and quantified the contribution on the technique to uniquely capture the ant morphospace by applying a new index (PWindex). Although ant TD overlapped, FD was significantly affected by the sampling technique. By controlling for TD effects, the community collected by each technique was differentially structured. Higher TD did not translate into wider morphospace for Winklers. Pitfalls recovered more functionally overdispersed assemblages. Pitfalls and Winklers overlapped in the sampling of the overall community, but each sampling method contributed with a unique spectrum to the ant morphospace. Our results suggest the importance of incorporating FD metrics in local ant inventories and the importance of sampling techniques when measuring the magnitude of FD and community structure. Our PWindex further illuminates sampling effects for ant assemblages.

Abstract in Portuguese & Spanish is available with online material.
Whole‐brain monosynaptic inputs to lateral periaqueductal gray glutamatergic neurons in mice
Authors: Ma Wei‐Xiang , Li Lei , Kong Ling‐Xi , Zhang Hui , Yuan Ping‐Chuan , Huang Zhi‐Li , Wang Yi‐Qun
Published: July 2023

Objective

The lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG), which mainly contains glutamatergic neurons, plays an important role in social responses, pain, and offensive and defensive behaviors. Currently, the whole‐brain monosynaptic inputs to LPAG glutamatergic neurons are unknown. This study aims to explore the structural framework of the underlying neural mechanisms of LPAG glutamatergic neurons.

Methods

This study used retrograde tracing systems based on the rabies virus, Cre‐LoxP technology, and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

We found that 59 nuclei projected monosynaptic inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. In addition, seven hypothalamic nuclei, namely the lateral hypothalamic area (LH), lateral preoptic area (LPO), substantia innominata (SI), medial preoptic area, ventral pallidum, posterior hypothalamic area, and lateral globus pallidus, projected most densely to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. Notably, we discovered through further immunofluorescence analysis that the inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons were colocalized with several markers related to important neurological functions associated with physiological behaviors.

Conclusion

The LPAG glutamatergic neurons received dense projections from the hypothalamus, especially nuclei such as LH, LPO, and SI. The input neurons were colocalized with several markers of physiological behaviors, which show the pivotal role of glutamatergic neurons in the physiological behaviors regulation by LPAG.
The impact of quetiapine monotherapy or in combination with lithium on the thyroid function in patients with bipolar depression: A retrospective study
Authors: Kong Lingzhuo , Shen Yuting , Hu Shaohua , Lai Jianbo
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aims to investigate whether quetiapine monotherapy or in combination with lithium significantly disturbs thyroid function in depressed patients with bipolar disorder (BD), and whether difference exists in the post‐treatment thyroid function between the two therapies.

Methods

Based on the electric medical records, outpatients and inpatients with a current depressive episode of BD from January 2016 to December 2022 were screened. All patients were treated with quetiapine monotherapy or in combination with lithium. In addition to the demographic data and depression scale, thyroid profiles including total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and antithyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) were recorded, analyzed, and compared before and after the treatment.

Results

Totally, 73 eligible patients were enrolled, including 53 in the monotherapy group (MG) and 20 in the combined therapy group (CG). No significant differences in thyroid profiles were detected between the two groups at the baseline (p > 0.05). After one‐month treatment, in the MG, serum levels of TT4, TT3, FT4, and FT3 reduced significantly (p < 0.05), while TSH, TPOAb, and TGAb increased significantly (p < 0.05). In the CG, serum levels of TT4, TT3, and FT4 reduced and TSH increased following one‐month treatment (p < 0.05), with no significant change in FT3, TPOAb, or TGAb (p > 0.05). After one‐month treatment, no difference of TT4, TT3, FT4, FT3, and TSH was found between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Both quetiapine monotherapy and a combined therapy with lithium significantly disturbed thyroid function in patients with bipolar depression, while quetiapine monotherapy seems to be associated with immune dysregulation in the thyroid.
Factors explaining individual differences in the oral perception of capsaicin, l‐menthol, and aluminum ammonium sulfate
Authors: Roukka Sulo , Puputti Sari , Aisala Heikki , Hoppu Ulla , Seppä Laila , Sandell Mari
Published: July 2023

