bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inner hair cell synapse density influences auditory processing
Authors: Ji Lingchao , Borges Beatriz C. , Martel David T. , Wu Calvin , Liberman M. Charles , Shore Susan E. , Corfas Gabriel
Published: May 2022

Loss of synapses between spiral ganglion neurons and inner hair cells (IHC synaptopathy), leads to an auditory neuropathy called hidden hearing loss (HHL) characterized by normal auditory thresholds but reduced amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials. It has been proposed that synaptopathy and HHL result in poor performance in challenging hearing tasks despite a normal audiogram. However, this has only been tested in animals after exposure to noise or ototoxic drugs, which can cause deficits beyond synaptopathy. Furthermore, the impact of supernumerary synapses on auditory processing has not been evaluated. Here, we studied mice in which IHC synapse counts were increased or decreased by altering neurotrophin 3 (Ntf3) expression in IHC supporting cells. As we previously showed, postnatal Ntf3 knockdown or overexpression reduces or increases, respectively, IHC synapse density and suprathreshold amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials without changing cochlear thresholds. We now show that IHC synapse density does not influence the magnitude of the acoustic startle reflex or its prepulse inhibition. In contrast, gap-prepulse inhibition, a behavioral test for auditory temporal processing, is reduced or enhanced according to Ntf3 expression levels. These results indicate that IHC synaptopathy causes temporal processing deficits predicted in HHL. Furthermore, the improvement in temporal acuity achieved by increasing Ntf3 expression and synapse density suggests a therapeutic strategy for improving hearing in noise for individuals with synaptopathy of various etiologies.
Insight into RNA-DNA primer length counting by human primosome
Authors: Baranovskiy Andrey G. , Lisova Alisa E. , Morstadt Lucia M. , Babayeva Nigar D. , Tahirov Tahir H.
Published: May 2022

The human primosome, a four-subunit complex of primase and DNA polymerase alpha (Polα), synthesizes chimeric RNA-DNA primers for DNA polymerases delta and epsilon to initiate DNA replication on both chromosome strands. Despite recent structural insights into the action of its two catalytic centers, the mechanism of DNA synthesis termination is still unclear. Here we report results of functional and structural studies revealing how the human primosome counts RNA-DNA primer length and timely terminates DNA elongation. Using a single-turnover primer extension assay, we defined two factors that determine a mature primer length (~35-mer): 1) a tight interaction of the C-terminal domain of the DNA primase large subunit (p58C) with the primer 5’-end, and 2) flexible tethering of p58C and the DNA polymerase alpha catalytic core domain (p180core) to the primosome platform domain by extended linkers. The obtained data allows us to conclude that p58C is a key regulator of all steps of RNA-DNA primer synthesis. The above-described findings provide a notable insight into the mechanism of DNA synthesis termination by a eukaryotic primosome, an important process for ensuring successful primer handover to replication DNA polymerases and for maintaining genome integrity.
Deeply conserved super-enhancers maintain stem cell pluripotency in placental mammals
Authors: Zhang Juqing , Zhou Yaqi , Yue Wei , Zhu Zhenshuo , Wu Xiaolong , Yu Shuai , Shen Qiaoyan , Pan Qin , Xu Wenjing , Zhang Rui , Wu Xiaojie , Li Xinmei , Li Yayu , Li Yunxiang , Wang Yu , Peng Sha , Zhang Shiqiang , Lei Anmin , Ding Xinbao , Yang Fan , Chen Xingqi , Li Na , Liao Mingzhi , Wang Wei , Hua Jinlian
Published: May 2022

Despite pluripotent stem cells sharing key transcription factors, their maintenance involves distinct genetic inputs. Emerging evidence suggests that super-enhancers (SEs) can function as master regulatory hubs to control cell identity and pluripotency in humans and mice. However, whether pluripotency-associated SEs share a deep evolutionary origin in mammals remains elusive. Here, we performed comprehensive comparative epigenomic and transcription factor binding analyses among pigs, humans, and mice to identify pluripotency-associated SEs. Like typical enhancers, SEs displayed rapid evolution in mammals. We showed that BRD4 is an essential and conserved activator for mammalian pluripotency-associated SEs. Comparative motif enrichment analysis revealed 30 shared transcription factor binding motifs among the three species. The majority of the transcriptional factors that bind to identified motifs are known regulators associated with pluripotency. Further, we discovered three pluripotency-associated SEs (SE-SOX2, SE-PIM1, and SE-FGFR1) which displayed deep conservation in placental mammals and are sufficient to drive reporter gene expression in a pluripotency-dependent manner. Disruption of these conserved SEs through the CRISPR/Cas9 approach severely impaired the proliferative potential and the ability to form undifferentiated colonies. Our study provides insights into the understanding of conserved regulatory mechanisms underlying the maintenance of pluripotency as well as species-specific modulation of the pluripotency-associated regulatory networks in mammals.

