bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex‐ and strain‐specific effects of mitochondrial uncoupling on age‐related metabolic diseases in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Goedeke Leigh , Murt Kelsey N. , Di Francesco Andrea , Camporez João Paulo , Nasiri Ali R. , Wang Yongliang , Zhang Xian‐Man , Cline Gary W. , de Cabo Rafael , Shulman Gerald I.
Published: January 2022

Mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation is an intrinsic property of all mitochondria and may have evolved to protect cells against the production of damaging reactive oxygen species. Therefore, compounds that enhance mitochondrial uncoupling are potentially attractive anti‐aging therapies; however, chronic ingestion is associated with a number of unwanted side effects. We have previously developed a controlled‐release mitochondrial protonophore (CRMP) that is functionally liver‐directed and promotes oxidation of hepatic triglycerides by causing a subtle sustained increase in hepatic mitochondrial inefficiency. Here, we sought to leverage the higher therapeutic index of CRMP to test whether mild mitochondrial uncoupling in a liver‐directed fashion could reduce oxidative damage and improve age‐related metabolic disease and lifespan in diet‐induced obese mice. Oral administration of CRMP (20 mg/[kg‐day] × 4 weeks) reduced hepatic lipid content, protein kinase C epsilon activation, and hepatic insulin resistance in aged (74‐week‐old) high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed C57BL/6J male mice, independently of changes in body weight, whole‐body energy expenditure, food intake, or markers of hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis. CRMP treatment was also associated with a significant reduction in hepatic lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and inflammation. Importantly, long‐term (49 weeks) hepatic mitochondrial uncoupling initiated late in life (94–104 weeks), in conjugation with HFD feeding, protected mice against neoplastic disorders, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in a strain and sex‐specific manner. Taken together, these studies illustrate the complex variation of aging and provide important proof‐of‐concept data to support further studies investigating the use of liver‐directed mitochondrial uncouplers to promote healthy aging in humans.
Tricyclic antipsychotics and antidepressants can inhibit α5‐containing GABAA receptors by two distinct mechanisms
Authors: Bampali Konstantina , Koniuszewski Filip , Silva Luca L. , Rehman Sabah , Vogel Florian D. , Seidel Thomas , Scholze Petra , Zirpel Florian , Garon Arthur , Langer Thierry , Willeit Matthäus , Ernst Margot
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

Many psychotherapeutic drugs, including clozapine, display polypharmacology and act on GABAA receptors. Patients with schizophrenia show alterations in function, structure and molecular composition of the hippocampus, and a recent study demonstrated aberrant levels of hippocampal α5 subunit‐containing GABAA receptors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of tricyclic compounds on α5 subunit‐containing receptor subtypes.

Experimental Approach

Functional studies of effects by seven antipsychotic and antidepressant medications were performed in several GABAA receptor subtypes by two‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology using Xenopus laevis oocytes. Computational structural analysis was employed to design mutated constructs of the α5 subunit, probing a novel binding site. Radioligand displacement data complemented the functional and mutational findings.

Key Results

The antipsychotic drugs clozapine and chlorpromazine exerted functional inhibition on multiple GABAA receptor subtypes, including those containing α5‐subunits. Based on a chlorpromazine binding site observed in a GABA‐gated bacterial homologue, we identified a novel site in α5 GABAA receptor subunits and demonstrate differential usage of this and the orthosteric sites by these ligands.

Conclusion and Implications

Despite high molecular and functional similarities among the tested ligands, they reduce GABA currents by differential usage of allosteric and orthosteric sites. The chlorpromazine site we describe here is a new potential target for optimizing antipsychotic medications with beneficial polypharmacology. Further studies in defined subtypes are needed to substantiate mechanistic links between the therapeutic effects of clozapine and its action on certain GABAA receptor subtypes.
A comparison of young and older adults’ attitudes and preferences towards different travel modes and residential characteristics: A study in Hamilton, Ontario
Authors: Jamal Shaila , Newbold K. Bruce , Scott Darren M.
Published: January 2022

Using Hamilton, Ontario as a case study, this study explores the difference between young (18–34 years) and older (65 + years) adults’ automobility behaviour (whether their most common mode of transportation was auto or not), by comparing their attitudes and preferences towards different travel modes. The study also investigates the differences in these two cohorts' attitudes and preferences towards residential characteristics since they can potentially impact travel behaviour. Exploratory analysis suggests that the difference between these two groups is marginal in terms of their attitudes towards driving. In general, young and older auto users both show similar attitudes towards different transportation modes. A similar trend has been seen for non‐auto users of young and older adults. The findings indicate young adults’ intention to shift towards an auto‐oriented culture, especially when they have a job. They also showed a preference for suburban living in the future. Older adults are mainly auto‐oriented; a small portion also seems pro‐transit. Transportation policies should consider these changing dynamics of travel behaviour among different generations. As attitudes and preferences influence travel behaviour to a greater extent, future studies should explore how attitudes and preferences can be modified to promote sustainable travel options.
TSH receptor specific monoclonal autoantibody K1‐70TM targeting of the TSH receptor in subjects with Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy—Results from a phase I clinical trial
Authors: Furmaniak Jadwiga , Sanders Jane , Sanders Paul , Li Yang , Rees Smith Bernard
Published: January 2022

Objectives

In Graves' disease (GD), autoantibodies to the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) cause hyperthyroidism. The condition is often associated with eye signs including proptosis, oedema, and diplopia (collectively termed Graves' orbitopathy [GO]). The safety profile of K1‐70TM (a human monoclonal TSHR specific autoantibody, which blocks ligand binding and stimulation of the receptor) in patients with GD was evaluated in a phase I clinical trial.

