bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality of different degraded grasslands in alpine meadows of Maqu
Authors: Xiao Yindi , Liu Minxia , Miao Lele , Yang Chunliang , Wang Qianyue , Wang Min
Published: August 2023

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) is critical to understanding the dynamics of ecosystem services. Several studies have investigated alterations in multiple ecosystem functions under grassland degradation and its relationship with taxonomic diversity. However, how multidimensional biodiversity (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity) and abiotic factors mediate EMF in degraded alpine meadows has yet to be well been explored. In this study, alpine meadows with different degrees of degradation were investigated in Maqu County, Gansu Province, China. The average and multi‐threshold methods were used to quantify EMF, while structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for statistical analysis. The results show that: (1) Degradation of alpine meadows has altered the species composition and diversity of plant communities. (2) Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity were all significantly and positively correlated with EMF, and species richness, functional richness and Faith's PD effectively drive EMF within thresholds of 22%–75%, 20%–86% and 42%–72%, with maximum effects of 0.29, 0.33 and 0.12, respectively. (3) Degradation of alpine meadows directly and significantly reduced EMF, and mediated indirectly through plant diversity and soil abiotic factors. The multifunctionality index for different degrees of degradation showed non‐degraded (60.89) > light degraded (37.84) > moderate degraded (−14.17) > heavy degraded (−48.55). The results of this study reveal the relative importance of multidimensional plant diversity in predicting EMF of degraded alpine meadows, and potential mechanisms by which plant diversity and abiotic factors mediate the effects of alpine meadow degradation on EMF.
Does financial development contribute to the achievement of the “Zero Hunger” goal in Africa?
Authors: Fokam Gaël , Tadadjeu Sosson , Kamguia Brice , Djeunankan Ronald
Published: August 2023

This study examines the effects of financial development on undernourishment with panel data from 40 African countries. We show that financial development in all its dimensions reduces undernourishment. In addition, financial development, financial institutions, the financial market, and financial market depth reduce child stunting. We also identify education, health expenditure, access to electricity, and control of corruption as the main transmission channels through which financial development reduces undernourishment. These results have important implications for the achievement of the “Zero Hunger” goal in Africa and for improving child nutrition.
Health‐related quality of life trajectories in critical illness: Protocol for a Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Kaas‐Hansen Benjamin Skov , Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , Møller Morten Hylander , Jensen Aksel Karl Georg , Larsen Mia Esta , Cuthbertson Brian H. , Perner Anders , Granholm Anders
Published: August 2023

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is a patient‐centred outcome increasingly used as a secondary outcome in critical care research. It may cover several important dimensions of clinical status in intensive care unit (ICU) patients that arguably elude other more easily quantified outcomes such as mortality. Poor associations with harder outcomes, conflicting data on HRQoL in critically ill compared to the background population, and paradoxical effects on HRQoL and mortality complicate the current operationalisation in critical care trials. This protocol outlines a simulation study that will gauge if the areas under the HRQoL trajectories could be a viable alternative.

Methods

We will gauge the behaviour of the proposed HRQoL operationalisation through Monte Carlo simulations, under clinical scenarios that reflect a broad critical care population eligible for inclusion in a large pragmatic trial. We will simulate 15,360 clinical scenarios based on a full factorial design with the following seven simulation parameters: number of patients per arm, relative mortality reduction in the interventional arm, acceleration of HRQoL improvement in the interventional arm, the relative improvement in final HRQoL in the interventional arm, dampening effect of mortality on HRQoL values at discharge from the ICU, proportion of so‐called mortality benefiters in the interventional arm and mortality trajectory shape. For each clinical scenario, we will simulate 100,000 two‐arm trials with 1:1 randomisation. HRQoL will be sampled fortnightly after ICU discharge. Outcomes will include HRQoL in survivors and all patients at the end of follow‐up; mean areas under the HRQoL trajectories in both arms; and mean difference between areas under the HRQoL trajectories and single‐sampled HRQoLs at the end of follow‐up.

Discussion

In the outlined simulation study, we aim to assess whether the area under the HRQoL trajectory curve could be a candidate for reconciling the seemingly paradoxical effects on improved mortality and reduced HRQoL while remaining sensitive to early or accelerated improvement in patient outcomes. The resultant insights will inform subsequent methodological work on prudent collection and statistical analysis of such data from real critically ill patients.
Actions versus Words: Exploring the contributions of working memory and motoric coding in children's instruction following using a dual‐task paradigm
Authors: Makri Angie , Fiske Abigail
Published: August 2023

