bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on consumer perception and acceptance of wheat beer using sorted napping and rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) questions
Authors: Byeon Yang Soo , Heo JeongAe , Kim Mi‐Ran , Kim Sang Sook
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate consumer perceptions and acceptance of wheat beer products. Twelve samples were evaluated using the sorted napping (SN) (n = 44) to classify them based on similarity, and the samples were divided into six groups. Based on the SN results, six representative samples with different attributes were used for further consumer testing. The consumers (n = 102) rated the likings, and the intensities of the attributes were evaluated using rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) questions. Although the six samples were classified into different segments by SN, no difference was found in consumer acceptance. For the segmentation of consumer groups by their liking patterns of the samples, the consumers were divided into three clusters. Interestingly, the intensities of most of the RATA terms did not differ by cluster; however, the intensities of very few RATA terms were evaluated differently by cluster. In particular, S6 in Cluster 3, which had the lowest acceptability among the samples, was relatively high in bitterness and alcohol flavour. Characteristics such as bitterness and alcohol flavour, which can be affected by personal traits (e.g. sensitivity to bitterness), were related to the drivers of dislike for wheat beer products.
The transition issue among new nurses in China: A mediation model analysis
Authors: Ma Weiguang , Dai Zhenwei , Liang Tao , Zhang Huan , Liu Yitao
Published: July 2023

Aim

To explore the impact and interrelated pathway of work environment, career adaptability, and social support on the transition process and outcomes among new nurses.

Background

The transition issue affecting new nurses has been discussed for many decades. However, the exact interplay of various factors influencing the transition process and outcomes needs further exploration.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, descriptive survey design was employed, and a convenient sample of 1628 new nurses from 22 tertiary hospitals in China was surveyed between November 2018 and October 2019. Mediation model analysis was used to analyze the data, and the STROBE checklist was used to report the study.

Findings

The transition status mediated the effects of work environment, career adaptability and social support, and had a significantly positive influence on their intention to remain and job satisfaction. Among the influencing factors, the work environment had the most significant positive impact on both the intention to remain and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

Work environment was found to be the most significant factor affecting both the transition status and outcomes of new nurses. The transition status played an important mediating role between the influencing factors and the transition outcomes, whereas career adaptability was found to mediate the impact of social support and work environment in the transition process.

Implications for nursing and nursing policies

The results underscore the critical role of the work environment and demonstrate the mediating effects of transition status and career adaptability in the transition process of new nurses. Therefore, dynamic evaluation of the transition status should serve as the foundation for developing targeted supportive interventions. Such interventions should also focus on enhancing career adaptability and fostering a supportive work environment to facilitate the transition of new nurses.
A multi‐facetted patient safety resource—A qualitative interview study on hospital managers' perception of the nurse‐led Rapid Response Team
Authors: Axelsen Matilde Skødstrup , Baumgarten Mette , Egholm Cecilie Lindström , Jensen Janet Froulund , Thomsen Thora Grothe , Bunkenborg Gitte
Published: July 2023

Aim

To explore hospital managers' perceptions of the Rapid Response Team.

Design

An explorative qualitative study using semi‐structured individual interviews.

Methods

In September 2019, a qualitative interview study including nineteen hospital managers at three managerial levels in acute care hospitals was conducted. Interview transcripts were analysed with an inductive content analysis approach, involving researcher triangulation in data collection and analysis processes.

Findings

One theme, ‘A resource with untapped potential, enhancing patient safety, high‐quality nursing, and organisational cohesion’ was identified and underpinned by six categories and 30 sub‐categories.

Conclusion

The Rapid Response Team has an influence on the organization that goes beyond the team's original purpose. It strengthens the organization's dynamic cohesion by providing clinical support to nurses and facilitating learning, communication and collaboration across the hospital. Managers lack engagement in the team, including local key data to guide future quality improvement processes.

Implications

For organizations, nursing, and patients to benefit from the team to its full potential, managerial engagement seems crucial.

Impact

This study addressed possible challenges to using the Rapid Response Team optimally and found that hospital managers perceived this complex healthcare intervention as beneficial to patient safety and nursing quality, but lacked factual insight into the team's deliverances. The research impacts patient safety pointing at the need to re‐organize managerial involvement in the function and development of the Rapid Response Team and System.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the COREQ checklist when reporting this study.

“No Patient or Public Contribution”
Clinical metabolic monitoring to inform metabolic dysregulation in sepsis
Authors: Graham Julie‐Kathryn , Nasser Emily R. , Jenkins Danisha , Quillin‐Mcewan Molly , Kelley Christina
Published: July 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to offer further evidence of the utility of metabolic monitoring in early recognition of sepsis. Metabolic derangement in sepsis is of increasing interest. Sepsis was redefined as a dysregulated host response to infection, and studies have since emerged advising that disrupted metabolic pathways in sepsis may interfere with the host's ability to convert oxygen to useable energy. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is a metabolic monitoring technology that measures oxygen consumption (V02) and resting energy expenditure (REE). IC offers clinically important, specific information in terms of patient's metabolic state and has been shown to differentiate patients with sepsis from those without. Additionally, IC is more specific than predictive equations used as the established standard for clinical nutrition.

