bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal mitochondrial structure and function are retained in gingival tissues and human gingival fibroblasts from patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Liu Jia , Wang Xiaoxuan , Xue Fei , Zheng Ming , Luan Qingxian
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective

The abnormal structure and function of mitochondria in cells is closely associated with inflammatory diseases. However, the physiology of mitochondria within gingival tissues and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the structure profile and function of mitochondria in gingival tissues and in HGFs derived from patients with or without CP. These features of mitochondria in HGFs were further analyzed when HGFs were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g).

Methods

Gingival tissues and HGFs were collected from CP and healthy patients. Mitochondrial structure was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Tissues or cells lysis was performed for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quantification, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) tests were used to determine mtDNA copy numbers. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate autophagy‐related protein (ATG)‐5, microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), and mitochondrial matrix protein pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 2 (PDK2) levels in tissues and HGFs from CP and healthy individuals.

Results

Tissues and HGFs from CP showed a significant greater mitochondrial structure destruction, lower mtDNA level, increased ATG5, LC3‐II, and lower PDK2 protein levels than those of healthy individuals. In addition, LPS from P.g also triggered the same results in HGFs from healthy donors. Moreover, the challenge of HGFs from CP with LPS worsened these parameters.

Conclusion

Mitochondrial structure and function within gingival tissues and HGFs from CP individuals were abnormal compared to those from healthy donors, and LPS could promote mitochondrial destruction.
Fluidity of Faith: Predictors of Religion in a Longitudinal Sample of Chinese Adults
Authors: Francis‐Tan Andrew , Tian Felicia F.
Published: November 2021

Religiosity appears to be rising in China. However, this trend hides the extent of fluidity in religious beliefs and behaviors. Within‐person changes in religiosity across time are not random but patterned in systematic ways. In this article, we examine the predictors of religiosity in a longitudinal sample of Chinese adults from 2012 to 2016. Religious outcomes are correlated with sociodemographic, political, and health variables. Notably, all religious outcomes are positively associated with household income and also with the unfair treatment index, a measure of negative personal experiences with the government. Measures of health problems are positively associated with religious importance, though not with religious identification or behavior.
Predicting outcomes in hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Rishniw Mark
Published: November 2021

Background

Radioiodine (131I) is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. After131I, however, euthyroidism is not always achieved, with 5% to 10% of cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid and 20% to 50% developing iatrogenic hypothyroidism.

Objectives

To identify pretreatment factors that may help predict persistent hyperthyroidism and iatrogenic hypothyroidism after treatment of cats using a novel131I dosing algorithm.

Animals

One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with131I.

Methods

Prospective, before‐and‐after study. Pretreatment predictors (clinical, laboratory, scintigraphic,131I dose,131I uptake measurements) of treatment failure or iatrogenic hypothyroidism were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Cats that developed iatrogenic hypothyroidism were more likely to be older (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.17;P = .001), female (OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.54‐2.70;P < .001), have detectable serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations (OR = 4.19; 95% CI, 2.0‐8.81;P < .001), have bilateral thyroid nodules (OR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.08;P < .001), have homogeneous, bilateral distribution of99mTc‐pertechnetate uptake (OR = 2.93; 95% CI, 2.05‐4.19;P < .001), have milder severity score (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.79;P < .001), and have higher131I uptake (OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.75‐3.28;P < .001). In contrast, cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid were more likely to be younger (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72‐0.92;P < .001), have higher severity score (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.51‐2.31;P < .001), and have lower131I uptake (OR = 3.50; 95% CI, 1.8‐6.80;P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Age, sex, serum TSH concentration, bilateral and homogeneous99mTc‐pertechnetate uptake on scintigraphy, severity score, and percent131I uptake are all factors that might help predict outcome of131I treatment in hyperthyroid cats. Cats with persistent hyperthyroidism had many predictive factors that directly contrasted those of cats that developed131I‐induced hypothyroidism.
The elusive winter engineers: structure and materials of hazel dormouse hibernation nests
Authors: Gubert L. , McDonald R. A. , Wilson R. J. , Chanin P. , Bennie J. J. , Mathews F.
Published: November 2021

