bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the heart failure‐specific health literacy scale in a socio‐politically challenged setting
Authors: Deek Hiba , Türkoğlu Nihan , Massouh Angela R. , Kavuran Esin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Low levels of formal education among Lebanese people with HF were reported. Additionally, limited discharge education is provided to this population. Therefore, it was necessary to evaluate the health literacy levels among this population following the translation of the heart failure‐specific health literacy scale into Arabic and to evaluate its psychometric properties in the Lebanese setting.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design conducted on participants from the community with confirmed cases of heart failure. A research team was trained for data collection. Following securing participants' consents, baseline sociodemographic characteristics and the Arabic version of the heart failure‐specific health literacy scale were administered. Data collection took place between June and December 2022. A pilot sample analysis was done to confirm homogeneity between the English and the Arabic versions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to evaluate content and construct validity of the scale. Cronbach alpha was done to evaluate reliability.

Results

The pilot analysis confirmed homogeneity of the items of the Arabic and English versions of the scale. The final sample of 343 participants was randomly divided to two parts for each of the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The mean age was 64 years with the majority being male participants. In terms of exploratory factor analysis, the three subscales of the literacy scale explained 60% of the variance. The best acceptable fit was found on 11 items of the scale after dropping the 10th item from the analysis. The Cronbach alpha of the scale was 0.68.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the heart failure‐specific health literacy scale was evaluated to be a valid and reliable tool. Further analysis should be done on the dropped item, and correlations should be done with significant variables such as self‐care.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist.

Patient/Public Contribution

No patient/public contribution.

Contribution to the Wider Global Community

Participants with heart failure were shown to have low levels of literacy in Lebanon. Additionally, low literacy levels are also common among Lebanese older adults living in high income, Western Countries. Therefore, this valid and reliable scale can be used to evaluate health literacy among people with heart failure in Lebanon and among Lebanese and other Arabic‐speaking older adults globally.
Navigating the trauma—The experiences of significant others supporting patients with severe burn injury: A narrative inquiry
Authors: Flannery Elizabeth , Murphy Gillian , Peters Kath , Halcomb Elizabeth , Ramjan Lucie M.
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore the experiences of significant others of adult patients with severe burn injury in the Intensive Care Unit. Specifically, this study explored the strategies implemented by significant others and obstacles faced that served to protect or placed them at risk of psychological sequelae during their experience of trauma.

Design

A qualitative study using a Narrative Inquiry approach was undertaken.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants during 2021–2022, who were a significant other of an adult patient in ICU with severe burn injury. These participants were recruited from the two major severe burns receiving hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Participants' stories were analysed using a narrative analysis approach informed by Polkinghorne. The COREQ guideline was used in reporting.

Results

As each participant navigated the traumatic experience of supporting a loved one with a severe burn injury, they faced unique obstacles to maintaining their own mental health and well‐being. They employed strategies that were likely to protect them on this journey. Psychologically protective factors included taking back control, coexisting in the trauma with the patient and forging a trauma bond. These strategies effectively contained the trauma and protected others (such as children, extended family and friends). While this allowed significant others an element of control, it also effectively isolated them from the support of family and friends.

Conclusion

This study shows that significant others may also experience personal trauma and may not recognize this as they focus all their attention on supporting the patient with the burn injury.

Implications for Practice

With increased awareness of both protective and risk factors, support can be directed towards enhancing protective factors and addressing risk factors, thereby decreasing their impact and improving support for significant others.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Multivariate analysis of herd structure and genetic resource indicators in seedstock beef cattle herds
Authors: dos Santos Rafael Monteiro , Aganete Iris Assis , Botrel Bruna Diego , Menezes Gilberto Romeiro de Oliveira , Martin Nieto Leonardo , de Souza Maury Dorta , Toral Fabio Luiz Buranelo
Published: August 2024

Genetic, environmental, technological and financial resources are used differently in cattle herds that participate in the same breeding programme. The percentages of calves sired by sires within their own herd or from external herds vary across herds, as do the intensities of use of reproductive biotechnologies. These divergences may be related to differences in the indicators of genetic performance for economic traits. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to herd structure and genetic resource utilization that exert the greatest influence on the genetic merit of seedstock herds within a Nellore breeding programme. The database comprised 21 factors, along with genomic‐enhanced expected progeny differences (GE‐EPDs) for growth, reproductive and carcass traits, as well as a selection index of animals from 128 herds. By combining principal component analysis and cluster analysis, we were able to group the herds. We identified statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean values of the factors, GE‐EPDs and genetic trends among the groups of herds. Differences in the percentage of sires from external herds and in sire age between the groups of herds were the factors most associated with differences in mean GE‐EPDs and genetic trends. Using young sires from other herds or lineages is an effective strategy in animal breeding. By enhancing genetic variability, this approach does not only improve the genetic quality of herds but also accelerates genetic progress in desired traits over time. Therefore, to ensure the success of this strategy, it is crucial that seedstock herds undergo a thorough selection process aimed at maximizing the genetic potential of future generations of beef cattle.
Diet, feeding, and niche overlap of west coast steenbras (Lithognathus aureti) and silver kob (Argyrosomus inodorus) in the northern Benguela
Authors: Shikongo Arariky S. , Wilhelm Margit R.
Published: August 2024

