bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporting of medication adherence in randomized controlled trials of pharmacological interventions for SARS-CoV-2: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Lee C K , Otunla A , Brennan  , Aronson JK , Nunan D
Published: October 2022

Background

Adherence to pharmacological interventions in clinical trials is crucial for correct estimation of beneficial and adverse effects, including trials of SARS-CoV-2. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) – a 12-item extension of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) reporting guidelines – includes two items (11 and 12) that address intervention adherence reporting in trial publications.

Objective

To assess compliance with TIDieR items 11 and 12 of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions in SARS-CoV-2 infection published in five selected journals during 2021.

Methods

We assessed SARS-CoV-2 pharmacological RCTs published in theAnnals of Internal Medicine, The BMJ, JAMA, The Lancet, andThe New England Journal of Medicinein 2021 for compliance with TIDieR items 11 and 12. Item 11 was assessed in two parts: 11a—how intervention adherence was assessed; 11b—if any strategies were used to maintain or improve how intervention adherence was maintained or improved. Item 12 assessed the extent to which the intervention was delivered as planned. We calculated raw adherence and proportional (weighted) adherence for pharmacological and comparator interventions where available.

Results

We found 75 eligible RCTs, of which 28 (37%) reported results related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. Compliance with items 11a and 12 could be assessed in 71 of these 75. Of those 71 RCTs, 37 (52%, 95% confidence interval 40–64%) were compliant with reporting of item 11a. Seven RCTs had a strategy to assess compliance with item 11b, and only three (43%, 9–82%) of those complied with item 11b reporting. Of the 71 RCTs, 70 complied with reporting of item 12. Only one of the 71 RCTs (1.4%, 0–7.6%) fully complied with TIDieR items 11a, 11b, and 12. Compliance varied across journals.

Conclusions

RCTs of SARS-CoV-2 pharmacological interventions published in high-impact medical journals complied variably with reporting of intervention adherence, even though the journals endorse CONSORT. The implications for interpretation, application, and replication of findings based on these publications warrant consideration.
A study on the nonlinear dynamics of ASEAN financial integration
Authors: Le Thai-Ha , Vo Long Hai , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study examines the co-integration relationships between Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) stock indices as a way to assess the feasibility of policy initiatives to strengthen market integration in ASEAN and identify implications for portfolio investors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ threshold co-integration tests and a non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model to study the asymmetric dynamics of ASEAN equity markets. The study’s data cover the 2009–2022 period for seven member states: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Findings

The authors find evidence supporting co-integration relationships; adjustment toward equilibrium is asymmetric in the short run and symmetric in the long run for these countries. While co-movement in ASEAN equity markets seems encouraging for initiatives seeking to foster financial integration in regional economies, the benefits for international portfolio diversification appear to be neutralized.

Originality/value

The issue of stock market integration is important among policymakers, investors and academics. This study examines the level of stock market integration in ASEAN during the 2009–2022 period. For this purpose, advanced co-integration techniques are applied to different frequencies of data (daily, weekly and monthly) for comparison and completeness. The empirical analysis of this study is conducted using the Enders and Siklos (2001) co-integration and threshold adjustment procedure. This advanced co-integration technique is superior compared to other co-integration techniques by permitting asymmetry in the adjustment toward equilibrium.
Understandings of mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a survey study of public and professional perspectives
Authors: Yemm Heather , Peel Elizabeth , Brooker Dawn
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to report the findings of a survey study exploring perceptions about cognitive impairment. These findings are relevant to public health campaigns and education programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey exploring respondents’ views and knowledge about mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was circulated via UK networks. A total of 417 respondents completed the survey, including people living with cognitive impairment (n = 10), care partners (n = 23), older adults (n = 83), younger adults (n = 83), general health-care professionals (n = 96), dementia specialist health-care professionals (n = 48) and dementia specialists (n = 40).

Findings

Respondents were more confident in their knowledge about dementia than cognitive impairment but wanted more information about both conditions. Younger adults were uncertain about many aspects of MCI, and were the most likely to view MCI as a normal part of ageing. Diet (45.1%, n = 188) and personal behaviour (63.8%, n = 266) were the least endorsed possible causes of MCI, suggesting a lack of awareness of lifestyle choices as risk factors for MCI.

