bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White‐faced and Black‐faced ibises foraging on predictable anthropogenic food subsidies in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Frixione Martín G. , Lisnizer Nora , Yorio Pablo
Published: August 2023

Waste associated with human activities can benefit opportunistic species at the individual and population levels but could also expose them to pathogens or toxins. We provide information on unreported foraging habits of White‐faced ibis (Plegadis chihi) and Black‐faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis) in the Chubut River Valley, an urban and agricultural landscape in eastern Patagonia, Argentina. Both species were recorded during monthly counts made between February and June 2021 at anthropogenic food sources along the lower river valley, although almost exclusively at those sites offering waste from livestock production. This is the first record of both species foraging at this type of food source of human origin. White‐faced and Black‐faced ibises were present in numbers that varied between 2 and 679 individuals and between 1 and 18 individuals, respectively, depending on the site and month. Both species were recorded walking over carcasses and viscera and probing into these remains or on the soft soil surrounding the ponds where liquids generated by rendering processes were disposed. Given the current growth in livestock production in the area, further monitoring and assessment at other months of the year are needed to adequately interpret the species trophic ecology and the potential conflicts with human populations.
Long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists boost erectile function in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus complaining of erectile dysfunction: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lisco Giuseppe , Bartolomeo Nicola , De Tullio Anna , De Pergola Giovanni , Guastamacchia Edoardo , Jirillo Emilio , Piazzolla Giuseppina , Triggiani Vincenzo , Giagulli Vito Angelo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The pharmacological management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is challenging as ED has a multifactorial etiology. The therapeutic potential of certain antihyperglycemic medications, such as glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs), has yet to be entirely studied in this setting.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 108 outpatients (median age 60 [56, 65] years) with T2D complaining of ED. Data were extracted from a database referring to patients with a 1‐year follow‐up on stable treatment with metformin alone (n = 45) and GLP‐1RAs as an add‐on to metformin (n = 63). Erectile function was assessed by the 5‐item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5) at baseline and after 1 year of stable treatment . Values were compared between baseline (T0) and after 12 months of treatment (T12).

Results

ED was confirmed in all at baseline, with an IIEF5 score range between 13 and 19 points. After 12 months of treatment, glucose management was better in patients treated with GLP‐1RAs plus metformin (HbA1c T0: 8.3 ± 0.2 vs. HbA1c T12: 7% ± 0.3%, p < 0.0001) than in those on metformin alone (HbA1c T0: 7 ± 0.5 vs. HbA1c T12: 7.3 ± 0.4, p = 0.0007). GLP‐1RAs plus metformin over metformin alone resulted in a significant weight loss (−5.82 ± 0.69 kg, p < 0.0001), reduction in waist circumference (−4.99 ± 0.6 cm, p < 0.0001), improvement in HbA1c (−0.56% ± 0.13%, p < 0.0001), and fasting plasma glucose (−25.54 ± 3.09 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), increase in total (+41.41 ± 6.11 ng/dL, p < 0.0001) and free (0.44 ± 0.09 ng/dL, p < 0.0001) testosterone levels, and gain in self‐reported erectile function (IIEF5 score: +2.26 ± 0.26, p < 0.0001). The gain in the IIEF5 score was more relevant in patients with higher baseline IIEF5 score (estimated coefficient: 0.16 ± 0.08, p = 0.045), those having carotid stenosis (0.50 ± 0.24, p = 0.045), and showing weight loss from baseline (−0.08 ± 0.03, p = 0.013). The leading determinant of the final IIEF5 score was a 1‐year treatment with GLP‐1RAs plus metformin over metformin alone (2.74 ± 0.53, p < 0.0001).

Discussion

GLP‐1RAs plus metformin over metformin alone improved ED regardless of different background characteristics of patients and partially irrespective of therapeutic targets achieved after 12 months of treatment. GLP‐1RAs may have induced positive vasculature effects, resulting in improved erectile function in T2D.

Conclusion

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, a potential cause–effect relationship between the use of GLP‐1RAs plus metformin over metformin alone in improving ED cannot be verified and confirmed. Randomized clinical trials are needed to provide evidence supporting the use of GLP‐1RAs for treating ED in T2D.
Loitering with (research) intent: Remote ethnographies in the immigration tribunal
Authors: Hynes Jo
Published: August 2023

Court ethnographies have commonly relied on the physical presence of the ethnographers. This paper explores the opportunities and the challenges of conducting court ethnographies without this physical presence. Specifically, it examines what it means to conduct remote ethnographies of legal processes where neither the ethnographer nor the other hearing participants are physically co‐present. The sudden shift towards remote hearings in fieldwork conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic presented an opportunity to compare in‐person and remote ethnographic methods. Through a case study of bail hearings in the immigration tribunal in the UK, this paper explores the value and challenges associated with conducting remote ethnographies and asks how they can help to shed light on the impact of absences in legal events.
Human ‘knockouts’ of CSF3 display severe congenital neutropenia
Authors: Khouj Ebtissal , Marafi Dana , Aljamal Bayan , Hajiya Anwar , Elshafie Reem M. , Hashem Mais O. , Abdulwahab Firdous , Jaafar Amal , Alshidi Tarfa , Aboelanine Ashraf H. , Awaji Ali , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: August 2023

