bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder perspectives on co‐designing a post‐registration mental health nursing curriculum: A case study
Authors: Molloy Renee , Hansen Alison , Robinson Eddie , D'Astoli Pauline , Wood Tom , Buus Niels
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Globally, healthcare regulatory bodies require providers of academic programs to involve service users in the design and delivery of education, yet concrete and tested directions for operationalising this are lacking. Service users' involvement in education is often passive, ad‐hoc and tokenistic, with limited input at the program development level.

Aim

To explore the co‐design processes and outcomes of a collaborative revision of an Australian post‐registration mental health nursing curriculum.

Method

Using qualitative case study design, the experiences and collaborative practices of five stakeholders (one mental health service user, two carers and two academics) co‐designing a post‐registration mental health nursing curriculum were explored.

Results

Commonly identified barriers to meaningful involvement were overcome through planning and collaborative execution of the group's work. Participants reported a strong sense of successful collaboration in reviewing the curriculum, trusting relationships and mutual respect.

Discussion

While it was possible to support and augment stakeholder knowledge in the context of post‐registration education, co‐design processes were ultimately bound by the university's relatively inflexible bureaucratic context.

Implications for Practice

To ensure effective stakeholder collaboration beyond classroom teaching, mental health nurse academics must prepare service users for the role, explaining the language and practices of the tertiary health education and nursing context. As part of co‐design processes, organisational mandates must be explored and negotiated, and mutual clarity regarding expectations and roles must be established. A Design Thinking approach can support meaningful engagement of stakeholders in curriculum development.
Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) extract improves growth potential, antioxidant status, immune parameters and response to crowding stress in Catla catla
Authors: Ali Wazir , Fatima Mahroze , Shah Syed Zakir Hussain , Khan Noor , Naveed Saima
Published: October 2023

Natural herbs are excellent alternatives to synthetic compounds to enhance the growth performance and health status of fish. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) extract (BCE) as an herbal supplement in improving the growth, antioxidant status, haematology, and serum biochemistry of Catla catla. The acclimatized fish (N = 900; average initial weight = 14.44 ± 0.33 g) were allocated into five groups (60 fish/group in triplicate) in hapas (4 × 2 × 2.5 ft) and provided with feed containing 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g/kg BCE for 90 days before being subjected to 8 days of crowding stress. After 90 days, significantly higher feed utilization and growth were observed in all BCE‐fed treatments compared to the control; however, the maximum values of these parameters were noted in the 2 g/kg BCE‐fed treatment. Moreover, the BCE‐fed groups exhibited a significant increase in antioxidant indices (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase), with a significant reduction in malondialdehyde levels, indicating a higher antioxidant capacity compared to the control. Significant improvements in haematological parameters, such as an increase in haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cells and a decrease in white blood cells, were observed in BCE‐fed treatments compared to the control. Furthermore, BCE‐fed groups showed a significant decrease in serum glucose, cortisol and triglycerides, while total protein, globulin and albumin levels were significantly higher compared with the control. During the feeding trial of 90 days, no mortality was observed; however, the lowest cumulative mortality was noted in the 2 g/kg BCE group after crowding stress of 8 days. In conclusion, the use of BCE in feed can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant status, haematology, and serum biochemistry of C. catla and improve the resistance against crowding stress. The optimum levels of BCE for C. catla were estimated based on weight gain % (1.78 g/kg; R2 = 0.97), feed conversion ratio (1.65 g/kg; R2 = 0.98), MDA content (1.66 g/kg; R2 = 0.93) and serum lysozyme activity (1.72 g/kg; R2 = 1) using broken‐line regression analysis.
The impact of a 40‐min nap on neuromuscular fatigue profile and recovery following the 5‐m shuttle run test
Authors: Boukhris Omar , Zghal Firas , Trabelsi Khaled , Suppiah Haresh , Ammar Achraf , Jahrami Haitham , Hsouna Hsen , Abdessalem Raouf , Glenn Jordan M. , Chtourou Hamdi , Driller Matthew
Published: October 2023

This study aims to investigate the impact of a 40‐min nap opportunity on perceived recovery, exertion, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) following the 5‐m shuttle run test (5SRT), after 1 night of normal sleep. In a randomised, counterbalanced, cross‐over design, 17 trained men (mean [SD] age 20 [3] years, height 173 [6] cm, body mass 68 [6] kg) performed a 5SRT under two conditions: a 40‐min nap opportunity and no‐nap condition. After both conditions, electromyography signals during a 5‐s isometric knee extension were recorded before and immediately after the 5SRT. Two electrical nerve stimulations at the femoral nerve were measured during and after the MVIC. Force, voluntary activation level, M‐wave amplitudes, potentiated twitch, and electromyography signals (root mean square) were measured during each MVIC. Perceived exertion was recorded after each repetition of the test and perceived recovery was determined after the end of the MVIC. Compared to the no‐nap condition, the 40‐min nap resulted in significant enhancements in both the highest distance (p < 0.01, Δ = +7.6%) and total distance (p < 0.01, Δ = +7.5%). Before and after exercise, values for MVIC, root mean square, M‐wave amplitudes, and voluntary activation level were improved after the 40‐min nap opportunity compared to no‐nap condition (all p ≤ 0.01). Values for perceived exertion and recovery were improved after the 40‐min nap opportunity in comparison with no‐nap condition (p ≤ 0.01). A 40‐min nap opportunity improved repeated high‐intensity short‐term maximal performance, perceived recovery, associated neuromuscular responses, and reduced perceived fatigue. Therefore, our findings suggest that central and peripheral processes are involved in the improvements of 5SRT performance after napping.
Sleep and the sleep electroencephalogram in C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice
Authors: van Dorp Rick , Rolleri Elisa , Deboer Tom
Published: October 2023

