bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under warm ambient conditions, Drosophila melanogaster suppresses nighttime activity via the neuropeptide pigment dispersing factor
Authors: Iyengar Aishwariya Srikala , Kulkarni Rutvij , Sheeba Vasu
Published: March 2022

Rhythmic locomotor behaviour of flies is controlled by an endogenous time‐keeping mechanism, the circadian clock, and is influenced by environmental temperatures. Flies inherently prefer cool temperatures around 25°C, and under such conditions, time their locomotor activity to occur at dawn and dusk. Under relatively warmer conditions such as 30°C, flies shift their activity into the night, advancing their morning activity bout into the early morning, before lights‐ON, and delaying their evening activity into early night. The molecular basis for such temperature‐dependent behavioural modulation has been associated with core circadian clock genes, but the neuronal basis is not yet clear. Under relatively cool temperatures such as 25°C, the role of the circadian pacemaker ventrolateral neurons (LNvs), along with a major neuropeptide secreted by them, pigment dispersing factor (PDF), has been showed in regulating various aspects of locomotor activity rhythms. However, the role of the LNvs and PDF in warm temperature‐mediated behavioural modulation has not been explored. We show here that flies lacking proper PDF signalling or the LNvs altogether, cannot suppress their locomotor activity resulting in loss of sleep during the middle of the night, and thus describe a novel role for PDF signalling and the LNvs in behavioural modulation under warm ambient conditions. In a rapidly warming world, such behavioural plasticity may enable organisms to respond to harsh temperatures in the environment.
OCA‐B does not act as a transcriptional coactivator in T cells
Authors: Lombard‐Vadnais Félix , Lacombe Julie , Chabot‐Roy Geneviève , Ferron Mathieu , Lesage Sylvie
Published: March 2022

Pou2af1 encodes for OCA‐B, a coactivator of OCT‐1/2 transcription factors, which plays a key role in B‐cell maturation. The function of OCA‐B has also been studied in T cells, where T cells from Pou2af1−/− mice have impaired functions, such as cytokine production and T follicular helper (Tfh) differentiation. Arguably, some of these T‐cell phenotypes may result from impaired T–B interactions, secondary to the well‐documented B‐cell defects in Pou2af1−/− mice. Yet, Pou2af1 is actively transcribed in activated T cells, suggesting a T‐cell‐intrinsic role. To isolate the T‐cell‐intrinsic impact of Pou2af1, we generated Pou2af1fl/fl mice with specific genetic disruption of Pou2af1 either in all hematopoietic cells or exclusively in T cells. While we confirm that Pou2af1 is expressed in activated T cells, we surprisingly find that T‐cell cytokine production is not impaired in Pou2af1‐deficient T cells. Moreover, Pou2af1‐sufficient and Pou2af1‐deficient T cells have comparable transcriptome profiles, arguing against a T‐cell‐intrinsic role for Pou2af1. In line with these observations, we demonstrate that Tfh maturation is influenced by T‐cell‐extrinsic deletion of Pou2af1, as observed both in competitive bone marrow chimeras and in Pou2af1fl/fl mice with specific deletion in B cells. Overall, this study provides strong evidence that Pou2af1 does not act as a transcriptional coactivator in T cells, and conclusively demonstrates that loss of OCA‐B in B cells indirectly impacts Tfh differentiation, clarifying the role of OCA‐B in the immune system.
The patient's perspective of diabetic foot ulceration: A phenomenological exploration of causes, detection and care seeking
Authors: Crocker Rebecca M. , Tan Tze‐Woei , Palmer Kelly N. B. , Marrero David G.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Diabetic foot ulceration can contribute to lowered life expectancy and quality of life for people with diabetes, and yet, scant attention has been given to improving preventive and educational measures. This article uses a phenomenological approach to explore individuals' lived experiences of diabetic foot ulcerations to explore factors that can be harnessed to achieve improved outcomes.

Design

This was a qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews grounded in a phenomenological framework to explore how patients perceive and understand their foot problems.

Methods

Study participants were recruited from February 2020 to February 2021 from a tertiary referral centre that treats foot problems in persons with diabetes. A total of 15 Hispanic, Native American and White patients participated in the study. We conducted in‐depth semi‐structured interviews which were audio recorded with the participant's consent. Interview data were transcribed and analysed with Dedoose data management software.

Results

Analysis revealed findings in two primary domains: (1) how patients perceive foot ulceration, with themes around limited understandings of foot ulceration, close sensory observation of foot problems and barriers to ulcer perception and (2) how patients experience the timing of foot ulceration, with themes on how time perceptions shifted as foot problems became more serious, which correlated closely to how patients responded to their foot problems.

Conclusion

Despite the close sensory observation of their feet, people with diabetes face an array of barriers to recognizing and understanding the implications of diabetic foot ulceration, which can lead to delayed care seeking. Nurses can play a critical role in promoting patient education and improving patient self‐management of foot ulcers.

