bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degree of joint risk factor control and incident chronic kidney disease among individuals with obesity
Authors: Tang Rui , Kou Minghao , Li Xiang , Wang Xuan , Ma Hao , Heianza Yoriko , Qi Lu
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate the extent to which joint risk factor control might attenuate the excess risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in participants with obesity.

Patients and Methods

We included a total of 97 538 participants who were obese at baseline and matched 97 538 normal weight control participants from the UK Biobank in the analysis. The degree of joint risk factor control was assessed based on six major CKD risk factors, including blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, albuminuria, smoking and physical activity. The Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between the degree of risk factor control and risk of CKD, following participants from their baseline assessment until the occurrence of CKD, death, or the end of the follow‐up period.

Results

Among participants with obesity, joint risk factor control showed an association with a stepwise reduction of incident CKD risk. Each additional risk factor control corresponded to an 11% (hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.86–0.91) reduced risk of CKD among participants with obesity, with the optimal controlling of all six risk factors associated with a 49% (hazard ratio: 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.43–0.61) decrease in risk of CKD. Furthermore, in individuals with obesity who jointly controlled all six risk factors, the excess risk of CKD associated with obesity was effectively neutralized compared with normal weight control subjects. Notably, the protective correlations between the degree of joint risk factor control and the incidence of CKD were more pronounced in men compared with women, in individuals with a lower healthy food score versus a higher score, and among diabetes medication users as opposed to non‐users (pinteraction = 0.017, 0.033 and 0.014, respectively).

Conclusion

The joint risk factor control is associated with an inverse association of CKD risk in an accumulative manner among individuals with obesity. Achieving ideal control over risk factors may effectively counterbalance the excessive risk of CKD typically associated with obesity.
Financial inclusion and financial crisis: Arguments, stylized facts and evidence
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: August 2024

The literature has examined the relationship between financial inclusion and financial stability, but no studies have examined the relationship between financial inclusion and financial crisis. This study examines the effect of financial inclusion on financial crisis using data from 28 countries from 2006 to 2017. Three stylised facts were established based on real‐world observation. One, the level of financial inclusion, in terms of number of bank depositors, decreases during domestic financial crisis. Two, the level of financial inclusion, in terms of ATM penetration, does not decrease during global and domestic financial crises. Three, the level of financial inclusion, in terms of number of bank branch, decreases during global and domestic financial crises and the contraction is stronger during a domestic financial crisis. Using the panel regression, logit and probit regression estimation methods, the empirical results show that low levels of financial inclusion, measured by fewer bank depositors and fewer bank branches, increase the likelihood that a financial crisis will occur. Low levels of financial inclusion, measured by fewer bank depositors, increase the likelihood that a financial crisis will occur in low financial‐inclusion countries. In contrast, greater ATM penetration increases the likelihood that a financial crisis will occur in low financial‐inclusion countries. The interaction analyses show that all indices of financial inclusion have a joint positive impact on financial crisis, implying that high levels of financial inclusion increases the likelihood that a financial crisis will occur.
Spatial sensorimotor mismatch between the motor command and somatosensory feedback decreases motor cortical excitability. A transcranial magnetic stimulation‐virtual reality study
Authors: Girondini Matteo , Montanaro Massimo , Lega Carlotta , Gallace Alberto
Published: August 2024

Effective control of movement predominantly depends on the exchange and integration between sensory feedback received by our body and motor command. However, the precise mechanisms governing the adaptation of the motor system's response to altered somatosensory signals (i.e., discrepancies between an action performed and feedback received) following movement execution remain largely unclear. In order to address these questions, we developed a unique paradigm using virtual reality (VR) technology. This paradigm can induce spatial incongruence between the motor commands executed by a body district (i.e., moving the right hand) and the resulting somatosensory feedback received (i.e., feeling touch on the left ankle). We measured functional sensorimotor plasticity in 17 participants by assessing the effector's motor cortical excitability (right hand) before and after a 10‐min VR task. The results revealed a decrease in motor cortical excitability of the movement effector following exposure to a 10‐min conflict between the motor output and the somatosensory input, in comparison to the control condition where spatial congruence between the moved body part and the area of the body that received the feedback was maintained. This finding provides valuable insights into the functional plasticity resulting from spatial sensorimotor conflict arising from the discrepancy between the anticipated and received somatosensory feedback following movement execution. The cortical reorganization observed can be attributed to functional plasticity mechanisms within the sensorimotor cortex that are related to establishing a new connection between somatosensory input and motor output, guided by temporal binding and the Hebbian plasticity rule.
Ant impacts on global patterns of bird elevational diversity
Authors: Srinivasan Umesh , Shanker Kartik , Price Trevor D.
Published: August 2024