Previous research in adults has showed that physical performance (i.e., enactment) of instructions at recall leads to better memory compared to verbal recall and that this effect does not rely solely on Working Memory resources. The current study aimed to replicate this finding in children. A group of 32 children encoded simple instructions verbally while engaging in a series of distractor tasks (articulatory suppression, backwards counting and a motor suppression task). Participants recalled information verbally or physically through enactment. The findings showed that although distractors impaired performance compared to a control condition (no distractor task), the enactment advantage remained intact in all conditions. These findings show that children's memory is superior when they perform, rather than when they verbally repeat instructions and crucially it is suggested that this effect does not rely solely on Working Memory resources.
Mirror meetings as a tool to enhance professionals' awareness of the lived experiences of young people with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sattoe Jane N. T. , van Heijningen‐Tousain Heidi J. M. , van Staa AnneLoes
Published: August 2023

During mirror meetings, professionals were confronted with the experiences of young people (YP) with inflammatory bowel disease to encourage them to improve their transitional care arrangements. The mirror meetings were held under guidance of an independent moderator. YP conversed about their transition experiences, while health care providers listened without interfering. Meetings were audio‐recorded and summarized. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted. Thirty‐two YP participated in six mirror meetings with 26 professionals from paediatric and adult care. Professionals received concrete suggestions for improving their transitional care arrangements. These were about holistic care, tailored to individual needs and preferences, attention for mental health and the role of parents and peers. Advice given by YP matched transitional care guidelines' recommendations. Mirror meetings are a powerful tool to enhance professionals' awareness of YP's needs.
Anthropological and sociological perspectives on food allergy
Authors: Cook Emma E.
Published: August 2023

This review explores the anthropological and sociological literature on food allergy and identifies four primary areas of research to date. The first explores the relationality and management of risk, uncertainty and stigma among parents and sufferers of food allergies. The second analyses the influence of intersectionality, specifically the effects of class, gender, race/ethnicity and disability on experiences of food allergy. The third discusses diagnostic difficulties and the impact these have on legitimacy and believability, both in the context of clinician–patient relations and in managing food allergies in public spaces. The fourth explores the ethics and uncertainties in food allergy treatments and how scientific knowledge of emerging treatments is constructed. This body of research illustrates that although an individual disease, food allergy experiences are significantly affected by socio‐cultural structures, institutions, ideologies and discourses. The review concludes with four primary recommendations. First, there should be more incorporation of anthropological or sociological methodologies and perspectives into studies of food allergy. Second, studies are needed from more countries exploring lived experience of food allergy. Third, research on food allergy needs to incorporate an analysis of intersectional factors such as gender, class and race/ethnicity, and should explore the experiences of minority populations. Fourth, more research is needed on the interactions between biomedicine and local systems of knowledge, as well as the factors that shape what treatments become available, for whom it becomes available, experiences of treatment and aspects (including biases) that influence patient–clinician interactions.
TULP4, a novel E3 ligase gene, participates in neuronal migration as a candidate in schizophrenia
Authors: Bi Yan , Ren Decheng , Yuan Fan , Zhang Zhou , Zhou Daizhan , Yi Xin , Ji Lei , Li Keyi , Yang Fengping , Wu Xi , Li Xingwang , Xu Yifeng , Liu Yun , Wang Peng , Cai Changqun , Liu Chuanxin , Ma Qian , He Lin , Shi Yi , He Guang
Published: August 2023

Background

TUB‐like protein 4 (TULP4) is one of the distant members of tubby family proteins, whose function remains largely unknown. In the present study, we intend to identify the role of TULP4 in schizophrenia from human samples and animal models.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was used to detect the four schizophrenia families collected. In different cell lines, the effects of identified variants in TULP4 gene on its expression and localization were analyzed. Knockdown models in utero and adult mice were employed to investigate the role of Tulp4 on neuronal migration and schizophrenia‐related behavior. Subsequently, co‐IP assays were used to search for proteins that interact with TULP4 and the effects of mutants on the molecular function of TULP4.

Results

For the first time, we identified five rare variants in TULP4 from schizophrenia families, of which three significantly reduced TULP4 protein expression. Knockdown the expression of Tulp4 delayed neuronal migration during embryological development and consequently triggered abnormal behaviors in adult mice, including impaired sensorimotor gating and cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, we confirmed that TULP4 is involved in the formation of a novel E3 ligase through interaction with CUL5‐ELOB/C‐RNF7 and the three deleterious variants affected the binding amount of TULP4 and CUL5 to a certain extent.