Originality/value

The results highlight the need to provide education and awareness raising about MCI to enable people to seek help in a timely manner and be able to make informed lifestyle choices that may reduce their risk of MCI and dementia. Implementing education about MCI and dementia in schools is a key target, as younger people were the most uncertain or misinformed about these topics. It is clear that further public health initiatives around MCI are both warranted and welcomed by the general public.
Contribution of calcium dysregulation to impaired coronary artery contraction in Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Liu Lin , Yang Hui , Kuang Su‐Juan , Zhang Li , Zhou Meng‐Yuan , Zeng Peng , Zhang Meng‐Zhen , Rao Fang , Zhou Zhi‐Ling , Deng Chun‐Yu
Published: October 2022

Diabetic coronary artery injury is closely associated with Ca2+ dysregulation, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the role and mechanism of Ca2+ handling in coronary artery dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats. Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were used as the type 2 diabetes mellitus model. The contractility of coronary artery rings induced by KCl, CaCl2, 5‐HT and U46619 was significantly lower in ZDF rats than in Zucker lean rats. Vasoconstriction induced by 5‐HT and U46619 was greatly inhibited by nifedipine. However, in the presence of 1 μM nifedipine or in the Ca2+‐free KH solution containing 1 μM nifedipine, there was no difference in the vasoconstriction between Zucker lean and ZDF rats. Store‐operated calcium channels (SOCs) were not involved in coronary vasoconstriction. The downregulation of contractile proteins and the upregulation of synthesized proteins were in coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) from ZDF rats. Metformin reversed the reduction of vasoconstriction in ZDF rats. Taken together, L‐type calcium channel is important for regulating the excitation–contraction coupling of VSMCs in coronary arteries, and dysregulation of this channel contributes to the decreased contractility of coronary arteries in T2DM.
The politicisation of internet privacy regulation
Authors: ANTOINE ELISE
Published: October 2022

Despite a rich body of literature on politicisation, knowledge of this process and its driving forces remains limited. Specifically, little empirical analysis has been carried out to assess the impact of focusing events on politicisation within global and seemingly technical venues of policy‐making. Building on existing studies, I conceptualise politicisation as a combination of three components: (1) issue salience, (2) actor expansion and (3) actor diversity. I test the impact of focusing events on the politicisation of one of the most pressing global policy issues of our age: internet regulation, specifically regarding global data protection and internet privacy rules. I use a systematic analysis of news media coverage over a 20‐year period, resulting in an original dataset of 2,100 news articles. Controlling for different factors, my findings reveal that focusing events do contribute to politicisation in technical venues, in particular regarding the actors involved in debates.
7% sodium citrate (with benzyl alcohol) as catheter lock: Dedication or obsession?
Authors: Ash Stephen R.
Published: October 2022

The standard heparin lock for dialysis catheters in US dialysis units is 1000 units/ml, though its use has significant limitations and problems. The alternative catheter lock of 4% sodium citrate is used in some patients, but a 7% solution would maintain catheter patency better than the 4% concentration. In spite of the failure of two prior catheter locks to become widely used in the US (highly concentrated citrate and Zuragen™), Ash Access worked with a compounding pharmacy to produce 7% sodium citrate with preservative in single‐patient use frangible vials, at a reasonable cost to users. The product had early acceptance by a number of dialysis units and hospitals, but then follow‐up orders were few. Where the project goes from here is unclear.
Men's experiences of antenatal care services in low‐income and middle‐income countries: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Chiang Ron Kai Quan , Shorey Shefaly
Published: October 2022

Background

Men's involvement in antenatal care is critical for the family's overall well‐being, yet remains low in many low‐income and middle‐income countries. The goal of this study was to consolidate and synthesize currently available literature on men's experiences of antenatal care services in low‐income and middle‐income countries.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched through December 2020. Qualitative studies were included exploring the antenatal care experiences of men whose pregnant partners utilized antenatal care services, regardless of ethnicity, race, and education levels. Studies examining men's participation in antenatal care that specifically focused on certain conditions such as the human immunodeficiency virus, known pregnancy complications, as well as contraception/fertility treatment, were excluded. Quality appraisal of the included studies was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist, and Sandelowski and Barroso's two‐step approach was used to meta‐summarize and meta‐synthesize the extracted data.

Results

Four themes were derived from the 27 studies included: (a) Factors enabling men's participation in antenatal care; (b) Barriers affecting men's participation in antenatal care; (c) Men's self‐perceived care roles; and (d) Recommendations to improve men's involvement.

Conclusions

Men's involvement in antenatal care depended on community perceptions, traditional gender roles, and work commitments. Although men often regarded antenatal care services as exclusive to women, some expressed their willingness to participate. Current findings highlight the need for community educational programs, male role models, and training of healthcare providers to improve men's participation.
Diallyl trisulfide alleviates chemotherapy sensitivity of ovarian cancer via the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α pathway
Authors: Wang Zhaojun , Yan Yi , Lou Yijie , Huang Xiaoyan , Liu Lijian , Weng Zhuofan , Cui Yusheng , Wu Xinyue , Cai Huijun , Chen Xiaohui , Ji Yunxi
Published: October 2022

