bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial issues in SCA MANUSCRIPT for medicine journal.docx
Authors: Essien Emmanuel Aniekan , Winter-Eteng Blessing F. , Onukogu Chinyere Uchechi , Nkangha Dominic Dennis , Daniel Faithful
Published: October 2023

    

Abstract 

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a severe sickle cell disease primarily affecting black populations and individuals in tropical countries. This condition causes significant morbidity and mortality and leads to various psychosocial challenges. Using a narrative review approach, this paper analysed 80 peer-reviewed articles published between 1989 and 2023 to understand these challenges comprehensively. Mental disorders, sleep disturbances, interpersonal relationship challenges, stigmatisation, and workplace discrimination significantly contributed to the psychosocial distress experienced by individuals with SCA and their families. Depression and anxiety were prevalent among individuals with SCA, leading to poor treatment adherence, increased pain, and disruptions in various aspects of life. Sleep disturbances, including sleep-disordered breathing and sleepwalking, were also significant contributors to poor sleep quality in SCA patients. Families of individuals with SCA also face challenges, including psychological stress, financial strain, and social disruption. Stigmatisation is common, leading to misconceptions and discrimination. Workplace discrimination is prevalent, with a high unemployment rate among adult SCA patients. Comprehensive care is crucial to address these psychosocial issues. Early identification and intervention, comprehensive support programs, patient and family education, enhanced pain management strategies, and integration of mental health into clinical care are recommended. School-based support, research and advocacy, and community support groups are also necessary. By addressing these challenges through comprehensive care and support, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and society can reduce psychosocial distress and improve the lives of individuals with Sickle cell anaemia.
Causes of Trichiasis and Distichiasis and Their Management with Carbon Dioxide Laser Ablation
Authors: Wang Li-An , Lai Chun-Chieh
Published: October 2023

Background:

Many techniques have been used to treat trichiasis and distichiasis, but none of them are consistently successful, without complications, or effective in different severities. In addition, etiologic factors and their relationship with the severity or prognosis have not been identified in the non–trachoma-endemic area.

Methods:

In this retrospective consecutive study, the authors enrolled patients with trichiasis or distichiasis who had undergone carbon dioxide laser ablation in their tertiary medical center between November of 2013 and May of 2022. Surgical success was defined as no regrowth of misdirected eyelashes for at least 3 months postoperatively. The authors recorded the success rate within 3 months and 1 year after 1 treatment session, and within 3 treatment sessions. The authors also investigated the relationship between etiologic factors, severity, and the success rate.

Results:

The authors enrolled 216 eyelids of 137 patients (average age, 69.4 years; mean follow-up duration, 22.9 months). The major underlying causes of trichiasis and distichiasis were idiopathic (64.4%) and prior eyelid surgery (20.8%). More major trichiasis and distichiasis cases were observed among patients aged younger than 60 years than in patients aged 60 years or older (43% versus 21%; P < 0.01), and among patients with an underlying cause of prior eyelid surgery compared with patients with an idiopathic cause (42.2% versus 23.0%; P < 0.01). The success rates within 3 months, within 1 year after 1 treatment session, and within 3 treatment sessions were 87.5%, 76.2%, and 94.4%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The authors demonstrate that idiopathic cause and prior eyelid surgery are common causes of trichiasis and distichiasis. Carbon dioxide laser ablation is a safe, effective, and efficient treatment modality.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
The Top-Hat Flap: A New Technique for Segmental Nailbed Reconstruction
Authors: Ecker Jeff , Andrijich Courtney , Smith Nicholas W. S.
Published: October 2023

The finger or thumb tip was used as a homodigital neurovascular island flap (“top-hat flap”) to reconstruct 28 segmental defects of the distal phalanx, nailbed, or pulp over a 7-year period with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. All flaps survived and all fractures united. A total of 75% of patients achieved full range of motion at the distal interphalangeal joint, 71% achieved 2-point discrimination of less than 6 mm, and 92% returned unrestricted to their preinjury job less than 3 months after injury. The average digit impairment score, based on the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fifth Edition, was 19%. The top-hat flap is an option for the treatment of complex injuries of the finger or thumb tip where there is a segmental defect in the nailbed, distal phalanx, or pulp and a neurovascularly intact finger or thumb tip.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Prospective Study of Nonsurgical Auricular Correction According to Timing of Treatment
Authors: Seo Myeonggu , Lee Jungwoo , Lee Hyun-Min , Choi Sung-Won , Kong Soo-Keun , Lee Il-Woo , Oh Se-Joon
Published: October 2023

Background:

Many studies recommend nonsurgical auricular correction during the early postnatal period, when cartilage plasticity is high; however, many patients are not eligible for the procedure. This study compared different timings of nonsurgical auricular correction to investigate benefit after the optimal period for correction.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 53 ears from 35 patients with congenital auricular anomaly were assigned to 2 groups according to age at correction: the early group, with correction within 2 weeks of birth, and the late group, with correction 8 weeks after birth. Aesthetic outcomes, caregiver satisfaction, detachment rates, and mean device-wearing periods were compared.

