bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatocellular Brg1 promotes CCl4-induced liver inflammation, ECM accumulation and fibrosis in mice
Authors: Wang Baocai , Kaufmann Benedikt , Mogler Carolin , Zhong Suyang , Yin Yuhan , Cheng Zhangjun , Schmid Roland M. , Friess Helmut , Hüser Norbert , von Figura Guido , Hartmann Daniel
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Hepatic fibrosis is a progressive pathological process involving the exhaustion of hepatocellular regenerative capacity and ultimately leading to the development of cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Brg1, the core subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, was recently identified as important for liver regeneration. This study investigates the role of Brg1 in hepatic fibrosis development.

Methods

Hepatocyte-specific Brg1 knockout mice were generated and injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. Afterwards, liver fibrosis and liver damage were assessed.

Results

Brg1 expression was significantly increased in the fibrotic liver tissue of wild-type mice, as compared to that of untreated wild-type mice. The livers of the Brg1 knockout animals showed reduced liver inflammation, extracellular matrix accumulation, and liver fibrosis. TNF-α and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response was reduced in Brg1 knockout animals.

Conclusion

Brg1 promotes the progression of liver fibrosis in mice and may therefore be used as a potential therapeutic target for treating patients with liver fibrosis due to chronic injury.
Trehalose enhances mitochondria deficits in human NPC1 mutant fibroblasts but disrupts mouse Purkinje cell dendritic growth ex vivo
Authors: MacLeod Collin M. , Yousufzai Fawad A. K. , Spencer Liam T. , Kim Sarah , Rivera-Rosario Lucianne A. , Barrera Zerian D. , Walsh Lindsay , Krummenacher Claude , Carone Benjamin , Soto Ileana
Published: November 2023

Lysosomes play important roles in catabolism, nutrient sensing, metabolic signaling, and homeostasis. NPC1 deficiency disrupts lysosomal function by inducing cholesterol accumulation that leads to early neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease. Mitochondria pathology and deficits in NPC1 deficient cells are associated with impaired lysosomal proteolysis and metabolic signaling. It is thought that activation of the transcription factor TFEB, an inducer of lysosome biogenesis, restores lysosomal-autophagy activity in lysosomal storage disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of trehalose, a TFEB activator, in the mitochondria pathology of NPC1 mutant fibroblasts in vitro and in mouse developmental Purkinje cells ex vivo. We found that in NPC1 mutant fibroblasts, serum starvation or/and trehalose treatment, both activators of TFEB, reversed mitochondria fragmentation to a more tubular mitochondrion. Trehalose treatment also decreased the accumulation of Filipin+ cholesterol in NPC1 mutant fibroblasts. However, trehalose treatment in cerebellar organotypic slices (COSCs) from wild-type and Npc1nmf164 mice caused mitochondria fragmentation and lack of dendritic growth and degeneration in developmental Purkinje cells. Our data suggest, that although trehalose successfully restores mitochondria length and decreases cholesterol accumulation in NPC1 mutant fibroblasts, in COSCs, Purkinje cells mitochondria and dendritic growth are negatively affected possibly through the overactivation of the TFEB-lysosomal-autophagy pathway.
Exposure to childhood maltreatment predicts adult physiological dysregulation, particularly inflammation
Authors: Cornman Jennifer C. , Witt Jacob , Glei Dana A. , Weinstein Maxine
Published: November 2023

Although a growing literature describes the effects of negative childhood experiences on biological outcomes, it is difficult to compare results across studies because of differences in measures of childhood experiences, biological markers, sample characteristics, and included covariates. To ensure comparability across its analyses, this study used a single national survey of adults in the United States—the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study—to examine comprehensively the association between adverse childhood experiences, operationalized as childhood maltreatment (CM), and biological markers of risk for poor health and to assess whether these associations differ by type of maltreatment, sex, or race. The sample included 1254, mostly White (78%), adults aged 34–86 years (mean age 57 years), 57% of whom were female. We present incidence rate ratios (IRR) from negative binomial and Poisson regressions to examine the relationships between exposure to CM (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect; and a CM-index reflecting frequency across all five types of maltreatment) and four biological risk summary scores (overall physiological dysregulation, cardiometabolic risk, inflammation, and hypothalamic pituitary axis/sympathetic nervous system (HPA/SNS) function). We also tested whether the effect of each type of CM varied by sex and by race. The CM-index was associated with higher overall physiological dysregulation and inflammation, but the associations were weaker and not statistically significant for cardiometabolic risk and HPA/SNS function. With the exception of a possible sex difference in the association between sexual abuse and overall physiological dysregulation, there was little evidence that the associations varied systematically by type of CM or by sex or race. We conclude that exposure to CM predicts adult biological risk, particularly inflammation. Inconsistency with previous research suggests that additional research is needed to confirm findings regarding sex and race differences.
High-risk human papillomavirus prevalence among South African women diagnosed with other STIs and BV
Authors: Qulu Wenkosi , Mtshali Andile , Osman Farzana , Ndlela Nonsikelelo , Ntuli Lungelo , Mzobe Gugulethu , Naicker Nivashnee , Garrett Nigel , Rompalo Anne , Mindel Adrian , Ngcapu Sinaye , Liebenberg Lenine
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of cervical cancer. Although this relies on infection and persistence of HPV in epithelial cells, often occurring in the context of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV), data on the relationships between these and their relative effects on epithelial barrier integrity in women remain sparse. This study describes the epidemiology of HPV combined with STI and/or BV prevalence and the relative impact on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) among South African women.

