bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of the socio‐economic disadvantage gap in England: Sequential pathways that include the home learning environment and self‐regulation as mediators
Authors: Joseph Allen , Sylva Kathy , Sammons Pam , Siraj Iram
Published: August 2023

Background

Socio‐economic status (SES) is a powerful predictor of attainment. Research has identified multiple mechanisms that underpin the effect of SES on attainment. For example, self‐regulation (processes through which individuals direct and control their attention, emotion and behaviour) has been identified as one mechanism mediating the SES attainment gap. However, previous studies have not directly tested the statistical pathways by which children from lower SES backgrounds develop low self‐regulation skills and subsequently poor attainment at the end of primary school. Adding the home learning environment, which is associated with both SES and self‐regulation, further fleshes out the longitudinal pathways.

Aims

We propose and test a new model where the relationship between SES and school attainment is sequentially mediated by the family home learning environment and the child's self‐regulation.

Sample

This study uses the Effective Pre‐school, Primary and Secondary Education data set to study 2311 English children.

Methods

We measured SES (via socio‐economic disadvantage) based on an index of low parental education, occupation and income at age 3+. The home learning environment was measured by the Home Learning Environment Index at age 3+; self‐regulation was a teacher report on the Child Social Behaviour Questionnaire at age 4+ and attainment was measured via scores on national assessments of English and Maths at age 11.

Results

Our measure of disadvantage predicted attainment. The home learning environment predicted children's self‐regulation skills. The relationship between disadvantage and attainment was sequentially mediated by the home learning environment and self‐regulation.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that home learning environment and self‐regulation may play a sequential role in perpetuating socio‐economic disparities in education.
Therapeutic alliance in the treatment of adolescent substance misuse: a systematic review
Authors: Sulaman Iniyah , Hartley Samantha , Elvins Rachel
Published: August 2023

Background

Therapeutic alliance has been found to play an influential role in predicting outcomes for adults and adolescents in psychotherapy. However, thus far, the information concerning the impact of therapeutic alliance on outcomes for adolescents in treatment for substance misuse has not yet been critically synthesised.

Methods

In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the current review aimed to systematically collate published research investigating the association between alliance and outcomes for adolescents undergoing substance misuse treatment. Database searching produced 1083 records, with 16 studies meeting eligibility criteria.

Results

Twelve out of the 16 studies (75%) reported significant alliance–outcome relationships, whereby higher alliance ratings predicted better treatment outcomes, as well as improved engagement and retention in treatment. In addition, the review explored the conditions whereby alliances better predict outcomes, with reference to the alliance rater, the timing of the alliance rating and comorbid diagnoses. These results, however, largely remain inconclusive.

Conclusions

The evidence as it stands demonstrates the importance of the therapeutic alliance in predicting outcomes for adolescents in substance misuse treatments. The implications of the review's findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Real‐Time Ray Tracing of Micro‐Poly Geometry with Hierarchical Level of Detail
Authors: Benthin Carsten , Peters Christoph
Published: August 2023

In recent work, Nanite has demonstrated how to rasterize virtualized micro‐poly geometry in real time, thus enabling immense geometric complexity. We present a system that employs similar methods for real‐time ray tracing of micro‐poly geometry. The geometry is preprocessed in almost the same fashion: Nearby triangles are clustered together and clusters get merged and simplified to obtain hierarchical level of detail (LOD). Then these clusters are compressed and stored in a GPU‐friendly data structure. At run time, Nanite selects relevant clusters, decompresses them and immediately rasterizes them. Instead of rasterization, we decompress each selected cluster into a small bounding volume hierarchy (BVH) in the format expected by the ray tracing hardware. Then we build a complete BVH on top of the bounding volumes of these clusters and use it for ray tracing. Our BVH build reaches more than 74% of the attainable peak memory bandwidth and thus it can be done per frame. Since LOD selection happens per frame at the granularity of clusters, all triangles cover a small area in screen space.
Piperine improves levodopa availability in the 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease by suppressing gut bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase
Authors: Hu Xiaolu , Yu Lan , Li Yatong , Li Xiaoxi , Zhao Yimeng , Xiong Lijuan , Ai Jiaxuan , Chen Qijun , Wang Xing , Chen Xiaoqing , Ba Yinying , Wang Yaonan , Wu Xia
Published: August 2023

Aim

Tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC) presented in the gut‐associated strain Enterococcus faecalis can convert levodopa (L‐dopa) into dopamine (DA), and its increased abundance would potentially minimize the availability and efficacy of L‐dopa. However, the known human decarboxylase inhibitors are ineffective in this bacteria‐mediated conversion. This study aims to investigate the inhibition of piperine (PIP) on L‐dopa bacterial metabolism and evaluates the synergistic effect of PIP combined with L‐dopa on Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Metagenomics sequencing was adopted to determine the regulation of PIP on rat intestinal microbiota structure, especially on the relative abundance of E. faecalis. Then, the inhibitory effects of PIP on L‐dopa conversion and TDC expression of E. faecalis were tested in vitro. We examined the synergetic effect of the combination of L‐dopa and PIP on 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats and tested the regulations of L‐dopa bioavailability and brain DA level by pharmacokinetics study and MALDI‐MS imaging. Finally, we evaluated the microbiota‐dependent improvement effect of PIP on L‐dopa availability using pseudo‐germ‐free and E. faecalis‐transplanted rats.