Different mouse strains used in biomedical research show different phenotypes associated with their genotypes. Two mouse strains commonly used in biomedical sleep research are C57Bl/6 and C3H/He, the strains differ in numerous aspects, including their ability to secrete melatonin as well as the expression of several sleep‐related genes. However, sleep regulation has only limitedly been compared between C3H/HeN and C57Bl/6 mice. We therefore compared sleep–wake behaviour and EEG‐measured spectral brain activity for C57bl/6 and C3H/HeN mice during a 12:12 h light: dark baseline and during and after a 6 h sleep deprivation. The C3H mice spent more time in NREM sleep around the light–dark transition and more time in REM sleep during the dark phase compared with C57bl/6 mice. The C3H mice also showed more EEG activity in the 4.5–7.5 Hz range during all stages and a stronger 24 h modulation of EEG power density in almost all EEG frequencies during NREM sleep. After the sleep deprivation, C3H mice showed a stronger recovery response, which was expressed in both a larger increase in EEG slow wave activity (SWA) and more time spent in NREM sleep. We show large differences regarding sleep architecture and EEG activity between C3H and C57bl/6 mice. These differences include the amount of waking during the late dark phase, the 24 h amplitude in EEG power density, and the amount of REM sleep during the dark phase. We conclude that differences between mouse strains should be considered when selecting a model strain to improve the generalisability of studies investigating biomedical parameters related to sleep and circadian rhythms.
Associations of actigraphy‐assessed sleep variables with adiposity and serum cardiometabolic outcomes in emerging adults
Authors: McNeil Jessica , Berry Nathaniel T. , Dollar Jessica M. , Shriver Lenka H. , Keane Susan P. , Shanahan Lilly , Wideman Laurie
Published: October 2023

This study assessed associations of actigraphy‐assessed sleep with adiposity and serum cardiometabolic outcomes in emerging adults, and whether sex and race modified these associations. Data on 147 emerging adults (age = 19.4 ± 1.3 years; body mass index = 26.4 ± 7.0 kg m−2; 59% female; 65% White) from RIGHT Track Health were used. Actigraphy‐based sleep measures included sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep timing midpoint, day‐to‐day sleep duration and sleep timing midpoint variability. Combined sleep duration and sleep timing behaviours were also derived (early‐bed/late‐rise, early‐bed/early‐rise, late‐bed/late‐rise, late‐bed/early‐rise). Outcomes included body mass index and BodPod‐assessed fat mass index, fasting serum leptin, C‐reactive protein, and homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance. Sleep duration was 5.4 h per night. We noted an inverse association between sleep duration and homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance. The early‐bed/early‐rise group had greater body mass index, C‐reactive protein and homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance compared with the early‐bed/late‐rise group (referent). Sex modified associations of sleep efficiency with C‐reactive protein; stratified results revealed positive association between sleep efficiency and C‐reactive protein in males, but not females. Race modified associations of sleep duration with body mass index and leptin, and of sleep duration variability with C‐reactive protein. Stratified analyses revealed inverse associations between sleep duration with body mass index and leptin in Black, multiracial/other race individuals only. Positive association between sleep duration variability and C‐reactive protein was noted in White individuals only. Shorter sleep duration, particularly when combined with earlier sleep timing, is associated with greater adiposity and serum cardiometabolic outcomes. Additional studies are needed to assess individual‐ and contextual‐level factors that may contribute to sex and race differences in sleep health and cardiometabolic risk in emerging adults.
Response and survival of dogs with proteinuria (UPC > 2.0) treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Fulton Emily A. , McBrearty Alix R. , Shaw Darren J. , Ridyard Alison E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are a recommended treatment for glomerular proteinuria. Frequency of response to ACEi and the association of achieving proposed urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC) targets on survival is unknown.

Objectives

To determine response rates to ACEi therapy and whether a positive response is associated with improved survival.

Animals

Eighty‐five dogs with proteinuria (UPC > 2.0).

