bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compromisos de rasgos del leño en plantas del desierto: un modelo triangular para comprender las variaciones intra e interespecíficas a lo largo de un gradiente de aridez
Authors: Melián Edgardo , Gatica Gabriel , Pucheta Eduardo
Published: June 2023

La arquitectura hidráulica de las plantas leñosas puede mostrar variaciones intra e interespecíficas a lo largo de gradientes de aridez como resultado de compromisos entre rasgos del leño, que dependen de la capacidad de cada especie para resistir o evadir la sequía. La arquitectura hidráulica de las plantas puede definirse como el conjunto de diferentes tipos celulares implicados en el transporte de agua a través del continuo suelo‐planta‐atmósfera. En la actualidad, existen dos modelos diseñados para comprender los compromisos entre rasgos funcionales leñosos del xilema, desarrollados por Baas y Pratt junto a colaboradores, respectivamente. El primer modelo presenta un espacio triangular de compromisos en el que tres funciones principales del xilema de las plantas están vinculadas entre sí para proporcionar resistencia a la embolia en tiempo evolutivo. El segundo modelo representa los tipos de células del xilema asociados a sus funciones principales, a saber, vasos para transporte, parénquima para almacenamiento y fibras para soporte. Proponemos aquí un nuevo modelo que considera la abundancia individual relativa de rasgos de los tipos de células del xilema para tres especies del desierto con diferentes estrategias de tolerancia a la sequía, a lo largo de un gradiente de aridez de más de 300 mm. De este modo, en nuestro modelo se pueden registrar las variaciones intra e interespecíficas de los rasgos del leño para especies de diferentes localidades a lo largo de un gradiente de aridez. El árbol Neltuma flexuosa mostró poca variación intraespecífica en la parte media de resistencia a la sequía del modelo, lo que sugiere que esta especie es independiente de las precipitaciones. Larrea divaricata también mostró una variación intraespecífica baja, pero su ubicación espacial en el modelo sugiere que tiene una alta tolerancia a la sequía. La tercera especie, Bulnesia retama, mostró la mayor variación intraespecífica dentro del modelo, modificando su arquitectura hidráulica aumentando el área de fibras al incrementar la aridez. Nuestro modelo podría convertirse en una herramienta general para evaluar las variaciones intra e interespecíficas en los compromisos de la arquitectura hidráulica entre plantas leñosas como respuesta a la sequía.
HCM‐associated ALMS1 variant: Allele drop‐out and frequency in Italian Sphynx cats
Authors: Turba Maria Elena , Ferrari Paolo , Milanesi Raffaella , Gentilini Fabio , Longeri Maria
Published: June 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiomyopathy in domestic cats, and some inherited variants are available for genetic testing. A variant of the Alstrom syndrome protein 1 gene (ALMS1) was recently reported to be associated with HCM in the Sphynx cat breed (A3: g.92439157G>C). Genetic screening of the variant, promoted by the Osservatorio Veterinario Italiano Cardiopatie and Genefast Laboratory, was offered to Sphynx cat owners and breeders in Italy. Genotype data were initially obtained by Sanger sequencing. In one case where the samples of a trio were available, inconsistency in the vertical transmission of the variant suggested an allele dropout (ADO) of the wt allele. A new external primer pair was designed as an alternative to the original. The larger PCR product obtained was sanger sequenced, and five novel single nucleotide variants (SNVs) not yet annotated in open‐access databases were detected. Three of these SNVs were within the original primer‐binding regions and were assumed to have caused ADO. The haplotype, including the ADO SNVs, was detected in two cats belonging to different lineages. To accurately genotype ALMS1 g.92439157G>C in the samples, we set up a real‐time TaqMan MGB assay while avoiding all surrounding SNVs. At g.92439157G>C, for 136 Sphynx cats, g.92439157 C variant was highly widespread (freq. >0.50). The present study reports five new variants surrounding ALMS1 g.92439157G>C that must be considered when designing the test. The study also indicates the need to verify the correspondence between the g.92439157 C variant frequency and the prevalence of HCM by increasing clinical visits and follow‐ups and finally to promote genetic counselling for accurate management of mating plans in Italian Sphynx cats.
In lieu of “keywords”: Toward an anthropology of rapport
Authors: Carruthers Andrew M.
Published: June 2023

The identification of socioculturally important “keywords” remains a distinctive feature of critical social theory. This article asks why this is so while offering a critique of “keyword projects” as they have been formulated and pursued across cultural studies and anthropology. Such projects often remain inattentive to wider patterns of sign relations, concealing from ethnographic view the very patterns within which key “words” emerge and are embedded. Overlooking these patterns precludes finer‐grained considerations of what makes certain words situationally “key” within sociocultural life. Engaging with migrant mobilities across the borderlands and borderwaters of Indonesia and Malaysia, the article examines keywords not simply as sociocultural formations or semiotic regularities, per se, but as captions for and construals of fashions of speaking and forms of life. Connecting hitherto unconnected accounts of “rapport,” it illustrates how anthropologists might move beyond “keyword talk” to more fully consider how rapport configures anthropological assumptions about “keyness” itself.
Single men's attitudes towards posthumous use of their sperm cryopreserved due to illness in Israel
Authors: Stein Anat , Altman Eran , Rotlevi Mali , Seh Donia , Wertheimer Avital , Ben‐Haroush Avi , Shufaro Yoel
Published: June 2023

Background

Banking of frozen spermatozoa by single men opens the possibility of procreation long after their death. Requests for posthumous reproduction by the families of the deceased are growing, raising an ethical debate, especially when written instructions were not left by the patients and in cases of unplanned perimortem collection. The issue of the progenitors' intention to procreate after death is the key to ethically based decision‐making in these cases.

