bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyoderma gangrenosum and impact on quality of life: A narrative review
Authors: Sanchez‐Melendez Stephanie N. , Malik Rhea , Patel Payal M. , Milosavljevic Sofia , Patel Shrey , Nambudiri Vinod E.
Published: July 2023

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an autoinflammatory disorder typically characterized by progressive ulcers with dense neutrophilic infiltrates in the absence of infectious causes. The chronic nature of this disease significantly impacts the patients' quality of life (QoL). Yet there is currently a dearth of information in the literature regarding standardised treatment guidelines and the impact of PG on patients' QoL. We conducted a literature search on PubMed using the terms “pyoderma gangrenosum” AND “quality of life.” We identified nine relevant articles that provide insight into which domains are affected and what treatment can improve QoL. The most common domains involved are physical, emotional, and psychological. Patients tend to feel depressed/anxious, isolated, and embarrassed secondary to PG manifestations. Comorbidities such as Crohn's disease, monoclonal gammopathy of dermatologic significance, and ulcerative colitis can worsen the impact on these patients' QoL. Pain is also a significant contributor to decreasing patients' QoL. Treatments such as topical steroids, adalimumab, and canakinumab may help improve QoL scores. We believe this information can help clinicians guide the care of patients with PG and highlight the need for more studies and clinical trials focusing on PG treatments' impact on QoL.
Individual and interactive effects of warming and nitrogen supply on CO2 fluxes and carbon allocation in subarctic grassland
Authors: Meeran Kathiravan , Verbrigghe Niel , Ingrisch Johannes , Fuchslueger Lucia , Müller Lena , Sigurðsson Páll , Sigurdsson Bjarni D. , Wachter Herbert , Watzka Margarete , Soong Jennifer L. , Vicca Sara , Janssens Ivan A. , Bahn Michael
Published: July 2023

Climate warming has been suggested to impact high latitude grasslands severely, potentially causing considerable carbon (C) losses from soil. Warming can also stimulate nitrogen (N) turnover, but it is largely unclear whether and how altered N availability impacts belowground C dynamics. Even less is known about the individual and interactive effects of warming and N availability on the fate of recently photosynthesized C in soil. On a 10‐year geothermal warming gradient in Iceland, we studied the effects of soil warming and N addition on CO2 fluxes and the fate of recently photosynthesized C through CO2 flux measurements and a 13CO2 pulse‐labeling experiment. Under warming, ecosystem respiration exceeded maximum gross primary productivity, causing increased net CO2 emissions. N addition treatments revealed that, surprisingly, the plants in the warmed soil were N limited, which constrained primary productivity and decreased recently assimilated C in shoots and roots. In soil, microbes were increasingly C limited under warming and increased microbial uptake of recent C. Soil respiration was increased by warming and was fueled by increased belowground inputs and turnover of recently photosynthesized C. Our findings suggest that a decade of warming seemed to have induced a N limitation in plants and a C limitation by soil microbes. This caused a decrease in net ecosystem CO2 uptake and accelerated the respiratory release of photosynthesized C, which decreased the C sequestration potential of the grassland. Our study highlights the importance of belowground C allocation and C‐N interactions in the C dynamics of subarctic ecosystems in a warmer world.
Picturing local adaptation: Spectral and structural traits from drone remote sensing reveal clinal responses to climate transfer in common‐garden trials of interior spruce (Picea engelmannii × glauca)
Authors: Grubinger Samuel , Coops Nicholas C. , O'Neill Gregory A.
Published: July 2023

Common‐garden trials of forest trees provide phenotype data used to assess growth and local adaptation; this information is foundational to tree breeding programs, genecology, and gene conservation. As jurisdictions consider assisted migration strategies to match populations to suitable climates, in situ progeny and provenance trials provide experimental evidence of adaptive responses to climate change. We used drone technology, multispectral imaging, and digital aerial photogrammetry to quantify spectral traits related to stress, photosynthesis, and carotenoids, and structural traits describing crown height, size, and complexity at six climatically disparate common‐garden trials of interior spruce (Picea engelmannii × glauca) in western Canada. Through principal component analysis, we identified key components of climate related to temperature, moisture, and elevational gradients. Phenotypic clines in remotely sensed traits were analyzed as trait correlations with provenance climate transfer distances along principal components (PCs). We used traits showing clinal variation to model best linear unbiased predictions for tree height (R2 = .98–.99, root mean square error [RMSE] = 0.06–0.10 m) and diameter at breast height (DBH, R2 = .71–.97, RMSE = 2.57–3.80 mm) and generated multivariate climate transfer functions with the model predictions. Significant (p < .05) clines were present for spectral traits at all sites along all PCs. Spectral traits showed stronger clinal variation than structural traits along temperature and elevational gradients and along moisture gradients at wet, coastal sites, but not at dry, interior sites. Spectral traits may capture patterns of local adaptation to temperature and montane growing seasons which are distinct from moisture‐limited patterns in stem growth. This work demonstrates that multispectral indices improve the assessment of local adaptation and that spectral and structural traits from drone remote sensing produce reliable proxies for ground‐measured height and DBH. This phenotyping framework contributes to the analysis of common‐garden trials towards a mechanistic understanding of local adaptation to climate.
Young people's perspectives on addressing UK health inequalities: utopian visions and preferences for action
Authors: Fergie Gillian , Vaczy Caroline , Smith Katherine , Mackenzie Mhairi , Phan Thu Thuy , Hilton Shona
Published: July 2023

