bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tenacibaculosis in wild-caught, captive Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Cicco Emiliano Di , Zinn Kaitlyn R. , Johnston Stephen D. , Kaukinen Karia H. , Li Shaorong , Archambault Jonathan F. , Mantha-Rensi Kaleb N. R. , Zielke Kayla A. J. , Bugg William S. , Mordecai Gideon J. , Bass Arthur L. , Deeg Christoph M. , Bateman Andrew W. , Hinch Scott G. , Miller Kristina M.
Published: February 2023

Substantial, acute mortality was observed in wild-caught Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) of various ages and sizes, from sub-adults to returning adults, held in tanks during two holding studies carried out in August and September 2022 at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC), in Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada. Within days of capture, a substantial number of fish began presenting lethargy, loss of balance, abnormal swimming behavior, and skin ulcers involving the caudal peduncle, fins, belly, trunk and mouth. Molecular testing revealed high levels ofTenacibaculum dicentrarchiin skin swabs and gills, without appreciable consistent detections of other infectious agents.T. dicentrarchiwas also isolated from the skin ulcers. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of ulcerative dermatitis and myositis, associated with mats of filamentous, rod-shaped bacteria. In two individuals, the infection became systemic, with a bacterial colony (identified asT. dicentrarchi) observed in the liver of one individual. In-situ hybridization againstT. dicentrarchiandT. maritimumconfirmed the presence of only the former agent in the gills and skin ulcers of the affected fish. This clinical report represents the first diagnosed case of tenacibaculosis in wild-caught (captive) Chinook salmon in British Columbia.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Postfire recovery of western US conifer forests (1984-2017) using space-borne lidar data
Authors: Ilangakoon Nayani , Balch Jennifer K. , Nagy R. Chelsea , Iglesias Virginia
Published: February 2023

Coniferous forests account for 78% of the western US forests and store a substantial amount of carbon. Wildfires significantly alter vegetation structure, and hence the forest carbon stock. This study evaluates post-fire vegetation recovery trajectories and rates across the western US using recently launched Global Ecosystem Dynamic Investigations (GEDI) mission lidar data. Three ecoregions studied here, the Pacific Northwest, Southern Rockies, and Northern Rockies, show fire severity and ecoregion specific recovery trajectories for canopy height (CH), plant area index (PAI), and the foliage height diversity (FHD). The recovery trajectories are characterized by an initial decline in vegetation structure (CH, PAI, and FHD) during the first 9-25 years postfire followed by a gain of the structure. Regions of low burn severity can fully recover to the unburned background state within the first three decades while the high burn severity regions may recover in the first century, but only in the absence of fires within this period. The PNW exhibits the slowest recovery rate. According to our results, all three ecoregions feature a loss of growing stock volume (GSV) (−1% - - 48%). Time since fire, fire severity, and altitude were identified as the most significant drivers of postfire vegetation recovery, likely because they integrate the distance to seed source, vegetation composition, and the local climate. Our study suggests that, if fire return intervals become shorter than 50 years, these three ecoregions will have significantly reduced their woody vegetation, hence the carbon stocks. In addition, all the ecoregions studied here exhibit extensive impacts from other disturbances such as beetle invasion. It is therefore important to consider the effects of compound disturbances on vegetation recovery trajectories to infer the future carbon potential in these ecosystems.
The N terminus-only (trans) function of the Adhesion GPCR Latrophilin-1 controls multiple processes in reproduction ofC. elegans
Authors: Matúš Daniel , Groß Victoria Elisabeth , Fiedler Franziska , Post Wilbert Berend , Knierim Alexander Bernd , Schön Johanna Lena , Schöneberg Torsten , Prömel Simone
Published: February 2023

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCR) are unique molecules. They are able to transmit classical signals via G-protein activation (7TM-dependent/cissignaling) as well as to mediate functions solely through their extracellular N termini, completely independent of the seven transmembrane helices domain (7TM) and the C terminus (7TM-independent/N terminus-only/transfunction). This dual mode of action is highly unusual for GPCRs and allows for a plethora of possible cellular consequences. However, the physiological implications and molecular details of this N terminus-mediated signaling are not well understood. Here, we identify three distinct 7TM-independent/transfunctions of the aGPCR Latrophilin homolog LAT-1 in the nematodeCaenorhabditis eleganstogether regulating reproduction: sperm guidance, germline apoptosis and proliferative activity of germ cells in the gonadal stem cell niche. In these contexts, the receptor elicits its functions in a non-cell autonomous manner from adjacent somatic cells. These functions might be realized through alternative splicing of the receptor specifically generating N terminus-only variants. Thus, our findings shed light on the versatility of 7TM-independent/N terminus-only/transfunctions of aGPCR and discusses possible molecular details.
UNRAVELing the synergistic effects of psilocybin and environment on brain-wide immediate early gene expression in mice
Authors: Rijsketic Daniel Ryskamp , Casey Austen B. , Barbosa Daniel A.N. , Zhang Xue , Hietamies Tuuli M. , Ramirez-Ovalle Grecia , Pomrenze Matthew , Halpern Casey H. , Williams Leanne M. , Malenka Robert C. , Heifets Boris D.
Published: February 2023

