bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary supplement and complementary and alternative medicine use among older adults in Australia and the United States
Authors: Fravel Michelle A. , Ernst Michael E. , Gilmartin‐Thomas Julia , Woods Robyn L. , Orchard Suzanne G. , Owen Alice J. ,   the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly Investigator Group
Published: March 2023

Background

Dietary supplement and complementary and alternative medication (CAM) use can contribute to drug interactions, polypharmacy, nonadherence with prescription medications, and healthcare expenses, whereas evidence supporting benefits of using these products is sparse. There is a lack of current published literature describing the patterns or predictors of their use in community‐dwelling older adults.

Materials and Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of community‐dwelling adults from Australia and the US, aged 70 years and older (65 years for US minorities), enrolled in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study. At study enrollment, eligible participants were required to be without concurrent 5‐year life‐limiting illness and free of documented evidence of cardiovascular disease, dementia, or significant physical disability. During the final study visit, a questionnaire was administered to collect information about supplement/CAM use. Data from 15,729 participants who completed this questionnaire between January 2017 and January 2018 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to report the prevalence and types of products used. Factors associated with use were determined using multivariate regression.

Results

Mean age of respondents was 79.6 years; 56.4% were female, 88.8% were from Australia, 56.5% reported 12 years of education or less, and 98.7% were living at home. Two‐thirds (66.2%) of participants reported use of one or more supplement/CAM in the previous month. Products most commonly used included vitamin D (33.8% of participants), fish oil (22.7%), calcium (20.6%), glucosamine (14.8%), and multivitamin (12.9%). Female sex, US residency, higher education, polypharmacy (prescription medications), and frailty (in women) were significantly associated with higher use of supplements/CAMs.

Conclusions

Dietary supplement and CAM use is common among community‐dwelling older adults in the United States and Australia. Given the high prevalence of use, collaboration between healthcare providers and older adult patients is important to insure safe and optimal use of these products.
The microstructure and thermal stability of the two‐phase amorphous melt‐spun alloys ejected from a double‐chamber crucible
Authors: Ziewiec Krzysztof , Jankowska‐Sumara Irena , Ziewiec Aneta
Published: March 2023

This work presents the microstructure and properties of two‐phase amorphous melt‐spun alloys ejected from the crucible with partition between liquids. The microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and the phase composition was studied by X‐ray diffraction. The thermal stability of the alloys was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The microstructure study proves that the composite alloys are heterogeneous because of the existence of the two amorphous phases obtained due to the use of a partition between the liquids. This microstructure correlates with complex thermal characteristics not found in homogeneous alloys of the same nominal composition. The layered structure of these composites influences the formation of fractures during tensile tests.
Improving neuropathic pain treatment – by rigorous stratification from bench to bedside
Authors: Soliman Nadia , Kersebaum Dilara , Lawn Timothy , Sachau Juliane , Sendel Manon , Vollert Jan
Published: March 2023

Chronic pain is a constantly recurring and persistent illness, presenting a formidable healthcare challenge for patients and physicians alike. Current first‐line analgesics offer only low‐modest efficacy when averaged across populations, further contributing to this debilitating disease burden. Moreover, many recent trials for novel analgesics have not met primary efficacy endpoints, which is particularly striking considering the pharmacological advances have provided a range of highly relevant new drug targets. Heterogeneity within chronic pain cohorts is increasingly understood to play a critical role in these failures of treatment and drug discovery, with some patients deriving substantial benefits from a given intervention while it has little‐to‐no effect on others. As such, current treatment failures may not result from a true lack of efficacy, but rather a failure to target individuals whose pain is driven by mechanisms which it therapeutically modulates. This necessitates a move towards phenotypical stratification of patients to delineate responders and non‐responders in a mechanistically driven manner. In this article, we outline a bench‐to‐bedside roadmap for this transition to mechanistically informed personalised pain medicine. We emphasise how the successful identification of novel analgesics is dependent on rigorous experimental design as well as the validity of models and translatability of outcome measures between the animal model and patients. Subsequently, we discuss general and specific aspects of human trial design to address heterogeneity in patient populations to increase the chance of identifying effective analgesics. Finally, we show how stratification approaches can be brought into clinical routine to the benefit of patients.
Facial aesthetic minimally invasive procedure: More than just vanity, a social‐psychological approach
Authors: van den Elzen Helga E. , Barends Ard J. , van Vugt Mark , Biesman Brian S. , Alfertshofer Michael , Cotofana Sebastian , Velthuis Peter J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Due to the great importance of the face in social interaction, minimally invasive treatments can—besides their ability to rejuvenate and enhance beauty—also change the way facial impressions of a person are perceived. In recent literature, three main character traits (attractiveness, trustworthiness, and competence) and subdomains essential for facial perception were described.

Objective

To investigate whether minimally invasive procedures truly influence different character traits when evaluated by independent, objective observers.

