bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood trauma in children at familial high risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: A longitudinal study. The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study – VIA 7 and VIA 11
Authors: Brandt Julie Marie , Hemager Nicoline , Gregersen Maja , Søndergaard Anne , Falkenberg Krantz Mette , Ohland Jessica , Wilms Martin , Birkehøj Rohd Sinnika , Hjorthøj Carsten , Veddum Lotte , Bruun Knudsen Christina , Krogh Andreassen Anna , Greve Aja , Spang Katrine Søborg , Christiani Camilla Austa , Ellersgaard Ditte , Klee Burton Birgitte , Gantriis Ditte Lou , Bliksted Vibeke , Mors Ole , Plessen Kerstin Jessica , Møllegaard Jepsen Jens Richardt , Nordentoft Merete , Elgaard Thorup Anne Amalie
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Childhood trauma increases the risk of developing mental illness as does being born to parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We aimed to compare prevalence of lifetime childhood trauma among 11‐year‐old children at familial high risk of schizophrenia (FHR‐SZ) or bipolar disorder (FHR‐BP) compared with population‐based controls (PBCs).

Design

The study is a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of children at FHR‐SZ, FHR‐BP, and PBCs.

Methods

A cohort of 512 children at FHR‐SZ (N = 199), FHR‐BP (N = 118), and PBCs (N = 195) were examined at baseline (mean age 7.8, SD 0.2) and 451 children at FHR‐SZ (N = 172), FHR‐BP (N = 104), and PBCs (N = 175) were examined at four‐year follow‐up (mean age 11.9, SD 0.2, retention rate 87.3%). Childhood trauma was measured with a semi‐structured interview.

Results

Children at FHR‐BP had an elevated risk of exposure to any lifetime trauma (age 0–11 years) compared with PBCs (OR 2.082, 95%CI 1.223–3.545, p = .007) measured with binary logistic regression. One‐way ANOVA revealed that both FHR‐groups had a higher lifetime prevalence of exposure to a greater number of types of trauma compared with PBCs (FHR‐SZ: observed mean: 1.53, 95%CI 1.29–1.77; FHR‐BP: observed mean: 1.56, 95%CI 1.26–1.85; PBCs: observed mean: 0.99, 95%CI 0.82–1.17; p < .001). Binary logistic regression showed that the lifetime risk of exposure to interpersonal trauma (age 0–11 years) was elevated for both FHR‐groups (FHR‐SZ: OR 3.773, 95%CI 2.122–6.710, p < .001; FHR‐BP: OR 3.602, 95%CI 1.913–6.783, p < .001).

Conclusions

Children at FHR‐SZ and FHR‐BP are at increased risk for being exposed to childhood trauma compared with PBCs. This study underscores the need for early detection, support, and prevention of childhood trauma in children at FHR‐SZ and FHR‐BP.
TopoNet: Topology Learning for 3D Reconstruction of Objects of Arbitrary Genus
Authors: Ben Charrada Tarek , Tabia Hedi , Chetouani Aladine , Laga Hamid
Published: March 2022

We propose a deep reinforcement learning‐based solution for the 3D reconstruction of objects of complex topologies from a single RGB image. We use a template‐based approach. However, unlike previous template‐based methods, which are limited to the reconstruction of 3D objects of fixed topology, our approach learns simultaneously the geometry and topology of the target 3D shape in the input image. To this end, we propose a neural network that learns to deform a template to fit the geometry of the target object. Our key contribution is a novel reinforcement learning framework that enables the network to also learn how to adjust, using pruning operations, the topology of the template to best fit the topology of the target object. We train the network in a supervised manner using a loss function that enforces smoothness and penalizes long edges in order to ensure high visual plausibility of the reconstructed 3D meshes. We evaluate the proposed approach on standard benchmarks such as ShapeNet, and in‐the‐wild using unseen real‐world images. We show that the proposed approach outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art in terms of the visual quality of the reconstructed 3D meshes, and also generalizes well to out‐of‐category images.
POSITIVE SKILL CLUSTERING IN ROLE‐ASSIGNMENT MATCHING MODELS
Authors: Anderson Axel
Published: March 2022

Kremer and Maskin (1996, NBER Working Paper) explore matching when production involves defined roles. Despite underlying Cobb–Douglas production functions, the induced maximum production function is not supermodular (SPM), and positive sorting does not arise. This article introduces and solves a general class of role‐assignment matching models with general SPM production functions. The unique equilibrium entails a novel blend of positive sorting in the large, and locally negative sorting that I call positive clustering. I show how the equilibrium matching changes as the production function changes. In a dynamic extension, sorting, mobility, and wage inequality positively covary with changes in production across matching markets.
Characterization of the mitochondrial genomes ofBradysia hygida,Phytosciara flavipesandTrichosia splendens(Diptera: Sciaridae) and novel insights on the control region of sciarid mitogenomes
Authors: Trinca Vitor , Uliana João Vitor Cardoso , Ribeiro Geyza Katrinny Sousa , Torres Tatiana Teixeira , Monesi Nadia
Published: March 2022

