bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergent evolutionary shifts in rhodopsin retinal release explain shared opsin repertoires in monotremes and crocodilians
Authors: Guo Jinqu , Chi Hai , Zhang Linghan , Song Shengjing , Rossiter Stephen J. , Liu Yang
Published: April 2023

The visual ecology of early mammals remains poorly resolved. Studies of ancestral photopigments suggest an ancient transition from nocturnal to more crepuscular conditions. By contrast, the phenotypic shifts following the split of monotremes and therians—which lost their SWS1 and SWS2 opsins, respectively—are less clear. To address this, we obtained new phenotypic data on the photopigments of extant and ancestral monotremes. We then generated functional data for another vertebrate group that shares the same photopigment repertoire as monotremes: the crocodilians. By characterizing resurrected ancient pigments, we show that the ancestral monotreme underwent a dramatic acceleration in its rhodopsin retinal release rate. Moreover, this change was likely mediated by three residue replacements, two of which also arose on the ancestral branch of crocodilians, which exhibit similarly accelerated retinal release. Despite this parallelism in retinal release, we detected minimal to moderate changes in the spectral tuning of cone visual pigments in these groups. Our results imply that ancestral forms of monotremes and crocodilians independently underwent niche expansion to encompass quickly changing light conditions. This scenario—which accords with reported crepuscular activity in extant monotremes—may help account for their loss of the ultraviolet-sensitive SWS1 pigment but retention of the blue-sensitive SWS2.
Aurantimonas marianensis sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Mariana Trench
Authors: Liu Renzong , Sun Yi , Ma Meina , Han Liyuan , Gao Sheng , Zhang Youming , Yan Fu
Published: April 2023

A novel strain, designated as LRZ36T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment (from a depth of 5400 m) from the Mariana Trench. Cells of this strain are rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and non-motile. Phylogenetic analysis of LRZ36T based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a lineage in the family

Aurantimonadaceae

but distinct from the most closely related species

Aurantimonas marina

CGMCC 1.17725T, ‘

Aurantimonas litoralis

’ KCTC 12094 and

Aurantimonas coralicida

DSM 14790T with sequence identities of 99.4 %, 98.0 and 97.9 %, respectively. The genome of LRZ36T was 3.8 Mbp in size with a DNA G+C content of 64.8 %, containing 3623 predicted coding genes. LRZ36T showed average nucleotide identity values of 89.8 %, 78.7 and 78.5 % and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of 38.9 %, 21.7 and 21.6 % with

A. marina

CGMCC 1.17725T, ‘

A. litoralis

’ KCTC 12094 and

A. coralicida

DSM 14790T, respectively. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10), and the predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c (74.4 %) and C16 : 0 (12.1 %). The polar lipids in LRZ36T are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, an unidentified aminophospholipid, three unidentified lipids, three unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic evidence, LRZ36T represents a novel species of the genus

Aurantimonas

, for which the name Aurantimonas marianensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LRZ36T (= KCTC 92065T = GDMCC 1.2985T=MCCC 1K07227T).
Paenibacillus dendrobii sp. nov., an indole-3-acetic acid-producing endophytic bacterium isolated from Dendrobium nobile
Authors: Hu Yadong , Li Hongjie , Chen Yaoyi , Zhang Qiling , Zheng Shigang , Rao Dan , Chun Ze , Zhao Ruoxi
Published: April 2023

A novel rod-shaped, Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming and motile by peritrichous flagella strain, designated HJL G12T, was isolated from the root of Chinese herb Dendrobium nobile. Strain HJL G12T grew optimally at pH 7.0, 30 °C and in the presence of 1.0 % NaCl (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequences showed that HJL G12T clustered with

Paenibacillus chibensis

NBRC 15958T and

Paenibacillus dokdonensis

YH-JAE5T with 98.3 and 98.2 % sequence similarity. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain HJL G12T and the two reference strains were 23.6 % and 24.9 %, respectively. Menaquinone-7 was the only respiratory quinone and meso-diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. Antesio-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 were detected to be the major cellular fatty acids. The cellular polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidyglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysyl-phospatidylglycerol and three unidentified aminophospholipids. Based on these results, strain HJL G12T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus

Paenibacillus

, for which the name Paenibacillus dendrobii sp. nov. is proposed, with HJL G12T (=NBRC 115617T=CGMCC 1.18520T) as the type strain.
α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Regulates Pathological Cardiac Remodeling by Activating Melanocortin 5 Receptor in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Suominen Anni , Rubio Guillem Saldo , Ruohonen Saku , Szabó Zoltán , Pohjolainen Lotta , Ghimire Bishwa , Ruohonen Suvi T. , Saukkonen Karla , Ijas Jani , Skarp Sini , Kaikkonen Leena , Cai Minying , Wardlaw Sharon L. , Ruskoaho Heikki , Talman Virpi , Savontaus Eriika , Kerkelä Risto , Rinne Petteri
Published: April 2023

Background

α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) regulates diverse physiological functions by activating melanocortin receptors (MC-R). α-MSH is predominantly expressed in the pituitary gland, but it is also found in several peripheral tissues such as the skin and heart. However, the role of α-MSH and its possible target receptors in the heart remain completely unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether α-MSH could be involved in the regulation of pathological cardiac remodeling.

