bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
cGMP‐dependent kinase 2, Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3, and PDZ‐adaptor NHERF2 co‐assemble in apical membrane microdomains
Authors: Luo Min , Liu Yongjian , Nikolovska Katerina , Riederer Brigitte , Patrucco Enrico , Hofmann Franz , Seidler Ursula
Published: March 2024

Aim

Trafficking, membrane retention, and signal‐specific regulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) are modulated by the Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor (NHERF) family of PDZ‐adapter proteins. This study explored the assembly of NHE3 and NHERF2 with the cGMP‐dependent kinase II (cGKII) within detergent‐resistant membrane microdomains (DRMs, “lipid rafts”) during in vivo guanylate cycle C receptor (Gucy2c) activation in murine small intestine.

Methods

Small intestinal brush border membranes (siBBMs) were isolated from wild type, NHE3‐deficient, cGMP‐kinase II‐deficient, and NHERF2‐deficient mice, after oral application of the heat‐stable Escherichia coli toxin (STa) analog linaclotide. Lipid raft and non‐raft fractions were separated by Optiprep density gradient centrifugation of Triton X‐solubilized siBBMs. Confocal microscopy was performed to study NHE3 redistribution after linaclotide application in vivo.

Results

In the WT siBBM, NHE3, NHERF2, and cGKII were strongly raft associated. The raft association of NHE3, but not of cGKII, was NHERF2 dependent. After linaclotide application to WT mice, lipid raft association of NHE3 decreased, that of cGKII increased, while that of NHERF2 did not change. NHE3 expression in the BBM shifted from a microvillar to a terminal web region. The linaclotide‐induced decrease in NHE3 raft association and in microvillar abundance was abolished in cGKII‐deficient mice, and strongly reduced in NHERF2‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

NHE3, cGKII, and NHERF2 form a lipid raft‐associated signal complex in the siBBM, which mediates the inhibition of salt and water absorption by Gucy2c activation. NHERF2 enhances the raft association of NHE3, which is essential for its close interaction with the exclusively raft‐associated activated cGKII.
Machine‐based learning of multidimensional data in bipolar disorder – pilot results
Authors: Birner Armin , Mairinger Marco , Elst Clemens , Maget Alexander , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Platzer Martina , Queissner Robert , Lenger Melanie , Tmava‐Berisha Adelina , Bengesser Susanne A. , Reininghaus Eva Z. , Kreuzthaler Markus , Dalkner Nina
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Owing to the heterogenic picture of bipolar disorder, it takes approximately 8.8 years to reach a correct diagnosis. Early recognition and early intervention might not only increase quality of life, but also increase life expectancy as a whole in individuals with bipolar disorder. Therefore, we hypothesize that implementing machine learning techniques can be used to support the diagnostic process of bipolar disorder and minimize misdiagnosis rates.

Materials and Methods

To test this hypothesis, a de‐identified data set of only demographic information and the results of cognitive tests of 196 patients with bipolar disorder and 145 healthy controls was used to train and compare five different machine learning algorithms.

Results

The best performing algorithm was logistic regression, with a macro‐average F1‐score of 0.69 [95% CI 0.66–0.73]. After further optimization, a model with an improved macro‐average F1‐score of 0.75, a micro‐average F1‐score of 0.77, and an AUROC of 0.84 was built. Furthermore, the individual amount of contribution per variable on the classification was assessed, which revealed that body mass index, results of the Stroop test, and the d2‐R test alone allow for a classification of bipolar disorder with equal performance.

Conclusion

Using these data for clinical application results in an acceptable performance, but has not yet reached a state where it can sufficiently augment a diagnosis made by an experienced clinician. Therefore, further research should focus on identifying variables with the highest amount of contribution to a model's classification.
A randomized controlled trial testing theory‐driven enhancements to increase the efficacy of and engagement in a brief cognitive‐behavioural therapy text‐message intervention for co‐occurring posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and alcohol misuse
Authors: Bedard‐Gilligan Michele , Lindgren Kristen , Dworkin Emily , Tristao Ty , Kaysen Debra , Rhew Isaac
Published: March 2024

Objective

Engaging individuals with co‐occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol misuse (AM) in effective treatments is difficult. Brief, self‐directed approaches that deliver empirically supported intervention techniques, such as cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies, via technology may be effective and easier‐to‐access alternatives to traditional in‐person therapy approaches for PTSD + AM. This paper describes the protocol for an intervention development study (NCT05372042) that evaluates a text‐message intervention combining CBT texts with techniques from cognitive psychology (message framing) and social psychology (growth mindsets) for treatment of PTSD + AM.

Method

The study uses a 3 (message framing: gain vs. loss vs. no framing) × 2 (mindset: growth mindsets vs. not) factorial design to test enhancements to CBT texts. Individuals age 18+, who report symptoms of PTSD and AM, will be recruited to participate. Participants will complete screening, verification, and baseline measures. They will be randomized to condition and receive 3 text messages per week for 4 weeks. Participants will be assessed at post‐, 1‐, and 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

Analyses will evaluate whether framing and growth mindsets enhance the efficacy of CBT texts. A priori decision rules will be applied to select the intervention condition that is both the most effective and the simplest, which will be tested in a follow‐up randomized controlled trial.