The effects of context on the subjective experience of serotonergic psychedelics have not been fully examined in human neuroimaging studies, partly due to limitations of the imaging environment. Here, we administered saline or psilocybin to mice in their home cage or an enriched environment, immunofluorescently-labeled brain-wide c-Fos, and imaged cleared tissue with light sheet microscopy to examine the impact of context on psilocybin-elicited neural activity at cellular resolution. Voxel-wise analysis of c-Fos-immunofluorescence revealed differential neural activity, which we validated with c-Fos+cell density measurements. Psilocybin increased c-Fos expression in the neocortex, caudoputamen, central amygdala, and parasubthalamic nucleus and decreased c-Fos in the hypothalamus, cortical amygdala, striatum, and pallidum. Main effects of context and psilocybin-treatment were robust, widespread, and spatially distinct, whereas interactions were surprisingly sparse.
Mechanism of outer membrane destabilization by global reduction of protein content
Authors: Mikheyeva Irina V. , Sun Jiawei , Huang Kerwyn Casey , Silhavy Thomas J.
Published: February 2023

The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria such asEscherichia coliis an asymmetric bilayer with the glycolipid lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer leaflet and glycerophospholipids in the inner. Nearly all integral OM proteins (OMPs) have a characteristic β-barrel fold and are assembled in the OM by the BAM complex, which contains one essential β-barrel protein (BamA), one essential lipoprotein (BamD), and three non-essential lipoproteins (BamBCE). A gain-of-function mutation inbamAenables survival in the absence of BamD, showing that the essential function of this protein is regulatory. We demonstrate that the global reduction in OMPs caused by BamD loss weakens the OM, altering cell shape and causing OM rupture in spent medium. To fill the void created by OMP loss, PLs flip into the outer leaflet. Under these conditions, mechanisms that remove PLs from the outer leaflet create tension between the OM leaflets, which contributes to membrane rupture. Rupture is prevented by suppressor mutations that release the tension by halting PL removal from the outer leaflet. However, these suppressors do not restore OM stiffness or normal cell shape, revealing a possible connection between OM stiffness and cell shape.

Significance Statement

The outer membrane (OM) is a selective permeability barrier that contributes to the intrinsic antibiotic resistance of Gram-negative bacteria. Biophysical characterization of the roles of the component proteins, lipopolysaccharides, and phospholipids is limited by both the essentiality of the OM and its asymmetrical organization. In this study, we dramatically change OM physiology by limiting the protein content, which requires phospholipid localization to the outer leaflet and thus disrupts OM asymmetry. By characterizing the perturbed OM of various mutants, we provide novel insight into the links among OM composition, OM stiffness, and cell shape regulation. These findings deepen our understanding of bacterial cell envelope biology and provide a platform for further interrogation of OM properties.
Community composition and the environment modulate the population dynamics of type VI secretion in human gut bacteria
Authors: Robitaille Sophie , Simmons Emilia L. , Verster Adrian J. , McClure Emily Ann , Royce Darlene B. , Trus Evan , Swartz Kerry , Schultz Daniel , Nadell Carey D. , Ross Benjamin D.
Published: February 2023

Understanding the relationship between the composition of the human gut microbiota and the ecological forces shaping it is of high importance as progress towards therapeutic modulation of the microbiota advances. However, given the inaccessibility of the gastrointestinal tract, our knowledge of the biogeographical and ecological relationships between physically interacting taxa has been limited to date. It has been suggested that interbacterial antagonism plays an important role in gut community dynamics, but in practice the conditions under which antagonistic behavior is favored or disfavored by selection in the gut environment are not well known. Here, using phylogenomics of bacterial isolate genomes and analysis of infant and adult fecal metagenomes, we show that the contact-dependent type VI secretion system (T6SS) is repeatedly lost from the genomes ofBacteroides fragilisin adults compare to infants. Although this result implies a significant fitness cost to the T6SS, but we could not identifyin vitroconditions under which such a cost manifests. Strikingly, however, experiments in mice illustrated that theB. fragilisT6SS can be favored or disfavored in the gut environment, depending on the strains and species in the surrounding community and their susceptibility to T6SS antagonism. We use a variety of ecological modeling techniques to explore the possible local community structuring conditions that could underlie the results of our larger scale phylogenomic and mouse gut experimental approaches. The models illustrate robustly that the pattern of local community structuring in space can modulate the extent of interactions between T6SS-producing, sensitive, and resistant bacteria, which in turn control the balance of fitness costs and benefits of performing contact-dependent antagonistic behavior. Taken together, our genomic analyses,in vivostudies, and ecological theory point toward new integrative models for interrogating the evolutionary dynamics of type VI secretion and other predominant modes of antagonistic interaction in diverse microbiomes.
LISTER: Semi-automatic metadata extraction from annotated experiment documentation in eLabFTW
Authors: Musyaffa Fathoni A. , Rapp Kirsten , Gohlke Holger
Published: February 2023