Colony‐stimulating factor 3 (CSF3) is a key factor in neutrophil production and function, and recombinant forms have been used clinically for decades to treat congenital and acquired neutropenia. Although biallelic inactivation of its receptor CSF3R is a well‐established cause of severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), no corresponding Mendelian disease has been ascribed to date to CSF3. Here, we describe three patients from two families each segregating a different biallelic inactivating variant in CSF3 with SCN. Complete deficiency of CSF3 as a result of nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD) could be demonstrated on RT‐PCR using skin fibroblasts‐derived RNA. The phenotype observed in this cohort mirrors that documented in mouse and zebrafish models of CSF3 deficiency. Our results suggest that CSF3 deficiency in humans causes a novel autosomal recessive form of SCN.
The Simplified Comorbidity Index predicts non‐relapse mortality in reduced‐intensity conditioning allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Elias Shlomo , Brown Samantha , Devlin Sean M. , Barker Juliet N. , Cho Christina , Chung David J. , Dahi Parastoo B. , Giralt Sergio , Gyurkocza Boglarka , Jakubowski Ann A. , Lahoud Oscar B. , Landau Heather , Lin Richard J. , Papadopoulos Esperanza B. , Politikos Ioannis , Ponce Doris M. , Scordo Michael , Shaffer Brian C. , Shah Gunjan L. , Tamari Roni , Young James W. , Perales Miguel‐Angel , Shouval Roni
Published: August 2023

Comorbidity assessment before allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) is essential for estimating non‐relapse mortality (NRM) risk. We previously developed the Simplified Comorbidity Index (SCI), which captures a small number of ‘high‐yield’ comorbidities and older age. The SCI was predictive of NRM in myeloablative CD34‐selected allo‐HCT. Here, we evaluated the SCI in a single‐centre cohort of 327 patients receiving reduced‐intensity conditioning followed by unmanipulated allografts from HLA‐matched donors. Among the SCI factors, age above 60, mild renal impairment, moderate pulmonary disease and cardiac disease were most frequent. SCI scores ranged from 0 to 8, with 39%, 20%, 20% and 21% having scores of 0–1, 2, 3 and ≥4 respectively. Corresponding cumulative incidences of 3‐year NRM were 11%, 16%, 22% and 27%; p = 0.03. In multivariable models, higher SCI scores were associated with incremental risks of all‐cause mortality and NRM. The SCI had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 65.9%, 64.1% and 62.9% for predicting 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year NRM versus 58.4%, 60.4% and 59.3% with the haematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index. These results demonstrate for the first time that the SCI is predictive of NRM in patients receiving allo‐HCT from HLA‐matched donors after reduced‐intensity conditioning.
Dopamine regulates colonic glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor secretion through cholinergic dependent and independent pathways
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Li , Sun Qi , Quan Zhu‐Sheng , Wu Liang , Liu Zi‐Ming , Xia Yan‐Qi , Wang Qian‐Yi , Zhang Yue , Zhu Jin‐Xia
Published: August 2023

Background and Purpose

Glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) maintains gut homeostasis. Dopamine promotes GDNF release in astrocytes. We investigated the regulation by dopamine of colonic GDNF secretion.

Experimental Approach

D1 receptor knockout (D1R−/−) mice, adeno‐associated viral 9‐short hairpin RNA carrying D2 receptor (AAV9‐shD2R)‐treated mice, 6‐hydroxydopamine treated (6‐OHDA) rats and primary enteric glial cells (EGCs) culture were used. Incubation fluid from colonic submucosal plexus and longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus were collected for GDNF and ACh measurements.

Key Results

D2 receptor‐immunoreactivity (IR), but not D1 receptor‐IR, was observed on EGCs. Both D1 receptor‐IR and D2 receptor‐IR were co‐localized on cholinergic neurons. Low concentrations of dopamine induced colonic GDNF secretion in a concentration‐dependent manner, which was mimicked by the D1 receptor agonist SKF38393, inhibited by TTX and atropine and eliminated in D1R−/− mice. SKF38393‐induced colonic ACh release was absent in D1R−/− mice. High concentrations of dopamine suppressed colonic GDNF secretion, which was mimicked by the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole, and absent in AAV‐shD2R‐treated mice. Quinpirole decreased GDNF secretion by reducing intracellular Ca2+ levels in primary cultured EGCs. Carbachol ( ACh analogue) promoted the release of GDNF. Quinpirole inhibited colonic ACh release, which was eliminated in the AAV9‐shD2R‐treated mice. 6‐OHDA treated rats with low ACh and high dopamine content showed decreased GDNF content and increased mucosal permeability in the colon.

