bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐pregnancy obesity among immigrant and non‐immigrant women in Norway: Prevalence, trends, and subgroup variations
Authors: Nilsen Roy M. , Strandberg Ragnhild B. , Yaya Yaliso , Fismen Anne‐Siri , Macsali Ferenc , Morken Nils‐Halvdan , Gómez Real Francisco , Schytt Erica , Vik Eline S. , Sørbye Linn Marie
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study assessed prevalence and time trends of pre‐pregnancy obesity in immigrant and non‐immigrant women in Norway and explored the impact of immigrants' length of residence on pre‐pregnancy obesity prevalence.

Material and Methods

Observational data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway and Statistics Norway for the years 2016–2021 were analyzed. Immigrants were categorized by their country of birth and further grouped into seven super regions defined by the Global Burden of Disease study. Pre‐pregnancy obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥30.0 kg/m2, with exceptions for certain Asian subgroups (≥27.5 kg/m2). Statistical analysis involved linear regressions for trend analyses and log‐binomial regressions for prevalence ratios (PRs).

Results

Among 275 609 pregnancies, 29.6% (N = 81 715) were to immigrant women. Overall, 13.6% were classified with pre‐pregnancy obesity: 11.7% among immigrants and 14.4% among non‐immigrants. Obesity prevalence increased in both immigrants and non‐immigrants during the study period, with an average yearly increase of 0.62% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55, 0.70). Obesity prevalence was especially high in women from Pakistan, Chile, Somalia, Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and India (20.3%–26.9%). Immigrant women from “Sub‐Saharan Africa” showed a strong association between longer residence length and higher obesity prevalence (≥11 years (23.1%) vs. <1 year (7.2%); adjusted PR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.65–3.48), particularly in women from Kenya, Eritrea, and Congo.

Conclusions

Prevalence of maternal pre‐pregnancy obesity increased in both immigrant and non‐immigrant women from 2016 to 2021. Several immigrant subgroups displayed a considerably elevated obesity prevalence, placing them at high risk for adverse obesity‐related pregnancy outcomes. Particular attention should be directed towards women from “Sub‐Saharan Africa”, as their obesity prevalence more than doubled with longer residence.
Meta‐analysis: High pooled positive predictive value of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition no‐biopsy approach for coeliac disease testing in children
Authors: Vernon‐Roberts Angharad , Verma Sanjeev , Day Andrew S. , Ho Shaun S. C.
Published: July 2024

Background

The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition established guidelines in 2012 for a no‐biopsy approach to diagnose coeliac disease in children. This guideline required symptoms suggestive of coeliac disease, positive human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes, tissue transglutaminase type‐2 immunoglobulin A antibody titre at levels greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal, and positive endomysial immune‐globulin A antibody test. An updated 2020 guideline excluded the need for symptoms and positive HLA.

Aims

To assess the pooled positive predictive value (PPV) of the no‐biopsy approach with small bowel biopsy (SBB) data as the reference standard for comparison.

Methods

Database searches (October 2023) provided data that we combined using a random‐effects meta‐analysis to provide a pooled PPV, representing the probability that a positive test result means that an individual truly has the condition.

Results

We included 23 studies. Study sample sizes totalled 23,769 but only 3007 children had comparative SBB. The proportion of coeliac disease confirmed by the no‐biopsy approach and SBB ranged from 79.2% to 100%, with an overall pooled PPV of 97.4% (95% confidence interval 96.0, 98.6). Sensitivity analysis showed higher PPV for the criteria that included HLA (98.5% vs. 96.8%; p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Both no‐biopsy criteria exhibit high PPV when compared to the reference standard. These results provide a consistent message of accuracy and feasibility to inform change and improve outcomes.
Bystander responses in five‐steps: Paving road to prosocial intervention to social exclusion through social‐cognition
Authors: Ayhan Serengeti , Gönültaş Seçil
Published: July 2024

To promote prosocial defending behaviours to social exclusion, it is important to understand the role of social‐cognitive factors in bystanders' cognition, judgements and responses. The current research examined how social cognitive skills relate to different aspects of bystanders' cognition, judgements and responses in the five‐step intervention model. Data were collected from 96 Turkish children and adolescents (Mage = 12.39 years, SD = 1.74, 59 girls, aged 10–17). Participants were presented with a hypothetical social exclusion scenario and their bystanders' cognition, judgements and responses were measured via five‐step intervention model. Theory of mind (ToM), mind‐reading motivation (MRM) and empathy were also measured as predictors. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that while ToM and MRM were more likely to predict bystanders' judgements and cognitions around social exclusion, empathy was also found to be correlated with behavioural aspects of bystanders' responses beside cognitions and judgements. Overall, our novel findings provide insight for intervention studies to promote prosocial bystanders' judgements, cognitions and responses by addressing different social‐cognitive skills.
A scoping review of academic papers on human–lion conflict in Africa
Authors: Abell Jackie , Oldbury‐Thomas Donna , Mazhandu Catherine
Published: July 2024

