bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of polymerase chain reaction coupled with quantum dot fluorescence analysis in the identification of bacteria and yeasts in patients with suspected bloodstream infections
Authors: Li Jie , Fan Wenjia , Zou Xuehan , Dai Xuan , Zhao Yueyue , Pan Hongying , Wu Shijin , Li Xi , Huang Haijun
Published: February 2023

Bloodstream infections are serious and complex infectious diseases that often require a rapid diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction coupled with quantum dot fluorescence analysis (PCR‐QDFA) is a novel diagnostic technique. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of PCR‐QDFA for pathogen detection in patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSIs). It evaluates 29 kinds of common pathogens (24 bacteria and 5 yeasts) from blood culture bottles. The results of PCR‐QDFA identification and traditional microbial laboratory identification were compared, and the latter was used as the ‘gold standard’ to analyse the diagnostic performance of the PCR‐QDFA. In total, 517 blood culture bottles were included in this study. The PCR‐QDFA identified microorganisms in 368/422 (87.2%) samples with monomicrobial growth. For the pathogens on the PCR‐QDFA list, the assay showed a higher sensitivity of 97.4% (368/378). When polymicrobial growth was analysed, the PCR‐QDFA successfully detected 19/25 (76%) microorganisms on the PCR‐QDFA list. In addition, 82/82 negative blood culture bottles also showed no pathogens by PCR‐QDFA with a specificity of 100%. In conclusion, the PCR‐QDFA assay could identify a majority of the common pathogens encountered in clinical practice, showing excellent diagnostic performance for pathogen detection in patients with suspected BSIs.
Patterns of pre‐Islamic settlement in the Qumayrah microregion, northern Oman: First results of an archaeological and geological survey
Authors: Bieliński Piotr , Pieńkowska Agnieszka , Białowarczuk Marcin , Kiersnowski Hubert , Bukowski Krzysztof , Lenarczyk Szymon
Published: January 2023

The Qumayrah microregion lies in the mountains of northern Oman, roughly halfway between two large oasis settlements—Bat and Hili. It is situated at the crossing of routes leading from the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman into the interior. Results of a previous archaeological excavation and survey confirmed the presence of sites from prehistoric times to the Islamic period in the area. In light of both the continuity of settlement and the location of the microregion, its survey became an essential undertaking. The project has a multidisciplinary character, combining traditional archaeological survey methods with geological prospection. The aim of the pedestrian survey is to identify settlement points, which could link the Qumayrah microregion with Hili Oasis, while the geological prospection is tasked with collecting information on the raw material resources in the region that could have influenced settlement activity in the area.
Age‐dependent nuclear lipid droplet deposition is a cellular hallmark of aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Palikaras Konstantinos , Mari Meropi , Ploumi Christina , Princz Andrea , Filippidis George , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: January 2023

Aging is the major risk factor for several life‐threatening pathologies and impairs the function of multiple cellular compartments and organelles. Age‐dependent deterioration of nuclear morphology is a common feature in evolutionarily divergent organisms. Lipid droplets have been shown to localize in most nuclear compartments, where they impinge on genome architecture and integrity. However, the significance of progressive nuclear lipid accumulation and its impact on organismal homeostasis remain obscure. Here, we implement non‐linear imaging modalities to monitor and quantify age‐dependent nuclear lipid deposition in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that lipid droplets increasingly accumulate in the nuclear envelope, during aging. Longevity‐promoting interventions, such as low insulin signaling and caloric restriction, abolish the rate of nuclear lipid accrual and decrease the size of lipid droplets. Suppression of lipotoxic lipid accumulation in hypodermal and intestinal nuclei is dependent on the transcription factor HLH‐30/TFEB and the triglyceride lipase ATGL‐1. HLH‐30 regulates the expression of ATGL‐1 to reduce nuclear lipid droplet abundance in response to lifespan‐extending conditions. Notably, ATGL‐1 localizes to the nuclear envelope and moderates lipid content in long‐lived mutant nematodes during aging. Our findings indicate that the reduced ATGL‐1 activity leads to excessive nuclear lipid accumulation, perturbing nuclear homeostasis and undermining organismal physiology, during aging.
The abundance and geographic distributions of two species of ticks in South Australia: Bundey Bore revisited
Authors: Teo Ernest J. M. , Bull C. Michael , Burzacott Dale , Zalucki Myron P. , Furlong Michael J. , Barker Dayana , Barker Stephen C.
Published: January 2023

