bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aridity could have driven the local extinction of a common and multivoltine butterfly
Authors: Gil‐Tapetado Diego , Soria Carmen D. , Gómez Jose F. , Sesma Jose Manuel , Cabrero‐Sañudo Francisco José
Published: October 2022

Identifying which species are being negatively impacted by climate change and the mechanisms driving their decline is essential to effectively protect biodiversity.

Coenonympha pamphilusis a common and generalist butterfly, widely distributed throughout the Western Palearctic, being multivoltine in southern Europe. Previous studies indicate that it will not be substantially affected by climate change; however, it has seemingly disappeared from the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula in the last decades.

Here, we aim to determine if it has effectively disappeared from this area, as well as identify the environmental conditions limiting its distribution and the potential causes behind this a priori local extinction.

We downloaded all the occurrence records ofC. pamphilusand analysed their spatial and temporal trends. To identify the climatic variables driving the distribution of this butterfly in the Iberian Peninsula, we performed an ensemble species distribution model (SDM), combining 600 individual models produced with 6 algorithms.

We confirmed thatC. pamphilushas not been observed in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula since 2008. Aridity was the main factor limiting the distribution ofC. pamphilusin our ensemble SDM, with areas with high aridity being unsuitable for this species.

We hypothesise that multivoltinism is the mechanism driving this local extirpation, as high aridity is causing host plants (Poaceae) to wither prematurely, precluding the development of the second and/or third generations of the butterfly. Even though generalist species are theoretically more resilient to climate change, other traits such as multivoltinism may increase their vulnerability and need to be further investigated.
Impact of Dicranopteris linearis roots on the shear strength of different soil layers in collapsing wall of Benggang
Authors: Zhou Man , Shuai Fang , Chen Libo , Huang Mengyuan , Lin Jinshi , Zhang Yue , Ge Hongli , Jiang Fangshi , Huang Yanhe
Published: October 2022

‘Benggang’ is a local term for a widespread type of severgully erosion with steep collapsing walls in granitic, low, hilly areas of southern China, and its development and expansion are closely related to the shear strength of the collapsing wall. Plant roots play an important role in improving soil shear strength. However, the shear strength of root‐soil complexes in different layers of collapsing walls remains obscure. We selected Dicranopteris linearis fern roots and adopted the direct shear method to evaluate the effect of root weight density (RWD) (0–1.25 g 100 cm−3) on the shear properties of the lateritic, sandy and detritus layers. The results showed that roots could enhance soil shear strength, and the maximum increase in the lateritic layer was 11.53%, higher than that in the sandy (5.84%) and detritus layers (3.17%). As the root content increased, the cohesion of the sandy and detritus layers increased and then decreased, and their maximum increase in cohesion and the fitting optimal RWD were lower than those of the lateritic layer. The internal friction angle was not affected by roots. When the root content was constant, the shear strength and cohesion of the lateritic layer were significantly higher than those of the sandy and detritus layers, while their internal friction angle was significantly lower than that of the latter two layers. The average increment of soil cohesion calculated by the Wu‐Waldron model (WWM) was 10.52 kPa, which was 0.30, 3.75 and 19.38 times the measured average values of the lateritic, sandy and detritus layers, respectively. The correction coefficient k′ was 0.02–1.18, and the in the lateritic layer was the highest (0.82), followed by that in the sandy and detritus layers. By combining the modified WWM with Coulomb's formula, new shear strength equations for root‐soil complexes of D. linearis were established. The predicted shear strength compared well with the measured shear strength (R2 > 0.90, NSE >0.90). Overall, the roots only had a significant reinforcement effect on the lateritic layer, and they could still not change the mechanical properties of the collapsing wall, which were more stable in the upper layers and weaker in the bottom. Therefore, other measures should be taken in the bottom layers to improve the stability of Benggangs.

Highlights

Effect of D. linearis roots on the shear strength of collapsing walls in Benggang was studied.

Roots could improve collapsing‐wall soil shear strength, mainly reflected in the cohesion.

The roots enhancement effect in lateritic layer was better than that of sandy and detritus layers.

New shear strength equations of root‐soil complexes were established based on the Wu‐Waldron model.
A randomized phase 2b efficacy study in patients with seizure episodes with a predictable pattern using Staccato® alprazolam for rapid seizure termination
Authors: French Jacqueline , Biton Victor , Dave Hina , Detyniecki Kamil , Gelfand Michael A. , Gong Hui , Liow Kore , O'Brien Terence J. , Sadek Ahmed , DiVentura Bree , Reich Brittany , Isojarvi Jouko
Published: October 2022

Objective

Alprazolam administered via the Staccato® breath‐actuated device is delivered into the deep lung for rapid systemic exposure and is a potential therapy for rapid epileptic seizure termination (REST). We conducted an inpatient study (ENGAGE‐E‐001 [NCT03478982]) in patients with stereotypic seizure episodes with prolonged or repetitive seizures to determine whether Staccato alprazolam rapidly terminates seizures in a small observed population after administration under direct supervision.