Patients and Study Design

Eighteen GD patients stable on antithyroid drug medication received a single intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) dose of K1‐70TM during an open label phase I ascending dose, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) study. Immunogenic effects of K1‐70TM were also determined.

Results

K1‐70TM was well‐tolerated in all subjects at all doses and no significant immunogenic response was observed. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. Increased systemic exposure to K1‐70TM was observed following a change to IV dosing, indicating this was the correct dosage route. Expected PD effects occurred after a single IM dose of 25 mg or single IV dose of 50 mg or 150 mg with fT3, fT4, and TSH levels progressing into hypothyroid ranges. There were also clinically significant improvements in symptoms of both GD (reduced tremor, improved sleep, improved mental focus, reduced toilet urgency) and GO (reduced exophthalmos measurements, reduced photosensitivity).

Conclusions

K1‐70TM was safe, well tolerated and produced the expected PD effects with no immunogenic responses. It shows considerable promise as a new drug to block the actions of thyroid stimulators on the TSHR.
Validation of the Chinese version of the colostomy impact score in rectal cancer patients with permanent colostomy
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhong ChangKun , Kristensen Helle Ø. , Christensen Peter , Liu Jin , Pang Dong
Published: January 2022

Objective

To test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the colostomy impact score (CIS) among patients with a permanent colostomy in China.

Methods

A total of 218 patients completed the survey either in the clinic or remotely and mailed their responses. Reliability was estimated based on test‐retest reliability. Validity was evaluated based on content validity, construct validity, and discriminative validity. The sensitivity and specificity of the score were analysed. The area under the curve was analysed by drawing the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve; the optimal cutoff point was calculated to assess the impact of a stoma on domestic patients.

Results

The test‐retest reliability of the CIS was 0.967. The content validity was 0.98, and the construct and discriminative validities were good; sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve were 100, 48.53, and 0.806%, respectively. The optimal cutoff point for the Chinese version of the Colostomy Impact Score was 11.5.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the CIS indicated good reliability and validity, making it suitable for the evaluation of the impact of a permanent colostomy.
The Earned Income Tax Credit as supplementary food benefits and savings for durable goods
Authors: Fisher Jonathan , Rehkopf David H.
Published: January 2022

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) transferred more than $67 billion to taxpayers in 2016. We estimate changes in spending that occur following EITC disbursement. We make three key advances in identifying the effect: using estimated EITC dollar benefits to differentiate the impact of low from high benefits; estimating the impact by liquid assets; and, employing a triple‐difference model around the 1993 expansion and a separate triple‐difference model over the number of children. We find that the EITC acts as supplementary SNAP benefits for those with small EITC benefits, while those with larger benefits increase spending on durables, particularly automobiles.
An endemic‐rich island through the eyes of children: Wildlife identification and conservation preferences in São Tomé (Gulf of Guinea)
Authors: Panisi Martina , Pissarra Vasco , Oquiongo Gabriel , Marques Palmeirim Jorge , Faustino de Lima Ricardo , Nuno Ana
Published: January 2022

Species that the public knows and is willing to protect often do not align with international conservation priorities. Assessing perceptions on wildlife is thus essential to guide conservation initiatives, especially in island developing states where native and introduced species often have contrasting values for biodiversity. We used a game to assess the ability of third class students in São Tomé Island (São Tomé and Príncipe, central Africa) to identify wildlife and their conservation preferences. Students correctly identified 28% of the animals shown. Children who were poorer, male or from rural schools were more likely to correctly identify species. Urban children were less successful identifying species endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe than rural children. Conservation preferences were not associated with species identification and instead were justified by subjective species‐specific traits, such as attractiveness or profitability. Despite the low identification rates for endemic (10% correct identifications) and threatened birds (2%), children were keen on preserving endemic species, indicating that these might become effective flagships for the unique biodiversity of the island. These results illustrate the need to consider separately the attributes that affect knowledge and willingness to protect, and how both can be used to guide conservation strategies.
Good intentions with adverse outcomes when conservation and pest management guidelines are ignored: A case study in rabbit biocontrol
Authors: Taggart Patrick L. , O'Connor Tiffany W. , Cooke Brian , Read Andrew J. , Kirkland Peter D. , Sawyers Emma , West Peter , Patel Kandarp
Published: January 2022