Perhaps one of the central questions in ecology has been what limits the geographic distribution of species. The geographic distributions of the reptile‐ticks Amblyomma limbatum, Bothriocroton hydrosauri and Amblyomma albolimbatum are a classic example of this problem: where these ticks meet, narrow regions‐of‐overlap often occur. Despite studies of interactions among these ticks, and of these ticks and their environment, we still do not understand what limits their geographic distributions. Many hypotheses have been proposed and tested, but all have seemingly been rejected. Our aim was to account for the abundance and the geographic distributions of A. limbatum and B. hydrosauri at Bundey Bore Station, South Australia, where these species come in contact and have been studied for over 35 years, leading to over 55 000 records of reptiles and their ticks using a capture‐mark‐recapture approach. We constructed models which had combinations of temperature and moisture indices from different months of the year to determine the relationship between climate and tick abundance, and between climate and the shifting local geographic distribution of A. limbatum and B. hydrosauri at Bundey Bore Station. We found that climate together with the abundance of ticks in the previous year and the abundance of the lizard host, accounted for 54%–77% of the variation in the abundance of A. limbatum and B. hydrosauri among years. We also found that the climate in late autumn to winter, together with the abundance of ticks and their host, accounted for 18%–84% of the variation in the geographic distributions of these ticks among years. Climate was central to the abundance and the geographic distributions of A. limbatum and B. hydrosauri at Bundey Bore Station. We speculate that the same mechanisms account for the geographic distributions of A. limbatum, B. hydrosauri and A. albolimbatum elsewhere in Australia; so, climate may explain the three‐tick problem in Austral ecology.
Tadpole fingerprinting: Using tail venation patterns to photo‐identify tadpole individuals of a threatened frog
Authors: Gould John , Taylor James , Davies Bryce , Donelly Rachael , Schmahl Kate , Bugir Cassandra K. , Beranek Chad T. , McGregor Jess , Mahony Stephen V. , Seeto Rebecca , Upton Rose , McHenry Colin , Callen Alex
Published: January 2023

Traditional methods for identifying individual amphibians in capture–mark–recapture (CMR) studies have been primarily confined to post‐metamorphic stages, using artificial markers that come with a variety of limitations. An alternative that may open CMR studies to earlier life stages involves the use of a species' natural external markers in photo‐based identification. In this study, we investigated whether it was possible to distinguish tadpoles of the threatened green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) at the individual level based on tail venation patterns. We collected photographs of the tails of captive‐raised tadpoles using a smartphone over a 4‐week period. This photo‐library was used to create an electronic survey where participants were asked to detect matches for query tadpoles from small image pools. We found that most participants agreed on a match for each query, with perfect consensus achieved for most queries (83%). We detected a 14% decline in perfect consensus when participants were asked to match images of tadpoles separated by longer time intervals, suggesting that it is more difficult to visually identify recapture events of L. aurea tadpoles over extended periods due to changes to tail appearance. However, consensus was obtained by participants for all queries, with all matches verified as being correct by the primary researcher. The strength of agreement among participants with no prior experience in matching tadpole tails suggests that there is sufficient inter‐individual variation in this feature for individuals to be manually identified. We thus propose that photo‐identification is likely to be a valid, non‐invasive technique that can be used for short‐term studies on tadpole populations that display tail venation. This offers an alternative to artificial markers that may not allow for individual identification, while also opening up tadpole monitoring programmes to citizen scientists who can be recruited online to process image data from home.
Spatial distribution and effects of Lantana camara invasion on soil properties and native vegetation community composition in Tugwi‐Mukosi Recreational Park, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mandiporeva Josiah , Gamundani Taashwa Pioneer , Gurajena Brian , Mpakairi Kudzai , Magqina Terrance
Published: January 2023

This study investigated spatial distribution and effects of Lantana camara invasion on soil properties and vegetation composition in Tugwi‐Mukosi Recreational Park. Supervised classification with the Random Forest classifier was used to map L. camara in the park. The study area was stratified into two categories based on soil type and the extent of L. camara invasion. Stratified random sampling was used in data collection to assess differences in species diversity and soil properties in the park. Results revealed that L. camara covered an area of 1772 ha. Using Random Forest classification, the study obtained an accuracy score of 92.1% and an F1 score of 86.25%. Two‐way ANOVA showed significant effect of L. camara invasion on soil moisture (F = 28.143, p = 0.000), organic matter (F = 13.377, p = 0.003), pH (F = 1272.369, p = 0.000), total nitrogen (F = 51.762, p = 0.000), total phosphorus (F = 5.000, p = 0.045), woody species density (F = 4.987, p = 0.027), basal area (F = 10.393, p = 0.001), grass species richness (F = 196.258, p = 0.000) and grass cover (F = 3.637, p = 0.042). These results suggest that L. camara was modifying the soil and vegetation properties of the ecosystem which has implications on biodiversity.
Opportunities, challenges and tensions: Open science through a lens of qualitative social psychology
Authors: Pownall Madeleine , Talbot Catherine V. , Kilby Laura , Branney Peter
Published: January 2023

In recent years, there has been a focus in social psychology on efforts to improve the robustness, rigour, transparency and openness of psychological research. This has led to a plethora of new tools, practices and initiatives that each aim to combat questionable research practices and improve the credibility of social psychological scholarship. However, the majority of these efforts derive from quantitative, deductive, hypothesis‐testing methodologies, and there has been a notable lack of in‐depth exploration about what the tools, practices and values may mean for research that uses qualitative methodologies. Here, we introduce a Special Section of BJSP: Open Science, Qualitative Methods and Social Psychology: Possibilities and Tensions. The authors critically discuss a range of issues, including authorship, data sharing and broader research practices. Taken together, these papers urge the discipline to carefully consider the ontological, epistemological and methodological underpinnings of efforts to improve psychological science, and advocate for a critical appreciation of how mainstream open science discourse may (or may not) be compatible with the goals of qualitative research.
Language and learning: the cognitive revolution at 60‐odd
Authors: Bolhuis Johan J. , Crain Stephen , Roberts Ian
Published: January 2023