Adopting a scoping review method, we examined peer‐reviewed academic papers published about human–lion conflict (HLC) (including coexistence) and identified knowledge gaps. We searched papers published between January 1981 and December 2023 using academic databases, with the key terms African lion, human–lion conflict, human–lion coexistence, and human–lion interaction. This produced 485 records, reduced to 137 after using additional criteria. Ninety‐eight papers were focused on lions in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Ten pan‐African studies were identified in our review. Our inductive analysis identified four themes related to HLC: attitudes and perceptions toward lions, causes of HLC, consequences of HLC, and mitigating HLC. Some limitations identified in systematic reviews of human–wildlife conflict have been addressed in recent years, such as broadening the geographical scale of research. However, some knowledge gaps remain, including a lack of assessment of mitigation strategies and studies on climate changes impact on human–lion conflict. Addressing the knowledge gaps highlighted in this review will require diversifying the disciplinary composition of the research teams and increasing researcher reflexivity.
Implementation of a pharmacogenetic panel‐based test for pharmacotherapy‐based supportive care in an adult oncology clinic
Authors: Cicali Emily J. , Eddy Elizabeth , Gong Yan , Elchynski Amanda L. , Pena del Aguila Kim , Basha Tala , Daily Karen C. , Dickson Lauren , Fischer Steven , Hastings‐Monari Erin , Jones Dennie , Ramnaraign Brian H. , DeRemer David L. , George Thomas J. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M.
Published: July 2024

The University of Florida Health conducted a pragmatic implementation of a pharmacogenetics (PGx) panel‐based test to guide medications used for supportive care prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy. The implementation was in the context of a pragmatic clinical trial for patients with non‐hematologic cancers being treated with chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to either the intervention arm or control arm and received PGx testing immediately or at the end of the study, respectively. Patients completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) to assess quality of life (QoL). A total of 150 patients received PGx testing and enrolled in the study. Clinical decision support and implementation infrastructure were developed. While the study was originally planned for 500 patients, we were underpowered in our sample of 150 patients to test differences in the patient‐reported MDASI scores. We did observed a high completion rate (92%) of the questionnaires; however, there were few medication changes (n = 6 in the intervention arm) based on PGx test results. Despite this, we learned several lessons through this pragmatic implementation of a PGx panel‐based test in an outpatient oncology setting. Most notably, patients were less willing to undergo PGx testing if the cost of the test exceeded $100. In addition, to enhance PGx implementation success, reoccurring provider education is necessary, clinical decision support needs to appear in a more conducive way to fit in with oncologists' workflow, and PGx test results need to be available earlier in treatment planning.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in adolescents with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes multimorbidity—a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Shamim Muhammad Aaqib , Patil Amol N. , Amin Ulfat , Roy Tuli , Tiwari Krishna , Husain Noor , Kumar Jogender , Chenchula Santenna , Rao Priyanka , Ganesh Venkata , Varthya Shoban Babu , Singh Surjit , Shukla Ravindra , Rastogi Ashu , Gandhi Aravind P. , Satapathy Prakisini , Sah Ranjit , Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Dwivedi Pradeep , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: July 2024

Aim

To synthesize the evidence on the effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) in adolescents with overweight or obesity.

Materials and Methods

For this systematic review and network meta‐analysis, we searched five databases and registries until 2 March 2024 for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was weight change. We did a pairwise meta‐analysis to compare GLP‐1RAs and placebo, followed by a drug‐wise network meta‐analysis (NMA) to compare GLP‐1RAs against each other.

Results

We screened 770 records to include 12 RCTs with 883 participants. The evidence suggests that GLP‐1RAs reduced weight (mean difference −4.21 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] −7.08 to −1.35) and body mass index (BMI; mean difference −2.11 kg/m2, 95% CI −3.60 to −0.62). The evidence on waist circumference, body fat percentage and adverse events (AEs) was very uncertain. The results remained consistent with subgroup analyses for coexisting type 2 diabetes. Longer therapy duration led to a greater reduction in weight and BMI. In the NMA, semaglutide led to the greatest weight reduction, followed by exenatide, liraglutide and lixisenatide.

Conclusions

The evidence suggests that GLP‐1RAs reduce most weight‐related outcomes in adolescents, with semaglutide being the most efficacious. There is uncertain evidence on body fat and serious AEs, probably due to fewer studies and low incidence, respectively. Larger RCTs with head‐to‐head comparisons, pragmatic design, adiposity‐related outcomes, and economic evaluation can further guide the use and choice of GLP‐1RAs.
Research advances in understanding crosstalk between organs and pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction
Authors: Huang Peng , Zhu Yunling , Qin Jian
Published: July 2024

