bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glaucocalyxin A attenuates carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis and improves the associated gut microbiota imbalance
Authors: Qu Ru , Zhang Wang , Ma Zhuang , Ma Qianwen , Chen Mingju , Lan Tian , Zhou Lin , Hu Xuguang
Published: April 2023

Liver fibrosis refers to the pathophysiological process of dysplasia on the connective tissue of the liver, caused by a variety of pathogenic factors. Glaucocalyxin A (GLA) has anticoagulation, antibacterial, anti‐inflammation, antioxidant and antitumour properties. However, whether GLA ameliorates liver fibrosis or not is still unclear. In this study, a liver fibrosis model was established using male C57BL/6 mice. The mice were treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg GLA via intraperitoneal injection, respectively. The ones that were treated with 5 mg/kg OCA were used as the positive control group. The levels of liver function, liver fibrosis biomarkers and liver pathological changes were then evaluated. We also explored the effects of GLA on inflammatory response and liver cell apoptosis. In addition, we investigated the gut microbiota mechanisms of GLA on liver fibrosis. The results from this study that GLA could significantly decrease the level of liver function (AST, ALT, TBA) and liver fibrosis (HA, LN, PC‐III, IV‐C). On the other hand, a significant decrease in inflammation levels (IL‐1β, TNF‐α) were also noted. GLA also improves CCl4‐induced pathological liver injuries and collagen deposition, in addition to decreasing apoptosis levels. In addition, an increase in the ratio of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in liver disease was also observed. GLA also improves the gut microbiota. In conclusion, GLA attenuates CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis and improves the associated gut microbiota imbalance.
A machine learning‐based KNIME workflow to predict VEGFR‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Tripathi Nancy , Bhardwaj Nivedita , Kumar Sanjay , Jain Shreyans K.
Published: April 2023

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are specific cytokines involved in angiogenesis and do so via binding to vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), a type of receptor tyrosine kinase. VEGFs are reported to facilitate angiogenesis in physiological (embryogenesis) and pathological (tumor) conditions. The overexpression of VEGFs and consequently VEGFRs is reported in tumorigenic conditions. Several VEGFR inhibitors currently used as anticancer drugs to prevent angiogenesis are sunitinib, sorafenib, etc. To identify new potential candidates as VEGFR inhibitors, a classification study using a large and diverse dataset of VEGFR inhibitors from the BindingDB database has been conducted. The KNIME platform was used to calculate molecular and fingerprint‐based descriptors and several classification algorithms viz. linear regression (LR), k‐nearest neighbor (kNN), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and gradient boosted tree (GBT) were employed to build the classification model. The model performance was evaluated by accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of the test set. The best LR, kNN, DT, RF, and GBT classifiers had the F1 score of 0.81, 0.87, 0.82, 0.87, and 0.87, respectively. The assorted 5120 VEGFR inhibitors were clustered into 10 subsets, and the structural features of each subset were assessed along with the identification of significant fragments in active and inactive compounds. The automated classifier model developed using the KNIME platform could serve as an important platform for screening and designing molecules as VEGFR inhibitors.
Management of macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion: An evidence‐based systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cornish Elisa E. , Zagora Sophia L. , Spooner Kimberley , Fraser‐Bell Samantha
Published: April 2023

Background

Central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion are common causes of visual loss due to associated macular oedema. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions improving vision and treating macular oedema in central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion.

Methods

Medical search engines and clinical trial registries were systematically searched. Randomised clinical trials with ≥90 eyes and real‐world outcome studies with ≥100 eyes each with ≥6 months follow‐up were included.

Results

There were 11 randomised controlled trials evaluating treatments for central retinal vein occlusion which met the inclusion criteria and 10 for branch retinal vein occlusion. There were 10 real world outcome studies of central retinal vein occlusion and 5 real world outcome studies of branch retinal vein occlusion. Meta‐analysis was performed on studies that met the defined inclusion criteria. Main outcomes were change in visual acuity at 6‐, 12‐, 24‐ and 36 months by treatment.

Conclusions

Intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial derived growth factor is recommended as first line treatment over intravitreal corticosteroid due to its effectiveness and lower rate of ocular adverse events. Best outcomes are achieved when intravitreal treatment is started early. Macular laser may have an adjunctive role in branch retina vein occlusion but not central retinal vein occlusion.
A retrospective cohort study on dental implant survival in patients with grafted alveolar clefts
Authors: van Putten Yordi , Rozeboom Antoinette V. J. , Strabbing Elske M. , Koudstaal Maarten J. , Tahmaseb Ali
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the survival rate of dental implants inserted in an alveolar cleft area where one or more bone graft procedures were performed and to identify possible factors that affect the survival rate.

Materials and Methods

The available data from 78 implants placed in 64 patients with grafted alveolar clefts were retrospectively analysed. Statistical analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, log‐rank tests and univariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The median follow‐up period from insertion to the last follow‐up appointment was 46 months (IQR: 29–79.3). In five patients, a single implant failed. This resulted in a cumulative survival rate of 95.0% at median follow‐up. The factors investigated in this study did not have a significant effect on implant survival.