Conclusions

This study will identify the simplest, most efficacious CBT intervention for PTSD + AM. Its use of cognitive and social psychology‐based enhancement and of a factorial decision can serve as examples of how to enhance and increase engagement in brief, self‐directed CBT interventions.
Individual outcomes after tailored versus generic self‐management strategies for persistent fatigue in youth with a fatigue syndrome or rheumatic condition: A multiple single‐case study
Authors: Vroegindeweij Anouk , Houtveen Jan , Lucassen Desiree A. , Van De Putte Elise M. , Wulffraat Nico M. , Nijhof Sanne L. , Swart Joost F.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine individual outcomes after tailored lifestyle (PROfeel) or generic dietary advice as self‐management intervention for persistent fatigue in adolescents and young adults with a chronic condition, to compare participants who did and did not benefit and to explore changes to factors in the biopsychosocial model of fatigue after PROfeel.

Method

A multiple single‐case AB‐phase design was embedded in a randomized crossover trial (N = 45). Intensive longitudinal data (ILD) on outcomes ‘fatigue severity’, ‘self‐efficacy’ and ‘quality of life’ (QoL) were collected through weekly smartphone measurement for 20 weeks. ILD on biopsychosocial factors were collected through experience sampling methodology for 28 days pre‐post first intervention. Baseline characteristics were compared with t‐tests and chi‐square tests. Permutation distancing tests were used to assess change over time in all ILD.

Results

Regarding weekly measurements, nineteen participants (42.22%) showed small to large positive outcomes (drange = .05 to 2.59), mostly after PROfeel. Eleven participants (24.44%) showed small to moderate negative outcomes (drange = −.02 to −2.46), mostly after dietary advice. Fatigue severity improved most, followed by self‐efficacy. Participants who benefitted showed higher QoL levels and lower fatigue and pain levels compared with others at baseline (all p < .02). When positive outcomes were observed after PROfeel, typically ≥1 biopsychosocial factor had been targeted successfully.

Conclusion

Self‐management advice has more potential when tailored to individual characteristics, including the biopsychosocial model of fatigue. PROfeel appears particularly useful as fatigue intervention for individuals with relatively less severe symptoms.
Do employers’ equality certifications improve equality outcomes? An assessment of the United Kingdom's Two Ticks and Disability Confident schemes
Authors: Hoque Kim , Bacon Nick , Allen David
Published: March 2024

This article contributes to debates on equality, diversity and inclusion by exploring the efficacy of employers’ equality certifications, focusing on the UK government's Two Ticks and Disability Confident certifications. In Study 1, using data on Two Ticks certification matched into the nationally representative Workplace Employment Relations Study 2011, we found the adoption of disability equality policies and practices, the prevalence of disabled people in the workforce and disabled people's experience of work were no better in Two Ticks than in non‐Two Ticks workplaces. In Study 2, using Department for Work and Pensions data on Disability Confident certification matched into WorkL 2021–2023 data (the world's largest employee experience database), we found that the proportion of the workforce that is disabled is no higher in Disability Confident Level 1 ‘Committed’ organisations and Level 3 ‘Leader’ organisations than in non‐Disability Confident organisations. While the proportion of the workforce that is disabled is higher in Disability Confident Level 2 ‘Employer’ organisations than in non‐Disability Confident organisations, just 22 per cent of Disability Confident organisations are at this level. Disabled people's experience of work was no better in Disability Confident than in non‐Disability Confident organisations. Our findings therefore question the efficacy of these employers’ equality certifications.
Deletion of Dictyostelium tpc2 gene forms multi‐tipped structures, regulates autophagy and cell‐type patterning
Authors: Rathore Madhubala , Thakur Ashima , Saran Shweta
Published: March 2024

Background Information

Two pore channels (TPCs) are voltage‐gated ion channel superfamily members that release Ca2+ from acidic intracellular stores and are ubiquitously present in both animals and plants. Starvation initiates multicellular development in Dictyostelium discoideum. Increased intracellular calcium levels bias Dictyostelium cells towards the stalk pathway and thus we decided to analyze the role of TPC2 in development, differentiation, and autophagy.

Results

We showed TPC2 protein localizes in lysosome‐like acidic vesicles and the in situ data showed stalk cell biasness. Deletion of tpc2 showed defective and delayed development with formation of multi‐tipped structures attached to a common base, while tpc2OE cells showed faster development with numerous small‐sized aggregates and wiry fruiting bodies. The tpc2OE cells showed higher intracellular cAMP levels as compared to the tpc2− cells while pinocytosis was found to be higher in the tpc2− cells. Also, TPC2 regulates cell‐substrate adhesion and cellular morphology. Under nutrient starvation, deletion of tpc2 reduced autophagic flux as compared to Ax2. During chimera formation, tpc2− cells showed a bias towards the prestalk/stalk region while tpc2OE cells showed a bias towards the prespore/spore region. tpc2 deficient strain exhibits aberrant cell‐type patterning and loss of distinct boundary between the prestalk/prespore regions.