Obesity has increased dramatically worldwide. Being overweight or obese can lead to various conditions, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome (MetS), which may further lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies have identified a link between β‐cell dysfunction and the severity of MetS, with multiple organs and tissues affected. Identifying the associations between pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction and organs is critical. Research has focused on the interaction between the liver, gut and pancreatic β‐cells. However, the mechanisms and related core targets are still not perfectly elucidated. The aims of this review were to summarize the mechanisms of β‐cell dysfunction and to explore the potential pathogenic pathways and targets that connect the liver, gut, adipose tissue, muscle, and brain to pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction.
Metabolomics analysis of human spermatozoa reveals impaired metabolic pathways in asthenozoospermia
Authors: Guerra‐Carvalho Bárbara , Carrageta David F. , Maurício Tatiana , Pereira Sara C. , Barros Alberto , Carvalho Rui A. , Alves Marco G. , Domingues Pedro , Oliveira Pedro F.
Published: July 2024

Background

Infertility is a major health issue, affecting 15% of reproductive‐age couples with male factors contributing to 50% of cases. Asthenozoospermia (AS), or low sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility with complex aetiology, involving genetic and metabolic alterations, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanisms behind low motility are unclear. In this study, we used a metabolomics approach to identify metabolic biomarkers and pathways involved in sperm motility.

Methods

We compared the metabolome and lipidome of spermatozoa of men with normozoospermia (n = 44) and AS (n = 22) using untargeted LC–MS and the metabolome of seminal fluid using 1H‐NMR. Additionally, we evaluated the seminal fluid redox status to assess the oxidative stress in the ejaculate.

Results

We identified 112 metabolites and 209 lipids in spermatozoa and 27 metabolites in the seminal fluid of normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. PCA analysis of the spermatozoa's metabolomics and lipidomics data showed a clear separation between groups. Spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic men presented lower levels of several amino acids, and increased levels of energetic substrates and lysophospholipids. However, the metabolome and redox status of the seminal fluid was not altered inAS.

Conclusions

Our results indicate impaired metabolic pathways associated with redox homeostasis and amino acid, energy and lipid metabolism in AS. Taken together, these findings suggest that the metabolome and lipidome of human spermatozoa are key factors influencing their motility and that oxidative stress exposure during spermatogenesis or sperm maturation may be in the aetiology of decreased motility in AS.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Brief Assessment of Impaired Cognition case‐finding instrument in a general practice setting and comparison with other widely used brief cognitive tests—a cross‐validation study
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper , Nielsen T. Rune , Nielsen Ann , Oxbøll Anne‐Britt , Gerner Sofie D. , Waldorff Frans B. , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the discriminative validity of the Brief Assessment of Impaired Cognition (BASIC) case‐finding instrument in a general practice (GP) setting and compare it with other widely used brief cognitive instruments.

Methods

Patients aged ≥70 years were prospectively recruited from 14 Danish GP clinics. Participants were classified as having either normal cognition (n = 154) or cognitive impairment (n = 101) based on neuropsychological test performance, reported instrumental activities of daily living, and concern regarding memory decline. Comparisons involved the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS), the Mini‐Cog, the 6‐item Clock Drawing Test (CDT‐6) and the BASIC Questionnaire (BASIC‐Q).

Results

BASIC demonstrated good overall classification accuracy with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.92), a sensitivity of 0.72 (95% CI 0.62–0.80) and a specificity of 0.86 (95% CI 0.79–0.91). Pairwise comparisons of the AUCs of BASIC, MMSE, MoCA and RUDAS produced non‐significant results, but BASIC had significantly higher classification accuracy than Mini‐Cog, BASIC‐Q and CDT‐6. Depending on the pretest probability of cognitive impairment, the positive predictive validity of BASIC varied from 0.83 to 0.36, and the negative predictive validity from 0.97 to 0.76.

Conclusions

BASIC demonstrated good discriminative validity in a GP setting. The classification accuracy of BASIC is equivalent to more complex, time‐consuming instruments, such as the MMSE, MoCA and RUDAS, and higher than very brief instruments, such as the CDT‐6, Mini‐Cog and BASIC‐Q.
The evolutionary consequences of interactions between the epigenome, the genome and the environment
Authors: Baduel Pierre , Sammarco Iris , Barrett Rowan , Coronado‐Zamora Marta , Crespel Amélie , Díez‐Rodríguez Bárbara , Fox Janay , Galanti Dario , González Josefa , Jueterbock Alexander , Wootton Eric , Harney Ewan
Published: July 2024

