bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) predation on adult anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Källo Kristi , Birnie‐Gauvin Kim , Jepsen Niels , Aarestrup Kim
Published: January 2023

The increase in abundance of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) over the last decades has caused concern for the sustainability of fish populations. Cormorants are opportunistic piscivorous birds that eat fish from a wide range of species and sizes, in marine, lacustrine and riverine habitats. It has been documented that juvenile salmonids are under significant predation pressure by great cormorants, although knowledge on the predation of adult salmonids by cormorants is limited. In this study, adult anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta) were tagged over multiple years with PIT tags during their spawning migration in a Danish lowland river. Two nearby cormorant colonies were subsequently scanned for PIT tags to estimate predation rate. It was estimated that by minimum 15.4% of tagged adult sea trout were predated by cormorants. The majority of the individuals were predated in the river, and females were more likely to be predated than males. Moreover, length had a significant effect on predation probability: individuals between 35 and 43 cm had the highest likelihood to be predated, while smaller and larger individuals were less likely to be predated. Our findings challenge the assumption that cormorants do not prey on reproductively mature salmonids. Furthermore, predation of mature individuals may have implications for the recruitment and sustainability of the population.
Exploring the efficacy of a low intensity psychological intervention for family members and carers of individuals with a first episode of psychosis in early intervention services
Authors: Shaikh Madiha , Eilender Cara , O'Brien Melanie , O'Driscoll Ciarán
Published: January 2023

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, and explore carers' experience, of a brief carer focussed intervention in an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service using a mixed methods approach.

Methods

Carers within EIP services were invited to have the intervention, comprising a psychoeducation and wellbeing component, and 153 carers completed routine outcome measures including the Brief Experience of Caregiving Inventory (BECI), The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (WEMWEBS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline and after the completion of the intervention. Separately, nine carers took part in semi‐structured interviews about their experience of the intervention.

Results

The intervention resulted in improvement of overall well‐being, a reduction in self‐reported anxiety and caregiving experience relating to difficult behaviours and stigma/effects on the family. Overall, the carers' subjective experiences of the intervention were positive. Thematic analysis indicated epistemic trust indexed by the connection carers achieved with the service, an experience of being valued and of experiencing change through the intervention.

Conclusion

A short, 8 weeks intervention delivered by assistant psychologists, may offer an effective method for facilitating understanding of the illness and acclimatizing to new challenges. Exploring the effectiveness of psychoeducation and capturing this with specific measures may allow the service to make meaningful adaptations to their intervention.
Selecting for infectivity across metapopulations can increase virulence in the social microbe Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Dimitriu Tatiana , Souissi Wided , Morwool Peter , Darby Alistair , Crickmore Neil , Raymond Ben
Published: January 2023

Passage experiments that sequentially infect hosts with parasites have long been used to manipulate virulence. However, for many invertebrate pathogens, passage has been applied naively without a full theoretical understanding of how best to select for increased virulence and this has led to very mixed results. Understanding the evolution of virulence is complex because selection on parasites occurs across multiple spatial scales with potentially different conflicts operating on parasites with different life histories. For example, in social microbes, strong selection on replication rate within hosts can lead to cheating and loss of virulence, because investment in public goods virulence reduces replication rate. In this study, we tested how varying mutation supply and selection for infectivity or pathogen yield (population size in hosts) affected the evolution of virulence against resistant hosts in the specialist insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis, aiming to optimize methods for strain improvement against a difficult to kill insect target. We show that selection for infectivity using competition between subpopulations in a metapopulation prevents social cheating, acts to retain key virulence plasmids, and facilitates increased virulence. Increased virulence was associated with reduced efficiency of sporulation, and possible loss of function in putative regulatory genes but not with altered expression of the primary virulence factors. Selection in a metapopulation provides a broadly applicable tool for improving the efficacy of biocontrol agents. Moreover, a structured host population can facilitate artificial selection on infectivity, while selection on life‐history traits such as faster replication or larger population sizes can reduce virulence in social microbes.
Exogenous fetuin‐A protects against sepsis‐induced myocardial injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in mice
Authors: Sidheeque Hassan V , Hanifa Mohd , Navik Umashanker , Bali Anjana
Published: January 2023

