bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical public typology: How does moral foundation theory and anticorporatism predict changes in public perceptions during a crisis?
Authors: Hong Seoyeon , Shim Kyujin
Published: March 2022

This study proposes a new public typology utilising moral foundation theory and anticorporatism. The current paper conceptualised four ethical types of public (e.g., moralists, antagonists, optimists, and pragmatists) and conducted an online survey using a national sample (N = 1124) to test the applicability of the new typology. Our results suggest that different types of publics react differently in attributing crisis responsibility, expressing their emotional responses, and showing boycott intentions in evaluating a corporate crisis.
Coloration mechanisms of fresh sugarcane juice: Investigating the critical components and enzyme activity
Authors: Wang Lu , Wu Jiamin , Huang Huimei , Huang Wencheng , Wang Peng , Chen Jiebo
Published: March 2022

The color of sugarcane juice has a great influence on the preferences of consumers. The contents of pigments, sugars, free amino acids, organic acids, phenolic compounds, enzyme activities, antioxidant activities, and color differences among juices produced from four sugarcane varieties were investigated in this study. The data suggested that variety played an important role in the color and chemicophysical properties of sugarcane juice. The color of four varieties of sugarcane juice varied from greenish yellow to light brown. Bamboo cane juice and black rind sugarcane juice presented similar color properties and both had high contents of phenolic compounds and strong antioxidant activities. Yellow rind sugarcane juice with higher value of L* (26.10) and more pigment contents than the other varieties was attractive. Sucrose, glucose, β‐alanine, chlorogenic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, isochlorogenic acid, DPPH, and polyphenol oxidase activity had positive correlations with a* value. The effects of organic acids on color were limited.

Practical Application

This study demonstrated the relationships between color parameters and contents of pigments, sugars, free amino acids, organic acids, phenolics, enzyme activities, and antioxidant activities of sugarcane juice. This could help to find out the coloration mechanisms of sugarcane juice. Our manuscript created a paradigm for future studies on color control during juice processing and storage.
Lactic acid bacteria synergistic fermentation affects the flavor and texture of bread
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Zhang Jialan , Wang Shaojin , Liu Yingbao , Li Li , Gao Mengxiang
Published: March 2022

Fermentation strains play a key role in the quality of bread. The combination of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may effectively improve the function and nutritional properties of bread. In this study, the dough was fermented to make bread by using single strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mode A), the combination of two strains (S. cerevisiae and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, mode B; S. cerevisiae and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, mode C), or three strains (S. cerevisiae, L. plantarum, and L. delbrueckii, mode D). The specific volume, texture, and aroma substances of bread were evaluated. The possibility of mixed fermentation of selected yeast and LAB to replace natural fermentation dough was evaluated. The results showed that the specific volume of bread in mode B was 15.2% higher than that of mode A. The structure was softer and the taste was more vigorous in mode B bread. The content of volatile compounds was highest in mode B bread among the four mode bread. The characteristic flavors were ethyl 2‐hydroxypropionate and z‐3‐hexenol. The cofermentation in mode B made the bread aroma richer and gave better aroma characteristics to bread. Therefore, the fermentation of S. cerevisiae and L. plantarum can be recommended to replace naturally fermented dough to improve the quality of bread.

Practical Application

L. plantarum and L. delbrueckii, separately or together, assisted in yeast fermentation to make bread. The specific volume, texture, and aroma substances of bread were evaluated to replace natural fermented dough with mixed fermentation. L. plantarum–assisted yeast fermentation improved the specific volume, texture, and aroma of bread. The characteristic flavors were ethyl 2‐hydroxypropionate and z‐3‐hexenol in bread. Therefore, the fermentation of S. cerevisiae and L. plantarum could replace naturally fermented dough to improve the quality of bread.
CD38 inhibitor 78c increases mice lifespan and healthspan in a model of chronological aging
Authors: Peclat Thais R. , Thompson Katie L. , Warner Gina M. , Chini Claudia C.S. , Tarragó Mariana G. , Mazdeh Delaram Z. , Zhang Chunlian , Zavala‐Solorio Jose , Kolumam Ganesh , Liang Wong Yao , Cohen Robert L. , Chini Eduardo N.
Published: March 2022

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels decline during aging, contributing to physical and metabolic dysfunction. The NADase CD38 plays a key role in age‐related NAD decline. Whether the inhibition of CD38 increases lifespan is not known. Here, we show that the CD38 inhibitor 78c increases lifespan and healthspan of naturally aged mice. In addition to a 10% increase in median survival, 78c improved exercise performance, endurance, and metabolic function in mice. The effects of 78c were different between sexes. Our study is the first to investigate the effect of CD38 inhibition in naturally aged animals.
Associations of delay discounting and drinking trajectories from ages 14 to 22
Authors: Fröhner Juliane H. , Ripke Stephan , Jurk Sarah , Li Shu‐Chen , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L.W. , Quinlan Erin Burke , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean‐Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie‐Laure , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Smolka Michael N. ,   the IMAGEN Consortium
Published: March 2022

Background

While drinking alcohol, one must choose between the immediate rewarding effects and the delayed reward of a healthier lifestyle. Individuals differ in their devaluation of a delayed reward based on the time required to receive it, i.e., delay discounting (DD). Previous studies have shown that adolescents discount more steeply than adults and that steeper DD is associated with heavier alcohol use in both groups.

