bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a metabolic disease in humans: A literature review
Authors: Cariou Bertrand , Byrne Christopher D. , Loomba Rohit , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: January 2021

Aims

To conduct a systematic literature review to identify recent epidemiological, biomarker, genetic and clinical evidence that expands our understanding of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a metabolic disorder.

Materials and Methods

We performed a literature search using PubMed to identify trials, observational studies and meta‐analyses published in the past 5 years.

Results

A total of 95 publications met prespecified inclusion criteria and reported on the interplay between NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and metabolic dysfunction, in terms of disease burden and/or epidemiology (n = 10), pathophysiology, risk factors and associated conditions (n = 29), diagnosis and biomarkers (n = 34), and treatment approaches (n = 22). There is a growing body of evidence on the links between NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis and mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction, through liver lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrogenic remodelling within the liver. The frequent co‐occurrence of NAFLD with obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes supports this premise. Therapeutic approaches originally envisaged for type 2 diabetes or obesity (such as glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors, insulin sensitizers and bariatric surgery) have shown promising signs of benefit for patients with NAFLD/NASH.

Conclusions

Given the complex interplay between NAFLD and metabolic dysfunction, there is an urgent need for multidisciplinary collaboration and established protocols for care of patients with NAFLD that are individualized and ideally support reduction of overall metabolic risk as well as treatment for NASH.
Short‐ and long‐term prognostic value of right ventricular function in patients with first acute ST elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty
Authors: Radwan Hanan , Hussein Ekhlas M. , Refaat Hesham
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Limited data are known about the prognostic value of right ventricle (RV) function in patients with first acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of RV dysfunction in predicting both in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes in these patients, irrespective of the site of necrosis.

Methods

We enrolled 502 consecutive patients with first acute STEMI treated with primary angioplasty and underwent echocardiography within 48 hours of admission. RV function was evaluated by RV myocardial performance index (RVMPI), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), pulsed tissue Doppler S′ wave velocity, and RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) of the free wall. The occurrence of in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 1‐year survival rate were recorded.

Results

In MACE group, RVFAC, TAPSE, and RV S′ wave velocity were lower. However, RVMPI, RVGLS, and TR Vmax. were higher than MACE free group (P < .001). In multivariable analysis adjusted for other variables that predicted adverse outcomes, RVFAC < 35% (P < .001), TAPSE < 17 mm (P < .001), RVGLS > −17% (P < .001), RV S′ wave velocity < 9.5 cm/s (P = .02), RVMPI > 0.43 (P < .001), and TR Vmax. > 2.8 m/s (P = .01) were strong independent predictors of in‐hospital MACE. Lower 1‐year survival was noted in patients with RV dysfunction, documented by these cutoffs values.

Conclusion

RV dysfunction, evidenced by multiparametric echocardiography, is predictive for adverse in‐hospital outcomes, and lower 1‐year survival rate in first acute STEMI regardless of the site of necrosis.
Metabolic cost of holding nuptial food gifts for male spiders
Authors: Prokop Pavol , Okrouhlík Jan
Published: January 2021

1. In various insect and spiders, males offer nuptial food gifts to females during copulation that enhance male fitness either directly through their effects on male fertilisation success or indirectly through the nutritional benefits delivering for females. However, the physiological costs of producing these gifts remain largely unexplored.

2. We examined energetic costs of holding nuptial gifts in the gift‐giving spider, Pisaura mirabilis, using stop‐flow respirometry.

3. Males exhibited 37% higher metabolic rates when holding a nuptial gift than when they do not have one.

4. Our findings suggest the existence of metabolic costs associated with holding a nuptial gift for males. This confirm that male condition is particularly relevant for gift‐giving and may explain the evolution of male deception for cheaper nuptial gifts.
Integration of biological and psychological illness attributional belief in association with medication adherence behaviour: A path analysis
Authors: Suen Yi Nam , Yeung Emily Tsz Wa , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Hui Christy Lai Ming , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , Chang Wing Chung , Chan Candice Yu Hay , Chen Chan Eric Yu Hai
Published: January 2021

Aim

This study aimed to determine the association of biological (BAB) and psychological illness attributional beliefs (PAB) with medication adherence behaviour in patients with psychosis in Hong Kong.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 301 outpatients with psychosis in Hong Kong was conducted from August to October 2016. The survey included a set of questionnaires examining patient medication adherence behaviours (using five behavioural items from the Medication Adherence Rating Scale), illness attributional belief, insight into the illness, and attitudes towards antipsychotics and medical professionals. The associations between these variables were analysed using path analysis and adjusted for covariates of perceived social support, experience of side‐effects, and gender.