Methods

Roche Linear Array was used for HPV genotyping in menstrual cup pellets of 243 HIV-negative women participating in the CAPRISA 083 cohort study. Vulvovaginal swabs were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis using Xpert® CT/NG assay and lateral flow assay, and Gram staining was performed to diagnose BV using Nugent scoring criteria. Concentrations of 5 MMPs were measured in menstrual cup supernatants by multiplexed ELISA. Fisher’s exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariable regression models determined associations between HPV infection, STI and/or BV, and MMP concentrations.

Results

HPV was prevalent in 34% of women (83/243; median 23 years, interquartile range (IQR) 21–27 years). Low-risk (lr) (71%, 59/83) and high-risk (hr)-HPV infections (54.2%, 45/83) were common. Hr-HPV was frequently detected in STI and/or BV-positive women compared to women without STIs or BV (p = 0.029). In multivariable analysis, BV was associated with increased odds of hr-HPV detection (OR: 2.64, 95%CI: 1.02–6.87, p = 0.046). Furthermore, Gardasil®9 vaccine-type strains were more frequently detected in women diagnosed with STI and/or BV (55.2%, 32/58 vs 24%, 6/25; p = 0.009). Among STI and/or BV-positive women, HPV detection was significantly associated with increased MMP-10 concentrations (b = 0.55, 95% CI 0.79–1.01; p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Most women with hr-HPV had another STI and/or BV, emphasizing an urgent need for STI and BV screening and intensive scale-up of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination programmes. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for more extensive research to confirm and understand the relationship between HPV infection and barrier integrity.
Impact of youth lay health workers on HIV service delivery in South Africa: A pragmatic cluster randomized trial of the Youth Health Africa program
Authors: Tollefson Deanna , Dasgupta Sayan , Setswe Geoffrey , Reeves Sarah , Charalambous Salome , Duerr Ann
Published: November 2023

Background

Innovative approaches are needed to increase lay health workers in HIV programs. The Youth Health Africa (YHA) program is a novel approach that places young adults seeking work experience in one-year internships in health facilities to support HIV-related programming (e.g., HIV testing) or administration (e.g., filing).

Methods

We implemented a pragmatic, randomized trial among 20 facilities in Ngaka Modiri Molema district in North West province from October 2020-August 2021 to assess impact of YHA interns on HIV testing, treatment initiation, and retention in care. The primary outcome was proportion of patients tested for HIV. Secondary outcomes assessed HIV positivity, initiation in care, retention in care, and HIV testing among males and adolescents/young adults. We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis accounting for variations in baseline outcomes between control and intervention facilities using difference-in-difference and controlled time series approaches. We repeated this using as-treated groupings for sensitivity analyses.

Results

Fifty interns were placed in 20 facilities; thirty-four interns remained at 18 facilities through August 2021. Compared to control facilities, intervention facilities had a greater improvement in HIV testing (ΔΔ+5.7%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -3.7%-15.1%) and treatment initiation (ΔΔ+10.3%, 95% CI: -27.8–48.5%), but these differences were not statistically significant. There was an immediate increase in HIV testing in intervention facilities after program interns were placed, which was not observed in control facilities; this difference was significant (ΔΔ+8.4%, 95% CI: 0.5–16.4%, p = 0.036). There were no other differences in outcomes observed between intervention and control facilities.

Conclusion

This was largely a null trial, but there were signals that program interns may have positive impact on HIV testing and treatment initiation. As implemented in this study, addition of YHA program interns had little impact on facility-based HIV service delivery. A higher number of interns placed per facility may be necessary to affect HIV services.

Trial registration

Registration: This trial was registered with the ISRCTN (Registration number: ISRCTN67031403) in October 2022.
Transcriptome profiling of human col\onic cells exposed to the gut pathobiont Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus
Authors: Pasquereau-Kotula Ewa , du Merle Laurence , Sismeiro Odile , Pietrosemoli Natalia , Varet Hugo , Legendre Rachel , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Dramsi Shaynoor
Published: November 2023

