bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of vineyard management, herbaceous cover and vine plant characteristics on bird diversity in a North African agroecosystem
Authors: Belkhiri Abdelkhalek , Chahlaoui Abdelkader , Bendaoud Ahmed , Sadki Mohcine , Moubchir Tarik , Haddadi Youssef , Saidi Abdelhak , Maliki Abdelmonaim
Published: July 2023

Following the demand for organic wines and ecological practices, organic viticulture has increased dramatically in recent decades. The effect of agricultural practices on organic and conventional vines on bird diversity has not been studied in North Africa. In this study, we analysed the impact of the management method, season, herbaceous cover and vine plant size on bird diversity in organic and conventional vineyards. Our findings show that organic agriculture has a positive impact on bird diversity compared with conventional vineyards. Bird diversity changes with the seasons, being higher in winter, autumn and spring than in summer. Compared with conventional vineyards, the diversity of birds was higher on the organic vineyards in autumn, winter and spring. In summer, the differences between organic and traditional agriculture became negligible. Thus, the increased percentage of grass cover had a positive effect on bird diversity. Furthermore, bird diversity decreases with increasing vine plant size. The findings of this research are promising in this regard. We promote continued research into this aspect of using grassland cover and intensity of tillage as a tool to conserve wildlife and support indigenous species.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy – Diagnosis and management: A consensus statement of the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ): Executive summary
Authors: Hague William M. , Briley Annette , Callaway Leonie , Dekker Nitert Marloes , Gehlert Jessica , Graham Dorothy , Grzeskowiak Luke , Makris Angela , Markus Corey , Middleton Philippa , Peek Michael J. , Shand Antonia , Stark Michael , Waugh Jason
Published: July 2023

KEY POINTS

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy liver disease, characterised by pruritus and increased total serum bile acids (TSBA), Australian incidence 0.6–0.7%.

ICP is diagnosed by non‐fasting TSBA ≥19 μmol/L in a pregnant woman with pruritus without rash without a known pre‐existing liver disorder.

Peak TSBA ≥40 and ≥100 μmol/L identify severe and very severe disease respectively, associated with spontaneous preterm birth when severe, and with stillbirth, when very severe.

Benefit‐vs‐risk for iatrogenic preterm birth in ICP remains uncertain.

Ursodeoxycholic acid remains the best pharmacotherapy preterm, improving perinatal outcome and reducing pruritus, although it has not been shown to reduce stillbirth.
Vacuum assisted closure with mesh mediated fascial traction of open abdominal wounds and acute fascial dehiscence, a single institution experience
Authors: Taylor Danielle , Dooreemeah Dilshad , Al‐Habbal Yahya , Jacobs Rodney
Published: July 2023

Backgrounds

Laparostomy is a common means of managing surgical catastrophes, but often results in large ventral hernias which prove difficult to repair. It is also associated with high rates of enteric fistula formation. Dynamic methods of managing the open abdomen have been shown to result in higher rates of fascial closure and fewer complications. Recent publications have suggested the addition of chemical components relaxation with botulinum toxin has an added advantage over prior methods.

Methods

We report on a series of emergent cases managed by the combination of Botulinum toxin A (BTA) mediated chemical relaxation with a modified method of mesh‐mediated fascial traction (MMFT) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

Results

Thirteen cases (nine laparostomies and four fascial dehiscence) were successfully closed in a median of 12 days, using a median of 4 ‘tightenings’, with no clinical herniation detected at follow up so far (median 183 days, IQR 123–292). There were no procedure‐related complications, but one death from the underling pathology.

Conclusions

We report further cases of vacuum assisted mesh‐mediated fascial traction (VA‐MMFT) utilizing BTA in successfully managing laparostomy and abdominal wound dehiscence and continues the known high rate of successful fascial closure seen when applied in treating the open abdomen.
The convergence between artificial organ technology and simulation in surgery
Authors: Han Jason J.
Published: July 2023

Scientists are creating high‐fidelity, physiologic simulation platforms that enable the testing of various artificial organs, which may offer a valuable alternative to animal testing in the future
Agrotourism and fast urbanisation: The double pressure of development on peri‐urban agriculture in Hôi An, a small city of central Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thi Thanh Hiên , Cao Hai Son , Lapointe Dominic
Published: July 2023