Results

The data fit a model in which medication adherence behaviour was associated with illness attributional belief, insight, and attitudes (chi‐square = 32.33, p = .26; RMSEA = 0.02; SRMR = 0.04; and CFI = 0.97). BAB was positively and directly associated with medication adherence behaviour. PAB was positively and indirectly associated with medication adherence behaviour through insight into the illness and attitude towards medical professionals. PAB can strengthen the relationship between BAB and insight, and only the high PAB group exhibited a positive relationship between BAB and attitude towards medical professionals.

Conclusions

An integration of biological and psychological attributional beliefs in patients with psychosis is essential for better medication adherence behaviour. Future interventions should aim to modify patients' illness attributional beliefs by integrating both biological and psychological illness attribution to improve medication adherence.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and treatment efficacy in childhood‐onset schizophrenia and adolescent‐onset schizophrenia in mainland China: A retrospective study
Authors: Cheng Xin , Zhang Huihui , Zhang Jiuping , Xu Ping , Jin Peiying , Fang Hui , Chu Kangkang , Ke Xiaoyan
Published: January 2021

Aim

The comparative study of childhood‐onset schizophrenia (COS) and adolescent‐onset schizophrenia (AOS) is scarce. This study aimed to examine the differences in clinical presentations and treatment efficacy between COS and AOS and further analyse the factors affecting the efficacy of early‐onset schizophrenia (EOS).

Methods

A total of 582 electronic medical records of inpatients with EOS (216 COS and 366 AOS inpatients) between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychotic symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse the predictors of efficacy.

Results

The mean age of onset of EOS was 12.87 ± 2.19 years. The importance of better diagnosing COS appeared in a longer illness course, more frequently insidious onset, less frequent delusions, more severe negative symptoms and bizarre behaviours than AOS. Besides, COS had more frequent visual hallucinations and impulsive behaviours than AOS. After hospitalization, the improvement rate of psychotic symptoms in COS and AOS were 38.3% and 47.8%, respectively. The difference of efficacy between the two groups was statistically significant. Days of hospitalization, age of onset, presence of flat affect, PANSS total and negative score at admission were predictors of treatment efficacy in EOS individuals.

Conclusions

COS inpatients suffer more obvious negative symptoms, bizarre behaviours, visual hallucinations and impulsive behaviours and worse efficacy than AOS inpatients. The severity of negative symptoms and age of onset seem the most noteworthy predictors of efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and early intervention.
Differences in microbial community response to nitrogen fertilization result in unique enzyme shifts between arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal‐dominated soils
Authors: Carrara Joseph E. , Walter Christopher A. , Freedman Zachary B. , Hostetler Ashley N. , Hawkins Jennifer S. , Fernandez Ivan J. , Brzostek Edward R.
Published: January 2021

While the effect of nitrogen (N) deposition on belowground carbon (C) cycling varies, emerging evidence shows that forest soils dominated by trees that associate with ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) store more C than soils dominated by trees that associate with arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) with increasing N deposition. We hypothesized that this is due to unique nutrient cycling responses to N between AM and ECM‐dominated soils. ECM trees primarily obtain N through fungal mining of soil organic matter subsidized by root‐C. As such, we expected the largest N‐induced responses of C and N cycling to occur in ECM rhizospheres and be driven by fungi. Conversely, as AM trees rely on bacterial scavengers in bulk soils to cycle N, we predicted the largest AM responses to be driven by shifts in bacteria and occur in bulk soils. To test this hypothesis, we measured microbial community composition, metatranscriptome profiles, and extracellular enzyme activity in bulk, rhizosphere, and organic horizon (OH) soils in AM and ECM‐dominated soils at Bear Brook Watershed in Maine, USA. After 27 years of N fertilization, fungal community composition shifted across ECM soils, but bacterial communities shifted across AM soils. These shifts were mirrored by enhanced C relative to N mining enzyme activities in both mycorrhizal types, but this occurred in different soil fractions. In ECM stands these shifts occurred in rhizosphere soils, but in AM stands they occurred in bulk soils. Additionally, ECM OH soils exhibited the opposite response with declines in C relative to N mining. As rhizosphere soils account for only a small portion of total soil volume relative to bulk soils, coupled with declines in C to N enzyme activity in ECM OH soils, we posit that this may partly explain why ECM soils store more C than AM soils as N inputs increase.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of conventional transarterial chemoembolization with and without drug‐eluting beads embolization for the treatment of unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Shiguang , Yu Wenchang , Zhang Kongzhi , Liu Weifu , Chen Chuanben
Published: January 2021

Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis. Moreover, large HCCs have been commonly observed. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of drug‐eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB‐TACE) combined with conventional TACE (cTACE) for the treatment of patients with unresectable large HCCs (main tumor ≥5 cm in diameter) compared with cTACE alone.

