bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cold water and aridity on Baja California mangrove survival and ecophysiological traits
Authors: Bardou Rémi , Pullen Jamie , Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Parker John D.
Published: January 2024

Determining the factors that set species' range limits is of critical importance in an era of rapid climate and biotic change. Mangroves dominate global tropical coastlines, but their subtropical range limits are thought to be mainly constrained by cold air. However, several tropical mangrove range limits are conspicuously warm, arid, and dominated by cold water countercurrents. Despite speculation that the combination of cold water and aridity controls these range limits, investigations of this phenomenon are rare.

Here, we conducted an experimental study examining the separate and interactive effects of cold water and aridity on survival, growth, and ecophysiological traits of three mangrove species from the arid, countercurrent range limit in Baja California, Mexico. It is one of the few range edges worldwide where red and white mangroves (Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa, respectively), not the putatively stress‐tolerant black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), are the most poleward distributed mangroves, providing further opportunity to examine how mangrove ecophysiological traits affect species‐specific range limits.

Black mangroves were surprisingly intolerant of cold water regardless of aridity, with no seedlings surviving in the lowest water temperature (13°C) after 8 months. In contrast, both white and red mangrove seedlings were able to survive at 13°C when humidity was 65% (but not 40%).

In cold water and arid conditions, leaf stomatal conductance was consistently lowest for white mangroves, intermediate for red mangroves, and highest for black mangroves, suggesting that white mangroves were the most resistant to transpiration water loss in the arid conditions typical of Baja.

Similarly, when exposed to drought after the eight‐month experiment, white mangroves grown in cold water survived longer than red and black mangroves.

Synthesis: Ultimately, our results suggest that the species‐specific range limits of mangroves in Baja California reflects their species‐specific adaptations (or lack thereof) to cold water and aridity, with white and red mangroves surprisingly outperforming black mangroves. Further, the difference in our results compared to the same species in other ranges underscores the need to incorporate species and range‐specific traits when conducting distribution modelling to predict the effects of climate change on organism range limits.
Of mermaids and monsters: Transgender history and the boundaries of the human in eighteenth‐ and early‐nineteenth‐century Britain
Authors: Gust Onni
Published: January 2024

The figure of the monster has long been used by trans and intersex scholars, artists and activists to articulate their sense of being in a world dominated by binary, cisgender norms. Yet what does it mean to embrace ‘the monstrous’ and how might that embrace inform the construction of transgender history? This article examines the specificities of ‘the monstrous’ in eighteenth‐ and nineteenth‐century Britain and empire by focusing on two figures at the boundary of the human: ‘the mermaid’ and ‘the hermaphrodite’. In doing so, it asks what the histories of these two marginal figures might tell us about the construction of ‘the human’ and argues that an alignment with the monster might enable trans historians to ally themselves with a vision of the future that goes beyond anthropocentrism.
Lymphocyte‐related ratios in methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder in Taiwan, comparing with patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ng Mei‐Hing , Lu Mong‐Liang , Chen Vincent Chin‐Hung , Ting Hua , Huang Chieh‐Liang , Gossop Michael
Published: January 2024

The lymphocyte‐related ratios, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are new measures of inflammation within the body. Few studies have investigated the inflammatory response of patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder. Clinically, the psychotic symptoms and behavioural manifestation of methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder are often indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia. We aimed to determine the differences in these inflammatory markers between patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder, patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. A total of 905 individuals were recruited. The NLR and MLR were found to be higher in both patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorders and patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. There was no significant difference between the three groups in PLR. When compared with the control group, the methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder group was significantly higher in NLR 27% (95%CI = 11 to 46%, p = 0.001), MLR 16% (95%CI = 3% to 31%, p = 0.013) and PLR 16% (95%CI = 5% to 28%, p = 0.005). NLR of the group with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder was 17% (95%CI = 73% to 94%, p = 0.004) less than the group with schizophrenia, while MLR and PLR did not differ significantly between the two groups. This is the first study that investigated the lymphocyte‐related ratios in methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder when compared with patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. The results showed that both patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder and patients with schizophrenia had stronger inflammatory responses than the healthy control. Our finding also indicated that the inflammatory response of methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder was between those of patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals.
Neurogenetic and multi‐omic sources of overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and alcohol use disorder
Authors: Miller Alex P. , Gizer Ian R.
Published: January 2024

