bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of somatostatin receptor type 2 antagonism during insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia in male rats with prediabetes
Authors: Hoffman Emily G. , D'Souza Ninoschka C. , Aiken Julian , Atherley Sara , Liggins Richard , Riddell Michael C.
Published: February 2023

Aims

To examine if glucagon counterregulatory defects exist in a rat model of prediabetes (pre‐T2D) and to assess if a selective somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist (SSTR2a), ZT‐01, enhances the glucagon response to insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia.

Materials and methods

Hyperglycaemia was induced in 8‐ to 9‐week‐old male, Sprague‐Dawley rats via 7 weeks of high‐fat diet followed by a single, low‐dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg). After 2 weeks of basal insulin therapy (0‐4 U/d insulin glargine, administered subcutaneously [SC]) to facilitate partial glycaemic recovery and a pre‐T2D phenotype, n = 17 pre‐T2D and n = 10 normal chow‐fed control rats underwent the first of two hypoglycaemic treatment‐crossover experiments, separated by a 1‐week washout period. On each experimental day, SSTR2a (3 mg/kg ZT‐01, SC) or vehicle was administered 1 hour prior to insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia (insulin aspart, 6 U/kg, SC).

Results

Glucagon counterregulation was marginally reduced with the induction of pre‐T2D. Treatment with SSTR2a raised peak plasma glucagon levels and glucagon area under the curve before and after insulin overdose in both and pre‐T2D rats. Blood glucose concentration was elevated by 30 minutes after SSTR2a treatment in pre‐T2D rats, and hypoglycaemia onset (≤3.9 mmol/L) was delayed by 15 ± 12 minutes compared with vehicle (P < 0.001), despite similar glucose nadirs in the two treatment groups (1.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L). SSTR2a treatment had no effect on blood glucose levels in the control group or on the hypoglycaemia‐induced decline in plasma C‐peptide levels in either group.

Conclusions

Treatment with an SSTR2a increases glucagon responsiveness and delays the onset of insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia in this rat model of pre‐T2D where only a modest deficiency in glucagon counterregulation exists.
Speckle tracking analysis to evaluate the size, shape, and function of the atrial chambers in fetuses with d‐transposition of the great arteries to predict the need for neonatal urgent balloon atrial septostomy
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark , Cuneo Bettina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Speckle tracking analysis was used to evaluate right (RA) and left (LA) atria size, shape and contractility to create a probability calculator to identify fetuses at risk for urgent neonatal balloon atrial septostomy (BAS).

Methods

The study group consisted of 39 fetuses with D‐TGA, of which 55% (N = 22) required neonatal BAS and 45% (N = 17) did not. The RA and LA end‐diastolic areas, lengths, widths, and sphericity indices as well as global, longitudinal, and transverse contractility were measured with speckle tracking analysis. The z‐scores of the measurements were compared to 200 controls. Logistic regression analysis of the computed z‐score measurements was performed to separate fetuses requiring urgent neonatal atrial BAS from those who did not.

Results

The following z‐score values for all fetuses with D‐TGA, irrespective of whether they required neonatal BAS, that were significantly less than controls: RA base sphericity index, basal–apical length fractional shortening, fractional area change, lateral wall annular plane systolic excursion (APSE), and longitudinal reservoir strain; LA mid‐chamber width, fractional shortening, ejection fraction, basal–apical length fractional shortening, atrial ejection volume, septal wall APSE, and reservoir strain. The following z‐score values were significantly larger than control values: RA/LA mid‐chamber width, RA/LA base width, and RA mid‐chamber length. Logistic regression analysis identified the following five measurements that correctly identified 19 of 22 fetuses requiring urgent neonatal atrial BAS with a sensitivity of 86.4%, a false‐positive rate of 11.8% and a positive predictive value of 90.4%: (1) LA mid‐chamber transverse fractional shortening, (2) RA mid‐chamber end‐diastolic width, (3) RA basal–apical length fractional shortening, (4) RA mid‐chamber fractional shortening, and (5) RA fractional area change.

Conclusion

Using the measurements described in this study identified significant differences between all fetuses with D‐TGA and controls, as well as identified measurements that predicted the probability of D‐TGA fetuses requiring neonatal septostomy.
Physical impact mechanism of large macroaggregate fragmentation on short‐term soil microbial respiration after rainfall
Authors: Feng Yue , Xiao Jianzhang , Wei Yingqi , Cai Hong , Yu Jinghua
Published: February 2023

