bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous alterations in semen parameters are associated with age, accessory gland function and the FSHB c.‐211G>T variant
Authors: Zitzmann Michael , Schubert Maria , Sansone Andrea , Kliesch Sabine
Published: March 2023

Background

There is a strong within‐subject alteration of semen parameters in men with infertility. However, it remains unknown in which subgroup variations are likely to occur and which semen parameters are affected.

Objective

To evaluate parameters associated with spontaneous alterations in semen analysis.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively selected 3456 men with infertility without known causes affecting spermatogenesis or sperm output for analysis of repeated ejaculate samples. Exclusion criteria comprised sperm concentration <1 million/mL, abnormal follicle‐stimulating hormone or low testosterone, and low bitesticular volume (<10 mL). Grouped linear two‐level nested mixed‐effect models were applied. The analyzed parameters included abstinence time, bitesticular volume, age, accessory gland markers, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and FSHB c.‐211 variants.

Results

Groups include A (n = 397): ≥1.0 to <5.0 million/mL, B (n = 708): ≥5.0 to <15.0 million/mL, and C (n = 2351): ≥15.0 million/mL. Groups A, B, and C: changes in ejaculate volume were associated with alterations in total sperm count and motility (p < 0.003). Changes were, controlled for abstinence time (p < 0.001), related to α‐glucosidase, fructose, or zinc (p = 0.005–0.02). Group A + B: fluctuations in follicle‐stimulating hormone level influenced sperm concentration/count (p = 0.004–0.02), albeit only in men with FSHB c.‐211 GG (p = 0.007–0.02). T‐allele carriers did not show changes in follicle‐stimulating hormone levels (p > 0.1). Group B: age <50 years (p = 0.007–0.01) and normal bitesticular volume (p = 0.008–0.02) were associated with spontaneous increases in sperm concentration, count, and motility.

Conclusion

Semen parameters exhibit intra‐individual alterations associated with organic, hormonal, and genetic variables. Changes are pronounced in younger men with normal bitesticular volume and oligozoospermia to almost normozoospermia. The effect is modulated by abstinence time, accessory gland function, and fluctuations in follicle‐stimulating hormone level, which is bound to FSHB c.‐211G>T variant. Judgment of semen analysis should be based on two semen samples, with abstinence times between 4 and 5 days. As a future perspective, it might be investigated whether younger men with normal bitesticular volume who are unable to elicit increases in serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSHB c.‐211 genotype of GT/TT) benefit from improving accessory gland function and increasing follicle‐stimulating hormone.
The use of neoadjuvant systemic therapies in breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand: Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand quality audit
Authors: Duffield Jaime A. , Blanch Adam J. , Esterman Adrian , Bochner Melissa A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Breast surgeons must maintain contemporary knowledge regarding appropriate referral for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in breast cancer (BC) patients. To date, the greatest benefit is seen in stage II–III HER2‐enriched and triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). This study is the first audit of use of NACT in Australia and New Zealand to stratify data by BC biological subtype.

Methods

Prospective data from 116,745 patients between 2010 and 2019 was provided by the Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ) Quality Audit (BQA) of Breast Cancer Care. Annual rates of NACT use were determined and change across time analysed with fractional regression. Data from 2018 to 2019 were combined and stratified by biological subtype (LumA, LumB HER2‐neg, LumB HER2‐pos, HER2 enriched, TNBC, Other basal‐like), and age (<50, 51–74, and ≥75 years) and compared using negative binomial regression.

Results

The use of NACT increased annually (OR 1.26, P < 0.001), and the use of additional adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) decreased (OR 0.78, P < 0.001). A significantly greater use of NACT was noted in patients with TNBC and HER2+ BC, and in all patients aged <50 years compared with older ages (P < 0.001), regardless of biological subtype.

Conclusion

Increased uptake of NACT and decreased use of additional ACT is in keeping with progressive change in practice in response to contemporary evidence. Expansion of BQA data fields related to use of NACT, and detailed audit of NACT rates in Stage II–III TNBC and HER2 enriched BC will allow accurate determination of quality of practice in ANZ.
Safety and performance assessment of hyaluronic acid‐based vitreous substitutes in patients with phthisis bulbi
Authors: Schulz André , Wakili Philip , Januschowski Kai , Heinz Werner R. , Engelhard Melanie , Menz Helge , Szurman Peter
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To assess the safety and performance of hyaluronic acid‐based vitreous substitutes in phthitic eyes.

Methods

In this retrospective interventional study a total of 21 eyes from 21 patients with phthisis bulbi were treated at the Eye Clinic Sulzbach between August 2011 and June 2021. Patients who underwent a 23G pars plana vitrectomy received a vitreous substitute composed of (I) a non‐crosslinked hyaluronic acid (Healon GV), (II) a crosslinked hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogel (UVHA), or (III) silicone oil (SO‐5000). Main outcome measures were the intraocular pressure (IOP), the visual acuity and the structural integrity of the retina and choroid assessed by optical coherence tomography.

