bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of first desaturase subfamily genes on fatty acid synthesis, desiccation tolerance and inter‐caste nutrient transfer in the termite Coptotermes formosanus
Authors: Xu Danni , Tong Yuxin , Chen Bosheng , Li Baoling , Wang Shengyin , Zhang Dayu
Published: September 2023

Desaturase enzymes play an essential role in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). In this study, we identified seven “first desaturase” subfamily genes (Cfor‐desatA1, Cfor‐desatA2‐a, Cfor‐desatA2‐b, Cfor‐desatB‐a, Cfor‐desatB‐b, Cfor‐desatD and Cfor‐desatE) from the Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus. These desaturases were highly expressed in the cuticle and fat body of C. formosanus. Inhibition of either the Cfor‐desatA2‐a or Cfor‐desatA2‐b gene resulted in a significant decrease in the contents of fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:2) in worker castes. Moreover, we observed that inhibition of most of desaturase genes identified in this study had a negative impact on the survival rate and desiccation tolerance of workers. Interestingly, when normal soldiers were reared together with dsCfor‐desatA2‐b‐treated workers, they exhibited higher mortality, suggesting that desaturase had an impact on trophallaxis among C. formosanus castes. Our findings shed light on the novel roles of desaturase family genes in the eusocial termite C. formosanus.
British Society of Paediatric Dentistry: A policy document on dental neglect in children
Authors: Ridsdale Lucy , Gilchrist Fiona , Balmer Richard C. , Skelton Ruth , Sidebotham Peter D. , Harris Jenny C.
Published: September 2023

The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry's (BSPD) first policy document on dental neglect was published online in 2009. It proposed a new original definition of dental neglect, discussed the identification of dental neglect and recommended adopting a tiered response, with three stages of intervention according to level of concern. Furthermore, it detailed how the dental team should both contribute to the child protection process and implement wider measures to safeguard and promote children's welfare. Since 2009, these concepts have been widely adopted in the UK and beyond. Furthermore, there have been significant advances in both research and practice. Policy documents produced by the BSPD represent a majority view, based on the consideration of currently available evidence, and are tailored to a UK working environment. Although this updated document's recommendations remain broadly unchanged, this version reflects the professions' progress in understanding dental neglect and minor updates to terminology and, following a consultation process, has been amended to address the needs of two main audiences—dental professionals and nondental health and social care professionals—in order to enhance interdisciplinary working.
Sales channel competition for supply chain with the blockchain technology
Authors: Kang Yuxuan , Shi Xianliang , Liu Shuai
Published: September 2023

The emerging blockchain‐supported platforms (BSPs) become prevalent with higher product quality and guaranteed authenticity, making the competition between BSP and traditional sales channels (TSC) gain attention. To explore the optimal operation strategies for retailers in TSC and BSP, we develop the vertically differentiated model to describe the channel competition and derive optimal decisions for two retailers. Then, the BSP's comparative advantage and the value of blockchain technology are analyzed. Next, we examine how blockchain quality disclosure and network externalities affect channel competition, as well as the impact of government policies. We find that (i) a higher quality improvement in BSP will simultaneously increase both retail prices and retailers’ profit under some circumstances. Meanwhile, the counterfeit sold in the TSC and channel switching hassle in the BSP make retailers’ products less competitive and reduce profits, respectively. (ii) Being a BSP retailer is not necessarily better, as blockchain's effect on product quality and consumer experience determines market share and profitability. Whether consumers can benefit from blockchain depends on the basic value of the BSP product and the aggregate level of consumer utility from the BSP. (iii) Blockchain‐based quality disclosures and network externalities might not always benefit BSPs, they could increase BSP retailers’ costs or increase competition in the market. (iv) The strict supervision policy reduces the TSC retailer's profit and product quality. Meanwhile, the technology subsidy policy contributes to the development of the BSP, but the BSP retailer needs to be wary of uncontrolled price increases due to policy spillover effects.
Morgan Stanley Perspectives on Sustainable Investing: Acceleration and Integration
Authors: Choi Audrey
Published: September 2023

The CEO of Morgan Stanley's Institute for Sustainable Investing discusses recent developments in the field since the founding of the Institute three years ago. The position of the Institute, which works across Morgan Stanley businesses as well as with external partners, provides a unique vantage point for assessing both the company's and the financial industry's progress in advancing the goals of sustainability.