Conclusion

TPC2 is required for effective development and differentiation in Dictyostelium and supports autophagic cell death and cell‐type patterning.

Significance

Decreased calcium due to deletion of tpc2 inhibit autophagic flux.
Implementable assay for monitoring minimum residual disease after radical treatment for colorectal cancer
Authors: Nakano Takafumi , Takao Seiichiro , Dairaku Katsushi , Uno Naoki , Low Siew‐Kee (Amanda) , Hashimoto Masahiro , Tsuda Yasuo , Hisamatsu Yuichi , Toshima Takeo , Yonemura Yusuke , Masuda Takaaki , Eto Ken , Ikegami Toru , Fukunaga Yosuke , Niida Atsushi , Nagayama Satoshi , Mimori Koshi
Published: March 2024

Considering the cost and invasiveness of monitoring postoperative minimal residual disease (MRD) of colorectal cancer (CRC) after adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ACT), we developed a favorable approach based on methylated circulating tumor DNA to detect MRD after radical resection. Analyzing the public database, we identified the methylated promoter regions of the genes FGD5, GPC6, and MSC. Using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR), we termed the “amplicon of methylated sites using a specific enzyme” assay as “AMUSE.” We examined 180 and 114 pre‐ and postoperative serial plasma samples from 28 recurrent and 19 recurrence‐free pathological stage III CRC patients, respectively. The results showed 22 AMUSE‐positive of 28 recurrent patients (sensitivity, 78.6%) and 17 AMUSE‐negative of 19 recurrence‐free patients (specificity, 89.5%). AMUSE predicted recurrence 208 days before conventional diagnosis using radiological imaging. Regarding ACT evaluation by the reactive response, 19 AMUSE‐positive patients during their second or third blood samples showed a significantly poorer prognosis than the other patients (p = 9E‐04). The AMUSE assay stratified four groups by the altered patterns of tumor burden postoperatively. Interestingly, only 34.8% of cases tested AMUSE‐negative during ACT treatment, indicating eligibility for ACT. The AMUSE assay addresses the clinical need for accurate MRD monitoring with universal applicability, minimal invasiveness, and cost‐effectiveness, thereby enabling the timely detection of recurrences. This assay can effectively evaluate the efficacy of ACT in patients with stage III CRC following curative resection. Our study strongly recommends reevaluating the clinical application of ACT using the AMUSE assay.
“Some people will tell jokes to you; some people be racist:” A mixed‐method examination of racist jokes and adolescents’ well‐being
Authors: Benner Aprile D. , Alers‐Rojas Francheska , López Briana A. , Chen Shanting
Published: March 2024

This study examined how adolescents make meaning of racist jokes and their impact on daily well‐being using a sequential mixed‐methods research design with interview (N = 20; 60% girls, 5% gender‐nonconforming; 45% Asian American, 40% Latina/o/x, 10% Black, 5% biracial/multiethnic) and daily diary data (N = 168; 54% girls; 57% Latina/o/x, 21% biracial/multiethnic, 10% Asian American, 9% White, 4% Black). Qualitative results revealed that racist jokes were common, distinct from other overt forms of discrimination, and perceived as harmless when perpetrated by friends. Quantitatively, approximately half of adolescents reported hearing at least one racist joke during the study period, and racist jokes by friends were associated with higher daily angry, anxious, and depressed moods and stress. Racist jokes by known others and strangers were also significantly associated with poorer well‐being, although less consistently. Findings highlight the hidden harmful effects of racist jokes on adolescents’ daily mood and stress.
Phylogenomics of the geometrid tribe Palyadini (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) reveals contrasting patterns of phylogenetic signal in wing colour characters
Authors: Joele Flávia R. , Dias Filho Manoel M. , Jasso‐Martínez Jovana M. , Garzón‐Orduña Ivonne J.
Published: March 2024

Next generation sequencing techniques currently represent a practical and efficient way to infer robust evolutionary hypotheses. Palyadini is a small Neotropical tribe of geometrid moths composed of six genera that feature strikingly colourful wings. Here, we investigated patterns of evolution and amount of phylogenetic signal contained in various colour characters featured in the wings of members of this tribe by (i) inferring a robust phylogenetic hypothesis using ultraconserved elements (UCEs), and afterwards, (ii) mapping the morphological characters onto the molecular topology under a parsimonious ancestral character optimization. Our matrix, obtained with 60% completeness, includes 754 UCE loci and 73 taxa (64 ingroup, nine outgroup). Maximum likelihood and parsimony generated largely identical topologies with strongly supported nodes, except for one node inside the genus Opisthoxia. According to our topology, most wing colour characters are reconstructed as homoplastic, particularly at the tribe level, but five of the seven provide evidence supporting common ancestry at the genus level. Our results emphasize, once again, that no character system is infallible, and that more research is necessary to take our understanding of the evolution of wing colour in moths to a level comparable with the knowledge we have for butterflies.
RACK1 promotes autophagy via the PERK signaling pathway to protect against traumatic brain injury in rats
Authors: Ni Haibo , Kan Xugang , Rui Qin , Zhang Yang , Zhai Weiwei , Zhang Baole , Yu Zhengquan
Published: March 2024

Aims

Neuronal cell death is a primary factor that determines the outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We previously revealed the importance of receptor for activated C kinase (RACK1), a multifunctional scaffold protein, in maintaining neuronal survival after TBI, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying RACK1‐mediated neuroprotection in TBI.

