bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycaemic control for patients with severe acute brain injury: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Fenger Anne‐Sophie Worm , Olsen Markus Harboe , Fabritius Maria Louise , Riberholt Christian Gunge , Møller Kirsten
Published: October 2022

Background

Hyperglycaemia is common in patients with acute brain injury admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Many studies have found associations between development of hyperglycaemia and increased mortality in hospitalised patients. However, the optimal target for blood glucose control is unknown. We want to conduct a systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis to explore the beneficial and harmful effects of restrictive versus liberal glucose control on patient outcomes in adults with severe acute brain injury.

Methods

We will systematically search medical databases including CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE and trial registries. We will search the following websites for ongoing or unpublished trials: http://www.controlled-trials.com/, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, www.eudraCT.com, http://centerwatch.com/, The Cochrane Library's CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded and CINAHL. Two authors will independently review and select trials and extract data. We will include randomised trials comparing levels of glucose control in our analyses and observational studies will be included to address potential harms. The primary outcomes are defined as all‐cause mortality, functional outcome and health‐related quality of life. Secondary outcomes include serious adverse events including hypoglycaemia, length of ICU stay and duration of mechanical ventilation, and explorative outcomes including intracranial pressure and infection. Trial Sequential Analysis will be used to investigate the risk of type I error due to repetitive testing and to further explore imprecision. Quality of trials will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.

Discussion

The results of the systematic review will be disseminated through peer‐reviewed publication. With the review, we hope to inform future randomised clinical trials and improve clinical practice.
Development of sensitization to peanut and storage proteins and relation to markers of airway and systemic inflammation: A 24‐year follow‐up
Authors: Tedner Sandra G. , Klevebro Susanna , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Andersson Niklas , Borres Magnus P. , Ballardini Natalia , Westman Marit , Konradsen Jon R. , van Hage Marianne , Nilsson Caroline , Melén Erik , Asarnoj Anna
Published: October 2022

Background

Long‐time data of peanut allergy over time is sparse. We aimed to study the longitudinal development of sensitization to peanut extract and storage protein allergen molecules and associations with asthma status, airway and systemic inflammation markers.

Methods

The Swedish birth cohort BAMSE followed 4089 participants with questionnaires, clinical investigations and blood sampling between 0 and 24 years. Information on (i) background factors at 2 months, (ii) peanut allergy symptoms and IgE data (ImmunoCAP) at 4, 8, 16, and 24 years, and (iii) IgE to storage proteins, lung function data including exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) as well as systemic inflammatory markers at 24 years of age were collected.

Results

The prevalence of peanut extract sensitization, defined as IgE ≥ 0.35 kUA/L, was 5.4%, 8.0%, 7.5%, and 6.2% at 4, 8, 16, and 24 years of age, respectively. Between 8 and 24 years of age, (33/1565) participants developed IgE‐ab to peanut extract (median 1,4, range 0.7–2.6 kUA/L), and among those 85% were also sensitized to birch. Only six individuals developed sensitization to Ara h 2 (≥0.1 kUA/L) between 8 and 24 years of age, of whom three had an IgE‐ab level between 0.1–0.12 kUA/L. Storage protein sensitization was associated with elevated FENO, blood eosinophils and type 2 inflammation‐related systemic proteins.

Conclusion

Sensitization to peanut extract after 4 years of age is mainly induced by birch cross‐sensitization and IgE to Ara h 2 rarely emerges after eight years of age. Storage protein sensitization is associated with respiratory and systemic inflammation.
Early initiation of physical and occupational therapy while on extracorporeal life support improves patients' functional activity
Authors: Cerier Emily , Manerikar Adwaiy , Kandula Viswajit , Nykiel Tara , Lane Shelby , Gabaldon Rebecca , Toyoda Takahide , Yagi Yuriko , Bharat Ankit , Kurihara Chitaru
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐V ECMO), without sedation/neuromuscular blockade to allow physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) participation, is untraditional. Here, we investigate the impact of early PT/OT initiation on discharge functional activity for ARDS patients managed on V‐V ECMO.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 67 ARDS patients managed with V‐V ECMO at a single academic center from February 2018 to June 2021. Data collected included patient characteristics, days of V‐V ECMO support, day of PT/OT initiation, and ambulation distance and Activity Measure for Post‐Acute Care (AMPAC) Six‐Clicks score on day of discharge.