The uncertainty of soil respiration under the influence of rainfall significantly affects the carbon flux in forest ecosystems. Thus, this study assessed the impact mechanism of aggregate changes on short‐term forest soil microbial respiration under rainfall simulation. The response of short‐term soil microbial respiration to the variation in aggregate distribution, carbon concentration in the aggregate particles, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dry bulk density, volumetric water content, capillary porosity, and soil aeration in the forest soil was investigated by a self‐developed rainfall simulation system under 50 and 80 mm/h rainfall treatments. The system ensured the controllability, continuity, and integrity of the analysis from soil erosion to soil respiration. A proportional decrease in large macroaggregates (>2 mm) and an increase in small macroaggregates (0.25–2 mm) were detected due to rainfall, leading to the release of coarse particulate organic matter in large macroaggregates and an enrichment in microaggregates within small macroaggregates. The splitting of macroaggregates increased the DOC content and decreased the porosity and aeration of the soil. The CO2 flux decreased immediately after rainfall treatment, and it increased at 12 h after the end of 80 mm/h rainfall. Moreover, the soil immediately emitted CH4 at the end of 80 mm/h rainfall. Large macroaggregates and DOC had positive conditional effects on respective CO2 and CH4 fluxes at the end of rainfall. The results indicate that short‐term soil microbial aerobic respiration is mainly regulated by the remaining macroaggregate distribution immediately after rainfall. Moreover, short‐term soil microbial anaerobic respiration is mainly mediated by the DOC and microaggregates released from large macroaggregates under soil water saturation. The study concludes that the uncertainty of short‐term soil microbial respiration is mainly derived from the random fragmentation and redistribution of macroaggregates in the soil immediately after rainfall treatments.

Highlights

System ensures controllability, continuity and integrity of analysis from erosion to respiration.

Splitting macroaggregates increases DOC content and decreases porosity and aeration of the soil.

Short‐term aerobic respiration is mediated by macroaggregate distribution after rainfall.

Short‐term anaerobic respiration is mediated by DOC from large macroaggregate disintegration.
Complications following diagnostic and therapeutic sacroiliac joint region injections in horses: A study describing clinicians' experiences
Authors: Nagy Annamaria , Dyson Sue
Published: February 2023

Background

There are no detailed data on complications of sacroiliac (SI) joint region injections or on the variability of the methods and circumstances of injections among clinicians.

Objectives

To describe complications following diagnostic, therapeutic and combined SI joint region injections and the details of how these are routinely performed by a large number of clinicians.

Study design

Cross‐sectional questionnaire survey.

Methods

Clinicians (members of American and European specialist colleges and veterinarians known to the authors), invited by email, who had performed ≥1 SI joint region injection, completed an online questionnaire. Data collected included the clinicians' experience in diagnostic, therapeutic and combined SI joint region injections, details of the injection technique, volume and substance used, and the type of complications seen following SI joint region anaesthesia, medications and combined injections, respectively. Descriptive data analysis was performed and the association between any complications seen and the clinicians' experience, technique, volume and substance used were assessed using binary logistic regression.

Results

Of the 212 respondents, 110 had performed diagnostic, 187 therapeutic and 49 combined injections. More clinicians experienced complications after diagnostic (53/110) than after therapeutic (33/187) or combined (6/49) injections (p < 0.01). The most common complications were hindlimb weakness/ataxia after all types of injections (diagnostic: 44/110, 40%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.8–49.8; therapeutic: 15/187, 8.0%, CI: 4.6–12.9; combined: 2/49, 4.1%, CI: 0.5–14.0). Death or horses requiring euthanasia were reported (after therapeutic injections: 5/187; diagnostic injections: 1/110).

Main limitations

No prevalence of complications was established; no detailed descriptions of complications were available. Results may be influenced by selection and recall biases.

Conclusions

Complications were experienced by more clinicians following diagnostic injections than after therapeutic or combined SI joint region injections, but the types and distribution of complications were similar. Results should be interpreted considering the previous reports of low prevalence of complications.
Ceftiofur use and antimicrobial stewardship in the horse
Authors: Ryan Clare A. , McNeal Christina D. , Credille Brenton C.
Published: February 2023

Equine practitioners require recommendations that support antimicrobial stewardship and avoid generating resistance to medically important antibiotics. This review examines current inadequacies in antimicrobial stewardship standards within the veterinary community, related to antimicrobial categorisation and prescribing practices. Resistance to cephalosporin antibiotics in horses is also described. Properties of cephalosporin antibiotics are outlined and equine‐specific studies of ceftiofur, a third‐generation cephalosporin antibiotic with medical importance, are detailed. Readers are provided with recommendations that encourage appropriate use of ceftiofur, citing the evidence available in horses.
Birth of a virtual community: Supporting Turkish couples' migration duringCOVID‐19
Authors: Kolbaşı‐Muyan Gizem , Rittersberger‐Tılıç Helga
Published: February 2023

Objective

This research aimed to understand legal and bureaucratic intricacies couples from Turkey and the Netherlands had to face in their marriage migration processes during the COVID‐19 pandemic by analyzing the role of a virtual community in developing coping strategies of multiple agents (partners, as well as lawyers and moderators as third parties).

Background

The restrictive requirements for family migration in the Netherlands, which reflect a nation‐state–centered point of view, had consequences on the marriage migration of Turks.

Methods

Legal and policy analysis between the years 2004 and 2021 and a netnography covering March 2021 through April 2022 are used. Dutch and EU case law analysis, participant observation in the Facebook group “Hollanda Aile Birleşimi/Gezinshereniging” (The Netherlands Family Reunification), and semistructured interviews with the members of the group are employed.

Results

The interactions in the Facebook group went beyond simple information dissemination and led to the emergence of a virtual community. It served for the development of intimacy and informal expertise and constituted a venue for developing strategies to cope with bureaucratic, legal, and personal hurdles.