Conclusions

Dental implants placed in patients with alveolar clefts are a reliable treatment option for dental rehabilitation.
Perfect duet: Dual recombinases improve genetic resolution
Authors: Li Hongxin , Weng Wendong , Zhou Bin
Published: April 2023

As a powerful genetic tool, site‐specific recombinases (SSRs) have been widely used in genomic manipulation to elucidate cell fate plasticity in vivo, advancing research in stem cell and regeneration medicine. However, the low resolution of conventional single‐recombinase‐mediated lineage tracing strategies, which rely heavily on the specificity of one marker gene, has led to controversial conclusions in many scientific questions. Therefore, different SSRs systems are combined to improve the accuracy of lineage tracing. Here we review the recent advances in dual‐recombinase‐mediated genetic approaches, including the development of novel genetic recombination technologies and their applications in cell differentiation, proliferation, and genetic manipulation. In comparison with the single‐recombinase system, we also discuss the advantages of dual‐genetic strategies in solving scientific issues as well as their technical limitations.
Lactate‐induced protein lactylation: A bridge between epigenetics and metabolic reprogramming in cancer
Authors: Wang Ting , Ye Zeng , Li Zheng , Jing De‐sheng , Fan Gui‐xiong , Liu Meng‐qi , Zhuo Qi‐feng , Ji Shun‐rong , Yu Xian‐jun , Xu Xiao‐wu , Qin Yi
Published: April 2023

Lactate is not only an endpoint of glycolysis but is gradually being discovered to play the role of a universal metabolic fuel for energy via the ‘lactate shuttle’ moving between cells and transmitting signals. The glycolytic‐dependent metabolism found in tumours and fast‐growing cells has made lactate a pivotal player in energy metabolism reprogramming, which enables cells to obtain abundant energy in a short time. Moreover, lactate can provide favourable conditions for tumorigenesis by shaping the acidic tumour microenvironment, recruiting immune cells, etc. and the recently discovered lactate‐induced lactylation moves even further on pro‐tumorigenesis mechanisms of lactate production, circulation and utilization. As with other epigenetic modifications, lactylation can modify histone proteins to alter the spatial configuration of chromatin, affect DNA accessibility and regulate the expression of corresponding genes. What's more, the degree of lactylation is inseparable from the spatialized lactate concentration, which builds a bridge between epigenetics and metabolic reprogramming. Here, we review the important role of lactate in energy reprogramming, summarize the latest finding of lactylation in tumorigenesis and try to explore therapeutic strategies in oncotherapy that can kill two birds with one stone.
Rilzabrutinib, a reversible covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor: Absorption, metabolism, excretion, and absolute bioavailability in healthy participants
Authors: Ucpinar Sibel , Smith Patrick F. , Long Li , Li Fujun , Yan Hui , Wadhwa Jyoti , Chu Katherine A. , Shu Jin , Nunn Philip , Li Mengyao
Published: April 2023

This single‐center, open‐label, non‐randomized, two‐part, phase I study was conducted (1) to evaluate the absolute oral bioavailability of rilzabrutinib 400 mg tablet following an i.v. microtracer dose of ~100 μg [14C]‐rilzabrutinib (~1 μCi) and single oral dose of 400 mg rilzabrutinib tablet (part 1), and (2) to characterize the absorption, metabolism, and excretion (AME) of 14C‐radiolabeled rilzabrutinib following single oral dose (300 mg) of [14C]‐rilzabrutinib (~1000 μCi; administered as a liquid) in healthy male participants (part 2). A total of 18 subjects were enrolled (n = 8 in part 1; n = 10 in part 2). The absolute bioavailability of 400 mg rilzabrutinib oral tablet was low (<5%). In part 1, rilzabrutinib was absorbed rapidly after single oral dose of rilzabrutinib 400 mg tablet with a median (range) time to maximum concentration (Tmax) value of 2.03 h (1.83–2.50 h). The geometric mean (coefficient of variation) terminal half‐life following the oral dose and i.v. microtracer dose of ~100 μg [14C]‐rilzabrutinib, were 3.20 (51.0%) and 1.78 (37.6%) h, respectively. In part 2, rilzabrutinib was also absorbed rapidly following single oral dose of 300 mg [14C]‐rilzabrutinib solution with a median (range) Tmax value of 1.00 h (1.00–2.00 h). The majority of total radioactivity was in the feces for both non‐bile collection subjects (92.9%) and bile collection subjects (87.6%), and ~5% of radioactivity was recovered in urine after oral administration. Urinary excretion of unchanged rilzabrutinib was low (3.02%). The results of this study advance the understanding of the absolute bioavailability and AME of rilzabrutinib and can help inform its further investigation.
Optimizing donor tooth selection for autotransplantation in the anterior maxilla via CBCT‐based root width and crown‐root angle measurements
Authors: Companioni Stephanie , Nguyen Tung , Divaris Kimon , Christensen John
Published: April 2023

Background/Aim

The clinical management of growing patients with missing teeth in the anterior maxilla can be challenging due to limited treatment options and high esthetic demands. Tooth autotransplantation (AT) is a viable option for these cases. The selection of donor teeth has been reported to be driven by root development, existing malocclusion, and esthetics. The aim of this study was to add to the evidence base of tooth selection criteria for AT by examining candidate donor teeth root width and crown‐root angles, two factors arguably important for surgical planning and esthetics.