Introduction

It is increasingly recognised by UK researchers and population health advocates that an important impetus to effective policy action to address health inequalities is activation of public dialogue about the social determinants of health and how inequalities might be addressed. The limited body of existing scholarship reaches varying conclusions on public preferences for responding to health inequalities but with consensus around the importance of tackling poverty. Young people's perspectives remain underexplored despite their increasingly visible role in activism across a range of policy issues and the potential impact of widening inequalities on their generation's health and wellbeing.

Methods

Six groups of young people (39 in total) from two UK cities (Glasgow and Leeds) were engaged in online workshops to explore views on health inequalities and potential solutions. Inspired by calls to employ notions of utopia, artist–facilitators and researchers supported participants to explore the evidence, debating solutions and imagining a more desirable society, using visual and performance art. Drawing together data from discussions and creative outputs, we analysed participants' perspectives on addressing health inequalities across four domains: governance, environment, society/culture and economy.

Findings

Proposals ranged from radical, whole‐systems change to support for policies currently being considered by governments across the United Kingdom. The consensus was built around embracing more participatory, collaborative governance; prioritising sustainability and access to greenspace; promoting inclusivity and eliminating discrimination and improving the circumstances of those on the lowest incomes. Levels of acceptable income inequality, and how best to address income inequality were more contested. Individual‐level interventions were rarely presented as viable options for addressing the social inequalities from which health differences emanate.

Conclusion

Young people contributed wide‐ranging and visionary solutions to debates around addressing the enduring existence of health inequalities in the United Kingdom. Their reflections signal support for ‘upstream’ systemic change to achieve reductions in social inequalities and the health differences that flow from these.

Public Contribution

An advisory group of young people informed the development of project plans. Participants shaped the direction of the project in terms of substantive focus and were responsible for the generation of creative project outputs aimed at influencing policymakers.
mRNA expression profile reveals differentially expressed genes in splenocytes of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Song Shuang , Du Xiaochen , Yan Hongjing , Wang Xuan , Guo Li , Li Bin
Published: July 2023

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a mouse model that can be used to investigate aetiology, pathogenesis, and treatment approaches for multiple sclerosis (MS). A novel integrated bioinformatics approach was used to understand the involvement of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the spleen of EAE mice through data mining of existing microarray and RNA‐seq datasets. We screened differentially expressed mRNAs using mRNA expression profile data of EAE spleens taken from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed by Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Subsequently, the DEGs‐encoded protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The 784 DEGs in GSE99300 A.SW PP‐EAE mice spleen mRNA profiles, 859 DEGs in GSE151701 EAE mice spleen mRNA profiles, and 646 DEGs in GSE99300 SJL/J PP‐EAE mice spleen mRNA profiles were explored. Functional enrichment of 55 common DEGs among 3 sub‐datasets revealed several immune‐related terms, such as neutrophil extravasation, leucocyte migration, antimicrobial humoral immune response mediated by an antimicrobial peptide, toll‐like receptor 4 bindings, IL‐17 signalling pathway, and TGF‐beta signalling pathway. In the screening of 10 hub genes, including MPO, ELANE, CTSG, LTF, LCN2, SELP, CAMP, S100A9, ITGA2B, and PRTN3, and in choosing and validating the 5 DEGs, including ANK1, MBOAT2, SLC25A21, SLC43A1, and SOX6, the results showed that SLC43A1 and SOX6 were significantly decreased in EAE mice spleen. Thus this study offers a list of genes expressed in the spleen that might play a key role in the pathogenesis of EAE.
Does it matter whether others are working hard or hardly working? Effects of descriptive norms on attitudes to time theft at work
Authors: Sinclair Samantha
Published: July 2023

Time theft—time that employees waste or spend not working during their scheduled work hours—poses serious costs to many employers. Although previous research has suggested the importance of social norms for understanding time theft behavior, experimental studies are lacking. This paper presents the results of two preregistered experiments that examined if information about whether most people engage in time theft or not (descriptive norms) has effects on intentions and attitudes to steal time at work. The results confirmed that people are less willing to conduct time theft if they are led to believe that others avoid such behaviors (Experiment 1, N = 170). However, the same norm information did not alter people's moral judgments of coworkers who engage in time theft (Experiment 2, N = 183). The findings tentatively suggest that the less time theft employees see, the less time theft they will commit.
Site‐selective substitution and resulting magnetism in arc‐melted perovskite ATiO3‐δ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba)
Authors: Yoon Songhak , Xie Wenjie , Xiao Xingxing , Checchia Stefano , Coduri Mauro , Schuetzenduebe Peter , Widenmeyer Marc , Ebbinghaus Stefan G. , Balke Benjamin , Weidenkaff Anke , Schütz Gisela , Son Kwanghyo
Published: July 2023

