bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A call for refining the peatland restoration strategy in Europe
Authors: Zak Dominik , McInnes Robert J.
Published: September 2022

Substantial amounts of money have been invested in peatland restoration over the last decades to address the current challenges of global changes and to enhance biodiversity. Given the magnitude of financial investments and the pressing societal needs, it is essential that appropriate decisions are made about the restoration techniques employed to avoid negative consequences and to optimise the benefits to human society.

Based on the knowledge and expertise that has been developed over recent decades, three approaches to peatland restoration are discussed regarding their implications for climate change, nutrient fluxes and biodiversity: peatland inundation, topsoil removal and slow rewetting.

Considered over the long term, for instance tens or hundreds of years, rewetted peatlands have the potential to fulfil multiple restoration goals, including those targeting climate change mitigation, water quality protection and species conservation. In short term, ill‐informed decisions on the approach to peatland restoration can generate negative impacts, for instance on the downstream water quality or radiative forcing gas emissions.

Synthesis and application. The restoration of peatlands, and the trajectory that any restorative action may take, is a matter of societal choice; however, it is essential that society understands the broad potential benefits and disadvantages that such restoration may have so that evidence‐based choices can be made.
Canopy gaps facilitate upslope shifts in montane conifers but not in temperate deciduous trees in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Tourville Jordon C. , Wason Jay W. , Dovciak Martin
Published: September 2022

Many montane tree species are expected to migrate upslope as climate warms, but it is not clear if forest canopy gaps, which can facilitate tree seedling recruitment, serve as an important mechanism driving tree species range shifts. Patterns of tree seedling establishment can inform us about early stages of tree species migrations and are critical to examine in the context of global climate change.

We contrasted elevational distributions of tree seedlings both within and outside of forest canopy gaps with the distributions of conspecific adults and saplings across the deciduous‐coniferous ecotone on ten mountains in four states of the Northeastern United States. We tested if seedling distributions of four dominant tree species (Abies balsamea,Picea rubens,Acer saccharumandFagus grandifolia) were shifted upslope of conspecific adult and sapling distributions. We also examined if this shift was facilitated by canopy gaps and what environmental drivers affected species distributions.

There was limited seedling recruitment of dominant tree species at the temperate‐coniferous ecotone, which we attributed to (i) an observed downslope shift of seedling distributions of the low‐elevation deciduous species (Acer saccharum,Fagus grandifolia) and (ii) an upslope shift in seedling distributions of the high‐elevation conifers (Abies balsamea,Picea rubens). The upslope shift of conifer seedlings contrasts with our previous research at these sites which observed downslope shifts of sapling distributions inPicea rubens, suggesting that seedlings may be responding to more recent climate warming. Canopy gaps in high‐elevation conifer forests facilitated these upslope shifts by promoting conifer seedling recruitment. However, gaps at lower elevations did not play a significant role in seedling recruitment or the observed downslope shifts of the dominant deciduous species. Climate was the dominant predictor of adult tree distributions whereas both climate and soil were important predictors of seedling distributions.

Synthesis.Our study illustrates that tree seedlings have the potential for monitoring the early stages of tree species migrations, and particularly so in canopy gaps in high‐elevation conifer forests. Further, we stress that species range shifts are sensitive to local scale heterogeneity in light availability (i.e. canopy gaps) and other non‐climatic factors.
Treatment of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms and stenosis with balloon‐expandable stents
Authors: Imrie Andrew , Haran Crishan V , Trotter Michael , Bell Brendan , Brown Nicholas I
Published: September 2022

We describe our use of balloon‐expandable stents in pulmonary arteries for a variety of indications. This is an endovascular technique that provides an alternative treatment option to treat some forms of complex pulmonary artery disease when standard surgical or other endovascular options are not possible. This case series describes the successful treatment of four patients with different pulmonary artery diseases. Indications for stent placement include multiple broad‐necked pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms, symptomatic malignant pulmonary artery narrowing and post‐surgical iatrogenic pulmonary artery stenosis. No stent‐related complication had been identified from 3 months to 4 years of follow‐up. All surviving patients have experienced sustained symptomatic improvement.
The common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos: A descriptive anatomical study and proposed dissection techniques
Authors: Taskin Merve , Ajmi Nihed , Bagci Kemal , Yurddas Ece , Suzer Bayram , Altun Soner , Duman Muhammed
Published: September 2022

The common guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) is an endangered species and included in the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “critically endangered, cr.” Although guitarfish are displayed and protected in public aquaria, only limited information is available on the external and internal anatomy of this species and dissection methods applicable to it. In this study, common guitarfish kept in a public aquarium were dissected with an appropriate method and the internal and external organs of the fish were identified. The general examination of the external organs showed that the animals had the typical anatomical structure of guitarfish. The internal organs, including the stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, gall bladder, epigonal organ, testicles, brain, cerebellum, optic lobes and heart were also observed.
Divergence effects between dietary Acacia and Quebracho tannin extracts on nutrient utilization, performance, and methane emission of ruminants: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fitri Ainissya , Yanza Yulianri Rizki , Jayanegara Anuraga , Ridwan Roni , Astuti Wulansih Dwi , Sarwono Ki Ageng , Fidriyanto Rusli , Rohmatussolihat Rohmatussolihat , Widyastuti Yantyati , Obitsu Taketo
Published: September 2022