Sciarids, also called “fungus gnats” are small, almost entirely dark‐coloured insects. Sciarid larvae feed on different substrates and can infest agricultural crops and mushroom nurseries, causing economic losses. Of the 2174 Diptera mitogenome sequences currently available in GenBank, only eight are from the Sciaridae family, none of which are complete circular molecules. Here we describe the mitogenome sequences of three sciarid species:Phytosciara flavipes,Trichosia splendensandBradysia hygidaand provide novel insights on the control region of sciarid mitogenomes. The assembled mitogenomes range from 16,062 bp inP. flavipesto 17,095 bp inB. hygida. All 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs characteristic of insect mitogenomes were identified, but the sequence of the control region could not be determined. Experimental results suggest that theB. hygidacontrol region is about 21 kb long resulting in a 37 kb long mitogenome which constitutes the largest insect mitochondrial genome described so far. Phylogenetic analysis using all Bibionomorpha mitogenome sequences available in GenBank strongly supports the Sciaridae monophyly and led to the identification of species and subfamily specific gene rearrangements. Our study extends the knowledge of this large and diverse insect family that includes agricultural pest species.
Effects of dietary fibre on intestinal microbiota in geese evaluated by 16SrRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Jia Fangyuan , Guo Wei , Liu Yingkun , Zhang Tao , Xu Bo , Teng Zhanwei , Tao Dapeng , Zhou Haizhu , Zhang Di , Gao Yunhang
Published: March 2022

Aims

The purpose of the research is to study the effects of different fibre types and sources on the intestinal flora of geese.

Methods and Results

A total of 48 geese (males: 35 days old) were divided into four groups, each of which included three replicates of four geese. Groups 1–4 were fed a diet containing 5% corn stover Crude fibre (CF, the LJ group), 8% corn stover CF (the HJ group), 5% alfalfa CF (the LM group) or 8% alfalfa CF (the HM group), respectively. After 42 days of feeding, the intestinal flora of each group was determined by 16SrRNA gene sequencing. In the duodenum, the diet supplemented with corn stover meal increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Euryarchaeota, and with alfalfa as fibre source increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes and Chloroflexi. In the jejunum, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, Tenericutes and Spirochetes were significantly more abundant in the corn stover group. There were no significant differences among the results for the other two fibre sources, which were fibre level in their influence where in ileum. Firmicutes, Deferribacteres and Euryarchaeota with corn stover as fibre source in the cecum were higher than the alfalfa group.

Conclusions

Different fibre sources have significant effects on goose gut microbiota. The same flora has the same trend of change in different intestinal segments. The relative fibre source in the ileum makes the gut microbiota more sensitive to differences in fibre levels.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study proved that the dietary fibre affects the intestinal flora. At the same time, different groups of dietary fibre may be used to provide the possibility to study functional roles of specific bacteria in host physiology.
Multiplex PCR assay for correct identification of the fish pathogenic species of Edwardsiella genus reveals the presence of E. anguillarum in South America in strains previously characterized as E. tarda
Authors: da Costa Arthur Roberto , Chideroli Roberta Torres , Lanes Gabriel Chagas , Ferrari Natália Amoroso , Chicoski Larissa Melo , Batista Catiane Estefani , Pandolfi Victor César Freitas , Ware Cynthia , Griffin Matt J. , dos Santos Anderson Rodrigues , de Carvalho Azevedo Vasco Ariston , da Costa Mateus Matiuzzi , de Pádua Pereira Ulisses
Published: March 2022

Aims

Develop a species-specific multiplex PCR to correctly identify Edwardsiella species in routine diagnostic for fish bacterial diseases.

Methods and Results

The genomes of 62 Edwardsiella spp. isolates available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database were subjected to taxonomic and pan-genomic analyses to identify unique regions that could be exploited by species-specific PCR. The designed primers were tested against isolated Edwardsiella spp. strains, revealing errors in commercial biochemical tests for bacterial classification regarding Edwardsiella species.

Conclusion

Some of the genomes of Edwardsiella spp. in the NCBI platform were incorrectly classified, which can lead to errors in some research. A functional mPCR was developed to differentiate between phenotypically and genetically ambiguous Edwardsiella, with which, we detected the presence of Edwardsiella anguillarum affecting fish in Brazil.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study shows that the misclassification of Edwardsiella spp in Brazil concealed the presence of E. anguillarum in South America. Also, this review of the taxonomic classification of the Edwardsiella genus is a contribution to the field to help researchers with their sequencing and identification of genomes, showing some misclassifications in online databases that must be corrected, as well as developing an easy assay to characterize Edwardsiella species in an end-point mPCR.
Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 inhibits bacterial persisters that survive fluoroquinolone treatment
Authors: Hare Patricia J. , Englander Hanna E. , Mok Wendy W. K.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Bacterial persisters are rare phenotypic variants in clonal bacterial cultures that can endure antimicrobial therapy and potentially contribute to infection relapse. Here, we investigate the potential of leveraging microbial interactions to disrupt persisters as they resuscitate during the post-antibiotic treatment recovery period.