Results:

Thirty-one ears from 20 patients constituted the early group, and 18 ears from 12 patients constituted the late group. Mean time to treatment after birth was 9.09 days in the early group and 134.7 days in the late group. In the early group, detachment occurred in 4 of 31 ears (12.9%), and in the late group, detachment occurred in 12 of 18 ears (66.7%), which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The average period of applying devices was 4.7 ± 1.2 weeks in the early group and 8.5 ± 4.1 weeks in the late group, with a significantly longer treatment time in the late group (P = 0.001). The early group had 87.1% good results versus 55.6% good results in the late group, with a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions:

The correction period was shorter, detachment rate was lower, and treatment outcome was better in the early group. However, successful correction was also present in the late group, showing that the patients who have passed the optimum correction period should proceed after counseling.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Acellular Dermal Matrix without Basement Membrane in Immediate Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Han Woo Yeon , Kim Dong Jin , Lee Young Soon , Eom Jin Sup , Kim Eun Key , Han Hyun Ho
Published: October 2023

Background:

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has become popular in various reconstructive procedures of different anatomic regions. There are different needs depending on the clinical application, including breast, abdominal wall, and any other soft-tissue reconstruction. Removal of the basement membrane, which consists of collagen fibers, may help achieve natural and soft breast reconstruction, which requires highly elastic ADMs. Given the lack of knowledge of the effectiveness of ADM without the basement membrane, the authors compared the clinical outcomes of ADMs with and without basement membrane in breast reconstruction.

Methods:

The authors conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate differences in clinical outcomes. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: ADM with or without basement membrane. Both groups underwent immediate prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Demographic characteristics, surgical outcomes, and breast shape change using nipple position were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

A total of 56 patients were divided into 2 groups: ADM with basement membrane (n = 30 [53.6%]) or ADM without basement membrane (n = 26 [46.4%]). Clinical and surgical characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The authors detected no statistically significant differences in the overall rate of complications or breast shape change between the 2 groups. However, the rate of seromas was higher in the ADM with basement membrane group than in the ADM without basement membrane group (10% versus 0%; P = 0.09).

Conclusions:

The 2 groups showed similar surgical outcomes. ADM without basement membrane in implant-based breast reconstruction was safe, and had mechanical properties of lower tensile strength and higher elasticity.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Comparative genomic analysis of the survival and adaptation factors of five candidate probiotic strains: Limosilactobacillus mucosae LM1, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SK151, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BS25, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SK152, and Lactobacillus johnsonii PF01
Authors: Altavas Patrick Josemaria del Rosario , Amoranto Mia Beatriz , Kim Sang Hoon , Kang Dae-Kyung , Balolong Marilen , Dalmacio Leslie Michelle
Published: October 2023