The availability of scientific methods, code, and data is key for reproducing an experiment. Research data should be made available following the FAIR principle (findable,accessible,interoperable, andreusable). For that, the annotation of research data with metadata is central. However, existing research data management workflows often require that metadata should be created by the corresponding researchers, which takes effort and time. Here, we developed LISTER as a methodological and algorithmic solution to disentangle the creation of metadata from ontology alignment and extract metadata from annotated template-based experiment documentation using minimum effort. We focused on tailoring the integration between existing platforms by using eLabFTW as the electronic lab notebook and adopting the ISA (investigation,study,assay) model as the abstract data model framework; DSpace is used as a data cataloging platform. LISTER consists of three components: customized eLabFTW entries using specific hierarchies, templates, and tags; a ‘container’ concept in eLabFTW, making metadata of a particular container content extractable along with its underlying, related containers; a Python-based app to enable easy-to-use, semi-automated metadata extraction from eLabFTW entries. LISTER outputs metadata as machine-readable .json and human-readable .csv formats, and MM descriptions in .docx format that could be used in a thesis or manuscript. The metadata can be used as a basis to create or extend ontologies, which, when applied to the published research data, will significantly enhance its value due to a more complete and holistic understanding of the data, but might also enable scientists to identify new connections and insights in their field. We applied LISTER to the fields of computational biophysical chemistry as well as protein biochemistry and molecular biology, and our concept should be extendable to other life science areas.
The Conserved C-terminal End Segment of Troponin T Is A New Tropomyosin-Binding Site Modulating the Kinetics of Cardiac Muscle
Authors: Cao Tianxin , Feng Han-Zhong , Jin J.-P.
Published: February 2023

Evolved from duplication of a troponin I (TnI)-like ancestor gene, troponin T (TnT) and TnI are two subunits of the troponin complex that regulates the contraction and relaxation of striated muscles. Proteolytic deletion of the evolutionarily added N-terminal variable region of TnT in adaptation to acute myocardial stress restores a conformation like that of the C-terminal end segment of TnI, a tropomyosin (Tm)-binding and inhibitory structure, with an effect on reducing the contractile velocity of cardiac muscle to prolong ejection time and sustain the stroke volume. To investigate the underlying mechanism of this adaptive conditional function of TnT that is known to have two Tm-binding sites, our study localized a conformationally modulated new Tm-binding site in the highly conserved 14 amino acid C-terminal end segment of TnT. Localized surface plasmon resonance data showed that a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation R278C within the C-terminal end segment of TnT alters the tropomyosin binding with direct responses to physiological concentrations of Ca2+. The functions are retained in the form of free peptide with an inhibitory regulatory effect on the contractile and relaxation kinetics of skinned cardiac muscle. In addition to revealing the underlying mechanisms of cTnT-ND adaptation and cardiac TnT C-terminal myopathic mutations, the new findings provide novel insights into the structure-function relationship of TnT in the kinetics of striated muscle contraction and relaxation with broad physiological and pathophysiological implications.
Numerical Modeling of Natural Fracture Distributions in Shale
Authors: LI Yaping , CHEN Xiaowei , SHAO Yongbo
Published: February 2023

The production efficiency of shale gas is affected by the interaction between hydraulic and natural fractures. This study presents a simulation of natural fractures in shale reservoirs, based on a discrete fracture network (DFN) method for hydraulic fracturing engineering. Fracture properties of the model are calculated from core fracture data, according to statistical mathematical analysis. The calculation results make full use of the quantitative information of core fracture orientation, density, opening and length, which constitute the direct and extensive data of mining engineering. The reliability and applicability of the model are analyzed with regard to model size and density, a calculation method for dominant size and density being proposed. Then, finite element analysis is applied to a hydraulic fracturing numerical simulation of a shale fractured reservoir in southeastern Chongqing. The hydraulic pressure distribution, fracture propagation, acoustic emission information and in situ stress changes during fracturing are analyzed. The results show the application of fracture statistics in fracture modeling and the influence of fracture distribution on hydraulic fracturing engineering. The present analysis may provide a reference for shale gas exploitation.
Three Indeterminate Forms of Scalidophoran Worms from the Cambrian Fortunian of South China
Authors: QIN Jiachen , LIU Yunhuan , SHAO Tiequan , WANG Qi , ZHANG Yanan , ZHOU Xingyu , LIU Mingjin
Published: February 2023