Impact

This phenomenological study offers important lessons to guide nurses and other providers in enhancing patient self‐management of DFUs and improving care outcomes by expanding an understanding of DFU early warning signs, the imperative to seek medical care quickly, and addressing possible barriers.
A nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme for rebuilding sexuality and intimacy after treatment for gynaecological cancer: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chow Ka Ming , Porter‐Steele Janine , Siu Ka Yi , Choi Kai Chow , Chan Carmen W. H.
Published: March 2022

Aim

To implement a nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme for gynaecological cancer (GC) survivors and to evaluate its effects on their sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital satisfaction.

Design

An assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The development of the nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation intervention was guided by the concept of sexual health, as stated in the Neotheoretical Framework of Sexuality; the explicit permission giving, limited information, specific suggestions and intensive therapy model; and evidence‐based nursing interventions for sexuality. Four intervention sessions will be delivered along the treatment trajectory. Women newly diagnosed (within 3 months) with GC will be recruited from the gynaecological units of three hospitals in Hong Kong. The participants (N = 172) will be randomly assigned to the intervention group to receive the nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme, or to an attention control group to receive attention on four occasions during the same period when the intervention group receives the intervention. Sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital quality will be measured at baseline, 1 month after the completion of cancer treatment, after completion of the sexual rehabilitation programme and 12 months after cancer treatment. Semi‐structured interviews will be conducted with the participants in the intervention group to explore their experiences with and feelings towards the programme. The study was funded in March 2019 and ethics approval was obtained in January 2019.

Discussion

Positive outcomes of the nurse‐led sexual rehabilitation programme will contribute to scientific and practical knowledge about nursing interventions to help GC survivors and their partners to resume a satisfying intimate relationship and adapt to changes in sexuality after treatment.

Impact

This study will contribute to the evidence for and advance research on the effectiveness of nurse‐led sexuality rehabilitation interventions to support women and their partners to rebuild sexuality and intimacy after treatment for GC.
Delivering a holistic hospital‐to‐home framework to support family caregivers of persons with dementia: Protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Chan Ee‐Yuee , Glass Jr George Frederick
Published: March 2022

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility of the Carer Matters holistic hospital‐to‐home framework for family caregivers of people with dementia.

Background

Family caregivers of persons with dementia face a unique blend of stressors, from behavioural management to navigating the healthcare system. It is important to provide support and assistance to help caregivers cope to enable a sustained capacity for caregiving. This led to our establishment of Carer Matters, the first holistic caregiver‐centric hospital‐to‐home framework of support for caregivers of persons with dementia in Singapore.

Methods

A multimethod study design will be used. We will assess the programme's feasibility and effectiveness using a Theory of Change approach, with findings synthesized using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework. Our study will involve six inpatient wards of a 1700‐bedded acute care hospital over 12 months. Qualitative data will be obtained from interviews of stakeholders—caregivers, healthcare professionals, hospital leaders and community leaders. Quantitative data will be collected from programme logs, surveys and evaluation forms that capture self‐reported levels of mastery, anxiety, burden, and depression. Funding has been approved by the Geriatric Education and Research Institute (GERI) Intramural Project Grant (GERI Ref: GERI1626) on May 2020 for this study (£103,659), to be conducted from December 2020 to June 2022.

Discussion

The stresses faced by caregivers of persons with dementia are wide and complex, necessitating a multi‐faceted caregiver‐oriented solution to provide sustained support, empower better management and continued capacity to care. Our study would provide insights on the feasibility and effectiveness of a caregiver‐centric support programme stretching from the hospital into the community.

Impact

These findings will provide a blueprint on how to implement a hospital‐to‐home patient‐caregiver framework and provide policymakers, clinicians, and advocacy groups with critical insights on the potential patient‐caregiver‐healthcare system outcomes that can be derived.
Working with or against the system: Nurses' and midwives' process of providing abortion care in the context of gender‐based violence in Australia
Authors: Mainey Lydia , O'mullan Catherine , Reid‐Searl Kerry
Published: March 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to explain the process through which Australian nurses and midwives provide abortion care to people affected by gender‐based violence (GBV).

Design

A constructivist grounded theory study.

Methods

This study took place between 2019 and 2021. The lead author conducted semi‐structured interviews with 18 Australian nurses and midwives who provided abortion care. Participants were recruited through pro‐abortion, nursing and midwifery networks using a snowballing technique. Data collection and analysis proceeded using purposive and theoretical sampling until we reached data saturation.

Findings

Participants revealed they underwent a process of working with or against the system contingent on the degree to which the system (the interconnected networks through which a pregnant person, victimized by trauma, travels) was woman centred. When participants encountered barriers to person‐centred abortion care, they bent or broke the law, local policy and cultural norms to facilitate timely holistic care. Though many participants felt professionally compromised, their resolve to continue working against the system continued.

Conclusion

Conservative abortion law, policies and clinical mores did not prevent participants from providing abortion care. The professional obligation to provide person‐centred care was a higher priority than following the official or unofficial rules of the organizations.