Significance statement

Super-enhancers (SEs) hold stronger power than regular enhancers to direct gene expression in the regulation of stem cell pluripotency. To dissect how pluripotency-associated SEs have evolved in mammals, we performed a systematic comparison of SEs among pigs, humans, and mice. Our analysis allowed the identification of three pluripotency-associated SEs (SE-SOX2, SE-PIM1, and SE-FGFR1) that are highly conserved inPlacentalia(accounting for 94% of mammals) as well as many species-specific SEs. All three SEs were sufficient to direct pluripotency-dependent gene expression and disruption of each conserved SE caused the loss of stem cell pluripotency. Our work highlights a small number of highly conserved SEs essential for the maintenance of pluripotency.
Pallidin function in drosophila surface glia regulates sleep and is dependent on amino acid availability
Authors: Li Hui , Aboudhiaf Sami , Parrot Sandrine , Scote-Blachon Céline , Benetollo Claire , Lin Jian-Sheng , Seugnet Laurent
Published: May 2022

The Pallidin protein is a component of a multimeric complex named the Biogenesis of Lysosome-related Organelles Complex 1 (BLOC1) that regulates specific endosomal function and transmembrane protein trafficking in many different cell types. In the brain, defective BLOC1 function has been linked to schizophrenia, a neuropsychiatric disorder with highly prevalent sleep disruptions, and to impaired cognitive abilities in healthy subjects. In animal models, defective BLOC1 function also impairs behavior, memory, neurotransmission systems and metabolism. This growing body of experimental evidence suggest an involvement of BLOC1 in sleep/wake regulation. Here, we used Drosophila molecular genetics and conditional, cell-type specific knockdown strategy to address this question. We show that down-regulation of a central subunit of BLOC1, Pallidin, in the surface glia, the Drosophila equivalent of the blood brain barrier, is sufficient to reduce, fragment and delay nighttime sleep at the adult stage and in a circadian clock dependent manner. Other members of the BLOC1 complex appear to be involved in this surface glia-dependent sleep regulation. In agreement with a BLOC1 involvement in amino acid transport, down-regulation of the Large neutral Amino acid Transporter 1 (LAT1)-like transporters JhI-21 and minidiscs, phenocopy the down-regulation of pallidin. Similar results were obtained by inhibiting the TOR amino acid signaling pathway. Supplementing food with essential amino acids normalizes the sleep/wake phenotypes of pallidin and JhI-21 down-regulation. Furthermore, we identify a role for pallidin in the subcellular trafficking of JhI-21 in surface glial cells. Finally, we provide evidence that Pallidin function in surface glia is required for GABAergic neurons activation involved in promoting sleep. Taken together, these data identify a novel role for BLOC1 that, through LAT1-like transporters subcellular trafficking modulates essential amino acid availability and GABAergic sleep/wake regulation.
Social safety net programs and food sufficiency during COVID-19 pandemic in the USA
Authors: Ogundari Kolawole , Aromolaran Adebayo , Akinwehinmi Joseph Oluwagbenga
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many households to experience income shocks because of the unprecedented job loss, resulting in the demand for public and private food assistance programs and a surge in unemployment insurance filing in the USA. This study aims to investigate the association between social safety programs (e.g. supplementary nutritional assistance programs (SNAP), unemployment insurance and charitable food assistance) and household food sufficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the Household Pulse Surveys (HPS) conducted by the US Census Bureau from August 2020 to March 2021. And, the authors used an ordered probit model for the empirical analysis because the indicator of food sufficiency constructed from the HPS is an ordinal variable with four categories. The indicator identifies four groups of households: severe food insufficiency, moderate food insufficiency, mild food sufficiency and food sufficiency.

Findings

The results show that food sufficiency is significantly higher among the SNAP, unemployment insurance and charitable food assistance recipients than non-recipients. Furthermore, the results indicate that food sufficiency is significantly lower among black, Asian, Hispanic and other races than white households. Concerning the intersectional effect of social safety net programs and race/ethnicity on household food sufficiency, the authors find that the household food sufficiency is significantly higher among white, black and Asian households who benefited from SNAP, compared with non-beneficiary households. On the other hand, the authors find no evidence that participation in SNAP increases food sufficiency significantly among Hispanics and other races. In addition, the likelihood of food sufficiency increases significantly among white, black, Asian, Hispanic and other races that received unemployment insurance and charitable food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with those who did not benefit from the programs.

Practical implications

These results underscore the critical role collective America’s social safety net programs played in increasing food sufficiency among Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the results suggest that families' basic needs (food sufficiency) would have been at risk if these safety net programs were not available to households during the pandemic. This, therefore, highlights the important role that government- and non-government-supported food emergency assistance programs can play in preventing people from facing food insufficiency problems in a tough time or during a crisis in the USA.