In this study, we described and compared the diet, monthly feeding intensity, and condition of west coast steenbras (Lithognathus aureti) and silver kob (Argyrosomus inodorus) caught at a unique habitat in the northern Benguela. Stomach contents of 179 west coast steenbras and 114 silver kob caught from October 2020 to September 2022 were investigated. The peak in feeding intensity of west coast steenbras appeared to be opportunistic during winter and summer periods depending on food availability. The fish condition, however, peaked at the beginning (October) and at the end (April) of the austral summer spawning period, with the hepatosomatic index (HSI) at 1.5% and the condition factor (CF) at 0.022%. Seven prey taxa were found in the diet of west coast steenbras (bivalves, bony fishes, other mollusks, algae, crustaceans, cnidaria, and polychaetas) and six taxa in the diet of silver kob (bivalves, crustaceans, bony fishes, algae, starfish, and zooplankton), indicating generalist feeding behavior in both the species. The bivalves were the most important prey items in the diet of west coast steenbras (95.9% index of relative importance [IRI]). The most important prey items in the diet of silver kob were crustaceans (83.1% IRI) and bony fishes (16.0% IRI). Crustaceans were most important in the diet of small‐to‐medium‐sized silver kob, whereas bony fishes were most important in the diet of larger silver kob (>75 cm), with significant differences of IRI% by size class. Schoener's index of niche overlap indicated a relatively low overall niche overlap (0.11) between west coast steenbras and silver kob. This allows them to coexist as their feeding habits allow them to occupy unique niches in the coastal reef and sandy habitat and reduce competition for resources.
Pain hypersensitivity, sensorimotor impairment, and decreased muscle force in a novel rat model of radiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Vittert Allison B. , Daniel Melissa , Svientek Shelby R. , Risch Mary Jane , Nelson Noah S. , Donneys Alexis , Dehdashtian Amir , Sacks Gina N. , Buchman Steven R. , Kemp Stephen W. P.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Radiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy is a rare, but serious complication often resulting in profound morbidity, life‐long disability, and chronic debilitating pain. Unfortunately, this type of peripheral neuropathy is usually progressive, and almost always irreversible. To date, a standardized rat model of radiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy has not been established. The purpose of the present study was to examine neuropathic pain, sensorimotor impairment, and muscle force parameters following the administration of a clinically relevant radiation dose in a rat model.

Methods

Ten rats were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (1) radiation and (2) sham‐radiated controls. Radiated animals were given a clinically relevant dose of 35 Gray (Gy) divided into five daily doses of 7 Gy/day. This regimen represents a human equivalent dose of 70 Gy, approximating the same dosage utilized for radiotherapy in oncologic patients. Sham‐radiated controls were anesthetized and placed in the radiation apparatus but were not given radiation. All animals were tested for baseline values in both sensorimotor and pain behavioral tests. Sensorimotor testing consisted of the evaluation of walking tracks with the calculation of the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI). Pain‐related behavioral measures consisted of mechanical allodynia (von Frey test), cold allodynia (Acetone test), and thermal allodynia (Hargreaves test). Animals were tested serially over an 8‐week period. At the study endpoint, electrophysiological and muscle force assessments were completed, and histomorphometric analysis was performed on all sciatic nerves.

Results

Animals that underwent radiation treatment displayed significantly greater pain hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation as compared to sham radiated controls from weeks 4 to 8 of testing. SFI values indicated sensorimotor impairments in the overground gait of radiated animals as compared to non‐radiated animals. Furthermore, radiated animals displayed reduced twitch and tetanic muscle force when compared to sham radiated controls.

Conclusions

A clinically relevant human equivalent dose of fractionated 35 Gy in rats established significant pain hypersensitivity, impairments in sensorimotor locomotion, and decreased muscle force capacity. This novel rodent model of radiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy can be utilized to assess the potential efficacy of therapeutic treatments to either prevent or remediate this clinically debilitating condition.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a 730‐nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser and a 1064‐nm picosecond neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser for the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules: A split‐face, evaluator‐blinded, randomized, and controlled pilot trial
Authors: Chen Wanxin , Wang Zhongshuai , Li Zhenzhen , Yuan Chen , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Li , Yan Yan , Wang Baoxi
Published: August 2024

Background

The picosecond neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser (PNYL) has been successfully used in treating acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (ABNOM). The 730‐nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser (PTSL) is an emerging tool for pigmentary disorders. However, no studies have compared two different wavelengths of picosecond laser for the treatment of ABNOM.

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of the 730‐nm PTSL with the 1064‐nm PNYL in the treatment of ABNOM.