A wide variety of scalidophoran worms have been found in the Cambrian Fortunian in recent years, suggesting that scalidophorans diversified during this age. Here, we report new scalidophoran material obtained from the 2nd member of the Kuanchuanpu Formation (Fortunian Stage) in Zhangjiagou Lagerstätte, Xixiang County, Shaanxi Province, South China. Three indeterminate forms of scalidophoran worms are described in detail. The morphology of these worms differs from that of any coeval worms and may represent new taxa. However, because these fossils are fragmented and lack detailed information on the arrangement pattern of introvert scalids, they are named here in open nomenclature. This study enriches the diversity of the earliest scalidophorans to 7 genera and species and 10 indeterminate forms. Based on the new fossils, Fortunian scalidophoran worms can be divided into three categories: (1) worms with microannuli; (2) worms with macroannuli; and (3) worms without annuli.
Highlighting the immunohistochemical differences of malignant mesothelioma subtypes via case presentations
Authors: Sejben Anita , Pancsa Tamás , Tiszlavicz László , Furák József , Paróczai Dóra , Zombori Tamás
Published: February 2023

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare tumor of mesothelial cells, with an increasing incidence both in developed and developing countries. MM has three major histological subtypes, in order of frequency, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of 2021: epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid MM. Distinction may be a challenging task for the pathologist, due to the unspecific morphology.

Here, we present two cases of diffuse MM subtypes to emphasize the immunohistochemical (IHC) differences, and to facilitate diagnostic difficulties. In our first case of epithelioid mesothelioma, the neoplastic cells showed cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), calretinin, and Wilms‐tumor‐1 (WT1) expression, while remaining negative with thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1). BRCA1 associated protein‐1 (BAP1) negativity was seen in the neoplastic cells' nucleus, reflecting loss of the tumor suppressor gene. In the second case of biphasic mesothelioma, expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CKAE1/AE3, and mesothelin was observed, while WT1, BerEP4, CD141, TTF1, p63, CD31, calretinin, and BAP1 expressions were not detected.

Due to the absence of specific histological features, the differentiation between MM subtypes could be a challenging task. In routine diagnostic work, IHC may be the proper method in distinction. According to our results and literature data, CK5/6, mesothelin, calretinin, and Ki‐67 should be applied in subclassification.
Ectopic thyroid in EBUS: experience from a quality assurance programme
Authors: Vuorisalo Antti , Tommola Erkka , Eloranta Pia , Vanhelo Tanja , Paavonen Timo , Kholová Ivana
Published: February 2023

A diagnostic challenge is presented: Distinguishing ectopic thyroid tissue from metastatic well‐differentiated follicular carcinoma in cytological material. Two cases of thyroid tissue in mediastinal lymph nodes were sampled by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA). Later, the cases were presented in Labquality's nongynecological external quality scheme rounds in the years 2017, 2019, and 2020. The same case was presented two times, both in the 2017 and in the 2020 rounds. The results of the three rounds and the discussion of diagnostic pitfalls of ectopic thyroid tissue are presented. A total of 112 individual laboratories worldwide participated in the external quality assurance rounds with whole‐slide scanned images and digital still images of alcohol‐fixed Papanicolaou‐stained cytospin specimens in the years 2017, 2019, and 2020. Fifty‐three laboratories participated in both the 2017 (53 of 70, 75.71%) and the 2020 (53 of 85, 62.35%) rounds. The given Pap classes between rounds were compared. Twelve (12 of 53, 22.6%) of the laboratories gave the same Pap class value, whereas 32 (32 of 53, 60.4%) were in the range of ±1 class difference (Cohen's kappa −0.035, p < 0.637). When comparing the diagnoses, 21 (21 of 53, 39.6%) laboratories gave the same diagnosis in 2017 and in 2020 (Cohen's kappa 0.039, p < 0.625). Thirty‐two of the laboratories gave the same diagnosis both in 2017 and in 2020 (Cohen's kappa 0.004, p < 0.979). Ten (10 of 53, 18.9%) laboratories changed their diagnose from malignant to benign, and 11 (11 of 53, 20.8%) changed their diagnose from benign to malignant between the 2017 and the 2020 rounds. In conclusions, the expert reference diagnosis was thyroid tissue in mediastinal lymph node. Thyroid tissue in mediastinal lymph node may be either of ectopic or of neoplastic origin. The diagnostic work‐up should include cytomorphological, immunohistochemical, laboratory, and imaging results. If a neoplastic change is excluded, the benign category is the most feasible one. The quality assurance rounds showed a large variability in the given Pap classes. Mirroring the problematic issue both inter‐ and intralaboratory of such cases both in routine diagnostics and in the classification terminologies is requiring multidisciplinary evaluation approach in the diagnostics.
OSL dating as an alternative tool for age determination of relic charcoal kilns
Authors: Moayed Nasrin Karimi , Vandenberghe Dimitri , Deforce Koen , Kaptijn Eva , Biernacka Paulina , De Clercq Wim , De Grave Johan
Published: February 2023

Chronometric studies of charcoal production remains are largely based on 14C‐dating of associated charcoal. Owing to intrinsic limitations, however, this method provides no meaningful time resolution for post‐1650 CE features. We investigate the potential of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of heated sandy sediments as an alternative and complementary tool for dating charcoal kiln remains.