Research Methods and Procedures

Data for this retrospective descriptive study were obtained from chart review of records of critically ill patients who received metabolic monitoring while under the care of the nutrition support team. Data were retrieved from January through March of 2020. The cases included were from January 2018 through January 2020. Variables included key demographics, sepsis diagnosis and specific metabolic variables of cellular respiration and energy expenditure.

Results

For this all‐male sample (N = 56), mean age was 56 years (±17.5). Significant differences were noted in V02 between the two groups of cases (sepsis and non‐sepsis); (p = .026, Cohen's d = 0.618); and REE (p = .032, Cohen's d = 0.607). A strong association was found between V02 and sepsis (Eta 0.981). REE as measured by IC was statistically more specific than predictive equation (p < .001, Cohen's d = 0.527).

Conclusions

VO2 and REE were significantly altered in subjects with sepsis in this study, demonstrating that IC may be a useful tool in identifying sepsis. This study was based on an earlier pilot which yielded similar results. Indirect calorimetry can be easily performed clinically, offering specific metabolic information that can be helpful in the determination of a diagnosis of sepsis.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution to this manuscript. The study design, analysis of retrospective data, and manuscript preparation were completed entirely by the authors.

Implications for Clinicians

Sepsis remains one of the number one killers of hospitalized patients globally

Current means of identifying sepsis remain overly sensitive and under‐specific, making recognition of sepsis challenging for Emergency Clinicians

Metabolic monitoring can be done easily in the clinical setting by nurses and respiratory therapists.

Metabolic monitoring has the capability of offering further information specific to the identification of sepsis, and to further understanding of the altered metabolic phenotype of patients with sepsis
Clustering of CaV1.3 L‐type calcium channels by Shank3
Authors: Yang Qian , Perfitt Tyler L. , Quay Juliana , Hu Lan , Lawson‐Qureshi Dorian , Colbran Roger J.
Published: July 2023

Clustering of L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) in the plasma membrane is increasingly implicated in creating highly localized Ca2+ signaling nanodomains. For example, neuronal LTCC activation can increase phosphorylation of the nuclear CREB transcription factor by increasing Ca2+ concentrations within a nanodomain close to the channel, without requiring bulk Ca2+ increases in the cytosol or nucleus. However, the molecular basis for LTCC clustering is poorly understood. The postsynaptic scaffolding protein Shank3 specifically associates with one of the major neuronal LTCCs, the CaV1.3 calcium channel, and is required for optimal LTCC‐dependent excitation‐transcription coupling. Here, we co‐expressed CaV1.3 α1 subunits with two distinct epitope‐tags with or without Shank3 in HEK cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation studies using the cell lysates revealed that Shank3 can assemble complexes containing multiple CaV1.3 α1 subunits under basal conditions. Moreover, CaV1.3 LTCC complex formation was facilitated by CaVβ subunits (β3 and β2a), which also interact with Shank3. Shank3 interactions with CaV1.3 LTCCs and multimeric CaV1.3 LTCC complex assembly were disrupted following the addition of Ca2+ to cell lysates, perhaps simulating conditions within an activated CaV1.3 LTCC nanodomain. In intact HEK293T cells, co‐expression of Shank3 enhanced the intensity of membrane‐localized CaV1.3 LTCC clusters under basal conditions, but not after Ca2+ channel activation. Live cell imaging studies also revealed that Ca2+ influx through LTCCs disassociated Shank3 from CaV1.3 LTCCs clusters and reduced the CaV1.3 cluster intensity. Deletion of the Shank3 PDZ domain prevented both binding to CaV1.3 and the changes in multimeric CaV1.3 LTCC complex assembly in vitro and in HEK293 cells. Finally, we found that shRNA knock‐down of Shank3 expression in cultured rat primary hippocampal neurons reduced the intensity of surface‐localized CaV1.3 LTCC clusters in dendrites. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism contributing to neuronal LTCC clustering under basal conditions.

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Stability of face recognition abilities after left or right anterior temporal lobectomy
Authors: Volfart Angélique , Rossion Bruno , Brissart Hélène , Busigny Thomas , Colnat‐Coulbois Sophie , Maillard Louis , Jonas Jacques
Published: July 2023