Trade‐offs between specialist use of particular resources and opportunistic use of widespread materials may present different strategies for survival. Hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius are arboreal mammals that in Great Britain hibernate from late autumn to mid spring in nests that are specially built at ground level. Hibernation nests are rarely encountered, and little is known about the types of construction or materials used. Specifically, it is not known whether nest materials are selected opportunistically, based on their availability, or are specialised to suit local environmental conditions. We therefore conducted a study to characterise the main materials used to construct these nests, explore the distances travelled to collect materials and investigate whether regional climate and/or local microclimate have an impact on the types of nests built. Thirty‐three hibernation nests were located through radio‐tracking, systematic searches and incidental finds. Structurally, hibernation nests were built similarly to summer nests and were most commonly constructed with an outer layer of leaves and distinct core section made of woven material. We found no correlation between nest type and the temperature recorded at nest sites. Nests were built using a mean of two materials per nest, which were both in every case available within 3m of the nest. The most frequently used materials were bracken, hazel and beech leaves, and grasses. Dormice were flexible in their use of nest materials, using various materials harvested very locally. However, dormice travelled further to collect grasses, ferns, bracken and honeysuckle, and these materials made up most of the nests in which they were found. There were also positive correlations between material abundance and usage, and suitable materials for hibernation nest construction were therefore readily available within their home range.
Hepatitis Delta virus in migrants: The challenge of elimination (ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort)
Authors: Lotto Marta , Fontaine Hélène , Marcellin Fabienne , Périères Lauren , Bureau‐Stoltmann Morgane , Carrat Fabrice , Pol Stanislas , Zoulim Fabien , Carrieri Patrizia
Published: November 2021

Novel treatments for hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) infection provide promising opportunities to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HDV co‐infection. However, current clinical trials on HDV treatment rarely explore patients’ barriers to treatments. In Europe, HDV infection mostly affects young migrants from HDV‐endemic areas who experience early liver‐related mortality. Migrants are more likely to face multiple situations of statutory and socioeconomic insecurity and structural barriers than non‐migrants. These obstacles may impact their quality of life and can (i) lead them to give secondary importance to certain HDV care options, (ii) delay treatment initiation and (iii) affect their adherence and commitment to care. Preliminary results from the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort show that the majority (61.6%) of HBV‐HDV co‐infected migrants live in poverty. Moreover, half were diagnosed and a quarter of those who initiated HBV treatment had been in France for no more than two years, a period when language skills are often still poor and when knowledge of the health and administrative system may be lacking. We advocate for increased social science research, in particular qualitative studies, to investigate the effects that multiple forms of precarity (weak access to social rights, language barriers, housing insecurity, unexpected expenditures and other difficulties) may have on HDV screening opportunities, follow‐up, and treatment pathways in migrants. This will help adapt communication and care around viral hepatitis, as well as inform and orient medical services and public health actors about the difficulties that migrants encounter.
Genetic architecture and heritability of early‐life telomere length in a wild passerine
Authors: Pepke Michael Le , Kvalnes Thomas , Lundregan Sarah , Boner Winnie , Monaghan Pat , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Jensen Henrik , Ringsby Thor Harald
Published: November 2021

Early‐life telomere length (TL) is associated with fitness in a range of organisms. Little is known about the genetic basis of variation in TL in wild animal populations, but to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of TL it is important to quantify the relative importance of genetic and environmental variation in TL. In this study, we measured TL in 2746 house sparrow nestlings sampled across 20 years and used an animal model to show that there is a small heritable component of early‐life TL (h2 = 0.04). Variation in TL among individuals was mainly driven by environmental (annual) variance, but also brood and parental effects. Parent‐offspring regressions showed a large maternal inheritance component in TL ( = 0.44), but no paternal inheritance. We did not find evidence for a negative genetic correlation underlying the observed negative phenotypic correlation between TL and structural body size. Thus, TL may evolve independently of body size and the negative phenotypic correlation is likely to be caused by nongenetic environmental effects. We further used genome‐wide association analysis to identify genomic regions associated with TL variation. We identified several putative genes underlying TL variation; these have been inferred to be involved in oxidative stress, cellular growth, skeletal development, cell differentiation and tumorigenesis in other species. Together, our results show that TL has a low heritability and is a polygenic trait strongly affected by environmental conditions in a free‐living bird.
Instability, political regimes and economic growth. A theoretical framework
Authors: Tohmé Fernando , Caraballo M. Ángeles , Dabús Carlos
Published: November 2021

This paper models the influence of political instability on long‐term economic growth. We consider three political systems associated to real‐world political systems of increasing participation in policy‐making. For each system, society chooses an agent that remains in power unless instability, represented as a shortening of the period in office, sets in, which in turn leads to a shortening of the temporal horizon. The agent in charge reevaluates the optimal consumption program, by increasing the rate of time preference and the consumption. With a positively skewed income distribution, the relationship between participation and growth presents different shapes, depending on the probability of the agent in office being ousted. Our results lend theoretical support to the various findings in the empirical literature on the effects of political systems on economic growth.
Dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease: Evidence from human studies
Authors: Kurz Carolin , Walker Lauren , Rauchmann Boris‐Stephan , Perneczky Robert
Published: November 2021