Methods and Results

We treated stationary-phase E. coli MG1655 with a DNA-damaging fluoroquinolone and co-cultured the cells with probiotic E. coli Nissle following antibiotic removal. We found that E. coli Nissle reduced the survival of fluoroquinolone persisters and their progeny by over three orders of magnitude within 24 h. Using a bespoke H-diffusion cell apparatus that we developed, we showed that E. coli Nissle antagonized the fluoroquinolone-treated cells in a contact-dependent manner. We further demonstrated that the fluoroquinolone-treated cells can still activate the SOS response as they recover from antibiotic treatment in the presence of E. coli Nissle and that the persisters depend on TolC-associated efflux systems to defend themselves against the action of E. coli Nissle.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that probiotic bacteria, such as E. coli Nissle, have the potential to inhibit persisters as they resuscitate following antibiotic treatment.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Bacterial persisters are thought to underlie chronic infections and they can lead to an increase in antibiotic-resistant mutants in their progenies. Our data suggest that we can leverage the knowledge we gain on the interactions between microbial strains/species that interfere with persister resuscitation, such as those involving probiotic E. coli Nissle and E. coli MG1655 (a K-12 strain), to bolster the activity of our existing antibiotics.
Bacillus subtilis WB800N alleviates diabetic wounds in mice by regulating gut microbiota homeostasis and TLR2
Authors: Mi Jing , Xie Cong , Zeng Li , Zhu Ziwen , Chen Nian , He Qianzhen , Xu Xiangping , Xie Hongju , Zhou Jianda , Li Li , Liao Junlin
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis WB800N on diabetic wounds.

Methods

Haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the healing of skin wounds. Collagen deposition was assessed by Masson staining. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect vascular endothelial-related factors (VWF), CD31, TLR2, NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 expression. 16S rDNA sequencing detected microbiota distribution. The concentrations of IL-1β and IL-37 were measured by ELISA. Apoptosis was measured by the TUNEL assay.

Results

Compared with the control group, wound healing was delayed in diabetic mice. The wound area in the Bacillus subtilis group decreased more significantly than the diabetic wound group. H&E staining showed that Bacillus subtilis WB800N promoted wound healing and increased re-epithelialization. Masson staining showed that Bacillus subtilis WB800N increased collagen deposition in mice with diabetic wounds. Bacillus subtilis WB800N upregulated VWF and CD31 protein expression in diabetic wounds mice. The 16S rDNA results showed that Bacillus subtilis WB800N reduced the diversity of the gut microbiota of diabetic wounds mice and regulated the microbial composition. At the genus level, Bacillus subtilis WB800N reduced the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and CG − 005 in diabetic wounds mice, whilst increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Bacillus subtilis WB800N increased the expression of TLR2, NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1. Bacillus subtilis WB800N increased the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-37 in serum. Bacillus subtilis WB800N upregulated cell apoptosis. The TLR2 antagonist Sparstolonin B (SsnB) reduced the expression of TLR2, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-37 and the apoptosis in diabetic wounds mice, whilst the combined intervention of Bacillus subtilis and SsnB reversed the effect of SsnB treatment alone.

Conclusion

Bacillus subtilis WB800N alleviated diabetic wound healing by regulating gut microbiota homeostasis and TLR2.

Significance and impact of research

Our findings might provide potential therapeutic targets for diabetic wounds.
Credit rating agencies, information asymmetry and US bond liquidity
Authors: Lovo Stefano , Raimbourg Philippe , Salvadè Federica
Published: March 2022

Do rating announcements reduce information asymmetries? We investigate the effect of rating disclosures on the volatility and liquidity of the US bond market. Although rating agencies' decisions are often anticipated by credit spread changes, we show that in the case of no regulatory change, their release can reduce volatility and the bid–ask spread. This reduction is stronger when the rating agency announcement has been anticipated by the market, namely, after downgrades, whereas upgrades trigger a mixed reaction. These findings are consistent with the predictions of a simple sequential trade model with event uncertainty and noise and informed traders.
Effect of at‐home bleaching gels with different thickeners on the physical properties of a composite resin without bisphenol A
Authors: Vieira Isabele , Ferraz Laura Nobre , Vieira Junior Waldemir Francisco , Dias Carlos Tadeu dos Santos , Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate, in vitro, the influence of at‐home bleaching with 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) gels containing different thickeners on the color, gloss, roughness, and microhardness of a composite resin with bisphenol A (BPA) and without bisphenol A (BPA‐free).

Material and methods

Cylindrical samples (7 × 2 mm) of a composite resin with BPA (Filtek Z350 XT®; 3M/ESPE) and composite resin BPA‐free (Vittra APS®; FGM) were subdivided into six subgroups (n = 12), according to the bleaching gel used: no bleaching (control), commercial gel with 16% CP and carbopol, experimental gel with 16% CP and carbopol, experimental gel with 16% CP and natrosol, experimental gel with carbopol and experimental gel with natrosol. At the end of the experimental phase, the specimens were analyzed for color (ΔE*abandΔE00), surface roughness (Ra), gloss (GU), and surface microhardness (SMH). The data for all analyzes were submitted to Levene's test, Shapiro–Wilk's test and ANOVA.

