bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the differences in metabolism, and the unfolded protein and apoptosis gene responses in two strains of the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 (Decapoda, Penaeoidea) under ammonia stress
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Jianyong
Published: March 2023

Ammonia is one of the major environmental pollutants in the aquatic system and poses a great threat to shrimp. In this study, we compared the differences in metabolic enzymes and the mRNA expression of unfolded protein response (UPR)-related genes between the ammonia-resistant (LV-AT) and ammonia-sensitive (LV-AS) strains of Penaeus vannamei, aiming to investigate the different tolerance mechanisms of the two extreme strains underlying ammonia stress. The results showed that elevated ammonia concentrations mainly increased glutamine synthetase (GS) content while inhibiting transglutaminase (TG) content in the muscle of both strains and the contents were significantly higher in LV-AT than in LV-AS after 48 h of ammonia stress (). As a protective or adaptive strategy, the expression of the UPR related genes, including activating transcription factors ATF6, ATF4, and the spliced form of X box binding protein 1 (XBP1) were, respectively, either significantly induced, or inhibited () after ammonia stress. The mRNA expressions of the GRP78 (Bip) gene and the apoptosis gene (caspase 3) are then activated. In hepatopancreas and gills, the associated gene expressions gradually increase in LV-AT, while several related genes in LV-AS were first induced and then gradually inhibited. The expressions of key genes (GRP78, ATF6, XBP1 and ATF4) were significantly higher in LV-AT than that in LV-AS after 48 h of ammonia stress (). These results indicate that some enzymes involved in ammonia metabolism and UPR protection genes tended to be highly expressed in LV-AT. Hence, we speculate that LV-AT has a higher ammonia excretion capacity and a more effective adaptive mechanism after ammonia stress. The experimental results will help to further understand the stress response of P. vannamei to ammonia and provide a new perspective for the underlying molecular mechanism of the ammonia adaptation strategy of at least some strains of P. vannamei.
The functional significance of tracheids co-occurring with vessels in xylem of Eudicots suggests a role in embolism tolerance
Authors: Pratt R.B. , Castro V. , Jacobsen A.L.
Published: March 2023

One of Sherwin Carlquist’s greatest scientific legacies is how far he advanced our understanding of the structural and functional relationships within the xylem. His research was critical in illuminating the occurrence and importance of tracheids co-occurring with vessels in the xylem of some eudicots. Here, we highlight key concepts and findings from his work on these topics, and how testing has advanced with the advent of recent methods that produce spatially explicit data on embolism formation. There are three classifications of tracheids within vessel-bearing xylem: vasicentric, true, and vascular. Carlquist viewed tracheids as critical in safely transporting water. We review the literature on tracheid function, focusing on transport safety and efficiency, and discuss how the presence of tracheids might affect other xylem traits in the context of tradeoffs. Available data indicate that Carlquist was correct in his view that tracheids are resistant to embolism, and they contribute to the safe transport of sap. Tracheids provide connections (bridges) among vessels that remain sap-filled within highly embolized vessel networks and, in this role, they promote embolism tolerance. There is still much to learn, and integrating tracheids into models of sap flow, understanding their pit traits and connections, and how they affect xylem functional tradeoffs will transform our understanding of plant sap transport. Diverse xylem structural arrangements suggest many potential ways for xylem networks to function. In species containing both vessels and tracheids, the hydraulic network appears to be able to tolerate high levels of vessel embolism within seasonal environments.
Carlquist’s indices for vulnerability and mesomorphy of wood: are they relevant today?
Authors: Ewers Frank W. , Jacobsen Anna L. , López-Portillo Jorge
Published: March 2023

Sherwin Carlquist established xylem vessel indices and parameters to quantify the degree of mesomorphy or xeromorphy exhibited by plants. These indices were developed as part of efforts to establish a quantitative approach to plant anatomy and the developing fields of functional and ecological anatomy. In this paper, we discuss the origin of such parameters and their merits and demerits in light of current theory and practice. Vessel diameter, vessel element length, and vessel density (vessels/mm2) remain relevant anatomical characters that describe and quantify plant function and ecology. From a functional perspective, mean diameter can be replaced by hydraulic mean diameter (dh), inspired by the Hagen–Poiseuille Law. Vessel density is presumably linked to hydraulic safety through redundancy and embolism resistance and is an essential feature of xeromorphic woods that tend to have many narrow vessels. Although vessel element length strongly correlates to xeromorphy, the reasons for the link between element length and xeromorphy are unclear. The use of anatomical indices, such as those developed and proposed by Carlquist, helped shape our understanding of plant hydraulic strategies and will continue to be important as we connect plant anatomy to plant function.
‘Paedomorphosis’ and ‘juvenility’ in secondary xylem: (not such) useful constructs?
Authors: Jones Cynthia S.
Published: March 2023

