bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dl‐3‐n‐butylphthalide promotes synaptic plasticity by activating the Akt/ERK signaling pathway and reduces the blood–brain barrier leakage by inhibiting the HIF‐1α/MMP signaling pathway in vascular dementia model mice
Authors: Che Ping , Zhang Juan , Yu Mingqian , Tang Ping , Wang Yanhui , Lin Aolei , Xu Jing , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2023

Aims

DL‐3‐n‐butylphthalide (NBP) exerts beneficial effects on global cognitive functions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate whether NBP mediates synaptic plasticity and blood–brain barrier (BBB) function, which play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VaD), in a mouse model of bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS).

Methods

NBP was administered to model mice at a dose of 80 mg/kg by gavage for 28 days after surgery. Cognitive function was evaluated by behavioral tests, and hippocampal synaptic plasticity was evaluated by in vivo electrophysiological recording. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), hippocampal volume, and white matter integrity were measured with laser speckle imaging (LSI) and MRI. In addition, BBB leakage and the expression of proteins related to the Akt/ERK and HIF‐1α/MMP signaling pathways were assessed by biochemical assays.

Results

NBP treatment alleviated cognitive impairment, hippocampal atrophy, and synaptic plasticity impairment induced by BCAS. In addition, NBP treatment increased CBF, promoted white matter integrity, and decreased BBB leakage. Regarding the molecular mechanisms, in mice  with BCAS, NBP may activate the Akt/ERK signaling pathway, which upregulates the expression of synapse‐associated proteins, and it may also inhibit the HIF‐1α/MMP signaling pathway, thereby increasing the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results demonstrated the therapeutic effects of NBP in improving cognitive function via a wide range of targets in mice subjected to BCAS.
Exosomal miR‐128‐3p reversed fibrinogen‐mediated inhibition of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation and remyelination after cerebral ischemia
Authors: Hou Huiqing , Wang Yafei , Yang Lan , Wang Yongjun
Published: February 2023

Aims

To investigate the role of exosomal miR‐128‐3p in promoting fibrinogen‐mediated inhibition of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation and the therapeutic potential of exosomal miR‐128‐3p in cerebral ischemia.

Methods

Mouse models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were established as described previously. MCAO was treated with fibrinogen and exosomes by stereotactically injecting into the left stratum. Mouse cortical OPCs were used for mRNA and miRNA sequencing analysis. Exosomes were isolated from neural stem cells (NSCs) of mice.

Results

Fibrinogen deposition suppressed remyelination after MCAO and inhibited OPC differentiation by activating ACVR1, the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling type I receptor. In vitro, miR‐sequencing and verification studies revealed that miR‐128‐3p is associated with BMP signaling mediated by ACVR1. Additionally, transfer of NSC‐derived exosomal miR‐128‐3p to OPCs significantly increased myelin basic protein expression and inhibited BMP signaling. Furthermore, NSC‐derived exosomal miR‐128‐3p protected against fibrinogen‐induced demyelination related to BMP signaling, reduced the infarct volume, and improved neurological function after MCAO.

Conclusions

Fibrinogen deposition inhibits remyelination after ischemic damage and NSC‐derived exosomal miR‐128‐3p promotes OPC differentiation into OLs by suppressing BMP signaling, indicating that NSC‐derived exosomal miR‐128‐3p represents a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide restores oxidative stress‐related apoptosis of oocyte exposed to benzyl butyl phthalate in mice
Authors: Jiang Yi , Wang Di , Zhang Cheng , Jiao Yangyang , Pu Yanan , Cheng Rong , Li Chunyu , Chen Yan
Published: February 2023

Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) is a chemical softener and plasticizer commonly used in toys, food packaging, wallpaper, detergents and shampoos. The estrogenic actions of BBP have detrimental effects on humans and animals. In this study, the specific influence of BBP on mouse oocyte maturation was investigated using in vivo and in vitro models. The experiment first verified that BBP exposure significantly affected the rate of oocyte exclusion of the first polar body, although it did not affect germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) through in vitro oocyte culture system. Results of in vitro fertilization show that BBP exposure affects blastocyst rate. Subsequently, the results obtained by immunofluorescence staining technology showed that oocyte spindle organization, chromosomal arrangement and the distribution of cortical actin were disrupted by BBP exposure, and led to the failure of oocyte meiotic maturation and the subsequent early embryo development. Singe‐cell transcriptome analysis found that BBP exposure altered the expression levels of 588 genes, most associated with mitochondria‐related oxidative stress. Further analysis demonstrated that the detrimental effects of BBP involved the disruption of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress‐induced early apoptosis. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation reduced the adverse effects of BBP. Collectively, these findings revealed a mechanism of BBP‐induced toxicity on female reproduction and showed that NMN provides an effective treatment for BBP actions.
The impact of geographic location versus center practice on center volume in liver transplantation after the acuity circle policy
Authors: Bekki Yuki , Myers Bryan , Tomiyama Koji , Melcher Marc L , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: February 2023

Background

The allocation system for livers used the acuity circles (AC) beginning in 2020. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of the AC policy on center transplant volumes, from geographic and center practice perspectives.