Agrotourism in Vietnam has been identified as one of the strategies used to achieve green growth and countryside modernisation, and it is often included as part of the national and local agenda. In this paper, we examine agrotourism in a village in the periphery of Hội An city (an international tourism hub in central Vietnam) to question tourism's interaction with ongoing development processes. More specifically, we aim to understand the impact of fast peri‐urbanisation on agrotourism and the impacts of agrotourism on people's daily lives, specifically when it comes to physical changes in their living environment, tensions in their social life and their concerns about the future. Our analysis is supported with data generated from interviews with farmers, local officials, tourism workers and tourists. We find that agrotourism products lacked authenticity and farming was not of great interest for tourists, yet the state's investment in the village tended to favour spaces and infrastructure that could attract more tourists and generate profit, to the detriment of cultural infrastructure. Land speculation and an unequal distribution of income were the main tensions in the village along with farmers' concerns about their rural heritage, income diversification and environmental quality. As such, agrotourism in the village has been driven by rapid urbanisation and mass tourism, creating a competition between a consumption activity and a productive activity. Those are important parameters that future policymakers need to take into consideration in order to sustain the city's food production and tourism.
Transportability of Causal Inference under Random Dynamic Treatment Regimes for Kidney–Pancreas Transplantation
Authors: Lyden Grace R. , Vock David M. , Helgeson Erika S. , Finger Erik B. , Matas Arthur J. , Snyder Jon J.
Published: July 2023

A difficult decision for patients in need of kidney–pancreas transplant is whether to seek a living kidney donor or wait to receive both organs from one deceased donor. The framework of dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs) can inform this choice, but a patient-relevant strategy such as “wait for deceased-donor transplant” is ill-defined because there are multiple versions of treatment (i.e., wait times, organ qualities). Existing DTR methods average over the distribution of treatment versions in the data, estimating survival under a “representative intervention.” This is undesirable if transporting inferences to a target population such as patients today, who experience shorter wait times thanks to evolutions in allocation policy. We, therefore, propose the concept of a generalized representative intervention (GRI): a random DTR that assigns treatment version by drawing from the distribution among strategy compliers in the target population (e.g., patients today). We describe an inverse-probability-weighted product-limit estimator of survival under a GRI that performs well in simulations and can be implemented in standard statistical software. For continuous treatments (e.g., organ quality), weights are reformulated to depend on probabilities only, not densities. We apply our method to a national database of kidney–pancreas transplant candidates from 2001–2020 to illustrate that variability in transplant rate across years and centers results in qualitative differences in the optimal strategy for patient survival.
Attitude networks as intergroup realities: Using network‐modelling to research attitude‐identity relationships in polarized political contexts
Authors: Lüders Adrian , Carpentras Dino , Quayle Michael
Published: July 2023

We apply a newly developed attitude network‐modelling technique (Response‐Item Network, or ResIN) to study attitude–identity relationships in the context of hot–button issues that polarize the current US‐American electorate. The properties of the network–method allow us to simultaneously depict differences in the structural organization of attitudes between groups and to explore the relevance of organized attitude–systems for group identity management. Individuals based on a sample of US‐American crowd workers (N = 396) and the representative 2020 ANES data set (N = 8280), we model an attitude network with two conflictive partisan belief‐systems. In the first step, we demonstrate that the structural properties of the attitude‐network provide substantial information about latent partisan identities, thereby revealing which attitudes ‘belong’ to specific groups. In a second step, we evaluate the potential of attitudes to communicate identity‐relevant information. Results from a vignette study suggest that people rely on their mental representations of attitude‐identity links to structure and evaluate their social environment. By highlighting functional interdependences between (macro level) attitude structures and identity management, the presented findings help advancing the understanding of attitude‐identity dynamics and socio‐political cleavages.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided colo‐colostomy for the treatment of benign complete occlusion of colonic anastomosis: a case series and description of technique
Authors: Pang Philip B. C. , Chouhan Ashvina , Joshi Heman M. N. , Wheeler James M. D. , Corbett Gareth D. , Varghese Sibu , Godfrey Edmund M.
Published: July 2023

Aim

The incidence of benign colonic anastomotic stricture is approximately 2% in patients undergoing left hemicolectomy or anterior resection and as high as 16% in patients undergoing low anterior or intersphincteric resection. In the majority, rather than complete occlusion, a stenosis forms, which can be managed with endoscopic balloon dilatation, a self‐expanding metallic stent or endoscopic electroincision. In the less common scenario of a completely occluded colonic anastomosis, surgery is often required. In this study, we aim to describe the technique we used to treat this condition non‐operatively

Method

We describe a case series of three patients with benign complete occlusion of their colorectal anastomosis and how we managed them nonoperatively with a colonic/rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) anastomosis technique and a Hot lumen‐apposing metallic stent.

Results

We demonstrate that the technical and clinical success for this technique is 100%.

Conclusions

We believe that the technique we describe is effective and safe. It should be widely reproducible in centres with expertise in interventional EUS, given the similarity to well‐established procedures such as EUS‐guided gastroenterostomy. Patient selection and timing of reversal of ileostomy need careful consideration, especially in patients with a history of keloid formation. Given the shorter hospital stay and reduced invasiveness of this technique, we believe it should be considered for all patients who have complete benign occlusion of a colonic anastomosis. However, given the small number of cases and short period of follow‐up, the long‐term outcome of this technique is not known. More studies with higher power and a longer period of follow‐up should be conducted to further ascertain the effectiveness of this technique.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with clindamycin in a patient with Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Casillas Austin C. , Barragan Victor A. , Alhalaseh Yazan , Modi Mitul B. , Lake Eden , Speiser Jodi J.
Published: July 2023