Material and Methods

Cementoenamel junction (CEJ) tooth width and crown‐root angle measurements were made using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 30 children and adolescents of European descent (mean age = 13 years, range = 10–17 years; 63% male) from a private orthodontic practice. Measurements of maxillary central and lateral incisors (index teeth) were compared with measurements of maxillary second premolars, mandibular central incisors, and mandibular first and second premolars (candidate donor teeth). Analyses relied on descriptive statistics of mean within‐subject differences between index and donor teeth and the proportion of individuals without clinically important differences (i.e., >1.5 mm width deficit and > 15 degrees crown‐root angle difference).

Results

Mandibular first premolars were the most compatible teeth for the replacement of maxillary central incisors based on both width (≥97% of individuals) and angle measurements (≥87% of individuals), followed closely by mandibular second premolars. Mandibular central incisors were the most compatible for the replacement of maxillary laterals, among all individuals based on width and ≥ 90% based on angle, whereas mandibular first premolars were somewhat less compatible.

Conclusions

The study offers evidence of within‐person, CBCT‐based root width dimension and crown‐root angle compatibilities. This information can be considered in addition to existing tooth selection criteria for AT including Angle's classification, midline deviation, crowding severity, root development, and esthetics.
The effect of urbanisation and seasonality on wild bee abundance, body size and foraging efforts
Authors: Brasil Sandara N. R. , Ayers Anthony C. , Rehan Sandra M.
Published: April 2023

Anthropogenic changes highly impact the world's biodiversity. An important human‐driven change to natural environments is increasing urbanisation, which is responsible for decreasing suitable habitats for many wild species, including bees.

In this study, we investigate if three levels of urbanisation (low, medium and high) affect body size, foraging efforts and abundance of the sweat bee Agapostemon virescens. Overall, A. virescens was more abundant in medium‐urbanised sites.

Second‐generation females (summer bees) were more abundant than overwintered (spring bees) at all levels of urbanisation. According to body size, female bees were larger in highly urbanised sites and male bees were larger in medium‐urbanised sites. According to foraging efforts, we observed an increase in wing wear during spring and a decrease during summer.

It was also found a female‐biased sex ratio under high urbanisation and a male‐biased in low urbanisation sites. Our results suggest that highly urbanised sites can still provide sufficient nesting and foraging resources for A. virescens.

In addition to our findings of higher bee abundance in low and medium urbanised sites, we suggest that maintaining different levels of urbanisation and heterogenous landscapes within a populous city might have a more positive impact on wild be sustainability.
Seizure occurrence is linked to multiday cycles in diverse physiological signals
Authors: Gregg Nicholas M. , Pal Attia Tal , Nasseri Mona , Joseph Boney , Karoly Philippa , Cui Jie , Stirling Rachel E. , Viana Pedro F. , Richner Thomas J. , Nurse Ewan S. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Cook Mark J. , Worrell Gregory A. , Richardson Mark P. , Freestone Dean R. , Brinkmann Benjamin H.
Published: April 2023

Objective

The factors that influence seizure timing are poorly understood, and seizure unpredictability remains a major cause of disability. Work in chronobiology has shown that cyclical physiological phenomena are ubiquitous, with daily and multiday cycles evident in immune, endocrine, metabolic, neurological, and cardiovascular function. Additionally, work with chronic brain recordings has identified that seizure risk is linked to daily and multiday cycles in brain activity. Here, we provide the first characterization of the relationships between the cyclical modulation of a diverse set of physiological signals, brain activity, and seizure timing.

Methods

In this cohort study, 14 subjects underwent chronic ambulatory monitoring with a multimodal wrist‐worn sensor (recording heart rate, accelerometry, electrodermal activity, and temperature) and an implanted responsive neurostimulation system (recording interictal epileptiform abnormalities and electrographic seizures). Wavelet and filter–Hilbert spectral analyses characterized circadian and multiday cycles in brain and wearable recordings. Circular statistics assessed electrographic seizure timing and cycles in physiology.

Results

Ten subjects met inclusion criteria. The mean recording duration was 232 days. Seven subjects had reliable electroencephalographic seizure detections (mean = 76 seizures). Multiday cycles were present in all wearable device signals across all subjects. Seizure timing was phase locked to multiday cycles in five (temperature), four (heart rate, phasic electrodermal activity), and three (accelerometry, heart rate variability, tonic electrodermal activity) subjects. Notably, after regression of behavioral covariates from heart rate, six of seven subjects had seizure phase locking to the residual heart rate signal.