Objectives

To evaluate the attitude of single men cryopreserving spermatozoa before life‐threatening medical situations towards post‐mortem usage of their cryopreserved spermatozoa.

Materials & methods

Adult single men prior to sperm cryopreservation before cytotoxic therapy were asked to sign a structured form declaring their will and instructions for the usage of their cryopreserved spermatozoa in case of their demise.

Results

Four hundred fifty‐two men of diverse ethnicity, religious and cultural backgrounds signed the form providing instructions for the use of their cryopreserved spermatozoa in case of mortality. Their age was 27.4 ± 8.06 years. Seven (1.5%) patients willed their spermatozoa for posthumous reproduction to a sibling, 22 (4.9%) to parents, and 26 (5.7%) to their informal female partners. The significant majority (n = 397; 87.8 %) of the single men were ordered to destroy their cryopreserved spermatozoa in case of their expiry. Note that, 26–39 years old men were less likely (81.8% vs. >90% in other ages) to order sperm destruction, as well as men with a poorer prognosis (83% vs. 90%).

Discussion

In this study group, most single men cryopreserving spermatozoa in the face of future life‐threatening morbidity do so for their own future live parenthood, and are not interested in posthumous reproduction.

Conclusion

Our results doubt the claim that single men who had an unplanned perimortem sperm collection can be universally presumed to have wished to father a child posthumously. Any claimed assumed consent in these cases should be considered for each case individually based on its specific circumstances.
Cesarean section trends from 1992 to 2016 in Estonia and Finland: A registry‐based study
Authors: Sildver Kaire , Veerus Piret , Lang Katrin , Pisarev Heti , Gissler Mika
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The number of cesarean sections (CSs) has grown steadily, but the underlying factors driving this increase remain unknown. Data from Medical Birth Registries were retrieved to analyze CS trends in Estonia and Finland during the period 1992–2016.

Material and methods

All births in Estonia (n = 356 063) and Finland (n = 1 437 234) were included. The differences between Estonia and Finland in five‐year time periods for the total CS rate, and rates in Robson 1, 2, and 5 groups (R1, R2, R5) were analyzed by logistic regression. Total CS rates were adjusted for birthweight, parity, previous CS, gestational age, singleton pregnancy, cephalic position, induction, mother's age. R1; R2; R5 rates were adjusted for birthweight and mother's age.

Results

In Estonia, the proportion of CSs increased from 6.5% to 21.0% and in Finland from 15.1% to 16.8% between 1992 and 2016. In 2016, Estonia and Finland remained within the target value with their R1 + 2 (Estonia 18%; Finland 16%) and R5 (Estonia 59%; Finland 42%) values.

Conclusions

Comparing Robson groups in different countries can shed light on divergent CS rates and to improve the quality of perinatal and obstetric care.
Epidemiology and risk factors for histopathologic characteristics of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in South America
Authors: Akambase Joseph A. , Prieto Jhon E. , Mattos Angelo Z. , Mattos Angelo A. , Carrera Enrique , Díaz‐Ferrer Javier , Gallardo Patricia , Curia Andrea , Ballerga Esteban G. , Tovo Cristiane V. , Balderramo Domingo , Debes Jose D.
Published: June 2023

Background

The burden of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in South America is among the highest in the world. However, the epidemiology and risk factors for NAFLD are insufficiently described in the region.

Aim

To explore the associations between clinical characteristics and histopathological features of NAFLD

Methods

This was a descriptive study of 2722 patients with NAFLD from 8 medical centres across 5 South American countries. We collected clinical, biochemical and histopathological data using a templated chart. Fibrosis was assessed by elastography or fibrosis scores and confirmed with biopsy when available. We examined associations between histopathological features and clinical characteristics with logistic regression models. Models were adjusted for country, age and sex.