Results

We found that PIP combined with L‐dopa could better ameliorate the move disorders of 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats by remarkably improving L‐dopa availability and brain DA level than L‐dopa alone, which was associated with the effect of PIP on suppressing the bacterial decarboxylation of L‐dopa via effectively downregulating the abnormal high abundances of E. faecalis and TDC in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats.

Conclusion

Oral administration of L‐dopa combined with PIP can improve L‐dopa availability and brain DA level in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats by suppressing intestinal bacterial TDC.
The informativeness of earnings announcements during times of global uncertainty: Evidence from the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fabrizi Michele , Ipino Elisabetta , Longhin Federico , Parbonetti Antonio
Published: August 2023

Research Question/Issue

This study shows how investors assessed the informativeness of earnings announcements during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Prior studies suggest that earnings announcements are more likely to provide value to investors during periods of heightened uncertainty. However, the massive regulatory intervention that took place during the pandemic is likely to have led investors to seek alternative sources of information and to have reduced their reliance on earnings to price stocks. Moreover, the uncertainty brought by Covid‐19 directly challenged firms' value drivers and business models, potentially inhibiting the ability to map earnings onto stock prices.

Research Findings/Insights

The empirical findings show that earnings announcements lost part of their information content during the Covid‐19 crisis. Cross‐sectional tests document that geographic dispersion of operations and the degree of institutional ownership significantly affected the relationship under study. We also find that the loss of earnings announcements' informativeness was driven by exposure to the pandemic.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The recent accounting literature investigates the role of accounting information in supporting public policy during systemic crises. Our results highlight the firm‐specific attributes that affect investors' perceptions of the informativeness of earnings announcements by showing how geographic dispersion and ownership structure affect it in periods of uncertainty.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

In a context in which earnings announcements' informativeness decreases, regulators and standard‐setters should consider taking corrective action to restore its informativeness, such as by strengthening disclosure requirements. The documented decrease in the informativeness of earnings announcements could be partially offset by heightening disclosure requirements to complement financial statements.
The taxman cometh: Pathways out of a low‐capacity trap in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Weigel Jonathan L. , Kabue Ngindu Elie
Published: August 2023

How might fragile states escape a low‐capacity trap in which citizens pay little tax and the government has insufficient revenue to increase enforcement or provide public goods? We argue that governments can escape such traps by regularizing tax collection. When citizens observe taxes being collected in a systematic, non‐arbitrary manner, they are likely to update positively about the procedural performance of the government, increasing their intrinsic motivation to comply. We test this idea in the first door‐to‐door property tax collection campaign in Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, which raised compliance from near zero to 10.3%. Linking pre‐campaign surveys with administrative tax data, we document a strong relationship between citizens' prior perceptions of government performance and property tax payment. Then, exploiting the campaign's random roll‐out, we find that systematic tax collection caused citizens to update positively about the government's procedural performance. Together, these results are consistent with a virtuous cycle of perceived government performance and fiscal capacity.
Effect of logged forests on diet of small characids from Neotropical streams
Authors: Simeone Diego
Published: August 2023

Studies relating to fish trophic ecology provide important insights regarding their life history. However, there is a lack of information linking fish diet composition with riparian cover in small streams. To investigate whether diet composition varied between streams with pristine and logged forests, I compared the food items consumed by four characid species: Bryconops melanurus, Moenkhausia collettii, Moenkhausia dichroura, and Moenkhausia oligolepis. I sampled 18 first‐order streams in the eastern Amazon: six with pristine forest, six with conventional logging, and six with selective logging. All fish species were classified as omnivorous, with diverse food categories recorded in their diets: mainly terrestrial insects for Moenkhausia species and aquatic insect nymphs for B. melanurus. However, the relative importance of each category varied only in streams with conventional logged forests. In these streams, all fish species consumed mainly autochthonous items, especially aquatic insect nymphs. In addition, terrestrial insects and seeds were absent in these streams with reduced riparian cover. In summary, this study highlighted that fish diet in conventional logged forests strongly differed from areas with pristine and selective logged forests. This finding states that managed forests may support a diverse diet for fish community, similar to that found in pristine forests. Therefore, management and conservation strategies of riparian vegetation in Amazonian streams are important to maintain habitat and food quality, which may be associated with a diverse diet for fish species.
Pupal warning color development in above‐ground pupating species but cryptic color in ground‐surface pupating species of the nine‐spotted diurnal moths (Erebidae: Arctiinae: Syntomini)
Authors: Tsubuki Makoto , Yazaki Hidemori , Hayashi Fumio
Published: August 2023