Methods

Retrospective study including dogs (UPC > 2.0) prescribed an ACEi for treatment of proteinuria. Baseline creatinine, albumin, cholesterol, UPC, and systolic blood pressure were recorded, and cases reviewed to track UPC. Treatment response was defined as achieving a UPC of <0.5 or reduction of ≥50% from baseline within 3 months. Outcome data were collected to determine overall and 12‐month survival.

Results

Thirty‐five (41%) dogs responded to ACEi treatment. Treatment response was statistically associated with both median survival time (664 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 459‐869] for responders compared to 177 [95% CI: 131‐223] for non‐responders) and 12‐month survival (79% responders alive compared to 28% non‐responders). Baseline azotemia or hypoalbuminemia were also associated with a worse prognosis, with odds ratios of death at 12 months of 5.34 (CI: 1.85‐17.32) and 4.51 (CI: 1.66‐13.14), respectively. In the 25 dogs with normal baseline creatinine and albumin, response to treatment was associated with 12‐month survival (92% responders alive compared to 54% non‐responders, P = .04).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

When the UPC is >2.0, achieving recommended UPC targets within 3 months appears to be associated with a significant survival benefit. Response to treatment is still associated with survival benefit in dogs with less severe disease (no azotemia or hypoalbuminemia).
Determining reinfection rates by hepatitis C testing interval among key populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Munari Stephanie C. , Traeger Michael W. , Menon Vinay , Latham Ned H. , Manoharan Lakshmi , Luhmann Niklas , Baggaley Rachel , MacDonald Virginia , Verster Annette , Siegfried Nandi , Conway Brian , Klein Marina , Bruneau Julie , Stoové Mark A. , Hellard Margaret E. , Doyle Joseph S.
Published: October 2023

Background & Aims

Detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection among key populations helps prevent ongoing transmission. This systematic review aims to determine the association between different testing intervals during post‐SVR follow‐up on the detection of HCV reinfection among highest risk populations.

Methods

We searched electronic databases between January 2014 and February 2023 for studies that tested individuals at risk for HCV reinfection at discrete testing intervals and reported HCV reinfection incidence among key populations. Pooled estimates of reinfection incidence were calculated by population and testing frequency using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Forty‐one single‐armed observational studies (9453 individuals) were included. Thirty‐eight studies (8931 individuals) reported HCV reinfection incidence rate and were included in meta‐analyses. The overall pooled estimate of HCV reinfection incidence rate was 4.13 per 100 per person‐years (py) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.45–4.81). The pooled incidence estimate among people who inject drugs (PWID) was 2.84 per 100 py (95% CI: 2.19–3.50), among men who have sex with men (MSM) 7.37 per 100 py (95% CI: 5.09–9.65) and among people in custodial settings 7.23 per 100 py (95% CI: 2.13–16.59). The pooled incidence estimate for studies reporting a testing interval of ≤6 months (4.26 per 100 py; 95% CI: 2.86–5.65) was higher than studies reporting testing intervals >6 months (5.19 per 100 py; 95% CI: 3.92–6.46).

Conclusions

HCV reinfection incidence was highest in studies of MSM and did not appear to change with retesting interval. Shorter testing intervals are likely to identify more reinfections, help prevent onward transmission where treatment is available and enable progress towards global HCV elimination, but additional comparative studies are required.
Intrinsic cancer cell phosphoinositide 3‐kinase δ regulates fibrosis and vascular development in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Bou Malham Vanessa , Benzoubir Nassima , Vaquero Javier , Desterke Christophe , Agnetti Jean , Song Pei Xuan , Gonzalez‐Sanchez Ester , Arbelaiz Ander , Jacques Sophie , Di Valentin Emanuel , Rahmouni Souad , Tan Tuan Zea , Samuel Didier , Thiery Jean Paul , Sebagh Mylène , Fouassier Laura , Gassama‐Diagne Ama
Published: October 2023

Background & Aims

The class I‐ phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinases (PI3Ks) signalling is dysregulated in almost all human cancers whereas the isoform‐specific roles remain poorly investigated. We reported that the isoform δ (PI3Kδ) regulated epithelial cell polarity and plasticity and recent developments have heightened its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and solid tumour progression. However, its role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) still lacks investigation.

Approach & Results

Immunohistochemical analyses of CCA samples reveal a high expression of PI3Kδ in the less differentiated CCA. The RT‐qPCR and immunoblot analyses performed on CCA cells stably overexpressing PI3Kδ using lentiviral construction reveal an increase of mesenchymal and stem cell markers and the pluripotency transcription factors. CCA cells stably overexpressing PI3Kδ cultured in 3D culture display a thick layer of ECM at the basement membrane and a wide single lumen compared to control cells. Similar data are observed in vivo, in xenografted tumours established with PI3Kδ‐overexpressing CCA cells in immunodeficient mice. The expression of mesenchymal and stemness genes also increases and tumour tissue displays necrosis and fibrosis, along with a prominent angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, as in mice liver of AAV8‐based‐PI3Kδ overexpression. These PI3Kδ‐mediated cell morphogenesis and stroma remodelling were dependent on TGFβ/Src/Notch signalling. Whole transcriptome analysis of PI3Kδ using the cancer cell line encyclopedia allows the classification of CCA cells according to cancer progression.

