bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early and Late Effects of Medium Cutoff Dialyzer on Arterial Stiffness in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Deligoz Bildaci Yelda , Korucu Berfu , Erbay Efe , Erbay Ege , Vural Akif , Caylan Saime Betul , Yigitbasi Barkın , Asi Oktan Mehmet , Colak Ayse , Cavdar Caner , Deger Serpil Muge
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Removing uremic toxins from the body is one of the most critical points in the maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) population. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of medium cutoff (MCO) membranes on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), early markers of arterial stiffness, in MHD patients over both short‐ and long‐term periods.

Methods

Twenty MHD patients were included in this study. Patients were switched from low‐flux to MCO membranes. Hemodynamic parameters and laboratory results were recorded in the low‐flux membrane as baseline and the second week and the sixth month after switching to the MCO membranes. PWV and AIx were measured using the IME Mobil‐O‐Graph.

Findings

The median was 69.5 years old, with 60% female predominance. 35% of the patients were diabetic, 70% had hypertension, and 21.1% were smokers. The median systolic, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse were similar at all study time points. The pulse pressure tended to decrease with a significant reduction in the sixth month (p = 0.73 and p = 0.03). We did not observe any significant differences regarding the PWV measurements (p = 0.71 and p = 0.62) and total vascular resistance (p = 0.23 and p = 0.79). The median AIx decreased during the study time points, with a significant difference between the second‐week MCO and the sixth‐month MCO measurements (p = 0.04).

Discussion

Our findings underscore the potential benefits of MCO membranes to provide a favorable cardiovascular profile in conventional HD setting.
Impact of Adverse Events on Neonatal Emergency Transport: Italian Experience
Authors: Risso Francesco Maria , Ruggiero Jessica , Bellù Roberto , Burato Enrico , Bellini Carlo , Rodriguez Perez Carmen
Published: January 2025

Aim

To quantify and categorise retrospectively all adverse events occurring during unplanned neonatal emergency interhospital transfers conducted by the Transfer Service of the Spedali Civili di Brescia over 3 years.

Methods

The revised data were extracted from specific questionnaires filled out by staff. The events were classified according to an adapted retrieval team model (PANSTAR); the risk level was assessed using an effective risk assessment score.

Results

In 340 transports, 74 adverse events were identified; 68% of them were perceived as due to human error. Most of the events (82%) occurred during the second stage of transportation. One of the 74 events was described as a potential cause of major injury to the patient; 61 of the 74 events were considered insignificant. No event was considered potentially catastrophic.

Conclusion

Although most accidents do not pose a significant risk for the newborn, it is important to identify the few events that could potentially cause significant harm. Some phases of transportation are more at risk than others, and human error is confirmed as a predominant factor in most adverse events. Therefore, opportunities to reduce the number of events through education, training of neonatal retrieval teams and risk management should not be missed.
Threat to control promotes utilitarian moral judgement: The role of judgement type and length of control deprivation
Authors: Sankaran Sindhuja , Soral Wiktor , Lewczuk Karol , Kofta Mirosław
Published: January 2025

In three studies (total N = 622), the effects of threat to control on subsequent moral judgement were examined. After recalling a lack‐of‐control experience, participants evaluated the morality of a protagonist's decisions in a series of incongruent moral dilemmas. We found that a control‐threatening reminder made moral judgements more utilitarian on the deontological–utilitarian dimension, which is consistent with the control motivation theory. However, this effect depended on the type of judgement and the duration of control deprivation. It emerged only when evaluating moral legitimacy, not overall moral acceptability, and only under brief control‐threatening situations, not long ones. Thus, control threat made moral reasoning more utilitarian only when factors promoting more careful, exhaustive story processing were at play. Presumably, under these conditions, the non‐specific motivation to regain control—by prompting effortful processing—allowed participants to weigh the moral pros and cons before reaching a final judgement.
On the Measurement of Episodic Empowerment
Authors: Bartholomaeus Jonathan , Mandrell Joe , Strelan Peter
Published: January 2025

This article reports the development and validation of the Episodic Empowerment Scale (EES): A manipulation check designed to measure a momentary psychological state. In Study 1, participants (n = 125) completed a selection of candidate items after being exposed to a low‐ or high‐power manipulation. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce the number of items to a brief five‐item measure. We then examined the validity, reliability, and stability of the EES. Study 2 (n = 143) compared the target sensitivity of the EES to a widely used measure of power. In Study 3 (n = 129), we investigated the discriminant content validity of the EES by testing its sensitivity to a non‐target manipulation: positive and negative affect. Finally, in a large‐scale replication, Study 4 (n = 479) established the measurement invariance of the EES across experimental conditions and the interaction between conditions and gender as well as replicating the findings from Study 1. Our results indicate that the EES is a brief, valid, and sensitive manipulation check. Findings are discussed within the broader context of validating self‐report manipulation checks and the importance of employing robust psychometric techniques in experimental social psychology.
Jaguar density estimation in Mexico: The conservation importance of considering home range orientation in spatial capture–recapture
Authors: Murphy Sean M. , Luja Victor H.
Published: January 2025

