bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of vegetation grazed by a food‐limited population of Soay sheep on St Kilda
Authors: Crawley Michael J. , Pakeman Robin J. , Albon Steve D. , Pilkington Jill G. , Stevenson Ian R. , Morrissey Michael B. , Jones Owen R. , Allan Eric , Bento Ana I. , Hipperson Helen , Asefa Gebre , Pemberton Josephine M.
Published: September 2021

The population of Soay sheep on the island of Hirta in the Outer Hebrides has been the subject of continuous study for more than 35 years. This paper focuses on the botanical aspects of the plant–herbivore interaction, showing how the vegetation affects and is affected by the sheep.

Grazing impacts on biomass and spatial structure varied across plant communities, with Holcus/Agrostis grasslands affected most and Wet Heath least, consistent with the hypothesis that herbivore impacts are proportional to plant productivity.

Within plant communities, the negative relationships between sheep numbers and plant abundance (sward height, gap/tussock cover and biomass) were significant in March but not significant in August, as expected if sheep numbers are limited by food supply in winter.

In most species, flower stem density declined with increasing sheep numbers. There were no examples where unpalatable plants showed increased flowering (e.g. from competitor release under selective grazing).

Plant production in temporary grazing exclosures (above‐ground net primary production) was greatest in Holcus/Agrostis grassland (12.6 t ha−1 dry matter year−1), lower in Nardus grassland (5.1 t ha−1 year−1) and least in Plantago sward (1.3 t ha−1 year−1) associated with differences in historical nutrient supply and microclimate.

The net effect of grazing on plant species richness was positive: A few highly palatable species were excluded, but small‐scale coexistence of grazing‐tolerant species was enhanced by defoliation.

The Soay sheep population fluctuated from 908 (in 1988) to 2,208 (in 2009), increasing by an average of 39 extra animals per year over the period 1985–2011. Between 2011 and 2020, the population fluctuated less widely and showed no trend.

Population change (ln(N(t + 1)/N(t))) was inversely density dependent but positively correlated with plant production in Holcus/Agrostis grassland which increased during the study.

This plant–herbivore interaction is highly resilient, and though some species (Festuca rubra and Ranunculus acris) declined in the Holcus/Agrostis grassland, there was no significant upward trend in the abundance of unpalatable plant species.

Synthesis. Implications for future studies and analyses of plant–herbivore data. Concentrating on estimating primary productivity and herbivore offtake, rather than simply measuring change in plant biomass, is likely to provide greatly improved explanatory power for understanding herbivore population dynamics.
The low‐nanomolar 4‐nitrobenzoate‐responsive repressor PnbX negatively regulates the actinomycete‐derived 4‐nitrobenzoate‐degrading pnb locus
Authors: Cheng Minggen , Qian Yingying , Xing Ziyu , Zylstra Gerben J. , Huang Xing
Published: September 2021

Nitroaromatic compounds pose severe threats to public health and environmental safety. Nitro group removal via ammonia release is an important strategy for bacterial detoxification of nitroaromatic compounds, such as the conversion of 4‐nitrobenzoate (4‐NBA) to protocatechuate by the bacterial pnb operon. In contrast to the LysR‐family transcriptional regulator PnbR in proteobacteria, the actinomycete‐derived pnb locus (4‐NBA degradation structural genes) formed an operon with the TetR‐family transcriptional regulator gene pnbX, implying that it has a distinct regulatory mechanism. Here, pnbBA from the actinomycete Nocardioides sp. strain LMS‐CY was biochemically confirmed to express 4‐NBA degradation enzymes, and pnbX was essential for inducible degradation of 4‐NBA. Purified PnbX‐6His could bind the promoter probe of the pnb locus in vitro, and 4‐NBA prevented this binding. 4‐NBA could bind PnbX at a 1:1 molar ratio with KD = 26.7 ± 4.2 nM. Low‐nanomolar levels of 4‐NBA induced the transcription of the pnb operon in strain LMS‐CY. PnbX bound a palindromic sequence motif (5'‐TTACGTTACA‐N8‐TGTAACGTAA‐3′) that encompasses the pnb promoter. This study identified a TetR‐family repressor for the actinomycete‐derived pnb operon that recognizes 10−8 M 4‐NBA as its ligand, implying that nitro group removal of nitroaromatic compounds may be especially important for actinomycetes.
Association of hysterectomy and invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer: a cohort study within UKCTOCS
Authors: Taylor JA , Burnell M , Ryan A , Karpinskyj C , Kalsi JK , Taylor H , Apostolidou S , Sharma A , Manchanda R , Woolas R , Campbell S , Parmar M , Singh N , Jacobs IJ , Menon U , Gentry‐Maharaj A
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the association between hysterectomy with conservation of one or both adnexa and ovarian and tubal cancer.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Thirteen NHS Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Population

A total of 202 506 postmenopausal women recruited between 2001 and 2005 to the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) and followed up until 31 December 2014.

Methods

Multiple sources (questionnaires, hospital notes, Hospital Episodes Statistics, national cancer/death registries, ultrasound reports) were used to obtain accurate data on hysterectomy (with conservation of one or both adnexa) and outcomes censored at bilateral oophorectomy, death, ovarian/tubal cancer diagnosis, loss to follow up or 31 December 2014. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association.

