bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revticulate: An R framework for interaction with RevBayes
Authors: Charpentier Caleb P. , Wright April M.
Published: March 2022

Phylogenetic methods are increasingly complex. Researchers need to make many choices about how to model different aspects of the data appropriately. It is increasingly common to deploy hierarchical Bayesian models in which different data types may be described by different processes. This necessitates tools to help users understand model assumptions more clearly.

We describe the package Revticulate, which provides an R‐based interface to the software RevBayes. RevBayes is a Bayesian phylogenetic program that implements an R‐like computing language, but does not interface with R itself. Revticulate was designed to allow communication between an R session, and all of its associated capabilities, such as plotting and simulation, and a RevBayes session.

Revticulate can be used to copy objects from RevBayes into R. We provide several usage examples demonstrating how objects, such as random variables drawn from probability distributions and phylogenetic trees, can be generated in RevBayes. We then show how these objects can be used with R's phylogenetic ecosystem to plot a phylogenetic tree, or with base R functions to simulate the behaviour of a particular probability.

Revticulate is a broadly useful software. Revticulate can be used alongside popular document preparation packages, such as knitr and pkgdown to generate attractive reports, tutorials and websites. This means that researchers who are looking to communicate their work in RevBayes can do that very easily using Revticulate, enabling rapid generation of reproducible research outputs.
In situ size and motility measurement of aquatic invertebrates with an underwater stereoscopic camera system using tilted lenses
Authors: Lertvilai Pichaya , Jaffe Jules S.
Published: March 2022

In situ observation of traits of aquatic organisms, including size and motility, requires three‐dimensional measurements that are commonly done with a stereoscopic imaging system. However, to observe traits of small aquatic invertebrates, the imaging system requires relatively high magnification, which results in a small overlapping volume between the two cameras of a conventional stereoscopic system. The provision of a larger shared volume would therefore be of great advantage, especially, when the organism abundance is low.

We implement a stereoscopic system that utilizes a tilted lens approach, known as the Scheimpflug principle, to increase the common imaging volume of two cameras. The system was calibrated and tested in the laboratory and then deployed in a saltmarsh to observe water boatmen Trichocorixa californica. Processing of the image data from the field deployments resulted in the simultaneous estimation of the traits of body length and swimming speed of the aquatic insects.

Our stereo setup with tilted lenses increased the sampling volume by 3.1 times compared to a traditional stereo setup with the same optical parameters. The in situ data and subsequent processing reveal that the instrument can capture stereoscopic images that resolve both body length and swimming speed of the aquatic insects. Results indicate that the relationship between the body length and the swimming speed of the water boatmen is linear in the log–log space with an exponent of . Furthermore, the insects experience Reynold's number in the range of –.

Our results demonstrated that the system can be used to observe key traits of small aquatic organisms in an ecologically relevant context. This work expands the capability of underwater imaging systems to measure important traits of an individual aquatic invertebrate in its natural environment and aids in providing a trait‐based approach to zooplankton ecology.
Distribution of the F129L mutation conferring resistance to strobilurins in Alternaria solani populations in Serbia
Authors: Ivanović Žarko , Blagojević Jovana
Published: March 2022

Alternaria solani is a fungal pathogen that causes early blight, an economically important disease of potatoes worldwide. The application of fungicides differing in mode of action are the most important control measure for early blight management. However, frequent use of fungicides may cause fungal pathogen populations to be selected for mutations conferring fungicide resistance, resulting in significant losses of fungicide efficacy. Repeated use of QoI fungicides may generate a selection pressure on A. solani populations that promotes resistant genotypes, this quality in question being because of amino acid substitutions in the cytochrome b gene. During a four‐year survey, isolates of A. solani were collected from the primary potato production regions in Serbia. The cytochrome b gene region of each isolate was evaluated for the presence of the F129L substitution known to historically confer QoI resistance. Sequence analysis revealed two genotypes similar to those reported elsewhere in the world with a diverse geographic distribution in Serbia. Genotype I was dominant in the south of Serbia, genotype II was prevalent in north Serbia, and in central Serbia both genotypes were represented equally. The F129L mutation was detected in both genotypes, with a progressive shift from the wild type to mutated A. solani across years. A. solani isolates containing the F129L mutation were collected from the northern and the central Serbia in 2016 without any mutated isolates in the southern Serbia. In 2019, in all surveyed regions, a predominance of isolates with the F129L mutation was observed. The presence of two cytochrome b genotypes among A. solani isolates and significant presence of F129L mutations indicates a change in the genetic structure of this pathogens populations in potato fields nationwide, which could have a significant impact on control of early blight disease.
eLearning significantly improves maternity professionals’ knowledge of the congenital cytomegalovirus prevention guidelines
Authors: Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Swinburn Katherine , Waight Emma , King Ruth , Hui Lisa , Jones Cheryl A. , Daly Kate , Rawlinson William , Mcintyre Sarah , Webb Annabel , Badawi Nadia , Bowen Asha , Britton Philip N. , Palasanthiran Pamela , Lainchbury Anne , Shand Antonia
Published: March 2022

Aims

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disability. Australian guidelines recommend that pregnant women are informed about CMV to reduce their risk of infection; however, less than 10% of maternity health professionals routinely provide prevention advice. The aim was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an eLearning course for midwives to improve knowledge and confidence about CMV.