Since its inception, the Institute has focused on measuring investor interest and highlighting the performance realities of sustainable investing strategies, with the ultimate goal of helping to increase the adoption of such strategies by not only Morgan Stanley's clients, but throughout the industry. Drawing on its own survey data and on the research and views of the Institute's internal and external collaborators, the author describes not only the acceleration of investor interest and the emergence of new players, but also the progressive integration of sustainability with more traditional methods as ESG issues move from being peripheral to “material” and “strategic” considerations. Such integration is helping to ensure that sustainability concerns—and corporate efforts to deal with them—will prove more than just a temporary trend and assume a prominent, and permanent, position in the dialogue between companies and investors.
Apocynin exerts cytoprotective effects on dexamethasone‐induced osteoblasts by inhibiting oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Xinglong , Pang Ran , Zhang Kai , Xu Qian , Xu Chunlei , Shi Wei , Liang Xinyu , Li Dong , Cui Wenhao , Bai Shucai , Li Zhijun , Li Hui , Zhang Huafeng
Published: September 2023

Steroid‐induced femoral head necrosis (SIFHN) is a serious clinical complication that is caused by prolonged or excessive use of glucocorticoids (GCs). Osteoblast apoptosis and osteogenic differentiation dysfunction caused by GC‐induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment are strongly implicated in SIFHN. Apocynin (APO) is a kind of acetophenone extracted from an herb. In recent years, APO has received much attention for its antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate whether APO could protect against SIFHN and explore the mechanism. In our study, low‐dose APO had no toxic effects on osteoblasts and restored dexamethasone (Dex)‐treated osteoblasts by improving survival, inhibiting OS and restoring mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, APO alleviated Dex‐induced osteoblast injury by activating the Nrf2 pathway, and the use of ML385 to block Nrf2 significantly eliminated the protective effect of APO. In addition, APO could reduce the formation of empty lacunae, restore bone mass and promote the expression of Nrf2 in SIFHN rats. In conclusion, APO protects osteoblasts from Dex‐induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction through activation of the Nrf2 pathway and may be a beneficial drug for the treatment of SIFHN.
First record of intraspecific cleaning behavior by the threatened Leuciscidae Squalius alburnoides (Steindachner, 1866) at the Guadiana River basin (Portugal)
Authors: Soares Marta C. , Cardoso Sónia C. , Fernandes Pedro , Alves José C. , Anastácio Pedro M. , Banha Filipe
Published: September 2023

Squalius alburnoides (Steindachner, 1866) is an endemic threatened species from the Iberian Peninsula. Here, we report the first observations of intraspecific cleaning behavior in isolated summer pools in the Guadiana River Basin (Portugal). We found that focal S. alburnoides solicited cleaning by adopting an immobile tail‐stand position known as “posing,” which immediately signaled a response to a few conspecifics that approached and inspect them. Our study expands the list of cleanerfish species in freshwaters, giving emphasis to the importance of mutual positive behavior within an endangered species, particularly when facing seasonal disturbance.
Exploring Australian dietitians' experiences and preparedness for working in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Bartrim Karly , Wright Olivia R. L. , Moyle Wendy , Ball Lauren
Published: September 2023

Background

Dietitians are increasingly working in residential aged care facilities (RACF). As such, supporting the RACF dietetic workforce is imperative. This qualitative study explored dietitians' experiences and preparedness for working in RACFs.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach from a non‐singular reality relational position was used. Recruitment occurred through convenience and snowball sampling, including contacting a list of dietitians who had previously consented to be contacted for research. The interviews included a semi‐structured approach. Data were analysed using constant comparison and reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Thirty‐one dietitians (n = 29 female; median age, 39 years) with a range of career experience participated in an interview. Interviews ranged from 25 to 68 min (mean duration, 41 min). Five themes and 14 subthemes were identified. Themes were: (1) joining the aged care workforce was not initially considered a career option, (2) difficulty sustaining satisfaction working in aged care, (3) navigating practical challenges working with residents while prioritising quality care, (4) poor acknowledgement of the dietitian role by staff and (5) grappling with a moral desire to improve the aged care sector.

Conclusion

Dietitians face many challenges in fulfilling their role in RACFs, including RACF staff's poor understanding of dietitians' scope and a lack of procedural support for their daily activities. Dietitians report that genuine improvements in their job satisfaction and experiences of older adults require structural reform within the government, beyond their locus of control.
Effectiveness of a preceptors' social support program to aid novice nurses' error experience on preceptors' skill and novice nurses' perception of social support: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Tomooka Misa , Matsumoto Chiharu , Maeda Hitomi
Published: September 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of the preceptors' social support program (PSSP) on preceptors' social support skill—supportive relationships and post‐error support—and novice nurses' perception of received social support.

Methods

This study employed a quasi‐experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group of a non‐random assigned sample of 47 preceptors and novice nurses and an intervention group of 48 each. Intervention group preceptors received training in building supportive relationships skill and post‐error support skills three times in the PSSP over 7 months. Preceptors' social support skill and novice nurses' perception of received social support were measured as primary outcomes. Data were collected at baseline (T0), 1 month after the second session (T1), and 1 month after the last session (T2) and analyzed.

Results

No significant differences in demographics or scores were shown at baseline (T0). Preceptors in the intervention group showed significantly better supportive relationships (T2, 101.6 ± 9 vs. 96.9 ± 7.6, 95% CI [0.95, 8.42], p = .015) and better performance of post‐error support (T2, 67.6 ± 5 vs. 62 ± 6.5, 95% CI [2.78, 8.32], p < .001). Intervention group preceptors' social support skill increased or remained stable, while it decreased over time in the control group. Novice nurses in the intervention group received significantly better supportive relationships and post‐error support from preceptors (T2, median 112 vs. 101, p = .007; 70.5 vs. 65, p = .028, respectively).

