bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL‐1β/IL‐1R1 signaling is involved in the propagation of α‐synuclein pathology of the gastrointestinal tract to the brain
Authors: Muhammad Bilal , Li Haiying , Gu Yunlu , Xue Senlin , Gao Yao , Xu Zhou , Fang Xiaoli , Ding Haohan , Wu Fang , Geng Deqin , Niu Haichen
Published: July 2023

The pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the intraneuronal accumulation of misfolded alpha‐synuclein (termed Lewy bodies) in dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra par compacta (SNc). It is assumed that the α‐syn pathology is induced by gastrointestinal inflammation and then transfers to the brain by the gut‐brain axis. Therefore, the relationship between gastrointestinal inflammation and α‐syn pathology leading to PD remains to be investigated. In our study, rotenone (ROT) oral administration induces gastrointestinal tract (GIT) inflammation in mice. In addition, we used pseudorabies virus (PRV) for tracing studies and performed behavioral testing. We observed that ROT treatments enhance macrophage activation, inflammatory mediator expression, and α‐syn pathology in the GIT 6‐week post‐treatment (P6). Moreover, pathological α‐syn was localized with IL‐1R1 positive neural cells in GIT. In line with these findings, we also find pS129‐α‐syn signals in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nigral‐striatum dynamically change from 3‐week post‐treatment (P3) to P6. Following that, pS129‐α‐syn was dominant in the enteric neural cell, DMV, and SNc, accompanied by microglial activation, and these phenotypes were absent in IL‐1R1r/r mice. These data suggest that IL‐1β/IL‐1R1‐dependent inflammation of GIT can induce α‐syn pathology, which then propagates to the DMV and SNc, resulting in PD.

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Cranial morphology of Balkan and West Asian livestock guardian dogs
Authors: Gündemir Ozan , Koungoulos Loukas , Szara Tomasz , Duro Sokol , Spataru Mihaela‐Claudia , Michaud Margot , Onar Vedat
Published: July 2023

Several large “shepherd” or livestock guardian dog (LGD) breeds were historically selectively bred to protect sheep and goat flocks in the Balkans, Anatolia, and the Caucasus regions. Although these breeds exhibit similar behavior, their morphology is different. Yet, the fine characterization of the phenotypic differences remains to be analyzed. The aim of this study is to characterize cranial morphology in the specific Balkan and West Asian LGD breeds. We use a 3D geometric morphometric in order to assess morphological differences regarding both shape and size between LGD breeds and compare this phenotypic diversity to close relative wild canids. Our results indicate that Balkan and Anatolian LGDs form a distinct cluster within a relatively large dog cranial size and shape diversity. Most LGDs display a cranial morphology that could be described as intermediate to the mastiff breeds and large herding dogs, except for the Romanian Mioritic shepherd which has a more brachycephalic cranium strongly resembling the bully‐type dog cranial morphotype. Although often considered to represent an ancient type of dog, the Balkan–West Asian LGDs are clearly distinguishable from wolves, dingoes, and most other primitive and spitz‐type dogs and this group displays a surprising cranial diversity.
Seawater pearl hydrolysate inhibits photoaging via decreasing oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis of Ultraviolet B‐induced human skin keratinocytes
Authors: Han Siyin , Liu Peng , Yan Qiangqiang , Cen Yanhui , Wu Guanyi , Chen Zhenxing , Li Mingxing , Deng Yasheng , Luo Fei , Lin Jiang
Published: July 2023

Background

Ultraviolet (UV) is the main reason to cause photoaging skin which not only hinders beauty, brings the patients with psychological burden, but also pathologically leads to the occurrence of tumors in skin.

Objective

This study goes into the inhibitory effect and mechanism of seawater pearl hydrolysate (SPH) to address human skin keratinocytes photoaging induced by UVB.

Methods

The photoaging model of Hacat cell was constructed by UVB irradiation, the levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, aging, autophagy and autophagy‐related protein and signal pathway expression were assessed to characterize the inhibitory effect and mechanism of SPH on photoaging Hacat cell.

Results

Seawater pearl hydrolysate significantly accelerated (p < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and markedly reduced (p < 0.05) the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl compound and nitrosylated tyrosine protein, aging level, apoptosis rate in Hacat cell induced by 200 mJ cm−2 UVB after 24 and 48 h of culture; high dose SPH significantly raised (p < 0.05) relative expression level of p‐Akt, p‐mTOR proteins, and markedly decreased (p < 0.05) relative expression level of LC3II protein, p‐AMPK, and autophagy level in Hacat cell induced by 200 mJ cm−2 UVB, or in combination with the intervention of PI3K inhibitor or AMPK overexpression after 48 h of culture.

Conclusion

Seawater pearl hydrolysate can effectively inhibit 200 mJ cm−2 UVB‐induced photoaging of Hacat cells. The mechanism indicates removing the excessive ROS through increasing the antioxidation of photoaging Hacat cells. Once redundant ROS is eliminated, SPH works to reduce AMPK, increase PI3K‐Akt pathway expression, activate mTOR pathway to lowdown autophagy level, and as a result, inhibit apoptosis and aging in photoaging Hacat cells.
Development and internal validation of a multivariable prediction model for the quality of life of cervical cancer survivors
Authors: García Jorge Cea , Ríos‐Pena Laura , Rodríguez M. Carmen Rubio , Maraver Francisco Márquez , Jiménez Inmaculada Rodríguez
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To elaborate a prediction model for quality of life of cervical cancer survivors.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study on 229 cervical cancer survivors. The quality of life measures included the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy‐Cervix version 4.0 and the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐brief version self‐administered questionnaires. We imported the data into the statistical software program R and developed a gamma generalized linear model.