Impact

This study addresses the clinical care of people accessing abortions in the context of GBV. Nurses and midwives may act out against the law, organizational policies and norms if prevented from providing person‐centred care. This research is relevant for any location that restricts abortion through stigma, pro‐life influences or politics.
Effect of operating conditions of a solid‐state fermenter on structural and pasting properties of finger millet flour as applied to bread quality
Authors: Chandrasekar Veerapandian , Nambi Eyarkai Vijayaram , Sultan Shahir , John Swamy Gabriela
Published: March 2022

The effect of operating conditions such as bed thicknesses (0.075, 0.15, and 0.225 m) and air velocities (0.12, 0.24, and 0.36 m/s) of a solid‐state fermenter on the structural, rheological, and pasting properties of finger millet during solid‐state fermentation. Also, α‐amylase activity of solid‐state fermented flour was determined. Then, the breads were made from solid‐state fermented finger millet flour to assess the suitability of solid‐state fermented flour for bread making without adding the additives. The color and textural profiles of the bread were assessed. The results showed that the structural and pasting properties of solid‐state fermented finger millet got modified due to bioconversion during fermentation. However, the color values and textural characteristics of bread made from solid‐state fermented finger millet were not up to acceptable level. The study concluded that the operating conditions of solid‐state fermenter affected the bioconversion.

Practical application

Despite the phytochemicals and glycemic value, finger millet flour cannot be used as such for baking without adding additives as it has low dough functional characters. So, the functionalization of finger millet can be improved by solid‐state fermentation. The changes in structural characters, rheological, and pasting characters depend on the operating conditions of solid‐state fermenter. So, for better bioconversion of finger millet and scale up of solid‐state fermentation process, the knowledge about effect of operating conditions on modification of finger millet properties is required.
Clinical assessment of a circadian‐based antioxidant system combined with a comprehensive brightening serum in diverse subjects with moderate‐to‐severe facial hyperpigmentation
Authors: Shah Sachit , Manry Shelly , Makino Elizabeth T. , Mehta Rahul C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Hyperpigmentation conditions can affect all skin types but occur more frequently in darker skin. Because many factors have been implicated in the etiologies of these disorders, multi‐targeted approaches may be required to achieve a better overall outcome in a diverse patient population.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a combination regimen of a comprehensive cosmetic brightening agent (LYT2) with a broad blend of antioxidants (LVS) to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve overall skin appearance.

Methods

The combination of LYT2 and LVS, in addition to a basic skincare routine, was evaluated in subjects of either Caucasian or Asian (a majority of whom were Indian) descent, presenting with moderate‐to‐severe hyperpigmentation. Efficacy evaluations consisted of investigator clinical grading of overall hyperpigmentation, skin tone evenness, and radiance, as well as subject self‐assessment questionnaires.

Results

Immediate and progressive improvement was noted by the investigators for all assessed parameters. At the end of the 12‐week study, investigators observed a 45% mean decrease from baseline for overall hyperpigmentation. In addition, a 50% improvement in skin tone evenness and a 58% increase in radiance was observed. These investigator assessments were matched by good patient scores for self‐perceived efficacy parameters and high overall satisfaction. One patient (7%) showed a treatment‐related adverse event.

Conclusion

A combination skincare regimen that combines the pigmentation control of LYT2 with the broad antioxidant defense of LVS is a well‐tolerated and effective treatment option to improve the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation and make skin more radiant.
Developing and testing the EPICC Spiritual Care Competency Self‐Assessment Tool for student nurses and midwives
Authors: Giske Tove , Schep‐Akkerman Annemiek , Bø Bodil , Cone Pamela H. , Moene Kuven Britt , Mcsherry Wilfred , Owusu Benson , Ueland Venke , Lassche‐Scheffer Joanne , van Leeuwen Rene , Ross Linda
Published: March 2022

Aims and objectives

To develop and psychometrically test a self‐assessment tool that measures undergraduate nursing and midwifery students’ perceptions of spiritual care competence in health care practice.

Background

Spiritual care is part of nurses/midwives’ responsibility. There is a need to better benchmark students’ competency development in spiritual care through their education. The EPICC Spiritual Care Education Standard served as groundwork for the development of the EPICC Spiritual Care Competency Self‐Assessment Tool.

Design

Cross sectional, mixed methods design. A STROBE checklist was used.

Methods

The Tool (available in English, Dutch and Norwegian) was developed by an international group. It was tested between July–October 2020 with a convenience sample of 323 nursing/midwifery students at eight universities in five countries. The Tool was tested for validity using Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, one‐way ANOVA and independent samples t test. The reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The KMO test for sampling adequacy was 0.90. All, but two, items were related to the same factor. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Tool was 0.91. Students found the Tool easy to use, and they gained new insights by completing it. However, students felt that some questions were repetitive and took time to complete.

