bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative seizure and memory outcome of temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Li Yuming , Liu Peiwen , Lin Qiuxing , Zhou Dong , An Dongmei
Published: August 2023

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate postoperative seizure and memory outcomes of temporal lobe epilepsy with different hippocampal sclerosis (HS) subtypes classified by International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Consensus Guidelines in 2013. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) and MOOSE (Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from January 1, 2013 to August 6, 2023. Observational studies reporting seizure and memory outcomes among different HS subtypes were included. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa scale to assess the risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to grade the quality of evidence. Seizure freedom and improved outcome (Engel 1 or ILAE class 1–2) ≥1 year after surgery were defined as the primary and secondary seizure outcome. A random‐effects meta‐analysis by DerSimonian and Laird method was performed to obtain pooled risk ratio (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs). The memory impairment was narratively reviewed because of various evaluation tools. Fifteen cohort studies with 2485 patients were eligible for the meta‐analysis of seizure outcome. Six cohorts with detailed information on postoperative memory outcome were included. The pooled RRs of seizure freedom, with moderate to substantial heterogeneity, were .98 (95% CI = .84–1.15) between HS type 2 and type 1, 1.11 (95% CI = .82–1.52) between type 3 and type 1, and .80 (95% CI = .62–1.03) between the no‐HS and HS groups. No significant difference of improved outcome was found between different subtypes (p > .05). The quality of evidence was deemed to be low to very low according to GRADE. The long‐term seizure outcome (≥5 years after surgery) and memory impairment remained controversial.
Impaired cardiac modulation in patients with functional seizures: Results from a face intensity judgment task
Authors: Koreki Akihiro , Garfinkel Sarah , Critchley Hugo , Cope Sarah , Agrawal Niruj , Edwards Mark , Yogarajah Mahinda
Published: August 2023

Objective

Although interoceptive abnormality in patients with functional seizure (FSs) has been demonstrated using explicit tasks, implicit measurements of interoception such as the effect of interoception on perceptual brain processes have not been investigated. It has been shown that perception is normally modulated by interoceptive signals related to the different phases (systole vs diastole) of the cardiac cycle (cardiac modulation effect). Given our previous findings using explicit measures of interoception, we hypothesized that cardiac modulation would be impaired in FSs.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with FSs and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐clinical individuals conducted a face intensity judgment task, in which their intensity rating when fearful or neutral faces was presented was compared between systolic and diastolic phases. They also conducted the heartbeat discrimination task as a measure of their capacity to integrate both interoceptive and exteroceptive information.

Results

Patients with FSs had impaired cardiac modulation of the perception of neutral faces (corrected p = .044). Individual differences in the heartbeat discrimination task predicted the degree to which cardiac modulation occurred across the whole group (p = .028). This cardiac modulation effect was significantly associated with seizure severity (p = .021). Regardless of cardiac phase, patients rated fearful facial expressions as less intense compared to control participants (p = .006).

Significance

These findings highlight impaired implicit cardiac modulation effects in patients with FSs. This reflects interoceptive dysfunction in patients with FSs, and an inability of the brain to integrate interoceptive signaling with perceptual processing. This may have implications for our understanding of the pathophysiology in FSs and inform novel diagnostic approaches.
Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and safety of brimonidine for deep sedation
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Rui , Chen Bin , Zhang Ting , Jin Xinghua , Gao Ping
Published: August 2023

Background

Although brimonidine is currently used in the clinical treatment of glaucoma and rosacea, research of the deep sedative effect on animals after systemic administration is reported firstly and has shown promising results.

Methods

The median effective dose (ED50), the median lethal dose (LD50), and the therapeutic index of brimonidine for deep sedation and formalin stimulation assay were determined by various animal experiments. The effect of synergistic anesthesia in rabbits with brimonidine and chloral hydrate was preliminarily evaluated.

Results

The ED50 of brimonidine for highly effective sedation by intraperitoneal injection in rats was calculated to be 2.05 mg kg−1 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.87 to 2.25 mg kg−1. The ED50 of brimonidine for deep sedation by intravenous and intrarectal injection in rabbits was calculated to be 0.087 mg kg−1 with a 95% CI of 0.084 to 0.091 mg kg−1 and 1.65 mg kg−1 with a 95% CI of 1.43 to 1.91 mg kg−1, respectively. The LD50 of intraperitoneal brimonidine injection in rats was calculated to be 468 mg kg−1 with a 95% CI of 441 to 497 mg kg−1 and a therapeutic index of 228. Brimonidine has a certain analgesic and heart rate lowering effects.