Methods

Photographs of n = 34 female faces before and after treatment with injectable fillers and botulinum toxin were rated by 393 individuals without aesthetic background with regards to different character traits on a 7‐point Likert scale. Tests for dimensionality were performed, and composite scores of the impressions underlying each of the three dimensions were created and compared using within‐subjects t tests.

Results

Treatments statistically significantly improved the overarching character trait domains attractiveness, trustworthiness, and competence in posttreatment photographs compared with pretreatment. Posttreatment ratings of the respective subdomains also showed a statistically significant difference compared with pretreatment photographs, with the exception of the subdomain dominance which failed to reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Impressions of facial attractiveness, trustworthiness, and competence can be improved by injectables while the naturalness of the face is left intact. An implication is that the improvement of traits highly relevant to social interaction will accommodate the patient's desires for beautification and rejuvenation.
Prevention of skin damages related to personal protective equipment among healthcare workers: Summary of best‐evidence practiced strategies
Authors: Ying Liu , Jiali Chen , Peifang Li , Haiying Fu , Ning Ning , Hong Chen
Published: March 2023

Aim

To conduct a quality evaluation of the literature for the prevention of skin damage caused by personal protective equipment among healthcare workers and to summarise the best‐evidence practice strategies to prevent it.

Design

Review.

Methods

Two researchers retrieved the literature from Web of Science, Public Medicine, etc., from the establishment of the database until 24 June 2022. Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II was used to assess the methodological quality of the guidelines. Expert consensus was assessed by the 2016 version of the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence‐based Health Care Center corresponding evaluation standards. By tracking the original study, the quality of practice recommendations and best‐practice evidence information sheets were evaluated by the 2016 version of the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence‐based Health Care Center corresponding evaluation standards. The classification of evidence and recommendation level adopted the 2014 version of the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute evidence pre‐grading and recommending level system.

Results

A total of 5476 studies were retrieved after duplications were eliminated. After the quality evaluation, 10 qualified studies were finally included. All consisted of two guidelines, one best practice information sheet, five practice recommendations, and one expert consensus. The evaluation results of the guidelines were both B‐level recommendations. The consistency strength of expert consensus was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient = .571). Thirty best‐evidence practised strategies were compiled for four elements, including cleaning, moisturising, prophylactic dressings and others.

Conclusion

Our study evaluated the quality of the included studies and summarised the preventive measures of PPE‐related skin lesions according to the recommendation level. The main preventive measures were divided into 4 parts and 30 items. However, the associated literature was rare, and the quality was slightly low. More high‐quality research is needed to focus on healthcare workers' health and not just skin in the future.
Post‐traumatic stress symptoms six months after ICU admission with COVID‐19: Prospective observational study
Authors: Fjone Kristina Struksnes , Buanes Eirik Alnes , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Laake Jon Henrik , Stubberud Jan , Hofsø Kristin
Published: March 2023

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of post‐traumatic stress symptoms, and to identify possible predictive factors in Norwegian intensive care unit survivors, 6 months after admission to the intensive care unit with COVID‐19.

Background

The SARS CoV‐2 virus causing COVID‐19 has spread worldwide since it was declared a pandemic in March 2020. The most severely ill patients have been treated in the intensive care due to acute respiratory failure and also acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is well documented that these severe conditions can lead to complex and long‐lasting symptoms, such as psychological distress, and was, therefore, investigated for the specific COVID‐19 population.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Clinical data and patient reported outcome measures were collected by the Norwegian Intensive Care and Pandemic Registry and by the study group 6 months after admission to an intensive care unit.

Results

Among 222 COVID‐19 patients admitted to Norwegian intensive care units between 10 March and 6 July 2020, 175 survived. The study sample consisted of 131 patients who responded to at least one patient reported outcome measure at 6 months following admission. The primary outcome was self‐reported post‐traumatic stress symptoms, using the Impact of Event Scale‐6 (n = 89). Of those, 22.5% reported post‐traumatic stress symptoms 6 months after admission. Female gender, younger age and having a high respiratory rate at admission were statistically significant predictive factors for reporting post‐traumatic stress symptoms.

Conclusions

The result is in accordance with previously published research with comparable populations, suggesting that for many COVID‐19 survivors psychological distress is a part of the post‐acute sequelae. Results from the present study should be replicated in larger datasets.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This project provides important insight to post‐acute sequelae after COVID‐19 that patients may experience after critical illness.
SGLT2 inhibition in heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction: Finding the right patients to treat
Authors: Girerd Nicolas , Zannad Faiez
Published: March 2023