Results

Our internally validated predictive model for the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy‐Cervix total score was composed of the following predictors: pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/discharge/odor, and WHOQOL‐BREF social relationships domain. The Harrell's concordance index was 0.75.

Conclusions

We developed a solid and internally validated predictive model in cervical cancer survivors based on predictors, such as pain, appetite, vaginal bleeding/odor/discharge, and WHOQOL‐BREF social relationships subscale score that contribute significantly to quality of life as targets for potential intervention.
Risk factors contributing to early implant failure following sinus augmentation: A study of a challenging cohort
Authors: Masri Daya , Jonas Ehud , Avishai Gal , Rosenfeld Eli , Chaushu Liat , Chaushu Gabriel
Published: July 2023

Background

Sinus augmentation has become a more predictable and successful procedure as the knowledge of its indications and complications increased. However, knowledge of risk factors leading to early implant failure (EIF) among challenging systemic and local conditions is insufficient.

Objectives

The present study aims to assess risk factors for EIF following sinus augmentation in a challenging cohort.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study conducted during a period of 8 years in a tertiary referral centre providing surgical and dental health care. Implant and patient variables including age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) physical status classification, smoking, residual alveolar bone, type of anaesthesia and EIF were collected.

Results

Cohort was comprised of 751 implants placed in 271 individuals. EIF rates at the implant and patient level were 6.3% and 12.5%, respectively. EIF was found to be higher among smokers (patient level: χ2 (1) = 8.74, p = .003), ASA 2 physical classification patients (patient level: χ2 (2) = 6.75, p = .03), sinuses augmented under general anaesthesia (patient level: χ2 (1)=8.97, p = .003), higher bone gain (implant level: W = 12 350, p = .004), lower residual alveolar bone height (implant level: W = 13 837, p = .001) and multiple implantations (patient level: W = 3016.5, p = 0.01). However, other variables such as age, gender, collagen membrane and implant's dimensions did not reach significance.

Conclusions

Within the limits of the study, we can conclude that smoking, ASA 2 physical status classification, general anaesthesia, low residual alveolar bone height and numerous implants are risk factors for EIF following sinus augmentation in challenging cohorts.
The Moderating Role of Inhibition on Irrelevant Emotional Information in the Relation of Cognitive Reappraisal and Affect Balance: Evidence from a Negative Affective Priming Task
Authors: Prasetio Clement Eko , Putri Vanessa Maudy , Sianipar Agnes
Published: July 2023

This study tested the role of inhibitory control as a moderator in the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and affect balance. We employed moderation analyses with data collected from 201 participants (mean age = 22.07 years, 76.1% female). We measured their affect balance in the last 4 weeks (with the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience [SPANE]), their habitual use of cognitive reappraisal (ERQ Scale), and their performance in inhibiting irrelevant positive and negative information by means of an online negative affective priming task. Results indicated that cognitive reappraisal was a significant and positive predictor for affect balance. As predicted, inhibition of irrelevant positive and negative stimuli significantly moderated the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and affect balance. Specifically, moderate to weak inhibition of irrelevant positive stimuli and moderate to strong inhibition of irrelevant negative stimuli were found to strengthen this relationship. Thus, our findings suggest that individuals can strengthen the positive impact of cognitive reappraisal on affect balance by strongly inhibiting irrelevant negative stimuli while allowing irrelevant positive stimuli to be processed in the working memory.
Phylogeography of the red alga Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariales) along the Brazilian coast
Authors: Faria Andre V. F. , Martins Nuno T. , Ayres‐Ostrock Ligia M. , Gurgel Carlos F. D. , Plastino Estela M.
Published: July 2023

Changes in the sea level during the Holocene are regarded as one of the most prevalent drivers of the diversity and distribution of macroalgae in Brazil, influenced by the emergence of the Vitória‐Trindade seamount chain (VTC). Gracilariopsis tenuifrons has a wide geographic distribution along the Brazilian coast, from Maranhão state (2°48′64.3" S) to Santa Catarina state (27.5°73′83" S). The knowledge of historical processes affecting diversity may allow the development of conservation strategies in environments against anthropogenic influence. Therefore, knowledge about phylogeography and populational genetic diversity in G. tenuifrons is necessary. Six populations were sampled along the northeastern tropical (Maranhão—MA, Rio Grande do Norte—RN, Alagoas—AL, and Bahia—BA States) and southeastern subtropical (São Paulo “Ubatuba”—SP1 and São Paulo “Itanhaém”—SP2 States) regions along the Brazilian coast. The genetic diversity and structure of G. tenuifrons were inferred using mitochondrial (COI‐5P and cox2‐3 concatenated) DNA markers. Gracilariopsis tenuifrons populations showed an evident separation between the northeast (from 2°48′64.3" S to 14°18′23" S; 17 haplotypes) and the southeast (from 23°50′14.9" S to 24°20′04.7" S; 10 haplotypes) regions by two mutational steps between them. The main biogeographical barrier to gene flow is located nearby the VTC. The southeast region (São Paulo State) is separated by two subphylogroups (SP1, three haplotypes and SP2, six haplotypes), and Santos Bay (estuary) has been considered a biogeographical barrier between them. The presence of genetic structure and putative barriers to gene flow are in concordance with previous studies reporting biogeographic breaks in the southwest Atlantic Ocean, including the genetic isolation between northeast and southeast regions for red and brown algae in the vicinity of the VTC.
Insomnia symptoms as risk factor for somatic disorders: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Benz Fee , Meneo Debora , Baglioni Chiara , Hertenstein Elisabeth
Published: July 2023