Sensation seeking is bidirectionally associated with levels of alcohol consumption in both adult and adolescent samples, and shared neurobiological and genetic influences may in part explain these associations. Links between sensation seeking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) may primarily manifest via increased alcohol consumption rather than through direct effects on increasing problems and consequences. Here the overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD was examined using multivariate modelling approaches for genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics in conjunction with neurobiologically informed analyses at multiple levels of investigation. Meta‐analytic and genomic structural equation modelling (GenomicSEM) approaches were used to conduct GWAS of sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD. Resulting summary statistics were used in downstream analyses to examine shared brain tissue enrichment of heritability and genome‐wide evidence of overlap (e.g., stratified GenomicSEM, RRHO, genetic correlations with neuroimaging phenotypes), and to identify genomic regions likely contributing to observed genetic overlap across traits (e.g., H‐MAGMA and LAVA). Across approaches, results supported shared neurogenetic architecture between sensation seeking and alcohol consumption characterised by overlapping enrichment of genes expressed in midbrain and striatal tissues and variants associated with increased cortical surface area. Alcohol consumption and AUD evidenced overlap in relation to variants associated with decreased frontocortical thickness. Finally, genetic mediation models provided evidence of alcohol consumption mediating associations between sensation seeking and AUD. This study extends previous research by examining critical sources of neurogenetic and multi‐omic overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD which may underlie observed phenotypic associations.
Role of catecholamine synthases in the maintenance of cancer stem‐like cells in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Katayama Haruyoshi , Fujimura Atsushi , Huang Rongsheng , Otani Yusuke , Itano Takuto , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Nakata Eiji , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: January 2024

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are malignant tumors that are derived from Schwann cell lineage around peripheral nerves. As in many other cancer types, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in MPNSTs, and they are considered the cause of treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. As an element defining the cancer stemness of MPNSTs, we previously reported a molecular mechanism by which exogenous adrenaline activates a core cancer stemness factor, YAP/TAZ, through β2 adrenoceptor (ADRB2). In this study, we found that MPNST cells express catecholamine synthases and that these enzymes are essential for maintaining cancer stemness, such as the ability to self‐renew and maintain an undifferentiated state. Through gene knockdown and inhibition of these enzymes, we confirmed that catecholamines are indeed synthesized in MPNST cells. The results confirmed that catecholamine synthase knockdown in MPNST cells reduces the activity of YAP/TAZ. These data suggest that a mechanism of YAP/TAZ activation by de novo synthesized adrenaline, as well as exogenous adrenaline, may exist in the maintenance of cancer stemness of MPNST cells. This mechanism not only helps to understand the pathology of MPNST, but could also contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for MPNST.
Towards the integration of prevention and control of oral diseases within child primary healthcare: The case of Peru
Authors: Melgar Ximena Concha , Azañedo Diego , Hugo Fernando Neves
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The Peruvian public health norm of primary healthcare (PHC) for growth and development medical check‐ups (CRED, Spanish acronym) of children under 5 years of age was updated in 2017 with the inclusion of interdisciplinary prevention and control actions for oral diseases, such as dentist referral. The aim of this study was to explore the association between CRED and oral health services utilization (OHSU), throughout the heterogeneous Peruvian territory.

Methods

A population‐based cross sectional study was conducted using the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey of Peru and included data from 15 836 children aged 12–59 months. Poisson generalized linear models were used to evaluate the association between any CRED and OHSU, in the 6 months prior to the survey, including sociodemographic characteristics of the children and their mothers as confounding variables. A possible effect modification by natural region of residence (Metropolitan Lima/rest of the Coast/Highlands/Jungle) was evaluated. To examine the robustness of the regression model, a sensitivity analysis was performed using the cumulative number of CRED.

Results

Children who had at least one CRED were almost twice as likely to report OHSU (aPR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.73–2.21), which was greater in the regions of rest of the Coast (aPR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.00–3.17) and Jungle (aPR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.64–2.56). The sensitivity analysis showed consistent results for the association CRED‐OHSU. Nevertheless, within the last 6 months, attendance at CRED and OHSU were only achieved by 43.7% and 13.7% of the children respectively.

Conclusions

Integrating oral health into Peruvian Child PHC seems to be a promising public health intervention to increase children's OHSU. For a greater scope, it is crucial to drive greater attendance at CRED and continuous monitoring and strengthening of CRED‐based oral health promotion in all Peruvian natural regions with an equity‐focused approach.
Parents' dyadic coping, parent–child relationship quality, and children's emotional difficulties during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ranieri Sonia , Ferrari Laura , Parise Miriam , Pagani Ariela F. , Donato Silvia , Regalia Camillo , Lanz Margherita , Iafrate Raffaella , Rosnati Rosa
Published: January 2024

Although studies have highlighted the role played by couple and parental relationships for children's psychosocial adjustment, especially in challenging situations, research on these two relationship domains has largely developed separately and mostly focussed on negative couple processes. However, Family Systems Theory highlights how these subsystems are interconnected, and studies inspired by this theoretical framework provide evidence of how the quality of the interparental relationship predicts the parent–child relationship. This study focussed on the association between two relational resources (dyadic coping and parent–child relationship quality) and children's emotional difficulties during the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy. Five hundred ninety‐one Italian parents filled in an online self‐report questionnaire. A path analysis model was estimated to test the mediating role of parent–child relationship quality in the association between partner positive dyadic coping and children's emotional difficulties. The findings showed both a direct effect and an indirect effect of partner positive dyadic coping on children's emotional difficulties, because parent–child relationship quality partially mediated this association. Enhancing parents' ability to cope together with stress and the quality of the parent–child relationship might contribute to decrease children's vulnerability to emotional difficulties in challenging times.
Obesity management from the perspectives of people living with obesity in Canada: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Lau David C. W. , Patton Ian , Lavji Reena , Belloum Adel , Ng Ginnie , Modi Renuca
Published: January 2024

Aims

To identify and better understand themes related to why people living with obesity (PwO) in Canada may not use professional support and to explore potential strategies to address the challenges.