The pathological processes leading to synapse loss, neuronal loss, brain atrophy and gliosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their relation to vascular disease and immunological changes are yet to be fully explored. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation, vascular damage and altered immune response interact at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), affecting the brain endothelium and fuelling neurodegeneration. The aim of the present systematic literature review was to critically appraise and to summarise the published evidence on the clinical correlations and pathophysiological concepts of BBB damage in AD, focusing on human data. The PubMed, Cochrane, Medline and Embase databases were searched for original research articles, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses, published in English language from 01/2000 to 07/2021, using the keywords Alzheimer*, amyloid‐β or β‐amyloid or abeta and BBB. This review shows that specific changes of intercellular structures, reduced expression of transendothelial carriers, induction of vasoactive mediators and activation of both astroglia and monocytes/macrophages characterise BBB damage in human AD and AD models. BBB dysfunction on magnetic resonance imaging takes place early in the disease course in AD‐specific brain regions. The toxic effects of Aβ and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) are likely to induce a non‐cerebral‐amyloid‐angiopathy‐related degeneration of endothelial cells, independently of cerebrovascular disease; however, some of the observed structural changes may just arise with age. Small vessel disease, ApoE, loss of pericytes, proinflammatory signalling and cerebral amyloid angiopathy enhance BBB damage. Novel therapeutic approaches for AD, including magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound, aim to open the BBB, potentially leading to an improved drainage of Aβ along perivascular channels and increased elimination from the brain. In vitro treatments with ApoE‐modifying agents yielded promising effects on modulating BBB function. Reducing cardiovascular risk factors represents one of the most promising interventions for dementia prevention at present. However, further research is needed to elucidate the connection of BBB damage and tau pathology, the role of proinflammatory mediators in draining macromolecules and cells from the cerebral parenchyma, including their contribution to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Improved insight into these pathomechanisms may allow to shed light on the role of Aβ deposition as a primary versus a secondary event in the complex pathogenesis of AD.
The herbal preparation STW 5 affects serotonergic pathways in the brain and colon as well as stress parameters in experimental irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: gamal Nehal G. , Abd El‐Salam Rania M. , Gadelrub Laila N. , Ahmed‐Farid Omar A. , Khayyal Mohamed T.
Published: November 2021

Background

Exposure to stress has been related to disturbance in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) signaling in the brain‐gut axis and is considered as a major predisposing factor for the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The present study aimed to investigate the possible involvement of 5‐HT and some other stress‐related parameters in the effectiveness of STW 5 against stress‐induced IBS.

Methods

Rats were subjected to restraint stress (RS) for 1 h/day for 14 consecutive days to induce IBS‐like symptoms and were given STW 5 orally at the same time. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn, then animals were euthanized and the brain hippocampi, cerebral cortices, as well as colons were isolated for biochemical and histopathological assessments.

Results

RS increased the plasma corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) with concomitant increase in hippocampal and cortical 5‐HT levels, as well as mast cell inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histopathological inflammatory changes observed in rat colon. It also decreased the colonic content of 5‐HT with consequent decrease in fecal pellet output (FPO). Treatment with STW 5 protected against these changes.

Conclusion

The protective effect of STW 5 against RS‐induced IBS is related to its ability to normalize the induced changes in 5‐HT in the brain‐gut axis and counteract the stress‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation.
Evidence for host–microbiome co‐evolution in apple
Authors: Abdelfattah Ahmed , Tack Ayco J. M. , Wasserman Birgit , Liu Jia , Berg Gabriele , Norelli John , Droby Samir , Wisniewski Michael
Published: November 2021

Plants evolved in association with a diverse community of microorganisms. The effect of plant phylogeny and domestication on host–microbiome co‐evolutionary dynamics are poorly understood.

Here we examined the effect of domestication and plant lineage on the composition of the endophytic microbiome of 11 Malus species, representing three major groups: domesticated apple (M. domestica), wild apple progenitors, and wild Malus species.

The endophytic community of M. domestica and its wild progenitors showed higher microbial diversity and abundance than wild Malus species. Heirloom and modern cultivars harbored a distinct community composition, though the difference was not significant. A community‐wide Bayesian model revealed that the endophytic microbiome of domesticated apple is an admixture of its wild progenitors, with clear evidence for microbiome introgression, especially for the bacterial community. We observed a significant correlation between the evolutionary distance of Malus species and their microbiome.

This study supports co‐evolution between Malus species and their microbiome during domestication. This finding has major implications for future breeding programs and our understanding of the evolution of plants and their microbiomes.
Effects of intrinsic precipitation‐predictability on root traits, allocation strategies and the selective regimes acting on them
Authors: March‐Salas Martí , van Kleunen Mark , Fitze Patrick S.
Published: November 2021

