bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parent‐reported barriers to establishing a healthy diet with young children in Australia
Authors: Arthur Sally , Mitchell Amy E. , Morawska Alina
Published: November 2022

Background

Parents' beliefs and behaviours affect children's nutrition, eating behaviours, and health outcomes; however, little is known about parents' experiences and perspectives on establishing a healthy diet with young children.

Methods

A community‐recruited sample of 391 parents of young children (under age 5) completed an anonymous cross‐sectional online survey assessing the degree to which their children met recommendations outlined in Australian nutrition guidelines, perceived barriers to establishing a healthy diet with their child, and interest in receiving tips/information about establishing healthy eating habits with their children. Descriptive statistics illustrated proportions of children adhering to recommendations. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.

Results

Adherence to recommended nutrition guidelines varied across age groups. Most children across all age groups had water as their main drink, routinely consumed a variety of fruit, and consumed sweet drinks or fast foods only rarely. In contrast, less than half of 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds regularly consumed a variety of vegetables. The proportion of children consuming discretionary “treat” foods increased sharply over the first 2 years of life, and two thirds of 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐year‐olds consumed treat foods a few days per week or more. Parent‐reported barriers to establishing a healthy diet with young children included child behavioural factors (e.g., dislike of vegetables), parental influences (e.g., lack of time), family dynamics (e.g., influence of extended family) and external influences (e.g., external environment). Parents were most often interested in ways to modify child behaviour and information about child nutrition.

Conclusions

Parents cite child behavioural issues as a major barrier to establishing a healthy diet with young children. Behavioural interventions that provide parents with information and support onhowto establish a healthy diet with young children, as opposed to educational interventions focusing mainly onwhatchildren should be eating, may better meet families' needs.
Targeted dietary approaches for the management of obesity and severe obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Southcombe Faye , Lin Fang , Krstic Slavica , Sim Kyra A. , Dennis Sarah , Lingam Raghu , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

There is a need for a detailed understanding of effective dietary interventions for children with obesity. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of diets of varying energy content as a component of weight treatment in children and adolescents with obesity, severe obesity and obesity‐related comorbidity. A systematic search of six databases, from 2000 to 2021, for intervention studies of targeted dietary treatment for obesity in children aged 2–18 years identified 125 studies. Dietary interventions were grouped according to diet type and energy target. Risk of bias was assessed using the Effective Public Healthcare Panacea Project assessment tool. Meta‐analysis examined change in body mass index (BMI) at intervention end. A broad array of diet types were effective at reducing BMI in children with obesity. When dietary types were considered by energy target, a gradient effect was observed. Very‐low energy diets were most effective with a − 4.40 kg/m2 (n = 3; 95% CI –7.01 to −1.79). While dietary interventions with no specified energy target were ineffective, resulting in a BMI gain of +0.17 kg/m2 (n = 22; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.40). Practical definitions of dietary energy target in the management of obesity and severe obesity are urgently required to ensure treatment seeking children have timely access to efficacious interventions.
‘It's somewhere here, isn't it’? The provision of information and health warnings for alcoholic beverages sold online in New Zealand and the United Kingdom
Authors: Shen Vicky , Haffner Lily , Walker Natalie , Ni Mhurchu Cliona , Lang Bodo
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Alcohol beverages in many countries are required to display health information and warnings on all product packaging, given the individual and societal harm caused by alcohol. It is unclear whether consumers purchasing alcohol online are able to easily view such information. This study examines the presence, type and location of mandatory and voluntary health information and warnings consumers are exposed to when entering online alcohol retail shopping environments in the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand (NZ).

Methods

Using an observational study design, 1407 randomly sampled alcoholic beverages from 14 online alcohol retailers (7 per country) were reviewed to ascertain the visual presence or absence of mandatory and voluntary health information and warnings.

Results

UK online alcohol retailers were more compliant than NZ retailers in showing mandatory health information (e.g., alcohol by volume percentage was visible on 92% of alcoholic beverages sold online in the UK, compared to 31% in NZ, p < 0.001). A similar pattern was noted for voluntary health warnings. Online retailers in both countries had a low proportion of alcohol products with the viewable mandatory information, and voluntary health warnings were rarely present and/or viewable.