Significance

Seizure timing is associated with daily and multiday cycles in multiple physiological processes. Chronic multimodal wearable device recordings can situate rare paroxysmal events, like seizures, within a broader chronobiology context of the individual. Wearable devices may advance the understanding of factors that influence seizure risk and enable personalized time‐varying approaches to epilepsy care.
Rab26 promotes macrophage phagocytosis through regulation of MFN2 trafficking to mitochondria
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Yao , Hu Junxian , Xu Yuhang , Gong Daohui , Wu Pengfei , Dong Junkang , He Binfeng , Qian Hang , Wang Guansong
Published: April 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory disorder of the lungs caused by bacterial or viral infection. Timely phagocytosis and clearance of pathogens by macrophages are important in controlling inflammation and alleviating ARDS. However, the precise mechanism of macrophage phagocytosis remains to be explored. Here, we show that the expression of Rab26 is increased in Escherichia coli‐ or Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐stimulated bone marrow‐derived macrophages. Knocking out Rab26 reduced phagocytosis and bacterial clearance by macrophages. Rab26 interacts with mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin‐2 (MFN2) and affects mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation by regulating MFN2 transport. The levels of MFN2 in mitochondria were reduced in Rab26‐deficient bone marrow‐derived macrophages, and the levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and ATP were significantly decreased. Knocking down MFN2 using small interfering RNA resulted in decreased phagocytosis and killing ability of macrophages. Rab26 knockout reduced phagocytosis and bacterial clearance by macrophages in vivo, significantly increased inflammatory factors, aggravated lung tissue damage, and increased mortality in mice. Our results demonstrate that Rab26 regulates phagocytosis and clearance of bacteria by mediating the transport of MFN2 to mitochondria in macrophages, thus alleviating ARDS in mice and potentially in humans.
Trivial gain of downscaling in future projections of higher trophic levels in the Nordic and Barents Seas
Authors: Nilsen Ina , Fransner Filippa , Olsen Are , Tjiputra Jerry , Hordoir Robinson , Hansen Cecilie
Published: April 2023

Downscaling physical forcing from global climate models is both time consuming and labor demanding and can delay or limit the physical forcing available for regional marine ecosystem modelers. Earlier studies have shown that downscaled physics is necessary for capturing the dynamics of primary production and lower trophic levels; however, it is not clear how higher trophic levels respond to the coarse resolution physics of global models. Here, we apply the Nordic and Barents Seas Atlantis ecosystem model (NoBa) to study the consequences of using physical forcing from global climate models versus using that from regional models. The study is therefore (i) a comparison between a regional model and its driving global model to investigate the extent to which a global climate model can be used for regional ecosystem predictions and (ii) a study of the impact of future climate change in the Nordic and Barents Seas. We found that few higher trophic level species were affected by using forcing from a global versus a regional model, and there was a general agreement in future biomass trends and distribution patterns. However, the slight difference in temperature between the models dramatically impacted Northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua), which highlights how species projection uncertainty could arise from poor physical representation of the physical forcing, in addition to uncertainty in the ecosystem model parameterization.
Leveraging related health phenotypes for polygenic prediction of impulsive choice, impulsive action, and impulsive personality traits in 1534 European ancestry community adults
Authors: Deng Wei Q. , Belisario Kyla , Gray Joshua C. , Levitt Emily E. , Mohammadi‐Shemirani Pedrum , Singh Desmond , Pare Guillaume , MacKillop James
Published: April 2023

Impulsivity refers to a number of conceptually related phenotypes reflecting self‐regulatory capacity that are considered promising endophenotypes for mental and physical health. Measures of impulsivity can be broadly grouped into three domains, namely, impulsive choice, impulsive action, and impulsive personality traits. In a community‐based sample of ancestral Europeans (n = 1534), we conducted genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of impulsive choice (delay discounting), impulsive action (behavioral inhibition), and impulsive personality traits (UPPS‐P), and evaluated 11 polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of phenotypes previously linked to self‐regulation. Although there were no individual genome‐wide significant hits, the neuroticism PRS was positively associated with negative urgency (adjusted R2 = 1.61%, p = 3.6 × 10−7) and the educational attainment PRS was inversely associated with delay discounting (adjusted R2 = 1.68%, p = 2.2 × 10−7). There was also evidence implicating PRSs of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, externalizing, risk‐taking, smoking cessation, smoking initiation, and body mass index with one or more impulsivity phenotypes (adjusted R2s: 0.35%–1.07%; FDR adjusted ps = 0.05–0.0006). These significant associations between PRSs and impulsivity phenotypes are consistent with established genetic correlations. The combined PRS explained 0.91%–2.46% of the phenotypic variance for individual impulsivity measures, corresponding to 8.7%–32.5% of their reported single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based heritability, suggesting a non‐negligible portion of the SNP‐based heritability can be recovered by PRSs. These results support the predictive validity and utility of PRSs, even derived from related phenotypes, to inform the genetics of impulsivity phenotypes.
Moving beyond heritability in the search for coral adaptive potential
Authors: Richards Thomas J. , McGuigan Katrina , Aguirre J. David , Humanes Adriana , Bozec Yves‐Marie , Mumby Peter J. , Riginos Cynthia
Published: April 2023