The epigenome is the suite of interacting chemical marks and molecules that helps to shape patterns of development, phenotypic plasticity and gene regulation, in part due to its responsiveness to environmental stimuli. There is increasing interest in understanding the functional and evolutionary importance of this sensitivity under ecologically realistic conditions. Observations that epigenetic variation abounds in natural populations have prompted speculation that it may facilitate evolutionary responses to rapid environmental perturbations, such as those occurring under climate change. A frequent point of contention is whether epigenetic variants reflect genetic variation or are independent of it. The genome and epigenome often appear tightly linked and interdependent. While many epigenetic changes are genetically determined, the converse is also true, with DNA sequence changes influenced by the presence of epigenetic marks. Understanding how the epigenome, genome and environment interact with one another is therefore an essential step in explaining the broader evolutionary consequences of epigenomic variation. Drawing on results from experimental and comparative studies carried out in diverse plant and animal species, we synthesize our current understanding of how these factors interact to shape phenotypic variation in natural populations, with a focus on identifying similarities and differences between taxonomic groups. We describe the main components of the epigenome and how they vary within and between taxa. We review how variation in the epigenome interacts with genetic features and environmental determinants, with a focus on the role of transposable elements (TEs) in integrating the epigenome, genome and environment. And we look at recent studies investigating the functional and evolutionary consequences of these interactions. Although epigenetic differentiation in nature is likely often a result of drift or selection on stochastic epimutations, there is growing evidence that a significant fraction of it can be stably inherited and could therefore contribute to evolution independently of genetic change.
A sedimentary DNA record of the Atacama Trench reveals biodiversity changes in the most productive marine ecosystem
Authors: Rivera Rosas Diego Elihú , Geraldi Nathan R. , Glud Ronnie N. , Oguri Kazumasa , Haond Sophie A. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: July 2024

The hadopelagic environment remains highly understudied due to the inherent difficulties in sampling at these depths. The use of sediment environmental DNA (eDNA) can overcome some of these restrictions as settled and preserved DNA represent an archive of the biological communities. We use sediment eDNA to assess changes in the community within one of the world's most productive open‐ocean ecosystems: the Atacama Trench. The ecosystems around the Atacama Trench have been intensively fished and are affected by climate oscillations, but the understanding of potential impacts on the marine community is limited. We sampled five sites using sediment cores at water depths from 2400 to ~8000 m. The chronologies of the sedimentary record were determined using 210Pbex. Environmental DNA was extracted from core slices and metabarcoding was used to identify the eukaryote community using two separate primer pairs for different sections of the 18S rRNA gene (V9 and V7) effectively targeting pelagic taxa. The reconstructed communities were similar among markers and mainly composed of chordates and members of the Chromista kingdom. Alpha diversity was estimated for all sites in intervals of 15 years (from 1842 to 2018), showing a severe drop in biodiversity from 1970 to 1985 that aligns with one of the strongest known El Niño events and extensive fishing efforts during the time. We find a direct impact of sea surface temperature on the community composition over time. Fish and cnidarian read abundance was examined separately to determine whether fishing had a direct impact, but no direct relation was found. These results demonstrate that sediment eDNA can be a valuable emerging tool providing insight in historical perspectives on ecosystem developments. This study constitutes an important step toward an improved understanding of the importance of environmental and anthropogenic drivers in affecting open and deep ocean communities.
Pushed waves, trailing edges, and extreme events: Eco‐evolutionary dynamics of a geographic range shift in the owl limpet, Lottia gigantea
Authors: Nielsen Erica S. , Walkes Samuel , Sones Jacqueline L. , Fenberg Phillip B. , Paz‐García David A. , Cameron Brenda B. , Grosberg Richard K. , Sanford Eric , Bay Rachael A.
Published: July 2024

As climatic variation re‐shapes global biodiversity, understanding eco‐evolutionary feedbacks during species range shifts is of increasing importance. Theory on range expansions distinguishes between two different forms: “pulled” and “pushed” waves. Pulled waves occur when the source of the expansion comes from low‐density peripheral populations, while pushed waves occur when recruitment to the expanding edge is supplied by high‐density populations closer to the species' core. How extreme events shape pushed/pulled wave expansion events, as well as trailing‐edge declines/contractions, remains largely unexplored. We examined eco‐evolutionary responses of a marine invertebrate (the owl limpet, Lottia gigantea) that increased in abundance during the 2014–2016 marine heatwaves near the poleward edge of its geographic range in the northeastern Pacific. We used whole‐genome sequencing from 19 populations across >11 degrees of latitude to characterize genomic variation, gene flow, and demographic histories across the species' range. We estimated present‐day dispersal potential and past climatic stability to identify how contemporary and historical seascape features shape genomic characteristics. Consistent with expectations of a pushed wave, we found little genomic differentiation between core and leading‐edge populations, and higher genomic diversity at range edges. A large and well‐mixed population in the northern edge of the species' range is likely a result of ocean current anomalies increasing larval settlement and high‐dispersal potential across biogeographic boundaries. Trailing‐edge populations have higher differentiation from core populations, possibly driven by local selection and limited gene flow, as well as high genomic diversity likely as a result of climatic stability during the Last Glacial Maximum. Our findings suggest that extreme events can drive poleward range expansions that carry the adaptive potential of core populations, while also cautioning that trailing‐edge extirpations may threaten unique evolutionary variation. This work highlights the importance of understanding how both trailing and leading edges respond to global change and extreme events.
Association between social isolation and diversity in food intake by gender in community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kawakami Ayuka , Tomida Kouki , Shimoda Takahiro , Nakajima Chika , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2024

Aim

Few studies have investigated the relationship between low dietary variety and clearly defined social isolation by gender. This study explored the association between dietary variety and social isolation, classified by operational definition, separately by gender in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited respondents via mail. A total of 4798 participants aged ≥65 years participated in the on‐site assessment. Social isolation was assessed by “lack of conversation,” “lack of passive support,” “lack of offering support,” and “lack of social participation.” Dietary variety was evaluated using the Dietary Variety Score (DVS).