Patients with anterior temporal lobe (ATL) resection due to mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) have difficulties at identifying familiar faces and explicitly remembering newly learned faces but their ability to individuate unfamiliar faces remains largely unknown. Moreover, the extent to which their difficulties with familiar face identity recognition and learning is truly due to the ATL resection remains unknown. Here, we report a study of 24 MTLE patients and matched healthy controls tested with an extensive set of seven face and visual object recognition tasks (including three tasks evaluating unfamiliar face individuation) before and about 6 months after unilateral (nine left, 15 right) ATL resection. We found that ATL resection has little or no effect on the patients' preserved pre‐surgical ability to perform unfamiliar face individuation, both at the group and individual levels. More surprisingly, ATL resection also has little effect on the patients' performance at recognizing and naming famous faces as well as at learning new faces. A substantial proportion of right MTLE patients (33%) even improved their response times on several tasks, which may indicate a functional release of visuo‐spatial processing after resection in the right ATL. Altogether this study shows that face recognition abilities are mainly unaffected by ATL resection in MTLE, either because the critical regions for face recognition are spared or because performance at some tasks is already lower than normal preoperatively. Overall, these findings urge caution when interpreting the causal effect of brain lesions on face recognition ability in patients with ATL resection due to MTLE. They also illustrate the complexity of predicting cognitive outcomes after epilepsy surgery because of the influence of many different intertwined factors.
Subunit‐specific expression and function of AMPA receptors in the mouse locus coeruleus
Authors: Kelly Louise , Brown Christopher , Gibbard Adina G. , Jackson Torquil , Swinny Jerome D.
Published: July 2023

The locus coeruleus (LC) provides the principal supply of noradrenaline (NA) to the brain, thereby modulating an array of brain functions. The release of NA, and therefore its impact on the brain, is governed by LC neuronal excitability. Glutamatergic axons, from various brain regions, topographically innervate different LC sub‐domains and directly alter LC excitability. However, it is currently unclear whether glutamate receptor sub‐classes, such as α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, are divergently expressed throughout the LC. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to identify and localise individual GluA subunits in the mouse LC. Whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology and subunit‐preferring ligands were used to assess their impact on LC spontaneous firing rate (FR). GluA1 immunoreactive clusters were associated with puncta immunoreactive for VGLUT2 on somata, and VGLUT1 on distal dendrites. GluA4 was associated with these synaptic markers only in the distal dendrites. No specific signal was detected for the GluA2‐3 subunits. The GluA1/2 receptor agonist (S)‐CPW 399 increased LC FR, whilst the GluA1/3 receptor antagonist philanthotoxin‐74 decreased it. 4‐[2‐(phenylsulfonylamino)ethylthio]‐2,6‐difluoro‐phenoxyacetamide (PEPA), a positive allosteric modulator of GluA3/4 receptors, had no significant effect on spontaneous FR. The data suggest distinct AMPA receptor subunits are targeted to different LC afferent inputs and have contrasting effects on spontaneous neuronal excitability. This precise expression profile could be a mechanism for LC neurons to integrate diverse information contained in various glutamate afferents.
Tackling exigent grand challenges through corporate social innovation: Evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fu Xiaolan , Fu Xiaoqing (Maggie) , Ghauri Pervez N. , Khan Hina
Published: July 2023

While the body of research on grand challenges (GCs) has grown, our understanding of the role of corporate social innovation (CSI) in tackling exigent GCs, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, is limited. Based on in‐depth analyses of four cases of CSI in the services sector during the COVID‐19 pandemic, this paper contributes to the GC literature by developing a 3Es framework of the CSI process (i.e., embeddedness, engagement, and enhancement) to illustrate the mechanisms through which exigent GCs can be effectively addressed by firms in the services sector. First, CSI embeddedness in intersectoral partnerships with international organizations based on deep‐rooted trust and collective commitment is found to be a fundamental mechanism for efficiently addressing the COVID‐19 crisis. Second, CSI engagement through the transformation of existing technology and/or the adaption of existing products/services is found to be an important mechanism for meeting pandemic‐induced social needs. Specifically, it is found that leading‐edge technologies such as digital platforms can be rapidly repurposed to enable loosely coupled systems that evolve as a new channel to bring together various stakeholders and thus address this urgent GC. Finally, CSI enhancement supported by managerial agility and participatory governance structure plays a crucial role in enabling CSI to function effectively in the context of exigent GCs.
Interplay between zinc and cell proliferation and implications for the growth of livestock
Authors: Zhang Xiangli , Hou Yuhuang , Huang Yanqun , Chen Wen , Zhang Huaiyong
Published: July 2023

Zinc (Zn) plays a critical role in the growth of livestock, which depends on cell proliferation. In addition to modifying the growth associated with its effects on food intake, mitogenic hormones, signal transduction and gene transcription, Zn also regulates body weight gain through mediating cell proliferation. Zn deficiency in animals leads to growth inhibition, along with an arrest of cell cycle progression at G0/G1 and S phase due to depression in the expression of cyclin D/E and DNA synthesis. Therefore, in the present study, the interplay between Zn and cell proliferation and implications for the growth of livestock were reviewed, in which Zn regulates cell proliferation in several ways, especially cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase DNA synthesis and mitosis. During the cell cycle, the Zn transporters and major Zn binding proteins such as metallothioneins are altered with the requirements of cellular Zn level and nuclear translocation of Zn. In addition, calcium signaling, MAPK pathway and PI3K/Akt cascades are also involved in the process of Zn‐interfering cell proliferation. The evidence collected over the last decade highlights the necessity of Zn for normal cell proliferation, which suggests Zn supplementation should be considered for the growth and health of poultry.
A rent‐limiting design of professional self‐regulation
Authors: Szczygielski Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