Main outcome measures

Invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer (WHO 2014) on independent outcome review.

Results

Hysterectomy with conservation of one or both adnexa was reported in 41 912 (20.7%; 41 912/202 506) women. Median follow up was 11.1 years (interquartile range 9.96–12.04), totalling >2.17 million woman‐years. Among women who had undergone hysterectomy, 0.55% (231/41 912) were diagnosed with ovarian/tubal cancer, compared with 0.59% (945/160 594) of those with intact uterus. Multivariable analysis showed no evidence of an association between hysterectomy and invasive epithelial ovarian/tubal cancer (hazard ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.85–1.13, P = 0.765).

Conclusions

This large cohort study provides further independent validation that hysterectomy is not associated with alteration of invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer risk. These data are important both for clinical counselling and for refining risk prediction models.

Tweetable abstract

Hysterectomy does not alter risk of invasive epithelial ovarian and tubal cancer.
Structural characterization and antioxidant property of enzymatic‐transesterification derivatives of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate and vinyl laurate
Authors: Jiang Chengyu , Wang Li , Huang Xin , Zhu Song , Ma Chaoyang , Wang Hongxin
Published: September 2021

(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate(EGCG) was enzymatically modified to enhance the lipophilicity and the antioxidant property. The determination of optimal reaction conditions are as follows: Lipase DF “Amano” 15 and acetone were used as catalyst and solvent, respectively. Equal molar of EGCG and vinyl laurate (1:1); lipase addition of 6.0% (w/w of total substrates); reaction temperature of 50°C and reaction time of 96 h, which obtained the conversion rate of EGCG at 80.1%. The structure of EGCG lauroyl derivatives were 5″‐O‐lauroyl‐EGCG, 3″,5″‐2‐O‐lauroyl‐EGCG, and 5′,3″,5″‐3‐O‐lauroyl‐EGCG, identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Compared with the logP of precursor EGCG (0.69 ± 0.03), the logP of EGCG lauroyl derivatives was 1.37 ± 0.19, 2.27 ± 0.33, and 3.28 ± 0.37, increasing by 0.98, 2.28, and 3.75 times, respectively (p < 0.05), suggesting the grafted fatty acid chains make EGCG derivatives more lipophilic, and the lipid solubility gradually increased as the number of substituents increased. Furthermore, EGCG lauroyl derivatives had excellent lipid oxidation than that of EGCG. The POVs (peroxide values) of soybean oil with mono‐, di‐, tri‐lauroyl EGCG were significantly reduced by 42%, 47%, and 57% than that of EGCG at 21 days, respectively, indicating the antioxidative inhibition of these derivatives decreased with the increase in substituents. This indicates that these derivatives have broad prospects of the antioxidant application while improving their solubility properties in lipophilic environments/high‐fat food.

Practical Application: The lipophilic esterification reaction of EGCG catalyzed by new catalytic lipase DF “Amano” 15 was carried out in a non‐aqueous solvent.Various reaction factors on a higher conversion rate of EGCG lauroyl derivatives were evaluated. The lipophilicity and antioxidant properties of EGCG lauroyl derivatives were much excellent than that of parent EGCG.
Using metatranscriptomics to estimate the diversity and composition of zooplankton communities
Authors: Lopez Mark Louie D. , Lin Ya‐ying , Sato Mitsuhide , Hsieh Chih‐hao , Shiah Fuh‐Kwo , Machida Ryuji J.
Published: September 2021

DNA metabarcoding is a rapid, high‐resolution tool used for biomonitoring complex zooplankton communities. However, diversity estimates derived with this approach can be biased by the co‐detection of sequences from environmental DNA (eDNA), nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial (NUMT) pseudogene contamination, and taxon‐specific PCR primer affinity differences. To avoid these methodological uncertainties, we tested the use of metatranscriptomics as an alternative approach for characterizing zooplankton communities. Specifically, we compared metatranscriptomics with PCR‐based methods using genomic (gDNA) and complementary DNA (cDNA) amplicons, and morphology‐based data for estimating species diversity and composition for both mock communities and field‐collected samples. Mock community analyses showed that the use of gDNA mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (mtCO1) amplicons inflates species richness due to the co‐detection of extra‐organismal eDNA. Significantly more amplicon sequence variants, nucleotide diversity, and indels were observed with gDNA amplicons than with cDNA, indicating the presence of putative NUMT pseudogenes. Moreover, PCR‐based methods failed to detect the most abundant species in mock communities due to priming site mismatch. Overall, metatranscriptomics provided estimates of species richness and composition that closely resembled those derived from morphological data. The use of metatranscriptomics was further tested using field‐collected samples, with the results showing consistent species diversity estimates among biological and technical replicates. Additionally, temporal zooplankton species composition changes could be monitored using different mitochondrial markers. These findings demonstrate the advantages of metatranscriptomics as an effective tool for monitoring diversity in zooplankton research.
On the resilience of Australian public universities: why our institutions may fail unless vice‐chancellors rethink broken commercial business models
Authors: Guthrie James , Linnenluecke Martina K , Martin‐Sardesai Ann , Shen Yun , Smith Tom
Published: September 2021

