bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the role of termite decomposition in a mesic savanna
Authors: Bunney Katherine , Robertson Mark , Eggleton Paul , Twine Wayne , Parr Catherine
Published: May 2024

Savanna systems are among the most sensitive to future climate and land‐use change, yet we lack robust, direct quantifications of savanna carbon cycling. Together with fire, decomposition is the main process by which the carbon and nutrients are recycled and made available again to plants. Decomposition is largely mediated by microbes and soil invertebrates. Using a novel large‐scale termite suppression experiment, we quantify, for the first time, the relative contribution of microbes, termites, and other invertebrates to the decomposition of wood (fresh native and dry non‐native), dry dung, and grass in a mesic savanna. We found that termites were responsible for two thirds of the mass loss from dry wood and a third of the mass loss from fresh native wood, dry dung, and dry grass. Microbes were wholly responsible for the difference as there was no evidence of other invertebrates contributing to decomposition, even with fresh wood. Using multiple substrates in savanna decomposition studies is important where a mixture of contrasting life forms occur because both the rates of decomposition and the dominant agent varied considerably. In addition, including both a dry non‐native and fresh native wood cast light on possible explanatory variables such as wood density, green‐ness and the presence of bark, and the necessity of teasing these variables apart in future studies. Termites stand apart from all other insects in their impact on decomposition within savannas and should be acknowledged alongside microbes and fire as the primary agents of wood, grass, and dry dung turnover in global carbon models.
Histone deacetylase as emerging pharmacological therapeutic target for neuropathic pain: From epigenetic to selective drugs
Authors: Zhang Wencui , Jiao Bo , Yu Shangchen , Zhang Caixia , Zhang Kaiwen , Liu Baowen , Zhang Xianwei
Published: May 2024

Background

Neuropathic pain remains a formidable challenge for modern medicine. The first‐line pharmacological therapies exhibit limited efficacy and unfavorable side effect profiles, highlighting an unmet need for effective therapeutic medications. The past decades have witnessed an explosion in efforts to translate epigenetic concepts into pain therapy and shed light on epigenetics as a promising avenue for pain research. Recently, the aberrant activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) has emerged as a key mechanism contributing to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.

Aims

In this review, we highlight the distinctive role of specific HDAC subtypes in a cell‐specific manner in pain nociception, and outline the recent experimental evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of HDACi in neuropathic pain.

Methods

We have summarized studies of HDAC in neuropathic pain in Pubmed.

Results

HDACs, widely distributed in the neuronal and non‐neuronal cells of the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord, regulate gene expression by deacetylation of histone or non‐histone proteins and involving in increased neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation, thus promoting peripheral and central sensitization. Importantly, pharmacological manipulation of aberrant acetylation using HDAC‐targeted inhibitors (HDACi) has shown promising pain‐relieving properties in various preclinical models of neuropathic pain. Yet, many of which exhibit low‐specificity that may induce off‐target toxicities, underscoring the necessity for the development of isoform‐selective HDACi in pain management.

Conclusions

Abnormally elevated HDACs promote neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation by epigenetically modulating pivotal gene expression in neuronal and immune cells, contributing to peripheral and central sensitization in the progression of neuropathic pain, and HDACi showed significant efficacy and great potential for alleviating neuropathic pain.
Interpretation of the nine‐step test for Eustachian tube function should consider mastoid cavity volume
Authors: Kim Jun Yup , Kim Dachan , Moon In Seok , Han Ji Hyuk , Bae Seong Hoon
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The modified nine‐step test is a classical method for evaluating Eustachian tube function. However, clinical interpretation of the increased maximal difference in middle ear pressure (mdMEP) in the modified nine‐step test is unknown. We hypothesised that the different reservoir effects of the mastoid cavity can bias the results of the modified nine‐step test.

Methods

A total of 108 consecutive participants (216 ears) were retrospectively screened. Of these, 55 participants (82 ears) who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled. The volumetric results of the mastoid cavity, parameters of the modified nine‐step test (mdMEP, middle ear pressure, tympanic membrane compliance), and demographic data were analysed.

Results

A significant negative correlation was found between mdMEP and mastoid cavity volume (R = .467, p < .001). Ears with mdMEP >70 daPa showed poor pneumatization in the mastoid cavity, with volumes less than 3000 mm3 (10th percentile of all ears analysed). Ears with mastoid cavity volumes lower than the 25th percentile showed a significantly higher mdMEP (p < .001). Patients with mastoid cavity volumes higher than the 75th percentile were significantly younger (p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis for mdMEP showed a good fit (R = .854) using factors including middle ear pressure, admittance and, most importantly, the reciprocal of mastoid volume (Beta = 0.752, p < .001).