Discussion and Conclusions

Mandatory health information and warnings for alcoholic beverages are not fully adhered to within the UK and NZ online retail environments, impacting the ability of consumers to make informed purchase decisions. In both countries, alcohol policy needs to stipulate that mandatory health information and warnings should be clearly viewable on the product page and product imagery of online alcohol retailers.
The spillover effects of parental verbal conflict on classmates' cognitive and noncognitive outcomes
Authors: Zhou Weina , Hill Andrew J.
Published: November 2022

This study shows that children exposed to Interparental Verbal Conflict (IPVC) exert negative spillovers on their peers. Our first identification strategy uses within‐school, across‐classroom variation in peer's IPVC in schools that randomly assign students into classrooms. Our second strategy uses within‐student, year‐to‐year changes in peer's IPVC to control for peer's pre‐existing characteristics. Both results suggest that being randomly assigned to classes where more classmates experience IPVC reduces mental wellbeing, lowers social engagement, diminishes self‐confidence, and increases the likelihood of problem behaviors. Effects operate by damaging relationships between classmates. There is no evidence of impacts on test scores or teacher behavior.
Responsive neurostimulation with low‐frequency stimulation
Authors: Alcala‐Zermeno Juan Luis , Starnes Keith , Gregg Nicholas M. , Worrell Greg , Lundstrom Brian N.
Published: November 2022

Deep brain stimulation and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) use high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) per the pivotal trials and manufacturer‐recommended therapy protocols. However, not all patients respond to HFS. In this retrospective case series, 10 patients implanted with the RNS System were programmed with low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) to treat their seizures; nine of these patients were previously treated with HFS (100 Hz or greater). LFS was defined as frequency < 10 Hz. Burst duration was increased to at least 1000 ms. With HFS, patients had a median seizure reduction (MSR) of 13% (interquartile range [IQR] = −67 to 54) after a median of 19 months (IQR = 8–49). In contrast, LFS was associated with a 67% MSR (IQR = 13–95) when compared to HFS and 76% MSR (IQR = 43–91) when compared to baseline prior to implantation. Charge delivered per hour and pulses per day were not significantly different between HFS and LFS, although time stimulated per day was longer for LFS (228 min) than for HFS (7 min). There were no LFS‐specific adverse effects reported by any of the patients. LFS could represent an alternative, effective method for delivering stimulation in focal drug‐resistant epilepsy patients treated with the RNS System.
Optimal equity valuation using multiples: The number of comparable firms
Authors: Cooper Ian , Lambertides Neophytos
Published: November 2022

We examine how the accuracy of a multiples‐based valuation changes as the number of comparable firms used to estimate the valuation multiple increases. Our research is motivated by a contrast between the approach followed by practitioners, who typically use a small number of closely comparable firms, and the academic literature which often uses all firms in an industry. Using a simple selection rule based on growth rates, we find that using 10 closely comparable firms is as accurate on average as using the entire cross‐section of firms in an industry. The loss of accuracy from using five comparable firms rather than 10 firms or the entire industry is not great.
Skin ageing: Clinical aspects and in vivo microscopic patterns observed with reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Pezzini Claudia , Ciardo Silvana , Guida Stefania , Kaleci Shaniko , Chester Johanna , Casari Alice , Manfredini Marco , Longo Caterina , Farnetani Francesca , Brugués Ariadna Ortiz , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Few studies have combined high‐resolution, non‐invasive imaging, such as standardized clinical images, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), for age‐related skin change characterization according to age groups. This study aimed to correlate clinical manifestations of ageing with skin cytoarchitectural background observed with high‐resolution, non‐invasive imaging according to age‐related skin pattern distribution. A set of 140 non‐pathological facial skin images were retrospectively retrieved from a research database. Subjects, aged between 20 and 89, were divided into 7 age groups. Clinical features were explored with VISIA, including hyperpigmentation, skin texture, wrinkles, pores and red areas, quantified and expressed as automated absolute scores. Previously described RCM and OCT epidermal and dermal features associated with ageing were investigated. All features were assessed for distribution and correlation among age groups. Significant direct correlations between age and clinical features were proven for cutaneous hyperpigmentation, skin texture, wrinkles and red areas. As age advances, RCM epidermal irregular honeycomb and mottled pigmentation are more frequently observed and collagen is more frequently coarse, huddled and curled, while the epidermis in OCT is thickened and the dermal density is decreased with more disrupted collagen fibres. RCM and OCT feature changes correlate directly and indirectly as well as correlating directly and indirectly with standardized clinical images. Clinical manifestations of ageing correlate with skin cytoarchitectural background observed with RCM and OCT. In conclusion, complimentary information between standardized clinical images and high‐resolution, non‐invasive imaging will assist in the development of future studies dedicated to skin ageing assessment and treatment effectiveness.
Are thermal constraints shaping foraging ant assemblages in tropical regions? Integrating thermal and morphological traits to understand consequences of land‐use transformation
Authors: Leong Chi‐Man , Wang Runxi , Cheung Shun‐Chi , Jaitrong Weeyawat , Guénard Benoit
Published: November 2022

Understanding mechanistic processes driving biodiversity change in land‐use transformation is paramount but challenging.

Functional trait‐based approach provides a framework to understand the environmental filtering process of species composition shifts. Yet, trait selection bias may affect the results on forecasting species dynamics, subsequent analyses and the scope of conclusions, in particular, if most studies on terrestrial arthropods rely exclusively on the use of a subset of morphological traits. The integration of ecophysiological traits could then provide additional dimensions of environmental filtering caused by land‐use conversion.