Sepsis‐induced myocardial injury is a consequence of septicemia and is one of the major causes of death in intensive care units. A serum glycoprotein called fetuin‐A is secreted largely by the liver, tongue, placenta, and adipose tissue. Fetuin‐A has a variety of biological and pharmacological properties. The anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant glycoprotein fetuin‐A has shown its efficacy in a number of inflammatory disorders including sepsis. However, its protective role against sepsis‐induced myocardial injury remains elusive. The purpose of this work is to explore the role of fetuin‐A in mouse models of myocardial injury brought on by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). CLP significantly induced the myocardial injury assessed in terms of elevated myocardial markers (serum CK‐MB, cTnI levels), inflammatory markers (IL‐6, TNF‐α) in the serum, and oxidative stress markers (increased MDA levels and decreased reduced glutathione) in heart tissue homogenate following 24 h of ligation and puncture. Further, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed considerable histological alterations in the myocardial tissue of sepsis‐developed mice. Interestingly, fetuin‐A pretreatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 days before the CLP procedure significantly improved the myocardial injury and was evaluated in perspective of a reduction in the CK‐MB, cTnI levels, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in sepsis‐developed animals. Fetuin‐A pretreatment significantly attenuated the oxidative stress and improved the myocardial morphology in a dose‐dependent manner. The present study provides preliminary evidence that fetuin‐A exerts protection against sepsis‐induced cardiac dysfunction in vivo via suppression of inflammation and oxidative damage.
Evaluation of the Residual Mass Fractionation in High‐Precision Cr Isotopic Analysis with TIMS
Authors: Yokoyama Tetsuya , Ohkuma Yusuke , Nishikawa Keiji , Sumiya Koki , Gautam Ikshu
Published: January 2023

The Cr isotope ratios of terrestrial and extra‐terrestrial materials are emerging as one of the most important tracers in geosciences. Previous studies on Cr isotopic measurements using TIMS have found that there is residual Cr isotopic fractionation between the mass‐fractionation‐corrected 53Cr/52Cr and 54Cr/52Cr ratios, which may cause an offset of obtained ratios from the reference values. The residual fractionation was thought to be caused by the evaporation of Cr‐oxide species during thermal ionisation, but the mechanism by which this residual fractionation could be reduced remained unclear. Here we revisit the issue of residual fractionation and propose that this problem can be alleviated by utilising W filaments instead of conventionally used Re filaments for Cr ionisation. Using W filaments, the formation of CrO+ was suppressed during heating as the filament temperature was ~ 100 °C lower than when Re filaments were used. In repeated measurement of a carbonaceous chondrite, the intermediate precisions of 53Cr/52Cr and 54Cr/52Cr ratios in the W filament runs were two to three times better than those of the Re filament runs. Therefore, the new finding of this study will be of key importance for future studies of Cr isotopes for terrestrial and extra‐terrestrial materials.
Co‐design development of a decision guide on eating and drinking for people with severe dementia during acute hospital admissions
Authors: Anantapong Kanthee , Bruun Andrea , Walford Anne , Smith Christina H. , Manthorpe Jill , Sampson Elizabeth L. , Davies Nathan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Using co‐design processes, we aimed to develop an evidence‐based decision guide for family carers and hospital professionals to support decision‐making about eating and drinking for hospital patients with severe dementia.

Methods

Following a systematic review, we interviewed people with mild dementia, family carers and hospital professionals in England. We then held co‐design workshops with family carers and hospital professionals. In parallel with the workshops, we used a matrix to synthesize data from all studies and to develop a decision guide prototype. The prototype was iteratively refined through further co‐design workshops and discussions among researchers and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) representatives. We conducted user testing for final feedback and to finalize the decision guide.

Results

Most participants acknowledged the limited benefits of tube feeding and would not use or want it for someone with severe dementia. However, they found decision‐making processes and communication about nutrition and hydration were emotionally demanding and poorly supported in acute hospitals. The co‐design groups developed the aims of the decision guide to support conversations and shared decision‐making processes in acute hospitals, and help people reach evidence‐based decisions. It was designed to clarify decision‐making stages, provide information and elicit the values/preferences of everyone involved. It encouraged person‐centred care, best‐interests decision‐making and multidisciplinary team working. From user testing, family carers and hospital professionals thought the decision guide could help initiate conversations and inform decisions. The final decision guide was disseminated and is being used in clinical practice in England.

Conclusion

We used rigorous and transparent processes to co‐design the decision guide with everyone involved. The decision guide may facilitate conversations about nutrition and hydration and help people reach shared decisions that meet the needs and preferences of people with severe dementia. Future evaluation is required to test its real‐world impacts.

Patient or Public Contribution

People with mild dementia, family carers and hospital professionals contributed to the design of the decision guide through the interviews and co‐design workshops. PPI members helped design study procedures and materials and prepare this manuscript.
Impact of pink rock salt and Lactobacillus spp. on physico‐chemical, microbiological properties, phenolic profile and sugar level of apple peel
Authors: Kumar Arun , Singh Narpinder , Kaur Amritpal , Kaler Raj Sukhwinder Singh , Kaur Sukhraj
Published: January 2023