Methods

Using the US national registry data between 2018 and 2022, adult liver transplantations (LTs) were separated into two eras: before AC and after AC.

Results

The number of LT for Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores ≥29 have significantly increased by 10%, and waitlist times for those patients have been significantly shorter after AC. These benefits were not found in patients with MELD scores <29. The geographic distribution of transplant centers reveals that the majority of centers which increased their transplant volume (18 out of 25 centers) are located in high‐population states while there are seven transplant centers in nonhigh‐population states. The centers in the nonhigh‐population states utilized more marginal donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors by 27% and 155%, respectively. MELD scores were significantly lower in the nonhigh‐population states compared with those in the high‐population states (p < .01).

Conclusion

AC improved the LT access for patients with MELD scores ≥29, which benefited the high‐population states. However, aggressive center practices to utilize marginal DBD and DCD donors were able to increase transplant volume and lower median allocation MELD scores.
Two distinct pathogenic pathways of digital papillary adenocarcinoma — BRAF mutation or low‐risk HPV infection
Authors: Bui Chau M. , Pukhalskaya Tatsiana , Smoller Bruce R. , Zengin Hatice Betul , Heneidi Saleh , Vail Eric , Makhoul Elias , Balzer Bonnie
Published: February 2023

Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA) is a rare neoplasm that can exhibit local recurrence and distant metastasis. We present a series of eight cases of DPA showing two distinct clinical presentations, morphologies, immunophenotypes, and molecular features. Four cases were characterized by painless, slow‐growing nodules located on the digits. The lesions were small, well‐defined, and confined in the dermis. Histopathologically, these tumors were composed of glandular structures lined by cuboidal epithelium with luminal papillary infoldings. Only rare mitotic figures and minimal squamoid differentiation were present, and cellular necrosis was absent. All four cases were positive for the BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry but negative for p16, low‐risk and high‐risk HPV in situ hybridization (ISH). In contrast, the remaining four cases were characterized by painful, rapidly growing masses on the digits. These four lesions were located in the deep dermis and consisted of a solid, tightly packed papillary architecture lined by atypical epithelioid cells with inconspicuous nucleoli. Cellular necrosis, numerous mitotic figures, and prominent squamoid differentiation were seen. All cases were negative for the BRAF V600E IHC. However, they showed strong, patchy to diffuse reactivity for p16 and were positive for low‐risk HPV ISH and negative for high‐risk HPV ISH. Our findings suggest that the current classification of DPA encompasses tumors that show two discrete pathogenic pathways — BRAF mutation or low‐risk HPV infection. DPAs with low‐risk HPV infection exhibit aggressive clinical features, high‐grade morphology, marked squamoid differentiation, and wild‐type BRAF. DPAs with BRAF V600E have less aggressive clinical features, low‐grade morphologic findings, mild to absent squamoid differentiation, and negative HPV infection.
Standing genetic variation as a potential mechanism of novel cave phenotype evolution in the freshwater isopod, Asellus aquaticus
Authors: Rodas Lizet R. , Sarbu Serban M. , Bancila Raluca , Price Devon , Fišer Žiga , Protas Meredith
Published: February 2023

Novel phenotypes can come about through a variety of mechanisms including standing genetic variation from a founding population. Cave animals are an excellent system in which to study the evolution of novel phenotypes such as loss of pigmentation and eyes. Asellus aquaticus is a freshwater isopod crustacean found in Europe and has both a surface and a cave ecomorph which vary in multiple phenotypic traits. An orange eye phenotype was previously revealed by F2 crosses and backcrosses to the cave parent within two examined Slovenian cave populations. Complete loss of pigmentation, both in eye and body, is epistatic to the orange eye phenotype and therefore the orange eye phenotype is hidden within the cave populations. Our goal was to investigate the origin of the orange eye alleles within the Slovenian cave populations by examining A. aquaticus individuals from Slovenian and Romanian surface populations and Asellus aquaticus infernus individuals from a Romanian cave population. We found orange eye individuals present in lab raised surface populations of A. aquaticus from both Slovenia and Romania. Using a mapping approach with crosses between individuals of two surface populations, we found that the region known to be responsible for the orange eye phenotype within the two previously examined Slovenian cave populations was also responsible within both the Slovenian and the Romanian surface populations. Complementation crosses between orange eye Slovenian and orange eye Romanian surface individuals suggest that the same gene is responsible for the orange eye phenotype in both surface populations. Additionally, we observed a low frequency phenotype of eye loss in crosses generated between the two surface populations and also in the Romanian surface population. Finally, in a cave population from Romania, A. aquaticus infernus, we found that the same region is also responsible for the orange eye phenotype as the Slovenian cave populations and the Slovenian and Romanian surface populations. Therefore, we present evidence that variation present in the cave populations could originate from standing variation present in the surface populations and/or transgressive hybridization of different surface phylogenetic lineages rather than de novo mutations.
Impact of decision and action outcomes on subsequent decision and action behaviours in humans
Authors: Saleri Lunazzi Clara , Thura David , Reynaud Amélie J.
Published: February 2023