Extracts of Acacia and Quebracho have been used as a feed additive in ruminant diets; the effects, however, have been varied. This study used a meta‐analysis approach to evaluate the use of those extracts on nutrient utilization, performance, and methane production of ruminants. A database was developed from 37 published papers comprising 152 dietary treatments. The result showed that a higher concentration of tannins was associated with a decrease (p < 0.05) in nutrient intake and digestibility. An increasing tannin concentration was negatively correlated with ammonia, acetic acid, and the ratio of acetic to propionic acid. Methane production decreased (p < 0.01) with the increasing tannin concentration. Nitrogen (N) balance parameters were not affected by the tannin concentrations, but fecal N excretion increased (p < 0.01) as the tannin concentration increased. The relationships between the Acacia and Quebracho and the changes in organic matter intake, milk fat concentration, butyric acid, valeric acid, and methane production were significantly different. In conclusion, it is possible to use both condensed tannins (CT) extracts as a methane emission mitigation without impairing the ruminant performance. Furthermore, the Quebracho showed more pronounced to decrease ruminal protein degradation and lower methane emission than the Acacia.
Waiting in the Austrian asylum system: The well‐being of asylum‐seeking children in a phase of liminality
Authors: Wolter Stella , Tatzber Rosa , Sauer Birgit
Published: September 2022

This article sheds light on the waiting period experienced by asylum‐seeking children in Austria. We argue that this period can be defined as a ‘phase of liminality’ in which ‘precarity’ of asylum seekers is produced. The article analyses how children experience institutional settings that produce precarity in relation to their well‐being. The aim is to contribute to a sound understanding of children's experiences while waiting for an asylum decision and to a child‐centred perspective on children that focuses on their needs, wishes and agency. The article draws on 27 interviews with asylum‐seeking children living in a basic services accommodation in Vienna, conducted in 2020 and 2021. The findings demonstrate the importance of listening to asylum‐seeking children to support their well‐being during this phase of liminality and implementing child‐centred asylum policies that are responsive to children's well‐being.
Insights about circadian clock in glioma: From molecular pathways to therapeutic drugs
Authors: Wang Zongqi , Chen Gang
Published: September 2022

Glioma is characterized as the most aggressive brain tumor that occurred in the central nervous system. The circadian rhythm is an essential cyclic change system generated by the endogenous circadian clock. Current studies found that the circadian clock affects glioma pathophysiology. It is still controversial whether the circadian rhythm disruption is a cause or an effect of tumorigenesis. This review discussed the association between cell cycle and circadian clock and provided a prominent molecular theoretical basis for tumor therapy. We illustrated the external factors affecting the circadian clock including thermodynamics, hypoxia, post‐translation, and microRNA, while the internal characteristics concerning the circadian clock in glioma involve stemness, metabolism, radiotherapy sensitivity, and chemotherapy sensitivity. We also summarized the molecular pathways and the therapeutic drugs involved in the glioma circadian rhythm. There are still many questions in this field waiting for further investigation. The results of glioma chronotherapy in sensitizing radiation therapy and chemotherapy have shown great therapeutic potential in improving clinical outcomes. These findings will help us further understand the characteristics of glioma pathophysiology.
CYP2C8*3 and *4 define CYP2C8 phenotype: An approach with the substrate cinitapride
Authors: Campodónico Diana María , Zubiaur Pablo , Soria‐Chacartegui Paula , Casajús Ana , Villapalos‐García Gonzalo , Navares‐Gómez Marcos , Gómez‐Fernández Antía , Parra‐Garcés Raúl , Mejía‐Abril Gina , Román Manuel , Martín‐Vílchez Samuel , Ochoa Dolores , Abad‐Santos Francisco
Published: September 2022

Cinitapride is a gastrointestinal prokinetic drug, prescribed for the treatment of functional dyspepsia, and as an adjuvant therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of relevant variants in CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 and other pharmacogenes, along with demographic characteristics, on cinitapride pharmacokinetics and safety; and to evaluate the impact of CYP2C8 alleles on the enzyme's function. Twenty‐five healthy volunteers participating in a bioequivalence clinical trial consented to participate in the study. Participants were genotyped for 56 variants in 19 genes, including cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes (e.g., CYP2C8 or CYP3A4) or transporters (e.g., SLC or ABC), among others. CYP2C8*3 carriers showed a reduction in AUC of 42% and Cmax of 35% compared to *1/*1 subjects (p = 0.003 and p = 0.011, respectively). *4 allele carriers showed a 45% increase in AUC and 63% in Cmax compared to *1/*1 subjects, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. CYP2C8*3 and *4 alleles may be used to infer the following pharmacogenetic phenotypes: ultrarapid (UM) (*3/*3), rapid (RM) (*1/*3), normal (NM) (*1/*1), intermediate (IM) (*1/*4), and poor (PM) metabolizers (*4/*4). In this study, we properly characterized RMs, NMs, and IMs; however, additional studies are required to properly characterize UMs and PMs. These findings should be relevant with respect to cinitapride, but also to numerous CYP2C8 substrates such as imatinib, loperamide, montelukast, ibuprofen, paclitaxel, pioglitazone, repaglinide, or rosiglitazone.
Human radiolabeled mass balance studies supporting the FDA approval of new drugs
Authors: Ramamoorthy Anuradha , Bende Girish , Chow Edwin Chiu Yuen , Dimova Hristina , Hartman Neil , Jean Daphney , Pahwa Sonia , Ren Yunzhao , Shukla Chinmay , Yang Yuching , Doddapaneni Suresh , Danielsen Zhixia Yan
Published: September 2022