Conclusion

The results confirmed that brimonidine has deep sedation and analgesic effects after systemic administration and has high safety. It can be used in combination with other types of sedative drugs to achieve better effects.
Bioremediation of Chlorate and Chromium Contamination with Native Microbial Culture in Cold Climate
Authors: Motevasselin Mehdi , Gorczyca Beata , Kalinovich Indra , Sparling Richard
Published: August 2023

Chlorate and hexavalent chromium are two chemicals with adverse health effects that may cause groundwater contamination in industrial areas. The objective of this study was to determine if the native microorganisms collected from a site contaminated with chlorate and chromate can lower the concentration of these chemicals in groundwater to acceptable regulatory levels. Several anaerobic microcosm experiments were conducted with synthetic groundwater (media), native microorganisms, acetate as an electron donor, nitrogen, phosphorus, and minerals. The microorganisms utilized 2200 mg/L acetate to remove 1000 mg/L of chlorate and 3 mg/L of hexavalent chromium entirely from the media provided that the groundwater is supplemented with additional nitrogen and phosphorous (with the Carbon:Nitrogen:Phosphorous molar ratio of 100:10:5). The added trace minerals solution prepared based on American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 1191 medium did not improve the remediation process. Native microbial culture derived from the contaminated site removed the chlorate and chromate from the synthetic groundwater at 20 °C in about 40 days. The same removal was achieved at 10 °C, but in a longer timespan of 80 days. This work confirmed the importance of ensuring the presence of sufficient N and P to stimulate chlorate‐ and chromate‐reducing bacteria in the groundwaters.
Probiotic containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 as an adjunct treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Ismail Nur Izreena , Nawawi Khairul Najmi Muhammad , Hsin Deborah Chew Chia , Hao Kok Wei , Mahmood Nik Ritza Kosai Nik , Chearn Gary Lee Chong , Wong Zhiqin , Tamil Azmi Mohd , Joseph Hazel , Raja Ali Raja Affendi
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite multiple therapy regimens, the decline in the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate poses a significant challenge to the medical community. Adding Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic as an adjunct treatment has shown some promising results. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 in H. pylori eradication and its effect in ameliorating gastrointestinal symptoms and adverse treatment effects.

Materials and Methods

This randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial involved treatment‐naïve H. pylori‐positive patients. Ninety patients received standard triple therapy for 2 weeks before receiving either a probiotic or placebo for 4 weeks. The posttreatment eradication rate was assessed via a 14C urea breath test in Week 8. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire and an interview on treatment adverse effects were conducted during this study.

Results

The eradication rate was higher in the probiotic group than in the placebo group, with a 22.2% difference in the intention‐to‐treat analysis (91.1% vs. 68.9%; p = 0.007) and 24.3% difference in the per‐protocol analysis (93.2% vs. 68.9%; p = 0.007). The probiotic group showed significant pre‐ to post‐treatment reductions in indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain, and total GSRS scores. The probiotic group showed significantly greater reductions in GSRS scores than the placebo group: indigestion (4.34 ± 5.00 vs. 1.78 ± 5.64; p = 0.026), abdominal pain (2.64 ± 2.88 vs. 0.89 ± 3.11; p = 0.007), constipation (2.34 ± 3.91 vs. 0.64 ± 2.92; p = 0.023), and total score (12.41 ± 12.19 vs. 4.24 ± 13.72; p = 0.004). The probiotic group reported significantly fewer adverse headache (0% vs. 15.6%; p = 0.012) and abdominal pain (0% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.026) effects.

Conclusions

There was a significant increase in H. pylori eradication rate and attenuation of symptoms and adverse treatment effects when L. reuteri was given as an adjunct treatment.
Intracellular bacterial eradication using a novel peptide in vitro
Authors: Ng Wing Nok Isaac , Kalimuthu Shanthini , Law Carmen Oi Kwan , Lee Angeline Hui Cheng , Lau Terrence Chi Kong , Leung Yiu Yan , Cheung Gary Shun Pan , Neelakantan Prasanna
Published: August 2023

Aim

To determine the effect of a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP; OP145) and cell‐penetrating peptide (Octa‐arginine/R8) conjugate on the killing of intracellular Enterococcus faecalis, compared to OP145 and an antibiotic combination recommended for regenerative endodontic procedures.

Methodology

The biocompatible concentrations of OP145 and OP145‐R8 were determined by assessing their cytotoxicity against human macrophages and red blood cells. Spatiotemporal internalization of the peptides into macrophages was investigated qualitatively and quantitatively by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry respectively. Killing of extracellular and intracellular E. faecalis OG1RF by the peptides was determined by counting the colony‐forming units (CFU). Intracellular antibacterial activity of the peptides was compared to a double antibiotic combination. Confocal microscopy was used to confirm the intracellular bacterial eradication. Significant differences between the different test groups were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance. p < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Peptides at a concentration of 7.5 μmol/L were chosen for subsequent experiments based on the results of the alamarBlue™ cell viability assay and haemolytic assay. OP145‐R8 selectively internalized into lysosomal compartments and the cytosol of macrophages. Conjugation with R8 improved the internalization of OP145 into macrophages in a temporal manner (70.53% at 1 h to 77.13% at 2 h), while no temporal increase was observed for OP145 alone (60.53% at 1 h with no increase at 2 h). OP145‐R8 demonstrated significantly greater extracellular and intracellular antibacterial activity compared to OP145 at all investigated time‐points and concentrations (p < .05). OP145‐R8 at 7.5 μmol/L eradicated intracellular E. faecalis after 2 h (3.5 log reduction compared to the control; p < .05), while the antibiotics could not reduce more than 0.5 log CFU compared to the control (p > .05). Confocal microscopy showed complete absence of E. faecalis within the OP145‐R8 treated macrophages.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrated that the conjugation of an AMP OP145 to a cell‐penetrating peptide R8 eradicated extracellular and intracellular E. faecalis OG1RF without toxic effects on the host cells.
Hiring on vocational interests to simultaneously improve validity and organizational diversity
Authors: Wee Serena , Newman Daniel A. , Su Rong
Published: August 2023

