bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposing sequential biases in direction and time reproduction: Influences of task relevance and working memory
Authors: Cheng Si , Chen Siyi , Shi Zhuanghua
Published: August 2024

Our current perception and decision‐making are shaped by recent experiences, a phenomenon known as serial dependence. While serial dependence is well‐documented in visual perception and has been recently explored in time perception, their functional similarities across non‐temporal and temporal domains remain elusive, particularly in relation to task relevance and working memory load. To address this, we designed a unified experimental paradigm using coherent motion stimuli to test both direction and time reproduction. The direction and time tasks were randomly mixed across trials. Additionally, we introduced pre‐cue versus post‐cue settings in separate experiments to manipulate working memory load during the encoding phase. We found attractive biases in time reproduction but repulsive biases in direction estimation. Notably, the temporal attraction was more pronounced when the preceding task was also time‐related. In contrast, the direction repulsion remained unaffected by the nature of the preceding task. Additionally, both attractive and repulsive biases were enhanced by the post‐cue compared to the pre‐cue. Our findings suggest that opposing sequential effects in non‐temporal and temporal domains may originate from different processing stages linked to sensory adaptation and post‐perceptual processes involving working memory.
British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) consensus document for the management of benign female urethral lesions
Authors: Kujawa Magda , Biers Suzanne , Pakzad Mahreen , Sahai Arun , Ali Ased , Rashid Tina , Hashim Hashim , Osman Nadir I. , Kozan Andy , Belal Mo ,   BAUS Section of Female, Neurological and Urodynamic Urology
Published: August 2024

Objective

To provide a consensus document for the management of benign female urethral lesions.

Methods

The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Female, Neurological and Urodynamic Urology (FNUU) Section created a consensus document to guide the management of the commonest of urethral swellings using expert consensus with a modified Delphi technique.

Results

Benign urethral lesions in females can include urethral mucosal prolapse, urethral caruncle, Skene's gland cysts and urethral diverticulum. They can present in a variety of ways including haematuria, lower urinary tract symptoms and voiding dysfunction, and can initially be overlooked or not recognised, resulting in delayed management.

Conclusion

This consensus statement led by the FNUU Section of the BAUS, in consultation with BAUS members and consultants working in units throughout the UK, aimed to create a comprehensive and pragmatic management pathway for the assessment, investigation and treatment of benign urethral lesions in females.
Clinical efficacy of two vertical soft tissue augmentation techniques for peri‐implant crestal bone level stability: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Puisys Algirdas , Vindasiute‐Narbute Egle , Razukevicius Dainius , Akhondi Samuel , Gallucci German O. , Pedrinaci Ignacio
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two techniques—acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafting and tenting technique (TT)—for soft tissue height (STH) augmentation simultaneous to implant placement to minimize peri‐implant crestal bone level (CBL) changes.

Methods

Forty patients with a healed single mandibular posterior edentulous site with a thin soft tissue phenotype were enrolled. Twenty patients received simultaneously to implant placement ADM grafting, while the others received submerged healing abutment (TT). Clinical peri‐implant soft tissue height and radiographic CBL changes were measured at restoration delivery and 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Both techniques effectively increased soft tissue thickness, resulting in a final average STH of 3.4 ± 0.5 mm after augmentation. On average, soft tissue increased by 1.6 ± 0.5 mm in group ADM and by 1.8 ± 0.4 mm in group TT after augmentation. In Group ADM, mesial CBL decreased from 0.4 ± 0.3 mm to 0.1 ± 0.2 mm, and distal CBL decreased from 0.5 ± 0.3 mm to 0.2 ± 0.3 mm over 1 year. In Group TT, mesial CBL remained stable at 0.3 ± 0.2 mm, while distal CBL reduced slightly from 0.5 ± 0.5 mm to 0.3 ± 0.2 mm. Both groups showed minimal changes in CBL, indicating great stability (pmesial = 0.003, pdistal = 0.004). TT was particularly effective in preventing mesial bone loss (pmesial = 0.019). The mesial CBL changes significantly differed between groups (p = 0.019), and not significantly at distal sites (p = 0.944). Neither treatment exhibited significant bone remodeling below the implant shoulder.

Conclusion

This study suggests that both techniques were successful in STH augmentation, and they may effectively reduce peri‐implant crestal bone level changes, with TT being slightly superior. TT was more prone to post‐surgical complications. This RCT was not registered before participant recruitment and randomization.
The real magic of magic therapy: Improving daily bimanual task performance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Wiseman Richard
Published: August 2024

This commentary is on the systematic review by Lee et al. on pages 49–58 of this issue.
Magic‐themed motor training for daily bimanual task performance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Kuan‐Ting , Cheng Kai‐Wen , Yang Yi‐Ching , Wang Wei‐Li
Published: August 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of magic‐themed interventions in improving daily bimanual task performance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and to elucidate the variability in outcomes.