In 1962 Carlquist published “A Theory of Paedomorphosis in Dicotyledonous Woods” based on his observations that some species of non-tree growth forms such as stem succulents, lianas, woody herbs, and tree rosettes exhibit, in their secondary xylem, cellular characteristics more commonly associated with primary xylem. He considered the appearance of these characters an expression of protracted juvenility, and that they reflected paedomorphosis. Since then, many others have observed similar suites of traits across multiple plant lineages, as these traits also characterize secondary and insular woodiness, and have used ‘paedomorphic’ and ‘juvenile’ to describe these traits. In this essay, it is argued that the use of the term paedomorphosis should be restricted to cases where ancestor/descendant relationships are known or used in a comparative sense among closely related taxa, to retain its significance as a descriptor of an evolutionary pattern. Second, it is argued that primary growth, and therefore primary xylem, should not be considered ‘juvenile’ because it is not characteristic only of the young, pre-reproductive phases of plant growth but instead persists for the life of the plant. Because both the concepts of juvenility and paedomorphosis possess more or less well-accepted modern meanings that differ in important ways from Carlquist’s use of the terms, a different approach is suggested that focuses on the functional significance of this suit of traits, in addition to their cellular characteristics.
The role of imperforate tracheary elements and narrow vessels in wood capacitance of angiosperm trees
Authors: Ziemińska Kasia
Published: March 2023

There is a broad diversity of imperforate tracheary elements (ITEs) — libriform fibers, fiber-tracheids, true tracheids and vasicentric/vascular tracheids — described thoroughly by Sherwin Carlquist. However, in a quantitative sense, the functional meaning of different ITE types present in the wood of vessel-bearing angiosperms remains unclear because very few structure–function studies measure ITEs’ properties. ITEs with abundant pits and wide pit borders — vascular tracheids, vasicentric tracheids, and true tracheids sensu Carlquist — have been shown to conduct water and, thanks to this conductive ability and the multitude of pits, they could also contribute to wood capacitance. A dataset of 30 temperate angiosperm tree species was reanalysed to record the presence/absence of true, vasicentric, and vascular tracheids including data on conduits15 fraction and vessel-conduit15 contact fraction (conduits15 were defined as cells resembling vessels and with a maximum lumen diameter of 15 μm. They encompassed narrow vessels, vasicentric tracheids, and vessel tails). The presence of tracheids, conduits15 fraction, and contact fraction had no effect on wood capacitance, except, per given wood volumetric lumen water content, species with true tracheids tended to have lower capacitance. These results suggest that the presence of tracheids or conduits15 properties do not limit wood capacitance, but the results do not exclude the potential role these cells may play in internal water dynamics.
Genuine Explanation and the Strong Minimalist Thesis
Authors: Chomsky Noam
Published: March 2023

The goal of theoretical inquiry is explanation: Why this, and not that? In the study of language, search for explanatory theory proceeds at two levels: for individual languages (a generative grammar in the broad sense) and for the general faculty of language fl (ug), the latter apparently a true species property, common to humans and without significant analogue in the animal world. ug must meet several conditions: learnability, evolvability, coverage. These conditions appear to conflict, and are far more severe than had earlier been supposed. A solution to the conundrum would be satisfaction of smt for ug combined with recourse to language-independent principles of computational efficiency, with diversity sequestered in components of language subject to simple algorithmic search. For the first time, hopes for such an outcome seem to be on the horizon, with significant implications if the hopes can be realized. I will outline some current work on these topics.
Weak Equatorial Superrotation during the Past 250 Million Years
Authors: Lan Jiawenjing , Yang Jun , Hu Yongyun , Li Xiang , Guo Jiaqi , Lin Qifan , Han Jing , Zhang Jian , Wang Shuang , Nie Ji
Published: March 2023

For modern Earth, the annual-mean equatorial winds in the upper troposphere are flowing from east to west (i.e., easterly winds). This is mainly due to the deceleration effect of the seasonal cross-equatorial Hadley cells, against the relatively weaker acceleration effect of coupled Rossby and Kelvin waves excited from tropical convection and latent heat release. In this work, we examine the evolution of equatorial winds during the past 250 million years using one global Earth system model, the Community Earth System Model version 1.2.2 (CESM1.2.2). Three climatic factors different from the modern Earth—solar constant, atmospheric CO2 concentration, and land–sea configuration—are considered in the simulations. We find that the upper-tropospheric equatorial winds change sign to westerly flows (called equatorial superrotation) in certain eras, such as 250–230 and 150–50 Ma. The strength of the superrotation is below 4 m s−1, comparable to the magnitude of the present-day easterly winds. In general, this phenomenon occurs in a warmer climate within which the tropical atmospheric circulation shifts upward in altitude, stationary and/or transient eddies are relatively stronger, and/or the Hadley cells are relatively weaker, which in turn are due to the changes of the three factors, especially CO2 concentration and land–sea configuration.
MJO in Different Orbital Regimes: Role of the Mean State in the MJO’s Amplitude during Boreal Winter
Authors: Rushley Stephanie S. , Kang Daehyun , Kim Daehyun , An Soon-Il , Wang Teng
Published: March 2023