Sodium–glucose transport inhibitors (SGLT2i) are effective in heart failure (HF) with ejection fraction (EF) <40% (referred to as HF with reduced EF – HFrEF) and left ventricular EF (LVEF) >40%. Current evidence suggests that SGLT2i should be initiated across a large spectrum of EFs and renal function in patients with HF and with and without diabetes. We reviewed the benefits of SGLT2i in the entire spectrum of HF and provided some clues that may guide physicians in their strategy of initiating and maintaining SGLT2i (with or without SGLT1i effect) therapy. Taken together, the evidence thus far arises from an array of trials performed in different settings (acute/chronic), risk categories, and phenotypes of HF (HFrEF/HFpEF), and in addition to the most common HF therapies, supports the homogenous effect of SGLT2i across a large spectrum of patients with HF. SGLT2i appear to be effective and well‐tolerated drugs in the majority of clinical HF scenarios, regardless of LVEF, estimated glomerular filtration rate, diabetic status or the level of the acuteness of the clinical setting. Therefore, most patients with HF should be treated with SGLT2i. However, in the face of the therapeutic inertia that has been observed in HF over the past decades, the actual implementation of SGLT2i in routine practice remains the most significant challenge.
Radiological aspects of lymphomas and leukaemias affecting the jaws: A systematic review
Authors: Gomes Nathalia Rodrigues , Lima Lucas Ambrósio , Morais‐Perdigão Ana Luísa , de Caceres Cinthia Veronica Bardalez Lopez , Sant'Ana Maria Sissa Pereira , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Pontes Flávia Sirotheau Correa , Smit Chané , van Heerden Willie F. P. , Robinson Liam , Brasileiro Cláudia Borges , Brennan Peter A. , Fonseca Felipe Paiva
Published: March 2023

Background

This systematic review aimed to investigate the radiological features of lymphomas and leukaemias affecting the jaws.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using the electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Articles that contained sufficient radiographic examinations (periapical, panoramic or computed tomography images) for individual cases were included. Additionally, either immunohistochemical or molecular confirmation was required prior to inclusion. Three authors evaluated and described the image quality and radiological features.

Results

From an initial 1079 articles screened, 129 cases were included, containing 88 tomographic, 76 panoramic and 26 periapical examinations. The quality of the majority of images was sufficient for evaluation. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, leukemic infiltration, plasmablastic lymphoma and extranodal Natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type were the most common subtypes. Involved teeth presented with mobility in 37.2% of the cases and a provisional diagnosis of inflammatory/infectious dental disease was considered in 49.2% of cases. Computed tomography exams were available for 76% of the cases, with most presented with an osteolytic lesion with ill‐defined borders. Periosteal reactions were uncommon.

Conclusion

Lymphoma/leukaemia infiltrates of the jaw bones are usually of high‐grade subtypes and rarely present with periosteal reactions.
Toxicity with proton therapy for oral and/or oropharyngeal cancers: A scoping review
Authors: Sethi Sneha , O'Neil Mitchel , Jensen Emilija , Smart Gabrielle , Poirier Brianna
Published: March 2023

Background

Oral and/or oropharyngeal cancers account for approximately 2% of all malignancies, with variation across age groups, genders, and geographic locations. Treatments for oral and/or oropharyngeal cancers usually consist of a combination of surgical excision most commonly followed by radiotherapy ± chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy/biotherapy depending on the nature of the malignancy. The significant morbidity caused by high‐dose radiotherapy to the head and neck region is widely observed. Proton therapy is a promising treatment option that localises a proton beam to direct radiation at a specific target, with reduced irradiation to adjacent structures.

Method

The objective was to explore the toxicity associated with proton therapy for adults with oral and/or oropharyngeal cancer. Eligibility criteria included full‐text articles, English articles, published between up till 7 January 2023. Databases included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus.

Results

The systematic search identified 345 studies and a total of 18 studies were included after two independent reviewers completed title, abstract, and full‐text screening. Included studies were from four countries, and median participant age range was 53.3 to 66 years. The most commonly reported acute toxic effects included dysphagia, radiation dermatitis, oral mucositis, dysgeusia, and alopecia.

Conclusion

Proton therapy is an evolving cancer treatment technique that has diverse advantages over conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review provides evidence that supports that proton therapy has an improved acute toxicity profile compared to radiotherapy to treat oral and/or oropharyngeal cancer individuals.
Development of the Japanese Version of the Mindful Eating Scale (MES)
Authors: Takahashi Makoto , Sekiya Daiki , Suzuki Tomohiro , Morimoto Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2023