Speed–accuracy trade‐off adjustments in decision‐making have been mainly studied separately from those in motor control. In the wild, however, animals coordinate their decision and action, often deciding while acting. Recent behavioural studies support this view, indicating that animals, including humans, trade decision time for movement time to maximize their global rate of reward during experimental sessions. Besides, it is well established that choice outcomes impact subsequent decisions. Crucially though, whether and how a decision outcome also influences the subsequent motor performance, and whether and how the outcome of a movement influences the next decision, is unclear. Here, we address these questions by analysing trial‐to‐trial changes of choice and motor behaviours in healthy human participants instructed to perform successive perceptual decisions expressed with reaching movements whose duration was either weakly or strongly constrained in separate tasks. Results indicate that after a wrong decision, subjects who were weakly constrained in their action duration decided more slowly and more accurately. Interestingly, they also shortened their subsequent movement duration by moving faster. Conversely, we found that errors of constrained movements influenced not only the speed and the amplitude of the following movement but those of the decision too. If the movement had to be slowed down, the decision that precedes that movement was accelerated and vice versa. Together, these results indicate that from one trial to the next, humans seek to determine a behavioural duration as a whole instead of optimizing each of the decision and action speed–accuracy trade‐offs independently of each other.
Evolutionary constraints mediate extinction risk under climate change
Authors: Garcia‐Costoya Guillermo , Williams Claire E. , Faske Trevor M. , Moorman Jacob D. , Logan Michael L.
Published: February 2023

Mounting evidence suggests that rapid evolutionary adaptation may rescue some organisms from the impacts of climate change. However, evolutionary constraints might hinder this process, especially when different aspects of environmental change generate antagonistic selection on genetically correlated traits. Here, we use individual‐based simulations to explore how genetic correlations underlying the thermal physiology of ectotherms might influence their responses to the two major components of climate change—increases in mean temperature and thermal variability. We found that genetic correlations can influence population dynamics under climate change, with declines in population size varying three‐fold depending on the type of correlation present. Surprisingly, populations whose thermal performance curves were constrained by genetic correlations often declined less rapidly than unconstrained populations. Our results suggest that accurate forecasts of the impact of climate change on ectotherms will require an understanding of the genetic architecture of the traits under selection.
Socioeconomic status as a risk factor for motoric cognitive risk syndrome in a community‐dwelling population: A longitudinal observational study
Authors: Mullin Donncha S. , Stirland Lucy E. , Russ Tom C. , Luciano Michelle , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela
Published: February 2023

Background

Motoric cognitive risk (MCR) is a syndrome characterised by measured slow gait speed and self‐reported cognitive complaints. MCR is a high‐risk state for adverse health outcomes in older adults, particularly cognitive impairment and dementia. Previous studies have identified risk factors for MCR, but the effect of socioeconomic status has, to date, been insufficiently examined. This study explored the association between MCR and socioeconomic status, as determined by occupational social class and years of education.

Methods

Some 692 community‐based adults of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (LBC1936), aged 70 years at baseline, were followed up after 6 years and classified into non‐MCR and MCR groups. We applied logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and health covariates to investigate the association between MCR and years of education and occupational social class, categorised into manual versus non‐manual occupations.

Results

MCR prevalence at age 76 years was 5.6% (95% CI 4.0–7.6). After multivariate adjustment, participants of lower socioeconomic status (manual occupation) had a greater than three‐fold increased likelihood of MCR (adjusted odds ratio 3.55, 95% CI 1.46–8.74; p = 0.005) compared with those of higher socioeconomic status (non‐manual occupation).

Conclusions

Working in a manual job earlier in life triples the risk of MCR later in life, regardless of education. Unravelling this association will likely reveal important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MCR and may unearth modifiable risk factors which could be targeted to reduce the incidence of MCR and, ultimately, dementia. Policy and healthcare practice addressing dementia risks such as MCR in their social context and early in the lifecourse could be effective strategies for reducing health inequalities in older age.
Gastrointestinal barriers to levodopa transport and absorption in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Leta Valentina , Klingelhoefer Lisa , Longardner Katherine , Campagnolo Marta , Levent Hafize Çotur , Aureli Federico , Metta Vinod , Bhidayasiri Roongroj , Chung‐Faye Guy , Falup‐Pecurariu Cristian , Stocchi Fabrizio , Jenner Peter , Warnecke Tobias , Ray Chaudhuri K. ,   International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society Non‐Motor Parkinson's Disease Study Group
Published: February 2023