To mitigate the negative impacts of invasive rabbits in Australia, land managers are permitted to release the biocontrol virus, rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), to reduce rabbit numbers. However, it is strongly recommended that RHDV is not released when young rabbits are present in the population as infection in this cohort is sublethal and induces life‐long virus immunity. The recruitment of these rabbits into the breeding population may make the population harder to control in future, potentially leading to increasing rather than decreased population size. To investigate whether the recommended release guidelines are followed, we obtained data on the supply and release of RHDV by land managers. We then used generalized additive models to investigate Australia‐wide and state‐specific annual and long‐term temporal trends in the supply and release of RHDV. Half of all RHDV supply (47%) and three quarters of reported releases (74%) Australia‐wide occurred during the anticipated major rabbit breeding seasons and when the risk of immunizing young rabbits is greatest. We found evidence of both RHDV supply and release during the anticipated major rabbit breeding seasons in almost all states for which data existed. RHDV supply increased with below average annual rainfall. This may indicate a tendency for land managers to notice, and want to control, rabbits and their impacts more following drier years when both rabbits and their impacts are potentially more damaging. Our study raises concerns regarding the inappropriate release of RHDV by land managers and whether its supply should be restricted to ensure ongoing and effective management of invasive rabbits. More broadly, our study serves as a warning to other conservation and pest management activities reliant on land managers or citizens following implementation guidelines. In some cases, good intentions may have adverse outcomes.
Forecasting species distributions: Correlation does not equal causation
Authors: Sirén Alexej P. K. , Sutherland Chris S. , Karmalkar Ambarish V. , Duveneck Matthew J. , Morelli Toni Lyn
Published: January 2022

Aim

Identifying the mechanisms influencing species' distributions is critical for accurate climate change forecasts. However, current approaches are limited by correlative models that cannot distinguish between direct and indirect effects.

Location

New Hampshire and Vermont, USA.

Methods

Using causal and correlational models and new theory on range limits, we compared current (2014–2019) and future (2080s) distributions of ecologically important mammalian carnivores and competitors along range limits in the northeastern US under two global climate models (GCMs) and a high‐emission scenario (RCP8.5) of projected snow and forest biomass change.

Results

Our hypothesis that causal models of climate‐mediated competition would result in different distribution predictions than correlational models, both in the current and future periods, was well‐supported by our results; however, these patterns were prominent only for species pairs that exhibited strong interactions. The causal model predicted the current distribution of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) more accurately, likely because it incorporated the influence of competitive interactions mediated by snow with the closely related bobcat (Lynx rufus). Both modeling frameworks predicted an overall decline in lynx occurrence in the central high‐elevation regions and increased occurrence in the northeastern region in the 2080s due to changes in land use that provided optimal habitat. However, these losses and gains were less substantial in the causal model due to the inclusion of an indirect buffering effect of snow on lynx.

Main conclusions

Our comparative analysis indicates that a causal framework, steeped in ecological theory, can be used to generate spatially explicit predictions of species distributions. This approach can be used to disentangle correlated predictors that have previously hampered understanding of range limits and species' response to climate change.
Three‐dimensional echocardiographic assessment of the aortic valve and the aorta
Authors: Smer Aiman , Urja Prakrity , Anugula Dixitha , Dulal Subash , Elmarzouky Zeyad M. , Gill Edward , Nanda Navin C.
Published: January 2022

We describe the role of three‐dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of the aortic valve and the aorta. The manuscript is heavily illustrated with figures and movie clips.
The ektacytometric elongation Index (EI) of erythrocytes, validation of a prognostic, rheological biomarker for patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Franck Paul , Buijs Petra , Meenhuis Annemarie , Dane Martijn , Postma Cobie , Spaans Anja , Gijsbertha Niegel , Kuypers Frans A. , Hudig Cisca , Kerkhoffs Jean Louis
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Validation of the measurement of erythrocyte deformability as a useful prognostic, rheological biomarker for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

The degree of reduced deformability was based on the value of the maximum elongation index (EImax) of the deformability curve of an osmotic gradient ektacytometer. The performance of this technique was analytically and clinically validated by analysing 200 normal subjects and 100 patients with well‐documented thalassemia's and Hb variants in relation to their clinical condition.

Results

In this study, we show that EImax is a reproducible parameter with a small inter‐individual coefficient of (Biological) variation (CV)=1.6% and a small intra‐individual CV=3.5%. We demonstrate that loss of deformability correlates with the clinical condition and the various mutations underlying sickle cell disease and thalassemia. For SCD patients, a strongly reduced EImax with a cut‐off =0.360 is a signal for future vaso‐occlusive (VOC) events requiring hospitalisation with a specificity=85%, sensitivity=80%, PPV=81% and NPV=84% based on a ROC curve (AUC=0.89).