The objective of this umbrella review is to present a comprehensive summary of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on the longitudinal association between insomnia and the risk of developing somatic disorders. Pubmed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo and PsycArticles were searched until 16 December 2022. Fourteen systematic reviews and meta‐analyses met the inclusion criteria. Results suggest that insomnia symptoms (i.e. aspects of disturbed sleep continuity as a single symptom) convey a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and thyroid cancer. The presence of insomnia symptoms may also enhance the risk for obesity, cognitive decline and dementia—however, results are contradictory and not conclusive here. Results do not suggest an association between insomnia symptoms and mortality. No conclusions can be drawn regarding insomnia disorder because the reviews did not ensure a valid diagnosis. It remains unclear what proportion of participants with insomnia symptoms fulfil diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder and/or suffer from an organic sleep disorder such as sleep‐related breathing disorder. Moreover, most of the included reviews were assessed to have critically low confidence according to the AMSTAR‐2 tool. Inconsistent definitions of insomnia and methodological unclarities further underline that results should be interpreted with caution. There is a need for future longitudinal studies that focus on a careful definition and differential diagnosis of both insomnia and the outcome.
Quantitative road crack evaluation by a U‐Net architecture using smartphone images and Lidar data
Authors: Yamaguchi Takahiro , Mizutani Tsukasa
Published: July 2023

Road cracks are a major concern for administrators. Visual inspection is labor‐intensive. The accuracy of previous algorithms for detecting cracks in images requires improvement. Further, the length and thickness of cracks must be estimated. Light detection and ranging (Lidar), a standard smartphone feature is used to develop a method for the completely automatic, accurate, and quantitative evaluation of road cracks. The two contributions of this study are as follows. To achieve the highest segmentation accuracy, U‐Net is combined with data augmentation and morphology transform. To calculate the crack length and thickness, crack images are registered into Lidar color data. The proposed algorithm was validated using a public database of road cracks and those measured by the authors. The algorithm was 95% accurate in determining crack length. The coefficient of determination for thickness estimation accuracy was 0.98 addressing various crack shapes and asphalt pavement patterns.
Insight into the biochemical and cell biological function of an intrinsically unstructured heat shock protein, Hsp12 of Ustilago maydis
Authors: Mitra Aroni , Bhakta Koustav , Kar Ankita , Roy Anisha , Mohid Sk Abdul , Ghosh Abhrajyoti , Ghosh Anupama
Published: July 2023

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) play diverse roles in the stress response and maintenance of cellular functions. The Ustilago maydis genome codes for few sHsps. Among these, Hsp12 has previously been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of the fungus by our group. In the present study we further investigated the biological function of the protein in the pathogenic development of U. maydis. Analysis of the primary amino acid sequence of Hsp12 in combination with spectroscopic methods to analyse secondary protein structures revealed an intrinsically disordered nature of the protein. We also carried out detailed analysis on the protein aggregation prevention activity associated with Hsp12. Our data suggest Hsp12 has trehalose‐dependent protein aggregation prevention activity. Through assaying the interaction of Hsp12 with lipid membranes in vitro we also showed the ability of U. maydis Hsp12 to induce stability in lipid vesicles. U. maydis hsp12 deletion mutants exhibited defects in the endocytosis process and delayed completion of the pathogenic life cycle. Therefore, U. maydis Hsp12 contributes to the pathogenic development of the fungus through its ability to relieve proteotoxic stress during infection as well as its membrane‐stabilizing function.
Experimental warming altered plant functional traits and their coordination in a permafrost ecosystem
Authors: Wei Bin , Zhang Dianye , Wang Guanqin , Liu Yang , Li Qinlu , Zheng Zhihu , Yang Guibiao , Peng Yunfeng , Niu Kechang , Yang Yuanhe
Published: July 2023

Knowledge about changes in plant functional traits is valuable for the mechanistic understanding of warming effects on ecosystem functions. However, observations have tended to focus on aboveground plant traits, and there is little information about changes in belowground plant traits or the coordination of above‐ and belowground traits under climate warming, particularly in permafrost ecosystems.

Based on a 7‐yr field warming experiment, we measured 26 above‐ and belowground plant traits of four dominant species, and explored community functional composition and trait networks in response to experimental warming in a permafrost ecosystem on the Tibetan Plateau.