Conclusions

Together, we believe TULP4 plays an important role in neurodevelopment and subsequent schizophrenic‐related phenotypes through its E3 ubiquitin ligase function.
Contributions of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems to risk‐based design and management of protected and conserved areas in Africa
Authors: Keith David A. , Ghoraba Somaya Magdy M. , Kaly Eric , Jones Kendall R. , Oosthuizen Ané , Obura David , Costa Hugo M. , Daniels Fahiema , Duarte Eleutério , Grantham Hedley , Gudka Mishal , Norman Juliet , Shannon Lynne J. , Skowno Andrew , Ferrer‐Paris José R.
Published: August 2023

Protected and conserved areas (PCAs) are key ecosystem management tools for conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem services and social cobenefits. As countries adopt a 30% target for protection of land and sea under the Global Biodiversity Framework of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, a critical question emerging is, which 30%? A risk‐based answer to this question is that the 30% that returns the greatest reductions in risks of species extinction and ecosystem collapse should be protected. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List protocols provide practical methods for assessing these risks. All species, including humans, depend on the integrity of ecosystems for their well‐being and survival. Africa is strategically important for ecosystem management due to convergence of high ecosystem diversity, intense pressures, and high levels of human dependency on nature. We reviewed the outcomes (e.g., applications of ecosystem red‐list assessments to protected‐area design, conservation planning, and management) of a symposium at the inaugural African Protected Areas Congress convened to discuss roles of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems in the design and management of PCAs. Recent progress was made in ecosystem assessment, with 920 ecosystem types assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria across 21 countries. Although these ecosystems spanned a diversity of environments across the continent, the greatest thematic gaps were for freshwater, marine, and subterranean realms, and large geographic gaps existed in North Africa and parts of West and East Africa. Assessment projects were implemented by a diverse community of government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and researchers. The assessments have influenced policy and management by informing extensions to and management of formal protected area networks supporting decision‐making for sustainable development, and informing ecosystem conservation and threat abatement within boundaries of PCAs and in surrounding landscapes and seascapes. We recommend further integration of risk assessments in environmental policy and enhanced investment in ecosystem red‐list assessment to fill current gaps.
Obtaining novel data‐driven hypotheses from teaching activities: An example assessing the role of the FKBP5 gene in major depression
Authors: Strelevitz Heather , Dehaqani Alireza A. , Balasco Luigi , Bozzi Yuri
Published: August 2023

Many clinical and research efforts aim to develop antidepressant drugs for those suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). Yet, even today, the available treatments are suboptimal and unpredictable, with a significant proportion of patients enduring multiple drug attempts and adverse side effects before a successful response, and, for many patients, no response at all. Thus, a clearer understanding of the mechanisms underlying MDD is necessary. In the ‘Brain Development and Disease’ class of our Master's program in Cognitive Sciences, we ask students to collect data about the expression of a gene whose altered expression and/or function is related to a brain disorder. The students' final exam assignment consists of writing a research article in which the collected data are discussed in relation to the relevant disorder. In the course of one of these assignments, we identified the FKBP5 gene as a key player uniting two major hypotheses of MDD pathogenesis and treatment response. FKBP5 controls biological processes including immunoregulation and glucocorticoid function, both of which are separately implicated in the development and prognosis of MDD. Gene expression analyses from the human, non‐human primate and mouse Allen Brain Atlases revealed that FKBP5 is expressed in brain regions involved in MDD, particularly at ages susceptible to early‐life stressors. Data re‐analysis from published studies confirmed that FKBP5 expression is upregulated in relevant brain regions in human MDD and preclinical mouse models of MDD. Our experience shows that classes engaging students in data collection and analysis projects may effectively result in novel data‐driven hypotheses.
Crosstalk between NLRP3 inflammasome and calpain in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mamsa Rumaiza , Prabhavalkar Kedar S. , Bhatt Lokesh Kumar
Published: August 2023

Amyloid plaques are considered to be the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation further aggravates the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Calpains and NOD‐like receptor protein‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are involved in the neuroinflammatory pathway and affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Hyperactivation of calpains is responsible for the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby affecting each other's molecular mechanism and causing astrogliosis, microgliosis, and neuronal dysfunction. Further, calpain hyperactivation is also associated with calcium homeostasis that acts as one of the triggers in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Calpain activity is required for the maturation of interleukin‐1β, a key mediator of neuroinflammatory responses. The membrane potential/calcium/calpain/caspase‐1 axis acts as an unconventional regulator of inflammasomes. The complex crosstalk between NLRP3 inflammasome and calpain leads to a series of events. Targeting the molecular mechanism associated with calpain‐NLRP3 inflammasome activation and regulation can be a therapeutic and prophylactic perspective towards Alzheimer's disease. This review discusses calpains and NLRP3 inflammasome crosstalk in the pathogenesis of AD.
Periodontitis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: A nation‐wide register study
Authors: Aga Odd‐Olav , Bolstad Anne Isine , Lie Stein Atle , Svanes Fevang Bjørg‐Tilde
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of periodontitis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and a non‐Sjögren's patient group during a 7‐year period from 2011 through 2017. In this population‐based study, the patients were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases‐10 (ICD‐10) codes registered in the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR), which contains information on diagnosis and time of admission for all hospitalized patients in Norway. The pSS group comprised patients with ≥4 registrations with ICD‐10 code M35.0 (Sjögren's syndrome) as the main diagnosis. The dependent variable was periodontitis, defined by procedure codes registered in the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursement (KUHR). Logistic regression analyses estimated the odds ratio for periodontitis in pSS patients relative to non‐pSS patients, adjusted for relevant covariates. Lastly, regression analyses were performed separately for each of the 6 age categories. In total, 760 (7.5%) patients in the pSS group and 22,178 (7.1%) in the non‐pSS group had periodontitis. When adjusting for covariates, the presence of pSS had no association with periodontitis (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.98–1.14).
The use of non‐invasive imaging modalities for the assessment of skeletal muscle quantity and quality in people with HIV: A narrative review
Authors: Ditzenberger Grace L. , Oliveira Vitor H. F. , Jankowski Catherine M. , Erlandson Kristine M.
Published: August 2023