Results

An increase in IOP ≥ 5 mmHg was achieved with SO‐5000 in 5/8 eyes (6/10 interventions, 60.0%) for 36.4 ± 39.5 days, with Healon GV in 4/8 eyes (7/11 interventions, 63.6%) for 82.6 ± 92.5 days and with UVHA in 4/5 eyes (5/6 interventions, 83.3%) for 93.6 ± 92.5 days. Visual acuity increased in 5/21 eyes (23.8%), remained constant in 12/21 eyes (57.1%) and decreased in 4/21 eyes (19.0%). No enucleations were required during the mean follow‐up time of 192 ± 182 days. The OCT images indicated the preservation of retinal structures, while choroidal folds were only diminished in UVHA eyes.

Conclusions

Hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogels are biocompatible vitreous substitutes in humans and can increase and stabilize IOP in patients with phthisis bulbi for about 3 months.
Preterm birth in the Nordic countries—Capacity, management and outcome in neonatal care
Authors: Norman Mikael , Padkær Petersen Jesper , Stensvold Hans Jørgen , Thorkelsson Thordur , Helenius Kjell , Brix Andersson Charlotte , Ørum Cueto Heidi , Domellöf Magnus , Gissler Mika , Heino Anna , Håkansson Stellan , Jonsson Baldvin , Klingenberg Claus , Lehtonen Liisa , Metsäranta Marjo , Rønnestad Arild E. , Trautner Simon
Published: March 2023

Aim

Organisation of care, perinatal and neonatal management of very preterm infants in the Nordic regions were hypothesised to vary significantly. The aim of this observational study was to test this hypothesis.

Methods

Information on preterm infants in the 21 greater healthcare regions of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden was gathered from national registers in 2021. Preterm birth rates, case‐mix, perinatal interventions, neonatal morbidity and survival to hospital discharge in very (<32 weeks) and extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks of gestational age) were compared.

Results

Out of 287 642 infants born alive, 16 567 (5.8%) were preterm, 2389 (0.83%) very preterm and 800 (0.28%) were extremely preterm. In very preterm infants, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids varied from 85% to 98%, live births occurring at regional centres from 48% to 100%, surfactant treatment from 28% to 69% and use of mechanical ventilation varied from 13% to 77% (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Significant regional variations within and between countries were also seen in capacity in neonatal care, case‐mix and number of admissions, whereas there were no statistically significant differences in survival or major neonatal morbidities.

Conclusion

Management of very preterm infants exhibited significant regional variations in the Nordic countries.
Effects of mixed sugarcane tops and napiergrass silages on fermentative quality, nutritional value, and milk yield in water buffaloes
Authors: Xie Huade , Peng Lijuan , Li Mengwei , Guo Yanxia , Liang Xin , Peng Kaiping , Yang Chengjian
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sugarcane tops (STs) and napiergrass (NG) silage on fermentative quality, nutritional value and milk yield in water buffaloes. Silage were prepared either conventionally without ST (C) or mixed with 25% (S1), 50% (S2), and 75% (S3) ST based on fresh matter. Twenty‐eight lactating buffaloes were divided into four groups with seven replicates and fed four experimental diets containing the corresponding silages. The S3 silage fermented well with a higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid content and lower (P < 0.05) pH and ammonia‐N level than those of other mixed silage. Silage with increasing ST proportions showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, and gross energy. As a result, water buffalo fed S3 silage increased dry matter intake (P < 0.05) and tended to have higher milk yield and feed efficiency as compared with the C group. Our study indicates that adding ST improves NG silage fermentation and enhances the nutrient digestibility and milk production in water buffaloes, and mixing ratio of 25%NG and 75%ST had the highest lactate fermentation quality and presented a high feed value.
Successful treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients on anti‐epileptics or mood stabilizers using pharmacokinetic enhancers
Authors: Yin Jeffrey , Hill Lucas , Mansour Marlina , Collier Summer , Barman Pranab
Published: March 2023

Co‐administration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) with anti‐epileptics or mood stabilizers with cytochrome P450 (CYP) and/or drug transport‐inducing properties is contraindicated due to concerns of subtherapeutic DAA levels that can lead to treatment failure and viral resistance. The recommended strategy is to change the interacting medication to a different agent that does not have inducing properties, but this is not always possible depending on the clinical scenario. We report on three patients who received DAAs for their HCV infection while remaining on the contraindicated anti‐epileptic or mood stabilizer by utilizing CYP and drug transport inhibitors as pharmacokinetic enhancers to attempt to overcome the induction effects and maximize chances of achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). All patients achieved SVR despite the drug–drug interactions and there were no safety concerns. In patients facing this unique clinical quandary, the use of CYP and drug transport inhibitors appears to be a safe and possible strategy.
Cyclopeptide mushroom poisoning: A retrospective series of 204 patients
Authors: Lecot Jérémy , Cellier Morgane , Courtois Arnaud , Vodovar Dominique , Le Roux Gaël , Landreau Anne , Labadie Magali , Bruneau Chloé , Descatha Alexis
Published: March 2023