Results

The median age was 53 years (IQR: 41–62), and 63% were women. Subjects from Brazil had the highest body mass index at 42 kg/m2. Sixty‐seven percent had dyslipidemia, 46% had obesity, 30% had hypertension, 17% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 34% had metabolic syndrome. Biopsy reports were available for 948 (35%), of which 58% showed fibrosis, 91% steatosis and 65% inflammation; 25% showed significant fibrosis and 27% severe steatosis. Metabolic syndrome, T2DM and hypertension were significantly associated with significant fibrosis (OR = 1.94, p < 0.001; OR = 2.93, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.60, p = 0.003, respectively), severe steatosis (OR = 2.05, p < 0.001; OR = 1.91, p = 0.001 and OR = 2.17, p < 0.001, respectively) and liver inflammation (OR = 1.66, p = 0.007; OR = 2.00, p = 0.002; OR = 1.62, p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

In the largest NAFLD cohort study to date from South America, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and T2DM were independently associated with significant fibrosis, severe steatosis, and inflammation. The prevalence of T2DM was lower than the reported global prevalence.
Combined thoraco‐laparoscopic hepatectomy concomitant with resection of the diaphragm for solitary peritoneal seeding from cervical cancer: A case report
Authors: Matsumura Masaru , Seyama Yasuji , Ogawa Rei , Nemoto Satoshi , Tani Keigo , Kawata Yoshiko , Yasugi Toshiharu , Horio Hirotoshi
Published: June 2023

Combined thoraco‐laparoscopic resection can aid in precise resection of an invasive tumor of the diaphragm. A 44‐year‐old woman was referred to our department for resection of solitary peritoneal seeding from cervical cancer following systemic chemotherapy. The tumor was located in the right diaphragm with an ill‐defined border of the liver. Combined thoraco‐laparoscopic resection was proposed. Laparoscopy portrayed that the right diaphragm was partially attached to the liver, and the depth of tumor invasion to the diaphragm was ambiguous. Observation from the thoracic cavity indicated a white‐colored distortion following the location of peritoneal seeding. Partial resection and repair of the diaphragm were made using the thoracoscopic‐assisted approach, followed by laparoscopic hepatectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and pathological findings revealed that peritoneal metastases of the diaphragm and surgical margin was negative for cancer. Combined thoraco‐laparoscopic resection can cover the drawbacks of each approach and is among the options for minimally invasive surgery for invasive tumor of the diaphragm.
Adverse effects of an aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) inhibitor, fadrozole (FAD286), on inflamed rat colon
Authors: Launonen Hanna , Toivio Lotta , Linden Jere , Siltari Aino , Salmenkari Hanne , Korpela Riitta , Vapaatalo Heikki
Published: June 2023

Recently, we described local aldosterone production in the murine large intestine. Upregulated local aldosterone synthesis in different tissues has been linked with inflammatory conditions, which have been attenuated by the aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) inhibitor, fadrozole (FAD286). Therefore, we investigated the effect of inhibition of intestinal aldosterone synthesis on the development of intestinal inflammation. Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered 5% (v/w) dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) for 7 days with or without daily FAD286 (30 mg/kg/d) subcutaneous injections on 3 days before, during and one day after DSS. Tissue aldosterone concentrations were evaluated by ELISA, CYP11B2 by Western blot and RT‐qPCR. FAD286 halved adrenal aldosterone production but, intriguingly, increased the colonic aldosterone concentration. The lack of inhibitory effect of FAD286 in the colon might have been affected by the smaller size of colonic vs. adrenal CYP11B2, as seen in Western blot. When combined with DSS, FAD286 aggravated the macroscopic and histological signs of intestinal inflammation, lowered the animals' body weight gain and increased the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and the permeability to iohexol in comparison to DSS‐animals. To conclude, FAD286 exerted harmful effects during intestinal inflammation. Local intestinal aldosterone did not seem to play any role in the inflammatory pathogenesis occurring in the intestine.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID‐19 among pregnant women in Jordan during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Mrayan Lina , Abujilban Sanaa , Tanash Muath , Obeisat Salwa
Published: June 2023

Background

COVID‐19 is highly infectious and can cause harmful effects in pregnant women. As COVID‐19 is a relatively new disease, there is a continuing need to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward this virus among pregnant women globally in order to identify any gaps and suggest ways to address them. Little is known about how pregnant Jordanian women responded to the pandemic.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of KAP toward COVID‐19 among pregnant women in Jordan and to detect the variables associated with a satisfactory KAP level.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey based on a predesigned KAP survey was modified for use among pregnant women in Jordan. The data obtained from 574 participants were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 23.

Results

Overall, pregnant women in Jordan were found to be knowledgeable, to have a positive attitude, and to exhibit good practices in relation to COVID‐19. Some demographic factors were significantly associated with high levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and safer practices.

Conclusions

Results suggest that special attention should be given by the government to pregnant women with respect to any future emergent situations such as additional COVID‐19 surges or other novel respiratory conditions in order to ensure that they are fully informed and prepared.
From the Balcony to the Streets: A Tragedy of Contortionism and Consequences
Authors: Day Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Domestic violence is a prevalent public health concern, affecting millions worldwide. The presence of domestic violence affecting women and couples experiencing homelessness both continue to be underreported areas of clinical work and commissioning within the sector. This paper explores the difficulties of trying to house and contain unhoused couples with reference to the psychoanalytic ideas of attachment and the claustro‐agoraphobic dilemma. The paper argues that more wrap‐around support, such as temporary alternative housing options, are required to manage instances of domestic abuse and instances of attachment anxiety. Flexible options are also required to account for the likelihood that a couple may return to the streets when perpetrators are evicted based upon the implementation of blanket policies. The paper also attempts to offer some nuance into the complexities of relational dynamics, which are amplified by two unhoused minds coming into intimate contact with one another in front of a professional audience. The paper concludes with drawing attention to the lack of therapeutic support and lack of appetite to commission this to enable couples to explore the roles each partner can play when enmeshed in destructive forms of relating.
‘The Genie's Out of the Bottle’: The Impact of Working Online with Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Therapists and Clients, and its Lessons for Psychodynamic Training
Authors: Matheson Catherine , Kegerreis Sue
Published: June 2023

