bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory biomarkers and perinatal depression: a systematic review
Authors: Silva-Fernandes Anabela , Conde Ana , Marques Margarida , Caparros-Gonzalez Rafael A. , Fransson Emma , Mesquita Ana Raquel , Figueiredo Bárbara , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: January 2023

Background

Approximately 10 to 20% of pregnant women worldwide experience perinatal depression (PND), a depressive episode with onset during pregnancy or after childbirth. We performed a systematic review to identify, summarize and discuss studies on inflammatory biomarkers described in relation to PND.

Methods

Inclusion criteria defined the selection of observational studies written in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese, that evaluate analytical levels of inflammatory molecules (protein levels) in biological fluids in women, with a diagnosis of depression using ICD/DSM diagnostic criteria or depressive symptoms assessed by standardized psychometric instruments, during pregnancy and/or postpartum. Case reports, experimental studies, reviews, qualitative analysis, meta-analysis, gray literature or replicated data were excluded. Three electronic databases were used for search (Pubmed, Web of Science and PsychInfo) and quality assessment of selected studies were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data extraction included study design; number of subjects; obstetric information; tools and timepoints of depression and inflammatory markers assessment.

Results

56 studies where the major aim was to analyze the association between depression and inflammatory biomarkers during pregnancy and postpartum period were included in this systematic review. Overall, the findings of our systematic review lend support to the hypothesis that several inflammatory markers may be associated with peripartum depressive symptoms. The associations were somewhat different looking at pregnancy compared to the delivery time-point and postpartum, and mainly referred to increased levels of IL-6, IL-8, CRP and TNF-α among depressed.

Discussion

Our results revealed high heterogeneity in relation to the timing of biological sampling for markers, as well as timing and instruments used for depression assessment within the perinatal period for the different studies. Studies differed also in relation to use of biomarkers or depression as exposure and outcome respectively, and whether these were addressed at the same timepoint or separate ones.

Given the high burden of PND on women, children and families, it is crucial to try to harmonize methods used in related studies, in order to be able to pool results that could give us insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms behind how the immune system and PND are connected; this could have great impact on early detection, prevention and even treatment of PND.
Using traditional rhyme (folk song) as a tool for oral hygiene promotion (UTRATOHP) among children in rural communities in Nigeria: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fagbule Omotayo F. , Emenyonu Urenna , Idiga Ejiro , Oni Olubunmi O. , Ijarogbe Olabode A. , Osuh Mary E. , Lawal Folake B. , Owoaje Tolulope O. , Ibiyemi Olushola
Published: January 2023

Background

Most oral diseases are caused by poor oral hygiene, and with adequate oral hygiene measures, they are easily preventable. The use of folk songs to deliver oral health education may likely hold a huge potential for success and an increased likelihood of acceptability and sustainability among school children. Therefore, an investigation into the effectiveness of methods that would be culturally appropriate and sustainable, such as folk songs, is essential.

Aim

To determine the effect of traditional rhyme (folk song) as a tool for oral hygiene education among children in rural communities in Nigeria.

Materials and methods

This is a school-based, assessor-blinded, two-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial that will assess the effectiveness of oral hygiene messages delivered through traditional rhyme (folk song) on children’s oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, practices, and oral hygiene status in two rural communities (Igboora and Idere) in Nigeria. The study will involve a minimum of 424 participants (aged 7-9 years) selected from eight primary schools using the cluster sampling technique. Four schools will be randomised into the test group to receive oral hygiene messages through folk songs, and the participants will sing the song for two weeks. The other four schools will be assigned to the control group, and the participants will receive the usual oral health talk on oral hygiene practices by a dentist.

The participants’ oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, practice and status will be assessed at baseline, immediate, six, and twelve-month post-intervention. A modified World Health Organization (WHO) Children’s oral health survey questionnaire will be utilised for data collection. Oral examinations will be conducted to assess the participants’ dental caries experience and oral hygiene status using the dmft/DMFT and simplified oral hygiene indices, respectively.

Discussion

Folk songs are popular means of conveying messages in Nigeria, and using them to deliver oral health messages may be an effective, acceptable, and sustainable method among children. This study will provide empirical information about this innovative intervention to guide policy development, dental public health practice, and future studies.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry-PACTR202010863892797 (October 2020)
Faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels of intensive captive, free-range captive, and wild Tasmanian devils
Authors: Florent Stevie Nicole , Clarke Judy , Bashaw Meredith J. , Hamede Rodrigo , Jones Menna E. , Cameron Elissa Z
Published: January 2023

