bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating SNVs and CNAs on a phylogenetic tree from single-cell DNA sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Liting , Bass Hank W. , Irianto Jerome , Mallory Xian
Published: November 2023

Single-cell DNA sequencing enables the construction of evolutionary trees that can reveal how tumors gain mutations and grow. Different whole-genome amplification procedures render genomic materials of different characteristics, often suitable for the detection of either single-nucleotide variation or copy number aberration, but not ideally for both. Consequently, this hinders the inference of a comprehensive phylogenetic tree and limits opportunities to investigate the interplay of SNVs and CNAs. Existing methods such as SCARLET and COMPASS require that the SNVs and CNAs are detected from the same sets of cells, which is technically challenging. Here we present a novel computational tool, SCsnvcna, that places SNVs on a tree inferred from CNA signals, whereas the sets of cells rendering the SNVs and CNAs are independent, offering a more practical solution in terms of the technical challenges. SCsnvcna is a Bayesian probabilistic model using both the genotype constraints on the tree and the cellular prevalence to search the optimal solution. Comprehensive simulations and comparison with seven state-of-the-art methods show that SCsnvcna is robust and accurate in a variety of circumstances. Particularly, SCsnvcna most frequently produces the lowest error rates, with ability to scale to a wide range of numerical values for leaf nodes in the tree, SNVs, and SNV cells. The application of SCsnvcna to two published colorectal cancer data sets shows highly consistent placement of SNV cells and SNVs with the original study while also supporting a refined placement of ATP7B, illustrating SCsnvcna's value in analyzing complex multitumor samples.
Proteome-wide structural analysis quantifies structural conservation across distant species
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Zhang Teng , Fu Yuan
Published: November 2023

Traditional evolutionary biology research mainly relies on sequence information to infer evolutionary relationships between genes or proteins. In contrast, protein structural information has long been overlooked, although structures are more conserved and closely linked to the functions than the sequences. To address this gap, we conducted a proteome-wide structural analysis using experimental and computed protein structures for organisms from the three distinct domains, includingHomo sapiens(eukarya),Escherichia coli(bacteria), andMethanocaldococcus jannaschii(archaea). We reveal the distribution of structural similarity and sequence identity at the genomic level and characterize the twilight zone, where signals obtained from sequence alignment are blurred and evolutionary relationships cannot be inferred unambiguously. We find that structurally similar homologous protein pairs in the twilight zone account for ∼0.004%–0.021% of all possible protein pair combinations, which translates to ∼8%–32% of the protein-coding genes, depending on the species under comparison. In addition, by comparing the structural homologs, we show that human proteins involved in the energy supply are more similar to theirE. colihomologs, whereas proteins relating to the central dogma are more similar to theirM. jannaschiihomologs. We also identify a bacterial GPCR homolog in theE. coliproteome that displays distinctive domain architecture. Our results shed light on the characteristics of the twilight zone and the origin of different pathways from a protein structure perspective, highlighting an exciting new frontier in evolutionary biology.
In situ/operando plug-flow fixed-bed cell for synchrotron PXRD and XAFS investigations at high temperature, pressure, controlled gas atmosphere and ultra-fast heating
Authors: Bischoff Benjamin , Bekheet Maged F. , Dal Molin Emiliano , Praetz Sebastian , Kanngießer Birgit , Schomäcker Reinhard , Etter Martin , Jeppesen Henrik S. , Tayal Akhil , Gurlo Aleksander , Gili Albert
Published: November 2023

A plug-flow fixed-bed cell for synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) idoneous for the study of heterogeneous catalysts at high temperature, pressure and under gas flow is designed, constructed and demonstrated. The operating conditions up to 1000°C and 50 bar are ensured by a set of mass flow controllers, pressure regulators and two infra-red lamps that constitute a robust and ultra-fast heating and cooling method. The performance of the system and cell for carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactions under specified temperatures, gas flows and pressures is demonstrated both for PXRD and XAFS at the P02.1 (PXRD) and the P64 (XAFS) beamlines of the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY).
Analytical hierarchy process for ranking green neighbourhood efforts in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Asaad Moureen , Hassan Ghada Farouk , Elshater Abeer , Afifi Samy
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Research on green certificate rankings in the MENA region primarily focuses on building scale, relying on the certified project count. This assessment approach overlooks the spatial factor, failing to capture their influence on the urban built environment, thus potentially undermining other efforts not reflected by the project count. This research aims to rank countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region based on their ongoing efforts regarding green neighbourhood certification.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a three-phase methodology to rank MENA countries' adoption of green neighbourhood certification systems: content analysis, multicriteria analysis (MCA) using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and spatial analysis.