Levodopa is the gold standard for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). There are well documented motor and non‐motor fluctuations, however, that occur almost inevitably once levodopa is started after a variable period in people with PD. Whilst brain neurodegenerative processes play a part in the pathogenesis of these fluctuations, a range of barriers across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can alter levodopa pharmacokinetics, ultimately contributing to non‐optimal levodopa response and symptoms fluctuations. GI barriers to levodopa transport and absorption include dysphagia, delayed gastric emptying, constipation, Helicobacter pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and gut dysbiosis. In addition, a protein‐rich diet and concomitant medication intake can further alter levodopa pharmacokinetics. This can result in unpredictable or sub‐optimal levodopa response, ‘delayed on’ or ‘no on’ phenomena. In this narrative review, we provided an overview on the plethora of GI obstacles to levodopa transport and absorption in PD and their implications on levodopa pharmacokinetics and development of motor fluctuations. In addition, management strategies to address GI dysfunction in PD are highlighted, including use of non‐oral therapies to bypass the GI tract.
Legislative capacity, bureaucratic reputation, and delegation from a trust perspective: A survey experiment
Authors: Zhang Jiasheng , Yang Kaifeng , Li Hui
Published: February 2023

Challenging the assumptions of the principal‐agent theory, the recent bureaucratic politics literature contends that politicians do not necessarily have weaker capacities and bureaucrats are not necessarily bad apples. What this means for the delegation decision remains underexplored, particularly regarding how legislative capacity and bureaucratic reputation jointly affect delegation. We examine this issue with a trust perspective and a survey experiment of city mayors. Treating bureaucratic reputation as individual trustworthiness and perceived legislative capacity as institutional trustworthiness, we find they interact in complex ways in influencing delegation. When bureaucratic reputation is high, perceived legislative capacity is not associated with delegation. Perceived legislative capacity matters only when bureaucratic reputation is low, and high capacity relates to greater delegation willingness than when capacity is not considered. The findings have implications for studies on delegation, discretion, and bureaucratic reputation.
Improving scale adaptation practices in information systems research: Development and validation of a cognitive validity assessment method
Authors: Pillet Jean‐Charles , Carillo Kevin D. , Vitari Claudio , Pigni Federico
Published: February 2023

Scale adaptation, where authors alter the wording of an already published scale, is a deeply rooted social practice in IS research. This paper argues that the time is ripe to question this activity as well as the beliefs that have progressively formed around it. We identify and challenge five fallacious scale adaptation beliefs that hinder the development of more robust measure development norms. Contributing to this area of research, this paper offers a conceptual definition of the cognitive validity concept, defined as the extent to which a scale is free of problematic item characteristics (PICs) that bias the survey response process and subsequent empirical results. Building on this conceptualization effort, a new methodological process for assessing the cognitive validity of adapted IS measures is introduced. Through a series of three programmatic studies, we find converging evidence that the method can benefit the IS field by making the scale adaptation process more robust, transparent, and consistent. Along with the method, we introduce a new index that IS scholars can use to benchmark the cognitive quality of their scales against venerable IS measures. We discuss the implications of our work for IS research (including detailed implementation guidelines) and provide directions for future research on measurement in IS.
The influence of meaningful activities in the quality of life and functional autonomy of adults with intellectual disability: A prospective study during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Muñoz‐López Saray , Molina‐Garcia Pablo , Gutiérrez‐Cruz Carmen , Ubago‐Díaz Rocio , Romero‐Ayuso Dulce , Ariza‐Vega Patrocinio
Published: February 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic might negatively impact the quality of life and functional autonomy of Spanish adults with intellectual disability, and meaningful activities could prevent this negative progression.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study in Spanish adults with intellectual disability during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Quality of life, functional autonomy and functional independence were measured. The meaningful activities studied were structured‐leisure, community self‐management, and occupational and physical activities.

Results

Seventy‐three participants were included in the study. Quality of life and functional autonomy significantly deteriorated during the COVID‐19 pandemic (all p > .001). Greater participation in community self‐management activities before COVID‐19 was associated with less detriment to quality of life (ß = −.312; p = .008), while greater participation in occupational and physical activities was associated with less detriment to the performance of instrumental activities (ß = −.317; p = .016; and ß = −.285; p = .030, respectively).