Background

People with HIV (PWH) are prone to mobility impairments and physical dysfunction, with the loss of skeletal muscle quantity and quality being a major contributor to the dysfunction. Assessment of skeletal muscle is an important component of care for this patient population for early intervention and treatment. The use of non‐invasive imaging techniques to evaluate skeletal muscle, such as dual X‐ray absorptiometry, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, has increased in popularity in recent years.

Purpose

This narrative review synthesizes the use of these techniques and summarizes the associations between outcomes from these imaging modalities and physical function in PWH.
Foraging on sand particles: Coatings of soft radular teeth (Paludomidae, Gastropoda, Mollusca)
Authors: Krings Wencke , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: August 2023

The radula is the ingesta‐gathering structure in Mollusca. As interface, it has to perform various tasks without functional deterioration caused by wear. Wear prevention is well investigated in mollusks that forage on rocks and that generate high punctual pressure with their hard teeth, which contain high inorganic contents at their tips. In mollusks that forage on softer substrate, such as sand surfaces, and have relatively soft teeth, wear prevention has not been a focus of study before. Here, we studied the teeth of Limnotrochus thomsoni, which are used for raking algae from sand. For comparison, we investigated the soft outer teeth of Lavigeria grandis, which are used in gathering particles after the ingesta is loosed from the rock surface. SEM revealed scratches on all surfaces of the teeth and suggests that every tooth side interacts with abrasive particles during foraging. Analysis of stomach content revealed that sand particles of 10–20 μm diameter are ingested. By EDX/EDS, we studied the composition of the teeth and determined that high proportions of Ca are present on all surfaces, which could be an adaptation to reduce abrasion. Finally, we here present evidence for the existence of a canal within the teeth, which could potentially serve as delivery pathway of minerals during tooth maturation and has not been previously detected in Gastropoda.
Is HCV elimination among persons living with HIV feasible? Data from the NoCo study in the setting of the ICONA cohort
Authors: d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , Tavelli Alessandro , Rossotti Roberto , Gagliardini Roberta , Saracino Annalisa , Lo Caputo Sergio , Sala Matteo , Quiros‐Roldan Eugenia , Mussini Cristina , Girardi Enrico , Cozzi‐Lepri Alessandro , Antinori Andrea , Puoti Massimo ,   for the NoCo Study of the Icona cohort
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Whether the HCV test‐and‐treat strategy impacted on the rate of new HCV infections among PLWH in Italy is unknown.

Methods

Prospective study of PLWH in the ICONA network. At baseline, PLWH were tested for HCV‐Ab; HCV‐RNA (if HCV‐Ab positive) and, if positive, treated with DAA. SVR12 indicated eradication. Seroconversions and re‐infections were evaluated yearly in HCV‐Ab neg and HCV‐RNA neg at first screening. We estimated the following: HCV seroconversions, incidence of HCV reinfections, and access to DAA and SVR12 rates tighter with factors associated with each outcome. Data were analysed by Cox regression, Poisson regression and logistic regression models.

Results

Sixteen thousand seven hundred and forty‐three PLWH were included; 27.3% HCV‐Ab positive; of these, 39.3% HCV‐RNA positive. HCV seroconversion incidence: .48/100 PYFU (95% CI: .36–.65); re‐infections incidence: 1.40/100 PYFU (95% CI: .91–2.04). The risk factor for HCV re‐infection was young age: aIRR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.17–2.95) per 10 years younger. 86.4% of HCV viremic in follow‐up started DAA. PWID vs. heterosexuals (aHR .75, 95% CI .62–.90), HIV‐RNA >50 copies/mL (aHR .70, 95% CI .56–.87), HCV genotype other than G1, G2, G3, G4 or with multiple/missing HCV genotype and post‐COVID‐19 calendar periods were associated with lower DAA access. 922/965 (95.5%) PLWH achieved SVR12. We estimated 72% reduction of chance to achieve SVR12 in PLWH with a CD4 count <200/mm3 (vs. CD4 ≥200/mm3 aOR .18, 95% CI: .07–.46). 95.5% of DAA‐treated individuals eradicated HCV, but they represent only 53.2% of HCV viremic PLWH and 66.4% of those in follow‐up. HCV‐RNA positivity by year decreased from 41.7% in 2017 to 11.7% in 2022.