Human radiolabeled mass balance studies are an important component of the clinical pharmacology programs supporting the development of new investigational drugs. These studies allow for understanding of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the parent drug and metabolite(s) in the human body. Understanding the drug's disposition as well as metabolite profiling and abundance via mass balance studies can help inform the overall drug development program. A survey of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved new drug applications (NDAs) indicated that about 66% of the drugs had relied on findings from the mass balance studies to help understand the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and to inform the overall drug development program. When such studies were not available in the original NDA, adequate justifications were routinely provided. Of the 104 mass balance studies included in this survey, most of the studies were conducted in healthy volunteers (90%) who were mostly men (>86%). The studies had at least six evaluable participants (66%) and were performed using the final route(s) of administration (98%). Eighty‐five percent of the studies utilized a dose within the pharmacokinetic linearity range with 54% of the studies using a dose the same as the approved dose. Nearly all studies were performed as a single‐dose (97%) study using a fit‐for‐purpose radiolabeled formulation. In this analysis, we summarized the current practices for conducting mass balance studies and highlighted the importance of conducting appropriately designed human radiolabeled mass balance studies and the challenges associated with inadequately designed or untimely studies.
Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is associated with reduced peak oxygen consumption and systolic reserve in patients with type 2 diabetes and normal heart function
Authors: Nesti Lorenzo , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Chiriacò Martina , Trico Domenico , Baldi Simona , Natali Andrea
Published: September 2022

Aim

To investigate the impact of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness on cardiopulmonary performance in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and normal heart function.

Materials and methods

We analysed EAT thickness in subjects with T2D and normal biventricular systo‐diastolic functions undergoing a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test combined with stress echocardiography, speckle tracking and pulmonary function assessment, as well as serum N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP).

Results

In the 72 subjects enrolled, those with EAT thickness above the median (> 5 mm) showed higher body fat mass, smaller indexed left ventricular dimensions and marginally reduced diastolic function variables at rest. Higher EAT thickness was associated with lower peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak 17.1 ± 3.6 vs. 21.0 ± 5.7 ml/min/kg, P = .001), reduced systolic reserve (ΔS′ 4.6 ± 1.6 vs. 5.8 ± 2.5 m/s, P = .02) and higher natriuretic peptides (NT‐proBNP 64 [29‐165] vs. 31 [26‐139] pg/ml, P = .04), as well as chronotropic insufficiency and impaired heart rate recovery. Ventilatory variables and peripheral oxygen extraction were not different between groups. EAT was independently associated with VO2peak and linearly and negatively correlated with peak heart rate, heart rate recovery, workload, VO2 at the anaerobic threshold and at peak, and cardiac power output, and was directly correlated with natriuretic peptides.

Conclusion

Higher EAT thickness in T2D is associated with worse cardiopulmonary performance and multiple traits of subclinical cardiac systolic dysfunction.
Seasonality, body size, and maturation time in the neotropical grasshopper Sphenarium histrio across an altitudinal gradient
Authors: Ramírez‐Delgado Víctor Hugo , Cueva del Castillo Raúl
Published: September 2022

In insects, male mating success and female fecundity usually increase with body size. However, natural selection favors faster maturation, reducing the risk of pre‐reproductive death, when the reproductive season is short in habitats located at high altitudes or far from the equator. Also, if males that mature earlier than females under these conditions increase their mating opportunities, protandry may evolve in their populations. Nonetheless, as body size is strongly correlated with maturation time in insects, faster sexual maturation is reached at the expense of having a small body size. We analyzed the differences in adult body size of males and females of the grasshopper Sphenarium histrio Gerstaecker (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) in three sites across an altitudinal gradient in southern Mexico. We also evaluated the possibility of protandry in these sampling sites using a common garden experiment. Male and female grasshoppers collected from low altitude sites in the field and reared in the laboratory were larger than those from a high altitude, suggesting genetic differentiation. Grasshoppers from a high altitude hatched earlier, had a shorter development time, presented fewer instars, and were smaller than grasshoppers from the other sampling sites. Moreover, development time in the three sampling sites was shorter in males than in females, suggesting protandry. Interestingly, the males from the three sites showed similar growth rates, but the females from low and high altitudes, respectively, had the fastest and slowest growth rates. In general, the adaptive value of the evolution of protandry has been focused on males. However, it may be that the growth rates of females in these sites could modify the degree of protandry as a response to their risk of pre‐reproductive death and the potential benefits associated with multiple matings.
No‐self and compassion: Nietzsche and Buddhism
Authors: Janaway Christopher
Published: September 2022