A 61‐year‐old African‐American female with moderately controlled Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) presents to the emergency department with a rash and fever. One day prior to her presentation, she was started on oral clindamycin for a tooth extraction procedure. Her physical examination shows diffuse erythema on the trunk and extremities with multiple nonfollicular pustules. A punch biopsy of her upper extremity revealed intraepidermal acantholysis, neutrophilic spongiosis, and subcorneal pustules. The perivascular and interstitial superficial dermal infiltrate is mixed and composed of predominantly neutrophils, with lymphocytes and rare eosinophils. These findings suggest a superimposed acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) in the background of HHD. AGEP is a potentially severe cutaneous condition characterized by the abrupt onset of numerous nonfollicular pustules in a background of pruritic edematous erythroderma. To date, only two case reports have described AGEP in patients with HHD. Early diagnosis of AGEP is essential to initiate prompt and aggressive systemic therapy, prompt medication cessation, close monitoring for end‐organ damage, and improve overall morbidity and mortality.
PRAME expression in cutaneous melanoma does not correlate with disease‐specific survival
Authors: Parra Ourania , Ma Weijie , Li Zhongze , Coffing Bryan N. , Linos Konstantinos , LeBlanc Robert E. , Momtahen Shabnam , Sriharan Aravindhan , Cloutier Jeffrey M. , Wells Wendy A. , Yan Shaofeng
Published: July 2023

Background

Immunohistochemistry‐based protein biomarkers can provide useful prognostic information in cutaneous melanoma. The independent prognostic value of Ki‐67 has been studied with variable results. PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry is a useful new ancillary tool for distinguishing cutaneous nevi from melanoma; however, its prognostic value has not been well studied. We evaluated PRAME as a prognostic marker in cutaneous melanoma, compared to Ki‐67.

Methods

We analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of PRAME and Ki‐67 in 165 melanocytic lesions, including 92 primary melanomas, 19 metastatic melanomas, and 54 melanocytic nevi using tissue microarrays. PRAME immunostaining was scored based on the percentage of positive nuclei: 0 <1%, 1+ 1%–25%, 2+ 26%–50%, 3+ 51%–75%, and 4+ >75%. The percentage of Ki‐67‐positive tumor nuclei was used to calculate the proliferation index.

Results

PRAME and Ki‐67 both showed significantly increased expression in melanomas compared to nevi (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in PRAME expression in primary versus metastatic melanomas. By contrast, the Ki‐67 proliferation index was higher in metastatic melanoma than in primary melanoma (p = 0.013). Increased Ki‐67 index correlated with ulceration (p < 0.001), increased Breslow depth (p = 0.001), and higher mitotic rate (p < 0.0001), whereas increased PRAME expression correlated with higher mitotic rate (p = 0.047) and Ki‐67 index (p = 0.007). Increased Ki‐67 index correlated with worse disease‐specific survival in patients with primary melanoma (p < 0.001), but PRAME expression did not show prognostic significance in disease‐specific survival (p = 0.63). In a multivariable analysis of patients with primary melanoma, tumor Breslow depth, ulceration, mitotic rate, and Ki‐67 index were each independent predictors of disease‐specific survival (p = 0.006, 0.02, 0.001, and 0.04, respectively); however, PRAME expression was not predictive of disease‐specific survival (p = 0.64).

Conclusion

Ki‐67 is an independent prognostic marker; although increased PRAME expression correlates with the Ki‐67 proliferation index and mitotic rate, PRAME is not an independent prognostic marker for cutaneous melanoma. PRAME and Ki‐67 are useful ancillary tools for distinguishing benign from malignant melanocytic lesions.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐rendezvous versus percutaneous‐endoscopic rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for bile duct access: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yoon Seung Bae , Yang Min Jae , Shin Dong Woo , Soh Jae Seung , Lim Hyun , Kang Ho Suk , Moon Sung‐Hoon
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or percutaneous‐assisted antegrade guidewire insertion can be used to achieve biliary access when standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of EUS‐assisted rendezvous (EUS‐RV) and percutaneous rendezvous (PERC‐RV) ERCP.

Methods

We searched multiple databases from inception to September 2022 to identify studies reporting on EUS‐RV and PERC‐RV in failed ERCP. A random‐effects model was used to summarize the pooled rates of technical success and adverse events with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In total, 524 patients (19 studies) and 591 patients (12 studies) were managed by EUS‐RV and PERC‐RV, respectively. The pooled technical successes were 88.7% (95% CI 84.6–92.8%, I2 = 70.5%) for EUS‐RV and 94.1% (95% CI 91.1–97.1%, I2 = 59.2%) for PERC‐RV (P = 0.088). The technical success rates of EUS‐RV and PERC‐RV were comparable in subgroups of benign diseases (89.2% vs. 95.8%, P = 0.068), malignant diseases (90.3% vs. 95.5%, P = 0.193), and normal anatomy (90.7% vs. 95.9%, P = 0.240). However, patients with surgically altered anatomy had poorer technical success after EUS‐RV than after PERC‐RV (58.7% vs. 93.1%, P = 0.036). The pooled rates of overall adverse events were 9.8% for EUS‐RV and 13.4% for PERC‐RV (P = 0.686).