Captivity can alter the stress physiology and behaviour of an animal in both the short- and long-term through repetitive exposure to novel stressors and, subsequently, may reduce the success of conservation efforts such as translocation and reintroduction. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is threatened with extinction from a fatal facial tumour disease which has led to the establishment of an insurance meta-population designed for future reintroductions of disease-free devils. The meta-population is comprised of intensive captive and free-range captive environments; however, no study has yet examined the long-term physiological implications of captivity on devils. We used non-invasive faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) monitoring to determine if there were any differences in adrenal activity between intensive captive, free-range captive, and wild devils. FGMs were not age- or sexdependent, and we found that all population-types had similar intra-population variability and mean FGMs. In conclusion, both types of captive environment maintain stress profiles similar to wild devils.
Indirect enrichment of desirable, but less fit phenotypes, from a synthetic microbial community using microdroplet confinement
Authors: Prabhakar Ramya Ganiga , Fan Gaoyang , Alnahhas Razan N , Hirning Andrew J , Bennett Matthew R , Shamoo Yousif
Published: January 2023

Spatial structure within microbial communities can provide nearly limitless opportunities for social interactions and are an important driver for evolution. As metabolites are often molecular signals, metabolite diffusion within microbial communities can affect the composition and dynamics of the community in a manner that can be challenging to deconstruct. We used encapsulation of a synthetic microbial community within microdroplets to investigate the effects of spatial structure and metabolite diffusion on population dynamics and to examine the effects of cheating by one member of the community. The synthetic community was comprised of three strains: a ‘Producer’ that makes the diffusible quorum sensing molecule (N-(3-Oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone, C12-oxo-HSL) or AHL; a ‘Receiver’ that is killed by AHL and a Non-Producer or ‘cheater’ that benefits from the extinction of the Receivers, but without the costs associated with the AHL synthesis. We demonstrate that despite rapid diffusion of AHL between microdroplets, the spatial structure imposed by the microdroplets allow a more efficient but transient enrichment of more rare and slower growing ‘Producer’ subpopulations. Eventually, the Non-Producer population drove the Producers to extinction. By including fluorescence-activated microdroplet sorting and providing sustained competition by the Receiver strain, we demonstrate a strategy for indirect enrichment of a rare and unlabeled Producer. The ability to screen and enrich metabolite Producers from a much larger population under conditions of rapid diffusion provides an important framework for the development of applications in synthetic ecology and biotechnology.

Abstract Figure
Analysis of CDPK1 targets identifies a trafficking adaptor complex that regulates microneme exocytosis inToxoplasma
Authors: Chan Alex W , Broncel Malgorzata , Yifrach Eden , Haseley Nicole , Chakladar Sundeep , Andree Elena , Herneisen Alice L , Shortt Emily , Treeck Moritz , Lourido Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Apicomplexan parasites use Ca2+-regulated exocytosis to secrete essential virulence factors from specialized organelles called micronemes. Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are required for microneme exocytosis; however, the molecular events that regulate trafficking and fusion of micronemes with the plasma membrane remain unresolved. Here, we combine sub-minute resolution phosphoproteomics and bio-orthogonal labeling of kinase substrates inToxoplasma gondiito identify 163 proteins phosphorylated in a CDPK1-dependent manner. In addition to known regulators of secretion, we identify uncharacterized targets with predicted functions across signaling, gene expression, trafficking, metabolism, and ion homeostasis. One of the CDPK1 targets is a putative HOOK activating adaptor. In other eukaryotes, HOOK homologs form the FHF complex with FTS and FHIP to activate dynein-mediated trafficking of endosomes along microtubules. We show the FHF complex is partially conserved inT. gondii, consisting of HOOK, an FTS homolog, and two parasite-specific proteins (TGGT1_306920 and TGGT1_316650). CDPK1 kinase activity and HOOK are required for the rapid apical trafficking of micronemes as parasites initiate motility. Moreover, parasites lacking HOOK or FTS display impaired microneme protein secretion, leading to a block in the invasion of host cells. Taken together, our work provides a comprehensive catalog of CDPK1 targets and reveals how vesicular trafficking has been tuned to support a parasitic lifestyle.
Bacterial meningitis in the early postnatal mouse studied at single-cell resolution
Authors: Wang Jie , Rattner Amir , Nathans Jeremy
Published: January 2023

Bacterial meningitis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among infants and the elderly. Here we study mice to assess the response of each of the major meningeal cell types to early postnatalE. coliinfection using single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq), immunostaining, and genetic and pharamacologic perturbations of immune cells and immune signaling. Flat mounts of the dissected arachnoid and dura were used to facilitiate high-quality confocal imaging and quantification of cell abundances and morphologies. Upon infection, the major meningeal cell types – including endothelial cells (ECs), macrophages, and fibroblasts – exhibit distinctive changes in their transcriptomes. Additionally, ECs in the arachnoid redistribute CLDN5 and PECAM1, and arachnoid capillaries exhibit foci with reduced blood-brain barrier integrity. The vascular response to infection appears to be largely driven by TLR4 signaling, as determined by the nearly identical response induced by LPS administration and by the blunted response to infection inTlr4-/-mice.
Susceptible bacteria survive antibiotic treatment in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract without evolving resistance
Authors: Rodrigues Marinelle , Sabaeifard Parastoo , Yildiz Muhammed Sadik , Coughlin Laura , Ahmed Sara , Behrendt Cassie , Wang Xiaoyu , Monogue Marguerite , Kim Jiwoong , Gan Shuheng , Zhan Xiaowei , Filkins Laura , Williams Noelle S. , Hooper Lora V. , Koh Andrew Y. , Toprak Erdal
Published: January 2023

