bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐limited diets and the gut microbiota in cardiometabolic disease
Authors: Ratiner Karina , Shapiro Hagit , Goldenberg Kim , Elinav Eran
Published: June 2022

In recent years, intermittent fasting (IF), including periodic fasting and time‐restricted feeding (TRF), has been increasingly suggested to constitute a promising treatment for cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). A deliberate daily pause in food consumption influences the gut microbiome and the host circadian clock, resulting in improved cardiometabolic health. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which circadian host‐microbiome interactions affect host metabolism and immunity may add a potentially important dimension to effective implementation of IF diets. In this review, we discuss emerging evidence potentially linking compositional and functional alterations of the gut microbiome with IF impacts on mammalian metabolism and risk of development of hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, and their long‐term micro‐ and macrovascular complications. We highlight the challenges and unknowns in causally linking diurnal bacterial signals with dietary cues and downstream metabolic consequences and means of harnessing these signals toward future microbiome integration into precision medicine.
Do pseudogenes pose a problem for metabarcoding marine animal communities?
Authors: Schultz Jessica A. , Hebert Paul D. N.
Published: June 2022

Because DNA metabarcoding typically employs sequence diversity among mitochondrial amplicons to estimate species composition, nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (NUMTs) can inflate diversity. This study quantifies the incidence and attributes of NUMTs derived from the 658‐bp barcode region of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) in 156 marine animal genomes. NUMTs were examined to ascertain if they could be recognized by their possession of indels or stop codons. In total, 309 NUMTs ≥150 bp were detected, with an average of 1.98 per species (range = 0–33) and a mean length of 391 ± 200 bp. Among this total, 75 (24.3%) lacked indels or stop codons. NUMTs appear to pose the greatest interpretational risk when short (<313 bp) amplicons are used, such as in environmental DNA studies, dietary analyses or processed fish identification. Employing the standard amplicon length (313 bp) for marine metabarcoding, NUMTs could potentially inflate the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) count by 21% above the true species count while also raising intraspecific variation at COI by 15%. However, when both amplicon length and position are considered, inflation in OTU counts and in barcode variation were just 9% and 10%, respectively, suggesting NUMTs will not seriously distort biodiversity assessments. There was a weak positive correlation between genome size and NUMT count but no variation among phyla or trophic groups. Until bioinformatic advances improve NUMT detection, the best defence involves targeting long amplicons and developing reference databases that include both mitochondrial sequences and their NUMT derivatives.
Immunosuppressive therapy in patients with connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review
Authors: Ding Yufang , Qian Junyan , Zhang Shangzhu , Xu Dong , Leng Xiaomei , Zhao Jiuliang , Wang Qian , Zhang Wen , Tian Xinping , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: June 2022

Objectives

It is currently accepted that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD‐PAH). However, the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy remains anecdotal. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with CTD‐PAH and to further assess whether response differs between CTD subtypes and clinical features.

Methods

We systematically searched studies reporting the treatment response of immunosuppressants and biological agents in CTD‐PAH from PUBMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Studies had to report treatment regime and response criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale.

Results

Seven independent cohorts, 1 trial, and 1 case‐series encompassing 439 patients with CTD‐PAH were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the therapeutic regimen. There were 146 patients in the immunosuppressants group with better heart function at baseline and 52.1% (76/146) of them were responders. There were 236 patients treated with immunosuppressants combined with PAH‐specific therapy who showed more severity at baseline and 41.1% (97/236) of them were responders. Among different CTD subtypes, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus‐associated PAH (SLE‐PAH) showed a better response to immunosuppressants (response rate 48.1%). What is more, 1 randomized controlled trial showed the potential therapeutic value of rituximab (n = 57) in CTD‐PAH patients.

Conclusions

Current studies support the use of immunosuppressive therapy in CTD‐PAH, especially in SLE‐PAH. Further studies on biological agents and the therapeutic effect of different immunosuppressants are still needed.
Molecular diagnostics of Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae)
Authors: Valenzuela Isabel , Lambert Smilja , Hamilton Andrew J. , Roush Rick T.
Published: June 2022

The cocoa pod borer (CPB) moth, Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) is one of the most injurious pests of cocoa in South‐East Asia. Identification relies upon tedious morphological procedures such as genitalia dissection for adults, and there are no keys for larvae or pupae.

We used the COI barcode region as an alternative diagnostic method to confirm species identification of all three stages, that is, larvae, pupae and adults.

Specimens were collected using various methods, including pheromone traps and direct removal of larvae from a range of fruits such as taun, cocoa and rambutan. The surveys took place in 2008–2009 in Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Three Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units were detected: two Conopomorpha (Gracillaridae) species (one being CPB) and one undetermined Stathmopodidae. DNA analysis confirmed the presence of CPB at all sites, regardless of the collection method. Seven distinct haplotypes of CPB were found in total with haplotype CPB_COI_A representing 95% of the CPB samples.