Conclusion

This study validated the clinical utility of EImax as a prognostic marker for future clinical problems in individual high‐risk SCD patients. In addition, EImax may help to achieve an adequate personal transfusion policy for an optimal blood flow in anaemic patients with SCD.
Djaara cultural authority drives inclusion of their knowledge and culture in a Joint Management Plan for parks
Authors: Carter Rodney , Atkinson Graham , Burchill Marlene , Phillips Rebecca , Humann Doug , Mahoney Jan , Miles Trevor , Braid Michele , Buissereth Rachel , Cowell Stuart , Hill Rosemary , Huggins Barbara , Jackson Steve , Raisbeck‐Brown Nat , Talbot Leah , Wong Nathan
Published: January 2022

Six parks in central Victoria were handed back to ownership of Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara) as part of the Recognition and Settlement Agreement 2013 with the State of Victoria. Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board (DDLMB) developed a Joint Management Plan (JMP) for these parks, which was approved under Victorian legislation and launched in October 2018. Here, we show how and why Djaara used their cultural authority to ensure their knowledge, and culture was incorporated into the JMP. Djaara’s cultural authority produced significant innovations. First, the unique Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes implemented by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC) for the DDLMB ensured that shared governance and decision‐making underpinned joint management. Second, the participatory Healthy Country Planning approach enabled greater equity, including a unique 3‐day ‘Map‐a‐Thon’ that integrated cultural and natural spatial data. Third, the challenge of achieving power‐shifting from the government to the Djaara was addressed through a relationship‐based approach, supported by systematic, evidence‐based planning. The DDLMB and DDWCAC ensured development of the final JMP was innovative, equitable, culturally appropriate and culturally informed. Future processes would be improved by legislative change to mandate FPIC, with substantially greater resources to support the FPIC processes, and the inclusion of a ‘planning to plan’ stage to allow all participants to gain the capacities needed. Supporting the cultural authority of Traditional Owners provides a new direction that has much to offer planning for other joint‐managed parks in Victoria and elsewhere.
Influence of oceanographic conditions on the body shape variability of Scomber japonicus larvae from the western coast of the Baja California Peninsula
Authors: Anaya‐Godínez Eduardo , Silva‐Segundo Claudia A. , Landaeta Mauricio F. , Funes‐Rodríguez René , Trujillo‐Millán Oscar , Blanco‐Jarvio Anidia , Galván‐Tirado Carolina , Valenzuela‐Quiñonez Fausto , Marín‐Enríquez Emigdio
Published: January 2022

Pacific chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is a relevant fishery resource shared among three countries in the northeastern Pacific. The spatiotemporal distribution of larvae has been related to the convergence of oceanographic mesoscale structures, which can generate considerable variability in the morphology of fish larvae. The main goal of this work was to describe the shape changes of larval S. japonicus and their relationship with oceanographic variability, through geometric morphometric analysis to assess the seasonal variability of 10 homologous landmarks distributed on the pre‐anal section of 331 larvae from off the western coast of the Baja California Peninsula (WCBCP), Mexico (2006–2008). The results showed two principal morphotypes in Pacific chub mackerel larvae: The first morphotype had a more hydrodynamic body (longer and shallower head), influenced by increased sea surface flow and colder sea surface temperatures mainly during spring, and the second morphotype had robust larvae (shorter and deeper head) under slower current flow and warmer sea surface temperatures during winter and summer. We concluded that changes in larval body shape are influenced mainly by sea surface flow and sea temperatures, probably associated with the ability to reach higher swimming speeds during feeding success.
An improved representation of the relationship between photosynthesis and stomatal conductance leads to more stable estimation of conductance parameters and improves the goodness‐of‐fit across diverse data sets
Authors: Lamour Julien , Davidson Kenneth J. , Ely Kim S. , Le Moguédec Gilles , Leakey Andrew D. B. , Li Qianyu , Serbin Shawn P. , Rogers Alistair
Published: January 2022

Stomata play a central role in surface–atmosphere exchange by controlling the flux of water and CO2 between the leaf and the atmosphere. Representation of stomatal conductance (gsw) is therefore an essential component of models that seek to simulate water and CO2 exchange in plants and ecosystems. For given environmental conditions at the leaf surface (CO2 concentration and vapor pressure deficit or relative humidity), models typically assume a linear relationship between gsw and photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (A). However, measurement of leaf‐level gsw response curves to changes in A are rare, particularly in the tropics, resulting in only limited data to evaluate this key assumption. Here, we measured the response of gsw and A to irradiance in six tropical species at different leaf phenological stages. We showed that the relationship between gsw and A was not linear, challenging the key assumption upon which optimality theory is based—that the marginal cost of water gain is constant. Our data showed that increasing A resulted in a small increase in gsw at low irradiance, but a much larger increase at high irradiance. We reformulated the popular Unified Stomatal Optimization (USO) model to account for this phenomenon and to enable consistent estimation of the key conductance parameters g0 and g1. Our modification of the USO model improved the goodness‐of‐fit and reduced bias, enabling robust estimation of conductance parameters at any irradiance. In addition, our modification revealed previously undetectable relationships between the stomatal slope parameter g1 and other leaf traits. We also observed nonlinear behavior between A and gsw in independent data sets that included data collected from attached and detached leaves, and from plants grown at elevated CO2 concentration. We propose that this empirical modification of the USO model can improve the measurement of gsw parameters and the estimation of plant and ecosystem‐scale water and CO2 fluxes.
The ratio of serum des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin to tumor volume as a new biomarker for early recurrence of resected hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimagaki Tomonari , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Itoh Shinji , Iseda Norifumi , Tomiyama Takahiro , Morinaga Akinari , Wang Huanlin , Kurihara Takeshi , Nagao Yoshihiro , Toshima Takeo , Harada Noboru , Kinjo Nao , Maeda Takashi , Mori Masaki
Published: January 2022

