bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transgenerational effects on body size and survival in Brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Houle Carolyne , Gossieaux Philippine , Bernatchez Louis , Audet Céline , Garant Dany
Published: May 2023

Higher temperatures are now observed in several ecosystems and act as new selective agents that shape traits and fitness of individuals. Transgenerational effects may be important in modulating adaptation of future generations and buffering negative impacts of temperature changes. The potential for these effects may be important in freshwater fish species, as temperature is a key abiotic component of their environment. Yet, still, relatively few studies have assessed the presence and importance of transgenerational effects under natural conditions. The purpose of this study was to test how parental thermal conditions influenced offspring growth and survival following stocking in Brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis). To do so, part of the breeders were exposed to a “cold” treatment while others were exposed to a “warm” treatment during the final steps of gonad maturation (constant 2°C difference between treatments along the seasonal temperature decrease). The impact on offspring of a selection treatment targeting production traits of interest (absence of sexual maturation at 1+, combined with increased growth) in breeders was also evaluated. After 7–8 months of growth in captivity, offspring were stocked in natural lakes. Their growth and survival were assessed about a year later. Offspring from “cold” breeders showed lower survival than those from “warm” breeders and the selection treatment had no effect on survival. However, the selection treatment was linked to lower Fulton's condition index, which, in turn, was positively correlated to survival in lakes. This study highlights the importance of working in ecological/industrial context to fully assess the different impacts of transgenerational effects on traits and survival. Our results also have important implications for stocking practices used to support the sport fishing industry.
How emerging adults navigate the autonomy–connection dialectic with parents via information communication technology (ICT) choices
Authors: Bourdeaux Renee , DiTunnariello Nancy , Platt Carrie Anne
Published: May 2023

Objective

Our study explores how emerging adults navigate the tension between autonomy and connection in communication with their parents.

Background

For many emerging adults, the first few years outside of the home have come to be defined more by connection than autonomy. Information communication technologies (ICTs) are frequently cited as encouraging this constant contact between parents and emerging adults. Yet emerging adults also use technologies to develop a sense of who they are outside of their family of origin.

Method

We used in‐depth interviews with 21 college students to better understand how emerging adults use ICTs to keep in touch with their parents, how they make sense of mediated connections, and how they navigate autonomy and connection in their justification of ICT options.

Results

Participants reported communicating with their parents frequently, often daily. Although communication behaviors suggested a privileging of connection over autonomy, participants' explanations of ICT choice invoked autonomy by highlighting personal preferences and compatibility with their busy lifestyle as justification for choosing how or when they would communicate with their parents. Participants also tended to attribute their use of nonpreferred ICTs to external factors such as situational factors and parents' limited technology skills.

Conclusion

Participants used ICTs to maintain a connection with their parents during college, but framed the specific ICTs they used to communicate with their parents in terms that emphasized their autonomy as emerging adults. Our study contributes to research on emerging adulthood, family relationships, and technology by providing a new conceptualization of the autonomy and connection dialectic that recognizes how today's technologies have collapsed interpersonal distance.
Amino acid metabolism, redox balance and epigenetic regulation in cancer
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Hong‐Sheng
Published: May 2023

Amino acids act as versatile nutrients driving cell growth and survival, especially in cancer cells. Amino acid metabolism comprises numerous metabolic networks and is closely linked with intracellular redox balance and epigenetic regulation. Reprogrammed amino acid metabolism has been recognized as a ubiquitous feature in tumour cells. This review outlines the metabolism of several primary amino acids in cancer cells and highlights the pivotal role of amino acid metabolism in sustaining redox homeostasis and regulating epigenetic modification in response to oxidative and genetic stress in cancer cells.
A guide to the processing and standardization of global palaeoecological data for large‐scale syntheses using fossil pollen
Authors: Flantua Suzette G. A. , Mottl Ondrej , Felde Vivian A. , Bhatta Kuber P. , Birks Hilary H. , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Seddon Alistair W. R. , Birks H. John B.
Published: May 2023

Aim

Palaeoecological data are crucial for comprehending large‐scale biodiversity patterns and the natural and anthropogenic drivers that influence them over time. Over the last decade, the availability of open‐access research databases of palaeoecological proxies has substantially increased. These databases open the door to research questions needing advanced numerical analyses and modelling based on big‐data compilations. However, compiling and analysing palaeoecological data pose unique challenges that require a guide for producing standardized and reproducible compilations.

Innovation

We present a step‐by‐step guide of how to process fossil pollen data into a standardized dataset compilation ready for macroecological and palaeoecological analyses. We describe successive criteria that will enhance the quality of the compilations. Though these criteria are project and research question‐dependent, we discuss the most important assumptions that should be considered and adjusted accordingly. Our guide is accompanied by an R‐workflow—called FOSSILPOL—and corresponding R‐package—called R‐Fossilpol—that provide a detailed protocol ready for interdisciplinary users. We illustrate the workflow by sourcing and processing Scandinavian fossil pollen datasets and show the reproducibility of continental‐scale data processing.