Conclusion and Implications

Low concentrations of dopamine promote colonic GDNF secretion via D1 receptors on cholinergic neurons, whereas high concentrations of dopamine inhibit GDNF secretion via D2 receptors on EGCs and/or cholinergic neurons.
Ligustrazine improves the compensative effect of Akt survival signaling to protect liver Kupffer cells in trauma‐hemorrhagic shock rats
Authors: Chen Ray‐Jade , Chen Ming‐Cheng , Tsai Bruce Chi‐Kang , Roy Rakesh , Chang Yi‐Ru , Wang Tso‐Fu , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Yao Chun‐Hsu , Li Chi‐Cheng , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: August 2023

Trauma‐hemorrhagic shock (THS) is a medical emergency that is encountered by physicians in the emergency department. Chuan Xiong is a traditional Chinese medicine and ligustrazine is a natural compound from it. Ligustrazine improves coronary blood flow and reduces cardiac ischemia in animals through Ca2+ and ATP‐dependent vascular relaxation. It also decreases the platelets' bioactivity and reduces reactive oxygen species formation. We hypothesized that ligustrazine could protect liver by decreasing the inflammation response, protein production, and apoptosis in THS rats. Ligustrazine at doses of 100 and 1000 μg/mL was administrated in Kupffer cells isolated from THS rats. The protein expressions were detected via western blot. The THS showed increased inflammation response proteins, mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis proteins, and had a compensation effect on the Akt pathway. After ligustrazine treatment, the hemorrhagic shock Kupffer cells decreased inflammatory response and mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis and promoted a more compensative effect of the Akt pathway. It suggests ligustrazine reduces inflammation response and mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis induced by THS in liver Kupffer cells and promotes more survival effects by elevating the Akt pathway. These findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of ligustrazine against THS‐induced hepatic injury, and ligustrazine could be a potential medication to treat the liver injury caused by THS.
The junctional adhesion molecule‐like protein (JAML) is important for the inflammatory response during contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Mraz Veronika , Lohmann Rebecca K. D. , Menzel Mandy , Hawkes Alana , Vaher Helen , Funch Anders B. , Jee Mia H. , Gadsbøll Anne‐Sofie Ø. , Weber Julie F. , Yeung Kelvin , Ødum Niels , Woetmann Anders , McKay Dianne , Witherden Deborah , Geisler Carsten , Bonefeld Charlotte M.
Published: August 2023

Background

The junctional adhesion molecule‐like protein (JAML) plays important roles in wound healing and activation of epidermal γδ T cells in mice. Whether JAML plays a role in contact hypersensitivity (CHS), the animal model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), is not known.

Methods

To examine the role of JAML in CHS, we used various mouse models of CHS in JAML knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice. Furthermore, the expression of the JAML ligand coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CXADR) on keratinocytes was accessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

JAML KO mice had a diminished inflammatory response during both the sensitization and elicitation phase of CHS and had reduced numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the epidermis. Furthermore, interferon γ (IFNγ), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and CXCL10 production were significantly reduced in JAML KO mice during the elicitation phase. We found that CD8+ T cells express JAML and that JAML is essential for rapid flare‐up responses to contact allergens. Finally, we show that keratinocytes up‐regulate the JAML ligand CXADR following exposure to contact allergens.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to show a central role of JAML in CHS and reveals a potential new target for the treatment of ACD in humans.
Effectiveness and safety of once‐daily tacrolimus formulations in de novo liver transplant recipients: The PRETHI study
Authors: Bilbao Itxarone , Gómez Bravo Miguel Ángel , Otero Alejandra , Lladó Laura , Montero José Luís , González Dieguez Luisa , Graus Javier , Pons Miñano José Antonio
Published: August 2023

Data comparing long‐term effectiveness and safety of once‐daily tacrolimus formulations in de novo liver transplantation are scarce. We compared the effectiveness, pharmacokinetic profile, and safety of LCPT (Envarsus) and PR‐Tac (Advagraf) for up to 12 months post‐transplant. Adult de novo liver transplant recipients who started IR‐Tac (Prograf) and were converted to LCPT or PR‐Tac 3–5 days post‐transplant were included. Data from 163 patients were analyzed, 87 treated with LCPT and 76 with PR‐Tac. The incidence of treatment failure was 30.5% in the LCPT group versus 23.0% in the PR‐Tac group (p = .291). Biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) was reported in 26.8% of patients in the LCPT group and 17.6% in the PR‐Tac group (p = .166). Graft loss was experienced in one patient (1.2%) in the LCPT group and three patients (4.1%) in the PR‐Tac group (p = .346). Death was registered in three patients (3.7%) in the LCPT group and three patients (4.1%) in the PR‐Tac group (p > .999). Patients in the LCPT group showed 45.7% higher relative bioavailability (Cmin/total daily dose [TDD]; p < .01) with similar Cmin and 33.3% lower TDD versus PR‐Tac (p < .01). The evolution of renal function, safety profile, and the incidence of post‐transplant renal failure, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were similar in patients treated with LCPT and PR‐Tac. In de novo liver transplant patients, LCPT and PR‐Tac showed comparable effectiveness with higher relative bioavailability, similar Cmin and lower TDD in the LCPT group. Renal function, safety, and post‐transplant complications were comparable in LCPT and PR‐Tac groups.
Frozen and forgotten: What are South African fertility clinics to do with surplus cryopreserved embryos once their patients lose interest?
Authors: Thaldar Donrich W. , Edgcumbe Aliki
Published: August 2023