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) exhibits pronounced seasonality, with one of the key unanswered questions being the following: what controls the maximum in MJO precipitation variance in the Southern Hemisphere during boreal winter? In this study, we examine a set of global climate model simulations in which the eccentricity and precession of Earth’s orbit are altered to change the boreal winter mean state in an attempt to reveal the processes that are responsible for the MJO’s amplitude in the boreal winter. In response to the forced insolation changes, the north–south asymmetry in sea surface temperature is amplified in boreal fall, which intensifies the Hadley circulation in boreal winter. The stronger Hadley circulation yields higher mean precipitation and stronger mean lower-tropospheric westerlies in the southern part of the Indo-Pacific warm pool. The MJO precipitation variability increases significantly where the mean precipitation and lower-tropospheric westerlies strengthen. In the column-integrated moisture budget of the simulated MJO, only surface latent heat flux feedback shows a trend that is consistent with the MJO’s amplitude, suggesting an important role for the surface latent heat flux feedback in the MJO’s amplitude during the boreal winter. An analysis of the moisture–precipitation relationship in the simulations shows that the increase in the mean precipitation lowers the convective moisture adjustment time scale, leading to the increase in precipitation variance. Our results suggest that the mean-state precipitation plays a critical role in the maintenance mechanism of the MJO.
Into and Through the School-to-Prison Pipeline: The Impact of Colorism on the Criminalization of Black Girls
Authors: Sissoko D. R. Gina , Baker Sydney , Caron Emily Haney
Published: March 2023

Colorism is a social construct privileging lighter-skinned people of color with proximity to European features over their darker-skinned counterparts. Despite the significant role in the lives of Black women and girls, colorism is an overlooked and understudied phenomenon, particularly regarding how it shapes their punishment and criminalization in schools. We conceptualize colorism as a social determinant of Black girls’ psychological well-being and outcomes. Darker-skinned Black girls face disproportionately severe school discipline, negative evaluation by teachers and peers, and are inundated with stereotypical messages that influence their sense of self—which increases their vulnerability to trauma and psychological distress. Inside the legal system, colorism plays a role in moving dark-skinned Black girls further into and through the pipeline at every stage of legal processing. The goal of the paper is to (a) highlight the role of colorism in the criminalization of Black girls, (b) identify school, forensic, and counseling/clinical psychology’s role in reducing the impact of colorism on Black girls’ lived experience as it relates to mental health and criminalization, and (c) identify psychological research and policy needs to mitigate the impact of colorism on Black girls’ life outcomes.
Are upper-secondary track decisions risky? Evidence from Sweden on the assumptions of risk-aversion models
Authors: Andersson Anton B , Barone Carlo , Hällsten Martin
Published: March 2023

Relative risk aversion (RRA) models explain social class inequalities in education with risk avoidance, i.e., the risky choice assumption (RCA). This assumption concerns risks related to more ambitious educational choices and has been subject to little explicit scrutiny. In this paper, we test whether or not vocational education is a safety net that protects from labor market marginalization. We present an empirical assessment of upper-secondary track choices in Sweden, contrasting the vocational and the academic tracks for those not pursuing tertiary educational degrees. We use Swedish administrative data for all siblings born 1972–1980 and fit sibling fixed effects models netting out unobserved time-constant confounders. The only evidence in favor of the RCA is that when considering selection, graduates of the academic track without a tertiary degree initially face higher risks of not being stably employed and registered as unemployed in their early 20s than their counterparts from vocational education. However, the academic tracks significantly protect men from the threat of entering unskilled routine occupations. We conclude that the support for the RCA is scant at best.
Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors
Authors: O’Neill Dan G , Blenkarn Alyx , Brodbelt Dave C , Church David B , Freeman Alix
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that can have major welfare implications in cats. This study aimed to report the frequency and demographic risk factors of periodontal disease and to explore associations with common comorbid disorders in cats in the UK.

Methods

The study included a random sample of 18,249 cats obtained from 1,255,130 cats under primary care during 2019 from clinics participating in the VetCompass programme. All disorders recorded during 2019 were extracted and reported. Risk factor and comorbid disorder analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling.