Methods

Tissue α-MSH concentrations and the effects of chronic α-MSH administration were investigated in mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Rat H9c2 cells, neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) were used to study the effects of α-MSH and selective MC-R agonists. Inducible cardiomyocyte-specific melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5-R) knockout mouse model was engineered to investigate the role of MC5-R in cardiac hypertrophy.

Results

α-MSH was highly expressed in the mouse heart, particularly in the ventricles, and its level was reduced in the left ventricles of TAC-operated mice. Administration of a stable α-MSH analogue protected mice against TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction.In vitroexperiments revealed that cardiomyocytes serve as effector cells for the α-MSH mediated antihypertrophic signaling and that selective activation of MC5-R mimics the actions of α-MSH. In keeping with these findings, MC5-R was downregulated in the failing mouse heart and stressed hiPSC-CMs. Silencing of MC5-R in mouse cardiomyocytes induced hypertrophy and fibrosis markersin vitroand aggravated TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosisin vivo. Conversely, pharmacological activation of MC5-R improved systolic function and reduced cardiac fibrosis in TAC-operated mice.

Conclusions

α-MSH is expressed in the heart and protects against pathological cardiac remodeling by activating MC5-R in cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that analogues of naturally occurring α-MSH, that have been recently approved for clinical use and have agonistic activity at MC5-R, may be of benefit in treating heart failure.
The Electronic Health Record System May Destroy The Empathy
Authors: Tabatabaei Mohammadreza Nilipour , Dormiani Tabatabaei Seyed Amirhossein
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The rapid growth of the Electronic Health Record (HER) systems has affected our understanding of the EHR while still providing compassionate health care and optimizing patient-physician communication. Empathy as a core component of this communication has been connected to other interpersonal interaction indicators such as trust and patient satisfaction.The vulnerable situation of patients with hematologic malignancies necessitates effective empathetic interaction with full attention from the physicians and those working in oncology wards.

Methods and materials

Patients were enlisted from the Hematology-oncology ward and Clinic. (either new referrals or follow-ups).

120 patients were stratified into two arms of the study asking them to observe short videos and complete the questionnaire regarding the physicians: one uses an Electronic Health Record system and another consults the patient without an Exam Room Computer. patients were asked to state the level of their agreement or disagreement with each of the statements of the Persian translation of the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) questionnaire.

Results

Patients viewed the EHR(#1) and No Computer (#2) videos for a crossed-over clinical trial. The No Computer visit resulted in significantly better empathy scores compared with the EHR visit.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, The Empathy phenomenon at its core will never change (48,49)but has various facets that are progressively being understood. we continue to advance technological devices to improve the foundation of patient care and outcomes. If medical care trends in The triumphs of technology, especially in hematooncological clinics, continue as expected, empathy will become an even more critical issue.
An Environmental Scan of American and Canadian Translational Science Training Programs at the Graduate Level
Authors: Ouimet Charlotte , Hassan Adam S. , Popescu Christina , Tam Vivienne
Published: April 2023

To date, there are considerable delays in bringing academic innovations into clinical practice. In part, this is due to a lack of knowledge translation and communication between clinicians and scientists. While MD/PhD programs could bridge this gap, more inclusive and sustainable alternatives must be explored. In the United States, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched an initiative to create programs wherein graduate students would be exposed to clinical curricula and establish networks with health professionals. In this study, we aim to survey such programs in North America and identify key features. In our environmental scan, we analyzed the translational science training curricula of 28 American and 17 Canadian universities. We observed that 25 schools in the United States offered training in translational science at various degree levels (certificate, Master’s, PhD, etc.) whereas only 4 Canadian institutions did so and primarily at a Master’s level. From those programs, 5 American universities offered a multi-faceted training program that met at the intersection of courses, clinical mentorship, and networking opportunities compared to only 1 in Canada. Therefore, while we noted a growing interest in science translation programs in the United States, there is a current lack of such programs at Canadian institutions. Based on the need established by this environmental scan, we hope to establish a translational science certificate program at McGill University that fills this training void and paves the way for other universities across Canada.
Health effects of wildfires
Authors: Gould Carlos F. , Heft-Neal Sam , Prunicki Mary , Aguilera-Mendoza Juan Antonio , Burke Marshall , Nadeau Kari
Published: April 2023