Conclusions

Overall, our results support the critical role of PI3Kδ in the progression and aggressiveness of CCA via TGFβ/src/Notch‐dependent mechanisms and open new directions for the classification and treatment of CCA patients.
Impact of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes after hepatectomy in older patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Zhao Zhengxiao , Bo Zhiyuan , Ye Ni , Dong Yulong , Xu Yingfei , Wang Binbin , Yang Facai , Liu Liwei , Liu Zhendong
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis, but its role in older patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of sarcopenia on the prognosis of older patients with ICC undergoing hepatectomy.

Methods

A total of 363 patients with ICC following hepatectomy from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed at five institutions. Sarcopenia was evaluated using skeletal muscle index by computed tomography images. Patients were divided into four subgroups according to sarcopenia and age. Postoperative outcomes including complication, overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were evaluated. Risk factors were identified through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

302 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 63 years and there were 128 patients (42.4%) aged over 65 years. 192 patients (63.6%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia, while 180 patients (59.6%) experienced myosteatosis. Older patients experienced a higher incidence of sarcopenia and myosteatosis, and worse postoperative outcomes than younger patients. In the subgroup of patients with sarcopenia, older patients experienced a significant shorter OS than younger patients, which was not observed in patients without sarcopenia. According to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, lymphatic metastasis (p < .001), blood transfusion (p = .004), low serum albumin (p = .051), sarcopenia (p = .024), and myosteatosis (p = .004) were identified as independent risk factors of OS in older patients, meanwhile tumour size (p = .013) and lymphatic metastasis (p < .001) were independent risk factors of RFS.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia and myosteatosis have a significant adverse impact on postoperative outcomes in older patients with ICC undergoing hepatectomy.
Familial clustering of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in first‐degree relatives of adults with lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Niltwat Sorachat , Limwongse Chanin , Charatcharoenwitthaya Natthinee , Bunditvorapoom Duangkamon , Bandidniyamanon Wimolrak , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

The heritability of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in lean individuals is undetermined. This familial aggregation study aimed to evaluate familial linkage for NAFLD and the risk of NAFLD among first‐degree relatives of probands with lean NAFLD.

Methods

This study prospectively recruited cohorts of probands with lean NAFLD, probands with obese NAFLD, and lean probands with non‐NAFLD and their respective first‐degree relatives. A total of 257 participants were evaluated for liver steatosis, defined by the controlled attenuation parameter ≥288 dB/m2, metabolic characteristics, and the PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and MBOAT7 polymorphisms.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD in first‐degree relatives of lean NAFLD probands (39.9%) was similar to that in the obese NAFLD group (36.9%) and was significantly higher than in lean persons without NAFLD (19.1%). First‐degree relatives of probands with NAFLD who were male, and had central obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia, insulin resistance, and the PNPLA3 rs738409C>G allele had a significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD. After multivariable adjustment for gender, metabolic characteristics, and the PNPLA3 rs738409C>G allele, first‐degree relatives of probands with lean NAFLD (odds ratio [OR], 5.13; 95% CI, 1.77–14.86) and obese NAFLD (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.14–8.99) exhibited an increased risk of NAFLD compared with those of lean controls without NAFLD.

Conclusions

Our well‐phenotype cohorts revealed familial clustering of NAFLD and higher risks of NAFLD in first‐degree relatives of probands with lean or obese NAFLD. The findings encourage clinicians caring for NAFLD patients to be more vigilant for NAFLD in their family members.
Paternal influences over offspring sex ratio in mammals – tested hypotheses and potential mechanisms
Authors: Pawluk Julia Joanna , Zagalska‐Neubauer Magdalena
Published: October 2023

The sex ratio of sexually reproducing animal species is usually close to 1:1 and could be influenced by both parents. Deviations from this ratio occur in nature and can have an adaptive role. Although there are several evolutionary hypotheses explaining this bias, there is a significant lack of knowledge of the mechanisms of sex ratio facultative adjustments. While maternal effects are relatively well studied, the paternal effects on the primary sex ratio remain elusive.

This review aims to assemble and summarise the knowledge of male control in sex allocation. In particular, we focused on identifying possible mechanisms through which the adjustment could be achieved at pre‐, peri‐ and post‐fertilisation levels.

A systematic literature review was performed. We selected 59 articles that provided a potential proximal explanation of observed offspring sex ratio skews for which mammalian males might be responsible.

We outlined potential physiological and genetic mechanisms of male‐driven sex allocation operating in male germ cells and zygote stage in mammals. However, most of the proposed hypotheses of how males can bias the offspring sex ratio concern mostly the production of unequal numbers of Y‐ and X‐chromosome‐bearing spermatozoa, and their differences in morphology and physiology.

