bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on working and walking gently together in collaboration and partnership in Aboriginal ageing research
Authors: Wall Sharon , Donovan Terrence , Radford Kylie , Allan Wendy , Daylight Gail , Finlay Ellen
Published: September 2022

Problem

An important aspect of the work that takes place in and across our Aboriginal Health and Ageing research group is about building partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non‐Indigenous people. Partnerships are created between colleagues and co‐researchers as well as with community Elders, Aboriginal community‐controlled organisations, community groups and associations and individuals.

Setting

To fully realise this has required an introspective look at the way we function as a team of Aboriginal researchers and non‐Indigenous researchers working together. It has challenged us to explore and determine our shared visions and shared outcomes and to develop strong, enduring and authentic partnerships by putting culture at the centre of everything we do.

Key measures for improvement

This wisdom‐led approach has fostered the development of a shared narrative about research WITH Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and a shared language of research collaboration.

Strategies and effects of change

This paper aims to provide an opportunity to reflect on the key elements of co‐design which have underpinned our work together across cultures both within team and within community.

Lessons learnt

This paper will provide lived examples of the co‐design and co‐creation process utilised by our team in working with community. It will further share a model which underpins these experiences. It provides a framework to refer to and reflect upon, which commits to working with shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and an enriched experience of collaboratively working and walking and learning together.
A pharmacometrics model to define docetaxel target in early breast cancer
Authors: Aldaz Azucena , Schaiquevich Paula , Aramendía José Manuel
Published: September 2022

Aims

We aimed to study the relation between pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of docetaxel in early breast cancer and recommend a target exposure.

Methods

A PK/PD study was performed in 27 early breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide for 4 cycles followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel 75–100 mg/m2 infused every 21 days. Individual Bayesian estimates of docetaxel PK parameters were obtained using a nonparametric population PK model developed with data from patients with metastatic breast cancer who received dose‐intensified docetaxel (300–350 mg/m2). Docetaxel area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) in each cycle and total cumulative AUC (AUCcum) were calculated and related to the incidence of adverse effects and tumour recurrence.

Results

Docetaxel clearance showed no change over the 4 treatment cycles, but a gradual increase in the volume of distribution was observed. One third of the patients had at least 1 dose reduction of docetaxel due to toxicity. The mean AUC, AUCcum and Cmax in patients showing docetaxel‐associated adverse events were significantly higher than in patients free of toxicity (P < .05). Fatigue and decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were related to docetaxel AUC and Cmax and pain to AUC. AUC and Cmax >4.5 mg*h/L and 3.5 mg/L, respectively, were risk factors for docetaxel toxicity, while an AUC <4.5 mg*h/L was associated with tumour recurrence.

Conclusion

We report for the first time a relation between docetaxel exposure and toxicity and recommend specific targets of drug exposure with implications for the clinical management of early breast cancer patients.
Gabapentin utilization among older adults with different cognitive statuses enrolled in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (2006–2019)
Authors: Oh G Yeon , Moga Daniela C. , Abner Erin L.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to examine gabapentin utilization trends among older adults with different cognitive statuses and investigate concurrent medication use of potentially inappropriate medications. Data were extracted from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (2006–2019). We estimated the yearly prevalence of gabapentin use, both overall and within subgroups defined by cognitive status (normal, mild cognitive impairment and dementia) and demographics (age and sex) for participants aged 65+. Additionally, we assessed the prevalence of concurrent use of gabapentin with opioids, combined opioids and benzodiazepine, antidepressant and antipsychotic. From 35 205 eligible older adults (mean age [SD]: 75.7 [7.0]; male: 43.1%), gabapentin use increased from 2006 to 2019 in both overall and every participant subgroup. About 10%–30% of gabapentin users reported to concurrently use opioids, and the concurrent use of gabapentin, opioid and benzodiazepine was up to 7.5% throughout the study period. The frequency of concurrent use with antipsychotics or antidepressants was higher in participants with dementia than those with normal cognition or those who were mildly cognitively impaired. Given increasing use among older adults, rigorous studies are needed to examine the safety of gabapentin in this population.
P2X7 receptor activation impairs antitumour activity of natural killer cells
Authors: Baroja‐Mazo Alberto , Peñín‐Franch Alejandro , Lucas‐Ruiz Fernando , de Torre‐Minguela Carlos , Alarcón‐Vila Cristina , Hernández‐Caselles Trinidad , Pelegrín Pablo
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

A high number of intratumoural infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells is associated with better survival in several types of cancer, constituting an important first line of defence against tumours. Hypoxia in the core of solid tumours induces cellular stress and ATP release into the extracellular space where it triggers purinergic receptor activation on tumour‐associated immune cells. The aim of this study was to assess whether activation of the purinergic receptor P2X7 by extracellular ATP plays a role in the NK cells antitumour activity.