COVID‐19‐related public health measures have severely impacted the Australian higher education system (AHES). This paper examines the resilience of the AHES, particularly its past reliance on onshore international students to generate revenue that cross‐subsidises operational and research expenses. By our measure, ten universities are at risk of financial default. With a different approach on the part of the Government and university leadership, surplus monies could have contributed to building a more resilient AHES. Our findings correct widely held misconceptions about the state of the AHES and aim to provide valuable learnings to individual universities and the sector more broadly.
Inguinal hernia repair: a global perspective
Authors: O'Brien James , Sinha Sankar , Turner Richard
Published: September 2021

Background

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed worldwide with most of the burden of these occurring in low‐ or middle‐income countries (LMICs). There has been much research investigating the most effective method of hernia repair in resource‐rich countries, however very little has been done to determine the most cost‐beneficial method of hernia repair in LMICs.

Methods

A systematic review of the English literature through PubMed and Scopus was conducted according to the PRISMA statement.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies met the inclusion criteria of which 17 were randomised controlled trials and 11 were systematic reviews. Three areas of investigation were established from the literature search, namely operative method and type of mesh used (where applicable). Open‐mesh procedures were shown to be less costly and have shorter operative times than laparoscopic methods. People who underwent laparoscopic hernia repair regularly returned to normal activities earlier than those who had open‐mesh procedures. However, there was no other difference in complication rates between these two methods. Recent investigations have revealed that sterilised synthetic mosquito net was similar to hernia‐specific meshes whilst significantly reducing cost.

Conclusion

We postulate that the most cost‐beneficial method of hernia repair for implementation in LMICs is using open‐mesh procedures with sterilised mosquito net under local anaesthetic. Further cost–benefit research is required in this area.
Future fire regimes increase risks to obligate‐seeder forests
Authors: McColl‐Gausden Sarah C. , Bennett Lauren T. , Ababei Dan A. , Clarke Hamish G. , Penman Trent D.
Published: September 2021

Aim

Many species are adapted to a particular fire regime and major deviations from that regime may lead to localized extinction. Here, we quantify immaturity risks to an obligate‐seeder forest tree using an objectively designed climate model ensemble and a probabilistic fire regime simulator to predict future fire regimes.

Location

Alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) distribution, Victoria, south‐eastern Australia.

Methods

We used a fire regime model (FROST) with six climate projections from a climate model ensemble across 3.7 million hectares of native forest and non‐native vegetation to examine immaturity risks to obligate‐seeder forests dominated by alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis), which has a primary juvenile period of approximately 20 years. Our models incorporated current and future projected climate including fuel feedbacks to simulate fire regimes over 100 years. We then used Random Forest modelling to evaluate which spatial characteristics of the landscape were associated with high immaturity risks to alpine ash forest patches.

Results

Significant shifts to the fire regime were predicted under all six future climate projections. Increases in both wildfire extent (total area burnt, area burnt at high intensity) and frequency were predicted with an average increase of up to 110 hectares burnt annually by short‐interval fires (i.e., within the expected minimum time to reproductive maturity). The immaturity risk posed by short‐interval fires to alpine ash forest patches was well explained by Random Forest models and varied with both location and environmental variables.

Main conclusions

Alpine ash forests are predicted to be burned at greater intensities and shorter intervals under future fire regimes. About 67% of the current alpine ash distribution was predicted to be at some level of immaturity risk over the 100‐year modelling period, with the greatest risks to those patches located on the periphery of the current distribution, closer to roads or surrounded by a drier landscape at lower elevations.
Lived experiences of pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ostojic Katarina , Sharp Nicole L , Paget Simon P , Morrow Angela M
Published: September 2021

Aim

To explore the lived experiences of pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Participants were recruited from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory CP Registers. Inclusion criteria were as follows: CP; aged 9 to 17 years; current/past experience of pain; fluent in English; no greater than mild intellectual disability. Purposive sampling ensured representation across age, motor subtypes, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted. Data were analysed following an interpretative phenomenological approach.

Results

Ten participants (three male) were included (mean age 14y 5mo, SD 2y), GMFCS levels I (n=4), II (n=3), III (n=2), and IV (n=1). Analysis led to three superordinate themes: (1) Everybody’s experience of pain is different; (2) When the pain is winning; (3) ‘I know how to deal with it’. Pain contributors and locations varied between children. Pain intruded on school, physical activity, and psychosocial functioning. Children described personalized strategies used to deal with pain.

Interpretation

In this study, children self‐reported highly individualized pain experiences which interfered with their daily life and psychosocial well‐being. There is a need for improvement in pain assessment and a personalized approach to pain management.
Resting echocardiographic predictors for true‐severe aortic stenosis in patients with low‐gradient severe aortic stenosis: A dobutamine stress echocardiography study
Authors: Onishi Hirokazu , Izumo Masaki , Mitomo Satoru , Naganuma Toru , Nishikawa Haruka , Suzuki Tomomi , Sato Yukio , Watanabe Mika , Kuwata Shingo , Kamijima Ryo , Akashi Yoshihiro J. , Nakamura Sunao
Published: September 2021

Objective

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is not always feasible in patients with low‐gradient severe aortic stenosis (LG‐SAS), and there are limited data available on the resting echocardiographic predictors for true‐severe aortic stenosis (TSAS). This study investigated resting echocardiographic predictors for TSAS.