We review current knowledge on the trends and drivers of global wildfire activity, advances in the measurement of wildfire smoke exposure, and evidence on the health effects of this exposure. We discuss methodological issues in estimating the causal effects of wildfire smoke exposures on health. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on all-cause mortality and respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity. We conclude by highlighting high priority areas for future research, including leveraging recently-developed spatially and temporally resolved wildfire specific ambient air pollution data to improve estimates of the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure.
The time integral of BMP signaling determines fate in a stem cell model for early human development
Authors: Teague Seth , Primavera Gillian , Chen Bohan , Freeburne Emily , Khan Hina , Jo Kyoung , Johnson Craig , Heemskerk Idse
Published: April 2023

How paracrine signals are interpreted to yield multiple cell fate decisions in a dynamic context during human developmentin vivoandin vitroremains poorly understood. Here we report an automated tracking method to follow signaling histories linked to cell fate in large numbers of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Using an unbiased statistical approach, we discovered that measured BMP signaling history correlates strongly with fate in individual cells. We found that BMP response in hPSCs varies more strongly in the duration of signaling than the level. However, we discovered that both the level and duration of signaling activity control cell fate choices only by changing the time integral of signaling and that duration and level are therefore interchangeable in this context. In a stem cell model for patterning of the human embryo, we showed that signaling histories predict the fate pattern and that the integral model correctly predicts changes in cell fate domains when signaling is perturbed. Using an RNA-seq screen we then found that mechanistically, BMP signaling is integrated by SOX2.
Ionic polyphosphorylation of histidine repeat proteins by inorganic polyphosphate
Authors: Neville Nolan , Lehotsky Kirsten , Yang Zhiyun , Klupt Kody A , Denoncourt Alix , Downey Mike , Jia Zongchao
Published: April 2023

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a linear polymer of orthophosphate that is present in nearly all organisms studied to date. A remarkable function of polyP involves its attachment to lysine residues via non-enzymatic post-translational modification (PTM) that is presumed to be covalent. Here, we show that proteins containing tracts of consecutive histidine residues exhibit a similar modification by polyP, which confers an electrophoretic mobility shift on NuPAGE gels. Our screen uncovered 30 human and yeast histidine repeat proteins that are specifically modified by polyP. This polyP modification is histidine-dependent and non-covalent in nature, though remarkably, it withstands harsh denaturing conditions - a hallmark of covalent PTMs. We have termed this interaction ionic histidine polyphosphorylation (iH-PPn) to describe its unique PTM-like properties. Importantly, we show that iH-PPn disrupts phase separation and phosphorylation activity of the human protein kinase DYRK1A, and inhibits the activity of the transcription factor MafB, highlighting iH-PPn as a potential hitherto unrecognized regulatory mechanism.
Algebraic principle of natural bases from the standard genetic code degeneracy
Authors: Yu Yang
Published: April 2023

The symmetry and group in degeneracy of the standard genetic code (SGC) have been studied. However, the core role of equations of degree n with one unknown between symmetry and group theory has been ignored. In this study, algebraic concept was employed to abstract all genetic codons in the SGC table into equations of degree n with one unknown, and the bases in the third position of nucleotide triplets are these equations solutions. Basing upon the analysis of natural bases permutation groups and natural bases as the unit roots, some results were found that the characteristics of solvable groups imply the amount of natural bases, the relation between the first two bases in nucleotide triplets is the algebraic multiplication binary operation, and natural bases have the significance of complex number. These results gave natural bases the significance of number in the complex plane, and clarified the amount and operation in the mathematical sense, which would contribute to understand the origin and evolution of genetic code.
Single Cell Transcriptomics-Informed Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Differentiation to Tenogenic Lineage
Authors: Papalamprou Angela , Yu Victoria , Jiang Wensen , Sheyn Julia , Stefanovic Tina , Chen Angel , Castaneda Chloe , Chavez Melissa , Sheyn Dmitriy
Published: April 2023

During vertebrate embryogenesis, axial tendons develop from the paraxial mesoderm and differentiate through specific developmental stages to reach the syndetome stage. While the main roles of signaling pathways in the earlier stages of the differentiation have been well established, pathway nuances in syndetome specification from the sclerotome stage have yet to be explored. Here, we show stepwise differentiation of human iPSCs to the syndetome stage using chemically defined media and small molecules that were modified based on single cell RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis. We identified a significant population of branching off-target cells differentiating towards a neural phenotype overexpressing Wnt. Further transcriptomics post-addition of a WNT inhibitor at the somite stage and onwards revealed not only total removal of the neural off-target cells, but also increased syndetome induction efficiency. Fine-tuning tendon differentiationin vitrois essential to address the current challenges in developing a successful cell-based tendon therapy.
Genome enrichment of rare and unknown species from complicated microbiomes by nanopore selective sequencing
Authors: Sun Yuhong , Cheng Zhanwen , Li Xiang , Yang Qing , Zhao Bixi , Wu Ziqi , Xia Yu
Published: April 2023