Findings

Based on the content analysis, four major performance indicators were identified and the conventional ranking using projects count was presented. Using AHP, the MCA could rank the countries in the region according to their unique performance indicators score, clarifying the differences between conventional and AHP-based rankings. Finally, the spatial analysis phase uncovers shortcomings in the traditional ranking method, revealing inaccuracies and misrepresentations for several countries.

Originality/value

The study presents an innovative ranking methodology to monitor the green neighbourhood actions of countries in future development and establish a pioneering framework to evaluate the impact of green certifications within the region.
A novel quality risk evaluation framework for complex equipment development integrating PHFS-QFD and grey clustering
Authors: Wang Huan , Wang Daao , Wang Peng , Fang Zhigeng
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide a theoretical framework for complex equipment quality risk evaluation. The primary aim of the framework is to enhance the ability to identify risks and improve risk control efficiency during the development phase.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel framework for quality risk evaluation in complex equipment is proposed, which integrates probabilistic hesitant fuzzy set-quality function deployment (PHFS-QFD) and grey clustering. PHFS-QFD is applied to identify the quality risk factors, and grey clustering is used to evaluate quality risks in cases of poor quality information during the development stage. The unfolding function of QFD is applied to simplify complex evaluation problems.

Findings

The methodology presents an innovative approach to quality risk evaluation for complex equipment development. The case analysis demonstrates that this method can efficiently evaluate the quality risks for aircraft development and systematically trace back the risk factors through hierarchical relationships. In comparison to traditional failure mode and effects analysis methods for quality risk assessment, this approach exhibits superior effectiveness and reliability in managing quality risks for complex equipment development.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by introducing a novel theoretical framework that combines PHFS-QFD and grey clustering. The integration of these approaches significantly improves the quality risk evaluation process for complex equipment development, overcoming challenges related to data scarcity and simplifying the assessment of intricate systems.
A rural dermatology outreach service – a new model
Authors: Abraham Kirstin , Thomas Huw , Bryden Alyson
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The dermatology service on the islands of Orkney, with a population of approximately 22,500, was taken over by National Health Service (NHS) Tayside in August 2018. This paper aims to provide an overview of the planning and review of a highly efficient and effective dermatology service for a rural island population.

Design/methodology/approach

The service includes visiting dermatology consultants, enhanced electronic referral vetting, skin surgery services, a General Practice (GP) with extended role (GPwER) in dermatology, specialist virtual clinics, urgent advice for inpatients at the local district general hospital and remote systemic therapy monitoring. A new phototherapy service has been set up in an island GP practice.

Findings

Local GPs and consultant dermatologists find the enhanced vetting service useable, efficient and educational. Between August 2018 and November 2022, there have been 1,749 referrals. Of these referrals, 60% were seen in clinic or a GPwER surgery, with 40% managed remotely by providing advice back to the referring GP. The number of consultations performed by the GPwER has grown over the past 3 years, and in the last year, it accounted for more than 50% of patient appointments. The waiting time has been significantly reduced using this model.

Originality/value

This remote service uses an integrated approach of teledermatology (TD) whilst offering continual in-person services using local capabilities including a GPwER and island general surgeons. New treatment facilities are provided to the island population. Continual educational feedback to the primary care referrer is provided, and it enhances relationships that greatly aid the high-quality dermatology service provided.
Diversity in online self-organizing teams: longitudinal evidence from an open innovation community
Authors: Ma Jifeng , Lu Yaobin , Gong Yeming , Li Ran
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The development of information technologies has fueled the emergence of online self-organizing teams that involve members with diverse backgrounds to work on a shared goal voluntarily. However, the differences in members' attributes give rise to diversity. Therefore, the authors’ research is to figure out how diversity affects team performance in the context of online self-organizing teams and how this effect changes over team tenure.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a dynamic approach to the diversity-team performance relationship and collect a publicly longitudinal dataset on 3,970 collaborative items from 2,550 online self-organizing teams spanning nine years in an open innovation community of an online game.

Findings

The empirical results show that culture separation is negatively related to team performance, and this negative relationship weakens as team tenure increases. While skill variety and contribution disparity are positively related to team performance, and these positive relationships strengthen as team tenure increases.

Originality/value

The study provides a research framework to examine the relationship between diversity and team performance and explore how this relationship varies over team tenure in the context of online self-organizing teams. The results not only demonstrate the double-edged role of diversity in affecting the success of online self-organizing teams but also advance the understanding on the temporal effect of diversity on team performance.
Six decades of corporate disclosure research: a bibliometric review
Authors: Srivastava Anjali , Anand
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Corporate disclosures are essential because they provide transparent and accurate information about a company's financial health, performance, risks and governance practices. They enable investors to make informed decisions, promote market efficiency and maintain trust in the financial system. This paper uses bibliometrics to identify the intellectual composition of the literature on corporate disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the bibliometric information of 4,551 articles on corporate disclosure research, the authors conducted citation, keyword co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling and publication analyses to elucidate the leading articles, authors, sources, institutions, countries, themes and topics in the field of corporate disclosure from the 1960s to 2021.