Methods

Clinical data of 106 LG‐SAS patients who underwent DSE were retrospectively analyzed. LG‐SAS was defined as an aortic valve area index (AVAi) < .6 cm2/m2, and a mean AV pressure gradient < 40 mm Hg. The velocity ratio (VR) was calculated as the peak left ventricular outflow tract velocity/peak AV velocity. TSAS was defined as a projected AVAi < .6 cm2/m2.

Results

The mean age was 79.3 ± 7.3 years, and 45 (42.5%) were men. The resting AV data were as follows: AVAi, .50 ± .07 cm2/m2; mean AV pressure gradient, 23.0 ± 7.4 mm Hg; and VR, .25 ± .05. The projected AVAi was .58 ± .09 cm2/m2, and TSAS was documented in 65 (61.3%) patients. In multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of TSAS were AVAi (p = 0.012) and VR (p = 0.004) with respective best cut‐off values of .52 cm2/m2 and .25 on receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis. According to incremental numbers of the predictors, correct classification percentages of TSAS significantly increased with the Cochran‐Armitage trend test (16.2% in no predictors, 65.2% in one predictor, and 95.7 % in two predictors; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Resting AVAi and VR were independent predictors of TSAS in LG‐SAS patients. The true severity might be predictable using the combination of resting parameters.
The effect of lamotrigine and other antiepileptic drugs on respiratory rhythm generation in the pre‐Bötzinger complex
Authors: Layer Nikolas , Brandes Janine , Lührs Philipp Justus , Wuttke Thomas V. , Koch Henner
Published: September 2021

Objective

Lamotrigine and other sodium‐channel blocking agents are among the most commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Because other sodium channel blockers, such as riluzole, can severely alter respiratory rhythm generation during hypoxia, we wanted to investigate if AEDs can have similar effects. This is especially important in the context of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), the major cause of death in patients suffering from therapy‐resistant epilepsy. Although the mechanism of action is not entirely understood, respiratory dysfunction after generalized tonic‐clonic seizures seems to play a major role.

Methods

We used transverse brainstem slice preparations from neonatal and juvenile mice containing the pre‐Bötzinger complex (PreBötC) and measured population as well as intracellular activity of the rhythm‐generating network under normoxia and hypoxia in the presence or absence of AEDs.

Results

We found a substantial inhibition of the gasping response induced by the application of sodium channel blockers (lamotrigine and carbamazepine). In contrast, levetiracetam, an AED‐modulating synaptic function, had a much smaller effect. The inhibition of gasping by lamotrigine was accompanied by a significant reduction of the persistent sodium current (INap) in PreBötC neurons. Surprisingly, the suppression of persistent sodium currents by lamotrigine did not affect the voltage‐dependent bursting activity in PreBötC pacemaker neurons, but led to a hypoxia‐dependent shift of the action potential rheobase in all measured PreBötC neurons.

Significance

Our results contribute to the understanding of the effects of AEDs on the vital respiratory functions of the central nervous system. Moreover, our study adds further insight into sodium‐dependent changes occurring during hypoxia and the contribution of cellular properties to the respiratory rhythm generation in the pre‐Bötzinger complex. It raises the question of whether sodium channel blocking AEDs could, in conditions of extreme hypoxia, contribute to SUDEP, an important issue that warrants further studies.
Donating to the fight for democracy: The connective activism of overseas Hong Kongers and Taiwanese in the 2019 Anti‐extradition bill movement
Authors: Li Yao‐Tai , Fung Ka Yi
Published: September 2021

The 2019 Anti‐extradition Bill Movement in Hong Kong has generated global support on both the narrative side and through material donations. This article compares global support networks organized by Taiwanese and overseas Hong Kongers. Drawing on interview data with 17 Taiwanese and 13 overseas Hong Kongers regarding the reasons, processes and meanings of donation to Hong Kong protesters, we found that even though both groups organized support networks in different ways and have different perceived risks and motivations, they both engage in pro‐democracy activism and consider a shared/imagined political future (vis‐a‐vis China). By examining Hong Konger and Taiwanese support networks, this article applies a concept of connective activism that features a transnational democracy network that is based on shared beliefs, a gradual understanding of each other's experiences, and an imagined political future.
Maternal sensitivity and intrusiveness in early childhood as predictors of children's weight at school age
Authors: Schlensog‐Schuster Franziska , Klein Annette M. , Biringen Zeynep , von Klitzing Kai , Bergmann Sarah
Published: September 2021

Background

While previous research indicates that low maternal sensitivity in mother‐child interactions puts children at risk of overweight and obesity, maternal intrusiveness has rarely been investigated in association with children's weight. We investigated whether maternal sensitivity and intrusiveness in early childhood predict children's increased body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI‐SDS) at school age. BMI‐SDS are standardized for age and gender with respect to a reference standard.

