bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between efavirenz concentrations, pharmacogenetics and neurocognitive performance in people living with HIV in Nigeria
Authors: Nwogu Jacinta N. , Gandhi Monica , Owen Andrew , Khoo Saye H. , Taiwo Babafemi , Olagunju Adeniyi , Berzins Baiba , Okochi Hideaki , Tallerico Regina , Robertson Kevin , Babalola Chinedum P.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Efavirenz (EFV) use is associated with neuropsychiatric side effects, which may include poor neurocognitive performance. We evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes that contribute to EFV pharmacokinetics and examined them in association with EFV concentrations in plasma and hair, as well as neurocognitive performance.

Design:

Cross-sectional study in which adults with HIV receiving 600-mg EFV for at least 2 months were recruited and paired hair and dried blood spots (DBS) samples collected.

Methods:

Participants (N = 93, 70.3% female) were genotyped for seven single nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP2B6, NRII3 and ABCB1 using DBS. EFV was quantified in DBS and hair using validated liquid-chromatography–tandem-mass-spectrometry methods, with plasma EFV concentrations derived from DBS levels. Participants were also administered a neurocognitive battery of 10 tests (seven domains) that assessed total neurocognitive functioning.

Results:

Strong correlation (r = 0.66, P < 0.001) was observed between plasma and hair EFV concentrations. The median (interquartile range) hair EFV concentration was 6.85 ng/mg (4.56–10.93). CYP2B6 516G>T, (P < 0.001) and CYP2B6 983T>C (P = 0.001) were each associated with hair EFV concentrations. Similarly, 516G>T (P < 0.001) and 983T>C (P = 0.009) were significantly associated with plasma EFV concentration. No other genetic associations were observed. Contrary to other studies, total neurocognitive performance was significantly associated with plasma EFV concentrations (r = 0.23, P = 0.043) and 983T>C genotype (r = 0.38, P < 0.0005).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated approximately three-fold and two-fold higher EFV plasma and hair concentrations, respectively, among CYP2B6 516TT compared with 516GG. Higher EFV concentrations were associated with better neurocognitive performance, requiring further study to elucidate the relationships between adherence, adverse effects and outcomes.
Recurrent Glioma
Authors: Jena Amarnath , Taneja Sangeeta , Khan Anna Ara , Sogani Shanti K.
Published: June 2021

Rationale of the Study

Neuroimaging modalities such as contrast-enhanced MRI and PET provide significant insight in the evaluation of gliomas. However, their reliability in successfully differentiating the tumor recurrence with treatment-related changes is still technologically challenging. The current study aims to qualitatively investigate the potential of the hybrid PET/multiparametric MRI modality to noninvasively distinguish between these 2 outcomes of brain tumor diagnostics for optimum and early patient management.

Patients and Methods

A cohort of 26 suspected recurrent glioma cases proved on histology and/or clinicoradiological outcome forms the part of this study. A 3-point visual analytical scale was used to qualify lesions as recurrent or posttreatment radiation effects on PET, conventional MRI, dynamic susceptibility contrast–perfusion-weighted imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and the MR spectroscopy according to their level of suspicion.

Results

Of the 26 patients, 21 patients were classified as recurrence and 5 as radiation necrosis. Advanced MRI parameters (perfusion, diffusion, and spectroscopy) integrated with 18F-DOPA PET imaging resulted in superior diagnostic performance obtained on visual assessment with an accuracy of 95%, sensitivity of 96%, and specificity approaching up to 100% over individual modalities.

Conclusions

The combination of multiple MR parameters evaluated together with 18F-DOPA PET offers an attractive approach to noninvasively distinguish true recurrence from radiation necrosis. However, further prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted with additional neuropathological validations.
Löfgren Syndrome on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Tol Suzanne J. M. , van der Zant Friso M. , Knol Remco J. J. , Wondergem Maurits , Broos Wouter A. M.
Published: June 2021

A 58-year-old man presented with fever, erythema nodosum, and arthralgia of knee and ankle joints. Laboratory data showed signs of inflammation, and chest x-ray revealed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. 18F-FDG PET/CT was acquired to analyze the underlying causes and revealed FDG accumulation in thoracic lymphadenopathy and in subcutaneous lesions and periarticular uptake. This typical triad is known as Löfgren syndrome, an acute manifestation of sarcoidosis and which, as this case shows, can be visualized on 18F-FDG PET/CT. It is important to recognize this syndrome and to discriminate it from the classic presentation of sarcoidosis because of its different diagnostic and therapeutic consequences.
Malignant Extrarenal Rhabdoid Tumor of the Vagina on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Shen Guohua , Wang Rang , Pan Lili , Kuang Anren
Published: June 2021

Malignant rhabdoid tumor is an aggressive neoplasm commonly arising from the kidney during infancy and childhood. Extrarenal forms of this tumor are relatively rare and have been reported in several extrarenal sites including central nervous system, liver, bladder, vulva, and head and neck. Hereby, we present FDG PET/CT findings of malignant extrarenal rhabdoid tumor originating from the vagina in an 8-year-old girl.
Adolescent autism and autoimmune diagnoses linked to infant gut bacteria whose prevalence is associated with at-risk genetics and/or diet
Authors: Turpin Patricia L. , Ahrens Angelica P. , Russell Jordan T. , Kindgren Erik , Berryman Meghan A. , Ilonen Jorma , Atkinson Mark A. , Schatz Desmond A. , Triplett Eric W. , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: June 2021