Climate change affects means, variances and the intrinsic predictability of the climate. However, experimental tests of how changes in intrinsic climatic predictability affects plant traits, allocation strategies and the selective regime acting on them are scarce, as well as evidence for the importance of root functional traits to cope with climatic uncertainty. Here, we experimentally manipulated intrinsic daily and inter‐seasonal precipitation‐predictabilities and tested their effect on root traits, root allocation strategies, the selective regime acting on them, and transgenerational root responses, using a four‐year field experiment and Onobrychis viciifolia. More predictable precipitation led to lower root biomass and a lower overall plant performance, and to higher allocation to roots and higher within‐root allocation (i.e. allocation to root branching and maximum rooting depth relative to allocation to roots). Differences in intrinsic daily and inter‐seasonal predictability induced differences in the strength of selection acting on the studied traits, but did not affect the type of the selective regime, nor the transgenerational responses. The results indicate that higher predictability constrained a plant's performance, while plants were able to cope with lower predictability. Absence of transgenerational responses in root traits with respect to the predictability treatments, points to slow or no inter‐generational changes of root traits in unpredictable habitats. Thus, adjustments in root allocation strategies and changes therein might be key to deal with increasing climatic uncertainty.
Late gadolinium enhancement‐MRI determines definite lesion formation most accurately at 3 months post ablation compared to later time points
Authors: Althoff Till F. , Garre Paz , Caixal Gala , Perea Rosario , Prat Susanna , Tolosana Jose Maria , Guasch Eduard , Roca‐Luque Ivo , Arbelo Elena , Sitges Marta , Brugada Josep , Mont Lluís
Published: November 2021

Aims

Neither the long‐term development of ablation lesions nor the capability of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)‐MRI to detect ablation‐induced fibrosis at late stages of scar formation have been defined. We sought to assess the development of atrial ablation lesions over time using LGE‐MRI and invasive electroanatomical mapping (EAM).

Methods and Results

Ablation lesions and total atrial fibrosis were assessed in serial LGE‐MRI scans 3 months and >12 months post pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. High‐density EAM performed in subsequent repeat ablation procedures served as a reference. Serial LGE‐MRI of 22 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The PV encircling ablation lines displayed an average LGE, indicative of ablation‐induced fibrosis, of 91.7% ± 7.0% of the circumference at 3 months, but only 62.8% ± 25.0% at a median of 28 months post ablation (p < 0.0001). EAM performed in 18 patients undergoing a subsequent repeat procedure revealed that the consistent decrease in LGE over time was owed to a reduced detectability of ablation‐induced fibrosis by LGE‐MRI at time‐points > 12 months post ablation. Accordingly, the agreement with EAM regarding detection of ablation‐induced fibrosis and functional gaps was good for the LGE‐MRI at 3 months (κ .74; p < .0001), but only weak for the LGE‐MRI at 28 months post‐ablation (κ .29; p < .0001).

Conclusion

While non‐invasive lesion assessment with LGE‐MRI 3 months post ablation provides accurate guidance for future redo‐procedures, detectability of atrial ablation lesions appears to decrease over time. Thus, it should be considered to perform LGE‐MRI 3 months post‐ablation rather than at later time‐points > 12 months post ablation, like for example, prior to a planned redo‐ablation procedure.
Features of transcriptional dynamics of the duplicated Vernalization‐B1 gene in wheat (Triticum spp.)
Authors: Muterko Alexandr , Salina Elena
Published: November 2021

The Vernalization‐1 genes are the key determinants of the vernalization requirement of wheat. In the present study, for the first time, the characteristics of VRN‐B1 expression were investigated in accessions of winter hexaploid wheat of Triticum spelta, carrying one and two copies of this gene per haploid genome. Expression of duplicated VRN‐B1 was analysed relative to the single copy allele during vernalization and following vegetative growth. Furthermore, the effect of vernalization duration on transcriptional activity of the duplicated VRN‐B1 was evaluated. The results obtained assume prolonged activation of the recessive vrn‐B1 alleles with an increase in their copies in the genome. One of the noted features of VRN‐B1 expression was unpredictable and unexpected sharp decrease in expression of duplicated VRN‐B1, compared with the single haploid copy of this gene, after incomplete vernalization. This is an important new finding in transcriptional dynamics of the recessive vrn1 alleles with increased copy number, which expands our knowledge about the vernalization response of wheat and provides a new tool in the manipulation of agronomically valuable traits during wheat breeding.
Ulcerated melanoma: Systems biology evidence of inflammatory imbalance towards pro‐tumourigenicity
Authors: Davies John , Muralidhar Sathya , Randerson‐Moor Juliette , Harland Mark , O’Shea Sally , Diaz Joey , Walker Christy , Nsengimana Jérémie , Laye Jon , Mell Tracey , Chan May , Appleton Lizzie , Birkeälv Sofia , Adams David J. , Cook Graham P. , Ball Graham , Bishop David T. , Newton‐Bishop Julia A.
Published: November 2021

Microscopic ulceration is an independent predictor of melanoma death. Here, we used systems biology to query the role of host and tumour‐specific processes in defining the phenotype. Albumin level as a measure of systemic inflammation was predictive of fewer tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes and poorer survival in the Leeds Melanoma Cohort. Ulcerated melanomas were thicker and more mitotically active (with corresponding transcriptomic upregulated cell cycle pathways). Sequencing identified tumoural p53 and APC mutations, and TUBB2B amplification as associated with the phenotype. Ulcerated tumours had perturbed expression of cytokine genes, consistent with protumourigenic inflammation and histological and transcriptomic evidence for reduced adaptive immune cell infiltration. Pathway/network analysis of multiomic data using neural networks highlighted a role for the β‐catenin pathway in the ulceration, linking genomic changes in the tumour to immunosuppression and cell proliferation. In summary, the data suggest that ulceration is in part associated with genomic changes but that host factors also predict melanoma death with evidence of reduced immune responses to the tumour.
Support seeking and support transactions with college students' romantic partners
Authors: Baker Elizabeth A. , DeLuca Bishop Haylee K. , van Dulmen Manfred H. M.
Published: November 2021