Streptococcus gallolyticus sp.gallolyticus (SGG)is a gut pathobiont involved in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). To decipherSGGcontribution in tumor initiation and/or acceleration respectively, a global transcriptome was performed in human normal colonic cells (FHC) and in human tumoral colonic cells (HT29). To identifySGG-specific alterations, we chose the phylogenetically closest relative,Streptococcus gallolyticussubsp.macedonicus(SGM)as control bacterium. We show thatSGM, a bacterium generally considered as safe, did not induce any transcriptional changes on the two human colonic cells. The transcriptional reprogramming induced bySGGin normal FHC and tumoral HT29 cells was significantly different, although most of the genes up- and down-regulated were associated with cancer disease. Top up-regulated genes related to cancer were: (i)IL-20,CLK1,SORBS2,ERG1,PIM1,SNORD3Afor normal FHC cells and (ii)TSLP,BHLHA15,LAMP3,ZNF27B,KRT17,ATF3for cancerous HT29 cells. The total number of altered genes were much higher in cancerous than in normal colonic cells (2,090vs128 genes being affected, respectively). Gene set enrichment analysis reveals thatSGG-induced strong ER- (endoplasmic reticulum) stress and UPR- (unfolded protein response) activation in colonic epithelial cells. Our results suggest thatSGGinduces a pro-tumoral shift in human colonic cells particularly in transformed cells potentially accelerating tumor development in the colon.
Validation of the 12‐item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 in individuals with schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and diabetes in Singapore
Authors: Abdin Edimansyah , Seet Vanessa , Jeyagurunathan Anitha , Tan Sing Chik , Mok Yee Ming , Verma Swapna , Lee Eng Sing , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: November 2023

Background

There is limited evidence on the reliability and validity of the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in an Asian patient population with mental and physical disorders. The current study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the WHODAS 2.0 among patients with schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and diabetes.

Methods

A total of 1076 patients (M  =  40.9 years, SD  =  14.7) were recruited from the outpatient clinics of a tertiary psychiatric hospital and a primary care clinic. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability, structural validity, convergent validity, agreement, and floor and ceiling effects were examined.

Results

Our confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the 1-factor model fits our data. Multigroup CFA demonstrated metric and scalar invariance, indicating the scores can be compared across the four conditions. The WHODAS 2.0 scale had excellent reliability in the overall sample and good to excellent reliability across conditions. The test-retest reliability and agreement between self-administered and interviewer-administered modes were good. The WHODAS 2.0 scores had moderate to strong correlations with the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale and the Sheehan Disability Scale scores in the overall sample and across four conditions.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the WHODAS 2.0 is a valid tool to measure functioning and disability in those with schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and diabetes in an Asian patient population.
Efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for thoracic and abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nakashima Yuki , Iwaki Daisuke , Kataoka Yuki , Ariie Takashi , Taito Shunsuke , Nishikawa Yuichi , Mio Naoki , Mikami Yukio
Published: November 2023

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on lower limb muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) after thoracic and abdominal surgery. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE via PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database via Elsevier, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via their dedicated search portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov on November 2021 and updated in April 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of NMES after thoracic and abdominal surgery. The primary outcomes were lower limb muscle strength, HR-QOL, and adverse events. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of evidence. A total of 18 randomized control trials involving 915 participants, including 10 on cardiovascular surgery, two on pulmonary surgery, five on digestive system surgery, and one on other surgery, were included. NMES slightly increased lower limb muscle strength and adverse events in cardiovascular surgery. Adverse events (hypotension, pain, and muscle discomfort) occurred in seven patients. HR-QOL was measured in two studies on cardiovascular surgery, but these were not pooled due to concept heterogeneity. Overall, NMES slightly increases lower limb muscle strength after cardiovascular surgery without serious adverse events. However, higher-quality randomized control trials in thoracic and abdominal surgeries are needed.
Post-Hypoglycemic hyperglycemia are highly relevant markers for stratification of glycemic variability and partial remission status of pediatric patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Harvengt Antoine A. , Polle Olivier G. , Martin Manon , van Maanen Aline , Gatto Laurent , Lysy Philippe A.
Published: November 2023

Aims

To evaluate whether parameters of post-hypoglycemic hyperglycemia (PHH) correlated with glucose homeostasis during the first year after type 1 diabetes onset and helped to distinguish pediatric patients undergoing partial remission or not.

Methods

In the GLUREDIA (GLUcagon Response to hypoglycemia in children and adolescents with new-onset type 1 DIAbetes) study, longitudinal values of clinical parameters, continuous glucose monitoring metrics and residual β-cell secretion from children with new-onset type 1 diabetes were analyzed during the first year after disease onset. PHH parameters were calculated using an in-house algorithm. Correlations between PHH parameters (i.e., PHH frequency, PHH duration, PHH area under the curve [PHHAUC]) and glycemic homeostasis markers were studied using adjusted mixed-effects models.