Methods

A retrospective matched cohort study was performed on consecutive patients with unresectable large HCCs who underwent TACE as the initial treatment at the Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital from May 2017 and March 2019. Fifty‐five patients who underwent DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE were compared with a case‐matched control group of 110 patients who received cTACE alone. We compared the tumor response at 1 and 3 months after TACE, time to progression (TTP), and adverse events between the groups.

Results

The objective response rate was higher for the DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE group than for the cTACE alone group at 1 (39 of 55 [70.9%] vs. 57 of 110 [51.8%], p = 0.019) and 3 months (27 of 43 [62.8%] vs. 31 of 71 [43.7%], p = 0.048) post‐treatment. The DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE group also had a significantly longer median TTP than that of the cTACE group (7.2 vs. 5.3 months, p = 0.039). Compared with the cTACE group, occurrences of abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and constipation were significantly more frequent in the DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with cTACE alone, DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE significantly increased the objective response rate at 1 and 3 months after the treatment of unresectable large HCCs, and had a longer TTP, without any significant increase in the number of severe complications.
Fabrication and stability of Pickering emulsions using moringa seed residue protein: Effect of pH and ionic strength
Authors: Huang Zhilian , Huang Xiaobing , Zhou Wei , Zhang Li , Liu Fei , Li Jing , Peng Shaodan , Cao Yupo , Li Yahui , Li Ruyi , Li Jihua
Published: January 2021

Food‐grade Pickering emulsions stabilised by plant protein have low toxicity. In this study, to explore the potential of Moringa seed residue protein (MSRP) as Pickering particles, MSRP was obtained from Moringa seed residue and used to fabricate emulsions at different pH and ionic strength. The molecular weight of MSRP ranged between 5 and 25 kDa. The particle diameter of MSRP with positive charge was > 233 nm. The highest MSRP solubility was achieved at pH 5 (206.89 mg g−1) and 0.2 M NaCl (202.55 mg g−1). MSRP generated an excellent interfacial layer as verified by confocal laser scanning microscope imaging, and had lower droplet size, and formed well‐developed elastic networks at pH 5 and 0.2 M NaCl. MSRP‐stabilised emulsion through steric hindrance, possessing excellent tolerance in salt (< 0.2M) and weakly acid (pH 5–7) environment. Our study finds MSRP can be used as potential Pickering particles applying in food and beverages industries.
Dialysis and driving: an anonymous survey of patients receiving dialysis for end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Graver Alison , Odell Morris , Churilov Leonid , Power David A. , Mount Peter F. , Davies Matthew R. P. , Choy Suet‐Wan , Paizis Kathy , Cook Natasha
Published: January 2021

Background

Driving is a complex task requiring multiple cognitive domains and the musculoskeletal system. Cognitive dysfunction is associated with driving impairment. Dialysis patients are known to have a high prevalence of cognitive impairment and other comorbidities, and may be at risk of driving impairment. No Australian guidelines address driving safety in dialysis patients.

Aims

To estimate the proportion of dialysis patients who were driving and those at risk of driving impairment, and to investigate the agreement between objective and subjective markers of risk.

Methods

This single‐centre study involved dialysis patients voluntarily completing two questionnaires relating to risk of driving impairment; the first questionnaire focussed on objective markers, and the second questionnaire focussed on subjective markers. Risk of driving impairment was established using pre‐determined criteria, and the agreement between objective and subjective markers was estimated using Cohen kappa.

Results

A total of 44.8% (99/221) of patients participated; 76.8% (76/99) of participants were driving, and 76.3% (58/76) of drivers were at risk of driving impairment. Factors associated with at‐risk driving included post dialysis dizziness, leg weakness or numbness, falling asleep while driving and hypoglycaemia. Sixteen patients reported collisions since commencing dialysis. The questionnaires displayed slight agreement (Cohen kappa = 0.20) between objective and subjective markers.

Conclusions

Dialysis patients are at risk of driving impairment based on self‐reported questionnaire responses. Discrepancies between patients' perceptions and objective markers were apparent. Further research into appropriate risk assessments, as well as development of guidelines to aid in determining driving safety in dialysis patients, is needed.
Feasibility of an online cognitive rehabilitation programme in patients with a haematological malignancy undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ku Matthew , Gates Priscilla , Renehan Steffi
Published: January 2021

Background

Chemotherapy‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a known adverse event that can impact cancer survivors, resulting in long‐standing effect on quality of life and activities of daily living. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the aetiology and therapy for CRCI. Although CRCI following autologous stem cell transplantation (AuSCT) is emerging as a potentially significant concern for patients with underlying haematological malignancies, it is an area that requires further research.

Aims

This pilot study aimed to assess (i) the prevalence of CRCI in patients with haematological malignancies both pre‐AuSCT and post‐AuSCT and (ii) the feasibility of a cognitive rehabilitation programme (CRP) in survivorship care post‐AuSCT.