Experimental approach

We carried out in vitro experiments using purified human NK cells triggered through P2X7 by extracellular ATP. NK cell killing activity against the tumour target cells K562 was studied by means of NK cytotoxicity assays. Likewise, we designed a subcutaneous solid tumour in vivo mouse model.

Key results

In this study we found that human NK cells, expressing a functional plasma membrane P2X7, acquired an anergic state after ATP treatment, which impaired their antitumour activity and decreased IFN‐γ secretion. This effect was reversed by specific P2X7 antagonists and pretreatment with either IL‐2 or IL‐15. Furthermore, geneticP2rx7knockdown resulted in improved control of tumour size by NK cells. In addition, IL‐2 therapy restored the ability of NK cells to diminish the size of tumours.

Conclusions and implications

Our results show that P2X7 activation represents a new mechanism whereby NK cells may lose antitumour effectiveness, opening the possibility of generating modified NK cells lacking P2X7 but with improved antitumour capacity.
Developmental traits and life strategy of redlichiid trilobites
Authors: Dai Tao , Zhang Xingliang , Peng Shanchi
Published: September 2022

The developmental mode of four redlichiid trilobites is summarized, based upon exceptionally well‐preserved, articulated specimens from Cambrian Series 2 (stages 3 and 4) strata in southwestern China and South Australia. These relatively complete developmental sequences indicate a balanced rate in segment increase and addition to the thorax during the meraspid phase, which might explain why most redlichiids possess micropygous body patterning during ontogeny. In addition, an analysis of the size distribution, developmental strategy, and distribution of specimen numbers at different growth stages reveals a distinct developmental strategy during the redlichiid life cycle. A relatively short pre‐holaspid and a prolonged holaspid phase in these redlichiid taxa offers insight into the developmental control and life strategy in these primitive arthropods.
Aptamer‐siRNA chimeras: Promising tools for targeting HER2 signaling in cancer
Authors: Dhanya Chandrasekharan Rajalekshmi , Mary Aarcha Shanmugha , Madhavan Maya
Published: September 2022

RNA interference is a transformative approach and has great potential in the development of novel and more efficient cancer therapeutics. Immense prospects exist in the silencing of HER2 and its downstream genes which are overexpressed in many cancers, through exogenously delivered siRNA. However, there is still a long way to exploit the full potential and versatility of siRNA therapeutics due to the challenges associated with the stability and delivery of siRNA targeted to specific sites. Aptamers offer several advantages as a vehicle for siRNA delivery, over other carriers such as antibodies. In this review, we discuss the progress made in the development and applications of aptamer‐siRNA chimeras in HER2 targeting and gene silencing. A schematic workflow is also provided which will provide ample insight for all those researchers who are new to this field. Also, we think that a mechanistic understanding of the HER2 signaling pathway is crucial in designing extensive investigations aimed at the silencing of a wider array of genes. This review is expected to stimulate more research on aptamer‐siRNA chimeras targeted against HER2 which might arm us with potential effective therapeutic interventions for the management of cancer.
Risk factors for the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy in pregnancy: Meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Sarvepalli Swara M. , Bailey Beth A. , D'Alessio David , Lemaitre Madleen , Vambergue Anne , Rathinavelu Jay , Hadziahmetovic Majda
Published: September 2022

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working‐age population, and it increases in severity during pregnancy.

Methods

Systematic review of literature from PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science using keywords ‘diabetic retinopathy’ and ‘pregnancy’ and ‘progression’ from inception to 2021 was completed. Included studies were (1) peer‐reviewed observational studies addressing progression/development of DR in pregnancy, (2) provided the number of diabetic patients that developed/progressed in DR during pregnancy, and (3) included differential data on variables between progression and non‐progression groups. This was applied by two independent researchers and referred to a third researcher as necessary. Twenty‐seven of the original 138 studies met this criterion. Data were pooled and analysed using fixed‐effects in meta‐analysis.

Results

From 27 studies, 2537 patients were included. Pre‐eclampsia [Risk Ratio (RR) 2.62 (95% CI = 1.72, 4.00)] and hypertension treatment during pregnancy [RR 2.74 (95% CI = 1.72, 4.00)] were significantly associated with the development/progression of DR. HbA1c at baseline [MD 0.82 (95% CI = 0.59, 1.06)], duration of diabetes [mean difference (MD) 5.97 (95% CI = 5.38, 6.57)], and diastolic blood pressure at baseline [MD 3.29 (95% CI = 0.46, 6.12)] were all significantly higher in the progression group while only mean birth weight [MD −0.17 (95% CI = −0.31, −0.03)] was significantly higher in the non‐progression group.