Methods

TBI model was established using controlled cortical impact injury in Sprague–Dawley rats. Genetic intervention and pharmacological inhibition of RACK1 and PERK‐autophagy signaling were administrated by intracerebroventricular injection. Western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation, transmission electron microscopy, real‐time PCR, immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, Nissl staining, neurobehavioral tests, and contusion volume assessment were performed.

Results

Endogenous RACK1 was upregulated and correlated with autophagy induction after TBI. RACK1 knockdown markedly inhibited TBI‐induced autophagy, whereas RACK1 overexpression exerted the opposite effects. Moreover, RACK1 overexpression ameliorated neuronal apoptosis, neurological deficits, and cortical tissue loss after TBI, and these effects were abrogated by the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine or siRNAs targeting Beclin1 and Atg5. Mechanistically, RACK1 interacted with PERK and activated PERK signaling. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of the PERK pathway abolished RACK1‐induced autophagy after TBI.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that RACK1 protected against TBI‐induced neuronal damage partly through autophagy induction by regulating the PERK signaling pathway.
Normobaric hyperoxia alleviates complement C3‐mediated synaptic pruning and brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Wu Moxin , Chen Kai , Zhao Yasong , Jiang Min , Bao Bing , Yu Wenmin , Chen Zhiying , Yin Xiaoping
Published: March 2024

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common cerebrovascular disease, and the complement cascade exacerbates brain injury after ICH. As the most abundant component of the complement system, complement component 3 (C3) plays essential roles in all three complement pathways. However, the effects of C3 on neurological impairment and brain injury in ICH patients and the related mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) is regarded as a treatment for ICH patients, and recent clinical studies also have confirmed the neuroprotective role of NBO against acute ICH‐mediated brain damage, but the underlying mechanism still remains elusive.

Aims

In the present study, we investigated the effects of complement C3 on NBO‐treated ICH patients and model mice, and the underlying mechanism of NBO therapy in ICH‐mediated brain injury.

Results

Hemorrhagic injury resulted in the high plasma C3 levels in ICH patients, and the plasma C3 levels were closely related to hemorrhagic severity and clinical outcomes after ICH. BO treatment alleviated neurologic impairments and rescued the hemorrhagic‐induced increase in plasma C3 levels in ICH patients and model mice. Moreover, the results indicated that NBO exerted its protective effects of on brain injury after ICH by downregulating the expression of C3 in microglia and alleviating microglia‐mediated synaptic pruning.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that NBO exerts its neuroprotective effects by reducing C3‐mediated synaptic pruning, which suggested that NBO therapy could be used for the clinical treatment of ICH.
Biosignatures of defective sebaceous gland activity in sebum‐rich and sebum‐poor skin areas in adult atopic dermatitis
Authors: Cavallo Alessia , Camera Emanuela , Bottillo Grazia , Maiellaro Miriam , Truglio Mauro , Marini Federico , Chavagnac‐Bonneville Marlène , Fauger Aurélie , Perrier Eric , Pigliacelli Flavia , Picardo Mauro , Cristaudo Antonio , Mariano Maria
Published: March 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a composite disease presenting disruption of the skin permeability barrier (SPB) in the stratum corneum (SC). Recent evidence supports derangement of the sebaceous gland (SG) activity in the AD pathomechanisms. The objective of this study was to delineate profiles of both sebaceous and epidermal lipids and of aminoacids from SG‐rich (SGR) and SG‐poor (SGP) areas in AD. Both sebum and SC were sampled from SGR areas, while SC was sampled also from SGP areas in 54 adult patients with AD, consisting of 34 and 20 subjects, respectively with and without clinical involvement of face, and in 44 age and sex‐matched controls. Skin biophysics were assessed in all sampling sites. Disruption of the SBP was found to be associated with dysregulated lipidome. Abundance of sapienate and lignocerate, representing, respectively, sebum and the SC type lipids, were decreased in sebum and SC from both SGR and SGP areas. Analogously, squalene was significantly diminished in AD, regardless the site. Extent of lipid derangement in SGR areas was correlated with the AD severity. The abundance of aminoacids in the SC from SGR areas was altered more than that determined in SGP areas. Several gender‐related differences were found in both controls and AD subgroups. In conclusion, the SG activity was differently compromised in adult females and males with AD, in both SGR and SGP areas. In AD, alterations in the aminoacidome profiles were apparent in the SGR areas. Lipid signatures in association with aminoacidome and skin physical properties may serve the definition of phenotype clusters that associate with AD severity and gender.
Investigating long short‐term memory approach for extremist messages detection in Kazakh language
Authors: Zhenisbekovna Mussiraliyeva Shynar , Aslanbekkyzy Bolatbek Milana , Bolatkyzy Baispay Gulshat
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in both individuals and organizations utilizing social networks for illicit purposes. This trend can be viewed as a potential threat to the national security of the country. In this article, the authors pay attention to how various extremist organizations use social networks in their activities, and offer LSTM‐based models for classifying extremist texts in Kazakh on web resources. The main purpose of the article is to classify Kazakh texts in social networks into extremist and non‐extremist classes. The authors employed techniques such as Tf‐Idf, Word2Vec, Bag of Words (BoW), and n‐grams in experiments. A list of extremist keywords in the Kazakh language and, accordingly, a corpus of extremist texts in the Kazakh language were created for training and testing machine learning methods. As a result, the authors introduced a model that demonstrated superior performance across all evaluation metrics in machine learning for detecting extremist texts in the Kazakh language. The theoretical significance of this study lies in its comprehensive exploration of methods and algorithms for detecting extremist activities and organizations. The foundational findings derived from this research can contribute valuable insights to the global scientific community. The practical implications, including the developed methodology can be utilized by authorized entities to enhance information security, safeguard critical infrastructure, and combat online extremism.
Early access flow rate predicts vascular access patency‐related intervention in the first year: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bergmann Matthias , Fakhoury Butros , Barroso Tiago , Prushik Scott G. , Jaber Bertrand L. , Balakrishnan Vaidyanathapuram S.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Arteriovenous fistulas and grafts are lifelines for most hemodialysis patients, and a low access flow rate often requires patency‐related intervention, such as angioplasty or thrombectomy, to prevent access failure. We examined whether early access flow rate, measured after initial fistula/graft cannulation, predicts vascular access patency‐related intervention within 1 year.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective cohort study. Among 172 patients undergoing surgical creation of a fistula/graft, 52 (30.2%) had documented access flow rates measurement by the Transonic™ ultrasound dilution technique, performed within an average of 48 days from initial access cannulation. The need for a patency‐related intervention, defined as undergoing a fistulogram, angioplasty, thrombectomy, or surgical revision, was ascertained within 1 year. A receiver‐operating characteristic curve (ROC) was generated to evaluate the diagnostic performance of first and average access flow rates for predicting patency‐related intervention within 1 year.