Materials and Methods

Participants undertaking the course between March and November 2020 were invited to complete an evaluation questionnaire: before the course (T1), immediately after (T2) and three months post completion (T3). A linear mixed model was used to evaluate change in participant scores; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Midwives (316/363, 87%), midwifery students (29/363, 8%) and nurses (18/363, 5%) participated. At T1 80% indicated they had not received education about CMV. Total adjusted mean scores for questionnaires completed between T1 (n = 363) and T2 (n = 238) increased significantly (from 17.2 to 22.8, P < 0.001). Limited available T3 scores (n = 27) (−1.7, P < 0.001), while lower than T2, remained higher than at T1 (+3.6, P < 0.001). Participants’ awareness of CMV information resources improved from 10 to 97% from T1 to T2. Confidence in providing CMV advice increased from 6 to 95% between T1 and T2 (P < 0.001) and was maintained at T3. Almost all (99%) participants indicated they would recommend the course to colleagues.

Conclusion

Participants who completed the eLearning course had significantly improved knowledge and confidence in providing advice about CMV. Programs targeting other maternity health professionals should be considered, to further support the implementation of the congenital CMV prevention guidelines.
Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Bias When Assessing HPV Vaccination Efficacy by Using Nontargeted HPV Strains
Authors: Etievant Lola , Sampson Joshua N. , Gail Mitchell H.
Published: March 2022

Studies of vaccine efficacy often record both the incidence of vaccine-targeted virus strains (primary outcome) and the incidence of nontargeted strains (secondary outcome). However, standard estimates of vaccine efficacy on targeted strains ignore the data on nontargeted strains. Assuming nontargeted strains are unaffected by vaccination, we regard the secondary outcome as a negative control outcome and show how using such data can (i) increase the precision of the estimated vaccine efficacy against targeted strains in randomized trials and (ii) reduce confounding bias of that same estimate in observational studies. For objective (i), we augment the primary outcome estimating equation with a function of the secondary outcome that is unbiased for zero. For objective (ii), we jointly estimate the treatment effects on the primary and secondary outcomes. If the bias induced by the unmeasured confounders is similar for both types of outcomes, as is plausible for factors that influence the general risk of infection, then we can use the estimated efficacy against the secondary outcomes to remove the bias from estimated efficacy against the primary outcome. We demonstrate the utility of these approaches in studies of HPV vaccines that only target a few highly carcinogenic strains. In this example, using nontargeted strains increased precision in randomized trials modestly but reduced bias in observational studies substantially.
Score Test for Missing at Random or Not under Logistic Missingness Models
Authors: Wang Hairu , Lu Zhiping , Liu Yukun
Published: March 2022

Missing data are frequently encountered in various disciplines and can be divided into three categories: missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR), and missing not at random (MNAR). Valid statistical approaches to missing data depend crucially on correct identification of the underlying missingness mechanism. Although the problem of testing whether this mechanism is MCAR or MAR has been extensively studied, there has been very little research on testing MAR versus MNAR. A critical challenge that is faced when dealing with this problem is the issue of model identification under MNAR. In this paper, under a logistic model for the missing probability, we develop two score tests for the problem of whether the missingness mechanism is MAR or MNAR under a parametric model and a semiparametric location model on the regression function. The implementation of the score tests circumvents the identification issue as it requires only parameter estimation under the null MAR assumption. Our simulations and analysis of human immunodeficiency virus data show that the score tests have well-controlled type I errors and desirable powers.
circ_0006089 promotes gastric cancer growth, metastasis, glycolysis, and angiogenesis by regulating miR‐361‐3p/TGFB1
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zhang Qilin , Liao Bingling , Qiu Xiaofeng , Hu Sheng , Xu Qihua
Published: March 2022

Circular RNA (circRNA) participates in a variety of pathophysiological processes, including the development of gastric cancer (GC). However, the role of circ_0006089 in GC progression and its underlying molecular mechanism need to be further revealed. Quantitative real‐time PCR was utilized for detecting circ_0006089, microRNA (miR)‐361‐3p and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFB1) expression. The interaction between miR‐361‐3p and circ_0006089 or TGFB1 was confirmed using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay and an RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis were determined using colony formation assay, EdU assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry, and tube formation assay. Cell glycolysis was evaluated by detecting glucose consumption, lactate production, and ATP levels. In addition, western blot (WB) analysis was used to measure protein expression. Xenograft tumor models were used to assess the effect of circ_0006089 knockdown on GC tumorigenesis. circ_0006089 had been found to be upregulated in GC tissues and cells, and it could act as an miR‐361‐3p sponge. circ_0006089 knockdown suppressed GC proliferation, metastasis, glycolysis, angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis, while this effect could be revoked by miR‐361‐3p inhibitor. TGFB1 was targeted by miR‐361‐3p, and its overexpression reversed the effects of miR‐361‐3p on GC cell function. Also, circ_0006089 promoted TGFB1 expression via sponging miR‐361‐3p. Animal experiments showed that silenced circ_0006089 inhibited GC tumorigenesis through the miR‐361‐3p/TGFB1 pathway. Our results revealed that the circ_0006089/miR‐361‐3p/TGFB1 axis contributed to GC progression, confirming that circ_0006089 might be a potential therapeutic target for GC.
The power of friendship: The developmental significance of friendships from a neuroscience perspective
Authors: Güroğlu Berna
Published: March 2022