Insects usually have cryptic colors to avoid detection by visually hunting predators. However, if the insects acquire toxic or repellent substances against predators, some of them develop conspicuous coloration to exhibit their unpalatability. Such warning colors allow insects to survive. In the nine‐spotted diurnal moths (Erebidae: Arctiinae: Syntomini), we found the above‐ground pupating species to have conspicuous colored pupae, but the ground‐surface pupating species to have cryptic colored pupae. In this study, the relationships between unpalatability and coloration of these pupae are examined among three species of Amata and one species of Syntomoides. Pupae of the two species (A. germana and A. flava) are conspicuous in their color pattern with seven black dotted lines longitudinally on their pale‐yellow bodies. These pupae are exposed to the aerial predators in a coarse silk mesh hanging from leaves and/or branches. The other two species (A. fortunei and S. imaon) pupate in spaces under stones, fallen twigs and leaves on the ground surface, and the pupae in a coarse silk cocoon is cryptic dark brown. Their pupation site selections are reproduced in the rearing glass vessels. Palatability assessment using lizards as a potential predator suggests that pupae of A. germana, A. flava and A. fortunei are unpalatable and the lizard's feeding response decreases with experience. However, pupae of S. imaon are all eaten (palatable). Finally, the possible evolutionary scenario of pupal colors of these four species is discussed in relation to pupation site selection and palatability.
Psychophysical assessment of pain in adults with moderate and severe haemophilia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Foubert Anthe , Chantrain Valérie‐Anne , Meeus Mira , Maes Philip , Haenen Vincent , Lobet Sébastien , Lambert Catherine , Hermans Cédric , Roussel Nathalie
Published: August 2023

Background

Joint pain is the hallmark of haemophilia; therefore it seems clinically rather a musculoskeletal than a bleeding disorder. Although joint pain in people with haemophilia (PwH) is a complex and multidimensional problem, pain assessment remains primarily focused on the structural evaluation of their joints. Whereas, only few data are available on the potential implication of psychophysical and psychological factors.

Objective

This study aimed to perform a psychophysical pain assessment including quantitative sensory testing (QST) and an evaluation of psychological factors in a large sample of PwH, to get insight into the individuals’ pain system.

Methods

Ninety‐nine adults (36.9 ± 13.5 years) with moderate/severe haemophilia A/B and 46 healthy controls filled in self‐reported pain and psychological questionnaires and underwent a QST evaluation including static and dynamic tests. Static tests focused on the determination of thermal detection and pain thresholds and mechanical pressure pain thresholds. Dynamic tests evaluated pain facilitation and the efficacy of endogenous pain inhibition. Besides comparing PwH and healthy controls, between‐subgroup differences were studied in PwH based on their pain distribution.

Results

The study revealed increased thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity and the presence of unhelpful psychological factors such as anxiety/depression in PwH. Among the subgroups, especially PwH with widespread pain showed altered somatosensory functioning. Enhanced pain facilitation and impaired efficacy of endogenous pain inhibition in PwH could not be observed.

Conclusion

Altered somatosensory functioning and unhelpful psychological factors, appear to play an important role in the pathophysiology of pain in PwH, especially in PwH with widespread pain.
Criteria for the selection, evaluation and application of traditional knowledge in contemporary health practice, education, research and policy: A systematic review
Authors: Foley Hope , Bugarcic Andrea , Adams Jon , Wardle Jon , Leach Matthew , Steel Amie
Published: August 2023

Background

Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is highly utilised and draws on traditional knowledge (TK) as evidence, raising a need to explore how TK is currently used.

Objectives

Examine criteria used to select, evaluate and apply TK in contemporary health contexts.

Methods

Systematic search utilising academic databases (AMED,CINAHL,MEDLINE,EMBASE,SSCI,ProQuest Dissertations Theses Global),Trip clinical databaseandGoogle search engine. Citations and reference lists of included articles were searched. Reported use of TK in contemporary settings was mapped against a modified ‘Exploration‐Preparation‐Implementation‐Sustainment’ (EPIS) implementation framework.

Results

From the 54 included articles, EPIS mapping found TK is primarily used in the Exploration phase of implementation (n = 54), with little reporting on Preparation (n = 16), Implementation process (n = 6) or Sustainment (n = 4) of TK implementation. Criteria used in selection, evaluation and application of TK commonly involved validation with other scientific/traditional evidence sources, or assessment of factors influencing knowledge translation.

Discussion

One of the difficulties in validation of TK (as a co‐opted treatment) against other evidence sources is comparing like with like as TK often takes a holistic approach. This complicates further planning and evaluation of implementation.

Conclusion

This review identifies important criteria for evaluating current and potential contemporary use of TK, identifying gaps in research and practice for finding, appraising and applying relevant TK studies for clinical care.
Inhibition of PI3K p110δ activity reduces IgE production in IL‐4 and anti‐CD40 stimulated human B cell cultures
Authors: Cutrina‐Pons Anna , De Sa Aloka , Fear David J. , Gould Hannah J. , Ramadani Faruk
Published: August 2023

Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) p110δ signalling negatively regulates the production of mouse IgE. However, there are disparities between the mouse and human IgE biology, and the role of PI3K p110δ in the production of human IgE is yet to be determined. To investigate the effect of PI3K p110δ inhibition in the production of human IgE we isolated human B cells from tonsil tissue and stimulated them with IL‐4 and anti‐CD40 antibody to induce class switching to IgE and IgG1 in the presence or absence of IC87114, a small molecule inhibitor of PI3K p110δ. Using FACS, RT‐PCR and ELISA we examined the effect of PI3K p110δ inhibition on IgE production and determined the mechanisms involved. Unlike in mice, we observed that PI3K p110δ inhibition significantly reduces the number of IgE+ switched cells and the amounts of secreted IgE in IL4 and anti‐CD40 cultures. However, the number of IgG1+ cells and secreted IgG1 were largely unaffected by PI3K p110δ inhibition. The expression levels of AID, ε and γ1 germinal transcripts or other factors involved in the regulation of CSR to IgE and IgG1 were also unaffected by IC87114. However, we found that IC87114 significantly decreases the proliferation of tonsil B cells stimulated with IL‐4 and anti‐CD40, specifically reducing the frequency of cells that had undergone 4 divisions or more. In addition, PI3K p110δ inhibition reduced the levels of IRF4 expression in IgE+ germinal centre‐like B cells leading to a block in plasma cell differentiation. In conclusion, PI3K p110δ signalling is required for the production of human IgE, which makes it a pharmacological target for the treatment of allergic disease.
High phytoplankton diversity in eutrophic states impedes lake recovery
Authors: Wang Rong , Doncaster C. Patrick , Zheng Wenxiu , Xu Min , Yang Hui , Li Yun , Cai Yongjiu , Zhao Yanjie , Zhang Enlou , Yang Xiangdong , Qin Boqiang
Published: August 2023

Aim

The widely observed positive response of productivity to biodiversity, known as the biodiversity‐productivity relationship (BPR), underpins nature‐based solutions for mitigating and adapting to global changes. Little is known of the role of such emergent processes in the restoration of damaged ecosystems. Here, we test for evidence of a BPR in degraded freshwater lakes, and its role in underpinning or undermining lake recovery from eutrophic states.

Location

Lower Yangtze and Huaihe river basins, China, East Asia.

Taxa

Freshwater phytoplankton; also macrophytes, fish, zooplankton and zoobenthos.

Methods

A systematic review of biodiversity studies was conducted to enumerate freshwater biodiversity change during eutrophication, encompassing 572 samples from 155 lakes in East China. Empirical samples were then taken of 93 phytoplankton communities from 38 lakes in ecologically degraded states of eutrophication. Samples were analysed for niche overlap in relation to biodiversity and productivity, and metrics of network structure indicative of community stability.

Results

Reviewed publications on eutrophication in East China lakes revealed losses in biodiversity of macrophytes, fishes, zooplankton and zoobenthos but not phytoplankton. Empirically sampled eutrophic lakes maintained high phytoplankton biodiversity through niche differentiation, and phytoplankton biodiversity correlated positively with biomass, in line with the expectations of BPR.

Conclusions

The positive effect of biodiversity on phytoplankton productivity in eutrophic lakes acts in opposition to the negative impacts on productivity induced by eutrophication‐management strategies of nutrient suppression. In degraded systems, the BPR contributes to sustaining productivity of lake phytoplankton communities, impeding recovery from a eutrophic state. This is a case of the BPR playing an undesirable role at the ecosystem level. Lake recovery programmes need to anticipate that the control of phytoplankton biomass will depend on reducing nutrients to a level sufficient to degrade the internal structure of the phytoplankton community.
Nonprocedural bleeding after left atrial appendage closure versus direct oral anticoagulants: A subanalysis of the randomized PRAGUE‐17 trial
Authors: Branny Marian , Osmancik Pavel , Kala Petr , Poloczek Martin , Herman Dalibor , Neuzil Petr , Hala Pavel , Taborsky Milos , Stasek Josef , Haman Ludek , Chovancik Jan , Cervinka Pavel , Holy Jiri , Kovarnik Tomas , Zemanek David , Havranek Stepan , Vancura Vlastimil , Peichl Petr , Tousek Petr , Hozman Marek , Lekesova Veronika , Jarkovsky Jiri , Novackova Martina , Benesova Klara , Widimsky Petr , Reddy Vivek Y. ,   the PRAGUE‐17 Trial Investigators
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Observational studies have shown low bleeding rates in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated by left atrial appendage closure (LAAC); however, data from randomized studies are lacking. This study compared bleeding events among patients with AF treated by LAAC and nonvitamin K anticoagulants (NOAC).

Methods

The Prague‐17 trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial that compared LAAC to NOAC in high‐risk AF patients. The primary endpoint was a composite of a cardioembolic event, cardiovascular death, and major and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) defined according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH).

Results

The trial enrolled 402 patients (201 per arm), and the median follow‐up was 3.5 (IQR 2.6–4.2) years. Bleeding occurred in 24 patients (29 events) and 32 patients (40 events) in the LAAC and NOAC groups, respectively. Six of the LAAC bleeding events were procedure/device‐related. In the primary intention‐to‐treat analysis, LAAC was associated with similar rates of ISTH major or CRNMB (sHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.44–1.27, p = 0.28), but with a reduction in nonprocedural major or CRNMB (sHR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.97, p = 0.039). This reduction for nonprocedural bleeding with LAAC was mainly driven by a reduced rate of CRNMB (sHR for major bleeding 0.69, 95% CI 0.34–1.39, p = .30; sHR for CRNMB 0.43, 95% CI 0.18–1.03, p = 0.059). History of bleeding was a predictor of bleeding during follow‐up. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common bleeding site in both groups.