In vitrosystems have provided great insight into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Yet,in vitroapproaches cannot reflect the full complexity of what transpires within a host. As the mammalian gut is host to trillions of resident bacteria and thus a potential breeding ground for antibiotic resistance, we sought to better understand how gut bacteria respond to antibiotic treatmentin vivo. Here, we colonized germ-free mice with a genetically barcoded antibiotic pan-susceptibleEscherichia coliclinical isolate and then administered the antibiotic cefepime via programmable subcutaneous pumps which allowed for closer emulation of human parenteral antibiotic pharmacokinetics/dynamics. After seven days of antibiotics, we were unable to cultureE. colifrom feces. We were, however, able to recover barcodedE. colifrom harvested gastrointestinal (GI) tissue, despite high GI tract and plasma cefepime concentrations. Strikingly, theseE. coliisolates were not resistant to cefepime but had acquired mutations – most notably in thewbaPgene, which encodes an enzyme required for the initiation of the synthesis of the polysaccharide capsule and lipopolysaccharide O antigen - that increased their ability to invade and survive within intestinal cells, including cultured human colonocytes. Further, theseE. colimutants exhibited a persister phenotype when exposed to cefepime, allowing for greater survival to pulses of cefepime treatment when compared to the wildtype strain. Our findings highlight a mechanism by which bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract can adapt to antibiotic treatment by increasing their ability to persist during antibiotic treatment and invade intestinal epithelial cells where antibiotic concentrations are substantially reduced.
MARCH5-dependent NLRP3 ubiquitination is an essential step for NEK7 docking on the mitochondria
Authors: Park Yeon-Ji , Dodantenna Niranjan , Kim Tae-Hwan , Lee Ho-Soo , Yoo Young-Suk , Lee Eun-Seo , Lee Jae-Ho , Kwon Myung-Hee , Kang Ho Chul , Lee Jong-Soo , Cho Hyeseong
Published: January 2023

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a global immune-sensor that is activated by a repertoire of endogenous and exogenous stimuli. NLRP3 translocates to mitochondria but whether mitochondria involvement in the inflammasome assembly is unclear. Here, we show that the mitochondrial E3 ligase MARCH5 is a key regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Myeloid cell-specificMarch5 conditional knockout (March5cKO) mice exhibited an attenuated mortality rate upon LPS orPseudomonas aeruginosachallenge. Macrophages derived fromMarch5cKO mice failed to secrete IL-1β and IL-18 after microbial infection. Mechanistically, MARCH5 interacts with the NACHT domain of NLRP3 and promotes K27-linked polyubiquitination of K324 and K430 residues of NLRP3. Ubiquitination-defective NLRP3 mutants neither bind to NEK7, nor form NLRP3 oligomers, but remain binding to MAVS. Accordingly, NLRP3 mutants led to abortive ASC speck formation and diminished IL-1β production. We propose that MARCH5-dependent NLRP3 ubiquitination creates a docking site for NEK7 binding, playing as a fundamental step-wise regulator on the mitochondria.
Corporate social responsibility decoupling: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Talpur Shabana , Nadeem Muhammad , Roberts Helen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize the corporate social responsibility decoupling (CSRD) literature, CSRD's causes and consequences and discuss other organizational attributes examined by CSRD scholars during 2010 and 2020. The authors provide suggestions for a future research agenda in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' systematic literature review (SLR) uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to extract CSRD studies. The authors filter collected articles against quality and relevancy criteria and finally review 175 published articles.

Findings

A theme analysis identifies and structures the many themes related to CSRD. The authors discuss the drivers of CSRD and reveal the consequences companies face after CSRD. The authors also provide a comprehensive CSRD discussion in the context of developed and developing economies. CSR communication is also identified as a tool for decoupling and recoupling.

Research limitations/implications

The identified themes provide a thorough illustration of CSRD literature for new CSRD scholars. The authors also provide suggestions for future research, such as examining country-level policy-making and implications of CSRD variance and identifying cultural and economic hurdles to achieving core CSR purposes.

Practical implications

Policymakers and scholars may adopt the approach that CSRD is a misreporting of information similar to accounting fraud. This is particularly relevant given that an increasing number of CSRD scandals indicate that the purpose of bringing change through corporate CSR has not been adopted well by corporations.

Originality/value

The authors' study offers a comprehensive literature review for the period of 2010–2020. The studies identified are structured into meaningful themes which can provide groundwork for future researchers.
Homelessness: partnerships and approaches to tackling complex needs
Authors: Woods Angela , Hughes Ben , Lace Rebecca , Dickinson Joanne
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper – the first of three – aims to explore some of the complex physical and mental health needs of those experiencing homelessness. It will act as a leader to the other articles by establishing the nature of the problem and offer a rationale for carrying out a service user needs assessment as part of a review of local service provision in the North West of England against the backdrop of the current COVID-19 epidemic.