Global environmental change is happening at unprecedented rates. Coral reefs are among the ecosystems most threatened by global change. For wild populations to persist, they must adapt. Knowledge shortfalls about corals' complex ecological and evolutionary dynamics, however, stymie predictions about potential adaptation to future conditions. Here, we review adaptation through the lens of quantitative genetics. We argue that coral adaptation studies can benefit greatly from “wild” quantitative genetic methods, where traits are studied in wild populations undergoing natural selection, genomic relationship matrices can replace breeding experiments, and analyses can be extended to examine genetic constraints among traits. In addition, individuals with advantageous genotypes for anticipated future conditions can be identified. Finally, genomic genotyping supports simultaneous consideration of how genetic diversity is arrayed across geographic and environmental distances, providing greater context for predictions of phenotypic evolution at a metapopulation scale.
Disruptive technology and regulatory conundrums: The emerging governance of virtual currencies
Authors: Amuso Valentina , Baron Ilan Zvi
Published: April 2023

Regulatory agencies care about their reputation, which helps sustain their authority. As innovation can introduce uncertainty in governance, delaying action or overlooking danger can negatively affect agencies' standing. Aware of these reputation risks, agencies rely on a set of methods to govern the unknown. These methods, we argue, are: (1) categorization, if the innovation is considered identical to known regulatory categories; (2) analogy, if the innovation is considered similar to known categories, and; (3) new categorization, when new classifications are deemed necessary to address the innovation. Each method shapes governance by triggering the application of existing regulations (categorization and analogy), calls for either technical and regulatory fixes (analogy), or calls for broader regulatory undertakings (new categorization). Agencies' choice of methods, we argue, is shaped by concerns over performative reputation (i.e., showing the ability to fulfill core tasks), which in turn is affected by agencies' ability to demonstrate technical rigor (i.e., technical reputation).
Characterisation of an edible chitosan film incorporating tea seed oil/montmorillonite and antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Van Tran Thi , Wardana Ata Aditya , Arisa Koga , Tanaka Fumina , Tanaka Fumihiko
Published: April 2023

Chitosan films enhanced with tea seed oil (TO) and montmorillonite were solution cast and the influence of montmorillonite additives on the physicochemical and antifungal properties was evaluated. The addition of TO and montmorillonite significantly increased both the pH and viscosity of the coating solutions. SEM and AFM showed montmorillonite addition increased membrane structure homogeneity. In addition, chitosan films incorporating montmorillonite exhibited significantly improved tensile strength, at 43.87% in chitosan with montmorillonite and 44.23% in chitosan with montmorillonite and TO. Antifungal activity of the chitosan coating increased sharply when TO was added, inhibiting spore germination and germ tube length by 65.05% and 51.95% respectively. The decay inhibition rates for strawberries treated with chitosan and TO, or chitosan, TO and montmorillonite were also high at 32.77% and 28.79% respectively. This demonstrates that chitosan‐based TO/montmorillonite films are potential materials for packaging fruits or vegetables, to eventually replace synthetic polymers.
Enzymatic activity and quality characteristics of melon juice processed by high‐intensity pulsed light
Authors: Pok Paula S. , García‐Loredo Analía B. , Contigiani Eunice V. , Alzamora Stella M. , Gómez Paula L.
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to explore the use of pulsed light (PL) for inactivating peroxidase (POD), polyphenoloxidase (PP0) and pectin methylesterase (PME) in melon juice. The influence of treatments on the optical, physicochemical and rheological properties of the juice was also evaluated. PL fluences between 3.6 and 71.6 J cm−2 caused a significant reduction in POD activity from 13% to 96% respectively. On contrary, PPO and PME activities were slightly or not significantly affected by the treatments. POD inactivation curve was successfully fitted with the first‐order and Weibull‐type models. Samples exposed to 35.8 and 71.6 J cm−2 showed minor changes in pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids content than non‐treated juice along cold storage. PL treatments also better maintained the original colour of the fresh juice during storage. A slight but significant reduction in the apparent viscosity was observed due to PL exposure. Results indicated that pulsed light could be a useful technique for inhibiting POD activity and preserving the colour of melon juice along cold storage. Other preservation agent(s) in combination would need to be evaluated for better control of enzyme activity.
Association of endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) with the transmission of Liberibacter solanacearum by its psyllid vector
Authors: Jassar Ola , Ghanim Murad
Published: April 2023

Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) is a complex of gram negative plant pathogenic and fastidious bacterial haplotypes restricted to the phloem and transmitted by several psyllid species. In Israel, the carrot psyllid Bactericera trigonica transmits CLso haplotype D in a persistent and propagative manner and causes the carrot yellows disease, inflicting significant economic losses in many countries. Understanding the transmission of CLso is fundamental to devising sustainable management strategies. Persistent transmission of vector‐borne pathogens involves the critical steps of adhesion, cell invasion and replication inside the insect gut cells before passage to the hemolymph. Using microscopy and expression analyses, we have previously confirmed a role for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in inducing immune responses and subsequent molecular pathways resulting in programmed cell death (apoptosis) upon CLso‐infection in the midgut. In the current study, we confirm that the ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) machinery and its associated marker genes were upregulated in CLso infected insects, including Derlin‐1, Selenoprotein‐1 and Ubiquitin Ligase RNF‐185. Silencing Derlin‐1, which acts on the ER membrane by regulating the degradation of unfolded proteins upon ER stress, revealed its role in CLso persistence and transmission. Molecular pathways initiated in the ER membrane upon bacterial infection are well documented in human, animal and insect systems, and this study confirms the role of the ER in CLso‐psyllid interactions.
Penalties and payoffs: The short‐term economic consequences of human capital acquisition for resettled refugees in the United States
Authors: Allen Ryan , Horner Kimberly M. , Choi Jung Ho
Published: April 2023

The relationship between refugee investments in human capital and short‐run economic outcomes may influence the extent to which refugees invest in human capital that is associated with positive future economic mobility. Using data from the Annual Survey of Refugees from 2016 and 2017 we assess the relationship between recent investments in human capital and hourly wages for employed refugees in the United States. Results suggest that recent job training has a positive effect on hourly wages. In contrast, enrollment in English classes and educational programmes have no short‐term positive effects on hourly wages. When combined with the pressure resettled refugees experience to find employment quickly, these results suggest that the lack of short‐term wage benefits from English language or educational courses may dissuade refugees from sufficiently investing in the amount of English language or education necessary to promote positive long‐term economic mobility.
Nurses and global health responsibility: In light of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine
Authors: Lindberg Catharina , Brinchmann Berit Støre
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of this paper was to reflect on global ethical challenges for nurses in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine and to discuss ‘Nurses and Global Health’, a new element in the revised ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses, 2021, and its implications for nurses.

Background

The authors participated in the latest revision of the Code. When we were revising the ICN Code of Ethics, there was neither an ongoing pandemic nor a war in Europe.

Sources of evidence

Relevant scientific articles and other academic literature, documents from international organisations, and authors’ views.

Discussion

The discussion emanated from our reflections on how to actually apply the ICN Code of Ethics, i.e., moving the words from the document itself into everyday practice, in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In the Code, the nurse's responsibility is highlighted, but there is little or no instruction on how to undertake it.

Conclusion and implications for nurses

The ICN Code of Ethics needs to be operationalised through ethical reflection and discussion in all contexts where nurses work, from policy level to the care environment.
Trends in passenger transport optimisation
Authors: Filippi Carlo , Guastaroba Gianfranco , Peirano Lorenzo , Speranza M. Grazia
Published: April 2023

The growing number and complexity of modern megalopolises, where several millions of inhabitants request efficient transport services, pose colossal challenges to urban mobility. To capture the ever‐increasing demand for mobility without further deteriorating the traffic congestion, it is essential that the resources available are used as efficiently as possible. Besides, the traditional means of transport (train, metro, bus, taxi), each responds to a particular segment of the global demand for mobility. Nowadays, transport planners can take advantage of the progress in information technologies and optimisation methods to design modern services that integrate and coordinate different means of transport. These services are potentially capable of capturing additional segments of mobility demand and, as an outcome, reduce the usage of private vehicles. Building upon these general ideas, a growing number of researchers have studied various forms of transport flexibility as well as the integration among different means of transport. This survey provides an overview of the trends emerging from contributions from the operational research literature on urban passenger transportation. We have analysed the literature according to the dimensions of flexibility and integration of the transport service studied. For each of the application areas identified, we convey the main trends studied, summarise the most relevant solution approaches and outline some open research directions that deserve particular attention.
A Hero's Journey: Supporting children throughout inpatient psychiatric hospitalization using a therapeutic comic book
Authors: Hasselmo Simone , Thomas Isaiah , Páez José , Kowalski Sarah , Cardona Laurie , Martin Andrés
Published: April 2023

Problem

Art‐ and narrative‐based interventions are an integral component of pediatric inpatient psychiatric care. We describe a novel therapeutic comic book we developed for hospitalized children and young adolescents.

Methods

A Hero's Journey is a 38‐page zine that can be freely downloaded and photocopied for distribution. The short booklet is intended to demystify and offer guidance throughout the experience of hospitalization, promote interaction and socialization, provide scaffolding for skill‐building, and prepare patients for moving forward after discharge.