Magnetic properties in perovskite titanates ATiO3‐δ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) were investigated before and after arc melting. Crystal structure analysis was conducted by powder synchrotron X‐ray diffraction with Rietveld refinements. Quantitative chemical element analysis was carried out by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnetic measurements were conducted by vibrating sample magnetometer and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The magnetic properties are found to be affected by impurities of 3d elements such as Fe, Co, and Ni. Depending on the composition and crystal structure, the occupation of the magnetic ions in perovskite titanates is selectively varied, which is interpreted to be the origin of the different magnetic behaviors in arc‐melted perovskite titanates ATiO3‐δ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba). In addition, both formation of oxygen vacancies and the reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+ during arc‐melting also play a role as proven by XMCD. Nevertheless, preferential site occupation of magnetic impurities is dominant in the magnetic properties of arc‐melted perovskite ATiO3‐δ (A = Ca, Sr, Ba).
Does the apple fall far from the tree? Commentary on Hafeman et al., early indicators of bipolar risk in preschool offspring of parents with bipolar disorder
Authors: Carlson Gabrielle A.
Published: July 2023

Comorbid externalizing and internalizing disorders are common in offspring of a parent with bipolar I or II disorder. In some cases, the symptoms are harbingers of future bipolar spectrum disorder. Even when they are not, they are likely to be impairing to the child. Clinicians need to be better informed about how the history leading up to mania/hypomania unfolds, and what comorbid disorders are impairing in and of themselves. More information is needed about the parents' psychopathology, course of illness and response to treatment. Until we have data on how to prevent bipolar disorder, the best course of action is to treat the child's current impairing symptoms and render the parent as asymptomatic as possible.
Integrated care models in Swiss primary care: An embedded multiple case study
Authors: Carron Tania , Domeisen Benedetti Franzisca , Fringer André , Fierz Katharina , Peytremann‐Bridevaux Isabelle
Published: July 2023

Rationale, Aimsand Objectives

Healthcare systems are confronted with a rising number of patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs, requiring the development of new models of coordinated, patient‐centred care. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare a range of new models of care recently implemented in primary care in Switzerland, as well as to gain insight into the type of coordination or integration implemented, the strengths and weaknesses of each model and the challenges they face.

Method

We used an embedded multiple case study design to describe in‐depth a series of current Swiss initiatives that specifically aim to improve care coordination in primary care. For each model, documents were collected, a questionnaire was administered and semistructured interviews with key actors were conducted. A within‐case analysis followed by a cross‐case analysis were performed. Based on the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care framework, similarities and differences between the models were highlighted.

Results

Eight integrated care initiatives were included in the analysis, representing three types of models: independent multiprofessional GP practices, multiprofessional GP practices/health centres that are part of larger groups and regional integrated delivery systems. Recognized effective activities and tools to improve care coordination, such as multidisciplinary teams, case manager involvement, use of electronic medical records, patient education and use of care plans, were implemented by at least six of the eight initiatives studied. The main obstacles to the implementation of integrated care models were the inadequate Swiss reimbursement policies and payment mechanisms and the desire of some healthcare professionals to protect their territory in a context where new roles are emerging.

Conclusion

The integrated care models implemented in Switzerland are promising; nevertheless, financial and legal reforms must be introduced to promote integrated care in practice.
Molecular phylogenetics of sessile Dolium sedentarium, a petalomonad euglenid
Authors: Lax Gordon , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: July 2023

The euglenids are a species‐rich group of flagellates with varying modes of nutrition that can be found in diverse habitats. Phagotrophic members of this group gave rise to phototrophs and hold the key to understanding the evolution of euglenids as a whole, including the evolution of complex morphological characters like the euglenid pellicle. Yet to understand the evolution of these characters, a comprehensive sampling of molecular data is needed to correlate morphological and molecular data, and to estimate a basic phylogenetic backbone of the group. While the availability of SSU rDNA and, more recently, multigene data from phagotrophic euglenids has improved, several “orphan” taxa remain without any molecular data whatsoever. Dolium sedentarium is one such taxon: It is a rarely‐observed phagotrophic euglenid that inhabits tropical benthic environments and is one of few known sessile euglenids. Based on morphological characters, it has been thought of as part of the earliest branch of euglenids, the Petalomonadida. We report the first molecular sequencing data for Dolium using single‐cell transcriptomics, adding another small piece in the puzzle of euglenid evolution. Both SSU rDNA and multigene phylogenies confirm it as a solitary branch within Petalomonadida.
A new species of rheophilic armored catfish of Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Vaupés River, Amazonas basin, Colombia
Authors: Urbano‐Bonilla Alexander , Londoño‐Burbano Alejandro , Carvalho Tiago P.
Published: July 2023