As is the case around the globe, South African fertility clinics face an ever‐expanding problem: what to do with the growing number of surplus cryopreserved embryos. Fertility clinics remain hesitant to destroy these abandoned embryos, partly because of concerns about the legal ramifications. This article clarifies the legal position in South Africa and offers practical recommendations to assist fertility clinics in managing abandoned embryos. In sum, fertility clinics cannot deem embryos as abandoned and discard them if fertility patients fail to respond to a notice that the embryo storage agreement is about to expire. However, if there is non‐payment for embryo storage by fertility patients and the fertility clinic has informed the fertility patients of other options available to them with respect to their embryos, and there is still no response, the fertility clinic is legally entitled – and legally obliged – to discard the embryos.
Cannabinoid receptor gene CNR1 is downregulated in subcortical brain samples and upregulated in blood samples of individuals with schizophrenia: A participant data systematic meta‐analysis
Authors: Bloch Priel Stav , Yitzhaky Assif , Gurwitz David , Hertzberg Libi
Published: August 2023

Cannabis use leads to symptom exacerbation in schizophrenia patients, and endocannabinoid ligands have been studied as tentative schizophrenia therapeutics. Here, we aimed to characterise the connection between schizophrenia and the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) and explore possible mechanisms affecting its expression in schizophrenia. We performed a participant data systematic meta‐analysis of CNR1 gene expression and additional endocannabinoid system genes in both brain (subcortical areas) and blood samples. We integrated eight brain sample datasets (overall 316 samples; 149 schizophrenia and 167 controls) and two blood sample datasets (overall 90 samples; 53 schizophrenia and 37 controls) while following the PRISMA meta‐analysis guidelines. CNR1 was downregulated in subcortical regions and upregulated in blood samples of patients with schizophrenia. CNR2 and genes encoding endocannabinoids synthesis and degradation did not show differential expression in the brain or blood, except fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which showed a downregulation trend in blood. In addition, the brain expression levels of CNR1 and three GABA receptor genes, GABRA1, GABRA6 and GABRG2, were positively correlated (R = .57, .36, .54; p = 2.7 × 10−14, 6.9 × 10−6 and 1.1 × 10−12, respectively). Brain CNR1 downregulation and the positive correlation with three GABA receptor genes suggest an association with GABA neurotransmission and possible effects on negative schizophrenia symptoms. Further studies are required for clarifying the opposite CNR1 dysregulation in the brain and blood of schizophrenia patients and the potential of endocannabinoid ligands as schizophrenia therapeutics.
Smartphone‐based ear‐electroencephalography to study sound processing in everyday life
Authors: Hölle Daniel , Bleichner Martin G.
Published: August 2023

In everyday life, people differ in their sound perception and thus sound processing. Some people may be distracted by construction noise, while others do not even notice. With smartphone‐based mobile ear‐electroencephalography (ear‐EEG), we can measure and quantify sound processing in everyday life by analysing presented sounds and also naturally occurring ones. Twenty‐four participants completed four controlled conditions in the lab (1 h) and one condition in the office (3 h). All conditions used the same paired‐click stimuli. In the lab, participants listened to click tones under four different instructions: no task towards the sounds, reading a newspaper article, listening to an audio article or counting a rare deviant sound. In the office recording, participants followed daily activities while they were sporadically presented with clicks, without any further instruction. In the beyond‐the‐lab condition, in addition to the presented sounds, environmental sounds were recorded as acoustic features (i.e., loudness, power spectral density and sounds onsets). We found task‐dependent differences in the auditory event‐related potentials (ERPs) to the presented click sounds in all lab conditions, which underline that neural processes related to auditory attention can be differentiated with ear‐EEG. In the beyond‐the‐lab condition, we found ERPs comparable to some of the lab conditions. The N1 amplitude to the click sounds beyond the lab was dependent on the background noise, probably due to energetic masking. Contrary to our expectation, we did not find a clear ERP in response to the environmental sounds. Overall, we showed that smartphone‐based ear‐EEG can be used to study sound processing of well defined‐stimuli in everyday life.
Slave voices and experiences in the later medieval Europe
Authors: Skoda Hannah
Published: August 2023

Late medieval slavery was profoundly entangled in urban life in particular. Cities all around the Mediterranean coast were implicated in the trade—although this article focuses on the Christian Mediterranean which was bound together by a general reliance on Roman law (alongside local customary laws and the canon law of the Church). Recently, scholarship on late medieval slavery has proliferated, offering a range of detailed studies primarily based on legal records. Late medieval slaves were predominantly women, and mostly worked in domestic settings. Scholars have addressed questions such as legal regulation; the ways in which racialized thinking emerged; the economics of slavery; the implications of slavery for Christian socio‐religious frameworks; the extent to which slaves were integrated into the societies in which they were trafficked; and the role of slavery in geopolitics. This article flips all these questions to explore the experiences of slaves themselves. Surviving legal records allow us to see how slaves could articulate and even, to a limited extent, shape their own experiences through law; what race meant to slaves; how they experienced labour; how they articulated their religious identities; what social integration meant to individuals; and the ways in which slaves understood the geopolitics of their situations. All slave experiences were shaped by gender.
Complex factors contribute to the chemical composition of clastic sediments traveling from rivers to the ocean along island arcs: A case study of the Otsuchi area, Northeast Japan
Authors: Sugiura Kei , Sawada Hikaru , Iizuka Mutsumi , Yasui Mana , Chang Qing , Kasaya Takafumi
Published: August 2023