Results

Patients with >7 days of V‐V ECMO support had decreased ambulation and AMPAC scores compared to those with <7 days (70.5 vs. 162.1, p < 0.01 and 12.3 vs. 16.4, p = 0.01, respectively). PT/OT initiation within 7 days after starting V‐V ECMO significantly improved ambulation and AMPAC scores (163.5 vs. 59.5, p < 0.001, and 16.6 vs. 11.8, p < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, in patients with >7 days of V‐V ECMO support, those who began PT/OT within 8 days of V‐V ECMO cannulation had significantly improved ambulation and AMPAC scores (151.8 vs. 44.2, p < 0.01, and 16.5 vs. 11.0, p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Early PT/OT initiation in severe ARDS patients managed on V‐V ECMO is associated with improved patient functional activity on day of discharge. Our study further supports the use of V‐V ECMO in treatment of severe ARDS without sedation/neuromuscular blockade and specifically demonstrates PT/OT should be started early following V‐V ECMO cannulation.
Use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine‐related drugs in the Nordic countries between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Højlund Mikkel , Gudmundsson Larus S. , Andersen Jacob H. , Saastamoinen Leena K. , Zoega Helga , Skurtveit Svetlana O. , Wastesson Jonas W. , Hallas Jesper , Pottegård Anton
Published: October 2022

Use of benzodiazepines (BZ) and related drugs is subject to considerable debate due to problems with dependency and adverse events. We aimed to describe and compare their use across the Nordic countries. Data on the use of clonazepam, BZ‐sedatives, BZ‐hypnotics, and benzodiazepine‐related drugs (BZRD) in adults (≥20 years) were obtained from nationwide registers in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, 2000–2020. Main measures were therapeutic intensity (TI:DDD/1000 inhabitants [inhab.]/day) and annual prevalence (users/1000 inhab./year). Overall, TI of BZ and related drugs decreased in all Nordic countries from 2004 to 2020. However, there were considerable differences between countries in TI. In 2020, the TI of BZ and related drugs ranged from 17 DDD/1000 inhab./day in Denmark to 93 DDD/1000 inhab./day in Iceland. BZRD accounted for 55–78% of BZ use in 2020, followed by BZ sedatives at 20–44%, BZ‐hypnotics at <1–5%, and clonazepam at <1–2%. Annual prevalence of BZ use increased with age in all countries, and the highest annual prevalence was observed among people ≥80 years. Overall, the use of BZ and related drugs has decreased in all Nordic countries from 2004 to 2020, however, with considerable differences in their use between countries. The highest prevalence was observed among the oldest age groups—despite warnings against their use in this population.
Serum untargeted metabolomics reveal metabolic alteration of non‐small cell lung cancer and refine disease detection
Authors: Li Jiaoyuan , Liu Ke , Ji Zhi , Wang Yi , Yin Tongxin , Long Tingting , Shen Ying , Cheng Liming
Published: October 2022

This study was performed to characterize the metabolic alteration of non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and discover blood‐based metabolic biomarkers relevant to lung cancer detection. An untargeted metabolomics‐based approach was applied in a case–control study with 193 NSCLC patients and 243 healthy controls. Serum metabolomics were determined by using an ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method. We screened differential metabolites based on univariate and multivariate analysis, followed by identification of the metabolites and related pathways. For NSCLC detection, machine learning was employed to develop and validate the model based on the altered serum metabolite features. The serum metabolic pattern of NSCLC was definitely different from the healthy condition. In total, 278 altered features were found in the serum of NSCLC patients comparing with healthy people. About one‐fifth of the abundant differential features were identified successfully. The altered metabolites were enriched in metabolic pathways such as phenylalanine metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and biosynthesis of bile acids. We demonstrated a panel of 10 metabolic biomarkers which representing excellent discriminating capability for NSCLC discrimination, with a combined area under the curve (AUC) in the validation set of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91–0.98). Moreover, this model showed a desirable performance for the detection of NSCLC at an early stage (AUC = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97). Our study offers a perspective on NSCLC metabolic alteration. The finding of the biomarkers might shed light on the clinical detection of lung cancer, especially for those cancers in an early stage in Chinese population.
Dynamic interplay of microRNA in diseases and therapeutic
Authors: Kargutkar Neha , Hariharan Priya , Nadkarni Anita
Published: October 2022

MicroRNAs are the major class of small non‐coding RNAs, evolutionary conserved post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Since their discovery in 1993, they have been implicated as master regulators in numerous cellular processes. MicroRNA (miRNA)s regulate gene expression by attenuation and/or mRNA degradation and are commonly associated with cell development, differentiation, and homeostasis. Extensive research in past two decades has provided new insights into the potential implications of miRNA in the onset, progression, and therapeutic nature of miRNAs in disease manifestation. Owing to the novel discoveries, “miRNAs” would probably pave a new direction in therapeutic research. However, “micro” in length miRNAs have attracted considerable attention in numerous other fields. Understanding the functionality of miRNAs, in this review article, we discussed the mechanistic role of miRNAs in human diseases and have outlined most of the recent published work in clinical therapeutics. We have constructed different network models for miRNA and its targets which made us understand their interrelationship and association with diseases. Future research would surely overcome challenges and would introduce new strategies for the utility of miRNAs in a broader setting.
Enhanced osteogenesis by addition of cancellous bone chips at xenogenic bone augmentation: In vitro and in vivo experiments
Authors: Chen Xiaofan , Wang Haicheng , Wang Yuning , Shi Ying , Wang Zuolin
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To investigate and compare the influence of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) combined with autologous cortical (CorBC) or cancellous bone chips (CanBC) as bone grafts on guided bone regeneration (GBR) in vivo and in vitro.