Conclusions

This study fills a gap in the literature and provide physicians with more information on the risk factors associated with the progression of DR in pregnancy and how to counsel this vulnerable patient population appropriately.
Evaluating the impact of caribou habitat restoration on predator and prey movement
Authors: Dickie Melanie , Sherman Geoff G. , Sutherland Glenn D. , McNay Robert S. , Cody Michael
Published: September 2022

Fragmentation of the boreal forest by linear features, including seismic lines, has destabilized predator–prey dynamics, resulting in the decline of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations. Restoration of human‐altered habitat has therefore been identified as a critical management tool for achieving self‐sustaining woodland caribou populations. However, only recently has testing of the response of caribou and other wildlife to restoration activities been conducted. Early work has centered around assessing changes in wildlife use of restored seismic lines. We evaluated whether restoration reduces the movement rates of predators and their associated prey, which is expected to decrease predator hunting efficiency and ultimately reduce caribou mortality. We developed a new method for using cameras to measure fine‐scale movement by measuring speed as animals traveled between cameras in an array. We used our method to quantify speed of caribou, moose (Alces alces), bears (Ursus americanus), and wolves (Canis lupus) on treated (restored) and untreated seismic lines. Restoration treatments reduced travel speeds along seismic lines of wolves by 1.38 km/h, bears by 0.55 km/h, and caribou by 1.57 km/h, but did not reduce moose travel speeds. Reduced predator and caribou speeds on treated seismic lines are predicted to decrease encounter rates between predators and caribou and thus lower caribou kill rates. However, further work is needed to determine whether reduced movement rates result in reduced encounter rates with prey, and ultimately reduced caribou mortality.
Tutorial: Microbiome studies in drug metabolism
Authors: Dodd Dylan , Cann Isaac
Published: September 2022

The human gastrointestinal tract is home to a dense population of microorganisms whose metabolism impacts human health and physiology. The gut microbiome encodes millions of genes, the products of which endow our bodies with unique biochemical activities. In the context of drug metabolism, microbial biochemistry in the gut influences humans in two major ways: (1) by producing small molecules that modulate expression and activity of human phase I and II pathways; and (2) by directly modifying drugs administered to humans to yield active, inactive, or toxic metabolites. Although the capacity of the microbiome to modulate drug metabolism has long been known, recent studies have explored these interactions on a much broader scale and have revealed an unprecedented scope of microbial drug metabolism. The implication of this work is that we might be able to predict the capacity of an individual's microbiome to metabolize drugs and use this information to avoid toxicity and inform proper dosing. Here, we provide a tutorial of how to study the microbiome in the context of drug metabolism, focusing on in vitro, rodent, and human studies. We then highlight some limitations and opportunities for the field.
Impact of smoking bans and other smoking cessation interventions in prisons, mental health and substance use treatment settings: A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Sourry Rebecca J. , Hyslop Fran , Butler Tony G. , Richmond Robyn L.
Published: September 2022

Issues

We conducted a systematic review to examine whether smoking bans alone are effective in achieving smoking cessation in people released from prison, and patients discharged from mental health or substance use settings.

Approach

We searched health, criminology and social science databases. Detailed search strings were used to combine terms related to smoking bans and cessation interventions in prison, mental health and substance use treatment settings. We used backward and forward snowballing and manual hand searching to find additional studies. Studies were included if they: were published between 1 January 2000 and 25 February 2022; included a complete smoking ban; measured people released from prison and/or mental health and/or substance use patients smoking post‐release/discharge from a smoke‐free facility; and reported smoking cessation intervention and/or smoking ban outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and reviewed by two authors.

Key Findings

People released from prison, mental health and substance use in‐patients who experience a smoking ban while incarcerated or in in‐patient settings often relapse to smoking shortly after release or discharge. We found that although smoking bans alone do not promote cessation, multi‐component interventions in combination with smoking bans can significantly increase cessation rates post‐release/discharge provided they support participants during this time.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence to suggest tobacco bans alone in prison, mental health and substance use treatment settings are effective in achieving long‐term smoking cessation. This review suggests that combining smoking bans and cessation interventions including pre‐ and post‐release/discharge support can be effective in achieving smoking cessation.
S2k guideline: Laser therapy of the skin
Authors: Paasch Uwe , Zidane Miriam , Baron Jens Malte , Bund Thorsten , Cappius Hans‐Joachim , Drosner Michael , Feise Konstantin , Fischer Tanja , Gauglitz Gerd , Gerber Peter Arne , Grunewald Sonja , Herberger Katharina , Jung Anja , Karsai Syrus , Kautz Gerd , Philipp Carsten , Schädel Daniela , Seitz Anna‐Theresa , Nast Alexander
Published: September 2022