We discuss how using vocational interests in the selection process can help address the diversity‐validity dilemma. First, we point out how incorporating vocational interests as predictors in selection could help to reduce adverse impact. We further suggest that by using optimal predictor weights, one could simultaneously improve validity while enhancing organisational diversity. Finally, the predictive validity of vocational interests arises from their ability to capture the congruence between individuals and occupations, which is a cross‐level phenomenon. Thus, when gathering validity evidence for vocational interests, multi‐occupation samples should be incorporated into validation efforts.
Perspectives on physical restraint in psychiatric hospital: A qualitative study of mentally ill patients
Authors: Li Sijue , Ye Junrong , Yuan Lexin , Wang Haoyun , Wang Ting , Wu Chenxin , Xiao Aixiang
Published: August 2023

The use of physical restraint had caused a series of unexpected impacts on patients, particularly psychological trauma. This qualitative study aimed to identify perspectives on physical restraint among patients with mental health conditions and to seek effective interventions targeting the psychological trauma which is caused by physical restraint. A semi‐structured interview was conducted in a public psychiatric hospital in China to explore perspectives on physical restraint among 26 patients who had undergone or witnessed physical restraint. The interview was conducted by experienced and qualified interviewers with mental health service backgrounds. The interviews were recorded and transcribed into words, and then preliminary themes were extracted and coded, finally thematic analysis was used to identify focused themes. Five themes were extracted: these were as follows: (1) The negative effects of physical restraint on patients; (2) The impairment of the relationship between nurse and patient due to physical restraint; (3) The decrease in patients' treatment adherence caused by physical restraint; (4) The positive outcomes of physical restraint; (5) The expectations of patients for improving the quality of nursing care. Conclusively, the use of physical restraint had critical impacts on patients, including psychological trauma, destruction of the nurse–patient relationship, and decreased adherence of treatment. These negative effects could impede clinical work.
Ferroelastic rare‐earth tantalates for multifunctional thermal/environmental barrier coatings: A perspective
Authors: Chen Lin , Wang Jiankun , Zhang Luyang , Li Baihui , Luo Keren , Tian Jiang , Xu Hao , Feng Jing
Published: August 2023

This perspective outlines the research directions of ferroelastic rare‐earth (RE) tantalates (RETaO4), which have been studied as multifunctional thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs) with working temperatures above 1600°C. Ferroelastic RETaO4 ceramics exhibit several distinct features, including the reversible second‐order ferroelastic phase transition, high toughness, low thermal conductivity, low oxygen ion conductivity, and adjustable thermal expansion coefficients. This perspective provides a concise summary of the research progress on tantalate coatings synthesized via air plasma spraying and electron beam physical vapor deposition. The service performance of tantalate coatings is typically evaluated through thermal fatigue and shock measurements. Uncovering the failure mechanisms and understanding influencing factors are key aspects for future studies. In this regard, establishing the synthesis‐structure‐property relationship of RETaO4 coatings is essential. This brief perspective can serve as a guide for future work on RETaO4 coatings and further advancements in their applications across various fields, including aviation engines and gas turbines.
Finger versus pencil: An eye tracking study of learning by drawing on touchscreens
Authors: Xie Heping , Zhou Zongkui
Published: August 2023

Background

Drawing is generally regarded as a promising learning strategy and has been explored in the touchscreen setting with different drawing modes. Although both a finger and a digital pencil can help individuals complete drawing activities effortlessly on touchscreen devices, there is no guarantee that they show the same effect on learning, which should be further tested.

Objectives

This study paid attention to the influence of drawing mode on learning processes and outcomes.

Methods

By means of the eye tracking technique, this study recruited college students as participants who were required to learn instructional materials consisting of actual (Experiment 1) or fictitious (Experiment 2) terms and definitions to test the effects of touchscreen‐based finger drawing versus pencil drawing on visual attention, learning performance as well as motivation.

Results and Conclusions

Across both experiments, learners showed more fixation count in areas of interest, and also more transition count between these areas for the finger drawing condition as compared to the pencil drawing condition. Recall performance on the studied definitions in the finger drawing condition was better than that in the pencil drawing condition. However, learners were subjectively less motivated to use a finger to draw than a digital pencil.