Conclusions

The screening‐and‐treat campaign implemented in Italy, even if only partially effective, resulted in a dramatic drop in HCV circulation in our cohort.
LGALS3BP is a potential target of antibody‐drug conjugates in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cela Ilaria , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Capone Emily , Pinti Morena , Mascitti Marco , Togni Lucrezia , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Rubini Corrado , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Lattanzio Rossano , Perrotti Vittoria , Sala Gianluca
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of intracellular and vesicular LGALS3BP in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and available cell lines to explore its potential as a target for antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) therapy.

Methods

Free and vesicular LGALS3BP expression levels were evaluated in cancer tissues from a cohort of OSCC patients as well as in a panel of OSCC cell lines through immunohistochemistry, qRT‐PCR, Western Blot analysis, and ELISA.

Results

LGALS3BP resulted in being highly expressed in the cytoplasm of tumour cells in OSCC patient tissues. A strong correlation was found between high LGALS3BP expression levels and aggressive histological features of OSCC. Biochemistry analysis performed on OSCC cell lines showed that LGALS3BP is expressed in all the tested cell lines and highly enriched in cancer‐derived extracellular vesicles. Moreover, LGALS3BP high‐expressing HOC621 and CAL27 OSCC cell lines showed high sensitivity to the ADC‐payload DM4, with an IC50 around 0.3 nM.

Conclusions

The present study highlights that LGALS3BP is highly expressed in OSCC suggesting a role as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ADC‐based therapy.
An interesting case of infra‐hisian block
Authors: Lakshman Harini , Banthiya Sukriti , Ahmed Ammar , Shah Dipak
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The management of patients with conduction disease and supraventricular arrhythmias presents a multitude of clinical challenges.Intra‐Hisian block, a condition characterized by delayed or blocked electrical conduction within the His bundle, can result in debilitating symptoms, such as syncope or presyncope. This case report aims to elucidate the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations that were taken in a patient who presented with recurrent syncopal episodes that corresponded to atrial flutter (AFL) and subsequently underwent cavotricuspid isthmus ablation.

Case presentation

A 65‐year‐old male with paroxysmal AFL and a pre‐existing right bundle branch block and left anterior fascicular block (RBBB+LAFB) experienced recurrent syncopal episodes that were found to be correlated with AFL episodes. Following CTI ablation, an electrophysiology study (EPS) revealed a prolonged HV interval of 101ms, which indicated potential conduction abnormalities. With coronary sinus pacing, an intra‐Hisian delay of 211ms was observed. During instances of atrioventricular block, intra‐Hisian delay was evident on conducted beats, followed by intra‐Hisian block on non‐conducted beats. Ultimately, the patient's syncopal episodes prompted the placement of a dual‐chamber pacemaker, which resulted in the resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion

Intra‐Hisian block is a condition that is often associated with delayed or blocked electrical conduction within the His bundle. When symptomatic, patients often present with syncope or presyncope. Etiologies of this condition include degenerative changes, myocardial infarction, autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, and more. This case emphasizes the importance of electrophysiology studies (EPS) in the diagnosis and management of patients with intra‐Hisian block. Prompt intervention, such as the placement of a dual‐chamber pacemaker, can alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes. Thus, clinical awareness and utilization of EPS can aid in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection for patients with conduction abnormalities and supraventricular arrhythmias.cuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation.
The eXpectations of Parents regarding Anesthesiology Study (XPAS) from a parental perspective: a two‐phase observational cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Sjauw Daphne J. T. , Dulfer Karolijn , van Hoorn Camille E. , Buijs Vivi , de Bruijn Liesbeth , Reijtenbagh Bente W. M. , Tangel Virginia E. , de Graaff Jurgen C.
Published: August 2023

Background

Uncertainty concerning anesthetic procedures and risks in children requiring anesthesia may cause concerns in parents and caregivers.

Aims

To explore parental expectations and experiences regarding their child's anesthesia using questionnaires designed with parental input.

Methods

This observational cross‐sectional cohort study included parents (including caregivers) of children undergoing anesthesia in a tertiary pediatric referral university hospital. The study consisted of two phases. In Phase 1, we developed three questionnaires with parental involvement through a focus group discussion and individual interviews. The questionnaires focused on parental satisfaction, knowledge, concerns, and need for preparation regarding their child's anesthesia. In Phase 2, independent samples of parents completed the questionnaires at three time points: before the preanesthesia assessment (T1), 2 days after the preanesthesia assessment (T2), and 4 days after the anesthetic procedure (T3).