Using data on bird species elevational distributions from the world's mountain ranges, bird diets, and the distribution of the ant genus Oecophylla, we report that global patterns in bird elevational diversity show signals of competition with ants. Oecophylla is an abundant and effective predator of invertebrates, preying on the same species that invertivorous birds feed on. In mountain ranges with Oecophylla present in the foothills, the maximum species richness of invertivorous birds (but not other trophic guilds) occurs, on average, at 960 m, ca. 450 m higher than in mountain ranges without Oecophylla, resulting in a mid‐elevation peak in bird species richness. Where Oecophylla is absent, bird species richness for all guilds generally show monotonic declines with increasing elevation. We argue that Oecophylla reduces prey density for invertivorous birds and that low prey abundance reduces invertivorous bird density, which in turn is correlated with lower bird species richness. These findngs suggest that competition between distantly related taxa can set range limits, leading to emergent diversity patterns over large scales.
Deciphering the Genetic Landscape: Insights Into the Genomic Signatures of Changle Goose
Authors: Chen Hao , Wu Yan , Zhu Yihao , Luo Keyi , Zheng Sumei , Tang Hongbo , Xuan Rui , Huang Yuxuan , Li Jiawei , Xiong Rui , Fang Xinyan , Wang Lei , Gong Yujie , Miao Junjie , Zhou Jing , Tan Hongli , Wang Yanan , Wu Liping , Ouyang Jing , Huang Min , Yan Xueming
Published: August 2024

The Changle goose (CLG), a Chinese indigenous breed, is celebrated for its adaptability, rapid growth, and premium meat quality. Despite its agricultural value, the exploration of its genomic attributes has been scant. Our study entailed whole‐genome resequencing of 303 geese across CLG and five other Chinese breeds, revealing distinct genetic diversity metrics. We discovered significant migration events from Xingguo gray goose to CLG and minor gene flow between them. We identified genomic regions through selective sweep analysis, correlating with CLG's unique traits. An elevated inbreeding coefficient in CLG, alongside reduced heterozygosity and rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (RSNPs), suggests a narrowed genetic diversity. Genomic regions related to reproduction, meat quality, and growth were identified, with the GATA3 gene showing strong selection signals for meat quality. A non‐synonymous mutation in the Sloc2a1 gene, which is associated with reproductive traits in the CLG, exhibited significant differences in allelic frequency. The roles of CD82, CDH8, and PRKAB1 in growth and development, alongside FABP4, FAF1, ESR1, and AKAP12 in reproduction, were highlighted. Additionally, Cdkal1 and Mfsd14a may influence meat quality. This comprehensive genetic analysis underpins the unique genetic makeup of CLG, providing a basis for its conservation and informed breeding strategies.
Farm size and biosecurity measures associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in horses
Authors: Hedberg Alm Ylva , Tydén Eva , Martin Frida , Lernå Jessica , Halvarsson Peter
Published: August 2024

Background

Selective anthelmintic treatment, advocated due to evolving anthelmintic resistance, has been associated with an increase in Strongylus vulgaris prevalence. Reverting to routine interval anthelmintic treatments is not viable and therefore, identifying other management factors correlated with S. vulgaris infection is vital.

Objectives

To investigate possible risk factors associated with the presence of S. vulgaris infection in resident horses on Swedish horse establishments.

Study design

Internet‐based questionnaire survey.

Methods

A questionnaire, created using the internet‐based survey platform Netigate, was distributed to owners of equine establishments throughout Sweden via established equine platforms and social media channels. The survey was available for response from 21 May until 1 September 2022. Questions were closed ended with branching logic paths.

Results

Four factors were significantly associated with S. vulgaris infection, with an increased odds of infection seen in livery yards (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–2.36, p = 0.004) and premises with more than 10 resident horses (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.64–3.56, p < 0.001). A lower odds of infection were seen in establishments using quarantine routines (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.96, p = 0.03) and anthelmintic treatment of new horses prior to arrival at the premise (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18–0.74, p = 0.005).

Main limitation

Due to the presence of S. vulgaris infection in the present study being based on S. vulgaris diagnostics performed at the farm level, any association between faecal diagnostic use and risk of infection could not be investigated.

Conclusions

Although the use of diagnostics for S. vulgaris can keep infection rates low, large farms or livery yards with many different horse owners, and those with low use of biosecurity measures as regards to new horses arriving at the premise, are associated with a higher risk of infection.
Disagreement exploitation and the cross‐section of hedge fund performance
Authors: Jacoby Gady , Li Shi , Lin Nanying , Yang Yan
Published: August 2024