Conclusions

Both EUS‐RV and PERC‐RV have exhibited high technical success rates. When standard ERCP fails, EUS‐RV and PERC‐RV are comparably effective rescue techniques if adequate expertise and facilities are feasible. However, in patients with surgically altered anatomy, PERC‐RV might be the preferred choice over EUS‐RV because of its higher technical success rate.
Successful transabdominal treatment of a chronic splenic abscess caused byClostridium perfringensafter penetrating external trauma in a horse
Authors: Schwieder Alexander , Niebuhr Tobias , Geburek Florian
Published: July 2023

This report describes the successful treatment of a traumatic splenic abscess by transabdominal drainage under ultrasonographic guidance. The gelding presented for investigation of recurrent pyrexia, mild abdominal pain and weight loss after a penetrating trauma to the caudolateral abdomen 5 weeks previously. At this stage, the abdominal wall had healed and a splenic abscess was diagnosed. Before treatment, mature adhesions between the abdominal wall and the spleen were confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy in the standing horse. Transabdominal ultrasound‐guided drainage was performed, followed by intralesional placement of a balloon catheter for 2 weeks and a silicone drain for an additional week. Postoperatively, the horse was treated with intralesional and systemic antibiotics. The healing process was unremarkable and the horse was discharged 4 weeks postoperatively. At 10 months post‐surgery, after the body condition score had normalised, the horse returned to its previous level of performance.
Gaps in mammal conservation in China: An analysis with a framework based on minimum area requirements
Authors: Wang Yihong , Zhang Chengcheng , Qiu Lan , Yang Biao , Dai Qiang
Published: July 2023

Climate change, habitat loss, and human disturbance are major threats to biodiversity. Protecting habitats plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation, and there is a global imperative to establish an effective system of protected areas (PAs) to implement habitat conservation and halt biodiversity decline. However, the protected patch size of habitat for a species is just as important for biodiversity conservation as the expansion of areas already under protection. In China, conservation management is often carried out based on administrative divisions. Therefore, here, an analytical conservation management framework was developed based on administrative divisions to assess whether the current network of PAs can effectively meet species' conservation needs using the minimum area requirements (MARs) of species as criteria for medium and large‐sized mammals in China. This study found that the MAR of medium and large‐sized mammals was larger in the northwest and smaller in the southeast, while taking the Hu line as the dividing line. Precipitation seasonality, elevation, annual mean temperature, and annual precipitation are the main environmental factors driving the distribution of a species MAR. Compared with MAR for each species, the maximum protected patch size of habitat is severely undersized in most provinces where those species primarily distribute, and this is particularly true for large carnivores and threatened species. The densely populated provinces of eastern China are particularly affected by this. The present study's framework can identify the provinces needing to expand PAs or implement other effective area‐based conservation measures and habitat restoration. This analytical framework is also relevant for biodiversity conservation in different taxa and regions around the globe.
Large‐scale exploration of nitrogen utilization efficiency in Asia region for rice crop: Variation patterns and determinants
Authors: Sun Yuming , Gao Limin , Meng Xusheng , Huang Jian , Guo Junjie , Zhou Xuan , Fu Guohai , Xu Yang , Firbank Leslie G. , Wang Min , Ling Ning , Feng Xumeng , Shen Qirong , Guo Shiwei
Published: July 2023

Improving rice nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE) is imperative to maximizing future food productivity while minimizing environmental threats, yet knowledge of its variation and the underlying regulatory factors is still lacking. Here, we integrated a dataset with 21,571 data compiled by available data from peer‐reviewed literature and a large‐scale field survey to address this knowledge gap. The overall results revealed great variations in rice NUtE, which were mainly associated with human activities, climate conditions, and rice variety. Specifically, N supply rate, temperature, and precipitation were the foremost determinants of rice NUtE, and NUtE responses to climatic change differed among rice varieties. Further prediction highlighted the improved rice NUtE with the increasing latitude or longitude. The indica and hybrid rice exhibited higher NUtE in low latitude regions compared to japonica and inbred rice, respectively. Collectively, our results evaluated the primary drivers of rice NUtE variations and predicted the geographic responses of NUtE in different varieties. Linking the global variations in rice NUtE with environmental factors and geographic adaptability provides valuable agronomic and ecological insights into the regulation of rice NUtE.
Theory of planned behavior in consumer behavior research: A systematic literature review
Authors: Rozenkowska Katarzyna
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to systematically review and categorize studies on consumer behavior based on theory of planned behavior (TPB), its core constructs, or extensions, and to provide directions for future research agenda. Scopus and the Web of Science were consulted for studies based on TPB, its parts, or extensions. The inclusion criteria were studies published in peer‐reviewed journals, in English, and within the past decade (i.e., between 2012 and 2021). Graphical methods were used to visually display research findings. For the purpose of literature clustering, MAXQDA 2020 software was employed. In total, 118 scientific, peer‐reviewed sources were included in the review. Two categories, five clusters, and seven subclusters emerged from the literature set. The results revealed a significant research tendency toward exploring consumer green behavior and consumer purchase intention of food products. The least‐explored research themes were focused on consumer intention toward and purchase behavior of clothing, green vehicles, and green personal care products. The review confirmed the growing prevalence of TPB in consumer behavior research aimed at exploring factors preceding behavior.
Hyperoside improves the textural and rheological properties of threadfin bream surimi gel
Authors: Singh Avtar , Mehta Saumya , Patil Umesh , Nuthong Pornpot , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: July 2023