Results

Periodontal disease had a 1-year period prevalence of 15.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.72–15.76). Breeds with the highest prevalence included Siamese (18.7%, 95% CI 12.24–26.72) and Maine Coon (16.7%, 95% CI 11.37–23.18). The median age of cats with periodontal disease (9.47 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.96–12.97) was higher than for cats without periodontal disease (4.94 years, IQR 1.95–9.51; P <0.001). Increasing adult body weight, increasing age and sex–neuter status were significantly associated with rising odds of periodontal disease. Cats with periodontal disease had a higher median count of comorbid disorders per individual cat (3, IQR 2–4, range 1–14) than cats without periodontal disease (1, IQR 0–2, range 0–15; P <0.001). Cats with periodontal disease had 1.79 times the odds (95% CI 1.62–1.99, P <0.001) of diagnosis with at least one comorbid disorder disease than cats without periodontal disease.

Conclusions and relevance

Periodontal disease is the most common specific diagnosis in cats and is confirmed as a leading health issue in cats. Ageing is identified as the strongest predictor of periodontal disease risk in cats, suggesting the potential for increasing health gains from emphasis on dental care and health in cats as they age. The study offers evidence on a close link between periodontal disease and reduced overall health in cats.
Screening of Antimicrobial Ingredients in Forsythia Leaves Using Target Constituent Knock-out/Knock-in Strategy and Evaluation of the Combination Effects with Antibiotics
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang YuanBo , Wang BaiFang , Tang JianKai , Guo XueJian , Li ShiFei , Qin LingHao , Zhang Liwei
Published: March 2023

To screen and identify the antimicrobial ingredients of Forsythia suspensa leaves (FL). A screening method based on a constituent knock-out/knock-in strategy was conducted. The antimicrobial activities of FL components against seven commonly infective strains were determined using the Oxford cup method. Their antimicrobial effects when used in combination with common antibiotics were investigated by a checkerboard titration method. Two of the seven strains, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), were considered to be the most sensitive to the inhibitory effect of FL. The main antimicrobial components in FL were forsythoside I and forsythoside A. The co-administration of vancomycin with forsythoside A was found to have a significant synergistic inhibiting effect on MRSA. Some phenylethanol glycoside components play a major contribution to the antimicrobial effect of FL. This provides a reference for the research and development of FL for both medicinal and food purposes.
Safety evaluation of the genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity of standardized Bacopa extract (Bacognize®) from Bacopa monnieri
Authors: Muchhara Jayesh , Vachhani Kapil , Dave Sandip , Patel Rikesh , Lavle Neha , Kukadia Dhaval , Patel Avnish , Patel Chintan , Gokani Rina , Mahadevan Brinda
Published: March 2023

Bacopa monnieri is an important medicinal plant widely used in various food systems and gaining interest these days for its health benefits such as boosting brain function and improving quality of life. The objective of the present study was to examine the safety of Bacognize®, a standardized botanical extract obtained from the whole herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., in subchronic toxicity and genotoxicity studies conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and test guidelines established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In the subchronic toxicity study, treatment with Bacognize® did not result in any toxicologically significant treatment-related changes in clinical observations, and in the clinical pathology as studied by hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and terminal necropsy. Treatment-related adverse effects were not observed in ophthalmic examinations, body weights, body weight gains, feed consumption, and organ weights. The results of genotoxicity studies as assessed by gene mutations in Salmonella typhimurium, in vitro chromosome aberrations and in vivo micronucleus test did not reveal any genotoxicity of Bacognize ®. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for Bacognize® was established based on the subchronic study and was determined as at least 1000 mg/kg bw/day. These results indicate that Bacognize® does not cause significant adverse effects and suggest its tolerability up to 1000 mg/kg (highest dose tested) for the daily administration of 90 days in rats.
Phosphoproteomic analysis on ovarian follicles reveals the involvement of LSD1 phosphorylation in Chicken follicle selection
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Chen Qiuyue , Guo Yuanyuan , Kang Li , Sun Yi , Jiang Yunliang
Published: March 2023

Background

Follicle selection in chickens refers to the process of selecting one follicle from a group of small yellow follicles (SY, 6–8 mm in diameter) for development into 12–15 mm hierarchal follicles (usually F6 follicles), which is controlled by sex hormones including follicle-stimulating factor (FSH), estrogen and progesterone. Follicle selection is a critical process impacting egg production in chicken, therefore, is the focus of many studies. Phosphorylation is important for the proper function of proteins, thus, needs to be analyzed by proteomic level.