This study examines the role of market disagreement in explaining the cross‐section of hedge fund performance. In a market where disagreement fluctuates, skilled arbitrageurs may employ trading strategies to exploit the mispricing caused by disagreement and short‐sale constraints. Skilled hedge funds with high sensitivity to disagreement can take advantage of mispricing in high‐disagreement periods to improve their performance. We show that hedge funds with a high disagreement beta tend to possess skill in exploiting disagreement and, as such, they can earn higher cross‐sectional returns compared to other hedge funds lacking this skill. Existing risk factors and a tradable disagreement factor do not fully explain the difference in hedge fund performance between those with high and low disagreement betas. Further evidence shows that experienced hedge funds and hedge funds that charge a high incentive fee are likely to have high disagreement betas. Our empirical findings are robust in using various disagreement measures and methodologies to estimate disagreement beta.
Transcriptomics analysis reveals potential regulatory role of nSMase2 (Smpd3) in nervous system development and function of middle‐aged mouse brains
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , McClintock Timothy S. , Bieberich Erhard
Published: August 2024

Neutral sphingomyelinase‐2 (nSMase2), gene name sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase‐3 (Smpd3), is a key regulatory enzyme responsible for generating the sphingolipid ceramide. The function of nSMase2 in the brain is still controversial. To better understand the functional roles of nSMase2 in the aging mouse brain, we applied RNA‐seq analysis, which identified a total of 1462 differentially abundant mRNAs between +/fro and fro/fro, of which 891 were increased and 571 were decreased in nSMase2‐deficient mouse brains. The most strongly enriched GO and KEGG annotation terms among transcripts increased in fro/fro mice included synaptogenesis, synapse development, synaptic signaling, axon development, and axonogenesis. Among decreased transcripts, enriched annotations included ribosome assembly and mitochondrial protein complex functions. KEGG analysis of decreased transcripts also revealed overrepresentation of annotations for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington disease (HD). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tools predicted lower susceptibility to these neurodegenerative disorders, as well as predictions agreeing with stronger synaptic function, learning, and memory in fro/fro mice. The IPA tools identified signaling proteins, epigenetic regulators, and microRNAs as likely upstream regulators of the broader set of genes encoding the affected transcripts. It also revealed 16 gene networks, each linked to biological processes identified as overrepresented annotations among the affected transcripts by multiple analysis methods. Therefore, the analysis of these RNA‐seq data indicates that nSMase2 impacts synaptic function and neural development, and may contribute to the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases in middle‐aged mice.
Infectious disease responses to human climate change adaptations
Authors: Titcomb Georgia , Uelmen Johnny , Janko Mark , Nunn Charles
Published: August 2024

Many recent studies have examined the impact of predicted changes in temperature and precipitation patterns on infectious diseases under different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. But these emissions scenarios symbolize more than altered temperature and precipitation regimes; they also represent differing levels of change in energy, transportation, and food production at a global scale to reduce the effects of climate change. The ways humans respond to climate change, either through adaptation or mitigation, have underappreciated, yet hugely impactful effects on infectious disease transmission, often in complex and sometimes nonintuitive ways. Thus, in addition to investigating the direct effects of climate changes on infectious diseases, it is critical to consider how human preventative measures and adaptations to climate change will alter the environments and hosts that support pathogens. Here, we consider the ways that human responses to climate change will likely impact disease risk in both positive and negative ways. We evaluate the evidence for these impacts based on the available data, and identify research directions needed to address climate change while minimizing externalities associated with infectious disease, especially for vulnerable communities. We identify several different human adaptations to climate change that are likely to affect infectious disease risk independently of the effects of climate change itself. We categorize these changes into adaptation strategies to secure access to water, food, and shelter, and mitigation strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. We recognize that adaptation strategies are more likely to have infectious disease consequences for under‐resourced communities, and call attention to the need for socio‐ecological studies to connect human behavioral responses to climate change and their impacts on infectious disease. Understanding these effects is crucial as climate change intensifies and the global community builds momentum to slow these changes and reduce their impacts on human health, economic productivity, and political stability.
Temporal asynchrony of plant and soil biota determines ecosystem multifunctional stability
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Shuaifei , Wu Liji , Wu Ying , Wang Shaopeng , Bai Yongfei , Chen Dima
Published: August 2024

The role of plant biodiversity in stabilizing ecosystem multifunctionality has been extensively studied; however, the impact of soil biota biodiversity on ecosystem multifunctional stability, particularly under multiple environmental changes, remains unexplored. By conducting an experiment with environmental changes (adding water and nitrogen to a long‐term grazing experiment) and an experiment without environmental changes (an undisturbed site) in semi‐arid grasslands, our research revealed that environmental changes‐induced changes in temporal stability of both above‐ and belowground multifunctionality were mainly impacted by plant and soil biota asynchrony, rather than by species diversity. Furthermore, changes in temporal stability of above‐ and belowground multifunctionality, under both experiments with and without environmental changes, were mainly associated with plant and soil biota asynchrony, respectively, suggesting that the temporal asynchrony of plant and soil biota has independent and non‐substitutable effects on multifunctional stability. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering both above‐ and belowground biodiversity or functions when evaluating the stabilizing effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functions.
Patients' and Therapists' Views of Integrated Online CBT for Depression
Authors: Fox Fiona , Wiles Nicola , Kessler David , Tallon Debbie , Thomas Laura , Williams Christopher , Shafran Roz , Lanham Paul , Turner Katrina
Published: August 2024

Background

CBT is an effective treatment for depression, but access varies across the United Kingdom. Online CBT increases access. The INTERACT platform was designed to support patient engagement in CBT, enabling therapists to deliver high‐intensity CBT via typed instant messaging and allowing patients and therapists access to an integrated online library of resources during and between sessions.