Methods

Over a 12‐month period, consecutive patients planned for AuSCT were approached for the study. Enrolled patients were administered a 9‐week course of CRP, commencing day 40 ± 5 post‐AuSCT. Participants were evaluated using a neuropsychological tool and validated questionnaires at baseline, pre‐CRP (day 40 ± 5 post‐AuSCT), post‐CRP and 6 months post‐CRP.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were enrolled. The mean age was 59 years (SD = 11.5), 23 (72%) were male and 18 (56%) had multiple myeloma. Participants reported high satisfaction using the CRP, and most devoted significant amount of time as requested.

Conclusions

While there appeared to be a low incidence of significant CRCI in our patient population, the incorporation of CRP in survivorship care appeared to be feasible. A larger randomised study examining the efficacy of CRP should be further explored.
Diabetic ketoacidosis: a canary in the mine for mental health disorders?
Authors: Hamblin Peter S. , Abdul‐Wahab Azni L. , Xu Sylvia F. B. , Steele Cheryl E. , Vogrin Sara
Published: January 2021

Background

Recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has been linked to mental health disorders, but less is known about single DKA episodes. Most studies are retrospective, lacking control groups.

Aims

To prospectively examine psychosocial factors in patients presenting with recurrent or single episode DKA and compare with people who have not had DKA.

Methods

Case‐controlled study (consecutive adult DKA admissions April 2015 to December 2016) at Western Health, Melbourne. Data were prospectively collected regarding diagnosed mental health disorders, likely depression (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9)), diabetes distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) questionnaire) and presence of adverse social factors. A control group without a history of DKA was also recruited.

Results

Of 123 patients admitted with DKA (164 consecutive episodes), 70 consented to participate and 73 age‐matched Type 1 diabetes controls were recruited. Eleven (61%) of 18 with recurrent DKA had a diagnosed mental health disorder versus 8 (19%) of 42 in the single episode group (P = 0.016). The prevalence of likely depression using PHQ‐9 was: recurrent 50%; single 40%; and controls 22% (recurrent vs controls, P = 0.036; single vs controls, P = 0.053). Severe diabetes distress (PAID) was present in 47% of recurrent and 34% of single episode DKA (P = 0.387). As a group, DKA patients had significantly more unemployment, illicit drug use and tobacco smoking, a lower level of formal education and less regular medical contact compared with controls.

Conclusions

Mental health disorders and adverse socioeconomic factors appear to be common in patients with DKA. The diagnosis of DKA presents an excellent opportunity to screen for depression and offer appropriate intervention.
The Behaviour of the Meerkat, Suricata suricatta (Schreber)
Authors: Ewer R. F.
Published: January 2021

Observations have been made on three specimens of the viverrid Suricata suricatta (Schreber) kept as domestic pets and on two litters of young born in captivity. Language, gaits and postures are described, together with patterns connected with the following activities: heat regulation; toilet; micturition, defaecation and marking; food capture; attack and defence.

The role played by learning in the responses to aerial predators and to large prey is considered.

The development of the responses of the young and the behavioural interrelationships between them and the parents are recorded.

The taxonomic value of behavioural characteristics is briefly considered. The patterns found in Suricata are compared with those known in other Viverridae and the taxonomic implications of these data are discussed.

The way in which mode of life, bodily structure and behaviour in Suricata are harmoniously integrated is outlined.

Drei im Heim gehaltene Stücke und zwei in Gefangenschaft geborene Würfe einer Viverride, Suricata suricatta (Schreber) wurden beobachtet. Sprache, Gangarten, Haltungen und Verhaltensweisen, Wärmeregulierung, Körperpflege, Harnen und Koten, Markieren, Nahrungserwerb, Angriff und Verteidigung werden beschrieben.

Es wird erörtert, welchen Anteil das Lernen an den Reaktionen auf Raubvögel und große Beute hat.

Die Entwicklung der Verhaltensweisen der Jungen und der Beziehungen zwischen ihnen und den Eltern werden beschrieben.

Der taxonomische Wert des Verhaltens wird kurz erwogen. Die bei Suricata beobachteten Verhaltensweisen werden mit den bei anderen Viverriden bekannt gewordenen verglichen, und es wird besprochen, was daraus für das System folgt.