College is a stressful time for students and social support can help students cope with stress. However, research investigating how college students' romantic relationships might serve as a daily source of support around academic stressors and academic outcomes is limited. This study investigated whether romantic partners are a source of daily academic support during times of academic stress (midterms), and whether satisfaction with academic support is associated with higher levels of student engagement. Students reported daily academic support seeking from their romantic partners during midterms, and satisfaction was positively associated with student engagement. Understanding how romantic partners can buffer against academic stress is crucial to supporting students' academic outcomes, mental, and physical health. While romantic partners serve as sources of support around academic stress and outcomes, low levels of academic support seeking suggest they may not be a main source.
“No Man Is an Island”: Perspectives of CHamorus in Guam on COVID‐19
Authors: Joo‐Castro Lucy , Emerson Amanda
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Guam is a United States territory situated in the western Pacific Ocean with a multiethnic population numbering approximately 168,000. The CHamorus, who are the Indigenous people of Guam, make up 37%. In this study, we sought to explore CHamorus’ perspectives on and experiences of COVID‐19.

Design

Interviews were conducted with 10 CHamoru adults in June‐July 2020 via telephone for a larger study on understanding how the collective history of the CHamoru people is perceived relative to contemporary health beliefs and practices. This study is a secondary data analysis of questions that focused on COVID‐19. We used thematic analysis techniques to analyze the data.

Results

Three themes were identified: self and other, or “no man is an island”; trust in government; and focusing on the positives. A cross‐cutting theme was commitment to the common welfare of the community through interconnectedness and inafa'maolek (doing good for others).

Conclusion

Results indicated that CHamorus recognized a balance between community and individual, the need to protect the vulnerable while also considering personal choice, and the implications of enforced social distancing on community and economic stability.
The revised index for social engagement (RISE) in long‐term care facilities: reliability and validity in Japan
Authors: Tsuchiya‐Ito Rumiko , Naruse Takashi , Ishibashi Tomoaki , Ikegami Naoki
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of a revised index for social engagement (RISE) in the Japanese context.

Methods

We analysed the data of 1377 participants over 65 years of age who had been admitted to two types of long‐term care facilities (LTCF) in Japan: four health facilities for older adults and eight nursing homes. Resident level data based on the Japanese version of the interRAI assessment instrument were collected from 623 residents in the former and 754 in the latter. From these data, we calculated RISE by adding six dichotomous items on social engagement in the assessment form. Factorial validity was evaluated by exploratory factorial analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity by the correlation between average activity time and the RISE score, and discriminant validity by the correlation between cognitive levels and the RISE scores. Lastly, we assessed internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha.

Results

We identified a two‐factor model in the exploratory factorial analysis with a factor loading >0.40, except for one RISE item. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the two‐factor model had appropriate model fits. The correlation between time involved in activities and the RISE score was r = 0.45, while the correlation between cognitive function and the RISE score was r = −0.32. The convergent and discriminant validities supported the use of Japanese LTCF. Cronbach's alpha ranged 0.70–0.72.

Conclusions

Although further revision may be needed to improve factorial validity, RISE is reliable and valid for assessing social engagement of older adults admitted to LTCF in Japan. By using the Japanese version of RISE, the positive aspects of social functioning can be appropriately assessed and provide more evidence for improving the quality of care in LTCF.
The addition of crocin in the freezing medium extender improves post‐thaw semen quality
Authors: Sapanidou Vasiliki , Lavrentiadou Sophia N. , Errico Michela , Panagiotidis Ioannis , Fletouris Dimitrios , Efraimidis Ioannis , Zervos Ioannis , Taitzoglou Ioannis , Gasparrini Bianca , Tsantarliotou Maria
Published: November 2021