Methods

The INTERACT trial aimed to evaluate this integrated approach to delivering CBT for primary care patients with depression. A nested qualitative study was conducted within the trial. Interviews were conducted with 20 patients who received the intervention, 9 therapists who delivered it and 3 therapist supervisors. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The combination of receiving support from a therapist and having access to integrated online CBT resources enabled patients to better manage their depression. Platform benefits included the opportunity to review transcripts to clarify how to complete homework tasks and track progress in managing their depression. The typing process allowed reflection and a focused discussion. However, less could be covered than during an in‐person session, which reduced therapists’ expectations around goal setting. Patients who did not complete therapy struggled with the typing and found the CBT approach too demanding.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the importance of establishing patient and therapist goals and expectations about what can be achieved in CBT mediated by typing. Some patients are comfortable communicating via typing and are motivated to utilise online resources in between sessions. Exploring the benefits and challenges of typed CBT with patients will enable them to make an informed choice about referral for this novel approach to therapy.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, service users and members of the public were involved in the study design and management. Substantial pilot work gathered stakeholder feedback and informed the design of the intervention, before undertaking the RCT. Coauthor P.L. is a service user representative co‐applicant and member of the management group responsible for developing the intervention and the trial. Two PPI members sit on the Independent Steering Committee. PPI members provided valuable feedback on the study resources and documents.
Revisiting the validity of the vocabulary learning strategies questionnaire using the confirmatory composite analysis (CCA): Setting new directions for the field
Authors: Alamer Abdullah , Sonbul Suhad , El‐Dakhs Dina Abdel Salam
Published: August 2024

Vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) are one of the key variables that allow researchers to understand learners’ success in second language (L2) learning. Different questionnaires are available to examine L2 learners' use of VLSs, but most of them suffered from problems while gathering sufficient statistical evidence. The present study sought to replicate the construct validity of the VLS questionnaire from a different statistical perspective. Particularly, we conceive of the nine constructs of VLSs as emergent variables (composite) rather than latent variables (common factor). In contrast to latent variables, emergent variables are constructs that are formed by their items. To test this proposition, we make use of the confirmatory composite analysis (CCA), which is akin to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), that was developed for assessing emergent variables. To evaluate the CCA model of VLSs, 216 Saudi university students of English completed an online questionnaire. The results indicated that CCA better fitted our data while CFA appeared to provide a less than acceptable fit. Moreover, we examined the criterion‐related validity of the VLSs through the composite model and showed that two constructs, inferencing and self‐initiation positively related to self‐perception of English proficiency. Overall, the findings seem to suggest that the VLSs are better seen as made of emergent variables, with the items defining the constructs. The findings hold methodological and empirical implications for the L2 research.
A sex‐specific homologue of waprin is essential for embryonic development in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Choudhary Chhavi , Kishore Divyanshu , Meghwanshi Keshav Kumar , Verma Vivek , Shukla Jayendra Nath
Published: August 2024

Waprin, a WAP (Whey acidic protein) domain‐containing extracellular secretory protein, is widely known for its antibacterial properties. In this study, a waprin homologue (Tc_wapF) expressing in a female‐specific manner was identified in Tribolium castaneum, through the analysis of sex‐specific transcriptomes. Developmental‐ and tissue‐specific profiling revealed the widespread expression of Tc_wapF in adult female tissues, particularly in the ovary, gut and fatbody. This female‐specific expression of Tc_wapF is not regulated by the classical sex‐determination cascade of T. castaneum, as we fail to get any attenuation in Tc_wapF transcript levels in Tcdsx and Tctra (key players of sex determination cascade of T. castaneum) knockdown females. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of Tc_wapF in females led to the non‐hatching of eggs laid by these females, suggesting the crucial role of Tc_wapF in the embryonic development in T. castaneum. This is the first report on the identification of a sex‐specific waprin homologue in an insect and its involvement in embryonic development. Future investigations on the functional conservation of insect waprins and their mechanistic role in embryonic development can be exploited for improving pest management strategies.
Safety in spinal surgery—Empowering clinicians to report concerns in motor function
Authors: Burrows Jennifer , Dada Eniola , Betzler Brjan , Strickland Louise , Mawhinney Gerard
Published: August 2024

Aims

Timely identification of neurological deterioration in patients with spinal disorders, through spinal motor assessment, is paramount in achieving early intervention to reduce the risk of permanent deficits. This project was initiated to meet the requirement for safe, timely spinal motor assessment through establishing and addressing clinician's educational needs.