The forced move to online work in 2020 was initially greeted with consternation by many in the psychoanalytic world, but adaptation was subsequently accomplished by many with successful results for clients. At WPF Therapy where individual psychodynamic psychotherapy is offered by therapists in training, we did a qualitative and participative study with clients, trainees and supervisors to explore how these groups felt about online work. A participative and pluralistic approach was chosen to achieve a fuller and more balanced understanding. Eighteen trainees interviewed each other, 19 supervisors contributed through focus groups and individual interviews, and eight clients’ perspectives were explored in individual interviews. The findings were that working online offered different and exciting opportunities for therapy, including the unconscious processes which are central to the psychodynamic modality. This has implications for future psychodynamic training since new phenomena need to be incorporated into psychoanalytic thinking and practice. While results did not support replacing in‐person therapy, there was support for a combined approach in future. As one participant said: ‘The genie's out of the bottle now’, something has happened which cannot be stopped.
pH‐dependent modulation of TRPV1 by modality‐selective antagonists
Authors: Daniluk Jan , Voets Thomas
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Antagonists of TRPV1 that inhibit all activation modes cause hyperthermia, hampering their medical use as novel analgesics. TRPV1 antagonists that do not (fully) inhibit responses to low pH do not cause hyperthermia, but it remains incompletely understood how such antagonists affect channel gating. We tested the hypothesis that pH‐sparing antagonists act in a modality‐selective manner on TRPV1, differentially affecting channel activation by protons and capsaicin.

Experimental Approach

Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp and calcium imaging to measure channel activity in cells expressing wild type human TRPV1 or the pH‐insensitive mutant F660A. Responses to protons and capsaicin were measured at different pH values in the presence of antagonists that reportedly partially spare (A‐1165442) or potentiate (AMG7905) acid‐evoked channel activation.

Key Results

At pH 5.5, A‐1165442 was equipotent at blocking acid‐ and capsaicin‐evoked responses of wild type TRPV1. Its potency to inhibit acid‐evoked responses was attenuated at pH ≤ 5.0. AMG7905, at a concentration (1 μM) that fully inhibits capsaicin‐evoked responses, potentiated proton‐evoked (pH 5.5) responses of wild type TRPV1. In the F660A mutant, the inhibitory efficacy of A‐1165442 and AMG7905 towards capsaicin‐evoked responses was reduced at lower pH values and AMG7905 acted as a partial agonist.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings show that A‐1165442 and AMG7905 interact in a pH‐dependent manner with TRPV1, but this pH dependence is not strictly modality‐selective. Reduced TRPV1 antagonism at acidic pH may limit analgesic efficacy in injured tissue and needs to be considered in models explaining the effects of antagonists on core body temperature.
Exploring self‐care practices of African American informal kinship caregivers
Authors: Washington Tyreasa , Walton Quenette L. , Kaye Hannah , Hong Jun Sung , Cook Benjamin
Published: June 2023

African American caregivers providing informal kinship care are vulnerable to chronic stress. Research has indicated stress increases individuals' risk for many adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and depression. Given the adverse outcomes related to stress, identifying mechanisms to help these caregivers lower and manage their stress is critical to their overall health and well‐being. This pilot qualitative study aimed to explore the self‐care practices of 12 African Americans providing informal kinship care using a phenomenological approach. Three themes emerged: (a) behaviours to manage stress levels, (b) support network reminding caregivers to take care of themselves and (c) prioritizing my own needs. Specifically, our findings indicate that some caregivers have high‐stress levels and engage in maladaptive coping behaviours. The children they cared for reminded them to take care of themselves by attending doctors' appointments or getting their nails done. Nevertheless, some caregivers prioritized their needs by participating in positive self‐care behaviours, such as listening to jazz and gospel music and exercising. Prevention and intervention programs that focus on improving caregivers' health should consider the role of self‐care practices.
Recommendations for risk minimization when using Janus kinase inhibitors for the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Kegel Thomas , Große Regina , Eichner Adina
Published: June 2023

In accordance with article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has re‐evaluated the safety of Janus kinase inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and formulated safety information deviating from the previous indications in the respective summary of product characteristics of the products concerned. These refer to the consideration of a possibly increased risk of venous thromboembolic or severe cardiovascular events, an increased infection rate and an increase in the prevalence of skin cancer across drugs and indications. Therefore, in patients with independent risk factors (age 65 years and older, smokers or former smokers, patients with oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy and other risk factors), it is recommended to use Janus kinase inhibitors therapeutically only if there are no suitable treatment alternatives. To facilitate a pragmatic and thorough detection of high‐risk patients in everyday clinical practice, an interdisciplinary checklist was developed that is suitable as a working tool from the perspective of the dermatologist.
Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Least Developed Countries: Evidence From Lao PDR
Authors: Kyophilavong Phouphet , Hayakawa Kazunobu
Published: June 2023