The earliest predictors of future autoimmune diseases are a series of autoantibodies that are rarely evaluated and very within and between diseases. In addition, autoantibodies often appear just prior to disease onset. All of these factors make it difficult to apply interventions that might prevent disease. Earlier predictors of disease are needed. Here, a general population cohort was used to assess whether gut bacterial biomarkers could be identified prior to disease. Gut microbiome analysis on 1741 one-year old Swedish children was performed on samples collected in the late 1990s. These children were then followed for 18 years for the incidence of five autoimmune diseases and autism. Specific bacterial strains in the gut microbiome of one-year-old children have been identified as exclusive to the 96 subjects (cases) who acquired type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, hypothyroidism, Crohn’s disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or autism over their next 18 years. None of these strains were found in the 1645 children (controls) who did not acquire any of these diseases. Ten other strains were exclusive to those who remained disease-free. In most cases, the presence or absence of these bacteria were strongly associated with: 1) high-risk class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles; 2) dietary factors; or 3) a combination of HLA genetics and diet. These results have three significant implications: 1) certain class II HLA haplotypes may serve as bacterial gatekeepers early in life, altering microbiome composition thereby creating the potential for dysbiosis and inflammation; 2) the gut microbiome dysbiosis and inflammation during infancy, largely derived from host HLA genetics and diet, may be a common precedent to all five autoimmune diseases and autism; and 3) HLA gatekeeping may prevent gut colonization of beneficial bacteria in those genetically at-risk individuals who could most benefit from probiotic therapy.

Funding

JDRF, Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation, Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research, Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden, Regions Östergötland, and Linköping University.
ZFC3H1 and U1-70K promote the nuclear retention of mRNAs with 5’ splice site motif within nuclear speckles
Authors: Lee Eliza S. , Smith Harrison W. , Wolf Eric J. , Guvenek Aysegul , Emili Andrew , Tian Bin , Palazzo Alexander F.
Published: June 2021

Quality control of mRNA represents an important regulatory mechanism for gene expression in eukaryotes. One component of this quality control is the nuclear retention and decay of misprocessed RNAs. Previously, we demonstrated that mature mRNAs containing a 5’ splice site (5’SS) motif, which is typically found in misprocessed RNAs such as intronic polyadenylated (IPA) transcripts, are nuclear retained and degraded. Here we demonstrate that these transcripts require the zinc finger protein ZFC3H1 for their decay and nuclear retention into nuclear speckles. Furthermore, we find that U1-70K, a component of the U1 snRNP spliceosomal complex, is also required for their nuclear retention and likely functions in the same pathway as ZFC3H1. Finally, we show that the disassembly of nuclear speckles impairs the nuclear retention of mRNAs with 5’SS motifs. Together, our results suggest a model where mRNAs with 5’SS motifs are recognized by U1 snRNP, which then acts with ZFC3H1 to both promote their decay and prevent nuclear export of these mRNAs by sequestering them in nuclear speckles. Our results highlight a splicing independent role of U1 snRNP and indicate that it works in conjunction with ZFC3H1 in preventing the nuclear export of misprocessed mRNAs.
Functional-Hybrid Modeling through automated adaptive symbolic regression for interpretable mathematical expressions
Authors: Narayanan Harini , Cruz Bournazou Mariano Nicolas , Guillén-Gosálbez Gonzalo , Butté Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Mathematical models used for the representation of (bio)-chemical processes can be grouped into two broad paradigms: white-box or mechanistic models, completely based on knowledge or black-box data-driven models based on patterns observed in data. However, in the past two-decade, hybrid modeling that explores the synergy between the two paradigms has emerged as a pragmatic compromise. The data-driven part of these have been largely based on conventional machine learning algorithm (e.g., artificial neural network, support vector regression), which prevents interpretability of the finally learnt model by the domain-experts. In this work we present a novel hybrid modeling framework, the Functional-Hybrid model, that uses the ranked domain-specific functional beliefs together with symbolic regression to develop dynamic models. We demonstrate the successful implementation of these hybrid models for four benchmark systems and a microbial fermentation reactor, all of which are systems of (bio)chemical relevance. We also demonstrate that compared to a similar implementation with the conventional ANN, the performance of Functional-Hybrid model is at least two times better in interpolation and extrapolation. Additionally, the proposed framework can learn the dynamics in 50% lower number of experiments. This improved performance can be attributed to the structure imposed by the functional transformations introduced in the Functional-Hybrid model.
Many dissimilar protein domains switch between α-helix and β-sheet folds
Authors: Porter Lauren L. , Kim Allen K. , Rimal Swechha , Looger Loren L. , Majumdar Ananya , Mensh Brett D. , Starich Mary
Published: June 2021