Around the middle of the last century, the prevailing psychological paradigm of behaviourism was challenged by what is now known as the cognitive revolution. Behaviourists viewed learning as changes in patterns of behaviour through reinforcement. By contrast, advocates of the cognitive approach argued that such behavioural changes were outward manifestations of computational operations on mental representations. Here we consider the current state of the cognitive revolution, focusing on the two most contentious issues in the debate: language and learning. The cognitive approach has proved to be extremely fruitful in both fields. Although contemporary learning theory has almost completely embraced the cognitive approach, the study of language has witnessed a clear empiricist trend to revert back to a kind of neo‐behaviourism. Many contemporary authors contend that language is a means of communication that is learned solely through the observation of external events, and culturally transmitted to successive generations. Here, we argue that learning and language can only be properly understood from a cognitive perspective, where the mind is conceived of as a biologically underpinned computational system. As is the case in learning theory, there is abundant evidence showing that language is subserved by an autonomous cognitive system in the mind. We conclude that the cognitive revolution has fundamentally changed our understanding of the mind.
DKK1‐CKAP4 signal axis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma aggressiveness
Authors: Iguchi Kosuke , Sada Ryota , Matsumoto Shinji , Kimura Hirokazu , Zen Yoh , Akita Masayuki , Gon Hidetoshi , Fukumoto Takumi , Kikuchi Akira
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent malignant liver neoplasm. Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of HCC patients remains poor. Cytoskeleton‐associated membrane protein 4 (CKAP4) is a receptor of the glycosylated secretory protein Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1), and the DKK1‐CKAP4 axis is activated in pancreatic, lung, and esophageal cancer cells. Expression of DKK1 and CKAP4 has been examined in HCC in independent studies that yielded contradictory results. In this study, the relationship between the DKK1‐CKAP4 axis and HCC was comprehensively examined. In 412 HCC cases, patients whose tumors were positive for both DKK1 and CKAP4 had a poor prognosis compared to those who were positive for only one of these markers or negative for both. Deletion of either DKK1 or CKAP4 inhibited HCC cell growth. In contrast to WT DKK1, DKK1 lacking the CKAP4 binding region did not rescue the phenotypes caused by DKK1 depletion, suggesting that binding of DKK1 to CKAP4 is required for HCC cell proliferation. Anti‐CKAP4 Ab inhibited HCC growth, and its antitumor effect was clearly enhanced when combined with lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor. These results indicate that simultaneous expression of DKK1 and CKAP4 is involved in the aggressiveness of HCC, and that the combination of anti‐CKAP4 Ab and other therapeutics including lenvatinib could represent a promising strategy for treating advanced HCC.
Femme populism: Vulnerability and desire in Argentine political aesthetics
Authors: Fierman Julia
Published: January 2023

This article focuses on the role of vulnerability and desire in populist politics. I examine the political aesthetics of Argentine populism by analyzing media and supporters’ representations of Argentine politician Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The populist leader tends to conjure the image of the strongman who is either an avuncular man of the people or a muscular, industrious worker. In contrast, Kirchner's followers focus on her sexual appeal and her emotional vulnerability. Drawing on Lacanian notions of love and desire, I argue that Cristinistas’ sustained focus on their leader's appearance and emotional state reveals the libidinal dimensions of populist politics. Moreover, the fetishization of Cristina as incomparably beautiful and bereaved indicates a deeply phallocentric conception of sovereignty. While Cristina's supporters tout her femininity as a departure from the political status quo, their focus on her image and persona reinforces phallocentric conceptions of sovereignty.
Using beam and ENDB specimens to evaluate fracture characteristics of wavy steel fiber‐reinforced self‐compacting concrete containing different coarse aggregate volumes
Authors: Hoseini Seyed Omid , Mousavi Seyed Roohollah , Sohrabi Mohammad Reza , Ghasemi Mohammad
Published: January 2023

This research has addressed the effects of coarse aggregate (CA) and wavy steel fiber (WSF) volumes on the self‐compacting concrete (SCC) fracture parameters in beam and edge notched disk bend (ENDB) specimens using size effect and work fracture methods (SEM and WFM). Mix designs were based on 30%–60% CA volumes and 0.15%–0.45% WSF volumes, and 144 different‐size notched beam specimens underwent 3‐point bending tests. Results showed that increasing the CA volume and percent WSFs increased the SCC ductility in both SEM and WFM; increasing the WSF volume affected the fracture energy‐compressive strength relationship negatively at 30% and 40% CA volumes, and increasing the WSF affected the mentioned relationship positively at 50 and 60% CA volumes. Finally, we predicted the relationship between the fracture parameters calculated with ENDB specimens and those of beam specimens calculated with SEM and WFM.
Denosumab treatment for refractory hypercalcemia in a hemodialysis patient with tertiary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang Peiheng , Yu Yang , Gao Ying , Yuan Geheng , Zhang Junqing , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