Rare species are vital members of a microbial community, but retrieving their genomes is difficult because of their low abundance. The ReadUntil (RU) approach allows nanopore devices to sequence specific DNA molecules selectively in real time, which provides an opportunity for enriching rare species. Despite the robustness of enriching rare species by reducing the sequencing depth of known host sequences, such as the human genome, there is still a gap in RU-based enriching of rare species in environmental samples whose community composition is unclear, and many rare species have poor or incomplete reference genomes in public databases. Therefore, here we present metaRUpore to overcome this challenge. When we applied metaRUpore to a thermophilic anaerobic digester (TAD) community and human gut microbial community, it reduced coverage of the high-abundance populations and modestly increased (∼2×) the genome coverage of the rare taxa, facilitating successful recovery of near-finished metagenome-assembled genomes (nf-MAGs) of rare species. The simplicity and robustness of the approach make it accessible for laboratories with moderate computational resources, and hold the potential to become the standard practice in future metagenomic sequencing of complicated microbiomes.
Variation in mutation, recombination, and transposition rates inDrosophila melanogasterandDrosophila simulans
Authors: Wang Yiguan , McNeil Paul , Abdulazeez Rashidatu , Pascual Marta , Johnston Susan E. , Keightley Peter D. , Obbard Darren J.
Published: April 2023

The rates of mutation, recombination, and transposition are core parameters in models of evolution. They impact genetic diversity, responses to ongoing selection, and levels of genetic load. However, even for key evolutionary model species such asDrosophila melanogasterandDrosophila simulans, few estimates of these parameters are available, and we have little idea of how rates vary between individuals, sexes, or populations. Knowledge of this variation is fundamental for parameterizing models of genome evolution. Here, we provide direct estimates of mutation, recombination, and transposition rates and their variation in a West African and a European population ofD. melanogasterand a European population ofD. simulans. Across 89 flies, we observe 58 single-nucleotide mutations, 286 crossovers, and 89 transposable element (TE) insertions. Compared to the EuropeanD. melanogaster, we find the West African population has a lower mutation rate (1.67 × 10−9site−1gen−1vs. 4.86 × 10−9site−1gen−1) and a lower transposition rate (8.99 × 10−5copy−1gen−1vs. 23.36 × 10−5copy−1gen−1), but a higher recombination rate (3.44 cM/Mb vs. 2.06 cM/Mb). The EuropeanD. simulanspopulation has a similar mutation rate to EuropeanD. melanogaster, but a significantly higher recombination rate and a lower, but not significantly different, transposition rate. Overall, we find paternal-derived mutations are more frequent than maternal ones in both species. Our study quantifies the variation in rates of mutation, recombination, and transposition among different populations and sexes, and our direct estimates of these parameters inD. melanogasterandD. simulanswill benefit future studies in population and evolutionary genetics.
Addressing the inherent ethereality and mutability of organisational identity and image: a Bakhtinian response
Authors: Goby Valerie Priscilla , Karimova Gulnara Z.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to respond to the dearth of theory and mechanisms for handling the inherent ethereality, multiplicity and mutability of organisational identity and organisational image.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers existing approaches to organisational identity noting the diverse understandings of the paradoxical nature of identity. The authors suggest that identity is still essentially perceived as what is core and enduring about the character of an organisation with changes of identity being viewed as occurrences effectuated by events. In contrast, the authors argue that, because of the fluid interrelationships between identity and image, organisational identity is better viewed as an unstable construct.

Findings

Departing from Bakhtin’s logic of dialogism, this study proposes that identity–image result from dialogic relationships which in turn construct a system of polyphony. This study devises a preliminary polyphonic model which has the capacity to incorporate diverse stakeholder associations and fluctuating interpretations as well as situational understandings of organisational messages.

Originality/value

This study’s proposed model allows to trace how organisational identity–image is continually co-constructed recursively and cyclically and to systematise the various voices that are important for an organisation’s strategic objectives.
Enterprise risk management literature: emerging themes and future directions
Authors: Ahmad Jaber Taha , Mohammed Shah Sabarina
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the publication phase, performance and scientific contributions of research papers related to enterprise risk management (ERM) and to visualise the emerging themes in addressing volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA).

Design/methodology/approach

The biblioshiny technique based on the bibliometrix R package was used to draw journal papers’ performance and scientific contributions by displaying distinctive features from the bibliometric method used in prior studies. The data was extracted from the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases.

Findings

Since the 1990s, ERM publication has gained momentum, and it is generally categorised into four main themes. Studies by Miller (1992) and Bromiley et al. (2015) scored the highest in global and local citations, respectively. However, the Economic Outlook ranked first in quality of publications while the Journal of Risk and Insurance topped in quantity of publications. Collaborative research mainly exists between two authors, and the dynamic number of collaborative networks is evident in the USA.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the filtered keywords used to generate the search on journal papers’ in WOS and Scopus. It is imperative to have more comprehensive and rigorous analytics on ERM research to enable a direction for future research. Finally, ERM implementation better equips firms to mitigate risk in a VUCA environment.