Conclusions

The Tool has construct and discriminant validity, and high internal consistency (is reliable). In addition, students found the Tool useful, especially in early stages of education.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Tool affords student nurses and midwives the opportunity to self‐evaluate their knowledge, skills and attitudes about spirituality and spiritual care. The Tool offers students, educators and preceptors in clinical practice a tangible way of discussing and evaluating spiritual care competency.
Family function, self‐efficacy, care hours per day, closeness and benefit finding among stroke caregivers in China: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Mei Yong‐xia , Xiang Dan‐dan , Zhang Zhen‐xiang , Twumwaah Budu Jemima , Lin Bei‐lei , Chen Su‐yan
Published: March 2022

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the moderated mediation mechanism of the relationships among family function, self‐efficacy, care hours per day, closeness and benefit finding in family caregivers of patients with stroke in China.

Background

Benefit finding can provide a new means of resolving depression among family members caring for an ill loved one. However, current research has paid little attention to the benefit finding of family caregivers of stroke patients in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Three hundred fifty family caregivers of patients with stroke were recruited from community service centres and hospitals in Zhengzhou, China. The participants completed the family APGAR index, caregiver benefit finding scale and Chinese general self‐efficacy scale during a study conducted in 2017. Descriptive analyses and a moderated mediation model were computed. Reporting adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Results

A total of 311 family caregivers completed this study. Closeness between family caregivers and patients with stroke moderated the relationship between family function and caregiver benefit finding. Self‐efficacy partially mediated the relationship between family function and caregiver benefit finding; moreover, care hours per day moderated the mediation.

Conclusion

This study shows important factors associated with benefit finding in family caregivers of patients with stroke. This indicates elements that could help improve benefit finding intervention programmes for family caregivers of patients with stroke.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings in our study provide valuable information on benefit finding and indicate some interventions to improve the mental health of family caregivers of stroke patients.
An extremely prolonged second stage of labor increases maternal complications but has no adverse effect on neonatal outcomes
Authors: Hagiwara Mayumi , Nakanishi Sayuri , Shindo Ryosuke , Obata Soichiro , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru
Published: March 2022

Aim

To investigate how an extremely prolonged second stage of labor of 12 h or more affects maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Material and methods

This retrospective cohort study included nulliparous, pregnant women with 37 + 0 to 41 + 6 weeks of gestation whom vaginal delivery was attempted at the Yokohama City University Medical Center between 2014 and 2018.

Results

In 446 cases of the prolonged second stage of labor, there were 296 women (66%) in the 2‐ to 6‐h second stage of labor group, 112 women (25%) in the 6‐ to 12‐h group, and 38 women (8.5%) in the 12‐h or longer group. The longer the second stage of labor, the more significant was the increase in the rates of augmentation of the delivery, emergency cesarean delivery, and operative vaginal delivery. Even in the 12 h or longer group, 82% were able to have vaginal delivery. The 6‐ to 12‐h group had a significant increase in third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal lacerations compared to the 2‐ to 6‐h group (aOR 8.12 [95% CI 1.55–42.6]). Clinical chorioamnionitis was significantly increased in the 12 h or longer group (aOR 4.88 [95% CI 1.62–14.8]). In terms of neonatal outcomes, comparison between the three groups showed no significant difference.

Conclusion

With an extremely prolonged second stage of labor, maternal complications involved a significant increase in severe perineal lacerations and chorioamnionitis; however, there was no increase in adverse outcomes for neonates. It was not possible to conclusively determine if the duration of the second stage is acceptable.
Lighten the darkness: Personality interventions targeting agreeableness also reduce participants' levels of the dark triad
Authors: Hudson Nathan W.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Previous research suggests that people want to change their big five traits—and moreover, they may be able to do so. This paper extends these findings in three ways. First, I examined the extent to which people want to change their levels of the dark triad—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Second, I tested whether desires to change the dark triad predicted actual changes in the corresponding traits across approximately four months. Finally, participants received an intervention designed to change their big five personality traits. Consequently, I tested whether this intervention could also facilitate changes in the dark triad.

Method

The present study was a 16‐wave, weekly, intensive longitudinal design (N = 467).

Results

Results revealed that participants generally did not want to change their levels of the dark triad. Nevertheless, individual variance in desires to change the dark triad did predict actual changes in the dark triad across four months. Moreover, interventions targeting agreeableness spurred changes in all three dark triad traits.