The most appropriate surgical procedure for tertiary hyperparathyroidism is still controversial. Medical management may be considered in those patients with failed previous surgical intervention. There are limited medical options for tertiary hyperparathyroidism with renal dysfunction. The monoclonal antibody denosumab has been used in patients with osteoporosis and hypercalcemia of malignancy. We report a case of medically refractory hypercalcemia caused by tertiary hyperparathyroidism treated with denosumab. A 46‐year‐old female was on hemodialysis for 10 years. She was diagnosed with tertiary hyperparathyroidism due to hypercalcemia with a high level of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH, 1411 pg/ml). After right parathyroidectomy 6 weeks, her serum calcium remained persistently elevated (Ca, 3.17 mmoL/L). Denosumab (60 mg) was administered subcutaneously, and her serum calcium quickly decreased (from 3.43 to 2.04 mmoL/L within 8 days) and was slightly elevated (Ca, 2.8 mmoL/L) 3 months later. We conclude that denosumab has a significant effect on the reduction of serum calcium for tertiary hyperparathyroidism patients. The long‐term treatment effect and safety warrant more studies in the future.
Research on the preparation of Ni/Al2O3 powder by fluidized crystallization granulation–hydrogen reduction
Authors: Wang Xin , Gui Lintao , Yang Haitao , Hu Chaoquan , Yu Xiaohua , Li Hongtao
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a new process route for the preparation of Ni/Al2O3 composite powder through fluidized crystallization granulation–hydrogen reduction and investigates the effects of process feasibility, nickel concentration, nucleation method, and hydrogen reduction on Ni/Al2O3‐coated powder. The decrease in nickel concentration, heterogeneous nucleation, and natural air‐drying properties of precursor particles was beneficial to the formation of a complete and uniform cladding layer, and the increase in hydraulic retention time could improve the thickness of the cladding layer. The optimum process involves a nickel concentration of 50 mg/L; hydraulic residence time of 75 h to ensure heterogeneous nucleation; two‐step hydrogen reduction of precursor particles to obtain a complete and uniform Ni/Al2O3 cladding layer; and a powder surface nickel content of 59.5%.
Microstructure, interfacial characteristics, and wear performances of Cu–Fe–SiC cermet composites
Authors: Gao Qi , Sun Daming , Jiang Xiaosong , Sun Hongliang , Zhang Yali , Fang Yongjian , Shu Rui
Published: January 2023

The Cu–Fe metal‐based ceramic grinding wheel material with SiC as abrasive was prepared by the powder metallurgy process of ball milling and hot pressing sintering. Cu–Fe–SiC cermets with Cu:Fe mass ratios of 4:1, 1:1, and 1:4 were designed by changing the composition of metal binder. The phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and grinding properties of Cu–Fe–SiC cermets were systematically studied. The effect of Cu–Fe binder ratio on the microstructure and properties of cermets was analyzed. The results show that with the increase of Fe content, the density and hardness of cermets increase gradually, indicating that the mechanical properties are improved. Because the Fe in the adhesive can react with the abrasive SiC to form the reaction bonding interface, the Cu–80Fe–SiC cermets with higher Fe content have better adherence. The grinding test results of Cu–80Fe–SiC cermet show that the friction coefficient is .341, the surface roughness is 6.64 μm, the residual stresses parallel to the grinding direction are 353.3 MPa, and the residual stresses perpendicular to the grinding direction are 140.9 MPa. With the increase of Fe content, the wear mechanism changes from ploughing and cutting to friction.
Nurses' competence levels in disaster nursing management in Turkey: A comparative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Demirtaş Hande , Altuntaş Serap
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to determine nurses’ views of their competence in disaster nursing management.

Background

It is an important responsibility of nurses to have the necessary knowledge and skills for the management of disasters and to be prepared for disasters. For this responsibility to be effectively demonstrated, it is important to determine the disaster management competencies of the nurses.

Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional, and comparative research design was used in this study. The study population consisted of all nurses in Turkey (N = 227 292). According to the power analysis, the goal was to recruit 599 nurses working between March and April 2021 using a simple random sampling method. However, 530 nurses answered the questionnaire. The response rate is 88.5%. Data were collected online using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire and the Competencies for Disaster Nursing Management Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

There was a positive correlation between nurses’ duties and responsibilities in disaster management, barriers to developing basic competencies, and nurses’ basic competencies in disaster management (p < 0.001). Nurses have inadequate competencies in disaster management for various reasons. The study was reported with the STROBE checklist.