In recent years, mindful eating (ME) as a psychological intervention to improve eating behavior has attracted scientific attention. ME is related to mindfulness and is defined as “a non‐judgmental awareness of physical and emotional sensations while eating or in a food‐related environment.” The major purpose of this study is to develop a Japanese version of the Mindful Eating Scale (MES) or MES‐J and examine its psychometric properties. A web‐based survey company collected data from 440 adults in Japan (mean age = 42.58 years, SD = 15.54 years). Confirmatory factor analysis performed on the MES‐J showed the highest fit of a correlated model with two method factors. Cronbach's αs of the full scale and six subscales were from .67 to .88. Moreover, a subset of the participants (n = 206) completed the MES‐J 4 weeks after the initial testing. Results showed moderate test–retest reliability. Moreover, construct validity was supported as the full scale and subscales of the MES‐J (except for the Awareness subscale) showed a moderate positive correlation with mindfulness and small to moderate negative correlations with experiential avoidance, perfectionism, and negative body image. However, the Awareness subscale showed a small negative correlation with mindfulness and a small positive correlation with perfectionism. Our findings confirm that the MES‐J has sufficient reliability and validity, but further investigation is needed as our findings regarding Awareness tended to differ from those of the original study.
Generalized Trust Rather than Perception of Relational Mobility Correlates with Nominating Close Friends in a Social Network1
Authors: Horita Yutaka , Yamazaki Miku
Published: March 2023

A social environment, such as relational mobility, which represents the availability of opportunities to develop new relationships in society, cultivates an individual's psychology and social network. Generalized trust, which represents trust among people in general, is a tendency to expand individuals' social ties in a fluid society. Using the data of 170 students, we analyzed whether an individual's belief of generalized trust and perception of relational mobility are related to the social network. We conducted a survey to assess psychological measures and social networks under the COVID‐19 pandemic for first‐year university students. The analyses revealed that generalized trust was significantly associated with the presence of outdegrees (i.e., the nomination of close friends) and the absence of indegrees (i.e., being nominated by others). In contrast, perception of relational mobility was not significantly associated with generalized trust and any social network measures. Behavioral trust, measured using a Trust Game approximately 6 months later, was not significantly associated with network characteristics. The results support the argument that the belief of generalized trust functions as a psychological mechanism to expand individuals' relationships in their social networks.
The Development of a Japanese Version of the State Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire
Authors: Kang Rae Na , Tanaka Yuki , Sato Tomoya , Maeda Shunta , Shimada Hironori
Published: March 2023

This series of studies developed the Japanese version of the State Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (SCFQ‐J) and examined its psychometric properties. In Study 1, 411 participants completed the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a one‐factor model for the SCFQ‐J. In Study 2, to examine the responsiveness of the SCFQ‐J to a brief defusion exercise, 40 Japanese participants were randomly assigned to either a cognitive defusion or control condition. The SCFQ‐J showed superior responsiveness to a brief defusion exercise than a commonly used measure (thought believability). In Study 3, to examine whether the SCFQ‐J was more sensitive to dissociated movements than the original Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ‐J), 40 Japanese participants were randomly assigned to either an SCFQ‐J or CFQ‐J condition. The SCFQ‐J showed better sensitivity than the CFQ‐J to a brief defusion exercise, supporting its suitability for experimental studies. Our findings suggest that the SCFQ‐J is a valuable measure of state cognitive fusion in Japan.
An Exploratory Study of Cultural Differences in Behavior and Intentions in Workplace Apologies: With the Perspective of Responsibility
Authors: Isagozawa Noriko , Fuji Kei
Published: March 2023

In recent years, globalization has increased the opportunities to work with workers of other nationalities, and it is predicted that interpersonal conflicts will arise in many aspects of the globalized workplace due to differences in values. Although appropriate apologetic behavior is necessary to solve this problem and maintain stable interpersonal relationships in the workplace, previous studies have suggested that there may be cultural differences even in apology behavior and intention. In this study, we focused on cultural differences in apology behavior and intentions in the workplace, taking into account the situational factor of responsibility as a distinctive factor in the workplace. We conducted a web‐based survey of 413 corporate employees in three countries: Japan, China, and Malaysia. The results showed that Chinese are more likely than other countries to recognize guilt but are less likely to offer a direct apology or explanation of the situation or cause. In contrast, Japanese tend to be reluctant to propose measures to prevent recurrence or to offer compensation for loss. Furthermore, while Malaysians are more likely to apologize with the intention of seeking a settlement of the situation than other countries, this tendency is more pronounced in situations where they are responsible.
Sleep regularity in healthy adolescents: Associations with sleep duration, sleep quality, and mental health
Authors: Castiglione‐Fontanellaz Chiara E. G. , Schaufler Samira , Wild Salome , Hamann Christoph , Kaess Michael , Tarokh Leila
Published: March 2023