Apple peel is a waste from industrial juice processing that contains many phenolic compounds and it remains underutilised due to low storability. In the present study, an effort on improving storability of apple peel with minimum detrimental loss in the nutrients was made. The apple peel was stored for 7 days with 2.5% pink rock salt (T1PRS), Lactobacillus spp. inoculum (T2Lac) and concoction of both (T3PRSLac) at 30 °C and further evaluated for physico‐chemical and microbiological characteristics. The diverse phenolic profile of apple peel showed dominant presence of rutin, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol. The rutin content notably increased from 40.6 to 765.7 mg kg−1 for apple peel stored with T2Lac. Apple peel with T1PRS, T2Lac and T3PRSLac revealed augmented phenolic content. The peel with T1PRS, T2Lac and T3PRSLac demonstrated decrease in all sugars. The peel stored with T2Lac showed the highest increase in titratable acidity and viable cell counts of Lactobacillus spp. The colour parameters also varied significantly and an improvement in antioxidant activity with different treatments was noticed. The peel stored with T2Lac revealed approximately nine‐fold increase in total flavonoid content. The total phenolic content increased from 2808 mg GAE kg−1 to 3830 mg GAE kg−1 as a result storage of peel with T2Lac. The improved storability of apple peel will further help in valorisation.
Application of mannitol and kale protein extract in the development of Sung Yod rice bread and its stability during storage
Authors: Samakradhamrongthai Rajnibhas Sukeaw , Wanikorn Bandhita , Nortuy Nutthamon , Jannu Taruedee , Renaldi Gerry
Published: January 2023

The qualities of bread products generally deteriorate during storage. Some ingredients are considered to prolong the alteration of bread products during storage in both chill and freeze conditions. The effect of mannitol and kale protein extract (KPE) was studied in the development of Sung Yod rice bread (SYRB) along with the investigation of its physicochemical, textural and sensory qualities during prolonged storage at different temperatures (4 and −20 °C). Mannitol (0.00%–3.00%) and KPE (0.00%–0.10%) were varied for SYRB using 3‐Level Factorial Design with two centrepoints. The optimised SYRB consisted of mannitol (3.00%) and KPE (0.04%). The physicochemical, textural and sensory qualities of the stored SYRB at different temperatures from the periodic evaluation showed that the SYRB stored at −20 °C exhibited better quality than stored at 4 °C. The outcome of this study indicated that mannitol and KPE can be used as ingredients to delay the deterioration of SYRB qualities during the prolonged storage duration at low temperatures and can be applied to produce bakery products that needed to be stored under chill and freeze conditions.
Nursing our planet
Authors: Catton Howard
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of this article is to explore the role of nurses with regards to climate change and other humanitarian challenges.

Background

The climate crisis facing our planet is not just about extreme weather events. To be properly understood and addressed, climate change should be recognised as a global public health emergency that needs urgent attention from governments everywhere.

Discussion

In this article, International Council of Nurses (ICN) Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton discusses the links between climate change, nursing practice and advocacy. He argues that the crises the world faces, including those related to global warming, can be handled better if they are understood as public health crises, and that having nurses involved in policymaking at every level in society provides the best chance of individuals’ health needs being met.

Conclusion and Implications for Nursing and/or Health Policy:

Nurses must be actively involved in policymaking that addresses the humanitarian and public health impact of climate change and natural and human‐made disasters. Only half the world's countries have a government‐level chief nursing officer who is able to represent the nursing profession at the highest levels of policymaking. This deficit should be corrected as soon as possible so that the voices of nurses are heard and respected, and patients everywhere can benefit from the direct input of nursing into all government policies that influence people's health and well‐being.
Gender gap in travel behaviour and public opinion on proposed policy measures: Evidence from India
Authors: Saigal Taru , Vaish Arun Kr. , Rao NVM
Published: January 2023

Employing primary survey data collected from Jaipur city in India, this work attempts to evaluate inconsistencies in travel behaviour based on gender. It also intends to discuss the public opinion on a few proposed policy changes which can aid in bridging the established gender gap. Stratified random sampling approach is used to gather data on travel pattern measures and socioeconomic attributes. Descriptive statistics complemented with bivariate probit model and seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model is applied on the data acquired. The obtained results confirm the existence of a gender gap in all observed measures of travel behaviour. Compared to men, women travel shorter distances, use more of non‐motorised modes of transport, have lower frequency of travelling, and travel majorly for purposes other than work. Results of the study also highlight how a majority of the respondents are in favour of policy changes aimed at narrowing the observed gender disparities. The analysis demands infrastructural development of non‐motorised transportation and public transportation in the city in such a way which is both efficient and secured, so as to neither obstruct the objective of empowerment nor of sustainability.
Comparison of vitamin D levels in diabetes mellitus patients with and without diabetic foot ulcers: An analytical observational study in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Priyanto Mufqi Handaru , Legiawati Lili , Saldi Siti Rizny F. , Yunir Em , Miranda Eliza
Published: January 2023