A new rheophilic species of the genus Rineloricaria is described for the Amazon basin in Colombia. Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. differs from its congeners by having anterior to the first predorsal plate, an inconspicuous saddle‐like mark; the presence of dark, diffuse blotches, present as unified dark colouration along most of the dorsal portion of the head, without bands or spots on the head; a long snout that occupies more than half the head length (HL), between 58.0% and 66.3% HL; a naked portion on the cleithral area from the border of lower lip reaching the origin of pectoral fin; and by having five series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin. The new species is morphologically similar to Rineloricaria daraha; however, it can be distinguished by the presence of six branched pectoral fin rays (vs. seven) and the lower lip surface with short thick papillae (vs. long finger papillae). An identification key to the Rineloricaria species of the Amazon River basin in Colombia is provided. The new species is herein categorized as Least Concern, following the IUCN criteria.
Intensive endoscopic resection strategy for multiple duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Iwata Kentaro , Kato Motohiko , Sasaki Motoki , Miyazaki Kurato , Kubosawa Yoko , Masunaga Teppei , Mizutani Mari , Hayashi Yukie , Takatori Yusaku , Matsuura Noriko , Nakayama Atsushi , Takabayashi Kaoru , Kanai Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Multiple duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a high risk of duodenal cancer development. We evaluated the feasibility of intensive endoscopic resection that is a comprehensive treatment strategy combining multiple kinds of endoscopic treatments.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study. From January 2012 to July 2022, a total of 28 consecutive patients in FAP who underwent endoscopic resection for multiple duodenal polyposis more than twice were included. Various endoscopic treatments, such as cold polypectomy (CP), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), underwater EMR (UEMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic papillectomy (EP), were applied depending on lesions size and location. We evaluated individual information from patients' medical records, including patient characteristics, lesion characteristics, details of endoscopic treatment, pathologic findings, and Spigelman index (SI). We compared the differences in the number of treatments and observation periods with and without SI decrease.

Results

A total of 1040 lesions were removed by 138 sessions of endoscopic resections. The median follow‐up period was 3.2 years. At the beginning of the endoscopic intervention, median SI was 9 (6–11) and the proportion of Spigelman stage (SS) IV was 61%. Repeated endoscopic treatments finally reduced SI in 26 patients (93%), and the proportion of SS IV significantly decreased to 13% with every endoscopic treatment. The mean SI change was −4.2 points per year (95% confidence interval: −0.6 to −5.9). There were no patients required surgical duodenectomy during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Intensive resection has a potential of downstaging duodenal lesions associated with FAP.
Comparing quality of care outcomes between assisted living and nursing homes before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hoben Matthias , Hogan David B. , Poss Jeffrey W. , Gruneir Andrea , McGrail Kim , Griffith Lauren E. , Chamberlain Stephanie A. , Estabrooks Carole A. , Maxwell Colleen J.
Published: July 2023

Background

While assisted living (AL) and nursing home (NHs) residents in share vulnerabilities, AL provides fewer staffing resources and services. Research has largely neglected AL, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our study compared trends of practice‐sensitive, risk‐adjusted quality indicators between AL and NHs, and changes in these trends after the start of the pandemic.

Methods

This repeated cross‐sectional study used population‐based resident data in Alberta, Canada. Using Resident Assessment Instrument data (01/2017–12/2021), we created quarterly cohorts, using each resident's latest assessment in each quarter. We applied validated inclusion/exclusion criteria and risk‐adjustments to create nine quality indicators and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs): potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use, pain, depressive symptoms, total dependency in late‐loss activities of daily living, physical restraint use, pressure ulcers, delirium, weight loss, urinary tract infections. Run charts compared quality indicators between AL and NHs over time and segmented regressions assessed whether these trends changed after the start of the pandemic.

Results

Quarterly samples included 2015–2710 AL residents and 12,881–13,807 NH residents. Antipsychotic use (21%–26%), pain (20%–24%), and depressive symptoms (17%–25%) were most common in AL. In NHs, they were physical dependency (33%–36%), depressive symptoms (26%–32%), and antipsychotic use (17%–22%). Antipsychotic use and pain were consistently higher in AL. Depressive symptoms, physical dependency, physical restraint use, delirium, weight loss were consistently lower in AL. The most notable segmented regression findings were an increase in antipsychotic use during the pandemic in both settings (AL: change in slope = 0.6% [95% CI: 0.1%–1.0%], p = 0.0140; NHs: change in slope = 0.4% [95% CI: 0.3%–0.5%], p < 0.0001), and an increase in physical dependency in AL only (change in slope = 0.5% [95% CI: 0.1%–0.8%], p = 0.0222).