Methods

One‐on‐one interviews and online surveys, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, were conducted. A total of 20 PwO were interviewed and a separate group of 200 PwO were surveyed. Results from the interviews guided the development of the survey. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the association between the theme domain scores of the PwO and their prior experience with obesity management strategies.

Results

The 200 PwO surveyed provided representation across Canada and were diverse in age, background and gender. The most prominent domains associated with use of professional support by PwO were: Intention (rs = −0.25; p < 0.01); Social/Professional Role and Identity (rs = −0.15; p < 0.05); and Optimism (rs = −0.15; p < 0.05). For example, PwO without professional support less often reported being transparent in obesity discussions, perceived obesity to be part of their identity, and expected to manage the illness long term. Many PwO hesitated to use various adjunctive therapies due to concerns about affordability, long‐term effectiveness, and side effects.

Conclusion

This study identified contextual, perception and resource considerations that contribute to healthcare decision‐making and the use by PwO of professional support to manage obesity, and highlighted key areas to target with interventions to facilitate obesity management. Strategies such as consistent access to healthcare support and educational resources, as well as improved financial support may help PwO to feel more comfortable with exploring new strategies and take control of their healthcare.
Early life seizures and epileptic spasms in STXBP1‐related disorders
Authors: Thalwitzer Kim M. , Xian Julie , de Campo Danielle , Parthasarathy Shridhar , Magielski Jan , Sullivan Katie R. , Goss James , Rigby Charlene Son , Boland Michael , Prosser Ben , Ruggiero Sarah M. , Syrbe Steffen , Helbig Ingo
Published: January 2024

Objective

Individuals with disease‐causing variants in STXBP1 frequently have epilepsy onset in the first year of life with a variety of seizure types, including epileptic spasms. However, the impact of early onset seizures and antiseizure medication (ASM) on the risk of developing epileptic spasms and impact on their trajectory are poorly understood, limiting informed and anticipatory treatment, as well as trial design.

Methods

We retrospectively reconstructed seizure and medication histories in weekly intervals for individuals with STXBP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) with epilepsy onset in the first year of life and quantitatively analyzed longitudinal seizure histories and medication response.

Results

We included 61 individuals with early onset seizures, 29 of whom had epileptic spasms. Individuals with neonatal seizures were likely to have continued seizures after the neonatal period (25/26). The risk of developing epileptic spasms was not increased in individuals with neonatal seizures or early infantile seizures (21/41 vs. 8/16, odds ratio [OR] = 1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .3–3.9, p = 1). We did not find any ASM associated with the development of epileptic spasms following prior seizures. Individuals with prior seizures (n = 16/21, 76%) had a higher risk of developing refractory epileptic spasms (n = 5/8, 63%, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = .2–14.6, p = .6). Individuals with refractory epileptic spasms had a later onset of epileptic spasms (n = 20, median = 20 weeks) compared to individuals with nonrefractory epileptic spasms (n = 8, median = 13 weeks, p = .08).

Significance

We provide a comprehensive assessment of early onset seizures in STXBP1‐DEE and show that the risk of epileptic spasms is not increased following a prior history of early life seizures, nor by certain ASMs. Our study provides baseline information for targeted treatment and prognostication in early life seizures in STXBP1‐DEE.
Low prevalence of neural autoantibodies in perioperative cerebrospinal fluid samples of epilepsy surgery patients: A multicenter prospective study
Authors: Mojžišová Hana , Elišák Martin , Krýsl David , Hanzalová Jitka , Kalina Adam , Petržalka Marko , Doležalová Irena , Červenka Matěj , Cvičková Barbora , Leško Robert , Šroubek Jan , Sochůrková Daniela , Hemza Jan , Brichtová Eva , Dargvainiene Justina , Vojtěch Zdeněk , Brázdil Milan , Wandinger Klaus‐Peter , Leypoldt Frank , Marusič Petr
Published: January 2024

Objective

Refractory epilepsy may have an underlying autoimmune etiology. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of neural autoantibodies in a multicenter national prospective cohort of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy undergoing epilepsy surgery utilizing comprehensive clinical, serologic, and histopathological analyses.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients undergoing epilepsy surgery for refractory focal epilepsy not caused by a brain tumor from epilepsy surgery centers in the Czech Republic. Perioperatively, we collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or serum samples and performed comprehensive commercial and in‐house assays for neural autoantibodies. Clinical data were obtained from the patients' medical records, and histopathological analysis of resected brain tissue was performed.