Forming and maintaining friendships is one of the most important developmental tasks in adolescence. Supportive and high‐quality friendships have been related to positive developmental outcomes and mental health, both concurrently and in the long term. Friendships also protect against negative effects of adverse experiences, such as peer victimization and internalizing behaviors. Despite this ample evidence relating friendships to well‐being, we know relatively little about the underlying mechanisms involved. In this article, I review brain imaging research on friendships and highlight its contribution to our understanding of how interactions with friends relate to well‐being. Studies suggest that friendships involve reward and motivational processes (involving the ventral striatum and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex), and self‐ and other‐related mentalizing processes (involving the medial prefrontal cortex and the temporoparietal regions). I conclude with suggestions for research on how neural patterns relate to individual differences in psychosocial outcomes and mental health.
Impaired steroid hormone feedback in polycystic ovary syndrome: Evidence from preclinical models for abnormalities within central circuits controlling fertility
Authors: Moore Aleisha M.
Published: March 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy and cause of infertility in women of reproductive age worldwide. Despite diagnostic features of anovulation, polycystic ovarian morphology, and high androgen secretion indicating the syndrome are the result of ovarian dysfunction, alterations to central neuroendocrine circuits that control reproductive capacity may drive PCOS symptoms. Resistance of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the hypothalamus to inhibition by sex steroid hormone‐negative feedback leads to a rapid frequency of pulsatile gonadotrophin secretion, which, in turn, drives the ovarian features of the disease. As GnRH neurons do not express steroid hormone receptors, impaired negative feedback is hypothesized to occur within an upstream network that controls GnRH pulse generation. This review will discuss the latest work from preclinical animal models of PCOS used to dissect the specific central mechanisms involved in impaired steroid hormone feedback. In particular, this review will focus on research that indicates neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus that express Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B and Dynorphin (KNDy cells) or γ‐aminobutyric acid are targets of androgen‐mediated impairment of steroid hormone feedback. Finally, this review will explore the development of therapeutic agents targeting neurons that control LH pulse frequency to resolve PCOS symptoms in the clinic.
Towards inclusive urban environments for infants and toddlers: Assessing four urban neighbourhoods in Istanbul with mothers
Authors: Ataol Özlemnur , Krishnamurthy Sukanya , Druta Oana , van Wesemael Pieter
Published: March 2022

One of the under‐represented groups in participatory urban research is very young children (0–3 years old). Very young children from disadvantaged neighbourhoods, particularly in global cities, such as Istanbul, often have to negotiate unfriendly urban spaces in their daily routines. These routines consist of intertwined events of caregivers and children, as care duties of caregivers frame their joint daily lives. Based on questionnaires and participatory mapping with full‐time mothers from Istanbul, we argue that a compact design of neighbourhoods, which merges public spaces relevant to families with young children in combined destinations, is critical towards creating inclusive urban environments.
Diversification of the phytophagous lineages of true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) shortly after that of the flowering plants
Authors: Ye Fei , Kment Petr , Rédei Dávid , Luo Jiu‐Yang , Wang Yan‐Hui , Kuechler Stefan M. , Zhang Wei‐Wei , Chen Ping‐Ping , Wu Hao‐Yang , Wu Yan‐Zhuo , Sun Xiao‐Ya , Ding Lu , Wang Yue‐Ran , Xie Qiang
Published: March 2022

More than 95% of phytophagous true bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) species belong to four superfamilies: Miroidea (Cimicomorpha), Pentatomoidea, Coreoidea, and Lygaeoidea (all Pentatomomorpha). These iconic groups of highly diverse, overwhelmingly phytophagous insects include several economically prominent agricultural and silvicultural pest species, though their evolutionary history has not yet been well resolved. In particular, superfamily‐ and family‐level phylogenetic relationships of these four lineages have remained controversial, and the divergence times of some crucial nodes for phytophagous true bugs have hitherto been little known, which hampers a better understanding of the evolutionary processes and patterns of phytophagous insects. In the present study, we used 150 species and concatenated nuclear and mitochondrial protein‐coding genes and rRNA genes to infer the phylogenetic relationships within the Terheteroptera (Cimicomorpha + Pentatomomorpha) and estimated their divergence times. Our results support the monophyly of Cimicomorpha, Pentatomomorpha, Miroidea, Pentatomoidea, Pyrrhocoroidea, Coreoidea, and Lygaeoidea. The phylogenetic relationships across phytophagous lineages are largely congruent at deep nodes across the analyses based on different datasets and tree‐reconstructing methods with just a few exceptions. Estimated divergence times and ancestral state reconstructions for feeding habit indicate that phytophagous true bugs explosively radiated in the Early Cretaceous—shortly after the angiosperm radiation—with the subsequent diversification of the most speciose clades (Mirinae, Pentatomidae, Coreinae, and Rhyparochromidae) in the Late Cretaceous.
Metastatic germ cell tumour in effusion cytology
Authors: Saini Tarunpreet , Kundu Reetu , Rastogi Pulkit , Rohilla Manish , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Srinivasan Radhika , Dey Pranab
Published: March 2022