Main Conclusions

The study of biodiversity and macroecological patterns through time and space requires large‐scale syntheses of palaeoecological datasets. The data preparation for such syntheses must be transparent and reproducible. With our FOSSILPOL workflow and R‐package, we provide a protocol for optimal handling of large compilations of fossil pollen datasets and workflow reproducibility. Our workflow is also relevant for the compilation and synthesis of other palaeoecological proxies and as such offers a guide for synthetic and cross‐disciplinary analyses with macroecological, biogeographical and palaeoecological perspectives. However, we emphasize that expertise and informed decisions based on palaeoecological knowledge remain crucial for high‐quality data syntheses and should be strongly embedded in studies that rely on the increasing amount of open‐access palaeoecological data.
Forage intake and nitrogen metabolism of beef cattle grazing palisadegrass‐calopo mixed pasture managed using canopy light interception
Authors: dos Santos Oliveira Jacqueline , Depablos Luis , Homem Bruno Grossi Costa , Ferreira Igor Machado , Boddey Robert Michael , Paiva Adenilson José , Lara Márcio André Stefanelli , Casagrande Daniel Rume
Published: May 2023

To define the best grazing management strategy, it is important to assess animals' responses to variations in the structure and composition of tropical forages. This 2‐year study evaluated animal response to Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha)‐calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides) mixed pastures managed under rotational grazing. Treatments consisted of three defoliation frequencies defined by rest periods interrupted at 90% (90LI), 95% (95LI) and 100% (100LI) of photosynthetically active radiation interception (LI). The stubble post‐grazing height target was 15 cm. Statistical difference was declared at p < .10. The 100LI had lowest crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDDM) for the Marandu palisadegrass (p = <.001 both) and calopo (p = .003 and p = .067, respectively). Also, the OM digestibility decreased 7.0% in the 100LI condition than 90LI and 95LI treatment (p = .005). There was no difference in forage, grass, and legume intakes between the treatments (p > .10). The 100LI treatment decreased CP intake from grass in 33.3% (p = <.001) compared to other treatments. Greatest production of microbial N (p = .093) occurred with the 90LI treatment. The CP/digestible organic matter (DOM) ratio, urinary N excretion and retained N were lowest in the 100LI treatment (p = <.001, p = .007 and p = .014, respectively). The recommendation for grazing between 90 and 95% of LI is recommended because of greater CP intake and N utilization for the animals and improved the nutritive value of Marandu palisadegrass and calopo mixed pastures.
High temperature near IR spectral absorption of clear SiO2‐based glasses
Authors: Faber A. J. , Meneses Domingos de Sousa , van Nijnatten Peter A.
Published: May 2023

Experimental high temperature near infrared (NIR) absorption spectra of different SiO2‐based glasses, including lead silicate crystal glass, clear soda lime silicate (SLS) glass and fused silica with low and high OH content, are compared. The more polarizable the glass, the stronger is the increase in the high temperature NIR absorption at wavelengths < 2 µm, involving a red shift of the optical bandgap edge with increasing temperature. It appears that the modified glassy Urbach's rule provides a framework for describing the temperature red shift of the absorption edge of lead silicate crystal glass, even above Tg. This red shift causes a 4–7 times lower Rosseland thermal radiation conductivity of lead crystal glass melts compared to clear SLS glass melts. Low OH fused silica is practically transparent for NIR thermal radiation, also at high temperatures above Tg. Incorporation of water in fused silica increases the NIR absorption in the spectral region 1.7–3.4 µm, for all temperatures. An upper limit of the diffusion coefficient D of water in fused silica was estimated from the time to measure the high temperature NIR spectra of thin (∼2 mm) samples: D < 4 * 10−10 m2/s at temperatures up to around 2000°C.
The value of bone marrow examinations performed in the investigation of HIV infected patients with cytopenias
Authors: Chetty Carissa , Musekwa Ernest , Chapanduka Zivanai Cuthbert
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Bone marrow examination (BME) is a reliable and effective tool in the diagnosis of many haematological and non‐haematological diseases and may be used to investigate unexplained cytopenia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnoses made, diagnostic yield and unique diagnostic yield of BMEs performed to investigate cytopenias in HIV infected patients.

Method

A retrospective cross‐sectional descriptive study was performed involving all BMEs performed on HIV‐infected adult patients with the main indication of unexplained cytopenia over a period of 5 years and 4 months. Data was extracted from the National Health Laboratory Service's laboratory information system and clinicians' BME request forms.

Results

The study included 128 BMEs, performed on 124 patients. The diagnostic yield was 32% and the unique diagnostic yield was 30.5%. The most common diagnosis was pure red cell aplasia (10.9%), followed by immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (7%), iron deficiency anaemia (6.3%), malignancy (4.7%) and disseminated infection (3.9%).