Conclusion

During COVID‐19, the virtual community enabled individuals involved in marriage migration to counter the legal and policy framework.
Doing kin work among Ghanaians home and abroad: A paradigm shift toICT
Authors: Bakuri Amisah Zenabu , Amoabeng Dilys
Published: February 2023

Objective

We explore how information communication technologies (ICTs) enable doing kin work through communication and its impact on the well‐being of Ghanaians at home and abroad.

Background

Using ICTs has become a significant and rapid way to keep in touch with family relations as they are “scattered” across different geographic spaces within a country and globally. In this digital age, families can choose from a wide range of options that allows the combination of textual, verbal, and visual interactions.

Method

This paper is based on observations, in‐depth interviews, and life stories collected over a cumulative fieldwork period of 28 months. A total of 40 Ghanaians living in the Netherlands and 30 living in Ghana were recruited from 2017 to 2019 for this study.

Results

Through smartphones or messenger apps, people share their life and provide care and support including financial, emotional, moral, personal, and communal attachment.

Conclusion

Doing family online involves a complex, open, and hidden system of support, care, anxiety, and empathy. Doing family online is an example of a social matrix in which new patterns of social relationships, intimacies, care, and intergenerational solidarities emerge and develop.

Implications

We propose that doing family online will remain an integral means of connecting with family members and other relations. It is therefore important that ICT is made affordable, reliable, and secure as a way to improve its use. This means that more innovation, development, and research would be required.
How do male nursing students’ voluntary activities affect their image in society?
Authors: Dolu İlknur , Gökçe Mahir Can , Karakuş Ersin , Alperen Geldi Osman , Gazi Tolga
Published: February 2023

Aim

To determine the effect of male nursing students’ voluntary activities on their image in society.

Background

The role of voluntary nursing services in enhancing the visibility of nursing in society can also contribute to enhancing the image of male nurses in society.

Methods

This study employed a one‐group, quasi‐experimental pre–post analysis design. It was carried out between September 2020 and June 2021 in the pedestrian zone, which is one of the main streets of Bartın in Turkey. Using a convenience sampling approach, tradesmen aged 18 and over operating in commercial enterprises (n = 81) were asked to participate in the study. Information form and Nursing Image Scale were used to collect the research data. Results from the paired sample t test were utilized to analyse the study's data using the intervention of ‘men nursing students' voluntary activities’.

Results

The total Nursing Image Scale score of the participants was statistically considerably greater after the intervention than the pre‐intervention score. Based on the paired sample t test results, it was observed that the participants obtained higher scores after the intervention than before in the gender sub‐dimension as well as all other sub‐dimensions of the Nursing Image Scale, and these results were statistically significant.

Conclusion

According to the findings of the study, volunteering by male nursing students improved both the profession of nursing and the perception of men in nursing in society.

Implications for nursing/health policy

This study suggested that male nursing students’ voluntary activities could be one of the strategies to overcome the nursing shortage due to its enhancing effect on the profession of nursing and the perception of men in nursing in society.
High‐temperature oxidation behavior of the SiC layer of TRISO particles in low‐pressure oxygen
Authors: Bratten Adam , Jalan Visharad , Shi Meng , Gerczak Tyler , Wen Haiming , Doyle Peter , Zhao Haiyan , He Xiaoqing
Published: February 2023

Surrogate tristructural‐isotropic (TRISO)‐coated fuel particles were oxidized in 0.2 kPa O2at 1200–1600°C to examine the behavior of the SiC layer and understand the mechanisms. The thickness and microstructure of the resultant SiO2layers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and transmission electron microscopy. The majority of the surface comprised smooth, amorphous SiO2with a constant thickness indicative of passive oxidation. The apparent activation energy for oxide growth was 188 ± 8 kJ/mol and consistent across all temperatures in 0.2 kPa O2. The relationship between activation energy and oxidation mechanism is discussed. Raised nodules of porous, crystalline SiO2were dispersed across the surface, suggesting that active oxidation and redeposition occurred in those locations. These nodules were correlated with clusters of nanocrystalline SiC grains, which may facilitate active oxidation. These findings suggest that microstructural inhomogeneities such as irregular grain size influence the oxidation response of the SiC layer of TRISO particles and may influence their accident tolerance.
The influence of 15‐weeks climbing program on the static and dynamic balance of young adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities
Authors: Bibro Marta A. , Wódka Katarzyna , Smoła Eliza , Jankowicz‐Szymańska Agnieszka
Published: February 2023

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of climbing on static and dynamic balance and to determine the usefulness of such training in supporting the fitness of young adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities.

Method

The study involved 47 men and 21 women aged 18–25 years. The experimental group participated in classes on an artificial climbing wall for 15 weeks. At that time, the control group did not participate in any organised sports activities. The balance was assessed twice using tests: a bench walk, a functional reach, a single leg stance with the eyes open and closed, and a BTS P‐WALK baroresistive platform.