Background

Germ cell tumours infrequently metastasise to body cavities, where early detection on fluid samples is possible and can spearhead early treatment and survival.

Materials and methods

A total of seven cases of metastatic germ cell tumours were retrieved out of 7500 effusion samples received for cytopathological examination from 2015 to 2021. Detailed cytological features of metastatic germ cell tumours in effusion samples were studied, along with a correlation between clinical, radiological, and histopathological features.

Results

A total of seven cases of metastatic germ cell tumours were analysed in effusion samples which included dysgerminoma (2), immature teratoma (2), yolk sac tumour (1), embryonal carcinoma (1), and mixed germ cell tumour (1). The smears showed predominantly discrete or loose clusters of cells. The cells with round nuclei and prominent nucleoli were helpful in detecting dysgerminoma and yolk sac tumours. Immature teratoma showed tiny groups of small cells and mature squamous cells. Serum tumour markers were raised in the majority of cases.

Conclusion

Metastatic germ cell tumours in effusion are uncommon, but detailed clinical history, including serum markers and characteristic cytological features, are helpful in their diagnosis.
Mental health nurses' experience of challenging workplace situations: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Cranage Kylie , Foster Kim
Published: March 2022

Mental health nursing is acknowledged internationally as being a demanding profession; however, little is known about the range of experience and complexity of workplace challenges or their impacts on mental health nurses (MHN). This qualitative descriptive study aimed to examine and describe the range of challenging workplace situations experienced by MHN and is reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. An online cross‐sectional survey collected demographic data and open‐ended descriptions of workplace challenges experienced by n = 374 Australian MHN. Using a modified a priori framework, four categories of experience were derived through content analysis: consumer‐related, colleague‐related, nursing role‐related, and organizational service‐related challenges. Many accounts described a complex interplay of challenges. The findings extend prior knowledge on MHN experiences. Frequent workplace challenges included violence and aggression from consumers, bullying from colleagues, low staffing levels, and poor skill mix. Further extending the evidence, key challenges rarely described in prior literature were the psychological impacts of suicides and murder; the personal nature of threats from consumers; moral distress and concerns with colleagues' quality of practice; and exacerbation of practice‐related issues by lack of support from colleagues and/or the organization. These have important implications for the profession and can inform targeted strategies to reduce stressors where possible, build staff well‐being, support workforce retention, and improve the provision of quality care. The implementation of targeted policy and initiatives that focus on reducing key stressors and supporting practice are vital to staff retention and ensuring a high standard of practice in complex mental health workplaces.
Virtual reality enhances safety training in the maritime industry: An organizational training experiment with a non‐WEIRD sample
Authors: Makransky Guido , Klingenberg Sara
Published: March 2022

Objective

Many industries struggle with training dynamic risk assessment, and how to bridge the gap between safety training and behavior in real life scenarios. In this article, we focus on dynamic risk assessment during a mooring operation and investigate the potential value of using immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations compared to standard training procedures in an international maritime training organization.

Methods

In a pilot study, we compared two ways of implementing a VR simulation (stand‐alone or with post‐simulation reflection) to a manual and a personal trainer condition in a between‐subjects design with 86 students in a maritime school. Based on the results we compared the stand‐alone VR simulation to the personal trainer condition in a between‐subjects design in a non‐Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) sample of 28 seafarers from the Kiribati Islands at an international maritime training organization.

Results

The VR simulation group reported significantly higher perceived enjoyment (d = 1.28), intrinsic motivation (d = 0.96), perceived learning (d = 0.90), and behavioral change (d = 0.88), and significantly lower extraneous cognitive load (d = 0.82) compared to the personal trainer group, but the differences in self‐efficacy, and safety attitudes were not significant.