Accurate estimation of population parameters for imperiled wildlife is crucial for effective conservation decision‐making. Population density is commonly used for monitoring imperiled species across space and time, and spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models can produce unbiased density estimates. However, many imperiled species are restricted to fragmented remnant habitats in landscapes severely modified by humans, which can alter animal space use in ways that violate typical SCR model assumptions, possibly cryptically biasing density estimates and misinforming conservation actions. Using data from a two‐year camera‐trapping survey in the Central Pacific Coast region, Mexico, we demonstrate the potential importance to endangered jaguar (Panthera onca) conservation of considering non‐circular home ranges when estimating population density with SCR. Strong evidence existed that jaguars had elliptical home ranges wherein movements primarily occurred along linearly arranged coastal habitats that the camera array aligned with. Accounting for this movement with the SCR anisotropic detection function transformation, density estimates were 30%–32% higher than estimates from standard SCR models that assumed circular home ranges. Given much of suitable jaguar habitat in Mexico is fragmented and linearly oriented along coastlines and mountain ranges, accommodating irregular space use in SCR may be critical for obtaining reliable density estimates to inform effective jaguar conservation.
Is Kaposi sarcoma a novel comorbidity of cutaneous lymphoma? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Moritz Rose K. C. , Huynh Julia , Poch Gabriela , Sabat Robert , Schlaak Max , Dobos Gabor
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Patients with cutaneous lymphomas (CL) are at an increased risk of developing secondary malignancies. This study aimed to assess the frequency of association between CL and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and to identify factors that may promote the co‐occurrence of these two diseases.

Patients and Methods

On January 25, 2024, we conducted a systematic search of four electronic medical databases to identify all published cases of KS associated with CL. The clinical course and outcomes of these patients were summarized. For critical appraisal, we applied the JBI Checklist for Case Reports. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022313204).

Results

A total of 40 articles reporting on 45 patients were assessed for eligibility. We included 27 cases in the final analysis (26 cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, 1 cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma). In 71% of cases, the diagnosis of CL preceded KS. Nearly half (48%) of the patients had erythrodermic mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome. KS lesions were predominantly limited to the skin, with complete remission achieved in 53% of cases.

Conclusions

The association between KS and CL is rare, limiting our study due to the small sample size and potential reporting bias. Skin‐targeted therapies, a restricted T‐cell repertoire, and impaired T‐cell responses in erythrodermic CTCL patients may contribute to the development of KS.
Differential effect of nonpharmacological interventions according to prediabetes phenotype: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Zila‐Velasque J. Pierre , Carrillo‐Larco Rodrigo M. , Bernabe‐Ortiz Antonio
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Impaired glucose intolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are totally different. Lifestyle modification is effective in moving from prediabetes to normoglycaemia. There is a lack of information showing the effect of lifestyle modification according to each prediabetes and assessing its effect on the degree of reversibility to normoglycaemia and on cardiometabolic markers.

Methods and Results

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) that enrolled individuals with IGT or IFG. Meta‐analysis was performed to compare the proportion of subjects progressing to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); proportion reversing to normoglycaemia and mean differences in glucose level and cardiometabolic parameters. Thirty‐six RCTs were included. The proportion of subjects progressing from impaired glycaemia to T2DM was higher among those with IGT (16.3% vs. 10.9%), whereas reversion to normoglycaemia was higher in subjects with IFG (27.2% vs. 24.8%). The effect of lifestyle modification on glucose level was significant on those with IFG (mean difference [MD] = −1.56 mg/dL, 95% CI: −2.71, −0.40), but not on those with IGT of (MD = 1.47 mg/dL, 95% CI: −1.33, 4.28).

Conclusion

Diverse lifestyle modification interventions improved glucose levels in people with IFG, but not in those with IGT. Our findings imply that different non‐pharmacological interventions are warranted for IGT and IFG.
Exploring the Interface Between Planetary Boundaries and Palaeoecology
Authors: Gillson Lindsey , Seddon Alistair , Mottl Ondřej , Zhang Ke , Kirsten Kelly , Gell Peter , Marchant Rob A. , Schwörer Christoph , Razanatsoa Estelle , Lane Paul J. , Courtney‐Mustaphi Colin J. , Dearing John
Published: January 2025