Originality/value

This study highlights the dynamic relationship between Americans’ social safety net programs and household food sufficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stakeholder engagement by power system experts of Indonesia electricity sector for sustainable energy transition
Authors: Buana Yud , Mursitama Tirta Nugraha , Abdinagoro Sri Bramantoro , Pradipto Yosef Dedy
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Studies on sustainability in energy transition in the electricity sector require a new approach of modifying the indicators from the energy trilemma index. The cocreation variable was used as a mediator to promote collaborative engagement of all stakeholders in the electricity sector to achieve energy transition sustainably. This study aims to investigate the arguments presented above.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative method that combined structural equation modeling and partial least squares analysis. ADANCO was used to analyze the data gathered from power system expert engineers through an online questionnaire survey.

Findings

Power system expert engineers play an important role in collaborative stakeholder engagement and cocreation as mediators for achieving sustainability. The expert engineers were willing to collaborate with stakeholders, while ensuring an engaging learning experience. Notably, dialogue that provides mutual access and transparency in assuming risk strengthened the cocreation effect.

Research limitations/implications

The mediating effect of cocreation becomes important when there are antecedents related to stakeholder collaboration. Studies that used data from expert engineers having more than ten years of experience used cocreation as an antecedent, either independently, through mediation or by depending on the sustainability goals.

Practical implications

This study has implications on the power sector in Indonesia, which relies on coal-fired power plants. This study proposes empowering expert engineers to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve energy decarbonization.

Originality/value

Aspects of the energy trilemma index were used to investigate the expert engineers’ perspective regarding energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability, parameters which were modified to reflect their behavioral tendencies to achieve sustainability in the electricity sector.
Sustainability education at higher education institutions: pedagogies and students’ competences
Authors: Wang Yijing , Sommier Mélodine , Vasques Ana
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether the development of students’ sustainability competences is dependent on how courses are delivered at higher education institutions (HEIs). It further investigates to what extent such competences can affect students’ belief in the new environmental paradigm (NEP) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs).

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected through an online survey conducted in 2021 among the students of an international research university based in The Netherlands. The final sample (N = 262) consisted of all the students who completed the survey and claimed that they had taken at least one course that addressed sustainability. Linear regression models were used to examine the relationship of sustainability education and students’ competences, as well as their pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors.

Findings

The findings reveal that the strength of universal, broadly applicable pedagogies is positively related to the development of students’ sustainability mindset/framework as well as their sustainability action/communication. The results also reveal that developing students’ competences on sustainability mindset/framework is directly related to their belief in the NEP and PEBs.

Originality/value

To develop an integrative pedagogical approach requires understanding how a HEI’s engagement in sustainability can impact students’ attitudes and behaviors, but little research has actually measured the development of students’ competences. This study fills this gap through empirically testing how different pedagogical approaches can affect students’ sustainability competences differently. This has important implications for systematically linking pedagogical approaches to teaching practices or concrete learning objectives.
The Efficiencies and Inequities of Australia's Temporary Labour Migration Regime
Authors: Clibborn Stephen , Wright Chris F.
Published: May 2022

This article examines the benefits and costs of Australia's labour migration policies. While previous economics studies have demonstrated the efficiency‐related benefits of these policies, this article analyses the consequences for worker voice and equity, which employment relations scholars have identified as important labour market policy goals. We argue that the efficiency‐related benefits of labour migration policy reforms, particularly the expansion of temporary visa schemes, have been generated in part by barriers to temporary migrant workers' access to representation and social rights. This situation has contributed to an increase in the underpayment and mistreatment of temporary migrant workers by employers.
Perpetration, impunity, and irreconciliation in Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools
Authors: Niezen Ronald
Published: May 2022

The influence of institutional mandates on knowledge can be seen particularly clearly in the preferences and absences of truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) proceedings. A recent trend in TRCs involves a shift away from the exercise of judicial powers and the quest for justice and towards more concern with affirming the experience of victims or ‘Survivors’. Canada's TRC on Indian Residential Schools illustrates the consequences of the shift towards victim‐centrism, which left gaps in knowledge – particularly about perpetrators – that was conveyed to the commission and produced conditions of impunity for those responsible for mass harm. This impunity coalesced into irreconciliation as the commission gave voice to people who had been forgotten, marginalized, and given little chance in life, while leaving out of the picture those who had actually stolen their lives and dignity.
Rendering the absent visible: victimhood and the irreconcilability of violence
Authors: Clarke Kamari Maxine
Published: May 2022