Conclusion

BME is a useful investigation for unexplained cytopenia in HIV‐infected patients. Less invasive investigations to exclude haematinic deficiencies, haemolysis and sepsis are recommended on an individualised basis prior to BME. In HIV‐infected patients with therapy refractory ITP or ITP with atypical clinicopathological findings, BME is strongly recommended. As Mycobacterial and other infections are common in this group of patients, staining and culture of specimens are advised if BME is undertaken.
Stability and comparison of complete blood count parameters between capillary and venous blood samples
Authors: Doeleman Martijn J. H. , Esseveld Anouk , Huisman Albert , de Roock Sytze , Tiel Groenestege Wouter M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study assessed the comparability of complete blood count (CBC) parameters between capillary and venous samples, and extended previous research by examining the influence of different storage temperatures on CBC stability up to 7 days after sample collection.

Methods

Venous and capillary blood samples were collected from 93 adult patients. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean platelet volume (MPV), leukocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, erythrocytes, red cell distribution width (RDW), immature granulocytes (IG), immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and reticulocytes were measured. Deming regression and mean relative differences between venous and capillary measurements were contrasted with desirable total allowable error (TEa). Stability was assessed in 20–27 venous blood samples stored at 4, 21–22, or 30°C, and analyzed at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h. Mean relative change with respect to baseline measurements was compared to the desirable TEa to determine acceptable stability.

Results

Deming regression demonstrated strong linear correlations and acceptable variation between venous and capillary measurements. Erythrocytes, Hb, Ht, MCH, MCV, RDW, reticulocytes, and platelets showed acceptable stability for at least 96 h at 4°C. Mean relative change exceeded desirable TEa after 24 h at 30°C for all parameters, except erythrocytes, Hb, leukocytes, and MCH.

Conclusion

Clinical laboratory specialists and clinicians should be aware of potential differences between venous and capillary measurements, and the influence of storage conditions. Clinical validity of delayed CBC analysis depends on the clinical situation and required precision of the result.
RETRACTED: The usefulness of platelet‐rich plasma to manage skin wounds: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chi Liqiao , Wang Qiang , Zhong Wenjun , Pan Xinfeng , Li Yuanyuan
Published: May 2023

A meta‐analysis investigation to measure the usefulness of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to manage skin wounds (SWs). A comprehensive literature inspection till February 2023 was applied and 1349 interrelated investigations were reviewed. The 22 chosen investigations enclosed animals' SWs were in the chosen investigations' starting point, 3348 of them were treated with PRP, and 2259 were control. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compute the value of the usefulness of PRP to manage SWs by the dichotomous and continuous approaches and a fixed or random model. PRP significantly higher percent of decreases in open wound area (OWA) (MD, 10.07; 95% CI, 6.55‐13.59, P < 0.001), and lower healing time (HT) (MD, −6.31; 95% CI, −10.69 to −1.93, P = 0.005) compared to control in animals' SWs. PRP had a significantly higher percent of decreases in OWA and lower HT compared to control in animals' SWs. However, caused of the small sample sizes of several chosen investigations for this meta‐analysis, care must be exercised when dealing with its values.
Insect invasions track a tree invasion: Global distribution of black locust herbivores
Authors: Medzihorský Vladimír , Trombik Jiří , Mally Richard , Turčáni Marek , Liebhold Andrew M.
Published: May 2023

Aim

Many invasive plant species benefit from enemy release resulting from the absence of insect herbivores in their invaded range. However, over time, specialized herbivores may ‘catch up’ with such invasive plants. Black locust is a tree species with a relatively limited native range in North America but has invaded large areas in virtually every temperate continent including North America. We hypothesize that both intra‐ and intercontinental spread of black locust leads to a parallel, though delayed pattern of intra‐ and intercontinental spread of insect herbivores.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, and its insect herbivores.

Methods

We compiled historical records of the occurrence of insect herbivore species associated with R. pseudoacacia from all world regions. Based on this list, we describe taxonomic patterns and investigate associations between environmental features and numbers of non‐native specialist herbivores in the portion of North America invaded by R. pseudoacacia.

Results

A total of 454 herbivorous species are recorded feeding on R. pseudoacacia across the world, with 23 of these being specialized on Robinia. From this group, seven species have successfully expanded their range beyond North America. Within North America, the richness of specialists is explained by a combination of road density, R. pseudoacacia density, distance from the R. pseudoacacia native range, and climate.

Main Conclusion

Non‐native herbivore species have accumulated on invasive R. pseudoacacia in both North America and in other continents. The steady build‐up of invasions likely has diminished the enemy release that this invasive tree species has benefited from – a trend that will likely continue in the future. These findings support the hypothesis that invasive plants promote parallel though delayed invasions of specialist insect herbivores.
The relationship between internet addiction and peer bullying level of sixth and seventh grade secondary school students
Authors: Gülbetekin Eda , Gül Can Fatma
Published: May 2023

Problem

The research aimed to determine the relationship between internet addiction and peer bullying in sixth and seventh‐grade students.