Conclusion

Although nurses think they have core competencies, they are not prepared for disasters for various reasons.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Hospitals should provide nurses with more duties and responsibilities regarding disaster management. Administrators should involve nurses in plans, decisions, and practices regarding disaster management. Decision‐makers should develop policies and training programs to remove the barriers preventing nurses from acquiring competencies.
The structure of the eggshell and eggshell membranes of Crocodylus niloticus
Authors: Lensink A V , Swan G E , Myburg J G
Published: January 2023

The macro‐ and microstructure, elemental composition, and crystallographic characteristics of the eggshell and eggshell membranes of the Crocodylus niloticus egg was investigated using optical and electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and computerised tomography. The translucent ellipsoid egg is composed of two basic layers, the outer calcified layer referred to as the shell and an inner organic fibre layer, referred to as the shell membrane. The outer inorganic calcite shell is further divided into an external, palisade and mammillary layers with pore channels traversing the shell. The external layer is a thin layer of amorphous calcium and phosphorus, the underlying palisade layer consist of irregular wedge‐shaped crystals composed calcite with traces of magnesium, sodium, sulphur and phosphorus. The crystals are mostly elongated, orientated perpendicular to the shell surface ending in cone‐shaped knobs, which forms the inner mammillary layer. The elemental composition of the mammillae is like that of the palisade layer, but the crystal structure is much smaller and orientated randomly. The highest number of mammillae and shell pores are found at the equator of the egg, becoming fewer towards the egg poles. The shell thickness follows the same pattern, with the thickest area located at the equator. The eggshell membrane located right beneath and embedded in the mammillary layer of the shell; it is made up of unorganised fibre sheets roughly orientated at right angles to one another. Individual fibres consist of numerous smaller fibrils forming open channels that run longitudinally through the fibre.
Inter‐rater reliability of the Rasch‐modified medical research council scoring criteria for manual muscle testing in neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Conde Rodrigo Melo , de Almeida Pereira Pena Lívia , do Nascimento Elias Adriana Helena , Guerreiro Carlos Tostes , Pereira Danilo Assis , da Rosa Sobreira Cláudia Ferreira , Marques Wilson , Barreira Amilton Antunes
Published: February 2023

It was argued that researchers and clinicians are not able to make judgments between most categories of the original Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and that a modified short version would reach higher agreement levels. We aimed to assess the inter‐rater reliability for both the original and the Rasch‐modified MRC scoring criteria of Manual Muscle Strength tests (MMSt) in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Two MRC scoring criteria were used to score muscle strength using MMSt in 40 muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs in patients with neuromuscular disorders. Three investigators performed the evaluations; the order of the MMSt and the use of the scales were performed according to the preferences of the investigators. The agreement coefficient (Gwet's AC2) was used to compute the reliability. Sixty patients (mean age of 39.3 years ± 15.2) with neuromuscular diseases were included. The mean AC2 for the muscle groups of the upper limbs ranged from 0.82 to 0.96 using the modified MRC scale and from 0.86 to 0.96 using the original MRC scale. The AC2 for the lower limb muscle groups ranged from 0.80 to 0.91 (modified MRC scale) and from 0.87 to 0.93 (original MRC scale). These values might be interpreted as “almost perfect agreement” with no significant differences between the scales. The results indicate that both MRC scoring criteria have significant reliability among trained observers. Moreover, the Rasch‐modified MRC scale is as reliable as the original MRC scale and can be used in future clinical studies.
Human muscle and spinal activation in response to body weight loading
Authors: Clarke Benjamin , Al‐Hammdany Jannah Khalid , Di Giulio Irene
Published: January 2023

Human standing is the anatomical and functional framework for independent movement. The study of weight bearing during standing and movement is crucial to support the development of technology aimed at restoring independent gait, where unsupported weight bearing is still elusive. This study aims to determine muscle and spinal activation at different gravitational loads in young, healthy individuals to provide potential patterns of spinal stimulation for standing. Muscle activity was recorded with surface electromyography (EMG) from 18 healthy participants at different body angles while on a motorised plinth. The body angles tested and the relative gravitational loadings were: 0 deg (supine) corresponding to ~0% of total body weight (BW), 15 deg (~26% BW), 30 deg (~50% BW), 45 deg (~71% BW), 60 deg (~87% BW), 75 deg (~97% BW), upright on and off the plinth (~100% BW). The muscles recorded were soleus, gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis, tibialis anterior, adductor longus, peroneus longus, vastus medialis and lateralis, rectus femoris, sartorius, extensor digitorum longus, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gracilis, rectus abdominis, external oblique, erector spinae and latissimus dorsi. From the recorded muscle activity, spinal activation maps were calculated. Despite high variability in EMG data, the group muscle activity changed with body angle. Vastus lateralis became activated at 60 deg (~87% BW), soleus became activated at 75 deg, and the gastrocnemii at 90 deg. The spinal segments that showed significant differences in mean activation between angles were the fifth lumbar L5 and the first sacral S1 segments. The data from this study suggest that weight‐bearing independent standing could be achieved with increased activation of a limited number of superficial muscles tested, and 87% BW is a critical loading for increased muscle activation compared to the supine position. The spinal activation in the lower lumbar and sacral segments shows the involvement of these regions in maintaining weight‐bearing standing. By reproducing this pattern of muscle and spinal segment activity through tonic stimulation, we speculate that restoration of independent standing and walking may be possible for patients following spinal cord injuries.
Validation of the Cardiff acne disability index and the impact of educational materials in a Romanian cultural adaptation context
Authors: Cretu Stefana , Dascalu Mihai , Salavastru Carmen‐Maria
Published: January 2023

Background

Acne has a high impact on patients being a chronic, common, and visible skin condition. Knowledge regarding treatment improves outcomes. The Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) is commonly used in clinical practice for quality‐of‐life assessment. It has been validated in many languages, however, not in Romanian.