Results

For ΔE*aband ΔE00no statistically significant differences were found between all groups evaluated. Bleaching with experimental 16% CP gel with carbopol resulted in the lowest GU values for both composite resins evaluated. 16% CP experimental gel with natrosol resulted in higher Ra for the BPA composite resin and the bleaching with natrosol resulted in higher Ra for BPA‐free. About 16% CP experimental gel with carbopol and 16% CP experimental gel with natrosol resulted in the lowest final SMH for composite resin with BPA. For the BPA‐free composite resin, no differences were found between the groups in SMH for the same resin, however they presented the lowest values compared with all others groups.

Conclusion

The effects on physical properties are dependent on the composition of the composite resin and the thickener/bleaching gel used. The BPA‐free composite resin showed less changes after exposure to bleaching agent, although its initial physical properties were worse compared to a bleached BPA.

Clinical Relevance

The hydrogen peroxide and thickener of the at‐home bleaching gel does impact the properties of composites with BPA or BPA‐free such as gloss, roughness and surface microhardness, extremely important factors for maintaining an aesthetically and physically satisfactory restoration. BPA‐free composite resins have inferior properties after at‐home bleaching with different thickeners.
Changes in halitosis value before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication: A single‐institutional prospective study
Authors: Kudo Yui , Kudo Shin‐ei , Miyachi Hideyuki , Ichimasa Katsuro , Ogawa Yushi , Kouyama Yuta , Sakurai Tatsuya , Ikeda Mikiko , Saito Yumi , Kamada Tamaki , Gotoda Takuji
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Although patients report either improved or worsened halitosis after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, such complaints are subjective. Only a few studies have objectively evaluated reports of changes in halitosis after H. pylori eradication; thus, this study aimed to investigate these changes after a successful H. pylori eradication.

Methods

Between February 2015 and October 2018, 56 347 patients visited the clinic. Informed consent for participation in this study was obtained from 164 patients scheduled to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy due to halitosis. Of the 91 patients with H. pylori infection, the halitosis values were evaluated as Refres breath (RB) values using a Total Gas Detector™ System and compared before and after successful H. pylori eradication, as confirmed with urea breath testing.

Results

Among the 91 patients treated, 77 patients were successfully eradicated of H. pylori and had their Refres values measured (21 men and 56 women; mean age, 64.2 ± 11.5 years, including 10 smokers); among these 77 patients, 27 showed RB values of > 60. Their RB values significantly improved from 73.5 Â (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.1–82.9) to 59.4 Â (95% CI, 50.0–68.8) (P = 0.038). Of the 30 patients who could be followed up for > 2 years after successful H. pylori eradication, 8 with an RB value ≥ 60 showed significant RB value improvements from 77.9 Â (95% CI, 59.4–96.4) to 30.1 Â (95% CI, 11.6–48.6) (P = 0.0016).

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy could improve halitosis, and such improvement could be maintained even 2 years after successful eradication.
Family experiences of in‐hospital end‐of‐life care for adults: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Walker Wendy , Efstathiou Nikolaos , Jones Jennifer , Collins Pamela , Jennens Hannah
Published: March 2022

Aim

To systematically identify, appraise, aggregate and synthesise qualitative evidence on family members’ experiences of end‐of‐life care (EoLC) in acute hospitals.

Methods

A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Primary research, published 2014 onwards was identified using a sequential strategy of electronic and hand searches. Six databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase, EMCare, PsycINFO, BNI) were systematically searched. Studies that met pre‐determined inclusion/exclusion criteria were uniformly appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research, and synthesised using a meta‐aggregative approach. The ENTREQ statement was used as a checklist for reporting the review.

Results

Sixteen studies of European, Australasian and North American origin formed the review. The quality of each study was considered very good in view of a ‘yes’ response to most screening questions. Extracted findings were assembled into 12 categories, and five synthesised findings: Understanding of approaching end of life; essential care at the end of life; interpersonal interactions; environment of care; patient and family care after death.

Conclusion

Enabling and improving peoples’ experience of EoLC must remain part of the vision and mission of hospital organisations. Consideration must be given to the fulfilment of family needs and apparent hallmarks of quality care that appear to influence experiential outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review of qualitative research represents the first‐stage development of a family‐reported experience measure for adult EoLC in the hospital setting. The synthesised findings provide a Western perspective of care practices and environmental factors that are perceived to impact the quality of the care experience. Collectively, the review findings serve as a guide for evidence‐informed practice, quality improvement, service evaluation and future research. A developed understanding of the families’ subjective reflections creates reciprocal opportunity to transform experiential insights into practical strategies for professional growth and practice development.
Self‐performed Five Times Sit‐To‐Stand test at home as (pre‐)screening tool for frailty in cancer survivors: Reliability and agreement assessment
Authors: van Cappellen‐van Maldegem Sandra J. M. , Hoedjes Meeke , Seidell Jacob C. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke V. , Buffart Laurien M. , Mols Floortje , Beijer Sandra
Published: March 2022

Aims and Objectives

The self‐performance of a Five‐Times‐Sit‐To‐Stand (FTSTS)‐test, without the usual supervision by a medical professional, provides valuable opportunities for clinical practice and research. This study aimed: (1) to determine the validity of the self‐performed FTSTS test in comparison to a supervised reference test and (2) to determine the reliability of a self‐performed FTSTS test by cancer survivors.