Conclusions

The PSSP improved preceptors’ supportive relationship skills and post‐error support performance, leading to novice nurses' perceptions of better supportive relationships and receiving greater post‐error support.
‘The rules are all over the place’: Mass Observation, time, and law in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: BEYNON‐JONES SIÂN , GRABHAM EMILY , HENDRIE NADINE
Published: September 2023

This article analyses practices of pandemic time making that surrounded the imposition and communication of laws restricting daily life in parts of the United Kingdom in spring 2020. With colleagues, we commissioned a Mass Observation Project directive in summer 2020, asking contributors about their everyday experience of time during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We analyse how legal temporalities emerge across 228 responses. Initially, law making seemed belated, missing the disruptive temporalities of the pandemic. Once they arrived, pandemic rules were sudden, changeable, and confusing. Mass Observation writers forged clusters of improvised practices – tactics of anticipation – to cope with these unsettling temporalities. Meanwhile, the Hansard Society, the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, and legal commentators argued that ‘fast‐track’ pandemic law making was error ridden, putting the public at risk of unwitting criminal liability. Attentive to ‘polyrhythmic’ temporalities operating across fields of experience and action, our study underlines the contradictory qualities of apparently resonant constructions of legal time.
Cucumber mosaic virus subgroup IA isolates infect four varieties of Nandina domestica in China
Authors: Du Shengnan , Luo Guo'an , Fei Libin , He Jing , Chen Sha , Su Xiu
Published: September 2023

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) subgroup IA isolates were first identified from Nandina domestica plants in Zhejiang province of China by small RNA deep sequencing followed by bioinformatics analysis and was confirmed by RT‐PCR amplification, 5′ and 3′ RACE and DNA sequencing. The complete nucleotide sequences of this virus shared the highest sequence similarities (97–98%) with CMV subgroup IA isolate CTL RNA1 and RNA3 (GenBank accession no: EF213023, EF213025) and RP48 RNA2 (KC527727), respectively; and converged with CMV subgroup IA isolates into a branch in phylogenetic tree using full length nucleotide sequences. Pathogenicity test confirmed that this virus can be mechanically transmitted to N. domestica, Nicotiana tabacum and N. benthamiana. All thirty randomly collected samples of four major N. domestica varieties (N. domestica cv. Hong Baoshi, Nana, Fire Power and Xiu Dada) in Lin'an Zhejiang province were positive for CMV subgroup IA. This is the first report of CMV subgroup IA isolate on varieties of N. domestica in China.
Increased expression of leucine‐rich α‐2 glycoprotein 1 as a predictive biomarker of favorable progression‐free survival in meningioma
Authors: Moritsubo Mayuko , Furuta Takuya , Miyoshi Junko , Komaki Satoru , Sakata Kiyohiko , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Morioka Motohiro , Ohshima Koichi , Sugita Yasuo
Published: September 2023

Most meningiomas, which are frequent central nervous system tumors, are classified as World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 because of their slow‐growing nature. However, the recurrence rate varies and is difficult to predict using conventional histopathological diagnoses. Leucine‐rich α‐2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is involved in cell signal transduction, cell adhesion, and DNA repair and is a predictive biomarker in different malignant tumors; however, such a relationship has not been reported in meningiomas. We examined tissue microarrays of histological samples from 117 patients with grade 1 and 2 meningiomas and assessed their clinical and pathological features, including expression of LRG1 protein. LRG1‐high meningiomas showed an increased number of vessels with CD3‐positive cell infiltration (P = 0.0328) as well as higher CD105‐positive vessels (P = 0.0084), as compared to LRG1‐low cases. They also demonstrated better progression‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.016–0.841) compared to LRG1‐low patients (P = 0.033). Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated that high LRG1 expression was an independent prognostic factor (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.018–0.991; P = 0.049). LRG1 immunohistochemistry may be a convenient tool for estimating the prognosis of meningiomas in routine practice. Further studies are required to elucidate the key role of LRG1 in meningioma progression.
Is a Preoperative MRI Scan Necessary for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture?
Authors: Geng Xiang , Yang Xiong‐gang , Teng Zhao‐lin , Hu Xing‐xi , Wang Chen , Zhang Chao , Chen Li , Huang Jia‐zhang , Wang Xu , Ma Xin
Published: September 2023

Background

Different treatment methods have been developed for acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), including conservative treatment, minimally invasive or transdermal surgery, and open surgery, and there is no consensus about which method is superior. It is important to clarify the presence of Achilles tendon (AT) degeneration, the rupture site, and the rupture shape before surgery to determine whether minimally invasive or open surgery should be selected, thereby reducing the re‐rupture rate following acute ATR. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of MRI in identifying the presence of AT degeneration, the rupture site, and the rupture shape for acute closed ATR.