Results

The participants' median age was 73 (interquartile range 25–75: 69–77) years, and 2147 (44.7%) were male. After adjusting for covariates, with regard to male participants, a lack of offering support (β = −0.051, P = 0.019) and a lack of social participation (β = −0.089, P < 0.001) were associated with a low DVS. For female participants, only a lack of social participation was related to a low DVS (β = −0.067, P < 0.001). A lack of conversation and passive support were not associated with a low DVS for both genders (P >0.05).

Conclusion

The results indicate that encouraging social participation, regardless of gender, as well as preventing a lack of offering support for others among men, may contribute to improving individuals’ DVS. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 930–938.
Central and Eastern European Migrants in the United Kingdom: A Scoping Review of the Reasons for Utilisation of Transnational Healthcare
Authors: Stepanova Victoria , Poppleton Aaron , Ponsford Ruth
Published: July 2024

Background

An estimated 2.2 million people from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) live in the United Kingdom. It has been documented that CEE migrants underutilise health services in the United Kingdom and, as an alternative, seek healthcare in their home country. However, reasons for seeking healthcare abroad are not always clear. This review aims to identify the reasons for the uptake of transnational healthcare among CEE migrants resident in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Informed by discussions with community members, medical stakeholders and academics, a systematic scoping review was undertaken following the nine‐stage Joanna Briggs Institute framework for scoping reviews. A search strategy with MeSH terms, where relevant, was used and adapted in five academic databases, two grey literature databases and Google Scholar. Included records encompassed four concepts: migration, CEE nationalities, UK nations and healthcare utilisation, which were written in English and published between May 2004 and 2022. Data from the literature were coded, grouped and organised into themes.

Results

A total of 16 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There is evidence that some CEE migrants exclusively use healthcare services in the United Kingdom. However, many CEE migrants utilise healthcare both in the United Kingdom and their country of origin. Four themes were identified from the literature as to why migrants travelled to their country of origin for healthcare: cultural expectations of medical services, distrust in the UK NHS, barriers and transnational ties.

Conclusion

Push factors led CEE migrants to seek healthcare in their country of origin, facilitated by ongoing transnational ties. CEE migrants frequently combine visits to their country of origin with medical appointments. Utilising healthcare in their country of origin as opposed to the United Kingdom can result in fragmented and incomplete records of medications, medical tests and surgeries and risk of unnecessary treatments and complications. This review highlights the need for more targeted health outreach with CEE groups within the United Kingdom, as well as the need for further research on the impact of national events, for example, COVID‐19 and Brexit, on transnational healthcare‐seeking behaviours.

Patient or Public Contribution

The concept for this scoping review was informed by discussions with community members, medical professionals and academics, who identified it as a current issue. The results of this scoping review were discussed with healthcare stakeholders.
Immunophenotypic features of early haematopoietic and leukaemia stem cells
Authors: Reuvekamp Tom , Bachas Costa , Cloos Jacqueline
Published: July 2024

Many tumours are organised in a hierarchical structure with at its apex a cell that can maintain, establish, and repopulate the tumour—the cancer stem cell. The haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is the founder cell for all functional blood cells. Like HSCs, the leukaemia stem cells (LSC) are hypothesised to be the leukaemia‐initiating cells, which have features of stemness such as self‐renewal, quiescence, and resistance to cytotoxic drugs. Immunophenotypically, CD34+CD38− defines HSCs by adding lineage negativity and CD90+CD45RA−. At which stage of maturation the further differentiation is blocked, determines the type of leukaemia, and determines the immunophenotype of the LSC specific to the leukaemia type. No apparent LSC phenotype has been described in lymphoid leukaemia, and it is debated if a specific acute lymphocytic leukaemia‐initiating cell is present, as all cells are capable of engraftment in a secondary mouse model. In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a B‐cell clone is responsible for uncontrolled proliferation, not a specific LSC. In chronic and acute myeloid leukaemia, LSC is described as CD34+CD38− with the expression of a marker that is aberrantly expressed (LSC marker), such as CD45RA, CD123 or in the case of chronic myeloid leukaemia CD26. In acute myeloid leukaemia, the LSC load had prognostic relevance and might be a biomarker that can be used for monitoring and as an addition to measurable residual disease. However, challenges such as the CD34‐negative immunophenotype need to be explored.
The up‐regulation of PD‐L1 during boningmycin‐induced senescence in human cancer cells depends on the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway mediated by SASP
Authors: Chen Yang , Shen Jiajia , Zhao Xiaoli , He Qiyang , Zhang Juan
Published: July 2024