The chemical composition of coastal sediments and river sediments is influenced by the geological constitution of provenance and fractionation of clastic particles during sedimentary processes. The intricate nature of the geology in active subduction zones has complicated the comprehension of detrital sediments. More geochemical case studies in such areas are necessary to enhance the understanding of the coastal detrital sediments. This study presents the results of a geochemical and particle size analysis of sediment samples from the Sanriku coastal area of Northeast Japan, including inside and outside of Otsuchi Bay and the three rivers that flow into the bay. Otsuchi Bay area is known to have been severely affected by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of the Tohoku Earthquake and tsunami, and tsunami deposits on its seabed have been reported. The present geochemical analysis indicates that the sediments along those three rivers are well explained by the mixing of rocks occurring in their respective provenance. The chemical composition and particle size distribution of the sediments within Otsuchi Bay suggested the removal of coarse‐grained quartz. They increased the abundance of fine‐grained mafic minerals from Unosumai River having the largest catchment area among the three rivers. During shell debris in the seabed sediment outside of the bay made interpretation of the results was difficult; the sediments collected closer to the bay mouth contained more coarse‐grained material with a composition closer to granitoid and sandstone in the provenance. In contrast, offshore sediments consisted of finer grains with a composition closer to mudstone. Notably, the sediments within Otsuchi Bay did not exhibit the characteristic compositional fractionation or particle size distribution associated with tsunami deposits. These findings underscore the importance of considering the geological diversity of provenances and the particle size distribution of minerals in understanding coastal sediments in subduction zones, including tsunami deposits.
Metamorphic history of mafic granulite and garnet‐bearing amphibolite from the Oki‐Dogo Island, Japan
Authors: Takahashi Mizuki , Endo Shunsuke , Kamei Atsushi
Published: August 2023

Oki metamorphic rocks have long been considered as a constituent of the Hida Belt based on their geographic proximity, lithology, and Permo‐Triassic metamorphism. However, recent geochronological studies have demonstrated that both para‐ and ortho‐gneisses in the Oki‐Dogo Island display Paleoproterozoic protolith formation and two separate phases of metamorphism at 1.85 Ga and 250–230 Ma. Consequently, the Oki metamorphic rocks are closely connected to the Paleoproterozoic massifs in the Korean Peninsula, although little is known about their pressure (P)–temperature (T) history. Here, we provide petrological data on mafic metamorphic rocks in the Oki‐Dogo Island. The mafic lithologies are classified into mafic granulite, amphibolitized granulite and amphibolite. In addition, we first discover a garnet‐bearing variety of amphibolite from the Oki‐Dogo Island. The texture and composition of Ca amphibole suggest these rock types share a common P–T history but the dominant mineral assemblage in each rock type records different stages of metamorphism. The inferred P–T history includes two distinct events. The first event includes a low‐P granulite facies stage (~900°C, 0.7–0.8 GPa) and subsequent amphibolite facies retrogression. This event is linked to the continuous compositional change of Ca amphibole from Ti‐rich pargasite to hornblende/actinolite. The second event is prograde amphibolite facies metamorphism, which is associated with the formation of tschermakitic hornblende and calcic plagioclase. In high Fe/(Mg + Fe) rocks, garnet was formed at ~550–580°C, 0.45–0.50 GPa in this stage. Depending on the age of the first event, the low‐P granulite facies metamorphism is likely to have occurred in a similar tectonic setting as the Paleoproterozoic crustal metamorphism in the Yeongnam Massif or the Permo‐Triassic ultrahigh‐T metamorphism in the northern Gyeonggi Massif.
Kevin Lafferty and the lymphocyte costimulator: theory and practice in Canberra
Authors: Hodgkin Philip D
Published: August 2023

Between 1969 and 1983 the lab of Kevin Lafferty in Canberra developed the concept of the T‐cell “costimulator,” an essential second signal for activation. A great deal of the work appeared in this journal before it was known as Immunology & Cell Biology (ICB). As part of the 100‐year anniversary of the journal, I offer a personal reflection on Kevin's legacy and impact.
Short communication—Lessons learnt during the implementation of Unity‐aligned SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence studies in Africa
Authors: Farley Elise , Okeibunor Joseph , Balde Thierno , Donkor Irene Owusu , Kleynhans Jackie , Wamala Joseph Francis , Kaboré Nongodo Firmin , Balam Saidou , Chamla Dick , Braka Fiona , Subissi Lorenzo , Herring Belinda , Whelan Mairead G. , Bergeri Isabel , Lewis Hannah C.
Published: August 2023