Platinum‐based chemotherapy promotes drug resistance in ovarian cancer. We investigated the antichemoresistance characteristics of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) in cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo. Previous preclinical studies have revealed that DATS regulates distinct hallmark cancer‐signaling pathways. The cell cycle pathway is the most investigated signaling pathway in DATS. Additionally, post‐DATS treatment has been found to promote proapoptotic capacity through the regulation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway components. In the present study, we found that treating cisplatin‐sensitive and cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cell lines with DATS inhibited their proliferation and reduced their IC50. It induced cell apoptosis and promoted oxidative phosphorylation through the regulation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α pathway, OXPHOS, and enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity. DATS treatment alleviated glutamine consumption in cisplatin‐resistant cells. Our findings highlight the role of DATS in overcoming drug resistance in ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we elucidated the role of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway as a potential target for the treatment of drug‐resistant ovarian cancer.
Rapid treatment of endophthalmitis with intravitreal antibiotics is associated with better vision outcomes
Authors: Michael Eugene , Welch Sarah , Niederer Rachael L
Published: October 2022

Background

To discover whether the timing of intravitreal antibiotics, from the time of presentation to injection, affects the visual outcomes of patients with endophthalmitis from all causes.

Methods

A retrospective study of consecutive patients managed at Auckland District Health Board between 1 January 2004 and 1 July 2021. The main outcome measure was final visual acuity at follow‐up and the proportion of subjects with severe vision loss (≤6/60).

Results

Three hundred and seventy‐four eyes were included in the study, with a median age of 69.7 years at presentation; 192 subjects (51.6%) were female. The median presenting visual acuity was hand movements and hypopyon was present in 194 subjects (51.9%). Cataract surgery was the most frequent aetiology in 115 subjects (30.7%), followed by intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor injections in 89 subjects (23.8%) and endogenous endophthalmitis in 54 subjects (14.4%). Median time to injection of intravitreal antibiotics was 3.5 h (Interquartile range 2–6). On multivariate analysis, early treatment with intravitreal antibiotics was associated with better visual outcome, particularly for those treated within 2 h, while poor presenting visual acuity and culture‐positive endophthalmitis were associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusion

Rapid intravitreal antibiotic administration is associated with better final visual acuity outcomes, particularly for those receiving treatment within 2 h of presentation. Patients with severe vision loss on presentation, benefit the most with improved final visual acuity following expedited treatment.
Findings for iGlarLixi versus BIAsp 30 confirmed in groups of people with type 2 diabetes with different biomedical characteristics
Authors: Home Philip D. , McCrimmon Rory J. , Rosenstock Julio , Blüher Matthias , Pegelow Katrin , Melas‐Melt Lydie , Djaballah Khier , Giorgino Francesco ,   the SoliMix trial investigators
Published: October 2022

Aim

To report prespecified and post hoc analyses of the SoliMix dataset exploring the impact of baseline participant characteristics on the original SoliMix study outcomes, to enable informed treatment choices for people with different biomedical characteristics.

Methods

SoliMix (EudraCT 2017‐003370‐13) compared once‐daily iGlarLixi (a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL and the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist lixisenatide) with twice‐daily BIAsp 30 (30% insulin aspart and 70% insulin aspart protamine). In this analysis, the original primary outcomes of noninferiority of iGlarLixi versus BIAsp 30 in terms of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change and superiority in terms of body weight change, together with change in basal insulin dose and hypoglycaemia outcomes, were investigated by baseline age, duration of diabetes, insulin dose, HbA1c level, body mass index (BMI), and renal function.

Results

No evidence of difference in comparative treatment effect was detected across baseline age, duration of diabetes, insulin dose, HbA1c level, BMI and renal function subgroups for any endpoint (all heterogeneity P > 0.05), except American Diabetes Association Level 2 hypoglycaemia event rate when stratified by insulin dose (P = 0.011), which may be a chance difference given multiple testing and the small numbers of Level 2 events.

Conclusions

Treatment effects of iGlarLixi were consistent irrespective of baseline HbA1c, insulin dose, BMI, age, duration of diabetes and renal function, supporting the use of iGlarLixi as an efficacious and well‐tolerated treatment option in people with type 2 diabetes with a wide range of biomedical characteristics.
Invariant chain of the MAIT‐TCR vα7.2‐Jα33 as a novel diagnostic biomarker for keloids
Authors: Nurzat Yeltai , Zhu Zhu , Zhang Yixin , Xu Heng
Published: October 2022