Methods

Adult patients with established diagnosis of focal and/or generalized epilepsy with a documented history of seizure episodes with a predictable pattern were enrolled. They were randomized 1:1:1 to double‐blind treatment of a single seizure event with one dose of Staccato alprazolam 1.0 mg or 2.0 mg, or Staccato placebo in an inpatient unit. The primary end point of the study was the proportion of responders in each treatment group achieving seizure activity cessation within 2 min after administration of study drug and no recurrence of seizure activity within 2 h.

Results

A total of 273 patients were screened, and 116 randomized patients received treatment with the study drug in the double‐blind part. The proportion of treated patients who were responders was 65.8% for each of Staccato alprazolam 1.0 mg (n = 38; p = .0392) and 2.0 mg (n = 38; p = .0392), compared with 42.5% for Staccato placebo (n = 40). Staccato alprazolam was well tolerated when administered as a single dose of 1.0 or 2.0 mg: cough and somnolence were the most common adverse events (AEs) (both 14.5%), followed by dysgeusia (13.2%). AEs were mostly mild or moderate in intensity; there were no treatment‐related serious AEs.

Significance

Both 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg doses of Staccato alprazolam demonstrated efficacy in rapidly terminating seizures in an inpatient setting and were well tolerated. The next step is a Phase 3 confirmatory study to demonstrate efficacy and safety of Staccato alprazolam for rapid cessation of seizures in an outpatient setting.
Species, space and time: A quarter century of fishers' diversification strategies on the US West Coast
Authors: Abbott Joshua K. , Sakai Yutaro , Holland Daniel S.
Published: October 2022

Diversification within fisheries operations can serve as an important form of self‐insurance against natural, regulatory and market risks to fishers' livelihoods. Diversification can take many forms, and yet the literature has primarily emphasised diversification across species to the exclusion of spatial and temporal dimensions of diversification. We analyse trends in diversification across species, space and time for all fishers along the entire continental West Coast of the United States from 1990 to 2015. Our findings reveal the importance of untangling both compositional (i.e. driven by changes in fleet composition) and individual (i.e. driven by within‐owner changes in diversification strategies) dimensions of diversification by showing how these effects have moved in contrary directions for all three forms of diversification. We also demonstrate how increases in temporal diversification have overwhelmed the overall stability of species and spatial diversification to leave the current fleet less exposed to financial variability compared to in the early 1990s.
Changes in the autolysis level, muscle stability and myofibrillar protein properties of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) during refrigerated storage
Authors: Zheng Yao , Ping Zeyu , Xu Yang , Li Xueying , Guo Quanyou
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate the autolysis phenomenon in Antarctic krill during the buffer storage under refrigeration (after harvesting and before processing), groups of whole krill (WK) and of tail (TL) were stored at 4 °C and evaluated at 0, 6, 24, 36 and 48 h. The changes observed in visual appearance, sensory evaluation and meat yield jointly proved that severe autolysis had occurred, and this was more pronounced in the WK group than in the TL group. Meanwhile, the hardness of WK and TL groups decreased by 51.2% and 23.3%, and the shear force also decreased significantly from 3.26 N to 1.77 N and 2.28 N, respectively. Combined with the disrupted muscle microstructure and the conversion of bound water to immobilised water, the muscle tissue was found to be less stable as affected by the autolysis. The properties and structure of myofibrillar protein were dramatically changed, as revealed by the increased myofibril fragmentation index, decreased sulfhydryl content, and fluorescence intensity. Therefore, Antarctic krill can be deemed susceptible to autolysis during the buffer storage, especially whole krill. The information gained in this study improves our understanding of the effect of autolysis on muscle stability and its protein basis in Antarctic krill.
Downregulation of AT‐rich interaction domain 2 underlies natural killer cell dysfunction in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Wei , An Ning , Wang Mingwei , Liu Xiguo , Mei Zhidan
Published: October 2022

The immune system plays a significant role in controlling oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) initiation and progression. Natural killer (NK) cells actively participate in antitumor immunity but become dysfunctional or exhausted in the tumor microenvironment. To explore the mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in OSCC, we characterized the expression and function of AT‐rich interaction domain 2 (ARID2) in NK cells in a murine OSCC model. ARID2 was downregulated in tongue NK cells compared with splenic NK cells. Notably, ARID2 was significantly decreased in NK cells with an exhausted phenotype and weakened antitumor function. ARID2 knockdown resulted in the upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and downregulation of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), granzyme B and perforin in NK cells. As a result, ARID2 knockdown impaired NK cell cytotoxicity. Besides, ARID2 overexpression suppressed the expression of PD‐1 and lymphocyte‐activation gene 3, and promoted the expression of IFN‐γ, TNF, granzyme B and perforin in NK cells which were adoptively transferred into OSCC‐bearing mice. Taken together, our study implies that the OSCC microenvironment triggers ARID2 downregulation in intratumoral NK cells. In turn, ARID2 downregulation results in PD‐1 upregulation on NK cells and subsequently impairs NK cell cytotoxicity. Therefore, we uncovered a novel mechanism of NK cell dysfunction in OSCC.
Complementary and alternative therapies in the palliative setting
Authors: Martin Jennifer H. , Patel Joanne
Published: October 2022