Our study investigates how land‐use conversion from forest to rubber plantation impacts functional traits distribution and trait space in foraging ant assemblages in tropical Thailand by integrating both physiological and morphological traits.

The results showed that both physiological and morphological traits may explain, although unevenly, the differences observed in ant assemblages between forest and rubber plantation. The use of Critical Thermal maximum provided an important and unique role for differentiating assemblages encountered in both habitats and in characterising the niche structure of species assemblage from forest.

The use of particular traits can thus improve our perception of species dynamic along land‐use gradient. To advance our knowledge on the species responses and consequences of land‐use changes, the use of different types of functional traits is recommended.
Dental team member compliance with personal protective equipment and aerosol‐generating procedure recommendations during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Israel: An observational study
Authors: Yellon David , Schwartz Dara , Markovich Dan Dekel , Herman Hagit Domb , Kooby Eli , Jarallah Mutaz , Liphshiz Irena , Vaturi Azza , Natapov Lena
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Coronaviruses which have been responsible for numerous epidemics worldwide, share common transmission modalities and pose a risk within dental clinics. Updated, COVID‐19‐specific infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines for dental settings, including minimizing aerosol‐generating procedures (AGPs), were issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health (MoH) in spring 2020.

This study investigated dental team members (dentists, dental assistants and hygienists) compliance with MoH recommendations exposed to asymptomatic COVID‐19 positive patients.

Methods

The MoH analysed exposure reports from dental clinics to asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients following their reopening (April 2020). Exposure reports were verified against a COVID‐19 national database. A cumulative transmission rate was calculated and compared to the rate in the population.

Results

One thousand three hundred twenty‐third exposure reports were received (May 1–December 31, 2020) regarding dental team members who treated asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients: 525 (39.7%) were dentists, 656 (49.6%) dental assistants and 126 (9.5%) hygienists. Practitioner type was not reported in 16 (1.2%) cases.

Most dental team members reported full PPE use and performance of short/non‐aerosol‐generating procedures. Dentists and hygienists reported higher compliance compared with dental assistants.

8 (0.6%) dental team members (four dentists, four dental assistants) were positive post‐exposure, with an average of 5.4 days (median 5 days, SD = 4.8) from dental treatment to a positive COVID‐19 test.

Principal Conclusions

Most dental team members complied fully with the MoH recommendations. Differences were found between the dental team members (hygienists being most adherent). Further efforts are required to encourage full compliance.
Inequality and informality revisited: The Latin American case
Authors: AMARANTE Verónica , ARIM Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

Despite the striking presence in many developing economies of the two distinctive features of high levels of income inequality and significant informal employment, the literature addressing the relationship between these features is scarce, especially for Latin America. In this paper, we highlight the ambiguous relationship between inequality and informality by identifying the various factors that may affect it. We then empirically test this relationship using panel data pertaining to Latin America between 1990–2018. In these context‐specific conditions, our findings reveal a positive association between formalization in the labour market and labour income equality.
Influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Qingjiao , Ying Gu , Jing Ouyang , Zhang Yizhi , Liu Yang , Deng Meijie , Long Shirong
Published: November 2022

This study aims to systematically review and identify the related influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs)in diabetic patients. We searched PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang and VIP databases to identify eligible studies published before March 31, 2022 to collect case–control studies or cohort studies on the related influencing factors for the recurrence of DFUs. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, and extracted data. Also, they assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. A meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan5.4.1 software. 20 studies were included; 4238 patients were enrolled, in which 1567 were in the DFU recurrence group and 2671 were in the non‐recurrent DFU group. Risk factors for the recurrence of DFUs included diabetic peripheral neuropathy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.05, 95% CI, 2.50‐6.58,P < 0.00001), peripheral vascular disease (OR = 3.94, 95% CI, 2.65‐5.84,P < 0.00001), poor blood glucose control (OR = 3.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79‐3.84,P < 0.00001), plantar ulcer (OR = 3.66, 95% CI, 2.06‐6.50,P < 0.00001), osteomyelitis (OR = 7.17, 95% CI, 2.29‐22.47,P = 0.0007), smoking (OR = 1.98, 95% CI, 1.65‐2.38,P < 0.00001), history of amputation (OR = 11.96, 95%CI, 4.60‐31.14,P < 00001), multidrug‐resistant bacterial infection (OR = 3.61, 95%CI, 3.13‐4.17,P < 0.00001), callus (OR = 5.70, 95%CI, 1.36‐23.89,P = 0.02), previous diabetic foot ulcer (OR = 4.10, 95% CI, 2.58‐6.50,P < 0.00001), duration of previous diabetic foot ulcer >60d (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.00‐1.03,P = 0.004), history of vascular intervention (OR = 3.20, 95% CI, 2.13‐4.81,P < 0.00001) and Wagner grade III/IV (OR = 4.40, 95% CI, 2.21‐8.78,P < 0.0001). However, no significant differences were found in age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, total cholesterol or foot deformity. Recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers is affected by a variety of factors. Thus, we should focus on high‐risk groups and take targeted interventions as soon as possible to reduce the recurrence rate of DFUs, because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more rigorous studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to verify the conclusion.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the perioperative transition to specialty practice program
Authors: Skiller Amy , Considine Julie , Nicholson Patricia
Published: November 2022