Aims

To validate the Romanian adaptation of the CADI and educational materials for acne patients.

Patients and Method

A 12‐week prospective cross‐sectional Web‐based study, including 3rd‐ to 5th‐year medical students attending our university was conducted. We obtained permission from the CADI copyright owner and performed the steps of the standardized translation process. The Romanian CADI adaptation was delivered online in a test–retest setup, during which participants were offered acne educational materials and completed a knowledge evaluation questionnaire.

Results

A total of 95 complete answers were analyzed. The Romanian CADI adaptation showed good internal consistency, with Cronbach's α = 0.807 in the first application and Cronbach's α = 0.839 in the second. High test–retest reliability was observed, with interclass correlation coefficient ICC = 0.987 and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient rs = 0.970 for the overall CADI scores between the two administrations.

The mean baseline score in the knowledge evaluation questionnaire was 15.52 points (±1.556), with a statistically significant improvement after exposure to the educational material (Z = −7.207, p < 0.001). This material was considered useful or very useful by 78(82.8%) participants.

Conclusion

Romanian acne patients can benefit from CADI, a reliable and disease‐specific tool for quality‐of‐life evaluation, together with validated, guideline‐aligned educational material in their language.
Redemption fromSRHRMunderCOVID‐19: How business threat due toCOVID‐19 affects employee insomnia via hope and workplace anxiety
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhang Zhe , Jia Ming
Published: January 2023

Existing studies show that the COVID‐19 pandemic influences employee outcome in the work domain. However, the impact of business threat due to COVID‐19 on employee daily insomnia remains unexplored. Addressing this research gap can help scholars understand the risks of COVID‐19 in the non‐work domain. Drawing on appraisal theories of emotion, we explore how and when business threat due to COVID‐19 triggers employee insomnia. Using an experience sampling methodology where 89 employees are surveyed for 7 workdays, our multilevel analyses show that employee daily hope and workplace anxiety mediate the effects of business threat due to COVID‐19 on employee insomnia. Furthermore, socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) practices weaken the negative relationship between business threat due to COVID‐19 and employees' hope and mitigate the positive relationship between business threat due to COVID‐19 and their workplace anxiety. We also find that SRHRM practices influence the indirect effect of business threat due to COVID‐19 on employee insomnia via workplace anxiety. Our study helps understand the underlying mechanisms in the relationship between business threat due to COVID‐19 and employee insomnia and further sheds light on the role of SRHRM in mitigating the destructive effect of business threat due to COVID‐19.
Salivary histone deacetylase in periodontal disease: A cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: Liaw Andrew , Liu Chun , Bartold Mark , Ivanovski Sašo , Han Pingping
Published: January 2023

Objective

The objective of the study was to profile the expression level of histone deacetylase enzymes (HDACs) in human saliva in periodontal health, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Background

HDACs are epigenetic modulators and a group of enzymes that catalyse the removal of acetyl functional groups from the lysine residues of both histone and nonhistone proteins. HDACs have been detected in gingival tissues and may provide valuable insight into the periodontal inflammatory response. However, no studies have investigated the expression of HDACs in saliva from periodontitis‐affected individuals and their capacity for periodontal diagnostics and screening.

Materials and Methods

Whole unstimulated saliva was collected from 53 participants (17 healthy, 14 gingivitis and 22 stages III/IV periodontitis). The expression of 11 HDACs in saliva samples was determined using RT‐qPCR and diagnostic power was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC Curve (AUC).

Results

Relative to health, the expression of HDAC4, 8 and 10 was downregulated in gingivitis, and the expression of HDAC4, 6, 8 and 9 was downregulated in periodontitis. Increased HDAC1 and decreased HDAC9 expression were observed in periodontitis compared to gingivitis. Higher HDAC1 and lower HDAC6 and 9 expression was observed in periodontitis compared to non‐periodontitis (combining health and gingivitis). Expression of HDAC3, 4, 8, 9 and 10 was significantly decreased in periodontal disease (combining gingivitis and periodontitis) compared to health. HDAC4 and 8 exhibited an excellent diagnostic capacity for distinguishing gingivitis and periodontal disease from health (AUC 0.79–0.86). HDAC9 showed an acceptable power in discriminating periodontitis from health, gingivitis and non‐periodontitis (AUC 0.76–0.80). Salivary HDAC enzyme activity showed no significant difference among the groups.