Method

The population of the study consisted of students in the sixth and seventh grades of secondary schools in a province in eastern Turkey. The data were collected throughout the 2021–2022 academic year from 1201 sixth and seventh graders who voluntered to participate in the research. The data were collected using the Bullying Scale and the Internet Addiction Scale for Adolescents (IAA).

Finding

It was determined that gender, grade level, status of having a mobile phone, and age influenced children's participation in peer bullying. Also, variables of gender, grade level, and status of having a mobile phone affected internet addiction levels. Furthermore, when the correlation between the two scales was analyzed, a strong positive correlation was determined.

Conclusions

In line with the findings of this study, interventions that may lower levels of bullying include delivering training on bullying and internet addiction to families, encouraging children to participate in activities that would reduce the amount of time they spend on the internet, and investigating the reasons for bullying.
Same‐day discharge for left atrial appendage occlusion procedure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Jehanzeb Ahmed , Parmar Miloni , Bhamare Aditi , Agarwal Siddharth , Khosla Jagjit , Liu Briana , Abraham Rachel , Khan Taha , Clifton Shari , Munir Muhammad Bilal , DeSimone Christopher V. , Deshmukh Abhishek , Po Sunny , Stavrakis Stavros , Asad Zain Ul Abideen
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Most patients undergoing a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure are admitted for overnight observation. A same‐day discharge strategy offers the opportunity to improve resource utilization without compromising patient safety. We compared the patient safety outcomes and post‐discharge complications between same‐day discharge versus hospital admission (HA) (>1 day) in patients undergoing LAAO procedure.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted. Outcomes of interest included peri‐procedural complications, re‐admissions, discharge complications including major bleeding and vascular complications, ischemic stroke, all‐cause mortality, and peri‐device leak >5 mm. Mantel–Haenszel risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated.

Results

A total of seven observational studies met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference between same‐day discharge versus HA regarding readmission (RR: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.29–1.31]; p = .21), ischemic stroke after discharge (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: [0.49–2.73]), peri‐device leak >5 mm (RR: 1.27; 95% CI: [0.42–3.85], and all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.60; 95% CI: [0.36–1.02]). The same‐day discharge study group had significantly lower major bleeding or vascular complications (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: [0.54–0.94]).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis of seven observational studies showed no significant difference in patient safety outcomes and post‐discharge complications between same‐day discharge versus HA. These findings provide a solid basis to perform a randomized control trial to eliminate any potential confounders.
Experimental evolution of evolutionary potential in fluctuating environments
Authors: Ketola Tarmo , Kronholm Ilkka
Published: May 2023

Variation is the raw material for evolution. Evolutionary potential is determined by the amount of genetic variation, but evolution can also alter the visibility of genetic variation to natural selection. Fluctuating environments are suggested to maintain genetic variation but they can also affect environmental variance, and thus, the visibility of genetic variation to natural selection. However, experimental studies testing these ideas are relatively scarce. In order to determine differences in evolutionary potential we quantified variance attributable to population, genotype and environment for populations of the bacterium Serratia marcescens. These populations had been experimentally evolved in constant and two fluctuating environments. We found that strains that evolved in fluctuating environments exhibited larger environmental variation suggesting that adaptation to fluctuations has decreased the visibility of genetic variation to selection.

Abstract

After a month long experimental evolution experiment in fluctuating and constant thermal environments Serratia marcescens clones were found to have evolved higher environmental variation in fluctuating environments than in constant environments.
Longitudinal trends in direct costs and healthcare utilization ascribable to inflammatory bowel disease in the biologic era: a nationwide, population‐based study
Authors: Park Eun Young , Baek Dong Hoon , Kim Gwang Ha , Kim Choongrak , Kim Hasung , Lee Jeong Woo , Song Geun Am
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim

Biologic‐era data regarding the direct cost and healthcare utilization of inflammatory bowel disease at the population level are limited, especially in Asia. Thus, we aimed to investigate the nationwide prevalence, direct cost, and healthcare utilization of inflammatory bowel disease in Korea in a recent 10‐year period.

Methods

Using the Korean National Health Insurance claim data from 2008 to 2017, we investigated all prescription medications and their associated direct costs, hospitalizations, and outpatient visits. We also estimated the nationwide prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease using population census data.

Results

The estimated inflammatory bowel disease prevalence significantly increased from 108.8/100 000 in 2008 to 140.4/100 000 in 2017. The overall annual costs for inflammatory bowel disease and the healthcare cost per capita increased from $24.5 million (in US dollars) to $105.1 million and from $458.4 to $1456.6 million, respectively (both P < 0.001). Whereas the ratio of outpatient costs increased from 35.3% to 69.4%, that of outpatient days remained steady. The total annual medication cost and proportion rose from $13.3 million to $76.8 million and from 54.2% to 73.3%, respectively, mainly due to the increasing antitumor necrosis factor cost, from $1.5 million to $49.3 million (from 11.1% to 64.1% of the total annual drug cost and from 6.3% to 46.9% of the total annual cost).