Aim

To understand how the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted nurse educators' and novice nurses' experience with the perioperative transition to specialty practice program.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with five perioperative nurse educators and five perioperative transition to specialty practice program participants from a major metropolitan health service in Melbourne. Data were collected between April and July 2021. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were identified. The value of the perioperative transition to specialty practice program in supporting novice nurses was recognized in the theme ‘Nurturing our novices’. Widespread changes to clinical practice were demonstrated in the theme ‘Every day is different’, including changes to elective surgery, redeployment of staff and the transmission risk of COVID‐19. ‘The perils and joys of online learning’ revealed both challenges and benefits of transitioning theoretical education from face‐to‐face to online delivery. ‘Roller coaster of emotions’ represented the heightened emotions participants experienced due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. ‘Looking back to move forward’ encompassed participants' reflections on the year, considering the challenges, adaptive strategies and the future of perioperative nursing education.

Conclusion

The perioperative transition to specialty practice program was significantly impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants needed to adapt to rapid and frequent changes, which contributed to feelings of emotional distress, affected consolidation of clinical learning and reduced engagement with theoretical education.

Impact

Perioperative nurses should acknowledge that opportunities for learning were decreased for transition to specialty practice program participants during the pandemic. Ongoing support and education should be provided, to nurture the future generation of perioperative nurses.
Redefinition of the Glyptonsternine genus Pareuchiloglanis (Teleostei: Sisoridae), with descriptions of three new genera
Authors: Li Xu , Dao Wei , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2022

The genus Pareuchiloglanis (Sisoridae) contains 20 valid species and 5 species with uncertain taxonomic status. Previous morphological and molecular studies indicated that Pareuchiloglanis was non‐monophyletic; nonetheless, no change was made to correct the taxonomy of the genus. Therefore, the authors conducted a systematic morphological comparison and molecular phylogenetic study on Pareuchiloglanis. The results showed that Pareuchiloglanis is a polyphyletic group. Species previously identified as Pareuchiloglanis can be divided into four groups, of which Pareuchiloglanis poilanei alone has the genus name Pareuchiloglanis. The remaining three groups of species are contained within new genera named Barbeuchiloglanis, Sineuchiloglanis and Tremeuchiloglanis. Each genus has a distinct distribution that does not cross or overlap. The molecular results supported the reliability of morphological classification and indicated that the four genera were not directly related to one another. Specifically, Sineuchiloglanis and Tremeuchiloglanis shared no recent common ancestor. In contrast, Sineuchiloglanis formed a sister group with Chimarrichthys, and Tremeuchiloglanis formed a sister group with Creteuchiloglanis and Pseudexostoma.
Structure–function relationship of resistant starch formation: Enhancement technologies and need for more viable alternatives for whole rice grains
Authors: Sahoo Bijendra , Roy Anupam
Published: November 2022

The aim of this review is to gather information on key controlling parameters affecting resistant starch (RS) formation, different strategies for its enhancement and to direct future prospect of viable RS enhancement technologies in whole rice. To achieve this, a thorough literature review is done, and the possible ways are suggested. People in developing countries rely on starch‐based whole rice. Excessive rice consumption may promote several potential health diseases, such as obesity, type II diabetes, and the risk of colorectal cancer. RS, functionally similar to dietary fiber, could effectively minimize and control such health diseases. Therefore, successive progress in the enhancement of RS content in starch‐based powder or flour has been achieved through the improvement of functional attributes of starch with the adoption of different methodologies (genetic, physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments). However, as people primarily consume starch‐rich whole rice grains in their regular diet than diets with rice flour, the functional attributes of whole rice grains without destroying its native structure and wholesomeness should be developed. Physical treatment could be more inexpensive and effective than chemical and enzymatic methods while applying on whole rice grains. But it does not improve as much RS level in whole rice as compared to other methods. Hence, one or more physical treatments could be combined with each other or may be conjugated with chemical or enzymatic treatment for significant improvement of rice RS.