Background

Early recurrence (ER) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (within 1 year after resection) is known to be a poor prognostic factor. The aim was to identify the risk factors associated with ER after HCC resection.

Methods

Data were analyzed retrospectively from patients who underwent primary resection for HCC from two hospitals. For cross‐validation, HCC resection cases were divided into the training and testing cohort. The clinicopathological factors between the ER and non‐ER groups and factors for predicting ER and prognosis after HCC resection were compared.

Results

Out of 173 patients in the training dataset, 33 patients had ER and the ER group showed larger tumor size, more intrahepatic metastasis (IM), and a higher ratio of serum des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) to tumor volume (TV) (DCP/TV) than the non‐ER group. Out of 203 patients in the testing dataset, 30 patients had ER and the ER group demonstrated larger tumor size, more IM, and higher serum alpha‐fetoprotein, AFP/TV, DCP/TV, AFP/tumor maximum diameter (TMD), and DCP/TMD than the non‐ER group. The patients were divided into high and low DCP/TV groups and high serum DCP/TV was associated with unfavorable overall survival in the training and testing dataset. Multivariate analysis confirmed that high serum DCP/TV and IM were independently associated with ER.

Conclusion

Preoperative high serum DCP/TV may be useful for stratifying patients at risk of early HCC recurrence after curative resection.
Epidemiology of dermatologic disease in Palau: a cross‐sectional study in the national public and community health service
Authors: Lee Wan‐Ting J. , Lee Chien‐Chang , Wu Chung‐Kuan , Lin Ching‐Hwa , Lo Te‐Yu , Huang Chieh‐Chen , Kahler Sam L. , Thong Haw‐Yueh
Published: January 2022

Background

Dermatologic disease is a neglected public health challenge that disproportionately affects resource‐poor settings. Globally, dermatologic disease contributes the fourth highest burden of nonfatal disability with the most acute impact in the Oceanic region, including the Republic of Palau. Efforts to address the dermatologic health inequality are hindered without the necessary epidemiologic evidence to guide health policy in the resource‐poor setting of Palau.

Methods

We conducted a 4‐year cross‐sectional study of all Dermatology Service patients in the Belau National Hospital and outreach community health centers from 2015 to 2018. No other specialized dermatology service was available. Skin disease was classified by both diagnosis and Global Burden of Disease criteria and analyzed by age, gender, region, and surrounding Oceanic nations.

Results

The study enrolled 494 patients comprising 179 males and 315 females between 2015 and 2018. The most prevalent diseases were eczema (48.8%), superficial fungal infection (24.5%), and pruritus (22.7%). The neglected tropical disease of scabies was detected in four patients. Males were significantly more likely to present with cellulitis, keratinocyte carcinoma, stasis dermatitis, wounds, marine‐related dermatitis, viral skin disease, tinea faciei, verruca, and xerosis and females with melasma and hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion

This study presents the first primary epidemiologic data describing the prevalence of dermatologic disease in the Palauan adult population. The significant burden of disease in Palau compared with other Oceanic nations validates ongoing dermatology services and informs public health implications for resource allocation and disease management to achieve health equality in the resource‐poor nation.
How effective are integration policy reforms? The case of asylum‐related migrants
Authors: Pecoraro Marco , Manatschal Anita , Green Eva G. T. , Wanner Philippe
Published: January 2022

The marked increase of asylum seekers arriving in Western Europe after 2014 has renewed debates on policy measures that countries should put into place to support their integration. Although implemented by many countries in recent years, research has neglected the effect of integration policy reform packages combining economic and social policy measures on asylum‐related immigrants’ adjustment processes. Exploiting a comprehensive integration policy reform in Switzerland, using survey data from the Health Monitoring of the Swiss Migrant Population, and registering data on the whole asylum‐related population, our difference‐in‐differences analyses reveal that provisionally admitted individuals benefiting from the reform have higher employment probability, increased income levels, better language skills, and feel less lonely or without a homeland relative to comparable asylum seekers who did not benefit from the reform. Robustness checks assessing common pre‐reform trends support our findings, which highlight the importance of evaluating entire reform packages when assessing integration policies’ effectiveness.
Experiences of oncology nurses regarding self‐compassion and compassionate care: A qualitative study
Authors: Serçe Yüksel Özgü , Partlak Günüşen Neslihan , Çelik Ince Sevecen , Zeybekçi Solmaz
Published: January 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of oncology nurses about self‐compassion and compassionate care.