Methods

From January 2016 to December 2019, patients with acute closed ATR who had undergone repair surgery were retrospectively enrolled. All patients received MRI examination, and the distance between the insertion site and broken end and the rupture shape (types I, II, and III) were independently determined by two observers. Then, the stump of the AT was exposed during the operation. The rupture site and rupture shape were recorded and compared and analyzed with the MRI results. Consistency analyses (using Cohen's kappa coefficient or intraclass correlation coefficient‐ICC) and calculation of diagnostic performance indexes were, respectively, conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of the MRI.

Results

This study included 47 consecutive patients with acute ATR, with an average age of 38.4 years. Among them, 40 were male, and seven were female. The intraoperative exploration demonstrated a total of 34 (72.3%), 10 (21.3%), and three (6.4%) patients with type I, II, and III ruptures, respectively. The average distance between the insertion site and the proximal broken end measured intraoperatively was 4.07 ± 1.57 cm. High or excellent consistencies were found for ATR classifications (kappa: 0.739–0.770, p < 0.001) and rupture sites (ICC: 0.962–0.979, p < 0.001) between two observers and between observers 1 and 2 and intraoperative findings. Tendinopathy was identified in 22 patients by MRI and confirmed during surgery.

Conclusions

MRI scanning of acute closed ATR can help determine whether there is degeneration of the AT, as well as the location and shape of the rupture, which can guide the selection of the optimal operation method for orthopedic surgeons. Therefore, it is necessary to take preoperative MRI scans for patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
A Case of TKA Failure in Patient with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Dong Ziyang , Li Yang , Wang Xinguang , Tian Hua
Published: September 2023

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an endocrine disorder with high serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Excessive secretion of PTH can cause bone loss and may have potential damage to implant fixation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is currently no research or literature reporting prosthesis loosening after TKA associated with PHPT.

Case presentation

This case report describes a TKA failure of tibial prothesis loosening associated with PHPT. The patient faced aggravated pain and difficulty in walking 6 months after the primary TKA. Further examinations showed high serum calcium and PTH levels indicating the presence of PHPT. After the surgery of parathyroidectomy, the patient received revision TKA with 3D‐printed metaphyseal cone. Knee symptoms and function were finally improved.

Conclusion

PHPT is a risk factor for prosthesis loosening after TKA. Preoperative screening test of serum calcium and PTH levels is important to diagnose PHPT. For patients with PHPT undergoing TKA, preoperative endocrinotherapy and parathyroidectomy are recommended to improve the survival of prosthesis.
Home care nurses lived experiences of caring relationships with older adults: A phenomenological study
Authors: Mathiesen Karoline Lang , Lindberg Elisabeth , Nässén Kristina , Cowdell Fiona , Palmér Lina
Published: September 2023

Background

This paper describes registered nurses' lived experiences of caring relationships in the context of homecare provision for older adults living in Denmark. With the growing ageing population throughout Europe, more older adults will require complex care solutions within already overburdened care systems. This development places demands on the competencies and organisation of homecare nurses, as they become key players in healthcare systems. Fostering caring relationships in homecare is a rewarding and valuable process that enhances the holistic and humanising aspects of caring for older adults. For a caring relationship to be truly caring, we must understand not only the subjective experience of such a relationship but also how it is experienced in relation to and shared with others.

Aim

This study aimed to describe the essential meaning of the phenomenon of caring relationships in homecare for older adults based on the lived experiences of homecare nurses.

Approach and Methods

Registered nurses working in homecare for older adults were interviewed, and a phenomenological analysis was conducted according to the methodological principles of the reflective lifeworld research approach.

Findings

The essential meaning of the phenomenon is described as creating an existential and embodied space in which each patient's world is the foundation of caring. The constituents are as follows: caring for the whole person, a sense of ‘at‐homeness’ through trusting ‘the other’, experiencing continuity as caring and prioritising the time to care.

Conclusion

Caring competence in homecare for older adults relies on a nurse's ability to intertwine physical and existential care needs and articulate them in their daily work. A focus on the phenomenon of caring relationships brings value to and adds an extra layer to the discussion on caring competence.
Werther or Papageno? Examining the effects of news reports of celebrity suicide versus non‐celebrity peer suicide on intentions to seek help among vulnerable young adults
Authors: Lueck Jennifer A. , Poe Madison
Published: September 2023

Introduction

A large body of literature has examined the Werther effect following news reports of suicide, yet much less attention has been paid to the protective Papageno effect. This research explored the causal relationships between news reports of real celebrity suicides (e.g., pop‐rock star Chester Bennington) and real non‐celebrity “peer” suicides (e.g., college student Madison Holleran) and intentions to seek help.

Methods

Two survey experiments confirmed successful experimental manipulation (N = 280) and tested behavioral theory, clinical indicators, and intentions to seek help (N = 641) in samples of college students (18–25).

Results

Participants were motivated to seek help if they believed it could lead to positive outcomes, yet this was less likely among participants with depression. Exposure to news reports of non‐celebrity suicides had a small positive effect on help‐seeking intentions. Among participants with depression, news reports of celebrity suicides had a small positive effect on intentions.