Practical applications

Recently, people are much concerned about functional diets which are capable to provide nutritive value as well as to minimize potential health diseases. Such awareness enhances the consumption of resistant starch, like dietary fiber. Cereals like rice contain meager amount of resistant starch. Hence, the demand for resistant starch in our body cannot be fulfilled through rice consumption. The only way to resolve this problem is to enhance resistant starch content in whole rice grains through developing different process modification (physical, chemical, and enzymatic). To develop such modified process technologies, a detailed knowledge on the key controlling parameters affecting starch RS formation and different strategies for enhancement of RS content is required. This review explores the current status of RS enhancement strategies and tried to explore the possible future directions of viable RS enhancement technologies for whole grain.
Evolution of lmiRNAs and their targets from MITEs for rice adaptation
Authors: Huang Tianxiao , Li Yan , Wang Wei , Xu Le , Li Jingrui , Qi Yijun
Published: November 2022

Twenty‐four nucleotide long microRNAs (lmiRNAs) direct DNA methylation at target genes and regulate their transcription. The evolutionary origin of lmiRNAs and the range of lmiRNA‐mediated regulation remain obscure. Here, we reannotated lmiRNAs and their targets in rice by applying stringent criteria. We found that the majority of lmiRNAs are derived from Miniature Inverted‐repeat Transposable Elements (MITEs) and most sites targeted by MITE‐derived lmiRNAs reside within MITEs, suggesting co‐evolution of lmiRNAs and their targets through MITE amplification. lmiRNAs undergo dynamically changes under stress conditions and the genes targeted by lmiRNAs show an enrichment for stress‐responsive genes, suggesting that lmiRNAs are widely involved in plant responses to stresses. We constructed the evolutionary histories of lmiRNAs and their targets. Nearly half of lmiRNAs emerged before or when the AA genome was diverged, while the emergence of lmiRNA targets coincided with or followed the emergence of lmiRNAs. Furthermore, we found that the sequences of a lmiRNA target site underwent variations, coincident with the divergence of rice accessions and the distribution of rice accessions in different geographical locations and climatic conditions. Our findings highlight MITEs as an important origin of lmiRNAs and suggest that the evolution of lmiRNA‐target regulatory modules may contribute to rice adaptation to environmental changes.
The role of the neuronal microenvironment in sensory function and pain pathophysiology
Authors: Starobova Hana , Alshammari Ammar , Winkler Ingrid G. , Vetter Irina
Published: November 2022

The high prevalence of pain and the at times low efficacy of current treatments represent a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Effective treatment strategies require consideration of the diverse pathophysiologies that underlie various pain conditions. Indeed, our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to aberrant sensory neuron function has advanced considerably. However, sensory neurons operate in a complex dynamic microenvironment that is controlled by multidirectional interactions of neurons with non‐neuronal cells, including immune cells, neuronal accessory cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and keratinocytes. Each of these cells constitute and control the microenvironment in which neurons operate, inevitably influencing sensory function and the pathology of pain. This review highlights the importance of the neuronal microenvironment for sensory function and pain, focusing on cellular interactions in the skin, nerves, dorsal root ganglia, and spinal cord. We discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms by which neurons and non‐neuronal cells communicate to promote or resolve pain, and how this knowledge could be used for the development of mechanism‐based treatments.

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‘Eyesight to the Blind’: Secular and Religious Dialogue in the ‘Devil's Music’
Authors: Curtis Bruce
Published: November 2022

I adopt a dialogic approach to refute Paul Oliver’s claim that there is no challenge to the authority of the black Church or religion in the segregated ‘race records’ of the first half of the 20th century in the United States. I dismiss the claims of some black theologians that the presence of biblical imagery in the blues means that performers were essentially religious. I show that the dialogue between secular song and religious sermons on record involved mutual parody, satire, and polemic in a common speech genre. Attacks on the Church, its members, clergy, and doctrines were common. Recorded sermons spoke back in defense. Mikhail Bakhtin's concepts offer purchase on the relations between secular and religious recordings in an ongoing struggle for hegemony in black cultural production.
Quality‐of‐life outcomes following topical melatonin application against acute radiation dermatitis in patients with early breast cancer: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Zetner Dennis , Kamby Claus , Gülen Sengül , Christophersen Camilla , Paulsen Cecilie B. , Piga Emily , Hoffmeyer Bodil , Mahmood Faisal , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: November 2022

The aim of this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study was to investigate whether topical melatonin administered during radiation therapy could increase the quality of life in patients with primary breast cancer. Patients were followed from the first radiation fraction until 3 weeks after the last. The patients applied 1 g of cream to the irradiated area of the skin twice daily, consisting of either 25 mg/g melatonin and 150 mg/g dimethyl sulfoxide, or a placebo cream. Outcomes were the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer's quality‐of‐life questionnaires for breast cancer (QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐BR23) on the last day of radiation therapy. As a secondary outcome, we evaluated the breast symptom (BS) scores over the entire duration of the trial in a repeated measures linear model. We included 65 patients and had 17 drop‐outs, thus totaling 26 and 22 patients in the melatonin and placebo groups, respectively. BS scores on the last day of radiation did not differ between groups (p = .333). However, the linear model analyzing BS for the entire duration showed that melatonin significantly decreased the symptoms (p = .001). There was no difference in the BS score on the last day of radiation, however, we found that the patients in the melatonin group had significantly lower BS scores over the entire duration of the trial.
The endogenous Coxiella burnetii plasmid encodes a functional toxin–antitoxin system
Authors: Wachter Shaun , Cockrell Diane C. , Miller Heather E. , Virtaneva Kimmo , Kanakabandi Kishore , Darwitz Benjamin , Heinzen Robert A. , Beare Paul A.
Published: November 2022