Conclusions

This research suggests that taking small steps to become more agreeable may also reduce individuals' levels of the dark triad. These findings may have implications for future research, as well as therapeutic treatments.
Water quality and ecology of Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya: Current status and historical changes
Authors: Kondowe Benjamin N. , Masese Frank O. , Raburu Philip O. , Singini Wales , Walumona Riziki Jacques
Published: March 2022

Small waterbodies are the most threatened freshwater habitats because of the large ratio between their size and the catchment they drain. The present study assessed the current and historical changes in the physical, chemical and biological variables of Lake Kanyaboli, a satellite lake on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya. Primary and secondary data on pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, temperature, Secchi depth (SD), and nitrate (), nitrite (), ammonium (), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) concentrations were utilized in the present study. The results indicated Secchi depth and chlorophyll‐a were the most erratic of all the analyzed environmental variables studied, exhibiting a range of 0.69 ± 0.29–0.87 ± 0.34 m and 9.03 ± 0.81–34.97 ± 3.36 µg/L respectively. Two‐way ANOVA yielded no significant interactions between sampling sites and seasons for all the variables. Except chlorophyll‐a, there also were no significant differences among the sampling sites for the studied variables. Seasonality yielded significant differences for Secchi depth, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll‐a. The Carlson Trophic Index for Chl‐a and SD indicated Lake Kanyaboli is currently eutrophic, while the TP concentration indicated hypereutrophic conditions. The lake, however, has fluctuated between eutrophic and hypereutrophic conditions over the past years. Although historical water quality data for the lake is scanty and infrequent, most physical and chemical variables reflected anthropogenic effects on a temporal scale. Interestingly, despite its eutrophic status, the general lake condition is still relatively good, attributable to the buffering effect from the extensive macrophytes fringing it. The present study identified nutrient loading, wetland reclamation and connectivity with the Yala River through a feeder canal as the management issues of critical concern. Accordingly continuous monitoring of the lake's water quality to detect anthropogenic effects is recommended for management intervention purposes.
Modeling the pressure–temperature–time evolution of in situ shock veins: A terrestrial case study from Vredefort
Authors: Hopkins Randy G. , Spray John G.
Published: March 2022

Numerical computing software (via MathWorks MATLAB) has been developed to understand the relationship between shock wave passage in geological targets (i.e., heterogeneous media) and the formation of shock veins and associated high‐pressure/temperature polymorphs. This approach takes into consideration the pressure due to the passage of the shock front, subsequent rarefaction unloading pressures, and associated heating and cooling rates. The model is applied to calculate pressure–temperature–time conditions for coesite‐ and stishovite‐bearing shock veins within metaquartzites of the Vredefort impact structure of South Africa. To constrain the model, the position of the host metaquartzites at the time of impact is first reconstructed. The developed code then passes the appropriate shock conditions through the target to re‐create the shock wave, while simultaneously forming and cooling the shock veins via 2‐D steady‐state conduction. We have found that (1) at the time of shock vein formation (2.4 s following the initial contact of the projectile), the shock front pressure was 13.8 GPa and the width of the shock wave was of 27 km; (2) the melt within the shock veins initially reached ~3000 °C, which corresponds to the melting temperature of the target rock at 13.8 GPa. Simulation results indicate that conditions reach the stishovite stability field within 2 ms of vein formation (~10–14 GPa; 2000–3000 °C), followed by coesite within 1.29 s (~3–10 GPa; 600–2000 °C). The dwell time of the modeled shock vein system is 4.35 s. The shock vein system is completely solidified 33.4 s after the initial shock front passage. The calculated P–T–t path of the model indicates that the polymorphs within the shock veins of the metaquartzites at Vredefort formed under their normal stability field conditions following rarefaction wave decompression.
Can catchment groups fill the democratic deficit? Catchment groups as a hydrosocial phenomenon in Waikaka, Southland
Authors: McIntyre Jessica , Mager Sarah , Connelly Sean
Published: March 2022

New Zealand's freshwater management has traditionally operated under effects‐based legislation which neglects socio‐political dimensions and a ‘democratic deficit’ persists between government organisations and individual landowners. Frustrated communities have formed catchment management groups to readdress this democratic deficit. We investigated catchment group aspirations to understand their motivation and potential and contribution to water governance. We found disparity between scientific water quality indicators and perceptions of water quality from the community. The resultant tension and distrust between stakeholders can be best understood through a hydrosocial lens, as freshwater challenges are the product of both biophysical and social dynamics of the catchment.
Ventricular tachycardia incidence and erythrocyte membranes β‐adrenoreactivity in patients with implanted cardioverter‐defibrillator
Authors: Atabekov Tariel A. , Batalov Roman E. , Rebrova Tatiana Yu. , Krivolapov Sergey N. , Muslimova Elvira F. , Khlynin Mikhail S. , Afanasiev Sergey A. , Popov Sergey V.
Published: March 2022

Background

In patients with high risk of ventricular tachycardia (VT) the proven beneficial therapy is the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). It has been shown that the coronary artery disease (CAD) and VT development are accompanied by a persistent change of the sympathoadrenal system activity. This leads to a decrease in the total density of the erythrocyte membrane β‐adrenergic receptors. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship of the erythrocyte membranes β‐adrenoreactivity (EMA) with VT development in patients with CAD and ICD.

Method

Sixty‐three patients (male ‐ 53, age ‐ 66.6 ± 9.2 years) with CAD and ICD were included to the study. EMA was studied using a method for assessing erythrocyte osmoresistance increase as a result of β‐adrenergic receptors blockade by a selective β‐adrenergic blocker. VT and ventricular fibrillation (VF) events recorded by ICD were evaluated.