Semen cryopreservation is arguably the most important method or technique contributing to the advancement of modern animal production. However, the quality of sperm after thawing is still highly variable. The addition of antioxidant compounds to the freezing medium has been used customarily to counteract the harmful effects of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that are produced during the freeze/thaw process. Crocin, a potent antioxidant, improves the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. In this study, we evaluated the potential of crocin (0, 0.5 and 1 mM) as an extender additive to diminish the damaging effects of cryopreservation on bovine spermatozoa. Post‐thaw semen quality was assessed by means of motility, viability and lipid peroxidation (LPO). We further investigated the effect of crocin supplementation upon freezing on sperm quality parameters during their incubation at 37°C for up to 2 hr. Overall, the data assessment indicates that crocin facilitated a general improvement of the quality of freeze/thawed spermatozoa, under the present experimental conditions. Crocin (1 mM) maintained a higher percentage of alive spermatozoa with intact acrosome with rapid and progressive motility, compared to the control extender. Moreover, the spermatozoa cryopreserved in the presence of crocin exhibited higher values in CASA kinematic parameters (VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH) immediately after thawing. Furthermore, the positive effect of crocin on motility parameters was also sustained over a period of 2 hr incubation at 37°C. This effect of crocin may be attributed to the observed inhibition of LPO during the incubation period. Thus, the results indicate that the addition of crocin (especially at a final concentration of 1 mM) in the freezing extender medium may benefit the preservation of the quality parameters of spermatozoa that are compromised by the freeze/thaw heat shock and the stress during handling for IVF or artificial insemination.
Leading women in respiratory medicine: Letter from Indonesia
Authors: Andarini Sita
Published: November 2021

See related editorial
Geography matters for sanitation! Spatial heterogeneity of the district‐level correlates of open defecation in India
Authors: Chakraborty Saurav , Novotný Josef , Das Jadab , Bardhan Aditi , Roy Srijanee , Mondal Swikriti , Patel Priyank Pravin , Santra Sneha , Maity Indranil , Biswas Rimi , Maji Aparajita , Pramanik Suvamoy
Published: November 2021

This paper quantitatively analyzes the spatial heterogeneity of district‐level correlates of open defecation in rural India. We employ standard non‐spatial regression, spatially explicit regressions and multi‐scale geographically weighted regression to compare the stability of measurable correlates of open defecation across these different methods as well as across analyzed spatial units. Attributes like ownership of household assets, drinking water inaccessibility and prevalent literacy rates were identified as the most stable district‐level correlates of open defecation. Our results also demonstrated the relevance of our hypotheses about (a) possible negative sanitation externalities stemming from the co‐concentration of Scheduled Caste communities and other communities in densely populated rural districts, and (b) possible positive sanitation externalities stemming from the co‐concentration of Muslim and non‐Muslim communities in densely populated districts. Overall, however, our analyses demonstrate notable spatial clustering and significant spatial non‐stationarity of examined variables. Therefore, in our opinion, research findings that ignore spatial heterogeneity of sanitation drivers provide incomplete information for policy development and implementation.
Comparison of high intensity interval training with standard cardiac rehabilitation on vascular function
Authors: Taylor Jenna L. , Keating Shelley E. , Holland David J. , Green Daniel J. , Coombes Jeff S. , Bailey Tom G.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To compare the short‐ and long‐term effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) with usual care moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on systemic vascular function and stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients (age = 63 ± 8 years, 93% male) were randomized to complete 3 sessions/week (2 supervised, 1 home‐based) of either (1) 4 × 4‐min HIIT or (2) 40‐min MICT, for 4 weeks. Patients then continued 3 unsupervised home‐based sessions/week of their allocated training for 11 months. Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation, pulse wave velocity, and blood pressure were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling and are presented as mean change from baseline (95% CI).

Results

HIIT showed a greater improvement in flow‐mediated dilation compared to MICT after 4 weeks [1.5% (0.9, 2.1) vs 0.1% (−0.5, 0.8); p = 0.004) but not 12 months [1.2% (−0.2, 2.5) vs 0.4% (−0.8, 1.7); p = 0.153). There were no short‐ or long‐term group differences for changes in pulse wave velocity, peripheral or central blood pressure between HIIT and MICT after 4 weeks, or over 12 months.

Conclusions

A 4‐week HIIT program was superior to MICT for improving vascular function, but not arterial stiffness or blood pressure. Over 12 months, changes in vascular function, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were similar for HIIT and MICT.
Role of haematopoietic cell‐specific protein 1‐associated protein X‐1 gene in lipopolysaccharide‐induced apoptosis of human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Ning Mei , Li Yanlong , Chen Zhihui , Han Pengfei , Tang Xiaolan , Zhang Yanli , Gao Luan
Published: November 2021