The concepts of planetary boundaries are influential in the sustainability literature and assist in delineating the ‘safe operating spaces’ beyond which critical Earth system processes could collapse. Moving away from our current trajectory towards ‘hothouse Earth’ will require knowledge of how Earth systems have varied throughout the Holocene, and whether and how far we have deviated from past ranges of variability. Such information can inform decisions about where change could be resisted, accepted or where adaptation is inevitable. The need for information on long‐term (Holocene) change provides an interface for palaeoecology and sustainability that remains underexploited. In this position paper, we explore this interface, first discussing the need for long‐term perspectives and introducing examples where palaeoecology has been used in defining safe operating spaces and constraining limits of acceptable change. We describe advances in quantitative methods for analysis of time‐series data that strengthen the contribution of palaeoecology to the concepts of planetary boundaries and safe operating spaces. We consider the importance of issues of scaling from landscape to regional and global scales in operationalising planetary boundaries concepts. We distil principles for this field of research going forward and introduce three case studies which will form the basis of research on these topics.
Engaging With a Community of Practice in Dementia: Impacts on Skills, Knowledge, Networks and Accessing Support
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Watson James , Polden Megan , Readman Megan , Tetlow Hilary , Gabbay Mark
Published: January 2025

Background

To deliver implementable, meaningful research and advance knowledge, different stakeholders need to be brought together regularly via a suitable platform or community of practice. The Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, set up in 2019, is a public/professional community of practice, providing in‐person and remote events and activities to connect people living with dementia, unpaid carers, health and social care professionals, Third Sector representatives and commissioners. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences and impacts of engaging with Forum events by different stakeholders.

Methods

Attendees of any Forum events were eligible to take part. We conducted remote semi‐structured interviews about the experiences and impacts of engaging with the Forum between November 2023 and April 2024. Anonymised transcripts were coded by three research team members, including a trained public advisor (unpaid carer), using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Seventeen attendees participated in the study. These included people living with dementia, unpaid carers, Third Sector representatives, academics and health and social care providers. Four overarching themes were identified in the data: facilitated networking within and outside of personal expertise, improved knowledge and capacity, empowerment by having one's voice heard and diversity in stakeholders but not the background. The Forum events were utilised on a drop‐ in and ‐out basis for most attendees, often picking events that were of immediate interest to them, whilst some attended almost all events. Engaging with the Forum was found to strongly facilitate increased networking and building relationships, especially outside of stakeholder background, whilst diversity in backgrounds of attendees, such as ethnic diversity, was lacking.

Conclusions

This Community of Practice has successfully brought together diverse stakeholders to network and expand their relationships, and increased knowledge and capacity in different stakeholder groups. Whilst the Forum was considered inclusive, future outreach work needs to ensure that greater diversity in backgrounds and personal experiences is reflected in attendees, and that a continuous flow of new attendees joins.

Patient and Public Involvement

One unpaid carer was involved as a public advisor and was supported in coding two anonymised transcripts and interpreting the findings. They also helped codesign the semi‐structured topic guide.
Patient‐driven personal importation in the face of cost barriers to care: can we do better?
Authors: Ghinea Narcyz , Heal Hazel , Danta Mark
Published: January 2025

Australia has a robust public health system that helps to make medicines affordable. However, evidence shows that a significant proportion of Australians still cannot afford medicines prescribed to them and that some patients import medicines from abroad as a result. The strongest predictor of whether patients import medicines is whether they have discussed it with their doctor. In this article we explore options available to patients and physicians for access to unapproved medicines when approved medicines are unaffordable. Although personal importation is the most obvious option, regulation leaves scope for other possibilities. We propose that guidance should be developed to help physicians address cost‐related medicine non‐adherence in practice and to help them understand their options and how to navigate them at the individual, speciality and professional levels.
Psychological Empowerment as a Mediator of Effort–Reward Imbalance Effects on Burnout, Anxiety and Depression Among Nursing Home Professionals: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Bouche Amélie , Jaussaud Jacques , Pic Océane , Koleck Michèle , Dupuy Lucile , Ouvrard Camille , Amieva Hélène , Rascle Nicole
Published: January 2025

Aims

Few studies have explored empowerment as a predictor of mental health outcomes in geriatric healthcare professionals. This research addresses this gap by using the ‘effort‐reward imbalance’ theory of work‐related stress to develop a comprehensive model, examining the role of psychological empowerment in the psychological outcomes of nursing home professionals.

Design

This cross‐sectional exploratory study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test a model on the mediating role of psychological empowerment in the relationship between effort–reward ratio and burnout, anxiety and depression.

Methods

From 2021 to 2023, we used convenience sampling to enrol 280 physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers from 13 nursing homes in France. Self‐administered measurements included Psychological Empowerments Scale, Effort–Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, Maslach burnout inventory—Human Services Survey and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Of the 280 healthcare professionals included, 245 had complete data.

Results

Findings confirmed direct predictive paths from the effort–reward ratio to burnout, anxiety and depression. The negative direct path between effort–reward ratio and psychological empowerment was significant, as was burnout and depression prediction by psychological empowerment. Anxiety was not explained by psychological empowerment. Mediation effects were confirmed. Model fit indices indicated a good fit, supporting the role of psychological empowerment in reducing the negative impact of effort–reward imbalance on psychological outcomes, except for anxiety.