Methods

At baseline (t1), we assessed maternal sensitivity and (non‐)intrusiveness of 116 mothers with their children (48.3% female) aged 5–47 months (M = 24.00,SD = 11.36) using the emotional availability scales. We obtained anthropometric data for mothers att1 by measuring height and weight in the laboratory and for children at birth assessed by medical staff. Six years later (t2) we obtained anthropometric data for children in the laboratory or based on parental report. Linear regression analyses were run with child BMI‐SDS att2 as outcome and sensitivity and (non‐)intrusiveness as predictors, adjusting for confounders and exploring child age and gender as moderators.

Results

Maternal sensitivity only negatively predicted children's BMI‐SDS in girls, while maternal intrusiveness predicted higher child BMI‐SDS at school age regardless of child gender. The effect of maternal non‐intrusiveness remained significant when controlling for confounders.

Conclusion

Maternal intrusiveness in early childhood seems to represent a risk factor for increased BMI‐SDS in children, while lower maternal sensitivity tends to be a risk factor for increased BMI‐SDS in girls. This may have implications for prevention or intervention programmes.
Ordering and pricing decisions for perishable goods retailer with zero‐inventory and capital constraints
Authors: Yang Honglin , Gao Mingyun , Xiao Qinzi , Goh Mark
Published: September 2021

Considering the restriction of optimal profit realizing due to capital constraints in the perishable supply chain, this paper discusses two financing models, crowdfunding financing and bank credit financing from the small–medium enterprise (SME) bank, for the dynamic ordering and pricing system of perishable goods in zero‐inventory under capital constraints. Heuristics algorithms are designed to solve the model. In dynamic crowdfunding financing, retailers bear different demand for capital in different periods and the capital gap for the retailer will narrow over time. In the SME financing model, the requirement for capital depends on retail size. We characterize the conditions of the financing preference between crowdfunding and SME financing channel. Smaller retailers, relative to the bigger players, are more willing to assure higher financing returns to gain the investment.
The impact of COVID‐19 on primary health care delivery in Australia
Authors: Halcomb Elizabeth , Fernandez Ritin , Ashley Christine , McInnes Susan , Stephen Catherine , Calma Kaara , Mursa Ruth , Williams Anna , James Sharon
Published: September 2021

Aims

To validate the ‘safe and effective staffing tool’ and explore the impact of COVID‐19 on the quality of Australian primary health care (PHC).

Design

A national survey was conducted from October to December 2020.

Methods

The online survey was distributed via social media and professional organisations to PHC nurses.

Results

Three‐hundred fifty‐nine PHC nurses participated. A two‐factor solution was found with factors named; ‘Perception of quality of care provided’ and ‘Personal satisfaction with care delivered’. Cronbach's alpha demonstrated good internal consistency for the total scale (α = .915) and each subscale (α = .879/α = .864). Nearly three‐quarters of participants (71.3%) were satisfied with the quality of care they delivered. Participants working in general practice, and those with more nursing experience had significantly higher scores in the factor ‘perceptions of quality of care provided’ and the total ‘quality and satisfaction with care’. A lack of time, inadequate supervision and support, and performing non‐nursing duties were reported to be impacting care quality. Most participants (80.5%) reported that COVID‐19 had impacted negatively on the detection and management of non‐COVID related health conditions.

Conclusion

The ‘safe and effective staffing tool’ is a valid and reliable measure of perceived quality of care and satisfaction with care delivered. Many PHC nurses perceive that there has been an overall reduction in the quality of care delivered due to COVID‐19 and feel that there is a lack of adequate supervision and workplace support. Given the limited baseline data, further research is required to understand the extent that COVID‐19 impacts these findings. However, this study demonstrates that strategies need to be implemented to support PHC nurses to provide high‐quality care to optimise health outcomes and maintain nurse satisfaction.

Impact

This is the first attempt to evaluate care quality in Australian PHC. Policymaking requires this evidence to drive changes to better support PHC nurses.
A breeding program for Nile tilapia in Brazil: Results from nine generations of selection to increase the growth rate in cages
Authors: Yoshida Grazyella Massako , de Oliveira Carlos Antonio Lopes , Campos Eric Costa , Todesco Humberto , Araújo Filipe C. T. , Karin Hanner Mahmud , Zardin Aline M. S. O. , Bezerra Júnior Jailton S. , Filho Luiz Alexandre , Vargas Lauro , Ribeiro Ricardo Pereira
Published: September 2021