Conclusion

This pilot study has demonstrated the differential expression of HDACs in human saliva for the first time and identified HDAC4, 8 and 9 as potential biomarkers in periodontal diagnosis.
The Food4Years Ageing Network: Improving foods and diets as a strategy for supporting quality of life, independence and healthspan in older adults
Authors: Clegg Miriam E. , Methven Lisa , Lanham‐New Susan A. , Green Mark A. , Duggal Niharika A. , Hetherington Marion M.
Published: January 2023

By 2050, it is predicted that one in four people in the United Kingdom will be aged 65 years and over. Increases in lifespan are not always translated into years spent in good health. Incidence rates for chronic diseases are increasing, with treatments allowing people to live longer with their disease. There is good evidence to support changes to lifestyle to maintain or improve body composition, cognitive health, musculoskeletal health, immune function and vascular health in older adults. Much research has been done in this area, which has produced significant support for foods and nutrients that contribute to improved healthspan. Yet two major barriers remain: firstly, older adult consumers are not meeting current UK recommendations for macro‐ and micronutrients that could benefit health and quality of life and secondly, the UK‐specific recommendations may not be sufficient to support the ageing population, particularly for nutrients with key physiological roles. More work is needed to improve intakes of specific foods, diets and nutrients by older adults, through a variety of mechanisms including (i) development of specific food products; (ii) improved clarity of information and (iii) appropriate marketing, and policy changes to enable incentives. The Food4Years Ageing Network aims to build a wide‐reaching and multidisciplinary community that is committed to the development, integration and communication of healthy, affordable foods and specific diets for all older adults across the UK food landscape. The Network will identify evidence‐based strategies for improving food intake and nutrition in older adults, paving the way to “living well while living longer.”
Polymeric carbon nitride as a platform for photoelectrochemical water‐splitting cells
Authors: Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: January 2023

Polymeric carbon nitride (CN) materials are promising low‐cost photocatalysts that exhibit a combination of chemical and physical properties suitable for converting light into redox activity on their surface. In this perspective, we describe our experience with this family of materials as light absorbers that serve as an anode in photoelectrochemical cells toward water‐splitting. We describe some of the CN deposition techniques and procedures established in our lab. The knowledge gained from powder‐based photocatalysis is implemented in photoelectrochemical scenarios and is used to determine the merits and shortcomings of resulting layers. We show how the preparation methods are oriented based on these factors and how high photoelectrochemical water‐splitting activity develops in photoanodes we developed where CN(s) act as photoabsorbers. Lastly, we present our view on the future prospects of this field.
ETS1 regulates NDRG1 to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC
Authors: Sheng Xun , Li Xudong , Qian Yemei , Wang Shuhui , Xiao Chunjie
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which the transcription factor ETS1 regulates N‐myc downstream regulatory gene 1 (NDRG1) to provide a new theoretical basis for the study of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

In this study, eight human OSCC and paraneoplastic samples were collected. The expressions of NDRG1, ETS1, and Ki67 were detected by immunohistochemistry; apoptosis was detected by tdt‐mediated dUTP notched end labeling; cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell; quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to detect the expression of NDRG1; RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays detected NDRG1 expression; immunofluorescence assays detected ETS1 expression.

Results

NDRG1 and ETS1 expression was significantly upregulated in cancer tissues and CAL‐27 and SCC‐6 cells. Knockdown of NDRG1 and ETS1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cloning, and EMT while promoting apoptosis and inhibited tumor development; ETS1 positively regulated NDRG1 expression; Finally, overexpression of NDRG1 in vivo and in vitro reversed the effect of ETS1 knockdown on CAL‐27 and SCC‐6 cells.

Conclusions

ETS1 positively regulates the expression of NDRG1 and promotes OSCC. Therefore, ETS1 may serve as a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.
Acceptable Fusion Rate of Single‐Level OLIF Using Pure Allograft Combined with Posterior Instrumentation through the Wiltse Approach: A 2‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Xu Qingyin , Lu Zeyu , Chen Pengbo , Li Bo , Zheng Xinfeng , Jiang Shengdan , Jiang Leisheng
Published: January 2023

Objective

Autogenic bone grafts have shown successful fusion rates in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disorders, but taking too many autogenic bones may result in donor site ischemia or infection. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of single‐level oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) using pure allograft combined with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation through the Wiltse approach.

Methods

A retrospective case analysis was performed on a series of consecutive patients who received a single‐level OLIF procedure combined with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation through the Wiltse approach between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, in which pure allogenic bone graft was used and filled in the large window of the cage. The patients were followed up as scheduled at 1 day and 3, 6, 12, 24 months after operation. Clinical outcome was assessed by multiple questionnaires, including Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score rating system, short form‐36 health survey (SF‐36), and visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain. Radiographic outcome was evaluated by measuring the parameters such as disc height, lumbar lordosis, and segmental angle on the standard standing lateral radiographs, and the space angle of the fusion level on the dynamic views of the lateral radiographs. Subsidence of the cage and intervertebral fusion status were evaluated on both the radiographic and CT scan images.