Cyclopeptide mushroom poisoning is responsible for 90%–95% of deaths from macrofungi ingestion. The main objectives of this study are to describe cases of cyclopeptide mushroom poisoning and to determine risk factors that may influence the severity/mortality of poisoned patients. We included all cases of amatoxin toxicity reported to two French Poison Centers from 2013 through 2019. We compared the severity with the Poison Severity Score (PSS) and the outcomes of patients using simple logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression. We included 204 cases of amatoxin toxicity. More than three‐quarters developed an increase in AST and/or ALT (78.1%), and over half developed a decrease in prothrombin ratio (<70%: 53%) and/or Factor V (<70%: 54%). One‐third developed an acute renal injury (AKI). Twelve patients (5.9%) developed post‐poisoning sequelae (persistent kidney injury more than 1 month after ingestion and liver transplant). Five patients (2.5%) received a liver transplant, and nine died (4.4%). The mean time to onset of digestive disorders was shorter in PSS2 and PSS3–4 patients (10.9 ± 3.9/11.3 ± 6.3 h) than in PSS1 patients (14 ± 6.5 h; p < 0.05). Patients who died or developed post‐poisoning sequelae had more frequent cardiovascular comorbidities compared with recovered patients (60.0% versus 29.5%; p < 0.01).
Break and Splice: A Statistical Method for Non‐Rigid Point Cloud Registration
Authors: Gao Qinghong , Zhao Yan , Xi Long , Tang Wen , Wan Tao Ruan
Published: March 2023

3D object matching and registration on point clouds are widely used in computer vision. However, most existing point cloud registration methods have limitations in handling non‐rigid point sets or topology changes (e.g. connections and separations). As a result, critical characteristics such as large inter‐frame motions of the point clouds may not be accurately captured. This paper proposes a statistical algorithm for non‐rigid point sets registration, addressing the challenge of handling topology changes without the need to estimate correspondence. The algorithm uses a novel Break and Splice framework to treat the non‐rigid registration challenges as a reproduction process and a Dirichlet Process Gaussian Mixture Model (DPGMM) to cluster a pair of point sets. Labels are assigned to the source point set with an iterative classification procedure, and the source is registered to the target with the same labels using the Bayesian Coherent Point Drift (BCPD) method. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves lower registration errors and efficiently registers point sets undergoing topology changes and large inter‐frame motions. The proposed approach is evaluated on several data sets using various qualitative and quantitative metrics. The results demonstrate that the Break and Splice framework outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving an average error reduction of about 60% and a registration time reduction of about 57.8%.
1056. Passiflora bakhuisensis Vanderplank & Boender
Authors: Vanderplank John , Boender Ronald , Figueroa Julio
Published: March 2023

Passiflora bakhuisensis (plate 1056) a new species of Passiflora L. in subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast., supersection Astrophea, section Dolichostemma Killip from Surinam is described; its taxonomy, distribution and cultivation are discussed, and a key to this and related species is provided. A new synopsis of subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast., supersections Astrophea and Pseudoastrophea (Harms) Feuillet & J. M. MacDougal is provided.
Thai Labour NGOs during the ‘Modern Slavery’ Reforms: NGO Transitions in a Post‐aid World
Authors: Kadfak Alin , Wilhelm Miriam , Oskarsson Patrik
Published: March 2023

This article explores how domestic NGOs responded to new opportunities that emerged during the 2015–2020 ‘modern slavery’ labour reforms in Thailand's seafood sector. The analysis takes place against the background of civil society transitions in a ‘post‐aid’ setting. Like NGOs in other middle‐income countries, the Thai NGO sector has struggled to remain relevant and financially viable in recent decades, as international donors have withdrawn from countries with steadily declining poverty rates. As a result of the ‘developmental successes’ of Thailand, the NGO sector needed to rethink its strategies. Examining the modern slavery labour reform process provides an opportunity to understand the strategic choices available to NGOs in the face of several important phenomena: the emergence of new actors such as international philanthropic donors; the growing influence of the private sector in governance matters; and the need for NGOs to balance multiple strategic alliances. The article draws on in‐depth interviews to explore narratives of Thai labour NGO adjustments during the period of the modern slavery reform. The study contributes to a better understanding of how NGOs in post‐aid countries transition and adapt to changing circumstances by embracing new roles as ‘sub‐contractors’ for emerging global philanthropic donors and as ‘partners’ of private corporations.
Assessing cardiorespiratory fitness relative to sex improves surgical risk stratification
Authors: Rose George A. , Davies Richard G. , Torkington Jared , Berg Ronan M. G. , Appadurai Ian R. , Poole David C. , Bailey Damian M.
Published: March 2023

Background

To what extent sex‐related differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) impact postoperative patient mortality and corresponding implications for surgical risk stratification remains to be established.

Methods

To examine this, we recruited 640 patients (366 males vs. 274 females) who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to elective colorectal surgery. Patients were defined high risk if peak oxygen uptake was <14.3 mL kg−1 min−1 and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide at ‘anaerobic threshold’ >34. Between‐sex CRF and mortality was assessed, and sex‐specific CRF thresholds predictive of mortality was calculated.