Background

The concept of self‐care is emphasized in detail in the literature, and not much is known about the concept of self‐compassion among nurses. Beyond the definitions of self‐compassion and compassion in the literature, there is a need to explore and express the meaning of self‐compassion and compassion in the context of oncology nursing.

Methods

This is a descriptive qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 oncology nurses working in the oncology service of a university hospital. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis through an inductive approach. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) were used to ensure the comprehensive reporting of this qualitative study protocol.

Results

Two themes emerged: (1) compassion through the eyes of oncology nurses and barriers to compassionate care fall under the theme of wounded healers, and (2) self‐compassion through the eyes of oncology nurses, barriers to self‐compassion, and self‐care as a dimension of self‐compassion fall under the theme of caring for our suffering: self‐compassion.

Conclusions

Although nurses think that self‐compassion is important, they do not show self‐compassion. There are personal and organizational barriers to compassionate care and self‐compassion for oncology nurses.

Implications for nursing policy

These findings show that oncology nurses need personal and organizational resources for their self‐compassion. The existence of programs to develop self‐compassion can offset the effects of being in a caregiving position. Oncology nurses must request these services from organization, managers and even policymakers. The existence of policies that also consider the mental health of nurses can pave the way for compassionate care.
‘It Is You in My Picture!’ A Holistic Approach toSix‐Year‐OldChildren’s Art Experiences
Authors: Granö Päivi , Turunen Serja
Published: January 2022

The case study is a part of the research and art‐based developmental project Rinnalla (Side by Side) – Mentors of Arts‐ and Narrative‐based Approaches as a Support for Social‐Emotional Learning and Growth in Early Childhood Education, where arts and narrative‐based methods were used to support children’s social‐emotional growth in early childhood education. This research focuses on six‐year‐old children’s experiences of a fairy tale and music based on H.C. Andersen’sThe Ugly Duckling. The research questions are: (1) How do children express the emotions they experience while listening to a fairy tale and music? (2) How do the children express and build their peer relationships through communication while drawing? The intervention was implemented in a preschool group of 15 children. The data included around 120 minutes of recorded video and 30 drawings. The holistic and context‐sensitive interpretation method of visual analysis was used to analyse the data. The interpretation demonstrated the importance of peer relationships and offered insight into the context significance. By drawing together and telling small stories in a shared time and place, the children negotiated their roles within the small group. They strengthened friendships and built peer relations. The drawing situation probably exposed pre‐existing tensions between the children, and the children showed interest, support, care, and willingness to welcome others. The music and fairy tale experiences allowed children to process emotions and share their current daily lives.
Influence of age on stem cells depends on the sex of the bone marrow donor
Authors: Selle Michael , Koch Johanna Dorothea , Ongsiek Alina , Ulbrich Linnea , Ye Weikang , Jiang Zhida , Krettek Christian , Neunaber Claudia , Noack Sandra
Published: January 2022

Ageing is often accompanied by an increase in bone marrow fat together with reduced bone volume and diseases of the bone such as osteoporosis. As mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of forming bone, cartilage and fat tissue, studying these cells is of great importance to understand the underlying mechanisms behind age‐related bone diseases. However, inter‐donor variation has been found when handling MSCs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of donor age and sex by comparing in vitro characteristics of human bone marrow‐derived MSCs (hBMSCs) from a large donor cohort (n = 175). For this, hBMSCs were analysed for CFU‐F capacity, proliferation, differentiation capacity and surface antigen expression under standardized culture conditions. The results demonstrated a significantly reduced CFU‐F number for hBMSCs of female compared to male donors. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the proliferation rate, adipogenic differentiation potential and cell surface expression of SSEA‐4, CD146 and CD274 of hBMSCs with an increase in donor age. Interestingly, all these findings were exclusive to hBMSCs from female donors. Further research should focus on postmenopausal‐related effects on hBMSCs, as the results imply a functional loss and immunophenotypic change of hBMSCs particularly in aged women.
Outcome measures and methods of assessment of soft tissue augmentation interventions in the context of dental implant therapy: A systematic review of clinical studies published in the last 10 years
Authors: Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Pirc Miha , Chambrone Leandro , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: January 2022

Aim

To identify and report outcome measures and methods of assessment on soft tissue augmentation interventions in the context of dental implant therapy reported in clinical studies published in the last 10 years.

Materials and Methods

The protocol of this Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020‐compliant systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021252214). A literature search was conducted to identify articles that met the pre‐established eligibility criteria. Data of interest, with an emphasis on outcome measures, were extracted. For each outcome, specific methods and timing of assessment were described in detail. Following a critical qualitative analysis of the data, outcome measures were categorized. Primary outcomes were identified, and the frequency of reporting in the selected articles was calculated. Additionally, risk‐of‐bias assessments were performed for individual articles and primary outcomes.