Discussion

The results support the value of using VR to train procedures that are difficult to train in the real world and suggest that VR technologies can be useful for providing just in time training anywhere, anytime, in a global market where employees are increasingly cross‐cultural and dislocated.
Strategy for repeat procedures in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: Systematic linear ablation with adjunctive ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall versus electrophysiology‐guided ablation
Authors: Nakashima Takashi , Pambrun Thomas , Vlachos Konstantinos , Goujeau Cyril , André Clémentine , Krisai Philipp , Ramirez F. Daniel , Pintican Gabriela , Kamakura Tsukasa , Takagi Takamitsu , Nakatani Yosuke , Surget Elodie , Cheniti Ghassen , Tixier Romain , Chauvel Remi , Duchateau Josselin , Sacher Frédéric , Cochet Hubert , Hocini Mélèze , Haïssaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre , Derval Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The optimal strategy after a failed ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (perAF) is unknown. This study evaluated the value of an anatomically guided strategy using a systematic set of linear lesions with adjunctive ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall (Et‐VOM) in patients referred for second perAF ablation procedures.

Methods and Results

Patients with perAF who underwent a second procedure were grouped according to the two strategies. The first strategy was an anatomically guided approach using systematic linear ablation with adjunctive Et‐VOM, with bidirectional blocks at the posterior mitral isthmus (MI), roof, and cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) as the procedural endpoint (Group I). The second one was an electrophysiology‐guided strategy, with atrial tachyarrhythmia termination as the procedural endpoint (Group II). Arrhythmia behavior during the procedure guided the ablation strategy. Groups I and II consisted of 96 patients (65 ± 9 years; 71 men) and 102 patients (63 ± 10 years; 83 men), respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable. In Group I, Et‐VOM was successfully performed in 91/96 (95%), and procedural endpoint (bidirectional block across all three anatomical lines) was achieved in 89/96 (93%). In Group II, procedural endpoint (atrial tachyarrhythmia termination) was achieved in 80/102 (78%). One‐year follow‐up demonstrated Group I (21/96 [22%]) experienced less recurrence compared to Group II (38/102 [37%], Log‐rank p = .01). This was driven by lower AT recurrence in Group I (Group I: 10/96 [10%] vs. Group II: 29/102 [28%]; p = .002).

Conclusion

Anatomically guided strategy with adjunctive Et‐VOM is superior to an electrophysiology‐guided strategy for second procedures in patients with perAF at 1‐year follow‐up.
METTL3‐mediated maturation of miR‐589‐5p promotes the malignant development of liver cancer
Authors: Liu Jie , Jiang Kai
Published: March 2022

MiR‐589‐5p could promote liver cancer, but the specific mechanisms are largely unknown. This study examined the role and mechanisms of miR‐589‐5p in liver cancer. The expressions of miR‐589‐5p, METTL3 and m6A in liver cancers were determined by RT‐qPCR. The relationship between miR‐589‐5p and METTL3‐mediated m6A methylation was examined by m6A RNA immunoprecipitation. After transfection, the viability, migration, invasion and expressions of METTL3 and miR‐589‐5p in liver cancer cells were detected by CCK‐8, wound‐healing, transwell and RT‐qPCR. After the xenograft tumour was established in mice, the tumour volume was determined and the expressions of METTL3, miR‐589‐5p, MMP‐2, TIMP‐2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin and Vimentin in tumour tissue were detected by RT‐qPCR and Western blotting. In vitro study showed that miR‐589‐5p and METTL3 were highly expressed in liver cancer. METTL3 was positively correlated with miR‐589‐5p. METTL3 up‐regulated the expression of miR‐589‐5p and promoted the maturation of miR‐589‐5p. Overexpressed miR‐589‐5p and METTL3 promoted the viability, migration and invasion of liver cancer cells, while the effects of silencing miR‐589‐5p and METTL3 on the cells were the opposite. The effects of METTL3 overexpression and silencing were reversed by miR‐589‐5p inhibitor and mimic, respectively. In vivo study showed that METLL3 silencing inhibited the growth of xenograft tumour and the expressions of METTL3, MMP‐2, N‐cadherin and Vimentin, promoted the expressions of TIMP‐2 and E‐cadherin, while miR‐589‐5p mimic caused the opposite results and further reversed the effects of METLL3 silencing. In summary, this study found that METTL3‐mediated maturation of miR‐589‐5p promoted the malignant development of liver cancer.
OsDMI3‐mediated OsUXS3 phosphorylation improves oxidative stress tolerance by modulating OsCATB protein abundance in rice
Authors: Ni Lan , Wang Qingwen , Chen Chao , Wang Shuang , Shen Tao , Jiang Jingjing , Cui Zhenzhen , Li Kaiyue , Yang Qiqing , Jiang Mingyi
Published: March 2022