Conclusion

Psychological empowerment appears to be a promising way to enhance and protect psychological work‐related health of nursing home healthcare professionals.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Understanding the impact of psychological empowerment on healthcare is a first step towards implementing interventions for healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care and work conditions.
Nurses' Perceptions of Patients With Co‐Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders in Psychiatric Settings: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Bertrand Etienne , Morvillers Jean‐Manuel
Published: January 2025

Aim

To explore psychiatric and mental health nurses' perceptions of patients with co‐occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders in psychiatric settings.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study design based on grounded theory, employing Straussian analytic procedures.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 psychiatric and mental health nurses. Participants were recruited at a public psychiatric hospital located in the Paris metropolitan area of France. Face‐to‐face interviews took place between February 2024 and May 2024. Field notes and interview data were continuously analysed during open, axial and selective coding phases.

Results

The core category identified was ‘waiting for a patient's will to change to emerge’ when caring for patients with co‐occurring substance use disorders. This active waiting period involved a balancing strategy between two discrete care objectives: stabilising the patient's clinical status and keeping the nurse‐patient relationship intact. Identifying a patient's will to change provided an opportunity to reconcile these two aspects of psychiatric nursing through the addition of a collaborative component to the relationship.

Conclusion

The substantive theory generated by our findings contributes to understanding the interactional and relational processes that occur between nurses and patients presenting with co‐occurring substance use disorders in the context of psychiatric care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Implications of our study include the need for further emphasis on collaborative approaches that can be applied even in early or pre‐contemplative stages of recovery. Organisational policies should systematically include training in the field of addiction care, given the high prevalence of co‐occurring substance use disorders in psychiatric settings.

Impact

Our findings can assist nurses in critically examining the challenges they experience when engaging with patients with co‐occurring substance use disorders.

Reporting Method

This research adheres to the COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) Checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Morphological study of the anterior dentition in Raoellidae (Mammalia, Artiodactyla), new insight on their dietary habits
Authors: Bouaziz Hugo , Orliac Maëva J. , Waqas Mohd , Rana Rajendra Singh , Smith Thierry , Weppe Romain
Published: January 2025

Raoellidae are small artiodactyls from the Indian subcontinent closely related to stem cetaceans. They bring crucial information to understand the early phase of the land‐to‐water transition in Cetacea. If they are considered to be partly aquatic, the question of their dietary habits remains partly understood due to their “transitional” morphology. Raoellidae are largely documented by their cheek teeth and getting a better knowledge of their anterior dentition constitutes an additional proxy to discuss their feeding habits. In this work, we document the anterior dentition of Indohyus indirae from an unprecedented sample of in situ and isolated teeth from the locality of East Aiji‐2 in the Kalakot area (Rajouri district, India). We propose identification criteria for upper and lower incisors and canines in raoellids. Based on CT scan data, virtual reconstruction of in situ dentition, and identification of the isolated incisors and canines, we reconstruct a composite anterior dentition of Indohyus supported by the correspondence of wear facets between upper and lower teeth. This constitutes the first attempt at reconstruction of the anterior dentition of a raoellid. We show that the upper incisors are caniniform and very similar morphologically, whereas the lower incisors are pointed but remain incisiform and quite different from one another. We also describe noticeable intraspecific variation, at the level of upper canines, suggesting a potential sexual dimorphism in this species. Upper and lower incisors are recurved, with the upper incisor row arranged on a widely opened arch. Taken altogether the anterior dentition forms a grasping device, allowing the animal to capture and secure food, a characteristic shared with stem cetaceans. This would mark the first step towards the carnivorous diet in these peculiar artiodactyls.
In Vivo Nitrosative Stress‐Induced Expression of a Photolyase Promotes Vibrio cholerae Environmental Blue Light Resistance
Authors: Banerjee Arkaprabha , Byun Hyuntae , Hrycko Andrew J. , Pu Qinqin , Brockett Mary R. , Esteves Nathaniel C. , Miller Jennifer R. , Li Qiushi , Ma Amy T. , Zhu Jun
Published: January 2025