Results

Seventy‐six patients were included, mostly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐lesional cases (74%). Mean time from diagnosis to surgery was 21 ± 13 years. Only one patient (1.3%) had antibodies in the CSF and serum (antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65) in relevant titers; histology revealed focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) III (FCD associated with hippocampal sclerosis [HS]). Five patients' samples displayed CSF‐restricted oligoclonal bands (OCBs; 6.6%): three cases with FCD (one with FCD II and two with FCD I), one with HS, and one with negative histology. Importantly, eight patients (one of them with CSF‐restricted OCBs) had findings on antibody testing in individual serum and/or CSF tests that could not be confirmed by complementary tests and were thus classified as nonspecific, yet could have been considered specific without confirmatory testing. Of these, two had FCD, two gliosis, and four HS. No inflammatory changes or lymphocyte cuffing was observed histopathologically in any of the 76 patients.

Significance

Neural autoantibodies are a rare finding in perioperatively collected serum and CSF of our cohort of mostly MRI‐lesional epilepsy surgery patients. Confirmatory testing is essential to avoid overinterpretation of autoantibody‐positive findings.
Epigenetic changes to gene pathways linked to male fertility in ex situ black‐footed ferrets
Authors: Tennenbaum Stavi R. , Bortner Robyn , Lynch Colleen , Santymire Rachel , Crosier Adrienne , Santiestevan Jenny , Marinari Paul , Pukazhenthi Budhan S. , Comizzoli Pierre , Hawkins Melissa T. R. , Maldonado Jesús E. , Koepfli Klaus‐Peter , vonHoldt Bridgett M. , DeCandia Alexandra L.
Published: January 2024

Environmental variation can influence the reproductive success of species managed under human care and in the wild, yet the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely mysterious. Molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic modifiers are important in mediating the timing and progression of reproduction in humans and model organisms, but few studies have linked epigenetic variation to reproductive fitness in wildlife. Here, we investigated epigenetic variation in black‐footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), an endangered North American mammal reliant on ex situ management for survival and persistence in the wild. Despite similar levels of genetic diversity in human‐managed and wild‐born populations, individuals in ex situ facilities exhibit reproductive problems, such as poor sperm quality. Differences across these settings suggest that an environmentally driven decline in reproductive capacity may be occurring in this species. We examined the role of DNA methylation, one well‐studied epigenetic modifier, in this emergent condition. We leveraged blood, testes, and semen samples from male black‐footed ferrets bred in ex situ facilities and found tissue‐type specificity in DNA methylation across the genome, although 1360 Gene Ontology terms associated with male average litter size shared functions across tissues. We then constructed gene networks of differentially methylated genomic sites associated with three different reproductive phenotypes to explore the putative biological impact of variation in DNA methylation. Sperm gene networks associated with average litter size and sperm count were functionally enriched for candidate genes involved in reproduction, development, and its regulation through transcriptional repression. We propose that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating these reproductive phenotypes, thereby impacting the fertility of male ex situ individuals. Our results provide information into how DNA methylation may function in the alteration of reproductive pathways and phenotypes in artificial environments. These findings provide early insights to conservation hurdles faced in the protection of this rare species.
Remote sensing biodiversity monitoring in Latin America: Emerging need for sustained local research and regional collaboration to achieve global goals
Authors: Garzon‐Lopez Carol X. , Miranda Alejandro , Moya Daniel , Andreo Veronica
Published: January 2024

Aim

Biodiversity monitoring at global scales has been identified as one of the priorities to halt biodiversity loss. In this context, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), home to 60% of the global biodiversity, play an important role in the development of an integrative biodiversity monitoring platform. In this review, we explore to what extent LAC has advanced in the adoption of remote sensing for biodiversity monitoring and what are the gaps and opportunities to integrate local monitoring into global efforts to halt biodiversity loss.

Location

Latin America and the Caribbean.

Time period

1995 to 2022.

Taxa studied

Terrestrial organisms.

Methods

We reviewed the application of remote sensing for biodiversity monitoring in LAC aiming to identify gaps and opportunities across countries, ecosystem types and research networks.

Results

Our analysis illustrates how the use of remote sensing in LAC is disproportionately low in relation to the biodiversity it supports.