Results

PHH parameters were strong markers to differentiate remitters from non-remitters with PHH/Hyperglycemia duration ratio being the most sensitive (ratio<0.02; sensitivity = 86% and specificity = 68%). PHHAUC moderately correlated with parameters of glucose homeostasis including TIR (R2 = 0.35, p-value < 0.05), coefficient of variation (R2 = 0.22, p-value < 0.05) and Insulin-Dose Adjusted A1c (IDAA1C) (R2 = 0.32, p-value < 0.05) and with residual β-cell secretion (R2 = 0.17, p-value < 0.05). Classification of patients into four previously described glucotypes independently validated PHH parameters as reliable markers of glucose homeostasis and improved the segregation of patients with intermediate values of IDAA1C and estimated C-peptide (CPEPEST). Finally, a combination of PHH parameters identified groups of patients with specific patterns of hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

PHH parameters are new minimal-invasive markers to discriminate remitters from non-remitters and evaluate glycemic homeostasis during the first year of type 1 diabetes. PHH parameters may also allow patient-targeted therapeutic management of hypoglycemic episodes.
An invisible caregiver for visibly older parents: Experiences of (young) adults shared as comments to newspaper articles on advanced age parenthood
Authors: Verghote Kato , Satalkar-Götz Priya , Pennings Guido , Provoost Veerle
Published: November 2023

At the centre of the debate on advanced age parenthood are concerns for the offspring’s well-being. In the few empirical studies available, researchers found that children born to older parents show similar or better cognitive, behavioural and psychosocial outcomes compared to children born to younger parents. Most of these studies examining the children’s perspective are quantitative. This study qualitatively examined the experiences presented by (young) adults who identified as born to older parents offered in response to a selection of newspaper articles on the topic. Performing inductive thematic analysis, we found that positive experiences were often presented as a way to contradict prejudices about advanced age parenthood. Other comments described the visual representation of the older parents’ age as an attribute that created difference and, in some cases, social distance from peers and the outside world in general. Central to the negative experiences was a contrast between the visibility of being a child of older parents and the invisibility of caring for them. Moreover, in a majority of the latter comments, the commenters’ caregiving experiences combined with the social network’s notable lack of understanding and support regarding the caregiving responsibilities were described as adversely affecting their lives. These findings provide more insight into the experiences of (young) adults born to advanced age parents and their potential needs.
Reactive control in suicide ideators and attempters: An examination of the congruency sequence effect in cognitive and emotional Simon tasks
Authors: Lee Hyejin J. , Kang Joohyang , Yu Hwajeong , Lim Chae Eun , Oh EunByeol , Choi Jong Moon , You Sungeun , Cho Yang Seok
Published: November 2023

Reactive control is the cognitive ability to adjust thoughts and behaviors when encountering conflict. We investigated how this ability to manage conflict and stress distinguishes suicidal from nonsuicidal individuals. The hypothesis was that suicidal individuals would show poorer reactive control when faced with conflict generated by emotional than neutral stimuli. Hence, individuals with a lifetime history of suicide ideation or attempt and nonsuicidal controls were tested in cognitive and emotional Simon tasks. We examined the congruency sequence effect (CSE) in the Simon tasks as an indication of the efficiency of reactive control in resolving conflict. Whereas controls demonstrated significant CSEs in both tasks, suicide attempters showed a significant CSE in the cognitive task but not in the emotional task. Suicide ideators, on the other hand, displayed marginally significant CSEs in both tasks. Comparing groups with pairwise comparison demonstrated that the difference in CSE was significant only in the emotional task between attempters and controls. Our findings of attempters’ inefficiency in adjusting reactive control during the emotional task reflect cognitive inflexibility in coping with conflicting situations during which suicidal individuals become vulnerable to suicide attempts in states of negative emotion.
Association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking addiction, and alcohol use disorder among a sample of Lebanese adults
Authors: Youssef Lara , Salameh Pascale , Sacre Hala , Akel Marwan , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: November 2023

Background

Alexithymia can be associated with worse addictive traits, while emotional intelligence is associated with better addictive outcomes. In Lebanon, the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking is on the rise, although people are aware of the associated harms. Also, around 11% of Lebanese adults have experienced alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aimed to assess the association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking (cigarette and waterpipe), and AUD among a sample of Lebanese adults.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study carried out between February and April 2020, during the lockdown period, enrolled 408 community-dwelling adults. The survey link was shared on social media to reach participants from all Lebanese districts/governorates.

Results

Taking antidepressants (Beta = 4.37) was significantly associated with more cigarette dependence, while female gender (Beta = -1.52) and having a high vs. low monthly income (Beta = 1.02) were significantly associated with less cigarette dependence. None of the variables, including alexithymia, were significantly associated with waterpipe dependence. Female gender (Beta = -0.15) and higher emotional intelligence (Beta = -0.003) were significantly associated with less AUD, whereas higher alexithymia (Beta = 0.003) was significantly associated with more AUD.