Method

This systematic literature review searched databases including Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and CINAHL. Outcome measures selected for the meta‐analysis included the Children's Hand‐use Experience Questionnaire, its three subscales, and the Besta subscale C. The overall efficacy of magic‐themed interventions was analysed using Hedges' g as the summary measure for these outcomes. Subgroup analysis compared the efficacy of different modes of training, and a meta‐regression investigated the impact of training duration.

Results

Analyses of four studies involving 78 children showed magic‐themed training significantly improved bimanual task performance (Hedges' g = 0.327, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.107–0.547, p = 0.004), especially in group settings (Hedges' g = 0.435, 95% CI = 0.176–0.693, p = 0.001), compared with non‐significant gains from video interventions (Hedges' g = 0.041, 95% CI = −0.380 to 0.462, p = 0.850). Additionally, training duration positively correlated with performance gains (coefficient = 0.0076 per hour, p = 0.001).

Interpretation

Magic‐themed training, especially through group sessions and extended durations, enhances bimanual skills in children with unilateral spastic CP.
The biogeochemical boomerang: Site fidelity creates nutritional hotspots that may promote recurrent calving site reuse
Authors: Ferraro Kristy M. , Albrecht Dara , Hendrix Jack G. , Wal Eric Vander , Schmitz Oswald J. , Webber Quinn M. R. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: August 2024

Animals interact with nutrient cycles by consuming and depositing nutrients, interactions studied separately in nutritional ecology and zoogeochemistry. Recent theoretical work bridges these disciplines, highlighting that animal‐driven nutrient recycling could be crucial in helping animals meet their nutritional needs. When animals exhibit site fidelity, they consistently deposit nutrients, potentially improving vegetation quality. We investigated this potential feedback by analysing changes in forage nitrogen stocks following simulated caribou calving. We found that forage nitrogen stocks increased after 2 weeks and remained elevated after 1 year, a change due to increased forage quality, not quantity. We also developed a nutrient budget within calving grounds, demonstrating that natal fluid and calf carcasses contribute substantial nitrogen subsidies. We, thus, highlight a positive zoogeochemical feedback whereby nutrients deposited during calving become bioavailable during lactation and provide evidence that site fidelity creates a biogeochemical boomerang in which animals deposit nutrients that can be reused later.
Predicting the low‐cycle fatigue life of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy using backpropagation neural network optimized by the improved dung beetle algorithm
Authors: Gao Zihao , Zhu Changsheng , Shu Yafeng , Wang Shaohui , Wang Canglong , Chen Yupeng
Published: August 2024

In this study, we propose an innovative approach that enhances the performance of the backpropagation (BP) neural network in predicting the low‐cycle fatigue life of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy by improving the dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm with the maximin Latin hypercube design (MLHD) strategy. To address the challenges posed by complex geometric components under different temperature conditions, this research employs finite element simulation to expand the limited experimental dataset and utilizes these data to further guide and optimize the MLHD_DBO_BP model. Test results indicate that the proposed MLHD_DBO_BP model significantly outperforms the traditional finite element method (FEM) and other neural network models in terms of fatigue life prediction performance. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of machine learning models that combine experimental and simulation data in predicting the low‐cycle fatigue life of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy.
Ultrasonicated omega‐3‐enriched skipjack tuna eyeball oil nanoliposome: preparation, characterisation, and fortification in milk
Authors: Kurniawan Marcella Octavina , Mittal Ajay , Benjakul Soottawat , Singh Avtar
Published: August 2024

Nanoliposomes (NL) containing different levels (1%, 2%, and 5%; w/w) of EPA/DHA‐enriched oil (n3FAO) from skipjack tuna eyeballs were prepared using 1%, 2.5%, and 5% (w/v) of soy phosphatidylcholine lecithin (SL) as a wall material. Then, the impact of ultrasonication at different amplitudes (40% and 50%) and sonication time (5 and 10 min) on encapsulation efficiency (EE) of selected NL was also investigated. NLs prepared without ultrasonication treatment using 2.5% SL and 2% n3FAO (WU‐NL) showed the highest EE (88%) than the remaining concentrations. When ultrasound at 40% amplitude for 5 min was applied, NLs (US‐NL) having the maximum EE of 98% were achieved. Ultrasonication employed at all conditions showed increased particle size (31.6–67.2 nm) than the WU‐NL (22.8 nm). Microstructure suggested the formation of particles with smooth surfaces and homogenous distribution. When NL powders were incorporated into the fresh cow milk at various levels (2.5% and 5.0%; w/v), likeness for aroma, mouthfeel, taste, and aftertaste slightly decreased, especially at higher levels (5%) for all samples. Nevertheless, the likeness score remained within acceptable levels (≥5.0). The fatty acid profile of the milk fortified with 2.5% (w/w) NLs showed a significant increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including EPA and DHA. Therefore, the findings indicated that ultrasonication improved the EE of liposomes, which could be successfully incorporated into milk and other food items with a lower content of PUFAs, boosting their nutritional profile while maintaining their taste and sensory attributes.
Composition of sesame hull oil and its effects on flavour and quality of sesame oil
Authors: Wang Rui , Guo Bing‐Xin , Li Xiao‐Yu , Peng Jin‐Qiao , Liu Yi‐Tong , Chang Yun‐Long , Liu Hua‐Min , Wei Wen‐Xing , Wen Xin‐Yu , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Liu Hong‐Wei
Published: August 2024