Current evidence points to the importance of sleep for adolescent physical and mental health. To date, most studies have examined the association between sleep duration/quality and health in adolescence. An emerging line of research suggests that regularity in the timing of sleep may also play an important role in well‐being. To address this aspect of sleep, the present study investigated daily variability of sleep, quantified using the sleep regularity index (SRI), in 46 adolescents (M = 12.78 ± 1.07 years) and its association with depressive symptoms/mental health. Sleep was measured during a 6 month period (M = 133.11 ± 36.42 nights) using actigraphs to quantify SRI values calculated for school days, weekends and holidays. Depressive symptoms and general psychopathology were assessed at the beginning (baseline) and end (follow‐up) of the actigraphy measurements. Sleep was most regular during school days and associated with a longer total sleep time, shorter sleep onset latency, and higher sleep efficiency. Moreover, a higher SRI on school days was associated with fewer depressive symptoms at follow‐up, whereas higher SRI on weekends was associated with less overall psychopathology at follow‐up. Furthermore, the change in overall psychopathology, but not depressive symptoms across the two assessments was correlated with sleep regularity index. Our results suggest that regular timing of sleep is associated with sleep that is of longer duration and higher quality and may be protective of adolescent mental health. Therefore, adolescents should be encouraged not only to get enough sleep, but also to retain regular sleeping patterns to promote well‐being and mental health.
Thyroidectomy in dogs with thyroid tumors: Survival analysis in 144 cases (1994‐2018)
Authors: Enache Daniela , Ferro Livia , Morello Emanuela M. , Massari Federico , Romanelli Giorgio , Nicoli Stefano , Guazzetti Stefano , Porporato Federico , Zini Eric
Published: March 2023

Background

Few studies have assessed predictors of outcome in dogs with thyroid tumors undergoing thyroidectomy.

Objective

To estimate the survival and identify prognostic factors in dogs with thyroid tumors treated by thyroidectomy.

Animals

A total of 144 client‐owned dogs with thyroid neoplasia that underwent thyroidectomy.

Methods

Retrospective study. Data for analysis included hospital attended and year of surgery, signalment, thyroxine concentration, thyroid tumor features (lobe involvement, size, invasiveness, histopathological type), thrombosis, metastasis, additional surgery and therapy, administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. The association of predictors with survival (time from surgery to death) were assessed by calculating cause‐specific hazard ratios (HRcs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Causes of death were classified as thyroid‐related or because of other cause.

Results

Overall median survival time was 802 days (CI95% = 723‐1015 days); 89 dogs (77.4%) survived >500 days. Metastases were identified at admission in 12 (8.3%) dogs and were associated with higher thyroid cancer‐related fatality (HR = 5.83, CI95% = 1.56‐21.78; P = .009). Thrombosis occurred in 40 dogs and was associated with increased risk of death because of other cause (HR = 2.73, CI95% = 1.18‐6.35; P = .019). Nonfollicular carcinoma (HR = 4.17, CI95% = 1.27‐13.69; P = .018) and administration of chemotherapy (HR = 3.45, CI95% = 1.35‐8.82; P = .01) were associated with higher risk of thyroid cancer‐related death.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with thyroid tumors undergoing thyroidectomy have a long life expectancy. Despite the rare presence of nonfollicular carcinoma and metastases, thyroidectomy should still be considered in some of these dogs.
Confronting ethical and social issues related to the genetics of musicality
Authors: Gordon Reyna L. , Martschenko Daphne O. , Nayak Srishti , Niarchou Maria , Morrison Matthew D. , Bell Eamonn , Jacoby Nori , Davis Lea K.
Published: March 2023

New interdisciplinary research into genetic influences on musicality raises a number of ethical and social issues for future avenues of research and public engagement. The historical intersection of music cognition and eugenics heightens the need to vigilantly weigh the potential risks and benefits of these studies and the use of their outcomes. Here, we bring together diverse disciplinary expertise (complex trait genetics, music cognition, musicology, bioethics, developmental psychology, and neuroscience) to interpret and guide the ethical use of findings from recent and future studies. We discuss a framework for incorporating principles of ethically and socially responsible conduct of musicality genetics research into each stage of the research lifecycle: study design, study implementation, potential applications, and communication.
Regulation of adhesin synthesis in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Tristano Jake , Danforth David R. , Wargo Matthew J. , Mintz Keith P.
Published: March 2023

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a gram‐negative bacterium associated with periodontal disease and a variety of disseminated extra‐oral infections. Tissue colonization is mediated by fimbriae and non‐fimbriae adhesins resulting in the formation of a sessile bacterial community or biofilm, which confers enhanced resistance to antibiotics and mechanical removal. The environmental changes experienced by A. actinomycetemcomitans during infection are detected and processed by undefined signaling pathways that alter gene expression. In this study, we have characterized the promoter region of the extracellular matrix protein adhesin A (EmaA), which is an important surface adhesin in biofilm biogenesis and disease initiation using a series of deletion constructs consisting of the emaA intergenic region and a promotor‐less lacZ sequence. Two regions of the promoter sequence were found to regulate gene transcription and in silico analysis indicated the presence of multiple transcriptional regulatory binding sequences. Analysis of four regulatory elements, CpxR, ArcA, OxyR, and DeoR, was undertaken in this study. Inactivation of arcA, the regulator moiety of the ArcAB two‐component signaling pathway involved in redox homeostasis, resulted in a decrease in EmaA synthesis and biofilm formation. Analysis of the promoter sequences of other adhesins identified binding sequences for the same regulatory proteins, which suggests that these proteins are involved in the coordinate regulation of adhesins required for colonization and pathogenesis.
SlIAA23‐SlARF6 module controls arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis by regulating strigolactone biosynthesis in tomato
Authors: Li Lan , Liu Qianying , Ge Shibei , Tang Mingjia , He Liqun , Zou Yuwen , Yu Jingquan , Zhou Yanhong
Published: March 2023

Auxins are a class of phytohormones with roles involved in the establishment and maintenance of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS). Auxin response factors (ARFs) and Auxin/Indole‐acetic acids (AUX/IAAs), as two transcription factors of the auxin signaling pathway, coregulate the transcription of auxin response genes. However, the interrelation and regulatory mechanism of ARFs and AUX/IAAs in regulating AMS are still unclear. In this study, we found that the content of auxin in tomato roots increased sharply and revealed the importance of the auxin signaling pathway in the early stage of AMS. Notably, SlARF6 was found to play a negative role in AMF colonization. Silencing SlARF6 significantly increased the expression of AM‐marker genes, as well as AMF‐induced phosphorus uptake. SlIAA23 could interact with SlARF6 in vivo and in vitro, and promoted the AMS and phosphorus uptake. Interestingly, SlARF6 and SlIAA23 played a contrary role in strigolactone (SL) synthesis and accumulation in AMF‐colonized roots of tomato plants. SlARF6 could directly bind to the AuxRE motif of the SlCCD8 promoter and inhibited its transcription, however, this effect was attenuated by SlIAA23 through interaction with SlARF6. Our results suggest that SlIAA23‐SlARF6 coregulated tomato‐AMS via an SL‐dependent pathway, thus affecting phosphorus uptake in tomato plants.
The causal structure of Frankfurt‐ and PAP‐style cases
Authors: Rellihan Matthew
Published: March 2023

Frankfurt‐style cases suggest that an agent's moral responsibility for an action supervenes on the causal history of that action—at least when epistemic considerations are held constant. However, PAP‐style cases suggest that moral responsibility does not supervene on causal history, for judgments concerning an agent's responsibility for an action are also sensitive to the presence of alternative—and causally idle—possibilities. I appeal to the causal modeling tradition and the definitions of actual causation that derive therefrom in an attempt to resolve this contradiction. I show that even the weakest definitions of actual causation proposed in the literature establish that some PAP‐style cases constitute genuine counterexamples to the supervenience thesis. I consider several responses to these counterexamples on behalf of the defenders of supervenience and show that they fail. Our best current thinking on causation thus appears to be inconsistent with an intuitive and widely held claim concerning the nature of moral responsibility.
Linnebo on reference by abstraction
Authors: Assadian Bahram
Published: March 2023

According to Øystein Linnebo's account of abstractionism, abstraction principles, received as Fregean criteria of identity, can be used to reduce facts about singular reference to objects such as directions and numbers to facts that do not involve such objects. In this article, first I show how the resources of Linnebo's metasemantics successfully handle Dummett's challenge against the referentiality of the singular terms formed by abstraction principles. Then, I argue that Linnebo's metasemantic commitments do not provide us with tools for dispelling the threat of a version of referential indeterminacy, according to which nothing in our use of a singular term, even when it is guided by an associated criterion of identity, could determine which particular object it refers to. I end by examining the bearing of the indeterminacy challenge to Linnebo's treatment of Frege's Caesar Problem: in the absence of an argument against the indeterminacy of reference, it is unclear how numerical expressions could qualify as genuine singular terms.
Species diversity and distribution of the calcareous green macroalgae Halimeda in Taiwan, Spratly Island, and Dongsha Atoll, with the proposal of Halimeda taiwanensis sp. nov.
Authors: Phetcharat Sinjai , Pattarach Kattika , Chen Pin‐Chen , Wang Wei‐Lung , Liu Shao‐Lun , Mayakun Jaruwan
Published: March 2023