Keloids are pathological scars that invade normal surrounding tissue without self‐limitation, causing pain, itching, cosmetic disfigurement, etc. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying keloids remains unclear; thus, there are no available biomarkers for its diagnosis, resulting in a diagnostic accuracy of only 81%, which may be resolved by seeking an effective biomarker. Given that keloids possess pathogenic features similar to those of autoimmune skin disease, this study aimed to utilise the single‐cell V(D)J sequencing method to identify a potential biomarker and clarify the underlying biological mechanisms. Single‐cell V(D)J sequencing was used to detect T cell receptor (TCR) diversity between keloid patients and healthy donors using peripheral blood samples, the results of which were further validated using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Flow cytometry was used to analyse the mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cell percentage, cytokine production, and activation marker expression levels in peripheral blood samples of keloid patients and normal donors. An immunofluorescence test was used to quantitatively analyse the distribution of MAIT cells in scar and healthy donor skin tissues. Single‐cell V(D)J sequencing analysis showed that the usage frequency of the TRAJ33‐one invariant chain of the TCR of MAIT cells was decreased in keloid patients. This result was validated by RT‐PCR, which showed that significantly lower TCR Vα7.2‐Jα33 was expressed in keloid patients compared with that in healthy donors and hypertrophic scar patients (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence tests further verified that MAIT cells decreased significantly both in the peripheral blood sample and lesions of keloid patients compared with those of healthy controls (p < 0.05). MAIT cells from keloid patients secreted less interferon (IFN)‐γ than those from the healthy controls and hypertrophic scar group (p < 0.001). The percentage of PLZF+ MAIT cells was lowest in the peripheral blood samples of keloid patients (p < 0.05). The percentage of IL‐18+ MAIT cells was lower in the peripheral blood samples of keloid patients compared with that in healthy donors (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that MAIT cells could be associated with keloids and may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets in the diagnosis of keloids.
Isochronline in chemostratigraphy for global correlation and an exception of the Walther's law of facies
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: October 2022

Chemostratigraphy based on various proxies has been well developed in recent decades for stratigraphic correlation by higher resolution, gap‐less sampling, and environmental records. At present, various types of samples are measured quantitatively in higher accuracy and wider application than traditional biostratigraphy. Even the benthonic index fossils are widely replaced by pelagic data for biostratigraphic correlation, fossil gaps also could cause data break in a section. However, chemostratigraphy remains challenge as its data from sediments is to resolve mixtureof local depositional environment and global correlatable signal. How to separate these two parts and extract the local imprints free from the mixture is the subject of this study. An isochronlines is a newly introduced auxiliary line for the globally correlatable signal extraction from the mixture signals. An isochronline is a virtual synchronous line on plane of an equal depositional environment, and can evaluate the global signal unlike the chemostratigraphic data that provides environmental records. Based on the data obtained from lateral stratigraphic investigation along a bed strike, or from grid mapping on a wide‐open outcrop of a bedding plane, or on a surface of a lithological unit, the facies‐independent chemostratigraphic proxies could be extracted. A set of methods was designed including lateral profiling and grid mapping on the outcrop to extract the facies‐independent geochemical signal for global correlation based on isochronlines identification, and an exception of the Walther's law of facies was revealed. Meanwhile, the author presents examples to avoid misleading of the global chemostratigraphic correlation based on isochronline analysis. This method included measurement of two‐wing lateral‐vertical strata, determination of non‐lithological lens from geochemical abnormities of diagenesis, and microhabitat. An example from Laibin Auxiliary boundary Stratotype Section and Point of Lopingian‐Guadalupian of Permian was measured by grid mapping, that revealed the isochronlines, extracted facies‐independent geochemical proxies for global correlation, and hidden geochemical lenses.
Outcome and associated predictors for nonsurgical management of large cyst‐like periapical lesions: A CBCT‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Saini Aakriti , Nangia Divya , Sharma Sidhartha , Kumar Vijay , Chawla Amrita , Logani Ajay , Upadhyay Ashish
Published: October 2022

Aim

The aim of this cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐based study was to evaluate the outcome of nonsurgical root canal treatment (RCT) performed for the management of large cyst‐like periapical lesions (LCPL) and to identify the predictive factors affecting healing.

Methodology

Fifty‐four subjects (77 permanent maxillary anterior teeth) with LCPL (>10 mm) of endodontic origin were included. A single operator performed standardized multi‐visit RCT. Patients were clinically and radiographically examined at 6, 12 months, and a CBCT scan was taken at 24 months. Two independent blinded evaluators measured the pre‐ and postoperative volume of periapical lesions on CBCT scans using ITK snap software (version 3.8.0‐beta‐20181028‐win64). The outcome was assessed as a percentage change in lesion volume and dichotomized as success (resolved/reduced) or failure (unchanged/enlarged). Ten preoperative (gender; age; intraoral draining sinus, soft tissue swelling, tooth discoloration, pulp canal obliteration, open apex, root resorption, cortical bone defect and lesion volume) and four intraoperative (apical extent and density of root filling; number of treatment visits and type of root filling) predictive factors were observed. Bivariate and stepwise multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors affecting treatment outcomes. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results

A recall rate of 88% was achieved. The success rate of RCT was 82.2% (8.9% resolved, 73.3% reduced). Median lesion volume reduction was 75% (IQR 61%–93%). No pre‐ or intra‐operative factors were related to treatment failure. However, presence of preoperative cortical bone defect (palatal versus no cortical defect, β = −51.5; 95% CI: −86.9 to −16, p = .006) and apical extent of obturation (long versus flush, β = −27.2; 95% CI: −53.8 to −0.6, p = .04) were negatively associated with reduction in lesion volume (%).