Seven samples from five relic charcoal kilns and 11 complementary samples from the underlying sandy substrate are used. Through a range of procedural tests, we demonstrate that the single‐aliquot, regenerative‐dose procedure in combination with OSL signals from quartz allows determining equivalent doses both accurately and precisely. For four of the five investigated kilns, OSL ages are consistent with independent age information from 14C‐dating and written sources. Especially for post‐1650 CE features, the precision can be significantly better than that of 14C‐dating, and we highlight the potential of OSL dating for distinguishing, relatively, between charcoal production phases with an unprecedented time resolution. We conclude that the approach is a promising alternative to 14C.
Effect of omentopexy/gastropexy on gastrointestinal symptoms after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials and systematic review
Authors: Wu Qian‐Long , Zhu Zhi , Yuan Yi , Peng Jia‐Ying , Zeng Shu‐Xin , Xie Zi‐Chun
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The increased prevalence of obesity worldwide and low incidence of postoperative complications make the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) a clear public choice for obese‐related individuals. Pre‐existing studies reported contentious outcomes regarding the association with gastrointestinal symptoms after adding omentopexy (Ome) or gastropexy (Gas) to LSG. The present meta‐analysis attempted to evaluate the pros and cons of operating Ome/Gas after LSG concerning gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

The data extraction and study quality assessment were independently performed by two individuals. The PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to October 1, 2022, using the keywords LSG, omentopexy, and gastropexy to identify randomized controlled trial studies.

Results

Of the original 157 records, 13 studies with 3515 patients were included. LSG with Ome/Gas excels the LSG group in nausea (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% CI[0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), reflux (OR = 0.57; 95% CI [0.46, 0.70]; P < .00001), vomiting (OR = 0.41; 95% CI [0.25, 0.67]; P = .0004) on gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.22, 0.59]; P < .0001), leakage (OR = 0.19; 95% CI [0.09, 0.43]; P < .0001), gastric torsion (OR = 0.23; 95% CI [0.07, 0.75]; P = .01) on post‐LSG complications. Further, LSG with Ome/Gas was superior to LSG regarding the result of excess body mass index loss in 1 year after surgery (mean difference = 1.83; 95% CI [0.59, 3.07]; P = .004). However, no significant associations were shown between groups in wound infection and the resulting weight or body mass index 1 year after surgery. Of note, subgroup analysis indicated that gastroesophageal reflux disease can be alleviated by adding Ome/Gas post‐LSG in those who used small bougies from 32 to 36 Fr (OR = 0.24; 95% CI [0.17, 0.34]; P < .00001) in contrast with large bougies over 36 Fr.

Conclusion

Most results elucidated the impact of adding Ome/Gas after LSG in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, more studies should be conducted to find the relations between other indicators in the present analysis due to the poor cases.
Analyzing Data in Complicated 3D Domains: Smoothing, Semiparametric Regression, and Functional Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Arnone Eleonora , Negri Luca , Panzica Ferruccio , Sangalli Laura M.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we introduce a family of methods for the analysis of data observed at locations scattered in three-dimensional (3D) domains, with possibly complicated shapes. The proposed family of methods includes smoothing, regression, and functional principal component analysis for functional signals defined over (possibly nonconvex) 3D domains, appropriately complying with the nontrivial shape of the domain. This constitutes an important advance with respect to the literature, because the available methods to analyze data observed in 3D domains rely on Euclidean distances, which are inappropriate when the shape of the domain influences the phenomenon under study. The common building block of the proposed methods is a nonparametric regression model with differential regularization. We derive the asymptotic properties of the methods and show, through simulation studies, that they are superior to the available alternatives for the analysis of data in 3D domains, even when considering domains with simple shapes. We finally illustrate an application to a neurosciences study, with neuroimaging signals from functional magnetic resonance imaging, measuring neural activity in the gray matter, a nonconvex volume with a highly complicated structure.
Conditional Cash Transfers and Voting for Incumbents under Democratic Backsliding: The Case of Honduras's Bono 10,000
Authors: Perelló Lucas , Navia Patricio
Published: February 2023

As democracies worldwide have reverted to competitive authoritarian regimes or full dictatorships, some autocrats have used clientelist policies to strengthen their positions of power. We contend that autocrats can weaponise conditional cash transfers (CCTs) to shore up electoral support under democratic backsliding. In this vein, we analyse the impact of Honduras's Bono 10,000, a discretionary CCT, on the electoral support for the incumbent National Party and opposition blocs between 2013 and 2017, an era marked by the erosion of democracy. Using two survey waves from the AmericasBarometer by the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP), we show how the CCT boosted the electoral support for the National Party as democracy unravelled. Our findings contribute to the growing literature on how autocrats rely on carrots – not just sticks – to consolidate power.
A cross‐sectional study of the association between family conflicts and children's health: Lolland‐Falster Health Study
Authors: Søndergaard Elisabeth , Reventlow Susanne , Siersma Volkert , Nicolaisdottir Dagny Ros , Jepsen Randi , Rasmussen Knud , Møller Anne
Published: February 2023