Therapy‐induced senescence can regulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems, thereby affecting therapeutic efficacy. Bleomycin is a major component of combined chemotherapy regimens, utilized for the treatment of multiple tumors, whereas pulmonary toxicity severely restricts its clinical benefits. As a member of the bleomycin family, boningmycin (BON) exhibits potent anticancer activity with minimal pulmonary toxicity, making it a potential alternative to bleomycin. Low concentrations of BON can induce senescence, but the impact of BON‐induced senescence on anticancer immunity remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of BON‐induced senescence on PD‐L1 expression and the underlying mechanisms in human cancer cells. Firstly, the elevation of PD‐L1 protein during BON‐induced senescence was confirmed by a senescence β‐galactosidase staining assay, detection of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), western blot and flow cytometry in human lung cancer NCI‐H460 cells and breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Subsequently, it was shown that the increase in PD‐L1 protein is mediated by SASP, as evidenced by the use of conditional media, knockdown of cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase and inhibition of stimulator of interferon genes. Ultimately, it was demonstrated that SASP‐mediated PD‐L1 up‐regulation is dependent on the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway through the use of specific inhibitors and siRNAs. These findings clarify the impact of BON‐induced senescence on PD‐L1 expression and may contribute to the optimization of the therapeutic efficacy of bleomycin‐related compounds and the clinical transformation of BON.
All roads lead to IgA: Mapping the many pathways of IgA induction in the gut
Authors: Siniscalco Emily R. , Williams Adam , Eisenbarth Stephanie C.
Published: July 2024

The increasing prevalence of food allergy and related pathologies in recent years has underscored the need to understand the factors affecting adverse reactions to food. Food allergy is caused when food‐specific IgE triggers the release of histamine from mast cells. However, other food‐specific antibody isotypes exist as well, including IgG and IgA. IgA is the main antibody isotype in the gut and mediates noninflammatory reactions to toxins, commensal bacteria, and food antigens. It has also been thought to induce tolerance to food, thus antagonizing the role of food‐specific IgE. However, this has remained unclear as food‐specific IgA generation is poorly understood. Particularly, the location of IgA induction, the role of T cell help, and the fates of food‐specific B cells remain elusive. In this review, we outline what is known about food‐specific IgA induction and highlight areas requiring further study. We also explore how knowledge of food‐specific IgA induction can be informed by and subsequently contribute to our overall knowledge of gut immunity.
The journey toward disease modification in cow milk protein allergy
Authors: Nocerino Rita , Carucci Laura , Coppola Serena , Oglio Franca , Masino Antonio , Agizza Alessandra , Paparo Lorella , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: July 2024

Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in the pediatric age worldwide. Prevalence, persistence, and severity of this condition are on the rise, with a negative impact on the health‐related quality of life of the patients and families and on the costs related to its management. Another relevant issue is that CMPA in early life may be the first stage of the “allergic march,” leading to the occurrence of other atopic manifestations later in life, especially asthma, atopic eczema, urticaria, and rhinoconjunctivitis. Thus, “disease modification” options that are able to modulate the disease course of pediatric patients affected by CMPA would be very welcomed by affected families and healthcare systems. In this review, we report the most relevant progress on this topic.
The process of developing and implementing health and nursing policy: Implications of research and opportunities to influence
Authors: Unsworth John , Puthenpurakal Alwin
Published: July 2024

Aim

To provide insight into the process of developing health and nursing policy and how that process can be influenced by both researchers and nursing leaders.

Background

Nurses care for people across the life course from birth to death, in our communities, hospitals, care homes and schools. They have unique insight into how people live their lives and how this affects their health. Despite being well placed to influence health policy, nurses often fail to capitalise on this. At the same time, academics often struggle to identify the policy implications of their research resulting in further missed opportunities to use policy influence.

Sources of evidence

Classical policy theory, which is predominantly drawn from economics and public administration together with a range of contemporary nursing and health policy studies, is used in this paper to discuss the policy process and opportunities to influence.

Discussion

Researchers need to focus on realistic policy suggestions that aim to raise awareness, highlight policy problems or set the agenda. In turn, nursing leaders, from National Nursing Associations, need to harness evidence to support their efforts to influence policy. In terms of influence, a range of approaches exist, and each lends itself to different parts of the policy cycle.

Conclusion

The role nurses can play in health policy is not well developed in many countries. Nursing researchers and leaders are well placed to influence policy but must do so in a clear and pragmatic way recognising that policymakers make decisions despite being faced with conflicting evidence, competing demands and economic imperatives.

Implications for nursing practice

Recognising that nurses can offer much in terms of policy development, the paper argues that a pragmatic approach based on different forms of influence at different stages is likely to be most successful.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The evidence reviewed in this paper suggests that nursing academics and leaders need to identify realistic policy interventions when examining their own empirical work or identifying ways to individually or collectively influence policymakers.
Factors associated with toothbrushing performance among children: An observational cohort study
Authors: Matalon Vered , Levin Liran , Yagudaev Michael , Ashkenazi Malka
Published: July 2024

Background

Effective removal of dental plaque is essential factor for prevention of caries, gingival, and periodontal diseases in children and adults.