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a form of chronic wound which becomes a serious complication in diabetes mellitus (DM). Recently, the role of vitamin D on T cell‐mediated immunity, pancreatic insulin secretion, and its mechanism on cell growth and healing processes have been reported. This study aims to compare the vitamin D level of DM patients with DFU and without DFU to assess the duration and severity of DFU and its correlation with vitamin D levels. The sociodemographic characteristics and DFU duration were documented. The severity was examined in accordance with PEDIS classification. 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) was analysed using in‐vitro chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). Statistical analysis was performed and the P‐value <.05 was considered as statistically significant. The vitamin D levels in DM patients with and without DFU were 8.90 ng/mL (6.52–10.90) and 16.25 ng/mL (13–19.59), respectively, with P < .001. There was no correlation between the duration of DFU and DFU severity by PEDIS score with vitamin D levels. Vitamin D levels in DM patients with DFU are lower than those in patients without DFU. However, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that there is no correlation between the DFU duration and DFU severity by PEDIS score with vitamin D levels.
Evaluating the cost of managing patients with cellulitis in Wales, UK: A 20‐year population‐scale study
Authors: Humphreys Ioan , Akbari Ashley , Griffiths Rowena , Graham‐Woollard Dave , Morgan Karen , Noble‐Jones Rhian , Gabe‐Walters Marie , Thomas Melanie
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to estimate costs associated with managing patients with cellulitis from the UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective. The analysis was undertaken through the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank, which brings together population‐scale, individual‐level anonymised linked data from a wide range of sources, including 80% of primary care general practices within Wales (population coverage ~3.2 million). The data covered a 20‐year period from 1999 to 2019. All patients linked to the relevant codes were tracked through primary care settings, recording the number of general practice visits (number of days with an event recorded) and number of in‐patient stays. Resources were valued in monetary terms (£ sterling), with costs determined from national published sources of unit costs. These resources were then extrapolated out to reflect UK NHS costs. This is the first attempt to estimate the financial burden of cellulitis using routine data sources on a national scale. The estimated direct annual costs to the Welsh NHS (£28 554 338) are considerable. In‐Patient events and length of stay costs are the main cost drivers, with annual Welsh NHS estimates of £19 664 126 with primary care events costing £8 890 212. Initiatives to support patients and healthcare professionals in identifying early signs/risks of cellulitis, improve the accuracy of initial diagnosis, prevent cellulitis recurrence, and improve evidence‐based treatment pathways would result in major financial savings, to both the Welsh and UK NHS. In light of these findings, Wales has developed the innovative National Lymphoedema cellulitis Improvement Programme to address these burdens; providing a proactive model of cellulitis care.
Sociodemographic factors associated with weight perception of adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Kaihan , Zhao Anqi , Xie Yujie , Xu Zhanyi , Peng Yubinxin , Tang Haiyang
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To systematically assess the main sociodemographic factors associated with weight perception of adolescents.

Methodology

All studies related to adolescents’ weight perception were retrieved from seven databases from January 2001 to July 2022. A total of 13 Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords were used to identify qualified studies, and reference lists included in the retrieved studies were manually searched to identify potentially relevant publications. Two evaluators independently assessed the eligibility and extracted data of each study. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) risk of bias evaluation tool was used to evaluate the quality and bias risk of included studies. RevMan (version: 5.3) software was used to conduct heterogeneity test and meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 12 studies, published between 2003 and 2020, were selected and included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis, consisting of 325,367 adolescents from five countries. The risk of bias evaluation indicated that risk of bias was low in five studies and moderate in seven studies. The results of meta‐analysis showed that there were no differences in the weight perception accuracy among adolescents under different gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–1.15, p = 0.940), place of residence (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.83–1.16, p = 0.800), grade (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 0.68–4.42, p = 0.250), and family economic level (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86–1.02, p = 0.140). Egger's linear regression showed that there was no significant publication bias in the primary analysis.

Conclusions

The current analysis indicates that gender, place of residence, grade, and family economic level were not identified as influencing factors for adolescents' weight perception accuracy. Due to the limitations of the review and included studies, more robust trials are warranted in different social and economic environments to confirm our findings.
Motion leadership and local interaction in two species of freshwater fish (Danio rerio and Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)
Authors: Quera Vicenç , Beltran Francesc S. , Gimeno Elisabet , Dolado Ruth
Published: January 2023

The authors studied momentary motion leadership in small groups of black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), its relationship with local interaction parameters, such as the acceleration and turning angle of the individuals, and the relative locations of the individuals within the group. The purpose was to know whether leadership tended to be monopolised by certain individuals or whether it was equitably shared between them and if there were differences in leadership sharing between these two species, which are known to have different degrees of cohesion and polarisation. The authors filmed groups of two, three, four and eight fishes of each species and tracked their individual motion by image analysis and trajectory extraction. In both species, motion leadership was not monopolized but egalitarian and very short lived, with leadership shifts distributed randomly over time. The duration of leadership episodes decreased as group size increased and was longer in black neon tetra than in zebrafish. Momentary leaders did not tend to be in the front positions, but closer to the centre of the group. Acceleration and turning angle were more extreme in zebrafish than in black neon tetra and in the momentary leaders than the followers in both species. In general, these differences between species and between leaders/followers were qualitatively similar with some differences in detail, indicating that the relationship between motion leadership and local interaction parameters is likely to conform to a general physical law.
Genome‐wide analysis facilitates estimation of the amount of male contribution in meiotic gynogenetic three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Currey Mark C. , Walker Charline , Bassham Susan , Healey Hope M. , Beck Emily A. , Cresko William A.
Published: January 2023