Conclusions

We observed increasing trends in the prevalence, direct costs, and healthcare utilization of inflammatory bowel disease in Korea in recent years. The attributable cost was mainly driven by rising expenditures on antitumor necrosis factor medications.
Relationships between gene expression and behavior in mice in response to systemic modulation of the O‐GlcNAcylation pathway
Authors: Bell Margaret B. , Ouyang Xiaosen , Shelton Abigail K. , Huynh Nha V. , Mueller Toni , Chacko Balu K. , Jegga Anil G. , Chatham John C. , Miller C. Ryan , Darley‐Usmar Victor , Zhang Jianhua
Published: May 2023

Enhancing protein O‐GlcNAcylation by pharmacological inhibition of the enzyme O‐GlcNAcase (OGA), which removes the O‐GlcNAc modification from proteins, has been explored in mouse models of amyloid‐beta and tau pathology. However, the O‐GlcNAcylation‐dependent link between gene expression and neurological behavior remains to be explored. Using chronic administration of Thiamet G (TG, an OGA inhibitor) in vivo, we used a protocol designed to relate behavior with the transcriptome and selected biochemical parameters from the cortex of individual animals. TG‐treated mice showed improved working memory as measured using a Y‐maze test. RNA sequencing analysis revealed 151 top differentially expressed genes with a Log2fold change >0.33 and adjusted p‐value <0.05. Top TG‐dependent upregulated genes were related to learning, cognition and behavior, while top downregulated genes were related to IL‐17 signaling, inflammatory response and chemotaxis. Additional pathway analysis uncovered 3 pathways, involving gene expression including 14 cytochrome c oxidase subunits/regulatory components, chaperones or assembly factors, and 5 mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) signaling factors. Multivariate Kendall correlation analyses of behavioral tests and the top TG‐dependent differentially expressed genes revealed 91 statistically significant correlations in saline‐treated mice and 70 statistically significant correlations in TG‐treated mice. These analyses provide a network regulation landscape that is important in relating the transcriptome to behavior and the potential impact of the O‐GlcNAC pathway.

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Constitutive and conditional deletion reveals distinct phenotypes driven by developmental versus neurotransmitter actions of the neuropeptide PACAP
Authors: Bakalar Dana , Gavrilova Oksana , Jiang Sunny Z. , Zhang Hai‐ying , Roy Snehashis , Williams Sarah K. , Liu Naili , Wisser Stephen , Usdin Ted B. , Eiden Lee E.
Published: May 2023

Neuropeptides may exert trophic effects during development, and then neurotransmitter roles in the developed nervous system. One way to associate peptide‐deficiency phenotypes with either role is first to assess potential phenotypes in so‐called constitutive knockout mice, and then proceed to specify, regionally and temporally, where and when neuropeptide expression is required to prevent these phenotypes. We have previously demonstrated that the well‐known constellation of behavioral and metabolic phenotypes associated with constitutive pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP) knockout mice are accompanied by transcriptomic alterations of two types: those that distinguish the PACAP‐null phenotype from wild‐type (WT) in otherwise quiescent mice (cPRGs), and gene induction that occurs in response to acute environmental perturbation in WT mice that do not occur in knockout mice (aPRGs). Comparing constitutive PACAP knockout mice to a variety of temporally and regionally specific PACAP knockouts, we show that the prominent hyperlocomotor phenotype is a consequence of early loss of PACAP expression, is associated with Fos overexpression in hippocampus and basal ganglia, and that a thermoregulatory effect previously shown to be mediated by PACAP‐expressing neurons of medial preoptic hypothalamus is independent of PACAP expression in those neurons in adult mice. In contrast, PACAP dependence of weight loss/hypophagia triggered by restraint stress, seen in constitutive PACAP knockout mice, is phenocopied in mice in which PACAP is deleted after neuronal differentiation. Our results imply that PACAP has a prominent role as a trophic factor early in development determining global central nervous system characteristics, and in addition a second, discrete set of functions as a neurotransmitter in the fully developed nervous system that support physiological and psychological responses to stress.
A novel cosmetic approach for partial matricectomy in treating ingrown toenails
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zhang Ning , Li Xiaolu , Li Xiaohan , Chen Cong , Zhang Jiadong , Hu Yong
Published: May 2023

Background

Toenails play a great part in protecting toes and peripheral soft tissues, simultaneously playing a cosmetic role. The ideal treatment should result in a functional and aesthetic outcome.

Objective

To describe a novel, aesthetic and minimally invasive method to treat ingrown toenail.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 436 lesions of 395 ingrown toes in 353 patients with a mean age of 26.0 ± 13.4 (range 10–55) from June 2014 to March 2020 in our department. A novel cosmetic approach for partial matricectomy in treating ingrown toenails was undergone. The average follow‐up time was 27.5 ± 2.8 months. The average period prior to work resumption, recurrence rate, and infection rate were measured. Mean pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Mean satisfaction VAS were used to evaluate the foot appearance.