Bacterial pathogens possess a remarkable capacity to sense and adapt to ever‐changing environments. For example, Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, thrives in aquatic ecosystems and human hosts through dynamic survival strategies. In this study, we investigated the role of three photolyases, enzymes that repair DNA damage caused by exposure to UV radiation and blue light, in the environmental survival of V. cholerae. Among these, we identified cry1 as critical for resistance to blue light, as mutations in this gene, but not in the other photolyase genes, rendered V. cholerae susceptible to such stress. Expression of cry1 was induced by blue light and regulated by RpoE and the anti‐sigma factor ChrR. We further showed that nitric oxide (NO), a host‐derived stressor encountered during infection, also activated cry1 expression. We found that one of the two cysteine residues in ChrR was important for sensing reactive nitrogen species (RNS), thereby modulating cry1 expression. While Cry1 was not required for V. cholerae colonization in animal models, pre‐induction of Cry1 by RNS in vivo or in vitro enhanced V. cholerae resistance to blue light. These findings suggest that host‐derived NO encountered during infection primes V. cholerae for survival in blue‐light‐rich aquatic environments, supporting its transition between host and environmental niches.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Psychological Distress in Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Experimental Studies
Authors: Badriyah Fatin Lailatul , Suarilah Ira , Tarihoran Dame Elysabeth Tuty Arna Uly , Saragih Ita Daryanti , Lee Bih‐O.
Published: January 2025

Work‐related stress, a major contributor to physical and mental health issues of nurses, has a direct impact on patient safety and nurses' well‐being. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing psychological distress in nurses. Systematic search of six databases including CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science from their inception to February 27, 2024. The primary outcomes assessed were reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression following the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy. A random effects model, accounting for study differences, was applied in the meta‐analyses. Egger's regression test was utilized to assess potential publication bias in the pooled analyses. The meta‐analysis included 10 studies that demonstrated the intervention's beneficial effects in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses. Despite the positive effects observed with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in alleviating psychological distress among nurses, the generalizability of these findings may require further confirmation due to the diversity of cognitive behavioral therapies.
Subcutaneous Pectoral Edema After Arthroscopic Labral Repair Despite Normal Irrigation Fluid Usage and Surgery Duration
Authors: Ayas İnci Hazal , Akcan Yağız Oğul , Haspolat Miray , Tokgöz Mehmet Ali , Keser İlke , Kanatlı Ulunay
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Edema after shoulder arthroscopic surgery poses concerns due to its potential complications such as compartment syndrome, nerve damage, and respiratory issues. This study aimed to investigate the acute accumulation of subcutaneous fluid after shoulder arthroscopy.

Methods

A prospective cohort study, providing Level III evidence was conducted on 50 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under interscalene block anaesthesia from September to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: rotator cuff repair (RCR, n = 29) and labral repair for shoulder instability (LR, n = 21). Subcutaneous fluid levels were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at discharge (24 h postsurgery) using the MoistureMeterD Compact at the neck, pectoral region, deltoid area, cubital fossa, and carpal tunnel. Data on surgery duration and irrigation fluid volume were documented. In the statistical analysis, repeated measures ANOVA and the independent‐samples t‐test were applied to compare parametric data, while the Friedman test and Mann–Whitney U test were used for nonparametric data.

Results

The average operation time was 29.0 ± 12.1 min for RCR and 30.0 ± 10.9 min for LR, with average irrigation fluid use of 3.8 ± 0.9 and 4.0 ± 0.7 L, respectively (both p > 0.05). There was no increase in subcutaneous edema in the neck and deltoid region in both groups. At discharge, the percentage of subcutaneous fluid increased in the cubital fossa (p = 0.04 for RCR; p < 0.001 for LR) and carpal tunnel (both p < 0.001) in oth groups, whereas pectoral edema increased only in the labral repair group (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Subcutaneous pectoral edema can occur following arthroscopic labral repair, and increased fluid levels in the cubital fossa and carpal tunnel were observed in both rotator cuff and labral repairs, even in the absence of prolonged surgery or excessive irrigation fluid use. These findings highlight the need for careful postoperative management of edema after shoulder arthroscopy, particularly for labral repairs, with special attention to the pectoral region, cubital fossa, and carpal tunnel to prevent potential complications.

The registry is sponsored by the United States National Library of Medicine (www.clinicaltrials.gov); Registry Name: Examination of Edema After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery ID: NCT06014203.
Enhancing quality and yield of recombinant secretory IgA antibodies in Nicotiana benthamiana by endoplasmic reticulum engineering
Authors: Göritzer Kathrin , Melnik Stanislav , Schwestka Jennifer , Arcalis Elsa , Drapal Margit , Fraser Paul , Ma Julian K‐C. , Stoger Eva
Published: January 2025