This study empirically investigates the effects of tariff reductions in a least developed country on its economy. Specifically, we focus on tariff reductions based on the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in Laos. First, we analyze how the reduction of AFTA tariff rates in Laos affects Laos's imports from AFTA member countries. Our main finding is that the reduction of AFTA tariffs in Laos does not significantly change Laos's imports. Second, we investigate their effects on plant‐level employment. Consistent with the observation of a negligible change in Laos's imports, we find no significant changes in plant‐level employment. In short, although Laos decreased its tariff rates against other AFTA members, imports from them did not significantly increase, and no significant changes occurred in employment. We discuss several possible reasons for these insignificant effects.
Indoor air pollution and child development in Indonesia: Stunted by the smoke?
Authors: Kim Younoh , Manley James , Radoias Vlad
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Air pollution in general, and indoor air pollution in particular, have been linked to severe, acute ill health. Less attention has been paid to long‐term outcomes such as stunting (height for age).

Purpose

Does reduced air pollution inside the home resulting from burning cleaner fuels affect child development?

Methods and approach

We compare stunting of persons aged under 20 years of age in households with and without clean stoves between 1997 and 2000. Data come from the Indonesian Family Life Survey, a repeat survey that includes over 30,000 respondents. We model relations by regression; correcting for endogeneity (wealth affects both health and choice of stove) and confounders by using instrumental variables.

Findings

Using a clean stove leads to a 0.28 standard deviation reduction in stunting. The result is significant and consistent across specifications; the estimate is double the size of estimates that do not address the endogeneity of wealth.

Policy implications

Policy‐makers should encourage households to adopt clean stoves and to use clean fuels. Public intervention is especially indicated in rural areas, where many households prefer to use cheaper, but polluting, stoves and fuels.
In enemy hands: the Byzantine experience of captivity between the seventh and tenth centuries
Authors: Simeonov Grigori
Published: June 2023

The present paper deals with forced migration experienced by subjects of the Byzantine Empire captured by foreign enemies in the context of warfare between the seventh and the tenth centuries. The focus of the first part is on the scenarios faced by individuals and groups when an enemy had taken control of a settlement or a larger territory. The second part discusses aspects of the role social status and gender played in the process of being taken over and then (possibly but not necessarily) held in captivity. Although one can trace similarities in the way captors treated their captives on different occasions, an overgeneralizing approach can prove misleading, distracting us from the dynamics of the consequences that war and abduction had on both the agency of the victor and the fate of the loser in the early Middle Ages.
Qualifying Mediterranean connectivity: Byzantium and the Franks during the seventh century
Authors: Meier Mischa , Patzold Steffen
Published: June 2023

In the last two decades, historians researching the seventh century ce have increasingly emphasized mobility, communications and connectivity across the Mediterranean world that supposedly included close contacts between the Franks and Byzantium. These studies, however, rely often on optimistic, maximum interpretations of the comparatively sparse source base, and have not always precisely distinguished between different forms of mobility and connectivity. This article argues that a closer examination of the actual cultural and political consequences of mobility and contact between Byzantium and Gaul is required, and that the possibility of discontinuity and disintegration should not be disregarded. In our reading of the sources, we deliberately adopt a sceptical, methodologically cautious minimal position: the textual sources can be interpreted as showing that, while individual, sporadic contacts across the Mediterranean continued to exist, there was no established, continuous practice of communications between Byzantium and Gaul.
Muscle fibre transition and transcriptional changes of horse skeletal muscles during traditional Mongolian endurance training
Authors: Bou Tugeqin , Ding Wenqi , Ren Xiujuan , Liu Huiying , Gong Wendian , Jia Zijie , Zhang Xinzhuang , Dugarjaviin Manglai , Bai Dongyi
Published: June 2023

Background

Traditional Mongolian endurance training is an effective way to improve the athletic ability of the horse for endurance events and is widely used. This incorporates aerobic exercise and intermittent fasting and these altered physiologic conditions are associated with switches between muscle fibre types.

Objectives

To better understand the adaption of horse skeletal muscle to traditional Mongolian endurance training from muscle fibre characteristics and transcriptional levels and to explore possible molecular mechanisms associated with the endurance performance of horses.

Study design

Before‐after study.

Methods

Muscle fibre type switches and muscle transcriptome changes in six Mongolian horses were assessed during 4 weeks of training. Transcriptomic and histochemical analyses were performed. The activities of oxidative and glycolytic metabolic enzymes were analysed and we generated deep RNA‐sequencing data relating to skeletal muscles.