Microorganisms belonging to the Lactobacillus genus complex (LGC) are often used for consumption and are generally safe but can cause pathogenesis in rare and specific cases. Therefore, screening and understanding genetic factors that may contribute to pathogenicity can yield valuable insights regarding probiotic safety. Limosilactobacillus mucosae LM1, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SK 151, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BS25, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SK 152, and Lactobacillus johnsonii PF01 are current probiotics of interest; however,  their safety profiles have not been explored.  The genome of LM1, SK 151, SK 152, and PF01 were downloaded from the NCBI GenBank, while that of L. plantarum BS25 was newly sequenced, and these annotated using the Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (RAST) tk pipeline, and queried using command line BLAST against the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB) and Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) to detect potential virulence factors and antibiotic resistance (AR) genes. Furthermore, ResFinder and BAGEL4 were used to detect acquired AR genes and bacteriocins, respectively. The query against the VFDB identified genes that have a role in bacterial survivability, platelet aggregation, surface adhesion, biofilm formation and immunoregulation; and no acquired AR genes were detected using CARD and ResFinder. The study shows that the query strains exhibit genes identical to those present in pathogenic bacteria with the genes matched primarily having roles related to survival and surface adherence.
Using a micro-device with a deformable ceiling to probe stiffness heterogeneities within 3D cell aggregates
Authors: Jain Shreyansh , Belkadi Hiba , Michaut Arthur , Sart Sébastien , Gros Jérôme , Genet Martin , Baroud Charles N.
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in the field of mechanobiology have led to the development of methods to characterize single-cell or monolayer mechanical properties and link them to their functional behaviour. However, there remains a strong need to establish this link for three-dimensional multicellular aggregates, which better mimic tissue function. Here we present a platform to actuate and observe many such aggregates within one deformable micro-device. The platform consists of a single PDMS piece cast on a 3D-printed mold and bonded to a glass slide or coverslip. It consists of a chamber containing cell spheroids, which is adjacent to air cavities that are fluidically independent. Controlling the air pressure in these air cavities leads to a vertical displacement of the chamber’s ceiling. The device can be used in static or dynamic modes over time-scales of seconds to hours, with displacement amplitudes from a few μm to several tens of microns. Further, we show how the compression protocols can be used to obtain measurements of stiffness heterogeneities within individual co-culture spheroids, by comparing image correlations of spheroids at different levels of compression with finite element simulations. The labeling of the cells and their cytoskeleton is combined with image correlation methods to relate the structure of the co-culture spheroid with its mechanical properties at different locations. The device is compatible with various microscopy techniques, including confocal microscopy, which can be used to observe the displacements and rearrangements of single cells and neighborhoods within the aggregate. The complete experimental and imaging platform can now be used to provide multi-scale measurements that link single-cell behavior with the global mechanical response of the aggregates.
Divergent downstream biosynthetic pathways are supported by L-cysteine synthases ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Khan Mehak Zahoor , Hunt Deborah M. , Singha Biplab , Kapoor Yogita , Singh Nitesh Kumar , Prasad D. V. Sai , Dharmarajan Sriram , Sowpati Divya Tej , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S. , Nandicoori Vinay Kumar
Published: October 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis’s (Mtb)autarkic lifestyle within the host involves rewiring its transcriptional networks to combat host-induced stresses. With the help of RNA-seq performed under various stress conditions, we identified that genes belonging toMtbsulfur metabolism pathways are significantly upregulated during oxidative stress. Using an integrated approach of microbial genetics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, animal experiments, chemical inhibition, and rescue studies, we investigated the biological role of non-canonical L-cysteine synthases, CysM and CysK2. While transcriptome signatures ofRvΔcysMandRvΔcysK2appear similar under regular growth conditions, we observed unique transcriptional signatures when subjected to oxidative stress. We followed pool size and labelling (34S) of key downstream metabolites, viz. mycothiol and ergothioneine, to monitor L-cysteine biosynthesis and utilization. This revealed the significant role of distinct L-cysteine biosynthetic routes on redox stress and homeostasis. CysM and CysK2 independently facilitateMtbsurvival by alleviating host-induced redox stress, suggesting they are not fully redundant during infection. With the help of genetic mutants and chemical inhibitors, we show that CysM and CysK2 serve as unique, attractive targets for adjunct therapy to combat mycobacterial infection.
Alterations in DNA 5-hydroxymethylation Patterns in the Hippocampus of an Experimental Model of Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Bahabry Rudhab , Hauser Rebecca M. , Sánchez Richard G. , Jago Silvienne Sint , Ianov Lara , Stuckey Remy J. , Parrish R. Ryley , Hoef Lawrence Ver , Lubin Farah D.
Published: October 2023

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a type of focal epilepsy characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures originating from the hippocampus. The epigenetic reprogramming hypothesis of epileptogenesis suggests that the development of TLE is associated with alterations in gene transcription changes resulting in a hyperexcitable network in TLE. DNA 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) is an epigenetic mechanism that has been associated with chronic epilepsy. However, the contribution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), a product of 5-mC demethylation by the Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) family proteins in chronic TLE is poorly understood. 5-hmC is abundant in the brain and acts as a stable epigenetic mark altering gene expression through several mechanisms. Here, we found that the levels of bulk DNA 5-hmC but not 5-mC were significantly reduced in the hippocampus of human TLE patients and in the kainic acid (KA) TLE rat model. Using 5-hmC hMeDIP-sequencing, we characterized 5-hmC distribution across the genome and found bidirectional regulation of 5-hmC at intergenic regions within gene bodies. We found that hypohydroxymethylated 5-hmC intergenic regions were associated with several epilepsy-related genes, includingGal,SV2,andKcnj11and hyperdroxymethylation 5-hmC intergenic regions were associated withGad65,TLR4, andBdnfgene expression. Mechanistically,Tet1knockdown in the hippocampus was sufficient to decrease 5-hmC levels and increase seizure susceptibility following KA administration. In contrast,Tet1overexpression in the hippocampus resulted in increased 5-hmC levels associated with improved seizure resiliency in response to KA. These findings suggest an important role for 5-hmC as an epigenetic regulator of epilepsy that can be manipulated to influence seizure outcomes.
External finance dependence, financial development and exports: a firm-level study from India
Authors: Arora Puneet Kumar , Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to add to the growing literature on the trade–finance nexus by exploring the interplay between a country's level of financial development, the external finance dependence of firms and their exporting decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study first develops a theoretical model to motivate the idea that a firm's liquidity (financial) position and its home country's level of financial development act as substitute factors in its export market entry decisions. It then empirically tests whether an improvement in a country's financial development level enhances the number of entrants in the foreign markets and boosts the exports of incumbent exporters using firm-level data of manufacturing firms in India for the period 1993–2020.