Results

The average period prior work resumption was 2.2 ± 2.1 days (range, 0–7 days). The recurrence rate was 1.6% (7 lesions in 6 patients) at more than 2 years of follow‐up. There was no critical complication except infection (0.46%). Mean pain VAS reduced from a preoperative score of 7.7 ± 1.5 points (range, 6–10 points) to a postoperative 3‐day score of 2.2 ± 1.0 points (range, 1–4 points; p < 0.001) while Mean satisfaction VAS improved from 1.5 ± 1.3 points (range, 0–3 points) to 9.2 ± 0.6 points (range, 8–10 points; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our proposed approach is minimally invasive relative to conventional methods, which can achieve comparable efficacy to treat ingrown toenails with granulation tissue. Therefore, it can serve as another option to treat this specific type of ingrown toenails.
Patient satisfaction of microfocused ultrasound treatments on the face and neck laxity: A narrative review
Authors: Al‐Omair Abdullah , Bukhari Abrar
Published: May 2023

Background

Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU‐V) delivers focused ultrasound energy to heat tissue and has emerged as a fast and effective noninvasive method for treating skin laxity. After obtaining approval in 2009 by the Food and Drug Administration, satisfactory feedback was recorded using several scoring systems for MFU‐V treatment for facial and neck laxity.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and satisfaction rates of MFU‐V for facial and neck laxity treatment by providing a basis for developing a validated scoring system for MFU‐V treatment.

Method

A constrictive survey was carried out by selecting relevant publications on MFU‐V treatment of facial and neck laxity using PubMed, Medline, and Embase electronic databases from January 2017 to March 2022.

Results

Of the 11 original articles used in this review, the majority of the scoring methods used were the subjective global aesthetic improvement scale and the 5‐point scale rating global aesthetic improvement in appearance. Around half of the patients were described as much improved or very much improved on days 30 and 90, while most returned to baseline on Day 360. Most of the adverse events reported were mild bruising, redness, and pain. None of the patients reported serious adverse events. A burn occurred in one case because of improper application of the probe.

Conclusion

The MFU‐V provides excellent and promising responses for treating facial and neck laxity. A few mild events were observed, such as erythema, pain, edema, and injection‐site induration, all of which resolved within approximately 2–3 days.
An experimental study of the vascular embolism caused by recombinant type III collagen implants and hyaluronic acid
Authors: Sun Yimou , Nie Fangfei , Wang Guanhuier , Li Qin , Xie Hongbin
Published: May 2023

Background

There are significant differences in the reported incidence of vascular complications that result from the injection of different soft tissue fillers. This study aimed to compare the risk of vascular embolism after recombinant type III collagen implants and hyaluronic acid (HA) injection into arteries.

Methods

Different concentrations of recombinant type III collagen and Restylane were injected into the central ear artery of rabbits, to construct an immediate embolization model. We screened for vascular recanalization and tissue necrosis at 30 min, 1 day, and 7 days after injection, and histopathology examination was processed on Day 7.

Results

At 30 min after injection, complete recanalization of the central ear artery was observed in 17 rabbits in the C1 group while none in the HA group. On Day 1 after injection, complete recanalization of the CEA main trunk was observed in all rabbits in the collagen group while 50% in the HA group. There was a significant difference between the C1 group and the HA group in terms of vascular recanalization and skin necrosis.

Conclusion

Under the present experimental conditions, the risk of causing vascular embolism was much lower with collagen than with Restylane. Different doses of collagen at different injection rates have the same safety profile.
Efficacy of metformin vs. doxycycline in treating acne vulgaris: An assessor‐blinded, add‐on, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sadati Maryam Sadat , Yazdanpanah Nazafarin , Shahriarirad Reza , Javaheri Rojan , Parvizi Mohammad Mahdi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) plays a role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Metformin can reduce IGF‐1 levels and insulin resistance, so it may be useful in treating acne.

Objective

This study compared the efficacy of metformin and doxycycline in treating patients with acne vulgaris.

Methods

In this assessor‐blind, add‐on, randomized controlled clinical trial, we enrolled 40 patients with moderate acne vulgaris aged 15–40 and randomly divided them into two groups. For two months, the first group received doxycycline 100 mg capsules daily, and the second received metformin 500 mg tablets twice daily. The patients in both groups were adminitered to apply a fingertip (fourth finger) of 5% benzoyl peroxide gel (Pangel®) topically every night over the lesions, and to wash it off after 30 min. Patients were evaluated using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score, Investigator Global Assessment for Acne (IGA) score, Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), Total Acne Lesion Count (TLC), and the number of inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions.