Contemporary justice‐making processes often focus on reconciliation or legal retribution, but not on the complexity of victimhood beyond individual subjectivity or refusals of state propositions for social repair. In Colombia, where drug cartels and state‐sponsored violence had terrorized the population for over fifty years, it was not forgiveness and acceptance that punctuated the turn of the twenty‐first century, but the refusal to reconcile with the state's duplicity regarding the disappearance and death of thousands. This essay illustrates how irreconciliation as an affective sentiment is taking shape in Colombia through forms of reattribution that take the form of victim visibilizations. In analysing the strategic use of victim visibilizations as a refusal of state accountability, their expansion of the notion of victimhood, and their politics of irreconciliation, I show how even with the state's remorse‐driven discourses, the public's understanding that political, judicial, and social accountability was not possible and pushed them to chart new strategies for disclosure and healing.
The American Catholic Bishops and the Northern Ireland “Troubles”
Authors: Scull Margaret M.
Published: May 2022

Complex and interworking factors prevented American Catholic bishops from playing a greater role in mediating the Northern Ireland “Troubles.” American Catholic bishops held soft power influence in USA, British, and Irish politics, challenging previous historiographical claims that religion and religious institutions played little role in the conflict. Whereas the American Catholic bishops had actively engaged with fundraising during the early days of the conflict, after increased Irish Republican Army (IRA) violence sparked by the event known as Bloody Sunday, their public efforts stopped abruptly in 1972. This stoppage occurred for a number of factors, including disassociating Irish American and American Catholicism from the trope of the violent “bad Paddy” and, most importantly, the bishops' desire to be directed by the Irish bishops on where their influence could be most useful. English and Welsh Catholic bishops regularly commented on the conflict, damaging the public and private influence of the Irish Catholic bishops. By stepping away from public pronouncements, the American Catholic bishops allowed their Irish counterparts to take the lead in conflict mediation. Therefore, despite numerous attempts at mediation from religious actors in Britain and Ireland, American Catholic bishops' lack of action meant USA efforts during the peace process were almost entirely secular.
Evaluation of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other thrombotic microangiopathies: Lessons learned from a 14‐year retrospective study
Authors: Tau Jason , Fernando Leonor P. , Munoz Meilen C. , Poh Christina , Krishnan Viswanathan V. , Dwyre Denis M.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a clinical thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) syndrome defined by the pentad of symptoms. Therapeutic plasma exchange with plasma replacement is an ASFA Category I modality that can reduce morbidity and mortality if initiated early. We describe a 14‐year review of patients referred for plasma exchange with a suspected diagnosis of TTP.

Methods

For 70 patients referred for urgent plasma exchange, clinical, therapeutic, and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed, and the diagnosis was determined.

Results

Fifteen of the patients were diagnosed with TTP based upon ADAMTS‐13 activity with the other 51 patients having other non‐TTP TMA diagnoses. The mortality rate was significant for both TTP and non‐TTP TMAs. PLASMIC scores were also calculated retrospectively and were noted to have limited value. TMA is a diagnostic challenge and encompasses different syndromes with similar presentations.

Conclusion

Determining an accurate diagnosis, including prompt ADAMTS‐13 testing, makes it possible to initiate appropriate therapy for the multiple different TMAs that can be seen in clinical practice.
Edible coating as postharvest management strategy for shelf‐life extension of fresh tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.): An overview
Authors: Yadav Ajay , Kumar Nishant , Upadhyay Ashutosh , Sethi Shruti , Singh Anurag
Published: May 2022