Findings

Empirical results suggest that a higher level of financial development helps increase the exporting probability of firms that rely more on external finance for their operations. Further, the study finds that the sunk costs-induced hysteresis effect plays a major role in firms' exporting decisions and financial factors don't play a significant role in the exporting activities of incumbent exporters.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that a well-developed financial market is necessary to help more and more firms initiate their foreign market operations. The results underscore that trade-liberalisation measures alone may not increase India's exports and the government must complement them with financial sector reforms.

Originality/value

Studies highlighting the role of financial sector development in helping financially-constrained Indian firms overcome the entry barriers associated with exporting are extremely limited. This study contributes to this nascent literature by conducting an empirical investigation on an extensive database of Indian manufacturing firms. Moreover, in contrast to the previous firm-level studies in this area, this empirical analysis uses the actual values of external finance raised by the firms as a critical factor in determining their extensive and intensive margin of exports instead of the usual balance sheet variables such as liquidity and leverage.
Simulated and experimental study on the relationship between coefficient of friction and temperature of aluminum-based brake disc
Authors: Chen Youjie , Fu Rong , Yang Junying , Zhang En , Su Linlin , Gao Fei
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the relationship between the coefficient of friction (COF) and temperature of aluminum-based brake discs.

Design/methodology/approach

Three friction blocks with different COFs are examined by a TM-I-type reduced-scale inertial braking dynamometer. On this basis, the thermo-mechanically coupled model of friction pairs is established to study the evolution of brake disc temperature under different COFs using ADINA software.

Findings

Results indicate that the calculated disc temperature field matches the experimental well. The effect of COF on the peak temperature is magnified by the braking speed. With the COF increasing, the rise rate of instantaneous peak temperature is accelerated, and the dynamic equilibrium period and cooling-down period are observed in advance. The increase in COF promotes the area ratio of the high-temperature zone and the maximum radial temperature difference. When the COF is increased from 0.245 to 0.359 and 0.434 at 140 km/h, the area ratio of high-temperature zone increases from 12% to 44% and 49% and the maximum radial temperature difference increases from 56°C to 75°C and 83°C. The sensitiveness of the axial temperature difference to the COF is related to the braking time. The maximum axial temperature difference increases with COF in the early stages of braking, while it is hardly sensitive to the COF in the later stages of braking.

Originality/value

The effect of COF on the aluminum-based brake disc temperature is revealed, providing a theoretical reference for the popularization of aluminum-based brake discs and the selection of matching brake pads.
Evolving trajectories of circular supply chain domain: a citation path analysis
Authors: Varma Soumya , Singh Nitin , Zhang Justin Zuopeng
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The enormous amount of waste generated and the scarcity of natural resources worldwide have encouraged societies and industries to adopt the Circular Supply Chain (CSC) concept. With a focus on zero-waste generation, Circular Economy (CE) mimics the ecosystem cycle as an alternative to the traditional linear economic model. This paper aims to investigate the evolution of research themes in this research area, hence, trace the trajectory of development in the field of CSC.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct scientometric analysis using Pajek and VOSviewer software to identify key themes in the Circular Supply Chain Management (CSCM) field. The Citation Path Analysis (CPA), including Main Path and Local Path analysis, has been followed by a critical review of the papers. This paper includes highlighting the interrelationships between the information flows in the topic of study as well as an analysis of keywords co-occurrence.

Findings

The analysis of keywords co-occurrence revealed that the earlier years of research in CSC were more inclined toward value chain, stakeholders and green supply chains, whereas, in recent years, topics like logistics, Industry 4.0 and food supply chain have been more focused upon. Further, the Main Path Analysis (MPA) revealed an evolving trajectory that examines challenges and opportunities in CSC, the economic aspects of implementing CSC, the impact on the firm's revenue growth and collaboration between multiple echelons of a supply chain and Industry 4.0.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of scientometrics analysis unveils the hidden flow of information, various themes of research and their interconnections. The development of research trajectories and progressive attention paid to certain topics is also discovered. The research findings could be used by researchers for further theoretical and research development.