Conclusions

QIs differed significantly between AL and NHs before and during the pandemic. Any changes implemented to address deficiencies in either setting need to account for these differences and require monitoring to assess their impact.
What is the climate footprint of therapeutic diets for people with chronic kidney disease? Results from an Australian analysis
Authors: Clay Nathan , Charlton Karen , Stefoska‐Needham Anita , Heffernan Emma , Hassan Hicham Ibrahim Cheikh , Jiang Xiaotao , Stanford Jordan , Lambert Kelly
Published: July 2023

Background

Immediate action is needed to stabilise the climate. Dietitians require knowledge of how the therapeutic diets they prescribe may contribute to climate change. No previous research has quantified the climate footprint of therapeutic diets. This study sought to quantify and compare the climate footprint of two types of therapeutic diets for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with two reference diets.

Methods

A usual diet for an individual with CKD and a novel plant‐based diet for CKD were compared with the current Australian diet and the Australian‐adapted EAT Lancet Planetary Health Diet (PHD). The climate footprint of these diets was measured using the Global Warming Potential (GWP*) metric for a reference 71‐year‐old male.

Results

No diets analysed were climate neutral, and therefore, all contribute to climate change. The novel plant‐based diet for CKD (1.20 kg carbon dioxide equivalents [CO2e] per day) produced 35% less CO2e than the usual renal diet for an individual with CKD (1.83 kg CO2e per day) and 50% less than the current Australian diet (2.38 kg CO2e per day). The Australian‐adapted EAT Lancet PHD (1.04 kg CO2e per day) produced the least amount of CO2e and 56% less than the current Australian diet. The largest contributors to the climate footprint of all four diets were foods from the meats and alternatives, dairy and alternatives and discretionary food groups.

Conclusions

Dietetic advice to reduce the climate footprint of therapeutic diets for CKD should focus on discretionary foods and some animal‐based products. Future research is needed on other therapeutic diets.
Early abdominal wall ectopic pregnancy treated with laparoscopic surgery: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ishikawa Yuta , Nakanishi Kentaro , Tsumura Ai , Murakami Koji , Nishiwaki Kunihiko
Published: July 2023

The abdominal wall is a rare site of ectopic implantation. Laparoscopic surgery for early abdominal pregnancy, in contrast to its use for tubal ectopic pregnancy, remains controversial because of concerns regarding heavy bleeding at the implantation site. Treatment of early abdominal pregnancy must be individualized for each implantation site. Herein, we present a case of an early abdominal pregnancy implanted in the anterior abdominal wall that was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery. A 28‐year‐old multiparous woman with a 6‐week amenorrhea presented with acute abdominal pain. An ectopic pregnancy was suspected because of elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels without a visible gestational sac on transvaginal ultrasonography. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a gestational sac hanging from the anterior abdominal wall near the previous cesarean section wound. Laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day three. In the present case, laparoscopic surgery was beneficial.
Change in client choice under multiple prenatal genetic testing options including noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) after genetic counseling in a Japanese maternity hospital
Authors: Naruse Katsuhiko , Pooh Ritsuko K. , Kyukawa Yutaka , Tsunemi Taihei , Yamada Takahiro
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study examined how clients' selection and preference for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for aneuploidy changed with genetic counseling (GC) performed by certified geneticists at a primary hospital specializing in obstetrics, where other multiple prenatal genetic tests options were available.

Methods

A total of 334 couples who underwent GC between 2017 and 2019 were included in the study. The average age of the pregnant women who underwent GC was 35.1 years.

Results

Among the 95 couples (28.4%) who wanted NIPT at the start of GC, 10 (10.5%) switched to other tests, and 4 (4.2%) chose not to undergo any test. Among the 106 (31.7%) couples who wanted the combination of ultrasonography and the serum marker test, 12 (11.3%) chose not to undergo the test. Among the 92 (27.5%) couples who were undecided before GC, 21 (22.8%) wanted NIPT, 31 (33.7%) selected combined tests, and 18 (19.6%) did not undergo any test.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated the significance of GC before prenatal genetic testing under widespread use of NIPT. Ideally, obstetric facilities should provide GC, or at least, pre‐counseling at their own facilities, and offer multiple prenatal genetic testing options or refer to other facilities for the same.
Novel precision medicine approaches and treatment strategies in hematological malignancies
Authors: Rosenquist Richard , Bernard Elsa , Erkers Tom , Scott David W. , Itzykson Raphael , Rousselot Philippe , Soulier Jean , Hutchings Martin , Östling Päivi , Cavelier Lucia , Fioretos Thoas , Smedby Karin E.
Published: July 2023