Conclusion

People with intellectual disability living in residential homes experienced a decrease in their quality of life and functional autonomy during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Their involvement in community self‐management activities and physical and occupational activities before the pandemic had preventive effects on the detriment to the quality of life and functional autonomy.
PHF6 promotes the progression of endometrial carcinoma by increasing cancer cells growth and decreasing T‐cell infiltration
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Fang Aizhong , Peng Yichen , Yu Jianyu , Yu Chunna , Xie Jinxuan , Zheng Yi , Song Lairong , Li Parker , Li Jia , Kang Xun , Lin Yi , Li Wenbin
Published: February 2023

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract. The overall survival of advanced and recurrent UCEC patients is still unfavourable nowadays. It is urgent to find a predictive biomarker and block tumorgenesis at an early stage. Plant homeodomain finger protein 6 (PHF6) is a key player in epigenetic regulation, and its alterations lead to various diseases, including tumours. Here, we found that PHF6 expression was upregulated in UCEC tissues compared with normal tissues. The UCEC patients with high PHF6 expression had poor survival than UCEC patients with low PHF6 expression. PHF6 mutation occurred in 12% of UCEC patients, and PHF6 mutation predicted favourable clinical outcome in UCEC patients. Depletion of PHF6 effectively inhibited HEC‐1‐A and KLE cell proliferation in vitro and decreased HEC‐1‐A cell growth in vivo. Furthermore, high PHF6 level indicated a subtype of UCECs characterized by low immune infiltration, such as CD3+ T‐cell infiltration. While knockdown of PHF6 in endometrial carcinoma cells increased T‐cell migration by promoting IL32 production and secretion. Taken together, our findings suggested that PHF6 might play an oncogenic role in UCEC patients. Thus, PHF6 could be a potential biomarker in predicting the prognosis of UCEC patients. Depletion of PHF6 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for UCEC patients.
Water temperature explains part of the variation in basal plasma cortisol level within and between fish species
Authors: Alfonso Sébastien , Houdelet Camille , Bessa Eduardo , Geffroy Benjamin , Sadoul Bastien
Published: February 2023

Within the thermal tolerance range of fish, metabolism is known to escalate with warming. Rapid thermic changes also trigger a series of physiological responses, including activation of the stress axis, producing cortisol. Fish have adapted to their environment by producing a low level of plasmatic cortisol when unstressed (basal), so that thriving in their natural temperature should not impact their basal cortisol levels. Yet, surprisingly, little is known on how temperature affects cortisol within and between fish species. Here, we conducted a phylogenetic meta‐analysis to (1) test whether temperature can explain the differences in basal cortisol between species and (2) evaluate the role of temperature on differences in cortisol levels between individuals of a same species. To do this, we retrieved basal plasma cortisol data from 126 studies, investigating 33 marine and freshwater fish species, and correlated it to water temperature. Intra‐species variability in basal plasma cortisol levels was further investigated in two species: the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax and the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Factors such as life stage, sex and weight were also considered in the analyses. Overall, our phylogenetic analysis revealed a clear positive correlation between basal cortisol level and the temperature at which the fish live. The role of temperature has also been confirmed within D. labrax, while it failed to be significant in O. niloticus. In this paper, the influence of habitat, life stage, sex and weight on basal plasma cortisol levels is also discussed. Since some abiotic parameters were not included in the analysis, our study is a call to encourage scientists to systematically report other key factors such as dissolved oxygen or salinity to fully depict the temperature‐cortisol relationship in fishes.
Suggestions for overcoming the barriers to critical thinking in nursing
Authors: Christodoulakis Antonios , Zografakis Sfakianakis Michael , Tsiligianni Ioanna
Published: February 2023

Nurses strive to provide the best quality of care to their patients in a stressful and constantly changing environment. Critical thinking (CT) could help nurses provide better quality of care to their patients. However, studies have shown that nurses either have low levels of CT or underutilize it during clinical practice. A possible explanation could be that nurses experience barriers during the development and/or utilization of CT. Since CT can be cultivated during university, nurse educators could utilize methods that improve CT. However, nurse educators do not sufficiently develop the CT of their students, since they usually rely on teacher‐centered methods and not active learning methods. On the other hand, during clinical practice nurses cope with several barriers that inhibit their ability to use CT, such as: lack of teamwork, high levels of stress, time constraints, and understaffing. All these barriers decrease the utilization of CT and the quality of care that nurses provide. The present commentary suggests a simple strategy that could be used by educators and assist graduate nurses overcome the barriers to utilize CT during clinical practice. This strategy consists of three distinct components, namely: individual, interdisciplinary, and administrative. Each component could be used individually to improve the CT of nurses depending on the available resources and facilities. Nevertheless, educators by improving the CT of nurses could assist them in providing better quality of care.
Sex trafficking by consent? Andean padrinazgo, illegal mining in Amazonia, and state intervention
Authors: Shepherd Christopher , Barrantes Carmen Luisa
Published: February 2023

Rising gold prices have led to the expansion of illegal gold mining in Peru's southwestern Amazon region. This is accompanied by an increase in sex trafficking of Indigenous girls and women from the southern Andes. This article focuses on the emerging economic and cultural connections that span Andean and Amazonian mining and sex trafficking migration in the region. The notion of precarity is applied to assess victims’ agency within a racialized, neoliberal, informal labor market at the fringes of global capitalism. In tracing the trajectory of trafficked adolescents from highlands to lowlands and, in some cases, into state‐run shelters, the role of padrinazgo (patronage of godparents) is explored. It is argued that trafficked subjects’ choices are circumscribed by padrinazgo‐type relationships with traffickers, according to which they pursue a “preferred precarity” across competing existential, vocational, and subjective states.
Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy improve recovery in early or late vascular occlusion generates by tissue fillers
Authors: Rodriguez‐Valera Adriana , Nieto‐Lopez Francisco
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Aesthetic medicine is characterized by the efficacy and safety of treatments. Although sometimes adverse events could be occurred, in this case vascular occlusion is the most serious of them. The tissue is deprived of oxygen and there is a possibility of necrosis, so it is necessary to remove the tissue filler and promote oxygenation.