Results

A fast‐to‐slow muscle fibre transition occurred in horse skeletal muscles, with a concomitant increase of oxidative enzyme activity and decreased glycolytic enzyme activity. Numerous differentially expressed genes were involved in the control of muscle protein balance and degradation. Differential alternative splicing events were also found during training which included exon‐skipping events in Ttn that were associated with muscle atrophy. Differentially expressed noncoding RNAs showed connections with muscle protein balance‐related pathways and fibre type specification via the post‐transcriptional regulation of miRNA.

Main limitations

The study focuses on horse athletic ability only from the aspect of muscular adaptation.

Conclusion

Traditional Mongolian endurance training‐induced muscle fibre transition and metabolic and transcriptional changes. Muscle‐specific non‐coding RNAs could contribute to these transcriptomic changes during training.
“Working women demand peace and food”: Gender and class in the East London Federation of Suffragettes' food politics
Authors: Swan Elaine , Psarikidou Katerina
Published: June 2023

In this article, we foreground how gender, class and feminism underpin the aims and modes of mobilization of the food politics of a British first wave suffragette organization, the East London Federation of Suffragettes. Our discussion shows how upper and middle‐class suffragettes excluded working‐class women and marginalized their political gendered classed interests, raising questions about feminist cross‐class solidarities today. We focus on three of East London Federation of the Suffragettes quite different modes of mobilization: embodied protests, radical welfare community organizing and food protest writing, all of which foreground class politics. In discussing three quite distinct modes of mobilization, we highlight the rich package of strategies they created and the different classed identities and struggles in these. We show the diversity of gendered and classed social roles around which the women politicked, as workers, mothers, housewives and consumers. The historical focus enables us to “see” the activities and identifications over time to understand and map their range and dynamics. Moreover, suffragette politics have a “longtail” and continue to influence feminist politics and thinking, but the working‐class mobilizing and food politics have been much less recognized and yet offer potential insights for feminist activism, including the cost‐of‐living crisis today.
Investigation into the factor structure of a local English placement test of oral communication
Authors: Choi YunDeok , Vo Sonca , Ockey Gary J.
Published: June 2023

This study describes the development process and examines the construct validity of an English placement test of oral communication (EPT OC) developed at a Midwestern university in the United States. This test includes a one‐on‐one oral interview and paired discussion task, and test performance is judged on an analytic rating scale. A confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the ratings of 338 students who took the initial fully operational EPT OC revealed the test structure was represented by a correlated four‐factor model with interactional competence, fluency, pronunciation/comprehensibility, and grammar/vocabulary as sub‐constructs, in line with its targeted theoretical framework. Both tasks were effective in measuring the targeted sub‐constructs, but the sub‐constructs were not sufficiently distinct from each other to completely justify a four‐factor model. The findings provide some support for the proposed interpretations of the EPT OC test scores but indicate the need for some modifications to the assessment, such as more thorough rater training and/or revised rating scales to better distinguish the targeted sub‐constructs.
Comprehensive analysis of the relationship between peptide profiles and microbial diversity in the Chinese Jiang‐Flavour Daqu
Authors: Yu Yang , Chen Liangqiang , Yu Wenhao , Hu Yang , Lu Jianjun , Yang Fan , Wang Li , Jin Yan
Published: June 2023

Jiang‐Flavour Daqu (JFDQ) is a type of grain‐based fermentation starter used in Chinese liquor production. This study aimed to monitor the practical production of JFDQ and improve brewing techniques by analysing the microbial diversity and peptide profiles in JFDQ with different colours (WDQ, YDQ and BDQ) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and peptidomics technology. A total of 110 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, with BDQ containing the most (98). Bacillus was predominant in WDQ (77.5%) and YDQ (82.3%) but decreased sharply in BDQ (29.0%). Most peptides were identified in WDQ (406), followed by YDQ (282) and BDQ (90). The content of peptides increased (7.16–9.13 g/100 g) from WDQ, YDQ to BDQ, whereas the number of peptides decreased (406–90). This phenomenon may result from a synergistic effect of the microbes in generating and consuming peptides as exogenous nitrogen sources. Additionally, six novel antimicrobial peptides were found against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating an antagonistic relationship between antimicrobial peptides and microbes in JFDQ. This study provides a credible direction for investigating the interaction between microbes and peptides in JFDQ, which could guide the practical production more scientifically.
Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab and axitinib as first‐line treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: Real‐world experience in Japan
Authors: Harada Ken‐ichi , Sato Ryo , Bando Yukari , Sano Asuka , Matsushita Yuto , Tamura Keita , Terakawa Tomoaki , Furukawa Junya , Fujimoto Naohiro , Fujisawa Masato , Miyake Hideaki
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes following combined treatment with pembrolizumab and axitinib as first‐line therapy for patients with advanced RCC.

Methods

This study retrospectively included 47 consecutive Japanese patients who were diagnosed with advanced RCC and subsequently received pembrolizumab and axitinib between February 2020 and January 2022. Efficacy and safety of this combined therapy in these patients were comprehensively investigated.