We consider a government that purchases a public good or a private good for public consumption from a heterogenous group of professionals (such as scientists, doctors, or lawyers) in an environment characterized by an extremely high level of information asymmetry. Specifically, we assume that the government needs information from a self‐regulatory organization (SRO) of agents (such as a research council, a medical board, or a bar association) to draft the contract. We show that the government information disadvantage is minimized when the SRO is dictatorial, that is, when it follows the preferences of the efficient agents.
When I say … imposter syndrome
Authors: Gottlieb Michael
Published: July 2023

What is imposter syndrome really…? In this "When I say…" paper, Gottlieb seeks to enhance our conceptual understanding of imposter syndrome and how we can best use it in practice. #MedEd
Extended‐volume image‐derived models of coronary microcirculation
Authors: Vigneshwaran Vibujithan , Sy Christine Lauren , Smaill Bruce H. , Sands Gregory B. , Smith Nicolas P.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Recent advances in tissue clearing and high‐throughput imaging have enabled the acquisition of extended‐volume microvasculature images at a submicron resolution. The objective of this study was to extract information from this type of images by integrating a sequence of 3D image processing steps on Terabyte scale datasets.

Methods

We acquired coronary microvasculature images throughout an entire short‐axis slice of a 3‐month‐old Wistar–Kyoto rat heart. This dataset covered 13 × 10 × 0.6 mm at a resolution of 0.933 × 0.933 × 1.866 μm and occupied 700 Gigabytes of disk space. We used chunk‐based image segmentation, combined with an efficient graph generation technique, to quantify the microvasculature in the large‐scale images. Specifically, we focused on the microvasculature with a vessel diameter up to 15 μm.

Results

Morphological data for the complete short‐axis ring were extracted within 16 h using this pipeline. From the analyses, we identified that microvessel lengths in the rat coronary microvasculature varied from 6 to 300 μm. However, their distribution was heavily skewed toward shorter lengths, with a mode of 16.5 μm. In contrast, vessel diameters ranged from 3 to 15 μm and had an approximately normal distribution of 6.5 ± 2 μm.

Conclusion

The tools and techniques from this study will serve other investigations into the microcirculation, and the wealth of data from this study will enable the analysis of biophysical mechanisms using computer models.
The PTI‐suppressing Avr2 effector from Fusarium oxysporum suppresses mono‐ubiquitination and plasma membrane dissociation of BIK1
Authors: Blekemolen Mila C. , Liu Zunyong , Stegman Martin , Zipfel Cyril , Shan Libo , Takken Frank L. W.
Published: July 2023

Plant pathogens use effector proteins to target host processes involved in pathogen perception, immune signalling, or defence outputs. Unlike foliar pathogens, it is poorly understood how root‐invading pathogens suppress immunity. The Avr2 effector from the tomato root‐ and xylem‐colonizing pathogen Fusarium oxysporum suppresses immune signalling induced by various pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). It is unknown how Avr2 targets the immune system. Transgenic AVR2 Arabidopsis thaliana phenocopies mutants in which the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) co‐receptor BRI1‐ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASE (BAK1) or its downstream signalling kinase BOTRYTIS‐INDUCED KINASE 1 (BIK1) are knocked out. We therefore tested whether these kinases are Avr2 targets. Flg22‐induced complex formation of the PRR FLAGELLIN SENSITIVE 2 and BAK1 occurred in the presence and absence of Avr2, indicating that Avr2 does not affect BAK1 function or PRR complex formation. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that Avr2 and BIK1 co‐localize in planta. Although Avr2 did not affect flg22‐induced BIK1 phosphorylation, mono‐ubiquitination was compromised. Furthermore, Avr2 affected BIK1 abundance and shifted its localization from nucleocytoplasmic to the cell periphery/plasma membrane. Together, these data imply that Avr2 may retain BIK1 at the plasma membrane, thereby suppressing its ability to activate immune signalling. Because mono‐ubiquitination of BIK1 is required for its internalization, interference with this process by Avr2 could provide a mechanistic explanation for the compromised BIK1 mobility upon flg22 treatment. The identification of BIK1 as an effector target of a root‐invading vascular pathogen identifies this kinase as a conserved signalling component for both root and shoot immunity.
Telomerase RNA gene paralogs in plants – the usual pathway to unusual telomeres
Authors: Závodník Michal , Fajkus Petr , Franek Michal , Kopecký David , Garcia Sònia , Dodsworth Steven , Orejuela Andrés , Kilar Agata , Ptáček Jiří , Mátl Martin , Hýsková Anna , Fajkus Jiří , Peška Vratislav
Published: July 2023

Telomerase, telomeric DNA and associated proteins together represent a complex, finely tuned and functionally conserved mechanism that ensures genome integrity by protecting and maintaining chromosome ends. Changes in its components can threaten an organism's viability. Nevertheless, molecular innovation in telomere maintenance has occurred multiple times during eukaryote evolution, giving rise to species/taxa with unusual telomeric DNA sequences, telomerase components or telomerase‐independent telomere maintenance. The central component of telomere maintenance machinery is telomerase RNA (TR) as it templates telomere DNA synthesis, its mutation can change telomere DNA and disrupt its recognition by telomere proteins, thereby leading to collapse of their end‐protective and telomerase recruitment functions.