In this study, sesame hull oil (SHO) was extracted to characterise its composition. SHO was heated to determine the volatiles and their effect on the quality of cold‐pressed dehulled sesame oil (SO). Seventeen fatty acids, four lignans (1088.65 mg/100 g), tocopherols (284.17 mg/100 g) mainly in the γ‐form, and sterol (1722.16 mg/100 g, 4.67 times more than in sesame kernel oil) were detected in SHO. After heating, the volatiles found in SHO were mainly aldehydes and acids, represented by hexanal (fatty, green aroma) and 3‐methyl‐butanoic acid (fatty, rancid aroma), respectively. The acid value, peroxide value, anisidine value, and turbidity of SO increased significantly after adding SHO, and the scavenging ability of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was enhanced. The oxidation induction times of SO with the addition of SHO ranged from 8.93 to 9.53 h. The present study provides information about SHO and a new direction for the utilisation of sesame hulls.
Postbiotic emissaries: a comprehensive review on the bioprospecting and production of bioactive compounds by Enterococcus species
Authors: Chaudhary Arati , Prajapati Nidhi , Prajapati Ansh , Singh Sachidanand , Joshi Madhvi , Prajapati Dharmendra , Patani Anil , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Patel Ashish
Published: August 2024

Enterococcus species have been acknowledged for their diverse metabolic capabilities, resulting in a wide array of bioactive compounds that show promise for therapeutic use. This article presents a thorough examination of the exploration and synthesis of bioactive compounds by Enterococcus species. It encompasses the taxonomy, natural habitat, and significance in the biotechnology of Enterococcus, emphasising the various bioactive compounds it produces, including antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant agents. Strategies for exploring potential bioactivities, encompassing isolation methodologies and screening techniques, are discussed. The biotechnological synthesis of bioactive compounds derived from Enterococcus via fermentation processes, optimisation approaches, and scaling methodologies is expounded. Moreover, the utilisation of these bioactive compounds in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, alongside considerations of safety and regulatory aspects, is examined. The review concludes with future perspectives and challenges in the field of Enterococcus‐derived bioactive compounds.
Flexible Multivariate Mixture Models: A Comprehensive Approach for Modeling Mixtures of Non‐Identical Distributions
Authors: Pal Samyajoy , Heumann Christian
Published: August 2024

The mixture models are widely used to analyze data with cluster structures and the mixture of Gaussians is most common in practical applications. The use of mixtures involving other multivariate distributions, like the multivariate skew normal and multivariate generalised hyperbolic, is also found in the literature. However, in all such cases, only the mixtures of identical distributions are used to form a mixture model. We present an innovative and versatile approach for constructing mixture models involving identical and non‐identical distributions combined in all conceivable permutations (e.g. a mixture of multivariate skew normal and multivariate generalised hyperbolic). We also establish any conventional mixture model as a distinctive particular case of our proposed framework. The practical efficacy of our model is shown through its application to both simulated and real‐world data sets. Our comprehensive and flexible model excels at recognising inherent patterns and accurately estimating parameters.
Patient safety incident reporting software: A cross‐sectional survey of nurses and other users' perspectives
Authors: Koskiniemi Saija , Syyrilä Tiina , Hämeen‐Anttila Katri , Mikkonen Santtu , Manias Elizabeth , Rafferty Anne Marie , Franklin Bryony Dean , Härkänen Marja
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate nurses' and other users' perceptions and knowledge regarding patient safety incident reporting software and incident reporting.

Design

A cross‐sectional online survey.

Methods

The survey, ‘The Users' Perceptions of Patient Safety Incident Reporting Software’, was developed and used for data collection January–February 2024. We aimed to invite all potential users of reporting software in two wellbeing service counties in Finland to participate in the survey. Potential users (reporters/handlers/others) were nurses, other health professionals and employees. Satisfaction was classified as dissatisfied, neutral, or satisfied. The association between overall satisfaction and demographics was tested using cross‐tabulation and a Chi‐square test.

Results

The completion rate was 54% (n = 755). Some respondents (n = 25) had never used reporting software, most often due to no perceived need to report, although their average work experience was 15 years. Of other respondents (n = 730), mostly nurses (n = 432), under half agreed that the software was quick to use and easy to navigate. The biggest dissatisfaction was with the report processing features. Over a fifth did not trust that reporting was anonymous. Training and frequency of using the software were associated with overall satisfaction.

Conclusion

Reporting software has not reached its full potential and needs development. Report handling is essential for shared learning; however, the processing features require the most improvements. Users' perceptions must be considered when developing reporting software and processes.