Conclusion

Large cyst‐like periapical lesions may be successfully managed with RCT. Preoperative cortical bone defect and apical extent of obturation may negatively influence osseous healing.
Phylogeography of a riparian earthworm shows environmental factors influence genetic structure
Authors: de Sosa Irene , Marchán Daniel F. , Novo Marta , Almodóvar Ana , Díaz Cosín Darío J.
Published: October 2022

Aim

The study of cosmopolitan earthworms could be even more interesting than that of endemic species in revealing evolutionary processes. Previous research on the cosmopolitan wormEiseniella tetraedrahas indicated some phylogeographic structure among populations, but the factors responsible remain unresolved. We hypothesized that environmental factors and dispersal have shaped the distribution of the species' lineages.

Location

Spain and Portugal; Iberian Peninsula.

Taxon

Eiseniella tetraedra(Lumbricidae, Oligochaeta, Annelida).

Methods

We collected 739 specimens ofEiseniella tetraedrafrom 65 localities around the Iberian Peninsula between 2012 and 2016. We performed phylogenetic analysis (Bayesian Inference and maximum likelihood) using two mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and one nuclear marker (28S). Furthermore, we studied their genetic diversity and historic demography based on the COI gene. Correlations between genetic diversity and 22 environmental factors were tested.

Results

Eiseniella tetraedrashowed high diversity in the Iberian Peninsula, with eight different lineages nested in two clades. We found lineages mostly restricted to the northern region, while others were distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Habitat stability, that is, constant availability or lack of water, also correlated with genetic diversity. Thus, although no clear phylogeographic pattern was found, environmental factors (such as precipitation, temperature, and soil pH) and habitat stability influenced the distribution of genetic variability.

Main Conclusions

Eiseniella tetraedrais an earthworm with great genetic variability. We show that the ranges of species with high relative dispersal ability and ambiguous phylogeographic patterns may be better explained by influence of environmental conditions rather than specific geographic features. Adaptation to unstable conditions has been shown to confer more success on one of the two major genetic clades recovered, pointing to ecological plasticity as a key for evolutionary success.
Strong phylogenetic congruence betweenTulasnellafungi and their associated Drakaeinae orchids
Authors: Arifin Arild R. , Phillips Ryan D. , Linde Celeste C.
Published: October 2022

The study of congruency between phylogenies of interacting species can provide a powerful approach for understanding the evolutionary history of symbiotic associations. Orchid mycorrhizal fungi can survive independently of orchids making cospeciation unlikely, leading us to predict that any congruence would arise from host‐switches to closely related fungal species. The Australasian orchid subtribe Drakaeinae is an iconic group of sexually deceptive orchids that consists of approximately 66 species. In this study, we investigated the evolutionary relationships between representatives of all six Drakaeinae orchid genera (39 species) and their mycorrhizal fungi. We used an exome capture dataset to generate the first well‐resolved phylogeny of the Drakaeinae genera. A total of 10 closely relatedTulasnellaOperational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and previously described species were associated with the Drakaeinae orchids. Three of them were shared among orchid genera, with each genus associating with 1–6Tulasnellalineages. Cophylogenetic analyses show Drakaeinae orchids and theirTulasnellaassociates exhibit significant congruence (p < 0.001) in the topology of their phylogenetic trees. An event‐based method also revealed significant congruence in Drakaeinae–Tulasnellarelationships, with duplications (35), losses (25), and failure to diverge (9) the most frequent events, with minimal evidence for cospeciation (1) and host‐switches (2). The high number of duplications suggests that the orchids speciate independently from the fungi, and the fungal species association of the ancestral orchid species is typically maintained in the daughter species. For the Drakaeinae–Tulasnellainteraction, a pattern of phylogenetic niche conservatism rather than coevolution likely explains the observed phylogenetic congruency in orchid and fungal phylogenies. Given that many orchid genera are characterized by sharing of fungal species between closely related orchid species, we predict that these findings may apply to a wide range of orchid lineages.
Retronasal aroma dynamics related to the swallowing threshold
Authors: Okawa Jumpei , Hori Kazuhiro , Yoshimoto Tasuku , Ono Takahiro
Published: October 2022

Background

The state of food comminution caused by chewing is an important factor triggering the swallowing reflex. However, the impact of retronasal aroma released from comminuted food to the nose upon swallowing during food intake is poorly understood.

Objective

The present study investigated the relationship between aroma concentration and swallowing threshold while chewing a standardised test food.

Methods

Twenty healthy participants took part in this study. Concentration of retronasal aroma was measured over time through the nostrils using an odour sensor. The aroma concentration was measured while chewing an orange‐flavoured gummy jelly until swallowing, and the number of chewing strokes was measured to determine the swallowing threshold. Next, the aroma concentration was measured while chewing the gummy jelly for 30 strokes, and 100% and 200% of swallowing threshold without swallowing. The surface area increase in the expectorated gummy jelly pieces was calculated using image analysis and defined as masticatory performance at 30 strokes.