Aim

To evaluate factors associated with improving toothbrushing performance (TB‐P) among children.

Design

An observational cohort study analyzed all paediatric patients receiving regular examinations in a single dental clinic between 2009 and 2017 and regularly brushing their teeth with a triple‐headed toothbrush (TH‐TB). At every periodic follow‐up, the TB‐P of the child/parent was evaluated using the TB‐P Skill Index (TB‐PS‐I); that is, did the child reach all five teeth segments within each arch and did he/she perform 10 back‐and‐forth stocks in each segment. When not optimal, they received instructions for improving TB‐P and subsequently were asked to re‐demonstrate. TB‐PS‐I was calculated and analyzed for correlation with other explanatory variables.

Results

A total of 1737 children with 7399 follow‐up appointments were analyzed. Older age, female gender, higher number of follow‐up appointments, and compliance with twice‐daily toothbrushing significantly improved TB‐P. The most typical mistakes in their performance were not reaching the canine segments and not performing enough strokes in each segment. Instructions given after imperfect TB‐P significantly improved the TB‐P. The magnitude of improvement, however, did not correlate with the performers' age, gender, or the number of follow‐up visits.

Conclusions

A significant percentage of children >8 years did not perform optimal toothbrushing even when using TH‐TB.
Process evaluation of a parenting intervention for pre‐schoolers with intellectual disabilities who display behaviours that challenge in the UK
Authors: Ondrušková Tamara , Oulton Kate , Royston Royston ,   EPICC‐ID Research Group, Hassiotis Angela
Published: July 2024

Background

Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) is a complex parent‐mediated intervention aimed to reduce behaviours that challenge in children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, aged 30–59 months.

Methods

To formulate a comprehensive understanding of SSTP implementation in the UK, we conducted a process evaluation collecting stakeholder views and considering intervention fidelity, dose, reach, delivery adaptations, and acceptability.

Results

Fidelity and quality of delivery ratings were high. Parents perceived SSTP as valuable, reporting increased parental confidence and understanding of the child's behaviours. However, only 30% of families received an adequate dose of the intervention. Parents who only received treatment as usual described feeling abandoned by current services. Service managers emphasised the importance of availability of resources and therapist training for successful intervention delivery.

Conclusions

SSTP supports effective management of early‐onset behaviours that challenge. Further work is needed to ensure equitable access to the intervention across health and social care services.

Trial Registration

NCT03086876 – https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03086876?term=Hassiotis+Angela&draw=1&rank=1.
Effect of tangeretin on cisplatin‐induced oxido‐inflammatory brain damage in rats
Authors: Cicek Betul , Danisman Betul , Bolat Ismail , Kiliclioglu Metin , Kuzucu Mehmet , Suleyman Halis , Tsarouhas Konstantinos , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Taghizadehghalehjoughi Ali
Published: July 2024

Cisplatin (CIS) is a platinum‐derived chemotherapeutic agent commonly utilized in the treatment of various malignant tumours. However, anticancer doses of the drug cause serious damage to the brain. This study aimed to determine the potential protective effects of tangeretin, which has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, in cisplatin‐induced neurotoxicity on BALB/c mice brains. Male BALB/c mice were randomized and separated into four groups. Tangeretin was given for 10 days by gavage. CIS was injected as a single dose of 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip) on the 10th day. Brain tissues, malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured to determine oxidative damage and myeloperoxidase, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and IL‐10 were measured to determine inflammatory activity. In addition, 8‐OHdG and caspase‐3 were analysed by immunofluorescence methods. While CIS administration remarkably elevated reactive oxygen species, MDA, and NO levels in brain tissue compared to the control, tGSH, GPx, SOD and CAT levels were significantly decreased. Also, it has been detected that TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 obtained in CIS‐treated groups increased as well as IL‐10 decreased, thereby elevating the inflammatory response. In addition, 8‐OHdG and caspase‐3 immunoreactivity in neurons increased with CIS administration. Treatment with tangeretin ameliorated the deterioration in oxidant/antioxidant status, overpowered neuroinflammation and ameliorated neurotoxicity‐induced apoptosis. This study shows that tangeretin has beneficial effects on CIS‐induced neurodegeneration. Possible mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects include the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of tangeretin.
Mutual fund partial liquidation and future performance
Authors: Jiang George , McLemore Ping , Wang Ao
Published: July 2024

We examine the determinants of mutual fund partial liquidation and the effect of a negative shock to fund size on performance. We find that older funds from a smaller family with a large number of share classes are more likely to conduct partial liquidation. As fund size decreases after partial liquidation, its performance improves. This effect is more pronounced for funds with stronger pre‐event liquidity constraint and funds that subsequently experience a larger decrease in liquidity, suggesting that liquidity constraint is a contributing factor of fund performance. These findings are consistent with mutual funds having decreasing returns to scale.
How do victims of bullying develop depression? Testing interpersonal style to explain the victimization‐depression link
Authors: Franzen Minita , van Duijn Marijtje A. J. , de Jong Peter J. , Veenstra René , aan het Rot Marije
Published: July 2024