Results

In Phase 1, 22 parents were involved in the development of the questionnaires. The three questionnaires contained 43 questions in total, of which 10 had been proposed by parents. In Phase 2, 78% (474 out of 934) parents participated at T1, 36% (610 out of 1705), at T2 and 34% (546 out of 1622) at T3. Parental satisfaction scores were rated on a visual analogue scale for the preanesthesia assessment with a median of 87/100, and with a median of 90/100 for the anesthetic procedure (0: not satisfied and 100: satisfied). Parental concerns were rated with a median of 50/100 (0: no concerns and 100: extremely concerned). Parental answers from the questionnaire at T2 revealed significant knowledge deficits, with only 73% reporting that the anesthesiologist was a physician. Parents preferred to receive more information about the procedure, especially regarding the intended effects and side effects of anesthesia.

Conclusions

Overall, parental satisfaction scores regarding the pediatric anesthesiology procedure were high, with a minority expressing concerns. Parents indicated a preference for their child's anesthesiologist to visit them both before and after the anesthetic procedure. Parental expectations regarding anesthesia did not completely correspond with the information provided; more information from the clinician about the intended effects and side effects of anesthesia was desired.
A study on the impact of the number of family generations on intergenerational support for centenarians: a study in a Chinese ‘longevity city’
Authors: Shen Chen , Wang Dan‐Ni , Gao Xing‐Xing , Zhao Rui , Dong Chen , Gu Zhi‐Feng , Gao Jian‐Lin
Published: August 2023

Background

As a natural source of support for the elderly, the family is an important channel for achieving a sense of security, happiness, and worthiness in old age. In this study, we analysed the characteristics of intergenerational support in families of centenarians and explored the impact of the number of family generations on intergenerational support.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey between April 2020 and January 2021 among 62 elderly people aged 99+ in Rugao, China, one of six ‘longevity cities’ in the world. Assisted by the researchers, centenarians completed questionnaires with details pertaining to general demographics, intergenerational support, and other aspects. We used a logistic regression model to analyse the influence of the number of family generations on intergenerational support that the centenarians received with respect to economic, living, and emotional aspects.

Results

Centenarians were primarily recipients of care in their families, and received intergenerational support mainly for their declined physical functions and limited self‐care ability. The study results revealed that the greater the number of generations comprising the family, the greater was the intergenerational life care and emotional comfort provided for centenarians by the family.

Conclusions

In this study, we found a positive effect of the number of family generations on intergenerational support for centenarians. The government and society should promote the tradition of respecting, caring for, and honouring the elderly while paying close attention to the dynamic changes in the family structure of centenarians in promoting high‐quality and sustainable development of the people, economy, and society.
How unilateral tariffs harm workers under oligopoly
Authors: Rudsinske Jonas F.
Published: August 2023

I study import tariffs in an asymmetric general oligopolistic equilibrium trade model. Their anti‐competitive effect reduces labour demand because firms want to shorten supply. Unilaterally increasing the import tariff raises domestic welfare at the foreign country's expense, but comes at the cost of favouring profit recipients as compared to workers, whose real wages fall. Only if initial tariffs are low, the tariff‐increasing government could use its rising tariff revenue to neutralise the distributional effect or the negative effect on workers. If supporting workers is the policy objective, tariffs do not appear to be a suitable tool under oligopoly.
The added value of ferritin levels and genetic markers for the prediction of haemoglobin deferral
Authors: Vinkenoog Marieke , Toivonen Jarkko , van Leeuwen Matthijs , Janssen Mart P. , Arvas Mikko
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

On‐site haemoglobin deferral for blood donors is sometimes necessary for donor health but demotivating for donors and inefficient for the blood bank. Deferral rates could be reduced by accurately predicting donors' haemoglobin status before they visit the blood bank. Although such predictive models have been published, there is ample room for improvement in predictive performance. We aim to assess the added value of ferritin levels or genetic markers as predictor variables in haemoglobin deferral prediction models.

Materials and Methods

Support vector machines with and without this information (the full and reduced model, respectively) are compared in Finland and the Netherlands. Genetic markers are available in the Finnish data and ferritin levels in the Dutch data.

Results

Although there is a clear association between haemoglobin deferral and both ferritin levels and several genetic markers, predictive performance increases only marginally with their inclusion as predictors. The recall of deferrals increases from 68.6% to 69.9% with genetic markers and from 79.7% to 80.0% with ferritin levels included. Subgroup analyses show that the added value of these predictors is higher in specific subgroups, for example, for donors with minor alleles on single‐nucleotide polymorphism 17:58358769, recall of deferral increases from 73.3% to 93.3%.