Results

Seventeen percent of deaths were attributed to sub‐threshold CRF, which was higher than established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The group (independent of sex) exhibited a 5‐fold higher mortality (high vs. low risk patients hazard ratio = 4.80, 95% confidence interval 2.73–8.45, p < 0.001). Females exhibited 39% lower CRF (p < 0.001) with more classified high risk than males (36 vs. 23%, p = 0.001), yet mortality was not different (p = 0.544). Upon reformulation of sex‐specific CRF thresholds, lower cut‐offs for mortality were observed in females, and consequently, fewer (20%) were stratified with sub‐threshold CRF compared to the original 36% (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Low CRF accounted for more deaths than traditional CVD risk factors, and when CRF was considered relative to sex, the disproportionate number of females stratified unfit was corrected. These findings support clinical consideration of ‘sex‐specific’ CRF thresholds to better inform postoperative mortality and improve surgical risk stratification.
Association of hydroxytyrosol enriched olive oil with vascular function in chronic coronary disease
Authors: Ikonomidis Ignatios , Katogiannis Konstantinos , Chania Christina , Iakovis Nikolaos , Tsoumani Maria , Christodoulou Andriana , Brinia Evangelia , Pavlidis George , Thymis John , Tsilivarakis Damianos , Kountouri Aikaterini , Korakas Emmanouil , Lambadiari Vaia , Triposkiadis Filippos , Skaltsounis Leandros , Tseti Ioulia , Iliodromitis Efstathios K. , Andreadou Ioanna
Published: March 2023

Background

Hydroxytyrosol reduces low‐density lipoprotein oxidation, contributing to prevention of atherosclerosis progression.

Methods

In a prospective, crossover, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 30 chronic coronary artery syndrome (CCAS) patients were randomized to 4 capsules/day, containing 412.5 mg olive oil with 2.5 mg hydroxytyrosol (OOHT) each one or placebo for 1 month and then were crossed over to the alternate treatment (placebo or OOHT). We measured (a) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels (increased PBR indicates reduced glycocalyx thickness), (b) flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), (c) Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR) and markers of LV diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography, (d) pulse wave velocity (PWV), and (e) oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and blood lipids at baseline and after treatment.

Results

Treatment with OOHT improved PBR, FMD, CFR and PWV compared to baseline (1.8 ± .3 vs. 1.7 ± .4 μm, p = .040, 3.7 ± 2.1 vs. 6.5% ± 2.3%, p < .001, 2.3 ± .4 vs. 2.5 ± .4, p = .030 and 11.1 ± 1.8 vs. 11.8 ± 2.3 m/s, p = .002) while there was no effect after placebo (p = NS). No effect of OOHT treatment was observed on blood pressure. There was a parallel improvement of E' of the mitral annulus and deceleration time of the E wave of mitral inflow after OOHT (p < .05) but not after placebo. Compared to baseline, treatment with OOHT reduced malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation, oxidized LDL, triglycerides, PCSK9 and CRP blood levels (p < .05) in contrast to placebo.

Conclusions

Hydroxytyrosol‐enriched olive oil may have beneficial effects on endothelial, arterial and LV diastolic function likely by reducing oxidative and inflammatory burden in CCAS, though further studies are needed to confirm this mechanism.
Impact of genetic polymorphisms on the risk of epilepsy amongst patients with acute brain injury: A systematic review
Authors: Misra Shubham , Quinn Terence J. , Falcone Guido J. , Sharma Vijay K. , de Havenon Adam , Zhao Yize , Eldem Ece , French Jacqueline A. , Yasuda Clarissa Lin , Dawson Jesse , Liebeskind David S. , Kwan Patrick , Mishra Nishant K.
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose

The genetics of late seizure or epilepsy secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke are poorly understood. We undertook a systematic review to test the association of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and post‐stroke epilepsy (PSE).

Methods

We followed methods from our prespecified protocol on PROSPERO to identify indexed articles for this systematic review. We collated the association statistics from the included articles to assess the association of SNPs with the risk of epilepsy amongst TBI or stroke patients. We assessed study quality using the Q‐Genie tool. We report odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The literature search yielded 420 articles. We included 16 studies in our systematic review, of which seven were of poor quality. We examined published data on 127 SNPs from 32 genes identified in PTE and PSE patients. Eleven SNPs were associated with a significantly increased risk of PTE. Three SNPs, TRMP6 rs2274924, ALDH2 rs671, and CD40 ‐1C/T, were significantly associated with an increased risk of PSE, while two, AT1R rs12721273 and rs55707609, were significantly associated with reduced risk. The meta‐analysis for the association of the APOE ɛ4 with PTE was nonsignificant (OR 1.8, CI 0.6–5.6).

Conclusions

The current evidence on the association of genetic polymorphisms in epilepsy secondary to TBI or stroke is of low quality and lacks validation. A collaborative effort to pool genetic data linked to epileptogenesis in stroke and TBI patients is warranted.
Beyond latitude: Temperature, productivity and thermal niche conservatism drive global body size variation in Odonata
Authors: Mähn Laura Anna , Hof Christian , Brandl Roland , Pinkert Stefan
Published: March 2023

Aim

So far, latitudinal body size clines have been discussed primarily in the context of thermoregulation, sensu Bergmann. However, body size patterns are ambiguous in ectotherms, and this heterogeneity remains poorly understood. We tested whether Bergmann's rule and the resource availability rule, which states that energetic requirements determine species body size, apply to damselflies and dragonflies (Odonata). Furthermore, we hypothesized that the contrasting effects of thermoregulation and resource availability (e.g., productivity) can obscure the overall gradient in body size variation.