Hundreds of millions of structured proteins sustain life through chemical interactions and catalytic reactions1. Though dynamic, these proteins are assumed to be built upon fixed scaffolds of secondary structure, α-helices and β-sheets. Experimentally determined structures of over >58,000 non-redundant proteins support this assumption, though it has recently been challenged by ∼100 fold-switching proteins2. These “metamorphic3” proteins, though ostensibly rare, raise the question of how many uncharacterized proteins have shapeshifting–rather than fixed–secondary structures. To address this question, we developed a comparative sequence-based approach that predicts fold-switching proteins from differences in secondary structure propensity. We applied this approach to the universally conserved NusG transcription factor family of ∼15,000 proteins, one of which has a 50-residue regulatory subunit experimentally shown to switch between α-helical and β-sheet folds4. Our approach predicted that 25% of the sequences in this family undergo similar α-helix ⇌ β-sheet transitions, a frequency two orders of magnitude larger than previously observed. Our predictions evade state-of-the-art computational methods but were confirmed experimentally by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for all 10 assiduously chosen dissimilar variants. These results suggest that fold switching is a pervasive mechanism of transcriptional regulation in all kingdoms of life and imply that numerous uncharacterized proteins may also switch folds.
Serotonergic neuron ribosomes regulate the neuroendocrine control of Drosophila development
Authors: Deliu Lisa P. , Jadir Deeshpaul , Ghosh Abhishek , Grewal Savraj S.
Published: June 2021

The regulation of ribosome function is a conserved mechanism of growth control. While studies in single cell systems have defined how ribosomes contribute to cell growth, the mechanisms that link ribosome function to organismal growth are less clear. Here we explore this issue using Drosophila Minutes, a class of heterozygous mutants for ribosomal proteins (Rps). These animals exhibit a delay in larval development caused by decreased production of the steroid hormone ecdysone, the main regulator of larval maturation. We found that this developmental delay is not caused by decreases in either global ribosome numbers or translation rates. Instead, we show that they are due in part to loss of Rp function specifically in a subset of serotonin (5-HT) neurons that innervate the prothoracic gland to control ecdysone production. We found that these 5-HT neurons have defective secretion in Minute animals, and that overexpression of synaptic vesicle proteins in 5-HTergic cells can partially reverse the Minute developmental delay. These results identify a cell-specific role for ribosomal function in the neuroendocrine control of animal growth and development.
Pvr and downstream signaling factors are required for spreading of Drosophila hemocytes at larval wound sites
Authors: Tsai Chang-Ru , Jacobson Alec , Sankoorikkal Niki , Chirinos Josue D. , Burra Sirisha , Wang Yan , Makthal Nishanth , Kumaraswami Muthiah , Galko Michael J.
Published: June 2021

Tissue injury is typically accompanied by inflammation. In Drosophila melanogaster, wound-induced inflammation involves adhesive capture of hemocytes at the wound surface followed by hemocyte spreading to assume a flat, lamellar morphology. The factors that mediate this cell spreading at the wound site are not known. Here, we discover a role for the Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/ Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related receptor (Pvr) and its ligand, Pvf1, in blood cell spreading at the wound site. Pvr and Pvf1 are required for spreading in vivo and in an in vitro spreading assay where spreading can be directly induced by Pvf1 application or by constitutive Pvr activation. In an effort to identify factors that act downstream of Pvr, we performed a genetic screen in which select candidates were tested to determine if they could suppress the lethality of Pvr overexpression in the larval epidermis. Some of the suppressors identified are required for epidermal wound closure, another Pvr-mediated wound response, some are required for hemocyte spreading in vitro, and some are required for both. One of the downstream factors, Mask, is also required for efficient wound-induced hemocyte spreading in vivo. Our data reveals that Pvr signaling is required for wound responses in hemocytes (cell spreading) and defines distinct downstream signaling factors that are required for either epidermal wound closure or hemocyte spreading.
Genetic architecture underlying HPPD-inhibitor resistance in a Nebraska Amaranthus tuberculatus population
Authors: Murphy Brent P , Beffa Roland , Tranel Patrick J
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Amaranthus tuberculatus is a primary driver weed species throughout the American Midwest. Inhibitors of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) are an important chemistry for weed management in numerous cropping systems. Here, we characterize the genetic architecture underlying the HPPD-inhibitor resistance trait in an A. tuberculatus population (NEB).

RESULTS

Dose-response studies of an F1 generation identified HPPD-inhibitor resistance as a dominant trait with a resistance/sensitive ratio of 15.0-21.1. Segregation analysis in a pseudo-F2 generation determined the trait is moderately heritable (H2 = 0.556), and complex. Bulk segregant analysis and validation with molecular markers identified two quantitative trait loci (QTL), one on each of Scaffold 4 and 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance to HPPD-inhibitors is a complex, largely dominant trait within the NEB population. Two large-effect QTL were identified controlling HPPD-inhibitor resistance in A. tuberculatus. This is the first QTL mapping study to characterize herbicide resistance in a weedy species.
Elucidation of Structural Mechanism of ATP Inhibition at the AAA1 Subunit of Cytoplasmic Dynein 1 Using a Chemical “Toolkit”
Authors: Tati Sayi’Mone , Alisaraie Laleh
Published: June 2021