Findings

The findings of this review demonstrate that corporate disclosure research is based on four broad themes – the role of disclosure in capital markets, non-financial disclosure, determinants of corporate disclosure and firm risk and intellectual capital disclosure. This review suggests that management should pay attention to the financial and non-financial corporate information that investors, regulators and the government emphasise.

Originality/value

This paper is the first comprehensive bibliometric review on corporate disclosure. It summarises the regulatory shifts, technological changes and industry trends that have influenced corporate disclosure research. Besides identifying broad research themes, the authors performed bibliographic coupling for research on disclosure sources, including annual reports, management forecasts, earnings calls, press releases, the Internet and social media, to reveal the thematic clusters related to these sources.
Comparison of life cycle assessment for wooden pallet and different plastic pallets based on SimaPro
Authors: Shao Fenjuan , Cui Qingbin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The study aims to compare and analyze the impact of the commonly used pallets (wooden pallet and plastic pallets), using life cycle assessment (LCA), then provide certain suggestions for the development of green packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, software Simapro was used to calculate and analyze the whole life cycle of pallets from the stage of raw materials and production to processing and waste disposal.

Findings

A total of 12 environmental categories were used to quantitatively analyze the environmental impact of the four different pallets. The results showed that, regardless of raw material, processing, or waste stage, the environmental impact of wooden pallet was lower than that of plastic pallet. Wooden pallet was better than plastic pallets.

Research limitations/implications

This study compared and analyzed the pallet of 1 × 1.2m with different materials.

Practical implications

Green packaging is the development trend of the future packaging, which follows the principle of 3R1D. According to the calculation results, corresponding suggestions can be put forward from production, processing, using, wasting and other aspects, and make corresponding contributions to the development of green packaging.

Originality/value

The contribution and impact of each stage of the product on the environment can be studied. The environmental impact, such as global warming potential, water scarcity, can be reduced through different solutions such as the use of green materials, good processing techniques and higher recycling rates.
Internship and career adaptability: addressing occupational stigma and identity for hospitality management students
Authors: Peng Fei , Li Yaoqi , Xu Wenting
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The high turnover rate among interns exacerbates the shortage of human resources in the hospitality industry. This study is based on previous concerns about the impact of occupational stigma and internship on turnover intention. This study aims to explore how the career adaptability of interns influences their perception of occupational stigma and occupational identity.

Design/methodology/approach

By using stratified sampling, semistructured interviews were conducted with 34 respondents who had academic and vocational education backgrounds. The data analysis was performed using the thematic analysis method.

Findings

This study demonstrates that a high level of career adaptability helps to reduce interns’ perception of occupational stigma and strengthen their occupational identity. Students from academic and vocational schools display different levels of career adaptability in terms of job matching and career promotion. In addition, the long-term influence on occupational identity is more significant from professional development potential compared to job adaptation.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between occupational stigma and occupational identity from the perspective of career adaptability. Moreover, it highlights the importance of job adaption, matching, promotion and professional development in retaining talent within the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

This study innovatively focuses on job matching and career promotion for coping with occupational stigma. It also considers interns’ educational backgrounds, facilitating further understanding of occupational identity under the influence of stigma. A fresh perspective on talent adaptation and retention in the hospitality industry is provided.
Sherlock—A flexible, low‐resource tool for processing camera‐trapping images
Authors: Penn Matthew J. , Miles Verity , Astley Kelly L. , Ham Cally , Woodroffe Rosie , Rowcliffe Marcus , Donnelly Christl A.
Published: November 2023

The use of camera traps to study wildlife has increased markedly in the last two decades. Camera surveys typically produce large data sets which require processing to isolate images containing the species of interest. This is time consuming and costly, particularly if there are many empty images that can result from false triggers. Computer vision technology can assist with data processing, but existing artificial intelligence algorithms are limited by the requirement of a training data set, which itself can be challenging to acquire. Furthermore, deep‐learning methods often require powerful hardware and proficient coding skills.

We present Sherlock, a novel algorithm that can reduce the time required to process camera trap data by removing a large number of unwanted images. The code is adaptable, simple to use and requires minimal processing power.