Conclusions

The mdMEP, the main parameter of the modified nine‐step test, was negatively correlated with the mastoid cavity volume. Therefore, the results of the modified nine‐step test should be interpreted with consideration of mastoid cavity volume.
GTSE1: A potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in various tumors including lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yan Guanqiang , Li Guosheng , Gao Xiang , Liu Jun , Li Yue , Li Jingxiao , Zhou Huafu
Published: May 2024

Objective

This research was aimed to comprehensively investigate the expression levels, diagnostic and prognostic implications, and the relationship with immune infiltration of G2 and S phase‐expressed‐1 (GTSE1) across 33 tumor types, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), through gene expression profiling.

Methods

GTSE1 mRNA expression data together with clinical information were acquired from Xena database of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), ArrayExpress, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for this study. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to detect differences in GTSE1 expression between groups. The ability of GTSE1 to accurately predict cancer status was evaluated by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) value for the receiver operating characteristic curve. Additionally, we investigated the predictive value of GTSE1 in individuals diagnosed with neoplasms using univariate Cox regression analysis as well as Kaplan–Meier curves. Furthermore, the correlation between GTSE1 expression and levels of immune infiltration was assessed by utilizing the Tumor Immune Estimate Resource (TIMER) database to calculate the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Finally, the pan‐cancer analysis findings were validated by examining the association between GTSE1 expression and prognosis among patients with LUAD.

Results

GTSE1 exhibited significantly increased expression levels in a wide range of tumor tissues in contrast with normal tissues (p < 0.05). The expression of GTSE1 in various tumors was associated with clinical features, overall survival, and disease‐specific survival (p < 0.05). In immune infiltration analyses, a strong correlation of the level of immune infiltration with the expression of GTSE1 was observed. Furthermore, GTSE1 demonstrated good discriminative and diagnostic value for most tumors. Additional experiments confirmed the relationship between elevated GTSE1 expression and unfavorable prognosis in individuals diagnosed with LUAD. These findings indicated the crucial role of GTSE1 expression level in influencing the development and immune infiltration of different types of tumors.

Conclusions

GTSE1 might be a potential biomarker for the prognosis of pan‐cancer. Meanwhile, it represented a promising target for immunotherapy.
Sublobectomy and lymph node sampling are adequate for patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma presenting as pure ground glass nodules
Authors: Wu Hansheng , Wu Junhan , Chen Xi , Lan Zihua , Chen Qibin , Hong Liangli , Yan Jinhai , Huang Shujie , Chen Jianrong , Lin Xirui , Tang Yong , Xu Haijie , Qiao Guibin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognosis of invasive lung adenocarcinoma that manifests as pure ground glass nodules (pGGNs) and confirm the effectiveness of sublobectomy and lymph node sampling in patients with pGGN‐featured invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively enrolled 139 patients with pGGN‐featured IAC, who underwent complete resection in two medical institutions between January 2011 and May 2022. Stratification analysis was conducted to ensure balanced baseline characteristics among the patients. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were compared between the groups using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log‐rank test.

Results

The 5‐year OS and DFS rates for patients with IAC presenting as pGGNs after surgery were 96.5% and 100%, respectively. No lymph node metastasis or recurrence was observed in any of the enrolled patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the 5‐year OS between patients who underwent lobectomy or sublobectomy, along with lymph node resection or sampling.

Conclusion

IAC presented as pGGNs exhibited low‐grade malignancy and had a relatively good prognosis. Therefore, these patients may be treated with sublobectomy and lymph node sampling.
Induction therapy in heart transplantation: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis for developing evidence‐based recommendations
Authors: Kugathasan Lakshmi , Rayner Daniel G , Wang Sabrina Mianchen , Rodenas‐Alesina Eduardo , Orchanian‐Cheff Ani , Stehlik Josef , Gustafsson Finn , Greig Douglas , McDonald Michael , Bertolotti Alejandro Mario , Demas‐Clarke Penny , Kozuszko Stella , Guyatt Gordon , Foroutan Farid , Alba Ana Carolina
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Induction therapy (IT) utility in heart transplantation (HT) remains contested. Commissioned by a clinical‐practice guidelines panel to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IT in adult HT patients, we conducted this systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA).

Methods

We searched for studies from January 2000 to October 2022, reporting on the use of any IT agent in adult HT patients. Based on patient‐important outcomes, we performed frequentist NMAs separately for RCTs and observational studies with adjusted analyses, and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.

Results

From 5156 publications identified, we included 7 RCTs and 12 observational studies, and report on two contemporarily‐used IT agents—basiliximab and rATG. The RCTs provide only very low certainty evidence and was uninformative of the effect of the two agents versus no IT or one another. With low certainty in the evidence from observational studies, basiliximab may increase 30‐day (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.06–1.20) and 1‐year (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02–1.22) mortality compared to no IT. With low certainty from observational studies, rATG may decrease 5‐year cardiac allograft vasculopathy (OR .82; 95% CI .74–.90) compared to no IT, as well as 30‐day (OR .85; 95% CI .80–.92), 1‐year (OR .87; 95% CI .79–.96), and overall (HR .84; 95% CI .76–.93) mortality compared to basiliximab.