Dynein is a cytoskeletal motor protein that carries organelles via retrograde transport in eukaryotic cells. The motor protein belongs to the ATPase family of proteins associated with diverse cellular activities and plays a critical role in transporting cargoes to the minus end of the microtubules. The motor domain of dynein possesses a hexameric head, where ATP hydrolysis occurs. The AAA1 binding site is the leading ATP hydrolytic site, followed by the AAA3 subsite. Small-molecule ATP competitive inhibitors of dynein are thought to target the AAA1 site. The presented work elucidates the structure-activity relationship of dynapyrazole A and B, ciliobrevin A and D in their various protonated states and their 46 analogs for their binding properties in the nucleotide-binding site of the AAA1 subunit and their effects on the functionally essential subsites of the motor domain of cytoplasmic dynein 1, as there is currently no similar experimental structural data available. Ciliobrevin and its analogs bind to the ATP motifs of the AAA1, namely the Walker-A or P-loop, the Walker-B, and the sensor I and II. Ciliobrevin A shows a better binding affinity to the AAA1 binding site of dynein 1 than its D analog. Although the double bond in ciliobrevin A and D was expected to decrease the ligand potency, they show a better affinity to the AAA1 binding site than dynapyrazole A and B, lacking the bond. Protonation of the nitrogen in ciliobrevin A, D, dynapyrazole A, and B at the N9 site of ciliobrevin, and the N7 of the latter increased their binding affinity. Exploring ciliobrevin A geometrical configuration suggests the E isomer has a superior binding profile over the Z due to binding at the critical ATP motifs. Utilizing the refined structure of the motor domain obtained through protein conformational search in this study exhibits that Arg1852 of the yeast cytoplasmic dynein could involve in the “glutamate switch” mechanism in cytoplasmic dynein 1 in lieu of the conserved Asn in AAA+ protein family, as the guanidine moiety of the Arg engages in an H-bond with the carboxylate moiety of Glu1849.
GLO-SLAM: a slam system optimally combining GPS and LiDAR odometry
Authors: Lin Ruihao , Xu Junzhe , Zhang Jianhua
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Large-scale and precise three-dimensional (3D) map play an important role in autonomous driving and robot positioning. However, it is difficult to get accurate poses for mapping. On one hand, the global positioning system (GPS) data are not always reliable owing to multipath effect and poor satellite visibility in many urban environments. In another hand, the LiDAR-based odometry has accumulative errors. This paper aims to propose a novel simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system to obtain large-scale and precise 3D map.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed SLAM system optimally integrates the GPS data and a LiDAR odometry. In this system, two core algorithms are developed. To effectively verify reliability of the GPS data, VGL (the abbreviation of Verify GPS data with LiDAR data) algorithm is proposed and the points from LiDAR are used by the algorithm. To obtain accurate poses in GPS-denied areas, this paper proposes EG-LOAM algorithm, a LiDAR odometry with local optimization strategy to eliminate the accumulative errors by means of reliable GPS data.

Findings

On the KITTI data set and the customized outdoor data set, the system is able to generate high-precision 3D map in both GPS-denied areas and areas covered by GPS. Meanwhile, the VGL algorithm is proved to be able to verify reliability of the GPS data with confidence and the EG-LOAM outperform the state-of-the-art baselines.

Originality/value

A novel SLAM system is proposed to obtain large-scale and precise 3D map. To improve the robustness of the system, the VGL algorithm and the EG-LOAM are designed. The whole system as well as the two algorithms have a satisfactory performance in experiments.
Clothing Economy and Clothing Culture: The Farm Wardrobe from a Gendered Perspective in Nineteenth‐Century Sweden
Authors: Ulväng Marie
Published: June 2021

This article examines the clothing of landowning farmers in inland Swedish from a gendered perspective during industrialisation in the nineteenth century. It considers clothes as possessions and goods within a European framework of trade and influence. In particular, it shows how clothing was a means of expression that changed during the course of industrialisation and how gender became an important factor in the supply and making of clothes. In the region examined, clothing changed from being a local fashion, characterised by similarities in material and workmanship between men's and women's clothes, to become a part of fashion in general with its emphasis on differences between men's and women's wardrobes. In the early nineteenth century, the female wardrobe accounted for a higher value as it included a greater share of garments made of manufactured fabrics. In late nineteenth century, when industrial forestry had replaced livestock farming as the main source of income in the area, men's wardrobes grew in value due to increased demand for tailor‐made garments and purchased fabrics. By contrast, women's garments were often made of simpler fabrics and sewn by seamstresses. These changes responded to the growing breadwinner–homemaker ideal and to national‐romantic ideas about folk costume – two tendencies that emphasised female domesticity and home‐woven fabrics.
Identification of novel pleiotropic gene for bone mineral density and lean mass using the cFDR method
Authors: Tan Li‐Jun , Li Xiao‐Hua , Li Gai‐Gai , Hu Yuan , Chen Xiang‐Ding , Deng Hong‐Wen
Published: June 2021