Results

The 1stgroup consist of 23 patients with VT/VF events recorded by ICD during 27.0 [14.0; 53.0] months follow‐up period. EMA indicator in this group was 41.54% [27.15; 51.26]. The 2ndgroup consist of 40 patients without VT/VF events and the same indicator was significantly higher ‐ 55.42% [35.67; 62.33] (p = .04). The ROC‐analysis (AUC = 0.657; Sen = 78.26; Spe = 55.00;p = .031) and binary logistic regression (OR = 0.9679; 95% CI: 0.9384–0.9983;p = .038) showed that EMA indicator 51.26% or lower was the independent predictor of VT events.

Conclusions

In patients with CAD and ICD erythrocyte membranes β‐adrenoreactivity indicator 51.26% or lower is the predictor of VT episodes.
NbJAZ3 is required for jasmonate‐meditated glandular trichome development in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Cui Lipeng , Liu Xiangyang , Cui Yuchao , Wang Zhaojun , Zhang Hongying , Chen Liang , Cui Hong
Published: March 2022

Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment induces glandular trichome development in Nicotiana benthamiana, but the function of JAZ proteins, acting as core repressors, and their downstream genes have not been clearly shown in plants. Here, a bioinformatics analysis of 71 JAZ genes from tobacco, Arabidopsis thaliana, and tomato was carried out and shown to share highly conserved domains. Then, the expression profile of 17 NbJAZs in different tissues was analyzed, and NbJAZ3 was highly expressed in trichome. Through transgenic technology, we demonstrated that the glandular trichome density of NbJAZ3‐overexpression lines significantly decreased with lower expression levels of NbWo, NbCycB2, and NbMIXTA. In contrast, the trichome density of NbJAZ3 RNAi lines slightly increased with higher expression level of NbWo. Given the negative protein feedback regulation relationship between NbCycB2 and NbWo, we verified that MeJA induced NbWo expression. NbWo was a direct target gene of NbJAZ3 and further demonstrated that NbJAZ3 inhibited the transcriptional activation of NbCycB2 by NbWo. Together, our findings outline a novel JA‐meditated glandular trichome development model consisting of the NbJAZ3‐NbWo‐NbCycB2 axis.
Decision support architectures for the recovery of interdependent infrastructure with large‐scale damage and socially vulnerable populations
Authors: Rand Krista , Sun Minghui , Fleming Cody H.
Published: March 2022

Infrastructure damage has household‐level consequences after a major disaster. Losses are experienced due to factors such as unavailable services and impaired mobility. Socially vulnerable residents, in particular, have few resources with which to adapt. Decision support tools for making justifiable, transparent, repeatable decisions that center the needs of users during recovery are currently nonexistent. In part, this is because infrastructure recovery is a complex process, often involving the coordination of multiple entities. The recovery problem can be rendered more tractable by applying tools suitable for modeling complex systems and processes. System theoretic process analysis (STPA) can be used for goalsetting in a complex, dynamic system such as community civil infrastructure. STPA is used here to devise a decision support tool architecture suitable for coordinated multiagency recovery efforts. The example application is a long‐term recovery process with widespread infrastructure damage, population displacement, and other disruptions in system use due to a major disaster. In the example, losses and hazards are defined to reflect recovery challenges commonly faced by vulnerable populations experiencing partial or total displacement. This extension of STPA then reverses these hazards, starting with the most hazardous system states and progressing sequentially to less hazardous states until recovery is complete.
Relation between nighttime sleep duration and executive functioning in a nonclinical sample of preschool children
Authors: Nieto Marta , Motos Beatriz , Navarro Beatriz , Jimeno María V. , Fernández‐Aguilar Luz , Ros Laura , Ricarte Jorge J. , Latorre Jose M.
Published: March 2022

Sleep is a support for cognitive development in childhood. Most of the studies in the field have focused on school‐age children and sleep problems, but less research focuses on the relation between the normative course of sleep and executive functions in preschoolers. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the association between nighttime sleep duration and executive functioning in a 158 non‐clinical sample of Spanish participants (Mage = 56.35 months, SD = 11.24; ages 38–78 months; 48.1% girls). Sleep habits were measured by parents' self‐reports; Shape School task was applied to assess inhibition and cognitive flexibility; Word Span task was used to assess working memory; and Vocabulary subtest from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐III was used to assess verbal ability. The findings revealed that the relation between sleep and executive functioning was only significant in the cases of inhibition and working memory. Further, age and verbal ability were related and were predictors of inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. We consider it necessary to continue researching in this area given the importance of forming a correct sleep habit during the preschool age and its impact on health, cognition, and well‐being in childhood. In short, our results represent the first approach to the subject under study, which should be completed with objective sleep measures.
The electoral behaviour of voters with migration backgrounds and natives at the 2015 and 2019 Swiss National Elections. Two completely different stories?
Authors: Camatarri Stefano , Favero Adrian , Gallina Marta , Luartz Lewis
Published: March 2022