Conclusion

With low and very low certainty in the synthetized evidence, these NMAs suggest possible superiority of rATG compared to basiliximab, but do not provide compelling evidence for the routine use of these agents in HT recipients.
Bridge‐to‐transplant temporary mechanical circulatory support and risk of allosensitization
Authors: Sideris Konstantinos , Lázár‐Molnár Eszter , Kyriakopoulos Christos P. , Taleb Iosif , Hurst Denise , Ugolini Sharon , Selzman Craig H. , Brinker Lina , Drakos Stavros G. , Tonna Joseph E. , Geer Laura , Goodwin Matthew L. , Wever‐Pinzon Omar , Hanff Thomas C. , Fang James C. , Carter Spencer , Stehlik Josef
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Since the 2018 change in the US adult heart allocation policy, more patients are bridged‐to‐transplant on temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS). Previous studies indicate that durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) may lead to allosensitization. The goal of this study was to assess whether tMCS implantation is associated with changes in sensitization.

Methods

We included patients evaluated for heart transplants between 2015 and 2022 who had alloantibody measured before and after MCS implantation. Allosensitization was defined as development of new alloantibodies after tMCS implant.

Results

A total of 41 patients received tMCS before transplant. Nine (22.0%) patients developed alloantibodies following tMCS implantation: 3 (12.0%) in the intra‐aortic balloon pump group (n = 25), 2 (28.6%) in the microaxial percutaneous LVAD group (n = 7), and 4 (44.4%) in the veno‐arterial extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation group (n = 9)—p = .039. Sensitized patients were younger (44.7 ± 11.6 years vs. 54.3 ± 12.5 years, p = .044), were more likely to be sensitized at baseline ‐ 4 of 9 (44.4%) compared to 1 out of 32 (3.1%) (p = .001) and received more transfusions with red blood cells (6 (66.7%) vs. 8 (25%), p = .02) and platelets (6 (66.7%) vs. 5 (15.6%), p = .002). There was no significant difference in tMCS median duration of support (4 [3,15] days vs. 8.5 [5,14.5] days, p = .57). Importantly, out of the 11 patients who received a durable LVAD after tMCS, 5 (45.5%) became sensitized, compared to 4 out of 30 patients (13.3%) who only had tMCS—p = .028.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that patients bridged‐to‐transplant with tMCS, without significant blood product transfusions and a subsequent durable LVAD implant, have a low risk of allosensitization. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and determine whether risk of sensitization varies by type of tMCS and duration of support.
Huge congenital right ventricular diverticulum in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia: A double trouble
Authors: Rakha Shaimaa , Alsawah Gehan A. , Sobh Donia Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Congenital diverticulum is an uncommonly detected cardiac lesion, especially in infancy. However, its association with cyanotic congenital heart disease is extremely rare. In the current work, we report a case diagnosed in the neonatal period with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary valve atresia associated with a large congenital diverticulum originating from the right ventricle.
Tariffs, product standards, and national treatment at the WTO
Authors: Geng Difei
Published: May 2024

This paper develops an oligopolistic model with consumption externalities to study (i) the policy interaction between tariffs and product standards; (ii) how such interaction may affect the welfare justification of national treatment (NT) in product standards. Absent NT, tariff reductions can lead to more discriminatory standards against foreign firms. Imposing NT eliminates discrimination but can induce higher tariffs which tend to undermine efficiency. As a result, the welfare justification of NT is stronger when tariffs are constrained. These findings suggest that the World Trade Organization's success in tariff liberalization can strengthen the case for its NT‐based approach to product standards.
Structural correlations between brain magnetic resonance image‐derived phenotypes and retinal neuroanatomy
Authors: Sun Zihan , Zhang Bing , Smith Stephen , Atan Denize , Khawaja Anthony P. , Stuart Kelsey V. , Luben Robert N. , Biradar Mahantesh I. , McGillivray Thomas , Patel Praveen J. , Khaw Peng T. , Petzold Axel , Foster Paul J. ,   the UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

The eye is a well‐established model of brain structure and function, yet region‐specific structural correlations between the retina and the brain remain underexplored. Therefore, we aim to explore and describe the relationships between the retinal layer thicknesses and brain magnetic resonance image (MRI)‐derived phenotypes in UK Biobank.

Methods

Participants with both quality‐controlled optical coherence tomography (OCT) and brain MRI were included in this study. Retinal sublayer thicknesses and total macular thickness were derived from OCT scans. Brain image‐derived phenotypes (IDPs) of 153 cortical and subcortical regions were processed from MRI scans. We utilized multivariable linear regression models to examine the association between retinal thickness and brain regional volumes. All analyses were corrected for multiple testing and adjusted for confounders.

Results

Data from 6446 participants were included in this study. We identified significant associations between volumetric brain MRI measures of subregions in the occipital lobe (intracalcarine cortex), parietal lobe (postcentral gyrus), cerebellum (lobules VI, VIIb, VIIIa, VIIIb, and IX), and deep brain structures (thalamus, hippocampus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, and accumbens) and the thickness of the innermost retinal sublayers and total macular thickness (all p < 3.3 × 10−5). We did not observe statistically significant associations between brain IDPs and the thickness of the outer retinal sublayers.