Main conclusions

Build upon this analysis, we present, discuss and offer perspectives regarding four gaps identified in the application of remote sensing for biodiversity monitoring in Latin America and the Caribbean, namely (1) alignment between remote sensing data resolution and ecosystem structure; (2) investment in research, institutions and capacity building within researchers and stakeholders; (3) decolonized practices that promote access to publishing outlets and pluralistic participation among countries that facilitate exchange of experiences and capacity building; and (4) development of networks within and across regions to advance in ground surveys, ensure access and to foster the use of remote sensing data.
Mean landscape‐scale incidence of species in discrete habitats is patch size dependent
Authors: Deane David C. , Hui Cang , McGeoch Melodie
Published: January 2024

Aim

A pervasive negative relationship between the species richness of an assemblage and the mean global range size of the species it contains has recently been identified. Here, we test for an effect of habitat patch size on the mean landscape‐scale incidence (estimating local range size) of constituent species independent of variation in richness.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Contemporary.

Major Taxa Studied

Various.

Methods

We devised a new standardized patch‐scale metric, Mean Species Landscape‐scale Incidences per Patch (MSLIP). Positive values indicate a patch contains more widespread (high‐incidence) species than expected relative to their frequency in the landscape; negative values indicate the presence of more narrow‐range (low‐incidence) species. For 202 metacommunity datasets (archipelagos, habitat islands and fragments) we regressed MSLIP on patch size, testing four hypotheses: (i) no effect (zero slope), (ii) more widespread species in smaller patches (negative slope), (iii) more narrow‐range species in smaller patches (positive slope), (iv) a composite effect (curvilinear/unimodal).

Results

There was a generally negative curvilinear relationship between MSLIP and patch size, consistent with smaller and larger patches respectively containing more high‐ and low‐incidence species than expected. At intermediate patch sizes, mean species incidence approximates that of the overall landscape. Relative richness mediated this relationship; species‐rich sites of any size increasingly favoured low‐incidence species, species‐poor sites high‐incidence species. Results were consistent for taxonomic groups, and metacommunity types, except aquatic habitat islands.

Main Conclusions

The dependence of mean species incidence on both patch size and relative richness has implications for biodiversity and community assembly theory, or when seeking to understand ecological processes sensitive to species composition (e.g., ecosystem functioning, trophic web structures). We propose the ‘patch size where the MSLIP regression intersects zero’ as a benchmark distinguishing smaller from larger patches, with the expectation small patches preferentially support more high‐incidence and large patches more low‐incidence species.
Effect of cobalt oxide on characteristics of micro‐arc oxidation coatings on TC11 alloy
Authors: Zhu Manlan , Lan Xinyue , Wang Ping , Luo Qiming , Sun Fengyu
Published: January 2024

In order to improve the comprehensive performance of TC11 titanium alloy and make it more widely used in the field of oil and gas wells, cobalt oxide micro‐powder from 0 to 0.8 g·L−1 was added in the electrolyte. The effects of cobalt oxide micro‐powder concentration on properties of micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical workstation. With cobalt oxide micro‐powder increased, the oxide voltage increased, and the discharge coating micropores became more uniform. The increase in thickness and hardness also improved corrosion resistance. The comprehensive performance after added 0.6 g·L−1 of cobalt oxide was the best, with a doubling increase in thickness and hardness, reaching 32.1 µm and 721.2 HV, respectively. The corrosion rate reduced to 4.19 × 10−10 mm·a−1, which reduced by three orders of magnitude. In addition, the substrates and samples prepared with 0.6 g·L−1 cobalt oxidation were used for the erosion corrosion tests in different NaCl solutions, and it was found that the weight loss and rate of the MAO sample (slight corrosion) were lower than substrates, indicating that the cobalt oxide doped coatings had better corrosion resistance.
Formulation and characterisation of liposome loaded with shrimp shell chitooligosaccharide‐gallic acid conjugate as influenced by different stabilisers
Authors: Benjakul Soottawat , Mittal Ajay , Palamae Suriya , Saetang Jirakrit , Nuthong Pornpot , Singh Avtar
Published: January 2024

Encapsulation efficiency (EE), structure, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of liposomes loaded with chitooligosaccharide–gallic acid conjugate (COS–GAL) as affected by cholesterol (CHO) and ascorbyl palmitate (AP) as stabilisers were investigated. In addition, release kinetics and in vitro digestion of selected liposomes were also studied. The higher EE was obtained for liposome (AP/COS–GAL) stabilised by 0.50% AP, when used to encapsulate 0.10% COS–GAL conjugate. The highest EE was noticed for 0.25% CHO when used to encapsulate 1.00% conjugate (CHO/COS–GAL) as compared to the counterparts (P < 0.05). Almost similar antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were noticed for all COS–GAL liposomes and COS–GAL powder. Microstructure study suggested the formation of bilayer in liposomes. CHO/COS–GAL showed a lower release efficiency than the AP/COS–GAL. CHO/COS–GAL was also able to protect conjugate during the in vitro digestion. Therefore, liposomes could be used as a promising carrier of COS–GAL conjugate in both foods as well as medical systems.
The effects of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy‐related anxiety levels: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gökbulut Nilay , Cengizhan Sıdıka Özlem , Akça Emine Ibici , Ceran Ebru
Published: January 2024

Aim

The present study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy‐related anxiety levels.