Textural, rheological, structural and sensorial properties of threadfin bream surimi as influenced by the addition of hyperoside (HyS) at various levels (0%–4%; w/w) were investigated. Surimi gel added with 1% and 2% HyS (HyS1 and HyS2, respectively) had the highest breaking force and deformation (P < 0.05). HyS2 showed the maximum water‐holding capacity, followed by HyS1 (P < 0.05). Whiteness of gel was decreased when the concentration of HyS was higher than 1%. Hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness increased with the addition of 1%–2% HyS (P < 0.05). HyS enhanced the connections between surimi proteins as supported by the appearance of some polymerised proteins. No major changes in the secondary structure of myofibrillar proteins in gel were noticed as determined by FTIR. Microstructure also revealed the formation of higher connectivity in the gel network with the addition of 1%–2% HyS. Likeness score for taste and flavour slightly decreased (P < 0.05), but the overall likeness score for HyS1 was still higher than the acceptable limit (score of 5). Therefore, the addition of HyS improved the gelling properties of threadfin surimi gel, which could be claimed as a functional food due to the several health benefits of HyS. Nevertheless, future studies should be conducted to reduce the bitterness associated with HyS incorporation.
Assessment of hand eczema severity by patients using the hand eczema severity index (HECSI)
Authors: Janstrup Anne Klose , Nørreslet Line Brok , Toft‐Hansen Jakob Maarbjerg , Ofenloch Robert , Agner Tove , Yüksel Yasemin Topal
Published: July 2023

Background

Hand eczema severity index (HECSI) is a widely used tool for assessment of hand eczema (HE) severity. Generally, HECSI has been used by health care providers, and a validation of the HECSI tool when used by patients is lacking.

Objectives

To evaluate the construct validity and reliability of HECSI as a tool for patients based on comparison to HECSI assessments by physicians.

Methods

Patients with HE, enrolled from the dermatological outpatient clinic, Bispebjerg Hospital, assessed HE severity with a patient version of HECSI (patient‐HECSI). Afterwards, HECSI was assessed by a trained physician (physician‐HECSI).

Results

This study found a strong correlation and very good absolute agreement between patient‐HECSI and physician‐HECSI assessments with a correlation coefficient of 0.756 and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.844. Cronbach's alpha was 0.861 indicating very good internal consistency.

Conclusion

With a strong construct validity and reliability, the patient‐HECSI may be used by patients as a patient‐reported outcome assessing their personal HE severity.
Physical function in older adults with and without a cancer history: Findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Gell Nancy M. , Bae Myeongjin , Patel Kushang V. , Schmitz Kathryn , Dittus Kim , Toth Michael
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous studies identified physical function limitations in older cancer survivors, but few have included objective measures and most focused on breast and prostate cancer survivors. The current study compared patient‐reported and objective physical function measures between older adults with and without a cancer history.

Methods

Our cross‐sectional study used a nationally representative sample of community‐dwelling, Medicare beneficiaries from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study (n = 7495). Data collected included patient‐reported physical function, including a composite physical capacity score and limitations in strength, mobility, and balance, and objectively measured physical performance metrics, including gait speed, five time sit‐to‐stand, tandem stand, and grip strength. All analyses were weighted to account for the complex sampling design.

Results

Thirteen percent of participants (n = 829) reported a history of cancer, of which more than half (51%) reported a diagnosis other than breast or prostate cancer. In models adjusted for demographics and health history, older cancer survivors had lower Short Physical Performance Battery scores (unstandardized beta [B] = −0.36; 95% CI: −0.64, −0.08), slower gait speed (B = −0.03; 95% CI: −0.05, −0.01), reduced grip strength (B = −0.86; 95% CI: −1.44, −0.27), worse patient‐reported composite physical capacity (B = −0.43; 95% CI: −0.67, −0.18) and patient‐reported upper extremity strength (B = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.50) compared to older adults without cancer. Additionally, the burden of physical function limitations was greater in women than in men, which may be explained by cancer type.