Design

Mixed methods study conducted through online survey and concurrent focus groups June 2022–April 2023.

Methods

Pre‐intervention online survey and focus groups identified insufficient provision of education targeted at identifying changes in motor function and as a result, clinicians lacked confidence and competence in completing assessments and caring for patients with spinal disorders. An e‐learning package was created and shared widely along with additional interventions to support assessment completion. To establish the success of the project a post‐intervention online survey was distributed.

Results

Survey respondents reported that the e‐learning package has influenced their practice to either some extent or to a great extent with 91% reporting increased confidence in completing a spinal motor assessment. Post‐intervention results also demonstrated an increase in confidence in caring for spinal surgery patients.

Conclusion

Through engaging with clinicians to establish and address educational needs, this quality improvement project has successfully increased competence and confidence in this area of spinal care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This study highlights the importance of targeted education to ensure that clinicians are appropriately skilled to identify neurological deterioration and demonstrates the effectiveness of digital education in providing this.

Impact

This study addressed concerns around timely identification of deterioration of spinal patients. Study findings were the success in utilizing digital education to increase clinician's confidence and competence and thus enhance patient safety. This research will have an impact on clinical areas caring for patients with spinal disorders.

Reporting Method

SQUIRE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Primary forests harbour more bird taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity than secondary and plantation forests in the pantropics
Authors: Liu Zhuoen , Zuo Yiming , Feng Gang
Published: August 2024

Aims

Primary forests provide critical habitat and diverse ecological niches for bird species, which are being seriously threatened by massive anthropogenic activities in the Anthropocene. Conversion from primary forests to secondary forests and plantation forests results in biodiversity loss, reducing ecosystem functioning and services. However, few studies have evaluated bird diversity patterns in different forest types caused by anthropogenic activities at both pantropics and regional scales, especially from taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional perspective simultaneously, as well as from the perspective of both alpha and beta diversity.

Location

Pantropics.

Methods

We analysed patterns of bird diversity in primary forests, secondary forests and plantation forests at pantropics and regional scales. Number of threatened species, rare species, and generalist species in the three forest types were summarized. Taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity, as well as phylogenetic and functional structure of bird communities among the three forest types, were evaluated through multiple comparisons. Beta diversity of bird communities in the three forest types was also calculated and decomposed into turnover and nestedness‐resultant components, and correlations between environmental factors and beta diversity were examined.

Results

The results showed that primary forests harboured more threatened species, more large species and specialist species than secondary forests and plantation forests. In addition, plantation forests had lower phylogenetic alpha diversity but higher functional alpha diversity, and had more clustered phylogenetic structure but more over‐dispersed functional structure. Notably, taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional beta diversity of bird communities was significantly higher in primary forests than in plantation forests, and turnover components showed similar patterns and accounted for major parts of overall beta diversity.

Main Conclusions

These findings suggest that primary forests play an important role in protecting bird taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity, and emphasize that future conservation efforts should focus on the strict protection of primary forests.
CD248‐expressing cancer‐associated fibroblasts induce non‐small cell lung cancer metastasis via Hippo pathway‐mediated extracellular matrix stiffness
Authors: Wu Jiangwei , Zhang Qiaoling , Yang Zeyang , Xu Yujun , Liu Xinlei , Wang Xuanying , Peng Jiangying , Xiao Jing , Wang Yun , Shang Zhenling , Wang Nianxue , Li Long , Zhang Rui , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jian , Zeng Zhu , Wu Jieheng
Published: August 2024

Metastasis is a crucial stage in tumour progression, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) support metastasis through their participation in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. CD248 is a possible biomarker for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)‐derived CAFs, but its role in mediating ECM stiffness to promote NSCLC metastasis is unknown. We investigated the significance of CD248+ CAFs in activating the Hippo axis and promoting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression, which affects the stromal collagen I environment and improves ECM stiffness, thereby facilitating NSCLC metastasis. In this study, we found that higher levels of CD248 in CAFs induced the formation of collagen I, which in turn increased extracellular matrix stiffness, thereby enabling NSCLC cell infiltration and migration. Hippo axis activation by CD248+ CAFs induces CTGF expression, which facilitates the formation of the collagen I milieu in the stromal matrix. In a tumour lung metastasis model utilizing fibroblast‐specific CD248 gene knockout mice, CD248 gene knockout mice showed a significantly reduced ability to develop tumour lung metastasis compared to that of WT mice. Our findings demonstrate that CD248+ CAFs activate the Hippo pathway, thereby inducing CTGF expression, which in turn facilitates the collagen I milieu of the stromal matrix, which promotes NSCLC metastasis.
Peptic ulcers with ChEIs, NSAIDs
Authors: Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: August 2024