The calcified green algal genus Halimeda is one of the most ecologically important but morphologically diverse seaweeds in sub‐tropical and tropical waters. Because of its high morphological plasticity, the identification of Halimeda species based on morphological characters is challenging without the assistance of molecular analysis. To date, the species diversity of Halimeda in Taiwan and its overseas territories has not been investigated with the assistance of DNA sequencing, and this taxonomic knowledge gap should be filled. The present study initiates a systematic examination of the species diversity and distribution of Halimeda in Taiwan, Spratly Island, and Dongsha Atoll in the South China Sea, using DNA sequence data (plastid tufA gene and rbcL) and morphological data. Our DNA analyses revealed the presence of 10 Halimeda species (Halimeda borneensis, Halimeda cylindracea, Halimeda discoidea, Halimeda distorta, Halimeda macroloba, Halimeda minima, Halimeda opuntia, Halimeda renschii, Halimeda taiwanensis sp. nov., and Halimeda velasquezii) in the waters around Taiwan, Spratly Island, and Dongsha Atoll. The majority of the species could be readily distinguished by their morphological and anatomical characters. The proposed new species, H. taiwanensis, was differentiated not only by our algorithmic species delimitation analyses (statistical parsimony network analysis and automated barcode gap discovery), but also by its morphological features. The proposed new species differs from two externally resembled species, H. cuneata and H. discoidea, in having an undulated segment margin, the complete fusion of medullary siphons at the node, the lack of segment stalk, and the presence of a large primary utricle. Here, we present the up‐to‐date taxonomic account, molecular diversity, and geographical distribution of Halimeda spp. in Taiwan and associated areas of the South China Sea. Environmental factors that might drive the occurrence and latitudinal distribution of the species are also discussed.
Investigating the relationship between spiritual well‐being, resilience, and depression: a cross‐sectional study of the elderly
Authors: Zafari Mitra , Sadeghipour Roudsari Masoumeh , Yarmohammadi Soudabeh , Jahangirimehr Azam , Marashi Tayebeh
Published: March 2023

Background

Mental health of the elderly is one of the health problems in most societies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between spiritual well‐being (SWB), resilience, and depression among the elderly.

Methods

This descriptive‐correlational study was conducted on 384 elderly selected by convenience‐sampling method. Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), SWB, Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were used to collect the data. Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and independent t‐test were used to analyze the data. A path analysis was also run to test the direct and indirect effects of SWB and resilience on the depression variable.

Results

The results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between SWB and resilience (r = 0.458, P < 0.001), a statistically significant negative correlation between SWB and depression (r = −0.471, P < 0.001) and between resilience and depression (r = −0.371, P < 0.001). Path analysis showed that SWB and resilience directly affected depression while SWB indirectly affected depression.

Conclusions

The results indicated there was an inverse relationship between SWB and resilience with depression. Religious programs and appropriate educational programs can help improve SWB and promote resilience in the elderly, which will reduce their depression symptoms.
Cortical sources of electroencephalographic alpha rhythms related to the anticipation and experience of mirror visual feedback‐induced illusion of finger movements
Authors: Rizzo Marco , Del Percio Claudio , Petrini Laura , Lopez Susanna , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Babiloni Claudio
Published: March 2023

Mirror visual feedback (MVF) technique consists in placing a mirror in a person's body midline to induce the illusion of bilateral synchronous movements of the limbs during actual unilateral movements. A recent electroencephalographical (EEG) study demonstrated that MVF‐induced illusion was related to the event‐related desynchronization (ERD) of alpha (8–12 Hz) rhythms (cortical activation) at the central and parietal scalp electrodes ipsilateral to the unilateral right finger movements. In the present study, we re‐analyzed those data to localize the cortical sources of alpha ERD during the anticipation and experience of the MVF‐induced illusion of index finger movements. To this aim, the exact Low‐Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography freeware was used for the estimation of the cortical sources of the alpha ERD. Results showed that as compared to the condition without MVF, the MVF condition was characterized by greater (p < .01, uncorrected) alpha ERD sources in right frontopolar areas during the anticipation of the MVF‐induced illusion of left movements. The MVF condition was also characterized by greater (p < .05, corrected) alpha ERD sources in right premotor, primary somatomotor, and posterior inferior parietal areas during both the anticipation and experience of that MVF‐induced illusion. These findings suggest that the MVF‐induced illusory experience of left finger movements may be due to dynamic changes in alpha ERD in associative, premotor, somatomotor, and visuomotor frontal–parietal areas located in the hemisphere contralateral to the mirrored motor acts.
Vocabulary and reading comprehension: what are the links in 7‐ to 10 year‐old children?
Authors: Dujardin Emilie , Ecalle Jean , Auphan Pauline , Bailloud Nicolas , Magnan Annie
Published: March 2023

The aims of the present study are: (1) to examine the contribution that vocabulary makes to reading comprehension in the Simple View of Reading model in French‐speaking children aged from 7 to 10 years based on the use of an index of efficiency (i.e., speed‐accuracy index); and (2) to investigate the extent to which the contribution of vocabulary to reading comprehension might change according to children's school grade level. Measures of vocabulary depth, word reading (i.e., three levels of word representations, namely orthography, phonology, semantics), listening, and reading comprehension were collected using computer‐based assessments in children from Grades 2 to 5 (N = 237). We examined the contribution of vocabulary in two contrasted groups: a younger group consisting of children from Grades 2–3 and an older group with children from Grades 4–5. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that vocabulary is a factor separate from word reading, listening and reading comprehension. Moreover, the results from a structural equation modeling analysis showed that word reading and listening comprehension fully mediated the relation between vocabulary and reading comprehension. Consequently, vocabulary had an indirect effect via word reading on reading comprehension in both groups. Finally, word reading had a greater effect on reading comprehension than listening comprehension in both groups. The results suggest that word reading plays a central role in reading comprehension and is underpinned by the influence of vocabulary. We discuss the results in the light of the lexical quality hypotheses taken together with reading comprehension.
The distributive politics of social assistance targeting: Evidence from COVID‐19 relief in Colombia
Authors: Prieto Juan Diego
Published: March 2023