Methods

In a large‐scale longitudinal study, we investigated whether higher rates of DD are an antecedent or a consequence of alcohol use during adolescent development. As part of the IMAGEN project, 2220 adolescents completed the Monetary Choice Questionnaire as a DD measure, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Timeline Follow Back interview at ages 14, 16, 18, and 22. Bivariate latent growth curve models were applied to investigate the relationship between DD and drinking. To explore the consequences of drinking, we computed the cumulative alcohol consumption and correlated it with the development of discounting. A subsample of 221 participants completed an intertemporal choice task (iTeCh) during functional magnetic resonance imaging at ages 14, 16, and 18. Repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to differentiate between high‐risk and low‐risk drinkers on the development of neural processing during intertemporal choices.

Results

Overall, high rates of DD at age 14 predicted a greater increase in drinking over 8 years. In contrast, on average, moderate alcohol use did not affect DD from ages 14 to 22. Of note, we found indicators for less brain activity in top‐down control areas during intertemporal choices in the participants who drank more.

Conclusions

Steep DD was shown to be a predictor rather than a consequence of alcohol use in low‐level drinking adolescents. Important considerations for future longitudinal studies are the sampling strategies to be used and the reliability of the assessments.
Economic evaluations of tobacco control interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Jiang Xiaobin , Jackson Louise J. , Syed Muslim Abbas , Avşar Tuba Saygın , Abdali Zainab
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Tobacco consumption and its associated adverse outcomes remain major public health issues, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This systematic review aimed to identify and critically assess full economic evaluations for tobacco control interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

Electronic databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO and the grey literature, were searched using terms such as ‘tobacco’, ‘economic evaluation’ and ‘smoking’ from 1994 to 2020. Study quality was assessed using the Consensus Health Economic Criteria and the Philips checklist. Studies were included which were full economic evaluations of tobacco control interventions in low‐ and middle‐income settings. Reviews, commentaries, conference proceedings and abstracts were excluded. Study selection and quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers independently. A narrative synthesis was conducted to synthesize the findings of the studies.

Results

This review identified 20 studies for inclusion. The studies evaluated a wide range of interventions, including tax increase, nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patch/gum) and financial incentives. Overall, 12 interventions were reported to be cost‐effective, especially tax increases for tobacco consumption and cessation counselling. There were considerable limitations regarding data sources (e.g. using cost data from other countries or assumptions due to the lack of local data) and the model structure; sensitivity analyses were inadequately described in many studies; and there were issues around the transferability of results to other settings. Additionally, the affordability of the interventions was only discussed in two studies.

Conclusions

There are few high‐quality studies of the cost‐effectiveness of tobacco use control interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The methodological limitations of the existing literatures could affect the generalizability of the findings.
The impact of road safety policies in a deregulated alcohol tax environment in Hong Kong: a 15‐year time series analysis
Authors: Ng Carmen S. , Au Minnie , Leung June Y. Y. , Leung Gabriel M. , Tian Linwei , Quan Jianchao
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Hong Kong reduced beer and wine tax in 2007, eliminated taxes on beer and wine and strengthened drink‐driving legislation in 2008, and increased police traffic enforcement after the 2014 social unrest. This study aimed to measure the effects of implementing road safety policies on road traffic harm in the context of deregulated alcohol control policy in Hong Kong.

Design

Population‐based interrupted time series analysis using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (sARIMA) models. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Setting

Hong Kong, China and Singapore from January 2004 to December 2019.

Cases

A total of 313 728 road traffic injuries in Hong Kong and 163 773 road traffic injuries in Singapore as controls.

Measurements

Monthly rates of road traffic injuries, non‐fatal injuries and serious/fatal injuries from Hong Kong and Singapore Police Force.

Findings

The elimination of alcohol taxes and the enactment of road safety legislation in 2008 were associated with immediate reductions in total road traffic injuries of 6.71% (95% CI, 1.99%–11.20%), serious/fatal injuries of 13.80% (95% CI, 1.85%–24.30%) and sustained declines in drink‐driving and collisions involving drink‐driving. The effects of the 2007 tax reduction were inconclusive. Progressively increasing traffic enforcement was associated with continuous reductions in road traffic injuries by 0.21% per month (95% CI, 0.13%–0.30%), and serious/fatal injuries by 1.10% per month (95% CI, 0.85%–1.35%). Effects at the corresponding timepoints in Singapore did not reach statistical significance; the results were inconclusive regarding confounding effects on both regions.

Conclusions

Despite weakened alcohol control and increased alcohol sales over the same period, road safety policies in Hong Kong are associated with net reductions in road traffic injuries, particularly serious/fatal injuries.
Impact of tamponade agent on retinal displacement following pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair: a computer simulation model
Authors: Farahvash Armin , Marafon Samara B. , Juncal Verena R. , Figueiredo Natalia , Ramachandran Arun , Muni Rajeev H.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair with silicone oil (SO) tamponade has been observed to cause less retinal displacement than gas tamponade. Here, we assessed the mechanism and theoretical extent of retinal displacement in SO versus air tamponade in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Design

Computer simulation model.

Methods

Tamponade scale and subretinal scale simulation models previously developed were used to assess the physical forces, fluid dynamics and retinal deformations in SO versus air PPV.

Results

When comparing a SO tamponade and an air tamponade occupying 93% of the ocular cavity, the SO tamponade has a Bond number that is an order of magnitude smaller and has a much lower contact angle (99° versus 125°) and contact pressure (0.0230 versus 1.44 mmHg). With a greater contact area and contact pressure, an air tamponade squeezes subretinal fluid away from contact points, displacing the retina by a maximum length of approximately 700 μm in our model. In contrast, for a SO tamponade, the contact pressure is much lower with a very small magnitude of retinal displacement (~ 50 μm).

Conclusions

We showed that SO tamponade leads to significantly less retinal displacement than air tamponades. Although we do not recommend the routine use of primary SO because of its several disadvantages compared with gas, our findings can be further utilized to develop novel tamponade agents that minimize the risk of retinal displacement following RRD repair.
Incidence and risk factor analysis of complications after sentinel node biopsy for penile cancer
Authors: Wever Lieke , de Vries Hielke M. , Dell’Oglio Paolo , van der Poel Henk G. , Donswijk Maarten L. , Sikorska Karolina , van Leeuwen Fijs W.B. , Horenblas Simon , Brouwer Oscar R.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the incidence and types of complications after dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) in patients with penile cancer (PeCa) and identify risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated 644 patients with PeCa (1284 DSNB procedures) with at least one clinically node negative (cN0) groin who underwent DSNB between 2011 and 2020 at a single high‐volume centre. The 30‐ and 30–90‐day postoperative complications were collected according to the modified Clavien–Dindo classification and the standardised methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology panel. Uni‐ and multivariable generalised linear mixed models were used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of complications per groin.

Results

A 30‐day postoperative complication occurred in 14% of groins (n = 186), of which 94% were mild to moderate. Wound infection and lymphocele formation were most common. A 30–90‐day postoperative complication occurred in 3.4% of the groins, all of which were mild or moderate (Grade I–II). The number of removed lymph nodes (LNs) per groin was the main independent predictor for any 30‐day complications and Grade ≥II complications (odds ratio 1.40; P < 0.001). There was an increase in the probability of postoperative complications with the number of LNs removed after accounting for all confounders.

Conclusions

Despite being less morbid than (modified) inguinal LN dissection, DSNB is still associated with a considerable risk of postoperative mild‐to‐moderate complications. This risk increases with increasing number of LNs removed. Further procedural refinement aimed at removing the true sentinel node(s) only, may help further reduce the morbidity of surgical staging in PeCa.
Presidential Address: Forging a developmental science mission to improve population outcomes and eliminate disparities for young children
Authors: Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: March 2022

Child development science has not fully realized its mission to improve population outcomes for children and eliminate disparities across race and income groups. One domain with great need but also great potential is the challenge parents face in raising a young child. A system of universal primary psychosocial care is proposed, with three components: a comprehensive infrastructure of community resources, such as North Carolina's Smart Start; financial supports for specific interventions, such as pre‐kindergarten; and a way to help families identify and address family‐specific needs, such as Family Connects. Empirical studies demonstrate the promise of each component for population impact and disparity elimination but also the need for continued improvement. Developmental scientists are called upon to fulfill their mission.
Retracted: An artificial intelligence‐based smart health system for biological cognitive detection based on wireless telecommunication
Authors: Babu Manikam , Jesudas Thangaraju
Published: March 2022

The framework described in this work is a propelled explication to diagnosis of the health condition of the individuals who is affecting from arthritis disease. The innovation underlying this is the Internet of Things (IoT), a propelled system in the current trend to combine sensor data to the visualization platform for improved comprehension. In this work, we fabricated a thin film‐based bio‐sensor for detecting uric acid (UA) in the blood which is used to diagnose the arthritis disease. The fabricated sensor is integrated with node microcontroller unit (MCU) unit to store the uric acid content data where it is processed and recorded. The logged information can be forwarded by utilizing IoT technology using Thing Speak application programming interfaces (APIs) key and the information refreshed from the framework can be available in the cloud connector. The data for visualization can be obtained by API, validated with the private key, and accessed using Thing Speak APIs on multiple platforms such as mobile, tablet, and laptop connected to the internet. So, in summary, Thing Speak API Handler ensures the legitimacy of data retrieval from the cloud and visualization across several platforms.
Indigenous peoples as sentinels of change in human‐wildlife relationships: Conservation status of mountain goats in Kitasoo Xai'xais territory and beyond
Authors: Jessen Tyler D. , Service Christina N. , Poole Kim G. , Burton A. Cole , Bateman Andrew W. , Paquet Paul C. , Darimont Chris T.
Published: March 2022

Local people can act as sentinels for change, especially for wildlife populations not monitored by centralized governments. Responding to concern expressed by the Kitasoo Xai'xais (KX) First Nation over a decline in mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) sightings, our community‐academic partnership assessed the conservation status of goats in KX territory and beyond in British Columbia by evaluating three independent information sources. Aerial surveys (2019 and 2020) over 542 km2 revealed a low‐density population (mean 0.25, SD 0.12 goats/km2), typical of peripheral coastal range. Interviews with KX Knowledge Holders revealed that sightings from sea level have declined sharply over 40 years, a period during which temperatures have increased and snowpack has decreased. Finally, Kill data (1980–2018) showed that kills/hunter/day initially increased among guided hunters before plateauing, but declined among resident hunters (~70% of hunt days) in both coastal and interior BC. Convergent patterns among datasets suggest that coastal goats declined in abundance and/or reduced use of low‐elevation habitat, disrupting a millennia‐old relationship between KX people and goats, thereby posing a conservation concern. Broadly, our work shows that detecting threats to peripheral populations, and wildlife in general, can be informed and empowered by the knowledge of place‐based peoples and associated decentralized management. Kitasoo Xai'xais First Nation mountain goat research illustrates roles of Indigenous peoples as sentinels of population and ecosystem change.
Frugivore distributions are associated with plant dispersal syndrome diversity in the Caribbean archipelagos
Authors: Kim Seokmin , Sales Lilian , Carreira Daiane , Galetti Mauro
Published: March 2022

Aim

Many plants rely on interactions with frugivores for dispersal, suggesting that animal communities may affect plant occupancy and diversity. However, the contribution of these interaction‐led biotic variables on plant diversity is poorly understood, especially in archipelagic hotspots such as the Caribbean. In island ecosystems, biogeographic theories suggest that island configurations drive colonization‐extinction dynamics, while macroecology argues for the importance of climatic drivers of biodiversity. Within this context, we examine how frugivore‐driven biotic factors are associated with fruiting plant species richness in relation to abiotic (climatic and geologic) and island configuration characteristics.

Location

Caribbean archipelagos.

Methods

We compiled a review of the diversity and distributions of 6039 plants and 326 vertebrate frugivores across 105 islands within the Caribbean. We then identified characteristics related to plant‐frugivore interactions and assigned each species as having either abiotic (wind, water, etc.) or zoochoric (frugivory‐dependent) dispersal syndromes. We related plant richness and dispersal syndromes to the regional diversity and characteristics of frugivorous animals, abiotic environments and island configuration characteristics through stepwise multivariate regression with generalized linear models and model selection.

Results

We found that 44.6% of Caribbean plants are dispersed through frugivory (endozoochory). Frugivore‐related characteristics, namely accumulated body mass of island bird assemblages, were the best predictors of the diversity of seed dispersal syndromes. To a lesser degree, reptile richness and soil variety were also considered important predictors for zoochoric plant distribution, while island areas affected abiotically‐dispersed plants.

Main conclusion

We found that biotic characteristics of frugivore communities are important predictors of plant diversity in the Caribbean archipelagos. However, this may also be influenced by climate and colonization history. Given the importance of biotic metrics in explaining plant diversity, we suggest that fruit‐frugivore interactions are important components of island biogeography and that frugivorous communities should be accounted for plant biodiversity predictions and forecast models.
Fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine plus lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) improves ß‐cell function in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Niemoeller Elisabeth , Dex Terry , Servera Soraly , Mari Andrea
Published: March 2022

Aim

Multiple studies support the efficacy of combining a glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) with basal insulin in people with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on dual/triple oral therapy. Fixed‐ratio combinations of basal insulin + GLP‐1RA represent a further advance to facilitate management. We assessed the impact of fixed‐ratio combination basal insulin + GLP‐1RA treatment on β‐cell function.

Materials and Methods

We analysed data from 351 participants in the LixiLan‐G trial (NCT02787551) randomized to receive iGlarLixi (insulin glargine 100 U/ml + lixisenatide) or to continue daily/weekly GLP‐1RA, both on top of metformin. Participants received a 2‐h meal tolerance test before randomization and at study end (26 weeks), with timed plasma glucose and C‐peptide determinations. β‐cell function parameters were resolved using mathematical modelling.

Results

In the GLP‐1RA group (n = 162), both body weight and glycated haemoglobin decreased at week 26, yet none of the insulin secretion/β‐cell function parameters changed significantly. In contrast, in the iGlarLixi group (n = 189), glycated haemoglobin decreased significantly more than in the GLP‐1RA group (p < .0001) despite an increase in body weight (+1.7 ± 3.9 kg, p < .0001). Fasting and stimulated insulin secretion decreased at Week 26 (both p < .0001 vs. GLP‐1RA), while β‐cell glucose sensitivity increased by a median 35% (p = .0032 vs. GLP‐1RA). The incremental meal tolerance test glucose area showed a larger reduction with iGlarLixi versus GLP‐1RA (p < .0001).

Conclusions

In people with type 2 diabetes on metformin, 26‐week treatment with iGlarLixi resulted in a marked improvement in β‐cell function concomitant with sparing of endogenous insulin release and a reduction in meal absorption.
An intelligent robust cascaded control scheme for renewable energy based microgrid
Authors: T Vigneysh , Velamuri Suresh , Kantipudi MVV Prasad , Viriyasitavat Wattana
Published: March 2022

Handling the uncertainties in the utility grid and uncertainties in renewable energy sources is a main challenge to accomplish the modern grid code requirements. This article proposes a new control strategy based on interval type‐2 fuzzy sets for controlling the grid‐connected dispersed generation (DG) system tied to the distorted electric grid. The proposed control technique can easily model and handle the uncertainties in the system parameters and renewable energy sources. The existence of three‐dimensional membership functions of type‐2 fuzzy sets offers an additional degree of freedom to counter the uncertainties in the system. The proposed strategy is effective in improving the dynamic response during system uncertainties such as distortions in grid voltage, variations in grid frequency, variations in renewable energy sources and due to presence of non‐linear and unbalanced loads. Also, it improves the quality of the current being injected to the grid during uncertainties. The proposed control strategy is applied to control the dc side capacitor voltage as well as to control the current loop of the grid connected inverter. The proposed system is simulated in MATLAB Simulink environment and the performance is compared with traditional controllers to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy during system abnormalities.
Quality of life in a large multinational haemophilia B cohort (The B‐Natural study) – Unmet needs remain
Authors: Berntorp Erik , LeBeau Petra , Ragni Margaret V. , Borhany Munira , Abajas Yasmina L. , Tarantino Michael D. , Holstein Katharina , Croteau Stacy E. , Liesner Raina , Tarango Cristina , Carvalho Manuela , McGuinn Catherine , Funding Eva , Kempton Christine L. , Bidlingmaier Christoph , Cohen Alice , Oldenburg Johannes , Kearney Susan , Knoll Christine , Kuriakose Philip , Acharya Suchitra , Reiss Ulrike M. , Kulkarni Roshni , Witkop Michelle , Lethagen Stefan , Krouse Rebecca , Shapiro Amy D. , Astermark Jan
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The B‐Natural study is a multicentre, multinational, observational study of haemophilia B (HB) designed to increase understanding of clinical manifestations, treatment and quality of life (QoL).

Aim

To characterise and compare QoL in HB across disease severity groups and individuals with inhibitors to identify gaps in treatment.

Methods

A total of 224 individuals from 107 families were enrolled from a total of 24 centres in North America (n = 16), Europe (n = 7) and Asia (n = 1). Of these, 68 (30.4%) subjects had severe (<1 IU/dL), median age 15.6 years, 114 (50.9%) moderate (1–5 IU/dL), age 13.3 years, and 42 (18.8%) mild (>5–< 40 IU/dL), age 12.1 years, disease. Twenty‐nine participants had inhibitors or a history of inhibitors. Three versions of the EQ‐5D instrument were used as a measure of QoL: proxy (ages 4–7), youth (ages 8–15) and self (age 16+). Each instrument included a visual analogue scale ranging from 100 (best health) to 0 (worst health) to assess current day's health (EQ VAS). Range‐of‐motion (ROM) for elbows, knees and ankles was assessed using a four‐point scale, from which a composite score was calculated.

Results

In all severity groups, a proportion of subjects showed less than optimal QoL. The majority of the mild and moderate severe participants reported a normal EQ‐5D health profile (79% and 72%, respectively), whereas about half (47%) of the severe participants and only 13% of the inhibitor participants reported this profile.

Conclusion

The B‐Natural study reveals impacted QoL in all disease severities of HB including those with inhibitors. Unmet needs remain and include nonsevere HB.
Muscle thickness and pennation angle in overweight persons with moderate haemophilia A after resistance and combined training: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Parhampour Behrouz , Alizadeh Vahid , Torkaman Giti , Ravanbod Roya , Bagheri Rasoul , Vasaghi‐Gharamaleki Behnoosh , Dadgoo Mehdi , Mohsenipour Seyed Mehdi , Sadat Zohreh Alsadat
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Muscular atrophy and overweightness develop arthropathy in persons with haemophilia (PWH), and exercise increases their muscle strength and decreases their body weight. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography may be a non‐invasive, safe, valid, and reliable tool to investigate muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA) after exercise training.

Objectives

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of resistance training (RT) and combined resistance and aerobic training (CT) on MT and PA in overweight persons with moderate haemophilia A.

Materials and methods

Forty‐two persons with moderate haemophilia A with a mean age of 35–55 years and a BMI of 25–30 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to three groups of 14, namely RT, CT, and control. The RT group performed 40 minutes of RT, and the CT group performed 20 min of RT and 20 min of aerobic training. The PA and MT of the biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) were measured before and after the intervention using B‐mode ultrasonography.

Results

Significant increases were observed in the MT of VM, VL, MG, BB, and TB and PA of VM, VL, and MG in the RT and CT groups compared to the control group (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between the intervention groups.

Conclusion

Both RT and CT were effective in enhancing MT and PA in overweight persons with moderate haemophilia A.
Declining haematocrit with increasing age in a population of male zebra finchesTaeniopygia guttata
Authors: Coughlan Kyle , Sadowska Edyta T. , Bauchinger Ulf
Published: March 2022

Whole organismal declines in metabolic performance due to ageing are known to occur in virtually all higher vertebrates, the causes of such declines, however, are not fully understood. In mammals, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and red blood cell count begin to decrease in later life. In birds however, such knowledge on changes in haematological variables with increasing age is still scarce and existing data largely focuses on nestlings or differences between juveniles and adults. Here, forty‐five male zebra finchesTaeniopygia guttata, aged between 15 and 84 months were brought to their metabolic peak through exercise and then sampled for a full suite of haematological variables, including four directly measured primary haematological variables which were modelled against age as a continuous factor. We found a significant decline in haematocrit due to ageing in the birds (p = 0.029), a phenomenon observed in several other avian species but still unexplained. Haemoglobin did not change significantly (p = 0.156), while neither erythrocyte size or number showed any trends with age (p = 0.898 and p = 0.922 respectively) indicating that declining haematocrit is due to mechanisms other than decreasing cells size or number. We considered reticulocytes, being generally larger than mature erythrocytes as an explanation for declining haematocrit, however an a priori examination revealed an opposite result and increased with age (p = 0.016), leading us to believe that the decline in haematocrit with increasing age relates to differences in water homeostasis potential in older birds. The age dependence of haematological variables appears less clear in birds than in mammals. Besides oxygen carrying capacity, haematocrit influences the viscoelastic properties of blood, and it remains to be shown if this decline in haematocrit in birds can explain declining aerobic metabolism.
Taxonomic scale and community organization impact observed latitudinal gradients of parasite diversity
Authors: Preisser Whitney C. , Castellanos Adrian A. , Kinsella John M. , Vargas Ronald , Gonzalez Eugenio , Fernández Jesús A. , Dronen Norman O. , Lawing A. Michelle , Light Jessica E.
Published: March 2022

Aim

While most free‐living taxa follow the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), or the trend of higher diversity at lower latitudes, we know little about how the diversity of parasitic taxa is distributed across latitudes. To better understand the macroecological patterns of parasite diversity, we sought to determine whether (1) helminths follow the traditional LDG; (2) taxonomic resolution impacts observed patterns; (3) latitudinal patterns are consistent across levels of community organization and (4) helminth diversity is correlated with climate‐ and host‐associated variables.

Location

San Juan de Peñas Blancas, Costa Rica; Calnali, Hidalgo, Mexico; College Station, Texas, USA; Brownsville, Nebraska, USA; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Taxon

Rodentia: Cricetidae; Nematoda; Platyhelminthes

Methods

We sampled parasites from hosts at field sites set approximately every 10° in latitude. We evaluated the relationships between parasite species richness (of all helminths as well as nematodes, cestodes and trematodes separately) and latitude, climate, and host mass at two levels of parasite community organization, the infracommunity and the component community, using generalized additive models.

Results

Total helminth richness was significantly correlated with latitude, but the relationship was nonlinear. Nematode, cestode and trematode diversity were also significantly correlated with latitude, but the relationship differed between the levels of community organization and among the taxonomic groups. Climate‐ and host‐associated variables were significantly correlated with different parasite taxa, although the strength and size of the correlations varied among the groups.

Main conclusions

There are complex associations between parasite richness and latitude, climate, and host traits, and community organization and taxonomic grouping affected the observed relationships. Climate has been implicated as an important factor in shaping LDG patterns and may similarly influence helminth diversity patterns. Overall, this work provides further support and exceptions to the LDG and stresses the importance of considering scale in ecological investigations.
WRKY33‐mediated indolic glucosinolate metabolic pathway confers resistance against Alternaria brassicicola in Arabidopsis and Brassica crops
Authors: Tao Han , Miao Huiying , Chen Lili , Wang Mengyu , Xia Chuchu , Zeng Wei , Sun Bo , Zhang Fen , Zhang Shuqun , Li Chuanyou , Wang Qiaomei
Published: March 2022

The tryptophan (Trp)‐derived plant secondary metabolites, including camalexin, 4‐hydroxy‐indole‐3‐carbonylnitrile, and indolic glucosinolate (IGS), show broad‐spectrum antifungal activity. However, the distinct regulations of these metabolic pathways among different plant species in response to fungus infection are rarely studied. In this study, our results revealed that WRKY33 directly regulates IGS biosynthesis, notably the production of 4‐methoxyindole‐3‐ylmethyl glucosinolate (4MI3G), conferring resistance to Alternaria brassicicola, an important pathogen which causes black spot in Brassica crops. WRKY33 directly activates the expression of CYP81F2, IGMT1, and IGMT2 to drive side‐chain modification of indole‐3‐ylmethyl glucosinolate (I3G) to 4MI3G, in both Arabidopsis and Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey). However, Chinese kale showed a more severe symptom than Arabidopsis when infected by Alternaria brassicicola. Comparative analyses of the origin and evolution of Trp metabolism indicate that the loss of camalexin biosynthesis in Brassica crops during evolution might attenuate the resistance of crops to Alternaria brassicicola. As a result, the IGS metabolic pathway mediated by WRKY33 becomes essential for Chinese kale to deter Alternaria brassicicola. Our results highlight the differential regulation of Trp‐derived camalexin and IGS biosynthetic pathways in plant immunity between Arabidopsis and Brassica crops.
Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1‐mediated defective mitophagy contributes to painful diabetic neuropathy in the db/db model
Authors: Yuan Pengfei , Song Fuhu , Zhu Pian , Fan Keke , Liao Qinming , Huang Lijin , Liu Zhongjie
Published: March 2022

Studies have shown that poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is involved in the pathological process of diabetes. Mitophagy is widely acknowledged to be a key regulatory process in maintaining reactive oxygen species homeostasis via lysosome degradation of damaged mitochondria. However, the regulatory role of PARP1 in mitophagy‐related mitochondrial oxidative injury and progression of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is unclear. In this study, we studied the in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of PARP1‐mediated mitophagy blockade in a leptin gene‐mutation (db/db) mouse model of PDN. Db/db mice models of PDN were established by assessing the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). The results showed that PARP1 activity and mitochondrial injury of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were increased, and mitophagy was impaired in PDN mice. PARP1 was found to mediate the impairment of mitophagy in DRG neurons isolated from PDN mice. PARP1 inhibitors (PJ34 or AG14361) attenuated diabetes‐induced peripheral nerve hyperalgesia, restored DRG neuron mitophagy function and decreased mitochondrial oxidative injury. Mitophagy impairment induced by lysosome deacidificant (DC661) aggravated diabetes‐induced DRG neuron mitochondrial oxidative stress and injury. Taken together, our data revealed that PARP1‐induced defective mitophagy of DRG neurons is a key mechanism in diabetes‐induced peripheral neuropathic injury. Inhibition of PARP1 and restoration of mitophagy function are potential therapeutic targets for PDN.

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Carbapenem prescribing at a veterinary teaching hospital before an outbreak of carbapenem‐resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Cole S. D. , Perez‐Bonilla D. , Hallowell A. , Redding L. E.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Carbapenems are a critically important class of antimicrobials used to treat infections caused by multi‐drug‐resistant bacteria. Following an outbreak of a carbapenemase (NDM‐5)‐producing strain of Escherichia coli at our veterinary institution, we opted to describe the use of carbapenems in our institution and the role that drug contraindications in patients may have played when culture and susceptibility testing identified alternative drug options.

Materials and Methods

Medical record reviews of all cases where a carbapenem was prescribed were performed, and indications for use, timing of prescribing relative to culture and susceptibility reports, and alternative possible antimicrobial treatments were extracted. Contraindications to alternative antimicrobials were also documented.

Results

Carbapenems were prescribed infrequently: from 2013 to 2018, they accounted for 0.47% of all antimicrobial prescriptions and were administered to 108 of 56,776 (0.2%) patients seen at our institution. They were prescribed empirically in slightly more than half of the patients (57.6%). Among cases where a carbapenem was prescribed after culture and susceptibility results were available, alternative antimicrobials could have been used in 68.3% of cases.