Design/methodology/approach

There are a number of complex social and health inequalities often experienced by those who are homeless. Effectively tackling these requires a co-ordinated multi-agency response to both prevent and tackle the harms associated with being and becoming homeless.

Findings

Partnership working offers the best opportunity to meet the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness. The current delivery model being actioned in the North West of England highlights the importance of the links between statutory and non-statutory services. An ongoing service user needs assessment will further help to highlight contemporary issues faced by those experiencing homelessness and those providing services in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Social implications

Future papers as part of this series of three will consider the implications of social exclusion and barriers to accessing services faced on a day-to-day basis by those experiencing homelessness.

Originality/value

The opportunity to reflect on established views in relation to the nature and scope of homelessness. It will consider the implications exclusion from society and service provision that this group face on a day-to-day basis. The paper will describe a contemporary approach to tackling current issues faced by those experiencing homelessness in the current context of the COVID-19 epidemic.
The subtle art of (re)framing your mind
Authors: Yousef Dima
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore through the author’s personal experience the impact rebuilding the author’s well-being had on the author’s identity and efficacy as a teacher. This describes the author’s experiences after the death of the author’s father and the effect of the author’s emotional state on the author’s personal and professional identity. It also explores how the author developed sustainable habits to cope with daily challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an auto-ethnographic approach utilizing journal entries and reflections collected over the years as part of the healing process. These will provide a descriptive view of the author’s emotional state in the years after the author’s father's death. The author employed this method to explore the author’s personal experiences and provide a better understanding of the connections between the reconstruction of the professional identity and the importance of well-being and mental health in light of a significant or transformative event.

Findings

The paper provides insights about the significance of a positive mind-set on the efficacy and performance of teachers. This suggests that there is a connection between the impact of improving the author’s well-being on a personal and professional level.

Originality/value

There is little research on how self-efficacy or coping strategies could have an impact on teachers. The paper offers a unique insight into teachers' emotional and academic identities.
Raising offspring increases ageing: Differences in senescence among three populations of a long‐lived seabird, the Atlantic puffin
Authors: Landsem Terje L. , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Layton‐Matthews Kate , Hilde Christoffer H. , Harris Michael P. , Wanless Sarah , Daunt Francis , Reiertsen Tone K. , Erikstad Kjell E. , Anker‐Nilssen Tycho
Published: January 2023

Actuarial senescence, the decline of survival with age, is well documented in the wild. Rates of senescence vary widely between taxa, to some extent also between sexes, with the fastest life histories showing the highest rates of senescence. Few studies have investigated differences in senescence among populations of the same species, although such variation is expected from population‐level differences in environmental conditions, leading to differences in vital rates and thus life histories.

We predict that, within species, populations differing in productivity (suggesting different paces of life) should experience different rates of senescence, but with little or no sexual difference in senescence within populations of monogamous, monomorphic species where the sexes share breeding duties.

We compared rates of actuarial senescence among three contrasting populations of the Atlantic puffinFratercula arctica. The dataset comprised 31 years (1990–2020) of parallel capture–mark–recapture data from three breeding colonies, Isle of May (North Sea), Røst (Norwegian Sea) and Hornøya (Barents Sea), showing contrasting productivities (i.e. annual breeding success) and population trends. We used time elapsed since first capture as a proxy for bird age, and productivity and the winter North Atlantic Oscillation Index (wNAO) as proxies for the environmental conditions experienced by the populations within and outside the breeding season, respectively.

In accordance with our predictions, we found that senescence rates differed among the study populations, with no evidence for sexual differences. There was no evidence for an effect of wNAO, but the population with the lowest productivity, Røst, showed the lowest rate of senescence. As a consequence, the negative effect of senescence on the population growth rate (λ) was up to 3–5 times smaller on Røst (Δλ = −0.009) than on the two other colonies.

Our findings suggest that environmentally induced differences in senescence rates among populations of a species should be accounted for when predicting effects of climate variation and change on species persistence. There is thus a need for more detailed information on how both actuarial and reproductive senescence influence vital rates of populations of the same species, calling for large‐scale comparative studies.
SATB2, coordinated with CUX1, regulates IL‐1β‐induced senescence‐like phenotype in endothelial cells by fine‐tuning the atherosclerosis‐associated p16INK4a expression
Authors: Wu Ting , Wu Yuwei , Jiang Danli , Sun Wei , Zou Meijuan , Vasamsetti Sathish Babu , Dutta Partha , Leers Steven A. , Di Wu , Li Gang
Published: January 2023