Conclusion

This study could demonstrate a significant association between alexithymia and cigarette smoking and alexithymia and alcohol consumption. Future research is warranted to investigate the mediating effect of emotional intelligence and how these results may be used to meet the needs of alexithymic individuals with addictions.
Treatment and life goals among veterans with Gulf War illness
Authors: Sullivan Nicole , Schorpp Hannah , Crosky Sarah , Thien Scott , Helmer Drew A. , Litke David R. , Pigeon Wilfred R. , Quigley Karen S. , McAndrew Lisa M.
Published: November 2023

Medically unexplained syndromes (MUS), also termed persistent physical symptoms, are both prevalent and disabling. Yet treatments for MUS are marked by high rates of patient dissatisfaction, as well as disagreement between patients and providers on the management of persistent physical symptoms. A better understanding of patient-generated goals could increase collaborative goal setting and promote person-centered care, a critical component of MUS treatment; yet research in this area is lacking. This paper aimed to develop a typology of treatment and life goals among Gulf War veterans with a medically unexplained syndrome (Gulf War Illness). We examined participants’ responses to open-ended questions about treatment and life goals using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis methodology. Results showed that treatment goals could be categorized into four overarching themes: 1) Get better/healthier, 2) Improve quality of life, 3) Improve or seek additional treatment, and 4) Don’t know/Don’t have any. Life goals were categorized into six overarching themes: 1) Live a fulfilling life, 2) Live a happy life, 3) Live a healthy life, 4) Be productive/financially successful, 5) Manage GWI, and 6) Don’t know/Don’t have any. Treatment goals were largely focused on getting better/healthier (e.g., improving symptoms), whereas life goals focused on living a fulfilling life. Implications for the treatment of Gulf War Illness and patient-provider communication are discussed.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02161133.
Limitations in predicting reduced susceptibility to third generation cephalosporins in Escherichia coli based on whole genome sequence data
Authors: Heydecke Anna , Yin Hong , Tano Eva , Sütterlin Susanne
Published: November 2023

Prediction of antibiotic resistance from whole genome sequence (WGS) data has been proposed. However, the performance of WGS data analysis for this matter may be influenced by the resistance mechanism’s biology. This study compared traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing with whole genome sequencing for identification of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) in a collection of 419 Escherichia coli isolates. BLASTn-based prediction and read mapping with srst2 gave matching results, and in 381/419 (91%) isolates WGS was congruent with phenotypic testing. Incongruent results were grouped by potential explanations into biological-related and sequence analysis-related results. Biological-related explanations included weak ESBL-enzyme activity (n = 4), inconclusive phenotypic ESBL-testing (n = 4), potential loss of plasmid during subculturing (n = 7), and other resistance mechanisms than ESBL-enzymes (n = 2). Sequence analysis-related explanations were cut-off dependency for read depth (n = 5), too stringent (n = 3) and too loose cut-off for nucleotide identity and coverage (n = 13), respectively. The results reveal limitations of both traditional antibiotic susceptibility testing and sequence-based resistance prediction and highlight the need for evidence-based standards in sequence analysis.
Eyes on incivility in surgical teams: Teamwork, well-being, and an intervention
Authors: Ostroff Cheri , Benincasa Chelsea , Rae Belinda , Fahlbusch Douglas , Wallwork Nicholas
Published: November 2023

Incivility in surgery is prevalent and negatively impacts effectiveness and staff well-being. The purpose of this study was to a) examine relationships between incivility, team dynamics, and well-being outcomes, and b) explore a low-cost intervention of ‘eye’ signage in operating theater areas to reduce incivility in surgical teams. A mixed methods design was used in an orthopedic hospital. Surveys of incivility, teamwork, and well-being were administered three months apart in a small private hospital. An intervention of signage with eyes was placed in the theater area after administration of the first survey, using a pretest-posttest design. Participants also responded to an open-ended question about suggestions for improvements at the end of the survey which was then thematically analyzed. At the individual level (n = 74), incivility was statistically significantly related to team dynamics which in turn was significantly related to burnout, stress, and job attitudes. At the aggregate level, reported incivility was statistically significantly lower after the ‘eye’ sign intervention. Thematic analysis identified core issues of management behaviors, employee appreciation, communication, and work practices. Incivility in surgical teams has significant detrimental associations with burnout, stress, and job attitudes, which occurs through its impact on decreased team dynamics and communication. A simple intervention that evokes perceptions of being observed, such as signage of eyes in theater areas, has the potential to decrease incivility at least in the short term, demonstrating that incivility is amenable to being modified. Additional research on targeted interventions to address incivility are needed to improve teamwork and staff well-being.
Parent-child communication about substance use, puberty, sex, and social media use among Hispanic parents and pre-adolescent children
Authors: Matsuda Yui , Thalasinos Roxana D. , Parra Alexa , Roman Laporte Roberto , Mejia-Botero Maria A. , Adera Abgail L. , Siles Melody , Lazaro Gerardo , Venkata Ronak N. , De Santis Joseph P.
Published: November 2023

Background & purpose

Previous research has noted that Hispanic pre-adolescents may be at an increased probability for engagement in risk-taking behaviors. The purpose of this study was to explore parent-child communication among Hispanic parents and 4th-6th grade children related to substance use, puberty, sex, and social media use.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was used to examine Hispanic parents’/caregivers’ communication with their children about substance use behaviors, pubertal developments, engagement in sexual risk behaviors, and social media use. The study included two components: four focus groups consisting of 23 children; five focus groups and one interview consisting of 24 adults. All were conducted until data saturation was reached. Parents and pre-adolescents were interviewed separately. Interviews with parents and pre-adolescents were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis techniques.