We tested Sherlock on 240,596 camera trap images collected from 46 cameras placed in a range of habitats on farms in Cornwall, United Kingdom, and set the parameters to find European badgers (Meles meles). The algorithm correctly classified 91.9% of badger images and removed 49.3% of the unwanted ‘empty’ images. When testing model parameters, we found that faster processing times were achieved by reducing both the number of sampled pixels and ‘bouncing’ attempts (the number of paths explored to identify a disturbance), with minimal implications for model sensitivity and specificity. When Sherlock was tested on two sites which contained no livestock in their images, its performance greatly improved and it removed 92.3% of the empty images.

Although further refinements may improve its performance, Sherlock is currently an accessible, simple and useful tool for processing camera trap data.
Immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor and vWF‐regulating angiogenesis in cyclic corpus luteum of Indian buffalo
Authors: Kapoor Kritima , Singh Opinder , Pathak Devendra , Sethi Ram Saran
Published: November 2023

The present study was conducted to localize the immunoexpression of VEGF‐A (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in corpora lutea of healthy buffaloes (24) collected from local slaughterhouses. CL collected were categorized into early (stage I, 1–5 days, n = 6), mid (stage II, 6–11 days, n = 6), late luteal phase (stage III, 12 to 16 days, n = 6) and regressing phase (stage IV, 17 to 20 days, n = 6). The percent positive immunostaining for VEGF‐A was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in mid‐luteal phase than the other three stages of CL. However, it was higher in early luteal phase as well indicated intense angiogenesis in both early and mid‐luteal phases. The number of capillary endothelium expressing vWF was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in mid‐luteal phase among all the phases. However, in late luteal phase, the percent area positive for VEGF‐A immunostaining was reduced but it was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than corpus albicans phase. Thus, in regressing phase or corpus albicans, it was lowest and reduced considerably. However, in late luteal phase, the number of capillaries with vWF immunoexpression reduced significantly (p < 0.05) but it was lowest in corpus albicans phase. Therefore, the immunotaining pattern for VEGF‐A and vWF concluded that there was a spositive linear correlation between the two, that is, as the VEGF‐A expression was increased, the number of vWF positive capillaries also increased and vice versa. The VEGF‐A expressed by the luteal parenchyma in different stages of development and regression of corpus luteum was thus observed to be involved in promoting the angiogenesis and luteal cell proliferation as supported by vWF expressed by endothelium of proliferating capillaries in buffalo corpus luteum throughout the estrous cycle.
Danish children with ZZ‐homozygous alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency are more affected on liver parameters than children with heterozygosity
Authors: Winther Christina Louise , Nyrann Sofie , Gaardskaer Nielsen Rasmus , Duno Morten , Johansen Klaus Birkelund , Helt Thora Wesenberg , Brix Christensen Vibeke
Published: November 2023

Aim

The longitudinal health status of Danish children with alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency had never previously been characterised. This study aimed to assess the changes in growth, lung and liver function through childhood in these children.

Methods

Danish children diagnosed between 2005 and 2020 with pathogenic variants in the Serpin family A member 1 gene were included. Retrospective data on growth, lung and liver parameters were obtained from local databases. Anthropometric Z‐scores and composite liver scores were computed. Growth and blood results were analysed using robust linear mixed models.

Results

The study included 184 children (68 with ZZ‐homozygosity, 116 with heterozygosity). The median follow‐up time was 7 years [IQR 3.75–9.00] for children with ZZ‐homozygosity and 0.5 years [IQR 0.0–2.0] for children with heterozygosity. Both groups had low weight‐for‐height Z‐scores at diagnosis but experienced catch‐up growth during the first year of life. In addition, children with ZZ‐homozygosity had higher serum concentrations of γ‐glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase throughout childhood, when compared with children with heterozygosity. Data proved insufficient to assess lung function properly.

Conclusion

Children with ZZ‐homozygosity were more affected on serum liver parameters throughout childhood when compared with children with heterozygosity. Both groups experienced catch‐up growth during the first year of life.
Editorial: Assessing advanced fibrosis in metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease—the MAFLD fibrosis score. Authors' reply
Authors: Cheung Johnny T. K. , Chan Wah Kheong , Zheng Ming‐Hua , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: November 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Cheung et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17722 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17744
Editorial: Unravelling the relationship between periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sohn Jiho
Published: November 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Williams et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17732
A critical review of risk‐sensitive foraging
Authors: Houston Alasdair I. , Rosenström Tom H.
Published: November 2023