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have validated a strong association of atherosclerosis with the CDKN2A/B locus, a locus harboring three tumor suppressor genes: p14ARF, p15INK4b, and p16INK4a. Post‐GWAS functional analysis reveals that CUX is a transcriptional activator of p16INK4a via its specific binding to a functional SNP (fSNP) rs1537371 on the atherosclerosis‐associated CDKN2A/B locus, regulating endothelial senescence. In this work, we characterize SATB2, another transcription factor that specifically binds to rs1537371. We demonstrate that even though both CUX1 and SATB2 are the homeodomain transcription factors, unlike CUX1, SATB2 is a transcriptional suppressor of p16INK4a and overexpression of SATB2 competes with CUX1 for its binding to rs1537371, which inhibits p16INK4a and p16INK4a‐dependent cellular senescence in human endothelial cells (ECs). Surprisingly, we discovered that SATB2 expression is transcriptionally repressed by CUX1. Therefore, upregulation of CUX1 inhibits SATB2 expression, which enhances the binding of CUX1 to rs1537371 and subsequently fine‐tunes p16INK4a expression. Remarkably, we also demonstrate that IL‐1β, a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) gene itself and a biomarker for atherosclerosis, induces cellular senescence also by upregulating CUX1 and/or downregulating SATB2 in human ECs. A model is proposed to reconcile our findings showing how both primary and secondary senescence are activated via the atherosclerosis‐associated p16INK4a expression.
End‐of‐life care in the intensive care unit
Authors: Tanaka Gutiez M. , Efstathiou N. , Innes R. , Metaxa V.
Published: January 2023

The transition from active, invasive interventions to comfort care for critical care patients is often fraught with misunderstandings, conflict and moral distress. The most common issues that arise are ethical dilemmas around the equivalence of withholding and withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment; the doctrine of double effect; the balance between paternalism and shared decision‐making; legal challenges around best‐interest decisions for patients that lack capacity; conflict resolution; and practical issues during the limitation of treatment. The aim of this article is to address commonly posed questions on these aspects of end‐of‐life care in the intensive care unit, using best available evidence, and provide practical guidance to critical care clinicians in the UK. With the help of case vignettes, we clarify the disassociation of withdrawing and/or withholding treatment from euthanasia; offer practical suggestions for the use of sedation and analgesia around the end of life, dissipating concerns about hastening death; and advocate for the inclusion of family in decision‐making, when the patient does not have capacity. We propose a step‐escalation approach in cases of family conflict and advocate for incorporation of communication skills during medical and nursing training.
LateTriassic A‐type granite boulders in Lower Cretaceous conglomerate of theHida belt, Japan: Their origin and bearing on theYamatotectonic line inFar East Asia
Authors: Isozaki Yukio , Sawaki Yusuke , Iwano Hideki , Hirata Takafumi , Kunugiza Keitaro
Published: January 2023

To identify the origin of the Hida belt in central Japan, geochemistry and U–Pb age of zircons were analyzed for the extra‐large granitoid boulders in the Lower Cretaceous fluvial conglomerate of the Jinzu Group. This study clarified that the boulders of granitoids have geochemistry of typical A‐type granite, as characterized by high Nb + Y and high Ta + Yb values. U–Pb ages of igneous zircons from three individual granite boulders are concentrated at ca. 220 Ma (Late Triassic). As to Late Triassic A‐type granites, there is no corresponding body previously recognized within Japan, whereas identical A‐type granites occur in the eastern Songliao block on the immediate west of the Jiamusi block in NE China. The large size of boulders and the fluvial facies of the hosting conglomerate indicate their origin in the Hida belt per se, suggesting the cryptic and/or past occurrence of A‐type granite, rather than in NE China. Together with the eastern Songliao block (China), Laoelin‐Grodekov (LG) belt (Primorye, Russia), and Yamato Ridge (Japan Sea), the Hida belt forms a unique domain on the immediate west of GSC in Far East Asia, which is characterized commonly by the co‐occurrence of Permo‐Triassic and Jurassic granitoids, and probably with Late Triassic A‐type granite. These confirm that Hida belt represents an allochthonous unit tectonically emplaced onto the rest of Japan, which is composed of the Phanerozoic subduction‐related orogenic belt (Nipponides) developed along the Pacific side of Greater South China (GSC) since the Cambrian. For emphasizing a major geotectonic boundary of the Mesozoic granitoid provinces in Far East Asia, we propose the Yamato tectonic line between the easternmost Central Asian orogenic belt and GSC/Nipponides, which is traced for up to 3000 km from the Russia/China/North Korea border to SW Japan.
Histopathological analysis of chronic paronychia
Authors: Rocha Bruna P. , Verardino Gustavo , Leverone Andreia , D'Almeida Luiza F. V. , Azulay Vitoria , Haneke Eckart , Nakamura Robertha C.
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic paronychia is an inflammatory process of the nail folds lasting more than 6 weeks. Clinically, there is hypertrophy and retraction of the folds and absence of the cuticle. Treatment involves clinical measures and, when there is no response or the hypertrophy of the folds is very pronounced, surgical treatment is indicated. Post‐surgical histopathology is little studied in the literature. In this sense, we believe that the histopathological study is important not only for the individualized understanding of the patient's chronic disease, avoiding relapses, but also for the understanding of its pathophysiology and treatment possibilities.