Experimental warming shifted community‐level functional traits toward more acquisitive values, with earlier green‐up, greater plant height, larger leaves, higher photosynthetic resource‐use efficiency, thinner roots, and greater specific root length and root nutrient concentrations. However, warming had a negligible effect in terms of functional diversity. In addition, warming shifted hub traits which have the highest centrality in the network from specific root area to leaf area.

These results demonstrate that above‐ and belowground traits exhibit consistent adaptive strategies, with more acquisitive traits in warmer environments. Such changes could provide an adaptive advantage for plants in response to environmental change.
GhRCD1 regulates cotton somatic embryogenesis by modulating the GhMYC3–GhMYB44–GhLBD18 transcriptional cascade
Authors: Yuan Jiachen , Liu Xingxing , Zhao Hang , Wang Ye , Wei Xi , Wang Peng , Zhan Jingjing , Liu Lisen , Li Fuguang , Ge Xiaoyang
Published: July 2023

Plant somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a multifactorial developmental process where embryos that can develop into whole plants are produced from somatic cells rather than through the fusion of gametes. The molecular regulation of plant SE, which involves the fate transition of somatic cells into embryogenic cells, is intriguing yet remains elusive.

We deciphered the molecular mechanisms by which GhRCD1 interacts with GhMYC3 to regulate cell fate transitions during SE in cotton. While silencing of GhMYC3 had no discernible effect on SE, its overexpression accelerated callus formation, and proliferation.

We identified two of GhMYC3 downstream SE regulators, GhMYB44 and GhLBD18. GhMYB44 overexpression was unconducive to callus growth but bolstered EC differentiation. However, GhLBD18 can be triggered by GhMYC3 but inhibited by GhMYB44, which positively regulates callus growth. On top of the regulatory cascade, GhRCD1 antagonistically interacts with GhMYC3 to inhibit the transcriptional function of GhMYC3 on GhMYB44 and GhLBD18, whereby a CRISPR‐mediated rcd1 mutation expedites cell fate transition, resembling the effects of GhMYC3 overexpression. Furthermore, we showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in SE regulation.

Our findings elucidated that SE homeostasis is maintained by the tetrapartite module, GhRCD1–GhMYC3–GhMYB44–GhLBD18, which acts to modulate intracellular ROS in a temporal manner.
Tree diversity effects on litter decomposition are mediated by litterfall and microbial processes
Authors: Beugnon Rémy , Eisenhauer Nico , Bruelheide Helge , Davrinche Andréa , Du Jianqing , Haider Sylvia , Hähn Georg , Saadani Mariem , Singavarapu Bala , Sünnemann Marie , Thouvenot Lise , Wang Yanfen , Wubet Tesfaye , Xue Kai , Cesarz Simone
Published: July 2023

Forest ecosystems are critical for their carbon sequestration potential. Increasing tree diversity has been shown to enhance both forest productivity and litter decomposition. Litter diversity increases litter decomposability by increasing the diversity of substrates offered to decomposers. However, the relative importance of litter decomposability and decomposer community in mediating tree diversity effects on decomposition remains unknown. Moreover, tree diversity modulation of litterfall spatial distribution, and consequently litter decomposition, has rarely been tested. We studied tree diversity effects on leaf litter decomposition and its mediation by the amount of litterfall, litter species richness and decomposability, and soil microorganisms in a large‐scale tree diversity experiment in subtropical China. Furthermore, we examined how litter functional identity and diversity affect leaf litter decomposability. Finally, we tested how leaf functional traits, tree biomass, and forest spatial structure drive the litterfall spatial distribution. We found evidence that tree species richness increased litter decomposition by increasing litter species richness and the amount of litterfall. We showed that soil microorganisms in this subtropical forest perform 84–87% of litter decomposition. Moreover, changes in the amount of litterfall and microbial decomposition explained 19–37% of the decomposition variance. Additionally, up to 20% of the microbial decomposition variance was explained by litter decomposability, while litter decomposability itself was determined by litter functional identity, diversity, and species richness. Tree species richness increased litter species richness and the amount of litterfall (+200% from monoculture to eight‐species neighborhood). We further demonstrated that the amount of species‐specific litterfall increased with increasing tree proximity and biomass, and was modulated by leaf functional traits. These litterfall drivers increased the spatial heterogeneity of litter distribution, and thus litter decomposition. We highlighted multiple biomass‐ and diversity‐mediated effects of tree diversity on ecosystem properties driving forest nutrient cycling. We conclude that considering spatial variability in biotic properties will improve our mechanistic understanding of ecosystem functioning.
Both‐column Acetabular Fractures with Posterior Wall Involved can be Managed through Single Anterior Approach by Evaluation of Computer‐assisted Virtual Surgery Technique
Authors: Wan Yizhou , Xue Peiran , Chen Kaifang , Yan Dong , Yu Keda , Huang Guixiong , Guo Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

Objective

Posterior wall (PW) fractures were sometimes associated in both‐column acetabular fractures. How to evaluate pre‐operatively the necessity for the performance of the posterior approach was an issue to be solved. In order to solve this issue, the computer‐assisted virtual surgery technique was used to evaluate if the involved PW in both‐column acetabular fractures (BACF) should be managed through posterior approach and verify the feasibility of this method.