Objective

We propose the hyperbaric oxygenation treatment to oxygenate the tissue after vascular occlusion generated by a tissue filler such as Hyaluronic Acid.

Results

We show how hyperbaric oxygenation treatment is an adjuvant therapy after vascular occlusion, improving tissue regeneration and prevent or limit scars or sequelae.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygenation treatment is a safe and effective method to treat vascular accident, improving tissue oxygenation in early cases and improving tissue regeneration in cases with necrosis.
Immunohistochemical analysis with apoptosis and autophagy markers in periodontitis and peri‐implantitis: Clinical comparative study
Authors: Ozkocer Ozkan , Ozkocer Suheyla Esra , Guler Berceste , Uraz Corekci Ahu , Elmas Cigdem , Yalım Mehmet
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Recently, the terms autophagy and apoptosis have been studied on implants, especially in cell culture and in vitro studies, but in vivo evaluations are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in apoptosis and autophagy intensity at the molecular and cellular level in periodontal and peri‐implant diseases.

Methods

Sixty‐four biopsy samples were obtained from 52 patients, 36 female and 16 male, whose mean age was between 18 and 75, and were included in the study. The periodontitis group was defined as PG (n:30 sample) and the peri‐implantitis group as IG (n:34 samples). Granulation tissues as biopsy materials were collected, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed with hematoxylin–eosin, Masson's trichrome, anti‐MAP1LC3A, anti‐beclin, and anti‐active caspase‐3 antibodies and terminal TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) methods. The histological slide images were evaluated with the ImageJ software program. Inflammatory cell density in epithelial tissue, inflammatory cell density in connective tissue, the density of necrotic tissue debris, and collagen density in connective tissue were scored between 0 and 3 (0: none, 1: minimal, 2: moderate, 3: severe by hematoxylin–eosin and Masson's trichrome). The antibody binding reaction areas were evaluated per unit area (mm2) in connective tissue by immunohistochemical examination.

Results

As histochemical evaluations, there was no statistically significant differences the mean inflammatory cell density value in the epithelial tissue, inflammatory cell density value in the connective tissue, density value of necrotic tissue debris, collagen density value in the connective tissue between the groups. There was no statistically significant difference on immunohistochemical staining with LC3, caspase‐3, Beclin‐1 and TUNEL between the two groups (p > .05).

Conclusions

A higher rate of inflammatory accumulation was shown on peri‐implantitis, but no difference was found between periodontitis and peri‐implantitis according to autophagy and apoptosis markers. Studies with high sample sizes with different markers are needed.
Emerging nondestructive techniques to quantify the textural properties of food: A state‐of‐art review
Authors: Mishra Gayatri , Sahni Prashant , Pandiselvam Ravi , Panda Brajesh Kumar , Bhati Dolly , Mahanti Naveen Kumar , Kothakota Anjineyulu , Kumar Manoj , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: February 2023

Texture is an important sensory attribute that drives consumer acceptance of any food material. In recent times consumers' demand for high‐quality food urges food industries to provide food with consistent textural properties. However, texture measurement not just requires a trained sensory panel but also a considerable amount of time and effort. On the flip side, human observation could be subjective hence repeatability of the result may not be ensured and/or relied on. Contrary to that, objective methods for texture measurement are reliable and consistent, but are not suitable for in‐line application and also destructive in nature. The mentioned crisis has made industries opt for nondestructive texture analysis techniques. In the past decade, considerable research has been carried out on nondestructive texture analysis methods such as micro‐deformation, and acoustic and optical techniques, showing feasibility for in‐line applications. The current review focuses on the working principles and most recent applications of nondestructive techniques for texture analysis of food products. Moreover, a detailed review of contact and noncontact‐type texture measurement has been presented in this article. The literature survey is concluded with future research aspects and challenges involved in the commercialization of the nondestructive texture analysis techniques.
Closing the Gap: An Analysis of Women's Representation in State Legislatures and the Gender Pay Gap
Authors: Shay Laine P. , Rauhaus Beth M.
Published: February 2023