The WHO Unity Studies initiative engaged low‐ and middle‐income countries in the implementation of standardised SARS‐CoV‐2 sero‐epidemiological investigation protocols and timely sharing of comparable results for evidence‐based action. To gain a deeper understanding of the methodological challenges faced when conducting seroprevalence studies in the African region, we conducted unstructured interviews with key study teams in five countries. We discuss the challenges identified: participant recruitment and retention, sampling, sample and data management, data analysis and presentation. Potential solutions to aid future implementation include preparedness actions such as the development of new tools, robust planning and practice.
Phase diagram study and thermodynamic modeling of the Na2O–Al2O3–ZrO2 system
Authors: Lee Jaesung , Jung In‐Ho
Published: August 2023

The phase diagram of the Na2O–Al2O3–ZrO2 system was experimentally studied at 1500°C–1650°C by a classical equilibration/quenching method and differential thermal analysis followed by X‐ray diffraction phase analysis and electron probe micro‐analysis. A sealed Pt crucible was utilized to prevent the volatile loss of Na2O during high‐temperature phase equilibrium experiments and the hydration upon quenching. The phase diagram of the Na2O–Al2O3–ZrO2 system was revealed for the first time. Based on the present experimental data and available binary modeling results in literature, the thermodynamic modeling of the ternary system was performed using the Calculation of Phase Diagram method and the phase diagram of the entire the Na2O–Al2O3–ZrO2 system was constructed and the optimized thermodynamic properties for all solids and liquid phase within the ternary system were obtained.
People with intellectual disabilities' sexuality from three different perspectives: Parents, professionals, and themselves
Authors: Gil‐Llario María Dolores , Fernández‐García Olga , Flores‐Buils Raquel , Huedo‐Medina Tania B. , Morell‐Mengual Vicente , Ballester‐Arnal Rafael
Published: August 2023

Background

A positive conception of sexuality among people with intellectual disabilities is crucial and relies on several social and interpersonal contexts. The goal of this study is to analyse the interaction and impact of three different contextual groups: individuals with intellectual disabilities, their parents, and professionals working with them.

Methods

Survey data were collected from 330 people with intellectual disabilities attending occupational centres in eastern Spain, 330 parents, and 100 professionals.

Results

Correlation and variance analyses of dyad‐level data show significant differences among the three groups in all variables. Professionals perceived people with intellectual disabilities to have higher knowledge of socio‐sexual norms than people with intellectual disabilities actually appear to be, but they are also more concerned about aspects related to this area of people with intellectual disabilities. Compared to people with intellectual disabilities and professionals, parents perceived people with intellectual disabilities to have lower sexual knowledge.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates inconsistent perceived knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities' socio‐sexual norms and sexual knowledge among the three groups, leading to disparate levels of concern regarding people with intellectual disabilities sexuality. Thus, the need to collect information from different perspectives for more accurate reporting and the critical need for sex education programs that involve the target population, but also parents and professionals who frequently interact with people with intellectual disabilities are highlighted.
Breeding objectives for Central Highland goats using participatory and bio‐economic modelling approaches
Authors: Tesema Zeleke , Derbie Belay , Shenkute Abiy , Gobeze Mulatu , Kefale Alemu , Gizaw Solomon
Published: August 2023

The breeding objectives of Central Highland goats rearing under a low‐input production system were defined through a participatory proportional piling method and bio‐economic model. Additionally, the economic values and relative economic value of the breeding objective traits were derived. A participatory proportional piling method was used to estimate the relative weights of farmers attached to a list of goat traits identified, and the relative weights were statistically evaluated using a generalized multinomial logit model analysis. A bio‐economic model was used to compute the economic values of the identified traits. The most important traits for selection of does according to farmer's preference were body size, coat colour, post‐weaning growth rate and weaning rate with a relative weight (odds ratio) of 1.58, 1.38, 1.37 and 1.13, respectively. Goats with dark red followed by light red coat colour were the most preferred (p < 0.001) by goat keepers compared with white‐coloured goats. Farmers were more likely (p < 0.001) to allocate higher scores for does‐bearing twins than for single and triplet‐bearing does. Using the bio‐economic model (economic value and relative economic value), post‐weaning growth rate, weaning rate, and six‐month weight (body size) were identified as the most important traits and if the mean of these traits is changed by one genetic standard deviation, the change in profit will range from 2.06 to 3.03 $ doe−1 year−1. Therefore, the most important traits for the selection of Central Highland goats according to the economic‐based method were post‐weaning weight gain, weaning rate and body size (six‐month weight). Besides, coat colour was the second preferred trait by goat keepers next to body size. Thus, this aesthetical trait should be included in the designed breeding programme besides economically important quantitative traits. The combination of the participatory proportional piling method and bio‐economic model would give better insights to explore the trait preferences of farmers and enhance profitability. The economic values of traits estimated in this study can be used for the construction of selection indices for Central Highland goats.
Practitioner Review: A core competencies perspective on the evidence‐based treatment of child conduct problems
Authors: Barker Jessica M. , Hawes David J.
Published: August 2023

Background

The effective treatment of child conduct problems is understood to rely on a range of therapist competencies, yet these have rarely been an explicit focus of research. In this practitioner review, we examine core competencies for the delivery of evidence‐based parenting interventions for conduct problems in early‐to‐middle childhood. These are examined in light of research into the common elements shared by these interventions, literature regarding common challenges in these interventions, and conceptualisations of such competencies in other fields of mental health.