Background

Early detection of frailty in cancer survivors may enable prehabilitation interventions before surgery or intensive treatment, improving cancer outcomes.

Design

A repeated measures reliability and agreement study, with one week in between measures, was performed.

Methods

Cancer survivors (n = 151) performed two FTSTS tests themselves. One additional reference FTSTS test was supervised by a physical therapist. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), structural error of measurement (SEM) and minimally important clinical difference (MID) were calculated comparing a self‐performed FTSTS test to the reference test, and comparing two self‐performed FTSTS tests. The Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies (GRASS) have been used.

Results

Mean age of cancer survivors was 65.6 years (SD = 9.3), 54.6% were female, median time since diagnosis was 2 years [IQR = 1], and tumour type varied (e.g., breast cancer (31.8%), prostate cancer (17.2%), gastrointestinal cancer (11.9%) and haematological cancer (11.9%)). Validity of the self‐performed FTSTS test at home was acceptable in comparison with the reference test (ICC = .74; SEM = 3.2; MID = 3.6) as was the reliability of the self‐performed FTSTS test (ICC = .70; SEM = 2.2; MID = 3.8).

Conclusions

The self‐performed FTSTS test is a valid and reliable measure to assess lower body function and has potential to be used as objective (pre‐)screening tool for frailty in cancer survivors.

Relevance to clinical practice

The self‐performed FTSTS test at home may indicate the cancer survivors in need of prehabilitation in advance of surgery or intensive treatment. The feasibility, short amount of time needed and potential cost‐effectiveness of the self‐performed FTSTS test can make it a valuable contribution to personalised care and precision medicine.
Caregiver training: Evidence of its effectiveness for cognitive and functional improvement in older adults
Authors: Sanjuán Miriam , Navarro Elena , Calero María Dolores
Published: March 2022

Aims and objectives

The objectives of this study were to assess the benefits of a caregiver training programme on the cognitive and functional status of older adults, and to compare the effects of this programme according to type of caregiver (professional vs. family caregiver).

Background

Due to demographic changes that have resulted in an aging population, the role of caregiver of an older adult has become very important in recent years.

Design and Methods

The sample was composed of 160 older adults: (a) 100 received care from caregivers who had taken the three‐month training programme (treatment group), of which 60 were professional caregivers and 40 were family caregivers, and (b) 60 received care from caregivers who had not taken the programme (control group). In order to evaluate programme effects on cognitive and functional status, we used both direct measures answered by the older adults (MMSE, CAPE and EuroQol) and caregiver reports (Barthel and RMPBC). We used a quasi‐experimental, pre‐post design. We followed SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines for reporting.

Results

The results showed that older adults who were cared for by caregivers that had participated in the training programme showed gains in quality of life and cognitive ability and maintenance of functional ability. Within the treatment group, although everyone significantly improved their scores, the older adults cared for by family caregivers improved in more of the cognitive sub‐items than did their peers in the professional caregiver group.

Conclusions

The data obtained show that a caregiver training programme based on cognitive stimulation produces cognitive, functional and health‐related quality‐of‐life benefits in older adults. Furthermore, the caregivers reported increased satisfaction with their work.

Relevance to clinical practice

The improvements obtained in the older adults and in caregivers show the relevance of this type of intervention when working in the clinical field of caregiving.
Network meta‐analysis of medical therapy efficacy in more than 90,000 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: De Marzo Vincenzo , Savarese Gianluigi , Tricarico Lucia , Hassan Sofia , Iacoviello Massimo , Porto Italo , Ameri Pietro
Published: March 2022

Background

Following the availability of new drugs for chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we sought to provide an updated and comparative synthesis of the evidence on HFrEF pharmacotherapy efficacy.

Methods

We performed a Bayesian network meta‐analysis of phase 2 and 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of medical therapy in HFrEF patient cohorts with more than 90% of the participants with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45% and all‐cause mortality reported.

Results

Sixty‐nine RCTs, accounting for 91,741 subjects, were evaluated. The step‐wise introduction of new drugs progressively decreased the risk of all‐cause death, up to reaching a random‐effects hazard ratio (HR) of 0.43 (95% credible intervals [CrI] 0.27–0.63) with beta blockers (BB), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) versus placebo. The risk was further reduced by adding sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i; HR 0.38, 95% CrI 0.22–0.60), ivabradine (HR 0.39, 95% CrI 0.21–0.64), or vericiguat (HR 0.40, 95% CrI 0.22–0.65) to neurohormonal inhibitors, and by angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), BB, and MRA (HR 0.36, 95% CrI 0.20–0.60). In a sensitivity analysis considering the ARNI and non‐ARNI subgroups of SGLT2i RCTs, the combination SGLT2i + ARNI + BB + MRA was associated with the lowest HR (0.28, 95% CrI 0.16–0.45 vs. 0.40, 95% CrI 0.24–0.60 for SGLT2i + BB + ACEi + MRA). Consistent results were obtained in sensitivity analyses and by calculating surface under the cumulative ranking area, as well as for cardiovascular mortality (information available for 56 RCTs), HF hospitalization (45 RCTs), and all‐cause hospitalization (26 RCTs).