Conclusions

Thinner inner and total retinal thicknesses are associated with smaller volumes of specific brain regions. Notably, these relationships extend beyond anatomically established retina–brain connections.
Demographic and conservation genomic assessment of the threatened marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris)
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , Muñoz‐Fuentes Violeta , López‐Luque Raquel , Ball Alex D. , Ghazali Muhammad , Abed Salwan Ali , Salim Mudhafar A. , Green Andy J.
Published: May 2024

Genetic assessment of species that have experienced dramatic population declines provides critical information that is instrumental for the design of conservation recovery programs. Here, we use different sources of molecular data (mtDNA and ddRAD‐seq) to evaluate the genetic status of wild and captive populations of marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), a duck species classified as critically endangered in Spain and near threatened at a global scale. First, we determined the evolutionary and demographic trajectories of the wild population from Spain and the currently much larger population from Iraq, which is also the documented source of European zoo stocks. Second, we evaluated the suitability of the different captive populations for ongoing restocking programs in Spain and assessed their potential impact on the genetic composition of wild populations. Populations from Spain and Iraq were assigned to distinct genetic clusters, albeit with an overall low level of genetic differentiation, in line with their recent divergence (<8000 years ago) and lack of phylogeographic structure in the species. Demogenomic inferences revealed that the two populations have experienced parallel demographic trajectories, with a marked bottleneck during the last glacial period followed by a sudden demographic expansion and stability since the onset of the Holocene. The wild population from Spain presented high levels of inbreeding, but we found no evidence of recent genetic bottlenecks compatible with the human‐driven decline of the species during the past century. The captive populations from the two Spanish centers involved in restocking programs showed genetic introgression from European zoos; however, we found limited evidence of introgression from the zoo genetic stock into the wild population from Spain, suggesting captive‐bred birds have limited breeding success in the wild. Our study illustrates how ex situ conservation programs should consider the genetic distinctiveness of populations when establishing breeding stocks and highlights the importance of genetically assessing captive populations prior to reinforcement actions.
The relaxation effect of endocannabinoid anandamide on isolated rat bladder and vas deferens tissues and possible mechanisms
Authors: Okcay Yagmur , Onal Sis Cagil , Ozpolat Muhammed Cagri , Rumanli Zeliha , Ulusoy Kemal Gokhan , Yildiz Oguzhan , Vural Ismail Mert
Published: May 2024

Background

The endocannabinoid system plays important roles in various systems, including the genitourinary system; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the direct relaxant effects of anandamide and its possible mechanisms in isolated rat bladder and vas deferens tissues.

Methods

Twenty‐one adult male Wistar albino rats were used. Bladder and vas deferens (prostatic and epididymal portions) tissues were mounted in 10 mL of organ baths. Relaxation responses to anandamide were recorded at 3 and 10 μM concentrations. After the rest period, the procedures were repeated in the presence of cannabinoid (CB) and vanilloid receptor antagonists, various potassium channel blockers, cyclo‐oxygenase, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. In different tissues to investigate the Ca2+‐channel antagonistic effect of anandamide, concentration–response curves to CaCl2 were obtained in the absence and presence of anandamide.

Results

Anandamide caused a significant relaxation response in the bladder and epididymal vas deferens tissues, but not in the prostatic portion. The effect of anandamide was antagonized in the presence of the CB1 antagonist AM251 or the non‐selective potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium in bladder tissue. In the epididymal vas deferens, anandamide significantly inhibited the calcium contraction responses, especially at high concentrations. The CB2 antagonist AM630 reversed this inhibition.

Conclusions

The results show that anandamide has a direct relaxant effect on the isolated rat bladder and epididymal vas deferens. Anandamide triggers different mechanisms in different types of tissues, and further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of anandamide.
Assessing the effectiveness of marine nature‐based solutions with climate risk assessments
Authors: Bueno‐Pardo Juan , Ruiz‐Frau Ana , Garcia Clement , Ojea Elena
Published: May 2024

Prospective risks from climate change impacts in ocean and coastal systems are urging the implementation of nature‐based solutions (NBS). These are climate‐resilient strategies to maintain biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services, contributing to the adaptation of social‐ecological systems and the mitigation of climate‐related impacts. However, the effectiveness of measures like marine restoration or conservation is not exempt from the impacts of climate change, and the degree to which they can sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services remains unknown. Such uncertainty, together with the slow pace of implementation, causes decision‐makers and societies to demand a better understanding of NBS effects. To address this gap, in this study, we use the risk mitigation capacity of marine NBS as a proxy for their effectiveness while providing a toolset for the implementation of the method. The method considers environmental data and relies on expert elicitation, allowing us to go beyond current practice to evaluate the effectiveness of NBS in reducing habitat or species risks under different future socio‐political and climate‐change scenarios. As a result, we present a ready‐to‐use tool, and supporting materials, for the implementation of the Climate Risk Assessment method and an illustrative example considering the application of the NBS “nature‐inclusive harvesting” in two shellfisheries. The method works as a rapid assessment that guarantees comparability across sites and species due to its low data or resource demand, so it can be widely incorporated to adaptation policies across the marine realm.
‘The burden is very much on yourself’: A qualitative study to understand the illness and treatment burden of hearing loss across the life course
Authors: Smith Sian K. , Pryce Helen , O'Connell Georgina Burns , Hussain Saira , Shaw Rachel , Straus Jean
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Hearing loss is a chronic health condition that rises sharply with age. The way people respond to and cope with health conditions is influenced by their capacity to perform illness and treatment‐related work. The aim was to explore the cumulative burdens of living with hearing loss and the resources mobilised to ease the burdens.