Materials and Methods

This randomized parallel‐group controlled trial was conducted with 95 pregnant women (MBSR: n = 32, deep relaxation exercises: n = 31, control: n = 32) between 1 August and 15 October 2022 with pregnant women who were registered at the pregnancy outpatient clinics of a hospital in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. CONSORT guidelines were followed in our study. The participants in the MBSR group were given an eight‐session MBSR program, consisting of two sessions per week for 4 weeks, whereas the participants in the deep relaxation exercises group were asked to do exercises at home with deep relaxation videos four times a week for 4 weeks. The participants in the control group received only routine prenatal care.

Results

The mean PRAQ‐R2 Fear of Giving Birth subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR and deep relaxation exercises groups after the intervention were lower than that of the participants in the control group. Additionally, the mean total PRAQ‐R2, PRAQ‐R2 Worries about Bearing a Physically or Mentally Handicapped Child subscale and PRAQ‐R2 Concern about One's Own Appearance subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR group were found to be significantly lower than the scores of those in the deep relaxation exercises and control groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The MBSR program is an effective method for reducing pregnancy‐related anxiety levels. Additionally, deep relaxation exercises are alternative practices for reducing the fear of giving birth among pregnant women.

Trial registration: NCT05447000
Fabrication of precursor‐derived high‐flux SiOC ceramic membranes via selective laser printing
Authors: Wang Kanglong , Xiao Hanning , Yin Jie , Chen Xiao , Liu Xuejian , Huang Zhengren
Published: January 2024

Porous SiC ceramics are preferable materials for industrial applications such as hot gas filtration and microfiltration, some areas of fine filtration exist where complex structures of ceramic components are required. In this study, a novel method was employed for preparing high‐flux ceramic membranes via selective laser printing. The powder used for laser printing is a laboratory‐prepared polysiloxane powder, which can be pyrolyzed under relatively lower temperatures to obtain SiOC ceramic membranes. From the results of characterization and testing, the obtained ceramic membranes exhibited inimitable pore microstructure, high porosity, and outstanding filtering performance. Laser printing demonstrated good potential to be a strong candidate for the next generation of ceramic membrane fabrication technology.
Efficacy and safety of piclidenoson in plaque psoriasis: Results from a randomized phase 3 clinical trial (COMFORT‐1)
Authors: Papp K. A. , Beyska‐Rizova S. , Gantcheva M. L. , Slavcheva Simeonova E. , Brezoev P. , Celic M. , Groppa L. , Blicharski T. , Selmanagic A. , Kalicka‐Dudzik M. , Calin C. A. , Trailovic N. , Ramon M. , Bareket‐Samish A. , Harpaz Z. , Farbstein M. , Silverman M. H. , Fishman P. ,   the COMFORT‐1 Study Investigators
Published: January 2024

Objective

A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is overexpressed in the skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of psoriasis patients. We investigated the efficacy/safety of piclidenoson (CF101), an orally bioavailable A3AR agonist that inhibits IL‐17 and IL‐23 production in keratinocytes, in moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

The randomized, placebo‐ and active‐controlled, double‐blind phase 3 COMFORT‐1 trial randomized patients (3:3:3:2) to piclidenoson 2 mg BID, piclidenoson 3 mg BID, apremilast 30 mg BID or placebo. At Week 16, patients in the placebo arm were re‐randomized (1:1:1) to piclidenoson 2 mg BID, piclidenoson 3 mg BID or apremilast 30 mg BID. The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving ≥75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) from baseline (PASI‐75) at Week 16 versus placebo.

Results

A total of 529 patients were randomized and received ≥1 dose of study medication (safety population). The efficacy analysis population for the primary end point included 426 patients (piclidenoson 2 mg BID, 127; piclidenoson 3 mg BID, 103; apremilast, 118; placebo, 78). Piclidenoson at 2 and 3 mg BID exhibited similar efficacy. The primary end point was met with the 3 mg BID dose: PASI 75 rate of 9.7% versus 2.6% for piclidenoson versus placebo, p = 0.037. The PASI responses with piclidenoson continued to increase throughout the study period in a linear manner. At week 32, analysis in the per‐protocol population showed that a greater proportion of patients in the piclidenoson 3 mg BID arm (51/88, 58.0%) achieved improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) compared to apremilast (59/108, 55.1%), and the test for noninferiority trended towards significance (p = 0.072). The safety/tolerability profile of piclidenoson was excellent and superior to apremilast.