Results

The average number of chewing strokes until the swallowing threshold was 45.1 ± 14.2. Higher masticatory performance was associated with a smaller number of chewing strokes at swallowing threshold, and a greater increase in surface area at the swallowing threshold. The number of chewing strokes and the aroma concentration were similar between the swallowing threshold and at the maximum aroma concentration while chewing at 200% of the swallowing threshold.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that the swallowing threshold might be influenced by retronasal aroma concentration as well as the state of food comminution.
Relationship between the physicochemical properties of soybean protein isolate and its extrudate based on high‐moisture extrusion torque
Authors: Meng Ang , Li Fang , Chen Fengliang , Luan Binyu , Sun Tao , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the relationship between nitrogen soluble index (NSI), bulk density, gel storage modulus of soybean protein isolate and torque during high‐moisture (50%) extrusion, and analyzed the influence to extrudate texture by the moisture content and the expansion degree of extrudate. The results showed that in the range of NSI of 21–74%, bulk density of 0.41–0.47 g/cm3, and gel storage modulus of 3,800–5,400 Pa, the torque and specific mechanical energy raised with the decrease in NSI and the increase in bulk density and gel storage modulus. The lower the moisture content of the extrudate was, the higher its hardness. Interestingly, as the extrudate expands, bubble cavities formed on the surface of the extrudate could cause its hardness to drop from 13,124 g/s to 11,736 g/s and 4,840 g/s. Overall, the hard extrudates can be produced from soy protein isolates with low NSI (<21%), high bulk density (>0.47 g/cm3), and gel storage modulus (>5,380 Pa) via high‐moisture extrusion, at the same time appearing in an expanded structure that reduces the hardness test value of the extrudate.
Natural history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats from rehoming centers: TheCatScan IIstudy
Authors: Novo Matos Jose , Payne Jessie Rose , Seo Joonbum , Luis Fuentes Virginia
Published: October 2022

Background

The natural history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats has been mainly studied in cats referred for suspected heart disease, which can skew the results towards cats with clinical signs. Few data are available on factors associated with development of HCM in cats.

Hypotheses

(1) Clinical variables can predict which cats will develop HCM; (2) HCM in cats not referred for suspected heart disease is associated with a low rate of cardiovascular events.

Animals

One hundred seven cats from rehoming centers without a history of clinical signs of cardiac or systemic disease at the time of adoption.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal study. After rehoming, shelter cats were reexamined for serial echocardiograms. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of development of HCM in cats that were normal at baseline. Adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure, thromboembolism, or sudden death were recorded.

Results

Cats were monitored for a median of 5.6 [1.2‐9.2] years. At baseline, 68/107 cats were normal, 18/107 were equivocal and 21/107 had HCM. Nineteen cats developed HCM during the study period. The factors at baseline associated with increased hazard of developing HCM were lower left atrial fractional shortening, higher left ventricular fractional shortening, and higher body weight. Cardiovascular events were observed in 21% of cats with HCM.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cardiovascular events were common in cats with HCM from a rehoming center study sample. Lower left atrial systolic function appears to precede overt HCM.
Spacing Effects in Task Repetition Research
Authors: Rogers John
Published: October 2022

This article provides a conceptual review of the principles of input spacing as they might relate specifically to oral task repetition research and presents some of the common methodological considerations from the broader input spacing literature. The specific considerations discussed include the interaction between intersession intervals and retention intervals, the manipulation of posttests as a between‐participants variable, the number of task repetitions, absolute versus relative spacing, the criterion of learning, task type versus exact task repetition, and blocked versus interleaved practice. Each of these considerations is discussed with links, as appropriate, to the relevant empirical input spacing and task repetition literature. The purpose of this review is to highlight how, in many cases, these methodological considerations have been overlooked by task repetition researchers, including in studies where input spacing has and has not been a direct focus, and to suggest ways of addressing these methodological shortcomings in future research.
Mapping and monitoring tick (Acari, Ixodida) distribution, seasonality, and host associations in the United Kingdom between 2017 and 2020
Authors: Hansford Kayleigh M. , Gandy Sara L. , Gillingham Emma L. , McGinley Liz , Cull Benjamin , Johnston Colin , Catton Matthew , Medlock Jolyon M.
Published: October 2022