Genetic testing has been applied for decades in clinical routine diagnostics of hematological malignancies to improve disease (sub)classification, prognostication, patient management, and survival. In recent classifications of hematological malignancies, disease subtypes are defined by key recurrent genetic alterations detected by conventional methods (i.e., cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and targeted sequencing). Hematological malignancies were also one of the first disease areas in which targeted therapies were introduced, the prime example being BCR::ABL1 inhibitors, followed by an increasing number of targeted inhibitors hitting the Achilles’ heel of each disease, resulting in a clear patient benefit. Owing to the technical advances in high‐throughput sequencing, we can now apply broad genomic tests, including comprehensive gene panels or whole‐genome and whole‐transcriptome sequencing, to identify clinically important diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers. In this review, we give examples of how precision diagnostics has been implemented to guide treatment selection and improve survival in myeloid (myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia) and lymphoid malignancies (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia). We discuss the relevance and potential of monitoring measurable residual disease using ultra‐sensitive techniques to assess therapy response and detect early relapses. Finally, we bring up the promising avenue of functional precision medicine, combining ex vivo drug screening with various omics technologies, to provide novel treatment options for patients with advanced disease. Although we are only in the beginning of the field of precision hematology, we foresee rapid development with new types of diagnostics and treatment strategies becoming available to the benefit of our patients.
Sociodemographic disparities affect COVID‐19 vaccine uptake in non‐elderly adults with increased risk of severe COVID‐19
Authors: Hedberg Pontus , Sotoodeh Adonis , Askling Helena H. , Nauclér Pontus
Published: July 2023

Background

There is limited information about sociodemographic disparities in COVID‐19 vaccine uptake among non‐elderly adults with an increased risk of severe COVID‐19. We investigated the COVID‐19 vaccine uptake in individuals aged 18–64 years with an increased risk of severe COVID‐19 (non‐elderly risk group) in Stockholm County, Sweden.

Method

We used population‐based health and sociodemographic registries with high coverage to perform a cohort study of COVID‐19 vaccine uptake of one to four doses up until 21 November 2022. The vaccine uptake in the non‐elderly risk group was compared with non‐risk groups aged 18–64 years (non‐elderly non‐risk group) and individuals aged ≥65 years (elderly).

Results

The uptake of ≥3 vaccine doses was 55%, 64% and 87% in the non‐elderly non‐risk group (n = 1,005,182), non‐elderly risk group (n = 308,904) and elderly (n = 422,604), respectively. Among non‐elderly risk group conditions, Down syndrome showed the strongest positive association with receiving three doses (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54–1.71), whereas chronic liver disease showed the strongest negative association (aRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.88–0.92). Higher vaccine uptake among the non‐elderly risk group was associated with increasing age, being born in Sweden, higher education, higher income and living in a household where other adults had been vaccinated. Similar trends were observed for the first, second, third and fourth doses.

Conclusion

These results call for measures to tackle sociodemographic disparities in vaccination programmes during and beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Awake bruxism in temporomandibular disorders patients referred to tertiary care: A retrospective study on its assessment and TMD management
Authors: Nykänen Laura , Lobbezoo Frank , Kämppi Antti , Manfredini Daniele , Ahlberg Jari
Published: July 2023

Background

Bruxism is defined as a repetitive jaw‐muscle activity characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. Bruxism can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism, SB) or during wakefulness (awake bruxism, AB). To date, the effect of AB on the purported negative consequences of bruxism has remained unclear.

Objectives

The assessment of AB, its relation to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) treatment modalities, and their possible outcomes were investigated among TMD patients resistant to treatment in primary care and referred to a tertiary care clinic.

Methods

The records of 115 patients were studied. Patients were referred to the Head and Neck Centre, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, for TMD treatment between 2017 and 2020. The data derived from the eligible patients' records included the following: background data (age and sex), referral data (reason and previous treatment), medical background (somatic and psychiatric), clinical and possible radiological diagnoses at a tertiary care clinic, treatment modalities for masticatory muscle myalgia, bruxism assessment, its possible treatment modalities and their outcomes, and overall management outcome. We analysed the outcomes of single treatment modalities and combined groups of modalities. For the demographic data, the Chi‐squared test and Fischer's Exact test were used to determine the associations between the categorical variables. A Sankey‐diagram was used to describe the flow of treatment.

Results

Temporomandibular joint‐pain‐dysfunction syndrome (K07.60) was the most frequent single reason to refer a patient to tertiary care (17.4%). At referral, men had myalgia (M79.1) significantly more often (p = .034) than women. Similarly, men had depression (p = .002) more often and other psychiatric diagnoses (p = .034). At tertiary care, the presence of AB was assessed in 53.9%, and self‐reported AB was recorded in 48.7%. In patients with possible AB, those who were prescribed neuropathic pain medication showed significantly less improvement in symptoms (p = .021) than those who underwent splint therapy (p = .009). Overall, half of the patients showed overall improvement in their TMD symptoms from the treatment combinations.