Implications

These findings show contributions to the emphasis of importance of drawing mode when the generative drawing activity is applied to touchscreens.
Efficacy and safety of standard dose triple combination of telmisartan 80 mg/amlodipine 5 mg/chlorthalidone 25 mg in primary hypertension: A randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, multicenter phase 3 trial
Authors: Cho Eun Joo , Kim Moo Hyun , Kim Young‐Hak , Chang Kiyuk , Choi Dong‐Ju , Kang Woong Chol , Shin Jinho , Kim Seong Hwan , Lee Namho , Son Jang Won , Doh Joon‐Hyung , Kim Woo‐Shik , Hong Soon Jun , Rhee Moo‐Yong , Ahn Youngkeun , Lim Sang‐Wook , Hong Seung Pyo , Choi So‐Yeon , Hyon Min Su , Hwang Jin‐Yong , Kwon Kihwan , Cha Kwang Soo , Ihm Sang‐Hyun , Lee Jae‐Hwan , Yoo Byung‐Su , Kim Hyo‐Soo
Published: August 2023

The authors evaluated the efficacy, safety, and characteristics of patients who respond well to standard dose triple combination therapy including chlorthalidone 25 mg with telmisartan 80 mg plus amlodipine 5 mg in hypertensive patients. This is a multicenter, double‐blind, active‐controlled, phase 3, randomized trial. Patients are randomized to triple combination (telmisartan 40 mg/amlodipine 5 mg/chlorthalidone 12.5 mg, TEL/AML/CHTD group) or dual combination (telmisartan 40 mg/amlodipine 5 mg, TEL/AML group) treatment and then dose up titration to TEL 80/AML5/CHTD25mg and TEL80/AML5, respectively. The primary endpoint is the change of mean sitting systolic blood pressure (MSSBP) at week 8. A Target BP achievement rate, a response rate, and the safety endpoints are also evaluated. Total 374 patients (mean age = 60.9 ± 10.7 years, male = 78.3%) were randomized to the study. The baseline MSSBPs/diastolic BPs were 149.9 ± 12.2/88.5 ± 10.4 mm Hg. After 8 weeks treatment, the change of MSSBPs at week 8 are −19.1 ± 14.9 mm Hg (TEL/AML/CHTD) and −11.4 ± 14.7 mm Hg (TEL/AML) (p < .0001). The achievement rates of target BP (53.8% vs. 37.8%, p = .0017) and responder rate (54.8% vs. 35.6%, p = .0001) at week 8 were significantly higher in TEL/AML/CHTD. There are no serious adverse event and no one discontinued medication due to adverse event. Among the TEL 80/AML5/CHTD25mg treatment group, patients of female or age ≥ 65 years old showed higher rate of target BP achievement than relatively young male. (61.4 vs. 46.8%, p = .042) Our study showed standard dose triple combination of telmisartan 80 mg/amlodipine 5 mg/chlorthalidone 25 mg is efficacious and safe in treatment of primary hypertension. Target BP achievement with triple therapy would be facilitated in female or old age.
Bazi Bushen alleviates skin senescence by orchestrating skin homeostasis in SAMP6 mice
Authors: Xu Zhe , Gong Boyang , Li Zhaodong , Wang Ying , Zhao Zeyu , Xie Lulu , Peng Yanfei , Zhao Shuwu , Zhou Huifang , Bian Yuhong
Published: August 2023

Bazi Bushen, a Chinese‐patented drug with the function of relieving fatigue and delaying ageing, has been proven effective for extenuating skin senescence. To investigate the potential mechanism, senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) was intragastrically administered with Bazi Bushen for 9 weeks to induce skin homeostasis. Skin homeostasis is important in mitigating skin senescence, and it is related to many factors such as oxidative stress, SASP, apoptosis, autophagy and stem cell. In our study, skin damage in SAMP6 mice was observed using HE, Masson and SA‐β‐gal staining. The content of hydroxyproline and the activities of SOD, MDA, GSH‐PX and T‐AOC in the skin were measured using commercial assay kits. The level of SASP factors (IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MMP2 and MMP9) in skin were measured using ELISA kits. The protein expressions of p16, p21, p53, Bax, Bcl‐2, Cleaved caspase‐3, LC3, p62, Beclin1, OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG were measured by western blotting. The expression of ITGA6 and COL17A1 was measured by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Our findings demonstrated that Bazi Bushen alleviated skin senescence by orchestrating skin homeostasis, reducing the level of oxidative stress and the expression of SASP, regulating the balance of apoptosis and autophagy and enhancing the protein expressions of ITGA6 and COL17A1 to improve skin structure in SAMP6 mice. This study indicated that Bazi Bushen could serve as a potential therapy for alleviating skin senescence.
27‐Hydroxycholesterol represses G9a expression via oestrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer
Authors: Vini Ravindran , Lekshmi Asha , Ravindran Swathy , Thulaseedharan Jissa Vinoda , Sujathan Kunjuraman , Rajavelu Arumugam , Sreeja Sreeharshan
Published: August 2023