Methods

Data of a consecutive cohort of 72 patients with both‐acetabular fractures from January 2012 to January 2020 was collected for retrospective study, of which 44 patients had concomitant acetabular PW fractures, and patients without PW fractures were labeled as the BCAF group. Computer‐assisted virtual surgery technique was performed pre‐operatively to evaluate the necessity for performance of posterior approach in 44 patients, and posterior approach was required if more than 3 mm of displacement was still present in the reduced 3D model. The 23 patients without treatment through posterior approach were labeled as the BCAF‐PW− group, and the 21 patients with treatment through posterior approach were labeled as the BCAF‐PW+ group. Operation‐related and post‐operative parameters were recorded. The quality of reduction and functional outcomes were assessed by the Matta scoring system and modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system. The measurement data were analyzed using the t‐test of independent samples and rank‐sum test of ranked data between every two groups. Also, the one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze data between the three groups.

Results

Comparing operation‐related and post‐operative parameters in the three groups, some PW fractures in both‐column acetabular fractures could be ignored, and which could be evaluated pre‐operatively for necessity of an additional posterior approach. Operative time (271.2 ± 32.8 mins) and intra‐operative blood loss (1176.7 ± 211.1 mL) were significantly higher in the BCAF‐PW+ group. The excellent/good of reduction (25/28 of the BCAF group, 21/23 of the BCAF‐PW− group, 19/21 of the BCAF‐PW+ group) and functional outcomes (24/28 of the BCAF group, 18/23 of the BCAF‐PW− group, 18/21 of the BCAF‐PW+ group) of three groups were similar. The incidence of complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (4/28 of the BCAF group >3/23 of the BCAF‐PW− group >1/21 of the BCAF‐PW+ group) and injury of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (3/23 of the BCAF‐PW− group >2/28 of the BCAF group >0/21 of the BCAF‐PW+ group), was no significant difference.

Conclusion

The partial both‐column acetabular fractures with PW involvement could be managed through a single anterior approach without another posterior approach by evaluation of computer‐assisted virtual surgery technique.
Research Progress on the Pathogenesis of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Du Xin , Liu Zi‐yu , Tao Xing‐xing , Mei Yong‐liang , Zhou Da‐qian , Cheng Kang , Gao Si‐long , Shi Hou‐yin , Song Chao , Zhang Xiao‐min
Published: July 2023

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic joint bone disease characterized by inflammatory destruction and hyperplasia of bone. Its main clinical symptoms are joint mobility difficulties and pain, severe cases can lead to limb paralysis, which poses major pressure to the quality of life and mental health of patients, but also brings serious economic burden to society. The occurrence and development of KOA is influenced by many factors, including systemic factors and local factors. The joint biomechanical changes caused by aging, trauma and obesity, abnormal bone metabolism caused by metabolic syndrome, the effects of cytokines and related enzymes, genetic and biochemical abnormalities caused by plasma adiponectin, etc. all directly or indirectly lead to the occurrence of KOA. However, there is little literature that systematically and comprehensively integrates macro‐ and microscopic KOA pathogenesis. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively and systematically summarize the pathogenesis of KOA in order to provide a better theoretical basis for clinical treatment.
Migration and Skewed Subnational Sex Ratios among Young Adults
Authors: Gulczyński Michał
Published: July 2023

Skewed sex ratios have been found to increase crime and spread of diseases, as well as influence fertility decisions, gender roles, and economic development. I document the extent to which international and internal migration shape national and subnational sex ratios among young adults (SRYA). For this purpose, I analyze the data from the United Nations’ Urban and Rural Population by Age and Sex and World Population Prospects, focusing on the cohort born between 1975 and 1985 in 200 countries. I find that, while 33 countries have significantly skewed country‐level sex ratios, as many as 107 of the 200 investigated countries have either rural or urban skewed SRYA in 2010. To identify the sources of sex ratio imbalances, I decompose country‐level sex ratios into three factors: sex ratio at birth, relative probability of survival, and sex‐selective migration. I show that without sex‐selective international migration, country‐level SRYA would be balanced in almost all countries of the world. In the third part of the study, I use Eurostat data for European subnational regions. I find a strong log‐linear relationship between sex ratios and population density, that is, relatively more women among young adults as population density increases. Moreover, I show that skewed SRYA can be mainly attributable to sex‐selective migration, rather than to imbalanced sex ratios at birth and differential mortality.
Benefits and challenges of combined pediatrics‐anesthesiology residency programs: A qualitative study
Authors: Nguyen Clarice , Xie James , Brandford Elena , Wang Tammy , Rassbach Caroline E.
Published: July 2023

Background

The combined pediatrics‐anesthesiology residency program was created in 2011 for trainees interested in careers within both specialties. Prior studies have cited challenges of combined training, but none have systematically identified benefits.

Aims

Our objective was to describe the perceived educational and professional benefits and challenges of combined pediatrics‐anesthesiology residency programs.

Methods

In this qualitative study using a phenomenological approach, all graduates of combined pediatrics‐anesthesiology residency programs from 2016 to 2021, program directors, associate program directors, and faculty mentors were invited to participate in surveys and interviews. Study members conducted interviews using a semi‐structured interview guide. Each transcript was coded inductively by two authors and themes were developed using thematic analysis through the lens of self‐determination theory.