Tomato is considered as one of the most grown horticultural crops having a short shelf‐life due to its climacteric nature of ripening, susceptibility to postharvest microbial decay, and mechanical damage, resulting in huge postharvest losses. Recently, the use of edible coatings has been seen as a promising environment friendly and sustainable technology for preserving the quality attributes and prolonging the shelf‐life of tomato during storage. Although a lot of literature is available on the aspects of edible coating for fresh produce, especially stone and tropical fruits, but there is no dedicated comprehensive review that specifically addresses the requirements of edible coatings for whole fresh tomato. This review aims to provide the information about the desirable coating property requirements specific to tomato and summarizes or analyzes the recent studies conducted on the application of edible coating on tomato. The article also deals with recent trends on utilization of bioactive compounds as well as nanotechnological approaches for improving the performance and functionality of coating materials used for tomato. However, the edible coating technology for tomato is still at infancy state, and adoption of technology on a commercial scale requires economic viability and large‐scale consumer acceptability.
Phytobeneficial traits of rhizobacteria under the control of multiple molecular dialogues
Authors: Laveilhé Arnaud , Fochesato Sylvain , Lalaouna David , Heulin Thierry , Achouak Wafa
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonads play crucial roles in plant growth promotion and control of plant diseases. However, under natural conditions, other microorganisms competing for the same nutrient resources in the rhizosphere may exert negative control over their phytobeneficial characteristics. We assessed the expression of phytobeneficial genes involved in biocontrol, biostimulation and iron regulation such as, phlD, hcnA, acdS, and iron‐small regulatory RNAs prrF1 and prrF2 in Pseudomonas brassicacearum co‐cultivated with three phytopathogenic fungi, and two rhizobacteria in the presence or absence of Brassica napus, and in relation to iron availability. We found that the antifungal activity of P. brassicacearum depends mostly on the production of DAPG and not on HCN whose production is suppressed by fungi. We have also shown that the two‐competing bacterial strains modulate the plant growth promotion activity of P. brassicacearum by modifying the expression of phlD, hcnA and acdS according to iron availability. Overall, it allows us to better understand the complexity of the multiple molecular dialogues that take place underground between microorganisms and between plants and its rhizosphere microbiota and to show that synergy in favour of phytobeneficial gene expression may exist between different bacterial species.
Non‐executive directorship importance and takeover hostility: Australian evidence
Authors: Day Chistopher , Bugeja Martin , Spiropoulos Helen , Matolcsy Zoltan
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the importance of the target firm directorship to target firm non‐executive directors during takeovers. Using Australian data and a size‐based measure of directorship importance, we find a positive association between takeover hostility and directorship importance after controlling for takeover premiums and target firm size. Further analysis reveals that directorship importance leads to a greater likelihood of offer price revisions following initial rejection of a takeover bid, but not the likelihood of bid success. Our findings are consistent with target firm non‐executive directors exhibiting self‐serving behaviour at directorships which they consider more important to their reputation.
Morphometric analysis for the sex determination of the skull of the Deltari Ilir dog (Canis lupus familiaris) of Kosovo
Authors: Jashari Tefik , Kahvecioğlu Oya , Duro Sokol , Gündemir Ozan
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to explain the sex determination of the autochthonous dog Deltari Ilir with both morphometric and geometric analysis methods. For this purpose, 24 Deltari Ilir dog skulls (12 females and 12 males) were used in the study. The difference between males and females at 6 values was statistically significant. The most statistically significant difference was seen in the measurement of the greatest breadth of the occipital condyles (p < 0.000). This measurement was higher in male skulls. The next most significant difference was seen in the greatest inner height of the orbit measurement (p < 0.002). This measurement was also higher than for females. In general, the skull length measurements of male dogs were higher than that of females. Male dog skulls had greater skull length and skull height. The lateral view was used for geometric analysis and 14 landmarks were determined. As a result of principal component analysis, 22 PC values were obtained. PC1 accounted for 23.73% of the total variance. As a result of canonical variants analysis, it was observed that males and females were completely separated from each other. The caudal part of the males was wider than the females in geometric analysis. As a result of the study, sex‐determining characteristics were revealed for the Deltari Ilir dog. It was seen that gender analysis could be done with both morphometric and geometric analysis methods. In addition, it was seen that morphometric results and geometric analysis results supported each other. Moreover, the results of the study will be useful in the function of comparative anatomy, in veterinary clinical practice, in zooarchaeology but why not also in the veterinary forensic investigation.
The Chinese burden of atrial fibrillation review of atrial fibrillation studies in China
Authors: Song Jianshu
Published: May 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rate disorders, but most relevant studies are mainly focused on Europe and The United States, while information about AF in the Chinese population is scarce. The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the literature on atrial fibrillation in China.

Methods

A literature search (Medline 2001–2021) identified studies reporting the prevalence or incidence of AF, risk factors for AF, comorbidities of AF, and use of antithrombotic therapy in China. This report focuses on descriptive analytical data.

Results

Studies reported a wide variation in the prevalence of AF, with a range of community‐based and hospital‐based AF rates (from 0.49% to 8.8% and 4.4% to 35.7%). Aspirin and warfarin use was found to be particularly low in community‐based studies in China, and warfarin and amiodarone use was higher in hospital‐based studies than in other countries. Stroke is the most common complication of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

More high‐quality studies are needed to improve our understanding of the burden of atrial fibrillation in China. Efforts should be made to improve community delivery and monitoring of antithrombotic therapy after AF. Due to China's large population, the number of patients with untreated AF and the risk of accompanying complications can be high, so the impact on healthcare resources can be significant.
Robotic colon surgery in obese patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jason , Johnson Nicholas W. , Casey Laura , Carne Peter W. G. , Bell Stephen , Chin Martin , Simpson Paul , Kong Joseph C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Colon cancer resection can be technically difficult in the obese (OB) population. Robotic surgery is a promising technique but its benefits remain uncertain in OB patients. The aim of this study is to compare OB versus non‐obese (NOB) patients undergoing robotic colon surgery, as well as OB patients undergoing robotic versus open or laparoscopic colonic surgery.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed. Primary outcome measures included length of stay (LOS), surgical site infection (SSI) rate, complications, anastomotic leak and oncological outcomes.