Results

The 47 included patients were classified into the following 3 groups by the IMDC system: favorable, 7 (14.9%); intermediate, 24 (51.1%) and poor, 16 (34.0%). Responses to this combined therapy in the 47 patients were as follows: CR, 8 (17.0%); PR, 20 (42.6%); SD, 16 (34.0%) and PD, 3 (6.4%); thus, the ORR was 59.6%. During the observation period, disease progression and death occurred in 19 (40.4%) and 9 (19.1%) patients, respectively, and the median PFS and OS were 18 months and not reached, respectively. Univariate analyses identified the following significant predictors for poor prognostic outcomes: lack of nephrectomy, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, elevated CRP and IMDC poor risk for PFS; and lack of nephrectomy, non‐CCC and elevated CRP for OS. AEs and those corresponding to grade ≥ 3 occurred in all (100%) and 30 (63.8%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on real‐world outcomes following pembrolizumab and axitinib for treatment‐naïve advanced Japanese RCC patients, which showed the efficacy and safety of this combined therapy being similar or even superior to those in clinical trial.
Trabajo penitenciario, sistemas de preferencias aduaneras y trabajo decente: análisis crítico y perspectivas
Authors: SITZIA Andrea , LOPEZ Benoît
Published: June 2023

Aunque el trabajo penitenciario se percibe ante todo como una práctica de competencia desleal inadmisible en los sistemas de preferencias aduaneras, también puede concebirse de otra manera. En particular, cabe preguntarse qué condiciones ha de cumplir para ser un trabajo decente y un instrumento de reinserción. Tras un minucioso análisis jurídico, en el que se comparan las normas pertinentes de la OIT con la normativa aduanera de la UE y la OMC en el marco de la teoría de las capacidades, se aboga por elaborar un conjunto de normas del trabajo penitenciario que se inscriben en diversas ramas del derecho.
Predicting length of stay for acute medical admissions in New Zealand: the MALICE score
Authors: O'Hagan Lomani A. , Sutedja Theodore , Konan Sai , Hayes Thomas , Khan Orooj , Leung Edmund , Jurawan Ricardo
Published: June 2023

Predicting length of stay (LoS) in hospital can help guide patient placement, facilitate rapid discharge and aid identification of patients at risk of prolonged stay, in whom early multidisciplinary intervention is warranted. We aimed to pilot the applicability of a modified decision aid (MALICE score) for predicting LoS for acute medical admissions at a New Zealand hospital. A prospective pilot study of 220 acute general medical admissions was performed. Clinical records were reviewed and MALICE scores were calculated for each patient and compared with LoS data using the Kruskal–Wallis H test. A statistically significant increase in LoS was seen with rising MALICE scores (H value 26.85, P < 0.001). MALICE scoring could be employed to guide patient placement and identify patients at risk of prolonged stays, though further study of bedside feasibility and applicability is required.
Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics study of diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy
Authors: Xu Jiahui , Chen Qingguang , Cai Mengjie , Han Xu , Lu Hao
Published: June 2023

Aims/Introduction

Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the underlining mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. The current study was designed to screen the feature metabolites classified as potential biomarkers, and to provide deeper insights into the underlying distinctive metabolic changes during disease progression.

Materials and Methods

Plasma metabolite profiles were obtained by the ultra‐high liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry method from healthy control participants, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and patients with DSPN. Potential biomarkers were selected through comprehensive analysis of statistically significant differences between groups.

Results

Overall, 938 metabolites were identified. Among them, 12 metabolites (dimethylarginine, N6‐acetyllysine, N‐acetylhistidine, N,N,N‐trimethyl‐alanylproline betaine, cysteine, 7‐methylguanine, N6‐carbamoylthreonyladenosine, pseudouridine, 5‐methylthioadenosine, N2,N2‐dimethylguanosine, aconitate and C‐glycosyl tryptophan) were identified as the specific biomarkers. The content of 12 metabolites were significantly higher in the DSPN group compared with the other two groups. Additionally, they showed good performance to discriminate the DSPN state. Correlation analyses showed that the levels of 12 metabolites might be more closely related to the glucose metabolic changes, followed by the levels of lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

The finding of the 12 signature metabolites might provide a novel perspective for the pathogenesis of DSPN. Future studies are required to test this observation further.
The effect of judges' gender on decisions regarding intimate‐partner violence
Authors: Vallbé Joan Josep , Ramírez‐Folch Carmen
Published: June 2023

This article aims at disentangling the effect of judges' gender, experience, and caseload in the assignment of restraining orders in IPV cases. Previous literature has independently looked at the effect of gender on judicial decisions and found that it becomes relevant in gender‐related cases. However, we find that such effects are better understood in interaction with other contextual factors such as the experience of judges and the amount of work they face, because these determine the levels of uncertainty and information costs surrounding decisions. For our empirical analysis, we use data from on‐duty pretrial court decisions on restraining orders in Spain between 2010 and 2018. We find conditional effects of gender depending on experience and workload: more experienced female judges are more likely to grant protection orders than their male counterparts when the amount of caseload is high. These findings are relevant to understand the mechanisms behind judicial inequality under civil law systems, where judges' attributes tend to be unobservable by institutional design.
Gender differences on effects of forearm rotation on compressive stiffness of flexor carpi ulnaris during submaximal handgrip contractions
Authors: Cruz‐Montecinos Carlos , Antúnez‐Riveros Marcela Andrea , Tapia Claudio , Díaz Fernando , Paulsen‐Donoso Tomás , Zunino‐Gomez Jose Pablo , Núñez‐Cortés Rodrigo , Andersen Lars Louis , Mendez‐Rebolledo Guillermo , Calatayud Joaquín
Published: June 2023