Variance components and heritabilities for daily weight gain (DWG) were estimated for Nile tilapia farmed in cages across nine generations (G1–G9) of selection in a breeding program in Brazil. DWG was measured in 16,272 accumulated tagged animals representing 535 full‐ and half‐sib families of Nile tilapia under cage farming. The additive genetic variance showed a slight variation (0.051–0.066), and heritability estimates ranged from 0.20 to 0.33. The common environmental effect accounted for a higher proportion of the total variance in DWG, especially in the last generations (6%–24%). A genetic trend based on all data available showed a substantial increase in the DWG (about 3.3% per generation) of Nile tilapia across nine generations of selection. Furthermore, our results demonstrate ample scope for further genetic improvement.
A 10 J shock impedance in sinus rhythm correlates with a 65 J defibrillation impedance during subcutaneous defibrillator implantation using an intermuscular technique
Authors: Okabe Toshimasa , Savona Salvatore J. , Matto Faisal , Ward Chad , Singh Prabhpreet , Afzal Muhammad R. , Kalbfleisch Steven J. , Weiss Raul , Houmsse Mahmoud , Augostini Ralph S. , Hummel John D. , Daoud Emile G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Defibrillation testing (DT) is recommended during the subcutaneous defibrillator (S‐ICD) placement. We sought to compare 10 J shock impedance in sinus rhythm (SR) with 65 J defibrillation impedance and evaluate device position on a postimplant chest X‐ray (CXR) using an intermuscular (IM) technique.

Methods

Consecutive S‐ICD implantations between 12/2019 and 12/2020 at The Ohio State University were reviewed. All implantations were performed using a two‐incision IM technique. Standard DT with 65 J shock and 10 J shock in SR were performed unless contraindicated. The PRAETORIAN score was calculated based on CXR.

Results

A total of 37 patients (age: 47.2 ± 15.8 years old, male: n = 26 [70.3%], body mass index: 30.1 ± 6.7 kg/m2) underwent IM S‐ICD implantation, and of those, 27 (73%) underwent both 65 J shock and 10 J shock in SR. The coefficient of determination (R2) between 10 J shock impedance and 65 J shock impedance was 0.84. The mean of an impedance difference was 1.6 ± 4.8 Ω (minimum – 11 and maximum 8). Postimplant CXR was available for 33 out of 37 patients (89.2%). The PRAETORIAN score was less than 90 in all patients and the mean score was 32.7 ± 8.8.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that 10 J shock impedance in SR correlated well with 65 J defibrillation impedance during IM S‐ICD implantation. An IM implantation technique provides excellent generator location on postimplant CXR. The IM technique combined with 10 J shock in SR may be sufficient to predict and ensure the defibrillation efficacy of the S‐ICD.
Evaluation of a novel cardiac signal processing system for electrophysiology procedures: The PURE EP 2.0 study
Authors: Al‐Ahmad Amin , Knight Bradley , Tzou Wendy , Schaller Robert , Yasin Omar , Padmanabhan Deepak , Zagrodzky Jason , Bassiouny Mohammed , Burkhardt J. David , Gallinghouse G. Joseph , Mansour Moussa , McLeod Christopher , Natale Andrea
Published: September 2021

Background

Intracardiac electrogram data remain one of the primary diagnostic inputs guiding complex ablation procedures. However, the technology to collect, process, and display intracardiac signals has known shortcomings and has not advanced in several decades.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new signal processing platform, the PURE EP™ system (PURE), in a multi‐center, prospective study.

Methods

Intracardiac signal data of clinical interest were collected from 51 patients undergoing ablation procedures with PURE, the signal recording system, and the 3D mapping system at the same time stamps. The samples were randomized and subjected to blinded, controlled evaluation by three independent electrophysiologists to determine the overall quality and clinical utility of PURE signals when compared to conventional sources. Each reviewer assessed the same (92) signal sample sets and responded to (235) questions using a 10‐point rating scale. If two or more reviewers rated the PURE signal higher than the control, it was deemed superior.

Results

A total of 93% of question responses showed consensus amongst the blinded reviewers. Based on the ratings for each pair of signals, a cumulative total of 164 PURE signals out of 218 (75.2%) were statistically rated as Superior for this data set (p < .001). Only 14 PURE signals out of 218 were rated as Inferior (6.4%).

Conclusion

The PURE intracardiac signals were statistically rated as superior when compared to conventional systems.
Placental expression of glucose transporters GLUT‐1, GLUT‐3, GLUT‐8 and GLUT‐12 in pregnancies complicated by gestational and type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Stanirowski Paweł Jan , Szukiewicz Dariusz , Majewska Agata , Wątroba Mateusz , Pyzlak Michał , Bomba‐Opoń Dorota , Wielgoś Mirosław
Published: September 2021

Aims/Introduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the placental expression of glucose transporters GLUT‐1, GLUT‐3, GLUT‐8 and GLUT‐12 in term pregnancies complicated by well‐controlled gestational (GDM) and type 1 pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM).

Materials and Methods

A total of 103 placental samples were obtained from patients diagnosed with GDM (n = 60), PGDM (n = 20) and a non‐diabetic control group (n = 23). Computer‐assisted quantitative morphometry of stained placental sections was performed to determine the expression of selected GLUT proteins.

Results

Immunohistochemical techniques used for the identification of GLUT‐1, GLUT‐3, GLUT‐8 and GLUT‐12 revealed the presence of all glucose transporters in the placental tissue. Morphometric evaluation performed for the vascular density‐matched placental samples demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of GLUT‐1 protein in patients with PGDM as compared to GDM and control groups (P < 0.05). With regard to the expression of the other GLUT isoforms, no statistically significant differences were observed between patients from the diabetic and control populations. Positive correlations between fetal birthweight and the expression of GLUT‐1 protein in the PGDM group (rho = 0.463, P < 0.05) and GLUT‐12 in the control group (rho = 0.481, P < 0.05) were noted.