Results

By the end of the study, the GAGS, IGA, CADI, and TLC scores and the number of inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This trial indicates equal efficacy of doxycycline and metformin in reducing acne vulgaris severity, with doxycycline performing better in reducing lesions of the inflammatory type. Confirmatory or equivalence clinical trials should be performed to confirm our results.
Activities and social contact as antecedents to sleep onset time in U.S. adolescents
Authors: Jones Blake L. , Wikle Jocelyn S.
Published: May 2023

This study evaluated adolescents' evening patterns in activities, social contact, and location to better understand antecedents to adolescents' sleep onset time (SOT). The SOT is important for sleep duration and related health outcomes. Using a nationally representative sample of 15‐ to 18‐year‐old adolescents from the American Time Use Survey (N = 10,341; 47% female; 57% white), structural equation modeling demonstrated that late SOTs mediated links between evening activities, social contact, locations, and shorter sleep durations. Passive leisure, time in public locations, and time with friends late in the evenings were associated with later SOTs, whereas homework and active leisure did not. Parents and practitioners can use this information to carefully evaluate evening activities, social contact, and location to support healthy SOTs for adolescents across time.
Evaluation of polysomnography findings in children with genetic skeletal disorders
Authors: Nayır Büyükşahin Halime , Emiralioglu Nagehan , Simşek Kiper Pelin Özlem , Sunman Birce , Güzelkaş Ismail , Alboğa Didem , Akgül Erdal Meltem , Boduroglu Koray , Utine Gülen Eda , Yalcın Ebru , Doğru Deniz , Kiper Nural , Ozcelik Ugur
Published: May 2023

Children with genetic skeletal disorders have variable conditions that can lead to sleep‐disordered breathing, and polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosing this condition. We aimed to review polysomnography findings, to assess the severity of sleep apnea, and to investigate the clinical variables predictive of sleep‐disordered breathing in these patients. We retrospectively collected the medical records of patients with genetic skeletal disorders who underwent polysomnography for 5 years. Twenty‐seven children with various genetic skeletal disorders, including achondroplasia (14), Crouzon syndrome (3), acromesomelic dysplasia Maroteaux type (3), Apert syndrome (2), osteopetrosis (1), Jeune dysplasia (1), Desbuquois dysplasia (1), acrodysostosis (1), and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (1) were enrolled. The median age at the first polysomnography was 58 (1st–3rd quartile: 31–113) months. The overall sleep‐disordered breathing results were: 19 (70.3%) had obstructive sleep apneas (OSA) (4 mild, 6 moderate, 9 severe), 2 (7.4%) had central apneas, 4 (14.8%) had nocturnal hypoventilation. There was a significant correlation between non‐ambulatory status with both total AHI and OSA (p < 0.001, rho: −0.66/p = 0.04, rho: 0.38, respectively). Nine patients received positive airway pressure titration, and the oAHI values of all returned to the normal range. These patients were started with positive airway pressure treatment. Our cohort showed that the majority of the patients with skeletal dysplasia had sleep apnea syndrome characterised mainly by OSA, highlighting the importance of polysomnography screening for sleep disorders. Positive airway pressure therapy represents an effective treatment for sleep‐disordered breathing in those patients.
Trajectories of sleep quality and depressive symptoms in women from pregnancy to 3 months postpartum: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin‐Lewry Marianne , Tzeng Ya‐Ling , Li Chieh‐Chen , Lee Gabrielle T. , Lee Pi‐Hsia , Chen Su‐Ru , Kuo Shu‐Yu
Published: May 2023

Sleep quality and depression during pregnancy often affect women's adaptation to motherhood and are linked with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Using a prospective cohort study comprising 190 pregnant women in central Taiwan, we investigated the trajectories of sleep quality and depressive symptoms and their associated predictors in perinatal women from pregnancy to postpartum. Sleep and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively, from mid‐pregnancy to 3 months postpartum. We used group‐based trajectory modelling and logistic regression modelling to analyse the data collected from the structured questionnaires. Pregnant women (50.5% primipara) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 32.3 (4.1) years were included. We identified three distinctive classes of sleep quality trajectories during the perinatal period: ‘stable good’ (18.4%), ‘increasing poor’ (48.9%), and ‘stable poor’ (32.6%). We further detected three stable trajectories of depressive symptoms: ‘stable low’ (36.3%), ‘stable mild’ (42.1%), and ‘stable high’ (21.6%). A significant association between sleep quality and depression trajectories was evident (p < 0.001). High fatigue symptoms and low social support predicted the high trajectories of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Distinctive dynamic sleep quality and stable depression trajectories were characterised. Our findings revealed that both the sleep and depression trajectories were closely associated with one another, with common predictors of fatigue symptoms and social support. The early assessment of maternal sleep and depression status is important for identifying at‐risk women and initiating interventions tailored to perinatal women to improve their sleep and mental health.
Religion and Derivative Use: Evidence from the Hedge Fund Industry
Authors: Lee Junyong , Lee Kyounghun , Oh Frederick Dongchuhl
Published: May 2023

We examine how local religions influence derivative usage in the hedge fund industry. Measuring religiosity by the ratio of religious adherents in the county of a U.S. hedge fund headquarters, we find that religiosity is negatively related to the probability of hedge funds using derivatives for speculative purposes. In contrast, funds in regions with higher ratios of Catholics to Protestants are more likely to engage in speculation‐based trading of derivatives. Finally, we show that the effects of local religion are more pronounced if the hedge fund size is small. Overall, our study highlights the significant role of local religion in shaping the purpose of hedge fund derivative usage.
Objectivising national identity: The introduction of national registers in the late Habsburg Empire
Authors: Kuzmany Börries
Published: May 2023