Conclusion

Including ferritin levels or genetic markers in haemoglobin deferral prediction models improves predictive performance. The increase in overall performance is small but may be substantial for specific subgroups. We recommend including this information as predictor variables when available, but not to collect it for this purpose only.
Long‐term monitoring of the microbial quality and Legionnaires' disease risk in tap water from mass catering establishments
Authors: Ay Murat
Published: August 2023

Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella (L.) pneumophila. Inhaling aerosolized water containing this bacteria is the most common transmission route. Shower heads used in the catering industry's dishwashing units are also potential amplifying systems for bacteria and possible sources of infection by generating droplets and aerosols. Therefore, these systems should not contain pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to monitor the microbial quality, Legionnaires' disease risk and L. pneumophila presence in tap water samples from the water outlet of the shower‐type dishwashing unit of mass catering establishments for a year. Seventy‐two tap water samples were microbiologically tested for total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count, coliform, Escherichia (E.) coli and L. pneumophila. DNA was isolated from L. pneumophila‐positive samples, and their serogroup was characterized by real‐time PCR. The correlation between seasonal variation and prevalence of L. pneumophila serogroup and L. pneumophila and other indicator bacteria were statistically tested by Spearman rank test (p < 0.05). Findings showed that 17 (24%) samples had microbial growth, 14 (19.4%) were positive for L. pneumophila and 13 isolates were characterized as L. pneumophila serogroup 1. The statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between seasonal variation (p = 0.491) and L. pneumophila and total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count, coliform and E. coli (p = 0.923). Overall, Legionella spp. is an essential indicator of the microbial quality in the tap water from mass catering establishments and should be regularly monitored for public health independently from seasonal variation and other indicator bacteria.
Protective Biology and Engineering
Authors: Liu Shu Q.
Published: August 2023

Protective biology and engineering are an integrated discipline aiming to understand the naturally occurring protective mechanisms established through an evolution in response to environmental insults and genetic defects (protective biology), and develop and use engineering strategies and technologies to optimize protective processes against cell death in injury and disease based on the naturally occurring protective mechanisms (protective engineering). There exist systems protective mechanisms in mammals, including regional mechanisms activated in a disordered organ and distant mechanisms in non-disordered organs, both acting in coordination to support cell survival and prevent cell death in the disordered organ. However, these mechanisms are not all optimized for promptness and effectiveness. Protective engineering strategies can be developed and used to correct natural deficiencies and optimize protective mechanisms. This paper addresses the fundamental concepts and potential protective engineering strategies by using two examples of diseases—heart attack and ischemic stroke, leading causes of human morbidity and mortality.
An inter-model comparison of parabolic equation methods for sound propagation from wind turbines
Authors: Nyborg Camilla Marie , Bolin Karl , Karasalo Ilkka , Fischer Andreas
Published: August 2023

The modeling of sound propagation for land-based wind turbines is a complex task that takes various parameters into account. Not only do the wind speed and wind direction affect the noise received at a certain position by changing the refraction of the sound, but also the terrain complexity, ground impedance, and receiver position relative to the source and ground all affect propagation. These effects are seen by the reflections of the sound at the ground surface causing interference of sound waves, or by the receiver being positioned in and out of noise shadow zones in the upwind far field position, or in steep terrain irregularities. Several sound propagation models with different levels of fidelity have been developed through time to account for these effects. This paper will focus on two different parabolic equation models, the Beilis-Tappert Parabolic Equation and the Generalized Terrain Parabolic Equation, through theoretical studies of varying terrain complexity, ground impedance, and sound speed profiles (upwind, downwind, and no wind). In addition, the propagation models are validated through spectral comparisons to noise measurements from two different campaigns considering loudspeaker noise and wind turbine noise, respectively.
Coexistence at the crossroads
Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet
Ben Goldfarb
Norton, 2023. 384 pp.
Authors: Boon Sarah
Published: August 2023

Ideology meets infrastructure for road ecologists helping flora and fauna live well in the presence of motorways
In Other Journals
Authors: Stern Peter , Kelly Priscilla N. , Uzogara Ekeoma , Smith H. Jesse , Ray L. Bryan , Stajic Jelena , Funk Michael A.
Published: August 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Smoke alarm
Authors: Wickelgren Ingrid
Published: August 2023

As states relax their laws on cannabis, neuroscientist Yasmin Hurd is warning about the drug’s dangers for the developing brain
An end to horseshoe crab bleeds?
Authors: Kreier Freda
Published: August 2023

Proposal could allow synthetic proteins to replace harvested enzyme in drug testing
Seizure of Nicaraguan university deals blow to nation’s scientists
Authors: Karáth Kata
Published: August 2023

Move marks President Daniel Ortega’s latest effort to crack down on perceived political opponents
New boronate drugs and evolving NDM-mediated beta-lactam resistance
Authors: Lomovskaya Olga , Tsivkovski Ruslan , Totrov Maxim , Dressel Dana , Castanheira Mariana , Dudley Michael
Published: August 2023