Gynogenetic embryos – those inheriting only maternal DNA – can be experimentally created by fertilizing eggs with radiation‐treated sperm containing inactivated paternal chromosomes. Diploidy in the zygotes can be maintained through prevention of the second meiosis or restored by preventing the first mitosis after the maternal chromosome complement has been replicated. These gynogenetic organisms are useful in many fields including aquaculture, evolutionary biology and genomics. Although gynogenetic organisms have been created in numerous species, the completeness of uni‐parental inheritance has often been assumed rather than thoroughly quantified across the genome. Instead, when tests of uni‐parental inheritance occur, they typically rely on well‐studied genetically determined phenotypes that represent a very small sub‐set of the genome. Only assessing small genomic regions for paternal inheritance leaves the question of whether some paternal contributions to offspring might still have occurred. In this study, the authors quantify the efficacy of creating gynogenetic diploid three‐spined stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus). To this end, the authors mirrored previous assessments of paternal contribution using well‐studied genetically determined phenotypes including sex and genetically dominant morphological traits but expanded on previous studies using dense restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) markers in parents and offspring to assess paternal inheritance genome‐wide. In the gynogenetic diploids, the authors found no male genotypes underlying their phenotypes of interest – sex and dominant phenotypic traits. Using genome‐wide assessments of paternal contribution, nevertheless, the authors found evidence of a small, yet potentially important, amount of paternally “leaked” genetic material. The application of this genome‐wide approach identifies the need for more widespread assessment of paternal contributions to gynogenetic animals and promises benefits for many aspects of aquaculture, evolutionary biology and genomics.
A simulated marine heatwave impacts European sea bass sperm quantity, but not quality
Authors: Geffroy Benjamin , Sandoval‐Vargas Leydy , Boyer‐Clavel Myriam , Pérez‐Atehortúa Maritza , Lallement Stephane , Isler Iván Valdebenito
Published: January 2023

Rapid environmental changes will be the major challenge that most biota will have to deal with in the near future. Extreme events, such as marine heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and could be spatially uniform at a regional scale for a relatively long period of time. To date, most research studies on heatwaves have focused on sessile organisms, but these extreme events can also impact mobile species. Here, a 3‐week marine heatwave was simulated to investigate its effects on the male reproductive performance of a Mediterranean Sea emblematic species, the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Males from the control condition (c. 13°C) produced significantly more sperm than those exposed to a relatively warm thermal treatment (c. 16°C). Nonetheless, neither the percentage of motile spermatozoa nor most of the other sperm motility parameters were significantly affected by the rearing temperature over the whole period. Overall, the results of this study suggest only moderated effects of a potential winter heatwave on the reproductive performance of male European sea bass.
Understanding the regulation of cereal grain filling: The way forward
Authors: Ma Bin , Zhang Lin , He Zuhua
Published: January 2023

During grain filling, starch and other nutrients accumulate in the endosperm; this directly determines grain yield and grain quality in crops such as rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Grain filling is a complex trait affected by both intrinsic and environmental factors, making it difficult to explore the underlying genetics, molecular regulation, and the application of these genes for breeding. With the development of powerful genetic and molecular techniques, much has been learned about the genes and molecular networks related to grain filling over the past decades. In this review, we highlight the key factors affecting grain filling, including both biological and abiotic factors. We then summarize the key genes controlling grain filling and their roles in this event, including regulators of sugar translocation and starch biosynthesis, phytohormone‐related regulators, and other factors. Finally, we discuss how the current knowledge of valuable grain filling genes could be integrated with strategies for breeding cereal varieties with improved grain yield and quality.
COUP‐TFII plays a role in cAMP‐induced Schwann cell differentiation and in vitro myelination by up‐regulating Krox20
Authors: Han Sang‐Heum , Kim Young Hee , Park Su‐Jeong , Cho Jun‐Gi , Shin Yoon Kyung , Hong Young Bin , Yun Jeanho , Han Jin‐Yeong , Park Hwan Tae , Park Joo‐In
Published: January 2023