Materials and Methods

Defects were created in the mandibular buccal alveolar ridges in dogs and randomly filled with 3 groups of bone grafts: DBBM, DBBM + CorBC, or DBBM + CanBC. Osteogenesis was evaluated by sequential fluorescent labeling and histological analysis. Moreover, rat bilateral calvaria defects were randomly grafted with DBBM, DBBM + CorBC, or DBBM + CanBC. A blank group was included as control. Defect healing was assessed by histological staining, micro‐CT, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In vitro migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation assays were performed by stimulating rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) with cortical (CorBCM) or cancellous bone conditioned medium (CanBCM) to unveil the cellular mechanism.

Results

In the canine model, the augmented sites of DBBM + CanBC exhibited higher mineralized tissue proportion than the other two groups (DBBM: 0.61 ± 0.03 versus DBBM + CorBC: 0.69 ± 0.07 versus DBBM + CanBC: 0.86 ± 0.06; p < .05). In the rat model, the BV/TV value of DBBM + CanBC (0.51 ± 0.01) was higher than those of DBBM + CorBC (0.41 ± 0.02), DBBM (0.31 ± 0.01), and Control (0.10 ± 0.01; p < .01). Further radiological, histological and transcriptional results showed similar trends. In vitro experiments revealed that CorBCM and especially CanBCM could enhance rBMSCs migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

In vivo and in vitro experiments verified favorable synergistic effect of mixing autologous bone chips with DBBM on osteogenesis. Furthermore, CanBC presented more powerful osteogenic effect than CorBC.
Early division of the paramedian forehead interpolated flap using cutaneous ultrasound
Authors: González Jose Castiñeiras , Argüero Eduardo Zorita , Canga Paula Fernández , Prieto Manuel Ángel Rodríguez
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives

The paramedian forehead flap is an interpolated flap, consisting of the transfer of tissue from the forehead region to the nasal area, irrigated by the supratrochlear artery. Traditionally, the vascular pedicle is divided at between 14 and 21 days. However, this time could be overestimated. Our objective is to demonstrate that the paramedian forehead flap can be divided before that set out in the literature and to demonstrate the usefulness of cutaneous ultrasound to determine the optimal time for division.

Patients and methods

A prospective observational study, including patients who required nasal defect reconstruction with a paramedian forehead flap, was designed. The inclusion criteria were: nasal tip, dorsum or alar skin defects following oncological surgery, larger than 2 cm. Twelve patients were included. A retrospective cohort was used to perform a cost reduction analysis.

Results

The average time to flow, measured by ultrasound, was 6.6 days. The average number of days to division of the pedicle was 6.9 days. No serious complications were reported.

Conclusions

The paramedian forehead flap can be divided before the traditional reported time. Ultrasound is a reliable and cost‐effective technique to determine and individualize pedicle division time.
Vegetation structure derived from airborne laser scanning to assess species distribution and habitat suitability: The way forward
Authors: Moudrý Vítězslav , Cord Anna F. , Gábor Lukáš , Laurin Gaia Vaglio , Barták Vojtěch , Gdulová Kateřina , Malavasi Marco , Rocchini Duccio , Stereńczak Krzysztof , Prošek Jiří , Klápště Petr , Wild Jan
Published: October 2022

Ecosystem structure, especially vertical vegetation structure, is one of the six essential biodiversity variable classes and is an important aspect of habitat heterogeneity, affecting species distributions and diversity by providing shelter, foraging, and nesting sites. Point clouds from airborne laser scanning (ALS) can be used to derive such detailed information on vegetation structure. However, public agencies usually only provide digital elevation models, which do not provide information on vertical vegetation structure. Calculating vertical structure variables from ALS point clouds requires extensive data processing and remote sensing skills that most ecologists do not have. However, such information on vegetation structure is extremely valuable for many analyses of habitat use and species distribution. We here propose 10 variables that should be easily accessible to researchers and stakeholders through national data portals. In addition, we argue for a consistent selection of variables and their systematic testing, which would allow for continuous improvement of such a list to keep it up‐to‐date with the latest evidence. This initiative is particularly needed not only to advance ecological and biodiversity research by providing valuable open datasets but also to guide potential users in the face of increasing availability of global vegetation structure products.
Solutions discourse in disaster displacement: implications for policy and practice
Authors: Mosneaga Ana
Published: October 2022

Displacement in the context of disasters and climate change has gained considerable attention in international policy processes pertaining to migration and displacement over the past few years. However, analysis of currently dominant understandings of disaster displacement and its solutions at the global level, and how these translate into practice in relation to operational realities at the national level, remains scarce. This paper seeks to promote greater reflections on the discourse of displacement solutions in the context of disasters and climate change. It examines both the advancements and remaining gaps in approaches to disasters, displacement, and solutions and how these collectively shape the conceptualisation of solutions to disaster displacement. The inquiry sheds light on the dominant framings and their underlying assumptions and highlights the implications that they entail for understanding and responding to disaster displacement. It also underscores the importance of critical engagement with discursive practices at the international and national level.
Gestational diabetes mellitus in early pregnancy amongst Asian Indian women: Evidence for poor pregnancy outcomes despite treatment
Authors: Punnose John , Malhotra Rajeev Kumar , Sukhija Komal , M Rashika Rijhwani , Choudhary Naimaa , Sharma Asha , Vij Prassan , Bahl Pinky
Published: October 2022