The remaining haplotypes diverged from CPB_COI_A by less than 0.3% and were found in cocoa and rambutan. The undetermined Conopomorpha species could not be identified using this approach due to this species not having reference DNA sequences represented in public DNA databases.

We recommend using this molecular method for monitoring purposes.
Medical management of secondary postpartum haemorrhage: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Fox Rachael , Anderson Jessica , Young Nicole , Davis Laura , Cvejic Erin , Mooney Samantha S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Secondary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) complicates ~1% of pregnancies and can cause serious maternal morbidity. However, evidence guiding optimal management is scarce and often based on case series and expert opinion.

Aims

To measure the success of primary medical therapy in managing secondary PPH and to identify factors associated with need for surgical management.

Materials and methods

Postpartum patients presenting to a tertiary women's hospital emergency department between July 2020 and October 2021 with secondary PPH were recruited. Data from the acute presentation were prospectively collected. Antenatal and intrapartum data were collected from medical record review. The primary outcome was the success of medical management for secondary PPH, defined by the implementation of medical or expectant measures without subsequent need for surgical intervention.

Results

One‐hundred and twenty patients underwent primary medical management for secondary PPH. Ninety‐eight (82%) were managed successfully with medical management and 22 (18%) required surgery. Medical management involved misoprostol (n = 33; 27.5%), antibiotics (n = 108; 90%), and less commonly other uterotonics (n = 6; 5%). Factors associated with lower rates of successful medical management included: antecedent manual removal of placenta (MROP) (odds ratio (OR) 0.2, P = 0.047), primary PPH ≥500 mL (OR 0.39, P = 0.048) or ≥1 L (OR 0.24, P = 0.009), >200 mL blood loss at presentation (OR 0.17, P = 0.015), increasing time post‐delivery (OR 0.84, P = 0.044), retained products of conception (RPOC) on ultrasound (OR 0.024, P = 0.001) and vaginal birth (OR 0.27, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Medical management was highly successful. Vaginal birth, MROP, primary PPH, RPOC on ultrasound and increasing time post‐delivery were associated with increased need for surgical management.
The effect of preoperative skin preparation on clinical outcomes with incisional surgery: a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hampton Jacob , Park Sean S. W. , Palazzi Kerrin , Oldmeadow Christopher , Carroll Rosemary , Attia John , Smith Stephen R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Preoperative skin antiseptics are used prior to surgery to reduce the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). There is debate as to which is the most effective. The aim of this network meta‐analysis (NMA) is to compare the effectiveness of different skin preparations at reducing SSIs in patients undergoing incisional surgery.

Methods

The study protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD4202181599) a priori with predefined search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria. The skin preparations for comparison were: chlorhexidine/alcohol (CHA), chlorhexidine/water (CHW), poviodine/alcohol (PVIA), poviodine/water (PVIW). The records identified were screened by two authors independently by title, abstract and in full text. The revised tool for risk‐of bias (ROB2) assessment was used.

Results

Twenty‐nine RCTs involving 15 796 patients were included in the NMA. A significant but small increase in the odds of infection was seen in the PVIW group compared to the CHA group (OR 1.34, 95%CrI 1.09–1.64), but other comparisons were not statistically significantly different. Ranking the treatment arms showed there was a 64% probability that CHA is the most effective and a 62.7% probability that PVIW is the least effective treatment.

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine/alcohol (CHA) was found to be the most effective for prevention of superficial and deep SSI while PVIW was the least. There was no differences seen between CHA and PVIA, or CHW and PVIW. The superiority of CHA is likely due to the effect of the alcohol in the base. Hence the choice between CHA and PVIA should be based on health and cost considerations.
Review article: thromboelastography in liver diseases
Authors: He Yanglan , Yao Haijuan , Ageno Walter , Méndez‐Sánchez Nahum , Guo Xiaozhong , Qi Xingshun
Published: June 2022

Background

Patients with liver diseases have complicated haemostatic alternations, resulting in both bleeding and thromboembolic complications, which cannot be sufficiently evaluated by conventional coagulation tests (CCTs), such as platelet count or prothrombin time. Thromboelastography (TEG) is a whole blood viscoelastic test which globally reflects changes in the haemostatic system, and its utility in evaluating patients with liver disease is increasingly recognised.

Aims

To review the current evidence and clinical significance of TEG in liver diseases.

Methods

Literature regarding TEG and liver diseases was comprehensively searched.

Results

TEG is associated closely with the severity and aetiology of liver disease, the course of infection and the risk of bleeding and death, but not the risk of portal venous system thrombosis. Additionally, TEG‐guided transfusion protocols can significantly decrease the requirement for blood products compared to those guided by CCTs.