Results

A total of 34 patients were finally included in this study. At 2‐year follow‐up, the VAS for low back pain, ODI, JOA, and SF‐36 scores all had significant improvement (p < 0.001). Substantial increase of anterior and posterior disc heights was observed (p < 0.001). Both lumbar lordosis and segmental angle became larger (p < 0.05). No visible change of the space angle of the fusion level was found on the dynamic views. The 1‐year fusion rate of 73.5% on CT scans proceeded to 82.4% at 2‐year follow‐up. The fusion rate was as high as 91.2% according to Bridwell interbody fusion grading system on radiographic images. The clinical outcomes in patients with incomplete fusion were just as good as those with complete fusion. The six patients with cage subsidence had higher ODI (p < 0.001) and lower JOA (p < 0.001) and SF‐36 PCS (p = 0.011) scores than those without cage subsidence.

Conclusion

The use of pure allograft in single‐level OLIF resulted in an acceptable fusion rate and satisfactory clinical effect at 2‐year follow‐up. Supplementation of posterior pedicle screw through the minimally invasive Wiltse approach ensured the favorable outcomes both clinically and radiographically.
Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratoderma: Case series and two novel variants
Authors: Braun Mitchell , Choate Keith A. , Mathes Erin F.
Published: February 2023

Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) is an autosomal recessive PPK. We report four patients, highlight two new genetic variants, and emphasize the possibility of misdiagnosing the condition. Concomitant atopic dermatitis, specifically, may make correct diagnosis challenging. Clinicians should consider the diagnosis of Nagashima‐type PPK in patients presenting with mild PPK with transgrediens and understand the importance of individualized multimodal treatment regimens.
Transitions from jail to rural community for adults with mental illness
Authors: Langley Carrie Ann , McEwen Marylyn Morris
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Describe the facilitators and inhibitors of accessing healthcare services for adults with mental illness transitioning from a rural jail to a rural community.

Design/Sample/Measurements

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to conduct this study in a rural southwest county. Purposive sampling was used to recruit eight adults. Data were collected using semi‐structured telephonic interviews and analyzed using open coding and thematic analysis with clustering of emergent data.

Results

The overarching theme, “Out of Jail, but No Freedom,” is supported by four domains: Situational Transition Facilitators; Situational Transition Inhibitors; Health‐Illness Transition Facilitators; and Health‐Illness Transition Inhibitors.

Conclusions

Transitions from the rural jail to the community were facilitated by friends, family, and peer navigators. Systemic inequality endemic within the justice system and exacerbated by rurality creates an environment in which marginalization is ubiquitous for persons with mental illness and inhibits their transition from jail to the rural community. Nurses are well positioned to lead systematic reform in public policy, guiding healthcare funding, and jail utilization.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Indoor Low Concentration Gaseous Formaldehyde by Asymmetric Silveriodate Composited with 2D or 3D Bismuth Oxybromide
Authors: Lin Guo Liang , Liu Min Yi , Lin Ao Xiang , Lu Dong Wang , Wu Shi Chang , Chen Yi Lan , Song Xu Chun
Published: January 2023

Formaldehyde is one of the most hazardous and typical indoor VOCs air pollutants. Asymmetric AgIO3 was respectively composited with 3D hierarchically structured BiOBr and 2D BiOBr nanosheets to photodegrade gas‐phase formaldehyde. Ag/AgIO3/BiOBr(CMC) demonstrated better photocatalytic performance than Ag/AgIO3/BiOBr owning to the role of biomass solvent sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in increasing the specific surface area, reducing the band gap and changing the dominant facets. Moreover, Ag nanoparticles coming from the reduction in AgIO3 were confirmed by XRD, SEM and XPS. The surface plasma resonance effect of Ag NPs improved the efficiency of the light quantum. Besides, different exposed facets of {010} in BiOBr(CMC) and {001} in BiOBr resulted in distinct oxygen vacancy structures. could be generated via a two‐electron transfer pathway on the {010} dominant facets surface in AABR‐CMC, leading to the change in photolysis pathway and facilitating more ·OH produced by AABR‐CMC. Compared with pure AgIO3 and BiOBr or BiOBr(CMC), the photocatalytic efficiency of the composites was improved significantly. Optimal photodegradation efficiency for HCHO was achieved for AABR‐75 and AABR‐CMC50.
Functions and interaction of plant lipid signalling under abiotic stresses
Authors: Liang Y. , Huang Y. , Liu C. , Chen K. , Li M.
Published: January 2023

Lipids are the primary form of energy storage and a major component of plasma membranes, which form the interface between the cell and the extracellular environment. Several lipids — including phosphoinositide, phosphatidic acid, sphingolipids, lysophospholipids, oxylipins, and free fatty acids — also serve as substrates for the generation of signalling molecules. Abiotic stresses, such as drought and temperature stress, are known to affect plant growth. In addition, abiotic stresses can activate certain lipid‐dependent signalling pathways that control the expression of stress‐responsive genes and contribute to plant stress adaptation. Many studies have focused either on the enzymatic production and metabolism of lipids, or on the mechanisms of abiotic stress response. However, there is little information regarding the roles of plant lipids in plant responses to abiotic stress. In this review, we describe the metabolism of plant lipids and discuss their involvement in plant responses to abiotic stress. As such, this review provides crucial background for further research on the interactions between plant lipids and abiotic stress.