As males possess a wide range of mechanisms to effectively alter the sex ratio of their offspring, they can play a significant role in this phenomenon and should be studied to reduce the gap in our understanding of their role in sex allocation in comparison to the role of females. More empirical studies on different mammalian models are needed to fully characterise the trends of the adjustment. Predicting the sex ratio of the progeny is of great importance, not only in animal husbandry but also for the conservation of endangered species.
Individual Differences in Inhibitory Control Relate to Neural Efficiency During Reading
Authors: Yamasaki Brianna L. , Prat Chantel S.
Published: October 2023

Neural efficiency, adaptability, and synchronization, or the ability to recruit, dynamically modulate, and coordinate neural resources on an “as needed” basis, have been proposed as hallmarks of skilled reading. The current study explored the relation between these aspects of neural functioning during reading, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG), and individual differences in inhibitory control, as measured by performance on the Simon task. Wireless 16‐channel EEG headsets were used to record eyes‐closed resting‐state EEG and EEG during reading (recorded while participants completed a reading comprehension test). Results from 140 participants showed a significant correlation between inhibitory control and neural efficiency in the theta frequency band within the right posterior region‐of‐interest, but no significant correlations with neural adaptability or synchronization. Given the established relation between theta‐based activity and linguistic processes, this finding suggests that readers with better inhibitory control demonstrate more efficient use of their language network while reading.
Risk factors for anaemia among women and their young children hospitalised with suspected thiamine deficiency in northern Lao PDR
Authors: Hess Sonja Y. , Smith Taryn J. , Sitthideth Dalaphone , Arnold Charles D. , Tan Xiuping , Jones Kerry S. , Brown Kenneth H. , Alayon Silvia , Kounnavong Sengchanh
Published: October 2023

Anaemia among women and young children remains a major public health concern. This secondary study describes the anaemia prevalence among young hospitalised children and their mothers in northern Lao People's Democratic Republic and explores possible nutritional causes and risk factors for anaemia. Hospitalised children (ages 21 days to <18 months) with clinical symptoms suggestive of thiamine deficiency disorders were eligible along with their mothers. Venous blood was collected for determination of haemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), retinol‐binding protein (RBP), erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac), thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) and acute phase proteins. Risk factors for anaemia were modelled using minimally adjusted logistic regression controlling for age. Haemoglobin results were available for 436 women (mean ± SD age 24.7 ± 6.4 years; 1.6% pregnant) and 427 children (4.3 ± 3.5 months; 60.3% male). Anaemia prevalence (Hb < 120 g/L for nonpregnant women and <110 g/L for pregnant women and children) was 30.7% among women and 55.2% among children. In bivariate analyses, biomarkers significantly associated with anaemia in women were ferritin, sTfR, RBP, EGRac and ThDP. Other risk factors for women were lower BMI, mid‐upper arm circumference < 23.5 cm, lower education, lower socioeconomic index, food insecurity, Hmong ethnicity, not/rarely having attended antenatal care, not having taken antenatal iron‐containing supplements and not meeting minimum dietary diversity. Risk factors for anaemia among children were older age, male sex, stunting, sTfR, ThDP and alpha‐1‐acid‐glycoprotein. Anaemia was common among women and their hospitalised children and was associated with micronutrient deficiencies and socioeconomic, dietary and health care‐seeking risk factors, suggesting that multiple strategies are required to prevent anaemia among women and children.
High promiscuity among females of the invasive pest species Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Puppato Simone , Fiorenza Giulia , Carraretto Davide , Gomulski Ludvik Marcus , Gasperi Giuliano , Caceres Carlos , Grassi Alberto , Mancini Maria Vittoria , De Cristofaro Antonio , Ioriatti Claudio , Guilhot Robin , Malacrida Anna Rodolfa
Published: October 2023

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), the spotted‐wing drosophila, is a highly invasive fruit fly that spread from Southern Asia across most regions of Asia and, in the last 15 years, has invaded Europe and the Americas. It is an economically important pest of small fruits such as berries and stone fruits. Drosophila suzukii speciated by adapting to cooler, mountainous, and forest environments. In temperate regions, it evolved seasonal polyphenism traits which enhanced its survival during stressful winter population bottlenecks. Consequently, in these temperate regions, the populations undergo seasonal reproductive dynamics. Despite its economic importance, no data are available on the behavioural reproductive strategies of this fly. The presence of polyandry, for example, has not been determined despite the important role it might play in the reproductive dynamics of populations. We explored the presence of polyandry in an established population in Trentino, a region in northern Italy. In this area, D. suzukii overcomes the winter bottleneck and undergoes a seasonal reproductive fluctuation. We observed a high remating frequency in females during the late spring demographic explosion that led to the abundant summer population. The presence of a high degree of polyandry and shared paternity associated with the post‐winter population increase raises the question of the possible evolutionary adaptive role of this reproductive behaviour in D. suzukii.
Influence of demand and supply factors on trade flows: Evidence for Argentina (1996–2016)
Authors: Fares Florencia , Zack Guido
Published: October 2023