Conclusions

Piclidenoson demonstrated efficacy responses that increased over time alongside a favourable safety profile. These findings support its continued clinical development as a psoriasis treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03168256).
Predictability and conceptual repeatability of the predator‐associated burst speed ecophenotype in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
Authors: Blanchard Rose C. , DeWitt Thomas J. , Young Sharmila , Perkin Joshuah S.
Published: January 2024

Predation exerts strong selection pressure on morphological traits and is often studied in freshwater fishes. A common morphological ecophenotype driven by predation from pursuit predators is the predator‐associated burst speed (PABS) ecophenotype. This ecophenotype, characterized by a smaller head, smaller body, and larger caudal region, is commonly found in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) residing in environments with sunfish (family Centrarchidae) predators. However, the repeatability and transferability of the PABS ecophenotype across populations have not been tested. The four objectives of this study were to (1) assess the repeatability of methods to confirm the presence of the PABS ecophenotype in independent populations, (2) test whether morphology is correlated with predator abundance, (3) assess the repeatability of utilizing a discriminant function analysis (DFA) to accurately classify fish to predator status, and (4) use a DFA to conduct a cross‐validation test of the PABS model using previously studied populations of G. affinis to predict predator status of newly studied populations. There was consistency in the occurrence of the PABS ecophenotype among populations with predators. Permuted MANOVA (PMANOVA) models fit to each dataset revealed a significant effect of collection site nested within predator status (i.e., presence or absence of predator), suggesting location‐specific variations of the PABS ecophenotype. In addition, a PMANOVA model fit to body shape as a function of predator abundance (i.e., 0, 0.1–1.0, or >1.0 predators per minute of electrofishing) revealed a significant effect of predation level in the newly studied populations, suggesting morphology differs among populations with varying predator abundances. Cross‐study validation of the DFA revealed low between‐study accuracy compared to within‐study accuracy, but elongation of the caudal region in the presence of predators was consistent across studies. Our findings ultimately suggest that although the PABS ecophenotype at studied locations provides partial predictive capacity at unstudied locations, the nature and magnitude of the PABS ecophenotype depend on environmental settings, encounter histories with predators, level of abundance of predators, or other spatially structured mechanisms.
The role of platelet‐rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review
Authors: Donnelly C. , Minty I. , Dsouza A. , Wong Y. Y. , Mukhopadhyay I. , Nagarajan V. , Rupra R. , Charles W. N. , Khajuria A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also referred to as male or female pattern hair loss, is the commonest cause of chronic hair loss and affects up to 80% of men by the age of 70. Despite a high prevalence, there are few approved therapies, which show minimal efficacy.

Objectives

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma (PrP) in the treatment of AGA in male patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL, clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar and the Science Citation Index database were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies related to PrP use in AGA were included. Primary outcomes included changes in hair density and hair count. Methodological quality was assessed using bias assessment tools.

Results

Eight RCTs and one cohort study were included in the review with a total of 291 participants. Six studies reported a statistically significant increase in hair density in the PrP group versus the control. Five studies reported a statistically significant increase in hair count with PrP. Seven studies showed moderate risk and two showed low risk of bias.

Conclusion

In a methodologically robust review on the effectiveness of PrP on male AGA, PrP demonstrated some potential to be used therapeutically. However, the low quality of evidence, moderate risk of bias, and high heterogeneity of included studies limit inferences and call for more robust designs to investigate this further.
Nurse‐led clinics in primary health care: A scoping review of contemporary definitions, implementation enablers and barriers and their health impact
Authors: Terry Daniel , Hills Danny , Bradley Cressida , Govan Linda
Published: January 2024

Aims

To define nurse‐led clinics in primary health care, identify barriers and enablers that influence their successful implementation, and understand what impact they have on patient and population health outcomes.

Background

Nurse‐led clinics definitions remain inconsistent. There is limited understanding regarding what enablers and barriers impact successful nurse‐led clinic implementation and their impact on patient health care.

Design

Scoping review using narrative synthesis.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched to identify nurse‐led clinic definitions and models of care between 2000 and 2023. Screening and selection of studies were based on eligibility criteria and methodological quality assessment. Narrative synthesis enabled to communicate the phenomena of interest and follows the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) checklist.

Results

Among the 36 identified studies, key principles of what constitutes nurse‐led clinics were articulated providing a robust definition. Nurse‐led clinics are, in most cases, commensurate with standard care, however, they provide more time with patients leading to greater satisfaction. Enablers highlight nurse‐led clinic success is achieved through champions, partners, systems, and clear processes, while barriers encompass key risk points and sustainability considerations.

Conclusion

The review highlights several fundamental elements are central to nurse‐led clinic success and are highly recommended when developing interventional nurse‐led strategies. Nurse‐led clinics within primary health care seek to address health care through community driven, health professional and policy supported strategies. Overall, a robust and contemporary definition of nurse‐led care and the clinics in which they operate is provided.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The comprehensive definition, clear mediators of success and the health impact of nurse‐led clinics provide a clear framework to effectively build greater capacity among nursing services within primary health care. This, in addition, highlights the need for good health care policy to ensure sustainability.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Development of clinical items to identify dysphagia in patients with dementia—An e‐Delphi study
Authors: Palli Christoph , Mack Sandra , Müller Gerhard
Published: January 2024

Aim

To identify clinical observable items that can be used to identify dysphagia while observing a typical eating situation.