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide range of medication, herbal, dietary and physical therapies that are not usually considered within the realm of conventional therapeutics. Approximately two thirds of the Australian population use CAMs and only around half of this number will discuss their use of these products with their doctor. Clinical use is commonly seen in patients with life‐limiting illness, often because they experience a high burden of symptoms. However, it is also the case that many of these therapies do not have demonstrated efficacy, particularly for the often broad list of conditions and symptoms for which they are chosen to be used. Further, depending on whether they are sold as medications, sold as food supplements or imported illegally and distributed via nonstandard therapeutic channels, several products have had reports of toxicity, severe adverse effects, batch irregularities and drug interactions with other therapies. This awareness, together with lack of standardisation of products and lack of interchangeability between brands has made prescribers unwilling to put patients at risk of harm by supporting their use. In this article, we cover general pharmacological principles around use of a small selection of chemicals used in a medical setting to enable some guidance for use.
Efficacy of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone in cardiac AL amyloidosis
Authors: Brennan Xavier , Withers Barbara , Jabbour Andrew , Milliken Sam , Kotlyar Eugene , Fay Keith , Ma David , Muthiah Kavitha , Hamad Nada , Dodds Anthony , Bart Nikki , Keogh Anne , Hayward Chris , Macdonald Peter , Moore John
Published: October 2022

Cardiac light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a condition with a very poor prognosis. We report a retrospective analysis comparing the traditional melphalan and dexamethasone protocol with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone in late‐stage cardiac AL amyloidosis. The primary end points were overall survival and haematological response. Both regimens provided meaningful responses in this difficult to treat patient group.
Diabetes IN hospital – Glucose and Outcomes in the COVID‐19 pandemic (DINGO COVID‐19): the 2020 Melbourne hospital experience prior to novel variants and vaccinations
Authors: Barmanray Rahul D. , Gong Joanna Y. , Kyi Mervyn , Kevat Dev , Islam Mohammad A. , Galligan Anna , Manos Georgina R. , Nair Indu V. , Perera Nayomi , Adams Nicholas K. , Nursing Ashvin , Warren Annabelle M. , Hamblin Peter S. , MacIsaac Richard J. , Ekinci Elif I. , Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian , Karunajeewa Harin , Buising Kirsty , Visvanathan Kumar , Kay Thomas W. H. , Fourlanos Spiros
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

A relationship between diabetes, glucose and COVID‐19 outcomes has been reported in international cohorts. This study aimed to assess the relationship between diabetes, hyperglycaemia and patient outcomes in those hospitalised with COVID‐19 during the first year of the Victorian pandemic prior to novel variants and vaccinations.

Design, setting

Retrospective cohort study from March to November 2020 across five public health services in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

All consecutive adult patients admitted to acute wards of participating institutions during the study period with a diagnosis of COVID‐19, comprising a large proportion of patients from residential care facilities and following dexamethasone becoming standard‐of‐care. Admissions in patients without known diabetes and without inpatient glucose testing were excluded.

Results

The DINGO COVID‐19 cohort comprised 840 admissions. In 438 admissions (52%), there was no known diabetes or in‐hospital hyperglycaemia, in 298 (35%) patients had known diabetes, and in 104 (12%) patients had hyperglycaemia without known diabetes. ICU admission was more common in those with diabetes (20%) and hyperglycaemia without diabetes (49%) than those with neither (11%, P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Mortality was higher in those with diabetes (24%) than those without diabetes or hyperglycaemia (16%, P = 0.02) but no difference between those with in‐hospital hyperglycaemia and either of the other groups. On multivariable analysis, hyperglycaemia was associated with increased ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.0–12, P < 0.001) and longer length of stay (aOR 173, 95% CI 11–2793, P < 0.001), while diabetes was associated with reduced ICU admission (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.94, P = 0.03). Neither diabetes nor hyperglycaemia was independently associated with in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

During the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, in‐hospital hyperglycaemia and known diabetes were not associated with in‐hospital mortality, contrasting with published international experiences. This likely mainly relates to hyperglycaemia indicating receipt of mortality‐reducing dexamethasone therapy. These differences in published experiences underscore the importance of understanding population and clinical treatment factors affecting glycaemia and COVID‐19 morbidity within both local and global contexts.
Healthcare interventions to aid patient self‐management of lower limb wounds: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Bolton Saghdaoui Layla , Lampridou Smaragda , Racaru Simona , Davies Alun Huw , Wells Mary
Published: October 2022