Using a combination of bioinformatic and experimental approaches, we examine a plausible scenario of evolutionary changes in TR underlying telomere transitions.

We identified plants harbouring multiple TR paralogs whose template regions could support the synthesis of diverse telomeres. In our hypothesis, formation of unusual telomeres is associated with the occurrence of TR paralogs that can accumulate mutations, and through their functional redundancy, allow for the adaptive evolution of the other telomere components.

Experimental analyses of telomeres in the examined plants demonstrate evolutionary telomere transitions corresponding to TR paralogs with diverse template regions.
Effects of sleep disturbance on trauma‐focused psychotherapy outcomes in posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Bottari Sarah A. , Trifilio Erin R. , Janicke David M. , Porges Eric C. , Cohen Ronald A. , Jaffee Michael S. , Williamson John B.
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to synthesize existing research on the effects of sleep disturbances on trauma‐focused psychotherapy outcomes in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A systematic review using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and PTSDpubs was performed up to April 2021. Two independent reviewers screened articles for inclusion, performed data extraction, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of the evidence. Narrative synthesis was conducted based on the type of sleep disorder symptom assessed. Sixteen primary studies were included in this review, the majority of which had a high overall risk of bias. Results suggested that sleep disorder symptoms were associated with higher overall PTSD severity across treatment; however, they did not interfere with treatment effectiveness, with the exception of sleep‐disordered breathing. Improvements in insomnia, sleep duration, and sleep quality during treatment were associated with greater treatment gains. Certainty of the evidence ranged from low to very low. These results suggest that it may not be necessary to address sleep disorder symptoms prior to initiating trauma‐focused psychotherapy. Instead, concurrent treatment of sleep‐ and trauma‐related symptoms may be most beneficial. Continued research is needed to clarify the mechanistic relationship between sleep and treatment outcomes and to guide clinical decision‐making.
Detecting dental caries on oral photographs using artificial intelligence: A systematic review
Authors: Moharrami Mohammad , Farmer Julie , Singhal Sonica , Watson Erin , Glogauer Michael , Johnson Alistair E W , Schwendicke Falk , Quinonez Carlos
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This systematic review aimed at evaluating the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) models in detecting dental caries on oral photographs.

Methods

Methodological characteristics and performance metrics of clinical studies reporting on deep learning and other machine learning algorithms were assessed. The risk of bias was evaluated using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies 2 (QUADAS‐2) tool. A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE, Medline, and Scopus.

Results

Out of 3410 identified records, 19 studies were included with six and seven studies having low risk of biases and applicability concerns for all the domains, respectively. Metrics varied widely and were assessed on multiple levels. F1‐scores for classification and detection tasks were 68.3%–94.3% and 42.8%–95.4%, respectively. Irrespective of the task, F1‐scores were 68.3%–95.4% for professional cameras, 78.8%–87.6%, for intraoral cameras, and 42.8%–80% for smartphone cameras. Limited studies allowed assessing AI performance for lesions of different severity.

Conclusion

Automatic detection of dental caries using AI may provide objective verification of clinicians' diagnoses and facilitate patient‐clinician communication and teledentistry. Future studies should consider more robust study designs, employ comparable and standardized metrics, and focus on the severity of caries lesions.
Early swallowing training after free flap surgery in oral cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Hong‐Yun , Shan Xiao‐Feng , Cai Zhi‐Gang , Zhang Jing , Li Pei‐Jun , Zhang Lei , Yang Yue
Published: July 2023

Objective

To explore the effect of early swallowing training on postoperative outcomes of patients who had undergone oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction.

Subjects and Methods

In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 121 patients who had undergone oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction were randomly assigned to the control (n = 59) or intervention group (n = 62). The control group underwent routine nursing measures. The intervention group received swallowing training on the sixth postoperative day. On the 15th day and 1 month after surgery, the swallowing function (Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability‐Oral Cancer [MASA‐OC] score), weight loss rate, time of nasogastric tube removal, and quality of life were evaluated.

Results

Patients in the intervention group had higher MASA‐OC scores and better weight loss rates than those in the control group on the 15th day (MASA‐OC: p = 0.014, weight loss: p < 0.001) and 1 month (both p < 0.001) after surgery. The time of nasogastric tube removal and the quality of life was statistically significant between groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Early swallowing training improves the swallowing function, nutritional status, and quality of life and shortens the indwelling time of nasogastric tube of patients who have undergone oral cancer surgery plus free flap reconstruction.
Prevalence of oral infections in chronic kidney disease patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Palmeira Eduarda , de Liz Pérez‐Losada Flor , Díaz‐Flores‐García Víctor , Segura‐Sampedro Juan J. , Segura‐Egea Juan J. , López‐López José
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and periodontal disease (periodontitis) (PD) in Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in relation to their treatment phase.