Findings

The underlying foundations of the booklet include: 1) Theoretical sources (Joseph Campbell's hero's journey; Donald Schön's reflective practice; and the principles of narrative medicine); and 2) Clinical sources (collaborative problem solving; cognitive‐behavioral therapy, and trauma‐informed care). We articulate how each page relates to the different components, and how individual pages can be used as worksheets for practice of specific skills. We next provide suggestions on how best to use the booklet: from arrival at the emergency room, through inpatient hospitalization, and toward discharge. We also propose ways for staff, caregivers, and any child‐facing adult to make use of this clinical resource in support of a patient's recovery and reintegration into their community.

Conclusions

Even though not yet empirically tested, this therapeutic comic book is available for dissemination free of cost. We encourage leaders in nursing and therapeutic recreation to try using this resource in their emergency room and milieu settings.
Screening and identification of the core immune‐related genes and immune cell infiltration in severe burns and sepsis
Authors: Su Wenxing , Li Wei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Kuan , Chen Maolin , Chen Xiaoming , Li Dazhuang , Zhang Ping , Yu Daojiang
Published: April 2023

Severe burns often have a high mortality rate due to sepsis, but the genetic and immune crosstalk between them remains unclear. In the present study, the GSE77791 and GSE95233 datasets were analysed to identify immune‐related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in disease progression in both burns and sepsis. Subsequently, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), gene enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, immune cell infiltration analysis, core gene identification, coexpression network analysis and clinical correlation analysis were performed. A total of 282 common DEGs associated with burns and sepsis were identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis identified the following enriched pathways in burns and sepsis: metabolic pathways; complement and coagulation cascades; legionellosis; starch and sucrose metabolism; and ferroptosis. Finally, six core DEGs were identified, namely, IL10, RETN, THBS1, FGF13, LCN2 and MMP9. Correlation analysis showed that some core DEGs were significantly associated with simultaneous dysregulation of immune cells. Of these, RETN upregulation was associated with a worse prognosis. The immune‐related genes and dysregulated immune cells in severe burns and sepsis provide potential research directions for diagnosis and treatment.
The gut bacterium Serratia marcescens mediates detoxification of organophosphate pesticide in Riptortus pedestris by microbial degradation
Authors: Xia Xie‐Jiang , Wu Wei , Chen Jian‐Ping , Shan Hong‐Wei
Published: April 2023

Organophosphate insecticides have been widely used in agriculture to control insect pests and raised growing problems including insecticide resistance. According to recent studies, microbial symbionts play important roles in developing insecticide resistance. The bean bug Riptortus pedestris is a notorious pest of leguminous crops, harbouring diverse microorganisms in their insect midguts. However, the potential biological roles of many gut‐associated bacteria are largely unknown. In this study, we isolated a bacterial strain from the midgut of R. pedestris and identified it as Serratia marcescens based on its morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence. A halo of phosphorus‐solubilizing bacteria was observed on a medium containing lecithin and an organophosphorus insecticide dimethoate. Subsequently, the microbial degradation of dimethoate was determined using Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS). Further analysis indicated that the S. marcescens contained organophosphorus‐degrading MBL‐fold metallo‐hydrolase gene. Additionally, we discovered that the bacterium could colonize the insect midgut stably and enhance the host survivorship when exposed to dimethoate. Our results revealed that an insect gut‐associated bacterium could degrade organophosphorus compounds, thereby reducing related insecticide toxicity to the insect hosts. These findings provided further insights into the host‐microbiota interactions underpinning the development of insecticide resistance.
Can canthaxanthin intensify the colour of the blood swordtail Xiphophorus helleri?
Authors: Olier Bruno Silva , De Sousa Otávio Mesquita , Sanches Eduardo Gomes
Published: April 2023

Colouring has a great influence on the commercialization of ornamental fish. The aim of this study was to evaluate different concentrations of canthaxanthin in the diet of the blood swordtail Xiphophorus helleri in an effort to obtain a more intense red colour. Six concentrations of canthaxanthin (0, 50, 100, 250, 400 and 600 mg kg−1 diet) were used. The experiment lasted 60 days. Fish were evaluated for increased red pigmentation through the use of photographs (performed by smartphone) and imaging applications considering the Hunter method and the CMYK and productive performance. No significant differences were observed for productive performance. The use of photographs by means of a smartphone and the use of imaging applications proved to be adequate to assess differences in colour in the species. Swordtail red pigmentation did not show significant increase regardless of canthaxanthin dosages. Varieties of ornamental fish bred for red coloration may have limits for increased colour due to the storage capacity of carotenoids by chromatophores.
Visualisation of calcium oxalate crystal macropatterns in plant leaves using an improved fast preparation method
Authors: Ensikat Hans‐Jürgen , Malekhosseini Mahdieh , Rust Jes , Weigend Maximilian
Published: April 2023