Conclusions

Combination medical therapy including neurohormonal inhibitors and newer drugs, especially ARNI and SGLT2i, confers the maximum benefit with regard to HFrEF prognosis.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics of danofloxacin in green sea (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles
Authors: Wanmad Wipasitnee , Chomcheun Thanaphan , Jongkolpath Oranee , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Sukkheewan Rattapong , Laovechprasit Weerapong , Khidkhan Kraisiri , Giorgi Mario , Poapolathep Amnart , Poapolathep Saranya
Published: March 2022

To date, the number of green sea and hawksbill sea turtles is in decline due to environmental, anthropogenic, and pathological factors. The present study described the pharmacokinetic characteristics of danofloxacin (DNX) in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles, following single intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administrations at single dosages of 6 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 h. DNX in the harvested plasma was cleaned up using liquid–liquid extraction and analyzed using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a non‐compartmental approach. DNX was quantifiable from 5 min to 168 h after i.v. and i.m. administrations at an identical dosage in both turtle types. No statistical differences were found in the pharmacokinetic parameters between green sea and hawksbill sea turtles. The long elimination half‐life value of DNX obtained in green sea (35 h) and hawksbill sea (30.21 h) turtles was consistent with the quite large volume of distribution and the slow clearance rate. The high values of absolute bioavailability (87%–94%) should be advantageous for clinical use of DNX in sea turtles. According to the pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic surrogate (AUC0‐24/MIC > 125), DNX is predicted to have antibacterial success for disease caused by bacteria with MIC < 0.04 µg/ml.
A motile doublet form of Salmonella Typhimurium diversifies target search behavior at the epithelial surface
Authors: Ek Viktor , Fattinger Stefan A. , Florbrant Alexandra , Hardt Wolf‐Dietrich , Di Martino Maria Letizia , Eriksson Jens , Sellin Mikael E.
Published: March 2022

The behaviors of infectious bacteria are commonly studied in bulk. This is effective to define the general properties of a given isolate, but insufficient to resolve subpopulations and unique single‐microbe behaviors within the bacterial pool. We here employ microscopy to study single‐bacterium characteristics among Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S.Tm), as they prepare for and launch invasion of epithelial host cells. We find that during the bacterial growth cycle, S.Tm populations switch gradually from fast planktonic growth to a host cell‐invasive phenotype, characterized by flagellar motility and expression of the Type‐three‐secretion‐system‐1. The indistinct nature of this shift leads to the establishment of a transient subpopulation of S.Tm “doublets”—waist‐bearing bacteria anticipating cell division—which simultaneously express host cell invasion machinery. In epithelial cell culture infections, these S.Tm doublets outperform their “singlet” brethren and represent a hyperinvasive subpopulation. Atop both glass and enteroid‐derived monolayers, doublets swim along markedly straighter trajectories than singlets, thereby diversifying search patterns and improving the surface exploration capacity of the total bacterial population. The straighter swimming, combined with an enhanced cell‐adhesion propensity, suffices to account for the hyperinvasive doublet phenotype. This work highlights bacterial cell length heterogeneity as a key determinant of target search patterns atop epithelia.
Fitness consequences of host colonization in two generalist fleas: Context‐dependency and the effect of spatial co‐occurrence
Authors: Stavtseva Nadezhda A. , Fielden Laura J. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Krasnov Boris R.
Published: March 2022

We studied the fitness consequences of colonizing a novel host by experimental lines of fleas (Synosternus cleopatrae and Xenopsylla ramesis) maintained for 18–22 generations on the principal or novel (sympatric or allopatric) hosts via number, developmental success and size of the offspring of the fleas exploiting these hosts. We asked whether (a) fitness on non‐principal hosts increases after prolonged maintenance; (b) the colonization success depends on the spatial co‐occurrence of a flea and a host and (c) colonization of a novel host is accompanied by a decreased ability to exploit an original host. The ability of fleas to colonize novel hosts differed between species, with S. cleopatrae, but not X. ramesis, increasing its offspring production on novel hosts. Spatial co‐occurrence did not affect colonization success. Maintenance on an alternative host was not accompanied by decreased adaptation to the original host. When fleas returned to the original host, their reproductive output was higher than that of their ancestors. We conclude that the success of colonizing a novel host is (a) context‐dependent and varies between flea and host species and (b) not accompanied by the loss of ability to exploit an ancestral host but may lead to an increase in this ability.
Discursive trajectories in the making of Amhara identity in Ethiopia
Authors: Yetena Yared Debebe
Published: March 2022