Location

Global.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Odonata.

Methods

Using data for 43% of all odonate species described so far, we tested our hypotheses in phylogenetically and spatially comparative analyses at assemblage and species levels. For the distribution data, we integrated expert range maps and ecoregional ranges based on all available occurrence records. To distinguish between long‐term and evolutionarily recent responses of environmental drivers in body size, we constructed a phylogenetically informed classification of all odonate species and decomposed the body size into its phylogenetic and specific components for our subset of species.

Results

We documented a weak positive relationship between body length and latitude but found strong and contrasting effects for temperature between dragonflies and damselflies and consistent positive effects for productivity that explained 35–57% of body size variation. Moreover, we showed a strong phylogenetic signal in sized‐based thermoregulation that shaped the distribution of dragonflies, but not of damselflies.

Main conclusions

We concluded that temperature, productivity and conservatism in size‐based thermoregulation synergistically determine the distribution of ectotherms, while the taxon‐specific importance of these factors can lead to contrasting and weak latitude–size relationships. Our results reinforce the importance of body size as a determinant of species distributions and responses to climate change.
Mindfulness for people with chronic pain: Factors affecting engagement and suggestions for programme optimisation
Authors: Marikar Bawa Fathima L. , Mercer Stewart W. , Sutton Jane W. , Bond Christine M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Chronic pain is a common, multifactorial condition and pharmacological treatments have limited benefits. Mindfulness is a holistic approach that might be of value in the management of chronic pain. However, attrition rates from mindfulness‐based interventions are high and factors affecting engagement are unknown. The aim of this study was to inform the design of a mindfulness programme that would be accessible and acceptable for people with chronic pain.

Methods

Interpretative phenomenological analysis of interview data from people with chronic pain who had taken part in an 8‐week mindfulness programme based on mindfulness‐based stress reduction revealed factors affecting engagement with and suggestions for tailoring the programme. Factors were grouped into physical, psychological and social domains. Further suggestions for tailoring the programme to address these factors were generated through a nominal group of healthcare professionals and a focus group with service users who had chronic pain.

Findings

Physical factors included disability and discomfort with some practices; psychological factors included expectations of the mindfulness programme and understanding the relationship between mindfulness and pain; and social factors included loneliness and support from others. The proposed modifications to the mindfulness programme supported by healthcare professionals and/or service users to address these are described in this paper.

Public Contribution

This study involved public contributions at a number of stages. The University of Aberdeen Division of Applied Health Sciences Service User Group (who were members of the public with chronic pain) was involved in the design of the study. Patients with chronic pain recruited from general medical practice who took part in the mindfulness programme were interviewed on their experience of the programme. Patients with chronic pain who attended the mindfulness programme, and healthcare professionals with expertise in chronic pain and/or mindfulness, attended meetings to design a tailored mindfulness programme for people with chronic pain.
Development of al‐doped MgMn2O4‐based cathode materials for magnesium ion cells
Authors: Rosli Rosnadiya , Othman Othman , Harudin Nurhidayu Haji , Kufian Mohd Zieauddin , Mahat Annie Maria , Sonsudin Faridah , Supa'at Izlina , Osman Zurina
Published: March 2023

Magnesium ion battery is an alternative for secondary battery instead of lithium ion battery due to its advantages of low cost, safety and environment friendly. Magnesium (Mg) is safer compared to lithium (Li) where it has high stability in contact of air and prevent the formation of dendrites during electrochemical cycling. The cathode materials of un‐doped MgMn2O4 and Al‐doped MgMn2‐xAlxO4, x = .01, .02, .03 were prepared using self‐propagating combustion method with triethanolamine fuel as a reducing agent. All samples (powder form) were annealed at 700˚C in 6 h based on the thermogravimetric analysis results. The samples were been characterized using X ray diffraction, field emission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy to study structural and morphological properties of the samples. Electrochemical properties of linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and charge‐discharge capacity were performed in 1 M Magnesium Trifluoromethanesulfonate (MgTf2) with ratio 1:1 of ethylene carbonate: dimethyl ether electrolyte. The discharge capacity of magnesium ion cells using Al‐doped cathode material showed the improvement of 68% compared to the un‐doped sample.
Climate change and the displaced person: how vectors and climate are changing the landscape of infectious diseases among displaced and migrant populations
Authors: Choi Soo H. , Beer Jacob , Charrow Alexandra
Published: March 2023

Background

As the climate crisis grows, so does the global burden of displacement. Displacement, whether a direct or indirect consequence of natural disaster, can lead to dire health sequelae. Skin health is no exception to this, with dermatologic disease being a leading concern reported by those who care for displaced persons. Health professionals who provide dermatologic care for displaced persons benefit from understanding how climate change impacts the global profile of infectious agents.