Bone mineral density (BMD) and whole‐body lean mass (WBLM) are two important phenotypes of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Previous studies have shown that BMD and lean mass were phenotypically and genetically correlated. To identify the novel common genetic factors shared between BMD and WBLM, we performed the conditional false discovery rate (cFDR) analysis using summary data of the genome‐wide association study of femoral neck BMD (n = 53,236) and WBLM (n = 38,292) from the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS). We identified eight pleiotropic Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) (PLCL1 rs11684176 and rs2880389, JAZF1 rs198, ADAMTSL3 rs10906982, RFTN2/MARS2 rs7340470, SH3GL3 rs1896797, ST7L rs10776755, ANKRD44/SF3B1 rs11888760) significantly associated with femoral neck BMD and WBLM (ccFDR < 0.05). Bayesian fine‐mapping analysis showed that rs11888760, rs198, and rs1896797 were the possible functional variants in the ANKRD44/SF3B1, JAZF1i, and SH3GL3 loci, respectively. Functional annotation suggested that rs11888760 was likely to comprise a DNA regulatory element and linked to the expression of RFTN2 and PLCL1. PLCL1 showed differential expression in laryngeal posterior cricoarytenoid muscle between rats of 6 months and 30 months of age. Our findings, together with PLCL1’s potential functional relevance to bone and skeletal muscle function, suggested that rs11888760 was the possible pleiotropic functional variants appearing to coregulate both bone and muscle metabolism through regulating the expression of PLCL1. The findings enhanced our knowledge of genetic associations between BMD and lean mass and provide a rationale for subsequent functional studies of the implicated genes in the pathophysiology of diseases, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
Assessment of seminal calcium and magnesium levels in infertile men with varicocele before and after varicocelectomy
Authors: Azab Sherif Salah , Mostafa Taymour , Abougabal Khadiga M. , Tohamy Asmaa A. , Nabil Nashaat
Published: June 2021

Background

Trace elements perform a vital role in all stages of human physiology, as well as reproduction.

Objective

This study aimed to assess seminal calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in infertile men associated with varicocele (Vx).

Materials and methods

Overall, 50 men were divided into two groups: fertile men (n = 20) and infertile men who were scheduled for Vx surgical repair (n = 30). Exclusion criteria were as follows: azoospermia, smoking, leukocytospermia, and consumption of Ca and/or Mg supplements. All cases were subjected to history taking and clinical examination. Semen analysis and assessment of seminal Ca and Mg by the colorimetric method were carried out for all cases at the base point and 3 months postvaricocelectomy.

Results

Generally, the mean seminal Ca and Mg levels demonstrated significant decreases in infertile men with Vx compared with the healthy fertile men linked to higher Vx grade as well as Vx bilaterality. These seminal decreases demonstrated significant increases after Vx surgical repair. Collectively, seminal Ca and Mg levels showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.665, p= 0.001). Besides, seminal Ca, Mg levels, and Ca/Mg ratio showed significant positive correlation with sperm concentration (r = 0.479, p = 0.001; r = 0.541, p = 0.001; r = 0.282, p = 0.001, respectively), sperm motility percentage (r = 0.493, p = 0.001; r = 0.477, p = 0.001; r = 0.353, P = 0.001, respectively), and sperm normal forms percentage (r = 0.578, p = 0.001; r = 0.520, p = 0.001; r = 0.430, p = 0.001, respectively).

Discussion and conclusion

Seminal Ca and Mg levels and Ca/Mg ratio are significantly decreased in infertile men associated with Vx compared with fertile men with significant increases after varicocelectomy.
Suicide prevention in older adults
Authors: de Mendonça Lima Carlos Augusto , De Leo Diego , Ivbijaro Gabriel , Svab Igor
Published: June 2021

Background

Suicide among older adults is a multifactorial problem with several interrelated factors involved that vary with age, gender and culture. The number of suicides is highest in those aged 70 years or older in almost all regions of the world. With the increase in life expectancy, and the decrease in mortality due to other causes of death, we could expect the absolute number of older adults' suicide continue increasing.

Methods

Review of the literature on suicide protective factors of suicide among older adults.

Results

Improvements on social determinants of health and the timely detection and early treatment of affective disorders are key interventions. Prevention based on community actions and training of gatekeepers may have positive impact. Community programs that promote a sense of usefulness, belonging and that contribute to preserve social integration should be encouraged. Governments should develop the improvement of retirement programs and the development of support systems. The access to general health and mental health services should be facilitated and Primary Care professionals should receive proper training to detect and manage older persons at risk. Actively promoting a culture of coping to different stages of life and to the changes imposed by the advancing of age should form the essential part of a process bringing to better successful aging avenues.

Conclusions

Suicide prevention in older adults should broaden its focus and pay attention to the many socio‐environmental conditions that may be relevant in older age, especially social isolation, financial security and physical health.
Psoriasis is associated with fissured tongue but not geographic tongue: a prospective, cross‐sectional, case‐control study
Authors: Monshi Babak , Grabovac Sofia , Gulz Lilli , Ellersdorfer Christina , Vujic Marin , Richter Leo , Kivaranovic Danijel , Rappersberger Klemens , Vujic Igor
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

It has been postulated that psoriasis is associated with tongue lesions and geographic tongue might be “oral psoriasis”. However, reports are inconclusive, prevalence rates vary and data for Europe are sparse. In this prospective case‐control study we investigated the point‐prevalence of tongue conditions in an Austrian cohort.