Schwann cells (SCs) are known to produce myelin for saltatory nerve conduction in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Schwann cell differentiation and myelination processes are controlled by several transcription factors including Sox10, Oct6/Pou3f1, and Krox20/Egr2. Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter‐transcription factor II (COUP‐TFII/NR2F2) is an orphan receptor that plays a role in the development and differentiation. However, the role of COUP‐TFII in the transcriptional regulatory network of SC differentiation has not been fully identified yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the role and molecular hierarchy of COUP‐TFII during cAMP‐induced SC differentiation. Our results showed that dibutyryl‐cAMP (db‐cAMP) increased expression levels of COUP‐TFII along with the expressions of Oct6, Krox20, and myelin‐related genes known to be related to SC differentiation. Our mechanistic studies showed that COUP‐TFII acted downstream of Hsp90/ErbB2/Gab1/ERK‐AKT pathway during db‐cAMP‐induced SC differentiation. In addition, we found that COUP‐TFII induced Krox20 expression by directly binding to Krox20‐MSE8 as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and promoter activity assay. In line with this, the expression of COUP‐TFII was increased before up‐regulation of Oct6, Krox20, and myelin‐related genes in the sciatic nerves during early postnatal myelination period. Finally, COUP‐TFII knockdown by COUP‐TFII siRNA or via AAV‐COUP‐TFII shRNA in SCs inhibited db‐cAMP‐induced SC differentiation and in vitro myelination of sensory axons, respectively. Taken together, these findings indicate that COUP‐TFII might be involved in postnatal myelination through induction of Krox20 in SCs. Our results present a new insight into the transcriptional regulatory mechanism in SC differentiation and myelination.

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Diagnostic accuracy of a portable device (Bruxoff®) to measure sleep bruxism
Authors: Yanez‐Regonesi Fernanda , Eisa Elfatih , Judge Stephanie , Carlson Charles , Okeson Jeffrey , Moreno‐Hay Isabel
Published: January 2023

Background

Diagnosis of sleep bruxism (SB) challenges clinicians every day due to multiple forms of assessment tools available, including self‐reported questionnaires, clinical examinations, portable devices and laboratory polysomnography (PSG). PSG has become the gold standard for evaluating SB, but it can be limited due to cost and restricted accessibility which often is characterised by long waiting times. Hence, there is a need for the development of a reliable method that can assess SB in a simple and portable manner, which would offer acceptable sensitivity and specificity to evaluate SB.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate reliability and validity of the Bruxoff® device for the diagnosis of SB compared to the PSG.

Methods

Forty‐nine subjects underwent one night of polysomnographic study with simultaneous recording with the Bruxoff® device. Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) index was scored according to published criteria. Pearson correlation, Bland–Altman plot and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve outcomes were used to quantify the agreement between both methods.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an acceptable accuracy for the Bruxoff® with sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 72% when the cut‐off was set at two events per hour. Pearson correlation analysis showed a nearly significant correlation between PSG and Bruxoff® for RMMA index (r = .282 p = .071) and for total SB episodes per night (r = .295 p = .058). Additionally, the Bland–Altman plot revealed a consistent and systematic difference in the measurement of events between devices.

Conclusion

The Bruxoff® device appears to be a promising diagnostic method for clinical use, but further study is needed.
Midadolescents’ Language Learning at School: Toward More Just and Scientifically Rigorous Practices in Research and Education
Authors: Uccelli Paola
Published: January 2023

Which theoretical and empirical insights can inform language‐in‐education research that advances equitable and high‐quality learning at school? In this three‐part article, I first draw from various sources to foreground the urgent need to counteract linguicism and epistemic injustices and to commit to more just and rigorous scientific practices in research and education. Based on findings from my own research, I then argue that more just and rigorous practices need to attend to midadolescents’ individual differences in language learning. In response, I present insights from recent innovative evidence‐based pedagogical frameworks and tools that reveal promising paths forward. I close by calling for research with a dual focus on equity and rigor that supports moving away from “pedagogies of silence,” which silence marginalized students’ voices, damaging their identities and obstructing their learning, towards “pedagogies of voices,” which affirm all learners’ voices while amplifying their language repertoires and their critical learning.
Does metabolite matter? Defining target itraconazole and hydroxy‐itraconazole serum concentrations for blastomycosis
Authors: Firkus Danielle , Abu Saleh Omar M. , Enzler Mark J. , Jannetto Paul J. , Mara Kristin , Vergidis Paschalis , Rivera Christina G. , Stevens Ryan W.
Published: January 2023

Background

Itraconazole is the recommended first‐line treatment for mild‐to‐moderate blastomycosis and consolidation treatment of moderate‐to‐severe disease. Itraconazole is metabolised into three metabolites, including an active metabolite hydroxy‐itraconazole. Literature provides little evidence indicating whether therapeutic drug monitoring targets should be based on itraconazole parent compound alone or a sum of itraconazole and hydroxy‐itraconazole serum concentrations.