Calcium (Ca2+)/calmodulin (CaM)‐dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) is an important positive regulator of antioxidant defenses and tolerance against oxidative stress. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that the rice (Oryza sativa) CCaMK (OsDMI3) physically interacts with and phosphorylates OsUXS3, a cytosol‐localized UDP‐xylose synthase. Genetic and biochemical evidence demonstrated that OsUXS3 acts downstream of OsDMI3 to enhance the oxidative stress tolerance conferred by higher catalase (CAT) activity. Indeed, OsUXS3 interacted with CAT isozyme B (OsCATB), and this interaction was required to increase OsCATB protein abundance under oxidative stress conditions. Furthermore, we showed that OsDMI3 phosphorylates OsUXS3 on residue Ser‐245, thereby further promoting the interaction between OsUXS3 and OsCATB. Our results indicate that OsDMI3 promotes the association of OsUXS3 with OsCATB to enhance CAT activity under oxidative stress. These findings reveal OsUXS3 as a direct target of OsDMI3 and demonstrate its involvement in antioxidant defense.
Professional identity and supporting willingness of nurses during the COVID‐19 epidemic in China
Authors: Li Li , Gao Xiaoyue , Wang Yanbo , Zeng Changjuan , Hou Lili , Xi Qinghong
Published: March 2022

Aim

To investigate the professional identities and the willingness of nurses to respond to the call for support during the COVID‐19 epidemic.

Background

The COVID‐19 epidemic has resulted in nearly 300 million cases worldwide, causing more than five million deaths. However, the professional identities and the willingness of nurses to provide support during the COVID‐19 epidemic in China remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 1,505 eligible nurses from 120 hospitals during the COVID‐19 outbreak in China were included. Questionnaires were used to evaluate the willingness of these nurses to participate in epidemic control efforts. The Nurses' Professional Identity Scale was used to measure their sense of professional identity.

Results

About 90% of the nurses were willing to lend support in Hubei Province during the epidemic. The most common reason (93.84%) was found to be their beliefs as medical personnel in helping others in need. Nearly 10% of the nurses were unwilling to go to Hubei, primarily due to family reasons. The average total score of the Professional Identity Scale for all nurses reached a moderate to high level as indication of professional identity (116–125). Nurses who were willing to go to Hubei had a significantly higher total score than those who were not.

Conclusions

The professional identity of nurses in China improved during the epidemic, and those with higher professional identities were more likely to respond to calls for support during the epidemic.
The ins and outs of the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract: An overview of cellular populations and anatomical connections
Authors: Holt Marie K.
Published: March 2022

The body and brain are in constant two‐way communication. Driving this communication is a region in the lower brainstem: the dorsal vagal complex. Within the dorsal vagal complex, the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) is a major first stop for incoming information from the body to the brain carried by the vagus nerve. The anatomy of this region makes it ideally positioned to respond to signals of change in both emotional and bodily states. In turn, the cNTS controls the activity of regions throughout the brain that are involved in the control of both behaviour and physiology. This review is intended to help anyone with an interest in the cNTS. First, I provide an overview of the architecture of the cNTS and outline the wide range of neurotransmitters expressed in subsets of neurons in the cNTS. Next, in detail, I discuss the known inputs and outputs of the cNTS and briefly highlight what is known regarding the neurochemical makeup and function of those connections. Then, I discuss one group of cNTS neurons: glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)‐expressing neurons. GLP‐1 neurons serve as a good example of a group of cNTS neurons, which receive input from varied sources and have the ability to modulate both behaviour and physiology. Finally, I consider what we might learn about other cNTS neurons from our study of GLP‐1 neurons and why it is important to remember that the manipulation of molecularly defined subsets of cNTS neurons is likely to affect physiology and behaviours beyond those monitored in individual experiments.
Development of severe pemphigus vulgaris following ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccination and review of literature
Authors: Singh Ajeet , Bharadwaj Sujana J. , Chirayath Anju G. , Ganguly Satyaki
Published: March 2022

Vaccines are indeed a boon for tackling the present COVID‐19 pandemic. In India, ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 (Covishield) is the most commonly used vaccine in the government vaccination program for adults more than 18 years of age. It is a recombinant vaccine developed by Oxford‐Astra Zeneca and manufactured in India by Serum Institute of India (SSI). Here, we report a case of severe pemphigus vulgaris following the second dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccination in an adult male. The patient developed septicemia during the course of hospital stay, and he was managed with systemic steroids, parenteral antibiotics, and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) along with proper wound care. Patient started improving within 1 month of therapy. This case is being reported in view of the rarity of pemphigus vulgaris following ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine.
Hepatitis C virus infection could be a risk factor for adult‐onset vitiligo in Egyptian patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fawzy Manal M. , Hammad Noha M. , Sharaf Ahmed L. , Khattab Fathia
Published: March 2022

Background

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder resulting from the destruction of melanocytes. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been linked to a variety of extrahepatic manifestations, including skin diseases.

Aim

To measure the prevalence of HCV‐seroreactivity among vitiligo patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 108 vitiligo patients. Serum anti‐HCV antibodies were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

Eighteen patients (16.7%) out of 108 were HCV‐reactive; all of them had adult‐onset vitiligo. They represented approximately 34.6% of the total patients with adult‐onset vitiligo (52 patients). On the contrary, all patients with childhood‐onset vitiligo were HCV‐non‐reactive. Moreover, adult‐onset vitiligo was significantly associated with HCV‐seroreactivity (p < .001). Also, there was a significant difference between HCV‐reactive and HCV‐non‐reactive vitiligo patients regarding the age of patients and their ages at the onset of vitiligo (p < .001).