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. All C. burnetii isolates encode either an autonomously replicating plasmid (QpH1, QpDG, QpRS, or QpDV) or QpRS‐like chromosomally integrated plasmid sequences. The role of the ORFs present in these sequences is unknown. Here, the role of the ORFs encoded on QpH1 was investigated. Using a new C. burnetii shuttle vector (pB‐TyrB‐QpH1ori), we cured the C. burnetii Nine Mile Phase II strain of QpH1. The ΔQpH1 strain grew normally in axenic media but had a significant growth defect in Vero cells, indicating QpH1 was important for C. burnetii virulence. We developed an inducible CRISPR interference system to examine the role of individual QpH1 plasmid genes. CRISPRi of cbuA0027 resulted in significant growth defects in axenic media and THP‐1 cells. The cbuA0028/cbuA0027 operon encodes CBUA0028 (ToxP) and CBUA0027 (AntitoxP), which are homologous to the HigB2 toxin and HigA2 antitoxin, respectively, from Vibrio cholerae. Consistent with toxin–antitoxin systems, overexpression of toxP resulted in a severe intracellular growth defect that was rescued by co‐expression of antitoxP. ToxP inhibited protein translation. AntitoxP bound the toxP promoter (PtoxP) and ToxP, with the resulting complex binding also PtoxP. In summary, our data indicate that C. burnetii maintains an autonomously replicating plasmid because of a plasmid‐based toxin–antitoxin system.
Scaling from fluxes to organic matter: interpreting 13C isotope ratios of plant material using flux models
Authors: Ubierna Nerea , Holloway‐Phillips Meisha‐Marika , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: November 2022

This article is a Commentary on Leppä et al. (2022), 236: 2044–2060.
A model of rational equilibrium in quota‐regulated multiple‐species fisheries
Authors: Singh Rajesh , Weninger Quinn
Published: November 2022

This paper derives rational ecological–economic equilibrium outcomes—capital and variable input allocations, harvests, discards, revenue, costs, and stock abundances—in a spatially heterogeneous, multispecies fishery that is regulated with individual fishing quotas (IFQs). The production setting is decentralized; a manager chooses species‐specific, seasonal, and spatially nondelineated quotas. Industry controls all aspects of harvesting operations. We present a solution concept and computational algorithm to solve for equilibrium harvests, discards, and profits across species, space, and time (within the regulatory cycle). The rational equilibrium mapping that we derive, used recursively, can be used to implement management‐preferred bioeconomic outcomes. The model offers an essential IFQ regulation‐to‐outcome mapping that enables more precise implementation of management goals in multiple‐species and heterogeneous fishery settings.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Knowing where and when individual tradeable fishing quotas will be utilized across heterogeneous space and time in multiple‐species fisheries is essential for effective fisheries management.

Ad hoc models, while simple, contribute to “implementation uncertainty” whereby predicted mortality, discards, cost, and rent outcomes across fish species, space, and time are poorly matched to the realized outcomes that are implemented by resource users.

A model of rational equilibrium mortality, discards, costs, and rent across space and time offers and powerful tool to improve the management of quota‐regulated fisheries.
The role of physical activity in the regulation of body weight: The overlooked contribution of light physical activity and sedentary behaviors
Authors: Bourdier Pierre , Simon Chantal , Bessesen Daniel H. , Blanc Stéphane , Bergouignan Audrey
Published: November 2022

The role of physical activity (PA) in the regulation of body weight is still a major topic of debate. This may be because studies have essentially focused on the effects of moderate/vigorous PA (MVPA) on body weight while overlooking the other components of PA, namely, light‐intensity PA (LPA, daily life activities) and sedentary behaviors (SB, too much sitting). In this review, we will (i) describe the history of changes in PA behaviors that occurred with modernization; (ii) review data from cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies that examined the associations between PA, SB, and measures of obesity; (iii) review interventional studies that investigated the effects of changes in PA and SB on body weight and adiposity; and (iv) discuss experimental studies that addressed potential biological mechanisms underlying the effects of PA and SB on weight regulation. Overall recent findings support the importance of considering all components of PA to better understand the regulation of energy balance and suggest an important role for LPA and SB in addition to MVPA on body weight regulation. Longitudinal large‐scale rigorous studies are needed to advance our knowledge of the role of PA/SB in combating the obesity epidemic.
Developing refractive management recommendations for patients undergoing cataract surgery: A Delphi study
Authors: Charlesworth Emily , Ursell Paul , Ho Kam Chun , Keay Lisa , Elliott David B.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Currently, there are no UK optometric guidelines regarding the pre and postoperative refractive management of patients undergoing cataract surgery. This study used a Delphi method to gain consensus on best practice.