Background

Few family interaction processes are more detrimental to children's health than family conflicts. Conflictual relationships in childhood predict a host of adverse health outcomes across the life course. The current study examines associations between household conflicts and the health of children aged 6–12 years and explores to which extent this may vary by socioeconomic status (SES) and multimorbidity (MM) in the household.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using questionnaire data gathered between 2016 and 2020 as part of the Lolland‐Falster Health Study (LOFUS) combined with routine register data on health care use and socio‐demography from the Danish nationwide administrative databases. The study sample consisted of 1065 children 6–12 years old, who answered LOFUS4 or LOFUS11, from 777 households for which at least one adult answered LOFUS18. Main outcome was children's health complaints, defined as headache, abdominal pain, back pain, and sleep difficulties. Covariates included MM, SES, and conflicts, all three measured at household level. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.

Results

Conflicts were negatively associated with children's health. This was most pronounced for general conflicts in the household, with increased complaints of abdominal pain, back pain, and sleep difficulties. The associations varied when we stratified the households according to MM and SES. Significant associations were found within households without MM for abdominal pain, and within households with MM and low SES, and without MM and with high SES for sleep difficulties. While the higher level of abdominal pain for the above indicated households were found for both internal and external conflicts in the household, the higher level in sleep difficulties was mostly driven by internal conflicts.

Conclusion

Children reporting frequent health complaints have a higher future health care use compared with children without such complaints. Our results indicate that growing up in a household with a high conflict level might be a predisposing factor.
Association of GDF15 levels with body mass index and endocrine status in β‐thalassaemia
Authors: Karusheva Yanislava , Petry Clive J. , Yasara Nirmani , Kottahachchi Dulani , Premawardhena Anuja , Barker Peter , Burling Keith , Sattar Naveed , Welsh Paul , Mettananda Sachith , O'Rahilly Stephen
Published: February 2023

Objective

GDF15 has emerged as a stress‐induced hormone, acting on the brain to reduce food intake and body weight while affecting neuroendocrine function. Very high GDF15 levels are found in thalassaemia, where growth, energy balance and neuroendocrine function are impaired. We examined the relationships between GDF15 and anthropometric measures and endocrine status in β‐thalassaemia.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Patients

All β‐thalassaemia patients attending the thalassaemia unit of Colombo North Teaching Hospital for blood transfusions.

Measurements

Anthropometric data, appetite scores, circulating GDF15, IGF, thyroid and reproductive hormone levels in 103 β‐thalassaemia patients were obtained.

Results

GDF15 levels were markedly elevated in thalassaemia patients (24.2‐fold with β‐thalassaemia major compared with healthy controls). Among patients with β‐thalassaemia major, the relationship between GDF15 and body mass index (BMI) was curvilinear with all individuals with GDF15 levels above 24,000 pg/mL having a BMI below 20 kg/m2. After adjustment for BMI, age and Tanner stage, serum IGF1 concentrations correlated negatively with GDF15 in all thalassaemia patients (β = −.027, p = .02). We found a significant positive relationship between GDF15 and gonadotropin (in both sexes) and testosterone (in males).

Conclusions

GDF15 levels were markedly elevated in patients with β‐thalassaemia and its association with BMI is consistent with the known effect of GDF15 to reduce body weight. The inverse association between GDF15 with IGF1 levels may reflect a neuroendocrine impact of GDF15 or an indirect effect via impaired nutritional state. The positive association with testosterone in males and gonadotropins in both sexes, was surprising and should prompt further GDF15 studies on the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis.
High free leptin index as the risk factor for childhood obesity in Indonesia: A case–control study
Authors: Lubis Siska Mayasari , Fattah Miswar , Batubara Jose R. L. , Quinka Megan
Published: February 2023

Identifying the risk factors is critical in preventing childhood obesity. Leptin concentration is elevated in obesity. High serum leptin levels are believed to reduce soluble leptin receptor (sOB‐R) concentrations and are associated with leptin resistance. The free leptin index (FLI) is a biomarker of leptin resistance and the status of leptin action. This study aims to investigate the association between leptin, sOB‐R, and FLI with measurements to diagnose obesity in children, such as BMI, waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). We conducted a case–control study in 10 elementary schools in Medan, Indonesia. The case group was children with obesity, while the control group was children with normal BMI. Leptin and sOB‐R levels were measured from all the subjects using the ELISA method. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine which factors were predictor variables of obesity. A total of 202 children between 6 and 12 years old were recruited for this study. Children with obesity showed significantly higher leptin levels and FLI and lower SOB‐R levels FLI (p < .05) than control. The cut‐off for WHtR in this study was 0.499 (sensitivity 90% and specificity 92.5%). Children with higher leptin levels had a higher risk of obesity based on BMI, waist circumference, and WHtR values.
Cohort study of fistulotomy with external tract fistulectomy and primary sphincter reconstruction in high trans‐sphincteric fistula‐in‐ano
Authors: Ebied Essam F. , Gendia Ahmed , Kamel Kareem Ahmed , Abdel‐Maksoud Ibrahim Magid
Published: February 2023

Aim

Treatment of complex fistula‐in‐ano is challenging and there is no consensus on the optimal treatment that can provide complete healing and preserve sphincter function. The aim of this study was to evaluate fistulotomy with external tract fistulectomy and primary sphincter reconstruction (FFSR) in the treatment of high trans‐sphincteric fistula.