Patients and methods

Psoriasis patients and healthy volunteers were assessed regarding tongue and skin lesions, age, sex, smoking habits, allergies, onset of psoriasis, PASI scores and anti‐psoriatic treatment.

Results

We included 173 psoriasis patients, 58 women, 115 men (median age: 50 [37–60] years), and 173 volunteers, 79 women, 94 men (median age: 54 [43–64] years). Overall, 95 subjects had allergies, 64 psoriasis patients and 50 volunteers were smokers. Median age at onset of psoriasis was 26 (12–40) years, the median PASI score was 2 (0–4.1), most patients received ustekinumab (n = 47). Fissured tongue was significantly associated with psoriasis (25 [14.4 %] psoriasis patients, 13 [7.5 %] volunteers; P = 0.04). Geographic tongue was present in four individuals of each group (2.3%) and associated with smoking (P = 0.01) but not with psoriasis.

Conclusions

Overall, we found a low point‐prevalence of tongue lesions in this Austrian cohort. Psoriasis was associated with fissured tongue but not with geographic tongue. Thus, we cannot corroborate the hypothesis that geographic tongue is an oral manifestation of psoriasis.
Invasive validation of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain for estimating left ventricular filling pressure
Authors: Tan Turkan Seda , Turan Serifler Nazli , Demirtola Ayse Irem , Akbulut Irem Muge , Ozyuncu Nil , Vurgun Veysel Kutay , Esenboga Kerim , Kurklu Haci Ali , Kozluca Volkan , Gerede Uludag Demet Menekse , Ongun Aydan , Dincer Irem
Published: June 2021

Purpose

An elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure is the main finding in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction, which is estimated with an algorithm using echocardiographic parameters recommended by the recent American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) guidelines. In this study, we sought to determine the efficacy of the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in predicting an elevated LV filling pressure.

Methods and Results

A total of 73 prospectively selected patients undergoing LV catheterization (mean age 63.19 ± 9.64, 69% male) participated in this study. Using the algorithm, the LV filling pressure was estimated using the echocardiographic parameters obtained within 24 hours before catheterization. The LV GLS was measured using an automated functional imaging system (GE, Vivid E9 USA). Invasive LV pre‐A pressure corresponding to the mean left atrial pressure (LAP) was used as a reference, and a LAP of >12 mm Hg was defined as elevated.

Invasive LV filling pressure was elevated in 43 patients (59%) and normal in 30 patients (41%). Nine of 73 (12%) patients were defined as indeterminate based on the 2016 algorithm. Using the ROC method, −18.1% of LV GLS determined the elevated LAP (AUC =0.79; specificity, 73%; sensitivity, 84%) with better sensitivity compared to that by the algorithm (AUC =0.76; specificity, 77%; sensitivity, 72%).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that LV GLS was an independent predictor of elevated LAP as the E/e’ ratio and TR jet velocity and may be used as a major criterion for the diagnosis of HFpEF.
Supporting the adaptive capacity of species through more effective knowledge exchange with conservation practitioners
Authors: Cook Carly N. , Beever Erik A. , Thurman Lindsey L. , Thompson Laura M. , Gross John E. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Nicotra Adrienne B. , Szymanski Jennifer A. , Botero Carlos A. , Hall Kimberly R. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Schuurman Gregor W. , Sgrò Carla M.
Published: June 2021

There is an imperative for conservation practitioners to help biodiversity adapt to accelerating environmental change. Evolutionary biologists are well‐positioned to inform the development of evidence‐based management strategies that support the adaptive capacity of species and ecosystems. Conservation practitioners increasingly accept that management practices must accommodate rapid environmental change, but harbour concerns about how to apply recommended changes to their management contexts. Given the interest from both conservation practitioners and evolutionary biologists in adjusting management practices, we believe there is an opportunity to accelerate the required changes by promoting closer collaboration between these two groups. We highlight how evolutionary biologists can harness lessons from other disciplines about how to foster effective knowledge exchange to make a substantive contribution to the development of effective conservation practices. These lessons include the following: (1) recognizing why practitioners do and do not use scientific evidence; (2) building an evidence base that will influence management decisions; (3) translating theory into a format that conservation practitioners can use to inform management practices; and (4) developing strategies for effective knowledge exchange. Although efforts will be required on both sides, we believe there are rewards for both practitioners and evolutionary biologists, not least of which is fostering practices to help support the long‐term persistence of species.
Using semantic annotations on political debate videos for building open government based lawmaking
Authors: Sánchez‐Nielsen Elena , Chávez‐Gutiérrez Francisco
Published: June 2021