Conclusions

In term pregnancies complicated by well‐controlled GDM/PGDM, expression of transporters GLUT‐3, GLUT‐8 and GLUT‐12 in the placenta remains unaffected. Increased expression of GLUT‐1 among women with type 1 PGDM might contribute to a higher rate of macrosomic fetuses in this population.
Ferroptosis as a mechanism of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jakaria Md. , Belaidi Abdel Ali , Bush Ashley I. , Ayton Scott
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, with complex pathophysiology that is not fully understood. While β‐amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles define the pathology of the disease, the mechanism of neurodegeneration is uncertain. Ferroptosis is an iron‐mediated programmed cell death mechanism characterised by phospholipid peroxidation that has been observed in clinical AD samples. This review will outline the growing molecular and clinical evidence implicating ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD, with implications for disease‐modifying therapies.

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Experience in the use of midclavicular catheters: An inception cohort study
Authors: Tomás‐López María Aranzazu , Cristóbal‐Domínguez Estíbaliz , Báez‐Gurruchaga Oiane , Landa‐Portilla Beatriz , González‐Blas Laura , Lurueña‐Rodríguez Selene , Picón‐Santamaría Arantxa , Armenteros‐Yeguas Victoria
Published: September 2021

Aims and objectives

To describe the outcomes of midclavicular catheters related to first insertion success rate, catheter dwell time, rate of catheter survival until the end of the treatment, and complication rates, as well as identify risk factors associated with early catheter removal.

Background

Midclavicular catheters are peripheral venous catheters that are typically 20–25 cm in length.

Design

Inception cohort study.

Methods

We included all the midclavicular lines inserted in patients who met any of the following criteria: (a) difficult venous access; (b) administration of intravenous therapy expected to last between 6 and 30 days with non‐irritant (pH=5–9) and/or non‐vesicant drugs; or (c) contraindications to central venous catheter placement. The incidence of adverse events was calculated using percentages and episodes per 1,000 catheter days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors for unexpected catheter removal by calculating odds ratios. Catheter survival was assessed using Cox regression analysis. The STROBE guidelines were followed.

Results

Overall, 2,275 midclavicular lines were placed in 1,841 participants. The insertion success rate was 99.4% and the mean catheter dwell time was 21.82 days. The rate of adverse events was .7 per 1,000 catheter days, the most common complications being thrombosis (.39) and catheter‐associated bacteraemia (.14). No significant association was found between adverse events and the administration of irritant drugs. The incidence of unexpected removal was 6.7 per 1,000 catheter days. The multivariate analysis showed that both age ≤70 years and home therapy were associated with a lower likelihood of catheter failure.

Conclusions

Midclavicular catheters are associated with a high rate of insertion success and low rates of adverse events and unplanned removal.

Relevance to clinical practice.

Midclavicular lines are a safe alternative for intravenous therapy lasting more than 6 days, even with irritant drugs.
Potentially unrecognised pain in children: Population‐based birth cohort study at 7 years of age
Authors: Gorito Vanessa , Monjardino Teresa , Azevedo Inês , Lucas Raquel
Published: September 2021

Aim

To estimate agreement in the point prevalence of any pain, high‐intensity pain and pain in two or more sites according to parental and child report.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 5639 children from a Portuguese birth cohort – Generation XXI, where parents and 7‐year‐old children answered the same questions at the same time. We assessed the accuracy of parental report, considering children's self‐report as the gold standard.

Results

At 7 years of age, 499 children (8.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.1–9.6)) reported having pain at the time of the interview. Of those, 44.1% had high‐intensity pain (3.9% (95% CI 3.4–4.4) of the whole sample) and 12.4% reported pain in two or more sites (1.1% (95% CI 0.8–1.4) of the whole sample). In this community setting, pain prevalence and intensity were lower when collected from parents. Parental report had sensitivity below 20% and specificity above 95% but its positive predictive value was at most 25%.

Conclusion

Our findings support that, outside acute care, parents have a specific but not sensitive report of children's pain at the age of 7 years. Their report seemed useful to exclude major complaints but limited to screen children's pain. This limitation was higher for more severe pain, that is two or more sites or high‐intensity pain. Children should be asked directly about pain to avoid under‐estimating paediatric pain.
A Fibre‐ vs. cereal grain‐based diet: Which is better for horse welfare? Effects on intestinal permeability, muscle characteristics and oxidative status in horses reared for meat production
Authors: Raspa Federica , Dinardo Francesca Rita , Vervuert Ingrid , Bergero Domenico , Bottero Maria Teresa , Pattono Daniele , Dalmasso Alessandra , Vinassa Marica , Valvassori Ermenegildo , Bruno Elena , De Palo Pasquale , Valle Emanuela
Published: September 2021