Aim

To compare the pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) based on the timing of diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2011 and September 2017 amongst 2638 Asian Indian pregnant women. The inclusion criteria included; singleton pregnancies having HbA1c <48 mmols/mol (6.5%) in the first trimester, GDM screening by 75 g OGTT using IADPSG criteria and delivery at our centre. The cohort was divided into 3 groups: Early GDM (E‐GDM)‐diagnosis <24 gestational weeks (Gw), Standard GDM (S‐GDM)–diagnosis ≥24Gw, Non‐GDM‐ No GDM ≥24 Gw. Multivariable logistic regression models compared the pregnancy outcomes between Non‐GDM, S‐GDM and E‐GDM groups. A sub‐group multivariable analysis was done amongst GDM women using gestational age at diagnosis both as a categorical and continuous variable.

Results

Compared to Non‐GDM women, the odds were higher for premature birth, large for gestational age (LGA) babies, macrosomia, Neonatal ICU(NICU) admission and lower for normal vaginal delivery in the E‐GDM group, but for the S‐GDM group, the risk was higher for premature birth, LGA babies, NICU admission and induction of labour. Compared to GDM women in the 24–28 Gw category significantly higher odds for premature birth and LGA babies were observed in the <14 Gw category. A continuous increase of 19% odds for premature birth with every 4 weeks decrease in gestational age at GDM diagnosis was observed.

Conclusions

Asian Indian women having a GDM diagnosis before 24Gw are at higher risk for adverse pregnancy events than those having diagnosis ≥24Gw or not having GDM.
Weight management in young adults with type 1 diabetes: The advancing care for type 1 diabetes and obesity network sequential multiple assignment randomized trial pilot results
Authors: Igudesman Daria , Crandell Jamie , Corbin Karen D. , Zaharieva Dessi P. , Addala Ananta , Thomas Joan M. , Casu Anna , Kirkman M. Sue , Pokaprakarn Teeranan , Riddell Michael C. , Burger Kyle , Pratley Richard E. , Kosorok Michael R. , Maahs David M. , Mayer‐Davis Elizabeth J. ,   for the ACTION Study Group
Published: October 2022

Aims

Co‐management of weight and glycaemia is critical yet challenging in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We evaluated the effect of a hypocaloric low carbohydrate, hypocaloric moderate low fat, and Mediterranean diet without calorie restriction on weight and glycaemia in young adults with T1D and overweight or obesity.

Materials and Methods

We implemented a 9‐month Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial pilot among adults aged 19‐30 years with T1D for ≥1 year and body mass index 27‐39.9 kg/m2. Re‐randomization occurred at 3 and 6 months if the assigned diet was not acceptable or not effective. We report results from the initial 3‐month diet period and re‐randomization statistics before shutdowns due to COVID‐19 for primary [weight, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), percentage of time below range <70 mg/dl] and secondary outcomes [body fat percentage, percentage of time in range (70‐180 mg/dl), and percentage of time below range <54 mg/dl]. Models adjusted for design, demographic and clinical covariates tested changes in outcomes and diet differences.

Results

Adjusted weight and HbA1c (n = 38) changed by −2.7 kg (95% CI −3.8, −1.5, P < .0001) and −0.91 percentage points (95% CI −1.5, −0.30, P = .005), respectively, while adjusted body fat percentage remained stable, on average (P = .21). Hypoglycaemia indices remained unchanged following adjustment (n = 28, P > .05). Variability in all outcomes, including weight change, was considerable (57.9% were re‐randomized primarily due to loss of <2% body weight). No outcomes varied by diet.

Conclusions

Three months of a diet, irrespective of macronutrient distribution or caloric restriction, resulted in weight loss while improving or maintaining HbA1c levels without increasing hypoglycaemia in adults with T1D.
Italian, European, and international neuroinformatics efforts: An overview
Authors: Redolfi Alberto , Archetti Damiano , De Francesco Silvia , Crema Claudio , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Lodi Raffaele , Ghidoni Roberta , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Alexander Daniel C. , D'Angelo Egidio
Published: October 2022