The article examines two claims made by Antoine Panaïoti: (1) That both Nietzsche and Buddhists denounce the self as a misleading fiction. (2) That Buddhist compassion is close to a “compassion of strength” that Nietzsche approves. This article agrees with (1) and disagrees with (2). The descriptive metaphysical commitments of Nietzsche and Buddhism are subordinate to their divergent normative projects. Both reject a single, enduring, and independent self; but where Mahāyāna Buddhism advocates care or compassion toward all sentient beings, Nietzsche questions the value of compassion, holding that suffering is not bad in itself. Some recent commentators suggest that a text by the Buddhist philosopher Śāntideva offers an argument from “no‐self” to universal compassion. Nietzsche disputes this connection; and Śāntideva's Madhyamaka position, in which nothing has an intrinsic nature, cannot easily counter Nietzsche's claim that suffering is not intrinsically bad. Nietzsche's privileging of states of “becoming,” “discovering,” or “creating” oneself sets him deeply at odds with Buddhism. For Buddhists the fundamentally problematic attitude is a pre‐theoretical sense of self, “egoism,” or “self‐grasping” which is at the root of human craving. Agreeing with the philosophical claim that there is no self is not sufficient to dispel this pre‐theoretical orientation.
Protocols for cleaning the incisor access cavity contaminated with epoxy resin sealer
Authors: Boderé Pieter‐Jan , Calberson Filip , De Bruyne Mieke , De Moor Roeland , Meire Maarten
Published: September 2022

This study compared different methods for cleaning the sealer‐contaminated access cavity of upper incisors. After standard endodontic access, the canals of 50 extracted maxillary incisors were chemomechanically prepared and obturated with gutta‐percha and epoxy resin sealer. Teeth were randomly assigned to one of five different pulp chamber cleaning protocols (n = 10): air/water spray, ethanol‐saturated cotton pellet (CP), ethanol‐saturated microbrush reaching the root filling (MB), MB + air polishing (PROPHYflex; KaVo), or MB + etching with 37% phosphoric acid. Each tooth was split and the sealer‐covered area of the pulp chamber was determined on images taken before and after cleaning using image analysis software. The sealer‐covered area was compared across groups using one‐way ANOVA. Greatest mean sealer‐covered area reduction was observed for MB + etching (98.0%), MB + air polishing (95.2%), and MB alone (92.8%), yielding a significantly higher sealer‐covered area reduction than after air/water spray (8.3%) and ethanol‐saturated cotton pellet (53.4%). The upper incisor access cavity is best cleaned with an ethanol‐saturated microbrush reaching up to the root filling, followed by air/water spraying and etching. The use of cotton pellets should be discouraged.
A combination of hepatic encephalopathy and body mass index was associated with the point of no return for improving liver functional reserve after sofosbuvir/velpatasvir treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus‐related decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Sano Tomoya , Amano Keisuke , Ide Tatsuya , Yokoyama Keiji , Noguchi Kazunori , Nakamura Hiroki , Isoda Hiroshi , Ohno Miki , Shirachi Miki , Morita Yasuyo , Yano Yoichi , Sumie Shuji , Kawaguchi Toshihiro , Kuwahara Reiichiro , Arinaga‐Hino Teruko , Takahashi Hirokazu , Shakado Satoshi , Hirai Fumihito , Kawaguchi Takumi
Published: September 2022

Aims

The real‐world efficacy of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir treatment for patients with hepatitis C virus‐related decompensated cirrhosis is unclear. We aimed to identify factors that improve liver functional reserve after treatment.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study of 12‐week sofosbuvir/velpatasvir treatment. A total of 48 patients with Child–Pugh (CP) class B or C were enrolled at 11 institutions. We evaluated changes in liver functional reserve at 24 weeks post‐treatment.

Results

At baseline, 40 and eight patients were CP class B and C, respectively. The overall rate of sustained virologic response 12 weeks post‐treatment was 95.8% (46/48). Serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase and α‐fetoprotein levels, and the FIB‐4 index were significantly improved post‐treatment (P < 0.05). Among patients who achieved sustained virologic response 12 weeks post‐treatment, those with CP class A increased from 0 to 24 patients (56%) at 24 weeks post‐treatment. In multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) ≥25 was an independent factor that inhibited CP class improvement (P < 0.05). In decision tree analysis, after treatment, the initial divergent variable for CP class improvement was hepatic encephalopathy, followed by serum sodium level and BMI.