In Ethiopia after 1991, ethnic identities are the fundamental governing principles of politics. Not only has the process provided the institutional basis, but it has also created ethnic groups in a variety of ways. The discursive construction of Amhara identity in Ethiopia is the topic of this research. For a long time, the Amhara have identified as Ethiopians. The Amhara have been portrayed as the opponent of Ethiopia's Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (NNPs) since the second part of the 20th century, according to the hegemonic discourse of national oppression. Anti‐Amhara sentiment, on the other hand, may be traced back to the Italian colonial period (1936–1941). Until recently, being and becoming Amhara was constructed from the outside and challenged from within. As a result, the characteristics of an ethnic political system that ushered in the post‐1991 era, continued demonisation and societal fears all play a role in the formation of Amhara identity. As a ‘cultural security policy’, embracing Amharaness has become a route out of these predicaments. Amharaness emerges from a counter‐narrative that resurrects historical and symbolic myths.
Emotion dysregulation and eating disorder outcome: Prediction, change and contribution of self‐image
Authors: Monell Elin , Clinton David , Birgegård Andreas
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Eating disorders (EDs) are severe disorders with unsatisfactory outcome. Emotion dysregulation and self‐image are suggested maintenance factors; this study examined emotion dysregulation as potential predictor and/or mechanism of change in relation to ED outcome, and associations between change in emotion dysregulation and self‐image in relation to outcome.

Design

Registry data from initial and 1‐year follow‐up assessments for 307 patients with a wide range of EDs in specialized ED treatment were used.

Methods

Initial and change (∆) in emotion dysregulation were examined as predictors of 1‐year outcome. Direct and indirect associations between ∆emotion dysregulation and ∆self‐image as either independent variable or mediator in relation to ∆ED psychopathology as dependent were also examined.

Results

Higher initial emotion dysregulation was weakly associated with higher follow‐up ED psychopathology, but not remission, while relative increase in emotion dysregulation was associated with both higher follow‐up psychopathology and increased risk of still having a diagnosis. Change in emotion dysregulation primarily had an indirect effect (through change in self‐image), while change in self‐image had a direct effect, on change in ED psychopathology improvement (such that improvement in one was associated with improvement in the other).

Conclusions

Results identify emotion dysregulation as a potential mechanism of change in relation to ED outcome. However, this association was mainly mediated by change in self‐image. Results indicate that, in order to improve emotion regulation as a means to reduce ED psychopathology, improving self‐image is essential.
On “Finishing”
Authors: Mc Loughlin Eimear , Casey John
Published: March 2022

This visual memoir probes the tensions and contradictions that inflect the commodity‐based relationship between a farmer and his cattle on an Irish farm. A methodological exploration of how to attend to the politics of care that animate multispecies relationships on the farm, this article examines relations of intimacy, care, and contradiction materialized in the structural manipulation of bodies for economic purposes. The attentive focus on the everyday encounters between John and his cattle unearths how affective and conflicting multispecies entanglements mediate the farming of animals for food through rhythms of care, the spirit of the gift, and the logic of sacrifice.
Cortical control of striatal fast‐spiking interneuron synchrony
Authors: McKeon Paige N. , Bunce Garrett W. , Patton Mary H. , Chen Rong , Mathur Brian N.
Published: March 2022

Inhibitory fast‐spiking interneurons in the dorsal striatum regulate actions and action strategies, including habits. Fast‐spiking interneurons are widely believed to synchronize their firing due to the electrical synapses formed between these neurons. However, neuronal modelling data suggest convergent cortical input may also drive synchrony in fast‐spiking interneuron networks. To better understand how fast‐spiking interneuron synchrony arises, we performed dual whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology experiments to inform a simple Bayesian network modelling cortico‐fast‐spiking interneuron circuitry. Dual whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology revealed that while responsivity to corticostriatal input activation was high in fast‐spiking interneurons, few of these neurons exhibited electrical coupling in adult mice. In simulations of a cortico‐fast‐spiking interneuron network informed by these data, the degree of glutamatergic cortical convergence onto fast‐spiking interneurons significantly increased fast‐spiking interneuron synchronization while manipulations of electrical coupling between these neurons exerted relatively little impact. These results suggest that the primary source of functional coordination of fast‐spiking interneuron activity in adulthood arises from convergent corticostriatal input activation.

Key points

Electrical synapses between striatal fast‐spiking interneurons in adult mice occur in ∼8% of assayed pairs.

Coincident, convergent cortical input onto fast‐spiking interneurons significantly contributes to fast‐spiking interneuron synchrony.

Electrical synapses between fast‐spiking interneurons provide only minor enhancement of fast‐spiking interneuron synchrony.