Neuroinformatics is a research field that focusses on software tools capable of identifying, analysing, modelling, organising and sharing multiscale neuroscience data. Neuroinformatics has exploded in the last two decades with the emergence of the Big Data phenomenon, characterised by the so‐called 3Vs (volume, velocity and variety), which provided neuroscientists with an improved ability to acquire and process data faster and more cheaply thanks to technical improvements in clinical, genomic and radiological technologies. This situation has led to a ‘data deluge’, as neuroscientists can routinely collect more study data in a few days than they could in a year just a decade ago. To address this phenomenon, several neuroimaging‐focussed neuroinformatics platforms have emerged, funded by national or transnational agencies, with the following goals: (i) development of tools for archiving and organising analytical data (XNAT, REDCap and LabKey); (ii) development of data‐driven models evolving from reductionist approaches to multidimensional models (RIN, IVN, HBD, EuroPOND, E‐DADS and GAAIN BRAIN); and (iii) development of e‐infrastructures to provide sufficient computational power and storage resources (neuGRID, HBP‐EBRAINS, LONI and CONP). Although the scenario is still fragmented, there are technological and economical attempts at both national and international levels to introduce high standards for open and Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) neuroscience worldwide.
Ecological conditions predict the intensity of Hendra virus excretion over space and time from bat reservoir hosts
Authors: Becker Daniel J. , Eby Peggy , Madden Wyatt , Peel Alison J. , Plowright Raina K.
Published: October 2022

The ecological conditions experienced by wildlife reservoirs affect infection dynamics and thus the distribution of pathogen excreted into the environment. This spatial and temporal distribution of shed pathogen has been hypothesised to shape risks of zoonotic spillover. However, few systems have data on both long‐term ecological conditions and pathogen excretion to advance mechanistic understanding and test environmental drivers of spillover risk. We here analyse three years of Hendra virus data from nine Australian flying fox roosts with covariates derived from long‐term studies of bat ecology. We show that the magnitude of winter pulses of viral excretion, previously considered idiosyncratic, are most pronounced after recent food shortages and in bat populations displaced to novel habitats. We further show that cumulative pathogen excretion over time is shaped by bat ecology and positively predicts spillover frequency. Our work emphasises the role of reservoir host ecology in shaping pathogen excretion and provides a new approach to estimate spillover risk.
Drivers of population differentiation in phenotypic plasticity in a temperate conifer: A 27‐year study
Authors: de la Mata Raul , Zas Rafael , Bustingorri Gloria , Sampedro Luis , Rust Marc , Hernandez‐Serrano Ana , Sala Anna
Published: October 2022

Phenotypic plasticity is a main mechanism for organisms to cope with changing environments and broaden their ecological range. Plasticity is genetically based and can evolve under natural selection, such that populations within a species show distinct phenotypic responses to the environment if evolved under different conditions. Understanding how intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity arises is critical to assess potential adaptation to ongoing climate change. Theory predicts that plasticity is favored in more favorable but variable environments. Yet, many theoretical predictions about benefits, costs, and selection on plasticity remain untested. To test these predictions, we took advantage of three genetic trials in the northern Rocky Mountains, USA, which assessed 23 closely located Pinus ponderosa populations over 27 years. Mean environmental conditions and their spatial patterns of variation at the seed source populations were characterized based on six basic climate parameters. Despite the small area of origin, there was significant genetic variation in phenotypic plasticity for tree growth among populations. We found a significant negative correlation between phenotypic plasticity and the patch size of environmental heterogeneity at the seed source populations, but not with total environmental spatial variance. These results show that populations exposed to high microhabitat heterogeneity have evolved higher phenotypic plasticity and that the trigger was the grain rather than the total magnitude of spatial heterogeneity. Contrary to theoretical predictions, we also found a positive relationship between population plasticity and summer drought at the seed source, indicating that drought can act as a trigger of plasticity. Finally, we found a negative correlation between the quantitative genetic variance within populations and their phenotypic plasticity, suggesting compensatory adaptive mechanisms for the lack of genetic diversity. These results improve our understanding of the microevolutionary drivers of phenotypic plasticity, a critical process for resilience of long‐lived species under climate change, and support decision‐making in tree genetic improvement programs and seed transfer strategies.
N6‐methyladenosine functions and its role in skin cancer
Authors: Ran Yanqin , Yan Zhuoxian , Jiang Bimei , Liang Pengfei
Published: October 2022

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most abundant mammalian mRNA modification. m6A regulates RNA processing, splicing, nucleation, translation and stability by transferring, removing and recognizing m6A methylation sites, which are critical for cancer initiation, progression, metabolism and metastasis. m6A is involved in pathophysiological tumour development by altering m6A modification and expression levels in tumour oncogenes and suppressor genes. Skin cancers are by far the most common malignancies in humans, with well over a million cases diagnosed each year. Skin cancers are grouped into two main categories: melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), based on cell origin and clinical behaviour. In this review, we summarize m6A methylation functions in different skin cancers, and discuss how m6A methylation is involved in disease development and progression. Moreover, we review potential prognostic biomarkers and molecular targets for early skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Positive interactions between corals and damselfish increase coral resistance to temperature stress
Authors: Shantz Andrew A. , Ladd Mark C. , Ezzat Leila , Schmitt Russell J. , Holbrook Sally J. , Schmeltzer Emily , Vega Thurber Rebecca , Burkepile Deron E.
Published: October 2022