Method

This is a prospective single‐centre study including patients with a high trans‐sphincteric fistula who underwent FFSR from June 2017 to June 2018. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by pelvic MRI and clinical examination. Other types of complex fistula were excluded. All patients were followed up for 1 year for recurrence and incontinence.

Results

Forty patients underwent FFSR during the study period, 62.5% were men and the mean age was 37.45 (range 20–60) years. The mean time to achieve complete healing was 8.4 weeks, 35 (87.5%) patients achieved primary healing within 8 weeks and 5 (12.5%) patients required more time to achieve delayed healing. Four (10%) patients developed recurrence with a mean time for recurrence of 20 weeks. Only four (10%) patients developed incontinence; one to liquid stools and three patients only to gas.

Conclusion

Fistulotomy with external tract fistulectomy and primary sphincter reconstruction is a safe option in the treatment of high trans‐sphincteric fistula in selected patients. This showed an acceptable recurrence rate when compared with other procedures with comparable sphincter function outcomes.
What is the hype on #MedicinalCannabis in the United States? A content analysis of medicinal cannabis tweets
Authors: Lim Carmen C. W. , Sun Tianze , Gartner Coral , Connor Jason , Fahmi Marco , Hall Wayne , Hames Sam , Stjepanović Daniel , Chan Gary , Leung Janni
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Medicinal cannabis is now legal in 44 US jurisdictions. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, four US jurisdictions legalised medicinal cannabis. The aim of this study is to identify themes in medicinal cannabis tweets from US jurisdictions with different legal statuses of cannabis from January to June 2021.

Methods

A total of 25,099 historical tweets from 51 US jurisdictions were collected using Python. Content analysis was performed on a random sample of tweets accounting for the population size of each US jurisdictions (n = 750). Results were presented separately by tweets posted from jurisdictions where all cannabis use (non‐medicinal and medicinal) is ‘fully legalised’, ‘illegal’ and legal for ‘medical‐only’ use.

Results

Four themes were identified: ‘Policy’, ‘Therapeutic value’, ‘Sales and industry opportunities’ and ‘Adverse effects’. Most of the tweets were posted by the public. The most common theme was related to ‘Policy’ (32.5%–61.5% of the tweets). Tweets on ‘Therapeutic value’ were prevalent in all jurisdictions and accounted for 23.8%–32.1% of the tweets. Sales and promotional activities were prominent even in illegal jurisdictions (12.1%–26.5% of the tweets). Fewer than 10% of tweets were about intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study has explored if content themes of medicinal cannabis tweets differed by cannabis legal status. Most tweets were pro‐cannabis and they were related to policy, therapeutic value, and sales and industry opportunities. Tweets on unsubstantiated health claims, adverse effects and crime warrants continued surveillance as these conversations could allow us to estimate cannabis‐related harms to inform health surveillance.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Aotearoa, New Zealand: Estimates of prevalence and indications of inequity
Authors: Romeo Jose S. , Huckle Taisia , Casswell Sally , Connor Jennie , Rehm Jurgen , McGinn Valerie
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is 100% caused by alcohol. The lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure cannot be reversed. Lack of reliable national prevalence estimates of FASD is common internationally and true of Aotearoa, New Zealand. This study modelled the national prevalence of FASD and differences by ethnicity.

Methods

FASD prevalence was estimated from self‐reported data on any alcohol use during pregnancy for 2012/2013 and 2018/2019, combined with risk estimates for FASD from a meta‐analysis of case‐ascertainment or clinic‐based studies in seven other countries. A sensitivity analysis using four more recent active case ascertainment studies was performed to account for the possibility of underestimation.

Results

We estimated FASD prevalence in the general population to be 1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0%; 2.7%) in the 2012/2013 year. For Māori, the prevalence was significantly higher than for Pasifika and Asian populations. In the 2018/2019 year, FASD prevalence was 1.3% (95% CI 0.9%; 1.9%). For Māori, the prevalence was significantly higher than for Pasifika and Asian populations. The sensitivity analysis estimated the prevalence of FASD in the 2018/2019 year to range between 1.1% and 3.9% and for Māori, from 1.7% to 6.3%.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study used methodology from comparative risk assessments, using the best available national data. These findings are probably underestimates but indicate a disproportionate experience of FASD by Māori compared with some ethnicities. The findings support the need for policy and prevention initiatives to support alcohol‐free pregnancies to reduce lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Change in albuminuria as a surrogate endpoint for cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with diabetes
Authors: Palmer Biff F.
Published: February 2023