27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐HC) is a cholesterol metabolite and the first discovered endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been shown to have proliferative and metastatic activity in breast cancer. However, whether 27‐HC metabolite modulates the epigenetic signatures in breast cancer and its progression remains unclear. The current study, reports that 27‐HC represses the expression of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase G9a, further reducing di‐methylation at H3K9 in a subset of genes. We also observed reduced occupancy of ERα at the G9a promoter, indicating that 27‐HC negatively regulates the ERα occupancy on the G9a promoter and functions as a transcriptional repressor. Further, ChIP‐sequencing for the H3K9me2 mark has demonstrated that 27‐HC treatment reduces the H3K9me2 mark on subset of genes linked to cancer progression, proliferation, and metastasis. We observed upregulation of these genes following 27‐HC treatment which further confirms the loss of methylation at these genes. Immunohistochemical analysis with breast cancer patient tissues indicated a positive correlation between G9a expression and CYP7B1, a key enzyme of 27‐HC catabolism. Overall, this study reports that 27‐HC represses G9a expression via ERα and reduces the levels of H3K9me2 on a subset of genes, including the genes that aid in breast tumorigenesis and invasion further, increasing its expression in the breast cancer cells.
White paper on psychodermatology in Europe: A position paper from the EADV Psychodermatology Task Force and the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP)
Authors: Misery Laurent , Schut Christina , Balieva Flora , Bobko Svetlana , Reich Adam , Sampogna Francesca , Altunay Ilknur , Dalgard Florence , Gieler Uwe , Kupfer Jörg , Lvov Andrey , Poot Françoise , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Tomas‐Aragones Lucia , Vulink Nienke , Zalewska‐Janowska Anna , Bewley Anthony
Published: August 2023

Psychodermatology is a subspecialty of dermatology that is of increasing interest to dermatologists and patients. The case for the provision of at least regional psychodermatology services across Europe is robust. Psychodermatology services have been shown to have better, quicker and more cost‐efficient clinical outcomes for patients with psychodermatological conditions. Despite this, psychodermatology services are not uniformly available across Europe. In fact many countries have yet to establish dedicated psychodermatology services. In other countries psychodermatology services are in development. Even in countries where psychodermatolgy units have been established, the services are not available across the whole country. This is especially true for the provision of paediatric psychodermatology services. Also whilst most states across Europe are keen to develop psychodermatology services, the rate at which this development is being implemented is very slow. Our paper maps the current provision of psychodermatology services across Europe and indicates that there is still very much more work to be done in order to develop the comprehensive psychodermatology services across Europe, which are so crucial for our patients.
Long‐term effect of letrozole on metastatic uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential: A case report
Authors: Praben Padiachy , Kido Hidenori , Terao Yasuhisa , Takagi Tatsuya , Hayashi Takuo , Naito Toshio , Kato Shunsuke
Published: August 2023

A 48‐year‐old woman underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and right salpingo‐oophorectomy and was initially diagnosed with a uterine leiomyoma and right ovarian cystadenoma. After 4 years, multiple pulmonary metastases were identified, and treatment with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists was started, but stopped later due to disease progression. The patient developed dyspnea and underwent right upper lobectomy. The histopathological findings were consistent with those of pulmonary metastases secondary to a uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential. Slow disease progression after a poor response to adriamycin and hormone receptor positivity led to the start of letrozole. Letrozole induced spontaneous regression of the pulmonary metastases, and about 2 years into the treatment, sustained response was achieved with minimal side effects. This may be the first case supporting the long‐term efficacy and safety of letrozole in the management of adriamycin‐resistant lung metastases of uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential.
Toward a non‐binary semiotics of intersectionality: linguistic anthropology in the wake of coloniality
Authors: Ke‐Schutte Jay , Babcock Joshua
Published: August 2023

This special issue proposes a non‐binary semiotics of intersectionality to both draw attention to and unsettle binary participation frameworks of “the‐West‐and‐its‐others.” Contributors demonstrate how intersectionality can reconfigure scholarly approaches to the semiotic analysis of social life, expanding the bounds of the ethnographic as both genre and site of ideological work while also suggesting new stakes for conceptualizations of the personal beyond static, neoliberal presuppositions of the identity‐bearing individual. This proposed reorientation has stakes for the study of race–language co‐naturalizations in locations reflexively cast as beyond white settler‐colonial contexts. We place the study of intersectionality within the historical socius of the colonial and its prefixes (de‐, post‐, and anti‐) by engaging with the historical and material conditions of human capital and land enclosure out of which Kimberlé Crenshaw’s micro‐interactional observations emerged as originary reflections on the concept of intersectionality. Together, we consider linguistic and co(n)textual phenomena that are left out of most contemporary intersectional and critical race analyses. The authors demonstrate an array of modalities through which we can analytically separate intersectionality‐as‐method, while not assuming American monolingual racial experiences as universal.
Common genetic and environmental bases of the mental disorders and personality traits: Special focus on the hierarchical model of psychopathology and NEO‐PI‐R facets
Authors: Mitrović Dušanka , Mihić Ljiljana , Sadiković Selka , Smederevac Snežana
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study examined whether phenotypic correlations between psychopathological dimensions and personality traits of different hierarchical levels originate from common genetic and environmental sources of variance.

Method

Participants were 386 monozygotic and 204 dizygotic twins. The Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) was applied along with the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI‐R). The results of the CFA confirmed the hypothesis of the internalizing and externalizing dimensions underlying PDSQ scales.

Results

The results indicated a significantly greater role of genetic compared to environmental factors in the relationship between internalizing psychopathology and personality traits. Facets of neuroticism showed positive genetic links with internalizing disorders, while negative genetic links were shown for all facets of extraversion except excitement‐seeking, competence, self‐discipline, achievement striving, actions, and trust. Lower‐order personality traits were shown to be associated with internalizing disorders more intensively than the broader domains to which they belong, both at the phenotypic and genetic levels.