Subjects and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 188 patients with CKD were divided into two groups: patients without dialysis (WD group, n = 53) and patients on dialysis (DP group, n = 135). Panoramic radiographs were used to diagnose AP. The presence of periodontal disease was evaluated radiographically assessing alveolar bone loss. Student's t‐test, chi‐squared test, and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the significance of differences between groups.

Results

In the WD group, 55% of patients had at least one tooth with AP, whereas in the DP group 67% had at least one tooth with AP (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.09–4.08; p < 0.05). PD was more prevalent in the DP group (78%) than in the WD group (36%) (OR = 6.26; CI 95% = 3.13–12.52; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Oral infections are more prevalent in the advanced stages of CKD. The treatment of PD and AP should be incorporated in the treatment planning of patients with CKD.
Humoral immune disorders affect clinical outcomes of oral lichen planus
Authors: Qing Maofeng , Yang Dan , Shang Qianhui , Li Weiqi , Zhou Yu , Xu Hao , Chen Qianming
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The molecular characteristics of oral lichen planus (OLP) are still unclear, and it is not possible to distinguish the clinical outcome of OLP patients in a short period of time for follow‐up. Here, we investigate the molecular characteristics of lesions in patients with stable lichen planus (SOLP) and recalcitrant erosive oral lichen planus (REOLP).

Methods

Our clinical follow‐up cohort was split into SOLP and REOLP groups based on the follow‐up clinical data. The core modules associated with the clinical information were identified by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). The OLP cohort samples were divided into two groups by molecular typing, and a prediction model for OLP was created by training neural networks with the neuralnet package.

Results

We screened 546 genes in five modules. After doing a molecular type of OLP, it was determined that B cells might have a significant impact on the clinical outcome of OLP. In addition, by means of machine learning, a prediction model was developed to predict the clinical regression of OLP with greater accuracy than the existing clinical diagnostic.

Conclusions

Our study revealed humoral immune disorders may make an important contribution to the clinical outcome of OLP.
Effect of low luminance on face recognition in adults with central and peripheral vision loss
Authors: Venugopal Dinesh , Wood Joanne M. , Black Alex A. , Bentley Sharon A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of low luminance on face recognition, specifically facial identity discrimination (FID) and facial expression recognition (FER), in adults with central vision loss (CVL) and peripheral vision loss (PVL) and to explore the association between clinical vision measures and low luminance FID and FER.

Methods

Participants included 33 adults with CVL, 17 with PVL and 20 controls. FID and FER were assessed under photopic and low luminance conditions. For the FID task, 12 sets of three faces with neutral expressions were presented and participants asked to indicate the odd‐face‐out. For FER, 12 single faces were presented and participants asked to name the expression (neutral, happy or angry). Photopic and low luminance visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were recorded for all participants and for the PVL group, Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24‐2 mean deviation (MD).

Results

FID accuracy in CVL, and to a lesser extent PVL, was reduced under low compared with photopic luminance (mean reduction 20% and 8% respectively; p < 0.001). FER accuracy was reduced only in CVL (mean reduction 25%; p < 0.001). For both CVL and PVL, low luminance and photopic VA and CS were moderately to strongly correlated with low luminance FID (ρ = 0.61–0.77, p < 0.05). For PVL, better eye HFA 24‐2 MD was moderately correlated with low luminance FID (ρ = 0.54, p = 0.02). Results were similar for low luminance FER. Together, photopic VA and CS explained 75% of the variance in low luminance FID, and photopic VA explained 61% of the variance in low luminance FER. Low luminance vision measures explained little additional variance.

Conclusion

Low luminance significantly reduced face recognition, particularly for adults with CVL. Worse VA and CS were associated with reduced face recognition. Clinically, photopic VA is a good predictor of face recognition under low luminance conditions.
A prospective comparison of invasive and non‐invasive blood pressure in children undergoing cardiac catheterization
Authors: Beringer Richard , Keith Alastair , Jones Elin , Murphy Tim , White Paul
Published: July 2023

Background

Blood pressure measurement is a standard of monitoring during general anesthesia. Invasive measurement is considered the gold standard but is less commonly used than non‐invasive. Automated oscillometric blood pressure devices measure the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and use an algorithm to determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Few devices have been validated in children, particularly during anesthesia. Few studies have assessed the agreement between invasive and non‐invasive blood pressure measurements in children.

Methods

This was a multi‐center prospective observational study of children under 16 years undergoing cardiac catheterization with general anesthesia. Paired invasive and non‐invasive blood pressure measurements were recorded for each patient during stable periods of the procedure. Correlation within and between sites was assessed with Pearson's correlation coefficient, and agreement was examined using Bland–Altman methodology to determine bias. Agreement during episodes of hypotension and for age and weight was also determined. Bias greater than 5 mmHg and standard deviation greater than 8 mmHg was considered clinically significant. The primary end point was agreement of MAP measurements.