Conclusions

HCV may be the triggering factor for adult‐onset vitiligo, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of HCV. Therefore, patients with adult‐onset vitiligo, rather than childhood‐onset disease, should be screened for associated HCV infection in HCV‐endemic regions.
Adverse effects of non‐intubated airway suctioning: a clinical data‐based study
Authors: Chang Wen‐Pei , Chen Hsiao‐Mei , Wu Jia‐Rong , Tsai Hsiu‐Ting , Ho Chiung‐Fang , Lin Yu‐Huei
Published: March 2022

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of non‐intubated suctioning.

Background

Airway hygiene aims to maintain a patent airway to ensure adequate ventilation. Nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal or nasotracheal suctioning may be used in patients who require airway suctioning but do not have an artificial airway. However, no studies till date provide insight into the adverse effects of non‐intubated airway suctioning.

Design

A clinical data‐based retrospective design.

Method

Using institutional and clinical databases of three university hospitals in 2008–2016, we conducted a study with a propensity score matching method of 3,326 hospitalised patients who had undergone suction therapy with or without a tracheotomy. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the link between suctioning and the probabilities of adverse effects. STROBE checklist was used to report the current study.

Results

Patients who required nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal or nasotracheal suctioning had a higher risk of gastrointestinal ulcers than tracheotomised patients (adjusted OR 1.99; 95% CI, 1.24–3.20). Patients who received non‐intubated suction had a higher risk of developing pneumonia (adjusted OR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.26–2.00), and the risk of aspiration pneumonia was three times higher than tracheotomised patients (adjusted OR 3.04; 95% CI, 1.40–6.60).

Conclusions

Non‐intubated patients who require suctioning for airway clearing are more susceptible to gastrointestinal ulcers, pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia. The findings would facilitate in alerting healthcare professionals to this group of patients. However, more clinical research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of adverse effects in non‐intubated patients who require suctioning.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The adverse effects of suctioning can easily be overlooked in debilitated patients with no intubation. Professionals must be aware of the discomfort and risks that patients may experience.
The Impact of Environmental Fraud on the Used Car Market: Evidence from Dieselgate*
Authors: Ater Itai , Yoseph Nir S.
Published: March 2022

This study explores the effects of Volkswagen’s 2015 emissions scandal (‘Dieselgate’) on the used car market in Israel. Using a difference‐in‐differences research design and administrative and proprietary data, we find that after Dieselgate the number of transactions involving VW‐manipulated cars fell by 18%, and the resale price of these cars fell by 6%. The drop in the number of transactions was concentrated among private sellers. We discuss alternative explanations and suggest that lower willingness‐to‐pay and adverse selection following Dieselgate could explain our findings.
The oral mycobiome: Oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Theofilou Vasileios Ionas , Alfaifi Areej , Montelongo‐Jauregui Daniel , Pettas Efstathios , Georgaki Maria , Nikitakis Nikolaos G. , Jabra‐Rizk Mary‐Ann , Sultan Ahmed S.
Published: March 2022

Fungi, a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms, play distinct roles in health and disease. Recent advances in the field of mycobiology have enabled the characterization of the “human mycobiome.” The human mycobiome has extensively been studied in various disease models. However, to date, the role of the oral mycobiome in oral carcinogenesis has yet to be elucidated. Candida albicans, the most common oral colonizer, has been speculated to display tumorigenic effects; however, the literature lacks consistent documentation from mechanistic studies on whether oral mycobiota act as drivers, facilitators, or passive colonizers of oral premalignancy and cancer. This review article provides an overview of existing hypothesis‐driven mechanistic models that outline the complex interplay between the oral mycobiome and oral epithelial dysplasia as well as their potential clinical implications.
Oral and maxillofacial manifestations of IgG4‐related disease: A clinicopathological study
Authors: Pereira Glauce Guimarães , Pontes Flávia Sirotheau Corrêa , Soares Ciro Dantas , de Carvalho Maria Goretti Freire , da Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Calderaro Débora Cerqueira , Ferreira Gilda Aparecida , Tanure Leandro Augusto , de Souza Lucas Lacerda , Rodrigues‐Fernandes Carla Isabelly , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo
Published: March 2022

Background

IgG4‐related disease is a fibroinflammatory and immune‐mediated condition, which has extremely variable clinical manifestations. In this study, we aim to investigate the clinicopathological features of IgG4‐related disease involving the oral and maxillofacial region.

Methods

Cases of IgG4‐related disease manifesting in the oral and maxillofacial region were retrieved from three Brazilian institutions. Clinical and serological data were obtained from the patients' medical charts, while microscopic and immunohistochemical findings were revised by oral pathologists. Diagnosis followed the American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism criteria.