Results

43 of 62 graduates and faculty responded to our survey (69% response rate), and 14 graduates and five faculty were interviewed. Survey and interview data represented seven programs, including five currently accredited combined programs. Themes emerged regarding benefits of training: it 1) fosters residents' clinical expertise in managing critically ill and medically complex children; 2) provides residents with exceptional knowledge and skills in communicating between medical and perioperative services; and 3) affords unique academic and career opportunities. Other themes emerged regarding the challenges of long duration of training and transitions between pediatrics and anesthesiology rotations.

Conclusions

This is the first study to describe the perceived educational and professional benefits of combined pediatrics‐anesthesiology residency programs. Combined training affords exceptional clinical competence and autonomy in the management of pediatric patients and the ability to skillfully navigate hospital systems, and leads to robust academic and career opportunities. However, the duration of training and challenging transitions may threaten residents' sense of relatedness to colleagues and peers, and their self‐perceived competence and autonomy. These results can inform mentoring and recruitment of residents to combined pediatrics‐anesthesiology programs and career opportunities for graduates.
Conceptualizing and measuring “punitiveness” in contemporary advanced democracies
Authors: Pfeffer Elizabeth Gordon
Published: July 2023

This article addresses a key political question regarding the relationship between states and their citizens: how harsh are judicial systems in their punishment of those who deviate from the law? Punitiveness is a fraught concept in the existing literature and robust measurement methods maximizing conceptual complexity are lacking. Here I develop a functional approach to punitiveness through a revised conceptualization and operationalization of this key variable while cautioning against the solitary use of incarceration rates to measure state intention. Punitiveness is conceptually disaggregated into three main components: (1) a commitment to punishment over rehabilitation, (2) the degree of harshness of response to crime (i.e., a longer sentence in prison), and (3) the lack of a logical progression of punishment based on the severity of crime committed or intent of the offender. These axes are further disaggregated into measurable indicators to build a novel index of punitiveness (P‐Index) from the legal codes of 26 countries. Ultimately, this rules‐as‐data measure offers researchers purchase on the puzzling variation in punitiveness across contexts, which persists regardless of current and historical crime levels, offering particular utility for supply‐side political‐economic explanations.
Photodynamic therapy in the coadjuvant treatment of Sporothrix schenckii complex
Authors: da Silva Weslay Rodrigues , da Costa Almeida Marcelo Vieira , Gominho Luciana , Albuquerque Antonio Carlos Moura Melo , Cavalcanti Ully Dias Nascimento Távora , Cavalcanti Lúcia de Fátima Santos , Romeiro Kaline
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Sporotrichosis, a zoonosis caused by animal, mainly cat, scratches or bites, is caused by fungi belonging to the Sporothrix complex. Treatment usually consists in antifungal administration, although treatment failure and hepatotoxicity reports have been noted. Alternative sporotrichosis treatment methods, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), may, therefore, be indicated.

Case report

In this context, this study followed a 56‐year‐old male renal transplanted patient displaying disseminated sporotrichosis, presenting erythematous skin lesions with ulcerated backgrounds and hardened consistency on the nose, oral and scalp. The lesions were present for about 2 months and the patient coexisted with cats. Intravenous amphotericin B administration was initiated, and immunosuppression was suspended. Seven aPDT sessions were also performed in 48 h intervals on the oral lesions, employing 0.01% methylene blue gel as the photosensitizing agent. After the 4th aPDT session, the patient was discharged, amphotericin B administration was suspended, and the treatment was continued with itraconazole, without immunosuppression. Red laser was applied to the oral lesions after the 7th aPDT session. Significant lesion improvement was observed after the final aPDT session and complete palate lesion repair was noted after two red laser sessions.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that aPDT is a valuable strategy as an adjunct sporotrichosis treatment.
What goes before the CART? Introducing classification trees with Arbor and CODAP
Authors: Erickson Tim , Engel Joachim
Published: July 2023

This volume is largely about nontraditional data; this paper is about a nontraditional visualization: classification trees. Using trees with data will be new to many students, so rather than beginning with a computer algorithm that produces optimal trees, we suggest that students first construct their own trees, one node at a time, to explore how they work, and how well. This build‐it‐yourself process is more transparent than using algorithms such as CART; we believe it will help students not only understand the fundamentals of trees, but also better understand tree‐building algorithms when they do encounter them. And because classification is an important task in machine learning, a good foundation in trees can prepare students to better understand that emerging and important field. We also describe a free online tool—Arbor—that students can use to do this, and note some implications for instruction.
Cytomegalovirus Immune reconstitution in cord blood transplant recipients on letermovir prophylaxis
Authors: Abidi Maheen Z. , Molina Kyle C. , Garth Krystle , Gutman Jonathan A. , Weinberg Adriana
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause significant morbidity and mortality in cord blood transplant (CBT) recipients. Development of CMV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity (CMV‐CMI) has been associated with protection against CMV clinically significant reactivation (CsCMV). In this study, we evaluated CMV‐CMI reconstitution during letermovir prophylactic therapy, which prevents CsCMV without complete suppression of CMV reactivation.