Taniborbactam and xeruborbactam are dual serine-/metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) based on a cyclic boronic acid pharmacophore that undergo clinical development. Recent report demonstrated that New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)-9 (differs from NDM-1 by a single amino acid substitution, E152K, evolved to overcome Zn (II) deprivation) is resistant to inhibition by taniborbactam constituting pre-existing taniborbactam resistance mechanism. Using microbiological and biochemical experiments, we show that xeruborbactam is capable of inhibiting NDM-9 and propose the structural basis for differences between two BLIs.
Defining early steps in
Bacillus subtilis
biofilm biosynthesis
Authors: Arbour Christine A. , Nagar Rupa , Bernstein Hannah M. , Ghosh Soumi , Al-Sammarraie Yusra , Dorfmueller Helge C. , Ferguson Michael A. J. , Stanley-Wall Nicola R. , Imperiali Barbara
Published: August 2023

The
Bacillus subtilis
extracellular biofilm matrix includes an exopolysaccharide (EPS) that is critical for the architecture and function of the community. To date, our understanding of the biosynthetic machinery and the molecular composition of the EPS of
B. subtilis
remains unclear and incomplete. This report presents synergistic biochemical and genetic studies built from a foundation of comparative sequence analyses targeted at elucidating the activities of the first two membrane-committed steps in the EPS biosynthetic pathway. By taking this approach, we determined the nucleotide sugar donor and lipid-linked acceptor substrates for the first two enzymes in the
B. subtilis
biofilm EPS biosynthetic pathway. EpsL catalyzes the first phosphoglycosyl transferase step using uridine diphosphate (UDP)-di-
N
-acetyl bacillosamine as phospho-sugar donor. EpsD is a predicted GT-B fold (GT4 family) retaining glycosyl transferase that catalyzes the second step in the pathway that utilizes the product of EpsL as an acceptor substrate and UDP-
N
-acetyl glucosamine as the sugar donor. Thus, the study defines the first two monosaccharides at the reducing end of the growing EPS unit. In doing so, we provide the first evidence of the presence of bacillosamine in an EPS synthesized by a Gram-positive bacterium.

IMPORTANCE

Biofilms are the communal way of life that microbes adopt to increase survival. Key to our ability to systematically promote or ablate biofilm formation is a detailed understanding of the biofilm matrix macromolecules. Here, we identify the first two essential steps in the
Bacillus subtilis
biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis pathway. Together, our studies and approaches provide the foundation for the sequential characterization of the steps in EPS biosynthesis, using prior steps to enable chemoenzymatic synthesis of the undecaprenyl diphosphate-linked glycan substrates.
Two phases of Cretaceous dextral shearing recorded in the plutonic rocks of NW Nevada (USA): A tectonic link between intra-arc shearing in the Sierra Nevada and Idaho batholiths
Authors: Trevino Sarah F. , Tikoff Basil
Published: August 2023

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility data. 
Surface dynamics and thermophysical mechanics on Reiner–Philippoff fluid flow
Authors: Tijani Yusuf O. , Oloniiju Shina D. , Oni Michael O. , Akolade Mojeed T.
Published: August 2023

Due to high sensitivity of fluid particles to temperature changes, the thermophysical characteristics of fluids are known to exhibit significant variations when exposed to temperature rise, which can impact the overall efficiency of conveying fluid substances in manufacturing processes across different surfaces and media. Industrial and mechanical processes such as aerodynamic extrusion in plastic sheets, fiber technology and biological dynamics as transpiration and muscle cramps exhibit different surface dynamics. The Reiner–Philippoff (RP) fluid model exemplifies shear-thinning, shear-thickening and Newtonian behavior. This study investigates the flow of a RP fluid over a stretching and shrinking surface with nonlinear thermal convection and variable thermophysical properties. The mathematical models describing the dynamical system are transformed through a similar group of transformations. Flow variables such as the fluid’s velocity, temperature and solute concentration were numerically obtained through the spectral local linearization technique (SLLM). Subject to the validation and accuracy of the numerical results, the effects of pertinent parameters on the flow were investigated. The findings in this study reveal that the effects of the flow variables on stretching and shrinking sheets are not diametrically opposite. Moreover, the radiation negatively impacts the flow variables over a stretching sheet compared to the positive effect experienced at some point in flow over a shrinking sheet.
Abnormal Behavior Recognition for Human Motion Based on Improved Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Duan Xueying
Published: August 2023

Recognizing abnormal behavior recognition (ABR) is an important part of social security work. To ensure social harmony and stability, it is of great significance to study the identification methods of abnormal human motion behavior. Aiming at the low accuracy of human motion ABR method, ABR method for human motion based on improved deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed. First, the background image is processed in combination with the Gaussian model; second, the background features and human motion trajectory features are extracted, respectively; finally, the improved DRL model is constructed, and the feature information is input into the improvement model to further extract the abnormal behavior features, and the ABR of human motion is realized through the interaction between the agent and the environment. The different methods were examined based on UCF101 data set and HiEve data set. The results show that the accuracy of human motion key point acquisition and posture estimation accuracy is high, the proposed method sensitivity is good, and the recognition accuracy of human motion abnormal behavior is as high as 95.5%. It can realize the ABR for human motion and lay a foundation for the further development of follow-up social security management.