Results

In the experimental group there were improvements in functional reach test by 7.79 cm (p < .001), balance walk test by 0.47 pts (p = .003), improvements in frontal and sagittal plane stability, and tilting area in the closed eyes test. The changes that were observed in the control group were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Climbing activities can be part of a rehabilitation program to improve balance.
Area, environmental heterogeneity, scale and the conservation of alpine diversity
Authors: Malanson George P. , Testolin Riccardo , Pansing Elizabeth R. , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja
Published: February 2023

Aim

Area and environmental heterogeneity together explain most patterns of species diversity but disentangling their relative importance has been difficult. Here, we empirically examined this relationship and parsed their relative importance, and that of the heterogeneity—effective area trade‐off, at different spatial scales and in different spatial representations in simulations.

Location

Alpine grasslands of 23 mountain ranges of southern and central Europe.

Taxon

Vascular plants.

Methods

We developed metrics of climatic and edaphic heterogeneity, using principal components analyses and the shoelace algorithm, and added elevation range. We applied commonality analysis to partition the unique and shared explanation of the observed vascular plant species richness among selected metrics. A simulation was developed to separate the relative importance of area and heterogeneity at different extents and representations of spatial nestedness, and the heterogeneity—effective area trade‐off was evaluated by altering spatial discreteness.

Results

The explanation of the observed regional richness was shared by area and heterogeneity. The simulation revealed that heterogeneity was consistently more important, but less so among smaller areas. This qualitative pattern was maintained regardless of whether and how nestedness was represented. The heterogeneity–effective area trade‐off occurred in a few simulations of more discrete habitats.

Main Conclusions

Scale dependence may account for discrepancies among past empirical studies wherein environmental heterogeneity has usually outweighed area in the explanation of species richness; and it is not affected by nestedness. The potential heterogeneity–effective area trade‐off may be limited to locations where the environmental heterogeneity is quite discrete or if the added environment is beyond the niches of any species in the potential pool. The significant importance of area per se in small territories indicates that microrefugia, even with an unlikely full range of heterogeneity, will suffer local extinctions in the face of climate change.
Time‐varying exposure analysis of the relationship between sustained natural dentition and cognitive decline
Authors: Matsuyama Yusuke
Published: February 2023

Aim

Tooth loss and cognitive decline progress over time and influence each other. This study estimated the impact of sustaining natural dentition on cognitive function in U.S. adults, accounting for the fact that dental and cognitive statuses change over time.

Materials and Methods

Data from adults aged ≥51 years who participated in five waves of the Health and Retirement Study from 2004 to 2016 (n = 10,953) were analysed. The impact of retaining some natural teeth from 2006 to 2012 on cognitive function score (0–27) and cognitive impairment (defined as having a cognitive function score of <12) in 2016 was evaluated using the doubly robust targeted maximum likelihood estimation method by considering both time‐invariant and time‐varying confounders, including cognitive function at baseline and during follow‐up.

Results

Respondents with some natural teeth between 2006 and 2012 had a 0.40 point (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.71) higher cognitive function score and 3.27 percentage point (95% CI: 0.11–6.66) lower cognitive impairment prevalence in 2016 than those with complete tooth loss.

Conclusions

Considering past cognitive function assessed at multiple time points, sustained natural dentition was associated with better cognitive function.
Socially assistive robots in health and social care: Acceptance and cultural factors. Results from an exploratory international online survey
Authors: Papadopoulos Irena , Wright Steve , Koulouglioti Christina , Ali Sheila , Lazzarino Runa , Martín‐García Ángel , Oter‐Quintana Cristina , Kouta Christiana , Rousou Elena , Papp Katalin , Krepinska Radka , Tothova Valerie , Malliarou Maria , Apostolara Paraskevi , Lesińska‐Sawicka Małgorzata , Nagorska Małgorzata , Liskova Miroslava , Nortvedt Line , Alpers Lise‐Merete , Biglete‐Pangilinan Sylvia , Oconer‐Rubiano Ma. Florinda , Chaisetsampun Wireeporn , Wichit Nutchanath , Ghassemi Akhtar‐Ebrahimi , Jafarjalal Ezzat , Zorba Akile , Kuckert‐Wöstheinrich Andrea , Malla Rabin , Toda Tomiko , Akman Özlem , Öztürk Candan , Puvimanasinghe Teresa , Ziaian Tahereh , Eldar‐Regev Orit , Nissim Sara
Published: February 2023

Aim

This study explored the views of an international sample of registered nurses and midwives working in health and social care concerning socially assistive robots (SARs), and the relationship between dimensions of culture and rejection of the idea that SARs had benefits in these settings.

Methods

An online survey was used to obtain rankings of (among other topics) the extent to which SARs have benefits for health and social care. It also asked for free text responses regarding any concerns about SARs.

Results

Most respondents were overwhelmingly positive about SARs' benefits. A small minority strongly rejected this idea, and qualitative analysis of the objections raised by them revealed three major themes: things might go wrong, depersonalization, and patient‐related concerns. However, many participants who were highly accepting of the benefits of SARs expressed similar objections. Cultural dimensions of long‐term orientation and uncertainty avoidance feature prominently in technology acceptance research. Therefore, the relationship between the proportion of respondents from each country who felt that SARs had no benefits and each country's ratings on long‐term orientation and uncertainty avoidance were also examined. A significant positive correlation was found for long‐term orientation, but not for uncertainty avoidance.