By the century's end, many tropical seas will reach temperatures exceeding most coral species' thermal tolerance on an annual basis. The persistence of corals in these regions will, therefore, depend on their abilities to tolerate recurrent thermal stress. Although ecologists have long recognized that positive interspecific interactions can ameliorate environmental stress to expand the realized niche of plants and animals, coral bleaching studies have largely overlooked how interactions with community members outside of the coral holobiont shape the bleaching response. Here, we subjected a common coral, Pocillopora grandis, to 10 days of thermal stress in aquaria with and without the damselfish Dascyllus flavicaudus (yellowtail dascyllus), which commonly shelter within these corals, to examine how interactions with damselfish impacted coral thermal tolerance. Corals often benefit from nutrients excreted by animals they interact with and prior to thermal stress, corals grown with damselfish showed improved photophysiology (Fv/Fm) and developed larger endosymbiont populations. When exposed to thermal stress, corals with fish performed as well as control corals maintained at ambient temperatures without fish. In contrast, corals exposed to thermal stress without fish experienced photophysiological impairment, a more than 50% decline in endosymbiont density, and a 36% decrease in tissue protein content. At the end of the experiment, thermal stress caused average calcification rates to decrease by over 80% when damselfish were absent but increase nearly 25% when damselfish were present. Our study indicates that damselfish‐derived nutrients can increase coral thermal tolerance and are consistent with the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, which predicts that positive interactions become increasingly important for structuring communities as environmental stress increases. Because warming of just a few degrees can exceed corals' temperature tolerance to trigger bleaching and mortality, positive interactions could play a critical role in maintaining some coral species in warming regions until climate change is aggressively addressed.
Contrasting effects of landscape on nest founding and colony success of bumble bees in a mixed‐crop agroecosystem
Authors: Kwafo Richard , Galpern Paul , Cartar Ralph V.
Published: October 2022

Nest‐founding bumble bee queens search landscapes broadly for a nest site, whose later‐developed workers are constrained to foraging around the nest. Landscape could therefore have different influences on nest site selection and subsequent colony success. Additionally, the density of bumble bees in a landscape reflects the product of their nest density and nest success.

To examine separate landscape effects on nest density and success, we examined nest occupancy (reflecting nest density) and colony size (reflecting nest success) using ground‐installed nest boxes placed adjacent to blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) fields in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Nest‐searching queens occupied 59% of these boxes. We classified landscapes in a 1.5 km radius of colonies using habitats of a priori relevance to bumble bees: beneficial (i.e. flowering) agriculture, non‐beneficial agriculture (NBA), forest, open semi‐natural, suburban, and their configuration (habitat edge density). Landscape strongly affected nest founding but only weakly affected colony success.

Nest founding increased in landscapes with more forest habitat, more open semi‐natural habitat (and little NBA), and more habitat edge (and little NBA). Colony success increased in landscapes with more edge density (and much NBA). Overall, edge habitats enhanced bumble bee populations, but enhancement was conditional: edge increased nest occupation in landscapes with little NBA and nest success in landscapes with a lot of NBA.

Populations of crop‐pollinating bumble bees might therefore best be enhanced by locally enhancing nesting: protecting forests, 2D semi‐natural habitats (when flowering crops are uncommon), and edge habitats.
Linking environmental stability with genetic diversity and population structure in two Atlantic Forest palm trees
Authors: Mercier Kathryn P. , Vasconcellos Mariana M. , Martins Euder G. A. , Pirani José Rubens , Michelangeli Fabián A. , Carnaval Ana Carolina
Published: October 2022

Aim

Spatial patterns of biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest are well characterized. However, there is no consensus on the biological processes underlying these patterns, and multiple competing hypotheses have been proposed, several of which centre on climatic stability. Here, we ask if Late Quaternary climatic stability predicts contemporary population structure and genomic‐level diversity in two palm species.

Location

Atlantic Forest of Eastern Brazil.

Taxa

Syagrus botryophoraandS. pseudococos(Arecaceae).

Methods

We first model the distribution of suitable environments in 62 time‐slice climate projections over the last 120 thousand years, and summarize stability over that period. We then use >25,000 RADseq‐generated SNPs to (i) describe the spatial patterns of genomic variation in both species, (ii) test how well genomic variation is explained by isolation by distance and by the environmental resistance imposed by historical instability (isolation by resistance) and (iii) test for a correlation between genetic diversity and historical stability.

Results

The contemporary range ofS. botryophorahas been relatively stable over the last 30 thousand years and there are two isolated regions of high stability forS. pseudococos. The genomic data recover a clear pattern of isolation by distance inS. botryophoraand two structured populations inS. pseudococos. Consequently, the contribution of isolation by resistance to overall genetic structure is much higher inS. pseudococos. Genetic diversity is not significantly correlated with historical stability in either species.