Wound healing may be disrupted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and excessive oxidative stress, which can lead to undesirable consequences. The haematopoietic cell‐specific protein 1‐associated protein X‐1 (HAX‐1) is a mitochondrial matrix protein that regulates mitochondrial function. This study aimed to comprehensively identify the role of HAX‐1 in the inhibition of LPS‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). HAX‐1 expression was assessed in the HDF‐a cell line using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. The viability, migration, and apoptosis of HDF‐a cells were evaluated using the water‐soluble tetrazolium‐1 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Mitochondrial function was evaluated based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Our results demonstrated that LPS stimulation markedly repressed HAX‐1 expression in HDFs and silencing of HAX‐1 led to mitochondrial ROS accumulation, ΔΨm disruption, and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. Accordingly, overexpression of HAX‐1 or administration of metformin enhanced mitochondrial fusion and normalized mitochondrial dynamics, thereby reversing LPS‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction, fibroblast apoptosis, and viability and migration inhibition in HDF‐a cells. These data support a mechanism wherein HAX‐1 plays a crucial role in LPS‐induced fibroblast apoptosis in a mitochondria‐dependent manner.
A feminizing switch in a hemimetabolous insect
Authors: Zhuo Ji-Chong , Zhang Hou-Hong , Hu Qing-Ling , Zhang Jin-Li , Lu Jia-Bao , Li Han-Jing , Xie Yu-Cheng , Wang Wei-Wei , Zhang Yan , Wang Hai-Qiang , Huang Hai-Jian , Lu Gang , Chen Jian-Ping , Li Jun-Min , Tu Zhi-Jian , Zhang Chuan-Xi
Published: November 2021

A feminizing switch in a hemimetabolous insect provides novel insights into the diverse mechanisms of insect sex determination.
Low-flow intussusception and metastable VEGFR2 signaling launch angiogenesis in ischemic muscle
Authors: Arpino John-Michael , Yin Hao , Prescott Emma K. , Staples Sabrina C. R. , Nong Zengxuan , Li Fuyan , Chevalier Jacqueline , Balint Brittany , O’Neil Caroline , Mortuza Rokhsana , Milkovich Stephanie , Lee Jason J. , Lorusso Daniel , Sandig Martin , Hamilton Douglas W. , Holdsworth David W. , Poepping Tamie L. , Ellis Christopher G. , Pickering J. Geoffrey
Published: November 2021

The vasculature in ischemic muscle is rebuilt by the splitting of primordial vessels, led by VEGFR2-metastable endothelial cells.
Giant oscillatory Gilbert damping in superconductor/ferromagnet/superconductor junctions
Authors: Yao Yunyan , Cai Ranran , Yu Tao , Ma Yang , Xing Wenyu , Ji Yuan , Xie Xin-Cheng , Yang See-Hun , Han Wei
Published: November 2021

Giant oscillatory Gilbert damping is observed in superconductor/ferromagnet/superconductor with varying ferromagnet thickness.
Toughening mechanisms for the attachment of architectured materials: The mechanics of the tendon enthesis
Authors: Golman Mikhail , Abraham Adam C. , Kurtaliaj Iden , Marshall Brittany P. , Hu Yizhong Jenny , Schwartz Andrea G. , Guo X. Edward , Birman Victor , Thurner Philipp J. , Genin Guy M. , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: November 2021

The architecture of the tendon-to-bone attachment is designed for toughness.
Collapse of the Liangzhu and other Neolithic cultures in the lower Yangtze region in response to climate change
Authors: Zhang Haiwei , Cheng Hai , Sinha Ashish , Spötl Christoph , Cai Yanjun , Liu Bin , Kathayat Gayatri , Li Hanying , Tian Ye , Li Youwei , Zhao Jingyao , Sha Lijuan , Lu Jiayu , Meng Binglin , Niu Xiaowen , Dong Xiyu , Liang Zeyuan , Zong Baoyun , Ning Youfeng , Lan Jianghu , Edwards R. Lawrence
Published: November 2021

Floods and megadroughts affected the Neolithic cultures in the Yangtze River Delta between 4300 and 4000 years ago.
The population prevalence of solitary confinement
Authors: Pullen-Blasnik Hannah , Simes Jessica T. , Western Bruce
Published: November 2021

One in 9 black men in Pennsylvania has been held in solitary confinement by age 32 and 1 in 100 for a year or more.
Thermosensitive receptors in neural stem cells link stress-induced hyperthermia to impaired neurogenesis via microglial engulfment
Authors: Hoshi Yutaka , Shibasaki Koji , Gailly Philippe , Ikegaya Yuji , Koyama Ryuta
Published: November 2021

Hyperthermia mediates social defeat stress–induced impairment of adult neurogenesis.
Management of ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA)
Authors: Beltrame John F , Tavella Rosanna , Jones Dione , Zeitz Chris
Published: November 2021

Up to half of patients undergoing elective coronary angiography for the investigation of chest pain do not present with evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. These patients are often discharged with a diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pain, yet many could have an ischaemic basis for their symptoms. This type of ischaemic chest pain in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease is referred to as INOCA (ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries). This comprehensive review of INOCA management looks at why these patients require treatment, who requires treatment based on diagnostic evaluation, what clinical treatment targets should be considered, how to treat patients using a personalised medicine approach, when to initiate treatment, and where future research is progressing.
Antibiotic stories: a mixed-methods, multi-country analysis of household antibiotic use in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe
Authors: Dixon Justin , MacPherson Eleanor Elizabeth , Nayiga Susan , Manyau Salome , Nabirye Christine , Kayendeke Miriam , Sanudi Esnart , Nkaombe Alex , Mareke Portia , Sitole Kenny , de Lima Hutchison Coll , Bradley John , Yeung Shunmay , Ferrand Rashida Abbas , Lal Sham , Roberts Chrissy , Green Edward , Denyer Willis Laurie , Staedke Sarah G , Chandler Clare I R
Published: November 2021

Background

As concerns about the prevalence of infections that are resistant to available antibiotics increase, attention has turned toward the use of these medicines both within and outside of formal healthcare settings. Much of what is known about use beyond formal settings is informed by survey-based research. Few studies to date have used comparative, mixed-methods approaches to render visible patterns of use within and between settings as well as wider points of context shaping these patterns.