Methods

Fifteen participants with ABNOM were randomized to undergo a single session of either the 730‐nm PTSL on one side of the face and 1064‐nm PNYL on the other side. Efficacy and safety assessments were performed by blinded visual evaluations at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks posttreatment. Participants' satisfaction and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

Compared to baseline, The 730‐nm PTSL‐treated side showed better improvement than that of the 1064‐nm PNYL‐treated side at 24 weeks posttreatment (1.67 ± 1.047 vs. 0.87 ± 0.640, p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in pain sensation and participants' satisfaction between the two laser treatments.

Conclusions

The 730‐nm PTSL is more effective than the 1064‐nm PNYL in the treatment of ABNOM.
Video capsule endoscopy findings in dogs with chronic enteropathy and in healthy dogs
Authors: Holmberg Johanna , Ljungvall Ingrid , Pelander Lena , Defarges Alice , Stiller Jenny , Ingman Jessica , Harlos Caroline , Spillmann Thomas , Häggström Jens
Published: August 2024

Background

Video capsule endoscopy is a noninvasive technique for evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Objective

To investigate the safety of using the video capsule ALICAM in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE) >10 kg, and to compare macroscopic gastrointestinal morphology between CE dogs and healthy controls (HC).

Animals

Fifteen CE dogs and 15 similarly breed, age and body weight matched HC.

Methods

All dogs underwent a clinical work up including blood analyses, fecal samples, abdominal ultrasonographic examination, and blood pressure measurement. The dogs were withheld from food for 16 hours before and 8 hours after they PO received an ALICAM. All recordings were quality assessed, and blindly evaluated by 2 trained observers.

Results

The median age of CE dogs and HC was 3.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.5‐5.9) years and 4.7 (IQR 3.3‐5.6) years, respectively. The median body weight in the CE dogs and HC was 25.9 (IQR 20.6‐30.9) kg, and 29 (IQR 16.2‐30.5) kg, respectively. Complete recordings of the gastrointestinal tract were obtained from all dogs without complications. No significant differences were found between groups regarding number of abnormalities such as irregular mucosa, erythema, nonbleeding erosions, bleeding erosions, and dilated lacteals, as well as severity and extent of the abnormalities.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The use of ALICAM for evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in CE dogs and HC seems safe and feasible regarding gastrointestinal transit and macroscopic morphology assessment in dogs >10 kg. Abnormalities were found in similar proportions in CE dogs and HC.
Differential CheR Affinity for Chemoreceptor C‐Terminal Pentapeptides Modulates Chemotactic Responses
Authors: Velando Félix , Monteagudo‐Cascales Elizabet , Matilla Miguel A. , Krell Tino
Published: August 2024

Many chemoreceptors contain a C‐terminal pentapeptide at the end of a linker. In Escherichia coli, this pentapeptide forms a high‐affinity binding site for CheR and phosphorylated CheB, and its removal interferes with chemoreceptor adaptation. Analysis of chemoreceptors revealed significant variation in their pentapeptide sequences, and bacteria often possess multiple chemoreceptors with differing pentapeptides. To assess whether this sequence variation alters CheR affinity and chemotaxis, we used Pectobacterium atrosepticum SCRI1043 as a model. SCRI1043 has 36 chemoreceptors, with 19 of them containing a C‐terminal pentapeptide. We show that the affinity of CheR for the different pentapeptides varies up to 11‐fold (KD 90 nM to 1 μM). Pentapeptides with the highest and lowest affinities differ only in a single amino acid. Deletion of the cheR gene abolishes chemotaxis. The replacement of the pentapeptide in the PacC chemoreceptor with those of the highest and lowest affinities significantly reduced chemotaxis to its cognate chemoeffector, L‐Asp. Altering the PacC pentapeptide also reduced chemotaxis to L‐Ser, but not to nitrate, which are responses mediated by the nontethered PacB and PacN chemoreceptors, respectively. Changes in the pentapeptide sequence thus modulate the response of the cognate receptor and that of another chemoreceptor.
Leaf venation network architecture coordinates functional trade‐offs across vein spatial scales: evidence for multiple alternative designs
Authors: Matos Ilaine Silveira , Boakye Mickey , Niewiadomski Izzi , Antonio Monica , Carlos Sonoma , Johnson Breanna Carrillo , Chu Ashley , Echevarria Andrea , Fontao Adrian , Garcia Lisa , Kalantar Diana , Madhavan Srinivasan , Mann Joseph , McDonough Samantha , Rohde James , Scudder Meg , Sharma Satvik , To Jason , Tomaka Connor , Vu Bradley , Yokota Nicole , Forbes Holly , Fricker Mark , Blonder Benjamin Wong
Published: August 2024

Variation in leaf venation network architecture may reflect trade‐offs among multiple functions including efficiency, resilience, support, cost, and resistance to drought and herbivory. However, our knowledge about architecture‐function trade‐offs is mostly based on studies examining a small number of functional axes, so we still lack a more integrative picture of multidimensional trade‐offs.

Here, we measured architecture and functional traits on 122 ferns and angiosperms species to describe how trade‐offs vary across phylogenetic groups and vein spatial scales (small, medium, and large vein width) and determine whether architecture traits at each scale have independent or integrated effects on each function.

We found that generalized architecture‐function trade‐offs are weak. Architecture strongly predicts leaf support and damage resistance axes but weakly predicts efficiency and resilience axes. Architecture traits at different spatial scales contribute to different functional axes, allowing plants to independently modulate different functions by varying network properties at each scale.

This independence of vein architecture traits within and across spatial scales may enable evolution of multiple alternative leaf network designs with similar functioning.
Vacuolar recruitment of retromer by a SNARE complex enables infection‐related trafficking in rice blast
Authors: Chen Xin , Hu Jiexiong , Zhong Haoming , Wu Qiuqiu , Fang Zhenyu , Cai Yan , Huang Panpan , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Zhou Jie , Naqvi Naweed I. , Wang Zonghua , Zheng Wenhui
Published: August 2024

The retromer complex is a conserved sorting machinery that maintains cellular protein homeostasis by transporting vesicles containing cargo proteins to defined destinations. It is known to sort proteins at the vacuole membranes for retrograde trafficking, preventing their degradation in the vacuole. However, the detailed mechanism of retromer recruitment to the vacuole membrane has not yet been elucidated.

Here, we show that the vacuolar SNARE complex MoPep12‐MoVti1‐MoVam7‐MoYkt6 regulates retromer‐mediated vesicle trafficking by recruiting the retromer to the vacuole membrane, which promotes host invasion in Magnaporthe oryzae.

Such recruitment is also essential for the retrieval of the autophagy regulator MoAtg8 and enables appressorium‐mediated host penetration. Furthermore, the vacuolar SNARE subunits are involved in suppressing the host defense response by regulating the deployment of retromer‐MoSnc1‐mediated effector secretion.

Altogether, our results provide insights into the mechanism of vacuolar SNAREs‐dependent retromer recruitment which is necessary for pathogenicity‐related membrane trafficking events in the rice blast fungus.
Morphologic predictors of mandibular changes induced by Sander's Bite Jumping Appliance
Authors: D'Antò Vincenzo , Oliva Giorgio , Rongo Roberto , Bucci Rosaria , Martina Stefano , Franchi Lorenzo , Valletta Rosa
Published: August 2024

Aim

This study aimed to identify pretreatment cephalometric variables as possible predictors of the mandibular length increase in Class II patients with mandibular retrusion, treated by means of the Bite Jumping Appliance (BJA).

Materials and Methods

Forty‐three subjects (22 males and 21 females) with Class II malocclusion, treated with a BJA, were selected on the basis of the following inclusion criteria: full Class II molar relationship, Overjet (OVJ) ≥ 6 mm and a skeletal Class II malocclusion with mandibular retrusion at the start of the treatment (T0); cervical vertebral maturation stage 2 or 3 at time 0 (T0). The following mandibular structural features were measured on lateral cephalograms at time 0 and time 1 (15 months of treatment): the width and height of the mandibular symphysis and its width/height ratio, the width and height of the mandibular ramus and its width/height ratio, the antegonial notch depth and the Condilion–Gonion–Menton (Co–Go–Me) angle. Post‐treatment changes were assessed by Pancherz's cephalometric analysis, evaluating the increases in mandibular length. A regression statistical model was used to test the association between morphologic variables and mandibular length changes.

Results

At T1, a significant increase in mandibular length (7.1 + 3.4 mm, p < .001) was measured. A significant negative association between the pretreatment Co–Go–Me angle and mandibular length change was found (p < .05). IMPA angle was negatively associated with mandibular length change. All the others morphological feature were not statistically related to mandibular length change.

Conclusion

Co–Go–Me angle and IMPA angle at T0 can be used as predictors for mandibular response to the treatment with BJA.
The impact of sociodemographic, health status and resources, macroeconomic, and environmental factors on infant mortality rates in Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al‐Busaidi Al‐Hasan A. H. , Eltayib Rawaa A. A. , Al‐Saqry Mallak Y. M. , Chan Moon F.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aims to study the impact of sociodemographic (SD), health status and resources (HSR), macroeconomic (ME), and Environmental (EV) factors on the infant mortality rate (IMR) in Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and from 1990 to 2022.

Design

A retrospective time‐series study employing yearly data was conducted. A generalized least squares model was utilized to construct an exploratory model of IMR determinants for each country.

Results

In SD, the risk of IMR may be increased with a higher crude birth rate, adolescent fertility rate, and married women percentage. In HSR, immunization coverage shows a significant effect in preventing neonatal diseases and reducing IMR. In ME, the effect of parents’ employment seems contradicted among the three countries. In EV, greenhouse emissions have also had contradictory effects among the three countries, suggesting a complex relationship with IMR. Some were consistent with global findings, whereas others contradicted the prevailing narrative.

Conclusions

This study highlights the need for tailored public health interventions addressing socio‐demographic, healthcare, and environmental contexts to effectively reduce IMR and enhance infant health outcomes.
Advancing effective street outreach to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness: Concepts for public health nursing
Authors: Doede Megan
Published: August 2024

Homelessness, particularly unsheltered homelessness is a public health emergency in the U.S. Street outreach programs have demonstrated efficacy in connecting people to housing, initiating or retaining people in primary care, improving access to mental health services, and increasing treatment for substance use disorder. Effective outreach is generally characterized by trained, multidisciplinary teams that visit clients where they are, forming trusting relationships over time. Public health nurses working on outreach teams have opportunities to exercise their full scope and standards of practice and advance street outreach to the benefit of a distinctly marginalized group.
Class, genes, and rationality: A gene–environment interaction approach to ideology
Authors: Ahlskog Rafael
Published: August 2024

Variation in political preferences is increasingly understood to stem from both environmental influences and genetics. Research in political psychology has argued that a pathway for genetic effects on ideology is via cognitive performance, showing a sizable genetic overlap between the traits. Yet the link between actual trait cognitive performance and economic conservatism is itself highly ambiguous, with both positive, null, and negative estimates prevalent in the literature. In this study, I argue that this puzzle can only be understood from a gene–environment interaction (GxE) perspective. Drawing on traditional theories of political preference formation, I argue that genetics associated with cognitive performance should cause more left‐wing economic preferences if you grow up in relative poverty, but more right‐wing economic preferences if you grow up affluent. Utilizing variation in a polygenic index (PGI) of cognitive performance within dizygotic twin pairs, coupled with unique register data on economic conditions for the twins, their parents, and their childhood neighborhood, I show that the causal effect of the PGI on economic conservatism is zero on average, but indeed sizable and sign‐discordant by class background. The GxE perspective thus has wide‐ranging implications for future research attempting to integrate genetic methods into political psychology.
Safety and efficacy of Deucravacitinib for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Caixia , Han Xiaomei , Cui Yu , Zhang Yan , Cheng Yi
Published: August 2024

Background

To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of Deucravacitinib for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Materials and Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Deucravacitinib for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from database establishment to April 2023. Literature quality was independently evaluated by two investigators using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias assessment tool, and the systematic analysis was made using StateSE15 and RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Four RCTs were included, including 1751 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Meta‐analysis showed that the differences in efficacy and adverse events (AEs) between the Deucravacitinib group and placebo group were significant (p < 0.05). The patients in the Deucravacitinib group took orally 3–12 mg daily for 12 sequential weeks or 6 mg daily for 52 sequential weeks. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) reduced by 75% (PASI 75), (PASI 90), and (PASI 100), static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) of 0 or 1 (sPGA 0/1), Dermatology Life Quality Index of 0 or 1 (DLQI 0/1), and Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary (PSSD) were significantly higher in the Deucravacitinib group compared to the placebo group, with significant differences (p < 0.05). The most frequently encountered AEs after treatment in the Deucravacitinib group was nasopharyngitis.

Conclusion

Oral administration of Deucravacitinib is effective for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Attention should be paid to the occurrence of AEs, and more RCTs are required to evaluate the relationship between the dose and safety and efficacy.
A four‐step biosynthetic pathway involving C‐3 oxidation–reduction reactions from cycloastragenol to astragaloside IV in Astragalus membranaceus
Authors: Zhang Meng , Bao Yang‐Oujie , Zhao Chun‐Xue , Tian Yun‐Gang , Wang Zi‐Long , Qiao Xue , Ye Min
Published: August 2024

Astragaloside IV is a significant chemical component derived from the medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus. Despite the characterization of several glycosyltransferases from A. membranaceus, the complete biosynthetic pathway of astragaloside IV has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we propose a biosynthetic pathway for astragaloside IV that involves a sequence of oxidation–reduction reactions. The biosynthesis pathway from cycloastragenol to astragaloside IV encompasses four key steps: C‐3 oxidation, 6‐O‐glucosylation, C‐3 reduction, and 3‐O‐xylosylation. We identified a hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase AmHSD1 from A. membranaceus. AmHSD1 catalyzes the C‐3 oxidation of cycloastragenol, yielding cycloastragenol‐3‐one, and the C‐3 reduction of cycloastragenol‐3‐one‐6‐O‐glucoside, resulting in cycloastragenol‐6‐O‐glucoside. Additionally, the glycosyltransferases AmGT8 and AmGT1, previously reported by our groups, were identified as catalyzing the 6‐O‐glucosylation and 3‐O‐xylosylation steps, respectively. Astragaloside IV was successfully synthesized in transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana using the combination of AmHSD1, AmGT8 and AmGT1. These results support the proposed four‐step biosynthetic pathway and suggest that AmHSD1 probably plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of astragaloside IV within A. membranaceus.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Tumour Immune Microenvironment in Canine Urothelial Carcinoma Reveals Immunosuppressive Mechanisms Induced by the COX–Prostanoid Cascade
Authors: Eto Shotaro , Kato Daiki , Saeki Kohei , Iguchi Takaaki , Shiyu Qin , Kamoto Satoshi , Yoshitake Ryohei , Shinada Masahiro , Ikeda Namiko , Tsuboi Masaya , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: August 2024

A comprehensive understanding of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) is essential for advancing precision medicine and identifying potential therapeutic targets. This study focused on canine urothelial carcinoma (cUC) recognised for its high sensitivity to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we quantified the infiltration of seven immune cell populations within cUC tumour tissue to identify clinicopathological features that characterise the TIME in cUC. Our results revealed several notable factors, including the significantly higher levels of CD3+ T cells and CD8+ T cells within tumour cell nests in cases treated with preoperative COX inhibitors compared to untreated cases. Based on the immunohistochemistry data, we further performed a comparative analysis using publicly available RNA‐seq data from untreated cUC tissues (n = 29) and normal bladder tissues (n = 4) to explore the link between COX–prostanoid pathways and the immune response to tumours. We observed increased expression of COX‐2, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) and mPGES‐2 in cUC tissues. However, only mPGES‐2 showed a negative correlation with the cytotoxic T‐cell (CTL)–related genes CD8A and granzyme B (GZMB). In addition, a broader analysis of solid tumours using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed similar patterns in several human tumours, suggesting a common mechanism in dogs and humans. Our results suggest that the COX‐2/mPGES‐2 pathway may act as a cross‐species tumour‐intrinsic factor that weakens anti‐tumour immunity, and that COX inhibitors may convert TIME from a ‘cold tumour’ to a ‘hot tumour’ state by counteracting COX/mPGES‐2–mediated immunosuppression.
The inclusion of cereal crops with maize and soyabean rotations impacts the morphology and phenology of Amaranthus tuberculatus
Authors: Hamberg Ryan C. , Yadav Ramawatar , Owen Micheal D. K.
Published: August 2024

Simple crop rotations like maize and soyabean grown in succession often coincide with simple weed management tactics, resulting in weed infestations that are highly adapted to the conditions maintained for the selected crops. Amaranthus tuberculatus is a prominent weed species which possesses biological characteristics that allow it to persist in maize–soyabean rotations. Spring wheat and oats emerge earlier than A. tuberculatus and are grown in narrower rows than maize and soyabean, which may increase their competitive capability. A field study which measured morphological and phenological characteristics of three A. tuberculatus cohorts that emerged under fallow, maize, soyabean, spring wheat and oats was conducted to compare their competitive ability. Early emerged A. tuberculatus grew similarly in fallow, maize and soyabeans and grew to heights of >150 cm but was significantly reduced in spring wheat and oats, never exceeding 40 cm. Heights of the last emerged cohorts were more influenced by crop canopies never reaching 15 cm in spring wheat and oats compared to >70 cm in fallow. Early emerged A. tuberculatus canopy diameter and branches plant−1 were reduced by >80% in spring wheat and oats compared to fallow. Flowering was delayed in spring wheat and oats compared to fallow and seed production and biomass were reduced by 99% across cohorts. Growth suppression of A. tuberculatus, based on the findings, can be achieved under dense, competitive crop canopies such as in spring wheat and oats and these crops should be considered as additional crops in maize–soyabean rotations.
Framing Responsibility for Depression in News Media: A Content Analysis of Depression Coverage on Sina Weibo
Authors: Ma Xiaoxia , Mahamed Mastura binti , Alwie Aryaty binti
Published: August 2024

Depression stands as a pivotal health issue, notable both within the medical community and in society at large, and it is a leading contributor to disability. The prevalence of depression is on the rise, with a divergence of views on its cause attribution and solution responsibility for addressing it. It is crucial, therefore, to inform the public about these complexities. Given that news media are pivotal in disseminating health information and significantly shape public perceptions, attitudes, emotions, and the assignment of responsibility, this research employs a quantitative content analysis to assess the prevalence of framing responsibility for both the causes and potential solutions of depression at individual, social network, and societal levels. The results show that solution responsibilities for depression were reported more commonly than the causes. Meanwhile, attribution of responsibility for causes was tended to be at the individual, while solutions were on society. Social network played a major role in attributing both casual and problem-solving responsibilities as an independent level. Further, state-controlled media focused on societal responsible for addressing the issue and emphasized individual-level causal responsibilities more than market-oriented media organizations, which is likely to make societal-level responsibility attribution.
Skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain fragmentation as a potential marker of protein degradation in response to resistance training and disuse atrophy
Authors: Plotkin Daniel L. , Mattingly Madison L. , Anglin Derick A. , Michel J. Max , Godwin Joshua S. , McIntosh Mason C. , Kontos Nicholas J. , Bergamasco João G. A. , Scarpelli Maíra C. , Angleri Vitor , Taylor Lemuel W. , Willoughby Darryn S. , Mobley C. Brooks , Kavazis Andreas N. , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Libardi Cleiton A. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: August 2024

We examined how resistance exercise (RE), cycling exercise and disuse atrophy affect myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein fragmentation. The 1boutRE study involved younger men (n = 8; 5 ± 2 years of RE experience) performing a lower body RE bout with vastus lateralis (VL) biopsies being obtained prior to and acutely following exercise. With the 10weekRT study, VL biopsies were obtained in 36 younger adults before and 24 h after their first/naïve RE bout. Participants also engaged in 10 weeks of resistance training and donated VL biopsies before and 24 h after their last RE bout. VL biopsies were also examined in an acute cycling study (n = 7) and a study involving 2 weeks of leg immobilization (n = 20). In the 1boutRE study, fragmentation of all MyHC isoforms (MyHCTotal) increased 3 h post‐RE (∼200%, P = 0.018) and returned to pre‐exercise levels by 6 h post‐RE. Interestingly, a greater magnitude increase in MyHC type IIa versus I isoform fragmentation occurred 3 h post‐RE (8.6 ± 6.3‐fold vs. 2.1 ± 0.7‐fold, P = 0.018). In 10weekRT participants, the first/naïve and last RE bouts increased MyHCTotal fragmentation 24 h post‐RE (+65% and +36%, P < 0.001); however, the last RE bout response was attenuated compared to the first bout (P = 0.045). Although cycling exercise did not alter MyHCTotal fragmentation, ∼8% VL atrophy with 2 weeks of leg immobilization increased MyHCTotal fragmentation (∼108%, P < 0.001). Mechanistic C2C12 myotube experiments indicated that MyHCTotal fragmentation is likely due to calpain proteases. In summary, RE and disuse atrophy increase MyHC protein fragmentation. Research into how ageing and disease‐associated muscle atrophy affect these outcomes is needed.

Highlights

What is the central question of this study?

How different exercise stressors and disuse affect skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain fragmentation.

What is the main finding and its importance?

This investigation is the first to demonstrate that resistance exercise and disuse atrophy lead to skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain protein fragmentation in humans. Mechanistic in vitro experiments provide additional evidence that MyHC fragmentation occurs through calpain proteases.
Phase-Sensitive Plasma Nonlinearity Controlled by Ultrashort Pulses
Authors: Savitsky I. V. , Glek P. B. , Aliev R. M. , Stepanov E. A. , Voronin A. A. , Lanin A. A. , Fedotov A. B.
Published: August 2024

The generation of spectral components sensitive to the carrier-envelope phase of a laser pulse in a thin zinc selenide film has been experimentally demonstrated and confirmed by a numerical simulation. A pump–probe scheme has been implemented so that a pump pulse with a duration of about 1.5 field cycles, a central wavelength of 1.7 μm, and a stabilized carrier-envelope phase induces photoionization in a thin zinc selenide film. The probe pulse is scattered by the plasma, generating new phase-sensitive spectral components at the edges of its spectrum. The theoretical analysis has confirmed plasma nonlinearity as a mechanism for generating these components. The observed effect can be used to characterize the carrier-envelope phase of ultrashort pulses during the generation of high-order harmonics and sequences of attosecond pulses.
Crossover from Relativistic to Non-Relativistic Net Magnetization for MnTe Altermagnet Candidate
Authors: Orlova N. N. , Avakyants A. A. , Timonina A. V. , Kolesnikov N. N. , Deviatov E. V.
Published: August 2024

We experimentally study magnetization reversal curves for MnTe single crystals, which is the altermagnetic candidate. Above 85 K temperature, we confirm the antiferromagnetic behavior of magnetization M, which is known for α-MnTe. Below 85 K, we observe anomalous low-field magnetization behavior, which is accompanied by the sophisticated $$M(\alpha )$$ angle dependence with beating pattern as the interplay between $$M(\alpha )$$ maxima and minima: in low fields, $$M(\alpha )$$ shows ferromagnetic-like 180° periodicity, while at high magnetic fields, the periodicity is changed to the 90° one. This angle dependence is the most striking result of our experiment, while it can not be expected for standard magnetic systems. In contrast, in altermagnets, symmetry allows ferromagnetic behavior only due to the spin–orbit coupling. Thus, we claim that our experiment shows the effect of weak spin–orbit coupling in MnTe, with crossover from relativistic to non-relativistic net magnetization, and, therefore, we experimentally confirm altermagnetism in MnTe.
Atypical carcinoid tumour of the larynx
Authors: Ganesh Vaishnevy , McPherson Kathryn , Affleck Andrew , Manickavasagam Jaiganesh
Published: August 2024

A man in his 80s with long-standing left-sided throat discomfort presented with hypophonia and odynophagia. A flexible nasoendoscopy revealed a supraglottic mass in the left arytenoid. An urgent microlaryngoscopy and biopsy demonstrated a supraglottic laryngeal tumour consistent with atypical carcinoid on histopathological examination. Head and neck multidisciplinary team discussions led to the selection of ablative carbon dioxide laser therapy as primary treatment. Two years later, there was local recurrence, prompting a second laser resection and selective neck dissection. Further laser resection was performed 3 years later for another recurrence. Despite an initial encouraging response with local control, 4 years after the initial treatment, there was substantial progression with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases and further local recurrence soon after. Palliative radiotherapy to the cutaneous metastases provided partial benefit, transitioning to best supportive care. He died 10 years after the initial onset of symptoms, primarily due to cancer progression.
Percent reduction in proptosis after teprotumumab treatment for thyroid eye disease
Authors: Rosenblatt Tatiana R , Chiou Carolina A , Yoon Michael K , Lee Nahyoung Grace , Wolkow Natalie , Freitag Suzanne K
Published: August 2024