Originality/value

This study attempts to fill a vacuum of ERM literature, specifically in business economics, in addressing VUCA. Moreover, it covers a comprehensive predetermined period of from its inception in 1983 until 2022.
Combatting money laundering in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Agha Samah
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of the antimoney laundering measures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in response to its commitments to the Financial Action Task Force and treaties in combatting money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the effectiveness of the Saudi antimoney laundering measures, this research’s data have been obtained by a qualitative approach that uses a combination of primary and secondary resources. It relies on analyzing Anti-Money Laundering Law (AML) and the process of money laundering detection in Saudi Arabia in relation to three cases from Saudi courts supported by journal articles, academic books and reliable websites.

Findings

This study concludes that the Saudi AML has been efficient and effective in the battle against money laundering. This study finds that there is close coordination and collaboration between financial institutions, banks and governmental agencies in Saudi Arabia to combat this phenomenon. This study also concludes that the AML is compatible with other criminal laws such as the Anti-Bribery Law, the Anti Trafficking in Person Law and the Anti-Drug Trafficking Law.

Research limitations/implications

This paper relies mainly on publicly available information regarding the detection of money laundering schemes and the confiscation of proceeds of crime in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a main source of information. There data available on the money laundering cases in the Saudi prosecution and criminal courts were limited due to the lack of public disclosure of such cases because of their sensitivity. This was made up for by using reliable sources in which some cases were reported.

Originality/value

This paper underlines the efficient aspects of the current AML that contribute to reduction of money laundering in Saudi Arabia. This paper emphasizes on the importance of the structure of collaboration between regulatory, financial and law officers to implement the rule of law and achieve justice.
A core outcome set for trials in miscarriage management and prevention: An international consensus development study
Authors: Dhillon‐Smith Rima K. , Melo Pedro , Devall Adam James , Smith Paul Philip , Al‐Memar Maya , Barnhart Kurt , Condous George , Christiansen Ole Bjarne , Goddijn Mariëtte , Jurkovic Davor , Lissauer David , Maheshwari Abha , Oladapo Olufemi T. , Preisler Jessica , Regan Lesley , Small Rachel , Stephenson Mary , Wijeyaratne Chandrika , Quenby Siobhan , Bourne Tom , Coomarasamy Arri
Published: April 2023

Objective

To develop core outcome sets (COS) for miscarriage management and prevention.

Design

Modified Delphi survey combined with a consensus development meeting.

Setting

International.

Population

Stakeholder groups included healthcare providers, international experts, researchers, charities and couples with lived experience of miscarriage from 15 countries: 129 stakeholders for miscarriage management and 437 for miscarriage prevention.

Methods

Modified Delphi method and modified nominal group technique.

Results

The final COS for miscarriage management comprises six outcomes: efficacy of treatment, heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic infection, maternal death, treatment or procedure‐related complications, and patient satisfaction. The final COS for miscarriage prevention comprises 12 outcomes: pregnancy loss <24 weeks’ gestation, live birth, gestation at birth, pre‐term birth, congenital abnormalities, fetal growth restriction, maternal (antenatal) complications, compliance with intervention, patient satisfaction, maternal hospitalisation, neonatal or infant hospitalisation, and neonatal or infant death. Other outcomes identified as important were mental health‐related outcomes, future fertility and health economic outcomes.

Conclusions

This study has developed two core outcome sets, through robust methodology, that should be implemented across future randomised trials and systematic reviews in miscarriage management and prevention. This work will help to standardise outcome selection, collection and reporting, and improve the quality and safety of future studies in miscarriage.
Implementation of universal umbilical cord pH analysis in Denmark. A national register‐based study
Authors: Andersson Charlotte B. , Thellesen Line , Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Petersen Jesper P. , Johnsen Søren P.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Umbilical cord blood gas analysis provides information about intrapartum hypoxia and is considered an important measure of quality in maternity care. Universal measurement of umbilical cord pH (UC‐pH), as part of umbilical cord blood gas analysis, has been recommended in Denmark since 2009. The recommendation is that UC‐pH is measured from the umbilical cord artery (pHUA) and vein (pHUV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the national implementation of universal measurement of UC‐pH.

Material and methods

The study consisted of two parts. First, an evaluation of the implementation, that is, the proportion of births with measured UC‐pH since the recommendation was introduced. Second, an evaluation of the cases in which UC‐pH was missing. This analysis only involved births with gestational age ≥35 + 0 weeks.

Results

In the period 2009 to 2018 there were 560 889 singleton, live births with registered gestational age in Denmark. The proportion of births with measured pHUA and pHUV increased from 12.4% in 2009 to 82.8% in 2015 and then declined to 76.9% in 2018 (p < 0.001). When comparing the group with missing pH from one or both vessels to the group with both pHUA and pHUV we found lower occurrence of pregnancy and births complications in the first group, body mass index ≥35 (unadjusted RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85–0.93), pregnancy induced medical conditions (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.84–0.89), fetal distress during birth (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.76–0.79), emergency cesarean section (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.78–0.83) and serious births events (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74–0.86). In contrast, the occurrence of placental insufficiency (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11), small for gestational age (RR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.30–1.43, for <2.3th percentile), hypothermia treatment (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.21–2.14) and neonatal death (RR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.40–2.74) were higher in the group without measured pHUA and pHUV.