Leaves of the majority of plants contain calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals or druses which often occur in spectacular distribution patterns. Numerous studies on CaOx in plant tissues across many different plant groups have been published, since it can be visualised readily under a light microscope (LM). However, there is surprisingly limited knowledge on the actual, precise distribution of CaOx in the leaves of quite ordinary plants such as common native and exotic trees. Traditional sample preparation for the documentation of the distribution of CaOx crystals in a given sample – including overall distribution – requires time‐consuming clearing procedures. Here we present a refined fast preparation method to visualise the overall CaOx complement in a sample: The plant material is ashed and the ash viewed under the polarising microscope. This is a rapid method which overcomes many shortcomings of other methods and permits the visualisation of the entire CaOx content in most leaf samples. Pros and cons in comparison with the conventional clearing technique are discussed. Further aspects for CaOx investigations by micro‐CT and scanning electron microscopy are discussed.
Effectiveness of exercise therapy for individuals diagnosed with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Conde Rodrigo Melo , Senem Iara , dos Santos Marcia , de Lima Osório Flávia , Marques Júnior Wilson
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Effective treatments for Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease lack. Current treatments, such as ankle and foot surgery/orthoses, analgesics, and physiotherapy, focus on relieving the symptoms. Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the effectiveness of exercise in patients with CMT, and a systematic review summarizing the effects of such treatments is outdated. This study aims to systematically review the effects of exercise on muscle strength, function, aerobic capacity, and quality of life in CMT.

Methods

We included RCTs that compared exercise programs against sham exercise, usual care, no exercise, and different exercise programs in individuals diagnosed with CMT. Searches were performed on 10 electronic databases from inception up to July 2021. Authors analyzed titles, abstracts, and full texts and extracted information from the eligible trials. We used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach to evaluate the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence, respectively. Results were synthesized narratively.

Results

Eight citations (six studies; pooled n = 214) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of participants was 38.49 (±13.02) years, and 83% were diagnosed with CMT1A. The mean PEDro score was 5.25 (range 2–9). Six trials were considered to have a high risk of bias. Moderate‐quality evidence suggests that strengthening the ankle dorsiflexors minimizes the progression of weakness at 24 months in children with CMT1A. For other outcomes, quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low.

Interpretation

Based on the available, evidence we can only recommend exercise to improve muscle strength in children with CMT. More high quality and robust trials are needed.
Eyebrow lifting using multidirectional absorbable thread
Authors: Kim Hyeonwoo , Jung Jinwoo , Choi Soon Woo , Yun Chang Woon , Lee Won
Published: April 2023

Background

Thread lifting is a common procedure in minimally invasive esthetic techniques and can also be used to raise the drooping soft tissue of the forehead by vertically inserting threads into the forehead.

Aims

This study aimed to examine the effect of forehead thread lifting on enhancing upper eyelid opening.

Methods

Fifteen patients were included in this study, all of whom underwent eyebrow thread lifting with MINT LIFT® UP. Photographs of the patients were taken before, immediately after, and 1 and 12 weeks after surgery. Changes in the position of the eyebrows and eyelids were measured. The paired t‐test was used to determine the statistical significance of differences.

Results

At 1 week after surgery, the eyebrows were at a lower level compared with before surgery, and no significant changes in eye‐opening were observed. However, at 12 weeks after surgery, the eyebrows and upper eyelids were both significantly elevated when compared to the preoperative state.

Conclusions

Eyebrow lifting can be performed using multidirectional thread lifting.
A global exploration of palliative community care literature: An integrative review
Authors: Weston Emily J. , Jefferies Diana , Stulz Virginia , Glew Paul , McDermid Fiona
Published: April 2023

Aim

This review sought to discover how community nurses globally provide palliative care, with specific focus on how they manage the personal and professional stressors associated with caring for dying clients in the home.

Design

An integrative review methodology was used to gain insight into how community palliative care is delivered worldwide.

Background

The provision of home palliative care by community nurses gives clients the ability to spend their final days in familiar surroundings. Research has focussed on the provision of palliative care in the inpatient setting, with little known about the community setting.

Methods

Data were collected through a literature search, then a critical analysis approach was used to evaluate the strengths of palliative care literature by analysing recurrent themes to stimulate further research on the topic.

Data Sources

The following databases were used to conduct the literature search: CINAHL, Medline, Pubmed, Scopus, Ovid.

Results

The results highlighted the importance of building a skilled palliative community nursing workforce and the need to offer specialised palliative care training to nurses, particularly around difficult conversations and service coordination.

Conclusion

The literature identified the challenges implicit within the community nursing role in delivering palliative care, but it did not identify the factors that enhance the nurses' ability to manage the stressors associated with this role. The input of nurses must be sought to understand the development of resilience.

Implications for the profession

Community palliative care nursing requires time spent with clients and family members who are suffering, therefore predisposing nurses to stress. Effort must be made to provide palliative care nurses with support to enhance professional resilience.