Conclusion

During the 4‐year follow‐up, LAAC was associated with less nonprocedural bleeding. The reduction is mainly driven by a decrease in CRNMB.
Diabetic ketoacidosis due to a sensor defect of FreeStyle Libre: A case report
Authors: Kogai Toshiki , Sato Junko , Hirakata Marin , Iwamoto Tatsuya , Nakajima Kenichi , Goto Hiromasa , Nishida Yuya , Watada Hirotaka
Published: August 2023

The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System allows users to obtain sensor glucose values by scanning with the reader or their mobile phone. We report a case of a 59‐year‐old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus who developed diabetic ketoacidosis due to a sensor defect. After replacing the sensor with a new one, the glucose value shown in the device was much lower than usual, which made him consider that he was hypoglycemic. Accordingly, he reduced his insulin dose and eventually developed diabetic ketoacidosis. He was unaware of the discrepancy due to the lack of self‐monitoring of his blood glucose, although he was educated to do. In sum, glucose monitoring with the FreeStyle Libre is helpful; however, it is necessary to remind the patient that a sensor defect leading to a severe complication frequently happens.
Comparative safety of adding serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) versus nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to short‐acting opioids for non‐malignant pain in nursing homes
Authors: Liu Shao‐Hsien , Yuan Yiyang , Baek Jonggyu , Nunes Anthony P. , Pawasauskas Jayne , Hume Anne L. , Lapane Kate L.
Published: August 2023

Background

The comparative safety of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as adjuvants to short‐acting opioids in older adults is unknown even though SNRIs are commonly used. We compared the effects of SNRIs versus nonsteroidal anti‐Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on delirium among nursing home residents when SNRIs or NSAIDs were added to stable regimens of short‐acting opioids.

Methods

Using 2011–2016 national Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 and Medicare claims data to implement a new‐user design, we identified a cohort of nursing home residents receiving short‐acting opioids who initiated either an SNRI or an NSAID. Delirium was defined from the Confusion Assessment Method in MDS 3.0 assessments and ICD9/10 codes using Medicare hospitalization claims. Propensity score matching balanced underlying differences for initiating treatments on 39 demographic and clinical characteristics (nSNRIs = 5350; nNSAIDs = 5350). Fine and Gray models provided hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for the competing risk of death.

Results

Hydrocodone was the most commonly used short‐acting opioid (48%). Residents received ~23 mg daily oral morphine equivalent at the time of SNRIs/NSAIDs initiation. The majority were women, non‐Hispanic White, and aged ≥75 years. There were no differences in any of the confounders after propensity matching. Over 1 year, 10.8% of SNRIs initiators and 8.9% of NSAIDs initiators developed delirium. The rate of delirium onset was similar in SNRIs and NSAID initiators (HR(delirium in nursing home or hospitalization for delirium):1.10; 95% CI: 0.97–1.24; HR(hospitalization for delirium): 1.06; 95% CI: 0.89–1.25), and were similar regardless of baseline opioid daily dosage.

Conclusions

Among nursing home residents, adding SNRIs to short‐acting opioids does not appear to increase risk of delirium relative to initiating NSAIDs. Understanding the comparative safety of pain regimens is needed to inform clinical decisions in a medically complex population often excluded from clinical research.
Language and Cultural Barriers and Facilitators of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for Migrant Women in High‐Income European Countries: An Integrative Review
Authors: Barrio‐Ruiz Carmen , Ruiz de Viñaspre‐Hernandez Regina , Colaceci Sofia , Juarez‐Vela Raul , Santolalla‐Arnedo Ivan , Durante Angela , Di Nitto Marco
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Dealing with intercultural communicative barriers in European countries’ national health services is an increasing and necessary challenge to guarantee migrant women's right to health care. This integrative review describes the communication barriers and facilitators that migrant women encounter to access and use sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Europe.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify original studies in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus, using keywords associated with migrant women and SRH services. This was supplemented by scanning the reference lists from relevant studies and similar reviews. Studies exploring the perspective of migrant women about communication barriers and facilitators to the access and use of SRH services were included, whereas those that solely explored health professional's experiences were excluded. Findings were organized into 4 themes: (1) verbal‐linguistic barriers, (2) nonverbal language barriers, (3) cultural barriers, and (4) communication facilitators.

Results

Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that when women had problems understanding or being understood by health professionals, they experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, insecurity, and discrimination that discouraged them from using SRH services. The most requested facilitators by women were health education, access to professional interpreters and translation of written information, and increasing the practitioners’ cultural competence.

Discussion

Communication barriers undermine migrant women's right to benefit from preventive SRH programs and to make informed decisions concerning their health. It is necessary to establish tailored plans in each health care center to improve intercultural communication that integrate facilitators proposed by women. Future research should provide solid evidence on the effectiveness of each facilitator implemented.
Classification of gastrocnemius muscle hypertrophy for personalized botulinum toxin type A treatment
Authors: Liu Dandan , Xu Xiangwen , Wu Mengfan , Luo Lin , Feng Jun , Ou Yanting , Panayi Adriana C. , Long Yun , Cui Yongyan
Published: August 2023

Background

Owing to its safety and convenience, botulinum toxin type A (BoNtA) has become a first‐choice treatment for contouring calf muscle asymmetries or deformities. Different injection methods and dosages have been discussed in the literature, but a standardized BoNtA treatment remains unclear.