Conclusion

Most respondents were positive about the benefits of SARs, and similar concerns about their use were expressed both by those who strongly accepted the idea that they had benefits and those who did not. Some evidence was found to suggest that cultural factors were related to rejecting the idea that SARs had benefits.
Neuroanatomy of the crocodylomorphPortugalosuchus azenhaefrom the late cretaceous of Portugal
Authors: Puértolas‐Pascual Eduardo , Kuzmin Ivan T. , Serrano‐Martínez Alejandro , Mateus Octávio
Published: February 2023

We present the first detailed braincase anatomical description and neuroanatomical study ofPortugalosuchus azenhae, from the Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) of Portugal. This eusuchian crocodylomorph was originally described as a putative Crocodylia and one of the oldest representatives of this clade; however, its phylogenetic position remains controversial. Based on new data obtained from high resolution Computed Tomography images (by micro‐CT scan), this study aims to improve the original description of this taxon and also update the scarce neuroanatomical knowledge of Eusuchia and Crocodylia from this time interval, a key period to understand the origin and evolution of these clades. The resulting three‐dimensional models from the CT data allowed a detailed description of its well‐preserved neurocranium and internal cavities. Therefore, it was possible to reconstruct the cavities of the olfactory region, nasopharyngeal ducts, brain, nerves, carotid arteries, blood vessels, paratympanic sinus system and inner ear, which allowed to estimate some neurosensorial capabilities. By comparison with other crocodylomorphs, these analyses showed thatPortugalosuchus, back in the Cenomanian, already displayed an olfactive acuity, sight, hearing and cognitive skills within the range of that observed in other basal eusuchians and crocodylians, including extant species. In addition, and in order to test its disputed phylogenetic position, these new anatomical data, which helped to correct and complete some of the original observations, were included in one of the most recent morphology‐based phylogenies. The position ofPortugalosuchusdiffers slightly from the original publication since it is now located as a “thoracosaurid” within Gavialoidea, but still as a crocodylian. Despite all this, to better contrast these results, additional phylogenetic analyses including this new morphological character coding together with DNA data should be performed.
Optimal climate and fiscal policy in an OLG economy
Authors: Jaimes Richard
Published: February 2023

This paper develops a climate–economy model to study the joint design of optimal climate and fiscal policies in economies with overlapping generations (OLGs). I demonstrate how capital taxation, if optimal, drives a wedge between the market costs of carbon (the net present value of marginal damages using the market interest rate) and the Pigouvian tax (the net present value of marginal damages using the consumption discount rate of successive OLGs). In contrast to deterministic infinitely lived representative agent models, at the optimum, the capital income tax is positive, the carbon price equals the market costs of carbon but it falls short of the Pigouvian tax when (i) preferences are not separable over consumption and leisure; and (ii) labor income taxes cannot be age‐dependent. I also show that restrictions on climate change policy provide a novel rationale for positive capital income taxes.
Changes in N6‐methyladenosine RNA methylomes of human periodontal ligament cells in response to inflammatory conditions
Authors: Zou Xihong , Liu Chaoyi , Wu Xudong , Yuan Zhiyao , Yan Fuhua
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate the changes in the m6A methylation modification profile of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in response to inflammatory conditions.

Background

Periodontitis is an infectious disease of the periodontal support tissue that leads to the loss of alveolar bone. HPDLCs are primary cells that can repair periodontal tissue defects caused by periodontitis. However, the inflammatory conditions induce inflammatory damage and decrease ossification of hPDLCs. This inflammatory response depends on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, including m6A methylation.

Methods

HPDLCs were cultured with osteogenic induction medium (NC group), while TNF‐α (10 ng/mL) and IL‐1β (5 ng/mL) were added to simulate inflammatory conditions (Inflam group). Then RNA‐seq and MeRIP‐seq analyses were performed to identify m6A methylation modification in the transcriptome range of hPDLCs.

Results

The results showed that the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs was inhibited under inflammatory conditions. RNA‐seq analysis also revealed that the decreased genes in response to inflammatory conditions were primarily annotated in processes associated with ossification. Compared with the NC group, differentially m6A‐methylated genes were primarily enriched in histone modification processes. Among 145 histone modification genes, 25 genes have been reported to be involved in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation, and they include KAT6B, EP300, BMI1, and KDMs (KDM1A, KDM2A, KDM3A, KDM4B, and KDM5A).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the m6A landscape of hPDLCs was changed in response to inflammation. M6A methylation differences among histone modification genes may act on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs.
Comparison of ionised calcium measured using a portable analyser to a reference method in healthy dogs
Authors: Harper J. A. , Gal A. , Burchell R. K. , Summers J. D. , Starling J. , Gerber K. , Gummow B.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To compare the ionised calcium measured on a portable analyser (iSTAT, Abbott) to a reference method.