Methods

We measured CMV‐CMI in CMV‐seropositive CBT recipients pre‐transplant after Day+90 of letermovir prophylaxis and at Days +180, and +360‐ post‐transplant using a dual color CMV‐specific IFNγ/IL2 FLUOROSpot. CsCMV and nonCsCMV reactivations were abstracted from medical records. CsCMV was defined as CMV viral load ≥5,000 IU/ml using a whole blood assay.

Results

Among 70 CBT recipients, 31 developed CMV‐CMI by Day+90 and an additional eight and five participants by Days +180 and +360, respectively. Thirty‐eight participants developed CMV reactivation, including nine with CsCMV. Most reactivations (33 of 38) occurred before Day+180. Early CMV‐CMI was present in six out of nine participants with CsCMV, indicating a lack of protection against CsCMV. Moreover, the magnitude of CMV‐CMI at Day+90 did not differ between participants with CsCMV and nonCsCMV.

Conclusion

Approximately 50% of CBT recipients reconstituted CMV‐CMI during letermovir prophylactic therapy. However, CMV‐CMI did not reach levels protective against CsCMV. Extension of CMV prophylaxis beyond Day+90 may be considered in CMV‐seropositive CBT recipients.

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Protein stability governed by α1–2 helices in Pvr4 is essential for localization and cell death
Authors: Lee Hye‐Young , Choi Jeen , Kang Minji , Lee Joo Hyun , Kim Myung‐Shin , Choi Doil
Published: July 2023

Plant nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich‐repeat receptor (NLR) confers disease resistance to various pathogens by recognizing effectors derived from the pathogen. Previous studies have shown that overexpression of the CC domain in several NLRs triggers cell death, implying that the CC domain plays an important role as a signaling module. However, how CC domain transduces immune signals remains largely unknown. A Potyvirus‐resistant NLR protein, Pvr4, possesses a CC domain (CCPvr4) that induces cell death upon transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana. In this study, loss‐of‐function mutants were generated by error‐prone PCR‐based random mutagenesis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying CCPvr4‐mediated cell death. Cell biology and biochemical studies revealed that M16 and Q52 in the α1 and α2 helices, respectively, are crucial for protein stability, and mutation of these residues disrupts localization to the plasma membrane and oligomerization activity. The increase of the protein stability of these mutants by tagging a green fluorescent protein (GFP) variant led to restoration of cell death‐inducing activity and plasma membrane localization. Another mutant, I7E in the very N‐terminal region, lost cell death‐inducing activity by weakening the interaction with plasma membrane H+‐ATPase compared to CCPvr4, although the protein remained in the plasma membrane. Moreover, most of the mutated residues are on the outer surface of the funnel shape in the predicted pentameric CCPvr4, implying that the disordered N‐terminal region plays a crucial role in association with PMA as well as targeting to the plasma membrane. This work could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of cell death induced by NLR immune receptors.
Evaluation of residual antibacterial effects on canine skin surface and hair following treatment with five commercial mousse products againstStaphylococcus pseudintermedius
Authors: Wu Chi‐Yen , Parsiola Rebecca , Mitchell Mark , Mitchell Maria , Ramos Sara , Ravera Ivan , Pucheu‐Haston Cherie
Published: July 2023

Background

Antibacterial effect studies of commercial antiseptics typically have evaluated hair and not the skin.

Objectives

To evaluate the antibacterial effects of mousse products on both canine skin and hair.

Animals

Fifteen short‐haired and eight long‐haired dogs without skin disease.

Materials and Methods

Five mousses were applied once: (1) 2% chlorhexidine and 2% miconazole; (2) 0.05% phytosphingosine; (3) 2% salicylic acid and 10% ethyl lactate; (4) 3% chlorhexidine and 0.5% climbazole; and (5) 2% chlorhexidine and 1% ketoconazole. Skin swabs and hair were collected from application sites before treatment, and at 1 h and at Day (D)2, D4, D8, D10 and D14 post‐treatment. Skin swabs and hair were placed on Mueller–Hinton plates inoculated withStaphylococcus pseudintermediusinoculum suspension. Inhibition zones were measured after incubation.

Results

Inhibition was not noted with mousses 2 and 3. In mousse 5, inhibition zone sizes produced by swabs from long‐ and short‐haired dogs were not significantly different (p = 0.105), and all swabs and hair produced inhibition until D14, regardless of hair length. By contrast, in mousse 1, inhibition zones produced by swabs from long‐haired dogs were smaller than those from short‐haired dogs (p < 0.001), and swabs from long‐haired dogs produced a shorter duration of bacterial inhibition than hair.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The antibacterial effects of mousse 5 were not affected by hair length. Hair may be acceptable for evaluating effects on the skin in short‐haired dogs. However, long hair may interfere with product distribution and duration of bacterial inhibition. Therefore, the evaluation of hair alone may overestimate clinically relevant antibacterial effects.
Wildly ramified rigid G2$G_2$‐local systems
Authors: Jakob Konstantin
Published: July 2023

In earlier work of the author, rigid irregular connections with differential Galois group and whose slopes have numerator 1 were classified and new rigid connections were constructed. The same construction can be carried out for ‐adic local systems in the setting of positive characteristic. In this article, we provide the results that are needed to obtain the classification of wildly ramified rigid ‐local systems whose slopes have numerator 1. The overall strategy of the classification is very similar but the methods needed to obtain some invariants differ.
Characterization of critical health promotion: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fincham Susanne , O’Hara Lily , Cole Rachel , Taylor Jane
Published: July 2023

Objective:

This scoping review will explore how critical health promotion is characterized in the health promotion literature.