Results

A total of 683 paired blood pressure values were collected from 254 children in three pediatric hospitals. Median [IQR] age and weight were 3 [1–7] years and 13.9 [8–23] Kg. The overall bias (SD) for mean arterial pressure values was 7.2 (11.4) mmHg. During hypotension (190 readings), the bias (SD) was 15 (11.0) mmHg. The non‐invasive MAP was frequently higher than invasive MAP during infancy, and lower in older children.

Conclusion

Automated oscillometric blood pressure measurement is unreliable in anesthetized children during cardiac catheterization. Invasive pressure measurement should be considered for high‐risk cases.
A high‐efficiency gene silencing in plants using two‐hit asymmetrical artificial MicroRNAs
Authors: Teotia Sachin , Wang Xiaoran , Zhou Na , Wang Mengmeng , Liu Haiping , Qin Jun , Han Dianwei , Li Chingwen , Li Christine E. , Pan Shangjin , Tang Haifeng , Kang Wenjun , Zhang Zhanhui , Tang Xiaoqing , Peng Ting , Tang Guiliang
Published: July 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation. They are produced through an enzyme‐guided process called dicing and have an asymmetrical structure with two nucleotide overhangs at the 3′ ends. Artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs or amiRs) are designed to mimic the structure of miRNAs and can be used to silence specific genes of interest. Traditionally, amiRNAs are designed based on an endogenous miRNA precursor with certain mismatches at specific positions to increase their efficiency. In this study, the authors modified the highly expressed miR168a in Arabidopsis thaliana by replacing the single miR168 stem‐loop/duplex with tandem asymmetrical amiRNA duplexes that follow the statistical rules of miRNA secondary structures. These tandem amiRNA duplexes, called “two‐hit” amiRNAs, were shown to have a higher efficiency in silencing GFP and endogenous PDS reporter genes compared to traditional “one‐hit” amiRNAs. The authors also demonstrated the effectiveness of “two‐hit” amiRNAs in silencing genes involved in miRNA, tasiRNA, and hormone signalling pathways, individually or in families. Importantly, “two‐hit” amiRNAs were also able to over‐express endogenous miRNAs for their functions. The authors compare “two‐hit” amiRNA technology with CRISPR/Cas9 and provide a web‐based amiRNA designer for easy design and wide application in plants and even animals.
Association of CXCR1 gene polymorphism with clinical mastitis, reproductive disorders and performance traits in Hardhenu (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) cattle
Authors:   Pushpa, Magotra Ankit , Bangar Y. C. , Patil C. S. ,   Kamaldeep, Sindhu Vikas , Malik Deepak , Chaudhary Pradeep , Garg Asha Rani , Kumar Sandeep
Published: July 2023

The present study investigated the presence of CXCR1 gene polymorphisms and their association with clinical mastitis, reproductive disorders and performance traits in Hardhenu cattle. Genotyping of the targeted SNP rs211042414 (C>T) at the g.106216468 loci of the CXCR1 gene was performed through PCR amplification and Bsa1 restriction enzyme digestion. The genotypic frequencies revealed three genotypes: CC, CT and TT, with the C allele being the most prevalent. Significant associations were found between the targeted SNP and clinical mastitis occurrence using chi‐square and logistic regression analyses. The CC genotype showed higher susceptibility to clinical mastitis with a higher odds ratio of 3.47 compared to TT (1.00) and CT (2.90) genotypes (p < .05). Furthermore, least squares analysis revealed significant associations between genotypes and performance traits such as total milk yield, 305‐day milk yield and peak yield (p < .05). The CC genotype exhibited higher milk yields than CT and TT genotypes, indicating a positive association between the C allele and increased milk production. These findings have practical implications for the genetic improvement of Hardhenu cattle. Incorporating the identified CXCR1 gene polymorphisms into existing selection criteria can help enhance disease resistance and milk production traits. However, further validation with a larger sample size is necessary to strengthen the observed associations and ensure their practical applicability.
Victor Pelevin and the Aesthetics of Neoreaction
Authors: Vinokour Maya
Published: July 2023