The traditional concept and practice of lawmaking is being transformed by the open government paradigm. It involves a new digital model that links three principles: transparency, participation and collaboration. However, the information system‐enabled solutions in this context are still in their infancy, which none available that address the three crucial challenges: (1) providing the functionalities for semantic search and retrieval of video clips on political debates about legislative proposals, (2) support of open participation and collaboration with contextual information in lawmaking processes and, (3) automatic generation of outcomes achieved in the lawmaking lifecycle. In this article, we describe the underlying methods and techniques leading to address these challenges when a semantic‐driven approach is applied for the development and validation of the real‐world scenario of open government‐based lawmaking systems. To evaluate the value created by using a semantic‐driven approach as computational backbone, the development and testing of a software platform as case study was carried out together with experts from a parliamentary institution and analysed the user experience in parliamentary settings with end‐users. The results show how the use of the appropriate techniques for the adoption of a semantic assumption is a key enabler for the management and retrieval of information tasks relating to the lawmaking lifecycle providing a transparent, participatory and collaborative approach in a holistic way.
Understanding the Factors Associated with Overprotective Parenting Behaviors in Latino Parents
Authors: Suarez‐Morales Lourdes , Torres Cynthia
Published: June 2021

Objective

The current investigation examined whether parental psychopathology and psychosocial stress are related to overprotective parenting behaviors in a sample of Latino parents.

Background

Scant literature exists on the relationship among psychosocial stress, parental psychopathology, and parental behaviors in Latino populations. Further, the literature has focused on parental behaviors as predictors and not as outcomes.

Method

Sixty‐four Latino parents participated in this study. Parents completed measures of psychosocial stress, psychopathology, and overprotective parenting behaviors. Regression analyses examined predictors of overprotective parenting behaviors consisting of control, supervision, and separation problems.

Results

Findings showed that psychosocial stress predicted overprotective parenting behaviors. However, parental psychopathology had no effect on parental behaviors. Further analysis of psychosocial stress subscales indicated that immigration stress was associated with parental control and parental separation problems. With regard to subscales of parental psychopathology, parental hostility and parental depression were related to parental control.

Conclusion

Latino parents' use of controlling parenting behaviors seem to be associated with the level of stress they experience—in particular, immigration‐related stress.

Implications

These findings suggest the need for interventions that not only focus on teaching appropriate parenting techniques but that also address psychosocial stressors experienced by Latino parents to diminish the effect that immigration related stress has on their parenting practices.
Natural anticoagulants: A missing link in mild to moderate bleeding tendencies
Authors: Mehic Dino , Colling Meaghan , Pabinger Ingrid , Gebhart Johanna
Published: June 2021

Introduction

There is a growing interest in natural anticoagulants as a cause of mild to moderate bleeding disorders (MBDs), particularly in patients with bleeding of unknown cause (BUC), which is defined as having a mild to moderate bleeding phenotype without a definite diagnosis despite exhaustive and repeated laboratory investigations. Recently, abnormalities in two natural anticoagulant pathways, thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), were identified in single patients or families as the underlying cause for a bleeding tendency.

Aim

The objective of this review is to discuss the current understanding of the role of natural anticoagulants in MBDs using available clinical and translational data.

Methods

A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search focusing on selected natural anticoagulants and their role in MBDs was conducted.

Results

Data on the influence of natural anticoagulants including protein C, protein S, antithrombin, TM, and TFPI or factors with anticoagulant properties like fibrinogen gamma prime (γ’) on MBDs are scarce. Observations from sepsis treatment and from translational research highlight their importance as regulators of the haemostatic balance, especially via the activated protein C‐related pathway, and suggest a role in some MBDs.

Conclusion

Similar to the distinct genetic variants of natural anticoagulants linked to thrombosis, we hypothesize that novel variants may be associated with a bleeding tendency and could be identified using next generation sequencing.
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related autoimmune hepatitis and IgG4‐hepatopathy: A histopathological and clinical perspective
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Notohara Kenji
Published: June 2021

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that simultaneously or consecutively involves multiple organs of the body. It is characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels and massive infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells in the damaged tissues. IgG4‐related autoimmune hepatitis (IgG4‐AIH) and IgG4‐hepatopathy are relatively new entities that have been proposed as a phenotype of IgG4‐RD in the liver. Immunoglobulin G4‐AIH is defined as a disorder with serological, histopathological, and clinical features of both IgG4‐RD and AIH, simultaneously satisfying the diagnostic criteria of both classical AIH and IgG4‐RD. Although there are several case reports and studies of IgG4‐AIH among the published works, no consensus regarding the histopathological characteristics of IgG4‐AIH has been established, and its clinical implications remain obscure. Immunoglobulin G4‐hepatopathy is defined as a comorbidity of IgG4‐RD in the liver, and patients not meeting the diagnostic criteria of classical AIH could be diagnosed with IgG4‐hepatopathy. Numerous issues regarding these diseases, especially their epidemiology, histopathological and clinical characteristics, and treatment response to corticosteroids, remain unsolved, and need to be determined to establish the disease concepts of IgG4‐AIH and IgG4‐hepathopathy.
Organizational justice among registered nurses: A scoping review
Authors: Lönnqvist Katri , Flinkman Mervi , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Elovainio Marko
Published: June 2021

Aims

This study aimed to describe and summarize research concerning organizational justice among registered nurses.