Foraging is risk sensitive if choices depend on the variability of returns from the options as well as their mean return. Risk‐sensitive foraging is important in behavioural ecology, psychology and neurophysiology. It has been explained both in terms of mechanisms and in terms of evolutionary advantage. We provide a critical review, evaluating both mechanistic and evolutionary accounts. Some derivations of risk sensitivity from mechanistic models based on psychophysics are not convincing because they depend on an inappropriate use of Jensen's inequality. Attempts have been made to link risk sensitivity to the ecology of a species, but again these are not convincing. The field of risk‐sensitive foraging has provided a focus for theoretical and empirical work and has yielded important insights, but we lack a simple and empirically defendable general account of it in either mechanistic or evolutionary terms. However, empirical analysis of choice sequences under theoretically motivated experimental designs and environmental settings appears a promising avenue for mapping the scope and relative merits of existing theories. Simply put, the devil is in the sequence.
Basic income and the labour market: Labour supply, precarious work and technological change
Authors: Green David A.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, I examine the relationship between a basic income as a policy tool and the functioning of the labour market. I focus on three key areas where a basic income has been hypothesized to relate to labour markets: (i) through altering work decisions, (ii) as a response to predicted changes in work arising from technological change and (iii) as backstop that would allow workers to demand better working conditions and higher wages. I provide answers on the role or impact of a basic income in each area in the context of the current Canadian labour market. But a key focus in the paper is on the ways we could alter our labour market models to provide a better basis for debating the impacts of policies like a basic income in the context of a goal of moving toward a more just society.
Regulating the wild west? Management consulting reform in Canadian government
Authors: Zaman Sahar , Howlett Michael , Migone Andrea
Published: November 2023

Globally, the increased reliance on consultants and contract employees has raised many concerns vis‐à‐vis more traditional “in‐house” provision. One such concern is the manner in which consultants have been displacing traditional advisors in important aspects of government business while others raise issues with the quality of services rendered and the (undue) influence of the advice tendered. This trend has fuelled research in political science, management, public administration, and public policy chronicling the possible rise of a “consultocracy” and leading to calls in many countries for better regulation of consultants, who currently exist almost everywhere in an unregulated “wild west.” We examine the Canadian situation, the current lack of regulation of policy and management consultants, and prospects for reform, drawing on contract data, interviews with consultants and government employers as well as comparisons with the situation in other countries like the UK. We argue that establishing a more professional licensing and credentialing system for the consulting industry through a regulatory intermediary would improve the efficiency of its services and allay many of the concerns raised.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) downregulates mRNA levels of suppressor of cancer cell invasion (SCAI) variants in cortical neurons
Authors: Ihara Daisuke , Mizukoshi Miho , Tabuchi Akiko
Published: November 2023

Suppressor of cancer cell invasion (SCAI) acts as a transcriptional repressor of serum response factor (SRF)‐mediated gene expression by binding to megakaryoblastic leukemia (MKL)/myocardin‐related transcription factor (MRTF), which is an SRF transcriptional coactivator. Growing evidence suggests that SCAI is a negative regulator of neuronal morphology, whereas MKL2/MRTFB is a positive regulator. The mRNA expression of SCAI is downregulated during brain development, suggesting that a reduction in SCAI contributes to the reduced suppression of SRF‐mediated gene induction, thus increasing dendritic complexity and developing neuronal circuits. In the present study, we hypothesized that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is important for neuronal plasticity and development, might alter SCAI mRNA levels. We therefore investigated the effects of BDNF on SCAI mRNA levels in primary cultured cortical neurons. Furthermore, because alternative splicing generates several SCAI variants in the brain, we measured SCAI variant mRNA after BDNF stimulation. Both SCAI variant 1 and total SCAI mRNA expression levels were downregulated by BDNF. Moreover, the extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway was involved in the BDNF‐mediated decrease in SCAI mRNA expression. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanism underlying a neurotrophic factor switch for the repressive transcriptional complex that includes SCAI.
Sesamin inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis and attenuates LPS‐induced osteolysis via suppression of ERK and NF‐κB signalling pathways
Authors: Yu Xiaolong , Hu Jiawei , Yang Xinming , Xu Qiang , Chen Hangjun , Zhan Ping , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2023

Infection by bacterial products in the implant and endotoxin introduced by wear particles activate immune cells, enhance pro‐inflammatory cytokines production, and ultimately promote osteoclast recruitment and activity. These factors are known to play an important role in osteolysis as well as potential targets for the treatment of osteolysis. Sesamin has been shown to have a variety of biological functions, such as inhibiting inflammation, anti‐tumour and involvement in the regulation of fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism. However, the therapeutic effect of sesamin on osteolysis and its mechanism remain unclear. Present studies shown that in the condition of in vitro, sesamin could inhibit osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, as well as suppressing the expression of osteoclast‐specific genes. Further studies on the mechanism suggest that the effect of sesamin on human osteoclasts was mediated by blocking the ERK and NF‐κB signalling pathways. Besides, sesamin was found to be effective in treating LPS‐induced osteolysis by decreasing the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis in vivo. Sesamin was non‐toxic to heart, liver, kidney, lung and spleen. Therefore, sesamin is a promising phytochemical agent for the therapy of osteolysis‐related diseases caused by inflammation and excessive osteoclast activation.
Literature review of adverse events associated with cryolipolysis
Authors: Deligonul Fatma Zeynep , Yousefian Faraz , Gold Michael H.
Published: November 2023