Findings

Twenty‐eight (53.8%) of the 52 study subjects required a patency‐related intervention within 1 year. Their characteristics were not significantly different from those who did not require patency‐related interventions. However, first access flow rates were significantly lower in patients requiring patency‐related intervention compared to those who did not (898 vs. 1471 mL/min; p = 0.003), as were average access flow rates (841 vs. 1506 mL/min; p < 0.001). The ROC analyses revealed that first access flow rates and average access flow rates predicted the need for patency‐related intervention within 1 year, with an area under‐the‐ROC curve of 0.743 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.608, 0.877) and 0.775 (95% CI 0.648, 0.903), respectively, demonstrating acceptable discrimination.

Discussion

In adults undergoing hemodialysis, early access flow rate measurement can predict patency‐related intervention within 1 year after initial vascular access cannulation. Additional studies are required to confirm these findings and identify optimal access flow rate cut‐off values to predict vascular accesses at higher risk of stenosis.
Effect of microencapsulated thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil on the antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of starch food packaging
Authors: Guimarães Maria Clara , Marangoni Junior Luís , de Souza Teodoro Carlos Eduardo , Prata Ana Silvia , de Melo Nathalia Ramos
Published: March 2024

This research endeavoured to explore the potential application of thyme essential oil (TEO) in the production of cassava starch (CS) films for active packaging. The study incorporated TEO both in its unencapsulated form and encapsulated through complex coacervation into the cassava starch film. The antimicrobial properties of the resulting films were assessed. The control films and those exhibiting antimicrobial activity were subjected to extensive physicochemical characterisation, including measurements of thickness, mechanical properties, visual analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM), colour, luminosity, opacity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), moisture content, solubility, and vapour transmission. The outcomes indicated that the presence of TEO, whether in its unencapsulated or encapsulated form, significantly affected the roughness of the CS films, reducing their solubility and enhancing their hydrophobicity compared to the control. It was also observed that unencapsulated TEO negatively impacted the films' integrity, whereas encapsulated TEO displayed a synergistic effect with CS films, improving their barrier properties and suggesting their potential use in food packaging applications.
New applications of soybean residues in food development
Authors: Cao Zhongwen , Xie Chengcheng , Zhou Lingchen , Yang Cheng , Meng Xiangren
Published: March 2024