Methods

A qualitative design was used with semi‐structured interviews (online or in‐person) with participants recruited through audiology services and nonclinical services, such as lip‐reading classes. Forty‐six participants with hearing loss aged between 16 and 96 years were interviewed. An abductive approach, informed by May et al.'s burden of treatment theory, was used to analyse the data.

Results

The illness burden involved participants working to make sense of their hearing loss, engaging in emotional work in response to changes in sound, social interactions and identity and coping with the daily frustrations required to communicate with others. Abandonment and uncertainty characterised the treatment burden; participants engaged in emotional work to adjust to hearing technology and deal with the uncertainty of how their hearing might progress. To ameliorate the burdens, participants drew on internal resources (psychological, health literacy, cognitive) and external resources (social support, financial, information, technology).

Conclusions

The workload of hearing loss appears largely devolved to the patient and is not always visible. Our work indicates the need to widen approaches in audiological care through the implementation of lifeworld‐led care, family‐centred care and peer support to build support for those with hearing loss.

Patient or Public Contribution

We developed the project in consultation with members of the public who have lived experience of hearing loss recruited through Aston University and volunteer links to audiology services. We also consulted people more likely to be affected by hearing loss adults including adults with learning disabilities, older adults in residential care and people from South Asia (Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani communities). These individuals commented on the study aims, interview schedule and participant recruitment practices. One of our co‐authors (expert by experience) contributed to the development and interpretation of themes and preparation of the final manuscript.
The prevalence of major depressive disorder in people with HIV: Results from the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Matacotta Joshua J. , Tran Derek , Yoon Sonyeol
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The All of Us (AoU) Research Program is a national‐scale effort to build a dataset to help transform the future of health research by equipping researchers with comprehensive health data from diverse populations, especially those underrepresented in biomedical research. Our objectives were to evaluate the burden of HIV and major depressive disorder (MDD) in underrepresented groups and the frequency of the HIV/MDD comorbidity.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis combining collected survey and electronic health record (EHR) data. We ascertained HIV and MDD cases using Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership codes. We used multivariable logistic regression to obtain the odds ratio of HIV in AoU participants and MDD in AoU participants with HIV.

Results

The latest AoU data release includes 412 211 participants: 254 700 have at least one medical condition concept in their EHR, of whom 5193 (1.3%) had HIV, and 2238 (43%) of those with HIV had a diagnosis of MDD. Black AoU participants had approximately 4.58 times the odds of having an HIV diagnosis compared with the combined odds of all other racial groups. AoU participants with HIV were more likely to have MDD (p = 0.001) than were participants without HIV.

Conclusion

Among AoU participants, Black individuals have a disproportionately high burden of HIV, pointing to underlying factors such as social determinants of health, limited access to healthcare or prevention resources, and potential systemic biases that contribute to these differences. In addition, HIV is a risk factor for mental health issues like MDD. Further data collection from people with HIV will elucidate contributing factors and the need for interventions.
Effect of CdS on microstructure and performance of ZnO composite photocatalyst
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Zhang Xinyi , Chen Xia , Wu Jianfen , Shen Yaqiang , Qiu Saixi
Published: May 2024

In this study, Nd‒Dy‒ZnO and CdS‒Nd‒Dy‒ZnO photocatalysts were prepared by microwave hydrothermal method to improve the photocatalytic performance of ZnO. The microstructure and performance of samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet (UV)‒visible, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and evaluated with the methylene blue. The results showed that CdS attached to the ZnO crystal surface in the form of flocculent particles, and the combination with CdS promoted the growth of ZnO crystals, while an excess of CdS was found to be detrimental to the crystallization of ZnO. When nCdS/nZnO = 0.30 mol%, composite materials achieved the optimal photocatalytic performance, which made the degradation rate of methylene blue reach 93.42% under UV irradiation for 4 h. CdS‒Nd‒Dy‒ZnO composite photocatalytic material can generate active oxygen groups such as hydroxyl and superoxide radicals simultaneously, which greatly enhances the photocatalytic efficiency of the composite material.
Is audit firms' social performance associated with audit firm reputation? Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Yu , Liu Jiaxin , Lei Dongliang , Zhang Joseph H.
Published: May 2024