Tick‐borne disease risk is intrinsically linked to the distribution of tick vector species. To assess risk and anticipate disease emergence, an understanding of tick distribution, host associations, and seasonality is needed. This can be achieved, to some extent, using passive surveillance supported by engagement with the public, animal health, and public health experts. The Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) collects data and maps tick distribution across the United Kingdom (UK). Between 2017 and 2020, 3720 tick records were received and 39 tick species were detected. Most records were acquired in the UK, with a subset associated with recent overseas travel. The dominant UK acquired species was Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Linnaeus), the main vector of Lyme borreliosis. Records peaked during May and June, highlighting a key risk period for tick bites. Other key UK species were detected, including Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Fabricius) and Haemaphysalis punctata (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Canestrini & Fanzago) as well as several rarer species that may present novel tick‐borne disease risk to humans and other animals. Updated tick distribution maps highlight areas in the UK where tick exposure has occurred. There is evidence of increasing human tick exposure over time, including during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but seasonal patterns remain unchanged.
Comparing survival in patients with chronic kidney disease across three countries – Results from the study of heart and renal protection‐extended review
Authors: Talbot Benjamin , Cass Alan , Walker Robert , Hooi Lai , Jardine Meg , Jun Min , Rogers Kris , Sukkar Louisa , Smyth Brendan , Gallagher Martin
Published: October 2022

Aim

This study examined whether survival and causes of death differed between participants enrolled from Australia (AUS), Malaysia (MYL), and New Zealand (NZ) in extended follow‐up of the Study of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP), a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of participants with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease comparing placebo to combination therapy with Simvastatin and Ezetimibe.

Methods

All participants alive at final SHARP study visit in participating centres were eligible for inclusion. Consenting participants were re‐enrolled following final SHARP Study visit and followed for 5 years. Data collection included: significant medical events, hospital admissions and requirement for kidney replacement therapy. Data linkage was performed to national kidney and mortality registries. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality compared across the three countries.

Results

The SHARP trial randomized 2029 participants from AUS (1043/2029, 51%), MYL (701/2029, 35%), and NZ (285/2029, 14%), with 1136 participants alive and eligible for extended follow‐up at the end of SHARP. In multivariable analysis, risk of death was increased for participants in MYL (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.17–1.61, p < .001) and NZ (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04–1.57, p = .02) when compared to AUS participants. Adjustment for kidney transplantation as a competing risk did not explain the variation seen between countries.

Conclusion

This study allows a better understanding of the differences in long‐term mortality risk across participants from AUS, MYL, and NZ in extended follow‐up of the SHARP study and demonstrates the feasibility and value of extended follow‐up of participants enrolled in RCTs.
Supply chain leakage of greenhouse gas emissions and supplier innovation
Authors: Song Sining , Dong Yan , Kull Thomas , Carter Craig , Xu Kefeng
Published: October 2022

Climate change is a major global risk and a key driver for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Yet, firms’ internal emissions reduction may create a leakage leading to higher emissions in the supply chain. The related literature suggests that the pollution‐haven hypothesis explains such emissions leakage. In contrast, we explore an alternative reason for supply chain leakage, which is related to optimization of supply chain activities and supply chain innovation. Based on panel data from Bloomberg Environmental, Social, and Governance and Bloomberg Supply Chain, we estimate our models at a dyadic (i.e., firm and supplier) level using two‐way cluster‐robust standard error, treating various sources of endogeneity. We find empirical evidence of a supply chain leakage effect—a higher level of a supplier's emissions is associated with a lower level of a firm's internal emissions. More importantly, the supplier's innovation can be a major reason behind the leakage; the supply chain leakage effect is stronger when a supplier is more innovative. Furthermore, the role of innovation is strengthened when a supplier invests in eco‐innovation and has technological capabilities similar to those of the focal firm. Our findings suggest that supply chain leakage may not be completely driven by the pollution‐haven effect, but instead is associated with supply chain optimization and innovation that may be beneficial in the long run.
Functional characterization of E3 ubiquity ligase Bra015092 in pollen development of Brassica campestris ssp. Chinensis
Authors: Tian Aimei , Yu Hui , Cui Zhuoyue
Published: October 2022

Pollen development plays an important role in the sexual reproduction of seed‐type plants. Ubiquitination of proteins is an essential link in the post‐translational modification of proteins. E3 ubiquity ligase is a key protein that recognizes substrates in the protein ubiquitination pathway. The hybrid line “Bcajh97‐01A/B” of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis) was used as test material. The gene Bra015092, with a size of 642 bp, was amplified. Semi‐quantitative (RT‐PCR) and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) techniques were utilized to analyze the expression of Bra015092 in the dual‐purpose line of Chinese cabbage. It was found that Bra015092 had a higher expression level in inflorescence. Subcellular localization analysis showed that Bra015092 and GFP fusion expression protein widely exist in tobacco epidermal cells. Bra015092 was transformed into “Youqing49” cabbage to obtain Bra015092OE overexpressing transgenic lines. The morphological observation of Bra015092OE plants showed that the pollen of BcMF29OE plants became deformed and inactive, and the vegetative and reproductive nuclei were abnormally developed. The in vitro germination experiments showed that about 24.5% of the pollen in Bra015092OE plants could not germinate. The results of the semi‐thin section showed that the pollen development of Bra015092OE plants was abnormal at the stage of binuclear pollen grains. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the pollen grains of Bra015092OE plants gradually degraded from the binuclear to the trinucleate pollen grain stage, and the pollen inner wall was abnormally developed, indicating that Bra015092 plays a major role in the process of pollen development.
Diverse stakeholders navigate divergent perspectives on stream restoration success in Western rangelands
Authors: Millard Alyssa , Hale Rebecca L. , Burnham Morey
Published: October 2022