Methods

Eighteen recommendations targeted areas of concern/variability in advice that were highlighted in an earlier focus group study of refractive management for patients who had received cataract surgery. These covered three topics: preoperative target refraction discussions, postoperative refractive management and driving advice postoperatively. The recommendations were then developed using evidence from optometry and ophthalmology clinical expertise and the research literature. Eighteen recommendations underwent a process of agreement and modification using a Delphi study consisting of a panel of 22 highly experienced optometrists (N = 11, 25 years mean clinical experience) and ophthalmologists (N = 11, 17 years mean clinical experience) who rated and commented upon the importance and feasibility of each recommendation. The responses were considered by the research team and the recommendations modified and/or removed prior to a second Delphi round of responses to a modified series of recommendations. Consensus of opinion was defined as greater than 80% of panellists ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ on the recommendation for both importance and feasibility.

Results

Fourteen of the 18 recommendations reached consensus in the first round. A second round of the Delphi method saw 17 modified recommendations scored and commented upon by 20 clinicians. Fifteen recommendations reached consensus after two rounds of the Delphi method.

Conclusions

Recommendations to guide the pre and postoperative refractive management of patients undergoing cataract surgery were agreed between highly experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists using a 2‐round Delphi method. Patients would benefit from consistent target refraction discussions, postoperative refractive management and driving advice, and recommendations were of particular benefit to less experienced optometrists.
Risk Factors for the Drift Phenomenon in O‐arm Navigation‐Assisted Pedicle Screw Placement during Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Zhao Jianquan , Jiang Heng , Zhuge Yingjie , Gao Rui , Wang Ce , Ma Jun , Zhou Xuhui
Published: November 2022

Objective

Intraoperative O‐arm navigation systems improve the accuracy of spinal instrumentation placement. However, deviation of the pedicle screw from the guide line might occur. The aim of the present study was to explore the causes of and countermeasures for the drift phenomenon during pedicle screw implantation with the aid of an O‐arm three‐dimensional navigation system in spinal deformity surgery.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 341 patients with spinal deformity who underwent O‐arm navigation system‐assisted pedicle screw placement from July 2015 to June 2019. The patient's general condition, Cobb angle, apical vertebra position, softness index, spinal release status, fixed reference frame position, and distance between the navigation vertebral body and the reference frame were collected and compared by independent‐samples t test or Pearson's chi‐square analysis. The potential risk factors for the drift phenomenon were identified using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The drift phenomenon occurred in 57 patients during the first navigation‐assisted pedicle screw placement, for an incidence of 16.7% (57/341). There were significant differences in factors such as the apical vertebra position, softness index, spinal release status, and distance between the vertebral body and the reference frame when the drift phenomenon occurred (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the softness index, spinal release status, and distance between the vertebral body and the reference frame when drifting occurred were independent risk factors for the drift phenomenon during O‐arm navigation‐assisted pedicle screw placement.

Conclusion

During the use of an O‐arm navigation system to assist with pedicle screw placement, pedicle screws should not be placed away from the reference frame, and spinal osteotomy and release should be performed after pedicle screw placement. In addition, the accuracy of O‐arm navigation‐assisted pedicle screw placement will be affected more in those with larger softness indices.
Pathologic acne in pre‐pubertal children: A case series and review on when to refer to pediatric endocrinology
Authors: Shope Chelsea , Ritter Alexandra , Matlock Kristal , Wine Lee Lara
Published: November 2022

Acne vulgaris is an extremely common chronic disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Despite its ubiquity, acne in the childhood years of approximately ages 1–6 years is exceedingly rare. Physicians should be suspicious of underlying systemic disease processes in patients of this age who present with onset of acne lesions, as pre‐pubertal acne in childhood has a distinctly different pathology than that of other age groups. Through a case series, we highlight the importance of a thorough work‐up and provide a review on when to refer to pediatric endocrinology to rule out precocious puberty and tumors as the cause of pre‐pubertal acne.
Cold stress triggers freezing tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) via hormone regulation and transcription of related genes
Authors: Wang R. , Yu M. , Xia J. , Ren Z. , Xing J. , Li C. , Xu Q. , Cang J. , Zhang D.
Published: November 2022

Low temperatures limit the geographic distribution and yield of plants. Hormones play an important role in coordinating the growth and development of plants and their tolerance to low temperatures. However, the mechanisms by which hormones affect plant resistance to extreme cold stress in the natural environment are still unclear.

In this study, two winter wheat varieties with different cold resistances, Dn1 and J22, were used to conduct targeted plant hormone metabolome analysis on the tillering nodes of winter wheat at 5 °C, −10 °C and −25 °C using an LC–ESI–MS/MS system. We screened 39 hormones from 88 plant hormone metabolites and constructed a partial regulatory network of auxin, jasmonic acid and cytokinin.