Conclusions

The use of UC‐pH measurement has increased markedly in Denmark since universal measurement was recommended in 2009. Missing UC‐pH from one or both vessels was associated with less complicated pregnancies and with small for gestational age, hypothermia treatment and neonatal death.
Obesity increased the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity in children
Authors: Zimmerman D. R. , Goldberg M. , Blaychfeld Magnazi M. , Alroy Preis S. , Endevelt R.
Published: April 2023

Aim

To determine the effects of obesity in childhood on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional study combining the Israeli Growth Survey and COVID‐19 data for children with at least one SARS‐CoV‐2 test from 16 February 2020 to 20 December 2021. Overweight and obesity status were based on body mass index and the Center for Disease Control criteria. Multivariate logistics regression was performed to validate reliability for weight categories at the age of approximately 6 years compared with weights at approximately 12 years.

Results

A total of 444 868 records for children with an overall positivity rate of 22% were studied. The mean age was 9.5 years. The odds ratios of children with obesity or overweight after controlling for sex at 6 years to test positive were 1.07–1.12 and 1.06–1.08 (depending on the model), respectively, compared to those with healthy range body mass index.

Conclusion

Excess weight appears to increase the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This finding should be considered for public health planning. For example, children with overweight and obesity should be prioritised for vaccination. Excess weight in childhood can be harmful at a young age and not only for long‐term health.
Odor‐Color Associations Are Not Mediated by Concurrent Verbalization
Authors: Speed Laura J. , de Valk Josje , Croijmans Ilja , Huisman John L. A. , Majid Asifa
Published: April 2023

Odor and color are strongly associated. Numerous studies demonstrate consistent odor‐color associations, as well as effects of color on odor perception and language. Yet, we know little about how these associations arise. Here, we test whether language is a possible mediator of odor‐color associations, specifically whether odor‐color associations are mediated by implicit odor naming. In two experiments, we used an interference paradigm to prevent the verbalization of odors during an odor‐color matching task. If participants generate color associations subsequent to labeling an odor, interfering with verbalization during the task should affect the ability to make color associations. In Experiment 1, contrary to our hypothesis, verbal interference did not affect odor‐color matches. However, since performance accuracy on the verbal interference task was high, it is possible our task did not sufficiently disrupt verbal processing. In Experiment 2, we, therefore, used an active verbal interference task, and still found no difference across interference conditions. Odor naming accuracy, odor familiarity, and odor pleasantness, however, did predict odor‐color matches. This suggests that although color associations are related to semantic factors, they are not generated by recruiting odor labels in the moment. Overall, our results do not provide evidence that language plays an online role in odor‐color associations, instead, they are consistent with the claim that language may have shaped associations during development.
Advances and innovations in living donor liver transplant techniques, matching and surgical training: Meeting report from the living donor liver transplant consensus conference
Authors: Sturdevant Mark , Ganesh Swaytha , Samstein Benjamin , Verna Elizabeth C. , Rodriguez‐Davalos Manuel , Kumar Vineeta , Abouljoud Marwan , Andacoglu Oya , Askar Medhat , Broering Dieter , Emamaullee Juliet , Emond Jean C. , Haugen Christine E. , Jesse Michelle T. , Kasahara Mureo , Liapakis AnnMarie , Mandelbrot Didier , Pillai Anjana , Roll Garrett R. , Selzner Nazia , Emre Sukru ,   the AST LDLT Consensus Conference Working Group
Published: April 2023

The practice of LDLT currently delivers limited impact in western transplant centers. The American Society of Transplantation organized a virtual consensus conference in October 2021 to identify barriers and gaps to LDLT growth, and to provide evidence‐based recommendations to foster safe expansion of LDLT in the United States. This article reports the findings and recommendations regarding innovations and advances in approaches to donor‐recipient matching challenges, the technical aspects of the donor and recipient operations, and surgical training. Among these themes, the barriers deemed most influential/detrimental to LDLT expansion in the United States included: (1) prohibitive issues related to donor age, graft size, insufficient donor remnant, and ABO incompatibility; (2) lack of acknowledgment and awareness of the excellent outcomes and benefits of LDLT; (3) ambiguous messaging regarding LDLT to patients and hospital leadership; and (4) a limited number of proficient LDLT surgeons across the United States. Donor‐recipient mismatching may be circumvented by way of liver paired exchange. The creation of a national registry to generate granular data on donor‐recipient matching will guide the practice of liver paired exchange. The surgical challenges to LDLT are addressed herein and focuses on the development of robust training pathways resulting in proficiency in donor and recipient surgery. Utilizing strong mentorship/collaboration programs with novel training practices under the auspices of established training and certification bodies will add to the breadth and depth of training.
Parental perceptions of second opinion consultations for recent onset schizophrenia
Authors: Sepahpour Tiana Y. , Chin Kathleen , Baker Krista K. , Wolcott Maxwell , Margolis Russell L.
Published: April 2023

Aim

Correct early diagnosis and intervention for schizophrenia is associated with improved outcomes. This study sought to determine the potential value of specialized consultations for individuals thought to have a recent‐onset schizophrenia spectrum disorder who were not receiving specialized care.