Result

In this study, we compared the phosphoproteomes of SY and F6 follicles in laying hens and identified 2,386 phosphoproteins and 5,940 phosphosites, of which 4,235 sites of 1,963 phosphoproteins were quantified. From SY to F6 follicles, 190 phosphorylation sites of 149 proteins changed significantly, among which the phosphorylation level of lysine demethylase 1 A (LSD1) at the conserved 54th serine (LSD1Ser54p) was significantly upregulated in F6 follicles compared to SY follicles (p < 0.05); however, the expression of chicken LSD1 were not significantly different on both mRNA and protein levels. LSD1Ser54p is mainly located in the nucleus of both SY and F6 follicles, and was higher in F6 follicles than that of SY follicles revealed by both immunofluorescence and Western blotting. LSD1Ser54p level increased after treatment with 5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL of FSH in the theca cells and the granulosa cells of pre-hierarchal follicles, and with 50 ng/mL in granulosa cells of hierarchal follicles. In the theca cells of hierarchal follicles, estrogen stimulated the level of LSD1Ser54p in a dosage-dependent manner, and in granulosa cells of pre-hierarchal follicles, 10 ng/mL of estrogen increased LSD1Ser54p expression. Treatment with 50 ng/mL of progesterone increased LSD1Ser54p expression in theca cells of pre-hierarchal follicles, and with 10 to 100 ng/ml enhanced LSD1Ser54p expression in the granulosa cells of hierarchal follicles.

Conclusion

The expression dynamics of LSD1Ser54p in follicles from SY to F6 and its regulation by sex hormones suggest that it is involved in chicken follicle selection.
When disaster strikes: staff recall and the use of staff recall systems during mass patient influx at Norwegian emergency primary health care centers – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Friberg Fredrik Femtehjell , Nilsson Heléne , Leonardsen Ann-Chatrin Linqvist
Published: March 2023

Background

In Norway, planning for disasters has been specifically emphasized since the incidents on July 22nd,2011. Every municipality is now legislated to have a contingency plan that includes plans for staff recall during situations with mass influx of patients. Whether the primary health care services in Norway are prepared for mass influx of patients remains unclear.

Aims of the study

The aims of this study were (1) to assess the experiences of head doctors at emergency primary health care centers (EPHCC) in Norway with mass influx of patients, (2) to explore mass influx and staff recall procedures in use, (3) to assess head doctors’ experiences with staff recall systems, and (4) to assess their perspective on automatized staff recall systems. We also wanted to assess whether there were differences between small and large EPHCCs regarding whether they had plans in place.

Methods

The study had a cross-sectional, multicenter design, using a self-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed utilizing recommendations from the Delphi technique, including an expert group and piloting. A purposive sampling strategy was used, including head doctors from Norwegian EPHCCs (n = 169). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and included descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests and Shapiro-Wilks. Free-text answers were analyzed by content analysis.

Results

A total of 64 head doctors responded to the questionnaire. The results show that 25% of the head doctors had experienced mass influx of patients at their EPHCC. In total 54.7% of Norwegian EPHCCs did not have disaster plans that consider mass influx situations. The majority of EPHCCs plan to recall staff one by one (60.3%) or through Short-Message-Systems (34.4%). Most EPHCCs had available telephone “alarm” lists (81.4%), that are updated regularly (60.9%). However, only 17.2% had plans that consider loss of mobile phone connection or internet. In total, 67,2% of the head doctors reported to have little experience with automatized staff recall systems, and 59,7% reported to have little knowledge about such systems. There were no significant difference between small and large EPHCCs in having plans or not.

Conclusion

Even though our results show that few EPHCCs experience mass influx of patients, it is important to be prepared when such incidents do occur. Our results indicate that it is still potential for improvement regarding plans for staff recall and implementation of staff recall systems at Norwegian EPHCCs. Involving national disaster medicine experts in the process of generating tools or checklists could aid when constructing disaster plans. Education and implementation of training for mass influx situations at all levels should always be highlighted.
Environmental factors influencing women’s childbirth experiences in labor–delivery–recovery–postpartum unit: a qualitative cross-sectional study
Authors: Kazemi Ashraf , Beigi Marjan , Najafabadi Hajar Enteshary
Published: March 2023

Background

Women’s experiences of birth environment influence their mental health and that of their families. Identifying women’s childbirth experiences in the labor–delivery–recovery–postpartum unit (LDRP) unit can help design a peaceful environment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate environmental factors influencing women’s childbirth experiences in LDRP unit.

Methods

This qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 women with a childbirth experience in the LDRP unit. A purposive sampling was performed and continued until data saturation. The data were collected through unstructured interviews and analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Data analysis led to the extraction of three categories: physical security, a meaning-oriented environment, and physical comfort. The physical security category was obtained from three sub-categories: privacy, bed ergonomics, and the possibility of medical interventions. The meaning-oriented environment category was extracted from four sub-categories: promising symbols of becoming a mother, a peaceful environment, and a spiritual environment, and the physical comfort category was extracted from three sub-categories: minimizing noise pollution, ambient lighting, and LDRP internal design.