Aims

This study aimed to classify gastrocnemius muscle hypertrophy (GMH) through multiple measurements to provide a personalized BoNtA treatment protocol.

Methods

The measurements combining of gastrocnemius muscle (GM) contour, max leg circumference and GM thickness was applied to classify different type of GMH in a normal population. Based on these findings, a personalized BoNtA treatment protocol was determined and evaluated regarding max leg circumference, GM thickness, the position of max leg circumference, patient and doctor satisfaction rate, and complications.

Results

A total of 100 GMH were classified into two bulging types (bilateral‐bulging type and unilateral‐bulging type) and two categories (moderate GMH and severe GMH). 40 cases were treated with personalized BoNtA injection methods (“Even” or “Intense”method) and dosages (300 or 400 units). Follow‐up examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Max leg circumference and GM thickness decreased significantly and the position of max leg circumference rose prominently during treatment (2.56 1.93; p 0.05). The overall patient satisfaction rate was 70%–100%. No serious complications occurred.

Conclusions

We identify four groups of GMH through several measurements and outline a personalized BoNtA treatment for each type. This recommended protocol may improve the therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction after treatment.
Harm, Then Good? How Work Meaningfulness Emerges from Doing Harm
Authors: Robertson Kirsten , Hannah David , Lautsch Brenda
Published: August 2023

Meaningful work has been identified as an important antecedent of an array of positive outcomes for both workers and their employers. However, many work roles involve harming others, an experience that has previously been linked to negative outcomes such as dissatisfaction and burnout. How does meaningfulness emerge when one's work includes such challenging circumstances? Drawing on interviews and observations in the veterinary industry, we elucidate new theory about the relationship between harm‐doing and the experience of meaningful work. Workers' interpretations of the worthiness of the harm, as well as the types of actions they take to remediate it, influence whether their involvement in harm‐doing episodes undermines or heightens their sense of meaningfulness. We further detail how dimensions of harm‐doing episodes shape opportunities for remediation, as well as whether the episodes ‘stick’ in workers' memories and hence figure into their ongoing, holistic accounts of work meaningfulness. Based on these findings, we introduce a novel ‘work‐bounded, worker‐centric’ view of meaningfulness that incorporates both the nature of work and workers' interpretations of it. Our research has implications for the work meaningfulness and workplace harm literatures, as well as for the many individuals whose work involves doing harm.
Survey Zoroastrians: Online Religious Identification in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Stausberg Michael , Tamimi Arab Pooyan , Maleki Ammar
Published: August 2023

This article contributes to the internationalization of survey methodology by discussing a case from a totalitarian state, the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2020, GAMAAN (The Group for Measuring and Analyzing Attitudes in Iran) conducted an online survey on religion. The survey had 50,000 participants, around 90 percent of whom lived in Iran. This article discusses the result that, after weighting, 8 percent identified as Zoroastrian—many times the number of Zoroastrians as recorded by scholarship on Iranian Zoroastrianism. We dub this phenomenon “Survey Zoroastrianism” and offer an explanation for this finding. After describing the position of Zoroastrianism in modern Iran and adding two further online surveys conducted by GAMAAN in 2022, we discuss the Survey Zoroastrians’ demographics and their religious and political views. The analysis shows that participating in surveys beyond the government's control provided affordances for performing alternative identity aspirations tied to notions of nationalism and civilizational heritage.
Soil organic matter dynamics mediated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi – an updated conceptual framework
Authors: Wu Songlin , Fu Wei , Rillig Matthias C. , Chen Baodong , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Huang Longbin
Published: August 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play an important role in soil organic matter (SOM) formation and stabilization. Previous studies have emphasized organic compounds produced by AM fungi as persistent binding agents for aggregate formation and SOM storage. This concept overlooks the multiple biogeochemical processes mediated by AM fungal activities, which drive SOM generation, reprocessing, reorganization, and stabilization. Here, we propose an updated conceptual framework to facilitate a mechanistic understanding of the role of AM fungi in SOM dynamics. In this framework, four pathways for AM fungi‐mediated SOM dynamics are included: ‘Generating’, AM fungal exudates and biomass serve as key sources of SOM chemodiversity; ‘Reprocessing’, hyphosphere microorganisms drive SOM decomposition and resynthesis; ‘Reorganizing’, AM fungi mediate soil physical changes and influence SOM transport, redistribution, transformation, and storage; and ‘Stabilizing’, AM fungi drive mineral weathering and organo–mineral interactions for SOM stabilization. Moreover, we discuss the AM fungal role in SOM dynamics at different scales, especially when translating results from small scales to complex larger scales. We believe that working with this conceptual framework can allow a better understanding of AM fungal role in SOM dynamics, therefore facilitating the development of mycorrhiza‐based technologies toward soil health and global change mitigation.
Engineering homoeologs provide a fine scale for quantitative traits in polyploid
Authors: Lee Eun Song , Heo Jung , Bang Woo Young , Chougule Kapeel M. , Waminal Nomar Espinosa , Hong Nguyen Thi , Kim Min Ji , Beak Hong Kwan , Kim Yong Jun , Priatama Ryza A. , Jang Ji In , Cha Kang Il , Son Seung Han , Rajendran Sujeevan , Choo Young‐Kug , Bae Jong Hyang , Kim Chul Min , Lee Young Koung , Bae Sangsu , Jones Jonathan D. G. , Sohn Kee Hoon , Lee Jiyoung , Kim Hyun Hee , Hong Jong Chan , Ware Doreen , Kim Keunhwa , Park Soon Ju
Published: August 2023