Results

Seven patients diagnosed with IgG4‐related disease were included in this study. Women were affected in all analysed cases, with a mean age of 55.4 years. Two patients presented with the clinical involvement of more than one oral and maxillofacial anatomic site. Therefore, our sample comprised nine oral and maxillofacial anatomic sites affected by IgG4‐related disease. The submandibular gland was affected in four cases, the tongue and the parotid gland in two cases each, and the palate in one case. In a few cases, exploratory lower lip biopsy was used as a diagnostic approach. A moderate‐to‐severe lymphoid infiltrate containing plasma cells and lymphocytes, with an increased IgG4/IgG ratio, was common. Treatment varied and steroids were the most frequently used (57.4%). Six patients remained alive, while one died from unknown causes.

Conclusion

Although major salivary glands are commonly affected by IgG4‐related disease, the oral cavity can also be involved, and lower lip biopsy may be an auxiliary diagnostic tool.
Neonatal Bartter syndrome diagnosed by rapid genomics following low risk pre‐conception carrier screening
Authors: Forbes Thomas A , Wallace Jane , Kumble Smitha , Delatycki Martin B , Stark Zornitza
Published: March 2022

Advances in the speed and accessibility of genomic sequencing are broadening the application of this technology to rapid, acute care diagnostics and pre‐conception carrier screening. In both circumstances, genetic counselling plays a critical role in preparing couples for the strengths and limitations of the testing. For pre‐conception carrier screening in particular, it is important that parents and clinicians are aware that even in the absence of an identified risk for recessive disease, a baby with a genetic condition may still be conceived. As an example, we present the genomic journey of a couple who underwent pre‐conception carrier screening and following a low‐risk result, delivered a baby boy who was diagnosed with Type 1 Bartter syndrome. Ultra‐rapid, post‐natal, trio whole genome sequencing resolved both parents as carriers of pathogenic variants in SLC12A1, a gene not included in the original pre‐conception screening panel. This family's story highlights (i) the intricacy of gene selection for pre‐conception screening panels, (ii) the benefits of high‐quality pre‐test genetic counselling in supporting families through adverse genomic findings and (iii) the role rapid genomics can play in resolving uncertainty for families and clinicians in circumstances where suspicion of genetic disease exists. This article is accompanied by a Patient Voice perspective written by the child's parents, placing emphasis on the essential role genetic counselling played in their journey.
Effects of reminiscence therapy in people with dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Tonapa Santo Imanuel , Yao Ching‐Teng , Saragih Ice Septriani , Lee Bih‐O
Published: March 2022

Accessible Summary

What is known about on the subject?

Alternative option was developed to improve care due to the increasing costs of care cost and the number of people diagnosed with dementia.

Reminiscence therapy is a commonly implemented alternative option used in long‐term care facilities.

Reminiscence therapy is designed for cognitive decline that is also known as life review.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Reminiscence therapy, known as psychosocial interventions in dementia care, can be used to assist people with dementia recollect prior events, activities, and experiences in order to improve their cognitive, mood, and overall well‐being.

Reminiscence therapy increased cognitive function and quality of life and reduced depressive and neuropsychiatric symptoms among people with dementia.

Reminiscence therapy may be considered a useful non‐pharmacological intervention for people with dementia living in nursing homes or other long‐term care facilities.

The development of a global standard protocol for the application of reminiscence therapy may be necessary for future randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Introduction

Reminiscence therapy is an alternative to pharmaceutical intervention provided during long‐term care, especially for individuals with dementia. However, the effects of reminiscence therapy in dementia care remain inconclusive.

Aim

The goal of this study is to examine the effects of reminiscence therapy implementation in people with dementia.

Design

Systematic literature review and meta‐analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

This study searched systematically using 6 databases. The eligibility criteria included patients with dementia, applied reminiscence therapy, randomized controlled trials or quasi‐experimental studies, and published in the English language. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model to calculate the pooled effects of reminiscence therapy. Stata 16.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Result

A total of 29 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 3102 participants. Overall, reminiscence therapy increased cognitive functions and quality of life and decreased depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Implication for Practice

Reminiscence therapy may be considered a useful non‐pharmacological intervention for people with dementia living in nursing homes or other long‐term care facilities. A standard protocol for reminiscence therapy may be necessary for future studies.
Amyloid neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: March 2022

The clinical phenotype of amyloid neuropathy is not uniform. Especially in patients with hereditary amyloid neuropathy, the age at onset and severity of autonomic neuropathy are strongly influenced by the patient’s family history and the mutant gene of transthyretin. In the past 30 years, liver transplantation has been actively performed in the hereditary amyloid neuropathy patients with an early onset, resulting in much longer survival with this disease. Furthermore, new information on the pathogeneses of transthyretin‐derived amyloidosis has been accumulating via the analysis of tissue samples biopsied or autopsied from post‐transplanted hereditary amyloid neuropathy patients. The recent introduction of non‐invasive drug therapies has given rise to the possibility of treating amyloid neuropathy. The concept of amyloid neuropathy, including autonomic dysfunction, has changed. This review discusses the clinical picture, pathology, diagnosis, therapy, and post‐treatment changes of amyloid deposition in patients with amyloid neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy.