bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial genes affect the immune response against bacterial infection (Duck Pasteurellosis) through a cascade of mechanisms mediated by nuclear immune genes-a cross talk with nuclear and mitochondrial gene
Authors: Chakraborty Argha , Pal Aruna , Debnath Manti , Sahu Jyoti , Chatterjee Paresh Nath , Pal Abantika , Mukherjee Joydeep , Samanta Rajarshi
Published: September 2023

Mitochondria possess 37 genes of its own, helpful for carrying out various functions including oxidative phosphorylation. But the mitochondria is neither independent in terms of its structure, nor its function, it depend upon nuclear gene for its functionality and replication. Our lab has earlier reported the role of mitochondrial genome in controlling health and reproduction in animal model. Reports also indicate that mitochondria have role in immune response against bacterial infection. In our current study, we depict the role of two polypeptide coding mitochondrial gene as cytochrome B and cytochrome C in providing host immunity against bacterial disease (Duck Pasteurellosis). We further observe that the mechanism was governed by cascade of mechanisms mediated through nuclear genes NRLP3, IL18 and Sting. In the first phase of the study, we have characterized Cytochrome B and Cytochrome C genes from Bengal duck and quantified through the assesment of the expression profiling with respect to healthy and Pasteurella infected ducks following a natural challenge withPasteurella multocida. In the next phase of our study, we have characterized the above nuclear genes in Bengal duck and attempted to correlate the expression with mitochondrial genes. We attempted to explore the mechanism of pathway how mitochondrial DNA triggers the nuclear immune response leading to destruction of bacterial pathogen. Molecular docking revealed how IL18 directly binds with the pathogen. This is the first report in animal model.
Sex-specific modulation of the medial prefrontal cortex by glutamatergic median raphe neurons
Authors: Collins Stuart A. , Stinson Hannah E. , Himes Amanda , Ninan Ipe
Published: September 2023

The current understanding of the neuromodulatory role of the median raphe nucleus (MRN) is primarily based on its putative serotonergic output. However, a significant proportion of raphe neurons are glutamatergic. The present study investigated how glutamatergic MRN input modulates the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a critical component of the fear circuitry. Our studies show that VGLUT3-expressing MRN neurons modulate VGLUT3- and somatostatin-expressing neurons in the mPFC. Consistent with this modulation of mPFC GABAergic neurons, activation of MRN (VGLUT3) neurons suppresses mPFC pyramidal neuron activity and attenuates fear memory in female but not male mice. In agreement with these female-specific effects, we observed sex differences in glutamatergic transmission onto MRN (VGLUT3) neurons and mPFC (VGLUT3) neuron-mediated dual release of glutamate and GABA. Thus, our results demonstrate a cell type-specific modulation of the mPFC by MRN (VGLUT3) neurons and reveal a sex-specific role of this neuromodulation in mPFC synaptic plasticity and fear memory.
Computational exploration of the global microbiome for antibiotic discovery
Authors: Santos-Júnior Célio Dias , Torres Marcelo Der Torossian , Duan Yiqian , Rodríguez del Río Álvaro , Schmidt Thomas S.B. , Chong Hui , Fullam Anthony , Michael Kuhn , Zhu Chengkai , Houseman Amy , Somborski Jelena , Vines Anna , Zhao Xing-Ming , Bork Peer , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , de la Fuente-Nunez Cesar , Coelho Luis Pedro
Published: September 2023

Novel antibiotics are urgently needed to combat the antibiotic-resistance crisis. We present a machine learning-based approach to predict prokaryotic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) by leveraging a vast dataset of 63,410 metagenomes and 87,920 microbial genomes. This led to the creation of AMPSphere, a comprehensive catalog comprising 863,498 non-redundant peptides, the majority of which were previously unknown. We observed that AMP production varies by habitat, with animal-associated samples displaying the highest proportion of AMPs compared to other habitats. Furthermore, within different human-associated microbiota, strain-level differences were evident. To validate our predictions, we synthesized and experimentally tested 50 AMPs, demonstrating their efficacy against clinically relevant drug-resistant pathogens both in vitro and in vivo. These AMPs exhibited antibacterial activity by targeting the bacterial membrane. Additionally, AMPSphere provides valuable insights into the evolutionary origins of peptides. In conclusion, our approach identified AMP sequences within prokaryotic microbiomes, opening up new avenues for the discovery of antibiotics.
Concurrent stimulation of diflufenican biodegradation and changes in the active microbiome in gravel revealed by Total RNA
Authors: Ellegaard-Jensen Lea , Carvalho Pedro N. , Anwar Muhammad Zohaib , Schostag Morten Dencker , Bester Kai , Jacobsen Carsten Suhr
Published: September 2023

The use of slowly degrading pesticides poses a particular problem when these are applied to urban areas such as gravel paths. The urban gravel provides an environment very different from agricultural soils; i.e., it is both lower in carbon and microbial activity. We, therefore, endeavoured to stimulate the degradation of the pesticide diflufenican added to an urban gravel microcosm amended with dry alfalfa to increase microbial activity.

In the present study, the formation of the primary diflufenican metabolite 2-[3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]nicotinic acid (commonly abbreviated as AE-B) was stimulated by the alfalfa amendment. The concurrent changes of the active microbial communities within the gravel were explored using shotgun metatranscriptomic sequencing of ribosomal RNA and messenger RNA. Our results showed, that while the active microbial communities in the gravel were dominated by bacteria with a relative abundance of 87.0 – 98.5 %, the eukaryotic groups, fungi and micro-eukaryotes, both had a 4-5 fold increase in relative abundance over time in the alfalfa amended treatment. Specifically, the relative abundance of microorganisms involved in degradation of complex carbon sources, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Sordariomycetes, Mortierellales, and Tremellales, were shown to increase in the alfalfa amended treatment. Further, the functional gene profile showed an increase in genes involved in increased activity and production of new biomass in the alfalfa treatment compared to the control, as well as pointing to genes potentially involved in biodegradation of complex carbon sources and the biotransformation of diflufenican.
A self-paced walk test for individual calibration of heart rate to energy expenditure
Authors: Westgate Kate , Gonzales Tomas I. , Hollidge Stefanie , Lindsay Tim , Wareham Nick , Brage Søren
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Estimating free-living physical activity (PA) with continuous heart rate (HR) monitoring is challenging due to individual variation in the relationship between HR and energy expenditure. This variation can be captured through individual calibration with graded exercise tests, but structured tests with prescribed load requires medical screening and are not always feasible in population settings. We present and evaluate an individual calibration method using HR response to a less demanding self-paced walk test.

Methods

643 participants from the Fenland Study (Cambridgeshire, UK) completed a 200-meter self-paced walk test, a treadmill test, and one week of continuous HR and accelerometry monitoring. Mixed effects regression was used to derive a walk test calibration model from HR response to the walk using treadmill-based parameters as criterion. Free-living PA estimates from the calibration model were compared with treadmill-calibrated as well as non-exercise calibrated estimates.

Results

The walk calibration model captured 57% of the variance in the HR-energy expenditure relationship determined by the treadmill test. Applying the walk calibration method to data from free-living yielded similar PA estimates to those using treadmill calibration (52.7 vs 52.0 kJ·kg-1·day-1; mean difference: 0.7 kJ·kg-1·day-1, 95% CI: −0.0, 1.5) and high correlation (r=0.89). Individual differences were observed (RMSE: 10.0 kJ·kg-1·day-1; 95% limits of agreement: −20.6, 19.1 kJ·kg-1·day-1). Compared to using a non-exercise group calibration model (RMSE: 14.0 kJ·kg-1·day-1; 95% limits of agreement: −30.4, 24.5 kJ·kg-1·day-1), the walk calibration improved precision by 29%.

Conclusions

A 200-meter self-paced walk test captures a significant proportion of the between-individual variation in the HR-energy expenditure relationship and facilitates estimation of free-living PA in population settings.
Immunofluorescence and Aggresome Staining ofNothobranchius furzeriCryosections
Authors: Bagnoli Sara , Terzibasi Tozzini Eva , Cellerino Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Protein aggregation is a hallmark of many age-related pathologies and, in particular, of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The teleostNothobranchius furzerishows the shortest median life span among all vertebrate animal models and has recently gained popularity as a convenient model for experimental approaches to aging. Immunofluorescence staining is the primary technique used to visualize the distribution of proteins in fixed cells and tissues and it has proven to be a powerful tool to study aggregates and proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, immunofluorescence staining allows for precise localization of aggregates in specific cell types and can be used to identify the proteins constituting such aggregates. To facilitate the study of aggregate-related pathologies in the context of aging using the new modelN. furzeri, we report a protocol to visualize general protein aggregates and specific proteins optimized forN. furzeribrain cryosections.
Comparing Methods for Quantifying and AnalyzingDrosophilaAggression
Authors: Trannoy Severine , Fernandez Maria P. , Certel Sarah J.
Published: September 2023

Here, we highlight three different assays that are used to studyDrosophilaaggression. The advantages and disadvantages of each assay are discussed, as examining different aspects of aggressive behavior presents distinct challenges to researchers. This is because aggression is not a singular behavioral unit. Rather, aggression is the result of interactions between individuals; and, as such, the initiation and frequency of these interactions are impacted by the assay parameters including the method of loading the flies into the observation chamber, the size of the chamber, and the animals’ previous social experience. Thus, determining which assay to use depends on the overall question that is the subject of investigation.
The dependence of X-ray elastic constants with respect to the penetration depth
Authors: Mareau Charles
Published: September 2023

X-ray diffraction techniques are widely used to estimate stresses within polycrystalline materials. The application of these techniques requires the knowledge of the X-ray elastic constants relating the lattice strains to the stress state. Different analytical methods have been proposed to evaluate the X-ray elastic constants from the single-crystal elastic constants. For a given material, such methods provide the bulk X-ray elastic constants but they do not consider the role of free surfaces. However, for many practical applications of X-ray diffraction techniques, the penetration depth of X-rays is the same order of magnitude as the grain size, which means that the influence of the free surface on X-ray elastic constants cannot be excluded. In the present work, a numerical procedure is proposed to evaluate the surface and bulk X-ray elastic constants of polycrystalline materials. While the former correspond to the situation where the penetration is infinitely small in comparison with the grain size, the latter are representative of an infinite penetration depth with no free-surface effect. According to numerical results, the difference between surface and bulk X-ray elastic constants is important for strongly anisotropic crystals. Also, it is possible to propose a relation that allows evaluating X-ray elastic constants as a function of the ratio between the penetration depth and the average grain size. The corresponding parameters of such a relation are provided here for many engineering materials.
Retrieving the size distribution of SBA-15 mesopores from small-angle X-ray scattering data using a Monte Carlo method
Authors: Tan Xiangyin , Gerbelli Barbara Bianca , Fantini Márcia Carvalho de Abreu , Oliveira Cristiano Luis Pinto , Bordallo Heloísa Nunes , Oseliero Filho Pedro Leonidas
Published: September 2023

A Monte Carlo (MC) method was introduced into a state-of-the-art model used to analyse small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data of SBA-15, an ordered mesoporous material with many applications. With this new procedure, referred to herein as the SBA-15+MC model, it is possible to retrieve the size distribution of the mesopores, D(r), in a free modelling approach. To achieve this, two main points were addressed: (i) based on previous implementations, the method was adapted to work with long core–shell cylinders; (ii) since the MC model requires longer processing times, strategies to speed up the calculations were developed, which included a simplified version of the original model used to analyse SAXS data of SBA-15 (referred to as the SBA-15 model) as well as the determination of several structural features from the SAXS curve prior to the fit. The new model was validated with simulated data and later used to fit experimental SAXS curves of SBA-15. The obtained results show that the SBA-15 model only works well because the mesopore size distribution of SBA-15 is narrow, whereas the new approach can be successfully used in cases where D(r) is wider and/or has a more complex profile, such as SBA-15 with expanded mesopores. Even though a specific SAXS example was chosen to prove the model, the strategies presented herein are general and suitable for inclusion in other models aimed at the analysis of SBA-15 and similar ordered mesoporous materials.
Significance of diffraction peak shapes in determining crystallite size distribution: a peak shape analysis procedure for pseudo-Voigt profiles and its application
Authors: Bhakar Ashok , Taxak Manju , Rai Sanjay Kumar
Published: September 2023

The width (or breadth) and shape of a diffraction peak are two important characteristics to describe a peak profile. These features are directly associated with the microstructural (size and strain) properties of a material. It is important to separate the contributions of crystallite size and microstrain from the diffraction peak profiles in order to establish their correlation with the physical properties of the sample. While procedures to deconvolve the widths of a diffraction peak profile are extensively documented in the literature, the shape part of the peak profile is usually ignored. In the present work an approach for a quantitative estimation of the peak shape contribution made by crystallite size is discussed to complement the information available via the existing breadth-based methods (BBMs). A relationship between the shape of a diffraction peak profile and the crystallite size distribution for a nanomaterial is presented, which was not hitherto available in the literature. It is shown that the commonly observed difference between crystallite sizes obtained using the Scherrer equation considering two different definitions of peak width,i.e.full width at half-maximum and integral breadth, is also associated with this peak shape parameter. Thus, knowledge of the peak shape has a vital role in microstructural understanding. Therefore, in this work a procedure to isolate the shape part of a diffraction peak profile is described in connection with the existing BBMs used for microstructural analysis. This study further aims to utilize the information on these peak shapes to provide comprehensive details of the effect of crystallite size by considering a log-normal distribution to complement the BBMs. Applications of this approach are shown using several worked examples of practical situations from the literature.
Exploring the historical roots of environmental and ecological accounting from the dawn of human consciousness
Authors: Atkins Jill Frances , Doni Federica , McBride Karen , Napier Christopher
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper seeks to broaden the agenda for environmental and ecological accounting research across several dimensions, extending the form of accounting in this field by encouraging research into its historical roots and developing a definition of accounting that can address the severe environmental and ecological challenges of the 21st century.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explored environmental and ecological accounts from the dawn of human consciousness across a wide variety of media and in a broad range of forms. This theoretical approach reacts to the cold capitalist commodification of nature inherent in much environmental accounting practice, which documents, values and records usage of natural capital with little attempt to address depletion and loss.

Findings

By analysing the earliest ecological and environmental “accounts” recorded by humans at the dawn of human consciousness, and considering a wide array of subsequent accounts, the authors demonstrate that rather than being a secondary, relatively recent development emerging from financial accounting and reporting, environmental and ecological accounting predated financial accounting by tens of thousands of years. This research also provides a wealth of perspectives on diversity, not only in forms of account but also in the diversity of accountants, as well as the broadness of the stakeholders to whom and to which the accounts are rendered.

Research limitations/implications

The paper can be placed at the intersection of accounting history, the alternative, interdisciplinary and critical accounts literature, and environmental and ecological accounting research.

Practical implications

Practically, the authors can draw ideas and inspiration from the historical forms and content of ecological and environmental account that can inform new forms of and approaches to accounting.

Social implications

There are social implications including the diversity of accounts and accountants derived from studying historical ecological and environmental accounts from the dawn of human consciousness especially in the broadening out of the authors' understanding of the origins and cultural roots of accounting.

Originality/value

This study concludes with a new definition of accounting, fit for purpose in the 21st century, that integrates ecological, environmental concerns and is emancipatory, aiming to restore nature, revive biodiversity, conserve species and enhance ecosystems.
“Transformation or not?” the effect of broadcasters' role orientation transformation on their direct income
Authors: Li Pengyu , Shao Jingbo , Wu Hang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In the actual livestreaming background, to obtain more income, some broadcasters will transform their original single role orientation into mixed one. This research study aims to conduct an empirical study on the influence of the broadcasters' role orientation transformation on the viewers' tipping behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect data from Kuai, a leading online live streaming service provider in China. The dataset includes 175,701 live streaming data from 971 broadcasters in 7 months. To avoid unobservable factors, the authors adopt two difference-in-differences (DID) models to estimate the effect of two kinds of broadcaster's role orientation transformation on the broadcaster’s direct income separately. And the authors use the Heckman-type correction to solve broadcasters’ self-selected problem.

Findings

The authors evaluated that there is a U-shape relationship between the broadcasters' role orientation transformation and their direct income. The broadcasters' direct income experienced a sharp decline for a short period of time after transformation and followed by a rise after a period of adaptation. And for broadcasters with different genders and amounts of fans, the influence degree of role orientation transformation is various.

Originality/value

This paper provides a fresh usage of the regulatory engagement theory in the brand new information communication technology. And it also explores the boundary effect of the participating object's self-factors in the regulatory engagement theory. Besides, this paper expands the research of livestreaming into natural background. Such results also provide operable suggestions for the livestream platform, the broadcaster himself and the enterprises who want to employ some broadcasters to recommend their products.
Knowledge sharing, learning engagement and workplace incivility among research scholars: the mediating role of self-esteem
Authors: Gupta Aditi , Apoorva Apoorva , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris , Thrassou Alkis
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in incivility within the higher education sector, potentially due to mounting pressure and demands on academics, both collectively and individually. The effects on various aspects of academia, such as knowledge and learning, however, remain largely unexplored. The purpose of this research is to fill the gap by performing a theoretical trend analysis and subsequently empirically investigating the impact of workplace incivility on research scholars’ learning engagement and knowledge sharing intentions, including the mediating role of self-esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a three-stage methodological process: first, a thorough theoretical (bibliographic) analysis of scientific publications, using Biblioshiny, to identify the trends of workplace incivility; second, an empirical, qualitative exploration of the emergent themes and subthemes based on 102 in-depth interviews with research scholars, using NVivo 12 Plus; and third, quantitative testing, using 154 responses and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The authors verify a visible negative association between incivility and learning engagement, incivility and knowledge sharing intentions as well as self-esteem’s mediating effect on this relationship. Also, the thematic analysis revealed three distinct themes: the type of incivility; reasons for such incidences; and the impact of such incidences on research scholars.

Research limitations/implications

The research bears implications both to theory and practice. Regarding the former, the gravity and graveness of incivility versus knowledge and learning, within the academic workplace environment, are not simply highlighted, but analyzed and refined, with explicit findings of both scholarly and practicable worth; that also provide solid foundations and avenues for future research.

Originality/value

Further to its primary findings, the research contributes to extant knowledge by elucidating and explicating the topic, both theoretically and empirically, as well as by presenting implications for theory and practice. Regarding practical implications, this research sheds light on how to develop an appropriate organizational culture that facilitates learning engagement and increases knowledge sharing intentions, by nurturing the identified explicit and underlying motivators of civility.
Spillover effects of liquidity management in major economies and China's digital economy-driven countermeasures
Authors: Wang Jueshuai
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance the Global Projection Model (GPM) developed by the International Monetary Fund by constructing a GPM4 model that includes the United States of America, the Eurozone, Japan and China.

Design/methodology/approach

This article introduces the United States of America, the Eurozone, Japan and China into a comprehensive global forecasting model, analyzing the impact of liquidity management in G3 economies on nine key macroeconomic variables in China.

Findings

The findings reveal that the liquidity management strategies employed by major economies do exert a certain influence on China's major macroeconomic variables. Different types of liquidity shocks elicit varying effects. Monetary shocks exhibit the strongest instantaneous impact, while credit conditions and policy rate shocks contribute more significantly to China's long-term macroeconomic fluctuations. However, no single shock stands out as the dominant factor.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to expand the GPM model developed by the International Monetary Fund and build a GPM4 model including China, the United States of America, the Eurozone and Japan. For the first time, the GPM model was used to analyze the spillover effects of liquidity management in major economies on China's macroeconomy and revealed the impact of non-price factors such as credit conditions on China's macroeconomic variables.
Board gender diversity and firm performance: new evidence from cultural diversity in the boardroom
Authors: Kabir Ashikul , Ikra Saiyara Shabbir , Saona Paolo , Azad Md. Abul Kalam
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study extends the current literature in the context of European countries by showing that women's participation on the board can enhance the financial performance of a company while moderated by many cultural factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 19 European countries throughout the period 2010–2020. The time-invariant or individual fixed-effect models are used.

Findings

The authors found that high power distance and masculinity undermine the impact of board gender diversity on firm performance. The gender-diverse board reports a statistically significant negative impact on return on asset (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) while moderated by the power distance index.

Originality/value

This research will be of significant value to the board directors, practitioners and the concerned authority who desire to polish up the firm performance of European countries that are governed by cultural norms.
Hybrid learning, blended learning or face-to-face learning: which one is more effective in remediating misconception?
Authors: Hermita Neni , Erlisnawati Erlisnawati , Alim Jesi Alexander , Putra Zetra Hainul , Mahartika Ira , Sulistiyo Urip
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of hybrid learning, blended learning and face-to-face learning in remediating misconceptions among primary school teacher education students.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a quasi-experimental design, using a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 99 students using a pretest and posttest four-tier test.

Findings

Hybrid learning proved to be the most effective, achieving a remarkable 90.32% success rate in remediating students’ misconceptions, surpassing blended learning and face-to-face learning methods.

Research limitations/implications

The data come from a single Indonesian university and focuses only on a science concept; therefore, the scope of findings may be limited.

Practical implications

The research suggests that applying the conceptual change (CC) model in all learning types, particularly hybrid learning, effectively remediates misconceptions. Educators can use this insight to design impactful teaching strategies that combine online and traditional components, accommodating diverse learning styles and needs.

Social implications

This research suggests that applying CC model in all learning types is actually able to remediate misconceptions, though hybrid learning is found to be the most effective one.

Originality/value

This study addresses a research gap by investigating the effectiveness of different learning modes in rectifying misconceptions. Although prior studies have explored learning modes, few have directly compared hybrid, blended and face-to-face learning in correcting misconceptions. The findings offer insights for effective teaching strategies to address STEM-related misconceptions, benefiting educators in optimizing their approaches. Furthermore, the study’s implications extend to the broader academic community, contributing to evidence-based teaching practices in science education and the development of effective strategies for addressing misconceptions in STEM courses.
Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy with concomitant development of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease
Authors: Ichikawa Takanori , Furukawa Ryo , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Hoshino Yumi , Kishida Dai , Sekijima Yoshiki
Published: September 2023

Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a distinct type of idiopathic inflammatory myositis, pathologically characterized by myofiber necrosis and degeneration in the absence of lymphocyte infiltration. Herein, we present a case of IMNM with concomitant development of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD), characterized by histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, in a 36‐year‐old woman who had a treatment history for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Treatment with oral prednisolone and tacrolimus as immunosuppressants resulted in the remission of the skeletomuscular involvement and lymphadenopathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of IMNM and KFD developing concomitantly during the clinical course of RA.
Systematic review: non‐invasive prognostic tests for primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Mazhar Areej , Russo Mark W.
Published: September 2023

Background

Several prognostic tests for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have been developed, including biochemical models, elastography and magnetic resonance imaging scores.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of non‐invasive prognostic tests for PSC.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted from 1987 to 2020 of blood tests, biochemical models, elastography and imaging scores associated with outcomes in PSC.

Results

Forty studies of prognostic tests that collectively included 16 094 subjects with PSC were reviewed, of which 26 studies of non‐invasive tests including 13 759 subjects with PSC were included. Normalisation or reduction of alkaline phosphatase with or without therapy was associated with transplant‐free survival and reduced risk of hepatobiliary cancers but cut‐off values for alkaline phosphatase were not consistent among studies. The most studied prognostic biochemical model was the Mayo Risk Score (MRS) evaluated in 18 studies with a c‐statistic from 0.63 to 0.85 for clinical outcomes. One study demonstrated that the UK‐PSC score outperforms MRS for predicting clinical outcomes with a c‐statistics of 0.81and 0.75 respectively. A transient elastography score greater than 11.1 kPa is associated with survival and liver‐related complications. The Anali score, derived from specific MRI and MRCP features, is associated with the development of cholangiocarcinoma and decompensated cirrhosis. Promising prognostic models include the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score, ELF test and PREsTo scores.

Conclusion

MRS is the most studied prognostic score for clinical outcomes in PSC but the UK‐PSC score and PREsTo have better test performance. Further studies comparing MRS to UK‐PSC score, PREsTo or ELF with elastography or imaging‐based scores are warranted.
Letter: is the AHHS score really useful in clinically severe alcoholic hepatitis?
Authors: Buchard Benjamin , Sévigné Luc , Darcha Claude , Muti Leon , Joubert Juliette , Abergel Armand
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Forrest et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16157
Randomised clinical trial: a 12‐strain bacterial mixture versus faecal microbiota transplantation versus vancomycin for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections
Authors: Rode Anne Abildtrup , Chehri Mahtab , Krogsgaard Laura Rindom , Heno Kristine Klysner , Svendsen Anna Tølbøll , Ribberholt Iben , Helms Morten , Engberg Jørgen , Schønning Kristian , Tvede Michael , Andersen Christian Østergaard , Jensen Ulrich Stab , Petersen Andreas Munk , Bytzer Peter
Published: September 2023

Background

A defined bacterial mixture could be a safer alternative to faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Aims

To compare the efficacy of a 12‐strain mixture termed rectal bacteriotherapy with either FMT or vancomycin for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in an open‐label 3‐arm randomised controlled trial.

Methods

We screened all individuals positive for C difficile from May 2017 to March 2019. Persons with laboratory‐confirmed recurrent CDI were included. Before FMT and rectal bacteriotherapy, we pre‐treated with vancomycin for 7‐14 days. Rectal bacteriotherapy was applied by enema on three consecutive days and FMT by enema once with possible repetition for two to three infusions within 14 days. The vancomycin group was treated for 14 days with additional five weeks of tapering for multiple recurrences. The primary outcome was clinical cure within 90 days. A secondary outcome was 180‐day all‐cause mortality.

Results

Participants in the FMT group (n = 34) were cured more often than participants receiving vancomycin (n = 31), 76% vs 45% (OR 3.9 (1.4‐11.4), P < 0.01) or rectal bacteriotherapy (n = 31), 76% vs 52% (OR 3.0 (1.1‐8.8), P = 0.04). Rectal bacteriotherapy and vancomycin performed similarly (P = 0.61). The mortality rate was 6% in the FMT group, 13% in the bacteriotherapy group and 23% in the vancomycin group. FMT tended to reduce mortality compared with vancomycin, OR 0.2 (0.04‐1.12), P = 0.07.

Conclusions

Rectal bacteriotherapy appears as effective as vancomycin but less effective than 1‐3 FMTs. FMT by enema with 1‐3 infusions is superior to vancomycin for treating recurrent C difficile infections and might reduce mortality.
Letter: the combination of histologic remission and Mayo endoscopic score 1 as a suitable therapeutic target in ulcerative colitis—authors' reply
Authors: Jangi Sushrut , Yoon Hyuk , Dulai Parambir , Valasek Mark , Boland Brigid , Jairath Vipul , Feagan Brian , Sandborn William , Singh Siddharth
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jangi et al and Maeda et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16026 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16302
Letter: genetic variation in the HLA‐DQA1*05 allele predicts tumour necrosis factor‐α antagonist immunogenicity – does location matter?
Authors: Wilson Aze , Kim Richard B.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wilson et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15563
Letter: tenofovir versus entecavir for hepatocellular carcinoma prevention in chronic hepatitis B‐related compensated cirrhosis—authors' reply
Authors: Chiu Sherry Yueh‐Hsia , Chang Kuo‐Chin , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Chien Rong‐Nan
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hu et al and Huang et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16116 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16273
MAFLD considerations as a part of the global hepatitis C elimination effort: an international perspective
Authors: Fouad Yasser , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Negro Francesco , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Sarin Shiv K. , Ferenci Peter , Esmat Gamal , Ghazinian Hasmik , Nakajima Atsushi , Silva Marcelo , Lee Samuel , Colombo Massimo
Published: September 2023

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) set a goal to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) infection globally by 2030, with specific targets to reduce new viral hepatitis infections by 80% and reduce related deaths by 65%. However, an overlooked aspect that may hinder these efforts is the impact other liver diseases could have by continuing to drive liver disease progression and offset the beneficial impact of DAAs on end‐stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In particular, the decrease in HCV prevalence has been countered by a marked increase in the prevalence of metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Aims

To review the potential interaction of HCV and MAFLD.

Methods

We have reviewed the literature relating to an arrange of interaction of HCV, metabolic dysfunction and MAFLD.

Results

In this viewpoint, international experts suggest a holistic and multidisciplinary approach for the management of the growing number of treated HCV patients who achieved SVR, taking into consideration the overlooked impact of MAFLD for reducing morbidity and mortality in people who have had HCV.

Conclusions

This will strengthen and improve the continuum of care cascade for patients with liver disease(s) and holds the potential to alleviate the cost burden of disease; and increase quality of life for patients following DAAs treatment.
Editorial: trends in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease attributable direct costs
Authors: Vernon‐Roberts Angharad , Day Andrew S.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to El‐Matary et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16358 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16376
A systematic review on the effect of routine outcome monitoring and feedback on client outcomes in alcohol and other drug treatment
Authors: Cordony India , Mills Llewellyn , Mammen Kristie , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: September 2023

Issues

Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) involves regularly measuring clients' outcomes during treatment, which can then be fed back to clinicians and/or clients. In the mental health field, ROM and feedback have been shown to improve client outcomes; however, no systematic reviews have examined whether improvement is also seen in alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment outcomes. This review examines whether feedback to clients and/or clinicians of ROM data in AOD treatment improves future client outcomes.

Approach

This systematic review of papers identified in Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus examines the effect on client outcomes of feeding back ROM data to clinicians and/or clients in AOD treatment settings. Key client outcomes included substance use, treatment attendance and wellbeing measures.

Key Findings

Ten studies were included—five randomised controlled trials and five pre–post within‐subjects designs. Six studies were deemed good‐ or fair‐quality. Of these six, three provided feedback to clinicians only, one to clients only, and two to both clients and clinicians. Only one of the six found feedback was associated with significant reductions in substance use and only among off‐track clients. Four of the six found feedback improved other outcomes, including treatment retention, global functioning, therapeutic alliance and mood symptoms.

Conclusions

There may be some positive effects for clients of providing feedback to clients and/or clinicians; however, the small number of randomised trials and the heterogeneity of methods, outcome measures and findings, mean that firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the efficacy of feedback until larger randomised studies are conducted.
The Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework: A systems science approach to the complexity of neurodevelopmental conditions, including cerebral palsy
Authors: Mayston Margaret J. , Saloojee Gillian M. , Foley Sarah E.
Published: September 2023

The current recommended developmental Bobath practice within the Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework (BCRF) can be conceptualized using the lens of systems science, thereby providing a holistic perspective on the interrelatedness and interconnectedness of the variables associated with childhood‐onset disability. The BCRF is defined as an in‐depth clinical reasoning framework that can be applied to help understand the relationships between the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, how those domains can be influenced, and how they impact each other. The BCRF is a transdisciplinary observational system and practical reasoning approach that results in an intervention plan. This provides a holistic understanding of the complexity of situations associated with disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP) and the basis for the lifelong management and habilitation of people living with neurological disorders. The clinical reasoning used by the BCRF draws on the important contextual factors of the individual and their social environment, primarily the family unit. It is rooted in an understanding of the interrelationships between typical and atypical development, pathophysiology (sensorimotor, cognitive, behavioural), and neuroscience, and the impact of these body structure and function constructs on activity and participation. The systems science model integral to the BCRF is a useful way forward in understanding and responding to the complexity of CP, the overarching goal being to optimize the lived experience of any individual in any context.
Spatial and temporal patterns in the population genomics of the European cockchafer Melolontha melolontha in the Alpine region
Authors: Pedrazzini Chiara , Strasser Hermann , Zemp Niklaus , Holderegger Rolf , Widmer Franco , Enkerli Jürg
Published: September 2023

The European cockchafer Melolontha melolontha is an agricultural pest in many European countries. Populations have a synchronized 3 or 4 years life cycle, leading to temporally isolated populations. Despite the economic importance and availability of comprehensive historical as well as current records on cockchafer occurrence, population genomic analyses of M. melolontha are missing. For example, the effects of geographic separation caused by the mountainous terrain of the Alps and of temporal isolation on the genomic structure of M. melolontha still remain unknown. To address this gap, we genotyped 475 M. melolontha adults collected during 3 years from 35 sites in a central Alpine region. Subsequent population structure analyses discriminated two main genetic clusters, i.e., the South Tyrol cluster including collections located southeast of the Alpine mountain range, and a northwestern alpine cluster with all the other collections, reflecting distinct evolutionary history and geographic barriers. The “passo di Resia” linking South and North Tyrol represented a regional contact zone of the two genetic clusters, highlighting genomic differentiation between the collections from the northern and southern regions. Although the collections from northwestern Italy were assigned to the northwestern alpine genetic cluster, they displayed evidence of admixture with the South Tyrolean genetic cluster, suggesting shared ancestry. A linear mixed model confirmed that both geographic distance and, to a lower extent, also temporal isolation had a significant effect on the genetic distance among M. melolontha populations. These effects may be attributed to limited dispersal capacity and reproductive isolation resulting from synchronized and non‐synchronized swarming flights, respectively. This study contributes to the understanding of the phylogeography of an organism that is recognized as an agricultural problem and provides significant information on the population genomics of insect species with prolonged temporally shifted and locally synchronized life cycles.
Rheological properties, printability and microstructure of buttermilk‐mashed potatoes incorporated with chlorpheniramine maleate as a material for 3D food printing
Authors: Jantrawut Pensak , Khangtragool Waristha , Buri Kodchakorn , Brachais Claire‐Hélène , Chambin Odile , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Chaiwarit Tanpong
Published: September 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) food printing is widely investigated in the food sectors, such as customised food designs, personalised nutrition and simplifying the supply chain. This study aimed to investigate the rheological properties and filament geometry of buttermilk‐mashed potatoes (BMP) to print 3D animal‐shaped foods through a syringe extrusion 3D printing technique using BMP as the printing material. The rheological studies showed that the BMP made with different weight ratios of mashed potato powder to milk‐water‐butter (BMP 1:4, 1:4.5, 1:5, 1:5.5 and 1:6) showed shear‐thinning properties that were suitable for 3D printing. The addition of liquid component is helpful in decreasing the viscosity of the BMP to flow through nozzles. Furthermore, water‐holding capacity decreased with an increased liquid ratio. The BMP 1:5 was optimal with high accuracy in all nozzles, and the optimal nozzle was 21G. It represented excellent shape fidelity and geometry. BMP1:5 with nozzle size 21G demonstrated 103.3% ± 1.3% active ingredient content, accurate ingredient content in various sizes of 3D‐printed objects and precision in weight. This study suggested that 3D printing based on BMP could produce complex‐shaped food patterns for further development and applications for active ingredient administration in children by a food base.
Effects of fermentation, boiling, and drying methods on bioactive properties, phenolic and nutrient profiles of aerial parts of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) plants
Authors: AlJuhaimi Fahad , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan
Published: September 2023

Total carotenoid results of fresh and processed purslane samples were recorded between 4.21 (fermented) and 107.40 μg/g) (microwave). Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of purslane were reported to be between 25.21 (fermented) and 143.02 mg GAE/100 g (microwave) to 44.14 (fermented) and 810.48 mg/100 g (microwave), respectively. Antioxidant activity results of fresh and purslane plants were reported between 1.18 (fermented) and 1.54 mmol/kg (DPPH) (fresh and boiled) to 1.43 (fermented) and 13.25 mg/g (FRAP) (oven), respectively. Catechin and rutin results of purslane samples were recorded to be between 0.81 (boiled) and 35.33 mg/100 g (microwave) to 0.14 (fermented) and 21.45 mg/100 g (air dried), respectively. The most abundant element in the purslane samples was K, followed in descending order by Ca, Mg, P and S. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) results of purslane samples were detected to be between 2460.92 (boiled) and 17153.18 mg/kg (air dried) to 1159.25 (boiled) and 13428.23 mg/kg (air dried), respectively. A decrease in the protein and mineral contents of purslane was observed by fermentation and boiling. In general, flavour, colour and texture values of fermented purslane sample has reached an acceptable value by consumers.
Robot‐assisted radical nephrectomy using novel surgical robot platform, hinotori: Report of initial series of 13 cases
Authors: Motoyama Daisuke , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Otsuka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato , Miyake Hideaki
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The aims of the present study were to describe the perioperative findings of the first series of patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical nephrectomy (RARN) with a newly launched platform, the hinotori surgical robot system, and compare the findings with a similar set receiving RARN with the existing system, da Vinci.

Methods

This study included 34 patients, consisting of 13 and 21 undergoing RARN using the hinotori and da Vinci robotic systems, respectively. As a rule, RARN was performed via an intraperitoneal approach employing 3 robotic arms, irrespective of the robotic systems.

Results

In the hinotori group, the median age, body mass index and tumor diameter were 65 years, 23.3 kg/m2 and 50 mm, respectively. All surgical procedures with hinotori could be completed by a purely robotic approach. In the hinotori group, the median operative time, time using the robotic system, estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were 157, 83 min, 11 mL and 6 days, respectively, and major perioperative complications did not occur. In this group, 3, 1 and 9 patients were pathologically diagnosed with pT1a, pT1b and pT3a tumors, respectively. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between the hinotori and da Vinci groups, and there were also no significant differences in perioperative findings between them.

Conclusions

Despite a case series with a small sample size, this is the first report evaluating RARN using the hinotori surgical robot system, which could be safely conducted and achieved perioperative outcomes similar to that using the da Vinci system.