Chronic lower limb wounds can be described as having the inability to progress through stages of wound healing. Although 80% of lower limb wounds develop as a result of venous insufficiency, other causes include arterial disease and diabetes. In addition to the sustained impact on quality of life, the chronicity of lower limb wounds presents a significant financial burden to healthcare systems. Self‐management is a fundamental aspect of the long‐term management of chronic illness and its relevance has intensified since the start of the global pandemic. The objective of this systematic scoping review was to define what the self‐management of a lower limb wound entails and explore the interventions available to support patients to self‐manage. A total of seven articles were evaluated. There was limited consensus regarding the definition and components of self‐management in this area. Interventions involved patients participating in additional exercise, wound care, and lifestyle behaviours such as limb elevation and skin care. Only two studies applied theory and only one evaluated participant acceptability of interventions, making it difficult to assess the feasibility of implementation. Although the evidence reviewed provides some insight into the self‐management of a lower limb wound, theoretically‐guided research is needed in this area.
Geology‐based and ecological processes of divergence between and within species of wingless darkling beetles
Authors: Mas‐Peinado Paloma , García‐París Mario , Jiménez‐Ruiz Yolanda , Valdeón Aitor , Recuero Ernesto , Martínez‐Solano Iñigo , Buckley David , Condamine Fabien L.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Discerning the relative role of geographical and ecological factors in promoting diversification is central to our understanding of the origin and maintenance of biodiversity. We explore the roles of geology and ecological tolerance in the diversification of a group of wingless beetles with low dispersal potential.

Location

Western Mediterranean (Iberian Peninsula and North Africa).

Taxon

Darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae: Misolampus).

Methods

We sequenced nine gene fragments from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in all extant Misolampus species to reconstruct their phylogeny, evaluate species boundaries and potential contact zones and estimate divergence times. We modelled species distributions for different time periods to infer ecological preferences and assess the effects of climatic changes since the last interglacial. We used a time‐stratified process‐based biogeographical model to estimate ancestral areas of origin and the evolution of geographical ranges.

Results

The palaeoclimatic model projections show contractions of favourable areas during the last interglacial period and mid‐Holocene, and wide stretches of suitable areas during the last glacial maximum. Analyses of ancestral bioclimatic preferences reveal ecological adaptations in isolated lineages within three species. The phylogeny of Misolampus is strongly supported and unveils deep divergences within the six species. Two well‐supported clades were recovered, one distributed in North Africa‐Balearic Islands and another in the Iberian Peninsula. The divergence between the North African and Iberian clades occurred during the early Miocene. Biogeographical analyses infer an ancestral range including the Iberian, Betic and Rifean Plates, with subsequent splits followed by dispersal events.

Main conclusions

Our results favour a dual role of vicariance and dispersal in driving the historical biogeography and diversification of Misolampus since the early Miocene. We also found evidence for incipient speciation events, underscoring the role of tectonic events and adaptation to local climatic conditions in the diversification of the group.
Application of peracetic acid by spray or immersion in chicken carcasses to reduce cross‐contamination in the slaughter process
Authors: Laranja Daniela Comparsi , Cacciatore Fabíola Ayres , Malheiros Patrícia da Silva , Tondo Eduardo Cesar
Published: October 2022

The poultry industry uses several strategies during poultry processing to increase the safety and shelf life of fresh products. One possible intervention is the application of peracetic acid (PAA) on carcasses by spraying or immersion. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial action of PAA and its capacity to prevent cross‐contamination when applied on chicken carcasses. First, the method of PAA application that achieved the greatest reduction against a Salmonella cocktail artificially inoculated into chicken carcasses and against naturally present microorganisms was determined. We used the maximum concentration allowed in the United States (0.02% PAA) determining that immersion method was more effective than spray. Next, the reduction of the same microorganisms was evaluated by immersing carcasses in 0.07% PAA. This concentration was defined in a previous study as the most effective post‐chiller without causing changes in quality. Finally, the reduction of cross‐contamination between 4 carcasses consecutively immersed in 0.07% PAA was investigated. The immersion in 0.07% PAA was able to reduce ~2.0 log CFU/ml of aerobic bacteria and Salmonella, and ~1.5 log CFU/ml of Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli. The results of the cross‐contamination test suggest that rinse water containing 0.07% PAA could reduce contamination between carcasses and in the post‐chiller tank water. Therefore, 0.07% PAA showed potential to contribute to the safety and increased shelf life of chicken carcasses.
A prolific and robust whole‐genome genotyping method using PCR amplification via primer‐template mismatched annealing
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Zhang Cuicui , Wang Liqun , Luo Minxuan , Zhang Peng , Wang Yue , Malik Waqar Afzal , Wang Yue , Chen Peng , Qiu Xianjin , Wang Chongrong , Lu Hong , Xiang Yong , Liu Yuwen , Ruan Jue , Qian Qian , Zhi Haijian , Chang Yuxiao
Published: October 2022