Methods

We report on the development of a novel consensus‐based model of core competencies for evidence‐based practice in this field, based on consultation with an international expert panel. This includes competencies as they apply to complex presentations of conduct problems.

Results

Despite considerable variation among widely disseminated programmes in terms of content, format and skills‐training practices, there is strong consensus among practitioners regarding core competencies. These relate to three broad domains: (a) generic therapeutic competencies; (b) parenting intervention competencies; (c) specific parenting skills/techniques.

Conclusions

Practitioners working with conduct problems, particularly complex presentations thereof, require competencies for engaging not only mothers, but fathers and diverse/non‐traditional caregivers and other stakeholders, in evidence‐based parenting interventions. Moreover, the successful delivery of these interventions necessitates competencies that extend beyond behaviour management and encompass broader aspects of the family system and the wider ecology of the child.
Structurally compromised teeth. Part I: Clinical considerations and novel classification proposal
Authors: Fichera Guido , Mazzitelli Claudia , Picciariello Vincenzo , Maravic Tatjana , Josic Uros , Mazzoni Annalisa , Breschi Lorenzo
Published: August 2023

Objective

A comprehensive classification of structurally compromised teeth (SCT) was introduced.

Clinical Considerations

Dental injuries or operative mismanagement undermine the structural integrity of the tooth abutment, reducing its biomechanical strength and rendering restorative procedures challenging. To standardize the overall pre‐operative evaluations and determine the biological and mechanical features, a classification of the coronal and cervical tooth defects, as well as an attentive analysis of the most apical location of the residual cervical tooth structure along the whole perimeter and the most coronal location of the bucco/lingual residual structure was presented. Considering the residual cervical structure, five possible clinical scenarios were individuated with respect to the gingival margin, gingival sulcus, supracrestal tissue attachment and bone crest (BC). The latter prevents the isolation procedures rendering the adhesive restorations unfeasible. Instead, the location of the most apical portion of residual cervical structure within subgingival/intrasulcular depth (>1.5 mm above BC) can be considered restorable.

Conclusions

This classification is threefold: to enclose all the possible clinically encountered tooth defects, to identify the apical problems of SCT to appropriately manage the perio‐restorative interfaces, and to evaluate the tooth resistance capacity of SCT, as to plan and perform the most adequate biomechanical restorative approach.

Clinical Significance

The present classification is proposed to provide a complete perspective of structurally compromised teeth to standardize the biologic and biomechanical evaluations during planning of restorative procedures.
Sarcopenia predicts 5‐year mortality in older adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Valentin B. , Maes‐Festen D. , Schoufour J. , Oppewal A.
Published: August 2023

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have a lower life expectancy than their peers without ID. A contributing factor to the lower life expectancy and early mortality could be sarcopenia: low muscle mass and low muscle function. In the general population, sarcopenia strongly predicts early mortality, but this association is unknown in people with ID. Therefore, this study aims to explore the association between sarcopenia and 5‐year mortality in older adults with ID.

Methods

In the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities (HA‐ID) study, the prevalence of sarcopenia was measured at baseline among 884 older adults (≥50 years) with ID. All‐cause mortality was measured over a 5‐year follow‐up period. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were applied to determine the association between sarcopenia (no sarcopenia, pre‐sarcopenia, sarcopenia, severe sarcopenia) and early mortality, adjusted for age, sex, level of ID, presence of Down syndrome, and co‐morbidity (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome).

Results

The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for sarcopenia was 2.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48–3.42], P < 0.001), and 2.40 (95% CI 1.40–4.10, P = 0.001) for severe sarcopenia. When adjusted for age, sex, level of ID, and Down syndrome, sarcopenia (HR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.08–2.75, P = 0.022) and severe sarcopenia (HR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.07–3.23, P = 0.028) were significantly associated with early mortality. When additionally adjusted for co‐morbidity, the adjusted HR decreased to 1.62 (95% CI 1.02–2.59, P = 0.043) and 1.81 (95% CI 1.04–3.15, P = 0.035) for sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia, respectively.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for early mortality in older adults with ID over a 5‐year follow‐up period. Our results stress the need to delay the incidence and development of sarcopenia in older adults with ID.
openFrame: A modular, sustainable, open microscopy platform with single‐shot, dual‐axis optical autofocus module providing high precision and long range of operation
Authors: Lightley J. , Kumar S. , Lim M. Q. , Garcia E. , Görlitz F. , Alexandrov Y. , Parrado T. , Hollick C. , Steele E. , Roßmann K. , Graham J. , Broichhagen J. , McNeish I. A. , Roufosse C. A. , Neil M. A. A. , Dunsby C. , French P. M. W.
Published: August 2023