Conclusions

This research could not establish Werther effects for either of the news reports. Exposure to news reports of non‐celebrity suicides had a small positive effect on intentions overall, but young adults with higher levels of depression were slightly more motivated to seek help after viewing news reports of celebrity suicides.
Exploring the direct and indirect effects of cardiovascular disease risk factors on exercise blood pressure
Authors: Moore Myles N. , Blizzard Christopher L. , Dwyer Terence , Magnussen Costan G. , Sharman James E. , Venn Alison J. , Schultz Martin G.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) is independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. However, it is unknown how individual CVD risk factors may interact with one another to influence exercise BP. The aim of this study was to quantify direct and indirect associations between CVD risk factors and exercise BP, to determine what CVD risk factor/s most‐strongly relate to exercise BP.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional design, 660 participants (44 ± 2.6 years, 54% male) from the population‐based Childhood Determinants of Adult Health Study had BP measured during low‐intensity fixed‐workload cycling. CVD risk factors were measured, including body composition, clinic (rest) BP, blood biomarkers, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Associations between CVD risk factors and exercise BP were assessed using linear regression, with direct and indirect pathways of association assessed via structural equation model.

Results

Sex, waist‐to‐hip ratio, fitness, and clinic BP were independently associated with exercise systolic BP (SBP), and along with age, had direct associations with exercise SBP (p < 0.05 all). Most CVD risk factors were indirectly associated with exercise SBP via a relation with clinic BP (p < 0.05 all). Clinic BP, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and fitness were most‐strongly associated (direct and indirect association) with exercise SBP (β[95% CI]: 9.35 [8.04, 10.67], 4.91 [2.56, 7.26], and −2.88 [−4.25, −1.51] mm Hg/SD, respectively).

Conclusion

Many CVD risk factors are associated with exercise BP, mostly with indirect effects via clinic BP. Clinic BP, body composition, and fitness were most‐strongly associated with exercise BP. These results may elucidate how lifestyle modification could be a primary strategy to decrease exaggerated exercise BP‐related CVD risk.
The economic impact of broadband access for small firms
Authors: Koutroumpis Pantelis , Sarri Danai
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the economic effects of improved broadband access at the firm level. Using a detailed micro data set from 2002 to 2017, we cover almost 20,000 small, medium and large Greek firms and test the relationship between their economic performance with the availability and use of broadband services at the postcode level. We trace the effect of increased access and speeds across industrial sectors and firm sizes. Our results highlight that increases in broadband speeds can improve the financial performance of adopting small firms (sales, profits and labour productivity) by 2% for every speed doubling beyond basic broadband access. Unlike other output metrics, small firms do not generate increasing shares of intangible capital through this adoption process. These effects, which remain strong across a range of robustness checks, suggest that the digital transition for small firms should focus on the causes of adoption (including training and skill development) and move beyond policies aimed at increased broadband availability alone.
Nutrient supplementation of culture media improves the detection of Cutibacterium acnes in platelet components by an automated culture system
Authors: Kumaran Dilini , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

Platelet concentrates (PCs) contaminated with Cutibacterium acnes are often transfused prior to detection by the BACT/ALERT system. Though C. acnes is implicated in mild transfusion reactions, delayed clinical effects are unknown. This study assessed the ability to enhance C. acnes detection by supplementing culture media with Tween 80 (T80, an oleic acid source) and a commercial nutrient supplement.

Materials and Methods

Anaerobic culture bottles (BPN) were supplemented with T80 or oleic acid. T80‐supplemented BPN bottles were inoculated with four C. acnes isolates (10 or 100 colony‐forming units [CFU]/bottle) or other transfusion‐relevant bacteria (10 CFU/bottle). Samples of plasma containing SSP+ (platelet additive solution [PAS]) (PAS‐plasma) at different concentrations, plasma‐PCs and PAS‐PCs, spiked with two C. acnes isolates (10 CFU/bottle), were inoculated into T80‐supplemented BPN bottles. Furthermore, plasma‐PCs were spiked with C. acnes and tested in BPN bottles supplemented with the BD Difco Supplement VX (BDVx). Bottles were incubated in the BACT/ALERT system and times to detection (TtoD) were compared (N = 3).

Results

A reduction in TtoD of ≤3.5 days was observed for C. acnes in T80‐supplemented BPN, while other species did not show the same effect. However, false positives were observed when T80‐supplemented BPN was inoculated with PAS‐plasma (except for 70% PAS:30% plasma), plasma‐PCs or PAS‐PCs. Oleic acid supplementation also resulted in false positives. Interestingly, BDVx‐supplemented BPN reduced the TtoD of C. acnes in PCs by ≤1.2 days (p < 0.05), with no false‐positive results.