Conclusions

These study results showed that women’s experience of giving birth in LDRP was accompanied by perceiving physical security, a meaning-oriented environment, and physical comfort. Moreover, the results indicated that the childbirth experience in the LDRP unit might be influenced by physical and emotional environmental factors. Therefore, in order to design a peaceful environment, it is necessary to take into account these factors.
An intergenerational reading of climate change-health concern nexus: a qualitative study of the Millennials’ and Gen Z participants’ perceptions
Authors: Petrescu-Mag Ruxandra Malina , Petrescu Dacinia Crina , Ivan Adrian , Tenter Ancuta
Published: March 2023

Background

The study of climate change through a generational lens is meaningful when one considers the distinct attitudes, behaviors, values, and motivations of each generation. Individuals born between 1980 and 1999, referred to as the Millennial Generation (Millennials) and individuals born up to five years before or after 2000, referred to as Generation Z (Gen Z), may differ widely in their views, values, attitudes, and behaviors. This may lead to conflicts between these two cohorts. As Gen Z enters the labor market, their first-level supervisors will be, in many cases, the Millennials, who may view the topic of climate change-health concern nexus very differently than their Gen Z subordinates. Considering the perspectives of each generation may offer insights on how to engage them to act in an environmentally responsible way to counteract climate change effects.

Objective

The study reveals similarities and differences in how Millennials and Gen Z perceive the climate change-health concern nexus, which illuminates the understanding of the potential generational conflicts and the critical points where intervention is needed.

Method

Interview data from 41 participants were analyzed via thematic analysis using the Quirkos software program. Reporting is in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.

Results

The interview questions elicited responses related to five dimensions: (i) Views of individual and community health; (ii) Knowledge around climate change; (iii) Perceived health impact; (iv) Attitudes towards climate change; (v) Behaviors related to climate change. The findings revealed a set of commonalities and differences in understanding the climate change-health concern nexus between the participants representative of each of the generations examined. One main result is that while most interviewees perceived changes in summer and winter temperatures, they failed to articulate how climate change affected their health.

Conclusion

Thematic analysis revealed that the commonalities of views outweigh the differences between the two generations. A relevant remark is that participants can be described rather as “observers” than “players” since they do not tend to see themselves (through their behavior and their contribution) as active participants in the goal to fight climate change. Consequently, both generations undergo what Stephen Gardiner [1] called “intergenerational buck-passing.”
Parity and hypertension risk in couples: does number of parity matter: findings from Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Rahmati Maryam , Saei Ghare Naz Marzieh , Azizi Fereidoun , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh
Published: March 2023

Background and aims

As reported, hypertension (HTN) plays a leading role in explaining mortality worldwide, but it still has many confounding factors. This study explored whether the number of parity and age matters for HTN among couples from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS).

Methods

This study was conducted on 2851 couples from TLGS. All the variables were collected based on the standard protocol. The participants were categorized into four and five categories according to the number of parity (childless, one, two, three, or more parities) and age (18-30y, 30-40y, 40-50y, 50-60y, and 60-70y), respectively. Spline regression models via log link function for the binary outcome and linear link function for continuous outcomes were applied to evaluate the effect of interaction term age and parity categories on the desired outcome.

Results

Among the total of 2851 pairs, 2.3% had no child, 9.5% had 1 child, 38.4% had 2 children, and 49.8% had ≥ 3 children. The adjusted risk (95% CI) of HTN in females aged 40-50y with 1 child, 2 and ≥ 3 children compared to no child were 1.14(1.04, 1.26), 1.05(1.01, 1.10), 1.12(1.07, 1.17), respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, in those aged 50-60y with 2 and ≥ 3 children, the risk of HTN significantly increased by 4%. In females aged 60-70y with ≥ 3 children compared to those without children, the risk of HTN increased by 2%. For males aged 30-40y with 2 children compared to the no child group, the adjusted risk of HTN increased by 17%, while for those with ≥ 3 children in the same age group, this risk significantly decreased by 13%. Moreover, in males aged 30-40y with 2 children, risk ratio of HTN increased by 17%, but in males with ≥ 3 children, it decreased by 13% and in those in the same groups but aged 40-50y the risk increased by 6% and 11%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that gender, childlessness, having one child, and multi-parity had different impacts on HTN. Further research is needed to confirm our findings.
Post-COVID dyspnea: prevalence, predictors, and outcomes in a longitudinal, prospective cohort
Authors: Grewal Japnam S. , Carlsten Christopher , Johnston James C. , Shah Aditi S. , Wong Alyson W. , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: March 2023

Background

The pathophysiology, evolution, and associated outcomes of post-COVID dyspnea remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and predictors of dyspnea 12 months following hospitalization for COVID-19, and to describe the respiratory, cardiac, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with post-COVID dyspnea.

Methods

We enrolled a prospective cohort of all adult patients admitted to 2 academic hospitals in Vancouver, Canada with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of COVID between March and June 2020. Dyspnea was measured 3, 6, and 12 months after initial symptom onset using the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire.