Conclusions

High neuroticism, together with several facets from the domain of extraversion and conscientiousness seems to represent an increased genetic susceptibility to the disorders from the internalizing spectrum. Results also suggest that specific environmental factors which are not shared with personality traits contribute to the internalizing symptoms.
Subcellular proteomics for determining iron‐limited remodeling of plastids in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: Gomes Kristofer M. , Nunn Brook L. , Chappell P. Dreux , Jenkins Bethany D.
Published: August 2023

Diatoms are important primary producers in the world's oceans, yet their growth is constrained in large regions by low bioavailable iron (Fe). Low‐Fe stress‐induced limitation of primary production is due to requirements for Fe in components of essential metabolic pathways including photosynthesis and other chloroplast plastid functions. Studies have shown that under low‐Fe stress, diatoms alter plastid‐specific processes, including components of electron transport. These physiological changes suggest changes of protein content and in protein abundances within the diatom plastid. While in silico predictions provide putative information on plastid‐localized proteins, knowledge of diatom plastid proteins remains limited in comparison to well‐studied model photosynthetic organisms. To address this, we employed shotgun proteomics to investigate the proteome of subcellular plastid‐enriched fractions from Thalassiosira pseudonana to gain a better understanding of how the plastid proteome is remodeled in response to Fe limitation. Using mass spectrometry‐based peptide identification and quantification, we analyzed T. pseudonana grown under Fe‐replete and ‐limiting conditions. Through these analyses, we inferred the relative quantities of each protein, revealing that Fe limitation regulates major metabolic pathways in the plastid, including the Calvin cycle. Additionally, we observed changes in the expression of light‐harvesting proteins. In silico localization predictions of proteins identified in this plastid‐enriched proteome allowed for an in‐depth comparison of theoretical versus observed plastid‐localization, providing evidence for the potential of additional protein import pathways into the diatom plastid.
Religious Identity‐Inconsistent Attending: Its Correlates and Political Implications
Authors: Djupe Paul A. , Burge Ryan P. , Garneau Christopher R.H.
Published: August 2023

The foundation of religious measurement in surveys presumes that individual religious affiliation (“What is your present religion, if any?”) accurately describes the religious community in which respondents are involved. But what if it doesn't? In a recent survey of 4,000 Americans, we asked whether their current congregation matches their religious identity and about a fifth of Americans indicated that it does not. We document the degree of this inconsistency, its correlates, and its implications, focusing primarily on the politics that congregants are exposed to from clergy and the attitudes they hold about salient political matters. The identity‐inconsistent attenders often vary significantly from identity‐consistent attenders, which serves to introduce considerable measurement error in the use of a religious tradition measure to depict American religion. The results suggest that salient disagreement induces a sizable population to migrate to a congregation outside their religious identity.
Diagnostic performance of transient elastography in differentiation between porto‐sinusoidal vascular liver disease and compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Ma Lin , Fu Li , Li Min , He Fuliang , Feng Lijuan , Wang Min , Jia Jidong , Wang Yu , Zhao Xinyan
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

The efficacy of transient elastography (TE) in the differential diagnosis between porto‐sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) and compensated cirrhosis has not been sufficiently studied. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of TE and identify histological lesions associated with liver stiffness.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients with PSVD and cirrhosis (Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh class A) and healthy subjects. Both the PSVD and cirrhotic patients had at least one sign of PH. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used for differentiation.

Results

Ninety‐two patients with PSVD (median age: 53 years, 33% male), 100 patients with compensated cirrhosis and 101 healthy subjects were included. The median TE‐LSM in the PSVD patients (10.0 [7.0–13.0] kPa) was significantly lower than that in the cirrhotic patients (21.0 [15.0–28.0] kPa, p < .001) but was significantly higher than that in the healthy subjects (5.1 [4.6–6.0] kPa, p < .001). The AUROCs of TE‐LSM for the discrimination of PSVD from the cirrhosis and healthy subjects were 0.886 (95% CI: 0.833–0.928) and 0.913 (95% CI: 0.864–0.949), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity to discriminate PSVD from compensated cirrhosis were 78.3% and 82.0%, respectively, at a cut‐off of 13.6 kPa. Furthermore, portal fibrosis and aberrant cytokeratin 7 expression of centrilobular hepatocytes were significantly associated with higher TE‐LSM (≥10.0 kPa).

Conclusion

TE‐LSM can be used to differentiate PSVD from compensated cirrhosis. Pathological features in association with increased liver stiffness are identified.
Validity evidence supporting clinical skills assessment by artificial intelligence compared with trained clinician raters
Authors: Johnsson Vilma , Søndergaard Morten Bo , Kulasegaram Kulamakan , Sundberg Karin , Tiblad Eleonor , Herling Lotta , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Tolsgaard Martin G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly used in medical education, but our understanding of the validity of AI‐based assessments (AIBA) as compared with traditional clinical expert‐based assessments (EBA) is limited. In this study, the authors aimed to compare and contrast the validity evidence for the assessment of a complex clinical skill based on scores generated from an AI and trained clinical experts, respectively.