‘openFrame’ is a modular, low‐cost, open‐hardware microscopy platform that can be configured or adapted to most light microscopy techniques and is easily upgradeable or expandable to multiple modalities. The ability to freely mix and interchange both open‐source and proprietary hardware components or software enables low‐cost, yet research‐grade instruments to be assembled and maintained. It also enables rapid prototyping of advanced or novel microscope systems. For long‐term time‐lapse image data acquisition, slide‐scanning or high content analysis, we have developed a novel optical autofocus incorporating orthogonal cylindrical optics to provide robust single‐shot closed‐loop focus lock, which we have demonstrated to accommodate defocus up to ±37 μm with <200 nm accuracy, and a two‐step autofocus mode which we have shown can operate with defocus up to ±68 μm. We have used this to implement automated single molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) in a relatively low‐cost openFrame‐based instrument using multimode diode lasers for excitation and cooled CMOS cameras.
Self‐perception of natural outcome, appearance, and emotional well‐being after OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for upper facial lines: Post hoc analysis across age and gender
Authors: Dayan Steven , Ogilvie Patricia , Boyd Charles , De Boulle Koenraad , Cavallini Maurizio , Garcia Julia K. , Musumeci Maria
Published: August 2023

Background

OnabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) is indicated for upper facial lines (UFL). Fear of unnatural‐looking outcomes is a frequently reported treatment barrier.

Aims

Examine patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) after onabotA treatment for UFL.

Methods

A post hoc analysis was conducted on two 12‐month pivotal studies of onabotA for forehead and glabellar lines (20 U each), with/without treatment of crow's feet lines (±24 U). This analysis used PROs from the Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire: Items 4 (natural look), 5 (treatment effect), 11 (met expectations), and Impact Domain (appearance and psychological impact). The analysis included 458 neurotoxin‐naive adults achieving a ≥2‐grade improvement in forehead line (FHL) severity on the Facial Wrinkle Scale at Day 30 (primary endpoint). [Corrections made on 28 December 2023, after first online publication: ‘UFL’ in the previous sentence has been corrected to ‘forehead line (FHL)’ in this version.] Data were further stratified into millennials and men.

Results

At Day 30, 90.5% of all participants, 94.6% of millennials, and 85.7% of men were satisfied with receiving a natural look. Millennials had higher odds of being satisfied with natural outcomes at Day 30. This measure remained > 80% for all groups throughout the 12 months. Additionally, ≥80% were satisfied with the treatment effect, and >90% reported results met expectations. At Day 30, ≥50% reported positive impacts on self‐perceived appearance and psychological well‐being, but millennials had higher, and men had lower odds of reporting these improvements.

Conclusions

Participants achieving a ≥2‐grade improvement in FHL severity after onabotA reported high satisfaction with natural outcomes and the treatment effect, with improved self‐perceived appearance and psychological well‐being. [Corrections made on 28 December 2023, after first online publication: ‘UFL’ in the previous sentence has been corrected to ‘FHL’ in this version.] These results may help aesthetic providers and patients address fears regarding unnatural results with onabotA.
Macrophage‐related gingival transcriptomic patterns and microbiome alterations in experimental periodontitis in nonhuman primates
Authors: Gonzalez O. A. , Kirakodu S. , Nguyen L. , Ebersole J. L.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study examined the microbiome features specifically related to host macrophage polarization in health, initiation and progression of periodontitis, and in resolution samples using a nonhuman primate model of ligature‐induced periodontitis.

Background

The oral microbiome is a complex of bacterial phyla, genera, and species acquired early in life into the individual autochthonous oral ecology. The microbiome changes overtime in response to both intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, and transitions to a dysbiotic ecology at sites of periodontal lesions.

Methods

Comparisons were made between the microbial and host features in young (≤7 years) and adult (≥12 years) cohorts of animals. Footprints of macrophage‐related genes in the gingival tissues were evaluated using expression profiles including M0, M1, and M2 related genes.

Results

Within the gingival tissues, similar macrophage‐related gene patterns were observed with significant increases with disease initiation and continued elevation throughout disease in both age groups. Approximately, 70% of the taxa were similar in relative abundance between the two groups; however, the adults showed a large number of OTUs that were significantly altered compared with the younger animals. Developing a correlation map identified three major node levels of interactions that comprised approximately ⅓ of the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) that dominated the microbiomes across the samples. Also noted was a much greater frequency of significant correlations of individual OTUs with the macrophage phenotype markers, compared with disease and resolution samples in both age groups, with a greater frequency in the younger group. Moreover, these correlations were assigned to differentially expressed genes representing M0, M1, and M2‐related phenotypes. A cluster analyses across the macrophage‐related transcriptome and the OTUs demonstrated multiple somewhat distinct bacterial consortia, incorporating both commensal and putative pathogens, linked to the gene responses that differed in health, disease, and resolution samples. Finally, there were minimal alterations in the OTUs in individual clusters with specific macrophage‐related responses in the younger group, while in the adult samples substantial variations were noted with genes from all macrophage phenotypes.

Conclusions

The results confirmed important features that could reflect macrophage polarization in periodontal lesions, and provided some initial data supporting specific members of the oral microbiome feature prominently related to specific gene response patterns consistent with macrophages in the gingival tissues.