Background

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive procedure for localized fat reduction and body contouring. This technique utilizes controlled cooling to induce adipocyte apoptosis without damage to overlying skin and other tissue. Although the procedure was once thought to be relatively harmless, recent studies have shed light on the risks of adverse effects (AEs).

Aims

The aim of this article was to review AEs in cryolipolysis as published in clinical data.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, using relevant keywords such as “cryolipolysis,” “CoolSculpting,” “adverse effects,” “complications,” and “side effects” with no set data range. The search was limited to studies published in English. The selected studies encompassed a variety of study designs, including randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, case series, case reports, and reviews.

Conclusions

Since its FDA approval in 2010, our understanding of the potential risks and complications associated with cryolipolysis has grown significantly, and shown that the procedure may not be as harmless as once thought. Continued post‐market surveillance of cryolipolysis devices combined with documenting of AE cases help providers better understand the true risks associated with this procedure. As “cryolipolysis” and “CoolSculpting” are often used interchangeably, further research is needed to understand if AEs such as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) that occur both inside and outside the United States are CoolSculpting cases or linked to other devices. Additionally, further studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology of such sequelae as PAH, and to better recognize the risks and potential complications associated with cryolipolysis so that we can more accurately inform patients.
The impact of past childhood adversity and recent life events on neural responses during fear conditioning
Authors: Kampa Miriam , Stark Rudolf , Klucken Tim
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Many studies have shown that exposure to life events can have a negative impact on mental health. Life events like the death of a spouse or the birth of a child pose a challenge and require temporal or permanent adjustments. Meta‐analyses on brain stress responses found bilateral anterior insula activation in response to acute stress. Fear conditioning is assumed a crucial mechanism for the development of anxiety disorders associated with increased activation in the bilateral amygdala. Empirical evidence is lacking regarding the relationship of exposure to recent life events and past childhood adversity with neural processing during fear conditioning.

Methods

In the present study, we analyzed data from 103 young, healthy participants. Multiple linear regressions were performed on functional magnetic resonance imaging activation during fear conditioning with the Life Events Scale for Students and the Childhood Trauma questionnaire included as covariates in two separate models.

Results

We found a positive relationship between the number of life events in the last year and left amygdala activation to the conditioned stimulus. A second finding was a positive relationship between childhood adversity and right anterior insula response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conclusions

Many studies have shown increased amygdala activity after stressful life events. In addition, the anterior insula is activated during acute stress. The present study points to stressor‐induced increased salience processing during fear conditioning. We suggest that this could be a potential mechanism for resilience versus mental illness.
Olivine microstructure and thermometry in olivine‐phyric shergottites Sayh al Uhaymir 005 and Dar al Gani 476
Authors: Jennings Eleanor S. , Coull Peter
Published: November 2023

Olivine‐phyric shergottites are relatively young Martian meteorites that resemble primitive mantle‐derived melts, so offer insight into the causes of recent magmatism on Mars. The Al‐in‐olivine geothermometer offers the potential to examine (near‐)liquidus melt temperatures. However, the ubiquitous shock features in most Martian meteorites, caused by high‐energy impacts, can change the structure and composition of olivine crystals, making the applicability of mineral geothermometry methods uncertain. This study examines microstructure and mineral chemistry in two shocked primitive, depleted olivine‐phyric shergottites, Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 005 and Dar al Gani (DaG) 476. DaG 476 is unsuitable for Al‐in‐olivine thermometry because of the presence of difficult‐to‐observe but pervasive networks of undulating veins in olivine down to sub‐micron sizes, caused by melting and providing pathways for cation diffusion. In contrast, SaU 005 can be used for Al‐in‐olivine thermometry despite the presence of conjugate shear and fracture sets and micron‐scale cpx‐spinel exsolution. The average crystallization temperature of Fo>70 olivine in SaU 005, 1380°C, is near‐identical to the average temperature of new and published Fo>70 data from all olivine‐phyric shergottites. When corrected for equilibrium with mantle olivine (Fo80) this corresponds to a mantle temperature of approximately 1500°C, 130°C hotter than ambient Martian mantle when shergottites formed. Shergottites were generated by melting within a moderately hot mantle plume or thermal anomaly, in support of other evidence that the Martian mantle is actively convecting. However, it does not support the extremely high potential temperatures estimated for the shergottite source by a whole‐rock petrological method.
A new Malaxis (Orchidaceae: Malaxidinae) from the Campos de Altitude of the Atlantic rainforest in southern Brazil
Authors: Faria dos Santos Thiago , de Camargo Smidt Eric
Published: November 2023