Results

Ninety‐two articles, of which 39 reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 20 non‐RCTs, and 33 case series studies, were selected. Outcome measures were categorized into either investigator‐evaluated outcome measures (i.e., clinical, digital imaging, aesthetic, histological, biomarker, and safety) or patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). Clinical outcomes were the most frequently reported type of outcome. Considering all categories, the most frequently reported primary outcomes were facial mucosa thickness assessed with clinical methods (22.83%), facial keratinized mucosa width assessed with clinical methods (19.57%), facial mucosal margin position/recession assessed with clinical methods (18.48%), facial mucosa thickness assessed with digital imaging methods (11.96%), facial soft tissue volume assessed with digital imaging methods (9.78%), and supracrestal tissue height assessed with clinical methods (9.78%). No distinguishable patterns of association between specific types or quality (level of bias) of clinical studies and the choice of primary outcomes were observed.

Conclusions

Clinical research on peri‐implant soft tissue augmentation has progressively increased in the last 10 years. Although clinical outcome measures were the most frequently reported outcomes in the selected literature, trends in the field are indicative of a shift from traditional clinical assessment methods to the use of digital technologies. PROMs were generally under‐reported but should be considered an integral methodological component in future clinical studies.
Cosmetic dermatology training perspectives during residency: A survey‐based report from Jordan
Authors: Seetan Khaled , Jarrar Bashar , Aldebie Asem , Omari Rami , Eldos Batool , Alsharei Adel
Published: January 2022

Background

There has been an evident increase in the number of cosmetic dermatologic procedures performed by dermatologists. Those procedures vary from a simple office‐based one to more complex procedures requiring general anesthesia. Therefore, it is essential to assess the adequacy of cosmetic dermatology training among dermatology residents to meet patients’ expectations.

Aim

We sought to assess dermatology residents’ educational exposure to cosmetic dermatology and identify the practices and educational gaps of esthetic dermatology residency programs in Jordan.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional study targeted almost all dermatology residents in Jordan from April to June 2021. Forty‐two dermatology residents completed an English online questionnaire that involved sociodemographic data, the resident's educational exposure to cosmetic dermatology, and the resident's opinion regarding the training programs.

Results

Out of the 42 participants, 16 (38.1%) were males, and 26 (61.9%) were females. More than half (54.8%) of the participants reported that cosmetic procedures were done in the department they are attending. The majority (64.3%) did not attend cosmetic training or procedures. The majority strongly agree that hands‐on training is the most beneficial way of cosmetic residency training (88.1%). More than 85% believe that cosmetic dermatology training should be practical and that final‐year residents should perform cosmetic procedures independently. Only 2.4% and 4.8% of the residents were very satisfied or satisfied, respectively, with the current level of cosmetic procedural training.

Conclusion

The dermatology residents in Jordan are dissatisfied regarding the current level of cosmetic procedural training. Therefore, infrastructure must be improved; educational training quality must be improved by providing theoretical and practical education in clinics.
Expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) associates with capsular invasion in salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Yao Xiu , Guan Hua , Lin Yanjun , Li Yan , Ou Yanjing , Yan Mingdong , Lin Lisong , Zhu Xiaofeng , Shi Bin , Chen Jiang
Published: January 2022

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that pleomorphic adenoma (PA) exhibits a unique capsular invasion and with a crucial role in recurrence. This study was designed to explore RNA expression profiles in salivary gland PA in an attempt to further analyse genes associate with capsule invasion.

Methods

We evaluated the expression profiles of 4 salivary gland PA patients by RNA‐sequencing. The principal functions of the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) were explored using GO and KEGG analysis. Then, RT‐qPCR and correlation analyses were performed to verify the candidate DEGs in 59 PA patients, and immunohistochemical examinations were conducted to validate candidate DEGs. Finally, the COMP‐related genes were screened using correlation and biological pathway enrichment analysis, and further validated by RT‐qPCR.

Results

A total of 974 DEGs were significantly upregulated, and 1464 were downregulated (fold change ≥2.0; p < 0.05). Based on GO and KEGG analyses, extracellular matrix organization and the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway might play pivotal roles in the tumorigenesis of PA. 40 DEGs were screened and validated by RT‐qPCR, 11 upregulated and 5 downregulated DEGs were consistent with the sequencing results. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) was identified to have a significant correlation with the capsular invasion of PA and expression of COMP in patients with invasive capsular PA was significantly stronger than PA. Finally, further results could reveal that 5 highest scoring genes were screened as hub genes for COMP.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that COMP may be a prognostic target for PA and might contribute to its capsular invasion.
Grape seed alleviates lindane‐induced oxidative stress and improves growth performance, caecal fermentation and antioxidant capacity in growing rabbits
Authors: Abu Hafsa Salma H. , Hassan Ayman A.
Published: January 2022