Conclusion

BDVx supplementation for detection of C. acnes from PCs could result in timely unit retrieval, preventing the transfusion of contaminated products. In clinical settings, T80 supplementation could significantly enhance C. acnes detection from non‐blood‐derived samples.
Situating physiology within evolutionary theory
Authors: Gontier Nathalie
Published: September 2023

Traditionally defined as the science of the living, or as the field that beyond anatomical structure and bodily form studies functional organization and behaviour, physiology has long been excluded from evolutionary research. The main reason for this exclusion is that physiology has a presential and futuristic outlook on life, while evolutionary theory is traditionally defined as the study of natural history. In this paper, I re‐evaluate these classic science divisions and situate physiology within the history of the evolutionary sciences, as well as within debates on the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis and the need for a Third Way of Evolution. I then briefly point out how evolutionary physiology in particular contributes to research on function, causation, teleonomy, agency and cognition.

image
B cell responses to membrane-presented antigens require the function of the mechanosensitive cation channel Piezo1
Authors: Kwak Kihyuck , Sohn Haewon , George Rachel , Torgbor Charles , Manzella-Lapeira Javier , Brzostowski Joseph , Pierce Susan K.
Published: September 2023

The demand for a vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlighted gaps in our understanding of the requirements for B cell responses to antigens, particularly to membrane-presented antigens, as occurs in vivo. We found that human B cell responses to membrane-presented antigens required the function of Piezo1, a plasma membrane mechanosensitive cation channel. Simply making contact with a glass probe induced calcium (Ca
2+
) fluxes in B cells that were blocked by the Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4. When placed on glass surfaces, the plasma membrane tension of B cells increased, which stimulated Ca
2+
influx and spreading of B cells over the glass surface, which was blocked by the Piezo1 inhibitor OB-1. B cell responses to membrane-presented antigens but not to soluble antigens were inhibited both by Piezo1 inhibitors and by siRNA-mediated knockdown of Piezo1. Thus, the activation of Piezo1 defines an essential event in B cell activation to membrane-presented antigens that may be exploited to improve the efficacy of vaccines.
Genomic markers of drug resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
populations with minority variants
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Lam Connie , Martinez Elena , Sim Eby , Crighton Taryn , Marais Ben J. , Sintchenko Vitali
Published: September 2023

Minority variants of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
harboring mutations conferring resistance can become dominant populations during tuberculosis (TB) treatment, leading to treatment failure. Our understanding of drug-resistant within-host subpopulations and the frequency of resistance-conferring mutations in minority variants remains limited.
M. tuberculosis
sequences recovered from liquid cultures of culture-confirmed TB cases notified between January 2017 and December 2021 in New South Wales, Australia were examined. Potential drug resistance-conferring minority variants were identified using LoFreq, and mixed populations of different
M. tuberculosis
strains (≥100 SNPs apart) were examined using QuantTB. A total of 1831 routinely sequenced
M. tuberculosis
strains were included in the analysis. Drug resistance-conferring minority variants were detected in 3.5% (65/1831) of sequenced cultures; 84.6% (55/65) had majority strains that were drug susceptible and 15.4% (10/65) had majority strains that were drug resistant. Minority variants with high-confidence drug resistance-conferring mutations were 1.5 times more common when the majority strains were drug resistant. Mixed
M. tuberculosis
strain populations were documented in 10.0% (183/1831) of specimens. Minority variants with high-confidence drug resistance-conferring mutations were more frequently detected in mixed
M. tuberculosis
strain populations (2.7%, 5/183) than in single strain populations (0.6%, 10/1648;
P
= 0.01). Drug-resistant minority variants require monitoring in settings that implement routine
M. tuberculosis
sequencing. The frequency with which drug-resistant minority variants are detected is likely influenced by pre-culture requirement. Culture-independent sequencing methods should provide a more accurate reflection of drug-resistant subpopulations.
Erratum to: Plasma Excitations in SiGe/Si Quantum Wells
Authors: Khisameeva A. R. , Shchepetilnikov A. V. , Nikolaev G. A. , Lopatina S. A. , Fedotova Ya. V. , Kukushkin I. V.
Published: September 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0021364023380010
Sizes of the Neutron–Proton Halo in Nucleon-Stable States of the 6Li Nucleus
Authors: Rodkin D. M. , Tchuvil’sky Yu. M.
Published: September 2023

The matter, neutron, and proton radii of nucleon-stable 1+ and 0+ states of the 6Li nucleus are studied theoretically within the no-core shell model. The results have been comparatively analyzed with the radii of the 0+ state of the 6He nucleus. To increase the accuracy of calculations, we have developed an extrapolation procedure. A new definition of the quantitative measure has been proposed and justified to describe the properties of a halo formed by loosely bound neutrons and protons in the A-nucleon problem. The sizes of the halo in the indicated states of 6Li have been calculated for the first time. It has been demonstrated that the sizes of their halos are close to those of the two-neutron halo in 6He. Thus, additional reliable evidence of the existence of the neutron–proton halo in the discussed states of 6Li has been obtained.
Atomic Electron Shell Excitations in Double-β Decay
Authors: Krivoruchenko M. I. , Tyrin K. S. , Karpeshin F. F.
Published: September 2023