Materials and Methods

Blood samples from 39 apparently healthy dogs were analysed in duplicate using a portable analyser and a reference method (Radiometer ABL800 FLEX). Bland–Altman plots and Passing–Bablok regression were used to assess constant and proportional bias between the two instruments. A within‐assay percentage coefficient of variation and total error (TE) was calculated for both analysers. The reference interval was calculated for the portable analyser using the robust method with confidence interval bootstrapping.

Results

The Bland–Altman plot showed a −0.036 mmol/L difference between the two instruments (95% confidence limit −0.08 to 0.01 mmol/L; limits of agreement −0.07 to 0.006 mmol/L). Neither the Bland–Altman plot nor the Passing–Bablock regression (slope −0.03; 95% confidence interval −0.08 to 0.19 and intercept 1; 95% confidence interval 0.83 to 1.2) showed significant proportional bias. The coefficient of variation for the portable analyser was 1.08%, compared to 0.78% for the reference method with a total error of 3.5% for the portable analyser. The estimated population‐based reference interval for ionised calcium using the portable analyser is 1.23 to 1.42 mmol/L.

Clinical Significance

For the healthy dogs in this study, compared to the reference method, the portable analyser showed no significant bias for measurement of ionised calcium. Further studies including hyper and hypocalcaemic dogs are required to determine clinical impact of the use of this analyser.
Analysis of Religious Bias among Christian Students in Science
Authors: Soneral Paula A. G. , Brownell Sara E. , Barnes M. Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Christians are notably underrepresented in science in part due to long‐standing public perceptions of science‐religion incompatibility and antireligious bias in science. This research explores whether undergraduates at a Christian university perceive and impose anti‐Christian cultural stigma in science. Survey results from 126 biology students revealed that though students generally perceived the culture of science to be anti‐Christian, they perceived Christians to have equal opportunities for scientific achievement. Results from a quasi‐experimental audit study, in which students evaluated one of two profiles for mock prospective Ph.D. applicants (Christian or undisclosed faith) showed that students did not project anti‐Christian stereotypes in terms of competence, hireability, or likeability, but showed some evidence of pro‐Christian favorability. Together, this study suggests that the affirmational community of a Christian University may alleviate some negative impacts of anti‐Christian stereotypes in academic biology, even as students perceive discrimination against Christians in science and atheists as more scientifically competent.
Measuring Religiosity of East Asians: Multiple Religious Belonging, Believing, and Practicing
Authors: Yang Fenggang , McPhail Brian L.
Published: February 2023

Social surveys normally assume that respondents adhere to a single religious faith in belonging, believing, and practicing congruently. Some surveys even take religious identity as the singular measure of religiosity and examine its relationship with other variables. This practice, however, fails to capture nonexclusive and hybrid religiosity, which is arguably the traditional and normal pattern in East Asia while becoming increasingly common in the West. We have developed a new set of survey questions and conducted a survey among East Asian international students at an American university. The findings show that multiple religious belonging, believing, and practicing are quite common, the level of believing and participating in religions varies substantially, and no confession‐based single measure of religious identity or practice is sufficient for measuring religiosity. We recommend this set of improved measures of religiosity be adopted in future surveys in East Asia and probably in the West as well.
Vacuolar MATE/DTX protein‐mediated cucurbitacin C transport is co‐regulated with bitterness biosynthesis in cucumber
Authors: Ma Yongshuo , Li Dawei , Zhong Yang , Wang Xiaohan , Li Legong , Osbourn Anne , Lucas William J. , Huang Sanwen , Shang Yi
Published: February 2023

Membrane‐localized transporters constitute important components for specialized metabolism in plants. However, due to the vast array of specialized metabolites produced by plants, and the large families of transporter genes, knowledge about the intracellular and intercellular transport of plant metabolites is still in its infancy.

Cucurbitacins are bitter and defensive triterpenoids produced mainly in the cucurbits. Using a comparative genomics and multi‐omics approach, a MATE gene (CsMATE1), physically clustered with cucurbitacin C (CuC) biosynthetic genes, was identified and functionally shown to sequester CuC in cucumber leaf mesophyll cells.

Notably, the CuC transport process is strictly co‐regulated with CuC biosynthesis. CsMATE1 clustering with bitterness biosynthesis genes may provide benefits and a basis for this feedback regulation on CuC sequestration and biosynthesis.

Identification of transport systems for plant‐specialized metabolites can accelerate the metabolic engineering of high‐value‐added compounds by simplifying their purification process.
Near work, light levels and dioptric profile – Which factor dominates and influences the short‐term changes in axial length?
Authors: Maldoddi Rakesh , Thakur Swapnil , Verkicharla Pavan K.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Given the agonistic nature of near work to promote axial elongation and the antagonistic nature of time outdoors to prevent myopia, we aimed to investigate the following: (a) how the short‐term effect of near work performed outdoors (Experiment 1) influences axial length and (b) how near work performed in two different dioptric profiles (uncluttered and cluttered) alters the changes in central axial length (Experiment 2).

Methods

Forty‐six adults (age range: 19–32 years) participated in the study. In Experiment 1, 22 participants completed a 15‐min distance task and a reading task in both the outdoor (~30,000 lux) and indoor (~70 lux) locations. In Experiment 2, 24 participants performed the same reading task at a study desk in uncluttered and cluttered reading environments. Pre‐ and post‐task ocular biometry measurements were performed for each session using a non‐contact biometer.