Conclusion

Despite several treatment modalities, only half of the patients showed improvement in their symptoms in the present study. A standardised assessment method encompassing all factors contributing to bruxism behaviours and their consequences is suggested.
Individual differences in emotional reactions to bistable perception
Authors: Goodhew Stephanie C. , Edwards Mark
Published: July 2023

Objective

To assess whether there are individual differences in emotional reactions to bistable images, and if so, to identify some of the psychological factors that predict them.

Background

Bistable images – which have two competing perceptual interpretations – have long been used in the scientific study of consciousness. Here we applied a different lens and investigated emotional reactions to them.

Method

Participants were adult humans in a cross‐sectional study. Participants were presented with three bistable images and rated their emotional reactions to experiencing bistability. They also completed measures of intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive empathy, affective empathy, and negative affect.

Results

There were marked individual differences in these reactions, ranging from feeling highly negative to highly positive. These individual differences in emotional response to bistability were linked to a number of psychological processes: intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive empathy, and negative affect, but not affective empathy.

Conclusions

These finding have important implications because: (a) these emotional reactions could distort scientific investigations that use these stimuli to study non‐emotional perceptual and cognitive processes; and (b) they highlight that this approach offers a useful window into how individuals react to these stimuli that demonstrate that there is not always a single viable interpretation of the world around us.
Thalassiosira pseudonana (Cyclotella nana) (Hustedt) Hasle et Heimdal (Bacillariophyceae): A genetically tractable model organism for studying diatom biology, including biological silica formation
Authors: Poulsen Nicole , Kröger Nils
Published: July 2023

In 2004, Thalassiosira pseudonana was the first eukaryotic marine alga to have its genome sequenced. Since then, this species has quickly emerged as a valuable model species for investigating the molecular underpinnings of essentially all aspects of diatom life, particularly bio‐morphogenesis of the cell wall. An important prerequisite for the model status of T. pseudonana is the ongoing development of increasingly precise tools to study the function of gene networks and their encoded proteins in vivo. Here, we briefly review the current toolbox for genetic manipulation, highlight specific examples of its application in studying diatom metabolism, and provide a peek into the role of diatoms in the emerging field of silica biotechnology.
Closed‐loop Nash competition for liquidity
Authors: Micheli Alessandro , Muhle‐Karbe Johannes , Neuman Eyal
Published: July 2023

We study a multiplayer stochastic differential game, where agents interact through their joint price impact on an asset that they trade to exploit a common trading signal. In this context, we prove that a closed‐loop Nash equilibrium exists if the price impact parameter is small enough. Compared to the corresponding open‐loop Nash equilibrium, both the agents' optimal trading rates and their performance move towards the central‐planner solution, in that excessive trading due to lack of coordination is reduced. However, the size of this effect is modest for plausible parameter values.
Provenance of altered carbon phases and impact history of the Stac Fada Member, NW Scotland
Authors: Goodwin Arthur , Tartèse Romain , Garwood Russell J. , Jerrett Rhodri , Joy Katherine H.
Published: July 2023

The Stac Fada Member (Stoer Group) is a ~1.2 Ga melt‐rich impact breccia preserved and intermittently exposed along the NW coast of Scotland. Using a combination of x‐ray diffraction and micro‐Raman spectroscopy, we identify potential coesite that is spatially associated with micron‐sized diamonds, as well as disordered carbon phases. Comparing the graphite G‐band of disordered carbon phases in the impact breccia to samples from underlying units indicates that most of the carbon in the Stoer Group was ultimately derived from the underlying Lewisian basement. Disordered carbon phases within the Stac Fada Member have been modified by mild heating within a hot ejecta blanket rather than shock pressure. We also report the first evidence for impact diamonds discovered within the Stac Fada Member. These diamonds have an average Raman shift of 1328.5 cm−1 and are present within both the impact breccia and the shocked gneiss clasts that are present in sandstones directly underlying the Stac Fada Member contact, and within sandstone rafts entrapped in the unit. These findings have implications for the timing of deposition of the Stac Fada Member, which must have occurred after ballistic ejection of Lewisian basement clasts during the impact event.
Psychosocial factors impacting antegrade continence enema outcomes in pediatric patients
Authors: Benson Kari , Bazier Ashley , Schwartzkopf Katherine , Waseem Shamaila , Gilbert Elaine
Published: July 2023