Malaxis ybytus is proposed as a new species from the wetlands of the Campos de Altitude of the Atlantic rainforest of south Brazil, Serra do Araçatuba\Papanduva mountain chain. It is described, illustrated, and compared with other similar species. The new species is similar to Malaxis cipoensis and Malaxis sertulifera, but it is recognised by its flat to slightly conduplicate leaves, densely congested inflorescence with small flowers bearing free lateral sepals and four foveas in the lip. Due to the high degree of endemism in this environment, the few collection records and the anthropic pressure in the region, we infer that the species is critically endangered (CR) based in criterium D of the IUCN.
Management of unilateral craniofacial microsomia with orthopaedic functional appliances: A systematic literature review
Authors: Aiyar Akila , Pedersen Thomas Klit , Resnick Cory M. , Nørholt Sven Erik , Verna Carlalberta , Stoustrup Peter Bangsgaard
Published: November 2023

The study aimed to summarize current knowledge regarding the use of orthopaedic functional appliances (OFA) in managing unilateral craniofacial microsomia (UCM). The eligibility criteria for the review were (1) assessing use of OFA as a stand‐alone treatment and (2) using OFA in combination during or after MDO. The PICO (population, intervention, comparison and outcome) format formulated clinical questions with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. No limitations concerning language and publication year were applied. Information sources: A literature search of Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science databases without restrictions up to 30 September 2022. The risk of bias was assessed. According to Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, two independent authors conducted data extraction. The level of evidence for included articles was evaluated based on the Oxford evidence‐based medicine database. Due to the heterogeneity of studies and insufficient data for statistical pooling, meta‐analysis was not feasible. Therefore, the results were synthesized narratively. A total of 437 articles were retrieved. Of these, nine met inclusion criteria: five assessing OFA and four assessing OFA during or after MDO. There is limited evidence to suggest that stand‐alone and combination treatment with OFA is beneficial for treating mild‐to‐moderate UCM‐related dentofacial deformities in short term. No studies assessed the burden of care. In the management of UCM, there is insufficient evidence supporting the efficacy of OFA as a stand‐alone treatment or when combined with MDO. Additionally, there is a lack of evidence regarding treatment protocols and the effect on the condyles and the TMJ. The study was registered at Prospero database number CRD42020204969.
Improving nutrition care and diet intake for hospitalised older people at risk of malnutrition through a nurse‐driven mealtime assistance bundle
Authors: Zhang Di , Tay Laura Bee Gek , Lim Su Fee , Ang Joyce Yee Hui , Tong Cherie Chung Yan , Tang Clarissa Yoke Leng , Brennan‐Cook Jill
Published: November 2023

Background

Poor dietary intake is common in hospitalised older people. A targeted mealtime intervention is needed to improve nutrition care and dietary intake, especially for those at risk of malnutrition.

Objectives

This quality improvement project designed, implemented and evaluated a mealtime assistance bundle consisting of care measures driven by the hospital nursing team. The aims were to improve the mealtime care process to promote dietary intake of the hospitalised older people and to improve nursing staff's knowledge, attitude and practice in malnutrition.

Methods

This project adopted a pre–post design, targeting older people aged 65 years and above, who were admitted to a general medical unit in a regional hospital in Singapore. A mealtime assistance bundle consisting of seven care measures, using the acronym CANFEED, was implemented for older adults at risk of malnutrition. Outcome measures on the amount of dietary intake during meals through chart reviews and surveys of nursing staff using Malnutrition Knowledge, Attitudes and perceived Practices (M‐KAP) questionnaire were performed before and after implementation.

Results

There were fewer older adults with poor intake in the post‐implementation group than the pre‐implementation group. Among those at risk of malnutrition, older adults in the post‐implementation group had higher average intake of all provided meals as well as the protein‐dense main dish. Significant improvements were noted in the total scores rated by the nursing staff in both the Knowledge‐Attitude subscale and Practice subscale of the M‐KAP questionnaire.

Conclusions

Integrating a nurse‐driven mealtime assistance bundle into usual care may have positive outcomes on nutritional intake of hospitalised older people at risk of malnutrition, and on knowledge, attitude and practice of hospital nurses in nutrition care.