In several US state legislatures, the number of women lawmakers has recently reached unprecedented levels. This raises the following question: what are the policy consequences associated with an increase in women legislators? While legislative scholars have uncovered that an increase in representation through women state lawmakers can result in different policy outcomes, one outcome that has not been considered is the size of the gender wage gap. In this research note, we develop the theoretical linkage that connects gender representation in state legislatures to the level of pay inequality within a state. We test our theoretical expectation with two different measures of pay inequality at the state level using panel data. Our results suggest that an increase in women state lawmakers corresponds to a smaller wage gap between men and women within the state. These findings deepen our understanding of the importance of gender representation in state legislatures.
Astrocytoma (CNS WHO grade 4), IDH‐mutant with co‐occurrence of BRAF p.V600E mutation, and homozygous loss of CDKN2A
Authors: Leske Henning , Blakstad Hanne , Lund‐Iversen Marius , Skovholt Else Kathrine , Niehusmann Pitt , Ramm‐Pettersen Jon‐Terje , Skogen Karoline , Kongelf Geir , Sprauten Mette , Magelssen Henriette , Brandal Petter
Published: February 2023

Molecular alterations nowadays play a crucial role in the diagnosis of brain tumors. Some of these alterations are associated with outcome and/or response to treatment, including sequence variants of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) at position p.R132 or p.R172. Such IDH variants have so far been described in histone H3‐wildtype primary brain tumors only in adult‐type diffuse gliomas and are associated with a better outcome compared to their IDH‐wildtype counterpart, the glioblastoma. Moreover, homozygous loss of CDKN2A and/or CDKN2B in IDH‐mutant astrocytomas shortens the median overall survival regardless of histological features of malignancy. Such tumors are therefore considered to be aggressive and graded as WHO central nervous system (CNS) grade 4 lesions. The coexistence of an IDH‐sequence variation and a BRAF p.V600E alteration has only rarely been described in diffuse astrocytomas. Due to the small number of cases, little is known about such neoplasms in terms of clinical behavior and response to treatment. Herein we describe the first case, to our knowledge, of an astrocytoma (CNS WHO grade 4), IDH‐mutant, and BRAF p.V600E‐mutant with homozygous deletion of CDKN2A. Pathologists should be aware that such an expression profile does exist even in WHO CNS grade 4 astrocytomas, IDH‐mutant, and are encouraged to test for the BRAF p.V600E sequence variant as such an alteration may provide additional treatment options.
Does racism toward nurses increase as treatment invasiveness rises?
Authors: Bokek‐Cohen Ya'arit
Published: February 2023

One of the unspoken issues in public discourse in most countries is the racism of patients toward nurses who originate from a different ethnic group than theirs. The aim of the present study is to examine whether patients' racism toward nurses increases as the invasiveness of treatment rises. This study was conducted in Israel, a highly conflictual society where Jews and Arabs live together and meet in the same health facilities. Despite the tension and sometimes animosity caused by the political situation, members of each group regularly encounter members of the other group during the provision of health‐care, both as patients and as medical and nursing staff. A study questionnaire which presented nine nursing treatments of diverse levels of invasiveness was filled out by Arab and Jewish participants. They were asked to convey their preference for an Arab or a Jewish nurse for each treatment. Results of Logistic Regression Analyses reveal that in both sectors, racism toward nurses increases as the treatment invasiveness rises. These findings are discussed in light of the concept of social distance, and serve as an empirical basis for several proposed practical recommendations for eradicating racism against nurses.
The implementation and effectiveness of outlet‐level healthy food and beverage accreditation schemes: A systematic review
Authors: Huse Oliver , Schultz Sally , Boelsen‐Robinson Tara , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Peeters Anna , Sacks Gary , Blake Miranda R.
Published: February 2023

Healthy food outlet accreditation schemes represent an avenue for incentivizing food retailers to promote healthy eating patterns by improving the healthiness of food environments. This systematic review aimed to (i) assess the impact of food outlet‐level accreditation schemes on outlet practices and customer purchases and (ii) identify barriers and enablers to scheme implementation. Peer‐reviewed and grey literature were systematically searched. Eligible studies related to outlet‐level food and beverage accreditation schemes across any food retail setting. Findings were narratively synthesized by retailer type according to (i) scheme characteristics (governance, targeted products, support, and monitoring); (ii) scheme outcomes (rate of uptake, proportion of certified retailers, impact on purchasing, customer perspectives, and retailer perspectives); and (iii) barriers and enablers to implementation. From 21,943 records screened, 48 were included, covering 26 schemes. Most (18) targeted restaurants or convenience stores. Average uptake was 65% of all outlets approached to participate. Implementation of accreditation schemes was associated with healthier customer purchases in convenience stores, schools, and hospitals, but evidence from restaurants was mixed. Enablers of scheme implementation included support for implementation and maintenance, flexible scheme criteria, and motivated retail staff. Healthy food outlet accreditation schemes represent a promising mechanism for engaging retailers to improve the healthiness of food retail environments.
A retrospective study to identify the compliance with SDCEP guidelines of exodontia patients taking oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication
Authors: Archer Natalie , Ghei Anita , Patel Monica , Bulsara Yogesh
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Exodontia treatment plans for oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet patients should consider Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) management guidelines. No previous literature has identified SDCEP guidelines compliance. The aim of this study was to determine how Oral Surgery staff manage exodontia patients who take antithrombotic medication, and the extent to which management principles consider SDCEP guidelines.