These results suggest a mechanism by which adult mouse fast‐spiking interneurons of the striatum synchronize in the face of declining expression of the electrical synapse‐forming connexin‐36 protein.
Heritage Responds – Taking positive actions on climate change
Authors: Woodside Rob , Huggett-Jones Suzanne
Published: March 2022

Our heritage now faces unprecedented challenges from climate change. However, heritage can also be part of the solution. This paper is drawn from the ‘Heritage Responds’ report issued by the Historic Environment Forum in England in November 2021, just ahead of the United Nations COP26 Conference in Glasgow. The purpose of the report was to highlight the positive actions already being taken by the heritage sector in England, and their partners in academia, ecology, development and the commercial sector, to address a broad range of climate factors. The key message is that whilst we recognise the very real risks that climate change presents to our tangible heritage, we also recognise there are solutions we can bring to the table that help not only to protect heritage but also bring wider benefits to local, and wider, communities .
Impacts of climate change on coastal archaeological sites in County Kerry, Ireland
Authors: McCormick Fergus , Nicolas Melissa
Published: March 2022

This paper deals with the effects of climate change on coastal heritage sites located on the south west coast of Ireland. The three case studies discussed below are National Monument sites in State care. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for their day-to-day maintenance and conservation. The sites used as case studies are Dunbeg Promontory Fort, Skellig Michael and Ballinskelligs Priory. Climate change has been affecting these sites and causing damage to their historic fabric. The OPW has taken mitigating measures to reduce the impact of climate change on these sites and protect their architectural, archaeological and natural features.
The Guadalperal dolmen (Cáceres, Spain). Archaeological and heritage protection interventions
Authors: Villa González Ángel José
Published: March 2022

In 2019, the Iberian Peninsula suffered the worst drought in recent decades. The lack of rain and the water shedding to feed the rivers meant a clear reduction in water levels at Spanish reservoirs. This situation allowed previously flooded lands to re-emerge on the surface, and in many cases, they were accessible on foot, as happened at the Valdecañas reservoir (Cáceres). The Dolmen of Guadalperal, due to its spectacular nature aroused great expectation and attracted several curious visitors and the media, who understood that this was a unique opportunity to visit it. The responsible administrations therefore needed to act by protecting and archaeologically studying the site.
Postglacial Black Sea level rising, urban development and adaption of historic places. The case-study of the city-peninsula of Nesebar (Bulgaria)
Authors: Preshlenov Hristo
Published: March 2022

The strengthening of a coastal zone considers a complex of hydrodynamic factors (waves, currents, wind and materials carried by them), climate, rock stability, sedimentation and eustatic fluctuations at sea level. The sea terrace on which the urban structures of Nessebar are located is formed on almost horizontal Miocene limestone sandstones, marl lime stones and clays. It is limited by the steeply abraded coast, subjected to the destructive energy of the sea surf until the end of the last century. The destruction of ancient and early Byzantine constructions can be identified along the slope of the sea-cliff between the 8th and 13th isohypses and the coastline and along the seabed to at least the 4th isobath. In the process of tracing the fortifications, the ancient coastline is not followed, but rather the proximity to the base of the peninsular slope.
Using cultural heritage and historical analyses for current and future problems with too much or too little water
Authors: Vreenegoor Ellen  and Menne Kosia , Kosian Menne
Published: March 2022

The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, as part of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, executes a program on water and heritage. The program aims to provide information that can be of use in spatial planning by civil services. The underlying principle of the program is the premise that archaeologists and other cultural heritage professionals have the knowledge and means to make cross-overs between heritage and climate change and issues related to this, such as flooding and drought. The program consists of numerous projects, such as cultural heritage research as a knowledge base for predicting the location of water related problems in cities and researching the relation between soil, subsoil and water systems and the location and development of cities. This article digs deeper into the concept of using past data for present issues. It provides examples of how archaeological data and historical analysis can be used for current and future water-management problems.
Researching Change – Understanding Change – Facing Change. 3500 years of human-environment relations in the Hallstatt/Dachstein region
Authors: Kowarik Kerstin , Brandner Daniel , Hofmann Kerstin , Strasser Michael , Reschreiter Hans
Published: March 2022

The Hallstatt High Valley represents one of Europe’s oldest cultural and industrial landscapes. For millennia this remote alpine valley was the demographic and economic center of a wide region. In this landscape the venture of large-scale underground salt mining spans from the present back to the Bronze Age. The oldest secure evidence for large-scale underground salt mining dates to the 14th cent. BC. But various indicators point towards a much older tradition of salt production, reaching far into Neolithic times. The extraordinary preservation conditions in the salt mines and the variety of archaeological, historical and environmental sources allow for unique insights into prehistoric technology, raw material management, working processes and human-environment relations. The Hallstatt/Dachstein region represents an alpine environment, where the evolution of human-environment relations can be tracked over a long time period. Recent research has focused on the impact of natural extreme events on these highly sophisticated socioeconomic systems. Through this research it was possible to document the high degree of resilience of Bronze Age and Iron Age communities in the face of devastating extreme natural events such as mass movements and substantial climate change. In this paper we will address the questions of “understanding past adaptation strategies and facing future challenges” and “the role of archaeologists in addressing climate change” based on our longstanding research and outreach activities in the Hallstatt region.
Archaeological heritage as a sustainer of biodiversity
Authors: Kadakas Ulla
Published: March 2022

The article discusses what the archaeological heritage offers to society and the surrounding landscapes, in addition to the humanitarian knowledge of human origins and activities. Archaeological sites provide valuable habitats for insects, birds, open-air flora within the modern monoculture of agricultural lands and within economical forests. Archaeological heritage in rural monocultural landscapes can be consciously used for sustaining natural diversity.