Originality/value

This paper traces the path of development in the field of CSC and its emerging trends and provides a thorough understanding of the same. It enables research scholars to conduct an in-depth study in the CSC domain, adding to the body of literature.
Climate change impacts the risk of invasion of eucalypt pests in Brazil
Authors: Santos da Mota Juliana , Barbosa Leonardo Rodrigues , Marchioro Cesar Augusto
Published: October 2023

Identifying areas at high risk of invasion is considered an important step for prioritization of phytosanitary measures to prevent biological invasions. Because climate change is likely to affect species' habitat suitability, ideally this should be considered in invasion risk assessments.

We evaluated whether climate change affects habitat suitability and invasion risk of eight potentially invasive Eucalyptus pests in Brazil: Eucalyptolyma maideni, Mnesampela privata, Ophelimus maskelli, Orgyia postica, Paropsis atomaria, Paropsisterna beata, Paropsisterna cloelia and Trachymela sloanei.

The shifts in the distribution range varied depending on the species, year and climate change scenario. While a decrease in the distribution range was predicted for four species, an increase was predicted for two species. Moreover, a decrease and/or increase in distribution depending on the climate change scenario was predicted for two species.

Increases in invasion risk were predicted in major Eucalyptus‐producing areas near international airports and high cargo volume seaports.

Our study provides an important contribution to knowledge on the effects of climate change on the distribution of eight potentially invasive Eucalyptus pests and reinforces the need to consider the changes in species' habitat suitability in invasion risk assessments.
Daily ethnic‐racial support from family and peers: Changes from before to during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wang Yijie , Huang Qi , Lin Sylvia , Chen Mingzhang , Zhang Youchuan
Published: October 2023

Limited research has investigated the changes in ethnic‐racial support that adolescents received during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study collected 2‐week, daily data from 185 Midwest U.S. ethnic‐racial minority adolescents (14.60 years old; 52% female) at two waves, spanning about 1 year apart. For the Pandemic Cohort (936 days of data, 41 participants; 2019–2020), peer cultural socialization declined significantly from before to during the pandemic; family cultural socialization, as well as family and peer support against discrimination, became more positively associated with same‐day ethnic‐racial identity over the pandemic ( = .13–.16). No significant changes emerged for the pre‐Pandemic Cohort (3304 days of data, 144 participants; 2017–2019). Findings highlight the importance of ethnic‐racial support during the pandemic when ethnic‐racial issues were amplified in society.
Lived experience of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A qualitative scoping review
Authors: Wilson Holly , McCormack Jessica C. , Singh Nikki , Chu Joanna Ting Wai
Published: October 2023

Aim

To explore the lived experiences of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), their caregivers, and professionals working with individuals with FASD.

Method

We conducted a scoping review using qualitative methods to explore what it is like to live with FASD from the perspective of those living with FASD, their caregivers, and stakeholders experienced in working with individuals with FASD. We searched electronic databases and grey literature for research published between 2005 and 2022.

Results

The 47 studies included in this scoping review show that FASD affects people's lives on a daily basis. Individuals with FASD are aware of their disability and its effects. Caregivers face daily challenges raising children with FASD and are often left unsupported by professionals. Professionals are unprepared and frustrated when supporting someone with FASD.

Interpretation

FASD affects individuals, caregivers, and families on a daily basis; and they require improved support and funding.

What this paper adds

Professionals are overwhelmed and frustrated because of a lack of training and organizational support with regard to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

Extends on previous reviews with the inclusion of grey literature and professionals.

FASD is a highly stigmatized disorder that affects individuals with FASD, and their caregivers and families, on a daily basis.

Research is needed exploring the experiences of adults living with FASD and their siblings.

There is a lack of research involving indigenous populations and their experience with FASD.
First record of Adelges (Cholodkovskya) viridanus (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in North America, with a description of the fundatrix form in Japan
Authors: Havill Nathan P. , Shiyake Shigehiko , Zembrzuski Deanna , Foottit Robert G. , Brunet Bryan M. T.
Published: October 2023

Adelges (Cholodkovskya) viridanus (Cholodkovsky 1896) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) is found throughout Eurasia where it is understood to be anholocyclic, feeding on species of larch (Larix), without host alternation. For the first time, we report this species in North America, outside of its native range, from specimens collected in an arboretum in Ohio, USA. Molecular phylogenetic analysis was inconclusive as to whether it was introduced from Europe or Asia. In addition, specimens collected from Picea jezoensis in Japan were confirmed for the first time as A. (C.) viridanus by matching DNA sequences to specimens collected on Larix. Therefore, A. (C.) viridanus is either capable of completing a host‐alternating holocycle in Japan, or includes very recently diverged anholocyclic populations on Picea. Finally, we describe the adult fundatrix form, which was previously unknown.
Recognition and perception of emotions in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Rainer Lucas Johannes , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Trinka Eugen , Braun Mario , Kronbichler Martin , Langthaler Patrick , Zimmermann Georg , Kronbichler Lisa , Said‐Yürekli Sarah , Kirschner Margarita , Zamarian Laura , Schmid Elisabeth , Jokeit Hennric , Höfler Julia
Published: October 2023