Ecological restoration is a value‐driven process; yet social understanding of restoration lags ecological understanding. Restoration goals are driven by which stakeholders have a voice in the restoration process and their individual goals. While conflict among stakeholder visions has been observed, we lack a multidimensional understanding of these visions, where they overlap, and how they diverge. Focusing on stream restoration on private lands, we asked: (1) How do perspectives on measures of restoration success vary among stakeholders, including contractors and designers, scientists, organizations, and landowners? and (2) How do these groups discuss and navigate these differences? We used a mixed‐method interview and Q‐methodology approach to understand the range of stakeholders' approaches for assessing a successful stream restoration. We asked stakeholders to rank their level of agreement with 33 statements about restoration goals, using these to evaluate perspectives about restoration success. We identified four perspectives on successful stream restoration that varied in: the use of science‐driven criteria, risk tolerance, private property protection, and commitment to restoring streams to a previous state. Notably, contractors used deficit model approaches to communicate with landowners, even for private restoration. Institutional and cultural changes to how we approach restoration, suggested by some of the interviews, may provide paths forward. These include a recognition that all restoration objectives are socially defined, even within and among professionals, and that landowners have important local‐system knowledge. Earlier engagement between all stakeholders involved in restoration may help create mutual understanding across parties and stave off disputes about project objectives or implementation.
Segmenting Time Series via Self-Normalisation
Authors: Zhao Zifeng , Jiang Feiyu , Shao Xiaofeng
Published: October 2022

We propose a novel and unified framework for change-point estimation in multivariate time series. The proposed method is fully non-parametric, robust to temporal dependence and avoids the demanding consistent estimation of long-run variance. One salient and distinct feature of the proposed method is its versatility, where it allows change-point detection for a broad class of parameters (such as mean, variance, correlation and quantile) in a unified fashion. At the core of our method, we couple the self-normalisation- (SN) based tests with a novel nested local-window segmentation algorithm, which seems new in the growing literature of change-point analysis. Due to the presence of an inconsistent long-run variance estimator in the SN test, non-standard theoretical arguments are further developed to derive the consistency and convergence rate of the proposed SN-based change-point detection method. Extensive numerical experiments and relevant real data analysis are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness and broad applicability of our proposed method in comparison with state-of-the-art approaches in the literature.
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission from Human to Pet and Suspected Transmission from Pet to Human, Thailand
Authors: Piewbang Chutchai , Poonsin Panida , Lohavicharn Pattiya , Wardhani Sabrina Wahyu , Dankaona Wichan , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Poovorawan Yong , Techangamsuwan Somporn
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been the cause of human pandemic infection since late 2019. SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals has also been reported both naturally and experimentally, rendering awareness about a potential source of infection for one health concern.
Regulation of Potassium and Chloride Concentrations in Nervous Tissue as a Method of Anticonvulsant Therapy
Authors: Proskurina E. Yu. , Zaitsev A. V.
Published: October 2022

Under some pathological conditions, such as pharmacoresistant
epilepsy, status epilepticus or certain forms of genetic abnormalities,
spiking activity of GABAergic interneurons may enhance excitation
processes in neuronal circuits and provoke the generation of ictal
discharges. As a result, anticonvulsants acting on the GABAergic
system may be ineffective or even increase seizure activity. This
paradoxical effect of the inhibitory system is due to ionic imbalances
in nervous tissue. This review addresses the mechanisms of ictal
discharge initiation in neuronal networks due to the imbalance of
chloride and potassium ions, as well as possible ways to regulate
ionic concentrations. Both the enhancement (or attenuation) of the
activity of certain neuronal ion transporters and ion pumps and
their additional expression via gene therapy can be effective in
suppressing seizure activity caused by ionic imbalances. The Na+–K+-pump,
NKCC1 and KCC2 cotransporters are important for maintaining proper
K+ and Cl– concentrations
in nervous tissue, having been repeatedly considered as pharmacological
targets for antiepileptic exposures. Further progress in this direction
is hampered by the lack of sufficiently selective pharmacological
tools and methods for providing effective drug delivery to the epileptic
focus. The use of the gene therapy techniques, such as overexpressing
of the KCC2 transporter in the epileptic focus, seems to be a more promising
approach. Another possible direction could be the use of optogenetic
tools, namely specially designed light-activated ion pumps or ion
channels. In this case, photon energy can be used to create the
required gradients of chloride and potassium ions, although these
methods also have significant limitations which complicate their
rapid introduction into medicine.