How do governments target social assistance? This article proposes a new typology of targeting that goes beyond the dominant focus on top‐down technical solutions to highlight the important role of informal practices and non‐state actors. Using evidence about the ways local governments in Colombia delivered relief during COVID‐19, the typology identifies and illustrates four ideal types of targeting processes resulting from the intersection between programmatic (or not) eligibility criteria and the role of non‐state actors. The article thus expands the politics of social policy research agenda to the question of targeting, a crucial aspect of policy implementation, in dialogue with scholarship on distributive politics.
Prevalence, incidence and recurrence of sexually transmitted infections in HIV‐negative adult women in a rural South African setting
Authors: Huyveneers Laura E. P. , Maphanga Mathapelo , Umunnakwe Chijioke N. , Bosman‐de Boer Larissa , Moraba Robert S. , Tempelman Hugo A. , Wensing Annemarie M. J. , Hermans Lucas E.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, are of global public health concern. While STI incidence rates in sub‐Saharan Africa are high, longitudinal data on incidence and recurrence of STIs are scarce, particularly in rural areas. We determined the incidence rates of curable STIs in HIV‐negative women during 96 weeks in a rural South African setting.

Methods

We prospectively followed participants enrolled in a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dapivirine‐containing vaginal ring for HIV prevention in Limpopo province, South Africa. Participants were included if they were female, aged 18–45, sexually active, not pregnant and HIV‐negative. Twelve‐weekly laboratory STI testing was performed during 96 weeks of follow‐up. Treatment was provided based on vaginal discharge by physical examination or after a laboratory‐confirmed STI.

Results

A total of 119 women were included in the study. Prevalence of one or more STIs at baseline was 35.3%. Over 182 person‐years at risk (PYAR), a total of 149 incident STIs were diagnosed in 75 (65.2%) women with incidence rates of 45.6 events/PYAR for chlamydia, 27.4 events/100 PYAR for gonorrhoea and 8.2 events/100 PYAR for trichomoniasis. Forty‐four women developed ≥2 incident STIs. Risk factors for incident STI were in a relationship ≤3 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.86; 95% confidece interval [CI]: 1.04–2.65) and having an STI at baseline (aHR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.17–2.96). Sensitivity and specificity of vaginal discharge for laboratory‐confirmed STI were 23.6% and 87.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates high STI incidence in HIV‐negative women in rural South Africa. Sensitivity of vaginal discharge was poor and STI recurrence rates were high, highlighting the shortcomings of syndromic management in the face of asymptomatic STIs in this setting.
A 600 mg of fixed‐dose linezolid in renally impaired patients versus 15 mg/kg intermittent dose‐optimized vancomycin in renally non‐impaired patients: A single centre retrospective analysis for adult patients with hospital‐acquired pneumonia due to methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Mengqin , Liu Xiao , Tian Zhaoxing
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Both linezolid and vancomycin are approved by USFDA and IDSA guidelines for the management of nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in clinical practice. Baseline creatinine clearance is the criterion for prescribing vancomycin or linezolid for hospital‐acquired pneumonia in our institution. However, patients with renal function impairment are far more difficult to manage in intensive care. Thus, the objectives of the study were to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of 600 mg of fixed‐dose linezolid with intermittent dose‐optimised vancomycin in hospital‐acquired pneumonia due to MRSA and to evaluate parameters of clinical cure.

Methods

Analysis of a review of patients' charts. Patients with creatinine clearance <80 ml/min received 600 mg linezolid/12 h (n = 139, LN cohort), and patients with creatinine clearance ≥80 ml/min received intravenous 15 mg/kg vancomycin/12 h for 1–2 weeks consecutively or 3 weeks in case of bacteremia (n = 152, VC cohort) for management of hospital‐acquired pneumonia due to MRSA.

Results

A 59% of patients from the LN cohort and 47% of patients from the VC cohort were clinically cured. Administration of systemic steroids (p = 0.0412) and ≥ 80 ml/min creatinine clearance (p = 0.0498) were the independent parameters for the clinical cure of patients. Nephrotoxicity was higher among patients of the VC cohort than the LN cohort (p = 0.0464). Treatment failed in 41% of patients from the LN cohort and in 53% of patients from the VC cohort (p = 0.0200).

Conclusions

A 600 mg of fixed‐dose linezolid is an ideal alternative to intermittent dose‐optimised vancomycin for better clinical outcomes for patients with hospital‐acquired pneumonia due to MRSA, especially for patients with renal impairment.