Objective

To describe the histopathological changes found in biopsies of the proximal nail fold of patients with chronic paronychia undergoing surgical treatment.

Materials and Methods

A histopathological study of 16 nail folds from 6 patients after surgery was performed at 2 study centers.

Results

The most prevalent epidermal findings were orthokeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis and spongiosis and the dermal findings were fibrosis and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate.

Conclusion

The histopathological study allowed us to conclude that chronic paronychia is primarily an inflammatory process, but it is not possible to conclude whether microorganisms such as Candida and bacterial cocci are part of the etiology or just secondary and opportunistic agents.
Asymmetric trading responses to credit rating announcements from issuer‐ versus investor‐paid rating agencies
Authors: Nguyen Quan M. P. , Do Hung Xuan , Molchanov Alexander , Nguyen Lily , Nguyen Nhut H.
Published: January 2023

The credit rating industry has traditionally followed the “issuer‐pays” principle. Issuer‐paid credit rating agencies (CRAs) have faced criticism regarding their untimely release of negative rating adjustments, which is attributed to a conflict of interests in their business model. An alternative model based on the “investor‐pays” principle is arguably less subject to the conflict of interest problem. We examine how investors respond to changes in credit ratings issued by these two types of CRAs. We find that investors react asymmetrically: They abnormally sell equity stakes around rating downgrades by investor‐paid CRAs, while abnormally buying around rating upgrades by issuer‐paid CRAs. Our study suggests that, through their trades, investors capitalize on value‐relevant information provided by both types of CRAs, and a dynamic trading strategy taking advantage of this information generates significant abnormal returns.
Targeting therapeutic agent against C3b/C4b, SB002, on the inflammation‐induced bone loss in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Huang Ren‐Yeong , Tseng Fang‐Yi , You Jhong‐Jhe , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Cheng Chia‐Dan , Sung Cheng‐En , Weng Pei‐Wei , Shieh Yi‐Shing , Cheng Wan‐Chien
Published: January 2023

Aims

To use experimental periodontitis models in rats to investigate the correlation between local expression of the complement components C3b and C4b in periodontal tissues and disease severity, and to assess the therapeutic effects of targeting C3b/C4b on inflammatory bone loss.

Materials and Methods

The gingival expression of C3, C3b, and C4b in animal experimental periodontitis models were analysed immunohistochemically. The therapeutic effects of the C3b/C4b inhibitor (SB002) on ligation‐induced experimental periodontitis was examined using biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

The gingival expression levels of C3, C3b, and C4b were positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis. Moreover, both single and multiple injections of the C3b/C4b inhibitor had preventive and therapeutic effects on alveolar bone loss in ligation‐induced experimental periodontitis with no associated adverse consequences.

Conclusions

The association between C3b/C4b and periodontitis may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for periodontitis and other inflammatory diseases.
Praying Truthfully: Sincerity and the Inducing of Belief
Authors: Haruni Michael
Published: January 2023

In a Jewish context, it seems, it is a naïve consensus view that in praying liturgically one aims to express to God, in the manner of ordinary, interpersonal conversation, those thoughts stated by the text. But on this ordinary conversation model (OCM), a problem of insincerity arises when, as commonly happens, the text states a claim the practitioner does not believe. The idea of redeeming one's prayer by reinterpretation is, I argue, incompatible with OCM. Another strategy, which finds some encouragement in Jewish tradition, is to try inducing the missing belief. I further argue, however, that for one's expression of a belief to be proper, in the sense of being authentic, this belief must be corroborated by the evolving, diachronically largely‐coherent understanding distinctive of one's person—a requirement which an induced, otherwise‐missing belief cannot fulfill. This, I suggest, provides some reason to seek a model of liturgical prayer different from OCM.
Psychosocial assessment tools for children and young people aged 5–18 years: A rapid review of the literature
Authors: McLean Karen , O'Connor Elodie , Ong Rachel , Joseph Corey , Skinner Rachel , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: January 2023

Aim

Schools are a key platform for health promotion and a point of connection to local health‐care services, with an almost universal reach across the child and adolescent population. This study sought to determine whether validated psychosocial assessment tools exist for a school‐based nursing program that would assist in providing an initial health assessment to identify and understand the needs of children and young people referred to the nurse, with the outcome of appropriate connection to external health and wellbeing services.

Methods

Rapid evidence assessment methodology was utilised to identify validated tools that could identify psychosocial concerns in children and young people aged 5–18 years. We identified articles from peer‐reviewed journals via three electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase and CINAHL). We then extended the search for evidence through a search of the grey literature.