Impact

Incident reporting software usability is central to reporting, but nurses' and other users' perceptions of software are poorly understood. This survey shows weaknesses in reporting software and emphasizes the importance of training. The survey can contribute to paying more attention to organizing training, getting users to participate in software development, and deepening knowledge of issues in reporting software. Making the needed improvements could improve patient safety.

Reporting Method

The STROBE Checklist (Supplement‐S1).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Midwives' support for parents following stillbirth: How they practise and resources they need from a phenomenological perspective
Authors: de los Ángeles Linares‐Gallego María , Martínez‐Linares Jose Manuel , del Mar Moreno‐Ávila Isabel , Cortés‐Martín Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore the perceptions and experiences of midwives caring for couples who experience a stillbirth.

Design

Qualitative study based on Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology.

Methods

This study was conducted with midwives (n = 18) at the birth unit of a third‐level public hospital in Jaén (Spain) in 2023. Personal semi‐structured interviews were recorded in audio for later transcription by two researchers following steps described by Fleming.

Results

Two themes were identified as important aspects of the practise of midwives in a situation of the birth of a stillborn child: (1) the importance of each action of the midwife, and (2) the availability of resources determines the care provided.

Conclusions

Having a stillbirth is a very complex experience, in which the psychological support and human and material resources involved are the basic tool for the care of these families. Acknowledging limitations of the available resources, the assistance and care provided by midwives are in line with the clinical practice guidelines, which can have an emotional impact on them.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The care to be provided in stillbirth requires appropriate human and material resources for these families. Midwifery and nursing professionals are in a unique position for acting in cases of families with a stillbirth, updated protocols and, in general, the coordination of the different agents involved within the healthcare system.

What Problem Did the Study Address?

The midwives´ experiences in cases which end with the delivery of a stillborn.

What Were the Main Findings?

Each action of the midwife is as important as the availability of resources to offer the most appropriate care.

Where and on Whom Will the Research have an Impact?

In each woman who receives the care of a midwife who attends the birth of a stillborn.

Reporting Method

COREQ checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution occurred for this study as this research focused on exploring staffs' perspectives from the specific viewpoint of their personal experience.
Forward contracting and the endogenous activity of heterogeneous firms
Authors: Mitraille Sébastien , Thille Henry
Published: August 2024

Forward contracting in an ‐firm quantity‐setting oligopoly with heterogeneous costs introduces the possibility that relatively efficient firms deter the activity of inefficient rivals by reducing their margins. The equilibrium number of firms producing positive quantities can be any of depending on the level of demand relative to firm‐specific activity thresholds, with more firms active at higher demand levels. If only one firm is active, the Bertrand outcome is obtained. This potential reduction of the number of active firms may lessen the procompetitive effect of forward sales, but does not eliminate it entirely. We explore the competition policy implications of the endogenous activity of firms, in particular for merger analysis.
The impact of energy‐based devices on sebum in acne vulgaris: A systematic review
Authors: Jaalouk Dana , Pulumati Anika , Algarin Yanci A. , Humeda Jasmine , Goldberg David J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a widespread inflammatory skin condition associated with increased sebum production, abnormal keratinization, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation. Overactive sebaceous glands (SGs) produce excess sebum, promote Cutibacterium acnes growth, and affect acne development. Energy‐based treatments (EBDs), including light therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), lasers, and radiofrequency (RF) devices, have emerged as effective treatment options. As the use of EBDs becomes more widespread, it is imperative to understand their effects on skin parameters, such as sebum, in AV.

Methods

Searches were conducted in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The studies included were randomized and nonrandomized trials on facial AV that used EBDs and featured objective casual sebum level (CSL) measurements via Sebumeter. Data synthesis involved percentage reductions in CSL at follow‐ups compared to baseline.

Results

Twenty‐three studies were analyzed. PDT and RF consistently reduced CSL by 30%–40% and 30%–35%, respectively. Laser therapy showed lesser reductions, whereas light therapy varied significantly and studies had a high risk of bias. All EBD therapies were more effective than no treatment and PDT was superior to light monotherapy. Laser therapy combined with fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) or as a standalone was more effective than laser alone.

Conclusion

Noninvasive sebum measurement provides valuable insights into AV treatment efficacy. PDT, lasers, especially the 1450‐nm diode laser, and FMR are promising for reducing sebum. Standardization of measurement techniques and further research are vital for enhancing treatment personalization, reducing side effects, and improving AV management.
Variation in diagnostic methods, criteria, and treatment for chronic endometritis: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Jwa Seung Chik , Kuroda Keiji , Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Harada Miyuki , Osuga Yutaka , Yamada Mitsutoshi
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate variation in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic endometritis (CE) at the national level in Japan.

Methods

We performed a nationwide survey targeting all assisted reproductive technology (ART) facilities across Japan between 2021 and 2022. Diagnostic methods, criteria, and first‐ and second‐line treatment protocols for CE were collected via a questionnaire.