Results

A total of eight studies were included, with five comparing OB and NOB patients undergoing robotic colon surgery included in meta‐analysis. A total of 263 OB patients and 400 NOB patients formed the sample for meta‐analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in operative time, conversion to open, LOS, lymph node yield, anastomotic leak and postoperative ileus. There was a trend towards a significant increase in overall complications and SSI in the OB group (32.3% OB versus 26.8% NOB for complications, 14.2% OB versus 9.9% NOB for SSI). The three included studies comparing surgical techniques were too heterogeneous to undergo meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

Robotic colon surgery is safe in obese patients, but high‐quality prospective evidence is lacking. Future studies should report on oncological safety and the cost‐effectiveness of adopting the robotic technique in these challenging patients.
Remembering for resilience: Brief cognitive‐reminiscence therapy improves psychological resources and mental well‐being in young adults
Authors: Hallford David John , Hardgrove Sarah , Sanam Meghna , Oliveira Stefany , Pilon Megan , Duran Tyler
Published: May 2022

Reminiscence‐based interventions focus on the recall of autobiographical memories and reflective reasoning about these remembered experiences. This study assessed the effect of a three‐session, positive‐memory version of cognitive‐reminiscence therapy (CRT) on the psychological resources and mental well‐being of young adults. The participants (N = 62, Mage = 24.6 [SD = 3.1], 71% females) were randomised to CRT or wait‐list. Psychological resources (self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, meaning in life and optimism), mental well‐being (depression, anxiety and stress symptoms) and theorised change processes (automatic negative thoughts, awareness of narrative identity and cognitive reappraisal) were assessed. The results showed the CRT group was significantly higher on psychological resources at post‐CRT (d = 0.75–0.80) and follow‐up (d = 0.52–0.87) and mental well‐being at post‐intervention (d = 0.71–1.30) and follow‐up (d = 0.64–0.98). The hypotheses regarding change processes were supported. Future research may use an active comparator and include a longer follow‐up, given only short‐term effects were assessed. Brief, positive‐focused CRT is effective in increasing psychological resources and mental well‐being in young adults.
Is self‐explanation better than explaining to a fictitious student when learning from video lectures?
Authors: Pi Zhongling , Zhang Yi , Shi Dongyuan , Guo Xin , Yang Jiumin
Published: May 2022

Generating written explanations is a popular learning strategy in an online learning environment. Students can explain to themselves (ie, self‐explanations) or a peer‐student (ie, instructional explanations). However, for improving learning from video lectures, it is unclear whether writing self‐explanations is more beneficial than writing instructional explanations, and whether writing both types of explanation is more beneficial than writing only one type. We compared the learning‐related outcomes of students who wrote explanations under one of four conditions: self‐explanation (n = 30), instructional explanation (n = 30), self‐explanation then instructional explanation (n = 30) and instructional explanation then self‐explanation (n = 30). We assessed the participants' external and internal attention, explanation quality, and immediate and delayed learning performance. Students in the conditions that included self‐explanations showed higher internal attention, as well as better immediate and delayed performance than those in the instructional explanations condition. In addition, students in the two combined conditions showed a higher level of organization and elaboration than those in the instructional explanations condition. These results suggest that students should write explanations to themselves while learning from video lectures.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Generating explanations is a beneficial learning strategy.

It is unclear whether explaining to oneself (self‐explanations) is more beneficial than explaining to a peer (instructional explanations).

The benefits of writing instructional explanations on learning performance were not consistently found across diverse areas.

What this paper adds

Self‐explanations, both in oral and written form, were more effective for learning performance than instructional explanations.

Students in the conditions that included both self‐explanations and instructional explanations demonstrated a higher level of organization and elaboration than those in the instructional explanation condition.

When compared to the self‐explanations condition, additional instructional explanations had no effect on learning performance or internal attention.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Self‐explanations was an excellent approach for learning from video lectures.

Students should write explanations to themselves while learning from video lectures.
Angled ball and locator attachments for immediate loaded inclined implants used to retain maxillary overdentures: A cross over study of patient satisfaction and oral health related quality of life
Authors: Aboelez Marwa Ahmed , Elezz Mona Galal Abo , Abdraboh Abdelrahman Elsaid , Elsyad Moustafa Abdou
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of this was to compare the influence of two different angulated abutment designs on patient satisfaction, oral health‐related quality of life, and prosthetic aspects of implant‐supported maxillary overdentures.

Materials and Methods

For this cross‐over study, 18 patients with completely edentulous maxillary ridges opposing implant‐retained mandibular overdentures received 4 implants between the maxillary sinuses using computer‐guided surgery. The anterior implants were installed at canine/lateral incisor areas and inclined 15° labially. The posterior implants were inserted just anterior to the maxillary sinuses and inclined 15o distally. Eight patients received maxillary overdentures retained by angled ball attachment (ball overdenture [BOD]) and angled locator attachment in random order. After 6 months, patients indicated satisfaction with their prosthesis using a visual analog scale (VAS), and oral health impact profile (OHIP‐14). Moreover, postinsertion prosthodontic maintenance and complications were recorded for both attachments. Comparisons of patient satisfaction and prosthetic complications between groups were performed using the Wilcoxon matched‐pairs test and the McNemar test, respectively.