The problem of the transition of electron shells of atoms to excited states in the process of neutrinoless double-$$\beta $$ decay is investigated. This subject is crucial for modeling the energy spectrum of $$\beta $$-electrons, which is sensitive to the mass and Majorana nature of neutrinos. The dependence of the obtained results on the atomic number indicates an important role of the Feinberg–Migdal effect in the electron shell excitations. We report the overlap amplitudes of the electron shells of the parent atom and the daughter ion for eleven atoms, the two-neutrino double-$$\beta $$ decay of which was observed experimentally. In around one-fourth of the cases where the structure of the electron shells is inherited from the parent atom, there is a transition to the ground state or the excited state with the lowest energy. The de-excitation of the daughter ion in the latter scenario is accompanied by the emission of photons in the ultraviolet range, which can serve as an auxiliary signature of double-$$\beta $$ decay. The average excitation energy of the electron shells ranges between 300 and 800 eV, with the variance ranging from (1.7 keV)2 in calcium to (14 keV)2 in uranium.
Sobolev’s Worldline and Memes
Authors: Kutateladze S. S.
Published: September 2023

This is a brief overview of the worldline and memes of
Sergei Sobolev (1908–1989), a cofounder of distribution theory.
Slow flow mimicking pulmonary embolism
Authors: Halloran Thomas , Gutierrez Manuel
Published: September 2023

A man in his 70s in a rehabilitation hospital, post cerebral infarct, became acutely short of breath with reduced oxygen saturations and an elevated d-dimer.

Non-occlusive filling defects were noted on the CT pulmonary angiogram in the proximal left pulmonary arteries. There was associated hypoplasia of the distal pulmonary arterial tree in the left hemithorax with left pulmonary vein stenosis. Review of previous imaging suggested this oligaemia was longstanding.

Although filling defects in the pulmonary arteries usually correspond to embolic material, in our patient they were too dense to represent thrombus and probably represented flow-related artefacts in the setting of chronic air trapping.

Given the associated volume loss, bronchiectasis and bronchial wall thickening in the left hemithorax Swyer-James-McLeod syndrome was thought to be the most likely underlying cause.
Effects of Lithium Over-Stoichiometry in Li1+xCoO2−δ
and Li1+xCo0.95Ni0.05O2−δ
on High-Voltage Float Durability and Cyclability
Authors: Hirooka Motoyuki , Okumura Takefumi , Ariyoshi Kingo
Published: September 2023

Finding a balance between high energy density and long life is a fundamental challenge in the development of lithium-ion batteries. The energy density of lithium-ion batteries can be enhanced by increasing the upper limit charging voltage of the LiCoO2 positive electrode, but fatal deterioration can occur, especially during high-voltage float charging. In this study, we investigate the 4.5 V float charging durability and cyclability on lithium over-stoichiometric Li1+xCoO2−δ
and Li1+xCo0.95Ni0.05O2−δ
(x = 0–0.14). The leakage current of accompanied by the structural collapse of positive electrode materials under float charging at 4.5 V could be suppressed by increasing the lithium over-doping. On the other hand, increases in the lithium over-doping resulted in a larger float current at the early stage, which was found by a side reaction accompanied cobalt/nickel dissolution directly linked to the deterioration of the positive electrode materials. The 4.5 V cyclability and float durability of Li1+xCoO2−δ
and Li1+xCo0.95Ni0.05O2−δ
showed a clear positive correlation, thus indicating that a higher 4.5 V float durability leads to higher cyclability. Our systematic evaluation of both positive electrode materials revealed that x ≈ 0.04 in Li1+xCoO2−δ
and x ≈ 0.03 in Li1+xCo0.95Ni0.05O2−δ
demonstrated high float durability and cyclability.
Evaluation of Awareness and Attitude of Telemedicine among Primary Healthcare Workers in Deprived Area Health Centers
Authors: Mazandarani Mahdi , Lashkarbolouk Narges , Hashemi Mitra
Published: September 2023

Background. Telemedicine has the potential to make healthcare more efficient, organized, and available and is a more beneficial technology that can ease preventive treatment and improve long-term health management. This is especially essential for those who face financial or regional reasons to get quality treatment. Telemedicine in Iran is a new medical field and a noble way to access medical facilities for populations living in deprived areas, and the primary healthcare workers in these deprived medical centers are the implementers of telemedicine in those areas; we aimed to investigate the awareness and attitude towards telemedicine among all the healthcare workers in these centers. Method. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study at the Health Centers of Raz County in North Khorasan Province, Iran, and 149 healthcare workers were included. For collecting information, we used a questionnaire that consisted of two parts. The first part contains the demographic data of health care workers, and the second part includes the 5-point Likert scale questionnaire (questions on telemedicine awareness, attitude, and self-report readiness). Result. Most participants (51%) were male, and 69.8% were married. The most frequent sources of information about telemedicine are colleagues (40.3%), continuing education (24.7%), and social media and the internet (10.1%). Awareness did not significantly relate to gender, age, marital status, or work experience, but awareness of physicians and midwives is higher than other groups (

p
<
0.05

). The awareness of healthcare workers using continuing education, articles, workshops, or conferences was significantly higher (

p
<
0.05

). The attitude scores for most questions are above 3.4 and reflect a positive attitude about telemedicine. Attitudes did not show a significant relation to gender, age, marital status, or work experience. Conclusion. Using telemedicine in developing countries, rural or urban areas have a high potential to improve epidemiological investigations, disease control, and clinical case management. Providing healthcare professionals with more information about new technologies in healthcare, such as telemedicine, can help get a more realistic picture of their perceptions.
Association of Malnutrition with Risk of Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiang Xiang , Zhu Xinchen , Zhang Lijuan
Published: September 2023