Numerous staple crops exhibit polyploidy and are difficult to genetically modify. However, recent advances in genome sequencing and editing have enabled polyploid genome engineering. The hexaploid black nightshade species Solanum nigrum has immense potential as a beneficial food supplement. We assembled its genome at the scaffold level. After functional annotations, we identified homoeologous gene sets, with similar sequence and expression profiles, based on comparative analyses of orthologous genes with close diploid relatives Solanum americanum and S. lycopersicum. Using CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis, we generated various mutation combinations in homoeologous genes. Multiple mutants showed quantitative phenotypic changes based on the genotype, resulting in a broad‐spectrum effect on the quantitative traits of hexaploid S. nigrum. Furthermore, we successfully improved the fruit productivity of Boranong, an orphan cultivar of S. nigrum suggesting that engineering homoeologous genes could be useful for agricultural improvement of polyploid crops.
Efficiency of indirect selection for fusarium head blight resistance and mycotoxin accumulation in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Michel Sebastian , Steiner Barbara , Buerstmayr Hermann
Published: August 2023

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat and can lead to significant yield losses as well as a contamination of the crop with mycotoxins that are a major concern in cereal‐based food and feed products. The aims of this study were thus to investigate the relationship between resistance against multiple Fusarium species and to assess the potential of an indirect phenotypic and genomic selection for the resistance against the accumulation of several mycotoxins in wheat. Strong phenotypic and genetic correlations between the mycotoxin contents, FHB severity and FHB‐associated traits were observed, irrespective of if traits were assessed in trials inoculated with a DON or HT‐2/T‐2 producing Fusarium species. A multi‐stage phenotypic or genomic selection with low anther retention being used for an indirect selection among early generation selection candidates, followed by an evaluation of the pre‐selected set in disease nurseries, and lastly by assessing the mycotoxin content of the most promising genotypes is suggested as a suitable strategy to breed for wheat cultivars with reduced risk of mycotoxin accumulation.
Potato cyst nematodes: A persistent and fearsome foe
Authors: Orlando Valeria , Boa Eric
Published: August 2023

Nematodes, commonly called roundworms, represent one of the largest phyla of animals. Plant‐parasitic nematodes cause significant economic losses in major crops worldwide, and cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp. and Globodera spp.) are among the most damaging species. This review focuses on three main species, Globodera pallida, Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera ellingtonae, collectively known as potato cyst nematodes (PCNs). G. rostochiensis and G. pallida are the most commonly occurring species in potato‐growing areas and are considered to have originated from the Andes region in South America and introduced then to Europe in the 1850s and now occur globally in more than 75 countries. PCNs feed entirely inside the root and produce distinctive cysts containing eggs. PCNs reduce root development, stunt the growth of potato plants and ultimately lead to the production of fewer and smaller tubers. PCNs are feared because of their ability to survive for up to 40 years in the soil in the absence of potatoes, and once established they are incredibly difficult to eradicate. Five case studies in this review provide an historical overview of how scientists and potato experts have responded to PCN pandemics and the effectiveness of management strategies.
HLA‐A*11:01 and HLA‐C*04:01 are associated with severe COVID‐19
Authors: Castro‐Santos Patricia , Rojas‐Martinez Augusto , Riancho José A. , Lapunzina Pablo , Flores Carlos , Carracedo Ángel , Díaz‐Peña Roberto ,   Scourge Cohort Group
Published: August 2023

We analyzed the association between HLA polymorphisms and susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and disease severity. Genotyping data from a total of 9373 COVID‐19‐positive cases from the Spanish Coalition to Unlock Research on Host Genetics on COVID‐19 (SCOURGE) consortium and 5943 population controls were included in the study. We found an association of the alleles HLA‐B*14:02 and HLA‐C*08:02 with a lower risk to COVID‐19 infection (p = 0.006, OR = 0.84, 95% CI = [0.75–0.95], p = 0.024, OR = 0.86, 95% CI = [0.78–0.95], respectively). We also found the alleles HLA‐A*11:01 and HLA‐C*04:01 associated with disease severity (p = 0.033, OR = 1.16, 95% CI = [1.04–1.31], p = 0.045, OR = 1.14, 95% CI = [1.05–1.25], respectively). These results suggest that an effective presentation of viral peptides by HLA class I alleles involve a faster infection clearance, decreasing the susceptibility and severity of COVID‐19.
A multiscale predictive digital twin for neurocardiac modulation
Authors: Yang Pei‐Chi , Rose Adam , DeMarco Kevin R. , Dawson John R. D. , Han Yanxiao , Jeng Mao‐Tsuen , Harvey Robert D. , Santana L. Fernando , Ripplinger Crystal M. , Vorobyov Igor , Lewis Timothy J. , Clancy Colleen E.
Published: August 2023