Soybean residue plays an important role in the food industry as a by‐product of soybean processing, especially for functional foods which are beneficial for human health. It can significantly augment the protein, dietary fibre and other crucial nutrients in food products. This fortification process can not only help in regulating blood glucose levels and minimising the risk of obesity but also play an imperative role in offering medicinal benefits to diabetic patients. In the past few years, soybean residues have been found extensive application in functional food items like noodles, cakes, meat products, beverages and seasoning, which have gained significant traction among consumers. Therefore, the utilisation of soybean residues in the food industry presents significant potential for growth and serves as a valuable source of guidance and inspiration for the advancement of functional foods.
Use of kidney failure risk equation as a tool to evaluate referrals from primary care to specialist nephrology care
Authors: Li Katherine , Pirabhahar Saiyini , Thomsett Max , Turner Kylie , Wainstein Marina , Ha Jeffrey T. , Katz Ivor
Published: March 2024

Background

With rising costs and burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD), timely referral of patients to a kidney specialist is crucial. Currently, Kidney Health Australia (KHA) uses a ‘heat map’ based on severity and not future risk of kidney failure, whereas the kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) score predicts future risk of progression.

Aims

Evaluate whether a KFRE score assists with timing of CKD referrals.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of 2137 adult patients, referred to tertiary hospital outpatient nephrologist between 2012 and 2020, were analysed. Referrals were analysed for concordance with the KHA referral guidelines and, with the KFRE score, a recommended practice.

Results

Of 2137 patients, 626 (29%) did not have urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) measurement at referral. For those who had a UACR, the number who met KFRE preferred referral criteria was 36% less than KHA criteria. If the recommended KFRE score was used, then fewer older patients (≥40 years) needed referral. Positively, many diabetes patients were referred, even if their risk of kidney failure was low, and 29% had a KFRE over 3%. For patients evaluated meeting KFRE criteria, a larger proportion (76%) remained in follow‐up, with only 8% being discharged.

Conclusions

KFRE could reduce referrals and be a useful tool to assist timely referrals. Using KFRE for triage may allow those patients with very low risk of future kidney failure not be referred, remaining longer in primary care, saving health resources and reducing patients' stress and wait times. Using KFRE encourages albuminuria measurement.
Testing a recovery‐oriented nursing communication framework to encourage collaboration and discussion about aggression prevention: A mixed methods study
Authors: Scheirich Laura , Maguire Tessa , Daffern Michael
Published: March 2024

Recovery‐oriented practice is essential in healthcare, yet research exploring methods for integrating recovery‐oriented principles in forensic mental health settings is limited. This study involved the co‐development, with mental health care nurses and a lived experience expert, and testing of a recovery‐oriented script for forensic mental health nurses to use when communicating with consumers at high‐risk of imminent aggression. The aim was to examine whether nurses perceived the script as more empathic when the script included specific references to empathy, compared to an equivalent script that did not include empathic statements, and to explore nurses' perspectives on whether the script could help prevent aggression. Nurses (n = 54) working in a secure forensic mental health hospital were randomly allocated to read a script containing statements representing nine recovery‐oriented principles that also included empathic statements, or an equivalent script that did not include empathic statements. After reading the script, the participants completed a questionnaire involving a recovery‐oriented practice scale developed by the authors, measuring the extent to which the scripts reflected recovery‐oriented principles, and open‐ended questions about the script's potential to prevent aggression. Results revealed no significant difference in nurse perceptions of empathy between the two scripts. Content analysis indicated that nurses perceived the scripts could help prevent aggression.
Improving participation equity in dialogic collaborative problem solving: A participatory visual learning analytical approach
Authors: Hu Liru , Chen Gaowei , Wu Jiajun
Published: March 2024

Background

The existing research on dialogue‐based learning and teaching predominantly highlights its capacity to yield productive educational outcomes, yet it often overlooks the pivotal factor of participation equity, which is fundamental to ensuring the efficacy of dialogic teaching and learning.

Objectives

In this study, participation equity refers to a condition in which participation itself and opportunities to participate are fairly distributed among participants and all participants are equally listened to and respected. We designed a technology‐enhanced participatory visual learning analytical approach to promote equitable participation in dialogic collaborative problem solving from four dimensions: participation (i.e., ensuring equal contributions from all participants), opportunity (i.e., promoting equal engagement with others), responsiveness (i.e., encouraging equal attentiveness and responsiveness to others' input), and respect (i.e., cultivating a respectful communication style).

Methods

The intervention class of fourth‐grade students (n = 59) interacted with a participatory visual learning analytical tool to reflect on their participation equity and learn productive peer talk moves to address equity issues concerning the four dimensions, while a comparison class (n = 59) only received simple feedback on participation and respect.

Results

The results indicated that equal participation rates among group members were insufficient to secure participation equity. The intervention was effective in helping students realize and address equity‐related issues. Intervention students were more equitable regarding responsiveness and participation opportunity than the comparison students.