Methods

This review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included climate change, displaced person, internally displaced person, and refugee, as well as searches of infectious disease dermatology and the specific diseases of interest. Case reports, case series, reviews, and original research articles were included in this review. Non‐English studies were not included.

Results

In this manuscript several key infectious agents were identified, and we discuss the skin manifestations and impact of climate change on cutaneous leishmaniasis, dengue, chikungunya, zika, malaria, pediculosis, cutaneous larva migrans, cholera, and varicella zoster.

Conclusions

Climate change plays a significant role in the challenges faced by displaced persons, including their skin health. Among the many consequences of climate change is its altering of the ecological profile of infectious agents and vectors that impact displaced persons. Being familiar with this impact can improve dermatologic care for this vulnerable population.
Clinical application of a new method for determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate using the BC‐720 automated hematology analyzer
Authors: Shen Yimin , Liu Dongmei , Wang Yong , Cao Jun , Zhang Shuaishuai , Wen Hui , Dong Qiuqiu , Zheng Dong , Qiu Jun
Published: March 2023

Background

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific inflammatory indicator and is widely used in clinical diagnosis. Westergren is the gold standard method recommended by the International Committee for Standardization of Hematology (ICSH), but it is time‐consuming and inconvenient and has biosafety risks. A new alternate method for ESR (Easy‐W ESR) measurement was designed and integrated into the Mindray BC‐720 series automated hematology analyzer to meet the clinical needs of hematology laboratories for efficiency, safety, and automation. In this study, the performance of the new ESR method was evaluated based on the ICSH recommendations on modified and alternate ESR methods.

Methods

Methodological comparisons using the BC‐720 analyzer, TEST 1, and the Westergren method were performed to assess repeatability, carryover, sample stability, reference range validation, factors influencing the ESR, and clinical applicability in rheumatology and orthopedics.

Results

The correlation between the BC‐720 analyzer and the Westergren method was good (Y = 2.082 + 0.9869X, r = 0.9657, P > 0.0001, n = 342), carryover was <1%, the repeatability standard deviation was ≤1 mm/h, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was ≤5%. The reference range meets the manufacturer's claim. For rheumatology patients, the BC‐720 analyzer showed a good correlation with the Westergren method (Y = 1.021X–1.941, r = 0.9467, n = 149). For orthopedic patients, the BC‐720 analyzer also showed a good correlation with the Westergren method (Y = 1.037X + 0.981, r = 0.978, n = 97).

Conclusion

This study verified the clinical and analytical performance of the new ESR method, indicating that the results are very similar to those obtained using the Westergren method.
Structural and functional insights into the ATP‐binding cassette transporter family in the corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis
Authors: Wang Yu‐Hui , Klobasa William , Chu Fu‐Chyun , Huot Ordom , Whitfield Anna E. , Lorenzen Marcé
Published: March 2023

The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis, is an economically important pest of maize and sorghum. Its feeding behaviour and the viruses it transmits can significantly reduce crop yield. The control of P. maidis and its associated viruses relies heavily on insecticides. However, control has proven difficult due to limited direct exposure of P. maidis to insecticides and rapid development of resistance. As such, alternative control methods are needed. In the absence of a genome assembly for this species, we first developed transcriptomic resources. Then, with the goal of finding targets for RNAi‐based control, we identified members of the ATP‐binding cassette transporter family and targeted specific members via RNAi. PmABCB_160306_3, PmABCE_118332_5 and PmABCF_24241_1, whose orthologs in other insects have proven important in development, were selected for knockdown. We found that RNAi‐mediated silencing of PmABCB_160306_3 impeded ovary development; disruption of PmABCE_118332_5 resulted in localized melanization; and knockdown of PmABCE_118332_5 or PmABCF_24241_1 each led to high mortality within five days. Each phenotype is similar to that found when targeting the orthologous gene in other species and it demonstrates their potential for use in RNAi‐based P. maidis control. The transcriptomic data and RNAi results presented here will no doubt assist with the development of new control methods for this pest.
Community empowerment: A concept analysis
Authors: Kruahong Suratsawadee , Tankumpuan Thitipong , Kelly Kathleen , Davidson Patricia M. , Kuntajak Premgamon
Published: March 2023

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of community empowerment.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data Sources

Literature published in the CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Medline electronic databases from 2016 to 2022 were systematically searched from 30 July to 1 October 2022.

Method

The amended guideline from Walker and Avant's approach (2011) to concept analysis was performed in nine stages: choosing a concept, determining the purpose of analysis, identifying definitions of the concept, defining attributes, identifying a model case, identifying antecedents, identifying consequences, defining empirical referents and applying the concept to nursing practice.

Results

Community empowerment is a fundamental idea in health promotion that may assist communities in defining priorities, making choices, developing strategies and executing them to improve health and minimize inequalities in health. Community empowerment is an effective tool that advanced practice nurses (APNs) may employ to eliminate health inequities and promote community health.

Conclusion

This concept analysis is one step towards broadening nurses' understanding of one of the ideas of health promotion. Additionally, the concept of community empowerment represents an opportunity for additional research in nursing that is applicable to communities.