This study evaluated the protective effect of grape seed on performance, caecal characteristics, blood metabolites and liver antioxidant status in lindane‐treated rabbits. Four‐week‐old New Zealand White rabbits (n = 96) with an initial body weight of 0.750 ± 0.23 g were randomly divided into four groups (n = 24). One group was the control received only corn oil orally, while group L were received lindane daily via gavage in corn oil (4 mg/kg BW; 1/50 LD50 for oral dose), group GS was treated with 50 g grape seed /kg diet, and group LGS treated with a combination of both L and GS for 98 days. Results revealed that final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake and feed efficiency (FE) were similar between GS and control groups, and achieved the highest FBW and ADG, and the best FE. Caecum pH of the L group increased, while the caecum pH of the GS group decreased sharply. There was a significant increase in the concentration of total VFA, acetic acid, propionic acid and NH3‐N in the GS group, but butyric acid level decreased. GS treatment resulted in a significant increase in the concentrations of total protein, albumin and AChE. GPx, GST, CAT and SOD activity decreased, but TBARS activity significantly increased in the group L, while GS caused a significant elevation of antioxidant activity in the liver. These results confirm that the antioxidant compounds present in grape seed can alleviate the oxidative stress caused by lindane‐induced hepatotoxicity and could be a useful supplement to maintain health and improve performance in rabbits.
Flexible work organization and employer provided training: Evidence from German linked employer‐employee data
Authors: Campaner Annika , Heywood John S. , Jirjahn Uwe
Published: January 2022

We examine the hypothesis that flexible work organization involves greater skill requirements and, hence, an increased likelihood of receiving employer provided training. The analysis is based on unique linked employer‐employee data from Germany for the years 2012, 2014 and 2016 (12,924 pooled observations from 9,440 employees in 1,903 establishments). Our results confirm that employees are more likely to receive training when their jobs are characterized by greater decision‐making autonomy and task variety, two essential elements of flexibility. Critically, the training associated with workplace flexibility does not simply reflect technology. Skill‐biased organizational change plays its own role. Moreover, we show that the training associated with workplace flexibility is disproportionately oriented toward employees with a greater formal education. We find little evidence of an age or a gender bias of workplace flexibility.
Root metabolome of plant–arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis mirrors the mutualistic or parasitic mycorrhizal phenotype
Authors: Kaur Sukhmanpreet , Campbell Barbara J. , Suseela Vidya
Published: January 2022

The symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with plants, the most ancient and widespread association, exhibits phenotypes that range from mutualism to parasitism. However, we still lack an understanding of the cellular‐level mechanisms that differentiate and regulate these phenotypes.

We assessed the modulation in growth parameters and root metabolome of two sorghum accessions inoculated with two AMF species (Rhizophagus irregularis, Gigaspora gigantea), alone and in a mixture under phosphorus (P) limiting conditions. Rhizophagus irregularis exhibited a mutualistic phenotype with increased P uptake and plant growth.

This positive outcome was associated with a facilitatory metabolic response including higher abundance of organic acids and specialized metabolites critical to maintaining a functional symbiosis. However, G. gigantea exhibited a parasitic phenotype that led to plant growth depression and resulted in inhibitory plant metabolic responses including the higher abundance of p‐hydroxyphenylacetaldoxime with antifungal properties.

These findings suggest that the differential outcome of plant–AMF symbiosis could be regulated by or reflected in changes in the root metabolome that arises from the interaction of the plant species with the specific AMF species. A mutualistic symbiotic association prevailed when the host plants were exposed to a mixture of AMF. Our results provide a metabolome‐level landscape of plant–AMF symbiosis and highlight the importance of the identity of both AMF and crop genotypes in facilitating a mutualistic AMF symbiosis.
Effects of Added Humic Substances and Nutrients on Photochemical Degradation of Dissolved Organic Matter in a Mesocosm Amendment Experiment in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea
Authors: Ma Kun , Powers Leanne C. , Seppälä Jukka , Norkko Joanna , Brandes Jay A.
Published: January 2022

Humic substances, a component of terrestrial dissolved organic matter (tDOM), contribute to dissolved organic matter (DOM) and chromophoric DOM (CDOM) in coastal waters, and have significant impacts on biogeochemistry. There are concerns in recent years over browning effects in surface waters due to increasing tDOM inputs, and their negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, but relatively little work has been published on estuaries and coastal waters. Photodegradation could be a significant sink for tDOM in coastal environments, but the rates and efficiencies are poorly constrained. We conducted large‐scale DOM photodegradation experiments in mesocosms amended with humic substances and nutrients in the Gulf of Finland to investigate the potential of photochemistry to remove added tDOM and the interactions of DOM photochemistry with eutrophication. The added tDOM was photodegraded rapidly, as CDOM absorption decreased and spectral slopes increased with increasing photons absorbed in laboratory experiments. The in situ DOM optical properties became similar among the control, humic‐ and humic+nutrients‐amended mesocosm samples toward the end of the amendment experiment, indicating degradation of the excess CDOM/DOM through processes including photodegradation. Nutrient additions did not significantly influence the effects of added humic substances on CDOM optical property changes, but induced changes in DOM removal.