We use the data of Chinese audit firms' philanthropic activities to examine the effect of such activities on audit firms' financial performance, audit quality and auditor retention. We find that audit firms with more socially responsible activities in the prior year earn more total revenues, revenue per partner or shareholder and revenue per accountant in the current year. Besides, clients audited by socially responsible audit firms have higher audit quality and report lower income‐increasing accruals, higher income‐decreasing accruals, fewer below‐the‐line items and less frequent small positive earnings. More interestingly, clients with socially responsible audit firms have fewer auditor changes.
Editor's Highlights – June 2024
Authors: Kemény Lajos
Published: May 2024

Acne and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. In the June issue of the Journal, we highlight the challenges in treating acne in skin of color (SOC) patients. Recent studies focusing on trifarotene, a selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist, demonstrated significant improvements in acne severity and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in SOC patients. We will also delve into the early and aggressive treatment of HS and highlight a link between HS and increased cardiovascular risk. These insights demand a paradigm shift toward a more proactive and holistic management of HS, integrating skin and systemic health considerations to enhance patient outcomes significantly.
Fat quality, sensory properties and consumers preference towards different commercial labels for bovine milk from retail market
Authors: Lopez Annalaura , Moretti Vittorio Maria , Demartini Eugenio , Rossi Raffaella , Ratti Sabrina , Bellagamba Federica
Published: May 2024

In the modern large‐scale retail trade, voluntary quality schemes play a fundamental role to communicate specific quality attributes of processes and products, from farms to the market. However, consumers are not always able to recognise such an added value for milk certifications. In this paper, we evaluated the differences in the lipid quality and sensory properties of four different commercial labels for retail milk by means of gas‐chromatographic analysis of fatty acids (FAs) and sensory assessment performed by a trained sensory panel. Meanwhile, we tested the effects of the four selected milk labels and information on consumers perception by means of an online experimental survey. Our results emphasised a different FAs composition of retail milk labelled under voluntary certifications. Polyunsaturated FAs of the n‐3 and n‐6 series (along with their ratios), branched chain FAs, trans isomers of C18:1 and conjugated isomers of linoleic acid were found at different concentrations in different milk labels, with the TSG Haymilk (HM) displaying the most favourable profile followed by the mountain product (MP) and then by High‐Quality fresh milk (HQ) and Extended Shelf‐Life milk (ESL) with no voluntary quality marks. Being strictly related to the farm production system, milk FAs revealed as natural markers of production system for certified milk. Quite no difference was found for the sensory properties, excepting for the overall aroma intensity, which was lower in MP. At the same time, we evidenced that the added value given by the distinct quality of fat for HM and MP is still not recognised by consumers, which perceived these milk labels as healthy, as tasty, as natural and as nutrient as HQ. This result highlighted that there is still room for producers aligned with the voluntary certifications HQ and MP to promote their products on the market and to raise consumer awareness about their quality attributes.
What if it is not just an additional income? Poverty risks of non‐standard employment histories in Germany
Authors: Wolf Fridolin
Published: May 2024

While the poverty risks associated with transitions to and from different forms of non‐standard employment (NSE) have been studied extensively, poverty research on NSE histories remains fuzzy. Therefore, this study focuses on persons with NSE histories whose earnings contribute significantly to the household income, asking to what extent they are exposed to income poverty risks during their main career phase and examining the role of employment, family and sociodemographic characteristics. Employment histories were observed over 10 years using German Socio‐Economic Panel data from 2001 to 2020. A sequence cluster analysis identified four NSE clusters with increased poverty risks, namely, those with increasing and permanent low‐part‐time work, those who were mainly temporary agency‐employed or had long episodes of fixed‐term employment. Multivariate regressions considering employment‐specific, care‐related and sociodemographic characteristics revealed a network of cumulative disadvantages related to gender, occupational position, care obligations and structural disadvantages for those clusters.
Advances in common in vitro cellular models of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Die , Zhang Xinyue , Song Ziqiong , Zhao Shan , Huang Yuan , Qian Weibin , Cai Xinrui
Published: May 2024

The development of in vitro models is essential for a comprehensive understanding and investigation of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) at both cellular and molecular levels. This study presents a literature review and an analysis of various cellular models used in scientific studies, specifically focusing on their applications in elucidating the pathogenesis of PF. Our study highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to studing PF, emphasizing the necessity of considering multiple cell types and organs and integrating diverse analytical perspectives. Notably, primary cells demonstrate remarkable cell growth characteristics and gene expression profiles; however, their limited availability, maintenance challenges, inability for continuous propagation and susceptibility to phenotypic changes over time significantly limit their utility in scientific investigation. By contrast, immortalized cell lines are easily accessible, cultured and continuously propagated, although they may have some phenotypic differences from primary cells. Furthermore, in vitro coculture models offer a more practical and precise method to explore complex interactions among cells, tissues and organs. Consequently, when developing models of PF, researchers should thoroughly assess the advantages, limitations and relevant mechanisms of different cell models to ensure their selection is consistent with the research objectives.
Estimated Impact of Nirsevimab on the Incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Requiring Hospital Admission in Children < 1 Year, Weeks 40, 2023, to 8, 2024, Spain
Authors: Mazagatos Clara , Mendioroz Jacobo , Rumayor Mercedes Belén , Gallardo García Virtudes , Álvarez Río Virginia , Cebollada Gracia Ana Delia , Batalla Rebollo Noa , Barranco Boada María Isabel , Pérez‐Martínez Olaia , Lameiras Azevedo Ana Sofía , López González‐Coviella Nieves , Castrillejo Daniel , Fernández Ibáñez Ana , Giménez Duran Jaume , Ramírez Córcoles Cristina , Ramos Marín Violeta , Larrauri Amparo , Monge Susana ,   The SARI Sentinel Surveillance RSV Study Group
Published: May 2024