Methods

121 consecutive one‐time consultations were performed in a clinic specializing in recent‐onset schizophrenia. Parents of 79 patients were questioned about the process and the value of the consultation.

Results

Consultations were perceived by parents as both positive and helpful experiences. 85% of parents were somewhat or very happy with the consultation experience, and 86% found the consultation to be moderately or very helpful. A third of parents viewed the consultation as contributing to the long‐term improvement of the patient's condition.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the potential value of consultations for individuals with possible schizophrenia spectrum disorders not receiving specialized treatment, and provide rationale for comprehensive studies investigating the widespread implementation of such consultations.
Power and dialogue: A review of discursive research
Authors: Ong Ben , Tseliou Eleftheria , Strong Tom , Buus Niels
Published: April 2023

Collaborative‐dialogic approaches to family therapy advise therapists to take a position of client‐as‐expert and promote an equality of multiple perspectives. This has led to debates about how to conceptualize power in dialogical therapies with scholars theorizing and researching power as social and negotiated through interaction. We aimed to understand power in dialogical therapy through reviewing discursive research on therapeutic conversations. We performed a systematic search of bibliographical databases PsycINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL. We reviewed the findings from 18 studies utilizing discursive analyses of collaborative‐dialogical therapy sessions and examined their findings in relation to power within interactions. We found a strong focus on the practices of the therapist rather than on those of the client. The therapist was presented as a catalyst of dialogue using minimal and active responses to promote dialogical conversations. Therapists also utilized power in response to broader institutional and social demands that may not be consistent with some interpretations of dialogical therapy. We consider practice implications where the exercise of power to direct a session facilitates dialogical interactions.
Exploratory study on the factors related with the early detection of missing older persons with dementia living alone in Japan
Authors: Kikuchi Kazunori , Ooguchi Tatsuya , Ikeuchi Tomoko , Awata Shuichi
Published: April 2023

Aim

To clarify the factors related to the early detection of missing older persons with dementia (PwD) who lived alone in Japan.

Methods

We carried out a multiple regression analysis with data from 88 missing PwD.

Results

The location of the discovery was within the municipality where the missing PwD lived. Furthermore, the use of long‐term care insurance services was significantly associated with early detection.

Conclusion

Missing PwD were located within the municipality in which they lived, which meant that the individual was found before they went far. In addition, with the long‐term care insurance services, professionals should regularly visit the home of PwD according to a care plan. Planned regular visits might trigger the early recognition of a missing person with dementia and enable early search activities. Therefore, use of long‐term care insurance services might lead to the early detection of missing PwD living alone. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 362–365.
The Pathological Diagnosis of Specific Inflammatory Myopathies
Authors: Carpenter Stirling , Karpati George
Published: April 2023

Pathological diagnosis of dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM) should be possible in almost all cases when an appropriately involved muscle is biopsied. DM shows characteristic patterns of muscle fiber damage and capillary damage. Lymphocytes and macrophages are seen in PM and IBM partially invading non‐necrotic fibers. IBM is also characterized by rimmed vacuoles with membranous whorls, characteristic masses of filaments in cytoplasm and sometimes in nuclei, and grouped atrophic fibers. Muscle fiber damage in PM is more variable. Inflammatory myopathy can be associated with HTLV‐1 and HIV infection. In the latter a strong resemblance to PM is reported. Separate, still less well characterized forms of inflammatory myopathy occur in young children.
Human Foamy Virus: An Underestimated Neuropathogen?
Authors: Aguzzi Adriano , Bothe Katrin , Wagner Erwin F. , Rethwilm Axel , Horak Ivan
Published: April 2023

Human foamy virus (HFV) is a recently characterized retrovirus which was originally isolated from patients with various neoplastic and degenerative diseases. However, until today it has not been possible to identify HFV as the causative agent of any disease and little is known about its prevalence in human populations. Like HTLV and HIV, HFV encodes the three structural retroviral genes, gag, pol and env, and an additional region containing three open reading frames, bel‐1 to bel‐3. Bel‐1 activates transcription of the long terminal repeat of HFV and HIV. In order to study the consequences of expressing HFV regulatory genes and to investigate a possible pathogenic potential of HFV, we have introduced parts of the HFV genome into the germ line of mice.