Using an ARDL‐ECM model, we estimate the aggregate and sectoral elasticities for Argentina. We confirm that the income elasticities of exports are lower than those of imports. When we control by real labor costs, exchange rate volatility, the black‐market exchange rate and domestic absorption, the difference between income elasticities is reduced but remains statistically significant. In the sectoral breakdown, the higher the technological intensity in the industry, the higher the income elasticities. Agro‐based, textile, automotive, process, and engineering products have price elasticities two or three times the magnitude of aggregate elasticity.
HetF defines a transition point from commitment to morphogenesis during heterocyst differentiation in the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Xing Wei‐Yue , Liu Jing , Zhang Cheng‐Cai
Published: October 2023

The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is able to form heterocysts for nitrogen fixation. Heterocyst differentiation is initiated by combined‐nitrogen deprivation, followed by the commitment step during which the developmental process becomes irreversible. Mature heterocysts are terminally differentiated cells unable to divide, and cell division is required for heterocyst differentiation. Previously, we have shown that the HetF protease regulates cell division and heterocyst differentiation by cleaving PatU3, which is an inhibitor for both events. When hetF is required during the developmental program remains unknown. Here, by controlling the timing of hetF expression during heterocyst differentiation, we provide evidence that hetF is required just before the beginning of heterocyst morphogenesis. Consistent with this finding, transcriptome data show that most of the genes known to be involved in the early step (such as hetR and ntcA) or the commitment step (such as hetP and hetZ) of heterocyst development could be expressed in the ΔhetF mutant. In contrast, most of the genes involved in heterocyst morphogenesis and nitrogen fixation remain repressed in the mutant. These results indicated that in the absence of hetF, heterocyst differentiation is able to be initiated and proceeds to the stage just before heterocyst envelope formation.
Tartrolon sensing and detoxification by the Listeria monocytogenes timABR resistance operon
Authors: Engelgeh Tim , Herrmann Jennifer , Jansen Rolf , Müller Rolf , Halbedel Sven
Published: October 2023

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that naturally occurs in the soil. Originating from there, it contaminates crops and infects farm animals and their consumption by humans may lead to listeriosis, a systemic life‐threatening infectious disease. The adaptation of L. monocytogenes to such contrastive habitats is reflected by the presence of virulence genes for host infection and other genes for survival under environmental conditions. Among the latter are ABC transporters for excretion of antibiotics produced by environmental competitors; however, most of these transporters have not been characterized. Here, we generated a collection of promoter‐lacZ fusions for genes encoding ABC‐type drug transporters of L. monocytogenes and screened this reporter strain collection for induction using a library of natural compounds produced by various environmental microorganisms. We found that the timABR locus (lmo1964‐lmo1962) was induced by the macrodiolide antibiotic tartrolon B, which is synthesized by the soil myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. Tartrolon B resistance of L. monocytogenes was dependent on timAB, encoding the ATPase and the permease component of a novel ABC transporter. Moreover, transplantation of timAB was sufficient to confer tartrolon B resistance to Bacillus subtilis. Expression of the timABR locus was found to be auto‐repressed by the TimR repressor, whose repressing activity was lost in the presence of tartrolon B. We also demonstrate that tartrolon sensitivity was suppressed by high external potassium concentrations, suggesting that tartrolon acts as potassium ionophore. Our results help to map the ecological interactions of an important human pathogen with its co‐residing species within their joint natural reservoir.
Avoiding misclassification of acute kidney injury: Timing is everything
Authors: Legg Amy , Roberts Jason A. , Roberts Matthew A. , Cass Alan , Davies Jane , Tong Steven Y. C. , Davis Joshua S.
Published: October 2023

Accurate detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) in clinical trials is important. Using a ‘baseline’ creatinine from trial enrolment may not be ideal for understanding a participant's true baseline kidney function. We aimed to determine if a ‘pre‐trial baseline creatinine’ resulted in comparable creatinine concentrations to a ‘trial baseline creatinine’, and how the timing of baseline creatinine affected the incidence of AKI in the Combination Antibiotic therapy for MEthicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMERA2) randomised trial. Study sites retrospectively collected a pre‐trial baseline creatinine from up to 1 year before CAMERA2 trial enrolment ideally when the patient was medically stable. Baseline creatinine from CAMERA2 (the ‘trial baseline creatinine’), was the highest creatinine measurement in the 24 h preceding trial randomisation. We used Wilcoxon sign rank test to compare pre‐trial and trial baseline creatinine concentrations. We included 217 patients. The median pre‐trial baseline creatinine was significantly lower than the median trial baseline creatinine (82 μmol/L [IQR 65–104 μmol/L] versus 86 μmol/L [IQR 66–152 μmol/L] p = <0.001). Using pre‐trial baseline creatinine, 48 of 217 patients (22%) met criteria for an AKI at CAMERA2 enrolment and only 5 of these patients met criteria for an AKI using the CAMERA2 study protocol (using baseline creatinine from trial entry). Using a baseline creatinine from the time of trial enrolment failed to detect many patients with AKI. Trial protocols should consider the optimal timing of baseline creatinine and the limitations of using a baseline creatinine during an acute illness.
Mothering children at a paediatric intensive care unit with strict visiting hours: A qualitative study
Authors: Chung Na‐Ry , Chae Sun‐Mi
Published: October 2023