Results

Among 616 ART facilities, 437 responded to the survey (response rate: 70.9%) of which 339 (77.6%) implemented diagnosis and treatment of CE. In the diagnosis of CE, 214 (63.1%) facilities used CD138 immunohistochemical staining of endometrial tissue, while hysteroscopy was the most frequently used as an adjunct diagnostic method (241 facilities, 71.1%). The most frequent cutoff value of CD138‐positive cells for diagnosing CE was 3–5 cells/20 high‐power fields (50%), but 7.9% (17 facilities) and 5.1% (11 facilities) used cutoff values of 1 and 2 cells, respectively. The most common first‐ and second‐line treatment methods were doxycycline (210 facilities, 61.9%) and ciprofloxacin + metronidazole (164 facilities, 48.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

There is considerable variation in the number of CD138‐positive cells used for diagnosing CE. Establishing unified diagnostic criteria and therapeutic methods for CE is essential to provide standardized medicine for CE at the national level.
The effect of antibiotic premedication on postoperative complications following dental extractions
Authors: McGregor Jessina C. , Wilson Geneva M. , Gibson Gretchen , Jurasic M. Marianne , Evans Charlesnika T. , Suda Katie J.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and adverse outcomes following tooth extraction within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing dental extractions in 2015–2019. The primary exposure was antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary outcome was post‐extraction complication within 7 days (e.g., alveolar osteitis and surgical site infection); the secondary outcome was subsequent medical care relating to a post‐extraction oral complication within 7 days. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the independent effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on each outcome.

Results

Of 385,880 visits with a dental extraction, 122,810 (31.8%) received antibiotic prophylaxis. Overall, 3387 (0.9%) experienced a post‐extraction complication and 350 (0.09%) received medical care relating to a post‐extraction oral complication within 7 days. In multivariable regression, diabetes was a statistically significant (p = 0.01) effect modifier of the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and post‐extraction complication. Among visits for patients without diabetes, antibiotic prophylaxis was significantly associated with an increased odds of post‐extraction complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–1.38), but among visits for patients with diabetes no significant effect was observed (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.92–1.15). Antibiotic prophylaxis was not significantly associated with post‐extraction medical care (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.83–1.30).

Conclusions

In this large retrospective cohort, we observed no significant protective effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on post‐extraction complications or subsequent medical care utilization in a setting with low complication rates. These data suggest that use of antibiotic prophylaxis in similar settings may need to be re‐evaluated to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use.
Melatonin and Seasonal Synchrony in Mammals
Authors: Hazlerigg David G. , Simonneaux Valérie , Dardente Hugues
Published: August 2024

In mammals, seasonal opportunities and challenges are anticipated through programmed changes in physiology and behavior. Appropriate anticipatory timing depends on synchronization to the external solar year, achieved through the use of day length (photoperiod) as a synchronizing signal. In mammals, nocturnal production of melatonin by the pineal gland is the key hormonal mediator of photoperiodic change, exerting its effects via the hypothalamopituitary axis. In this review/perspective, we consider the key developments during the history of research into the seasonal synchronizer effect of melatonin, highlighting the role that the pars tuberalis–tanycyte module plays in this process. We go on to consider downstream pathways, which include discrete hypothalamic neuronal populations. Neurons that express the neuropeptides kisspeptin and (Arg)(Phe)–related peptide‐3 (RFRP‐3) govern seasonal reproductive function while neurons that express somatostatin may be involved in seasonal metabolic adaptations. Finally, we identify several outstanding questions, which need to be addressed to provide a much thorough understanding of the deep impact of melatonin upon seasonal synchronization.
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of a Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae) mutant with a higher heterotrophic cell division rate reveals altered pathways involved in cell proliferation and nutrient partitioning
Authors: Ramarui Kyarii , Zhong Jun , Li Yantao
Published: August 2024

Haematococcus pluvialis has been used to produce the ketocarotenoid antioxidant, astaxanthin. Currently, heterotrophic cultivation of H. pluvialis is limited by slow growth rates. This work aimed to address this challenge by exploring the mechanisms of acetate metabolism in Haematococcus. Chemical mutagenesis and screening identified H. pluvialis strain KREMS 23D‐3 that achieved up to a 34.9% higher cell density than the wild type when grown heterotrophically on acetate. An integrative proteomics and phosphoproteomics approach was employed to quantify 4955 proteins and 5099 phosphorylation sites from 2505 phosphoproteins in the wild‐type and mutant strains of H. pluvialis. Among them, 12 proteins were significantly upregulated and 22 significantly downregulated in the mutant while phosphoproteomic analysis identified 143 significantly upregulated phosphorylation sites on 106 proteins and 130 downregulated phosphorylation sites on 114 proteins. Upregulation of anaphase‐promoting complex phosphoproteins and downregulation of a putative cell cycle division 20 phosphoprotein in the mutant suggests rapid mitotic progression, coinciding with higher cell division rates. Upregulated coproporphyrinogen oxidase and phosphorylated magnesium chelatase in the mutant demonstrated altered nitrogen partitioning toward chlorophyll biosynthesis. The large proportion of differentially expressed phosphoproteins suggests phosphorylation is a key regulator for protein expression and activity in Haematococcus. Taken together, this study reveals the regulation of interrelated acetate metabolic pathways in H. pluvialis and provides protein targets that may guide future strain engineering work.
Dimensionality and cross‐language invariance of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index among Indian adolescents and adults
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Tripathi Vishnukant , Shukla Meenakshi , Pandey Rakesh
Published: August 2024