Impact

Community empowerment has served as a guiding paradigm for both theory and practice in health promotion. Also, it is recognized that social, economic and environmental elements have a direct effect on health status. However, community empowerment research in advanced nursing practices is limited. This paper will guide future nursing research on community empowerment that goes beyond involvement and engagement, for this is an effective strategy APNs can use to address health disparities and improve community health.
Abundance patterns of mammals across Russia explained by remotely sensed vegetation productivity and snow indices
Authors: Razenkova Elena , Dubinin Maxim , Pidgeon Anna M. , Hobi Martina L. , Zhu Likai , Bragina Eugenia V. , Allen Andrew M. , Clayton Murray K. , Baskin Leonid M. , Coops Nicholas C. , Radeloff Volker C.
Published: March 2023

Aim

Predicting biodiversity responses to global changes requires good models of species' distributions. Both environmental conditions and human activities determine population density patterns. However, quantifying the relationship between wildlife population densities and their underlying environmental conditions across large geographical scales has remained challenging. Our goal was to explain the abundances of mammal species based on their response to several remotely sensed indices including the Dynamic Habitat Indices (DHIs) and the novel Winter Habitat Indices (WHIs).

Location

Russia, the majority of regions.

Taxon

Eight mammal species.

Methods

We estimated average population densities for each species across Russia from 1981 to 2010 from winter track counts. The DHIs measure vegetative productivity, a proxy for food availability. Our WHIs included the duration of snow‐free ground, duration of snow‐covered ground and the start, end and length of frozen season. In models, we included elevation, climate conditions, human footprint index. We parameterized multiple linear regression and applied best‐subset model selection to determine the main factors influencing population density.

Results

The DHIs were included in some of the top‐twelve models of every species, and in the top model for moose, wild boar, red fox and wolf, so they were important for species at all trophic levels. The WHIs were included in top models for all species except roe deer, demonstrating the importance of winter conditions. The duration of frozen ground without snow and the end of frozen season were particularly important. Our top models performed well for all the species (R2adj 0.43–0.87).

Main Conclusions

The combination of the DHIs and the WHIs with climate and human‐related variables resulted in high explanatory power. We show that vegetation productivity and winter conditions are key drivers of variation in population density of eight species across Russia.
Long‐term care in EU policy 1999‐2022: women's responsibility, migrants' work?
Authors: Zacharenko Elena
Published: March 2023

As the population of the European Union (EU) is ageing and its working‐age population shrinking, concerns are rising about how the growing demand for long‐term care (LTC) will be met. Since unpaid care, provided mainly by women, is increasingly scarce, some EU states are becoming dependent on migrant labour for the functioning of their elder care systems. To address the growing deficit of care in the EU, the European Commission put forward a European Care Strategy, for the first time proposing a stand‐alone policy on LTC. This followed on from a Commission proposal for a new strategy on migration, calling for labour migrants to be proactively attracted to work in the EU's care sector. As the (lack of) availability of LTC is increasingly shaping EU policy, it is timely to investigate what its impact is on key policy areas, such as gender equality, social and migration policies.
Interpopulation variation of behavioural and morphological traits that affect downstream displacement of the juvenile white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Wada Satoshi
Published: March 2023

Downstream displacement, the passive downstream dispersal of riverine organisms, can generate evolutionary pressures that selectively remove susceptible individuals from upstream habitats. These evolutionary pressures may accumulate over time in fish populations situated upstream of a tall check dam that displaced fish are unable to swim over and can be diluted by the homing of displaced individuals in the absence of such barriers. Here, we conducted interpopulation comparisons between above‐dam and unrestricted open‐stream populations of the juvenile white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis to test the hypothesis that above‐dam juveniles possess more advantageous traits that reduce downstream displacement than open‐stream juveniles. We focused on sedentary behaviour and body depth, both of which are known to affect downstream displacement. Interpopulation comparisons revealed that juveniles from above‐dam populations were consistently more sedentary than those from open‐stream populations. On the other hand, there were no systematic differences in body depth between above‐dam and open‐stream populations. These results are consistent with the evolution of behaviours in above‐dam populations that inhibit downstream displacement. However, several other factors could explain the results obtained and further studies will be needed to confirm the presence of behavioural evolution in our study system.
Effect of plasma‐activated water generated by surface DBD on inactivation of pathogens Pseudomonas tolaasii and Lecanicillium fungicola and enhancement of storage quality of button mushroom
Authors: Pourbagher Roghayeh , Abbaspour‐Fard Mohammad Hossein , Sohbatzadeh Farshad , Rohani Abbas , Pourbagher Maryam
Published: March 2023