This article investigates the connections between Victor Pelevin’s recent work and neoreactionary (NRx) discourse, especially the writings of accelerationist philosopher Nick Land and right‐wing “neocameralist” blogger Mencius Moldbug (aka Curtis Yarvin). Though the linguistic and cultural spaces they occupy are seemingly disjoint, the Russian postmodernist and Anglo‐American NRx in fact share intellectual and aesthetic positions. Pelevin's engagement with NRx thought is at once extremely serious—in the sense of being well researched and relatively faithful to the movement's terminology and conceptual apparatus—and apparently parodic. A longtime expert in trolling the reader even before the practice was “radicalized online,” as it were, Pelevin has updated his technique to lambaste common far‐right bugaboos like “political correctness” and “feminism.” As was the case with late‐Soviet stiob, whose mantle he inherits and adapts to the digital era, Pelevin’s mockery manages to eviscerate his targets while allowing room for reasonable doubt as to their precise identity. His possibly mocking, possibly genuine appropriation of far‐right ideology is the latest manifestation of a years‐long critique of discursive and political power that began with the skewering of Soviet authority and spoofs of post‐Soviet neoliberal virtuality, and now continues with attacks on the “blue‐pilled” doyens of Western‐style cultural norms.
Endocytic pathways of pathogenic protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Hivare Pravin , Mujmer Kratika , Swarup Gitanjali , Gupta Sharad , Bhatia Dhiraj
Published: July 2023

Endocytosis is the fundamental uptake process through which cells internalize extracellular materials and species. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by a progressive accumulation of intrinsically disordered protein species, leading to neuronal death. Misfolding in many proteins leads to various NDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other disorders. Despite the significance of disordered protein species in neurodegeneration, their spread between cells and the cellular uptake of extracellular species is not entirely understood. This review discusses the major internalization mechanisms of the different conformer species of these proteins and their endocytic mechanisms. We briefly introduce the broad types of endocytic mechanisms found in cells and then summarize what is known about the endocytosis of monomeric, oligomeric and aggregated conformations of tau, Aβ, α‐Syn, Huntingtin, Prions, SOD1, TDP‐43 and other proteins associated with neurodegeneration. We also highlight the key players involved in internalizing these disordered proteins and the several techniques and approaches to identify their endocytic mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the obstacles involved in studying the endocytosis of these protein species and the need to develop better techniques to elucidate the uptake mechanisms of a particular disordered protein species.
An unusual identification ofRickettsia parkeriin synanthropic rodents and domiciliated dogs of a rural community from Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: Arroyo‐Ramírez Abigail , Lugo‐Caballero César , Panti‐May J. Alonso , Reyes‐Novelo Enrique , Rodríguez‐Vivas Roger I. , Noh‐Pech Henry , Suárez‐Galaz Alejandro , Osorio‐Primo Tana , Puerto Fernando I. , Dzul‐Rosado Karla , Torres‐Castro Marco
Published: July 2023

Rickettsia parkeribelongs to the spotted fever group (SFG) of theRickettsiagenus. This bacterium causes mild rickettsiosis in humans and is mainly transmitted byAmblyommaticks. Its medical importance is emerging in the Americas, including Mexico. Synanthropic rodents and domiciled dogs participate as accidental hosts in epidemiological cycles ofRickettsiaof the SFG. The aim is to report the presence ofR. parkeriin synanthropic rodents and domiciled dogs from a rural community of Yucatán, Mexico. Rodents were captured, and plasma samples were taken from dogs in 48 households from Ucú, Yucatán, Mexico. A spleen sample (rodents) and plasma (dogs) were used in the propagation ofRickettsia on Vero cells. These infected cells were used in the extraction of genomic DNA.RickettsiaDNA was identified using a semi‐nested PCR (snPCR); some products were sent for sequencing. The recovered sequences were analysed with bioinformatics programs, and a phylogenetic tree was built to determine theRickettsiaspecies. One hundred animals were sampled: 36 synanthropic rodents and 64 dogs. The snPCR evidenced the presence ofRickettsiaDNA in 10 rodents (10/36, 27.8%) and 18 dogs (18/64, 28.1%), which represents a global frequency of 28% (28/100) in this study. The bioinformatics analysis yielded homology toR. parkeriand was demonstrated in the phylogenetic tree. The first evidence of the presence ofR. parkeriin synanthropic rodents (Mus musculus) from Mexico is presented; likewise, the participation of domestic dogs in the transmission cycle of this bacterium with potential importance in public health is confirmed.
Effects of Learning Using EDPUZZLE Interactive Video Application on Students' Interest, Engagement and Achievement in Science Subjects
Authors: Ramasany Vinohthini , Md Noor Norah , Mohd Zaid Norasykin
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted to identify the effect of learning methods using the Edpuzzle interactive video application on students' interest, engagement, and achievement in science subjects. The purposive sampling technique was used in this study to select the sample. A total of 40 students were selected as a sample in this study. The selected sample is students from a primary school in the Batu Pahat Johor district. The sample was selected from two classes of year 2 students who had similar ICT backgrounds in primary school. Pre-tests, post-tests, checklists, and questionnaires were used as instruments in this study. This study's objectives are to identify the effectiveness of the use of the interactive video application, Edpuzzle in increasing students' interest, engagement, and achievement in science subjects. The data were analysed through inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The data analysis results show significant differences in the level of interest, engagement, and achievement of primary school students in science subjects when using the EdPuzzle application. This suggests that the use of interactive video in the classroom has a promising approach to improve the quality of teaching and learning (TnL) among science teachers. However, considering the limitations of the research, specifically in relation to the context and the period of application, more studies are needed with different methodological approaches and in extended periods and samples.