Main Conclusions

Based on the concordance between historical stability and genetic structure, Late Quaternary climate stability may have maintained population connectivity withinS. botryophoraand promoted intraspecific divergence inS. pseudococos. Conversely, historical stability does not seem to be driving spatial patterns of genetic diversity. This study supports the primary role of climatic stability in determining spatial population structure, but not genetic diversity, in the Atlantic Forest.
The green technology of cold plasma jet on the inactivation of Aspergillus flavus and the total aflatoxin level in pistachio and its quality properties
Authors: Esmaeili Zahra , Hosseinzadeh Samani Bahram , Nazari Firouzeh , Rostami Sajad , Nemati Alireza
Published: October 2022

In this study, the effect of cold plasma on the reduction of Aspergillus flavus and total aflatoxin level in pistachio and some of its quality properties were investigated. Independent variables for reducing A. flavus and aflatoxin include plasma exposure time (5–10–15 min), power supply voltage (10–15–20 kV), argon to air composition (0–50–100%), and the dose of inoculated toxin. The most significant effect on reducing A. flavus compared to other variables was observed when the voltage of the power supply was increased, reaching the highest impact on A. flavus. According to air is cheap and available gas, it reduces plasma production costs. Therefore, in this study, a combination of air and argon gas was used. Also in this study, specific doses of aflatoxin were examined, which shows how much the target system can reduce the dose of aflatoxin. Optimization results showed the highest fungal reduction (5.14 log) after a plasma exposure time of 15 min, the voltage of 20 kV, 62.23% of argon in the gas mixture with air when the maximal aflatoxin (B1, 83.70%; B2, 74.36%; G1 41.39%, and G2, 50.74%;) reductions were obtained after a plasma exposure time of 15 min, 54.26% of argon in the gas mixture with air, and fixed‐dose of 20 ppb of aflatoxin. The results of the evaluation of pistachio characteristics show that there were no significant differences between the results of the control sample and the sample treated with cold plasma jet. So, this technique can be used to reduce A. flavus and aflatoxin with a reduced impact on the quality characteristics of pistachio kernels.

Practical Application

Food contaminants are challenging the food industry due to the inefficiency of conventional disinfection techniques. Aflatoxin contamination is one of the significant challenges for the food industry since it has acute toxicological effects on consumers Cold plasma (CP) has attracted considerable attention as an emerging technique for the degradation of food contaminants. Elimination of aflatoxins increases the profits of industries and farmers related to pistachios or other nuts. This system can suggest to the food industries for increasing the health of their products.
A meta‐analysis of studies of the effects of case management intervention for stroke survivors across three countries
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Saragih Ice Septriani , Tarihoran Dame Elysabeth Tuty Arna Uly , Sharma Sapna , Chou Fan‐Hao
Published: October 2022

Purpose

A stroke survivor who is discharged to home care faces many challenges during the transition from the hospital to home, including managing their care at home and engaging in rehabilitation and recovery. Case management was developed to ease the transition from hospital to home and help people with stroke cope with their care management challenges. However, the effects of case management intervention remain inconclusive. Case management was designed to direct care and may represent a novel method for reducing the burden of care. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of case management interventions on mental health outcomes, activities of daily living capacity, physical function, and social function among stroke survivors.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

This study included studies examining the impacts of case management interventions for stroke survivors that were published in English and identified by searching eight databases, from database inception to February 20, 2022. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to pool effect sizes using a random‐effects model (in Stata 16.0). The revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials (RoB‐2) was used to assess the methodological quality of each study.

Findings

The inclusion criteria were satisfied by eight studies (including a total of 1119 stroke survivors). Case management had positive effects on mental health (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.45, p = 0.001) and activities of daily living (SMD: 0.68; 95% CI: 00.37 to 0.99, p < 0.001). However, no significant effects were observed for either physical function or social function.

Conclusion

Case management appears to enhance the mental health and activities of daily living among stroke survivors.

Clinical Relevance

Case management interventions hold promise as efficient, cost‐effective, and accessible strategies to positively influence care for stroke survivors. This intervention strategy could be applied to the hospital‐to‐home transition to guide care among this population.
Subcision in acne scarring: A review of clinical trials
Authors: Ahramiyanpour Najmeh , Rastaghi Fatemeh , Parvar Seyed Yasamin , Sisakht Ali Karimi , Hosseini Seyed Ali , Amani Maliheh
Published: October 2022

Post‐acne scarring is the most common permanent consequence of acne vulgaris. Subcision is an intervention in which a needle or blunt cannula is inserted under the scar and moved back and forth to cut fibrotic strands and form new connective tissue, thereby elevating the atrophic scars. In this study, we reviewed the efficacy and adverse effects of different subcision techniques alone or in combination with other modalities to manage acne scars. The terms (subcision), (subcision AND acne scar), and (subcision AND scar) were searched in PubMed and Google Scholar. We included all available reports on clinical trials written in English and published before June 2022. A total of 16 relevant articles were identified after reviewing the abstracts and full texts. Four articles compared blunt cannula‐based subcision as a modified technique with needle‐based subcision as a conventional method, while the others investigated the combination of subcision with other modalities. According to our findings, subcision is a safe and effective method for treating atrophic acne scars. Needle‐based subcision and cannula‐based subcision offer comparable efficacy, with the latter causing fewer side effects and inducing greater patient satisfaction. Combining subcision with the application of autologous tissues (platelet gel) or artificial materials (hyaluronic acid gels and threads) as fillers can improve outcomes and prevent the re‐depressing of scars, as can its combination with frequent suctioning. Combinations with microneedling or fractionated microneedle radiofrequency have also been safe and effective. We conclude that modifications of the subcision procedure lessen its side effects, and combination therapies improve its efficacy.
Genetic examination for fetuses with increased nuchal translucency by exome sequencing
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Liu Ling , Zhi Yunxiao , Li Ying , Tian Weifang , Yang Bo , Ye Xiaoxue , Cui Shihong
Published: October 2022

Aim

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the value of exome sequencing (ES) in fetuses with isolated first‐trimester increased nuchal translucency (NT) and normal chromosomes.