Results

From 3963 peer‐reviewed articles found in the database search, 10 relevant peer‐reviewed publications met inclusion criteria. In combination with 12 grey literature sources, 33 tools were identified. These included self‐report tools (typically for children aged 11 years and older), parent‐report and teacher‐report tools. We identified the six most promising psychosocial assessment tools. However, there was limited description about implementation within school‐based nursing programs.

Conclusions

Several tools exist that show promise in assisting school‐based nursing programs to conduct preliminary psychosocial assessments for children and young people. The introduction of any tools into practice would require implementation guidance and evaluation, including how and when they should be used, and when referral and follow‐up is required.
Association of rurality with utilization of palliative care and hospice among Medicare beneficiaries who died from pancreatic cancer: A cohort study
Authors: Ramkumar Niveditta , Wang Qianfei , Brooks Gabriel A. , Tosteson Anna N. A. , Wong Sandra L. , Loehrer Andrew P.
Published: January 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer has a 5‐year survival of just 10%. Services such as palliative care and hospice are thus crucial in this population, yet their geographic accessibility and utilization remains unknown.

Aim

We studied the association between rurality of patient residence and the use of palliative care and hospice.

Design, setting, and participants

Cohort study of continuously enrolled fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 diagnosed with incident pancreatic cancer between 04/01/2016‐08/31/2018 and who died by 12/31/2018.

Results

In this decedent cohort of 31,460 patients, 77% lived in metropolitan areas, 11% in micropolitan areas, 7% in small towns, and 5% in rural areas. Patient demographics were largely similar across rurality; however, the proportion of White, non‐Hispanic patients and social deprivation was highest in rural areas and lowest in metropolitan areas. Overall, 33% of patients used any palliative care and 77% received hospice services. After risk adjustment, there were no statistically significant differences in the use of palliative care for patients residing in metropolitan versus micropolitan, small town, or rural areas. Patients in small town (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.69‐0.86) and rural areas (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66‐0.85) had lower adjusted odds of receiving hospice care compared to patients in metropolitan areas.

Conclusions

The use of palliative care services captured in Medicare was low, representing either underutilization or failure to accurately measure the extent of services used. While the overall level of hospice enrollment was high, patients in rural communities had relatively lower use of hospice services compared to those in metropolitan areas.
Tomato SlGSTU38 interacts with the PepMV coat protein and promotes viral infection
Authors: Méndez‐López Eduardo , Donaire Livia , Gosálvez Blanca , Díaz‐Vivancos Pedro , Sánchez‐Pina M. Amelia , Tilsner Jens , Aranda Miguel A.
Published: January 2023

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is pandemic in tomato crops, causing important economic losses world‐wide. No PepMV‐resistant varieties have been developed yet. Identification of host factors interacting with PepMV proteins is a promising source of genetic targets to develop PepMV‐resistant varieties.

The interaction between the PepMV coat protein (CP) and the tomato glutathione S‐transferase (GST) SlGSTU38 was identified in a yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) screening and validated by directed Y2H and co‐immunoprecipitation assays. SlGSTU38‐knocked‐out Micro‐Tom plants (gstu38) generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology together with live‐cell imaging were used to understand the role of SlGSTU38 during infection. The transcriptomes of healthy and PepMV‐infected wild‐type (WT) and gstu38 plants were profiled by RNA‐seq analysis.

SlGSTU38 functions as a PepMV‐specific susceptibility factor in a cell‐autonomous manner and relocalizes to the virus replication complexes during infection. Besides, knocking out SlGSTU38 triggers reactive oxygen species accumulation in leaves and the deregulation of stress‐responsive genes.

SlGSTU38 may play a dual role: On the one hand, SlGSTU38 may exert a proviral function depending on its specific interaction with the PepMV CP; and on the other hand, SlGSTU38 may delay PepMV‐infection sensing by participating in the redox intracellular homeostasis in a nonspecific manner.
Plant‐specific histone deacetylases associate with ARGONAUTE4 to promote heterochromatin stabilization and plant heat tolerance
Authors: Yang Fangfang , Sun Yingnan , Du Xiaoxuan , Chu Zhaohui , Zhong Xuehua , Chen Xiangsong
Published: January 2023

High temperature causes devasting effects on many aspects of plant cells and thus enhancing plant heat tolerance is critical for crop production. Emerging studies have revealed the important roles of chromatin modifications in heat stress responses. However, how chromatin is regulated during heat stress remains unclear.

We show that heat stress results in heterochromatin disruption coupled with histone hyperacetylation and DNA hypomethylation. Two plant‐specific histone deacetylases HD2B and HD2C could promote DNA methylation and relieve the heat‐induced heterochromatin decondensation. We noted that most DNA methylation regulated by HD2B and HD2C is lost upon heat stress. HD2B‐ and HD2C‐regulated histone acetylation and DNA methylation are dispensable for heterochromatin maintenance under normal conditions, but critical for heterochromatin stabilization under heat stress.

We further showed that HD2B and HD2C promoted DNA methylation through associating with ARGONAUTE4 in nucleoli and Cajal bodies, and facilitating its nuclear accumulation. Thus, HD2B and HD2C act both canonically and noncanonically to stabilize heterochromatin under heat stress.