Conclusions

Our results extend studies in breast and prostate cancer to show worse objective and patient‐reported physical function outcomes in older adults with a range of cancer types compared to those without a cancer history. Moreover, these burdens seem to disproportionately affect older adult women, underscoring the need for interventions to address functional limitations and prevent further health consequences of cancer and its treatment.
LncRNA BANCR promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via regulating Rab1A signaling
Authors: Li Weiyu , Xu Xiaoqing , Ma Zeyi , Shen Peiqi , Cheng Bin , Xia Juan , Li Yaoyin
Published: July 2023

Background

Long non‐coding RNA BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA plays bidirectional roles in human cancers. However, function and molecular mechanism of BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma still need to clarify further.

Methods

Long non‐coding RNA microarray assay, in situ hybridization staining, clinicopathological data analysis were performed to investigate expression pattern of BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue samples. Constructing ectopically expressed BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via plasmids or siRNAs, then changeable abilities of proliferation and motility of these cells were observed in vitro and in vivo. RNA‐protein pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore potential pathways involved in BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA‐based regulation of malignant progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Results

BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA was identified upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue and correlated with nodal metastasis and clinical severity of patients. Overexpressed BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA increased percentage of 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine‐positive cells, viability, migration, and invasion rates of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, while silenced BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA could observe weakened effects in vitro. Xenograft tumor formed by BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA‐overexpressed cells had bigger volume, faster growth rates, higher weight, and more Ki67+ cells. Pulmonary metastasis induced by BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA‐silenced cells had fewer colony nodes, Ki67+ cells, and CD31+ blood vessels. Furthermore, BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA was mainly localized in nucleus of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells and bound Ras‐associated binding 1A. Silencing Ras‐associated binding 1A could damage mobile ability and phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor‐κB in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells induced by overexpressing BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA. Opposite trend was also observed.

Conclusion

Acting as a promoter in oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis, BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma cells proliferation and motility by regulating the BRAF‐activated non‐protein coding RNA/Ras‐associated binding 1A complex, which activates nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway.
“Youth‐focused” versus “whole‐family” screen rules: Associations with social media difficulties and moderation by impulsivity
Authors: Hawk Skyler T. , Wang Ying , Wong Natalie , Xiao Yang , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2023

Many parents attempt to limit adolescents' screen time without changing their own habits. We examined whether “whole‐family” versus “youth‐focused” restrictions differentially predict social media‐related difficulties (procrastination and problematic use), and whether adolescents' impulsive social media behaviors moderated these relationships. Among 183 Chinese early adolescents (58.5% female), whole‐family rules negatively predicted procrastination. Impulsivity moderated associations between rulemaking approaches and social media difficulties; youth‐focused rules negatively predicted procrastination and problematic use for highly impulsive adolescents, while whole‐family rules held no associations or predicted increased difficulties. For less impulsive adolescents, however, whole‐family rules negatively predicted social media difficulties and youth‐focused rules positively predicted problematic use. Results suggest that setting the implementation of screen rules should involve parental participation and consideration of individual differences.
Urchin grazing of kelp gametophytes in warming oceans
Authors: Veenhof Reina J. , Coleman Melinda A. , Champion Curtis , Dworjanyn Symon A.
Published: July 2023

Sea urchins can cause extensive damage to kelp forests, and their overgrazing can create extensive barren areas, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Barrens may persist when the recruitment of kelp, which occurs through the microscopic haploid gametophyte stage, is suppressed. However, the ecology of kelp gametophytes is poorly understood, and here we investigate if grazing by juvenile urchins on kelp gametophytes can suppress kelp recruitment and if this is exacerbated by climate change. We compared grazing of Ecklonia radiata gametophytes by two species of juvenile urchins, the tropical Tripneustes gratilla and the temperate Centrostephanus rodgersii, at winter (19°C), summer (23°C), and ocean warming (26°C) temperatures for the low‐latitude range edge of E. radiata, which is vulnerable to ocean warming. We examined the rate of recovery of gametophytes following grazing and determined whether they survived and formed sporophytes after ingestion by sea urchins. Both T. gratilla and C. rodgersii grazed E. radiata gametophytes, reducing their abundance compared to no grazing controls. Surprisingly, temperature did not influence grazing rates, but gametophytes did not recover from grazing in the ocean warming (26°C) treatment. Gametophytes survived ingestion by both species of sea urchin and formed sporophytes after ingestion by T. gratilla, but not C. rodgersii. These results suggest complex grazer–gametophyte interactions, in which both negative (reduced abundance and poor recovery with warming) and positive (facilitated recruitment) effects are possible. Small grazers may play a more important role in kelp ecosystem function than previously thought and should be considered in our understanding of alternate stable states.
Effects of morning and evening physical exercise on subjective and objective sleep quality: an ecological study
Authors: Goldberg Mathias , Pairot de Fontenay Benoit , Blache Yoann , Debarnot Ursula
Published: July 2023