Conclusion

TEG can reflect the haemostatic status of liver diseases more comprehensively than CCTs. It has the potential to assess the severity of liver diseases, predict the risk of bleeding and death in patients with liver disease and guide blood product transfusion. Future studies should standardise the use of TEG for assessing disease severity and development of clinical events and guiding blood product transfusion in patients with liver diseases.
Resilience in animal care professions: does the stress shield model fit?
Authors: Cushing N , Meehan C , Norris K
Published: June 2022

Animal care professionals can experience adverse psychological outcomes due to their work, therefore research exploring supporting resilience in this population is needed. This study investigated the capacity of the Stress Shield Model (SSM) to explain relationships between individual, interpersonal, and organisational factors with outcomes in resilience (resilience, growth, and job satisfaction) in animal care professionals. Empowerment was hypothesised to mediate these relationships. Australian and New Zealand animal care professionals (N = 393) completed an online survey measuring conscientiousness, coping, team and leader relationships, job demands, organisational resources, empowerment, growth, resilience, and job satisfaction. Results indicated that SSM can partially explain relationships between individual, interpersonal, and organisational factors and outcomes in resilience, and empowerment partially mediated the effect of organisational resources on growth. Problem‐approach coping positively predicted resilience and growth; conversely, emotion‐avoidant coping negatively predicted these outcomes. Conscientiousness positively predicted resilience and negatively predicted job satisfaction. Team relationships positively predicted growth and resilience, while leader‐member relationships positively predicted job satisfaction. Organisational resources positively predicted resilience, growth, and job satisfaction, conversely, job demands predicted reductions across these outcomes. Findings indicate supporting resilience in animal care professionals requires fostering individual, interpersonal, and organisational resources.
Big data, big changes? The technologies and sources of data used in science classrooms
Authors: Rosenberg Joshua M. , Schultheis Elizabeth H. , Kjelvik Melissa K. , Reedy Aaron , Sultana Omiya
Published: June 2022

With improving technology and monitoring efforts, the availability of scientific data is rapidly expanding. The tools that scientists and engineers use to analyse data are changing in response. At the same time, science education standards have shifted to emphasize the importance of students making sense of data in science classrooms. However, it is not yet known whether these exciting new datasets and tools are used science classrooms, and what it would take to facilitate their use. To identify opportunities, research is needed to capture the data practices currently performed in classrooms, and the roles of technology for student learning. Here, we report findings from a survey conducted in the United States of 330 science teachers on the data sources, practices and technologies common to their classroom. We found that teachers predominantly involve their students in analysing relatively small data sets that they collect. In support of this work, teachers tend to use the technologies that are available to them—namely, calculators and spreadsheets. In addition, we found that a subset of teachers used a wide variety of data sources of varying complexity. We discuss what these findings suggest for practice, research and policy, with an emphasis on supporting teachers based on their needs.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Collecting and analysing data are central to the practice of science, and these skills are taught in many science classrooms at the pre‐collegiate (grades K‐12) level.

Data are increasingly important in society and STEM, and types and sources of data are rapidly expanding. These changes have implications for science teachers and students.

What this paper adds

We found that the predominant data source science teachers use is student‐collected, small data sets.

Teachers use digital tools familiar and available to them: spreadsheets and calculators.

Teachers perceive the cost and time it would take to learn to use digital tools to analyse data with their students as key barriers to adopting new tools.

Despite the predominance of small, student‐collected data analysed using spreadsheets or calculators, we also found notable variability in the data sources and digital tools some teachers used with their students.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Many of the changes called for in science education standards and reform documents, regarding how students should collect and analyse data, have not yet been fully realized in pre‐collegiate classrooms.

Science teacher educators and science education researchers should build curricula and develop digital tools based on which kinds of data sources and digital tools teachers presently use, while encouraging more complex data useage in the future.
Using the COM‐B model to characterize the barriers and facilitators of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in men who have sex with men
Authors: Madhani Adam , Finlay Katherine A.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Using the COM‐B model, this study aimed to characterize barriers and facilitators to pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake amongst men who have sex with men (MSM).

Design and Method

Semistructured interviews with 13 MSM who were non‐PrEP users were conducted with a specific focus on barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake. A 15‐item interview schedule was created informed by the COM‐B model. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. To illustrate pathways for intervention design, inductive themes were then deductively mapped onto COM‐B constructs.

Results

Results demonstrated that barriers to PrEP uptake were closely aligned with five (of six) COM‐B components: psychological capability, physical opportunity, social opportunity, reflective motivation and automatic motivation. These COM‐B subcomponents reflected seven thematized barriers: (1) limited information about PrEP, (2) restricted access to PrEP, (3) gay identity and sexual stigmatization, (4) social and cultural stigmatization, (5) capabilities in treatment adherence, (6) optimistic bias about sexual behaviours and (7) calculating risk. No facilitators or physical capability concerns were demonstrated.