Results

A total of 76 patients were included. Clinically meaningful dyspnea (baseline score > 10 points) was present in 49% of patients at 3 months and 46% at 12 months following COVID-19. Between 3 and 12 months post-COVID-19, 24% patients had a clinically meaningful worsening in their dyspnea, 49% had no meaningful change, and 28% had a clinically meaningful improvement in their dyspnea. There was worse sleep, mood, quality of life, and frailty in patients with clinically meaningful dyspnea at 12 months post-COVID infection compared to patients without dyspnea. There was no difference in PFT findings, troponin, or BNP comparing patients with and without clinically meaningful dyspnea at 12 months. Severity of dyspnea and depressive symptoms at 3 months predicted severity of dyspnea at 12 months.

Conclusions

Post-COVID dyspnea is common, persistent, and negatively impacts quality of life. Mood abnormalities may play a causative role in post-COVID dyspnea in addition to potential cardiorespiratory abnormalities. Dyspnea and depression at initial follow-up predict longer-term post-COVID dyspnea, emphasizing that standardized dyspnea and mood assessment following COVID-19 may identify patients at high risk of post-COVID dyspnea and facilitating early and effective management.
Prevalence and factors associated with hypothyroidism in children with sickle cell anemia aged 6 months − 17 years attending the Sickle Cell Clinic, Mulago Hospital, Uganda; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaudha Gloria , Piloya Thereza , Musiime Victor , Kuteesa Mary Goretty , Namugerwa Shamimu , Owomugisha Gloria , Wachepa Stella Alinafe , Lubwama Sanyu Kirabo , Kiguli Sarah , Tumwine James K
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Hypothyroidism has been reported at a prevalence of 6% in children and adolescents with Sickle cell anemia. In this study, we determined the prevalence and factors associated with hypothyroidism among children with Sickle cell anemia attending the Sickle Cell Clinic, in Mulago hospital, Uganda.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6 months − 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of Sickle Cell Anemia, with no prior diagnosis of hypothyroidism and in steady state attending the Sickle Cell Clinic in Mulago hospital. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and a blood sample was used to measure thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine.

Results

Of the 332 children enrolled, sixty (18.1%) participants had sub-clinical hypothyroidism (95% CI: 14.3 — 22.6). Factors associated with hypothyroidism included constipation [adjusted odds ratio: 3.1, 95% CI:1.0 — 9.0, p = 0.043] and male sex [adjusted odds ratio:2.0, 95% CI:1.1— 3.5, p = 0.025].

Conclusion

Approximately 1 in 5 children (18.1%) had sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Males and children who presented with constipation were more likely to have sub-clinical hypothyroidism.
The impact on patients of objections by institutions to assisted dying: a qualitative study of family caregivers’ perceptions
Authors: White Ben P. , Jeanneret Ruthie , Close Eliana , Willmott Lindy
Published: March 2023

Background

Voluntary assisted dying became lawful in Victoria, the first Australian state to permit this practice, in 2019 via the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (Vic). While conscientious objection by individual health professionals is protected by the Victorian legislation, objections by institutions are governed by policy. No research has been conducted in Victoria, and very little research conducted internationally, on how institutional objection is experienced by patients seeking assisted dying.

Methods

28 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 family caregivers and one patient about the experience of 28 patients who sought assisted dying. Participants were interviewed during August-November 2021. Data from the 17 interviews (all with family caregivers) which reported institutional objection were analysed thematically.

Results

Participants reported institutional objection affecting eligibility assessments, medication access, and taking the medication or having it administered. Institutional objection occurred across health settings and was sometimes communicated obliquely. These objections resulted in delays, transfers, and choices between progressing an assisted dying application and receiving palliative or other care. Participants also reported objections causing adverse emotional experiences and distrust of objecting institutions. Six mediating influences on institutional objections were identified: staff views within objecting institutions; support of external medical practitioners and pharmacists providing assisted dying services; nature of a patient’s illness; progression or state of a patient’s illness; patient’s geographical location; and the capability and assertiveness of a patient and/or caregiver.

Conclusions

Institutional objection to assisted dying is much-debated yet empirically understudied. This research found that in Victoria, objections were regularly reported by participants and adversely affected access to assisted dying and the wider end-of-life experience for patients and caregivers. This barrier arises in an assisted dying system that is already procedurally challenging, particularly given the limited window patients have to apply. Better regulation may be needed as Victoria’s existing policy approach appears to preference institutional positions over patient’s choice given existing power dynamics.
Occupational quartz and particle exposure affect systemic levels of inflammatory markers related to inflammasome activation and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Hedbrant Alexander , Engström Christopher , Andersson Lena , Eklund Daniel , Westberg Håkan , Persson Alexander , Särndahl Eva
Published: March 2023

Background

The inflammatory responses are central components of diseases associated with particulate matter (PM) exposure, including systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this study was to determine if exposure to PM, including respirable dust or quartz in the iron foundry environment mediates systemic inflammatory responses, focusing on the NLRP3 inflammasome and novel or established inflammatory markers of CVDs.