Methods

ES was performed on 103 fetuses with isolated first trimester increased NT and normal chromosomes. The detection rate of monogenic conditions was analyzed.

Results

Diagnostic variants were detected in nine cases in which phenotypes and genotypes correlated well, two positive cases were Thanatophoric dysplasia type I, and one case was Kabuki syndrome, which had been detected in previous studies. Eight of the nine cases with diagnostic variants developed additional structural malformations later in pregnancy. Among the nine positive cases, six had a NT thickness between 95th percentile (95th–3.4 mm), and three cases with an increased NT of 3.5 mm or greater. Also, there was no statistical difference in the diagnosis of diagnostic variants in cases with or without a thickened nuchal fold (NF).

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield of prenatal ES is low for fetuses with an isolated increased NT. In addition to Noonan syndrome, there are additional genetic syndromes such as Kabuki syndrome and Thanatophoric dysplasia type I that are potentially associated with an increased NT. A cut‐off of greater than the 95th percentile may be useful in case selection for ES. Whether it is clinically meaningful to monitor NF values for fetuses with isolated increased NT and normal chromosomes worth considering.
Achieving Product Ambidexterity in New Product Development: The Role of Middle Managers' Dynamic Managerial Capabilities
Authors: Greven Andrea , Kruse Sebastian , Vos Anne , Strese Steffen , Brettel Malte
Published: October 2022

While the concept of dynamic managerial capabilities was initially developed to understand top managers' strategic decisions, we theorize that it can explain how middle managers successfully contribute to functional outcomes. In this paper, we apply the dynamic managerial capabilities perspective and theorize that middle managers' capabilities to sense, seize, and reconfigure opportunities and assets, enhance product ambidexterity. We test our predictions with survey data obtained in two waves with a three‐year time lag and enriched with archival data from a sample of 185 German middle managers. Our results show that middle managers' general human capital (specialized education), structural social capital (managerial ties), and relational social capital (trust) are positively related to product ambidexterity, while their cognitive social capital (solidarity) is negatively related. We contribute by expanding the concept of dynamic managerial capabilities to middle management and provide insights into the underexplored relationship between middle managers' capabilities and functional product ambidexterity.
Career adaptability and proactive work behaviour: A relational model
Authors: Cai Zijun , Tian Yixin , Wang Zhen
Published: October 2022

Research on career adaptability has found that it helps people adapt at work. However, in modern uncertain and dynamic work environment, people need to perform proactive work behaviour to ensure individual effectiveness. Thus, to understand how career adaptability advances career development, it is necessary to examine its influences on proactive work behaviour. Adopting a relational perceptive, the current paper proposed leader‐member exchange and perceived coworker support as the mediators and future work self salience as a moderator. Data were collected with a three‐wave design in China. Findings largely supported the propositions, albeit showing partial mediation effects. This study extends existing understandings of the role of career adaptability at work, provides a new perspective about why it influences work‐related outcomes and enriches the knowledge about the antecedents of proactive work behaviour.
Melatonin functions as a broad‐spectrum antifungal by targeting a conserved pathogen protein kinase
Authors: Li Renjian , Bi Ruiqing , Cai Huanyu , Zhao Juan , Sun Peng , Xu Weilong , Zhou Yaru , Yang Wei , Zheng Lu , Chen Xiao‐Lin , Wang Guanghui , Wang Dongli , Liu Junfeng , Teng Huailong , Li Guotian
Published: October 2022

Melatonin is a low‐cost natural small indole molecule with versatile biological functions. However, melatonin's fungicidal potential has not been fully exploited, and the mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that melatonin broadly inhibited 13 plant pathogens. In the rice blast fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, melatonin inhibited fungal growth, formation of infection‐specific structures named appressoria, and plant infection, reducing disease severity. Melatonin entered fungal cells efficiently and colocalized with the critical mitogen‐activated protein kinase named Mps1, suppressing phosphorylation of Mps1. Melatonin's affinity for Mps1 via two hydrogen bonds was demonstrated using surface plasmon resonance and chemical modifications. To improve melatonin's efficiency, we obtained 20 melatonin derivatives. Tert‐butyloxycarbonyl melatonin showed a 25‐fold increase in fungicidal activities, demonstrating the feasibility of chemical modifications in melatonin modification. Our study demonstrated the broad‐spectrum fungicidal effect of melatonin by suppressing Mps1 as one of the targets. Through further systematic modifications, developing an eco‐friendly melatonin derivative of commercial values for agricultural applications appears promising.