Sleep quality, key to physical and mental health, requires regular assessment in clinical and non‐clinical settings. Despite widespread use, the dimensionality of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is debated, and its Hindi version's factor structure remains unexplored. Our study evaluates the PSQI's dimensionality among Indian adolescents and adults aiming to demonstrate cross‐language (Hindi and English) invariance of its factor structure. The PSQI showed satisfactory item reliability, and a best‐fitting two‐factor model: “sleep efficiency” (comprising sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency), and “perceived sleep quality” (comprising remaining five PSQI components). This model showed configural invariance across age groups, sexes, and languages. Metric invariance was noted across age groups, but a partial metric non‐invariance was observed across languages and sexes as reflected by differences in factor loadings. The second‐order factor structure model had an excellent fit indicating the usefulness of aggregate scores of the two factors as a single index of sleep quality. Our findings better support a two‐factor structure of sleep quality (both for English and Hindi versions of PSQI) in India. However, further validation in diverse clinical and non‐clinical samples is warranted.
Commercially‐produced infant and toddler foods—How healthy are they? An evaluation of products sold in Australian supermarkets
Authors: Dunford Elizabeth K. , Scully Maree , Coyle Daisy
Published: August 2024

In response to the need for better guidance and regulation for commercially produced infant and toddler foods and beverages, the WHO Regional Office for Europe published a Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (hereafter NPPM) in 2022. This study assessed the nutritional and promotional profile of infant and toddler foods (for ages 6–36 months) sold in Australian supermarkets in 2022 using the NPPM. The main types of claims used for product promotion were also examined and results were presented by category and by packaging type. Nutrient and claims data were extracted for commercially produced infant and toddler products from The George Institute's FoodSwitch database. Products were classified according to NPPM food categories and assessed against relevant nutritional and promotional requirements. Of the 309 products examined, 78% failed to meet the nutritional requirements of the NPPM, and 0% met the promotional requirements. Every product had at least one claim on‐pack that was prohibited under the NPPM, with some products displaying up to 21 different claims on‐pack. Pouches had the highest number of prohibited claims of all packaging types. Findings highlight that urgent work is needed to improve the nutritional quality of commercially produced infant and toddler foods in Australia. The high use of prohibited claims also suggests the need to regulate the type and number of claims that can be made on‐pack, as parents and carers could easily be misled by the deceptive labelling that is currently allowed to be displayed.
Implementation lead nurses to lead EBP quality improvement project using the PEACE framework
Authors: Aljuaid Jamil , Al‐Moteri Modi
Published: August 2024

Implementing evidence‐based practice (EBP) in clinical practice is an ongoing challenge for nurses. EQUIP—Evidence‐based QUality Improvement Project— is a multiphase project aimed at equipping nurses with the essential skills to implement EBP and advanced nursing practice. EQUIP embraces the assumption that implementation science models and partnership models can facilitate the implementation process of EBP, leading to successful and sustainable change. The current study is one of the EQUIP feasibility investigations in which the perspective of 12 implementation lead nurses (IL nurses) who attended a 1‐day PEACE‐based workshop was explored. Thematic analysis identified 2 overarching themes, 6 themes, and 18 subthemes. The first overarching theme showed that the PEACE‐based workshop has successfully achieved its intended training implications, and the second overarching theme gave insight into factors that may influence the role of IL nurses. IL nurses reported general satisfaction and willingness to use the PEACE model at work; however, some IL nurses found Step 3 difficult to apply. The study's findings provide evidence of the perceived usefulness of adopting the PEACE model as an augmented approach in the EQUIP and the interest and enthusiasm of IL nurses in receiving more training on the implementation process of EBP.
The StPti5 ethylene response factor acts as a susceptibility factor by negatively regulating the potato immune response to pathogens
Authors: Coll Anna , Lukan Tjaša , Stare Katja , Zagorščak Maja , Mahkovec Povalej Tjaša , Baebler Špela , Prat Salomé , Coll Núria Sánchez , Valls Marc , Petek Marko , Gruden Kristina
Published: August 2024

Ethylene response factors (ERFs) have been associated with biotic stress in Arabidopsis, while their function in non‐model plants is still poorly understood. Here we investigated the role of potato ERF StPti5 in plant immunity.