Objectives

This study aims to compare clinical outcomes and adverse drug events (ADEs) of combined itraconazole and hydroxy‐itraconazole concentrations versus itraconazole parent compound alone in patients with blastomycosis.

Patients/Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort review of patients ≥18 years with probable or proven Blastomyces infection who received itraconazole with at least one documented serum itraconazole concentration. The primary outcome was rate of partial or complete treatment response across three patient groups: (1) Itraconazole parent compound >1.0 mcg/ml (parent), (2) parent compound <1.0 mcg/ml, but a combined itraconazole and hydroxy‐itraconazole >1.0 mcg/ml (combined) and (3) failure to achieve a combined or parent concentration >1.0 mcg/ml (subtherapeutic) for >75% of the duration of itraconazole therapy.

Results

A total of 80 patients were included (parent = 32, combined = 36, subtherapeutic = 12). No statistically significant difference was observed for rate of partial or complete treatment response (97% parent vs 94% combined, p = .99). Significantly higher mortality due to blastomycosis was observed in patients in the subtherapeutic group (0% parent vs 3% combined vs 25% subtherapeutic, p = .01).

Conclusions

This study supports an itraconazole therapeutic target combining itraconazole and hydroxy‐itraconazole >1.0 mcg/ml for blastomycosis treatment.
Nutrition knowledge and influence on diet in the carer–client relationship in residential care settings for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Özdemir Aslıhan , Hall Rebecca , Lovell Andrew , Ellahi Basma
Published: January 2023

People with intellectual disabilities generally have poorer health outcomes compared with those who do not, including outcomes related to nutrition‐related non‐communicable diseases. Carers support people with intellectual disabilities in many aspects including habitual shopping and preparation of food, but their own nutrition knowledge and the influence this may have on dietary intakes of clients is unknown. We explored the nutrition knowledge of carers of people with intellectual disabilities in residential care settings, their dietary habits and their influence on clients' food shopping and preparation and therefore the diet consumed by their clients. Ninety‐seven carers belonging to a large independent care sector organisation specialising in the care of people with an intellectual disability completed a validated general nutrition knowledge and behaviour questionnaire. Seventeen carers from the residential care settings were interviewed to contextualise practice. Knowledge about key dietary recommendations scored highly. Carers who had more work experience were found to have higher scores in ‘making everyday food choices’ (p = 0.034). Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (at least one portion per day) was observed (for fruit by 46% of the carers and for vegetables by 60% of the carers), whilst most carers reported avoiding consuming full‐fat dairy products, sugary foods and fried foods. The concept of a healthy diet; typical dietary habits of clients; role in food acquisition; and training in nutrition emerged as themes from the interviews. Carers discussed various topics including the importance of a balanced diet, cooking fresh foods and control of food portion sizes for clients relative to the care philosophy of a client‐centred approach, which encapsulates client autonomy. Gaps in knowledge around specific nutrients, making healthy choices and cooking skills remain. Carers have an influence on clients' dietary choices; they are able to provide healthy meals and share good dietary habits with clients. Further training in nutrition is recommended for impact on clients' health.
Chromoplast differentiation: a central role for plastoglobule lipid droplets comes into focus
Authors: Lundquist Peter K.
Published: January 2023

This article is a Commentary on Morelli et al. (2023), 237: 1696–1710.
Anatomical and Biomechanical Stability of Single/Double Screw‐Cancellous Bone Fixations of Regan–Morry Type III Ulnar Coronoid Fractures in Adults: CT Measurement and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ye Hao , Yang Yongchao , Xing Tingyang , Tan Guirong , Jin Shuxun , Zhao Zhichao , Zhang Weikang , Li Yanyan , Zhang Lei , Wang Jianshun , Zheng Rongmei , Lu Yun , Wu Lijun
Published: January 2023

Objective

At present, it is still uncertain whether single screw has the same stability as double screws in the treatment of ulnar coronal process basal fracture (Regan–Morry type III). So, we aimed to compare the pull‐out force and anti‐rotation torque of anterior single/double screw‐cancellous bone fixation (aSSBF, aDSBF) in this fracture, and further study the influencing factors on anatomical and biomechanical stability of smart screw internal fixations.

Methods

A total of 63 adult volunteers with no history of elbow injury underwent elbow CT scanning with associated three‐dimensional reconstruction that enabled the measurements of bone density and fixed length of the proximal ulna and coronoid. The models of coronal process basal fracture, aSSBF and aDSBF, were developed and validated. Using the finite element model test, the sensitivity analysis of pull‐out force and rotational torque was carried out.

Results

The pull‐out force of aSSBF model was positively correlated with the density of the cancellous bone and linearly related to the fixed depth of the screw. The load pattern of pull‐out force of aDSBF model was similar to that of aSSBF model. The ultimate torque of aDSBF model was higher than that of aSSBF model, but the load pattern of ultimate torque of both models was similar to each other when the fracture reset was satisfactory, and the screw nut attaches closely to coronoid process. Moreover, with enhancement of initial pre‐tightening force, the increase of ultimate torque of both models was small.

