bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons from the field. A day in the life of a full‐time parenting educator
Authors: Higginbotham Brian J. , Turner Joshua J. , Duncan Stephen F. , Schramm David G.
Published: July 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to learn more about the daily activities of 10 parenting educators, hired to implement a federally funded fatherhood education program.

Background

Federal grants for Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs have increased employment opportunities for parenting educators, who often take on multiple duties. Despite initial job descriptions, adjustments are necessary to achieve programmatic milestones and satisfy funder expectations. Nevertheless, research available to guide employers regarding the hiring, managing, and time allocation of parenting educators is limited.

Method

Descriptive analyses of the activity logs of 10 parenting educators were conducted. Parenting educators also participated in retrospective interviews at program conclusion.

Results

The largest percentage of time was spent on class activities, followed by professional development, and administrative duties.

Conclusions

The duties of full‐time parenting educators go well beyond teaching.

Implications

Individuals entering into parent education positions come from a diversity of backgrounds. Their understanding of the discipline of parent education may be limited by the types of experience they have had to date. Organizations hiring parenting educators may benefit from providing new employee training that includes theory, skills, and concepts related to family life education, business, marketing, and administration. In this study, we provide lessons from the field gleaned from the parenting educators hired to implement a federally funded fatherhood education program. Implications include strategies for posting, hiring, and supervising parenting educator positions.
Context‐dependent roles of cellular senescence in normal, aged, and disease states
Authors: Moiseeva Victoria , Cisneros Andrés , Cobos Aina Calls , Tarrega Aida Beà , Oñate Claudia Santos , Perdiguero Eusebio , Serrano Antonio L. , Muñoz‐Cánoves Pura
Published: July 2022

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that often emerges after tissue damage and in age‐related diseases. Through the production of a multicomponent secretory phenotype (SASP), senescent cells can impact the regeneration and function of tissues. However, the effects of senescent cells and their SASP are very heterogeneous and depend on the tissue environment and type as well as the duration of injury, the degree of persistence of senescent cells and the organism's age. While the transient presence of senescent cells is widely believed to be beneficial, recent data suggest that it is detrimental for tissue regeneration after acute damage. Furthermore, although senescent cell persistence is typically associated with the progression of age‐related chronic degenerative diseases, it now appears to be also necessary for correct tissue function in the elderly. Here, we discuss what is currently known about the roles of senescent cells and their SASP in tissue regeneration in ageing and age‐related diseases, highlighting their (negative and/or positive) contributions. We provide insight for future research, including the possibility of senolytic‐based therapies and cellular reprogramming, with aims ranging from enhancing tissue repair to extending a healthy lifespan.
NHS librarians collaborate to develop a search bank peer reviewing and sharing COVID‐19 searches: an evaluation
Authors: Gorring Hélène , Divall Pip , Gardner Sarah , Gray Anne , McLaren Alison , Snell Lindsay , Thackeray Eva , Tocock Adam , Young Gil
Published: July 2022

Background

Responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic, Health Education England (HEE) mobilised a group of expert searchers from NHS libraries in England to develop a platform for librarians to share peer reviewed search strategies and results on the Knowledge for Healthcare website.

Objectives

(1) To document the origins of the COVID‐19 search bank, (2) evaluate attitudes of NHS librarians in England towards the search bank and (3) identify lessons learned and consider whether the initiative might be developed further.

Methods

Structured interviews with the peer reviewers (n = 10) were conducted, and a questionnaire survey of the NHS library community using the search bank was undertaken.

Results

The interviews confirmed the value of collaboration. Expert searchers worked in pairs to peer review submitted search strategies. The survey (85 responses) indicated that a majority had used the search bank, and approved of the project, with some differences of opinion on functionality and future developments.

Discussion

Collaborative working for the search bank probably saved time for individual NHS librarians. The quality of the searches submitted was variable as were librarians' approaches to presentation and development of search strategies. Peer review benefits from a buddy approach among expert searchers and agreement about feedback provided to contributors.

Conclusion

Search strategies are the most useful element of a search bank. Peer review can be challenging and would benefit from a formal structure, but it is professionally rewarding.
Adapting the task‐based methodology for learners with intellectual disabilities: Five key facets for consideration
Authors: Chan Hang
Published: July 2022

Conceived within an input–output metaphor of language processing, many traditional assumptions regarding the task‐based language teaching (TBLT) approach are finding the teaching of English to learners with special education needs (SENs) difficult. In this concept‐based article, I retrace the process of conceiving a “task‐supported ecology” for a group of learners with intellectual disabilities by balancing viewpoints of TBLT theorists, ecological psychologists, specialists, and policy‐makers. The resulting framework emphasizes ecology to be a capacious concept and also the importance of goal‐oriented navigation. I also note how these characteristics resonate with a classic TBLT definition, which contains traces of ecological ideas. The paper presents an evaluation of the TBLT framework, concluding that the less restrictive environment of special schools may offer better‐than‐expected prospects for implementing this pedagogy.
Trade unions and income inequality: Evidence from a panel of European countries
Authors: MONTEBELLO Roberta , SPITERI Jonathan , VON BROCKDORFF Philip
Published: July 2022