Whole‐genome genotyping methods are important for breeding. However, it has been challenging to develop a robust method for simultaneous foreground and background genotyping that can easily be adapted to different genes and species. In our study, we accidently discovered that in adapter ligation‐mediated PCR, the amplification by primer‐template mismatched annealing (PTMA) along the genome could generate thousands of stable PCR products. Based on this observation, we consequently developed a novel method for simultaneous foreground and background integrated genotyping by sequencing (FBI‐seq) using one specific primer, in which foreground genotyping is performed by primer‐template perfect annealing (PTPA), while background genotyping employs PTMA. Unlike DNA arrays, multiple PCR, or genome target enrichments, FBI‐seq requires little preliminary work for primer design and synthesis, and it is easily adaptable to different foreground genes and species. FBI‐seq therefore provides a prolific, robust, and accurate method for simultaneous foreground and background genotyping to facilitate breeding in the post‐genomics era.
Midwifery Care of Pregnant Individuals Experiencing Opioid use Disorder: Changing Regulations, Complexities, and Call to Action
Authors: Bukowski Hannah Bartee , Combellick Joan L
Published: October 2022

Opioid use disorder (OUD), overdose, and death have exploded in the United States in the past 2 decades. The number of pregnant and birthing people reporting opioid use and misuse is also rising. Co‐occurring mental illness, multisubstance use, and associated medical comorbidities often complicate care for pregnant individuals with OUD. Neonates who are exposed to opioids in utero are at risk for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and other short‐ and long‐term sequelae. Recent changes to the Department of Health and Human Services Practice Guidelines for the Administration of Buprenorphine for Treating Opioid Use Disorder have now provided a pathway for midwives to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) for up to 30 individuals at one time without further training or certification of ancillary services. Midwives have a key role to play in expanding the availability and quality of interprofessional care provided to individuals with OUD. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and American Society of Addiction Medicine, along with other professional organizations, provide toolkits and guidelines for the provision of MOUD for pregnant people. Midwives who care for individuals with OUD should be familiar with the unique needs of this population and resources to guide their care. This case study highlights midwives’ essential role in treating OUD and co‐occurring mental disorders.
Continued P2X7 activation leads to mitochondrial fission and compromising microglial phagocytosis after subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Tao Tao , Chen Xiangxin , Zhou Yan , Zheng Qiang , Gao Sen , Wang Jinwei , Ding Pengfei , Li Xiaojian , Peng Zheng , Lu Yue , Gao Yongyue , Zhuang Zong , Hang Chun‐hua , Li Wei
Published: October 2022

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has a high rate of disability and mortality. Extremely damaging molecules, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP), are released from extravasated red blood cells and nerve cells, which activate microglia and induce sterile tissue injury and organ dysfunction. P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7) is one of the most important purine receptors on the microglial surface and is involved in the proinflammatory activation of microglia. While P2X7 can also affect microglial phagocytosis, the mechanism is not clear. Here, we demonstrated that microglial phagocytosis is progressively impaired under continued BzATP exposure and P2X7 activation. Furthermore, we found that P2X7 activation leads to increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and activates Calcineurin, which dephosphorylates dynamin‐related protein 1 (DRP1) S637. The dephosphorylation of DRP1 at S637 leads to increased mitochondrial fission and decreased mitochondrial function, which may be responsible for the decreased microglial phagocytosis. Finally, we pharmacologically inhibited P2X7 activation in mice, which resulted in rescue of mitochondrial function and decreased microglial proliferation, but improved phagocytosis after SAH. Our study confirmed that P2X7 activation after SAH leads to the impairment of microglial phagocytosis through mitochondrial fission and verified that P2X7 inhibition restores microglial phagocytosis both in vitro and in vivo.

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The effect of sacral massage on meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent in labor: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ulubasoglu Hasan , Bedir Fındık Rahime , Keskin Hüseyin Levent , Özcan Damla , Tekin Ozlem Moraloglu , Karakaya Jale
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sacral massage on the presence of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent during labor in pregnant women.

Methods

A total of 220 nulliparous women with singleton low‐risk pregnancies in the vertex position at term were recruited. Eligible women were randomly assigned to either massage group or a control group. The massages were performed with friction and tapotement protocol. The massage was applied for 10 min each time by a midwife who is also an expert in the field, at the onset of contractions during the intrapartum period, when cervical dilatation reached 10 cm. The Wong–Baker faces pain rating scale was evaluated.

Results

No significant difference was found between the length of the first stage of labor and the total length of delivery (p = 0.097 and 0.434), respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of perineal injuries. Perineal injury was lower in the massaged group (p = 0.005). There was a low percentage of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid in the massaged group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. The duration of fetal descent was shorter in the massaged group (p < 0.001). A significant difference was found in Wong–Baker FACES pain rating scale scores. Lower scores were detected in the massaged group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Sacral massage has beneficial effects on mothers and babies in obstetric practice. In addition, applying massage during labor plays a significant role in reducing the presence of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent.
Validation of eligibility criteria for the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy in preterm infants: A case–control cohort study
Authors: Kusuda Satoshi , Nakanishi Hidehiko , Suzuki Hideaki ,   the Neonatal Research Network of Japan
Published: October 2022

Aim

To verify validity of the criteria used for the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy (JOCS‐CP) in preterm infants, the association between the criteria and the development of CP was studied using a neonatal database. Our hypothesis was that the criteria would not be sufficient due to the recent advances made in perinatal care.