To optimise the relationship between exercise and sleep quality, the intensity of exercise and its proximity to sleep are key factors to manage. Although low‐to‐moderate exercises promote sleep quality, late‐evening vigorous exercise instead of morning should still be avoided. It potentially impacts the objective and subjective markers of sleep quality. In the present study, we investigated the effects of vigorous morning and evening exercise on objective and subjective sleep features in an ecological context. A total of 13 recreational runners (mean [SD] age 27.7 [7.2] years, four females) performed a 45–60 min run (70% maximal aerobic velocity) either in the MORNING (30 min to 2 h after waking‐up) or in the EVENING (2 h to 30 min before sleep). The two exercise conditions were separated by a REST day. After each condition, sleep was objectively assessed using an electroencephalographic headband and subjectively using the Spiegel Sleep Inventory. Compared with REST, both MORNING and EVENING exercise increased the time spent in non‐rapid eye movement (NREM, +24.9 min and +22.7 min; p = 0.01, η2 = 0.11, respectively). Longer NREM duration was mainly due to sleep stage 2 extension after both MORNING (+20.8 min) and EVENING (+22.8 min) exercise relative to REST (p = 0.02, η2 = 0.12). No other effect of exercise on either objective or subjective sleep could be observed. Exercise, independently of the time at which it takes place, leads to extended NREM sleep without other effects on sleep quality. Considering the crucial role of exercise in achieving good health, sleep hygiene guidelines should be updated to promote exercise at any time of the day.
Structural capabilities in primary care practices where nurse practitioners care for persons living with dementia
Authors: Hovsepian Vaneh E. , Liu Jianfang , Schlak Amelia E. , Sadak Tatiana , Martsolf Grant , Bilazarian Ani , McHugh Matthew D. , Poghosyan Lusine
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary care structural capabilities (i.e., electronic health records, care coordination, community integration, and reminder systems) can address the multiple needs of persons living with dementia (PLWD).

Objectives

This study describes structural capabilities in primary care practices where nurse practitioners (NPs) provide care to PLWD and compares the presence of structural capabilities in practices with a high and low volume of PLWD.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from 293 NPs in 259 practices in California. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between the volume of PLWD and the presence of structural capabilities.

Results

NPs reported that 96% of practices had electronic health records, 61% had community integration, 55% had reminder systems and 35% had care coordination capabilities. Practices with a high volume of PLWD were less likely to have community integration compared to practices with a low volume of PLWD.

Conclusion

Many PLWD‐serving practices do not have the essential infrastructure for providing optimal dementia care. Practice managers should focus on implementing the essential structural capabilities to address the complex needs of PLWD.

Implications for practice

Clinicians and practice administrations can use the findings of this study to improve the delivery of care in practices that provide care to PLWD.
Treatment of Anterior Dislocation of the Sacroiliac Joint via the Lateral‐rectus Approach: Surgical Techniques and Preliminary Outcomes
Authors: Fan Shicai , Chen Sheqiang , Mai Qiguang , Li Tao , Chen Yuhui , Zhu Zhenhua , Wang Hua , Yang Cheng , Liao Jianwen , Zhang Ruipeng , Zhang Yingze
Published: July 2023

Objective

Anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint (ADSIJ) is caused by strong violence, and because of its low morbidity, there are no standardized diagnostic and therapeutical guidelines at this moment. This study aims to explore the surgical techniques and preliminary outcomes of the lateral‐rectus approach (LRA) for treating ADSIJ.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of 15 patients with ADSIJ from January 2016 to January 2021. The patients' age ranged from 1.8 years old to 57 years old (37 ± 18 years old). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the LRA. Eight patients were combined with lumbosacral plexus injury and underwent neurolysis during operation. Patients' fracture type, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were accessed by reviewing medical history. Quality of fracture reduction was evaluated with the Matta score. At 1‐year follow‐up, the functional rehabilitation was evaluated by the Majeed rehabilitation criteria. For those with lumbosacral plexus injury, the neuromotor function was evaluated using muscle strength grading proposed by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) and recovery was recorded.

Results

All 15 patients underwent the operation successfully. The surgical time ranged from 70 to 220 min (126 ± 42 min), and the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 180 to 2000 mL (816 ± 560 mL). Eighty percent of the cohort (12/15) were rated as excellent and good in the Matta score for fracture reduction quality after operation without surgical incision‐related complications. At 1‐year follow‐up, the overall excellent and good rate was 73.3% (11/15) according to the Majeed criteria, the neuromotor function recovered completely in six cases and partially in two cases according to the BMRC muscle strength grading, and the recovery of sensory function was evaluated as excellent in six cases, good in one case and poor in one case, with an overall excellent and good rate of 87.5%.