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir treatment improved the liver functional reserve in patients with hepatitis C virus‐related decompensated cirrhosis at 24 weeks post‐treatment. However, BMI ≥25 inhibited improvement in CP class. Additionally, decision tree analysis revealed that a combination of hepatic encephalopathy, serum sodium levels, and BMI were diversity profiles associated with no improvement in liver functional reserve after the treatment.
The Youth Patient and Public Involvement Café—A youth‐led model for meaningful involvement with children and young people
Authors: Thomson Abigail , Peasgood Edward , Robertson Sam
Published: September 2022

Introduction

There are few meaningful frameworks or toolkits that exist for involvement with young people. Coproduction is a more recent patient and public involvement (PPI) approach that emphasizes the importance of power‐sharing, to set young people as equal partners in the research process. This paper explores the successes and challenges encountered by one coproduced PPI space for young people.

Methods

This paper is written by a team of young people who developed and worked on the Youth PPI Café over a period of 18 months. It explores how we developed a youth‐led space for involvement in research. The authors have reflected on their experiences, providing examples of how youth PPI and coproduction were delivered in the NHS, in practice.

Results

By working ‘with’ young people, rather than ‘for’ them, we offer insights into the successes and challenges of an entirely youth‐led involvement space. Despite being effective in shaping mental health research for children and young people, we faced challenges with tokenism, resourcing and diversity and inclusion.

Conclusions

Involving youth meaningfully in research has the potential to inform studies at a macro‐ and microlevel, enabling positive change within research and within the systems that support young people.

Patient or Public Contribution

Young people aged 16–24 years with lived experience were included at every stage of this project, from formulation to the delivery and development of the group, to the preparation of this manuscript and its dissemination. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's charity ‘Heads On’ provided funding for this study.
Calvin's Visual Exegesis of Old Testament Prophecy: Figural Reading and the Sacramental Character of Scripture
Authors: Pak Sujin
Published: September 2022

This article provides a study of John Calvin's treatment of the Old Testament prophets' language, images and metaphors to illuminate the distinctly visual character of his theology. It explores Calvin's theology of Scripture as shaped by the visual theology rooted in his exegesis of the Old Testament prophetic books. The author argues that the Old Testament prophets serve as supreme models for imitation of how to make God's Word come alive through visual images and powerful metaphors. Furthermore, the article draws connections between Calvin's engagement with the prophets' language of ‘painting’, ‘mirror’, ‘vivid representation’ and ‘visible symbol’ and his descriptions of biblical theophanies and the power of sacraments. Bringing these elements side by side, a vivid portrait emerges of Calvin's conception of Scripture as a visual sign. The author argues that this visual sign‐character of Scripture undergirds a deeper commitment of Calvin's – a conviction of Scripture's sacramental character and functions. Consequently, the article argues that the visual features of Calvin's theology – where visual aspects unite his theologies of Scripture and the sacraments – set forth Scripture itself as a sacrament and call students of Calvin to take more seriously the visual and material commitments of his theology.
Tracking the associative boost in infancy
Authors: Plunkett Kim , Delle Luche Claire , Hills Thomas , Floccia Caroline
Published: September 2022

Do words that are both associatively and taxonomically related prime each other in the infant mental lexicon? We explore the impact of these semantic relations in the emerging lexicon. Using the head‐turn preference procedure, we show that 18‐month‐old infants have begun to construct a semantic network of associatively and taxonomically related words, such as dog‐cat or apple‐cheese. We demonstrate that priming between words is longer‐lasting when the relationship is both taxonomic and associative, as opposed to purely taxonomic, reflecting the associative boost reported in the adult priming literature. Our results demonstrate that 18‐month‐old infants are able to construct a lexical‐semantic network based on associative and taxonomic relations between words in the network, and that lexical‐semantic links are more robust when they are both associative and taxonomic in character. Furthermore, the manner in which activation is propagated through the emerging lexical‐semantic network appears to depend upon the type of semantic relation between words. We argue that 18‐month‐old infants have a mental lexicon that shares important structural and processing properties with that of the adult system.
Single‐phase (Hf0.84Ta0.16)C solid solution nanowires growth via catalyst‐assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Yulei , Fu Yanqin , Zhang Jian , Shuai Kang
Published: September 2022

Fabricating one‐dimensional (1D) ceramic nanostructure with superior performance is an important approach to broaden their applications. In this paper, the synthesis of single‐phase (Hf0.84Ta0.16)C solid solution nanowires via catalyst‐assisted chemical vapor deposition was proposed for the first time. The [0 1 1̄] growth direction of (Hf0.84Ta0.16)C solid solution nanowires was discussed in detail and its corresponding growth mechanism was identified to be top‐type vapor–liquid–solid mechanism. More impressively, our work could widen the application ranges of ceramic nanowires and propose the new thinking of fabricating ultrahigh melting point nanostructure.
Microbial incubations of 8-phenyloctanoic acid and furan fatty acids in rumen fluid
Authors: Wiedmaier-Czerny Nina , Blumberg Olga , Schulz Tobias , Kemmler Franziska , Titze Natascha , Wild Katharina , Vetter Walter
Published: September 2022

Aims

The digestive tract of ruminants is specialized in the digestion of various plant components. One of the largest parts of the stomach is the so-called rumen, which contains a large number of micro-organisms that may degrade or modify fatty acids, for example by β-oxidation, chain elongation and/or hydrogenation.