Results & conclusion

The themes that emerged from the interviews were about children’s feelings, parents’ feelings, communication messages that children received from their parents, and information parents provided to their children during parent-child communication. The results indicate discrepancies between information that parents provided and information that the pre-adolescents reported. The results have implications for healthcare providers in that parents need to be better educated on communicating effectively with their pre-adolescents about risk-taking behaviors. Healthcare providers may help facilitate parent-child communication with Hispanic families. More research is needed to develop intervention programs for Hispanic parents to learn how to effectively communicate with their pre-adolescent children in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Body condition as a descriptor of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) health status in the Greater Everglades, Florida, United States
Authors: Balaguera-Reina Sergio A. , Brandt Laura A. , Hernandez Nicole D. , Mason Brittany M. , Smith Christopher D. , Mazzotti Frank J.
Published: November 2023

Body condition is used as an indicator of the degree of body fat in an animal but evidence of its actual relationship with health diagnostics (e.g., blood parameters) is usually lacking across species. In American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), body condition has been used as a performance metric within the Greater Everglades ecosystem to provide insight on hydrological and landscape changes on alligator populations. However, there is no clear evidence that spatial body condition changes relate to different health conditions (low food intake vs sickness) and whether this link can be made when relating body condition values with blood parameters. We assessed the relationship between alligator body condition and 36 hematological and biochemistry (blood) parameters in four areas across two physiographic regions (Everglades and Big Cypress) of the Greater Everglades (sample size = 120). We found very strong to weak evidence of linearity between 7 (Big Cypress) and 19 (Everglades) blood parameters and relative condition factor index, from which cholesterol (38%) and uric acid (41%) for the former and phosphorus (up to 52%) and cholesterol (up to 45%) for the latter (mean absolute error MAE = 0.18 each) were the predictors that individually explain most of the body condition variation. The best combination of blood parameters for the Everglades were cholesterol, phosphorus, osmolality, total protein, albumin, alpha 2, beta, and gamma globulins, and corticosterone accounting for 40% (37 ± 21%, MAE = 0.16) of the variation found in alligator body condition for this region. We found better predictability power in models when analyzed at smaller rather than larger scales showing a potential habitat effect on the body condition—blood parameters relationship. Overall, Everglades alligators in poorer condition are likely dehydrated or have an inadequate diet and the spatial differences found between physiographic regions suggest that these areas differ in prey availability/quality.
Kicking sleepers out of bed: Macrophages promote reactivation of dormant Cryptococcus neoformans by extracellular vesicle release and non-lytic exocytosis
Authors: de Castro Raffael Júnio Araújo , Marina Clara Luna , Sturny-Leclère Aude , Hoffmann Christian , Bürgel Pedro Henrique , Wong Sarah Sze Wah , Aimanianda Vishukumar , Varet Hugo , Agrawal Ruchi , Bocca Anamélia Lorenzetti , Alanio Alexandre
Published: November 2023

Macrophages play a key role in disseminated cryptococcosis, a deadly fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. This opportunistic infection can arise following the reactivation of a poorly characterized latent infection attributed to dormant C. neoformans. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying reactivation of dormant C. neoformans using an in vitro co-culture model of viable but non-culturable (VBNC; equivalent of dormant) yeast cells with bone marrow-derived murine macrophages (BMDMs). Comparative transcriptome analysis of BMDMs incubated with log, stationary phase or VBNC cells of C. neoformans showed that VBNC cells elicited a reduced transcriptional modification of the macrophage but retaining the ability to regulate genes important for immune response, such as NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes. We further confirmed the maintenance of the low immunostimulatory capacity of VBNC cells using multiplex cytokine profiling, and analysis of cell wall composition and dectin-1 ligands exposure. In addition, we evaluated the effects of classic (M1) or alternative (M2) macrophage polarization on VBNC cells. We observed that intracellular residence sustained dormancy, regardless of the polarization state of macrophages and despite indirect detection of pantothenic acid (or its derivatives), a known reactivator for VBNC cells, in the C. neoformans-containing phagolysosome. Notably, M0 and M2, but not M1 macrophages, induced extracellular reactivation of VBNC cells by the secretion of extracellular vesicles and non-lytic exocytosis. Our results indicate that VBNC cells retain the low immunostimulatory profile required for persistence of C. neoformans in the host. We also describe a pro-pathogen role of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles in C. neoformans infection and reinforce the impact of non-lytic exocytosis and the macrophage profile on the pathophysiology of cryptococcosis.
Editorial
Authors: García Leiva María Trinidad , Ranaivoson Heritiana
Published: November 2023