Objective

Perception and recognition of emotions are fundamental prerequisites of human life. Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) may have emotional and behavioral impairments that might influence socially desirable interactions. We aimed to investigate perception and recognition of emotions in patients with JME by means of neuropsychological tests and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with JME (median age = 27 years, interquartile range [IQR] = 23–34) were prospectively recruited at the Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria. Patients were compared to 68 healthy controls (median age = 24 years, IQR = 21–31), matched for sex, age, and education. All study participants underwent the Networks of Emotion Processing test battery (NEmo), an fMRI paradigm of “dynamic fearful faces,” a structured interview for psychiatric and personality disorders, and comprehensive neuropsychological testing.

Results

JME patients versus healthy controls demonstrated significant deficits in emotion recognition in facial and verbal tasks of all emotions, especially fear. fMRI revealed decreased amygdala activation in JME patients as compared to healthy controls. Patients were at a higher risk of experiencing psychiatric disorders as compared to healthy controls. Cognitive evaluation revealed impaired attentional and executive functioning, namely psychomotor speed, tonic alertness, divided attention, mental flexibility, and inhibition of automated reactions. Duration of epilepsy correlated negatively with parallel prosodic and facial emotion recognition in NEmo. Deficits in emotion recognition were not associated with psychiatric comorbidities, impaired attention and executive functions, types of seizures, and treatment.

Significance

This prospective study demonstrated that as compared to healthy subjects, patients with JME had significant deficits in recognition and perception of emotions as shown by neuropsychological tests and fMRI. The results of this study may have importance for psychological/psychotherapeutic interventions in the management of patients with JME.
Increased atmospheric CO2 and the transit time of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Muñoz Estefanía , Chanca Ingrid , Sierra Carlos A.
Published: October 2023

The response of terrestrial ecosystems to increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations is controversial and not yet fully understood, with previous large‐scale forest manipulation experiments exhibiting contrasting responses. Although there is consensus that increased CO2 has a relevant effect on instantaneous processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration, there are large uncertainties regarding the fate of extra assimilated carbon in ecosystems. Filling this research gap is challenging because tracing the movement of new carbon across ecosystem compartments involves the study of multiple processes occurring over a wide range of timescales, from hours to millennia. We posit that a comprehensive quantification of the effect of increased CO2 must answer two interconnected questions: How much and for how long is newly assimilated carbon stored in ecosystems? Therefore, we propose that the transit time distribution of carbon is the key concept needed to effectively address these questions. Here, we show how the transit time distribution of carbon can be used to assess the fate of newly assimilated carbon and the timescales at which it is cycled in ecosystems. We use as an example a transit time distribution obtained from a tropical forest and show that most of the 60% of fixed carbon is respired in less than 1 year; therefore, we infer that under increased CO2, most of the new carbon would follow a similar fate unless increased CO2 would cause changes in the rates at which carbon is cycled and transferred among ecosystem compartments. We call for a more frequent adoption of the transit time concept in studies seeking to quantify the ecosystem response to increased CO2.
Peaberry shape and size influence on different coffee postharvest processes
Authors: Duque‐Dussán Eduardo , Figueroa‐Varela Paula A. , Sanz‐Uribe Juan R.
Published: October 2023

In many coffee‐producing countries, the ellipsoidal‐shaped seeds called peaberries are often labeled as a defect because of their shape and reduced size, going against the market demand for large‐sized standard coffee beans. Nevertheless, the peaberry natural occurrence on the coffee plantations is significant, accounting for 5%–7% of the total harvested coffee for Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora, the most planted species worldwide. Nevertheless, recent growth in the peaberry market has happened due to exceptional cupping scores for this specific bean type; however, the relationship between these scores and the shape of the bean was not yet recorded in the literature. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of the shape and size of the peaberry against the standard beans in different postharvest processes: Drying, roasting (colorimetry and inner roasting profiles), grinding (compressive and shear force tests) and overall quality by cupping analysis. Coffea arabica L. var. Cenicafé 1 was used throughout all the experiments, where advanced methods were used to increase the accuracy of the results and deeply characterize the process behavior. The results of this research allow to understand the peaberry postharvest behavior better and add significant value to this often‐underrated bean condition. The peaberries demonstrated shape influence in the different evaluated parameters, allowing them to dry faster, roast evenly, avoid burnt spots, and collapse at homogeneous forces while attaining the same high cup scores as a standard coffee bean.