Design

This article analyses findings from mixed-methods anthropological studies of antibiotic use in a range of rural and urban settings in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Uganda between 2018 and 2020. All used a ‘drug bag’ survey tool to capture the frequency and types of antibiotics used among 1811 households. We then undertook observations and interviews in residential settings, with health providers and key stakeholders to better understand the stories behind the most-used antibiotics.

Results

The most self-reported ‘frequently used’ antibiotics across settings were amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole and metronidazole. The stories behind their use varied between settings, reflecting differences in the configuration of health systems and antibiotic supplies. At the same time, these stories reveal cross-cutting features and omissions of contemporary global health programming that shape the contours of antibiotic (over)use at national and local levels.

Conclusions

Our findings challenge the predominant focus of stewardship frameworks on the practices of antibiotic end users. We suggest future interventions could consider systems—rather than individuals—as stewards of antibiotics, reducing the need to rely on these medicines to fix other issues of inequity, productivity and security.
FLUID study: study protocol for an open-label, single-centre pilot study to investigate the efFect of Lemborexant on sleep management in Japanese sUbjects aged 50 years and older with Insomnia Disorder
Authors: Okada Ippei , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Miyata Seiko , Fujimoto Akihiro , Tanaka Masaki , Amano Manabu , Matsuyama Nao , Taoka Toshiaki , Naganawa Shinji , Ozaki Norio
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Bidirectional associations have been reported between sleep disturbance and both cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s disease and amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) accumulation. These relationships can be explained by the glymphatic system, which acts as a garbage drainage system in the brain. As interstitial fluid dynamics are suggested to increase during sleep, clearance of Aβ can be influenced by sleep disturbance or deprivation. We hypothesised that using lemborexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, to improve sleep quality would also improve the function of the glymphatic system. We plan to examine the effect of lemborexant on sleep quality and the glymphatic system among patients with insomnia disorder.

Methods and analysis

This pilot study is designed as an open-label, single-arm, single-centre trial. Thirty patients aged 50 years and over with insomnia will be recruited. The participants will take lemborexant (5 mg) at bedtime for 12 weeks and undergo a home-based sleep study at baseline and weeks 4 and 12, as well as MRI examinations to evaluate the glymphatic system at baseline and week 12. The primary outcome will be changes in objective sleep parameters as evaluated using a sleep monitoring system. The secondary outcomes will be changes in subjective sleep parameters. The relationships between changes in sleep parameters and the glymphatic system will be evaluated using diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space, which is called the ALPS-index. Sleep parameters and the ALPS-index will be analysed using a paired t-test or Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by Nagoya University Certified Review Board. The findings from this research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and be presented at local, national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

jRCTs041210024.
Insights into the complexity of presentation and management of patients: the Sport and Exercise Physician’s perspective
Authors: Gamage Prasanna J , Seker Saran , Orchard Jessica , Humphries David , Fitzgerald Kylie , Fitzpatrick Jane
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Sport and Exercise Physicians represent a relatively new specialty focusing on exercise in complex diseases including musculoskeletal diseases. Our objective was to describe the characteristics, type and complexity of patient presentations, their management strategies and referral information in Australian practice.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including a cohort of 11 senior Sport and Exercise Physicians in Australia studied all new patient consultations within an 8-week period. Data were analysed relating to presentation, referral source, follow-up referrals, and patient management strategies.

Results

Data from 419 patients were recorded. The majority, 97% (n=406), had musculoskeletal conditions, 53% (n=222) had one or more associated comorbidities and 47% (n=195) had ongoing symptoms for >12 months. Most patients, 82% (n=355), were referred by general practitioners. Prior consultations included physiotherapy 72% (n=301) and orthopaedic 20% (n=85). A multidisciplinary network of referrals from Sport and Exercise Physicians was observed, including 210 referrals to 9 allied health specialities and 61 referrals to 17 medical specialities. Over 74% (n=311) of patients received exercise-based intervention as part of the treatment plan, including 57% (n=240) physician managed exercise interventions.

Conclusion

Our work shines a light on the nature and complexity of the role of Sport and Exercise Physicians in an Australian practice context. Findings will assist in implementing measures to promote patient care at the community level in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Sport and exercise medicine stakeholders and government policy makers can use this information in developing appropriate programmes to support patients and create integrated sport and exercise medicine services for the community.