This research focused on the oral perception of naturally occurring chemical food compounds that are used in the pharma and food industries due to their pharmacological properties. They stimulate chemically sensitive receptors of the somatosensory system and are also chemesthetic compounds. Capsaicin is a naturally occurring alkaloid activating pungency perception. l‐Menthol is a cyclic monoterpene working also as a medical cooling agent. Aluminum ammonium sulfate is used as a dehydrating agent and additive known to activate astringency in oral cavity. The objective of the study was to identify factors explaining individual differences in the perception of oral chemesthesis measured as sensitivity to chemesthetic compounds and their recognition. The subjects (N = 205) evaluated quality‐specific prototypic compounds at five different concentration levels. Differences between gender were discovered in capsaicin sensitivity with men being less sensitive than women. Age was associated with the perception of capsaicin, l‐menthol, aluminum ammonium sulfate, and the combined oral chemesthetic sensitivity. Quality‐specific recognition ratings were also contributing to the sensitivity to chemesthetic compounds. A combined oral chemesthetic recognition score was created based on quality‐specific recognition ratings. Increasing age generally indicated weaker recognition skills. Better recognizers had a higher combined oral chemesthetic sensitivity score than poorer recognizers. These results provide new information about chemesthesis. The results suggest that age and gender are important factors in explaining individual differences in sensitivity to capsaicin, l‐menthol, and aluminum ammonium sulfate. In addition, recognition skills are associated with the sensitivity based on the quality‐specific recognition scores.
Acute exercise has specific effects on the formation process and pathway of visual perception in healthy young men
Authors: Komiyama Takaaki , Takedomi Hiromasa , Aoyama Chisa , Goya Ryoma , Shimegi Satoshi
Published: July 2023

Visual perception is formed over time through the formation process and visual pathway. Exercise improves visual perception, but it is unclear whether exercise modulates nonspecifically or specifically the formation process and pathway of visual perception. Healthy young men performed the visual detection task in a backward masking paradigm before and during cycling exercise at a mild intensity or rest (control). The task presented gratings of a circular patch (target) and annulus (mask) arranged concentrically as a visual stimulus and asked if the presence and striped pattern (feature) of the target were detected. The relationship between the orientations of the gratings of the target and the mask included iso‐orientation and orthogonal orientation to investigate the orientation selectivity of the masking effect. The masking effect was evaluated by perceptual suppressive index (PSI). Exercise improved feature detection (∆PSI; Exercise: −20.6%, Control: 1.7%) but not presence detection (∆PSI; Exercise: 8.9%, Control: 29.6%) compared to the control condition, and the improving effect resulted from the attenuation of the non‐orientation‐selective (∆PSI; Exercise: −29.0%, Control: 16.8%) but not orientation‐selective masking effect (∆PSI; Exercise: −3.1%, Control: 11.7%). These results suggest that exercise affects the formation process of the perceptual feature of the target stimulus by suppressively modulating the neural networks responsible for the non‐orientation‐selective surround interaction in the subcortical visual pathways, whose effects are inherited by the cortical visual pathways necessary for perceptual image formation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that acute exercise improves visual perception transiently through the modulation of a specific formation process of visual processing.
Experiences of goal planning in Australian community pharmacy settings for people experiencing mental illness: A qualitative study
Authors: Stewart Victoria , McMillan Sara S. , Hu Jie , Collins Jack C. , El‐Den Sarira , O'Reilly Claire , Wheeler Amanda J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Person‐centred goal planning is increasingly being incorporated into healthcare interventions. People experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMIs) have high levels of co‐occurring health conditions, reducing their life expectancy when compared with the general population. As medications are commonly used in the treatment of SPMIs, community pharmacists are well‐placed to support the health and wellbeing of this population.

Objectives

To examine pharmacists' and service users' experiences of goal planning as a component of a community pharmacy‐based health intervention for people experiencing SPMIs (PharMIbridge intervention).

Methods

This study utilised a qualitative exploratory approach with an interpretive description method. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with community pharmacists (n = 16) and service user participants (n = 26) who had participated in pharmacist support services for people experiencing SPMIs (PharMIbridge intervention).

Results

Four themes relating to goal planning were identified. First, goal planning provided purpose and motivation for participation in the intervention. Planning realistic goals was important but often challenging. Both pharmacists and service users highlighted the relational aspects of goal planning and how strong relationships supported positive behaviour change and outcomes. Finally, individualised and flexible approaches were important aspects of the intervention, ensuring goals were meaningful to service users.

Conclusions

The findings from this study identified positive outcomes from the inclusion of goal‐planning processes in a community pharmacy‐based health intervention. Further research regarding tools, strategies or training that could support future goal‐planning interventions in primary healthcare is needed.