We show that StPti5 acts as a susceptibility factor. It negatively regulates potato immunity against potato virus Y and Ralstonia solanacearum, pathogens with completely different modes of action, and thereby has a different role than its orthologue in tomato. Remarkably, StPti5 is destabilised in healthy plants via the autophagy pathway and accumulates exclusively in the nucleus upon infection. We demonstrate that StEIN3 and StEIL1 directly bind the StPti5 promoter and activate its expression, while synergistic activity of the ethylene and salicylic acid pathways is required for regulated StPti expression.

To gain further insight into the mode of StPti5 action in attenuating potato defence responses, we investigated transcriptional changes in salicylic acid deficient potato lines with silenced StPti5 expression. We show that StPti5 regulates the expression of other ERFs and downregulates the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway as well as several proteases involved in directed proteolysis.

This study adds a novel element to the complex puzzle of immune regulation, by deciphering a two‐level regulation of ERF transcription factor activity in response to pathogens.
First‐line managers´ perceptions of missed nursing care in community health care for older people–A phenomenographic study
Authors: Andersson Ingrid , Eklund Anna Josse , Nilsson Jan , Bååth Carina
Published: August 2024

Introduction

First‐line managers in Swedish communities have responsibility for that care to older people is provided, staffing is sufficient and the budget is balanced in their unit. It is a struggle with limited resources due to a growing population in need of care. This can lead to missed nursing care. The aim was to describe first‐line managers´ perceptions of missed nursing care in community health care for older people.

Methods

A qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach, interviewing 24 first‐line managers. Ethics approval for the study was received from the Research Ethics Committee at Karlstad University (Dnr HNT 2020/566).

Results

The results are shown in six descriptive categories containing 15 perceptions. The descriptive categories are ‘occurrence of missed nursing care’, ‘becoming aware of missed nursing care’, ‘reasons for missed nursing care’, ‘missed nursing care has consequences for the older persons’, ‘missed nursing care has consequences for the staff’ and ‘taking action to decrease missed nursing care’.

Conclusions

It is important for first‐line managers to become aware of the existence and reasons for missed nursing, as it has consequences for older people and staff. Managers need to take missed nursing care seriously in order to work with improvements for maintaining good quality of care and patient safety.
Mechanical Deviations in Stride Characteristics During Running in the Severe Intensity Domain Are Associated With a Decline in Muscle Oxygenation
Authors: Chalitsios Christos , Nikodelis Thomas , Mougios Vassilis
Published: August 2024

We explored the impact of running in the severe intensity domain on running mechanics and muscle oxygenation in competitive runners by investigating the relationship between mechanical deviations from typical stride characteristics and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) in the quadriceps muscle. Sixteen youth competitive runners performed an 8‐min exhaustive running test on an outdoor track. Running mechanics were continuously monitored using inertial measurement units. Rectus femoris SmO2 and total hemoglobin (a measure of blood volume) were continuously monitored by near‐infrared spectroscopy. One‐class support vector machine (OCSVM) modeling was employed for subject‐specific analysis of the kinematic data. Statistical analysis included principal component analysis, ANOVA, and correlation analysis. Mechanical deviations from typical stride characteristics increased as the running test progressed. Specifically, the percentage of outliers in the OCSVM model rose gradually from 2.2 ± 0.8% at the start to 43.6 ± 28.2% at the end (p < 0.001, mean ± SD throughout). SmO2 dropped from 74.3 ± 8.4% at baseline to 10.1 ± 6.8% at the end (p < 0.001). A moderate negative correlation (r = −0.61, p = 0.013) was found between the average SmO2 and the percentage of outlier strides during the last 15% of the run. During high‐intensity running, alterations in running biomechanics may occur, linked to decreased quadriceps muscle oxygenation. These parameters highlight the potential of using running kinematics and muscle oxygenation in training to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. Our research contributes to understanding biomechanical and physiological responses to endurance running and emphasizes the importance of individualized monitoring.
How men view stigma, shame, and blame in #MeToo
Authors: Huck Jennifer L. , Homer Megan
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study examined how men respond to #MeToo scenarios alongside perceptions of rape myths and gender equity. It examined social media post reactions of stigma, shame, fear repercussions, victim blaming, truth telling, and real assault belief.

Methods

The sample of 407 male survey participants responded to closed‐ and open‐ended questions in MTurk. Men responded to three #MeToo posts copied from Twitter, which included statements of sexual harassment and assault, to measure perceptions of stigmatization, shame, and victim blame. Variables also measured rape myth acceptance, gender equity ideals, and demographic variables such as race, ethnicity, employment, and relationship status.

Results

The study demonstrated most men ascribed to rape myths and rape culture in their beliefs, but these beliefs usually did not lead directly to their written responses. The quantitative data showed men who accept rape myths also perceive victims as earning outcomes of shame, stigma, and blame. The qualitative data demonstrated most men supported victims’ posts sharing their #MeToo stories with few harmful, stigmatizing responses.