Results

In Experiment 1, a significant increase in axial length from baseline was found after performing reading tasks in both outdoor (mean ± SEM: +12.3 ± 3.4 μm, p = 0.001) and indoor locations (+11.9 ± 3.1 μm, p = 0.001). In Experiment 2, axial length increased significantly from baseline to post reading task, in both uncluttered (+17.9 ± 3.5 μm, p < 0.001) and cluttered reading environments (+19.2 ± 2.9 μm, p < 0.001). No significant changes in axial length were observed either between outdoor and indoor locations (p = 0.92) or between the uncluttered and cluttered reading environment (p = 0.75).

Conclusion

Independent of light intensity (outdoor or indoor location) and dioptric profile of the near‐work environment (uncluttered or cluttered), a 15‐min reading task led to a significant increase in axial length. While the long‐term effects of these findings need to be evaluated, practitioners should emphasise how near work can reduce the beneficial effects of time outdoors, while providing recommendations related to time outdoors for myopia control.
Envarsus XR® pharmacokinetics in adolescents post‐kidney transplantation – A pilot study
Authors: ElChaki Rim , Ettenger Robert , Lee Sabrina , Chen Lucia , Gales Barbara , Srivastava Rachana , Pearl Meghan
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Envarsus XR® (LCPT), a once daily dosage formulation of tacrolimus, is an FDA‐approved medication in adult renal transplant recipients (RTRs). There are limited data on its pharmacokinetics (PK) in adolescent RTRs. We report here the PK profile of LCPT in adolescent RTRs.

Methods

The dose of LCPT was determined using a dose conversion ratio targeting 0.7 relative to the total daily immediate‐release tacrolimus (IR‐Tac) dose. On day 7 after converting to LCPT, patients had an abbreviated PK assessment with sampling at: 0 h (pre‐dose), 8‐, and 12‐h post‐dose. The PK data analysis was performed using Bayesian estimators. Our results were compared to those of published adult PK data for LCPT and pediatric PK data for IR‐Tac and extended release tacrolimus (ER‐Tac) formulation (Advagraf).

Results

PK data from three adolescent patients on LCPT were evaluated. The mean (±SD) area under the time–concentration curve (AUC) was 240 (±20.22) h*ng/mL. The mean Tmax was 9.01 ± 2.12 h, and the % fluctuation was 77.71 ± 3.96%. The AUC, Tmax, and % fluctuation were similar to reported results in adult patients taking LCPT. The AUC was higher and the Tmax was longer than what has been reported in pediatric patients taking IR‐Tac and ER‐Tac. In addition, the LCPT group showed a lower % fluctuation than patients receiving ER‐Tac.

Conclusion

The PK evaluation of LCPT in adolescent RTRs showed similar results to adults. Adolescents taking LCPT had a higher AUC, a more attenuated Tmax, and a lower fluctuation than that seen with ER‐Tac in pediatrics.
Establishing a new genus, Chiharadinium gen. nov. (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) for a tidal pool dinoflagellate formerly known as Scrippsiella hexapraecingula
Authors: Dawut Mahmutjan , Yamaguchi Aika , Horiguchi Takeo
Published: February 2023

To determine its accurate taxonomic position, a tidal pool bloom‐forming dinoflagellate, Scrippsiella hexapraecingula was re‐investigated using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy together with a phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated ribosomal DNA sequences. The culture strains used in this study were established from intertidal rock pool samples taken from Jogashima, Kanagawa prefecture and Heisaura, Chiba prefecture, Japan and were identified as S. hexapraecingula originally described by Horiguchi and Chihara from a tidal pool in Hachijo Island, Tokyo, Japan in 1983. The thecal plate arrangement was determined as Po, X, 4′, 3a, 6″, 6c, 5s, 5″′, 2″″. The internal structure was investigated for the first time. The organism has typical dinoflagellate cellular organelles such as a dinokaryotic nucleus, mitochondria with tubular cristae, trichocysts and pusule. The chloroplast was single and connected to the central pyrenoid (stalked type). The eyespot found in the sulcus is of the B type with two rows of superficial intraplastidal lipid globules directly overlain by an extraplastidal single layer of crystalline bricks enveloped by a common membrane. The apical pore is plugged by a double‐layered stub‐like structure. Stalk building material for attachment covered the apical pore. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that S. hexapraecingula was most closely related to a freshwater dinoflagellate, Peridiniopsis borgei, the type species of the genus Peridiniopsis. However, clear differences exist between these two organisms, including their thecal plate arrangement, habitat and habit. As a result, a new genus, Chiharadinium Dawut & T. Horiguchi gen. nov. has been proposed rather than attempting to accommodate S. hexapraecingula in the genus Peridiniopsis. The new combination, Chiharadinium hexapraecingulum (T. Horiguchi & Chihara) Dawut & T. Horiguchi comb. nov. has been proposed.
Give me a break! Unavoidable fatigue effects in cognitive pupillometry
Authors: McLaughlin Drew J. , Zink Maggie E. , Gaunt Lauren , Reilly Jamie , Sommers Mitchell S. , Van Engen Kristin J. , Peelle Jonathan E.
Published: February 2023