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex clinical syndrome of hospitalization that may be affected by undernutrition and metabolic changes. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the association between malnutrition and the risk of prevalent AKI. Materials and Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Chinese databases (WANFANG, VIP, and CKI) from database inception until May 1, 2023, for studies evaluating the association of malnutrition with the risk of AKI. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using a random-effects model. Results. We identified 17 observational studies, which included 273,315 individuals. Compared with patients with normal nutritional status, those with malnutrition had a 125% increased risk of prevalent AKI (pooled ORs, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.80–2.82). Malnutrition was also significantly associated with prevalent AKI across all subgroups when subgroup analyses were performed on covariates such as region, study design, age, sample size, malnutrition assessment method, patient characteristics, covariate adjustment degree, and risk of bias. Meta-regression models demonstrated no significant differences in AKI risk between patients with malnutrition and without malnutrition. Conclusions. Our results suggest that malnutrition may be a potential target for AKI prevention. However, well-designed studies with ethnically or geographically diverse populations are needed to evaluate strategies and interventions to prevent or slow the development and progression of AKI in malnourished individuals.
Factors Affecting Recurrence of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fattahi Asieh Sadat , Amini Ghasem , Sajedi Fatemeh , Mehrad-Majd Hassan
Published: September 2023

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare and benign disease that primarily affects young women of reproductive age. Various factors have been suggested as possible causes, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, history of taking birth control pills, hyperprolactinemia, smoking, and history of trauma. Due to unknown etiology, opinions on its treatment have varied, resulting in differing recurrence rates and side effects. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis can aid in understanding the causes and recurrence of the disease, thereby assisting in the selection of effective treatment and improving the quality of life. A systematic literature review was conducted using predefined search terms to identify eligible studies related to risk factors and recurrence up to June 2022 from electronic databases. Data were extracted and subjected to meta-analysis when applicable. A total of 71 studies with 4735 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 34.98 years, and the average mass size was 4.64 cm. About 3749 of these patients (79.17%) were Caucasian. Patients who mentioned a history of pregnancy were 92.65% with 76.57%, 22.7%, and 19.7% having a history of breastfeeding, taking contraceptive pills, and high prolactin levels, respectively. Around 5.6% of patients had previous trauma. The overall recurrence rate was 17.18%, with recurrence rates for treatments as follows: surgery (22.5%), immunosuppressive treatment (14.7%), combined treatment (14.9%), antibiotic treatment (6.74%), and observation (9.4%). Only antibiotic and expectant treatments had significant differences in recurrence rates compared to other treatments (

p

value = 0.023). In conclusion, factors such as Caucasian race, pregnancy and breastfeeding history, and use of contraceptive hormone are commonly associated with the disease recurrence. Treatment should be tailored based on symptom severity and patient preference, with surgery or immunosuppressive options for recurrence.
A checklist of the avifauna of Samanatham tank, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: H. Byju  , N. Raveendran  , S. Ravichandran  , Reshmi Vijayan
Published: September 2023

This avifaunal checklist from the Samanatham tank of Madurai District of Tamil Nadu is the first baseline data for this wetland. The study was done from August 2015 to March 2019 and from August 2020 to January 2022. A total of 150 species of birds comprising 17 orders and 52 families were documented. Order wise, Passeriformes 35% (n = 53), Pelecaniformes 15% (n = 22), and Charadriiformes 14% (n = 21) dominated the wetland bird community. The relative diversity (RDi) of families with the most species were Anatidae, Scolopacidae, and Accipitridae with 7.33%. Among the 150 species, 37 (25%) were winter visitors; and one passage migrant Rosy Starling Pastor roseus. The relative abundance indicated that 56% (84 species) were common, 28.6 % (43 species) were uncommon, and 15.4 % (23 species) were rare. The study recorded eight globally Red Listed ‘Near Threatened’ species—Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, River Tern Sterna aurantia, & Osprey Pandion haliaetu—and two ‘Vulnerable’ species—Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata & Great Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga.
New distribution record of fish Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) (Siluriformes: Ailiidae) from the Sarpang District in southern central part of Bhutan
Authors: Sangay Dorji  , Tenzin Jigme
Published: September 2023

This study provides the first report of Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) from Bhutan. The species was recorded from Ayechu in Gelephu under Sarpang District at an elevation of 200m. Ayechu is perennial running and slow-flowing river with sandy and muddy bottom where C. garua is inhabited. The current report revealed the extended distribution of C. garua towards Bhutan and will helps in understanding the distribution range and conservation status of the species.