This articles serves as editorial introduction to the Journal of Digital Media and Policy’s Special Issue on ‘US-Based SVoD Providers in Europe: Impacts and Challenges’. It starts by a reminder of the importance taken by US-based SVOD in Europe, and their ambiguous impact. On the one hand, they play a key role in terms of audio-visual creativity and innovation. On the other hand, they have been at the centre of many policy debates regarding notably their impact on the production and consumption of European content. The objective of the Special Issue is to analyse such impact using various empirical approaches and comparative analyses. This is done via five articles, two short commentaries and three book reviews, which are briefly presented in the end of this editorial introduction.
More local, more risky, more studio-like: How Norwegian film distributors adapted their strategies to the streaming age
Authors: Øfsti Marius
Published: November 2023

Foreign movies, especially on DVD, were a large part of the revenue stream for Norwegian film distribution companies before 2013. This revenue was also relatively predictable compared to the high risk of investing in Norwegian movies. However, the rise of Netflix and other global subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) services not only brought a sudden loss of DVD income, it also reduced access to foreign movies and increased the relative value of the high-risk local movies. This article uses quantitative data on films in Norwegian cinemas from 2008 to 2019 and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders performed in 2019 and 2020 to examine how Norwegian distributors responded to this change. It finds that Norwegian distributors shifted towards a strategy where they are increasingly first-run distributors for local movies at the expense of being sub-distributors for foreign movies. The major local distributors have also become increasingly vertically integrated.
STUDY OF ANTIOXIDANT, CYTOTOXIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF EXTRACTS OBTEINED FROM ACHILLEA MARITIMA (L.) EHREND. & Y.P.GUO (ASTERACEAE)
Authors: Bilgi Selçuk , Beyatli Ahmet
Published: November 2023

Various extracts obtained from Achillea maritima analyzed with HPLC-DAD method to detect phenolic compounds. Total phenolic content (954.94±38.36 mg/g sample) and antioxidant activity results of A. maritima (604.15±11.57 mg trolox/g sample for DPPH method, 347.65±8.98 mg trolox/g sample for ABTS method, 486.31±9.99 mg trolox /g sample for FRAP method) were found in ethyl acetate extract the most. In addition, phenolic acid and ferulic acid was determined as the major phenolic substance (47.97±0.07 mg/g sample). The ethanol and chloroform phases showed MIC values of 2500 µg/mL against bacteria and fungus, and the hexane phase showed MIC values of 19, 39, 156 µg/mL against S. aureus, E. fecalis and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Ethyl acetate phase has a various activity against each bacteria. Butanol phase was found to be more effective against Gram-negative (MIC 625 µg/mL and 39 µg/mL) than Gram-positive ones (MIC 1250 µg/mL). The water phase had a stable MIC (625 µg/mL) against all strains. In MTT test, extracts showed different levels of cytotoxicity (240–820 µg/mL) against K562 and Saos cell lines, while extracts were non-toxic against NIH-3T3. In Brine shrimp assay ethanol, hexane and chloroform extracts had a moderate cytotoxic effect.
OPTIMIZATION OF CONDITIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF STABLE GEL FROM AGAR-AGAR
Authors: Osovskaya Iraida Ivanovna , Baranova Anna Evgenievna
Published: November 2023

Red seaweed is an important raw material for obtaining a natural gelling agent, thickener and stabilizer – agar-agar. In the work, agar was isolated from dried red seaweed of the genus Porphyra. The high rheological and gel-forming properties of agar were shown. The dependence of the concentration of the agar solution on the gel-forming ability was obtained. The range of concentrations at which the formation of the gel occurs (1.0–10.0%). The choice of optimal conditions (concentration, temperature) for the production of films has been substantiated. The effect of the plasticizer on the quality of films is shown. A direct dependence of the change in the swelling of the film in water on time and temperature – objective characteristics for their use for practical purposes – has been established. The critical concentration of agar micello formation is 0.05%. At this concentration, the surface activity of agar is 27.1 mJm/kg. An improvement in the properties of textile materials coated with agar solution has been established. Problems that need to be solved with further research are shown.
HUMIC SUBSTANCES OF PEAT. PROPERTIES AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Brovarova Ol'ga Vladislavovna , Brovarova Dar'ya Alekseyevna
Published: November 2023

Humic substances (HS) are a specific group of high-molecular biopolymers that are formed during the decomposition of plant and animal tissue. It has been established that humic substances have a wide range of biological properties, in addition, humic substances are quickly included in the processes of plant metabolism, which accelerates the development of the root system, increases resistance to adverse environmental factors. But to date, the nature of this phenomenon has not been studied enough. To deepen our understanding of the biological and growth-stimulating activity of humic substances, the influence of prepared solutions with different concentrations of humic substances on seed germination is considered. It has been shown that solutions of humic substances have a beneficial effect on seeds even in small concentrations.

This research work is devoted to the study of the main functional groups of humic substances, such as carboxylic, phenolic, quinoid. Various physico-chemical methods were used in the work to determine the functional and elemental composition of peat HS.