See related reply by Szilcz et al.
The origin and morphological character evolution of the paleotropical woody bamboos
Authors: Liu Jing‐Xia , Guo Cen , Ma Peng‐Fei , Zhou Meng‐Yuan , Luo Ya‐Huang , Zhu Guang‐Fu , Xu Zu‐Chang , Milne Richard I , Vorontsova Maria S. , Li De‐Zhu
Published: August 2024

The woody bamboos (Bambusoideae) exhibit distinctive biological traits within Poaceae, such as highly lignified culms, rapid shoot growth, monocarpic mass flowering and nutlike or fleshy caryopses. Much of the remarkable morphological diversity across the subfamily exists within a single hexaploid clade, the paleotropical woody bamboos (PWB), making it ideal to investigate the factors underlying morphological evolution in woody bamboos. However, the origin and biogeographical history of PWB remain elusive, as does the effect of environmental factors on the evolution of their morphological characters. We generated a robust and time‐calibrated phylogeny of PWB using single nucleotide polymorphisms retrieved from optimized double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing, and explored the evolutionary trends of habit, inflorescence, and caryopsis type in relation to environmental factors including climate, soil, and topography. We inferred that the PWB started to diversify across the Oligocene–Miocene boundary and formed four major clades, that is, Melocanninae, Racemobambosinae s.l. (comprising Dinochloinae, Greslanlinae, Racemobambosinae s.str. and Temburongiinae), Hickeliinae and Bambusinae s.l. (comprising Bambusinae s.str. plus Holttumochloinae). The ancestor of PWB was reconstructed as having erect habit, indeterminate inflorescence and basic caryopsis. The characters including climbing/scrambling habit, determinate inflorescence, and nucoid/bacoid caryopsis have since undergone multiple changes and reversals during the diversification of PWB. The evolution of all three traits was correlated with, and hence likely influenced by, aspects of climate, topography, and soil, with climate factors most strongly correlated with morphological traits, and soil factors least so. However, topography had more influence than climate or soil on the evolution of erect habit, whereas both factors had greater effect on the evolution of bacoid caryopsis than did soil. Our results provide novel insights into morphological diversity and adaptive evolution in bamboos for future ecological and evolutionary research.
Transcription factor 7‐like 2 (TCF7l2) regulates CNS myelination separating from its role in upstream oligodendrocyte differentiation
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhu Meina , Lan Zhaohui , Guo Fuzheng
Published: August 2024

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) differentiation into oligodendrocytes (OLs) and subsequent myelination are two closely coordinated yet differentially regulated steps for myelin formation and repair in the CNS. Previously thought as an inhibitory factor by activating Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling, we and others have demonstrated that the Transcription factor 7‐like 2 (TCF7l2) promotes OL differentiation independent of Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling activation. However, it remains elusive if TCF7l2 directly controls CNS myelination separating from its role in upstream oligodendrocyte differentiation. This is partially because of the lack of genetic animal models that could tease out CNS myelination from upstream OL differentiation. Here, we report that constitutively depleting TCF7l2 transiently inhibited oligodendrocyte differentiation during early postnatal development, but it impaired CNS myelination in the long term in adult mice. Using time‐conditional and developmental‐stage‐specific genetic approaches, we further showed that depleting TCF7l2 in already differentiated OLs did not impact myelin protein gene expression nor oligodendroglial populations, instead, it perturbed CNS myelination in the adult. Therefore, our data convincingly demonstrate the crucial role of TCF7l2 in regulating CNS myelination independent of its role in upstream oligodendrocyte differentiation.

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Focal slowing of nerve conduction velocity in leprosy patients unveiled through multisegmented nerve analysis
Authors: Daccach Vanessa , Tomaselli Pedro José , Algemiro Juliana Secchin , Toscano Patricia , dos Santos André Cleriston José , Frade Marco Andrey Cipriano , Marques Wilson
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), an intracellular bacillus that systematically invades the peripheral nerves. Diagnosing leprosy neuropathy is still a defying skill, and late diagnosis and treatment are still a reality. Based on the biological characteristics of M. leprae, particularly its preference for invading the Schwann cells localized at the coldest areas of human body, we hypothesized that these areas have focal demyelination that may escape detection through standard nerve conduction studies (NCSs) protocols.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with confirmed multibacillary leprosy and 14 controls were accessed. A multisegmented NCS protocol (MP) was performed, targeting short segments through the coldest areas, to identify focal areas of slowed conduction velocity. The effectiveness of this multisegmented protocol was compared to the standard protocol (SP) to detect abnormalities.