Practical applications

Understanding the peaberries' shape and size influence different postharvest processes is crucial to comprehend their value. By gaining insights, into how these unique beans interact with stages of processing, producers can control and predict their behavior leading to more consistent and optimized results. The findings of this research provide an opportunity to fully incorporate peaberries into the coffee product without considering them as defective beans or expanding market trends. Generally, peaberries were often seen as undesirable because they did not match the bean size and shape. However, their exceptional performance in drying, roasting, grinding and cupping dispels these misconceptions, highlighting their value and contribution to coffee quality. As a result, coffee producers can embrace peaberries as valuable beans without discarding or downgrading them. This newfound appreciation for peaberries does not only reduce waste, but it also diversifies coffee offerings to meet consumer preferences and enriches the industry.
Associations between dietary patterns and renal impairment in individuals with diabetes: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ding Ziling , Wu Xingzhe , Liu Chao , Ying Ruixue , Zhang Yi , Zhang Shiqi , Zhang Qiu , Hu Honglin , Dai Fang
Published: October 2023

Background

A variety of chronic diseases are affected by diet. To our knowledge, few studies have investigated the relationship between dietary patterns and renal impairment in individuals with diabetes within an Asian population. This study aimed to assess the relationship between renal impairment and dietary patterns in individuals with diabetes within a Chinese population.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional survey, we analysed data on 1522 participants with diabetes aged 18 years or older who took part in the China National Diabetic Chronic Complications Study. We utilised the Chinese Diabetes Complications Questionnaire, including the semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ). We identified three dietary patterns using factor analysis: Chinese traditional, healthy and plant‐based dietary patterns, and these dietary patterns were used to classify participants into four groups based on the quartiles of their scores. A decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and an increase in the albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR; ≥3 mg/mmol) were used as indicators of renal impairment. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of the highest quartile (Q4: high intake levels of each dietary pattern) for renal impairment compared to the lowest quartile (Q1: low intake levels of each dietary pattern).

Results

Among the 1522 participants, there was a 5.5% prevalence of low eGFR, with prevalence rates of 5.2% in men and 5.9% in women, yet the prevalence of albuminuria was as high as 47.9%. After adjusting for confounders, participants in Q4 of the plant‐based dietary pattern had a smaller OR for renal impairment than those in Q1.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that a plant‐based dietary pattern is associated with a reduced risk of renal impairment in a population with diabetes.
Evaluation of gingival porcelains: Color change and surface properties
Authors: Batyrbekova Gulaiym , Hekimoğlu Canan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermal cycling (TC) on the color stability, translucency, and surface roughness of two different gingival porcelain materials.

Materials and Methods

The gingival porcelains IPS e.max Ceram Gingiva (Ceram) and IPS InLine Gingiva (InLine) were tested. A total of 66 disc‐shaped specimens were prepared and glazed using porcelain powders of G1, G3, and G5 colors. The samples were divided into two porcelain groups by their types and into three subgroups (n11) by their colors. Thermal cycling was performed at 6000 cycles simulating an oral environment of 5 years. The color and surface roughness measurements of the samples were made before and after the thermal cycling. Color measurements were made with a spectrophotometer. Surface roughness (mean surface roughness [Ra; μm]) was measured using a contact profilometer. Data before thermal cycling were evaluated using the Kruskal‒Wallis test followed by the Dunn Bonferonni paired comparison test. Two‐way ANOVA with repeated measurements and a pairwise comparison test with Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate the change in roughness and translucency parameter (TP) data between groups due to thermal cycling.

Results

The color change was below the clinically perceptible color change threshold (∆E00 = 2.1) in all groups after thermal cycling. However, all materials had significantly increased roughness (p < 0.05). An increase in roughness was detected in the Ceram group and was higher than that in the InLine group. The change in the translucency parameters of the samples after thermal cycling was not statistically significant; a small increase was observed in all groups. The highest translucency values ​​were seen in the G1, G3, and G5 colors.