Methods

The study was conducted between September 2020 to October 2022. The authors used Kane's validity framework to prioritise and organise their evidence according to the four inferences: scoring, generalisation, extrapolation and implications. The context of the study was chorionic villus sampling performed within the simulated setting. AIBA and EBA were used to evaluate performances of experts, intermediates and novice based on video recordings. The clinical experts used a scoring instrument developed in a previous international consensus study. The AI used convolutional neural networks for capturing features on video recordings, motion tracking and eye movements to arrive at a final composite score.

Results

A total of 45 individuals participated in the study (22 novices, 12 intermediates and 11 experts). The authors demonstrated validity evidence for scoring, generalisation, extrapolation and implications for both EBA and AIBA. The plausibility of assumptions related to scoring, evidence of reproducibility and relation to different training levels was examined. Issues relating to construct underrepresentation, lack of explainability, and threats to robustness were identified as potential weak links in the AIBA validity argument compared with the EBA validity argument.

Conclusion

There were weak links in the use of AIBA compared with EBA, mainly in their representation of the underlying construct but also regarding their explainability and ability to transfer to other datasets. However, combining AI and clinical expert‐based assessments may offer complementary benefits, which is a promising subject for future research.
Comparison of cardiac biomarkers on risk assessment of contrast‐associated acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Yu Sijia , Li Qiang , He Yibo , Jia CongZhuo , Liang Guoxiao , Lu Hongyu , Wu Wanying , Liu Jin , Liu Yong , Chen Jiyan
Published: August 2023

Aim

Cardiac biomarkers' predictive value of contrast‐associated acute kidney injury (CA‐AKI) remains unclear. We analysed whether creatine kinase isoenzyme‐MB (CKMB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and preoperative N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are tied to CA‐AKI patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Methods

In the multi‐center study, we included 3553 people underwent cardiac catheterization for analysis. CA‐AKI was defined as the absolute increase of over 0.3 mg/dL or an increase of more than 50% compared with the baseline serum creatinine within 48 hours following cardiac catheterization. Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to examine the association between cardiac biomarkers and CA‐AKI and the efficacy of Mehran risk score (MRS) model on CA‐AKI prediction with and without cardiac biomarkers.

Results

Among 3553 people, 200 people eventually developed CA‐AKI. The logistic regression model showed that log10CKMB (odds ratio (OR): 1.97, 95%CI:1.51–2.57, p < .001), cTnI (OR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.02–1.04, p < .001) and log10NT‐proBNP (OR: 3.19, 95%CI: 2.46–4.17, p < .001) were independent predictors of CA‐AKI. The ROC curve demonstrated that area under the curve (AUC) of MRS was 0.733. CKMB, cTnI and NT‐proBNP all significantly improved the AUC value in combination with MRS model. (NT‐proBNP: 0.798, p < .001; CKMB: 0.758, p = .003; cTnI: 0.755, p = .002), among which the NT‐proBNP had the best predictive efficacy improvement.

Conclusion

Cardiac biomarkers of CKMB, cTnI and NT‐proBNP are all independently associated with CA‐AKI among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization while NT‐proBNP remains the best indicator. Adding CKMB, cTnI and NT‐proBNP to MRS improved the prognostic efficacy and may be considered effective tools to predict the risk of CA‐AKI in clinical practice.
Barriers and enablers for safe medication administration in adult and neonatal intensive care units mapped to the behaviour change wheel
Authors: Dick‐Smith Felicity , Fry Margaret Fry , Salter Rachel , Tinker Matthew , Leith Grace , Donoghoe Stephanie , Harris Claire , Murphy Sandra , Elliott Rosalind
Published: August 2023

Background

Intensive care settings have high rates of medication administration errors. Medications are often administered by nurses and midwives using a specified process (the ‘5 rights’). Understanding where medication errors occur, the contributing factors and how best practice is delivered may assist in developing interventions to improve medication safety.

Aims

To identify medication administration errors and context specific barriers and enablers for best practice in an adult and a neonatal intensive care unit. Secondary aims were to identify intervention functions (through the Behaviour Change Wheel).

Study Design

A dual methods exploratory descriptive study was conducted (May to June 2021) in a mixed 56‐bedded adult intensive care unit and a 6‐bedded neonatal intensive care unit in Sydney, Australia.

Incident monitoring data were examined. Direct semi‐covert observational medication administration audits using the 5 rights (n = 39) were conducted. Brief interviews with patients, parents and nurses were conducted. Data were mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel.

Results

No medication administration incidents were recorded. Audits (n = 3) for the neonatal intensive care unit revealed no areas for improvement. Adult intensive care unit nurses (n = 36) performed checks for the right medication 35 times (97%) and patient identity 25 times (69%). Sixteen administrations (44%) were interrupted. Four themes were synthesized from the interview data: Trust in the nursing profession; Availability of policies and procedures; Adherence to the ‘5 rights’ and departmental culture; and Adequate staffing. The interventional functions most likely to bring about behaviour change were environmental restructuring, enablement, restrictions, education, persuasion and modelling.