Materials and Methods

All clinical records were retrospectively analysed to identify patients who matched our criteria and had an exodontia procedure undertaken at Birmingham Dental Hospital over a 3‐month period.

Results

Initial records (n = 2961) of exodontia patients identified that 7.8% (n = 231) of patients were taking oral antithrombotic medication; 163 patients on Antiplatelet medication, 42 on Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOAC) and 24 on Warfarin. No Antiplatelet or Warfarin patient had their medication regime interrupted. All Warfarin patients had their INR performed and recorded within 72 h of the procedure. A notable difference was found between managing high and low‐risk bleeding procedures for NOAC patients, although this was not statistically significant. Local intra‐operative haemostatic measures applied were significantly different between each of the drug groups (p < 0.001). No local haemostatic measures were recorded in 45% of Antiplatelet patients, compared to 4.8% of NOAC and 12.5% of Warfarin cases. Self‐referrals are presented more commonly on a Thursday or Friday (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Each treatment plan should be considered on an individual basis, combining clinician expertise and clinical guidelines to optimise patient care. Areas of poor compliance were identified with further research being required to comprehend how compliance with the literature alters post‐operative haemostatic complications.
Assessing the utility of ultrasound‐guided vascular access placement with longer catheters in critically ill pediatric patients
Authors: Dachepally Rashmitha , Garcia Alvaro Donaire , Liu Wei , Flechler Christine , Hanna William J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Critically ill pediatric patients can have difficulty with establishing and maintaining stable vascular access. A long‐dwelling peripheral intravenous catheter placement decreases the need for additional vascular interventions.

Aim

The study sought to compare longevity, catheter‐associated complications, and the need for additional vascular interventions when using ultrasound‐guided longer peripheral intravenous catheters comparing to a traditional approach using standard‐sized peripheral intravenous catheters in pediatric critically ill patients with difficult vascular access.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective cohort study included children 0–18 years of age with difficult vascular access admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit between 01/01/2018–06/01/2021.

Results

One hundred and eighty seven placements were included in the study, with 99 ultrasound‐guided long intravenous catheters placed and 88 traditionally placed standard‐sized intravenous catheters. In the univariate analysis, patients in the traditional approach were at a higher risk of intravenous failure compared to those in the ultrasound‐guided approach (HR = 2.20, 95% CI [1.45–3.34], p = .001), with median intravenous survival times of 108 and 219 h, respectively. Adjusting for age, patients in the traditional approach remained at higher risk of intravenous failure (HR = 1.99, 95% CI: [1.28–3.08], p = .002). Adjusting for hospital length of stay, patients in the ultrasound‐guided approach were less likely to have additional peripheral intravenous access placed during hospitalization (OR = 0.39, 95% CI [0.18–0.85] p = .017).

Conclusion

In critically ill pediatric patients with difficult vascular access, ultrasound‐guided long peripheral intravenous catheters provide an alternative to traditional approach standard‐sized intravenous catheters with improved longevity, lower failure rates, and reduced need for additional vascular interventions.
Experiences of dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescents: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Ohlis Anna , Bjureberg Johan , Ojala Olivia , Kerj Emme , Hallek Camilla , Fruzzetti Alan E. , Hellner Clara
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To explore how former patients in dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescents (DBT‐A) experience their treatment, and specifically if there were aspects of the treatment that they retrospectively identify as particularly meaningful, helpful or unhelpful.

Design

From a larger sample of 75 former DBT‐A patients 19 were selected for a qualitative semi‐structured interview study.

Methods

Young adults (N = 19; 18 females, one male), who as adolescents had been enrolled in DBT‐A due to self‐harming behaviours and features of borderline personality disorder, were interviewed up to 8 years (median 6.0; min 1.3; max 8.2) after end of treatment, at mean age 23 years (SD 2.5). Reflexive thematic analysis was implemented.

Results

Six key themes were revealed; (1) The need to be seen, listened to and believed in, (2) the importance of teamwork between patient and therapist, (3) the value of group and structure, (4) therapy as lifesaving and life‐changing, (5) the risks of feeling misplaced and (6) the risks of abrupt endings.

Conclusion

A trusting relationship with the therapist promoted commitment and motivation for treatment. This relationship was facilitated by the therapist showing explicit care and belief in the patient's own competence in changing their destructive behaviours. Meeting peers in group skill training offered a salient form of validation and was reported to be of particular value. The format of meeting peers and the importance of the dialectical therapeutic stance need to be studied further. Not all youth experienced DBT‐A as suitable and the need for sufficient treatment dose was emphasized.