Conclusion

This study adopted a novel behaviour change‐informed approach to understanding barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake amongst MSM. Unrealistic optimism about self‐protective individual behaviours, the physical accessibility of PrEP and (mis)information together interacted closely with perceptions of personal and social stigmatization to dynamically impact PrEP uptake decisions. Barriers to PrEP uptake mapped clearly to the COM‐B; therefore, these results provide the foundation for Behaviour Change Wheel intervention development to improve rates of PrEP uptake and its acceptability for MSM.
Supporting independently living people with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative study into professional remote support practices
Authors: Zaagsma Miriam , Koning Mark H. M. , Volkers Karin M. , Schippers Alice P. , van Hove Geert
Published: June 2022

Background

Professional support for people with intellectual disabilities is increasingly delivered remotely. Understanding what support workers do to support people with intellectual disabilities remotely, and how they do this, is therefore important. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the remote support practice of the support staff of the Dutch service DigiContact.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed in which we followed an inductive‐iterative process and used different sources of information: documents, interviews with people who are supported by DigiContact and their caseworkers, and interviews with DigiContact support workers.

Findings

Seven themes were constructed and described. Four themes reflected the support activities of DigiContact support workers, and three themes reflected qualities that guide how the support is provided.

Conclusions

A remote support context can bring both challenges and opportunities to the practice of supporting people with intellectual disabilities. The findings can be useful for service organisations who are contemplating the adoption of remote support initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities.
Association between disability status and dental attendance patterns in Australian children: A national survey
Authors: Sawhney Seerat , Vu Theresa , Chen Fiona , Wong Kingsley , Zafar Sobia , Lopez Silva Claudia Patricia
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study investigated the dental attendance patterns of Australian children with and without disabilities using data from Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Methods

Data on 6470 participants within two groups (B cohort [aged 12–13]: n = 3381; K cohort [aged 16–17]: n = 3089) were used for the study. Binomial regression models were fitted to examine the association between disability status and dental attendance. The models were adjusted for gender, parent's country of birth, region of residence, highest parental education and household weekly income, and multiple imputations was used for handling missing data.

Results

Children with disabilities constituted 2.4% and 3.8% of the study sample in the B and K cohort, respectively. The unadjusted risk ratio of irregular (vs. regular) dental attendance between children with and without disabilities was 1.07 (95% CI 0.78–1.46) in the B cohort and 1.15 (95% CI 0.93–1.42) in the K cohort. After adjustment and imputation, the risk ratios were 1.03 (95% CI 0.76–1.41) and 1.10 (95% CI 0.89–1.36) in the B and K cohort, respectively.

Conclusions

Dental attendance pattern was positively, but minimally, associated with disabilities in older children, and factors including region of residence, parental education and household income were related to disability status and dental attendance. Further studies are required to clarify the association and ascertain key factors that affect the health and wellbeing of children with disabilities.
Carriers of COL3A1 pathogenic variants in Denmark: Interfamilial variability in severity and outcome of elective surgical procedures
Authors: Sølyst Sofus , Oksjoki Riina , Farholt Stense , Nielsen Dorte Guldbrand , Christensen Alex H. , Fagerberg Christina R. , Risom Lotte , Gregersen Pernille Axél , Christensen Maria Bejerholm , Rasmussen Torsten Bloch , Diness Birgitte Rode
Published: June 2022

The study describes all patients in Denmark with vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS). Carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic COL3A1 variants were retrospectively identified through registries and specialized clinics. Medical records were reviewed for vascular‐ or organ ruptures and invasive procedures performed. Identified families were divided by variant type (null, splice, and missense) and familial phenotypes (severe or attenuated). Families in which at least one carrier has suffered a major event before the age of 30 were classified as severe, whereas families in which at least three carriers had reached the age of 40 without a major event were classified as attenuated. Eighty‐seven persons (59 still alive) from 25 families were included with a mean observation time of 44 years. Sixty‐seven percent of patients could be subclassified in a familial phenotype. Thirty‐one major events were observed. Eleven complications in 172 invasive procedures were recorded. No fatal complications to elective surgery were observed. The type of COL3A1 variant did not reliably predict phenotype, but a pattern of intrafamilial consistency emerged with some families showing an attenuated form of vEDS. Elective medical procedures appear to be safer than previously thought, although data only allow for conclusions regarding individuals from families with the attenuated form of vEDS.
One‐stage versus two‐stage technique using two splinted extra‐short implants: A multicentric split‐mouth study with a one‐year follow‐up
Authors: Menini Maria , Pesce Paolo , Delucchi Francesca , Ambrogio Giulia , Canepa Camilla , Carossa Massimo , Pera Francesco
Published: June 2022

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of extra‐short implants (≤6.5 mm) inserted with one‐stage versus two‐stage technique in adjacent sites of the upper or lower jaw.

Materials and Methods

In this split‐mouth multicenter study, implants were randomly divided into two groups according to the healing phase: two‐stage and one‐stage technique. Primary outcome measures were implant survival, implant success, and prosthodontic complications. Secondary outcome measurements were: implant stability quotient (ISQ) collected at surgery time (T0), and after 3 (T3) and 12 (T12) months, marginal bone level (MBL) evaluated at T0, T3, T6, and T12, marginal bone loss evaluated at T6 and T12, plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BoP) evaluated at T3, T6, and T12. Significances of differences between groups were tested by linear mixed model with random intercept.

Results

Nineteen patients (8 males and 11 females) were included. A total of 38 implants were inserted. At T12 implant cumulative survival and implant success rate were 100% in both groups. No statistically significant differences were recorded for any of the analyzed parameters between the two groups at any time point. ISQ values were similar at T0 (two‐stage: mean 67.53 ± SD 19.47; one‐stage: mean 66.53 ± 19.07 p = 0.8738) and increased in both groups at the 12‐month follow‐up appointment (two‐stage: 81.1 ± 7.04; one‐stage: 81.39 ± 0.9266). MBL values were similar in the two groups at any time point. At T12 marginal bone loss was 0.46 ± 0.41 (two‐stage) and 0.45 ± 0.38 (one‐stage) mm (p = 0.9417), while mean PD was 2.7 ± 0.85 (two‐stage) and 2.69 ± 0.89 (one‐stage) mm.

Conclusions

Within the limits of the present short‐term report, extra‐short implants demonstrated optimal clinical outcomes using the one‐stage technique, without statistically significant differences compared with the traditional two‐stage approach.
Why did China's cost‐reduction‐oriented policies in food safety governance fail? The collective action dilemma perspective
Authors: Su Yiqing , Yu Hailong , Wang Menglin , Li Xinqi , Li Yanyan
Published: June 2022

Consumer participation plays an important role in improving food safety. Current research shows that reducing associated costs can promote consumer participation; however, the cost‐reduction‐oriented policies adopted by the Chinese government has had little impact on consumer participation. This study explores the reasons for the failure of the Chinese cost‐reduction‐oriented policies in food safety governance from the perspective of the collective action dilemma. Building upon previous work and using data from an online survey of 1229 consumers in China, we use a mediating effect model to examine the causal relationship between the low participation rate and the high participation cost. The results suggest that low consumer participation in food safety governance is due to free‐riding built on the actions of others. The problem with the cost‐reduction‐oriented policies is that they addressed high participation costs, identified by this study as the consequence of non‐participation, but paid little attention to the actual cause – free‐riding. Our research sheds light on the collective action dilemma from a new perspective to understand consumer participation. Assessing the relationship between participation cost, free‐riding, and the actual participation behavior in food safety governance could lead to a new line of theoretical and empirical inquiry for studying collective action in public affairs.
Normobaric hyperoxia plays a neuroprotective role after cerebral ischemia by maintaining the redox homeostasis and the level of connexin43 in astrocytes
Authors: Qi Zhifeng , Yuan Shuhua , Liu Ke Jian , Ji Xunming
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Acute cerebral ischemia is caused by an insufficient blood supply to brain tissue. Oxygen therapy, which is able to aid diffusion to reach the ischemic region, has been regarded as a possible treatment for cerebral ischemia. Recent animal and pilot clinical studies have reported that normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) showed neuroprotective effects if started soon after the onset of stroke. However, little is known about the role and mechanism of NBO treatment in astrocytes. Connexin43, one of the main gap junction proteins in astrocytes, is extremely sensitive to hypoxia and oxidative stress after cerebral ischemia.

Aims

In the present study, we used sutures to develop an ischemia/reperfusion model in rats to mimic clinical recanalization and investigated the role of connexin43 in NBO‐treated stroke rats, as well as the underlying mechanism of NBO therapy.

Results

Normobaric hyperoxia treatment maintained the homeostasis of oxidoreductases: glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and NADPH oxidase 4 (two important oxidoreductases) and rescued the ischemia/reperfusion‐induced downregulation of connexin43 protein in astrocytes. Furthermore, NBO treatment attenuated cerebral ischemia‐induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria and was involved in neuroprotective effects by regulating the GPX4 and connexin43 pathway, using Ferrostatin‐1 (an activator of GPX4) or Gap27 (an inhibitor of connexin43).

Conclusions

This study showed the neuroprotective effects of NBO treatment by reducing oxidative stress and maintaining the level of connexin43 in astrocytes, which could be used for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke.
Mitochondrial genome mutations and neuronal dysfunction of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lee Yeonmi , Kim Minchul , Lee Miju , So Seongjun , Kang Soon‐Suk , Choi Jiwan , Kim Deokhoon , Heo Hyohoon , Lee Sung Soo , Park Hee Ra , Ko Jung Jae , Song Jihwan , Kang Eunju
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are materials that can be used for autologous stem cell therapy. We screened mtDNA mutations in iPSCs and iPSC‐derived neuronal cells from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Also, we investigated whether the mutations could affect mitochondrial function and deposition of β‐amyloid (Aβ) in differentiated neuronal cells.

Materials and Methods

mtDNA mutations were measured and compared among iPSCs and iPSC‐derived neuronal cells. The selected iPSCs carrying mtDNA mutations were subcloned, and then their growth rate and neuronal differentiation pattern were analyzed. The differentiated cells were measured for mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential, as well as deposition of Aβ.

Results

Most iPSCs from subjects with AD harbored ≥1 mtDNA mutations, and the number of mutations was significantly higher than that from umbilical cord blood. About 35% and 40% of mutations in iPSCs were shared with isogenic iPSCs and their differentiated neuronal precursor cells, respectively, with similar or different heteroplasmy. Furthermore, the mutations in clonal iPSCs were stable during extended culture and neuronal differentiation. Finally, mtDNA mutations could induce a growth advantage with higher viability and proliferation, lower mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential, as well as increased Aβ deposition.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that mtDNA mutations in patients with AD could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and accelerated Aβ deposition. Therefore, early screening for mtDNA mutations in iPSC lines would be essential for developing autologous cell therapy or drug screening for patients with AD.
Immune‐mediated inflammatory markers in acute and transient psychotic disorders—comparison with schizophrenia: An exploratory comparative study
Authors: Kale Akshayee , Basu Debasish , Sahoo Swapnajeet , Minz Ranjana W.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Considering Acute and Transient psychotic disorders (ATPDs) to be a close entity to Schizophrenia (SZ) with a completely different course and outcome, studies evaluating the immunological abnormalities are scarce in ATPDs. We analysed immune‐mediated inflammatory marker levels [Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)] in patients with ATPDs (in the acute phase and after remission), and compared these with patients with SZ in remission and with healthy controls.

Methods

Ninteen subjects with ATPDs in acute phase of illness were age−/gender‐matched with healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia in remission; recruited through purposive sampling. Clinical assessment and immune‐marker levels were carried out in all the three groups. Follow –up repeat immune‐marker levels assessment in the ATPD group was conducted after remission status was ensured. Immune‐marker levels were compared across the three groups.

Results

Patients with ATPDs had elevated levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐17 and low levels of IL‐8 in the acute phase and low levels of IL‐6 and elevated levels of IL‐8 during the remission phase. Compared to patients with SZ in remission, patients with ATPD in remission had low levels of all the three pro‐inflammatory cytokines (with significantly low IL‐6 levels and non‐significant, yet low levels of IL‐8 and IL‐17) and had significantly low and high levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 respectively than healthy controls.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there existed immunological abnormalities in the acute and remission phase of illness in patients with ATPDs compared to both patients with SZ in remission and healthy controls.
Interictal dynamic network transitions in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Li Rong , Deng Chijun , Wang Xuyang , Zou Ting , Biswal Bharat , Guo Danni , Xiao Bo , Zhang Xiaonan , Cheng Jing Liang , Liu Ding , Yang Mi , Chen Huafu , Wu Qian , Feng Li
Published: June 2022

Objective

To reveal the possible routine of brain network dynamic alterations in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) and to establish a predicted model of seizure recurrence during interictal periods.

Methods

Seventy‐nine unilateral mTLE patients with hippocampal sclerosis and 97 healthy controls from two centers were retrospectively enrolled. Dynamic brain configuration analyses were performed with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to quantify the functional stability over time and the dynamic interactions between brain regions. Relationships between seizure frequency and ipsilateral hippocampal module allegiance were evaluated using a machine learning predictive model.

Results

Compared to the healthy controls, patients with mTLE displayed an overall higher dynamic network, switching mainly in the epileptogenic regions (false discovery rate [FDR] corrected p‐FDR < .05). Moreover, the dynamic network configuration in mTLE was characterized by decreased recruitment (intra‐network communication), and increased integration (inter‐network communication) among hippocampal systems and large‐scale higher‐order brain networks (p‐FDR < .05). We further found that the dynamic interactions between the hippocampal system and the default‐mode network (DMN) or control networks exhibited an opposite distribution pattern (p‐FDR < .05). Strikingly, we showed that there was a robust association between predicted seizure frequency based on the ipsilateral hippocampal‐DMN dynamics model and actual seizure frequency (p‐perm < .001).

Significance

These findings suggest that the interictal brain of mTLE is characterized by dynamical shifts toward unstable state. Our study provides novel insights into the brain dynamic network alterations and supports the potential use of DMN dynamic parameters as candidate neuroimaging markers in monitoring the seizure frequency clinically during interictal periods.
Impact of family visit restrictions due to COVID‐19 policy on patient outcomes: A cohort study
Authors: Bloemberg Daphne , Musters Selma C. W. , Wal‐Huisman Hanneke van der , Dieren Susan van , Nieveen van Dijkum Els J. M. , Eskes Anne M.
Published: June 2022

Aim

To investigate the impact of family visit restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic on deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers and readmissions among surgical inpatients with gastrointestinal (oncologic) diseases.

Design

Cohort study.

Methods

This study was conducted among adult inpatients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery in two academic hospitals. During the COVID‐19 outbreak in 2020, over a 10‐week period, one cohort was subjected to family visit restrictions. Per patient, one person per day was allowed to visit for a maximum of 30 min. This cohort was compared with another cohort in which patients were not subjected to such restrictions during a 10‐week period in 2019. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the impact of the restrictions on deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers and readmissions.