Background

Over the recent decades, a number of studies have explored organizational justice. Perceived high organizational justice among employees has been found to correlate with multiple beneficial outcomes, such as job satisfaction, commitment and improved physical and mental health. By contrast, low organizational justice is related to poor productivity, atmosphere at work, health and well‐being.

Design

This study is a scoping review.

Data

Seven databases were used to search for peer‐reviewed publications published between January 2015 and August 2019.

Review method

This scoping review utilized Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework.

Results

High organizational justice has been found to improve registered nurses' work‐related outcomes, health and well‐being. Low organizational justice has been linked to undesired work‐related outcomes and health problems.

Conclusion

Nurse managers play a key role in promoting organizational justice. Further research is needed to study the relationship between organizational justice and the quality of patient care and safety. There is need for longitudinal studies to understand the effects and nature of organizational justice in the nursing workforce.
Oral mucositis in paediatric cancer patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation preventively treated with professional dental care and photobiomodulation: Incidence and risk factors
Authors: Miranda‐Silva Wanessa , da Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Gomes Alessandra Araujo , Mafra Ana Beatriz Bechara , Rocha Vanderson , Fregnani Eduardo Rodrigues
Published: June 2021

Background

Oral mucositis (OM) is an important side effect related to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), and it has been associated with a significative reduction of quality of life. A negative impact of OM in paediatric patients could result in increased use of parenteral feeding and opioids, longer periods of hospitalization, and a higher risk of systemic infection.

Aim

To investigate the clinical features and clinical outcomes associated with OM development and severity in hematological cancer paediatric patients undergoing allo‐HSCT who underwent professional dental care (PDC) and photobiomodulation (PBM) as prophylactic treatment.

Design

Medical data and OM presentation were retrieved retrospectively from all patients younger than 18 years who received allo‐HSCT between 2013 and 2016. The incidence of OM was assessed and graded by two oral medicine specialists following the WHO guidelines, and it was correlated with clinical parameters.

Results

Forty‐nine consecutive paediatric patients were included. OM was diagnosed in 73.5% of patients, and in 36.1% of patients, OM was classified as severe. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a primary diagnosis and the use of a myeloablative regimen were associated with OM development. The primary diagnosis and use of total body irradiation (TBI) were associated with aggressive OM. Neither the incidence nor the severity of OM affected the overall survival, whereas only the use of a myeloablative regimen and a high body mass index (BMI) were determinants of lower OM‐free survival rates.

Conclusions

A myeloablative conditioning and a high BMI were observed to be independent prognostic determinants of a lower OMFS rate. The cluster analysis allowed us to outline patient profiles with greater susceptibility to the development and severity of oral mucositis, which seems to be a useful tool to determine the risk of OM in paediatric patients.
Effect of training programmes on nurses' ability to care for subjects with pressure injuries: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Bao , Dandan Huang , Xiangli Meng
Published: June 2021

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the education effects on nurses' ability to care for subjects with pressure injuries. A systematic literature search up to April 2021 was carried out, and 29 studies included 5704 nurses at the start of the study; 3800 of them were experiment or post‐training and 3804 were control or per‐training. They were reporting relationships between the education effects on nurses' ability to care for subjects with pressure injuries. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) or the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the education effects on nurses' ability to care for subjects with pressure injuries using the dichotomous or continuous method with a random or fixed‐effect model. Experiment or post‐trained nurses had significantly higher knowledge score (MD, 10.00; 95% CI, 7.61‐12.39, P < .001), number of nurses with proper knowledge (OR, 20.70; 95% CI, 10.80‐39.67, P < .001), practice score (MD, 12.39; 95% CI, 5.37‐19.42, P < .001), and number of nurses with proper practice (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.75‐7.25, P < .001), attitudes score (MD, 7.46; 95% CI, 2.94‐11.99, P < .001) compared with control or pertained nurses. Training may have a beneficial effect on improving the nurses' ability to care for subjects with pressure injuries, which was obvious in improving knowledge, practice, and attitudes post‐training. Further studies are required to validate these findings.
Halloysite nanotube‐based superhydrophobic foam for highly efficient oil/water separation
Authors: Zeng Li , Wang Faguo , Han Sumei , Li Moying , Tu Siyang , Lu Qipeng , Cao Wenbin
Published: June 2021

Oil/water separation is a worldwide concern because of the emissions of oil contaminated wastewater and increasing number of oil spill accidents in recent years. Materials with superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity provide a new strategy to solve such problems, which allow organic solvents to pass through freely while repelling water. Herein, the porous foams with superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity were prepared successfully through a facile low‐temperature sintering method, in which the halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and sodium chloride were used as the raw materials. Among them, HNTs constructed the rough surface in micro‐/nano‐scale and sodium chloride served as the sacrifice template. The superhydrophobic surface was achieved via the synergistic effect between the rough surface and PVDF with the low surface energy. The foam showed good water repellency (water contact angle, CA: 156.0 ± 0.1°) and superoleophilic properties, which could selectively absorb organic solvents from the mixture solution with water. Moreover, the foam exhibited high separation efficiencies for a variety of oil/water mixed solutions with excellent cycling stability, which make it a promising material for practical oil/water separation.