Conclusions

The proposed multidimensional participation equity framework has the potential to deepen the understanding of equity and promote equitable learning interactions.
Overcoming data utilization challenges for built environment flood resilience: Strategies and best practices
Authors: Rathnasiri Pavithra , Adeniyi Onaopepo , Thurairajah Niraj
Published: March 2024

Built environment flood resilience is a critical challenge facing communities worldwide. Amongst various efforts to resilience, the conception towards data utilization becomes popular with enormous technological advancements. Built environment creates varieties of data at larger volumes throughout their life cycle signifying that the importance of these data in the context of flood resilience cannot be ignored. However, despite the power of data, the greatest opportunities that exist for flood resilience enhancement have been mired by numerous and complex unidentified challenges. Thus, identifying these challenges with timely relevant strategies is a significant need. One of the best ways to tackle these challenges is by viewing them through the lens of data life cycle stages. This study, therefore, aimed to identify these challenges in each stage of the data life cycle with strategies to overcome them. Semi‐structured interviews conducted with 12 experts revealed the significant challenges allied with built environment data with potential future strategies. The qualitative content analysis was conducted to analyse the findings. The use of advanced sensing technologies, cloud‐based storage solutions, data governance policies and the development of predictive models are some of the consequential strategies outlined in this study. These findings provide valuable insights and guidance to facilitate built environment data utilization for flood resilience.
Amyloid pathology mediates the associations between plasma fibrinogen and cognition in non‐demented adults
Authors: Ma Li‐Yun , Song Jing‐Hui , Gao Pei‐Yang , Ou Ya‐Nan , Fu Yan , Huang Liang‐Yu , Wang Zuo‐Teng , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Cui Rui‐Ping , Mi Yin‐Chu , Tan Lan ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2024

Though previous studies revealed the potential associations of elevated levels of plasma fibrinogen with dementia, there is still limited understanding regarding the influence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers on these associations. We sought to investigate the interrelationships among fibrinogen, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers, and cognition in non‐demented adults. We included 1996 non‐demented adults from the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) study and 337 from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. The associations of fibrinogen with AD biomarkers and cognition were explored using multiple linear regression models. The mediation analyses with 10 000 bootstrapped iterations were conducted to explore the mediating effects of AD biomarkers on cognition. In addition, interaction analyses and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the influence of covariates on the relationships between fibrinogen and AD biomarkers. Participants exhibiting low Aβ42 were designated as A+, while those demonstrating high phosphorylated tau (P‐tau) and total tau (Tau) were labeled as T+ and N+, respectively. Individuals with normal measures of Aβ42 and P‐tau were categorized as the A−T− group, and those with abnormal levels of both Aβ42 and P‐tau were grouped under A+T+. Fibrinogen was higher in the A+ subgroup compared to that in the A− subgroup (p = 0.026). Fibrinogen was higher in the A+T+ subgroup compared to that in the A−T− subgroup (p = 0.011). Higher fibrinogen was associated with worse cognition and Aβ pathology (all p < 0.05). Additionally, the associations between fibrinogen and cognition were partially mediated by Aβ pathology (mediation proportion range 8%–28%). Interaction analyses and subgroup analyses showed that age and ApoE ε4 affect the relationships between fibrinogen and Aβ pathology. Fibrinogen was associated with both cognition and Aβ pathology. Aβ pathology may be a critical mediator for impacts of fibrinogen on cognition.

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The current state of knowledge on care for co‐occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder: A scoping review
Authors: Archambault Léonie , Bertrand Karine , Martel Marc O. , Bérubé Mélanie , Belhouari Salima , Perreault Michel
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Opioid use disorder often co‐occurs with chronic pain but assessment and treatment of these co‐occurring disorders is complex. This review aims to identify current treatments and delivery models for co‐occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) documented in the scientific literature.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

The review was conducted in six databases in June 2022 (no time limit): CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed and Embase. The PRISMA‐ScR checklist was used to guide reporting.

Results

Forty‐seven publications addressing the issue of co‐occurring chronic pain and OUD management were included. Randomized controlled trials provide evidence for the effectiveness of opioid agonist treatments (OAT) such as methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone, as well as for combining OAT with Mindfulness‐Oriented Recovery Enhancement or cognitive behavioural therapy. A number of other pharmacological treatments (opioid and nonopioid), nonpharmacological treatments (e.g. physiotherapy) and service delivery models (e.g. simultaneous treatment of comorbidities, interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration) are also underlined. In most cases, authors recommend a combination of strategies to meet patient needs.

Conclusions

The scoping review reveals gaps in evidence‐based knowledge to effectively care for co‐occurring chronic pain and OUD, but several experts recommend the uptake of known ‘best’ practices such as integrated treatment of the multiple biopsychosocial dimensions of the co‐occurring disorders as well as collaborative interdisciplinary work.

Clinical Relevance

Improving services is dependent on alleviating barriers such as working in silos, the costs associated with nonpharmacological treatments, and the double stigma associated with pain in people with a substance use disorder.
Effects of occlusal wear on 16‐year progression of non‐carious cervical lesions–Results of the study of health in Pomerania (SHIP‐START)
Authors: Giller Merle , Holtfreter Birte , Ruge Sebastian , Völzke Henry , Bernhardt Olaf
Published: March 2024

Background

It is still discussed whether occlusal wear (OW) affects the formation of non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs).

Objective

To estimate effects of OW on the presence and development of NCCLs, using 16‐year follow‐up data from a cohort study.