Es wird ausgeführt, wie die Lebensweise, der Körperbau und das Verhalten von Suricata ein harmonisches Ganzes bilden.
Productive Uncertainty: The Pedagogical Benefits of Co‐Creating Research in the Design Studio
Authors: McLaughlan Rebecca , Pert Alan , Lodge Jason M.
Published: January 2021

Balancing the competing demands of research and teaching has long been lamented by academics. The challenges associated with Covid‐19 will make this increasingly difficult. An integrated approach to research and teaching, where students are directly engaged in the production of research, may provide a useful strategy to support ongoing research within the design disciplines whilst befitting student learning. The production of original research requires a willingness to engage in – and manage –uncertainty. Contemporary higher education acknowledges that global challenges are increasing in complexity and, thus, students require opportunities to learn to productively manage this complexity. Utilising teacher observations and student feedback, this article reflects critically on a studio model, iteratively refined over two semesters, with the deliberate intent of exacerbating the complexity already present within studio pedagogy for the production of new knowledge. It outlines a set of strategies for making manageable this uncertainty for students to ensure it is beneficial for their learning. It also identifies a number of challenges educators can face when assuming a duel role as teacher and research partner; and provides advice for negotiating these challenges.
Blessing or Curse for Congruence? How Interest Mobilization Affects Congruence between Citizens and Elected Representatives
Authors: De Bruycker Iskander , Rasmussen Anne
Published: January 2021

This article examines the role of interest mobilization in strengthening or weakening congruence between elected representatives and citizens on EU policy issues. It argues that the relationship between public opinion, interest groups and elected politicians can be theorized as a selective transmission process. We expect interest groups to strengthen congruence between citizens and elected representatives who share their ideological views. To test our hypotheses we conducted a content analysis of statements made in eight European news outlets on a sample of 13 policy issues and combined this with Eurobarometer polls. Our results indicate that elected representatives from leftist parties are more congruent with left‐wing voters when civil society mobilizes, while the prevalence of corporate lobby groups strengthens congruence between rightist politicians and their constituents. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of interest groups in political representation and democratic governance.
Evaluation of the implications of ice‐jam flood mitigation measures
Authors: Das Apurba , Lindenschmidt Karl‐Erich
Published: January 2021

Ice‐jam flood risk management requires new approaches to reduce flood damages. Although many structural and non‐structural measures are implemented to reduce the impacts of ice‐jam flooding, there are still many challenges in identifying appropriate strategies to reduce the ice‐jam flood risk along northern rivers. The main purpose of this study is to provide a novel methodological framework to assess the feasibility of various ice‐jam flood mitigation measures based on risk analysis. A total of three ice‐jam flood mitigation measures (artificial breakup, sediment dredging and dike installation) were examined using a stochastic modelling framework for the potential to reduce the ice‐jam flood risk along the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray. An ensemble of hundreds of backwater level profiles was used to construct ice‐jam flood hazard maps to estimate expected annual damages, using depth‐damage curves for structural and content damages, within the downtown area of Fort McMurray. The results show that, while sediment dredging may be able to reduce a certain level of expected annual damages in the town, and artificial breakup and a dike with a crest elevation of 250 m a.s.l. can be the most effective measures to reduce the amount of expected annual damages.
Therapeutic efficacy of dendritic cell vaccine combined with programmed death 1 inhibitor for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Teng Chiao‐Fang , Wang Ting , Shih Fu‐Ying , Shyu Woei‐Cherng , Jeng Long‐Bin
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a serious cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Developing new therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to improve the outcomes of HCC patients. Dendritic cell (DC)‐based vaccines and programmed death 1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint inhibitors have been regarded as potential immunotherapeutics for HCC. However, the therapeutic efficacy of combining these two treatments for HCC remains to be evaluated.

Methods

In this study, DCs were derived from mouse bone marrow and pulsed with mouse HCC cell lysates to generate a DC vaccine. A monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction of mouse PD‐1 with its ligands was used as a PD‐1 inhibitor. An orthotopic HCC mouse model was established to assess the effect of a DC vaccine in combination with a PD‐1 inhibitor on overall survival and tumor volume.

Results

Compared with the untreated control, single treatment with a DC vaccine or PD‐1 inhibitor prolonged the overall survival and reduced the tumor volume of HCC mice. Further, compared with the single treatment with the DC vaccine or the PD‐1 inhibitor, a combination treatment using both agents elicited a higher cytotoxicity of T cells against HCC cells and resulted in a better overall survival, smaller tumor volume, and greater tumor cell apoptosis in HCC mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a combination treatment with DC vaccine and PD‐1 inhibitor may be a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Heterogeneity of Aging: Individual Risk Factors, Mechanisms, Patient Priorities, and Outcomes
Authors: Ferrucci Luigi , Kuchel George A.
Published: January 2021

This editorial comments on the article by Nguyen et al. in this issue.
Platinum accumulation in oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Wei Guoli , Gu Zhancheng , Gu Jialin , Yu Jialin , Huang Xiaofei , Qin Fengxia , Li Lingchang , Ding Rong , Huo Jiege
Published: January 2021

Oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is a common and dose‐limiting toxic effect that markedly limits the use of oxaliplatin and affects the quality of life. Although it is common, the underlying mechanisms of OIPN remain ambiguous. Recent studies have shown that the platinum accumulation in peripheral nervous system, especially in dorsal root ganglion, is a significant mechanism of OIPN. Several specific transporters, including organic cation transporters, high‐affinity copper uptake protein1 (CTR1), ATPase copper transporting alpha (ATP7A) and multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1), could be associated with this mechanism. This review summarizes the current research progress about the relationship between platinum accumulation and OIPN, as well as suggests trend for the future research.
Stimulating sense memories for people living with dementia using the Namaste Care programme: What works, how and why?
Authors: Karacsony Sara , Abela Melissa R. L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Sensory‐based program for people with advanced dementia aim to address unmet needs and to improve behaviours, mood or cognition. Pleasurable, involuntary sense memories stimulated by sensory‐based program are difficult to evaluate because it is not possible to ask what people with dementia remember about their past, or what sense memories are being evoked. Notwithstanding the challenges in identifying what sense memories people with dementia experience, nurses and caregivers should recognise the potential value of sense memories for pleasure and happiness and provide optimum conditions to stimulate the senses.

Aims and objectives

To examine the potential for involuntary sense memories to be activated by sensory stimulation, with a focus on the effects of the Namaste Care programme.

Design

This is a discursive paper applying a content analysis to the qualitative findings of studies reporting on the Namaste Care programme to critically evaluate the topic of involuntary sense memories for people living with advanced dementia.

Methods

A literature review and content analysis of qualitative findings on the Namaste Care programme was performed. Findings are reported in line with the COREQ checklist.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Codes were grouped into four categories representing enhanced mood, pleasure, happiness and comfort capturing the effects of the sensory stimulation observed or perceived by nurses and family caregivers. Descriptions provide some evidence of sensory memories activated by stimulation of some senses but not all.

Conclusion

Involuntary sense memories contribute to well‐being of people living with advanced dementia. Caregivers, including nurses, need to be aware that involuntary sense memories that do not rely on cognitive processes can be triggered by sensory stimulation and have the potential to enhance mood and bestow pleasure, happiness and comfort over and above the “activity” of the sensory programme.

Relevance to clinical practice

By integrating the documented experiential findings and conceptual understandings of sense memory, this paper contributes to advancing the understanding of the value of involuntary sense memories for people living with dementia that nurses and caregivers need to be aware of and, in turn, provide the optimum conditions for memory of the senses to be activated. A sensory‐based programme, such as Namaste Care, provides optimum conditions at low cost to activate sense memories.
Differentiating research and quality improvement activities: A scoping review and implications for clinical scholarship
Authors: Carter Eileen J. , Usseglio John , Pahlevan‐Ibrekic Challace , Vose Courtney , Rivera Reynaldo R. , Larson Elaine L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Differentiating activities that are research or quality improvement (QI) is challenging.

Purpose

Compare tools that distinguish research from QI and evaluate the utility of tools to determine whether institutional review board (IRB) approval is required for a test‐project.

Methods

Scoping review of the literature to identify tools that distinguish QI from research. Two reviewers independently screened records in PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and Google Scholar and extracted information from tools. Inclusion criteria were English language peer‐reviewed publications or publicly available tools with scoring systems to differentiate between research and QI. The reporting of this review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. We then applied a test‐project to evaluate the utility of the tools.

Findings

One‐hundred forty sources were reviewed; 13 met inclusion criteria. Tools consistently used project intent/purpose, design and intervention as differentiating criteria; additional criteria varied. Five studies described tool development, and one reported that the tool had been tested. Our application of a test‐project proved challenging as tools commonly presented research and QI as discrete activities.

Discussion

Based on the core criteria common across tools to distinguish research from QI, we propose a simple four‐criteria decision tool for assessing the need for IRB submission.
Maternal History of Childhood Maltreatment and Control Strategies: A Search for Mechanisms
Authors: Liu Siman , Dong Shuyang , Wang Zhengyan
Published: January 2021

Objective

The current study examined whether and how mothers' personal history of childhood maltreatment related to control strategies toward their children during infancy in mainland China.

Background

Although previous studies have linked mothers' history of childhood maltreatment to negative control with their children, no study has systematically investigated the effect of maternal history of childhood maltreatment on control strategies varying in the levels of power assertion and its underlying mechanisms.

Method

Drawn from a two‐wave observational study, participants were 233 Chinese mother–infant dyads. The mothers reported their history of childhood maltreatment at 6 months of child age (T2), and executive function and marital satisfaction at 14 months of child age (T2). Additionally, maternal control strategies toward children were coded from videotaped mother–infant interactions at both T1 and T2.

Results

The results showed that T1 maternal history of childhood maltreatment was negatively predictive of T2 gentle control, after controlling for T1 gentle control and maternal education status. Furthermore, a chained mediation path from T1 maternal history of childhood maltreatment to T2 negative control through T2 executive function and then T2 marital satisfaction was found.