There is emerging understanding in the literature that voters who have a migration background across Western countries tend to vote for left leaning parties. Yet little is known about whether this implies different drivers of vote choice for citizens with migration background in comparison to natives. This article intends to respond to this question by studying the impact of specific policy issue considerations on the vote of citizens with both migration and non‐migration background. To do so, we focus on the 2015 and 2019 Swiss National elections, relying on data from the SELECTS post‐electoral studies. Our analyses show that, while Swiss natives' voting choices are consistently affected by key political issues (i.e., foreigners' job market integration and the environment respectively), non‐native voters are generally less driven by the main topics discussed at each election, although relevant differences emerge across different migrant backgrounds.
Processos de Escolha Política, Mediação Anti-democrática e Ambientes Digitais
Authors: Conci Luiz Guilherme Arcaro , Maia Lopes José Guilherme
Published: March 2022

O presente artigo busca analisar a crise das democracias e dos processos de escolha política, que vem sendo diagnosticada há algum tempo, além da interação entre o direitos à informação e à decisão política, que passaram a ser, cada vez mais, intermediados por ambientes digitais que trouxeram efeitos deletérios ao sistema democrático: o domínio do interesse econômico sobre o interesse público na escolha das informações que devem ter ampla divulgação, o empobrecimento do debate político e a radicalização das narrativas. A veiculação de mensagens voltadas para a desinformação da opinião pública e de discursos de ódio, por conseguir os maiores índices de engajamento dos usuários das plataformas digitais, é considerada relevante pelos algoritmos que acabam por promover sua difusão de forma exagerada, representando determinados temas na esfera pública democrática e violando o direito fundamental à informação, ferramenta central para uma escolha racional. Nas plataformas, pelo recurso a contas automatizadas operadas por robôs ou contas mistas, as chamadas “contas ciborgue”, testam-se narrativas para influenciar as decisões dos sistemas algorítmicos de filtragem de conteúdo. A necessidade de regulação e o controle social são prementes para que esses ambientes cumpram sua função de fornecer informação racional para escolha dos representantes. A presente pesquisa se utilizou de levantamento de dados emitidos por institutos de relevante confiança e de bibliografias nacional e estrangeira para discutir os problemas aferidos. O uso do método dedutivo é o facilitador da relação entre realidade, dados, informações e conclusões.
A competency-based approach to promoting effective hand hygiene in long-term care facilities
Authors: Nnate Daniel A.
Published: March 2022

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) comprise a large proportion of healthcare service users due to the increasing ageing population. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) constitute a major burden in LTCFs and are associated with significant infectious disease outbreaks and mortality. The non-adherence to effective hand hygiene practice due to missed opportunity for staff to explore its role in infection prevention and control (IPC) within these settings, has been emphasised by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the factors contributing to the poor attitude of staff members towards non-compliance with IPC measures in LTCFs. Recommendations on improving IPC measures were further made based on the Infection Prevention Society competency framework which serves as a tool for individuals to improve their performance continually and become efficient practitioners. After reading this article and completing the time out activities, you should be able to (i) identify various means of promoting adequate hand hygiene in long-term care facilities (LCTFs); (ii) understand that every activity taken to prevent the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAI) begins and ends with effective hand hygiene; (iii) recognise steps to prevent cross infection through improved compliance with the five moments of hand hygiene in LTCFs; (iv) develop a satisfactory attitude towards hand hygiene compliance in the workplace, and (v) appraise own competence, recognise areas for further improvement, and devise means of promoting staff compliance through evaluation and feedback.
Updated checklist of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Egypt, with notes of livestock host and tick-borne pathogens
Authors: Okely Mohammed , Chen Ze , Anan Rabia , Gad-Allah Sohair
Published: March 2022

The checklist of hard ticks in Egypt was updated with 44 tick species. Hosts, geographical distribution, and pathogens of the hard ticks collected from domestic animals were also reviewed based on our investigation and published data from 1915 to 2021. Lower Nile Valley (including the Delta) had the largest number of hard tick species from domestic animals with 20 different species. Cattle and dromedary camels were infested by 19 hard tick species. Nineteen described species from livestock in Egypt were confirmed to transmit one or more pathogens. Hyalomma dromedarii, Hy. excavatum and Rhipicephalus annulatus carried the highest number of pathogens with 23, 20, and 19 pathogens, respectively. This review recommends further surveillance programs for hard ticks and tick-borne pathogens of domestic animals in the country.
“They’re Either Going to Find Ways to Include You or They’re Just Kind of Not”: Experiences of Students With Orthopedic Impairments in Integrated Physical Education
Authors: Holland Katherine , Haegele Justin A. , Zhu Xihe , Bobzien Jonna
Published: March 2022