GO analysis and enrichment of KEGG pathways in different metabolites showed that the ‘plant hormone signal transduction’ pathway was the most common. Our study showed that extreme low temperature increased the most levels of auxin, cytokinin and salicylic acid, and decreased levels of jasmonic acid and abscisic acid, and that levels of auxin, jasmonic acid and cytokinin in Dn1 were higher than those in J22. These changes in hormone levels were associated with changes in gene expression in synthesis, catabolism, transport and signal transduction pathways. These results differ from the previous hormone regulation mechanisms, which were mostly obtained at 4 °C.

Our results provide a basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms by which plant endogenous hormones regulate plant freezing stress tolerance.
Empirical Likelihood-Based Inference for Functional Means with Application to Wearable Device Data
Authors: Chang Hsin-wen , McKeague Ian W.
Published: November 2022

This paper develops a nonparametric inference framework that is applicable to occupation time curves derived from wearable device data. These curves consider all activity levels within the range of device readings, which is preferable to the practice of classifying activity into discrete categories. Motivated by certain features of these curves, we introduce a powerful likelihood ratio approach to construct confidence bands and compare functional means. Notably, our approach allows discontinuities in the functional covariances while accommodating discretization of the observed trajectories. A simulation study shows that the proposed procedures outperform competing functional data procedures. We illustrate the proposed methods using wearable device data from an NHANES study.
The interplay between gastrocnemius medialis force–length and force–velocity potentials, cumulative EMG activity and energy cost at speeds above and below the walk to run transition speed
Authors: Monte Andrea , Tecchio Paolo , Nardello Francesca , Bachero‐Mena Beatriz , Ardigò Luca Paolo , Zamparo Paola
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between the force–length (F–L) and force–velocity (F–V) potentials of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle fascicles, the cumulative muscle activity per distance travelled (CMAPD) of the lower limb muscles (GM, vastus lateralis, biceps femori, tibialis anterior) and net energy cost (Cnet) during walking and running at speeds above and below the walk‐to‐run transition speed (walking: 2–8 km h−1; running: 6–10 km h−1). A strong association was observed between Cnet and CMAPD: both changed significantly with walking speed but were unaffected by speed in running. The F–L and F–V potentials decreased with speed in both gaits and, at 6–8 km h−1, were significantly larger in running. At low to moderate walking speeds (2–6 km h−1), the changes in GM force potentials were not associated with substantial changes in CMAPD (and Cnet), whereas at walking speeds of 7–8 km h−1, even small changes in force potentials were associated with steep increases in CMAPD (and Cnet). These data suggest that: (i) the walk to run transition could be explained by an abrupt increase in Cnet driven by an upregulation of the EMG activity (e.g., in CMAPD) at sustained walking speeds (>7 km h−1) and (ii) the reduction in the muscle's ability to produce force (e.g., in the F–L and F–V potentials) contributes to the increase in CMAPD (and Cnet). Switching to running allows regaining of high force potentials, thus limiting the increase in CMAPD (and Cnet) that would otherwise occur to sustain the increase in locomotion speed.
Design of Structure Parameters of Sliding Vane Pump Based on Lifting Characteristics
Authors: Wang Shuolong , Cao Nai , Zhang Anlei , Zhao Xiangyang , Fan Zhuoying , Chen Yashu , Wang Lei , Niu Chengcheng
Published: November 2022

Limited by the harsh downhole working environment and its structural feature, the sliding vane pump (SVP), which is an all-metal artificial lift method considered to be widely used in thermal recovery well and high gas/oil ratio well, has not been widely applied as expected. To further improve the efficiency of SVP, this study explores how to optimize the structure parameters and the usage of the pump based on its lifting characteristics, in view of the stagnation in the development of SVP. The main results show that (a) optimization of the inlet (outlet) position parameters will bring effective pre-expansion (precompression) of each chamber once it enters the closed state, to avoid ineffective suction and high-pressure backflow. (b) The mathematical model of the pressure difference between the two sides of the vane at any position is derived by means of piecewise function. (c) Increasing the number of vanes can not only increase the mean value of instantaneous displacement but also shorten the discharge period and reduce the flow pulsation. Compared with the adjacent even number of vanes, the odd number of vanes has a more uniform instantaneous displacement. (d) A larger cross-sectional area of the rotor groove can result in a lower volume efficiency at the same gas–liquid ratio, and the effect of rotor groove on volume efficiency is more significant under high gas–liquid ratio conditions.
Research on Strengthening Mechanism of Rare Earth Cemented Carbide Tool Material
Authors: Hao Zhaopeng , Qiu Yuan , Fan Yihang
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the first principle method based on density functional theory is adopted to establish the interface model of WC/WC-Co through the software Materials Studio (MS). On the basis of this interface structure, rare earth element Y is doped, and then the energy of WC/WC-Co before and after doping is calculated respectively. The electronic structure is analyzed, and the calculation results of the two structures are compared. Finally, the grain growth is simulated by cellular automata of matlab to verify our calculation and analysis results. The results show that the interfacial adhesion work increases and the interface structure is more stable after doping Y element. The interface energy decreases and plays a role in grain refinement.