Western societies over the last few decades have seen an increased interest in questions of group belonging and group identities, including ethno‐national groups. According to essentialising or constructivist paradigms, belonging to a national group is commonly conceptualised in the range of objective versus subjective criteria, where objective entails ascription and subjective, self‐identification. This paper suggests disentangling the paired dimensions—objective and other‐classification versus subjective and self‐classification—by analysing the late Habsburg Empire. I argue that the introduction of national registers in the new provincial constitutions and electoral laws of Moravia, Bukovina and Galicia accelerated an objective understanding of nationality and increasingly favoured other‐classification over self‐classification in cases where national belonging had become an administrative category. Yet, to do justice to the individual's subjective feelings, authorities were supposed to investigate objectively a citizen's subjective identification—a procedure that can be termed “objectivisation.” Such objectivising procedures thus reconciled an individual's subjective identification with an increasingly objective understanding of nationality by developing guidelines on how classification by others should proceed.
Four new species of Viola (Violaceae) from southern China
Authors: Huang Yan‐Shuang , Ding Jian‐Hong , Ye Qin‐Liang , Dai Jing‐Min , Zhong Zhi‐Ming , Fan Qiang
Published: May 2023

Four new Viola species from southern China, i.e. Viola qingruii, V. heyuanensis, V. chaozhouensis, and V. longissima, are described and illustrated based on morphology and molecular phylogeny. Viola qingruii is widely distributed in the coastal mountains of southeastern China, while V. heyuanensis, V. chaozhouensis, and V. longissima, are all narrow endemics in Guangdong Province, China. These species are described and compared with the morphologically related species V. lucens, V. tenuis, V. guangzhouensis and V. huizhouensis. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS confirmed that all of the four new species belong to Viola sect. Plagiostigma subsect. Diffusae. An identifcation key is provided to distinguish the four new species from other species of V. subsect. Diffusae in southern China. In addition, the origin and evolution of characters such as aerial stems, stolons, elaiosomes and tuberculate seeds in Viola are briefly discussed.
A new type of saidenbachite with pseudomorphs after coesite phenocrysts from the north‐western Bohemian Massif, Germany
Authors: Massonne Hans‐Joachim
Published: May 2023

Saidenbachite started to crystallize from melt under ultrahigh pressure (UHP). This felsic igneous rock is known from two occurrences in the world only. The here reported new type of saidenbachite, found at the type locality in the central Erzgebirge Crystalline Complex, is characterized by millimetre‐sized aggregates of coarse‐grained quartz in a matrix of significantly smaller grains of garnet, rarely containing diamond inclusions, plagioclase, K‐feldspar, white mica, some dark mica, rutile and ±kyanite. According to the shape and the regular distribution of these aggregates showing similar size, they are interpreted as former coesite phenocrysts, which grew early in a felsic magma. This interpretation is corroborated by thermodynamic modelling demonstrating that coesite is the first major phase that crystallizes from SiO2‐rich (>66 wt%) magmas at UHP.
Oxidized cholesteryl ester induces exocytosis of dysfunctional lysosomes in lipidotic macrophages
Authors: Domingues Neuza , Marques André R. A. , Calado Rita Diogo Almeida , Ferreira Inês S. , Ramos Cristiano , Ramalho José , Soares Maria I. L. , Pereira Telmo , Oliveira Luís , Vicente José R. , Wong Louise H. , Simões Inês C. M. , Pinho e Melo Teresa M. V. D. , Peden Andrew , Almeida Cláudia Guimas , Futter Clare E. , Puertollano Rosa , Vaz Winchil L. C. , Vieira Otília V.
Published: May 2023

A key event in atherogenesis is the formation of lipid‐loaded macrophages, lipidotic cells, which exhibit irreversible accumulation of undigested modified low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) in lysosomes. This event culminates in the loss of cell homeostasis, inflammation, and cell death. Nevertheless, the exact chemical etiology of atherogenesis and the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the impairment of lysosome function in plaque macrophages are still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that macrophages exposed to cholesteryl hemiazelate (ChA), one of the most prevalent products of LDL‐derived cholesteryl ester oxidation, exhibit enlarged peripheral dysfunctional lysosomes full of undigested ChA and neutral lipids. Both lysosome area and accumulation of neutral lipids are partially irreversible. Interestingly, the dysfunctional peripheral lysosomes are more prone to fuse with the plasma membrane, secreting their undigested luminal content into the extracellular milieu with potential consequences for the pathology. We further demonstrate that this phenotype is mechanistically linked to the nuclear translocation of the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors. The induction of lysosome biogenesis by ChA appears to partially protect macrophages from lipid‐induced cytotoxicity. In sum, our data show that ChA is involved in the etiology of lysosome dysfunction and promotes the exocytosis of these organelles. This latter event is a new mechanism that may be important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.