This study tested to what extent the relation between bullying victimization and future symptoms of depression could be explained by victims being more hostile and less assertive than non‐involved individuals. Data came from waves 2–4 of the Dutch TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS). Participants' bullying experiences were assessed at age 13, interpersonal style at age 16, and depression symptoms at age 19. Mediation analyses were performed primarily on 274 self‐reported victims and 1498 non‐involved peers. Self‐reported victims had an increased risk for depression symptoms. About a third of that risk could be explained by victims' hostile style, which was also higher than those of non‐involved peers. Although victims also reported lower levels of assertiveness than non‐involved peers, this interpersonal style did not mediate the link between bullying victimization and depression. Our findings suggest that high hostility, but not low assertiveness, partly explains the increased depression risk of self‐reported victims. Therefore, interventions could focus on addressing hostility, to help reduce the likelihood that adolescents who have experienced bullying victimization will have more interpersonal conflicts and mental health problems in the future. Supplementary materials also include analyses for bullies and bully‐victims, and for peer‐reported measures.
The role of treatment of hepatitis C with direct‐acting antiviral agents on glycaemic control in diabetic patients: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Bing , Iqbal Umair , Desai Shivani K. , Gries Jacob , Verheyen Elijah , Xie Mengdan , El Halabi Maan , Gaines Sara , Weisberg Ilan
Published: July 2024

Recent studies suggested that successful clearance of chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) by using direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents could improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes; however, some studies failed to identify this benefit. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the impact of sustained virologic response (SVR) after treatment with DAA agents on glycemic control. Embase, Scopus and PubMed were searched through March 26th, 2023, for all studies evaluating whether eradication of HCV infection with DAAs is associated with an impact on glycemic control. Only studies with data on glycemic control, including haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, or Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR), at least 12‐week post‐SVR were included. Sixteen studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative analysis. The mean HbA1c was 8.05% (95% CI: 7.79%–8.31%) before treatment and 7.19% (95% CI: 6.98%–7.39%) after treatment. There was a significant mean absolute reduction in HbA1c of 0.72% (95% CI: 0.52%–0.93%) with high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 91.7%). The reduction in HbA1c remained significant in the subgroup analysis at 3 months follow up post SVR [0.74% (95% CI: 0.57%–0.91%)] and at least 6 months follow up [0.66% (95% CI: 0.23%–1.10%)]. We found a significant reduction in HbA1C after SVR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, reflecting better glycemic control with HCV eradication. This data highlights an important extrahepatic benefit of HCV eradication.
Anthropometric and sociodemographic variables, but not preconception or prenatal maternal nutrition supplementation, predict neurodevelopment in offspring of the ‘Women First’ trial
Authors: Waldrop Stephanie , Chowdhury Dhuly , Westcott Jamie E. , Biasini Fred , Garcés Ana , Figueroa Lester , Tshefu Antoinette , Lokangaka Adrien , Bauserman Melissa , Saleem Sarah , Ali Sumera A. , Goldenberg Robert L. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Dhaded Sangappa M. , Derman Richard J. , Kemp Jennifer F. , Koso‐Thomas Marion , Das Abhik , Hambidge Michael , Krebs Nancy F. ,   The Women First Preconception Nutrition Trial Study Group
Published: July 2024

Multiple factors influence infant and child neurodevelopment in low resource settings. In offspring of participants in the preconception maternal nutrition trial, Women First (WF), we examined the impact of providing a preconception (Arm 1) or prenatal (Arm 2) nutrient supplement (compared to controls, Arm 3) on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months; predictors of neurodevelopment scores; and associations of infant anthropometrics with neurodevelopmental scores. Follow‐up visits for anthropometry were conducted at 6‐, 12‐, 18‐ and 24‐month of age. At 24‐months, in a randomized subset, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition (BSID‐III), including cognitive, motor and social‐emotional subscales, and the Family Care Indicators (FCI) questionnaire, assessing family and home environment, were completed. Multiple covariates (intervention arm, site, maternal sociodemographic characteristics, FCI subscales, birthweight and 6–24 months' change in anthropometry z‐scores, (e.g., ΔLAZ6–24) were evaluated by linear regression to predict BSID‐III outcomes and to assess associations of anthropometric changes with BSID‐III scores. The analysis consisted of 1386 infants (n = 441, 486, 459 for Arms 1, 2 and 3, respectively). None of the domain‐specific BSID‐III subscale scores differed by maternal intervention arm. Four covariates significantly predicted (p ≤ 0.01) all 3 BSID‐III subscales: secondary maternal education, ΔLAZ6–24, birthweight >2500 g, and FCI play materials. Linear growth was associated with all domains of neurodevelopment. The results underscore the multi‐dimensional aspects of child development represented by the nurturing care framework, including prenatal maternal nutrition, post‐natal growth, maternal education for responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning.