bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘I am just a shadow of who I used to be’—Exploring existential loss of identity among people living with chronic conditions of Long COVID
Authors: Fang Chao , Baz Sarah Akhtar , Sheard Laura , Carpentieri JD
Published: July 2023

Identity loss and (re)construction forms a central debate in sociology of chronic illness. Living with chronic/persistent health conditions may raise questions about how disruptions can touch upon and further threaten the very roots of existence, by which people reflexively perceive a coherent and stable sense of ‘being‐in‐the‐world’. Whilst medical sociologists have shown interest in ‘existential loss’ in chronic illness, this question remains largely underexplored. Adopting a qualitative study on Long COVID (LC) as an example, this article illuminates existential identity loss as a deeply painful experience of losing body as a fundamental medium to retain continuity and consistency of one’s narratively constructed identity. Interviews with 80 LC sufferers in the UK revealed that living with persistent and often uncertain symptoms and disruptions can cause the loss of biographical resources and resilience, making it difficult to reflexively understand their own being within the world. Their dynamic responses to LC also highlighted how sufferers’ longing for a narratively coherent self can profoundly shape the ongoing construction of their identity in chronic health conditions. These insights into the complicated and often hard‐to‐express existential pain of identity loss can also nurture more holistic understandings of and support for LC and chronic illness more broadly.
SAEM GRACE: Dopamine antagonists and topical capsaicin for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome in the emergency department: A systematic review of direct evidence
Authors: Sabbineni Monica , Scott William , Punia Kiran , Manuja Kriti , Singh Angad , Campbell Kaitryn , MacKillop James , Balodis Iris
Published: July 2023

Background

Adults with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) are increasingly presenting to the emergency department (ED), and this systematic review will evaluate the direct evidence on the effectiveness of capsaicin and dopamine antagonists in its clinical management.

Methods

A bibliographic search was conducted to address the following population–intervention–control–outcome (PICO) question: (P) adults >18 years old with a diagnosis of acute CHS presenting to the ED; (I) dopamine antagonists (e.g., haloperidol, droperidol) and topical capsaicin; (C) usual care or no active comparator; and (O) symptoms improvement/resolution in ED, ED length of stay, admission rate, ED recidivism, need for rescue medication, and adverse events. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA reporting recommendations.

Results

From 53 potentially relevant articles, seven articles were included: five observational studies and two randomized controlled trials, including a total of 492 patients. Five of these studies evaluated the efficacy of capsaicin cream (n = 386), and two examined dopamine antagonists (haloperidol, droperidol; n = 106). There was mixed evidence for the efficacy of capsaicin for reducing nausea and emesis. Both studies evaluating dopamine antagonists detected clinical benefit to usual care or no active comparator.

Conclusions

There is limited direct evidence on the efficacy of dopamine antagonists or capsaicin for treating CHS in the ED. Current evidence is mixed for capsaicin and potentially beneficial for dopamine antagonists. Because of the small number of studies, small number of participants, lack of standardization of treatment administration, and risk of bias of the included studies, methodologically rigorous trials on both types of intervention are needed to directly inform ED management of CHS.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of three types of fixatives (formalin, Bouin and Carnoy) on histomorphological features of various viscera
Authors: Mirzaei Mansoureh , Eshaghi‐Gorji Reza , Fani Fatemeh , Karimpour Malekshah Abbasali , Talebpour Amiri Fereshteh
Published: July 2023

Tissue shrinkage is one of the problems in preparing tissue sections. This study compares the use of 10% formalin, Bouin and Carnoy as fixatives on several mouse tissues to determine histomorphological features. In this experimental study, liver, kidney, heart, lung, testicle, spleen, brain and cartilage tissues were isolated from five BALB/c mice. Then, they were fixed with three types of fixatives. After dehydrating, clarifying and embedding, all samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Then, the tissue structure of the viscera was evaluated qualitatively. The results showed that each fixative is more suitable for evaluating a specific part of the tissue. However, relative shrinkage appeared in the tissue sections fixed with 10% Formalin, (1) in the heart as spaces between muscle fibre bundles, (2) in the liver as the dilation of the liver sinusoidal spaces, (3) in the kidney tissue as the expansion of the lumens of the convoluted proximal and distal tubules, (4) in the spleen as open spaces inside the red and white pulps and (5) in the brain as an increase in the space between the cells of the granular and pyramidal cell layers of the cortex. In tissues that were soft and fragile, such as testis, liver and brain, Bouin's fixative was more suitable. Carnoy's fixative was more suitable for the spleen and kidney tissue. Based on the study results, formalin and Bouin were more suitable for heart and cartilage tissue. Considering that in the histopathological evaluation both the cytoplasm and the nucleus are evaluated, it is suggested to choose the fixative suitable for the type of tissue.
The hair she grew then has long since been cut
Authors: Howe Cymene
Published: July 2023

This piece is part of a special section of “hundreds” in honor of Kathleen Stewart. It reflects on ethnographic looking, mind games, time's passage, and the odd punctuations of living.
Thyroid cancer patient reported outcome measures in clinical practice: analysing acceptability and optimizing recruitment
Authors: O'Neill Christine J. , Morris‐Baguley Harriet , Alam Ahmad S. , Carlson Melissa A. , Blefari Nicholas , Rowe Christopher W. , Fradgley Elizabeth A. , Paul Christine
Published: July 2023

Background

Patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) can provide valuable metrics in clinical trials and cancer registries. To ensure relevance, patient participation must be optimized and PROMs be highly acceptable to patients. There are few data reporting methods to maximize recruitment and a lack of consensus regarding appropriate PROMs for thyroid cancer survivors.

Methods

All patients with a new diagnosis of thyroid (excluding micropapillary and anaplastic) cancer within a single Australian health district between January 2020 and December 2021 were invited to complete PROMs electronically, and self‐report ease of use and comprehensiveness of each tool. Participants completed Short Form‐12 (SF‐12), European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30), City of Hope Quality of Life‐Thyroid Version (COH‐TV) and Thyroid Cancer Quality of Life Survey (ThyCaQoL). Semi‐structured qualitative telephone interviews explored patient priorities. An enhanced, multimodal recruitment strategy was instituted after 12 months due to low response rates.

Results

Survey completion improved under enhanced recruitment (37/62, 60% versus 19/64, 30%, P = 0.0007) with no differences in demographic or clinical characteristics. Few (4%–7%) respondents rated surveys as difficult to complete. No single PROM comprehensively captured health‐related quality of life, with disease‐specific tools performing marginally better (54% ThyCaQoL and 52% CoH‐TV) compared to generic tools (38% SF‐12 and 42% EOROTC‐QLQ‐C30). Qualitative data suggested that concurrent diagnoses, and survey invitation prior to surgery, made surveys more difficult to complete.

Conclusion

A comprehensive and representative assessment of PROMs in thyroid cancer survivors requires the use of multiple survey tools and specialized staff to maximize recruitment.
Barriers to and facilitators of success for early and Mid‐Career professionals focused on bipolar disorder: A global needs survey by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders
Authors: Sperry Sarah H. , Douglas Katie M. , Dean Olivia M. , Fries Gabriel R. , Gomes Fabiano A. , Hosang Georgina M. , Morton Emma , Sandorffy Bronya , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E. , Xu Ni , Huber Rebekah S.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders created the Early Mid‐Career Committee (EMCC) to support career development of the next generation of researchers and clinicians specializing in bipolar disorder (BD). To develop new infrastructure and initiatives, the EMCC completed a Needs Survey of the current limitations and gaps that restrict recruitment and retention of researchers and clinicians focused on BD.

Methods

The EMCC Needs Survey was developed through an iterative process, relying on literature and content expertise of workgroup members. The survey included 8 domains: navigating transitional career stages, creating and fostering mentorship, research activities, raising academic profile, clinical‐research balance, networking and collaboration, community engagement, work‐life balance. The final survey was deployed from May to August 2022 and was available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Chinese.

Results

Three hundred participants across six continents completed the Needs Survey. Half of the participants self‐identified as belonging to an underrepresented group in health‐related sciences (i.e., from certain gender, racial, ethnic, cultural, or disadvantaged backgrounds including individuals with disabilities). Quantitative results and qualitative content analysis revealed key barriers to pursuing a research career focused on BD with unique challenges specific to scientific writing and grant funding. Participants highlighted mentorship as a key facilitator of success in research and clinical work.

Conclusion

The results of the Needs Survey are a call to action to support early‐ and midcareer professionals pursuing a career in BD. Interventions required to address the identified barriers will take coordination, creativity, and resources to develop, implement, and encourage uptake but will have long‐lasting benefits for research, clinical practice, and ultimately those affected by BD.
Multimodal quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the thalamus in tinnitus patients with different outcomes after sound therapy
Authors: Chen Qian , Lv Han , Wang Zhaodi , Li Xiaoshuai , Wang Xinghao , Huang Yuyou , Zhao Pengfei , Yang Zhenghan , Gong Shusheng , Wang Zhenchang
Published: July 2023

Aims

This study systematically investigated structural and functional alterations in the thalamus and its subregions using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and examined its clinical relevance in tinnitus patients with different outcomes after sound therapy (narrowband noise).

Methods

In total, 60 patients with persistent tinnitus and 57 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Based on treatment efficacy, 28 patients were categorized into the effective group and 32 into the ineffective group. Five MRI measurements of the thalamus and its seven subregions, including gray matter volume, fractional anisotropy, fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation, and functional connectivity (FC), were obtained for each participant and compared between the groups.

Results

Patients in both the groups exhibited widespread functional and diffusion abnormalities in the whole thalamus and several subregions, with more obvious changes observed in the effective group. All tinnitus patients had abnormal FC compared with the HCs; FC differences between the two patient groups were only observed in the striatal network, auditory‐related cortex, and the core area of the limbic system. We combined the multimodal quantitative thalamic alterations and used it as an imaging indicator to evaluate prognosis before sound therapy and achieved a sensitivity of 71.9% and a specificity of 85.7%.

Conclusion

Similar patterns of thalamic alterations were identified in tinnitus patients with different outcomes, with more obvious changes observed in the effective group. Our findings support the tinnitus generation hypothesis of frontostriatal gating system dysfunction. A combination of multimodal quantitative thalamic properties may be used as indicators to predict tinnitus prognosis before sound therapy.
Should anorectal manometry be routine before stoma reversal in patients after an intersphincteric resection?
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Jajoo Bhushan , Rohila Jitender , Dohale Sayali , Nashikkar Chaitali , Sainani Rajesh , Bhuta Prajesh , Desouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is sometimes performed before ostomy reversal in patients with an intersphincteric resection (ISR) to predict bowel function. However, no clinical predictive data exist regarding its utility.

Methods

The single‐centre, retrospective data of ISR patients who had an ARM prior to ostomy reversal, and bowel functional assessment with the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and Wexner incontinence scores at least 6 months after reversal, were considered. Correlation statistics were performed with each of the manometric parameters and functional outcome categories.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients were included. The median basal and squeeze pressures were 41 and 100 mmHg, respectively. Any LARS (score ≥20) and major incontinence (score ≥11) was observed in 51.7% and 16.9%, respectively. None of the manometric parameters (median basal or maximum squeeze pressure, anal canal length, volume at urge and the ability to expel) correlated with LARS or incontinence.

Conclusions

Anorectal manometry (ARM) before ostomy reversal to predict bowel function at 6 months or beyond was not helpful in patients with an ISR and diverting stoma. No manometric parameter correlated with the LARS or Wexner incontinence scores.
Reliability of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List questionnaire
Authors: Stout Jean L. , Thill Marissa , Munger Meghan E. , Walt Kathryn , Boyer Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To report the test–retest reliability of the parent version of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) questionnaire for item, domain, total score, and goal importance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) functioning in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III.

Method

The GOAL questionnaire was completed twice, 3 to 31 days apart, in a prospective cohort study of 112 caregivers of children aged 4 to 17 years with CP (40% unilateral; GMFCS level I = 53; II = 35; III = 24; 76 males). All had an outpatient visit over a 1‐year period. The standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change, and agreement were calculated for all responses, including goal importance.

Results

The SEM for the total score was 3.1 points for the cohort (GMFCS level I = 2.3, GMFCS level II = 3.8, GMFCS level III = 3.6). The standardized domain and item scores were less reliable than the total score and varied according to GMFCS level. The gait function and mobility domain exhibited the best reliability for the cohort (SEM = 4.4), whereas the use of braces and mobility aids domain exhibited the lowest (SEM = 11.9). Goal importance was reliable (cohort average agreement 73%).

Interpretation

The parent version of GOAL has acceptable levels of test–retest reliability for most domains and items. Caution is advised when interpreting the least reliable scores. Essential information necessary for accurate interpretation is provided.

What this paper adds

The standard error of measurement (SEM) of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) total score was approximately 3 points.

The SEM of the GOAL domain score ranged from 4 to 12 points.

The use of braces and mobility aids domain had the lowest reliability score.

Item‐level reliability varied according to domain and Gross Motor Function Classification System level.

Caregivers reliably identified item importance with approximately 73% agreement.
Genetic evidence for the causal linkage between telomere length and aortic aneurysm risk: A Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Zhang Ronghuai , Wu Min , Ma Meijuan , Liu Bo , Zhang Xuejun , Wei Na , Wang Ting , Lv Ying , Xu Cuixiang , Wang Junkui , Zhang Yulian , Liu Fuqiang
Published: July 2023

Background

Evidence of a clear causal relationship between telomere length and aortic aneurysms is limited by the potential for confounding or reverse causation effects. In this study, we used a Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach to investigate this putative causal association.

Methods

In total, 118 telomere length‐associated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, identified in 472,174 individuals of European ancestry, were used as the instrumental variables. Summary statistics for genome‐wide association studies of aortic aneurysms were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. For the primary MR analyses, the inverse‐variance weighted random‐effects method was used and was supplemented with multivariable MR, weighted median and MR‐Egger approaches. The MR‐Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test and ‘leave‐one‐out’ sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity and stability of the genetic variants. Forward and reverse MR analyses were performed.

Results

All forward univariable MR analyses showed that longer telomere lengths decreased aortic aneurysm risks (total aortic aneurysms: OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.67–0.96, p = .015; thoracic aortic aneurysms: OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.98, p = .026; abdominal aortic aneurysms: OR = 0.525, 95% CI 0.398–0.69, p < .001), whereas all reverse MR analyses suggested the absence of aortic aneurysm liability on telomere length. The sensitivity analysis results were robust, and no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was observed.

Conclusions

Our results support a possible causal association between telomere length and aortic aneurysms, providing new insights into the involvement of telomere biology in this condition and offering a potential avenue for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Polarization of employment and wages in China
Authors: Fleisher Belton M. , McGuire William H. , Su Yaqin , Zhao Min Qiang
Published: July 2023

In China, between 1995 and 2018, the proportion of workers employed in unskilled job categories grew, while the share holding middle‐skilled jobs declined. The resulting income polarization magnified a major redistribution of wages within job categories, which is not only the main component of total income inequality but is also the driving factor contributing to changes in total income inequality over the 1995–2018 period. Our counterfactual simulation results support our conjecture that the large employment shift from middle‐skilled to unskilled jobs reflects the adoption of labor‐saving technologies and the response to increased demand for services. We believe that our study sheds light on similar transformations in other developing economies.
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in neurocritical care: A critical reappraisal of outcome prediction scores
Authors: Bögli Stefan Y. , Schmidt Tanja , Imbach Lukas L. , Nellessen Friederike , Brandi Giovanna
Published: July 2023

Objective

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a frequent condition in the neurocritical care unit (NCCU) patient population, with high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess the validity of available outcome prediction scores for prognostication in an NCCU patient population in relation to their admission reason (NCSE vs. non‐NCSE related).

Methods

All 196 consecutive patients diagnosed with NCSE during the NCCU stay between January 2010 and December 2020 were included. Demographics, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), NCSE characteristics, and in‐hospital and 3‐month outcome were extracted from the electronic charts. Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS), Epidemiology‐Based Mortality Score in Status Epilepticus (EMSE), and encephalitis, NCSE, diazepam resistance, imaging features, and tracheal intubation score (END‐IT) were evaluated as previously described. Univariable and multivariable analysis and comparison of sensitivity/specificity/positive and negative predictive values/accuracy were performed.

Results

A total of 30.1% died during the hospital stay, and 63.5% of survivors did not achieve favorable outcome at 3 months after onset of NCSE. Patients admitted primarily due to NCSE had longer NCSE duration and were more likely to be intubated at diagnosis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for SAPS II, EMSE, and STESS when predicting mortality was between .683 and .762. The ROC for SAPS II, EMSE, STESS, and END‐IT when predicting 3‐month outcome was between .649 and .710. The accuracy in predicting mortality/outcome was low, when considering both proposed cutoffs and optimized cutoffs (estimated using the Youden Index) as well as when adjusting for admission reason.

Significance

The scores EMSE, STESS, and END‐IT perform poorly when predicting outcome of patients with NCSE in an NCCU environment. They should be interpreted cautiously and only in conjunction with other clinical data in this particular patient group.
YKL‐40 immunoexpression as a prognosticator of mycosis fungoides
Authors: Neinaa Yomna Mazid El‐Hamd , Elsayed Hadeer Tarek Ismaiel , Alshenawy Hanan Alsaeid , Gamei Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: July 2023

Background

YKL‐40 is a 40 kDa chitinase‐like glycoprotein that is predicted to contribute to the pathogenesis of several inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.

Objectives

To assess YKL‐40 immunoexpression in different stages of mycosis fungoides (MF) to find out if YKL‐40 is playing a possible role in disease pathophysiology and progression.

Methods

This work included 50 patients with different stages of MF diagnosed on the basis of clinical, histopathological, and both CD4 and CD8 immunophenotyping, in addition to 25 normal control skin. The Immune Reactive Score (IRS) of YKL‐40 expression was determined in all specimens and statistically analyzed.

Results

YKL‐40 expression reported a significant rise in MF lesions compared to control skin. Among MF specimens, the mildest expression was observed in the early patch stage followed by the plaque stage, while the strongest was in tumor stages. Positive correlations were discovered between IRS of YKL‐40 expression in MF specimens and patients' age, disease chronicity, clinical staging, and TNMB classification.

Conclusion

YKL‐40 might participate in MF pathophysiology, and the highest expression is associated with advanced stages of the disease and poor outcomes. Therefore, it might be of value as a prognosticator for monitoring high‐risk MF patients and follow‐up assessment of treatment success.
Colour properties and tannin concentrations of polymeric phenolic materials extracted from Pinot Noir wines of a single NZ producer
Authors: Zhao Meijing , Harrison Roland , Frost Andrew , Tian Bin
Published: July 2023

Polymeric phenolic material (PPM) was separated from monomeric anthocyanins by removing the latter using isoamyl alcohol in 22 Pinot Noir wines of different vintages and grades. The colour and tannin concentrations of PPM were determined using a modified Somers assay and methylcellulose precipitation (MCP) tannin assay, respectively. With wine age increasing, the ratio of absorbance at 520 nm at pH 1.0 to that at 3.4 decreased from 2.6 to 1.1. This decreasing trend with wine age is reported for the first time in Pinot Noir wines. The presence of bleachable polymeric pigments was also observed in PPM, and the degree of ionisation of these bleachable pigments increased along with wine age. Statistical analysis demonstrated the dominant effect of age on colour properties of PPM, regardless of vintage and grade. In contrast, total phenolics and tannin concentration mainly related to vintage, rather than age.
RETRACTED: Association between malnutrition and surgical site wound infection among spinal surgery patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Jiang , Du Yuxuan , Tan Zejiu , Tang Hao
Published: July 2023

A surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of spinal surgery. Malnutrition has also been linked to SSI after other surgical procedures. However, whether malnutrition is a risk factor for SSI after spinal surgery remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between malnutrition and SSI. Relevant studies of the correlation between malnutrition and SSI were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data from database inception to 21 May 2023. Two reviewers independently assessed the included studies, and a meta‐analysis was performed using STATA 17.0 software. A total of 24 articles with 179 388 patients were included: 3919 and 175 469 cases comprised the SSI and control groups, respectively. The meta‐analysis results showed that malnutrition significantly increased the SSI incidence (odds ratio, 1.811; 95% confidence interval, 1.512–2.111; p < 0.001). These results suggest that patients with malnutrition are at higher risk for SSI after surgery. However, because of significant differences in sample sizes among studies, and because some studies had limitations to their methodological quality, further validation of these results by additional high‐quality studies with larger sample sizes is necessary.
Parents' perspectives on reasonable adjustments in acute healthcare for people with intellectual disability: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Moloney Mairead , Hennessy Therese , Doody Owen
Published: July 2023

Aim

To describe parents' perspectives on reasonable adjustments in acute healthcare for people with intellectual disability (ID).

Background

People with ID are vulnerable in terms of their health needs and marginalized when accessing and utilizing acute healthcare services. Reasonable adjustments are positive measures that can help alleviate health disparities. However, despite significant research advocating their use, evidence of implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute healthcare practice is limited.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with six parents of children with ID, who had accessed and used acute healthcare services. The interviews were conducted between January and May 2022, audio‐recordings were transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Parents described limited or no experiences of reasonable adjustments when accessing or utilizing acute healthcare services for their children. The findings are captured in three themes; describing the reality, understanding the impact and signposting the future. The findings highlight a lack of implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute healthcare which negatively impacts the experience of all stakeholders.

Conclusion

There is a pressing need for reasonable adjustments to be implemented at a strategic level across acute healthcare services, so that people with ID and their families can access person‐centred acute healthcare when needed.

Impact

The research findings will inform researchers interested in reasonable adjustments and implementation research, and those interested in advocating for the rights of people with ID.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the Equator research reporting checklist: Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research: a 32‐item checklist for interviews and focus groups.

Patient or Public Contribution

A parent of a child with an ID was part of the research team informing the design, data collection, data analysis and write‐up of this article.
Processing of cooked marinated chicken breast: Evaluation of the final product and wastewater
Authors: da Silva Heloísa Righi Pessoa , Batistela Vagner Roberto , Porciuncula Barbara Daniele Almeida , Barros Beatriz Cervejeira Bolanho
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the process of marination of chicken breast, assess the characteristics of the final product (cooked and diced) and determine wastewater generation and composition. Breast fillet samples were marinated, and tumbled at 4 rpm and 540 mmHg for 60 min. Different formulations were prepared by varying the brine (20.15%–9.15% w/w) to chicken breast (79.85%–90.85% w/w) ratio. Wastewater generation decreased from 82.95 to 10.67 m3 t−1 by reducing the proportion of brine used in formulations. Moisture content, protein content, and hardness of final products ranged from 68.97 to 70.43 g 100 g−1, 61.63 to 64.55 g 100 g−1, and 22.52 to 30.06 N, respectively. The standard formulation and that prepared with the lowest brine proportion had similar sensory attributes, indicating that brine reduction is a viable strategy to decrease the volume and organic load of the resulting wastewater, increasing the sustainability of the agroindustrial chain.

Practical Applications

The definition of the conditions of tumbling, together with the choice of the best proportion of chicken breast fillet and brine used in the marination of chicken breast fillet, promote the reduction of the volume of wastewater generated by the industry, and, increases its degradability. Moreover, the final product (chicken breast diced and cooked) obtained in the modified process have physical–chemical and sensory properties similar to the conventional product.
Clinical characteristics of absent contractility and ineffective esophageal motility: a multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Ikebuchi Yuichiro , Sato Hiroki , Ikeda Haruo , Abe Hirofumi , Ominami Masaki , Shiota Junya , Sato Chiaki , Fukuda Hisashi , Ogawa Ryo , Tatsuta Tetsuya , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Isomoto Hajime , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Absent contractility (AC) and ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) are esophageal hypomotility disorders diagnosed using high‐resolution manometry (HRM). Patient characteristics and disease course of these conditions and differential diagnosis between AC and achalasia are yet to be elucidated.

Methods

A multicenter study involving 10 high‐volume hospitals was conducted. Starlet HRM findings were compared between AC and achalasia. Patient characteristics including underlying disorders and disease courses were analyzed in AC and IEM.

Results

Fifty‐three patients with AC and 92 with IEM were diagnosed, while achalasia was diagnosed in 1784 patients using the Chicago classification v3.0 (CCv3.0). The cut‐off integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) value at 15.7 mmHg showed maximum sensitivity (0.80) and specificity (0.87) for differential diagnosis of AC from type I achalasia. While most ACs were based on systemic disorders such as scleroderma (34%) and neuromuscular diseases (8%), 23% were sporadic cases. The symptom severity of AC was not higher than that of IEM. Regarding the diagnosis of IEM, the more stringent CCv4.0 excluded 14.1% of IEM patients than the CCv3.0, although patient characteristics did not change. In patients with the hypomotile esophagus, concomitance of reflux esophagitis was associated with low distal contractile integral and IRP values. AC and IEM transferred between each other, paralleling with the underlying disease course, although no transition to achalasia was observed.

Conclusion

A successful determination of the optimal cut‐off IRP value was achieved using the starlet HRM system to differentiate AC and achalasia. Follow‐up HRM is also useful for differentiating AC from achalasia. Symptom severity may depend on underlying diseases instead of hypomotility severity.
Investigating the interfaces of the epiphyseal plate: An integrated approach of histochemistry, microtomography and SEM
Authors: Zecca Piero Antonio , Reguzzoni Marcella , Borgese Marina , Protasoni Marina , Filibian Marta , Raspanti Mario
Published: July 2023

We investigated the interfaces of the epiphyseal plate with over‐ and underlying bone segments using an integrated approach of histochemistry, microtomography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to overcome the inherent limitations of sections‐based techniques. Microtomography was able to provide an unobstructed, frontal view of large expanses of the two bone surfaces facing the growth plate, while SEM observation after removal of the soft matrix granted an equally unhindered access with a higher resolution. The two interfaces appeared widely dissimilar. On the diaphyseal side the hypertrophic chondrocytes were arranged in tall columns packed in a sort of compact palisade; the interposed extracellular matrix was actively calcifying into a thick mineralized crust growing towards the epiphysis. Behind the mineralization front, histochemical data revealed a number of surviving cartilage islets which were being slowly remodelled into bone. In contrast, the epiphyseal side of the cartilage consisted of a relatively quiescent reserve zone whose mineralization was marginal in amount and discontinuous in extension; the epiphyseal bone consisted of a loose trabecular meshwork, with ample vascular spaces opening directly into the non‐mineralized cartilage. On both sides the calcification process took place through the formation of spheroidal bodies 1–2 μm wide which gradually grew by apposition and coalesced into a solid mass, in a way distinctly different from that of bone and other calcified tissues.
Reconstructed magnetic resonance image‐based effusion volume assessment for temporomandibular joint arthralgia
Authors: Xu Jiali , Wang Dongmei , Yang Chunhua , Wang Fangfang , Wang Meiqing
Published: July 2023

Background

Joint effusion is often noticed in magnetic resonance image (MRI) and its diagnostic value for arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) remains obscure.

Objective

To develop a method for quantitatively evaluating the joint effusion revealed in MRI and its diagnostic value for arthralgia of the TMJ.

Methods

Two‐hundreds and twenty‐eight TMJs, 101 with arthralgia (Group P) and 105 without (Group NP) from 103 patients, and 22 TMJs (Group CON) from 11 asymptomatic volunteers were examined by using MRI. The effusion volume was measured after constructing a three‐dimensional structure of the joint effusion revealed in MRI by using the ITK‐SNAP software. The diagnostic capabilities of the effusion volume on arthralgia were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Totally 146 joints showed MRI signs of joint effusion, including nine joints from Group CON. However, the medium volume was greater in Group P (66.65 mm3), but was much similar in Group CON (18.33 mm3) to Group NP (27.12 mm3). The effusion volume larger than 38.20 mm3 was validated to discriminate Group P from Group NP. The AUC value was 0.801 (95% CI 0.728 to 0.874), with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 78.9%. The median volume of the joint effusion was larger in those with than without bone marrow oedema, osteoarthritis, Type‐III disc configurations, disc displacement and higher signal intensity of the retrodiscal tissue (all, p < .05).

Conclusion

The present method for evaluate joint effusion volume well discriminated painful TMJs from non‐pain ones.
Disruption of serotonin biosynthesis increases resistance to striped stem borer without changing innate defense response in rice
Authors: Wang Long , Lu Haiping , Zhang Xiaoyan , He Yuxin , Zhang Jiarun , Guo Xiaohao , Fu Haowei , Ye Gongyin , Shu Qingyao
Published: July 2023

Striped stem borer (SSB) is one of the most damaging pests in rice production worldwide. Previously, we preliminarily demonstrated that indica rice Jiazhe LM, an OsT5H (encoding tryptamine‐5‐hydroxylase) knockout mutant deficient in serotonin, had increased resistance to SSB as compared with its wildtype parent Jiazhe B. However, the full scenario of SSB resistance and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. In this study, we first demonstrated that the OsT5H knockout could generally increase rice resistance to SSB and then proved that the OsT5H knockout does not disrupt the innate defense response of rice plants to SSB infestation, that is, OsT5H knockout mutations neither had significant effect on the transcriptional response of defense genes upon SSB infestation, nor the profile of defense related metabolites and plant hormones, such as lignin, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid, nor the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes and the ROS contents. We then demonstrated that supplementation of serotonin promoted SSB growth and performance in artificial diet feeding experiments. We observed that SSB larvae feeding on Jiazhe B had serotonin 1.72‐ to 2.30‐fold that of those feeding on Jiazhe LM at the whole body level, and more than 3.31 and 1.84 times in the hemolymph and head, respectively. Further studies showed that the expression of genes involved in serotonin biosynthesis and transport was ~88.1% greater in SSB larvae feeding on Jiahze LM than those feeding on Jiazhe B. These observations indicated that SSB increases serotonin synthesis when feeding on serotonin deficient rice but is unable to fully compensate the dietary serotonin deficiency. Put together, the present study strongly suggests that it is the deficiency of serotonin, not the secondary effect of OsT5H knockout on innate defense response confers the SSB resistance in rice, which implies that reducing serotonin level, particularly through inhibition of its inductive synthesis upon SSB damage, could be an efficient strategy for breeding SSB resistant varieties.
Amelioration of gamma irradiation‐induced salivary gland damage in mice using melatonin
Authors: Ren Jingming , Zhu Tong , Wang Zhouxuan , Lu Lu , Fan Saijun
Published: July 2023

Salivary gland damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR) severely affects the patient quality of life and influences the efficacy of radiotherapy. Most current treatment modalities are palliative, so effective prevention of damage caused by IR is essential. Melatonin (MLT) is an antioxidant that has been reported to prevent IR‐induced damage in a range of systems, including the hematopoietic system and gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we explored the effects of MLT on whole‐neck irradiation (WNI)‐induced salivary gland damage in mice. The results revealed that by protecting the channel protein AQP‐5, MLT not only alleviates salivary gland dysfunction and maintains salivary flow rate, but also protects salivary gland structure and inhibits the WNI‐induced reduction in mucin production and degree of fibrosis. Compared with WNI‐treated mice, in those receiving MLT, we observed a modulation of oxidative stress in salivary glands via its effects on 8‐OHdG and SOD2, as well as an inhibition of DNA damage and apoptosis. With respect to its radioprotective mechanism, we found that MLT may alleviate WNI‐induced xerostomia partly by regulating RPL18A. In vitro, we demonstrated that MLT has radioprotective effects on salivary gland stem cells (SGSCs). In conclusion, our data this study indicate that MLT can effectively alleviate radiation‐induced damage in salivary glands, thereby providing a new candidate for the prevention of WNI‐induced xerostomia.
In ovo injection of soy isoflavones on hatching performance and intestinal development of newly hatched chicks
Authors: Abdelghani Ezaldeen , Fathi Mohamed A. , Li Zhaojian , Dai Pengyuan , Li Yansen , Li Chunmei
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection of soy isoflavones (ISF) on hatchability, body weight, antioxidant status and intestinal development of newly hatched broiler chicks. One hundred and eighty fertile eggs were divided as follows: the control group, 3 mg/egg ISF (low dose) and 6 mg/egg ISF (high dose) on the 18th day of incubation. The results demonstrated that in ovo inclusion of 6 mg of ISF significantly increased hatchability and hatch weight. Both doses of ISF inclusion elevated the serum glutathione peroxidase and slightly decreased malondialdehyde compared to the control group. The high dose of ISF brings higher villus height and a higher villus/crypt ratio in chicks. Moreover, the mRNA levels of tumour necrosis factor‐ α and interferon‐gamma in the spleen were significantly decreased. The ISF treatments showed an improvement in intestinal enzyme expression levels of sucrose isomaltase and mucin 2  as well as tight junction protein (TJ) mRNA expression of claudin‐1 at high doses of ISF (p < 0.05) when compared with the other groups. Furthermore, the mRNA level of IGF‐1 was increased in the high doses of ISF compared to the control. Overall, these findings indicate that in ovo administration of ISF on the 18th day of incubation enhances hatchability, antioxidant status and intestinal morphometrics in hatched chicks and modulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, TJs and insulin‐like growth factor. In addition, the sustainability of antioxidants and other positive effects of ISF may increase chick viability and growth performance.
I through thou, and we through I: Dietrich von Hildebrand and Karol Wojtyla on the personal foundation of community
Authors: Matiashvili Lasha
Published: July 2023

This article is an attempt to scrutinize the phenomenological social ontology of Dietrich von Hildebrand and Karol Wojtyla by drawing on the particular role and nature of interpersonal relatedness and second‐person engagement in the constitution of first‐person‐plural perspective. Both Hildebrand and Wojtyla endorse the unique value of the person and personality as the foundational principle for different dimensions of community, including the face‐to‐face “I‐thou” way of being together and more complex, even anonymous, we communities. Both philosophers deny the constitutive primacy of first‐person plural over first‐person singular, the only exception being the mystical body of Christ when “I” is conditioned and formed by “we.” Moreover, what they have in common is the critical reappraisal of one stream in the phenomenological movement, first and foremost associated with Max Scheler's conception of the possibility of a “collective person.” Drawing on Hildebrand's and Wojtyla's accounts, the article endorses the view regarding the relational character of “I,” “thou,” and “we,” claiming that “we” hinges on an experiential dimension of “I.”
Serine proteases autotransporter of Enterobacteriaceae: Structures, subdomains, motifs, functions, and targets
Authors: Navarro‐Garcia Fernando
Published: July 2023

Serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) constitute a superfamily of virulence factors, resembling the trypsin‐like superfamily of serine proteases. SPATEs accomplish multiple functions associated to disease development of their hosts, which could be the consequence of SPATE cleavage of host cell components. SPATEs have been divided into class‐1 and class‐2 based on structural differences and biological effects, including similar substrate specificity, cytotoxic effects on cultured cells, and enterotoxin activity on intestinal tissues for class‐1 SPATEs, whereas most class‐2 SPATEs exhibit a lectin‐like activity with a predilection to degrade a variety of mucins, including leukocyte surface O‐glycoproteins and soluble host proteins, resulting in mucosal colonization and immune modulation. In this review, the structure of class‐1 and class‐2 are analyzed, making emphasis on their putative functional subdomains as well as a description of their function is provided, including prototypical mechanism of action.
Adult‐onset megacolon with focal hypoganglionosis: A detailed phenotyping and prospective cohort study
Authors: Yoon Jiyoung , Jung Kee Wook , Ham Nam Seok , Kim Jihun , Do Yoon Suh , Kim Seon Ok , Choi Sang Hyun , Kim Dong Wook , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Yoon Yong Sik , Kim Chan Wook , Yu Chang Sik , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Martin Joanne E. , Knowles Charles H. , Myung Seung‐Jae
Published: July 2023

Background

In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated features of “adult‐onset megacolon with focal hypoganglionosis.”

Methods

We assessed the radiologic, endoscopic, and histopathologic phenotyping and treatment outcomes of 29 patients between 2017 and 2020. Data from community controls, consisting of 19,948 adults undergoing health screenings, were analyzed to identify risk factors. Experts reviewed clinical features and pathological specimens according to the London Classification for gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology.

Key results

The median age of the patients with adult‐onset megacolon with focal hypoganglionosis at symptom onset was 59 years (range, 32.0–74.9 years), with mean symptom onset only 1 year before diagnosis. All patients had focal stenotic regions with proximal bowel dilatation (mean diameter, 78.8 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 72–86). The comparison with community controls showed no obvious risk factors. Ten patients underwent surgery, and all exhibited significant hypoganglionosis: 5.4 myenteric ganglion cells/cm (interquartile range [IQR], 3.7–16.4) in the stenotic regions compared to 278 cells/cm (IQR, 190–338) in the proximal and 95 cells/cm (IQR, 45–213) in the distal colon. Hypoganglionosis was associated with CD3+ T cells along the myenteric plexus. Colectomy was associated with significant symptom improvement compared to medical treatment [change in the Global Bowel Satisfaction score, −5.4 points (surgery) vs. ‐0.3 points (medical treatment); p < 0.001].

Conclusions and inferences

Adult‐onset megacolon with focal hypoganglionosis has distinct features characterized by hypoganglionosis due to inflammation. Bowel resection appears to benefit these patients.
A woman's tradition? Quantifying gender difference in the Child ballads
Authors: Duggan Lucie
Published: July 2023

While the major ballad‐collecting efforts of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were largely carried out by men, the academic discourse surrounding ballads gendered traditional balladry—orally transmitted narrative poetry—as a woman's tradition. Subsequent ballad scholarship of the twentieth century perpetuated the antiquarian notion of a specifically female ballad tradition, and yet it has remained unclear whether and how this women's tradition should be considered distinct from, for example, a male ballad tradition. This study suggests that a quantitative approach can be used to investigate the question of difference in women's and men's ballad repertoires in the period spanning the mid‐eighteenth century to the close of the nineteenth. Employing Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC) software to examine the definitive ballad anthology—the Child collection—this study finds that the notion of a woman's tradition goes beyond stereotypical notions of repertoires gendered by genre; women's ballads are instead found to be characterised by distinctive linguistic patterns that convey a strong focus on female subjectivity.