Results

Locator overdenture (LOD) recorded significantly higher scores than the BOD group regarding all the VAS questions except for ease of cleaning (p < 0.007). LOD recorded significantly higher patient satisfaction regarding the pronunciation of sounds (p = 0.009), painful aching (p = 0.018), feeling tense (p = 0.011), unsatisfactory diet (p = 0.013), irritability with people (p = 0.005), and life in general (p = 0.004). The most common complications were matrix activation/renewal (n = 34). BOD showed a significantly higher incidence of attachment loosening (p = 0.002), and teeth fracture (p = 0.049) than LOD. LOD showed a significantly higher incidence of attachment wear and replacement than BOD (p <0.001). There was no difference between groups regarding soft tissue complications.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, and in terms of improved patient‐centered outcomes, angled locator attachments are recommended to retain maxillary implant overdentures opposed by implant retained mandibular overdentures at it was associated with increased patient satisfaction and oral health‐related quality of life than angled ball attachments. However, locator attachment was associated with more postinsertion prosthodontic maintenance than ball attachment.
Eradication of FIX inhibitor in haemophilia B children using low‐dose immune tolerance induction with rituximab‐based immunosuppressive agent(s) in China
Authors: Li Zekun , Liu Guoqing , Yao Wanru , Chen Zhenping , Li Gang , Cheng Xiaoling , Zhen Yingzi , Ai Di , Huang Kun , Sun Jie , Poon Man‐Chiu , Wu Runhui
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Development of haemophilia B inhibitors (HBI) results in the ineffectiveness of FIX replacement therapy. Inhibitor eradication by immune tolerance induction (ITI) is therefore necessary. In HBI, ITI even at high FIX dose is less effective and has a higher risk of severe complications.

Aim

To characterize clinical features and outcome of ITI on HBI.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in Haemophilia Paediatric Comprehensive Care Centre of China. We used low‐dose ITI (25–50 FIX IU/kg/three‐times‐weekly to every‐other‐day) with domestic prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), combined with two successive immunosuppressive (IS) regimens.

Results

Sixteen HBI children, representing 5.7% of all and 14.4% of our severe registered HB patients, were enroled. Seven cases reported allergic reactions (ARs) proximal to inhibitor development. The historic peak inhibitor titre was median 54.2 (range 4.7–512) BU, and 15 (93.8%) had high‐titre inhibitors. Twelve patients adherent to ITI were analysable. Of the nine ITI patients who received rituximab/prednisone (IS Regimen‐1), four achieved tolerization in 1.4–43.3 months. Two subsequently relapsed but re‐tolerized after a second course of IS Regimen‐1. During ITI, the median treated bleed was .39/month (82.7% reduction from before ITI), and the incidence of AR and nephrotic syndrome (NS) complications was each at 22% (2/9). Three ITI patients received modified ‘Beutel’ protocol (IS Regimen‐2) using multiple‐IS‐drugs, and two had rapid tolerization (.8 and 1.8 months).

Conclusions

Inhibitor eradication could be achieved by low‐dose ITI protocol using PCC combined with IS. Larger studies are needed to confirm if ITI with IS Regimen‐2 is more effective with less complications.
Characteristics of herpes zoster infection in patients with COVID‐19: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Czech Torrey , Nishimura Yoshito
Published: May 2022

Background

Although there is literature reporting correlations between varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections and COVID‐19, insufficient evidence exists in this regard. This scoping review aims to identify the existing evidence regarding clinical characteristics of primary VZV infection or reactivation in COVID‐19.

Methods

Following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for all peer‐reviewed articles with relevant keywords including “Zoster,” “Herpes,” and “COVID‐19” from their inception to November 20, 2021.

Results

A total of 19 articles with three observational studies and 16 case reports or series were included. Primary VZV infections or reactivation were observed in 25 patients. Forty‐eight percent of the patients had disseminated VZV infection. The median time of VZV‐related rash after the onset of respiratory symptoms was 7.0 days (interquartile range: 0–18.8). Those with COVID‐19 and primary VZV infection or reactivation had low lymphocyte counts with a median of 0.67 × 103/μl.