Methods and Results

Here we performed incubation experiments with less common fatty acids by in vitro incubations with rumen fluid of fistulated cows for 24 h. Sample extracts were analysed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. As substrates, we selected one phenyl fatty acid and four furan fatty acids (FuFAs). All studied fatty acids were degraded by β-oxidation (two or three chain-shortening steps) while chain elongation or saturation of the aromatic part (terminal phenyl or central furan moiety) was not observed in any case.

Conclusions

The percentage of β-oxidation products was low, especially in the case of the FuFAs. This could be due to the rather long carbon number of FuFAs (19–22 carbon atoms). In addition, compound-specific differences in the degradation rates were observed in our experiments.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our results produce evidence that FuFAs, which are valuable antioxidants that are known to be present in various feed items of the cow, can be effectively passed on the rumen into the milk.
Do masks affect social interaction?
Authors: Crandall Christian S. , Bahns Angela J. , Gillath Omri
Published: September 2022

Wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID‐19 has proved controversial in many countries; conducting new research on the use of masks would be colored by this controversy. In 2012 (pre‐COVID), we conducted an experiment on the effects of masks on social interaction. College students (N = 250) were assigned to find a previously unknown student in a lecture hall, converse, and evaluate the interaction. Half were assigned to wear a surgical mask, sunglasses, and a hat (all provided); half wore no extra gear. Mask wearing had no effect on the ease, authenticity, friendliness of the conversation, mood, discomfort, or interestingness of the interaction. There were no discernable consequences of political ideology on the partner selection process or the evaluation of the interaction. Mask‐wearing did not disable successful social interaction in this setting.
Use of animal models to understand titin physiology and pathology
Authors: Marcello Matteo , Cetrangolo Viviana , Savarese Marco , Udd Bjarne
Published: September 2022

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to titin (TTN) and its mutations. Heterozygous TTN truncating variants (TTNtv) increase the risk of a cardiomyopathy. At the same time, TTNtv and few missense variants have been identified in patients with mainly recessive skeletal muscle diseases. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying titin‐related diseases are still partly unknown. Similarly, the titin mechanical and functional role in the muscle contraction are far from being exhaustively clarified. In the last few years, several animal models carrying variants in the titin gene have been developed and characterized to study the structural and mechanical properties of specific titin domains or to mimic patients' mutations. This review describes the main animal models so far characterized, including eight mice models and three fish models (Medaka and Zebrafish) and discusses the useful insights provided by a thorough characterization of the cell‐, tissue‐ and organism‐phenotypes in these models.
EDIL3 influenced the αvβ3‐FAK/MEK/ERK axis of endothelial cells in psoriasis
Authors: Niu Xuping , Han Qixin , Li Xinhua , Li Juan , Liu Yanmin , Li Yan , Wu Yan , Zhang Kaiming
Published: September 2022

One of the earliest events in the development of psoriatic lesion is a vascular network expansion. The abnormal vascular network is associated with increased endothelial cells (ECs) survival, proliferation, adhesion, migration, angiogenesis and permeability in psoriatic lesion. Our previous study demonstrated that epidermal growth factor‐like repeats and discoidin I‐like domains 3 (EDIL3) derived from psoriatic dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) promoted cell–cell adhesion, migration and angiogenesis of ECs, but the molecular mechanism of upstream or downstream has not been explored. So, this study aimed to explore the association between EDIL3 derived from DMSCs (DMSCs‐derived EDIL3) and psoriasis‐associated angiogenesis. We injected recombinant EDIL3 protein to mouse model of psoriasis to confirm the roles of EDIL3 in psoriasis. Besides, we employed both short‐interference RNA (si‐RNA) and lentiviral vectors to explore the molecular mechanism of EDIL3 promoting angiogenesis in psoriasis. In vivo, this research found that after injected recombination EDIL3 protein, the epidermis thickness and microvessel density were both elevated. EDIL3 accelerated the process of psoriasis in the IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like mouse model. Additionally, we confirmed that in vitro DMSCs‐derived EDIL3 is involved in the tube formation of ECs via αvβ3‐FAK/MEK/ERK signal pathway. This suggested that DMSCs‐derived EDIL3 and αvβ3‐FAK/MEK/ERK signal pathway in ECs play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. And the modification of DMSCs, EDIL3 and αvβ3‐FAK/MEK/ERK signal pathway will provide a valuable therapeutic target to control the angiogenesis in psoriasis.
Risk factors for tooth loss and progression of periodontitis in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance therapy
Authors: Siow Dawn S. F. , Goh Edwin X. J. , Ong Marianne M. A. , Preshaw Philip M.
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate patient‐ and tooth‐level factors that may predict tooth loss and periodontitis progression in patients who have undergone at least 5 years of periodontal maintenance.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 135 patients were examined after active periodontal therapy (APT) and periodontal maintenance for 5.09–8.65 years (mean 6.16 ± 0.74 years). Regression models were applied to identify risk factors associated with tooth loss and disease progression.