Our studies with transgenic mice demonstrate that HFV transgenes encompassing the bel region are transiently transcribed between midgestation and birth at moderate levels in various tissues. Expression is then suppressed, but resumes after a latency of several weeks in a restricted range of tissues and leads to extensive accumulation of HFV transcripts in single cells. This is associated with a progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system and of striated muscle. These findings provide the first evidence of a disease induced by HFV and suggest that HFV might also act as a human pathogen in neurological diseases. Moreover, the transgenic mouse model will be useful for studying the molecular basis of HFV‐induced neurotoxicity, the role of individual disease‐associated HFV genes and the regulation of retroviral latency.
The N‐myc Proto‐oncogene: Developmental Expression and in vivo Site‐Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Stanton Brian R. , Parada Luis F.
Published: April 2023

The N‐myc proto‐oncogene is a member of the superfamily of transcription factors. In mammals, expression of this gene is predominantly restricted to the developing embryo. Specifically, the level of expression is highest in differentiating epithelial components of the embryo including those of the developing brain, kidney and lung. The observation that N‐myc is expressed in differentiating but not terminally differentiated structures suggests that these genes may function in the maintenance of cells in a determined or proliferative state. Available evidence suggests that when N‐myc expression is down‐regulated, cells progress through differentiation and acquire their terminal phenotype. N‐myc expression is also correlated with poor prognosis in a number of tumor systems. Since malignant tumors are usually poorly differentiated, this may reflect the role that N‐myc plays in preventing differentiation of otherwise determined cells. In vivo site‐directed mutagenesis by homologous recombination has made it possible to introduce a variety of mutations into mice. This review summarizes this technology and describes our initial results in the characterization of mice that lack a functional N‐myc gene. Specifically, we have observed that in the absence of a functional N‐myc gene, embryos arrest in midgestation. This body of work demonstrates that this gene is not required for normal development until the onset of organogenesis.
Potentially inappropriate medication use is associated with increased risk of incident disability in healthy older adults
Authors: Lockery Jessica E. , Collyer Taya A. , Woods Robyn L. , Orchard Suzanne G. , Murray Anne , Nelson Mark R. , Stocks Nigel P. , Wolfe Rory , Moran Chris , Ernst Michael E. ,   the ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: April 2023

Background

Efforts to minimize medication risks among older adults include avoidance of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). However, most PIMs research has focused on older people in aged or inpatient care, creating an evidence gap for community‐dwelling older adults. To address this gap, we investigated the impact of PIMs use in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) clinical trial cohort.

Methods

Analysis included 19,114 community‐dwelling ASPREE participants aged 70+ years (65+ if US minorities) without major cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, or significant physical disability. PIMs were defined according to a modified 2019 AGS Beers Criteria. Cox proportional‐hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between baseline PIMs exposure and disability‐free survival, death, incident dementia, disability, and hospitalization, with adjustment for sex, age, country, years of education, frailty, average gait speed, and comorbidities.

Results

At baseline, 7396 (39% of the total) participants were prescribed at least one PIM. Compared with those unexposed, participants on a PIM at baseline were at an increased risk of persistent physical disability (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21, 1.80) and hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20, 1.32), but had similar rates of disability‐free survival (adjusted HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.93, 1.13) and death (adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.81, 1.05). These effects did not vary by polypharmacy status in interaction analyses. PIMs exposure was associated with higher risk of disability followed by hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.25, 2.96) as well as vice versa (adjusted HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15, 2.05). PPIs, anti‐psychotics and benzodiazepines, were associated with increased risk of disability.

Conclusions

PIMs exposure is associated with subsequent increased risk of both incident disability and hospitalization. Increased risk of disability prior to hospitalization suggests that PIMs use may start the disability cascade in healthy older adults. Our findings emphasize the importance of caution when prescribing PIMs to older adults in otherwise good health.
Improvement of speech by facial prosthesis in a midfacial defect with a gunshot injury: A case report
Authors: Mersin Tuğgen Özcivelek , Kılıçarslan Mehmet Ali , Tetik Ebru
Published: April 2023

Gunshot wounds in the maxillofacial region may cause serious defects that result in functional and esthetic disabilities. A 14‐year‐old male patient was referred to the prosthodontics clinic for provisional prosthetic restoration 5 months after an injury involving the midline midfacial region. An interim extraoral silicone maxillofacial prosthesis (MFP), also known as an epithesis, replacing the nose and upper lip, was fabricated to enhance appearance and speech intelligibility. The effect of the prosthesis insertion on speech outcome was assessed over 6 months. Blood pulse oxygen saturation levels and heart rate were monitored to assess ventilation following the prosthesis insertion. Results of the Assessment of Articulation Subtest revealed the patient produced the target speech sounds of 31 more words correctly at 6 months follow‐up. Bilabial, labiodental, and postalveolar speech sounds in the phonetic inventory improved. Fabrication of an extraoral silicone MFP, modifying substructure design, and prosthesis usage over time contributed to the significant enhancement of speech intelligibility and did not significantly change the blood pulse oxygen saturation levels and heart rate. It led to an improvement in overall aesthetic outcomes and was a useful tool for the patient's social integration.