Patient or Public Contribution

The PharMIbridge randomised controlled trial research team included lived experience members and was overseen by an expert panel that included members with a lived experience of mental illness and representatives from key organisations. The training provided to pharmacists was co‐designed and co‐delivered by the researchers and lived experience representatives, and pharmacists were supported by lived experience mentors. Service user participants were invited to participate in the interviews through a number of pathways (e.g., at the completion of the intervention, flyers). Those interested were provided with the full study participant information and provided with a $30 gift voucher at the conclusion of the interview.
Understanding starch digestibility of rice: a study in white rice
Authors: Saeva Kanyarin , Srikaeo Khongsak , Sopade Peter A
Published: July 2023

In vitro starch digestibility, chemical, pasting, and gelatinisation properties of 10 uncooked pigmented and non‐pigmented Thai white rice were studied. Differing in amylose and starch contents, the samples were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different in pasting and gelatinisation properties, maximum digestible starch (40–53 g/100 g dry starch), and rate of starch digestion (0.028–0.054 min−1). The starch digestograms were adequately described (r2 > 0.63; P ≤ 0.001) by objective logarithm of slope (Sopade Objective Procedure), modified first‐order kinetic, and two‐term exponential and non‐exponential models to be all truly monophasic. The estimated glycaemic index (g/100 g) ranged from 64 and 84, compared to 41–95 for their brown rice forms (International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2022, 57, 6699), highlighting how bran and hull components influence starch digestion of polished and non‐polished rice. This study is foundational to detailedly understand starch digestibility when the rice is further treated.
Effect of an elder abuse and self‐neglect intervention on repeat investigations by adult protective services: RISE project
Authors: Lewis Stuart , Connolly Marie‐Therese , Salvo Erin , Kimball Patricia F. , Rogers Geoff , MacNeil Andie , Burnes David
Published: July 2023

Background

Adult Protective Services (APS) is the primary agency responsible for investigating elder abuse and self‐neglect (EASN) allegations in the United States. The harms of EASN are well established; however, APS lacks a conceptually derived evidenced‐based intervention phase. RISE is a community‐based intervention designed to complement APS that provides enhanced services and a longer intervention phase. The objective of this study was to test whether exposure to the RISE/APS collaboration was associated with reducing the case outcome of recurrence (repeat investigations) compared to usual care APS only services.

Methods

A retrospective observational study (n = 1947) of two counties in Maine where RISE was available to provide enhanced services to persons referred from APS. An extended regression endogenous treatment Probit model using APS administrative data was used to predict case recurrence.

Results

Between July 2019 and October 2021, 154 cases participated in RISE and 1793 received usual APS only services. 49% of cases in RISE had 2 or more prior substantiated allegations versus 6% for those receiving usual APS care, and 46% of cases in RISE had a recurrence during the observation period versus 6% for usual care group. However, after accounting for the non‐random treatment assignment, RISE was associated with a significantly lowered likelihood of recurrence compared to persons receiving usual care provided by APS (probability of recurrence reduced by 0.55 for the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated and 0.26 for the Average Treatment Effect).

Conclusions

A reduction in recurrence carries important implications for APS clients, costs, resources, and workflow. It may also serve as a proxy indicating a reduction in revictimization and harm for EASN victims.
Neurobiology of eating behavior, nutrition, and health
Authors: Stover Patrick J. , Field Martha S. , Andermann Mark L. , Bailey Regan L. , Batterham Rachel L. , Cauffman Elizabeth , Frühbeck Gema , Iversen Per O. , Starke‐Reed Pamela , Sternson Scott M. , Vinoy Sophie , Witte A. Veronica , Zuker Charles S. , Angelin Bo
Published: July 2023

Eating behavior and food‐related decision making are among the most complex of the motivated behaviors, and understanding the neurobiology of eating behavior, and its developmental dynamics, is critical to advancing the nutritional sciences and public health. Recent advances from both human and animal studies are revealing that individual capacity to make health‐promoting food decisions varies based on biological and physiological variation in the signaling pathways that regulate the homeostatic, hedonic, and executive functions; past developmental exposures and current life‐stage; the food environment; and complications of chronic disease that reinforce the obese state. Eating rate drives increased calorie intake and represents an important opportunity to lower rates of food consumption and energy intake through product reformulation. Understanding human eating behaviors and nutrition in the context of neuroscience can strengthen the evidence base from which dietary guidelines are derived and can inform policies, practices, and educational programs in a way that increases the likelihood they are adopted and effective for reducing rates of obesity and other diet‐related chronic disease.
Associations between hope and trajectories of critical consciousness among U.S. youth of color
Authors: Suzuki Sara , May Sidney C. , Seider Scott
Published: July 2023