Implications for Practice

Nurses play a critical role in nutrition care for hospitalised older people. Continuing efforts to improve nutritional intake of hospitalised older people should focus on staff education, building a multidisciplinary food‐promoting culture and patient, family and community empowerment. More efficient clinical processes incorporating information technology with the EMR to support better nutrition care of the hospitalised older people are needed.
Limited clinical role of blood eosinophil levels in early life atopic disease: A mother–child cohort study
Authors: Jensen Signe Kjeldgaard , Melgaard Mathias Elsner , Pedersen Casper‐Emil Tingskov , Yang Luo , Vahman Nilo , Thyssen Jacob P. , Schoos Ann‐Marie M. , Stokholm Jakob , Bisgaard Hans , Chawes Bo , Bønnelykke Klaus
Published: November 2023

Background

Blood eosinophil count is a well‐established biomarker of atopic diseases in older children and adults. However, its predictive role for atopic diseases in preschool children is not well established.

Objective

To investigate the association between blood eosinophil count in children and development of atopic diseases up to age 6 years.

Methods

We investigated blood eosinophil count at age 18 months and 6 years in relation to recurrent wheeze/asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic sensitization during the first 6 years of life in the two Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood cohorts (n = 1111). Blood eosinophil count was investigated in association with remission of existing atopic disease, current atopic disease, and later development of atopic disease.

Results

Blood eosinophil count at 18 months was not associated with current wheezing/asthma or atopic dermatitis, while blood eosinophil count at age 6 years was associated with increased occurrence of current wheezing/asthma (OR = 1.1; 1.04–1.16, p = .0005), atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.06; 1.01–1.1, p = .02), and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.11; 1.05–1.18, p = .0002). Blood eosinophil count at 18 months did not predict persistence or development of recurrent wheeze/asthma or atopic dermatitis at age 6 years.

Conclusion

Blood eosinophil count at 18 months was not associated with current wheezing/asthma or atopic dermatitis and did not predict persistence or development of disease. This implies a limited clinical role of blood eosinophil levels in early‐life atopic disease and questions the clinical value of blood eosinophil counts measured in toddlers as a predictive biomarker for subsequent atopic disease in early childhood.
Comparison of the long‐term and short‐term protection in mouse model of Leishmania major infection following vaccination with Live Iranian Lizard Leishmania mixed with chitin microparticles
Authors: Noroozbeygi Mina , Keshavarzian Nafiseh , Haji Molla Hoseini Mostafa , Haghdoust Sepideh , Yeganeh Farshid
Published: November 2023

Inducing long‐term immunity is the primary goal of vaccination. Leishmanisation using non‐pathogenic to human Leishmania spp. could be considered a reliable approach to immunising subjects against Leishmania infection. Here, we evaluated the long‐term immune responses (14 weeks) after immunisation with either live‐ or killed‐Iranian Lizard Leishmania (ILL) mixed with chitin microparticles (CMPs) against L. major infection in BALB/c mice. In total, nine groups of mice were included in the study. To evaluate short‐term immunity, mice were immunised with live‐ILL and CMPs and 3 weeks later were challenged with L. majorEGFP. To evaluate the long‐term immunity, mice were immunised with either live‐ or killed‐ILL both mixed with CMPs, and 14 weeks after immunisation, mice were challenged with L. majorEGFP. A group of healthy mice who received no injection was also included in the study. Eight weeks after the challenge with L. majorEGFP, all subjects were sacrificed and the parasite burden (quantitative real‐time PCR and in vivo imaging), cytokines levels (IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐10), Leishmania‐specific antibody concentration, and total levels of IgG1 and IgG2a were measured. In addition, nitric oxide concentration and arginase activity were evaluated. Results showed that in mice that were immunised using live‐ILL+CMP, the induced protective immune response lasted at least 14 weeks; since they were challenged with L. majorEGFP at the 14th‐week post‐immunisation, no open lesion was formed during the 8‐week follow‐up, and the footpad swelling was significantly lower than controls. They also showed a significant reduction in the parasite burden in splenocytes, compared to the control groups including the group that received killed‐ILL+CMP. The observed protection was associated with a higher IFN‐γ and a lower IL‐10 production by splenocytes. Additionally, the results demonstrated that arginase activity was decreased in the ILL+CMP group compared to other groups. Immunisation with ILL alone reduced the parasite burden compared to non‐immunised control; however, it was still significantly higher than the parasite burden in the ILL+CMP groups. In conclusion, the long‐term immune response against L. major infection induced by Live‐ILL+CMP was more competent than the response elicited by killed‐ILL+CMP to protect mice against infection with L. majorEGFP.