Clinical Significance

Variability in use of these drugs within an institution highlights the need to develop well‐defined use guidelines, including when to use these drugs empirically and how to safely de‐escalate or choose alternative drugs guided by culture and susceptibility results.
Recursive Debility: Symptoms, Patient Activism, and the Incomplete Medicalization of ME/CFS
Authors: Rogers Emily Lim
Published: March 2022

This article examines the contestation of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Lacking consistent diagnostic definitions, agreed‐on biological indicators, or approved treatments, ME/CFS is an incompletely medicalized condition. It is defined by intractable and debilitating exhaustion after any form of exertion. Through an ethnographic exploration of an American ME/CFS patient activist group, I develop the concept of “recursive debility.” Symptoms form the very basis for disease activist groupings in the absence of biomarkers, but they also present a significant barrier to traditional forms of activism. Ironically, then, debilitation blocks the means through which debilitation might end. Patients contest systems of knowledge but always in bodies that experience exhaustion without end. This article presents a disability studies intervention in suggesting that the recursivity of debility demonstrates the profound interdependence of the bodily aspects of impairment and the sociopolitical aspects of disability.[ME/CFS, chronic illness, medicalization, symptoms, debility]
Safeguarding fairness in assessments—How teachers develop joint practices
Authors: Barman Linda , McGrath Cormac , Josephsson Staffan , Silén Charlotte , Bolander Laksov Klara
Published: March 2022

Introduction

In light of reforms demanding increased transparency of student performance assessments, this study offers an in‐depth perspective of how teachers develop their assessment practice. Much is known about factors that influence assessments, and different solutions claim to improve the validity and reliability of assessments of students' clinical competency. However, little is known about how teachers go about improving their assessment practices. This study aims to contribute empirical findings about how teachers' assessment practice may change when shared criteria for assessing students' clinical competency are developed and implemented.

Methods

Using a narrative‐in‐action research approach grounded in narrative theory about human sense‐making, one group including nine health professions teachers was studied over a period of 1 year. Drawing upon data from observations, interviews, formal documents and written reflections from these teachers, we performed a narrative analysis to reveal how these teachers made sense of experiences associated with the development and implementation of joint grading criteria for assessing students' clinical performances.

Results

The findings present a narrative showing how a shared assessment practice took years to develop and was based on the teachers changed approach to scrutiny. The teachers became highly motivated to use grading criteria to ensure fairness in assessments, but more importantly, to fulfil their moral obligation towards patients. The narrative also demonstrates how these teachers reasoned about dilemmas that arose when they applied standardised assessment criteria.

Discussion

The narrative analysis shows clearly how teachers' development and application of assessment standards are embedded in local practices. Our findings highlight the importance of teachers' joint discussions on how to interpret criteria applied in formative and summative assessments of students' performances. In particular, teachers' different approaches to assessing ‘pieces of skills’ versus making holistic judgements on students' performances, regardless of whether the grading criteria are clear and well‐articulated on paper, should be acknowledged. Understanding the journey that these teachers made gives new perspectives as to how faculty can be supported when assessments of professionalism and clinical competency are developed.
Does group size matter during collaborative skills learning? A randomised study
Authors: Noerholk Laerke Marijke , Morcke Anne Mette , Kulasegaram Kulamakan , Nørgaard Lone N. , Harmsen Lotte , Andreasen Lisbeth Anita , Pedersen Nina Gros , Johnsson Vilma , Vamadevan Anishan , Tolsgaard Martin Grønnebæk
Published: March 2022

Background

Collaborative skills learning in the form of dyad learning compared with individual learning has been shown to lead to non‐inferior skills retention and transfer. However, we have limited knowledge on which learning activities improve collaborative skills training and how the number of collaborators may impact skills transfer. We explored the effects of skills training individually, in dyads, triads or tetrads on learning activities during training and on subsequent skills transfer.

Methods

In a randomised, controlled study, participants completed a pre‐post‐transfer‐test set‐up in groups of one to four. Participants completed 2 hours of obstetric ultrasound training. In the dyad, triad and tetrad group participants took turns actively handling the ultrasound probe. All performances were rated by two blinded experts using the Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS) scale and a Global Rating Scale (GRS). All training was video recorded, and learning activities were analysed using the Interactive‐Constructive‐Active‐Passive (ICAP) framework.

Results

One hundred one participants completed the simulation‐based training, and ninety‐seven completed the transfer test. Performance scores improved significantly from pre‐ to post‐test for all groups (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.55). However, group size did not affect transfer test performance on OSAUS scores (p = 0.13, ηp2 = 0.06) or GRS scores (p = 0.23, ηp2 = 0.05). ICAP analyses of training activities showed that time spent on non‐learning and passive learning activities increased with group size (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.31), whereas time spent on constructive and interactive learning activities was constant between groups compared with singles (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.72).

Conclusion

Collaborative skills learning in groups of up to four did not impair skills transfer despite less hands‐on time. This may be explained by a compensatory shift towards constructive and interactive learning activities that outweigh the effect of shorter hands‐on time.
How creative enquiry can help educators develop learners' person‐centredness
Authors: Brown Megan E. L. , Younie Louise
Published: March 2022

In the newest installment of the new Medical Education Connections series, Brown and Younie juxtapose recent findings to offer insight into how to nurture person‐centredness.
Failure to fail: Fear of retribution or a response to neglecting the learner?
Authors: Rudland Joy R. , Rennie Sarah C.
Published: March 2022

Rudland and Rennie comment on Swails et al.'s observation that staff are failing fewer learners, offering reflection on the impact neglecting a learner may have on educator decisions if the failure to fail phenomenon is considered.