Pseudomonas tolaasii and Lecanicillium fungicola are the bacterial and fungal pathogen that causes brown spots and dry bubble diseases and spoilage of fresh mushroom. The objective of this study was to consider the efficacy of plasma‐activated water (PAW) on the inactivation of P. tolaasii and L. fungicola and storage quality of button mushroom. Button mushrooms were immersed for 10 min in PAW generated by four types of plasma feeding gas at activation times 5, 10, 15, and 20 min, designated PAW‐5, PAW‐10, PAW‐15, and PAW‐20, respectively. The results indicated that the bacteria and fungi growth was controlled by PAW treatment through 21 days of post‐harvest storage. The lowest bacterial and fungal population was 3.6‐log CFU g−1 and 4.7‐log CFU g−1 after treatment with PAW‐20 generated by hydrogen peroxide bubbled with air (H2O2‐air), which was significantly lower than that of control (6.57 and 7.49 log CFU g−1) or soaking in distilled water (7.65 and 8.57 log CFU g−1), respectively. The plasma created by H2O2‐air gas formed the highest concentration of H2O2, NO2−, and NO3− species in PAW. The findings of water friendship and firmness showed that immersion in PAW could delay the softness of the mushroom. In addition, treatment with PAW significantly inactivated polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) enzymes. Meanwhile, significant changes were registered in the color, antioxidant activity and phenolic content of mushrooms treated with PAW and the control groups. Thus, PAW treatment may be considered as an alternative method for fresh keeping of button mushroom.

Practical Applications

Chemical, radiation, and physical methods (modified‐atmosphere packaging and refrigeration) used to increase the shelf‐life of edible mushrooms cause discoloration, a decrease in nutritional value, and tastelessness. Activated water technology with cold plasma is one of the non‐thermal and environmentally‐friendly methods that, while solving the mentioned problems, ensures food safety without significant impact on sensory or nutritional characteristics. The results presented in this study introduce plasma‐activated water as an effective method for inactivating disease‐causing pathogens and lesions in button mushrooms. This technology is a suitable alternative method for the disinfection of edible mushrooms due to maintaining freshness and physicochemical characteristics as well as inhibiting the activity of browning enzymes and pathogenic microorganisms.
The impact of diet and ethnicity on gut microbiota variation in irritable bowel syndrome: A multi‐center study
Authors: Khoo Xin‐Hui , Chong Chun‐Wie , Talha Abdul Malik , Philip Koshy , Teh Cindy Shuan‐Ju , Isa Adib Mat , Wong Mung Seong , Chew Deborah Chia‐Hsin , Wong Zhiqin , Jusoh Nor Syarahani , Maksum Noorhuda Madihah Mohamed , Mokhtar Norfilza Mohd , Majid Hazreen Abdul , Ali Raja Affendi Raja , Lee Yeong‐Yeh , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim

The gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is known to vary with diet. We aim to (i) analyze the gut microbiota composition of IBS patients from a multi‐ethnic population and (ii) explore the impact of a low FODMAP diet on gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota composition among IBS patients.

Methods

A multi‐center study of multi‐ethnic Asian patients with IBS was conducted in two phases: (i) an initial cross‐sectional gut microbiota composition study of IBS patients and healthy controls, followed by (ii) a single‐arm 6‐week dietary interventional study of the IBS patients alone, exploring clinical and gut microbiota changes.

Results

A total of 34 adult IBS patients (IBS sub‐types of IBS‐D 44.1%, IBS‐C 32.4%, and IBS‐M 23.5%) and 15 healthy controls were recruited. A greater abundance of Parabacteroides species with lower levels of bacterial fermenters and short‐chain fatty acids producers were found among IBS patients compared with healthy controls. Age and ethnicity were found to be associated with gut microbiota composition. Following a low FODMAP dietary intervention, symptom and quality of life improvement were observed in 24 (70.6%) IBS patients. Symptom improvement was associated with adherence to the low FODMAP diet (46.7% poor adherence vs 92.9% good adherence, P = 0.014), and gut microbiota patterns, particularly with a greater abundance of Bifidobacterium longum, Anaerotignum propionicum, and Blautia species post‐intervention.

Conclusion

Gut microbiota variation in multi‐ethnic IBS patients may be related to dietary intake and may be helpful to identify patients who are likely to respond to a low FODMAP diet.
An agonist of CXCR4 induces a rapid recovery from the neurotoxic effects of Vipera ammodytes and Vipera aspis venoms
Authors: Stazi M. , Megighian A. , D'Este G. , Negro S. , Ivanušec A. , Lonati D. , Pirazzini M. , Križaj I. , Montecucco C.
Published: March 2023

People bitten by Alpine vipers are usually treated with antivenom antisera to prevent the noxious consequences caused by the injected venom. However, this treatment suffers from a number of drawbacks and additional therapies are necessary. The venoms of Vipera ammodytes and of Vipera aspis are neurotoxic and cause muscle paralysis by inducing neurodegeneration of motor axon terminals because they contain a presynaptic acting sPLA2 neurotoxin. We have recently found that any type of damage to motor axons is followed by the expression and activation of the intercellular signaling axis consisting of the CXCR4 receptor present on the membrane of the axon stump and of its ligand, the chemokine CXCL12 released by activated terminal Schwann cells. We show here that also V. ammodytes and V. aspis venoms cause the expression of the CXCL12‐CXCR4 axis. We also show that a small molecule agonist of CXCR4, dubbed NUCC‐390, induces a rapid regeneration of the motor axon terminal with functional recovery of the neuromuscular junction. These findings qualify NUCC‐390 as a promising novel therapeutics capable of improving the recovery from the paralysis caused by the snakebite of the two neurotoxic Alpine vipers.

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