Results

Stage IV periodontitis (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 4.61; 95% confidence interval, CI [2.97–7.18], p < .001), the presence of ≥5 sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm at the end of APT (IRR = 2.04; 95% CI [1.32–3.20], p < .01), and residual PPD ≥7 mm at the end of APT (odds ratio [OR] = 3.01; 95% CI [1.14–7.94], p < .05) were risk factors for tooth loss. Residual PPDs of 5 mm (OR = 2.02; 95% CI [1.20–3.40], p < .01) and 6 mm (OR = 2.41; 95% CI [1.22–4.76], p < .05) at the end of APT were risk factors for disease progression. Above 3 mm, each 1 mm increase in maximum PPD/clinical attachment loss was associated with an increased risk of tooth loss and disease progression.

Conclusions

Stage IV periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of tooth loss. Teeth with PPD ≥5 mm at the end of APT are at risk of periodontitis progression or tooth loss.
Changing spectrum of hair and scalp disorders over the last decade in a tertiary medical centre
Authors: Lyakhovitsky Anna , Tzanani Ido , Gilboa Sarit , Segal Oz , Galili Eran , Baum Sharon , Barzilai Aviv
Published: September 2022

Background

Hair‐ and scalp‐related disorders (HSRDs) encompass a wide range of conditions that affect people of all ages.

Objective

To evaluate the workload and trends in HSRDs at an outpatient dermatological clinic in a tertiary medical centre over a 10‐year period.

Methods

Medical records for HSRD visits to the outpatient dermatology clinic at the Sheba Medical Center, an Israeli tertiary care center, were reviewed between 1 January, 2010 and 31 December, 2020.

Results

There were 10,396 HSRD visits with a new‐to‐follow‐up visit ratio of 1:1.9. The annual number of HSRD visits, as well as their proportion out of all dermatological outpatient visits, have increased from 295 (1.24%) in 2010 to 1726 (9.44%) in 2020. The patients' mean age was 35.3 years (women 39.5 years, men 28.8 years), age range 1–87 years. Over the decade, there was a growing predominance of women with an average female‐to‐male ratio of 2:1. The winter season accounted for 28.7% of annual visits, followed by the autumn (25.6%), summer (24.3%) and spring (21.4%). The most prevalent HSRDs included androgenetic alopecia (30.6%), alopecia areata (19.3%), telogen effluvium (15.4%), non‐scarring folliculitis (15.4%), seborrheic dermatitis (14.9%), lichen planopilaris (7.1%) and folliculitis decalvans (6.6%). Androgenetic alopecia demonstrated the highest increase over the decade examined (from 17% to 32%).

Conclusion

HSRDs account for a significant percentage of visits at a tertiary dermatology outpatient clinic. The number of HSRD visits has increased annually over the past decade. The recent advancement in diagnosis and treatment may account, at least in part, for the growing burden of HSRDs within dermatological ambulatory care.
Exploring unheard voices: Best practices in interviewing women prosumers in Indian subsistence contexts
Authors: Jagadale Sujit Raghunathrao , Krisjanous Jayne
Published: September 2022

A growing body of literature is focused on subsistence markets and how marketing interventions can increase well‐being for those whose daily existence is a struggle to ensure access to necessities of life. To understand the lifeworld of those living at the subsistence level, interviews are favored as a data collection tool. This methodological paper examines interviewing in the subsistence context with a focus on women whose lived experiences are affected by the intersection of gender, power imbalance, and culture. The study context is India. Specifically, we draw upon data from three previous author‐conducted academic studies and conduct a reflective analysis that leads to a series of reflections and recommendations for the interview process. This paper calls for more work to be done in the area and raises the need for a new research paradigm rather than reliance on western‐oriented approaches that may not fit the context.
Comprehensive review of oral minoxidil in alopecia
Authors: Modha Jay D. , Pathania Yashdeep Singh
Published: September 2022

Background

There have been various treatment modalities available for alopecia in the form of topical and systemic with a variable response. The compliance of the patients is important in reaping results in alopecia. Minoxidil has come a long‐way finding its use from topical formulations to systemic at lower dose in different alopecia.

Objective

The objective of this article is to discuss various conditions in alopecia where oral minoxidil has found its role.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed relating to oral minoxidil role in various alopecia. Various clinical trials, case series, and case reports were searched on PubMed and Google Scholar. The references of available studies were also reviewed to collect the additional resources. Available data from various studies and case reports were collected and consolidated to provide a concise overview of oral minoxidil indications in various alopecia.

Results

Oral minoxidil has been used in various non‐scarring and scarring alopecia at a lower dosage with less side effects and with promising results. Androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss were the two conditions where it has been used more commonly than other alopecia, providing a ray of hope along with overcoming the issues related to topical formulations and compliance.
Diversity trends in the leadership of the American Society for Laser Medicine And Surgery, 1996–2021
Authors: Chen Jennifer C. , Geronemus Roy G. , Feng Hao
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the temporal trends in diversity within the ASLMS board of directions from 1996 to 2021.