Methods

The exposure to PM, including respirable dust, metals and quartz were determined in 40 foundry workers at two separate occasions per worker. In addition, blood samples were collected both pre-shift and post-shift and quantified for inflammatory markers. The respirable dust and quartz exposures were correlated to levels of inflammatory markers in blood using Pearson, Kendall τ and mixed model statistics. Analyzed inflammatory markers included: 1) general markers of inflammation, including interleukins, chemokines, acute phase proteins, and white blood cell counts, 2) novel or established inflammatory markers of CVD, such as growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), CD40 ligand, soluble suppressor of tumorigenesis 2 (sST2), intercellular/vascular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and 3) NLRP3 inflammasome-related markers, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and caspase-1 activity.

Results

The average respirator adjusted exposure level to respirable dust and quartz for the 40 foundry workers included in the study was 0.65 and 0.020 mg/m3, respectively. Respirable quartz exposure correlated with several NLRP3 inflammasome-related markers, including plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-18, and several caspase-1 activity measures in monocytes, demonstrating a reverse relationship. Respirable dust exposure mainly correlated with non-inflammasome related markers like CXCL8 and sST2.

Conclusions

The finding that NLRP3 inflammasome-related markers correlated with PM and quartz exposure suggest that this potent inflammatory cellular mechanism indeed is affected even at current exposure levels in Swedish iron foundries. The results highlight concerns regarding the safety of current exposure limits to respirable dust and quartz, and encourage continuous efforts to reduce exposure in dust and quartz exposed industries.
Homeobox D9 drives the malignant phenotypes and enhances the Programmed death ligand-1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer cells via binding to Angiopoietin-2 promoter
Authors: He Jiabei , Jiang Mengjia , Liu Jing , Zhu Ruiping , Lv Weipeng , Lian Ruiqing , Yang Yang , Wang Ruoyu
Published: March 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Homeobox D9 (HOXD9), a member of the HOX family of transcription factors, plays a driver role in development of multiple cancers. Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) is reportedly to facilitate angiogenesis, growth and metastasis in various cancers, including lung cancer. In addition, blocking ANGPT2 can effectively improve cancer immunotherapy via downregulation of Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of HOXD9 in NSCLC and whether ANGPT2 is required for HOXD9-mediated malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells. By performing a series of in vitro functional experiments, we found that knockdown of HOXD9 induced proliferative inhibition, cell cycle G1 arrest, apoptosis, migratory suppression and invasive repression of NSCLC cells. Reduced PD-L1 expression in NSCLC cells was observed after HOXD9 silencing. Besides, HOXD9 deletion decreased the expression of ANGPT2 in NSCLC cells. In line with this, HOXD9 overexpression led to opposite alteration in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, ANGPT2 was transcriptionally activated by HOXD9. Forced expression of ANGPT2 significantly regulated HOXD9-mediated malignant phenotypes, and enhanced PD-L1 expression of NSCLC cells. Our results expressing HOXD9 may function as an oncogene in NSCLC via trans-activation of ANGPT2.
Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty with a standard prosthesis for the affected hip in patients with poliomyelitis sequelae: a mid-term retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Shi Lihan , Che Guangwei , Huang Yong , Yi Min , Kang Pengde
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasty for poliomyelitis sequelae could be a technical challenge due to the higher risk for prosthetic dislocation and degenerative changes in the affected limbs. This study aimed to analyse the mid-term outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty on the affected hip with standard prosthesis.

Materials and Methods

From January 2008 to January 2018, 32 patients with poliomyelitis sequelae underwent total hip arthroplasty on the affected hip with standard prosthesis. Clinical and radiographical outcomes, complications, and prosthesis survival rates were evaluated.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 7.9 (4.4–13.1) years, the Harris Hip Score, University of California Los Angeles activity level rating, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire scale score significantly improved. The abduction and flexion motions of the hip joint improved dramatically, and the visual analogue scale pain score decreased significantly. The leg length discrepancy was effectively corrected. During the follow-up, one patient experienced prosthetic dislocation, one underwent revision surgery due to acetabular component loosening, two had osteolysis, four had heterotopic ossification, two experienced transient sciatic nerve palsy, and one had intermuscular vein thrombosis. The prosthesis survival rate was 96.9% at 5 years postoperatively. No periprosthetic infection occurred.

Conclusion

Total hip arthroplasty with standard prosthesis could be an effective treatment for hip arthropathy on the affected hip of patients with poliomyelitis sequelae, resulting in good clinical outcomes and few complications. Constrained liner and dual mobility articulation are not recommended unless the hip muscle strength of the abductor is < III.