Results

In total, 287 patients were included in the 2020 cohort and 243 in the 2019 cohort. No differences were observed in the cohorts with respect to baseline characteristics. Logistic regression analyses showed no significant differences in deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers and readmissions between the cohorts.

Conclusion

We cautiously conclude that the family visit restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic did not contribute to deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers or readmissions in surgical patients with gastrointestinal (oncologic) diseases.

Impact

COVID‐19 influenced family‐centred care due to family visit restrictions. Nurses need to continue monitoring outcomes known to be sensitive to family‐centred care to gain insight into the effects of visit restrictions and share the results in order to include nurses' perspectives in COVID‐19‐decision‐making. Re‐implementing of family visit restrictions should be carefully considered in policy‐making.
The consequences of earnings management for the acquisition premium in friendly takeovers
Authors: Missonier‐Piera Franck , Spadetti Cédric
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the effect of earnings management (EM) on deal premiums in friendly takeovers. It examines both accruals and real EM in the year preceding the deal announcement, based on a sample of 578 European firms subject to an acquisition or acquisition attempt between 2005 and 2015. The empirical findings suggest that downward EM is associated with a higher premium offered by the acquirer. The results suggest that income‐decreasing accounting choices could be a negotiated strategy between the acquirer and target firms’ managers to clean the balance sheet, reduce the likelihood of litigation, and create a fictive performance through an accrual reversal post‐acquisition.
Acceptability of using a nasogastric refeeding protocol with adult patients with medically unstable eating disorders
Authors: Matthews‐Rensch Kylie , Young Adrienne , Cutmore Clare , Davis Amanda , Jeffrey Shane , Patterson Susan
Published: June 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Nasogastric feeding is becoming commonly used to support patients with medically compromised eating disorders. Previous research has demonstrated the safety of this approach, however there is limited evidence as to how adult patients and staff perceive this feeding method. This study aimed to describe the acceptability of a nasogastric refeeding protocol with adult patients with medically unstable eating disorders and the staff involved in their treatment.

Method

This was a qualitative exploratory study using semi‐structured interviews conducted in acute medical wards of a tertiary hospital where nasogastric nutrition is the sole source of nutrition for the first 7 days of the eating disorder admission. Data were analysed using the Framework method.

Results

Eight patients (100% female, median: 22 years old, n = 6 diagnosed with anorexia nervosa) and 12 staff members (medical n = 5, nursing n = 5, dietitians n = 2; median: 8.5 years clinical experience) were interviewed. Patients reported that nasogastric feeding was tolerable, however concerns were raised regarding communication and the desire for concurrent oral feeding. Acceptability from staff was influenced by perceived competence, confidence, tensions around patient‐centred care, and working with stigma and ambivalence.

Conclusions

Consideration needs to be given as to whether a ‘nil by mouth’ status during nasogastric feeding further impacts recommencing an oral diet to progress treatment. Improvements are required within the current service, including improved communication, additional educational resources for patients, and allowing patients to partake in decision‐making as able.
System‐Wide Runs and Financial Collapse
Authors: KANG DONGIK
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a model in which small shocks to asset values can trigger system‐wide runs. When lenders cannot distinguish which financial institutions have suffered losses after an adverse shock to asset values, healthier institutions can differentiate themselves from weaker firms by offering to borrow less at more favorable prices. However, to successfully separate, the healthy institutions must liquidate a fraction of their portfolio causing asset fire sales. Fire sales worsen the balance sheet integrity of the firms and, if too severe, this leads to a complete collapse of the financial system: a system‐wide run.
New 1,3,4-oxadiazole compound with effective antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Dante Formagio M. , de Oliveira Silva J.V. , Fortunato Prohmann L. , Zanetti Campanerut-Sá P.A. , Grenier Capoci I.R. , Seki Kioshima Cotica É. , Graton Mikcha J.M.
Published: June 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main aetiological agents causing food-borne diseases. Some strains produce enterotoxins responsible for food poisoning. In addition, they can form biofilms on several surfaces such as plastics, glass and stainless steel making it difficult to eliminate them. The present study evaluated, for the first time, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the synthetic compound LMM6 against S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 0·97, 1·95 and 1·95 μg ml−1 against S. aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus 629/94 and S. aureus FRI S-6, respectively. The time-kill curves showed that 96 h treatment with LMM6 reduced approximately 4 log CFU per ml at all tested concentrations. Furthermore, LMM6 reduced S. aureus preformed biofilm by approximately 1 log CFU per cm2. During biofilm formation, a reduction of approximately 4 log CFU per cm2 was observed. LMM6 also reduced biofilm biomass during (~60%) and after biofilm formation (~25 to 45%), as shown by the crystal violet assay. Based on these results, we conclude that LMM6 exhibits antibacterial and antibiofilm activity and may be an innovative synthetic molecule for controlling S. aureus.
Culture media, DMSO and efflux affect the antibacterial activity of cisplatin and oxaliplatin
Authors: Gupta A. , Bernacchia L. , Kad N.M.
Published: June 2022