We examined associations between hope as an internal asset that supports positive youth development, and growth trajectories of three critical consciousness components. Using five waves of data collected over the course of high school (N = 618), we modeled growth trajectories of awareness of inequity (critical reflection), a sense of agency about taking sociopolitical action (critical agency), and behaviors targeting systems of oppression (critical action). Hope was highest among those with high trajectories of critical agency and critical action. Clear associations with hope emerged at the last time point for critical reflection, suggesting that sustained growth in critical reflection is associated with hope. When supporting the critical consciousness development of youth of color, concurrent support for hope may be instrumental.
Cyclic di‐GMP signaling—Where did you come from and where will you go?
Authors: Römling Ute
Published: July 2023

Microbes including bacteria are required to respond to their often continuously changing ecological niches in order to survive. While many signaling molecules are produced as seemingly circumstantial byproducts of common biochemical reactions, there are a few second messenger signaling systems such as the ubiquitous cyclic di‐GMP second messenger system that arise through the synthesis of dedicated multidomain enzymes triggered by multiple diverse external and internal signals. Being one of the most numerous and widespread signaling system in bacteria, cyclic di‐GMP signaling contributes to adjust physiological and metabolic responses in all available ecological niches. Those niches range from deep‐sea and hydrothermal springs to the intracellular environment in human immune cells such as macrophages. This outmost adaptability is possible by the modularity of the cyclic di‐GMP turnover proteins which enables coupling of enzymatic activity to the diversity of sensory domains and the flexibility in cyclic di‐GMP binding sites. Nevertheless, commonly regulated fundamental microbial behavior include biofilm formation, motility, and acute and chronic virulence. The dedicated domains carrying out the enzymatic activity indicate an early evolutionary origin and diversification of “bona fide” second messengers such as cyclic di‐GMP which is estimated to have been present in the last universal common ancestor of archaea and bacteria and maintained in the bacterial kingdom until today. This perspective article addresses aspects of our current view on the cyclic di‐GMP signaling system and points to knowledge gaps that still await answers.
Pathology for severe inflammatory PML with PD1/PD‐L1 expression of favorable prognosis: What's a prognostic factor for PML‐IRIS?
Authors: Shishido‐Hara Yukiko , Akimoto Jiro , Fukami Shinjiro , Kohno Michihiro , Matsubayashi Jun , Nagao Toshitaka
Published: July 2023

A 72‐year‐old woman with dermatomyositis (DM) developed neurological manifestation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)‐hyperintense lesions predominantly in the deep white matter of the cerebral hemisphere. Punctate or linear contrast enhancement was observed surrounding the T1‐hypointense area. Multiple T2/FLAIR‐hyperintense lesions were aligned along with the corona radiata. Malignant lymphoma was first suspected, and a brain biopsy was performed. Pathological investigation suggested the provisional diagnosis of “suspicious of malignant lymphoma.” Owing to emergent clinical conditions, high‐dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy was conducted, and then T2/FLAIR‐hyperintense lesions were dramatically reduced. However, the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was concerning since multiplex PCR demonstrated clonal restriction of the Ig H gene for B cells and TCR beta genes for T cells. Histopathology revealed the infiltration of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 4.0. Moreover, prominent plasma cells were observed, in addition to CD20+ B cells. Atypical cells with enlarged nuclei were present, and they were not hematopoietic but found as glial cells. JC virus (JCV) infection was verified with both immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization; the final diagnosis was progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The patient was treated with mefloquine and discharged. This case is informative in understanding the host anti‐viral response. Variable inflammatory cells were observed, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, plasma cells, and a small amount of perivascular CD20+ B cells. PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression was observed in lymphoid cells and macrophages, respectively. PML with inflammatory reactions was thought fatal, and autopsy cases of PML with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) demonstrated excessive infiltration of only CD8+ T cells. However, this case revealed infiltration of variable inflammatory cells, and a favorable prognosis would be expected under PD‐1/PD‐L1 immune‐checkpoint regulation.
Construction of nursing knowledge in commodified contexts: Views and experiences of nurses regarding primary care
Authors: Martínez‐Rodríguez Ana , Martínez‐Faneca Laura , Fabrellas Núria
Published: July 2023