For the purpose of predicting clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, change in albuminuria is a good candidate to be a surrogate marker for future cardiovascular events and progression of kidney disease. Spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio is convenient and recognized as a viable alternative to 24‐h albumin, with some limitations. Although there is sufficient evidence to validate its use in clinical trials as a surrogate endpoint for renal outcomes, this is not yet the case for cardiovascular outcomes. While change in albuminuria as a primary or secondary endpoint is trial‐specific, its use should be encouraged, nonetheless.
Car accidents in drivers with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis: A Swedish nationwide study
Authors: Anjemark Linnea , Selander Helena , Persson Hanna C.
Published: February 2023

Background and purpose

Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) can impair driving. However, we lack evidence on car accidents associated with these diseases. The aims of this study were to examine what types of car accident were associated with drivers with PD and MS, compared to individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC; the comparison group), and to evaluate the occurrence of car accidents in relation to years since diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective nationwide, registry‐based study included drivers involved in car accidents between 2010 and 2019, based on the Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition database. Data on pre‐existing diagnoses were retrieved retrospectively from the National Patient Registry. Data analyses included group comparisons, time‐to‐event analysis, and binary logistic regression.

Results

In total, 1491 drivers, including 199 with PD, 385 with MS, and 907 with UC, were registered to have been involved in a car accident. The mean time from diagnosis to the car accident was 5.6 years for PD, 8.0 years for MS, and 9.4 years for UC. Time to car accident since diagnosis differed significantly (p < 0.001) among groups (adjusted for age). Drivers with PD had more than twice the odds of a single‐car accident than drivers with MS or UC, but no differences were observed between MS and UC.

Conclusions

Drivers with PD were older and experienced the car accident within a shorter timeframe after disease diagnosis. Although several factors may cause a car accident, fitness to drive could be more thoroughly evaluated for patients with PD by physicians, even early after the diagnosis.
Intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen prevents skin photoaging through reduction of oxidative stress
Authors: Kiyoi Takeshi , Liu Shuang , Takemasa Erika , Hato Naohito , Mogi Masaki
Published: February 2023

Aim

Molecular hydrogen is not only expected to be used as an energy‐generating resource, but also to have preventive effects on a variety of clinical manifestations related to oxidative stress through scavenging radicals or regulating gene expression. In the current study, we investigated the influence of intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen gas at a safe concentration (1.3%) on photoaging using an ultraviolet A (UVA)‐irradiated murine model.

Methods

To mimic the expected human daily activity cycle, UVA exposure in the daytime and hydrogen exposure in the night‐time, an original design, UVA‐transmission, hydrogen‐exposure system was established. Mice were bred under experimental conditions of UVA irradiation and normal air for 8 h (outdoor time 09.00–17.00 hours), and UVA non‐irradiation and inhalation of hydrogen gas for 16 h (indoor time 17.00–09.00 hours), and the daily cycle was continued for up to 6 weeks. The progression of photoaging, including morphological changes, collagen degradation and UVA‐related DNA damage, was evaluated.

Results

Intermittent administration of hydrogen gas by our system prevented UVA‐induced epidermal signs, such as hyperplasia, melanogenesis and appearance of senescence cells, and UVA‐induced dermal signs, such as collagen degradation. In addition, we detected attenuation of DNA damage in the hydrogen exposure group as indirect evidence that intermittent exposure to hydrogen gas reduced oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Our findings support the notion that long‐term, intermittent environmental exposure to hydrogen gas in daily life has a beneficial effect on UVA‐induced photoaging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 304–312.
Enrichment of camel yogurt using hemp seeds as a rich source of omega 3 and physicochemical evaluation
Authors: Hashemian Zahra , Nouri Marjan
Published: February 2023

Cannabis sativa L. seeds (hemp) have a high level of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids; therefore, it has the potential to nutrition properties of the food product. In the present study, camel yogurt enriched with hemp seeds was prepared at four concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%). Several tests such as pH level, titratable acidity, syneresis, water holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, phenolic component, DPPH inhibition and sensory evaluation were determined during 0, 7, 14 and 21 days at 4 °C. At the end of storage, fatty acid profile and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on control and optimal treatments. The results illustrated that lowest pH (3.79) corresponded to treatment supplemented with 5% hemp seeds. On the 21st day, the lowest syneresis (7.04%) and also the highest viscosity (157.50 mPa.s) and WHC (17.02%) were attributed to camel yogurt containing 3% hemp seeds. The phenolic components (14.14 mg gallic acid 100 g−1) and antioxidant features (20.21%) were elevated by adding hemp seed (to 5%), but increasing shelf life had an adverse effect on these factors (P < 0.05). The sensory assessment of treatments with 3% of hemp seeds had the most desirability degree on the 14th day. The saturated and unsaturated fatty acids significantly decreased and increased with 3% hemp seeds (optimal) compared with control, respectively. The SEM also exhibited better structural microscopy in optimal treatment compared to yogurt with no additives. Hence, hemp seed was considered as an appropriate dietary supplement for camel yogurt.