Conclusion

The LRA can well expose the surrounding structures of the sacroiliac joint from the front, which helps surgeons reduce and fix the anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint under direct vision and effectively decompress the entrapment of the lumbosacral plexus to achieve better clinical efficacy.
The OsNAC24‐OsNAP protein complex activates OsGBSSI and OsSBEI expression to fine‐tune starch biosynthesis in rice endosperm
Authors: Jin Su‐Kui , Xu Li‐Na , Leng Yu‐Jia , Zhang Ming‐Qiu , Yang Qing‐Qing , Wang Shui‐Lian , Jia Shu‐Wen , Song Tao , Wang Ruo‐An , Tao Tao , Liu Qiao‐Quan , Cai Xiu‐Ling , Gao Ji‐Ping
Published: July 2023

Starch accounts for up to 90% of the dry weight of rice endosperm and is a key determinant of grain quality. Although starch biosynthesis enzymes have been comprehensively studied, transcriptional regulation of starch‐synthesis enzyme‐coding genes (SECGs) is largely unknown. In this study, we explored the role of a NAC transcription factor, OsNAC24, in regulating starch biosynthesis in rice. OsNAC24 is highly expressed in developing endosperm. The endosperm of osnac24 mutants is normal in appearance as is starch granule morphology, while total starch content, amylose content, chain length distribution of amylopectin and the physicochemical properties of the starch are changed. In addition, the expression of several SECGs was altered in osnac24 mutant plants. OsNAC24 is a transcriptional activator that targets the promoters of six SECGs; OsGBSSI, OsSBEI, OsAGPS2, OsSSI, OsSSIIIa and OsSSIVb. Since both the mRNA and protein abundances of OsGBSSI and OsSBEI were decreased in the mutants, OsNAC24 functions to regulate starch synthesis mainly through OsGBSSI and OsSBEI. Furthermore, OsNAC24 binds to the newly identified motifs TTGACAA, AGAAGA and ACAAGA as well as the core NAC‐binding motif CACG. Another NAC family member, OsNAP, interacts with OsNAC24 and coactivates target gene expression. Loss‐of‐function of OsNAP led to altered expression in all tested SECGs and reduced the starch content. These results demonstrate that the OsNAC24‐OsNAP complex plays key roles in fine‐tuning starch synthesis in rice endosperm and further suggest that manipulating the OsNAC24‐OsNAP complex regulatory network could be a potential strategy for breeding rice cultivars with improved cooking and eating quality.
A genomic panel for studying C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthesis in the Brassiceae tribe
Authors: Guerreiro Ricardo , Bonthala Venkata Suresh , Schlüter Urte , Hoang Nam V. , Triesch Sebastian , Schranz M. Eric , Weber Andreas P. M. , Stich Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Research on C4 and C3‐C4 photosynthesis has attracted significant attention because the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of these traits will support the introduction of its characteristics into commercially relevant crop species. We used a panel of 19 taxa of 18 Brassiceae species with different photosynthesis characteristics (C3 and C3‐C4) with the following objectives: (i) create draft genome assemblies and annotations, (ii) quantify orthology levels using synteny maps between all pairs of taxa, (iii) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠describe the phylogenetic relatedness across all the species, and (iv) track the evolution of C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthesis in the Brassiceae tribe. Our results indicate that the draft de novo genome assemblies are of high quality and cover at least 90% of the gene space. Therewith we more than doubled the sampling depth of genomes of the Brassiceae tribe that comprises commercially important as well as biologically interesting species. The gene annotation generated high‐quality gene models, and for most genes extensive upstream sequences are available for all taxa, yielding potential to explore variants in regulatory sequences. The genome‐based phylogenetic tree of the Brassiceae contained two main clades and indicated that the C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthesis has evolved five times independently. Furthermore, our study provides the first genomic support of the hypothesis that Diplotaxis muralis is a natural hybrid of D. tenuifolia and D. viminea. Altogether, the de novo genome assemblies and the annotations reported in this study are a valuable resource for research on the evolution of C3‐C4 intermediate photosynthesis.
The fungal metabolite 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid from Neofusicoccum parvum modulates defence responses in grapevine
Authors: Flubacher Noemi , Baltenweck Raymonde , Hugueney Philippe , Fischer Jochen , Thines Eckhard , Riemann Michael , Nick Peter , Khattab Islam M.
Published: July 2023

In a consequence of global warming, grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) have become a pertinent problem to viticulture, because endophytic fungi can turn necrotrophic upon host stress killing the plant. In Neofusicoccum parvum Bt‐67, plant‐derived ferulic acid makes the fungus release Fusicoccin aglycone triggering plant cell death. Now, we show that the absence of ferulic acid lets the fungus secrete 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4‐HPA), mimicking the effect of auxins on grapevine defence and facilitating fungal spread. Using Vitis suspension cells, we dissected the mode of action of 4‐HPA during defence triggered by the bacterial cell‐death elicitor, harpin. Early responses (cytoskeletal remodelling and calcium influx) are inhibited, as well as the expression of Stilbene Synthase 27 and phytoalexin accumulation. In contrast to other auxins, 4‐HPA quells transcripts for the auxin conjugating GRETCHEN HAGEN 3. We suggest that 4‐HPA is a key component of the endophytic phase of N. parvum Bt‐67 preventing host cell death. Therefore, our study paves the way to understand how GTDs regulate their latent phase for successful colonisation, before turning necrotrophic and killing the vines.