Background

Although a child‐ and family‐centred care (CFCC) philosophy has been emphasized and adopted for decades in paediatric critical care settings in several countries, numerous issues from parents' perspectives regarding the philosophy remain unresolved. To facilitate the full translation of CFCC into clinical practice, health care professionals need an in‐depth understanding of family experiences. Real‐life mothering experiences, including maternal roles and identities, remain largely unknown at paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the Republic of Korea, where family visitation, presence, and participation are restricted.

Aim

To explore mothering experiences at a PICU where family visitation is strictly constrained, and to identify maternal needs and values.

Study Design

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of eight individual in‐depth interviews with seven mothers of hospitalized children. Qualitative data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Five major themes, along with four subthemes, emerged: (1) shifts in maternal roles and responsibilities, (2) shifts in interpersonal relationships, (3) desire for CFCC in the PICU, (4) practising self‐defined mothering roles, and (5) reconstructing maternal identities. The themes revealed the experiences of becoming mothers of a child in a constrained PICU. Ultimately, mothers demanded that the unit improve its physical and cultural environments through, for example, liberalized family visitation and participation in the care of their children.

Conclusions

Nursing professionals should lead the charge for humanizing a restrictive PICU in the Republic of Korea by ensuring a safe and open environment and mothering continuity based on child‐ and family‐centred holistic care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Effective interventions must be developed and tested to globally establish and fully implement strong evidence‐based CFCC in PICUs; constant co‐commitment among children, families, health care professionals, and institutions is also necessary.
A meta‐analysis highlights globally widespread potassium limitation in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Chen Baozhang , Fang Jingchun , Piao Shilong , Ciais Philippe , Black Thomas Andrew , Wang Fei , Niu Shuli , Zeng Zhenzhong , Luo Yiqi
Published: October 2023

Potassium (K+) is the most abundant inorganic cation in plant cells, playing a critical role in various plant functions. However, the impacts of K on natural terrestrial ecosystems have been less studied compared with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

Here, we present a global meta‐analysis aimed at quantifying the response of aboveground production to K addition. This analysis is based on 144 field K fertilization experiments. We also investigate the influences of climate, soil properties, ecosystem types, and fertilizer regimes on the responses of aboveground production.

We find that: K addition significantly increases aboveground production by 12.3% (95% CI: 7.4–17.5%), suggesting a widespread occurrence of K limitation across terrestrial ecosystems; K limitation is more prominent in regions with humid climates, acidic soils, or weathered soils; the effect size of K addition varies among climate zones/regions, and is influenced by multiple factors; and previous N : K and K : P thresholds utilized to detect K limitation in wetlands cannot be applied to other biomes.

Our findings emphasize the role of K in limiting terrestrial productivity, which should be integrated into future terrestrial ecosystems models.
African bovid tribe classification using transfer learning and computer vision
Authors: Domínguez‐Rodrigo Manuel , Brophy Juliet , Mathews Gregory J. , Pizarro‐Monzo Marcos , Baquedano Enrique
Published: October 2023

Objective analytical identification methods are still a minority in the praxis of paleobiological sciences. Subjective interpretation of fossils and their modifications remains a nonreplicable expert endeavor. Identification of African bovids is a crucial element in the reconstruction of paleo‐landscapes, ungulate paleoecology, and, eventually, hominin adaptation and ecosystemic reconstruction. Recent analytical efforts drawing on Fourier functional analysis and discrimination methods applied to occlusal surfaces of teeth have provided a highly accurate framework to correctly classify African bovid tribes and taxa. Artificial intelligence tools, like computer vision, have also shown their potential to be objectively more accurate in the identification of taphonomic agency than human experts. For this reason, here we implement some of the most successful computer vision methods, using transfer learning and ensemble analysis, to classify bidimensional images of African bovid teeth and show that 92% of the large testing set of images of African bovid tribes analyzed could be correctly classified. This brings an objective tool to paleoecological interpretation, where bovid identification and paleoecological interpretation can be more confidently carried out.
Temporal deployment of attention in musicians: Evidence from an attentional blink paradigm
Authors: Shen Dawei , Ross Bernhard , Alain Claude
Published: October 2023