Background

Data from the sentinel surveillance system of severe acute respiratory infections in Spain were used to estimate the impact of administration of nirsevimab to children born from 1 April 2023 onwards.

Methods

Estimated RSV hospitalisations in < 1‐year‐olds during weeks 40, 2023, to 8, 2024, were compared to the number that would be expected after accounting for the background change in RSV circulation in the 2023/24 season, compared to 2022/23.

Results

We estimated 9364–9875 RSV hospitalisations less than expected, corresponding to a 74%–75% reduction.
Spermatogenesis in cultured blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) from a cold‐ocean environment: Seasonal spatiotemporal expression of three gamete‐associated molecular markers
Authors: Murray Harry M. , Gallardi Daria , Hobbs Kimberley D.
Published: May 2024

To understand the seasonality of spermatogenesis in cultured males of Mytilus edulis from a cold‐ocean environment, we investigated the cellular transitions occurring within the spermatogenic epithelium of the testicular acini during early and advancing spermatogenesis, with specific reference to the histology of the epithelium, gene specific spermatogenic response, condition, culture environment, and season. A combination of histological evaluation, qPCR analysis, and in situ hybridization was used to examine the cellular transitions taking place in the germinal epithelium from late winter through to a seasonal spawn in summer. We observed clear seasonal transitionary changes in the spermatogenic cell population making up the germinal epithelium (i.e., spermatogonial stem cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) extending from February to July. These seasonal transitions in spermatogenic cell type coincided with significant variation in the spatiotemporal expression of two molecular markers for spermatogenesis (i.e., Kelch‐like protein 10 [KLHL10] and Armadillo repeat‐containing protein 4 isoform X2 [ARMC4]) but not for expression of a gamete‐specific Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (MT‐COI). The spatiotemporal expression of these genes is directly linked to the cellular changes taking place in the germinal epithelium during spermatogenesis. These observations not only corresponded to seasonal changes in physiological condition but also environmental temperature and chlorophyll a, thus further supporting the link between male gametogenesis and environment in higher latitude regions.
Barriers to physical activity participation for adults with intellectual disability: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Michalsen Henriette , Henriksen André , Hartvigtsen Gunnar , Olsen Monica Isabel , Pedersen Erlend Refseth , Søndenaa Erik , Jahnsen Reidun Birgitta , Anke Audny
Published: May 2024

Background

Identifying barriers that can be modified to promote physical activity is important for informing health interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Objectives

Exploring participation in physical activity considering age, sex, living conditions, and health conditions. Further, identifying barriers significantly associated with sedentary activity after adjustment for physical activity correlates.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study including physical activity and barrier questions from the POMONA‐15 health indicators. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with sedentary activity level as dependent variable.

Results

Among 213 participants with intellectual disabilities, 36% reported predominately sedentary activities, 53% light and 11% moderate/vigorous physical activity. Barriers related to sedentary activity after adjustment were transportation, health conditions, mobility impairment, and lack of activities at the day activity centre.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the need to enhance physical activity opportunities at day activity centres, tailor programmes for wheelchair users, and improve access to physical activity facilities for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Factors affecting caregiver burden among parents of children with cancer: A path analysis
Authors: Heller Niv , Melnikov Semyon
Published: May 2024

Aims

To investigate the relationships between parental resilience, illness perception and pain catastrophizing as factors affecting caregiver burden among parents of children with cancer, based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping.

Background

Parents, as the primary caregivers of children with cancer, often face universal challenges. These include adverse health impacts, work, financial disruptions, strained social and family relationships, and the need for specialised support and intervention.

Design

A cross‐sectional design using path analysis.

Methods

The STROBE guidelines for cross‐sectional studies were followed. An online questionnaire was distributed through Facebook pages operated by various organisations that support parents of children with cancer, such as ‘The Israel Cancer Association’, ‘Giving Hope’ and ‘Hayim Association’ from October 2021 to February 2022. The participants completed a questionnaire about demographic and child‐related characteristics, resilience, illness perception, pain catastrophizing, social support and caregiver burden. Associations between the variables were explored using Pearson's correlations and path analyses.