Conclusions

In addition to three pull‐out stability factors of smart screw fixations, fracture surface fitting degree and nut fitting degree are the other two important anatomical and biomechanical stability factors of smart screw fixations both for rotational stability. When all pull‐out stability and rotational stability factors meet reasonable conditions simultaneously, single or double screw fixation methods are stable for the treatments of ulnar coronoid basal fractures.
Chinese regions' participation in global value chains and the associated global transmission of export price and quantity shocks
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Li Jie , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes an imputation of a global input‐output matrix, where China is broken up into 332 prefecture‐type regions in three years of data, 2007, 2012, and 2017. Using the resulting global input‐output matrix, the paper documents that sizable spillover effects exist with regard to economic volatility. In particular, such volatility spillovers are important for prices and somewhat less so for quantity shocks. We demonstrate that individual Chinese prefectures are large recipients and donors of such shocks. All Chinese prefectures together have a very large impact on the world economy in terms of the considered volatility shocks.
Mucormycosis causing oral and nasal osteonecrosis in a case of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lisboa Mariah Luz , Grando Liliane Janete , Kretzer Sara Letícia , Tomazelli Karin Berria , Bianco Bianca Carla , Santos da Silva Maria Claudia , Kosmann Cleumara , Meurer Maria Inês
Published: January 2023

Aims

Mucormycosis is a rare and aggressive fungal infection with a high mortality rate because of its rapidly progressive and destructive nature. The oral cavity is often affected under opportunistic conditions. We report a 34‐year‐old woman diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia complained of slight swelling on the right side of her face with toothache and gingival swelling. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the specimen analysis revealed broad aseptate hyphae with a ribbon‐like appearance, which is characteristic of opportunistic Mucorales infection.

Methods and Results

The oral lesion worsened, and invasion of the fungal infection into the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, ethmoidal air cells, and sphenoid and frontal sinuses was observed. Partial maxillectomy was performed concomitantly with the ongoing chemotherapy for leukemia. A maxillofacial prosthesis was used for functional rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Successful management requires a multimodal approach. In this case, the patient required different systemic approaches for treating leukemia and the fungal infection as well as rehabilitation with an obturator prosthesis.
Virological failure and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in adolescents and young adults living with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Daltro Adeilton Cleison Borges , Almeida Carla Santos , Unfried Adriana Graça Costa , de Aquino Talita Rocha , Travassos Ana Gabriela Álvares
Published: January 2023

Objective

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection remains a major public health challenge. Infected young people at any age are less likely to adhere to care in a timely manner and to maintain a suppressed VL. This review aims to identify factors associated with virologic failure and adherence to drug therapy in adolescents and young adults (10–24 years) living with HIV.

Methods

Systematic review using the PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases and including articles published between 2009 and 2021. Data were analysed in six categories: individual factors, pharmacological/therapy‐related aspects, factors related to HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) infection, HIV/AIDS stigma, social support and health system/services. The study's protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42020167581).

Results

A total of 19,819 articles were found in the initial search and 31 studies were included in this systematic review. Most studies were carried out on the African continent. Male sex, alcohol use, low education, adverse effects of medication, lack of social support, stigma related to HIV/AIDS, need for transportation to access the health service and forgetfulness were linked to poor adherence to therapy. Good adherence was achieved with sufficient nutrition, good social support, greater confidence in the use of therapy and fewer ART side effects. Low levels of CD4, alcohol use, substance abuse, low education, non‐adherence to medication and forgetfulness were linked to virological failure.

Conclusion

Individual, social and structural factors constitute barriers to adherence to ART among adolescent and young adults. It is necessary to know the difficulties related to the use of therapy to work out specific strategies that create conditions to improve medication adherence and viral suppression, reducing the levels of virological failure in this population.
The role of mitochondria in the peri‐implant microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Xidan , Sun Jiyu , Zhou Min , Li Chen , Zhu Zhuoli , Gan Xueqi
Published: January 2023

Osseointegration is a dynamic biological process in the local microenvironment adjacent to a bone implant, which is crucial for implant performance and success of the implant surgery. Recently, the role of mitochondria in the peri‐implant microenvironment during osseointegration has gained much attention. Mitochondrial regulation has been verified to be essential for cellular events in osseointegration and as a therapeutic target for peri‐implant diseases in the peri‐implant microenvironment. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the key role of mitochondria in the peri‐implant milieu, including the regulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial metabolism in angiogenesis, the polarization of macrophage immune responses, and bone formation and resorption during osseointegration, which will contribute to the research field and the development of new treatment strategies to improve implant success. In addition, we indicate limitations in our current understanding of the regulation of mitochondria in osseointegration and suggest topics for further study.