Conclusion

Men hold beliefs that might not lead to direct behaviors in responding to #MeToo posts. Additional research must be completed using other survey platforms to gain the male response to victim story sharing.
High resolution HLA genotyping with third generation sequencing technology—A multicentre study
Authors: Buhler Stéphane , Nørgaard Maja , Steffensen Rudi , Kløve‐Mogensen Kirstine , Møller Bjarne Kuno , Grossmann Rebecca , Ferrari‐Lacraz Sylvie , Lehmann Claudia
Published: August 2024

Molecular HLA typing techniques are currently undergoing a rapid evolution. While real‐time PCR is established as the standard method in tissue typing laboratories regarding allocation of solid organs, next generation sequencing (NGS) for high‐resolution HLA typing is becoming indispensable but is not yet suitable for deceased donors. By contrast, high‐resolution typing is essential for stem cell transplantation and is increasingly required for questions relating to various disease associations. In this multicentre clinical study, the TGS technique using nanopore sequencing is investigated applying NanoTYPE™ kit and NanoTYPER™ software (Omixon Biocomputing Ltd., Budapest, Hungary) regarding the concordance of the results with NGS and its practicability in diagnostic laboratories. The results of 381 samples show a concordance of 99.58% for 11 HLA loci, HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DRB3, ‐DRB4, ‐DRB5, ‐DQA1, ‐DQB1, ‐DPA1 and ‐DPB1. The quality control (QC) data shows a very high quality of the sequencing performed in each laboratory, 34,926 (97.15%) QC values were returned as ‘passed’, 862 (2.4%) as ‘inspect’ and 162 (0.45%) as ‘failed’. We show that an ‘inspect’ or ‘failed’ QC warning does not automatically lead to incorrect HLA typing. The advantages of nanopore sequencing are speed, flexibility, reusability of the flow cells and easy implementation in the laboratory. There are challenges, such as exon coverage and the handling of large amounts of data. Finally, nanopore sequencing presents potential for applications in basic research within the field of epigenetics and genomics and holds significance for clinical concerns.
Deep learning can predict subgenome dominance in ancient but not in neo/synthetic polyploidized genomes
Authors: Guo Zhongwei , Zhang Kang , Cai Chengcheng , Li Xing , Zhang Lingkui , Yang Yinqing , Wang Xiang , Chen Shumin , Zhang Lei , Cheng Feng
Published: August 2024

Deep learning offers new approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying complex biological phenomena, such as subgenome dominance. Subgenome dominance refers to the dominant expression and/or biased fractionation of genes in one subgenome of allopolyploids, which has shaped the evolution of a large group of plants. However, the underlying cause of subgenome dominance remains elusive. Here, we adopt deep learning to construct two convolutional neural network (CNN) models, binary expression model (BEM) and homoeolog contrast model (HCM), to investigate the mechanism underlying subgenome dominance using DNA sequence and methylation sites. We apply these CNN models to analyze three representative polyploidization systems, Brassica, Gossypium, and Cucurbitaceae, each with available ancient and neo/synthetic polyploidized genomes. The BEM shows that DNA sequence of the promoter region can accurately predict whether a gene is expressed or not. More importantly, the HCM shows that the DNA sequence of the promoter region predicts dominant expression status between homoeologous gene pairs retained from ancient polyploidizations, thus predicting subgenome dominance associated with these events. However, HCM fails to predict gene expression dominance between new homoeologous gene pairs arising from the neo/synthetic polyploidizations. These results are consistent across the three plant polyploidization systems, indicating broad applicability of our models. Furthermore, the two models based on methylation sites produce similar results. These results show that subgenome dominance is associated with long‐term sequence differentiation between the promoters of homoeologs, suggesting that subgenome expression dominance precedes and is the driving force or even the determining factor for sequence divergence between subgenomes following polyploidization.
LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) partially inhibits the transcriptional activation of FT by MYB73 and regulates flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chae Jia , Han Seong Ju , Karthik Sivabalan , Kim Hye Jeong , Kim Jee Hye , Yun Hee Rang , Chung Young‐Soo , Sung Sibum , Heo Jae Bok
Published: August 2024

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are essential gene repressors in higher eukaryotes. However, how PcG proteins mediate transcriptional regulation of specific genes remains unknown. LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1), as a component of Polycomb Repression Complexes (PRC), epigenetically mediates several plant developmental processes together with PcG proteins. We observed physical interaction between MYB73 and LHP1 in vitro and in vivo. Genetic analysis indicated that myb73 mutants showed slightly late flowering, and the lhp1‐3 myb73‐2 double mutant exhibited delayed flowering and downregulated FT expression compared to lhp1‐3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and yeast one‐hybrid assays revealed that MYB73 preferentially binds to the FT promoter. Additionally, our protoplast transient assays demonstrated that MYB73 activates to the FT promoter. Interestingly, the LHP1‐MYB73 interaction is necessary to repress the FT promoter, suggesting that the LHP1‐MYB73 interaction prevents FT activation by MYB73 in Arabidopsis. Our results show an example in which a chromatin regulator affects transcriptional regulation by negatively regulating a transcription factor through direct interaction.