Conclusions

This study reveals insights about the medication administration practices of nurses in intensive care. Although there were areas for improvement there was widespread awareness among nurses regarding their responsibilities to safely administer medications. Interview data indicated high levels of trust among patients and parents in the nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

This novel study indicated that nurses in intensive care are aware of their responsibilities to safely administer medications. Mapping of contextual data to the Behaviour Change Wheel resulted in the identification of Intervention functions most likely to change medication administration practices in the adult intensive care setting that is environmental restructuring, enablement, restrictions, education, persuasion and modelling.
Two functional CC‐NBS‐LRR proteins from rye chromosome 6RS confer differential age‐related powdery mildew resistance to wheat
Authors: Han Guohao , Liu Hong , Zhu Shanying , Gu Tiantian , Cao Lijun , Yan Hanwen , Jin Yuli , Wang Jing , Liu Shiyu , Zhou Yilin , Shi Zhipeng , He Huagang , An Diaoguo
Published: August 2023

Rye (Secale cereale), a valuable relative of wheat, contains abundant powdery mildew resistance (Pm) genes. Using physical mapping, transcriptome sequencing, barley stripe mosaic virus‐induced gene silencing, ethyl methane sulfonate mutagenesis, and stable transformation, we isolated and validated two coiled‐coil, nucleotide‐binding site and leucine‐rich repeat (CC‐NBS‐LRR) alleles, PmTR1 and PmTR3, located on rye chromosome 6RS from different triticale lines. PmTR1 confers age‐related resistance starting from the three‐leaf stage, whereas its allele, PmTR3, confers typical all‐stage resistance, which may be associated with their differential gene expression patterns. Overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that the CC, CC‐NBS, and CC‐LRR fragments of PMTR1 induce cell death, whereas in PMTR3 the CC and full‐length fragments perform this function. Luciferase complementation imaging and pull‐down assays revealed distinct interaction activities between the CC and NBS fragments. Our study elucidates two novel rye‐derived Pm genes and their derivative germplasm resources and provides novel insights into the mechanism of age‐related resistance, which can aid the improvement of resistance against wheat powdery mildew.
The interplay between autophagy and chloroplast vesiculation pathways under dark‐induced senescence
Authors: Barros Jessica A. S. , Cavalcanti João Henrique F. , Pimentel Karla G. , Magen Sahar , Soroka Yoram , Weiss Shahar , Medeiros David B. , Nunes‐Nesi Adriano , Fernie Alisdair R. , Avin‐Wittenberg Tamar , Araújo Wagner L.
Published: August 2023

In cellular circumstances where carbohydrates are scarce, plants can use alternative substrates for cellular energetic maintenance. In plants, the main protein reserve is present in the chloroplast, which contains most of the total leaf proteins and represents a rich source of nitrogen and amino acids. Autophagy plays a key role in chloroplast breakdown, a well‐recognised symptom of both natural and stress‐induced plant senescence. Remarkably, an autophagic‐independent route of chloroplast degradation associated with chloroplast vesiculation (CV) gene was previously demonstrated. During extended darkness, CV is highly induced in the absence of autophagy, contributing to the early senescence phenotype of atg mutants. To further investigate the role of CV under dark‐induced senescence conditions, mutants with low expression of CV (amircv) and double mutants amircv1xatg5 were characterised. Following darkness treatment, no aberrant phenotypes were observed in amircv single mutants; however, amircv1xatg5 double mutants displayed early senescence and altered dismantling of chloroplast and membrane structures under these conditions. Metabolic characterisation revealed that the functional lack of both CV and autophagy leads to higher impairment of amino acid release and differential organic acid accumulation during starvation conditions. The data obtained are discussed in the context of the role of CV and autophagy, both in terms of cellular metabolism and the regulation of chloroplast degradation.
The now and future of ChatGPT and GPT in psychiatry
Authors: Cheng Szu‐Wei , Chang Chung‐Wen , Chang Wan‐Jung , Wang Hao‐Wei , Liang Chih‐Sung , Kishimoto Taishiro , Chang Jane Pei‐Chen , Kuo John S. , Su Kuan‐Pin
Published: August 2023

ChatGPT has sparked extensive discussions within the healthcare community since its November 2022 release. However, potential applications in the field of psychiatry have received limited attention. Deep learning has proven beneficial to psychiatry, and GPT is a powerful deep learning‐based language model with immense potential for this field. Despite the convenience of ChatGPT, this advanced chatbot currently has limited practical applications in psychiatry. It may be used to support psychiatrists in routine tasks such as completing medical records, facilitating communications between clinicians and with patients, polishing academic writings and presentations, and programming and performing analyses for research. The current training and application of ChatGPT require using appropriate prompts to maximize appropriate outputs and minimize deleterious inaccuracies and phantom errors. Moreover, future GPT advances that incorporate empathy, emotion recognition, personality assessment, and detection of mental health warning signs are essential for its effective integration into psychiatric care. In the near future, developing a fully‐automated psychotherapy system trained for expert communication (such as psychotherapy verbatim) is conceivable by building on foundational GPT technology. This dream system should integrate practical ‘real world’ inputs and friendly AI user and patient interfaces via clinically validated algorithms, voice comprehension/generation modules, and emotion discrimination algorithms based on facial expressions and physiological inputs from wearable devices. In addition to the technology challenges, we believe it is critical to establish generally accepted ethical standards for applying ChatGPT‐related tools in all mental healthcare environments, including telemedicine and academic/training settings.