Little is known about gender differences in stiffness of forearm muscles during voluntary actions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of forearm rotation on flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) stiffness in men and women during submaximal handgrip contractions. During a single session, measurements were made on 20 young participants (9 females). Two positions of the forearm were compared in random order with the elbow flexed 90 degrees: (i) neutral position and (ii) maximal supination. In each position, participants performed two submaximal handgrip contractions at 25% and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction, while compressive stiffness was collected using a hand myometer (MyotonPRO). A mixed repeated measurement ANOVA was applied to assess the interaction between gender, forearm position, and contraction intensity. The FCU stiffness is affected by handgrip contraction intensity (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.009), and forearm rotation (p = 0.007). Only the gender factor was found to have significant interaction with forearm rotation (p = 0.037). Men's FCU was stiffer than women's in both positions and contraction intensities (p < 0.05). Only in men a significant increase in FCU stiffness was observed when comparing contraction intensities at both forearm positions (p < 0.05), as well as when the forearm was rotated from neutral to supine at both intensities (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FCU stiffness during handgrip contraction differed significantly between men and women. Women have fewer stiffness changes in FCU when performing different levels of handgrip contraction. We also observed that only men increased FCU stiffness by changing the forearm position from neutral to supine position for both handgrip intensities.
Striving for a safe ground—A lifeworld approach of family members' experiences of the critical illness trajectory
Authors: Flinterud Stine Irene , Moi Asgjerd Litleré , Gjengedal Eva , Ellingsen Sidsel
Published: June 2023

Aims and Objectives

To explore the experiences of family members after they have lived through a close one's illness trajectory starting with critical illness and intensive care treatment, throughout hospitalisation and after their return home, and describe what was important and challenging for them during this time.

Background

Being family during and after critical illness and intensive care treatment may be traumatic and challenging. An in‐depth understanding of family members’ lifeworld throughout a close one's illness trajectory is needed.

Design

A qualitative design with a phenomenological approach.

Methods

We held ten interviews with eleven next of kin, nine of which were individual and one with a parent couple. The interviews lasted 90 minutes, on average, and were transcribed verbatim. Giorgi's phenomenological method guided the analysis.

Results

The overall structure was ‘striving for a safe ground for themselves and their close one’, which was dependent on the three constituents of ‘in need of care’, ‘to take on responsibility’ and ‘to create new understanding’. Throughout the illness trajectory, the family members required care to increase their feelings of safety in the context of their close one being unsafe. They described taking on responsibility for their close one—a responsibility that increased after hospital discharge—as demanding new knowledge which they were often unable to obtain.

Conclusions

Families of critically ill patients need to be seen on their own behalf. Moreover, when taking on responsibility for their close one, they regularly need more knowledge than they get. There seems to be an absence of a support system for families with caring responsibilities after their relatives are discharged from hospitals.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study shows the importance of family carers being considered in their own right, as well as their individual needs throughout a close one's illness trajectory. There seems to be a gap in the knowledge of what family members require when their close one is discharged. Indeed, a better support system is essential for families following a hospital discharge.
Association between glomerular filtration rate and plasma N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentration in dogs
Authors: Ogawa M. , Nohara H. , Hsu H. h. , Ishizaka M. , Miyagawa Y. , Takemura N.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To investigate the association between plasma N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentration and glomerular filtration rate in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Dogs were classified into four categories by bodyweight. Dogs were divided into four groups (Groups 1 to 4) based on glomerular filtration rate estimates using plasma iohexol clearance per bodyweight category. Generalised linear models were built to explore the relationship between plasma N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentration and glomerular filtration rate and the effect of confounders on plasma N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentration.

Results

Fifty‐three dogs were included (Group 1, 25; Group 2, seven; Group 3, five; and Group 4, 16). The medians (interquartile range) N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations for Groups 1 to 4 were 7224 pg/mL (4766 to 10,254 mg/dL), 8958 pg/mL (4935 to 11,271 mg/dL), 9280 pg/mL (9195 to 10,384 mg/dL) and 12,683 pg/mL (9133 to 19,217 mg/dL), respectively. Group 4, estimated to have the highest reduction in glomerular filtration rate, had a higher plasma N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentration than Groups 1 to 3. Based on the final generalised linear model, influencing factors for plasma N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentration were plasma iohexol clearance (−0.136; 95% confidence interval, −0.227 to −0.046) and bodyweight (−0.058; 95% confidence interval, −0.098 to −0.018).

Clinical Significance

N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide concentration is associated with the glomerular filtration rate.