Design

A three‐round e‐Delphi survey.

Methods

An expert panel consisting of five nurses, eight speech language therapists and five physicians participated in this three‐round e‐Delphi survey from November 2022 to January 2023. Round 1 presented the results of a literature research conducted in September 2022 and an open question to the participants. The answers were analysed using the content analysis method. In the following rounds, the results were presented back to the participants with a request to rate them for usefulness. Means, standard deviations, ANOVA and Fisher's exact test were used to demonstrate the panel's opinion, level of agreement, demographic characteristics of the participants as well as differences between the professional groups in regard of the rating of the items. Methods and results are reported in accordance with the ‘Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies’ (CREDES).

Results

The content analysis initially generated 36 items suggested by the expert panel. Seven additional items were incorporated from the literature review. In rounds 2 and 3, a 4‐point Likert scale was used to rate each item and to calculate the level of agreement. The predetermined level of agreement exceeded 70% for 23 items.

Conclusion

Based on the expert opinions, it is possible for nurses to identify dysphagia in patients with dementia by using the determined 23 items while observing a typical eating situation.

Patient or Public Contributions

The expert panel contributed to the creation of this study by participating in the Delphi rounds.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

The 23 items determined in this e‐Delphi study enable nurses to make dietary adjustments or consult other members of the multidisciplinary team based on available evidence, enabling complications to be avoided.

Impact

What problem did the study address? This study provides evidence regarding the identification of dysphagia in patients with dementia by nurses.

What were the main findings? Twenty‐three items were determined by an expert panel that can be used by nurses to identify dysphagia in patients with dementia while observing a typical eating situation.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This research will have an impact on patients with dementia and the nurses caring for them.

Reporting method

Methods and results are reported in accordance with the ‘Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies’ (CREDES) (Jünger et al., 2017), which promotes consistency and quality in conducting Delphi studies.
Stress of being outed to parents, LGBTQ family support, and depressive symptoms among sexual and gender diverse youth
Authors: McCauley Peter S. , Del Farno Alexander J. , Caba Antonia E. , Renley Benton M. , Shuler Shaylynne , Eaton Lisa A. , Watson Ryan J.
Published: January 2024

Limited scholarship has explored how a lack of agency in identity disclosure (being “outed”) to parents is associated with mental health experiences of sexual and gender diverse youth (SGDY). With a national sample of SGDY (N = 9272; 66.8% White non‐Hispanic) aged 13–17 (Mage = 15.63, SD = 1.24), this study first compared social position differences between SGDY who were outed to their parents compared to those not outed, and second, investigated how the stress from being outed to parents was associated with LGBTQ family support and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that SGDY who were outed to their parents reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower amounts of LGBTQ family support than SGDY who were not outed to their parents. In addition, greater stress from being outed to parents was indirectly associated with higher depressive symptoms through lower LGBTQ family support. These relationships significantly varied across gender identity. Findings highlight the importance of instilling greater agency in disclosure experiences among SGDY.
Adverse Childhood Experience‐Related Conditions and Substance Use in Adolescents: A Secondary Analysis of Cross‐Sectional Survey Data
Authors: Jayawardene Wasantha , Lohrmann David , Agley Jon , Jun Mikyoung , Gassman Ruth
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) cluster within children. In addition to standardized ACE measures, there exist “ACE‐related” measures that are either directly or indirectly related to the standardized ACE constructs. This study aimed to identify ACE‐related latent classes of adolescents and describe past‐month substance use in each class by sex and race/ethnicity.

METHODS

Data from the 2018 Indiana Youth Survey (N = 70,703), which is a repeated self‐administered, cross‐sectional survey, were used. Latent class analysis was conducted using ACE‐related family (parent incarceration, insulting/yelling within family, inability to discuss personal problems) and school (hate being in school, feeling unsafe, inability to talk to teachers one‐on‐one) items. Dependent variable combined past 30‐day use‐frequency of 17 substances. Two‐way analysis of variances examined ACE by sex and race/ethnicity interaction.

RESULTS

Four ACE‐related classes emerged: “Family‐Only” (11.2%), “School‐Only” (16.5%), “Family‐School” (8.0%), and “No‐ACE” (64.3%). Substance use was highest in “Family‐School” (mean = 0.67); lowest in “No‐ACE” (mean = 0.21). Significant race/ethnicity (F = 27.06; p < .0001), ACE * sex interaction (F = 12.13; p < .0001) and ACE * race/ethnicity interaction (F = 4.57; p < .0001) effects emerged. Within each ACE‐related class, substance use was lowest for Asians and highest for Hispanics.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse childhood experience‐related items cluster within children across school and family environments and clustering differs by race/ethnicity, but not by sex. Incorporating ACE‐related items into school surveys enhances the ability to implement interventions that target relationships between ACEs and substance use.