Prior studies of teprotumumab for thyroid eye disease report proptosis reduction in millimetres, which does not fully capture teprotumumab’s clinical effect since a given number of millimetres change can be of variable impact depending on patients’ degree of pre-treatment proptosis. In this retrospective study analysing proptosis change as a percentage of pre-treatment proptosis among 119 patients, 208 (87.4%) eyes of 110 patients had proptosis reduction averaging 14.4% (range 2.2–40.5%) of their pre-treatment proptosis, or 3.3 mm (range 0.5–10.0 mm). Reporting proptosis reduction as a percentage of pre-treatment proptosis provides a better understanding of teprotumumab’s clinical impact.
Randomised controlled decentralised feasibility trial of a fixed low-dose combination antihypertensive drug strategy to attenuate cognitive decline in high-risk adults
Authors: Carcel Cheryl , Clancy Lauren , Harris Katie , Peters Ruth , Byrne Aisling , Bassett Kimberley , Freed Ruth , Hoyos Camilla M , Rodgers Anthony , Lindley Richard , Chalmers John , Xu Ying , Woodward Mark , Ouyang Menglu , Naismith Sharon L , Anderson Craig
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The Action To promote brain HEalth iN Adults study aimed to determine the feasibility and applicability of recruitment using home blood pressure (BP) monitoring, routine blood biochemistry and videoconference measures of cognition, in adults at high risk of dementia.

Design

A decentralised double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised feasibility trial with a four-stage screening process.

Setting

Conducted with participants online in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Participants were aged 50–70 years with moderately elevated BP (systolic >120 and <160 mm Hg or diastolic >80 and <95 mm Hg) and ≥1 additional enrichment risk factor of monotherapy treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, obesity, current smoking or a first degree relative with dementia, which indicated an elevated risk for future cognitive decline.

Intervention

Triple Pill (active antihypertensive treatment of telmisartan 20 mg, amlodipine 2.5 mg and indapamide 1.25 mg) or placebo Triple Pill (blinded study capsules).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was feasibility of the study expressed as the percentage of participants randomised from those who were screened. Secondary outcomes were the applicability of videoconference measures of cognition and the overall trial, tolerability of the Triple Pill, safety outcomes and medication adherence.

Results

The proportion (95% CI) of patients randomised to those screened was 5% (2%–10%). The applicability of the trial expressed as percentage of those who completed all remote assessments over the number of randomised participants was 67% (95% CI 05 to 22%). There were no serious adverse events or withdrawals from treatment. All participants adhered to study medication, except for one person who had two capsules left at the end of the study period.

Conclusions

The feasibility of this decentralised trial on BP lowering in patients at high risk for dementia is low. However, the applicability of remote assessments of cognitive function is acceptable.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621000121864.
Cohort profile: study design and baseline characteristics of an observational longitudinal weight loss cohort and biorepository of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy in the USA
Authors: Vanegas Sally M , Curado Silvia , Gujral Akash , Valverde Gabriela , Parraga Susan , Aleman Jose O , Reid Migdalia , Elbel Brian , Schmidt Ann Marie , Heffron Sean P , Segal Eran , Li Huilin , Abrams Courtney , Sevick Mary A , Popp Collin , Armijos Evelyn , Merriwether Ericka N , Ivezaj Valentina , Ren-Fielding Christine , Parikh Manish , Jay Melanie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We developed a comprehensive sleeve gastrectomy (SG) weight loss study cohort and biorepository to uncover mechanisms, biomarkers and predictive factors of weight loss, weight maintenance and amelioration of obesity-related comorbidities. For this purpose, we collected psychosocial, anthropometric, clinical data and a variety of samples pre-surgery, intraoperatively and 1.5, 3, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. For longer-term assessment, the collection of psychosocial and anthropometric data was extended to 10 years. Here, we present in-depth characterisation of the cohort and detailed overview of study procedures as a foundation for future analyses.

Participants

We consented 647 participants between June 2017 and March 2020 from two bariatric surgery clinics in New York City—one major urban hospital and one private hospital. Of 355 participants who provided baseline data, 300 underwent SG. Of these, 79% are females with an average age of 38 years, 68% are Hispanic, 20% are non-Hispanic Black and 11% are non-Hispanic White.

Findings to date

We collected intraoperative adipose and stomach tissues from 282 patients and biosamples (blood, urine, saliva, stool) from 245 patients at 1.5 months, 238 at 3 month, 218 at 12 months and 180 at 24 months post-surgery. We are currently collecting anthropometric and psychosocial data annually until 10 years post-surgery. Data analysis is currently underway.

Future plans

Our future research will explore the variability in weight loss outcomes observed in our cohort, particularly among Black and Hispanic patients in comparison to their White counterparts. We will identify social determinants of health, metabolic factors and other variables that may predict weight loss success, weight maintenance and remission of obesity-related comorbidities. Additionally, we plan to leverage our biorepository for collaborative research studies. We will complete long-term follow-up data by December 2031. We plan to apply for funding to expand biosample collection through year 10 to provide insights into the mechanisms of long-term weight maintenance.