Background

Children with constipation and encopresis are often treated with medication and behavioral approaches. When constipation persists, surgical interventions such as antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedures are considered. Many children benefit from these procedures; however, some children continue to have incontinence, experience complications, or discontinue the use of the ACE stoma. There is some evidence in the literature to indicate that psychosocial factors can have an impact on ACE outcomes; however, standardized biopsychosocial guidelines related to ACE candidacy and surgery do not currently exist.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to summarize the research to date on psychosocial factors related to ACE treatment outcomes and complications. Identifying what is known and what limitations remain can support future research to inform development of guidelines for pre‐procedure evaluations. Psychosocial pre‐procedure evaluations could help to inform eligibility for the procedure as well as interventions to enhance outcomes for children at increased risk for poor outcomes or complications from ACE. Age, psychiatric symptoms, and adherence to the ACE flush regimen were some of the factors identified in the literature as impacting ACE outcomes; however, there is limited research in this area.
Plants cope with fluctuating light by frequency‐dependent nonphotochemical quenching and cyclic electron transport
Authors: Niu Yuxi , Lazár Dušan , Holzwarth Alfred R. , Kramer David M. , Matsubara Shizue , Fiorani Fabio , Poorter Hendrik , Schrey Silvia D. , Nedbal Ladislav
Published: July 2023

In natural environments, plants are exposed to rapidly changing light. Maintaining photosynthetic efficiency while avoiding photodamage requires equally rapid regulation of photoprotective mechanisms. We asked what the operation frequency range of regulation is in which plants can efficiently respond to varying light.

Chlorophyll fluorescence, P700, plastocyanin, and ferredoxin responses of wild‐types Arabidopsis thaliana were measured in oscillating light of various frequencies. We also investigated the npq1 mutant lacking violaxanthin de‐epoxidase, the npq4 mutant lacking PsbS protein, and the mutants crr2‐2, and pgrl1ab impaired in different pathways of the cyclic electron transport.

The fastest was the PsbS‐regulation responding to oscillation periods longer than 10 s. Processes involving violaxanthin de‐epoxidase dampened changes in chlorophyll fluorescence in oscillation periods of 2 min or longer. Knocking out the PGR5/PGRL1 pathway strongly reduced variations of all monitored parameters, probably due to congestion in the electron transport. Incapacitating the NDH‐like pathway only slightly changed the photosynthetic dynamics.

Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that nonphotochemical quenching in slow light oscillations involves violaxanthin de‐epoxidase to produce, presumably, a largely stationary level of zeaxanthin. We interpret the observed dynamics of photosystem I components as being formed in slow light oscillations partially by thylakoid remodeling that modulates the redox rates.
Increasing amyloplast size in wheat endosperm through mutation of PARC6 affects starch granule morphology
Authors: Esch Lara , Ngai Qi Yang , Barclay J. Elaine , McNelly Rose , Hayta Sadiye , Smedley Mark A. , Smith Alison M. , Seung David
Published: July 2023

The determination of starch granule morphology in plants is poorly understood. The amyloplasts of wheat endosperm contain large discoid A‐type granules and small spherical B‐type granules.

To study the influence of amyloplast structure on these distinct morphological types, we isolated a mutant in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) defective in the plastid division protein PARC6, which had giant plastids in both leaves and endosperm.

Endosperm amyloplasts of the mutant contained more A‐ and B‐type granules than those of the wild‐type. The mutant had increased A‐ and B‐type granule size in mature grains, and its A‐type granules had a highly aberrant, lobed surface. This morphological defect was already evident at early stages of grain development and occurred without alterations in polymer structure and composition. Plant growth and grain size, number and starch content were not affected in the mutants despite the large plastid size. Interestingly, mutation of the PARC6 paralog, ARC6, did not increase plastid or starch granule size. We suggest TtPARC6 can complement disrupted TtARC6 function by interacting with PDV2, the outer plastid envelope protein that typically interacts with ARC6 to promote plastid division.

We therefore reveal an important role of amyloplast structure in starch granule morphogenesis in wheat.
Salivary IL‐33 and sST2 levels in relation to TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism and periodontitis
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , He Qiushui , Demir Esra , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2) signalling pathway is involved in the regulation of interleukin (IL)‐33 and its receptor suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 (ST2). This study aimed to compare salivary IL‐33 and soluble ST2 (sST2) levels of periodontitis patients with those of periodontally healthy individuals in relation to their TLR2 rs111200466 23‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism within the promoter region.

Materials and Methods

Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and periodontal parameters were recorded from 35 periodontally healthy individuals and 44 periodontitis patients. Non‐surgical treatments were applied to periodontitis patients, and sample collections and clinical measurements were repeated 3 months following therapy. Salivary IL‐33 and sST2 levels were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits, and TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Elevated salivary IL‐33 (p = 0.007) and sST2 (p = 0.020) levels were observed in periodontitis patients, in comparison to controls. sST2 levels declined 3‐months following treatment (p < 0.001). Increased salivary IL‐33 and sST2 levels were found to be associated with periodontitis, with no significant relation to the TLR2 polymorphism.

Conclusion

Periodontitis, but not TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism, is associated with elevated salivary sST2 and possibly IL‐33 levels, and periodontal treatment is effective in reducing salivary sST2 levels.