The production of complex multimeric secretory immunoglobulins (SIgA) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves is challenging, with significant reductions in complete protein assembly and consequently yield, being the most important difficulties. Expanding the physical dimensions of the ER to mimic professional antibody‐secreting cells can help to increase yields and promote protein folding and assembly. Here, we expanded the ER in N. benthamiana leaves by targeting the enzyme CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT), which catalyses the rate‐limiting step in the synthesis of the key membrane component phosphatidylcholine (PC). We used CRISPR/Cas to perform site‐directed mutagenesis of each of the three endogenous CCT genes in N. benthamiana by introducing frame‐shifting indels to remove the auto‐inhibitory C‐terminal domains. We generated stable homozygous lines of N. benthamiana containing different combinations of the edited genes, including plants where all three isofunctional CCT homologues were modified. Changes in ER morphology in the mutant plants were confirmed by in vivo confocal imaging and substantially increased the yields of two fully assembled SIgAs by prolonging the ER residence time and boosting chaperone accumulation. Through a combination of ER engineering with chaperone overexpression, we increased the yields of fully assembled SIgA by an order of magnitude, reaching almost 1 g/kg fresh leaf weight. This strategy removes a major roadblock to producing SIgA and will likely facilitate the production of other complex multimeric biopharmaceutical proteins in plants.
Natural variation in the GmVPE1 promoter contributes to phosphorus re‐translocation to seeds and improves soybean yield
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Lian Wenting , Li Zhiang , Guo Xin , Li Yaning , Zhao Hongyu , Yi Keke , Li Xinxin , Liao Hong
Published: January 2025

Phosphorus (P) is an essential yet frequently deficient plant nutrient. Optimizing P distribution and recycling between tissues is vital for improving P utilization efficiency (PUE). Yet, the mechanisms underlying the transport and re‐translocation of P within plants remain unclear. Here, wide‐ranging natural diversity in seed P allocation and positive correlations among yield traits were found using 190 soybean accessions in field trials. Among them, the P‐efficient genotype BX10 outperformed BD2 in assessments of PUE that were largely explained through differences in P redistribution from pods to seeds under low P stress. Pods of BX10 were therefore subjected to transcriptome analysis, and GmVPE1 was identified as a vacuolar Pi transporter to investigate further. Importantly, significant DNA polymorphism in GmVPE1 promoter regions was remarkably associated with seed weight among soybean accessions grown on P‐deficient soils. Further analyses suggested that mRNA abundance of GmVPE1 in haplotype 2 (Hap) is significantly higher than that GmVPE1Hap1. GmVPE1 was highly upregulated by P deficiency and preferentially expressed in pods, seeds, and seed coats, which was consistent with GUS staining using transgenic soybean plants carrying pGmVPE1Hap2::GUS. Near‐isogenic lines carrying the GmVPE1Hap2 allele, along with stable transgenic soybeans overexpressing GmVPE1 in a GmVPE1Hap1 background, had increases in PUE, more seed setting, and greater yields in both greenhouse and field trials than control plants. In summary, natural variation among GmVPE1 alleles determines genetic expression and subsequent P re‐translocation phenotypes, which impacts PUE and yield, and thereby makes this an important genetic resource for soybean molecular breeding.
Leaf Size Determines Damage‐ and Herbivore‐Induced Volatile Emissions in Maize
Authors: Waterman Jamie M. , Cofer Tristan M. , Von Laue Ophélie M. , Mateo Pierre , Wang Lei , Erb Matthias
Published: January 2025

Stress‐induced plant volatiles play an important role in mediating ecological interactions between plants and their environment. The timing and location of the inflicted damage is known to influence the quality and quantity of induced volatile emissions. However, how leaf characteristics and herbivore feeding behaviour interact to shape volatile emissions is not well understood. Using a high‐throughput volatile profiling system with high temporal resolution, we examined how mechanical damage and herbivore feeding on different leaves shape plant‐level volatile emission patterns in maize. We then tested feeding patterns and resulting consequences on volatile emissions with two generalist herbivores (Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera littoralis), and assessed whether feeding preferences are associated with enhanced herbivore performance. We found maize seedlings emit more volatiles when larger leaves are damaged. Larger leaves emitted more volatiles locally, which was the determining factor for higher plant‐level emissions. Surprisingly, both S. exigua and S. littoralis preferentially consumed larger leaves, and thus maximize plant volatile emission without apparent growth benefits. Together, these findings provide an ecophysiological and behavioural mechanism for plant volatile emission patterns, with potentially important implications for volatile‐mediated plant‐environment interactions.
The relationship between frailty levels and quality of life in patients over 65 years of age receiving regular hemodialysis treatment
Authors: Dilek Sümeyye , Cantekin Işın
Published: January 2025

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between frailty levels and quality of life in patients over 65 years of age receiving regular haemodialysis treatment.

Materials and Methods

The study was designed as a descriptive and correlational study. Data were collected from patients in a university hospital and two private dialysis centres in Konya between August and September 2023. The study sample consisted of 171 patients. The data collection tools included the Descriptive Characteristics Information Form, the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), and the EQ‐5D‐5L Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software program. Frequency and percentage calculations were obtained for the measurements in the personal information form. Since the data in the personal information form and EFS did not show normal distribution, non‐parametric tests, specifically the Mann–Whitney U‐test and the Kruskal‐Wallis H‐test, were used.