Methods

Preterm infants born between 2003 and 2019 and registered in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan database with a birth weight of 1500 g or less or a gestational age of less than 32 weeks were analyzed. The database included the clinical information of registered infants during their stay in NICUs and outcomes at 3 years of age.

Results

The database included 73 615 infants. After excluding those with an unknown outcome at discharge, 73 464 infants were analyzed for short‐term outcomes, including mortality and morbidities. The incidence of CP at 3 years of age was analyzed in 36 151 infants. Furthermore, 16 467 infants born between 28 and 31 weeks of gestation were examined in terms of the validity of the current eligibility criteria. The mortality and incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia significantly decreased during the study period (Cochrane–Armitage test, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the eligibility criteria were not sufficiently nor strongly associated with indicators for detecting perinatal hypoxia‐ischemia resulting in CP.

Conclusion

The existing eligibility criteria of the JOCS‐CP used for preterm infants born between 28 and 31 weeks were no longer suitable because of the advances in perinatal care in Japan.
Associations between myelin water imaging and measures of fall risk and functional mobility in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Edwards Erin M. , Stanley Jeffrey A. , Daugherty Ana M. , Lynn Jonathan , Borich Michael R. , Fritz Nora E.
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose

Myelin water fraction (MWF) deficits as measured by myelin water imaging (MWI) have been related to worse motor function in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). However, it is unknown if measures from MWI metrics in motor areas relate to fall risk measures in PwMS. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between MWI measures in motor areas to performance on clinical measures of fall risk and disability in PwMS.

Methods

Sixteen individuals with relapsing‐remitting MS participated (1 male, 15 female; age 47.1 years [12.3]; Expanded Disability Status Scale 4.0 [range 0‐6.5]) and completed measures of walking and fall risk (Timed 25 Foot Walk [T25FW] and Timed Up and Go). MWF and the geometric mean of the intra‐/extracellular water T2 (geomT2IEW) values reflecting myelin content and contribution of large‐diameter axons/density, respectively, were assessed in three motor‐related regions.

Results

The geomT2IEW of the corticospinal tract (r = –.599; p = .018) and superior cerebellar peduncles (r = –.613; p = .015) demonstrated significant inverse relationships with T25FW, suggesting that decreased geomT2IEW was related to slower walking. Though not significant, MWF in the corticospinal tract and superior cerebellar peduncles also demonstrated fair relationships with the T25FW, suggesting that worse performance on the T25FW was associated with lower MWF values.

Conclusions

MWI of key motor regions was associated with walking performance in PwMS. Further MWI studies are needed to identify relationships between pathology and clinical function in PwMS to guide targeted rehabilitation therapies aimed at preventing falls.
Natural variation of ZmLNG1 alters organ shapes in maize
Authors: Wang Qin , Fan Jiongjiong , Cong Jia , Chen Mengjiao , Qiu Jie , Liu Jie , Zhao Xiaoyan , Huang Ruipeng , Liu Hongjun , Huang Xuehui
Published: October 2022

The development of a series of elite maize hybrids has greatly increased crop yield in the past decades. Parental lines of these hybrids usually come from different heterotic groups and contain many genetic differences. Identifications of important quantitative trait genes in the elite hybrids can extend our understanding of heterosis and also help to guide genetic improvement.

Here, we mapped a major quantitative trait locus using a linkage population from an elite maize hybrid Zhengdan958 and identified ZmLNG1 as the causative gene controlling multiple morphologic traits in maize. A 6‐kb deletion in one parental line of the hybrid leads to the fusion of ZmLNG1 with its nearby gene. The fusion event prevents the C‐terminal of ZmLNG1 from interacting with ZmTON1, which resulted in the change of plant architecture.

Further experiments demonstrated that ZmLNG1 could act as a mediator to connect ZmTON1 and ZmOFPs, which belong to another type of plant morphological regulatory proteins, thereby affecting the phosphorylation level of ZmOFPs.