Cisplatin was originally discovered through its antibacterial action and subsequently has found use as a potent broad-spectrum anticancer agent. This study determines the effect of growth media and solvent on the antibacterial activity of cisplatin and its analogue, oxaliplatin. Escherichia coli MG1655 or MG1655 ΔtolC was treated with the platinum compounds under different conditions and susceptibility was determined. Our results showed that DMSO reduced the activity of cisplatin by fourfold (MIC 12·5 mg l−1) compared with 0·9% NaCl-solubilized cisplatin (MIC 3·12 mg l−1) when tested in MOPS. Surprisingly, complete loss of activity was observed in Mueller–Hinton Broth II (MHB II). By supplementing MOPS with individual components of MHB II such as the sulphur-containing amino acids, l-cysteine and l-methionine, individually or in combination reduced activity by ≥8-fold (MIC ≥25 mg l−1). Oxaliplatin was less active against E. coli (MIC 100 mg l−1) but exhibited similar inactivation in the presence of DMSO, MHBII or MOPS spiked with l-cysteine and l-methionine (MIC ≥400 mg l−1). Our data suggest that the antibacterial activity of cisplatin and oxaliplatin is modulated by both choice of solvent and composition of growth media. We demonstrate that this is primarily due to sulphur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, an essential component of the recommended media for testing antimicrobial susceptibility, MHBII.
The role of radiology in risk assessment and management of oroantral fistula and displaced roots
Authors: Bell Garmon , Donaldson Kirstyn , Hopkins Claire
Published: June 2022

There is a weak evidence base on which to define the most appropriate radiographic technique to evaluate dental tissues that may impact on the maxillary sinus, including the risk assessment for oroantral communications, identification and removal of displaced roots, timing and optimal management of oroantral fistula, in the presence of odontogenic sinusitis. There is no demonstrable benefit from the routine use of CBCT in exodontia. However, cross‐sectional imaging is strongly recommended over 2‐dimensional radiographic techniques when identifying displaced roots of teeth, and during surgical management of oroantral fistulae, particularly when considering the incidence of extra‐maxillary disease in odontogenic sinusitis. In this narrative review, using the limited evidence available, and relying on clinical experience, we adopt a risk–benefit analysis for the optimal use of various radiographic imaging modalities from pre‐operative assessment to management of complications, focusing on patient outcomes.
A case of synchronous malignant tumours in a parotid gland
Authors: Hankinson Paul Michael , Karbhari Bhavesh , Allsobrook Olive , Nusrath Muzzammil , Khurram Syed Ali
Published: June 2022

Synchronous unilateral tumours within the parotid gland of differing histological type are rare, accounting for less than 1% of parotid gland neoplasms. Here we present a case of a primary tumour of the parotid gland alongside a synchronous metastasis at the same site, highlighting the diagnostic and treatment challenges present, especially where a core biopsy is unable to sample the multiple tumour types. Though rare multiple tumour types must be kept in the differential diagnosis of multifocal salivary gland disease.
Perialar intertrigo in children and adolescents: A multicenter prospective study of 41 cases
Authors: Sanchez Adrien , Mahe Emmanuel , Miquel Juliette , Abasq Claire , Phan Alice , Mazereeuw‐Hautier Juliette , Lemille Juliette , Maruani Annabel , Bonniaud Bertille , Plantin Patrice , Mallet Stéphanie , Martin Hélène , Hubiche Thomas , Chiaverini Christine , Lacour Jean‐Philippe ,   Groupe de Recherche de la Société Française de Dermatologie Pédiatrique
Published: June 2022

Background/Objectives

We observed isolated cases of perialar intertrigo in children and teenagers that did not appear to correspond to any known clinical entity. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features of this dermatosis and the clinical characteristics of the patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study in France from August 2017 to November 2019. All the patients under 18 years of age with chronic perinasal intertrigo were included. A standardized questionnaire detailing the clinical characteristics of the patients and the description of the intertrigo. If possible, a Wood's lamp examination of the intertrigo was done.

Results

Forty‐one patients were included (25 boys and 16 girls, average age: 12.1 years). Intertrigo was bilateral in 38 patients (93%). The majority of patients had no symptoms (54%). Pruritus was present in 39% of cases. Orange red follicular fluorescence was present in the perialar region on Wood's light examination in 78% of cases with active fluorescence. The presumptive diagnoses suggested by the investigators were acne (24.4%), seborrheic dermatitis (19.5%), rosacea (9.8%), psoriasis (9.8%) and perioral dermatitis (7.3%). No diagnosis was proposed in 22% of the cases.

Conclusions

We describe a previously undescribed clinical sign which is characterized by a chronic bilateral erythematous intertrigo located in the perialar region. It can be isolated or associated with various facial dermatoses.