Cardiac function is tightly regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases cardiac output by increasing heart rate and stroke volume, while parasympathetic nerve stimulation instantly slows heart rate. Importantly, imbalance in autonomic control of the heart has been implicated in the development of arrhythmias and heart failure. Understanding of the mechanisms and effects of autonomic stimulation is a major challenge because synapses in different regions of the heart result in multiple changes to heart function. For example, nerve synapses on the sinoatrial node (SAN) impact pacemaking, while synapses on contractile cells alter contraction and arrhythmia vulnerability. Here, we present a multiscale neurocardiac modelling and simulator tool that predicts the effect of efferent stimulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS on the cardiac SAN and ventricular myocardium. The model includes a layered representation of the ANS and reproduces firing properties measured experimentally. Model parameters are derived from experiments and atomistic simulations. The model is a first prototype of a digital twin that is applied to make predictions across all system scales, from subcellular signalling to pacemaker frequency to tissue level responses. We predict conditions under which autonomic imbalance induces proarrhythmia and can be modified to prevent or inhibit arrhythmia. In summary, the multiscale model constitutes a predictive digital twin framework to test and guide high‐throughput prediction of novel neuromodulatory therapy.

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Key points

A multi‐layered model representation of the autonomic nervous system that includes sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, each with sparse random intralayer connectivity, synaptic dynamics and conductance based integrate‐and‐fire neurons generates firing patterns in close agreement with experiment.

A key feature of the neurocardiac computational model is the connection between the autonomic nervous system and both pacemaker and contractile cells, where modification to pacemaker frequency drives initiation of electrical signals in the contractile cells.

We utilized atomic‐scale molecular dynamics simulations to predict the association and dissociation rates of noradrenaline with the β‐adrenergic receptor.

Multiscale predictions demonstrate how autonomic imbalance may increase proclivity to arrhythmias or be used to terminate arrhythmias.

The model serves as a first step towards a digital twin for predicting neuromodulation to prevent or reduce disease.
SIRT1 induction in the skeletal muscle of male mice partially preserves limb muscle mass but not contractile force in response to androgen deprivation
Authors: Gordon Bradley S. , Burns Patrick K. , Laskin Grant R. , Dunlap Kirsten R. , Boykin Jake R. , Rossetti Michael L. , Fukuda David H. , Steiner Jennifer L.
Published: August 2023

In males, the factors that decrease limb muscle mass and strength in response to androgen deprivation are largely unknown. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) protein levels are lower in the limb muscle of male mice subjected to androgen deprivation. The present study aimed to assess whether SIRT1 induction preserved limb muscle mass and force production in response to androgen deprivation. Physically mature male mice containing an inducible muscle‐specific SIRT1 transgene were subjected to a sham or castration surgery and compared to sham and castrated male mice where the SIRT1 transgene was not induced. SIRT1 induction partially preserved whole‐body lean mass, tibialis anterior (TA) mass and triceps surae muscle mass in response to castration. Further analysis of the TA muscle showed that muscle‐specific SIRT1 induction partially preserved limb muscle soluble protein content and fibre cross‐sectional area. Unilateral AAV9‐mediated SIRT1 induction in the TA muscle showed that SIRT1 partially preserved mass by acting directly in the muscle. Despite those positive outcomes to limb muscle morphology, muscle‐specific SIRT1 induction did not preserve the force generating capacity of the TA or triceps surae muscles. Interestingly, SIRT1 induction in females did not alter limb muscle mass or limb muscle strength even though females have naturally low androgen levels. SIRT1 also did not alter the androgen‐mediated increase in limb muscle mass or strength in females. In all, these data suggest that decreases in SIRT1 protein in the limb muscle of males may partially contribute to the loss of limb muscle mass in response to androgen deprivation.

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Key points

SIRT1 induction in skeletal muscle of male mice subjected to androgen deprivation partially preserved limb muscle mass and fibre cross‐sectional area.

SIRT1 induction in skeletal muscle of male mice subjected to androgen deprivation did not prevent preserve limb muscle force generating capacity.

SIRT1 induction in skeletal muscle of females did not alter baseline limb muscle mass, nor did it affect the androgen‐mediated increase in limb muscle mass.
El seguro paramétrico agrícola: Una oportunidad para la protección frente a la seguridad alimentaria en Colombia
Authors: Infante Cardoso Jonathan , Pabón Bolaños Karen Antonella
Published: August 2023

Los Seguros Paramétricos son un tipo de seguro poco usado en Colombia que han venido teniendo un fuerte desarrollo en el mercado Europeo y Estadounidense frente a riesgos que son objeto de identificación a través de un índice o parámetros y que ha permitido realizar indemnizaciones al beneficiario del seguro de manera rápida generando mayor confianza en el contrato de seguro. En Colombia existe una oportunidad a través de los seguros paramétricos para corregir el problema de la seguridad alimentaria que en los últimos años ha tenido un ascenso en la región y particularmente en Colombia.