This study not only reveals a novel plant‐specific crosstalk between histone deacetylases and key factor of DNA methylation pathway, but also uncovers their new roles in chromatic regulation of plant heat tolerance.
Planning and licensing for marine aquaculture
Authors: Falconer Lynne , Cutajar Karl , Krupandan Amalia , Capuzzo Elisa , Corner Richard A. , Ellis Tim , Jeffery Keith , Mikkelsen Eirik , Moore Heather , O'Beirn Francis X. , O'Donohoe Pauline , Ruane Neil M. , Shilland Robyn , Tett Paul , Telfer Trevor C.
Published: January 2023

Marine aquaculture has the potential to increase its contribution to the global food system and provide valuable ecosystem services, but appropriate planning, licensing and regulation systems must be in place to enable sustainable development. At present, approaches vary considerably throughout the world, and several national and regional investigations have highlighted the need for reforms if marine aquaculture is to fulfil its potential. This article aims to map and evaluate the challenges of planning and licensing for growth of sustainable marine aquaculture. Despite the range of species, production systems and circumstances, this study found a number of common themes in the literature; complicated and fragmented approaches to planning and licensing, property rights and the licence to operate, competition for space and marine spatial planning, emerging species and diversifying marine aquaculture production (seaweed production, Integrated Multi‐Trophic Aquaculture [IMTA], nutrient and carbon offsetting with aquaculture, offshore aquaculture and co‐location and multiuse platforms), and the need to address knowledge gaps and use of decision‐support tools. Planning and licensing can be highly complicated, so the UK is used as a case study to show more detailed examples that highlight the range of challenges and uncertainty that industry, regulators and policymakers face across interacting jurisdictions. There are many complexities, but this study shows that many countries have undergone, or are undergoing, similar challenges, suggesting that lessons can be learned by sharing knowledge and experiences, even across different species and production systems, rather than having a more insular focus.
Does heart rate variability mediate the association between chronic stress, cardiorespiratory fitness, and working memory in young adults?
Authors: Looser Vera Nina , Ludyga Sebastian , Gerber Markus
Published: January 2023

Young adulthood is a demanding development phase rendering individuals at risk for high levels of stress. While chronic stress may impair working memory maintenance, cardiorespiratory fitness is suggested to have a protective effect. Heart rate variability (HRV) contributes to this cognitive domain, but also retaliates to stress and aerobic exercise. Therefore, the present study investigated the mediating role of resting HRV on the association between chronic stress, cardiorespiratory fitness, and working memory maintenance in young healthy adults. Healthy participants (N = 115, 48% female) aged 18–35 years (M = 24.1,SD = 3.8) completed the Åstrand test on a bicycle ergometer to estimate maximal oxygen consumption [ (ml/min/kg)]. In addition, working memory maintenance was assessed using the modified Sternberg task with low (three items) and high cognitive load (six items). Using electrocardiography, HRV was recorded and the LF/HF ratio was extracted for mediation analyses. Path analysis revealed that cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with accuracy on high cognitive load trials (β = 0.19,p = 0.035), but not on trials with low cognitive load. Perceived levels of chronic stress failed to show a significant association with working memory maintenance, independently of cognitive load. The pattern of results remained unchanged after introduction of HRV as a mediator (β = 0.18,p = 0.045). In conclusion, higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better maintenance of verbal information in working memory. However, this association cannot be explained by vagal influences on memory processing driven by the autonomic nervous system.
Acute regulation of erythropoietin via lower body negative pressure: Influence of sex and age
Authors: Diaz‐Canestro Candela , Sehgal Arshia , Montero David
Published: January 2023

The regulation of erythropoiesis via hemodynamic stimuli such as reduced central blood volume (CBV) remains uncertain in women and elderly individuals. This study assessed the acute effects of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) on key endocrine biomarkers regulating erythropoiesis, that is, erythropoietin (EPO) and copeptin, in young and older women and men (n = 87). Transthoracic echocardiography and hemodynamics were assessed throughout incremental LBNP levels for 1 hour, or until presyncope, with established methods. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and immediately after termination of the orthostatic tolerance (OT) test for subsequent hormone analyses. The average age of young women and men (33.1 ± 6.0 vs. 29.5 ± 6.9 yr) and older women and men (63.8 ± 8.0 vs. 65.3 ± 8.9 yr) as well as their physical activity levels were matched within each age and sex group. CBV, as determined by right atrial volume, was reduced in all individuals at the end of the OT test (p < 0.001). The average OT time ranged from 50.1 to 58.1 min in all individuals. LBNP increased circulating EPO in young women (p = 0.023) but not in young men or older individuals. Copeptin was increased in all individuals with LBNP but was exclusively associated with EPO in men (r = 0.39,p = 0.013). The present study indicates that the acute hemodynamic regulation of EPO production is both sex‐ and age‐dependent.