These results demonstrate the importance of ZmLNG1 in forming the TON1‐TRM‐PP2A complex and provide a model for the regulation of plant organ morphology by TON1‐recruiting motifs (TRMs) and Ovate family proteins (OFPs).
Environmental drivers of local abundance–mass scaling in soil animal communities
Authors: Antunes Ana Carolina , Gauzens Benoit , Brose Ulrich , Potapov Anton M. , Jochum Malte , Santini Luca , Eisenhauer Nico , Ferlian Olga , Cesarz Simone , Scheu Stefan , Hirt Myriam R.
Published: October 2022

The relationship between species' body masses and densities is strongly conserved around a three‐quarter power law when pooling data across communities. However, studies of local within‐community relationships have revealed major deviations from this general pattern, which has profound implications for their stability and functioning. Despite multiple contributions of soil communities to people, there is limited knowledge on the drivers of body mass–abundance relationships in these communities. We compiled a dataset comprising 155 soil–animal communities across four countries (Canada, Germany, Indonesia, USA), all sampled using the same methodology. We tested if variation in local climatic and edaphic conditions drives differences in local body mass–abundance scaling relationships. We found substantial variation in the slopes of this power‐law relationship across local communities. Structural equation modeling showed that soil temperature and water content have a positive and negative net effect, respectively, on soil communities. These effects are mediated by changes in local edaphic conditions (soil pH and carbon content) and the body‐mass range of the communities. These results highlight ways in which alterations of soil climatic and edaphic conditions interactively impact the distribution of abundance between populations of small and large animals. These quantitative mechanistic relationships facilitate our understanding of how global changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, will affect community–abundance distributions and thus the stability and functioning of soil–animal communities.
UltraSound Axillary Vein Access (USAA): Learning curve and randomized comparison to traditional venous access for cardiac device implantation
Authors: Courtney Alex M. , Chandler Jonathan K. , Anderson John , Shrestha Amit , Noheria Amit , Pimentel Rhea , Dendi Raghuveer , Ramirez Rigoberto , Reddy Y. Madhu , Sheldon Seth H.
Published: October 2022

Background

Many techniques exist for venous access (VA) during cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the learning curve with ultrasound (US) guided axillary vein access (USAA).

Methods

Single‐center prospective randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing CIED implantation. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 fashion to USAA versus conventional VA techniques. The primary outcomes were the success rates, VA times and 30‐day complication rates.

Results

The study included 100 patients (age 68 ± 14 years, BMI 27 ± 4 kg/m2). USAA was successful in 66/70 implants (94%). Initial attempts at conventional VA included 47% axillary (n = 14), 30% (n = 9) cephalic, and 23% (n = 7) subclavian. The median access time was longer for USAA than conventional access (8.3 IQR 4.2–15.3 min vs. 5.2 IQR 3.4–8.6 min, p = .009). Among the five inexperienced USAA implanters, there was a significant improvement in median access time from first to last tertile of USAA implants (17.0 IQR 7.0–21.0 min to 8.6 IQR 4.5–10.8 min, p = .038). The experienced USAA implanter had similar access times with USAA compared with conventional access (4.0 IQR 3.3–4.7 min vs. 5.2 IQR 3.4–8.6 min, p = .15). Venograms were less common with USAA than conventional access (2% vs. 33%, p < .0001). The 30‐day complication rate was similar with USAA (n = 4/70, 6%) versus conventional (n = 3/30, 10%, p = .44).

Conclusion

Although the success rate with USAA was high, there was a significant learning curve. Once experienced with the USAA technique, there is the potential for reduced complications without adding to the procedure duration.
The genome‐wide DNA methylation profiles among neurosurgery patients with and without post‐operative delirium
Authors: Yamanashi Takehiko , Crutchley Kaitlyn J. , Wahba Nadia E. , Nagao Takaaki , Marra Pedro S. , Akers Cade C. , Sullivan Eleanor J. , Iwata Masaaki , Howard Mathew A , Cho Hyunkeun R. , Kawasaki Hiroto , Hughes Christopher G. , Pandharipande Pratik P. , Hefti Marco M. , Shinozaki Gen
Published: October 2022

Aims

There is no previous study demonstrating the differences of genome‐wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles between patients with and without postoperative delirium (POD). We aimed to discover epigenetic (DNAm) markers that are associated with POD in blood obtained from patients before and after neurosurgery.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐surgical blood DNA samples from 37 patients, including 10 POD cases, were analyzed using the Illumina EPIC array genome‐wide platform. We examined DNAm differences in blood from patients with and without POD. Enrichment analysis with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes terms were also conducted.

Results

When POD cases were tested for DNAm change before and after surgery, enrichment analyses showed many relevant signals with statistical significance in immune response related‐pathways and inflammatory cytokine related‐pathways such as “cellular response to cytokine stimulus”, “regulation of immune system process”, “regulation of cell activation”, and “regulation of cytokine production”. Furthermore, after excluding the potential effect of common factors related to surgery and anesthesia between POD cases and non‐POD controls, the enrichment analyses showed significant signals such as “immune response” and “T cell activation”, which are same pathways previously identified from an independent non‐surgical inpatient cohort.