Introduction:

Critical health promotion has emerged as a social justice approach to health promotion to address the persistent global issue of health inequity. Whilst critical health promotion is not conceptually new and the term has been used in the literature, albeit sparingly, this approach has not been adopted as standard health promotion practice, compromising the advancement of health equity. Given that language shapes the understanding and practice of health promotion, it is imperative to explore how critical health promotion is characterized in the literature to increase uptake of the approach.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider sources that explore critical health promotion and are explicitly positioned as health promotion sources.

Methods:

Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PubMed, Global Health (CABI), and the Public Health Database (ProQuest) will be searched to identify relevant full-text papers, including original research, reviews, editorials, and opinion papers. Searches of Google Scholar, Google, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (ProQuest) will be undertaken to identify gray literature. No language or date restrictions will be applied. Two reviewers will screen sources and extract data using a tool that will be pilot tested, modified, and revised, as necessary. Analysis will involve basic frequency counts and descriptive qualitative content analysis through basic coding. The results will be presented in tables, charts, and word clouds, accompanied by a narrative summary.
Entorno laboral de enfermería en un hospital de Bogotá, 2022
Authors: Arango Bayer Gloria Lucía , PEÑA ALFARO BAIRON , Alvarez Hernández Sindy Lorena
Published: July 2023

Introducción: La preocupación por el entorno laboral en enfermería se ha hecho aun mayor desde la pandemia Covid-19, que afectó la cantidad y calidad del personal de enfermería alrededor del mundo. Objetivo. Describir el entorno laboral de los enfermeros que desempeñan funciones asistenciales en un hospital de Bogotá, Colombia. Método:  Estudio descriptivo exploratorio, con un componente correlacional. Se remitió el cuestionario ENLASA a todos los enfermeros asistenciales del hospital objeto de estudio a través de RedCapÒ. Resultados.  El cuestionario completo fue respondido por el 50% de los enfermeros asistenciales (49 enfermeros) de la institución e invitados a participar en el estudio. El 57,1% de los respondientes consideró el entorno laboral no saludable.  La dimensión de elementos estructurales se consideró no saludable (64,49/100), y la de procesos organizacionales como saludable (71,18/100).  Las subdimensiones no saludables fueron, en estructura, la planeación del recurso de enfermería, (54,66/100) y políticas de recursos humanos (58,91/100) y en procesos, la interacción enfermero-organización (63,10/100) y autonomía (66,07/100).  No se encontró asociación entre las variables sociodemográficas y el entorno laboral de enfermería.  La única asociación estadísticamente significativa entre entorno laboral y resultados fue la relativa a la motivación para trabajar. (Phi 0,362, p=0,040).  Conclusiones. Se sugiere intervenir las dimensiones y subdimensiones identificadas como no saludables, y continuar monitoreando este fenómeno.
Agencia aumentada y agencia ‘como si’ en la Amazonía: implicaciones para una semiótica de los artefactos
Authors: Mendoza-Collazos Juan Carlos
Published: July 2023

Este artículo ofrece elementos para la comprensión de la agencia de los artefactos y de varios tipos de agencia. A partir del trabajo de campo realizado en la Amazonía y estudios etnográficos, presento como la agencia humana se define en relación con los artefactos que produce. Esa relación mejora las capacidades agentivas conformando una agencia aumentada. Ese tipo de agencia emerge al diseñar artefactos para ampliar la capacidad de actuar. Adicionalmente, los agentes pueden creer o imaginar que un artefacto se comporta como un ser vivo cuando le atribuyen agencia ‘como si’. Los efectos ficticios de este tipo de agencia se derivan de procesos cognitivos que soportan el discurso ficcional. El estudio de la agencia ‘como si’ y su relación con la agencia aumentada ofrece una alternativa al recurrente animismo, lo cual permite una nueva aproximación a la semiótica de los artefactos.
Entre omisiones y silencios. Reflexiones en relación a la construcción discursiva del “yo trabajadora” del ama de casa en políticas sociales argentinas
Authors: Pizarro Tatiana Marisel
Published: July 2023

Este artículo explora aquellas políticas sociales que tienen y tuvieron al ama de casa como merecedora de haberes previsionales en Argentina, durante el periodo 2004-2016. Se pretende observar hasta qué punto estas medidas cumplen con los objetivos propuestos a partir de un análisis del discurso institucional legislativo y sus planteamientos originales.

La propuesta metodológica de esta investigación es cualitativa y su abordaje es desde el Análisis Crítico del Discurso –ACD-  bajo los lineamientos de Fairclough y Wodak (2000) y Burman y Parker (1993). Los textos y los diarios de sesiones analizados corresponden a las leyes  25.994 –Plan de Inclusión Previsional-, 26.970 -2da etapa del Plan de Inclusión Previsional- y 27.260 –Pensión Universal para el Adulto Mayor-, tales han sido seleccionados para observar cómo se construye discursivamente la mujer trabajadora derivada de su papel como ama de casa. De éstas se extrajeron las construcciones discursivas más relevantes de la muestra mencionada.