Results

The results obtained in the present study showed a significant, moderate, negative correlation between the quality of life and frailty levels of patients over 65 years of age receiving dialysis treatment.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that as quality of life increased, frailty levels decreased. Improvements in patients' quality of life could potentially lead to a reduction in frailty levels.
CD131 antagonism blocks inflammation, emphysema and fibrosis in an asthma‐COPD overlap mouse model originating in early life
Authors: Wang Hao , Fung Nok Him , Aloe Christian , Miles Mark , Selemidis Stavros , Lopez Angel F. , Wilson Nick , Owczarek Catherine , Bozinovski Steven
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective

Asthma‐COPD overlap (ACO) is characterized by patients exhibiting features of both asthma and COPD. Currently, there is no specific treatment for ACO. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting CD131, a shared receptor subunit for IL‐3, IL‐5 and GM‐CSF, in ACO development and in preventing acute viral exacerbations.

Methods

A two‐hit mouse model of ACO was established by house dust mite (HDM) allergen sensitization to model asthma, and elastase treatment to model emphysema. In a separate model, human rhinovirus 1b (RV1b) was used to induce an acute asthma exacerbation. A neutralizing antibody against CD131 was used to block CD131 in vivo signalling.

Results

Mice exposed to HDM and elastase developed cardinal features for asthma and COPD, including airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and emphysema. A mixed granulocytic inflammatory profile was identified in the lungs, including expansion of monocyte‐derived macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils. RT‐qPCR analysis detected heightened gene expression of Mmp12, Il5 and Il13. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed pathway enrichment for type 2 inflammation and macrophage activation. Blockade of CD131 effectively reduced the lung inflammation and prevented the development of AHR, airway fibrosis and emphysema. Interestingly, pathway enrichment for Th1 response and interferon production detected in the model was not affected by the treatment. Consistently, CD131 antagonism prevented RV1b‐induced asthma exacerbation without compromising RV1b clearance.

Conclusion

CD131 signalling coordinates multiple pathological pathways that drive airway inflammation and lung remodelling in ACO. Hence, CD131 antagonism represents a novel approach to combating the immunopathology in the complex ACO setting.
Nonpharmacological Management of Dental Anxiety in the General Population and Individuals With Learning Disabilities: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Siti Hajar , Mohd Farah Natashah , Yusof Mohd Yusmiaidil Putera Mohd , Chandra Lukman Ade , Ahmi Aidi , Ahmad Mas Suryalis
Published: January 2025

Aims

Dental anxiety (DA) is reported among the general population, including individuals with learning disabilities (LDs). In many studies, nonpharmacological interventions have been applied to significantly improve DA among patients. This study aimed to examine publication trends and patterns in both populations to identify the current research trends and literature gaps.

Methods

A descriptive analysis of bibliographic data and network visualization were conducted using Microsoft Excel and VosViewer, focusing on literature published in the Scopus database between 1994 and 2023 and using “title” as the search field.

Results

For the study period, the following were identified: 1429 authors, 5858 total citations, and an h‐index of 36. From a total of 2058 publications discovered, 363 publications were included in the study. Of these, only 11 articles addressed nonpharmacological management for people with LDs. In terms of the research country, the United Kingdom was the leading contributor, with 56 publications. Ad de Jongh was the most productive author, with 13 publications and 447 citations. The most highly cited paper was Lehrner et al. (2005), with 312 citations.

Conclusion

This study determined the number of publications related to nonpharmacological management of DA over three decades. The number of studies involving people with LDs was lower than that involving the general population, suggesting future research should occur in this area.
Future contingents, openness and the possibility of omniscience: Defending an argument against relativism and supervaluationism
Authors: Todd Patrick
Published: January 2025

In a recent paper, Patrick Todd and Brian Rabern argued that—contra both Thomason's supervaluationism and MacFarlane's relativism—an “open future” view is incompatible with the principle they call “Retro‐closure”, according to which today's rain implies that yesterday it was true that it would rain a day later. In a recent piece, MacFarlane replies. This paper has two aims. First, I argue that MacFarlane's response to Todd and Rabern is unsuccessful on its own terms. Second, I attempt to clarify Todd and Rabern's overall argument, and explain how MacFarlane's replies should be construed within the overall dialectic. The intended result: if you want an “open future”, then one's best option is a modified Peirceanism (as in Todd, The Open Future); if one wants Retro‐closure, one's best option is one on which there is a determinate “Thin Red Line” (a view sometimes called “Ockhamism”). However, one cannot have what supervaluationism and relativism both promise, viz., a view that preserves both.
Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer to Supercritical Pressure Fluid in Tubes With Rough Inner Surface
Authors: Wiltschko Fabian , Cheng Xu
Published: January 2025