Conclusions

Thermal cycling caused a significant increase in the roughness values ​​(Ra) of all materials and a minimal increase in their translucency. The color change of gingival porcelains after thermal cycling was less than the clinically perceptible threshold.
In‐silico whole‐genome sequence analysis of a halotolerant filamentous mangrove cyanobacterium revealed CRISPR‐Cas systems with unique properties
Authors: Basu Shayontani , Bhattacharya Dhruba , Pramanik Arnab , Saha Malay , Mukherjee Joydeep
Published: October 2023

Novel CRISPR systems capable of cleaving both DNA and RNA are progressively emerging as attractive tools for genome manipulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. We report specific characteristics of CRISPR systems present in Oxynema aestuarii AP17, a halotolerant, filamentous cyanobacterium and the second known member of the Oxynema genus. In‐silico analyses of its whole‐genome sequence revealed the presence of multiple Type I and Type III CRISPR loci with one Type I‐G system previously unreported in cyanobacteria. We further identified the leader sequences at the 5′ end of multiple CRISPR loci, many of which were distinct from previously reported cyanobacterial CRISPR leaders. Phylogenetic analyses of the O. aestuarii AP17 Cas1 proteins revealed two protein sequences that were unique and distantly related to other cyanobacterial Cas1 protein sequences. Our findings are significant because novel Class 1 CRISPR systems possess multi‐subunit effectors and are highly flexible for repurposing by protein domain fusions made to the effector complex. Additionally, Type III CRISPRs are particularly useful for genome editing in certain extremophiles for which mesophilic Type II CRISPRs are ineffective.
Targeted memory reactivation during post‐learning sleep does not enhance motor memory consolidation in older adults
Authors: Nicolas Judith , Carrier Julie , Swinnen Stephan P. , Doyon Julien , Albouy Geneviève , King Bradley R.
Published: October 2023

Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during sleep enhances memory consolidation in young adults by modulating electrophysiological markers of neuroplasticity. Interestingly, older adults exhibit deficits in motor memory consolidation, an impairment that has been linked to age‐related degradations in the same sleep features sensitive to TMR. We hypothesised that TMR would enhance consolidation in older adults via the modulation of these markers. A total of 17 older participants were trained on a motor task involving two auditory‐cued sequences. During a post‐learning nap, two auditory cues were played: one associated to a learned (i.e., reactivated) sequence and one control. Performance during two delayed re‐tests did not differ between reactivated and non‐reactivated sequences. Moreover, both associated and control sounds modulated brain responses, yet there were no consistent differences between the auditory cue types. Our results collectively demonstrate that older adults do not benefit from specific reactivation of a motor memory trace by an associated auditory cue during post‐learning sleep. Based on previous research, it is possible that auditory stimulation during post‐learning sleep could have boosted motor memory consolidation in a non‐specific manner.
Debating national identity in postcolonial cities: A comparison of civic education textbooks in Hong Kong and Macau
Authors: Qian Licheng , Ieong Meng U.
Published: October 2023

Civic education has long been viewed as a political tool to construct identity in nation‐states. This view, however, is complicated by the cases of Hong Kong and Macau. As former colonies and current autonomous regions of China, the two cities went through decolonisation without becoming nation‐states. Does this status affect Hong Kong's and Macau's identity discourses? Are civic textbooks tools to construct or deconstruct a Chinese/national identity? What explains the two cities' different identity discourses? Going beyond the civic–ethnic binary, this article argues that identities in ‘postcolonial territorial autonomies’, such as Hong Kong and Macau, should be analysed through a multilevel framework of identity/state–society interactions, reflecting the local, national and global forces at play. The interactions of these forces shape Hong Kong's layered identity, Macau's ambiguous identity and the two cities' contradictory attitudes towards colonial legacies. This study contributes to a relational and interactional rethinking of national identity and decolonisation.
Increasing the supply of health products in underserved regions
Authors: Kazaz Burak , Webster Scott , Yadav Prashant
Published: October 2023

We study mechanisms that encourage manufacturers of health products to build production and distribution capacity. This is important for low‐ and middle‐income country (LMIC) markets where ability to pay is lower and demand risks are greater. Development finance institutions and philanthropies are beginning to utilize new instruments to incentivize manufacturers to build production/distribution capacity for LMIC markets. The goal of this paper is to understand the effectiveness of such mechanisms in different settings. We examine four instruments: (1) subsidy proportional to unit sales (sales subsidy), (2) subsidy proportional to unit capacity (variable‐capacity subsidy), (3) subsidy proportional to total capacity investment (total‐capacity subsidy), and (4) a minimum volume guarantee. We analyze incentivized capacity as a function of the social‐investor budget for each instrument. We show how our framework can be used to identify a social investor's preferred instrument given relevant parameter estimates, and we provide insight into the type of settings where a particular instrument dominates. A sales subsidy dominates when ability to pay is very low; a total‐capacity subsidy dominates when ability to pay is low. Outside of these settings, instrument preference is nuanced, though a sales subsidy is dominated by at least one other instrument. When ability to pay is moderate, a variable‐capacity subsidy tends to be preferred under high variable‐capacity cost and high budget, a volume guarantee tends to be preferred under low variable‐capacity cost and high budget, and a total‐capacity subsidy tends to be preferred under low budget.