Materials and Methods

A list of Board of Directors from 1996 to 2021 was obtained from ASLMS headquarters. Using a composite of publicly available resources through internet searches, board director characteristics, such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, terminal degrees, specialties/field of expertise, and current full‐time affiliations, were recorded.

Results

One hundred forty‐six unique individuals held 628 ALSMS board member positions from the years 1996‐2021. The median age of the board members started with a median age of 43.0 years old in 1996 to 54.5 years old in 2021. The age spread between first and third quartiles (interquartile range) in each year in more recent years (2014‐2019) was 17.0, 20.0, 18.8, 18.8, 18.0, and 15.3 years, respectively. Female representation started with 10.5% in 1996 to 30.8% in 2021. Diversity, by racial/ethnicity measures, has more representation of Asian (average across 1996‐2010: 2.3% to 2010‐2022: 19.0%) and Hispanic (average 1996‐2010: 0.7% to 2010‐2022: 4.4%) board members. No African American has held a position across these decades. MD holders (average 66.5%) and other degree holders (average 33.5%) have been relatively consistent across all years observed. From 2016 to 2021, dermatologists held board member seats at an average rate of 56.5% across these years, while prior, from 1996 to 2015, 67.3% of board member seats on average were held by members of other expertises. Most board members have full‐time affiliations in private practice across most years observed (average 43.7% across all years observed).

Conclusion

After analyzing the diversity trends across board members in ASLMS across 1996‐2020, we have noticed overall trends of increased diversity over time that reflect a greater chance of bringing in new ideas and experiences to grow ASLMS. Although the leadership of ASLMS has become significantly more diverse over time, there remain opportunities to increase diversity further, including women, underrepresented ethnic minorities, and other experts of specialties other than dermatology.
Navigating asthma—the immigrant child in a tug‐of‐war: A constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Sudarsan Indu , Hoare Karen , Sheridan Nicolette , Roberts Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Background

Avoidable hospitalisation rates for Indian immigrant children with asthma is high in New Zealand and other Western countries. Understanding how children and their carers manage asthma may lead to a reduction in hospitalisation rates. The topic of asthma and Indian immigrant children's perspectives has not been investigated. Most studies on the topic focus on the experiences of family carers and health professionals. Practice cannot be advanced in the child's best interests unless the child's asthma experiences are explored. The following research addressed this gap by upholding Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, thereby giving Indian immigrant children a voice in describing their asthma experiences.

Design

Constructivist grounded theory.

Methods

Intensive interviews were conducted with ten family carers and nine children (eight to 17 years old). Child‐sensitive data collection techniques such as drawing, and photography were used to facilitate interviewing children younger than 14 years. The COREQ guidelines guided the reporting of this study.

Results

The theory, navigating asthma: the immigrant child in a tug‐of‐war, is the resulting grounded theory with the tug‐of‐war being the basic social process. This theory comprises three main categories: being fearful, seeking support and clashing cultures. The data reflected two types of tug‐of‐war: one between two cultures, the native Indian and the host New Zealand culture and another between family carers' and children's preferences.

Conclusion

Acculturation and sociocultural factors may significantly influence the asthma experiences of Indian immigrants.

Relevance to clinical practice

The theory may assist healthcare practitioners to better comprehend Indian immigrants' asthma experiences within their wider sociocultural context. Our research indicates the need for healthcare practitioners to work in partnership with Indian immigrant families to implement culturally safe asthma management strategies.
Female sexual function after repair of uterovaginal prolapse
Authors: Hamdy Mostafa A. , Ahmed Waleed A. S. , Abolill Zakia M. , Elshahat Amal M. , Taha Omima T.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the impact of repair of uterovaginal prolapse using sacrospinous hysteropexy on female sexual function.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Urogynecology Clinic of the Suez Canal University Hospital from May 2014 to April 2019. Twenty‐seven women with a diagnosis of uterovaginal prolapse and wishing to preserve their uteri were recruited. Sacrospinous ligament fixation was done. Sexual symptoms were assessed using the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire just before and 6 months after the operation.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 36.5 ± 4 years. Sacrospinous hysteropexy only was performed for three women. Additional procedures included anterior colporrhaphy (12), posterior colporrhaphy (9), and perineorrhaphy (15). There was a significant improvement in pre‐ and postoperative patients' orgasm (3.1 ± [0.8] vs. 3.7 ± [1.1]; p value = 0.03) and satisfaction (3.4 ± [0.6] vs. 4.2 ± [0.8]; p value < 0.001) while there was worsening of pain (4.3 ± [1.5] vs. 3.2 ± [1.6]; p value = 0.017). There was insignificant improvement in the other three domains as well as total score of FSFI, with all patients having sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

Sacrospinous hysteropexy was associated with significant improvement orgasm and satisfaction domains of FSFI and significant worsening of pain.