Pupillometry has a rich history in the study of perception and cognition. One perennial challenge is that the magnitude of the task‐evoked pupil response diminishes over the course of an experiment, a phenomenon we refer to as a fatigue effect. Reducing fatigue effects may improve sensitivity to task effects and reduce the likelihood of confounds due to systematic physiological changes over time. In this paper, we investigated the degree to which fatigue effects could be ameliorated by experimenter intervention. In Experiment 1, we assigned participants to one of three groups—no breaks, kinetic breaks (playing with toys, but no social interaction), or chatting with a research assistant—and compared the pupil response across conditions. In Experiment 2, we additionally tested the effect of researcher observation. Only breaks including social interaction significantly reduced the fatigue of the pupil response across trials. However, in all conditions we found robust evidence for fatigue effects: that is, regardless of protocol, the task‐evoked pupil response was substantially diminished (at least 60%) over the duration of the experiment. We account for the variance of fatigue effects in our pupillometry data using multiple common statistical modeling approaches (e.g., linear mixed‐effects models of peak, mean, and baseline pupil diameters, as well as growth curve models of time‐course data). We conclude that pupil attenuation is a predictable phenomenon that should be accommodated in our experimental designs and statistical models.
Pathogen reduction with methylene blue does not have an impact on the clinical effectiveness of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma
Authors: Romera Martínez Irene , Bueno Cabrera José Luis , Domingo‐Morera José María , López Aguilar Juan Carlos , Villegas Da Ros Carolina , García Erce José Antonio , Sáez Serrano Isabel , Flores Ballester Elena , Maglio Laura Analía , Arbona Castaño Cristina , Sola Lapeña Carlos , Guerra Domínguez Luisa , Berberana Fernández Margarita , Madrigal Sánchez María Elena , Rubio Batllés Martín , Pérez‐Olmeda Mayte , Ramos‐Martínez Antonio , Velasco‐Iglesias Ana , Avendaño‐Solá Cristina , Duarte Rafael F.
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

There is a concern about a possible deleterious effect of pathogen reduction (PR) with methylene blue (MB) on the function of immunoglobulins of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP). We have evaluated whether MB‐treated CCP is associated with a poorer clinical response compared to other inactivation systems at the ConPlas‐19 clinical trial.

Materials and Methods

This was an ad hoc sub‐study of the ConPlas‐19 clinical trial comparing the proportion of patients transfused with MB‐treated CCP who had a worsening of respiration versus those treated with amotosalen (AM) or riboflavin (RB).

Results

One‐hundred and seventy‐five inpatients with SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia were transfused with a single CCP unit. The inactivation system of the CCP units transfused was MB in 90 patients (51.4%), RB in 60 (34.3%) and AM in 25 (14.3%). Five out of 90 patients (5.6%) transfused with MB‐treated CCP had worsening respiration compared to 9 out of 85 patients (10.6%) treated with alternative PR methods (p = 0.220). Of note, MB showed a trend towards a lower rate of respiratory progressions at 28 days (risk ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–1.50).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that MB‐treated CCP does not provide a worse clinical outcome compared to the other PR methods for the treatment of COVID‐19.
Transfusion medicine research in Africa: Insights from investigators in the field
Authors: Ipe Tina S. , Eichbaum Quentin , El‐Ekiaby Magdy , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Vermeulen Marion , Mapako Tonderai , Tayou Tagny Claude , Dembele Bamory , Bloch Evan M. , Barnes Linda S. ,   for the AABB Global Transfusion Forum contributed equally
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Research in low‐resource settings is inherently challenging. We sought to assess the factors that have impeded or facilitated transfusion medicine (TM) research in various African settings.

Materials and Methods

A qualitative case study was conducted of selected investigators in Africa; selection was based on productivity‐spanning publication, leadership and research in TM. We designed a questionnaire to explore the factors impeding or facilitating TM research to understand the impact on the investigators' careers. Written responses were independently coded and double‐checked for precision. Qualitative analysis was conducted, whereby responses were grouped thematically and clustered by relationship. The initial findings were discussed with respondents to validate and refine the interpretations. The recorded transcript was analysed and incorporated into the final analysis.

Results

Six investigators participated in the study. Their responses yielded 471 coded comments: 389 from the questionnaires and 82 from the ensuing discussion. The most frequently cited factors described included knowledge and intellectual abilities (n = 104), personal effectiveness (n = 99), research and governance structure (n = 97), and engagement, influence and impact (n = 75). Four relationship clusters emerged from the facilitators (n = 42), barriers (n = 28), and common approaches (n = 26) to research, informing summary themes of adaptation, collaboration, perseverance, and resiliency.

Conclusion

Individual attributes were found to be central to a successful TM research career in African settings. However, given other public health priorities and constraints, interpersonal relationships, organizational structures and the broader research context were important to TM researchers. Overcoming complexities demands adaptation, collaboration, perseverance and resiliency.