Results

The study included 67 parents of children with cancer with an average age of 41.79 (SD = 6.31). The majority were mothers (n = 54, 80.6%) with a steady partner (n = 62, 92.5%). The level of caregiver burden was M (SD) = 25.00 (7.15) out of 48 possible, indicating a high burden level. Illness perception was directly positively associated with caregiver burden (β = .280, p = .017) and pain catastrophizing (β = .340, p < .01), and directly negatively with resilience (β = −.318, p < .01). Illness perception and pain catastrophizing serially mediated the relationship between resilience and caregiver burden among parents of children with cancer (β = −.190, p = .001).

Conclusions

This study found that both illness perception and pain catastrophizing serially mediated the relationship between personal resilience and caregiver burden.

Relevance to clinical practice

To ease caregiver burden for parents of children with cancer, programmes should address their psychological and emotional needs, including managing perceptions of illness and coping with pain‐related distress.
MiR‐143‐3p regulates chondrogenic differentiation of synovium derived mesenchymal stem cells under mechanical stress through the BMPR2‐Smad signalling pathway by targeting BMPR2
Authors: Yan Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Mengmeng , He Zijing , Liu Ran , Liu Jun , Ren Dapeng , Zeng Xuemin , Lv Tao , Yuan Xiao
Published: May 2024

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the synovium, known as synovium mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs), exhibit significant potential for articular cartilage regeneration owing to their capacity for chondrogenic differentiation. However, the microRNAs (miRNAs) governing this process and the associated mechanisms remain unclear. While mechanical stress positively influences chondrogenesis in MSCs, the miRNA‐mediated response of SMSCs to mechanical stimuli is not well understood.

Objective

This study explores the miRNA‐driven mechano‐transduction in SMSCs chondrogenesis under mechanical stress.

Methods

The surface phenotype of SMSCs was analysed by flow cytometry. Chondrogenesis capacities of SMSCs were examined by Alcian blue staining. High throughput sequencing was used to screen mechano‐sensitive miRNAs of SMSCs. The RNA expression level of COL2A1, ACAN, SOX9, BMPR2 and miR‐143‐3p of SMSCs were tested by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The interaction between miR‐143‐3p and TLR4 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. The protein expression levels of related genes were assessed by western blot.

Results

High‐throughput sequencing revealed a notable reduction in miR‐143‐3p levels in mechanically stressed SMSCs. Gain‐ or loss‐of‐function strategies introduced by lentivirus demonstrated that miR‐143‐3p overexpression hindered chondrogenic differentiation, whereas its knockdown promoted this process. Bioinformatics scrutiny and luciferase reporter assays pinpointed a potential binding site for miR‐143‐3p within the 3′‐UTR of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2). MiR‐143‐3p overexpression decreased BMPR2 expression and phosphorylated Smad1, 5 and 8 levels, while its inhibition activated BMPR2‐Smad pathway.

Conclusion

This study elucidated that miR‐143‐3p negatively regulates SMSCs chondrogenic differentiation through the BMPR2‐Smad pathway under mechanical tensile stress. The direct targeting of BMPR2 by miR‐143‐3p established a novel dimension to our understanding of mechano‐transduction mechanism during SMSC chondrogenesis. This understanding is crucial for advancing strategies in articular cartilage regeneration.
A regenerative approach for temporomandibular joint repair: An in vitro and ex vivo study
Authors: Guastaldi Fernando P. S. , Matheus Henrique R. , Hadad Henrique , Randolph Mark A. , Redmond Robert W.
Published: May 2024

Background

Current clinical approaches to regenerate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articulating cartilage defects only treat the symptoms (i.e. pain and dysfunction) and do not seek to restore joint integrity for long‐term relief. Therefore, we investigated a novel self‐assembling tissue‐engineered cartilage to overcome this significant clinical issue for TMJ regenerative purposes.

Objectives

Examine the maturation of dynamic self‐regenerating cartilage (dSRC) using auricular chondrocytes and evaluate a novel combinatorial approach with fractional laser treatment and dSRC implantation for TMJ cartilage repair.

Materials and Methods

A suspension of 107 freshly harvested rabbit ear chondrocytes was cultured under a continuous reciprocating motion to form the dSRC. After 2, 4 and 8 weeks of culture, dSRC samples were stained with H&E, Safranin‐O and Toluidine Blue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for collagens type I and II. Channels (300–500 μm diameter and 1.2–1.5 mm depth) were created in six freshly harvested condyles using a fractional Erbium laser. Two groups were tested: dSRC in a laser‐ablated lesion (experimental) and an empty laser‐ablated channel (control). TMJ condyles were cultured for up to 8 weeks and analysed as described above.

Results

H&E staining showed a high cell density in dSRC compared to native cartilage. All dSRC groups demonstrated intense Safranin‐O staining, indicating high glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production and intense Toluidine Blue staining showed high proteoglycan content. IHC confirmed that dSRC consisted predominantly of collagen type II. The experimental group showed improved cartilage repair at both time points compared to the empty channels.

Conclusion

dSRC viability and successful matrix formation were demonstrated in vitro. The combination of fractional laser ablation and dSRC implantation enhanced cartilage repair.