Conclusions

Our first genome‐wide DNAm investigation of POD showed promising signals related to immune response, inflammatory response and other relevant signals considered to be associated with delirium pathophysiology. Our data supports the hypothesis that epigenetics play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanism of delirium and suggest the potential usefulness of an epigenetics‐based biomarker of POD.
Atopic dermatitis‐like graft‐versus‐host disease treated with dupilumab
Authors: Larijani Mary , Zarowin Diana , Wohlschlaeger Anne , Perman Marissa J. , Treat James R.
Published: October 2022

The mainstay of treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in both pediatric and adult patients includes oral corticosteroids with or without other systemic immunosuppressive therapies. To our knowledge, we report the first case series of dupilumab in the treatment of AD‐like GVHD in a pediatric cohort of four patients, where we observed clinical improvement of GVHD as well as a reduction in itch in 3/4 (75%) patients. Our findings suggest that dupilumab is not only effective in treating AD‐like GVHD, but also reduces systemic immunosuppression in the pediatric transplant population. The ability to reduce the length and amount of immunosuppression as well as improve quality of life suggest that dupilumab may serve as a safe and effective therapeutic option in our transplant population with GVHD.
To centralize or decentralize: Mergers under price and quality competition
Authors: Guo Xiaomeng , Kuang Yunjuan , Ng Chi To
Published: October 2022

This paper examines firms' post‐merger integration (PMI) strategy under price and service‐quality competition when facing either deterministic or stochastic demand. Although horizontal mergers are prevalent in practice and have been analyzed extensively in the literature, little attention has been paid to the choice of PMI level. We develop a game‐theoretic model, in which multiple firms compete on price and service quality with either deterministic or stochastic demand, and two of them decide whether and how to merge. The post‐merger firm can enjoy higher cost efficiency due to cost synergy and needs to choose between centralized and decentralized mergers (i.e., PMI level). A centralized merger allows centralized decision‐making and inventory pooling for the two participant firms, while a decentralized merger allows decentralized decision‐making and inventory transshipment between the participant firms. We highlight some interesting findings. First, under either deterministic or stochastic demand, we find that a centralized merger is not always beneficial since its collusion effect may induce the nonparticipant firm to adopt more aggressive strategies, and thus a decentralized merger may be more profitable and preferred by the post‐merger firm as it allows competition between the participants and leads to a more balanced market. Second, in a decentralized merger, stronger fixed cost synergy may backfire and hurt each participant as it could intensify service‐quality competition between the two participants, and risk pooling (via inventory transshipment) under stochastic demand may even reduce the participant firms' profits as it may intensify both service‐quality and price competition. Third, a participant firm's service quality, price, and in‐stock probability may be either improved or reduced after merging, depending on the PMI level, cost synergy, demand sensitivity, and demand uncertainty.
Comparison of the malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs of Down syndrome and non‐syndromic subjects by using the dental aesthetics index
Authors: Syed Mohamed Alizae Marny Fadzlin , Wei Tan Zhen , Sean Cheh Jing , Rosli Tanti Irawati
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence and significance of the malocclusion traits and orthodontic treatment needs of Down syndrome (DS) subjects with matched non‐syndromic (NS) controls.

Methodology

This cross‐sectional study involved 222 subjects (50% DS, 50% NS) who were matched by gender and age. The casts were digitized into three‐dimensional images. These images were used alongside the ten occlusal characteristics of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) to determine malocclusion severity and the need for orthodontic treatment.

Results

There were 58 (52.3%) females and 53 (47.7%) males with a mean age of 18.4 ± 8.4 years in both groups. The most common and significant (p < .05) malocclusion traits among the DS subjects were missing teeth (56.2%), incisal spacing segments (73.0%), anterior maxillary irregularity (95.5%), mandibular overjet (36.0%), and full cusp deviation of the molar relationship (61.3%). On the other hand, increased maxillary overjet (69.3%) is a more significant (p < .05) trait amongst NS subjects. There were 85 (76.6%) DS subjects who presented severe malocclusion, which implies a highly orthodontic treatment need (DAI > 30). The DS showed some impact of malocclusion traits components of the DAI.

Conclusion

The occurrence of malocclusion was higher in DS, implying a higher need for orthodontic treatments than for NS subjects.
Environment, Development, and Water in Academia: A Critical Network Perspective
Authors: Hargrove Andrew
Published: October 2022

The world is currently confronting two water crises, a developmental crisis concerning populations who lack access to water and an environmental crisis regarding water scarcity and freshwater resource depletion. Are we as academics addressing the complexity of these issues? Using network analysis of over 5,000 articles that address water development and water scarcity, I generate a co‐citation network to identify the overlap between development and environmental water literatures in academic journals. The results suggest that the development literature only has a 6.28 percent overlap with the environmental literature and the environmental literature has a mere 1.92 percent overlap. Overall, this research suggests that there is an extreme lack of academic articles that address water scarcity and water development concurrently. Until we as an academic community become more nuanced in our studies of water, we will lack a full understanding of how to solve these seemingly contradictory problems. I conclude by drawing on critical Marxist and “Frankfurt School” perspectives to explain this apparent disconnect.