Results

All leprosy patients presented an abnormal study with the MP, contrasting to 19 with the SP. The most frequent NCS pattern was an asymmetric neuropathy with focal slowing of conduction velocity, found in 23 out of 25 leprosy patients. Significant differences favoring the proposed method were observed when comparing the MP with the SP. Notably, the MP increased the sensitivity to detect abnormalities by 122%, 133%, and 257% for the median, peroneal, and tibial nerves, respectively. MP also increases sensitivity to detect focal abnormalities in the ulnar nerve.

Interpretation

The MP protocol significantly increases the sensitivity of NCSs to detect neurophysiological abnormalities in leprosy neuropathy.
The assessment of care burden and influencing factors on family caregivers for cancer patients
Authors: Parvizi Murtaza , Ay Semra
Published: August 2024

Background

The family caregivers as primary caregivers play a crucial role regarding the care of cancer patients. As defined in the literature, the care burden encompasses the negative objective and subjective outcomes including psychological and physical health problems, economic and social issues, deterioration of family relationships and feelings of loss of control that arise from caregiving responsibilities.

Aims

This study aims to assess the care burden and to evaluate the associated factors among family caregivers of cancer patients receiving treatment at a state hospital in Türkiye.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted with the family caregivers of patients undergoing treatment in the radiation oncology department of a state hospital in Türkiye. The study population consisted of 350 individuals, with a participation rate of 80%. Participants were administered a questionnaire concerning determining daily living activities and identifying the caregiving burden through their socio‐demographic characteristics.

Results

The care burden among primary family caregivers while the delivery of health services was severe for 85.1% of them. The average ZBI score of caregivers was 55.92 ± 14.58. It was clarified that family caregivers' burden was influenced by several factors, including the duration of caregiving, difficulties experienced while caring for the patient, and the negative impact on their daily roles.

Conclusion

Our study's findings indicate the need for health professionals to support caregivers of cancer patients while over half of the caregivers were identified as having a severe level of caregiving burden. It is important to raise awareness among nurses and the oncology team with a holistic approach. In the delivery of health services, caregivers' needs should be identified first, support mechanisms should be activated and interventions should be made to meet these needs.

Impact

This study's findings highlight the need to identify and problems faced by family members during caregiving. This is important for sustainable and cost‐effective holistic care.

Reporting Method

The results of this study are reported based on the guidelines of The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies (cohort, case–control studies, cross‐sectional studies) in Epidemiology (STROBE).

Implications for practice

Our study's findings indicate the need for health professionals to support caregivers of cancer patients. It is important to raise awareness among nurses and the oncology team with a holistic approach. In the delivery of health services, caregivers' needs should be identified first, support mechanisms should be activated and interventions should be made to meet these needs.
Sexual hormones changes in burning mouth syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Brauwers Kaylaine Gabrieli , Bueno Vinicius Martins , Calcia Thayanne Brasil Barbosa , Daroit Natália Batista
Published: August 2024

Background

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain condition affecting the oral cavity. This condition mostly affects peri‐ or postmenopausal women; for this reason, sexual hormonal changes have been implicated in BMS pathogenesis.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE without restriction for language or year. Eligibility criteria were controlled studies addressing the PICO question: (P) patients with BMS; (I) detection of the sex hormones; (C) patients without BMS; (O) changes on sexual hormones as a risk factor for BMS severity. Risk of bias was performed with Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.

Results

Four studies were included. Salivary levels were evaluated in three studies and serum blood was used in one. Three studies analysed oestradiol and/or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), two assessed progesterone and one evaluated follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). Oestradiol results were contradictory, with two studies reporting lower levels in BMS patients compared to controls and one finding the opposite. DHEA was statistically lower in the BMS group in one study. Progesterone showed opposite results in two studies, although none with statistical significance. FSH was statistically higher in the BMS group compared to controls. Correlation of hormones with quality of life was performed in three studies and there was no significant correlation with self‐perceived symptoms severity.

Conclusion

Sexual hormones can be altered in BMS, especially oestradiol. Despite these changes, we did not find correlation between hormone fluctuation and BMS symptoms intensity affecting quality of life. These findings suggested the need for further investigation on hormonal alterations, which may be a promising target on BMS management.
Polygenic risk scores for mood disorders and actigraphy estimates of sleep and circadian rhythms: A preliminary study in bipolar disorders
Authors: Hennion Vincent , Scott Jan , Martinot Victoire , Godin Ophélia , Marie‐Claire Cynthia , Bellivier Frank , Jamain Stéphane , Etain Bruno
Published: August 2024