Conclusion

This scoping review identified uncertainty and a lack of strong evidence to see the association between primary VZV infection or reactivation and COVID‐19. However, those with COVID‐19 may be more likely to have disseminated VZV, which poses an additional challenge from an infection prevention standpoint. Future studies are warranted to determine the association between primary VZV infection or reactivation and long‐term consequences related to COVID‐19.
Clarification of large-volume bacterial cultures using a centrifuge-free protocol
Authors: Allahghadry Toloe , Bojesen Anders Miki , Whitehead Bradley Joseph , Antenucci Fabio
Published: May 2022

Aims

To provide a reliable, reproducible and centrifuge-free filtration protocol for clarification of large volumes of bacterial cultures.

Methods and Results

Four experiments were designed to compare different techniques enabling clarification of Escherichia coli cultures using as a benchmark the concentration and quality of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The experiments were designed to examine the performance of different extraction methods on large volume (≥1 L) filtrations of bacterial culture media. Performance parameters included filtration flow rates, sterility testing and characterization of the filtrates by: (i) SDS-PAGE, (ii) cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, (iii) nanoparticle tracking analysis and (iv) Qubit protein quantification. The experiments revealed that: (i) addition of the filter aid Diatomaceous Earth to the bacterial cultures improved filtration flow rates significantly and eliminated the need for centrifugation prior to filtration; (ii) sterile filtration was successful as no bacterial passage was identified through the membrane filter; (iii) centrifuge-free filtrates contained an increased amount of OMVs compared to centrifuged filtrates.

Conclusions

In comparison to conventional centrifuge-based protocols, the clarification method presented has universal applicability for a broad range of microbial extraction procedures, regardless of the volume of culture harvested. Moreover, the decreased amount of OMVs presented in the filtrates following centrifugation step provides an additional argument in favour of a centrifuge-free approach.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Sterile filtration is a universal method for the clarification of bacterial cultures. Common challenges related to filtration include filter clogging and long processing times, due to limited centrifugation capacity, which can affect product quality. The proposed protocol is likely to ensure a highly effective filtration process and could be a novel approach in improving the filtrate products without the need of centrifugation.
Incidence of biofilm formation among MRSA and MSSA clinical isolates from hospitalized patients in Israel
Authors: Leshem Tamar , Schnall Bat-Shachar , Azrad Maya , Baum Motti , Rokney Assaf , Peretz Avi
Published: May 2022

Aim

To assess the biofilm-producing capacities of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Israel.

Methods and Results

A total of 16 S. aureus (80 MRSA and 83 MSSA) from screening (nasal swab) and clinical samples (blood and wounds) were characterized. Biofilm-producing capacities were determined using two different biofilm detection assays: Congo Red agar (CRA) and microtiter plate (MtP). In addition, a real-time PCR analysis was performed to detect the presence of biofilm-associated genes (icaA and icaD) and mecA gene. The two assays showed similar biofilm production pattern (28.2% agreement). MRSA strains tended to be greater biofilm-producers than MSSA strains. The presence of mecA was associated with biofilm production (p = 0.030). Additionally, bacteria isolated from blood samples produced less biofilm compared to those from other sources. Finally, no association was found between icaA and icaD presence and biofilm production.

Conclusion

This study supports earlier assumptions that biofilm formation depends strongly on environmental conditions.

Significance and Impact of Study

This study significantly improved our knowledge on the biofilm production capacity of S. aureus strains in Israel. Moreover, it revealed an association between the mecA gene and biofilm production. Finally, this study underscores the importance of further research to evaluate risk factors for biofilm production.
Enabling open‐ended questions in team‐based learning using automated marking: Impact on student achievement, learning and engagement
Authors: Tan Sophia Huey Shan , Thibault Guillaume , Chew Anna Chia Yin , Rajalingam Preman
Published: May 2022

Background

Different types of assessments influence learning and learning behaviour. Multiple‐choice questions (MCQs) reward partial knowledge and encourage surface learning, while open‐ended questions (OEQs) promote deeper learning. Currently, MCQs is part of team‐based learning (TBL) curriculum, and it is challenging to implement OEQs as immediate feedback is necessary.

Objectives

We asked if MCQ and OEQs affect student achievement, student learning and student engagement differently in a TBL classroom.

Methods

MCQs and OEQs test scores of N = 66 students were automatically captured in Learning Activity Management System (LAMS) and were compared using a switching replications quasi‐experimental design with pre‐ and post‐tests to answer the research questions. Student learning approaches and engagement in the team activities were assessed using the study process questionnaire and the structure of observed learning outcomes taxonomy respectively.

Results and Conclusions

Students get significantly higher MCQ scores than OEQs for the same set of questions, but the reverse is true for application exercises (AEs), which focus on higher‐level application. Most students significantly deepened their learning approaches before OEQs, while poorly prepared students were less engaged during OEQ discussions. Interestingly students subjected to OEQs took less time and scored higher in AE discussions, suggesting better focus on higher‐level thinking.

Implications

This project is significant as it bridges our understanding of the value of OEQs and TBL. Our approach is transferable to other courses, and thus it can improve the quality of teaching and learning in tertiary education.