Methods

Occlusal and cervical defects were measured in 728 cast models (one from the upper jaw and one from the lower jaw) of 364 participants. Adjusted mixed‐effects ordinal logistic models analysing estimated cross‐sectional (N = 1308 teeth/291 subjects) and longitudinal (N = 718 teeth/226 subjects) associations of OW with NCCLs using tooth level data.

Results

OW size was cross‐sectionally (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.27–2.38 for OW size; OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94–0.99 for squared OW size), but not longitudinally (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.99–1.30) associated with odds of higher NCCL sizes. For cross‐sectional analyses, predicted probabilities of an NCCL size of 0 decreased from about 0.996 to 0.010 for OW sizes of 0 to 25.

Conclusion

Results suggest an association between OW and NCCL size. However, as longitudinal results were non‐significant, while consistent in direction, large‐scaled cohort studies are demanded to more precisely estimate effect strength.
IBSHC: ImprovedBIRCH‐based segmentation and hybrid classification model for Mango Disease Detection
Authors: Lavanya K. , Packialatha A.
Published: March 2024

Mangoes are referred to as the ‘king of fruits’ and are in great demand; yet, in order to optimize profitability, disease control is crucial. Automatic leaf disease segmentation and detection remains challenge due to the variability of symptoms. The basic necessity for any computer‐aided system is an accurate approach for identifying diseases. This paper intends to propose a four‐stage Mango Disease Detection model, IBSHC (Improved BIRCH‐based Segmentation and Hybrid Classification model for mango disease classification) that covers preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification to address this detection problem. Initially, preprocessing phase is performed by using the Gaussian filtering process. Then the improved Balanced Iterative Reducing and Clustering using Hierarchies (BIRCH) process‐based segmentation is carried out in the segmentation phase. Subsequently, the Colour histogram, shape index histogram, improved significant Local Binary Patterns (LBP), and Resnet are the features extracted during the feature extraction phase. Finally, a hybrid classification model is developed for identifying the healthy and diseased mangoes. The optimized Dilated Residual Networks (DRN) and optimized Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) classifiers are employed in this hybrid model, and the PMRFO (Proposed Manta‐Ray‐Foraging Optimization) algorithm is used to optimize the weights of these two classifiers. Finally, the efficiency of the suggested PMRFO is contrasted over other conventional methods, and also the disease detection of the proposed model has better accuracy in each learning percentage like 60th LP = 92.5%, 70th LP = 93%, 80th LP = 94.02%, and 90th LP = 96.5%, respectively.
Revised European guidelines for the accreditation of sleep medicine centres
Authors: Hartley Sarah , Goncalves Marta , Penzel Thomas , Verbraecken Johan , Young Pitt
Published: March 2024

The accreditation of sleep centres aims to ensure high‐quality diagnosis and management of sleep centres. European accreditation standards were introduced in 2006, and were aimed at centres offering inpatient polysomnography and vigilance tests (Mean Sleep Latency Test and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test). Since then, the practice of sleep medicine has evolved, with greater use of ambulatory polysomnography and polygraphy. As a result, in many sleep centres, actual clinical practice, although of a high standard, is no longer in accordance with the published guidelines. The current criteria have been revised with the introduction of level‐based criteria. Level 1 and 2 centres offer full diagnostic testing in a laboratory‐based setting. Level 1 practices will usually be university affiliated, and have a full teaching and active research role. Level 3 and 4 practices may offer both inpatient and ambulatory testing. Level 3 practices perform polysomnography, while level 4 practices (usually monodisciplinary and focussed on sleep apnea) perform polygraphy only. The role of the medical and paramedical team, training, appropriate equipment, patient care pathways and patient management according to national/European recommendations is underlined for accreditation at each level. It is anticipated that the guidelines will be reviewed and if necessary revised after 4 years.
First molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae), a blood‐sucking gastric nematode of artiodactyles, in the ground beetle Carabus granulatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Werszko Joanna , Wilamowski Konrad , Kraszewska Olga , Bakier Sławomir , Pyziel Anna Maria
Published: March 2024

Among gastrointestinal nematodes, Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi) Cobb (order Strongylidae; family Trichostrongylidae) is one of pathogenic and economic importance in domestic and wild ruminants, including the European bison, Bison bonasus Linnaeus (order Cetartiodactyla; family Bovidae); a species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Carabus granulatus Linnaeus (order Coleoptera; family Carabidae) is one of the most prevalent species of ground beetle, inhabiting a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems in Poland. Twenty‐six ground beetles of this species inhabiting the Białowieża Primeval Forest in eastern Poland were screened for the presence of DNA of pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants. Extracted DNA was sequenced and compared to reference sequences. In six insects, the presence of H. contortus DNA was detected. The obtained nucleotide sequences were homologous to each other and to the majority of the published DNA sequences of H. contortus isolates. The sequences were also identical to a sequence of H. contortus isolated from European bison in Poland. The study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of H. contortus DNA in C. granulatus. The finding suggests that ground beetles may play a role in the transmission dynamics of this parasite.