It has been established that peat HS have a stimulating effect and high physiological activity on the growth and biometric indicators of plants, which in the future can determine the increase in yield and quality of agricultural plants.
EXTRACTION OF CHLOROPHYLLS AND CAROTENOIDS FROM SPRUCE NEEDLES WITH SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Authors: Skrebets Tat'yana Eduardovna , Ivakhnov Artem Dmitriyevich , Repina Valeriya Ivanovna
Published: November 2023

Supercritical carbon dioxide, being a non-polar solvent, has proven itself well as an extractant for the extraction of non-polar compounds from plant materials. However, the use of co-solvents that enhance the polar properties of the SO2 in the supercritical state greatly enhances its use for extraction. Wood greens, in particular spruce, contain a large number of useful substances of varying polarity, for which extraction is one of the main extraction methods. Spruce needles were extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide with alcohol additives as co-solvents to extract chlorophylls and carotenoids. The pigment content of the sample obtained by exhaustive Soxhlet extraction with ethanol (isopropanol) was 0.025 mg/g for carotenoids, 0.3 mg/g for chlorophylls. Supercritical pigment extraction was carried out in a Waters MV-10ASFE extractor (USA) at temperatures of 60 °C and 80 °C, varying in pressure from 100 at to 300 at, co-solvent concentration from 0 to 10%, extraction duration from 10 to 60 minutes. Analysis of extracts for carotenoids and chlorophyll was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography on LC-30 “Nexera” (Shimadzu), Japan. It has been found that supercritical SO2 at maximum process parameters is capable of extracting three times more carotenoids than chlorophylls. The addition of co-solvents has little or no effect on the amount of carotenoids recovered, while the chlorophyll content of the extract can be increased 4–7 times with ethanol and 3–4 times with iso-propanol.
Psychiatric and Educational Aspects of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Nationwide Danish Cohort Study With Matched Nonexposed Individuals
Authors: Karstensen John Gásdal , Wullum Laus , Andersen Klaus Kaae , Beck Søren Hammershøj , Bülow Steffen , Højen Helle , Jelsig Anne Marie , Jespersen Niels , Wewer Mads Damsgaard , Pommergaard Hans Christian , Burisch Johan
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal, dominantly inherited disorder that predisposes to colorectal cancer. An increased risk of cancer may affect mental health, but the magnitude of this effect remains unknown. We assessed the psychosocial functioning, including the educational level attained and risk of psychiatric comorbidity, of patients with FAP by comparing them with matched nonexposed individuals.

METHODS:

All Danish patients with FAP diagnosed before April 2021 were identified in the Danish Polyposis Register and paired with 4 matched nonexposed individuals. Educational history, psychiatric contacts or diagnoses (International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision), and treatment with antidepressants, anxiolytics, or antipsychotics were compared between patients with FAP and nonexposed individuals.

RESULTS:

The analysis included 445 patients with FAP and 1,538 nonexposed individuals. The highest educational level reached was significantly lower for patients with FAP (P < 0.001). When comparing patients with FAP and nonexposed and adjusting for a cancer diagnosis, an increased risk was observed for a psychiatric contact (1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–2.29, P < 0.001), any psychiatric prescription (1.39, 95% CI 1.17–1.66, P < 0.001), a psychiatric diagnosis (1.64, 95% CI 1.19–2.26, P = 0.002), and experiencing any psychiatric event (hazard ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.20–1.68, P < 0.001). An increased risk was specifically seen for mood (affective) disorders (1.76, 95% CI 1.09–2.83, P = 0.02) and behavioral and emotional disorders (2.01, 95% CI 1.10–3.69, P = 0.02) and the need for antidepressants (1.59, 95% CI 1.24–2.03, P < 0.001) and antipsychotics (1.85, 95% CI 1.26–2.70, P = 0.002).

DISCUSSION:

Compared with nonexposed individuals, patients with had significantly less education and an increased risk of developing mood and behavioral disorders, with an increased likelihood of needing antidepressants and antipsychotics.
Murphy, A. B. (2020). Geografía ¿Por qué importa?
Authors: Sunyer Martín Pere
Published: November 2023

Murphy, A. B. (2020). Geografía ¿Por qué importa?. Traducción Andrea Saavedra. [Colección El libro de bolsillo, HU 96]. Madrid: Alianza editorial. 162 pp.  978-84-9181-762-8
Implementation of The Problem-Based Learning which Combined with Group Investigation in Physics to Improve the Student’s Learning Outcomes
Authors: Ana A. Jusriana , Wayong Moh. , Ratnasari Ita
Published: November 2023

This research is a pre-experimental study which aims to determine the physics learning outcomes of class XI students at public high school 1 Bantaeng using Problem-Based Learning method combined with the Group Investigation Method. We obtained the data through pretest and posttest. The sample in this study was selected using purposive sampling. where the sample consists of one class with 15 people. The results of the descriptive research indicate that there is an increase in student learning outcomes after the method has been implemented. This is proved by the t-test which shows obtained result to be 22,031 where the t table obtained is 1.7613.