Conclusion

Mothers with a childhood maltreatment history tend to use less gentle control toward their 14‐month‐old infants, whereas the intergenerational transmission of maternal history of childhood maltreatment to negative control is prevented by better executive function and higher satisfaction in marital relations.
The Impact of an Ocular Prosthesis on the Quality of Life, Perceived Stress, and Clinical Adaptation of Anophthalmic Patients: A Clinical and Longitudinal Trial
Authors: Makrakis Laís Ranieri , de Araújo Camila Borba , Macedo Ana Paula , Silva‐Lovato Cláudia Helena
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This prospective study evaluated and correlated the impact of ocular prostheses on quality of life and stress with socioeconomic level and clinical characteristics. The clinical difficulties and perceptions of patients after ocular rehabilitation were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Anophthalmic patients (at least 18 years of age) who were not users of ocular prostheses were recruited. The Medical Outcomes Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10) questionnaires were administered before and after 3 and 6 months of prosthesis installation. Clinical characteristics, difficulties, and perceptions were evaluated by quantitative and descriptive analysis (7 days, 3 months, 6 months). Data were analyzed by the Friedman test and Pearson Correlation test (α = 0.05).

Results

The final sample consisted of 26 patients. Quality of life showed improvement in the “Bodily Pain” and “General Health” domains. Wearing the prosthesis did not influence perceived stress. The clinical evaluation showed clinical discharge over 6 months and presence of pain only at 7 days. A weak correlation occurred between sociodemographic characteristics and the categories “Role‐Physical” (r = 0.423) and “General Health” (r = 0.494); cause of anophthalmia and “Role‐Physical” (r = –0.471); and type of surgery and “General Health” (r = –0.432).

Conclusions

According to the results of this study, the provision of ocular prostheses showed positive influence in 2 domains of quality of life and weak correlations with socioeconomic level, type of surgery, and cause of loss. Ocular rehabilitation did not influence stress. The use and care of the prostheses did not affect tissue inflammation, but the discharge was continuous.
What is cohesiveness?—A linguistic exploration of the food texture testing literature
Authors: Rosenthal Andrew J. , Thompson Paul
Published: January 2021

Cohesiveness is a widely used term in the food texture literature. Authors of this literature employ divergent methodologies, and can be divided into those who assess texture through sensory evaluation and those who use instrumental techniques. Within each of these disciplines, there are some specialized uses of the word, creating discipline specific terms such as “cohesiveness of mass.” The fact that many researchers attempt to (re)define cohesiveness, does suggest that the term is not universally understood. This blurring arises partly from the abstract nature of what it describes and also from ill matching measurements being used to quantify it. A widely agreed definition is that cohesiveness is “the strength of the internal bonds making up the body of the product,” yet a challenge continues to be how we can measure it.

Using the Sketch Engine corpus analysis interface to examine a corpus of articles from the food texture literature in the periods 2002–2017, the contexts in which the word stem “cohes*” is used were explored. Collocation analysis suggests that in addition to considerable commonality in the way that “cohesiveness” combines with other terms, differences reflect the foci of the disciplines with the instrumental community predominantly dealing with physical measurement while the sensory community relate “cohesiveness” more to oral processing and texture perception.
Environmental correlates of genetic variation in the invasive European starling in North America
Authors: Hofmeister Natalie R. , Werner Scott J. , Lovette Irby J.
Published: January 2021

Populations of invasive species that colonize and spread in novel environments may differentiate both through demographic processes and local selection. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to New York in 1890 and subsequently spread throughout North America, becoming one of the most widespread and numerous bird species on the continent. Genome‐wide comparisons across starling individuals and populations can identify demographic and/or selective factors that facilitated this rapid and successful expansion. We investigated patterns of genomic diversity and differentiation using reduced‐representation genome sequencing of 17 winter‐season sampling sites. Consistent with this species' high dispersal rate and rapid expansion history, we found low geographical differentiation and few FST outliers even at a continental scale. Despite starting from a founding population of ~180 individuals, North American starlings show only a moderate genetic bottleneck, and models suggest a dramatic increase in effective population size since introduction. In genotype–environment associations we found that ~200 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms are correlated with temperature and/or precipitation against a background of negligible genome‐ and range‐wide divergence. Given this evidence, we suggest that local adaptation in North American starlings may have evolved rapidly even in this wide‐ranging and evolutionarily young system. This survey of genomic signatures of expansion in North American starlings is the most comprehensive to date and complements ongoing studies of world‐wide local adaptation in these highly dispersive and invasive birds.
Phenotypic plasticity rather than genotype drives reproductive choices in Hydra populations
Authors: Miklós Máté , Laczkó Levente , Sramkó Gábor , Sebestyén Flóra , Barta Zoltán , Tökölyi Jácint
Published: January 2021