The commodification of health care, particularly primary care, presents challenges to care and knowledge development. The purpose of this study is to examine how nurses perceive and develop their knowledge in a commodified context. A mixed‐methods study was conducted that included a closed‐question survey and in‐depth interviews with nurses in public primary care in Catalonia. There were 104 valid responses to the questionnaire and 10 in‐depth interviews. The main findings of the survey were related to workload and limited time for nursing care. Six themes emerged from the in‐depth interviews: (1) limited time for nursing, (2) feelings of burnout, (3) awareness of patient and family satisfaction, (4) organizational factors that favor nurses' needs, (5) organizational factors that hinder nurses' needs, and finally (6) public administration requirements. Participants perceive excessive workload and time constraints and feel that this affects their nursing care and their physical and mental health. However, nurses purposefully use knowledge patterns to cope with the problems associated with commodification. Nurses have multidimensional, contextualized, and integrated knowledge that allows them to optimize their care based on the needs of their patients. This research examines many challenges related to nursing practice and the nursing discipline and opens the door for further research that encompasses all areas of nursing.
Demystifying the Venus flytrap action potential
Authors: Hedrich Rainer , Kreuzer Ines
Published: July 2023

All plants are electrically excitable, but only few are known to fire a well‐defined, all‐or‐nothing action potential (AP). The Venus flytrap Dionaea muscipula displays APs with an extraordinarily high firing frequency and speed, enabling the capture organ of this carnivorous plant to catch small animals as fast as flies. The number of APs triggered by the prey is counted and serves as the basis for decisions within the flytrap's hunting cycle. The archetypical Dionaea AP lasts 1 s and consists of five phases: Starting from the resting state, an initial cytosolic Ca2+ transient is followed by depolarization, repolarization and a transient hyperpolarization (overshoot) before the original membrane potential is finally recovered. When the flytrap matures and becomes excitable, a distinct set of ion channels, pumps and carriers is expressed, each mastering a distinct AP phase.
Delayed development of a huge chest wall hematoma post pacemaker implantation: A case report
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Pang Jie , Zhou Ying
Published: July 2023

An 83‐year‐old Chinese man presented with a huge left chest wall hematoma and hemorrhagic shock 4 months after permanent pacemaker implantation. Computed Tomography of Angiogram of the left subclavian artery revealed a pseudoaneurysm. He underwent radiologically guided stenting followed by hematoma clearance. It is rare to have delayed formation of pseudoaneurysm at 4 months post pacemaker implantation. Radiologically guided stenting is the preferred treatment, followed by hematoma clearance. It is strongly advised against blind surgery for wound debridement or bleeding detection. Familiarizing with axillary vein anatomy, improving axillary vein cannulation skills, and detecting early complications of artery injury are key strategies in preventing pseudoaneurysm formation post pacemaker implantation.
Natural variation of warm temperature‐induced raffinose accumulation identifies TREHALOSE‐6‐PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1 as a modulator of thermotolerance
Authors: Reichelt Niklas , Korte Arthur , Krischke Markus , Mueller Martin J. , Maag Daniel
Published: July 2023

High‐temperature stress limits plant growth and reproduction. Exposure to high temperature, however, also elicits a physiological response, which protects plants from the damage evoked by heat. This response involves a partial reconfiguration of the metabolome including the accumulation of the trisaccharide raffinose. In this study, we explored the intraspecific variation of warm temperature‐induced raffinose accumulation as a metabolic marker for temperature responsiveness with the aim to identify genes that contribute to thermotolerance. By combining raffinose measurements in 250 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions following a mild heat treatment with genome‐wide association studies, we identified five genomic regions that were associated with the observed trait variation. Subsequent functional analyses confirmed a causal relationship between TREHALOSE‐6‐PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1 (TPS1) and warm temperature‐dependent raffinose synthesis. Moreover, complementation of the tps1‐1 null mutant with functionally distinct TPS1 isoforms differentially affected carbohydrate metabolism under more severe heat stress. While higher TPS1 activity was associated with reduced endogenous sucrose levels and thermotolerance, disruption of trehalose 6‐phosphate signalling resulted in higher accumulation of transitory starch and sucrose and was associated with enhanced heat resistance. Taken together, our findings suggest a role of trehalose 6‐phosphate in thermotolerance, most likely through its regulatory function in carbon partitioning and sucrose homoeostasis.