Horses reared for meat production are fed high amounts of cereal grains in comparison with horses raised for other purposes. Such feeding practice may lead to risk of poor welfare consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two feeding practices on selected metabolic parameters and production aspects. Nineteen Bardigiano horses, 14.3 ± 0.7 months of age, were randomly assigned to two groups—one fed with high amounts of cereal grains (HCG;n = 9; 43% hay plus 57% cereal grain‐based pelleted feed) vs. one fed with high amounts of fibre (HFG;n = 10; 70% hay plus 30% pelleted fibrous feed)—for 129 days. At slaught on abattoir, biological and tissue samples were collected to evaluate the microbiological contamination of mesenteric lymph nodes and liver; selected meat quality traits (chemical composition and fatty acid profile of theLongissimus thoracis et lumborummuscle); and the oxidative status of the horse. A linear mixed model was used: dietary treatment and sex were fixed effects and their interaction analysed on production and metabolic parameters as dependent variables. Results showed an increased intestinal permeability in the horses fed HCG compared to HFG, according to the significant increased total mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts in mesenteric lymph nodes (p = 0.04) and liver samples (p = 0.05). Horses in HCG showed increased muscle pH (p = 0.02), lighter muscle colour (L) (p = 0.01), increased intramuscular fat concentrations (p = 0.03), increased muscle glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities (p = 0.01 andp = 0.03, respectively). Moreover, horses in HCG had lower muscle water holding capacity at interaction with sex (p = 0.03, lower in female), lower muscle protein content (p = 0.01), lower concentration of muscle PUFAs (p = 0.05) and lower plasma catalase activities (p = 0.05). Our results showed that feeding a high cereal grains diet can have global effects on horse physiology, and thus represents a threat for their welfare.
Glutathione contributes to resistance responses to TMV through a differential modulation of salicylic acid and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhang Qi‐Ping , Che Yan‐Ping , Zhu Peng‐Xiang , Zhang Qin‐Qin , Ji Zhao‐Lin
Published: September 2021

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is induced by pathogens and confers protection against a broad range of pathogens. Several SAR signals have been characterized, but the nature of the other unknown signalling by small metabolites in SAR remains unclear. Glutathione (GSH) has long been implicated in the defence reaction against biotic stress. However, the mechanism that GSH increases plant tolerance against virus infection is not entirely known. Here, a combination of a chemical, virus‐induced gene‐silencing‐based genetics approach, and transgenic technology was undertaken to investigate the role of GSH in plant viral resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection results in increasing the expression of GSH biosynthesis genes NbECS and NbGS, and GSH content. Silencing of NbECS or NbGS accelerated oxidative damage, increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), compromised plant resistance to TMV, and suppressed the salicylic acid (SA)‐mediated signalling pathway. Application of GSH or l‐2‐oxothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (a GSH activator) alleviated oxidative damage, decreased accumulation of ROS, elevated plant local and systemic resistance, enhanced the SA‐mediated signalling pathway, and increased the expression of ROS scavenging‐related genes. However, treatment with buthionine sulfoximine (a GSH inhibitor) accelerated oxidative damage, elevated ROS accumulation, compromised plant systemic resistance, suppressed the SA‐mediated signalling pathway, and reduced the expression of ROS‐regulating genes. Overexpression of NbECS reduced oxidative damage, decreased accumulation of ROS, increased resistance to TMV, activated the SA‐mediated signalling pathway, and increased the expression of the ROS scavenging‐related genes. We present molecular evidence suggesting GSH is essential for both local and systemic resistance of N. benthamiana to TMV through a differential modulation of SA and ROS.
Malignant Transformation and Treatment Recommendations of Chronic Hyperplastic Candidiasis—A Six‐year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Wu Shuangshuang , Wang Xu , Gao Yan , Yan Zhimin
Published: September 2021

Background

Oral chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) is the most uncommon type of oral candidiasis with diverse manifestations. Up to date the diagnosis, long‐term management and prognosis of this oral potentially malignant disorder remain obscure.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to provide the recommendations guiding the diagnostic procedure, clinical management and prognosis assessment of CHC.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed during January 2015 to April 2021 involving patients with a definite diagnosis of CHC in the Department of Oral Medicine of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Demographic features, clinical and histopathological features, treatment protocols and follow‐ups including malignancy transformation were analysed.

Results

Fourty eight CHC patients were collected and reviewed, with a male‐to‐female ratio of 2.69:1. The average age at diagnosis was 54.92 ± 9.79 (36–80) years old. Clinically, the multiform oral lesions were diverse and frequently presented as white plaque and erythematous lesions. As a result, the initial diagnostic accordance rate was only 54.17%, and the most common presumptive initial diagnoses were oral lichen planus (22.92%), oral leukoplakia (20.83%) and traumatic lesion (2.08%). Histopathologically, ten (20.83%) patients had varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia, and two (4.17%) patients had malignant transformation with a mean transformation time of 6.5 ± 6.36 months. Among the 28 patients who underwent fungal culture, 24 patients were exclusively infected by Candida albicans, with two patients each mixed infected by C glabrata and C tropicalis, respectively. Notably, treatment with fluconazole had the lower recurrence rate compared with topical nystatin.

Conclusions

The diagnosis and management of CHC remain a challenge due to its polymorphic clinical presentations, chronic progression and potential of malignant transformation.