This article examines the relationship between trade unions and rising income inequality observed in advanced economies in recent decades. The role of trade unions in addressing increasing income inequality has been overlooked in empirical studies, despite its theoretical ambiguity. The baseline empirical model, estimated for 26 European countries from 2005 to 2018, specifies income inequality as a function of the trade union density rate, its squared value, and a set of control variables. Labour market institutions, other than unions, are incorporated into the model to assess the distributional effects of union density within the entire institutional framework. The authors find that union density has a statistically significant and persistent inverted U‐shaped relationship with income inequality.
Educational mismatches of newly hired workers: Short‐ and medium‐term effects on wages
Authors: ARAÚJO Isabel , CARNEIRO Anabela
Published: July 2022

This paper examines the short‐ and medium‐term effects of over‐ and undereducation on individual wages using a matched employer–employee dataset from 1998 to 2012 and a novel measure of educational mismatch based on the flows of newly hired workers. The findings reveal that the wage differential between adequately matched and mismatched workers decreases substantially once the unobserved heterogeneity of the worker and the firm is considered. Workers' unobserved characteristics explain a large proportion of both the overeducated wage penalty and the undereducated wage premium. Additionally, variations in firms' pay policies contribute to the wage gap among mismatched workers. Finally, findings show that job mismatches have the greatest impact on early‐career individuals' wages.
Engineered exosomes for studies in tumor immunology
Authors: Alptekin Ahmet , Parvin Mahrima , Chowdhury Hasanul I. , Rashid Mohammad H. , Arbab Ali S.
Published: July 2022

Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle (EV) with diameters of 30–150 nm secreted by most of the cells into the extracellular spaces and can alter the microenvironment through cell‐to‐cell interactions by fusion with the plasma membrane and subsequent endocytosis and release of the cargo. Because of their biocompatibility, low toxicity and immunogenicity, permeability (even through the blood–brain barrier (BBB)), stability in biological fluids, and ability to accumulate in the lesions with higher specificity, investigators have started making designer's exosomes or engineered exosomes to carry biologically active protein on the surface or inside the exosomes as well as using exosomes to carry drugs, micro RNA, and other products to the site of interest. In this review, we have discussed biogenesis, markers, and contents of various exosomes including exosomes of immune cells. We have also discussed the current methods of making engineered and designer's exosomes as well as the use of engineered exosomes targeting different immune cells in the tumors, stroke, as well as at peripheral blood. Genetic engineering and customizing exosomes create an unlimited opportunity to use in diagnosis and treatment. Very little use has been discovered, and we are far away to reach its limits.
The effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on the number of patients in burns services
Authors: Altıner Saygın , Tuncal Salih , Ünal Yılmaz , Çöl Mert , Büyükkasap Çağrı , Pekcici M. Recep
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to examine the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on the epidemiological characteristics and causes of burns in patients admitted to burns services. A total of 629 patients who applied to the burn center of our hospital on March 11 to June 11, 2019, and March 11 to June 11, 2020, were included in this single‐center, retrospective study. The demographic information of the patients, causes of burns, burn degrees, affected anatomical areas, admission times and burn surface areas were recorded retrospectively according to patient records. The findings of our study suggest that gender, age, causes of burns, affected anatomical areas and application times did not differ before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. The number of cases has significantly decreased during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared with that of the previous year. As a result, burn trauma is an emergency; it is preventable and cannot be ignored. The COVID‐19 pandemic has had many effects on social, cultural and economic fields, as well as on the field of health.
Characterization of three novel DyP-type peroxidases from Streptomyces chartreusis NRRL 3882
Authors: Yayci Abdulkadir , Bachmann Nathalie , Dirks Tim , Hofmann Eckhard , Bandow Julia E.
Published: July 2022

Aims

Actinobacteria are known to produce extracellular enzymes including DyPs. We set out to identify and characterize novel peroxidases from Streptomyces chartreusis NRRL 3882, because S. chartreusis belongs to the small group of actinobacteria with three different DyPs.

Methods and Results

The genome of the actinomycete S. chartreusis NRRL 3882 was mined for novel DyP-type peroxidases. Three genes encoding for DyP-type peroxidases were cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Subsequent characterization of the recombinant proteins included examination of operating conditions such as pH, temperature and H2O2 concentrations, as well as substrate spectrum. Despite their high sequence similarity, the enzymes named SCDYP1-SCDYP3 presented distinct preferences regarding their operating conditions. They showed great divergence in H2O2 tolerance and stability, with SCDYP2 being most active at concentrations above 50 mmol l−1. Moreover, SCDYP1 and SCDYP3 preferred acidic pH (typical for DyP-type peroxidases), whereas SCDYP2 was most active at pH 8.

Conclusions

Regarding the function of DyPs in nature, these results suggest that availability of different DyP variants with complementary activity profiles in one organism might convey evolutionary benefits.

Significance and Impact of the Study

DyP-type peroxidases are able to degrade xenobiotic compounds and thus can be applied in biocatalysis and bioremediation. However, the native function of DyPs and the benefits for their producers largely remain to be elucidated.
Validity of self‐reported hypertension in India: Evidence from nationally representative survey of adult population over 45 years
Authors: Bhatia Mrigesh , Dixit Priyanka , Kumar Manish , Dwivedi Laxmi Kant
Published: July 2022

Self‐reported measures of health, in the context of developed countries, are well‐researched and commonly regarded as reliable predictors of the underlying health of the population. However, the validity of these measures is under‐researched and questionable in the context of low‐ and middle‐income countries. The authors used Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) survey data from India to compare self‐reported hypertension with biometrically‐measured hypertension. The results are reported in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and kappa as a measure of agreement. Logistic regression was undertaken to examine the characteristics of those who were unaware of their hypertensive status. Our analysis showed a low sensitivity of 56% and a high specificity of 90.5%. Agreement between self‐reported data and biometric measurement of hypertension was observed to be moderate (κ = 0.48). Large variations were observed among states and sub‐groups. The odds of false negative reporting of hypertension were lower in the individuals with higher age, high education, and greater wealth status. The authors conclude that self‐reported hypertension has important limitations and may be a source of systematic bias. It is recommended that planning and policy‐making in India be based more on an objective assessment of hypertension.
TNFα activation and TGFβ blockage act synergistically for smooth muscle cell calcification in patients with venous thrombosis via TGFβ/ERK pathway
Authors: Wang Penghui , Pan Yiqing , Yang Chenghao , Zhang Linjie , Zhao Zhen , Ye Kaichuang , Li Lei , Xia Shoubing , Lu Xinwu , Shi Huihua , Li Weimin , Yin Minyi
Published: July 2022

Venous calcification has been observed in post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) patients; yet, the cell types and possible mechanisms regulating this process are still unclear. We evaluated the calcium deposition within the venous wall, the cell type involved in the calcified remodelling of the venous wall after thrombosis and explored possible mechanisms in vitro. Calcium deposition was found in human specimens of superficial thrombotic veins and was co‐localized with VSMCs markers αSMA and TAGLN (also known as SM22α). Besides, the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes was dramatically changed in superficial thrombotic veins. Moreover, the inhibition of the TGFβ signalling pathway after TNFα treatment effectively induced the expression of osteogenic phenotype markers, the calcium salt deposits and the obvious phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK2 in the VSMCs calcification model. Supplementing TGFβ2 or blocking the activation of the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway prevented the transformation of VSMCs into osteoblast‐like cells in vitro. Taken together, VSMCs have an important role in venous calcification after thrombosis. Supplementing TGFβ2 or inhibiting the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway can reduce the appearance of VSMCs osteogenic phenotype. Our findings may present a novel therapeutic approach to prevent of vascular calcification after venous thrombosis.
Long‐term evaluation of early‐enamel lesions treated with novel experimental tricalcium silicate paste: A 2‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hamdi Kareem , Hamama Hamdi H. , Motawea Amira , Fawzy Amr , Mahmoud Salah Hasab
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the remineralization potential of experimental tricalcium silicate (TCS) paste in comparison with more popular remineralizing agents like silver diamine fluoride potassium iodide (SDF‐KI) and casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) on early enamel lesions.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐five patients in the age range of 15–50 years had early enamel lesions on the buccal surface of molar teeth. The patients were randomly divided into three treatment groups (SDF‐KI, CPP‐ACP, and TCS group) with 15 patients per group. Lesions were evaluated clinically by DIAGNOdent pen immediately and after 3,6,12, and 24 months of treatment.

Results

The study was completed with 45 patients and 92 teeth. Twice‐daily application of CPP‐ACP and TCS paste showed a significant remineralization effect on early enamel lesions after 24 months (p < 0.001). Also, annual application of SDF‐KI showed a significant remineralization effect after 24 months (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between (SDF‐KI and CPP‐ACP) and (SDF‐KI and TCS) at the different follow‐up periods 3,6,12, and 24 months (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between CPP‐ACP and TCS at the mentioned follow‐up periods (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

TCS showed potential remineralization for early enamel lesions.

Clinical Relevance

Experimental TCS is a promising remineralizing agent for management of early enamel lesions.
Molecular identification of Tetrahymena species
Authors: Cassidy‐Hanley Donna Marie , Doerder F. Paul , Hossain Mozammal , Devine Catherine , Clark Theodore
Published: July 2022

Mitochondrial cox1 689 bp barcodes are routinely used for identification of Tetrahymena species. Here, we examine whether two shorter nuclear sequences, the 5.8S rRNA gene region and the intergenic region between H3 and H4 histone genes, might also be useful either singly or in combination with each other or cox1. We obtained sequences from ~300 wild isolates deposited at the Tetrahymena Stock Center and analyzed additional sequences obtained from GenBank. The 5.8S rRNA gene and portions of its transcribed flanks identify isolates as to their major clade and uniquely identify some, but not all, species. The ~330 bp H3/H4 intergenic region possesses low intraspecific variability and is unique for most species. However, it fails to distinguish between two pairs of common species and their rarer counterparts, and its use is complicated by the presence of duplicate genes in some species. The results show that while the cox1 sequence is the best single marker for Tetrahymena species identification, 5.8S rRNA, and the H3/H4 intergenic regions sequences are useful, singly or in combination, to confirm cox1 species assignments or as part of a preliminary survey of newly collected Tetrahymena. From our newly collected isolates, the results extend the biogeographical range of T. shanghaiensis and T. malaccensis and identify a new species, Tetrahymena arleneae n. sp. herein described.
Enhancing the quality of prescribing practices for older adults discharged from the emergency department in Rhode Island
Authors: Goldberg Elizabeth M. , Lin Timmy R. , Cunha Cheston B. , Mujahid Nadia , Davoodi Natalie M. , Vaughan Camille P.
Published: July 2022

Background

We sought to examine the effectiveness of the Enhancing the Quality of Prescribing Practices for Older Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department (EQUiPPED) medication safety program in three emergency departments (EDs) within the largest health system in Rhode Island (RI) with funding through a quality incentive payment by a private insurance partner.

Methods

This study utilized a quasi‐experimental interrupted time series design to implement EQUiPPED, a three‐prong intervention aimed at reducing potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescriptions to 5% or less per month. We included clinicians who prescribed medications to older ED patients during the pre‐and post‐intervention periods from July 2018 to January 2021. We determined the monthly rate of PIM prescribing among older adults discharged from the ED, according to the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria, using Poisson regression.

Results

247 ED clinicians (48% attendings [n = 119], 27% residents [n = 67], 25% advanced practice providers [n = 61]) were included in EQUiPPED, of which 92% prescribed a PIM during the study period. In the pre‐implementation period (July 2018–July 2019) the average monthly rate of PIM prescribing was 9.30% (95% CI: 8.82%, 9.78%). In the post‐implementation period (October 2019–January 2021) the PIM prescribing rate decreased significantly to 8.62% (95% CI: 8.14%, 9.10%, p < 0.01). During pre‐implementation, 1325 of the 14,193 prescribed medications were considered inappropriate, while only 1108 of the 13,213 prescribed medications in post‐implementation were considered inappropriate. The greatest reduction was observed among antihistamines, skeletal muscle relaxants, and benzodiazepines.

Conclusions

EQUiPPED contributed to a modest improvement in PIM prescribing to older adults among clinicians in these RI EDs even in the midst of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The quality incentive funding model demonstrates a successful strategy for implementation and, with greater replication, could shape national policy regarding health care delivery and quality of care for older adults.
The effect of different body positions on the cardiothoracic ratios obtained by chest radiography in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Sawada Yuto , Kaneko Akihisa , Morimoto Mayumi , Suzuki Juri , Pai Chungyu , Nakayama Shunya , Ageyama Naohide , Koie Hiroshi , Miyabe‐Nishiwaki Takako
Published: July 2022

Background

Although some studies have reported cardiac diseases in macaques, an adequate screening method for cardiac enlargement has not yet been established. This study aimed to evaluate the positioning of macaques for radiographs and establish reference intervals for the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR).

Materials and Methods

We developed a device for chest radiography in the sitting position and performed chest radiography in 50 Japanese and 48 rhesus macaques to evaluate the CTR and chest cavity size.

Results

In Japanese and rhesus macaques, the thorax height was significantly larger, the heart width was significantly smaller, and the mean CTR was significantly smaller in the sitting position than in the prone position. The reference intervals for CTR in the sitting position were 51.6 ± 4.6% and 52.2 ± 5.1% in Japanese and rhesus macaques, respectively.

Conclusion

Thoracic radiographic images obtained in a sitting position resulted in a smaller CTR and a larger thorax height, which could be useful for detecting pulmonary and cardiac abnormalities.
Characterisation of the consequences of maternal immune activation on distinct cell populations in the developing rat spinal cord
Authors: Anderson Rebecca C. , O'Keeffe Gerard W. , McDermott Kieran W.
Published: July 2022

Maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation has been implicated in the development of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Epidemiological studies have suggested that the effect of MIA may depend on the gestational timing of the immune challenge and the region of the central nervous system (CNS) in question. This study investigated the effects of MIA with 100 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide at either Embryonic days (E)12 or E16 on the oligodendrocytes, microglia and astrocytes of the offspring spinal cord. At E16, MIA decreased the number of olig2+ and Iba‐1+ cells in multiple grey and white matter regions of the developing spinal cord 5 h after injection. These decreases were not observed at postnatal day 14. In contrast, MIA at E12 did not alter Olig2+ or Iba‐1+ cell number in the developing spinal cord 5 h after injection, however, Olig2+ cell number was decreased in the ventral grey matter of the P14 spinal cord. No changes were observed in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression at P14 following MIA at either E12 or E16. These data suggest that E16 may be a window of immediate vulnerability to MIA during spinal cord development, however, the findings also suggest that the developmental process may be capable of compensation over time. Potential changes in P14 animals following the challenge at E12 are indicative of the complexity of the effects of MIA during the developmental process.
A dose‐dependent protective effect of n‐3 PUFAs in photoaging by promoting collagen production through MAPK pathway in SKH‐1 mouse model
Authors: Xue Huan , Shen Shuzhan , Yan Guorong , Yang Yuling , Li Jiandan , Kang Ziwei , Cao Yajing , Wang Xiuli , Wang Peiru
Published: July 2022

Background

Dietary supplementation of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) can inhibit inflammation and oxidation of photoaging, but the effect and mechanism on regulation of dermis collagen remains poorly elucidated. The destruction of dermal collagen plays a crucial role in the process of long‐term ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced‐photoaging, especially leading to deterioration of skin appearance and function.

Methods

In this study, we explored the protective effect of n‐3 PUFAs on the regulation of collagen through the MAPK pathway using the SKH‐1 photoaging mouse model.

Results

The results showed that n‐3 PUFAs promoted collagen synthesis and reduced collagen degradation in a dose‐dependent manner, which was mediated by the down‐regulation of the MAPK pathway. In addition, n‐3 PUFAs supplementation inhibited the production of MMP‐1 and the UV‐induced abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes. All these effects resulted in the remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) and finally made a significant improvement in the appearance of skin.

Conclusion

Overall, the present study suggested that dietary supplementation of n‐3 PUFAs has the potential clinical prospect to prevent UV‐induced skin damage and photoaging.
Evaluation of quick sequential organ failure scores in dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Osgood A.‐M. , Hollenbeck D. , Yankin I.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic utility of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score in dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock presenting to an emergency service, and evaluate the clinical value of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score to predict severe sepsis and septic shock.

Materials and Methods

The quick sequential organ failure assessment score was calculated by evaluating respiratory rate (>22 breaths per minute), arterial systolic blood pressure (≤100 mmHg) and altered mentation. The quick sequential organ failure assessment scores with respiratory rate cut‐offs of greater than 22, greater than 30 and greater than 40 were compared. Cases were defined as dogs presented to the emergency room and met at least 2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, had documented infection, and at least one organ dysfunction. A control population of dogs included animals with non‐infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Results

Forty‐five dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock and 45 dogs with non‐infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome were included in the final analysis. The quick sequential organ failure assessment provided poor discrimination between survivors and non‐survivors for severe sepsis and septic shock (area under receiving operating characteristic curve, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 0.67). Discrimination remained poor when quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 30 and quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 40 scores were calculated (area under receiving operating characteristic curve, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.39 to 0.72, and 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.71). The quick sequential organ failure assessment of at least 2, quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 30 of at least 2 and quick sequential organ failure assessment greater than 40 of at least 2 produced sensitivity and specificity to detect severe sepsis and septic shock of 66.7% and 64.5%, 62.2% and 71.1%, 44.4% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical significance

Scoring systems utilised in emergency rooms should have high sensitivity to reduce missed sepsis cases and treatment delays. The use of the quick sequential organ failure assessment for severe sepsis and septic shock demonstrated poor mortality prediction and low sensitivity to detect canine patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and should not be used alone when screening for sepsis.
Restless legs syndrome: Over 50 years of European contribution
Authors: Khachatryan Samson G. , Ferri Raffaele , Fulda Stephany , Garcia‐Borreguero Diego , Manconi Mauro , Muntean Maria‐Lucia , Stefani Ambra
Published: July 2022

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor neurological disorder characterised by an urge to move the limbs with a circadian pattern (occurring in the evening/at night), more prominent at rest, and relieved with movements. RLS is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, occurring in 5%–10% of the European population. Thomas Willis first described RLS clinical cases already in the 17th century, and Karl‐Axel Ekbom described the disease as a modern clinical entity in the 20th century. Despite variable severity, RLS can markedly affect sleep (partly through the presence of periodic leg movements) and quality of life, with a relevant socio‐economic impact. Thus, its recognition and treatment are essential. However, screening methods present limitations and should be improved. Moreover, available RLS treatment options albeit providing sustained relief to many patients are limited in number. Additionally, the development of augmentation with dopamine agonists represents a major treatment problem. A better understanding of RLS pathomechanisms can bring to light novel treatment possibilities. With emerging new avenues of research in pharmacology, imaging, genetics, and animal models of RLS, this is an interesting and constantly growing field of research. This review will update the reader on the current state of RLS clinical practice and research, with a special focus on the contribution of European researchers.
The effect of duration between sessions on biofeedback treatment in children with dysfunctional voiding
Authors: Ergun Raziye , Ozturk Naime Ipek , Sekerci Cagri Akin
Published: July 2022

Objective

Biofeedback is an effective treatment in children with standard urotherapy‐resistant dysfunctional voiding (DV). However, the duration of the session intervals is not standardized. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of daily and weekly sessions of biofeedback treatments.

Methods

The data of children who received biofeedback due to DV between March 2018 and May 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The children were divided into two groups, one with daily and the other with weekly sessions. The voiding patterns in uroflowmetry (UF), maximum flow rate (Qmax), electromyography activity, postvoid residual volume (PVR), the ratio of voided volume to expected bladder capacity (EBC) (%), and Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System (DVISS) were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 45 children (39 girls [86.6%] and 6 boys [13.3%]) were included in the study. The daily group consisted of 27 (60%) children and the weekly group of 18 (40%). Qmax, PVR, number of abnormal UF patterns, voiding volume/EBC, and DVISS scores were similar between the two groups before treatment. Voiding parameters improved statistically significantly in both groups following biofeedback, but there was no difference between the two groups. A statistical difference was found between the results of DVISS after treatment (P = .03).

Conclusion

Both types of biofeedback treatment (daily and weekly) are effective methods that improve voiding parameters and DVISS values in children with DV. Therefore, the duration between sessions can be determined according to the suitability of the patient and the biofeedback unit.
Elevated inbreeding in Heliconia tortuosa is determined by tropical forest stand age, isolation and loss of hummingbird functional diversity
Authors: Jones F. Andrew , Hadley Adam S. , Bonner Kaitlin , Zahawi Rakan A. , Robinson W. Douglas , Kormann Urs , Betts Matthew G.
Published: July 2022

Forest conversion and habitat loss are major threats to biological diversity. Forest regeneration can mitigate the negative effects of old‐growth forest loss on species diversity, but less is known about the extent to which forest loss reduces genetic diversity in remnant populations and whether secondary forests play a role in the maintenance of genetic diversity. We quantified genetic diversity in a tropical hummingbird‐pollinated understorey herb, Heliconia tortuosa, across a landscape mosaic of primary and secondary forest regrowth. Using microsatellite genotypes from >850 adult and juvenile plants within 33 forest patches and extensive bird surveys, we examined the effect of contemporary and historical landscape features including forest age (primary vs. secondary forest), stand isolation and pollinator assemblages on genetic diversity and levels of inbreeding in H. tortuosa. We found that inbreeding was up to three times higher in secondary forest, and this effect was amplified with reductions in primary forest in the surrounding landscape through reduced observed heterozygosity in isolated fragments. Inbreeding in forest patches was negatively correlated with the local frequency of specialist long‐distance foraging traplining hummingbirds. Traplining hummingbirds therefore appear to facilitate mating among unrelated plants—an inference we tested using empirically parameterized simulations. Higher levels of inbreeding in H. tortuosa are therefore associated with reduced functional diversity of hummingbirds in secondary forests and forest patches isolated from primary forests. Our findings suggest a cryptic consequence of primary forest loss and secondary forest regeneration through the disruption of mutualistic interactions resulting in the erosion of genetic diversity in a common understorey plant.
Entrustable professional activities in longitudinal clinical programmes
Authors: Bonnie Linda H. A.
Published: July 2022

This commentary substantiates both why Entrustable Professional Activities can make a valuable contribution to learning in longitudinal placements and why they insufficiently capture the value of such placements.
FliL and its paralog MotF have distinct roles in the stator activity of the Sinorhizobium meliloti flagellar motor
Authors: Sobe Richard C. , Gilbert Crystal , Vo Lam , Alexandre Gladys , Scharf Birgit E.
Published: July 2022

The bacterial flagellum is a complex macromolecular machine that drives bacteria through diverse fluid environments. Although many components of the flagellar motor are conserved across species, the roles of FliL are numerous and species‐specific. Here, we have characterized an additional player required for flagellar motor function in Sinorhizobium meliloti, MotF, which we have identified as a FliL paralog. We performed a comparative analysis of MotF and FliL, identified interaction partners through bacterial two‐hybrid and pull‐down assays, and investigated their roles in motility and motor rotation. Both proteins form homooligomers, and interact with each other, and with the stator proteins MotA and MotB. The ∆motF mutant exhibits normal flagellation but its swimming behavior and flagellar motor activity are severely impaired and erratic. In contrast, the ∆fliL mutant is mostly aflagellate and nonmotile. Amino acid substitutions in cytoplasmic regions of MotA or disruption of the proton channel plug of MotB partially restored motor activity to the ∆motF but not the ∆fliL mutant. Altogether, our findings indicate that both, MotF and FliL, are essential for flagellar motor torque generation in S. meliloti. FliL may serve as a scaffold for stator integration into the motor, and MotF is required for proton channel modulation.
Patients with lower limb‐onset ALS who have a longer duration from onset to diagnosis have a better prognosis
Authors: Shijo Tomomi , Suzuki Naoki , Warita Hitoshi , Kawauchi Yuko , Mitsuzawa Shio , Ikeda Kensuke , Izumi Rumiko , Ono Risako , Ohno Akiyuki , Toyoshima Masaya , Harada Ryuhei , Kuroda Hiroshi , Kato Masaaki , Aoki Masashi
Published: July 2022

Background

Useful and plain prognostic markers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression are desired to propose a suitable living setting for patients and their caregivers and to archive appropriate clinical trials.

Aim

To archive an additional prognostic marker for ALS progression, we evaluated the usefulness of duration from onset to diagnosis (DOD) as a prognostic factor by stratifying patients with onset sites.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 200 patients. The cutoff period for DOD was set to 12 months, which was derived from ROC curve. The patients were divided into two groups by DOD. We analyzed the differences in the time from onset to the endpoint in the two groups. The endpoint was defined as their death due to ALS progression or the application of invasive positive pressure ventilation.

Results

We found that patients in short DOD group had significantly shorter survival rate than patients in the long DOD group. When divided by onset sites, the time from onset to the endpoint was significantly different among each group. Particularly, the prognosis of patients in the long DOD group with lower limb onset was extremely better than other groups. A significant positive correlation was detected between DOD and the time from onset to the endpoint. Moreover, DOD was negatively correlated with changes in body mass index and ALS functional rating scale‐revised, both of which were reported as the prognostic markers of ALS.

Conclusion

DOD might become a simple and useful indicator for the prognosis of ALS.
Field and saccharification performances of poplars severely downregulated in CAD1
Authors: De Meester Barbara , Van Acker Rebecca , Wouters Marlies , Traversari Silvia , Steenackers Marijke , Neukermans Jenny , Van Breusegem Frank , Déjardin Annabelle , Pilate Gilles , Boerjan Wout
Published: July 2022

Lignin is one of the main factors causing lignocellulosic biomass recalcitrance to enzymatic hydrolysis. Glasshouse‐grown poplars severely downregulated for CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE 1 (CAD1), the enzyme catalysing the last step in the monolignol‐specific branch of lignin biosynthesis, have increased saccharification yields and normal growth.

Here, we assess the performance of these hpCAD poplars in the field under short rotation coppice culture for two consecutive rotations of 1 yr and 3 yr.

While 1‐yr‐old hpCAD wood had 10% less lignin, 3‐yr‐old hpCAD wood had wild‐type lignin levels. Because of their altered cell wall composition, including elevated levels of cinnamaldehydes, both 1‐yr‐old and 3‐yr‐old hpCAD wood showed enhanced saccharification yields upon harsh alkaline pretreatments (up to +85% and +77%, respectively). In contrast with previous field trials with poplars less severely downregulated for CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD), the hpCAD poplars displayed leaning phenotypes, early bud set, early flowering and yield penalties. Moreover, hpCAD wood had enlarged vessels, decreased wood density and reduced relative and free water contents.

Our data show that the phenotypes of CAD‐deficient poplars are strongly dependent on the environment and underpin the importance of field trials in translating basic research towards applications.
The house the poet built
Authors: Pietrzak Wit
Published: July 2022

The essay focuses on the figure of the house in Leontia Flynn’s Profit and Loss (2011) in order to show that it evokes an arena where the poet confronts her anxieties over the precariousness of her life and over her vocation. Having briefly framed the discussion of the house in contemporary Irish poetry, the essay goes on to argue that in Flynn’s rendition, it is transformed from initially being a site of baleful haunting into a stable ground of poetic space, in which the speaker can come to terms with her griefs and fears.
Scheduled methadone reduces overall opioid requirements after pediatric posterior spinal fusion: A single center retrospective case series
Authors: Mok Valerie , Sweetman Sarah , Hernandez Brandon , Casias Timothy , Hylton Jared , Krause Bryan M. , Noonan Kenneth J. , Walker Benjamin J.
Published: July 2022

Background

Posterior spinal fusion to correct adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is associated with significant postoperative pain. Different modalities have been reported as part of a multimodal analgesic plan. Intravenous methadone acts as a mu‐opioid agonist and N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonist and has been shown to have opioid‐sparing effects. Our multimodal approach has included hydromorphone patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) with and without preincisional methadone, and recently postoperative methadone without a PCA.

Aims

We hypothesized that a protocol including scheduled postoperative methadone doses would reduce opioid usage compared to PCA‐based strategy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis between 2015 and 2020 was performed. There were three patient groups: Group PCA received a hydromorphone PCA without methadone; Group PCA + Methadone received preincisional methadone and a hydromorphone PCA; Group Methadone received preincisional methadone, scheduled postoperative methadone, and no PCA. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid use over 72 h. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, sedation scores, and length of stay.

Results

Group PCA (n = 26) consumed 0.33 mg/kg (95% CI [0.28, 0.38]) total hydromorphone equivalents, Group PCA + methadone (n = 39) 0.30 mg/kg (95% CI [0.25, 0.36]) total hydromorphone equivalents, and Group methadone (n = 22) 0.18 mg/kg (95% CI [0.15, 0.21]) total hydromorphone equivalents (p = .00096). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

A protocol with intraoperative and scheduled postoperative methadone doses resulted in a 45% reduction in opioid usage compared to a PCA‐based protocol with similar analgesia after pediatric posterior spinal fusion.
Predication and Hume's Conceivability Principle
Authors: Qu Hsueh
Published: July 2022

In this paper, I will make the case that an associative account of predication in Hume seems to allow for impossible predicative conceptions—that is, the conceiving of impossible states of affairs involving subjects instantiating properties or qualities—which violate his Conceivability Principle. The natural response is to argue that such conceptions are not clear and distinct, but substantive worries are raised about a number of attempted solutions along these lines. This poses a predicament for Hume scholars: either we must modify or abandon the Conceivability Principle, or reject an associative account of predication, or concede that Hume faces a difficulty he cannot solve.
Effects of diurnal variation of bile acids by meal on cyclosporine A absorption
Authors: Nishino Tomohiko , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Tomori Shinya , Ono Sayaka , Mimaki Masakazu
Published: July 2022

Background

Stabilizing blood levels with microemulsified cyclosporine A (CsA), administered in many pediatric kidney diseases, is important for effective immunosuppression and reduced nephrotoxicity. CsA is affected by total bile acids (TBAs); however, no reports have simultaneously measured both. We aimed to elucidate the hypothesized relationship between TBA levels and diurnal variation in CsA in children.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children who were taking oral CsA for the treatment of kidney diseases between January 2016 and July 2021. They consumed four balanced meals and snacks during the day. CsA and TBA were measured twice, in pairs, before and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 h after oral administration in the morning and evening, and the four‐h area under curve (AUC)0–4 of CsA and trough‐to‐peak ratio (TPR) of TBA were compared.

Results

Fifty‐eight pairs were measured in total; 12 children had idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and 4 children had immunoglobulin A vasculitis with nephritis. The median age at measurement was 7.5 years and the dose of CsA was 3.8 mg/kg/day. The AUC0–4 (ng·h/mL) was significantly lower in the evening than in the morning (1,669 vs. 1,451, P < 0.001). The TPR of TBA was significantly higher in the evening than in the morning (0.14 vs. 0.25, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The low AUC0–4 and slow TBA secretion observed in the evening may be due to pediatric‐specific dietary rhythms; thus, snack timing should be considered in children for stabilizing CsA levels.
Human papillomavirus‐related cancer risk for solid organ transplant recipients during adult life and early prevention strategies during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Nailescu Corina , Ermel Aaron C. , Shew Marcia L.
Published: July 2022

Malignancies are among the top three causes of patient death in pediatric and adult kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, including KT individuals, experience more cancer compared with the general population, including human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. This article describes the epidemiology, pathophysiology and natural history of the HPV infection in both the general population and in SOT recipients, as well as its role in the development of HPV‐related pre‐cancerous lesions and cancers. Emphasis is given to the primary prevention strategy, HPV vaccination in SOT recipients, and its particularities compared with the general population. Secondary prevention strategies in SOT recipients are discussed and compared with the general population, highlighting cervical cancer screening needs within SOT populations. The article emphasizes how these primary and secondary HPV prevention strategies applied during childhood and adolescence by the pediatric transplant professionals, can lower the burden of HPV‐related cancers for SOT recipients in subsequent years, during their adult life.