The highly corrosive environment inside a supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) places stringent demands on the fuel rod cladding material, particularly requiring it to have strong corrosion resistance. However, within a refueling cycle, an oxide layer is growing on the surface of the fuel rods. In any case, the heat transfer to water under supercritical pressure conditions (pcr=220.64 bar, Tcr=373.95 °C) is an overly complex phenomenon, since the thermophysical properties of the fluid show drastic variations with respect to the temperature around the pseudo-critical temperature. An increase in the surface roughness height has an impact on the heat transfer. To provide insight into the effect of surface roughness on heat transfer an experimental database, using the surrogate fluid R134a (pcr=40.59 bar, Tcr=101.06 °C), covering a range of flow conditions is established. The database consists of reference data, obtained in a conventional hydraulic tube and of data obtained in a tube with an artificially roughened inner surface. In this work, the impact of the surface roughness on heat transfer is evaluated, by comparing the results obtained in the smooth tube, to the results obtained in the tube with rough inner surface. Heat transfer is enhanced when the Reynolds number is large enough and heat transfer deterioration can be suppressed or shifted to larger bulk enthalpy, due to the roughness. Furthermore, existing empirical correlations are assessed against the newly generated experimental database. It is concluded that none of the available correlations satisfactory predicts the experimental data over the entire range of Reynolds numbers, surface roughness, and wall-to-bulk temperature ratios.
MODAL-DRN-BL: A Framework for Modal Analysis Based on Dilated Residual Broad Learning Networks
Authors: Zeng Peijian , Lin Nankai , Li Shun , Hou Liheng , Lin Jianghao , Yang Aimin
Published: January 2025

Each object has unique inherent frequencies and vibration modes, which are known as modal parameters. The modal analysis aims to study the free vibration characteristics of an object under an external force action. In modal analysis, finite element method (FEM) is widely used to build dynamic model structures and solve for modal parameters. Nevertheless, despite its widespread application, FEM does come with certain drawbacks related to computational efficiency. FEM necessitates the construction of stiffness and mass matrices for the structure, alongside an eigenvalue analysis during modal analysis, which can result in extensive computational time. Additionally, meshing the object is a fundamental requirement for FEM, and achieving proper meshing can be a laborious and time-consuming task. In the case of nonlinear problems, FEM demands iterative solutions, with each iteration addressing a linear system. To that end, in this article, we propose a MODAL-DRN-BL framework to improve the computational efficiency against FEM. MODAL-DRN-BL utilizes convolution operation to effectively expand the receptive field and capture vibration information at longer distances. It also handles sparse interaction between features through a broad learning module. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed MODAL-DRN-BL framework achieves a mean absolute error of 1.49 in modal analysis benchmark ansys apdl (Ansys Parametric Design Language). Moreover, in terms of computational time, the MODAL-DRN-BL framework exhibits significant optimization compared to ansys apdl, resulting in a five-order-of-magnitude improvement in computational efficiency.
Electron emission performance analysis and application of carbon nanotube cold cathode prepared by cold pressing process
Authors: Lai Sheng , Tang Huaping , Jin Xin , Pan Jinsong , Li Huan , Liu Yunpeng , Tang Xiaobin
Published: January 2025

In this work, a carbon nanotube (CNT) cold cathode electron emitter fabricated by the cold pressing process was developed and studied. The electron emission performance was investigated and the application of pulse x-ray emission and imaging was explored by this cold cathode. The results indicated that the electron emission performance was excellent with electric intensities of turn-on and threshold of 0.47 and 1.17 V/μm@1 mA/cm2, respectively, and the field enhancement factor reached 17 514. The application research results showed that the pulse x-ray waveform has a great corresponding well with the grid voltage, and the imaging of a screw was clear, whose thread and pitch could be seen clearly. This article proposed a cold pressing process prepared for the CNT cold cathode, providing a new technical approach for the development of field emission cold cathode preparation processes.
Effects of Real-Life Motor Complexity on Walking and Mobility in Trained and Sedentary Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities: A Motor Dual-Task Investigation
Authors: Jouira Ghada , Baccouch Rym , Jardak Mariem , Alexe Dan Iulian , Rebai Haithem , Sahli Sonia
Published: January 2025

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) often encounter challenges in walking and mobility due to cognitive and motor impairments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of real-life motor complexity on walking and mobility in this population, particularly focusing on dual-task scenarios. Twenty-four adolescents with ID, divided into trained and sedentary groups, participated in the study. Participants completed the Timed Up and Go Test and the 10-m walk test under various conditions, including holding a water glass, carrying a tray with 2 glasses of water, introducing background noise, and encountering unexpected obstacles. Both groups significantly exhibited increased completion times (P < .001) in the Timed Up and Go Test and 10-m walk test with each added level of difficulty. The trained group demonstrated significantly superior performance (P < .05), only in the single task and holding a water glass. However, the difference between groups diminished as the challenges increased. In conclusion, real-life motor dual-tasking scenarios significantly impact walking and mobility in adolescents with ID. Physical activity may improve mobility and walking, particularly under less challenging conditions. Incorporating real-life challenges into motor dual-task training programs can enhance adaptability and reduce the risk of falls and injuries, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with ID.