The generalization of music training to unrelated nonmusical domains is well established and may reflect musicians’ superior ability to regulate attention. We investigated the temporal deployment of attention in musicians and nonmusicians using scalp‐recording of event‐related potentials in an attentional blink (AB) paradigm. Participants listened to rapid sequences of stimuli and identified target and probe sounds. The AB was defined as a probe identification deficit when the probe closely follows the target. The sequence of stimuli was preceded by a neutral or informative cue about the probe position within the sequence. Musicians outperformed nonmusicians in identifying the target and probe. In both groups, cueing improved target and probe identification and reduced the AB. The informative cue elicited a sustained potential, which was more prominent in musicians than nonmusicians over left temporal areas and yielded a larger N1 amplitude elicited by the target. The N1 was larger in musicians than nonmusicians, and its amplitude over the left frontocentral cortex of musicians correlated with accuracy. Together, these results reveal musicians’ superior ability to regulate attention, allowing them to prepare for incoming stimuli, thereby improving sound object identification. This capacity to manage attentional resources to optimize task performance may generalize to nonmusical activities.
Dynamics in interbrain synchronization while playing a piano duet
Authors: Lender Anja , Perdikis Dionysios , Gruber Walter , Lindenberger Ulman , Müller Viktor
Published: October 2023

Humans interact with each other through actions that are implemented by sensory and motor processes. To investigate the role of interbrain synchronization emerging during interpersonal action coordination, electroencephalography data from 13 pairs of pianists were recorded simultaneously while they performed a duet together. The study aimed to investigate whether interbrain phase couplings can be reduced to similar bottom‐up driven processes during synchronous play, or rather represent cognitive top‐down control required during periods of higher coordination demands. To induce such periods, one of the musicians acted as a confederate who deliberately desynchronized the play. As intended, on the behavioral level, the perturbation caused a breakdown in the synchronization of the musicians’ play and in its stability across trials. On the brain level, interbrain synchrony, as measured by the interbrain phase coherence (IPC), increased in the delta and theta frequency bands during perturbation as compared to non‐perturbed trials. Interestingly, this increase in IPC in the delta band was accompanied by the shift of the phase difference angle from in‐phase toward anti‐phase synchrony. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that interbrain synchronization is based on the interpersonal temporal alignment of different brain mechanisms and is not simply reducible to similar sensory or motor responses.
The built environment and child obesity: A review of Australian policies
Authors: Henry Anna , Fried Leanne , Nathan Andrea , Dhamrait Gursimran , Boruff Bryan , Schipperijn Jasper , Cross Donna , Beck Ben , Trapp Gina , Christian Hayley
Published: October 2023

Child obesity is a serious public health challenge affected by both individual choice and societal and environmental factors. The main modifiable risk factors for child obesity are unhealthy eating and low levels of physical activity, both influenced by aspects of the built environment. Coordinated government policy across jurisdictions, developed using strong research evidence, can enable built environments that better support healthy lifestyles. This study reviewed current Australian and Western Australian government policies to understand if and how they address the impact of the built environment on child obesity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet. Current government policy documents related to the built environment and child health were analyzed using the Comprehensive Analysis of Policy on Physical Activity framework. Ten Australian and 31 Western Australian government policy documents were identified. Most referred to the role of the built environment in supporting physical activity. Very few policies mentioned the built environment's role in reducing sedentary behaviors, supporting healthy eating, and addressing obesity. Few recognized the needs of children, and none mentioned children in policy development. Future government policy development should include the voices of children and child‐specific built environment features. Inter‐organizational policies with transparent implementation and evaluation plans are recommended.
Critical review of 16S rRNA gene sequencing workflow in microbiome studies: From primer selection to advanced data analysis
Authors: Regueira‐Iglesias Alba , Balsa‐Castro Carlos , Blanco‐Pintos Triana , Tomás Inmaculada
Published: October 2023

The multi‐batch reanalysis approach of jointly reevaluating gene/genome sequences from different works has gained particular relevance in the literature in recent years. The large amount of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequence data stored in public repositories and information in taxonomic databases of the same gene far exceeds that related to complete genomes. This review is intended to guide researchers new to studying microbiota, particularly the oral microbiota, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and those who want to expand and update their knowledge to optimise their decision‐making and improve their research results. First, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of using the 16S rRNA gene as a phylogenetic marker and the latest findings on the impact of primer pair selection on diversity and taxonomic assignment outcomes in oral microbiome studies. Strategies for primer selection based on these results are introduced. Second, we identified the key factors to consider in selecting the sequencing technology and platform. The process and particularities of the main steps for processing 16S rRNA gene‐derived data are described in detail to enable researchers to choose the most appropriate bioinformatics pipeline and analysis methods based on the available evidence. We then produce an overview of the different types of advanced analyses, both the most widely used in the literature and the most recent approaches. Several indices, metrics and software for studying microbial communities are included, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Considering the principles of clinical metagenomics, we conclude that future research should focus on rigorous analytical approaches, such as developing predictive models to identify microbiome‐based biomarkers to classify health and disease states. Finally, we address the batch effect concept and the microbiome‐specific methods for accounting for or correcting them.