Facultative clonality is associated with complex life cycles where sexual and asexual forms can be exposed to contrasting selection pressures. Facultatively clonal animals often have distinct developmental capabilities that depend on reproductive mode (e.g., negligible senescence and exceptional regeneration ability in asexual individuals, which are lacking in sexual individuals). Understanding how these differences in life history strategies evolved is hampered by limited knowledge of the population structure underlying sexual and asexual forms in nature. Here we studied genetic differentiation of coexisting sexual and asexual Hydra oligactis polyps, a freshwater cnidarian where reproductive mode‐dependent life history patterns are observed. We collected asexual and sexual polyps from 13 Central European water bodies and used restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing to infer population structure. We detected high relatedness among populations and signs that hydras might spread with resting eggs through zoochory. We found no genetic structure with respect to mode of reproduction (asexual vs. sexual). On the other hand, clear evidence was found for phenotypic plasticity in mode of reproduction, as polyps inferred to be clones differed in reproductive mode. Moreover, we detected two cases of apparent sex change (males and females found within the same clonal lineages) in this species with supposedly stable sexes. Our study describes population genetic structure in Hydra for the first time, highlights the role of phenotypic plasticity in generating patterns of life history variation, and contributes to understanding the evolution of reproductive mode‐dependent life history variation in coexisting asexual and sexual forms.
Non‐human consciousness and the specificity problem: A modest theoretical proposal
Authors: Shevlin Henry
Published: January 2021

Most scientific theories of consciousness are challenging to apply outside the human case insofar as non‐human systems (both biological and artificial) are unlikely to implement human architecture precisely, an issue I call thespecificity problem. After providing some background on the theories of consciousness debate, I survey the prospects of four approaches to this problem. I then consider a fifth solution, namely thetheory‐light approachproposed by Jonathan Birch. I defend a modified version of this that I term themodest theoretical approach, arguing that it may provide insights into challenging cases that would otherwise be intractable.
Dealmaking Disrupted: The Unexplored Power of Social Media in Negotiation
Authors: Sebenius James K. , Cook Ben , Lax David , Fortgang Ron , Silberberg Isaac , Levy Paul
Published: January 2021

While social media has had profound effects in many realms, the theory and practice of negotiation have remained relatively untouched by this potent phenomenon. In this article, we survey existing research in this area and develop a broader framework for understanding the wider roles and effects of social media on negotiation. Through a series of detailed case studies, we explore how social media can drive important negotiations either off the rails or toward beneficial outcomes—and how savvy practitioners can harness this often‐neglected factor to their advantage, or else find themselves outmaneuvered by more digitally sophisticated parties. Applying the lens of the “3D negotiation” approach developed by Lax and Sebenius, we describe a number of potentially decisive roles that social media can play to enhance actions by negotiators “at the table,” with respect to deal design, and “away from the table.” In this 3D context, we show how social media can help negotiators learn about their counterparts (interests, perceptions, relationships, and networks), directly and indirectly influence the parties, mobilize supporters, and neutralize potential opponents. We show that being proactive—both in cultivating digital influence or allies and in building resilience to threats across online information ecosystems—can provide critical advantages for negotiators navigating a hyperconnected world. We develop a preliminary framework to help identify the full range of platforms, tools, and methodologies appropriate for the use of social media in negotiations, including network mapping software and open‐source intelligence techniques. Throughout our analysis, we stress the importance of ethical and privacy considerations.
The miR172/IDS1 signaling module confers salt tolerance through maintaining ROS homeostasis in cereal crops
Authors: Cheng Xiliu , He Qiang , Tang Sha , Wang Haoran , Zhang Xiangxiang , Lv Mingjie , Liu Huafeng , Gao Qian , Zhou Yue , Wang Qi , Man Xinyu , Liu Jun , Huang Rongfeng , Wang Huan , Chen Tao , Liu Jie
Published: January 2021

Salt stress triggers the overdose accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in crop plants, leading to severe oxidative damage to living tissues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as master regulators orchestrating the stress responsive regulatory networks as well as salt tolerance. However, the fundamental roles of miRNAs in modulating salt tolerance in cereal crops, especially in salt‐triggered ROS scavenging remain largely unknown.

Through small RNA sequencing, a salt‐responsive miRNA, miR172 was identified in rice. Further, by generating the miR172‐overexpression or MIR172 gene loss‐of‐function mutant lines, the biological significance of miR172 and its downstream signaling pathways related to salt tolerance were defined.

We demonstrated that miR172 is a positive regulator of salt tolerance in both rice and wheat. More interestingly, miR172a and miR172b, but not miR172c or miR172d are involved in salt stress response, emphasizing the functional differentiation within miR172 family members. Further evidence uncovers a novel miR172/IDS1 regulatory module that functions as a crucial molecular rheostat in maintaining ROS homeostasis during salt stress, mainly through balancing the expression of a group of ROS‐scavenging genes.

Our findings establish a direct molecular link between miRNAs and detoxification response in cereal crops for improving salt tolerance.