In bipolar disorders, abnormalities of sleep patterns and of circadian rhythms of activity are observed during mood episodes, but also persist during euthymia. Shared vulnerabilities between mood disorders and abnormalities of sleep patterns and circadian rhythms of activity have been suggested. This exploratory study investigated the association between polygenic risk scores for bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, actigraphy estimates of sleep patterns, and circadian rhythms of activity in a sample of 62 euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder. The polygenic risk score – bipolar disorder and polygenic risk score – major depressive disorder were calculated for three stringent thresholds of significance. Data reduction was applied to aggregate actigraphy measures into dimensions using principal component analysis. A higher polygenic risk score – major depressive disorder was associated with more fragmented sleep, while a higher polygenic risk score – bipolar disorder was associated with a later peak of circadian rhythms of activity. These results remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, bipolar disorder subtype, body mass index, current depressive symptoms, current tobacco use, and medications prescribed at inclusion, but not after correction for multiple testing. In conclusion, the genetic vulnerabilities to major depression and to bipolar disorder might be associated with different abnormalities of sleep patterns and circadian rhythms of activity. The results should be replicated in larger and independent samples.
Indication‐based and patient‐based hand hygiene performance among nurses working at a university hospital
Authors: Shin Bora , Jeong Ihn Sook
Published: August 2024

The traditional method of monitoring hand hygiene (HH) based on specific indications does not ensure that HH is performed for all required indications during patient care. This study aimed to compare HH performance rates (HHPRs) based on specific indications versus overall patient care among nurses at a university hospital. The study retrospectively analyzed HH monitoring data for 1398 indications from 543 patients and 190 nurses. Observations were conducted continuously, tracking a single healthcare worker from before patient contact until the end of the contact within a 30‐min period. The indication‐based HHPR was found to be 89.1%, while the patient‐based HHPR was 78.1%. In the context of patient‐based HHPR, the lowest rates were observed among nurses in the emergency room (48.3%) and those with less than 1 year of work experience (66.7%). Moreover, the largest discrepancy between indication‐based and patient‐based HHPR was noted among emergency room nurses with less than 1 year of experience. This significant difference underscores the need for patient‐based HH monitoring, particularly for nurses in emergency settings and those with limited experience.
Periodontal treatment causes a longitudinal increase in nitrite‐producing bacteria
Authors: Simpson Annabel , Johnston William , Carda‐Diéguez Miguel , Mira Alex , Easton Chris , Henriquez Fiona L. , Culshaw Shauna , Rosier Bob T. , Burleigh Mia
Published: August 2024

Background

The oral microbiome‐dependent nitrate (NO3−)–nitrite (NO2−)–nitric oxide (NO) pathway may help regulate blood pressure. NO2−‐producing bacteria in subgingival plaque are reduced in relative abundance in patients with untreated periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy patients. In periodontitis patients, the NO2−‐producing bacteria increase several months after periodontal treatment. The early effects of periodontal treatment on NO2−‐producing bacteria and the NO3−–NO2−–NO pathway remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine how periodontal treatment affects the oral NO2−‐producing microbiome and salivary NO3− and NO2− levels over time.

Methods

The subgingival microbiota of 38 periodontitis patients was analysed before (baseline [BL]) and 1, 7 and 90 days after periodontal treatment. Changes in NO2−‐producing bacteria and periodontitis‐associated bacteria were determined by 16s rRNA Illumina sequencing. Saliva samples were collected at all‐time points to determine NO3− and NO2− levels using gas‐phase chemiluminescence.

Results

A significant increase was observed in the relative abundance of NO2−‐producing species between BL and all subsequent timepoints (all p < 0.001). Periodontitis‐associated species decreased at all timepoints, relative to BL (all p < 0.02). NO2−‐producing species negatively correlated with periodontitis‐associated species at all timepoints, with this relationship strongest 90 days post‐treatment (ρ = −0.792, p < 0.001). Despite these findings, no significant changes were found in salivary NO3− and NO2− over time (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Periodontal treatment induced an immediate increase in the relative abundance of health‐associated NO2−‐producing bacteria. This increase persisted throughout periodontal healing. Future studies should test the effect of periodontal treatment combined with NO3− intake on periodontal and cardiovascular health.
Immunoglobulin A vasculitis with periorbital edema and severe renal involvement: A case report
Authors: Chiu Le Wen , Dibas Basema I. , Walker Patrick D. , Smidt Aimee C. , Konstantinov Nikifor K.
Published: August 2024

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, or Henoch‐Schonlein purpura, is the most common systemic vasculitis in children, clinically presenting as palpable purpura in combination with arthritis, gastrointestinal involvement, or kidney injury. Subcutaneous edema is reported in patients with IgA vasculitis, and it commonly affects the lower extremities, especially around joints. Here, we report a case of IgA vasculitis with a rare presentation of edema isolated to the periorbital area in a 7‐year‐old boy, who subsequently developed crescentic glomerulonephritis with nephrotic range proteinuria. Isolated periorbital edema is an uncommon cutaneous feature of IgA vasculitis.