This study explored the experiences of students with orthopedic impairments in integrated physical education (PE) classes. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and six students with orthopedic impairments (age = 10–14 years) served as participants. Data sources were semistructured, audiotaped interviews and reflective interview notes. Based on data analysis, three themes were developed—“Without it, they probably would like, just treat me normal,” visibility, disclosure, and expectations; “I sit out,” limited participation and a lack of modifications/accommodations; and “PE doesn’t feel great,” social interactions and perception of self. The experiences portrayed throughout these themes highlight the marginalization and lack of access that the participants encountered in their integrated PE classes. The findings indicated that PE professionals working with students with orthopedic impairments may benefit from reflecting on personal biases and their instructional practices in an effort to improve the quality of PE experiences for these students.
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Contribute to Oxidative Stress-Mediated Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Li Li-Hua , Lu Hsu-Feng , Liu Yi-Fu , Lin Yi-Tsung , Yang Tsuey-Ching
Published: March 2022

Pathogenic bacteria experience diverse stresses induced by host cells during infection and have developed intricate systems to trigger appropriate responses. Bacterial stress responses have been reported to defend against these stresses and cross-protect bacteria from antibiotic attack.
Metabolic Responses of “Big Six” Escherichia coli in Wheat Flour to Thermal Treatment Revealed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhou Disheng , Yang Hongshun
Published: March 2022

“Big six”
Escherichia coli
strains have caused several outbreaks linked to wheat flour consumption in the last decade, revealing the vital importance of adopting an antimicrobial treatment during the flour production process. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of a typical sanitizing approach, thermal treatment, against the big six strains in wheat flour along with the underlying antimicrobial mechanisms.
Disclosing the Genomic Diversity among Members of the
Bifidobacterium
Genus of Canine and Feline Origin with Respect to Those from Human
Authors: Alessandri Giulia , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Tarracchini Chiara , Rizzo Sonia Mirjam , Argentini Chiara , Viappiani Alice , Mancabelli Leonardo , Fontana Federico , Milani Christian , Turroni Francesca , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: March 2022

Despite cats and dogs being well recognized as the most intimate companion animals to humans, current knowledge on canine and feline gut microbial consortia is still far from being fully dissected compared to the significant advances achieved for other microbial ecosystems, such as the human gut microbiota. In this context, a combination of
in silico
genome-based analysis and
in vitro
carbohydrate growth assay allowed us to further explore the canine and feline bifidobacterial community with respect to that inhabiting the human intestine.
Factors Impacting Persistence of Phi6 Bacteriophage, an Enveloped Virus Surrogate, on Fomite Surfaces
Authors: Baker Christopher A. , Gutierrez Alan , Gibson Kristen E.
Published: March 2022

An important consideration in virus contact transmission is the transfer rate between hands and surfaces, which is driven by several factors, including virus persistence on inanimate surfaces. This research characterized Φ6 persistence on surfaces commonly encountered in public settings based on various factors.
Bacterial Homologs of Progestin and AdipoQ Receptors (PAQRs) Affect Membrane Energetics Homeostasis but Not Fluidity
Authors: Melchionna Maddison V. , Gullett Jessica M. , Bouveret Emmanuelle , Shrestha Him K. , Abraham Paul E. , Hettich Robert L. , Alexandre Gladys
Published: March 2022

Eukaryotic homologs of the progestin and AdipoQ receptor family (PAQR) have been shown to regulate membrane fluidity by affecting, through unknown mechanisms, unsaturated fatty acid (FA) metabolism. The bacterial homologs studied here mediate small and consistent changes in unsaturated FA metabolism that do not seem to impact membrane fluidity but, rather, alter membrane energetics homeostasis.
During Translesion Synthesis, Escherichia coli DinB89 (T120P) Alters Interactions of DinB (Pol IV) with Pol III Subunit Assemblies and SSB, but Not with the β Clamp
Authors: Scotland Michelle K. , Homiski Caleb , Sutton Mark D.
Published: March 2022

Specialized DNA polymerases (Pols) capable of catalyzing translesion synthesis (TLS) generate mutations that contribute to bacterial virulence, pathoadaptation, and antimicrobial resistance. One mechanism by which the bacterial TLS Pol IV gains access to the DNA to generate mutations is by exchanging places with the bacterial Pol III replicase via a Pol III-Pol IV switch.
Effects of Reading Interventions on Student Understanding of and Misconceptions about Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Pickett Sarah B. , Nielson Catie , Marshall Hydea , Tanner Kimberly D. , Coley John D.
Published: March 2022

Students possess informal, intuitive ways of reasoning about the world, including biological phenomena. Although useful in some cases, intuitive reasoning can also lead to the development of scientifically inaccurate ideas that conflict with central concepts taught in formal biology education settings, including evolution.
Seeing Yourself as a Scientist: Increasing Science Identity Using Professional Development Modules Designed for Undergraduate Students
Authors: McCartney Melissa , Roddy Adam B. , Geiger John , Piland Natalia C. , Ribeiro Melina M. , Lainoff Alexis
Published: March 2022

As educators, we should not assume that students are progressing toward intended STEM careers simply because they have persisted and received a STEM degree. In addition to learning biology content and scientific skills, students need guidance in making optimal career choices.