This guideline aims to improve the efficiency and safety of lasers and optical radiation sources with similar effects (especially IPL). Laser therapy of skin lesions with an increased amount of melanocytes should be performed with caution. Laser treatment of pigmented melanocytic nevi is not recommended. The guideline contains recommendations regarding the treatment of lentigines and café‐au‐lait spots, non‐pigmented dermal nevi, Becker nevus, nevus of Ota/Hori/Ito and melasma. Further recommendations focus on the treatment of skin lesions without an increased amount of melanocytes (ephelides, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation including berloque dermatitis, seborrheic keratoses, traumatic/decorative tattoos and metallic deposits), hypopigmentation (vitiligo), benign non‐pigmented neoplasms (fibrous papule of the nose, nevus sebaceus, epidermal nevus, neurofibroma, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, syringoma, xanthelasma palpebrarum), inflammatory dermatoses (acne papulopustulosa/conglobata, acne inversa, granuloma faciale, lichen sclerosus, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis vulgaris, rosacea, rhinophyma), wrinkles/dermatochalasis/striae, hypertrichosis, scars (atrophic, hypertrophic; keloids, burn/scald scars), laser‐assisted skin healing, onychomycosis, precancerous lesions and malignant tumors (actinic keratoses/field cancerization, cheilitis actinica, basal cell carcinoma), vascular skin lesions (angiokeratoma, angioma, hemangioma, malformation, spider veins, granuloma telangiectaticum (pyogenic granuloma), rubeosis (erythrosis interfollicularis colli, ulerythema ophryogenes), nevus flammeus, telangiectasias and Osler’s disease (hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia) and viral skin lesions (condylomata acuminata, mollusca contagiosa, verrucae planae juveniles/vulgares/ verrucae palmares et plantares).
Eukaryotic mRNA decapping factors: molecular mechanisms and activity
Authors: He Feng , Jacobson Allan
Published: September 2022

Decapping is the enzymatic removal of 5′ cap structures from mRNAs in eukaryotic cells. Cap structures normally enhance mRNA translation and stability, and their excision commits an mRNA to complete 5′–3′ exoribonucleolytic digestion and generally ends the physical and functional cellular presence of the mRNA. Decapping plays a pivotal role in eukaryotic cytoplasmic mRNA turnover and is a critical and highly regulated event in multiple 5′–3′ mRNA decay pathways, including general 5′–3′ decay, nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD), AU‐rich element‐mediated mRNA decay, microRNA‐mediated gene silencing, and targeted transcript‐specific mRNA decay. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mRNA decapping is carried out by a single Dcp1‐Dcp2 decapping enzyme in concert with the accessory activities of specific regulators commonly known as decapping activators or enhancers. These regulatory proteins include the general decapping activators Edc1, 2, and 3, Dhh1, Scd6, Pat1, and the Lsm1‐7 complex, as well as the NMD‐specific factors, Upf1, 2, and 3. Here, we focus on in vivo mRNA decapping regulation in yeast. We summarize recently uncovered molecular mechanisms that control selective targeting of the yeast decapping enzyme and discuss new roles for specific decapping activators in controlling decapping enzyme targeting, assembly of target‐specific decapping complexes, and the monitoring of mRNA translation. Further, we discuss the kinetic contribution of mRNA decapping for overall decay of different substrate mRNAs and highlight experimental evidence pointing to the functional coordination and physical coupling between events in mRNA deadenylation, decapping, and 5′–3′ exoribonucleolytic decay.
Periodontal staging and grading: An international dental hygiene education survey
Authors: Aboalsaud Khulood M. , Foster Nancy L. , Yu Shan‐Huey , Sweier Domenica G. , Rulli Danielle
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐Implant Diseases and Conditions ushered in a new paradigm for assessing and classifying periodontal diseases. This has significant implications for dental hygiene (DH) education programs' curricula. The purpose of this international survey was to assess: if and how accredited DH education programs were integrating the new staging and grading system into their curricula, and program directors' perceptions of the barriers and benefits to integration and teaching it.

Methods

This study was deemed exempt from IRB oversight. A total of 339 undergraduate DH program directors from the US, Canada and Australia that had similar accreditation standards were recruited for the survey. An electronic survey was developed and disseminated via QualtricsXM. Survey design included demographics and other questions to assess program directors' knowledge, understanding, integration of and barriers to implementing the new staging and grading system into their curricula.

Results

A total of 140 surveys were completed, for a response rate of 42%. Results showed that 91% of DH education programs had integrated the new staging and grading system into their curricula. DH didactic/theory courses (99%) and clinical courses (94%) were the curricular areas hosting the content. There was a statistically significant difference in the confidence of teaching the staging and grading system across institutional settings (p = 0.02). The three main benefits identified were the consideration of expected disease progression (3.25 ± 2.06), individual risk factors (3.45 ± 1.73) and personalized treatment (4.04 ± 2.20). The most frequently reported barrier was the lack of faculty support (26%).

Conclusion

DH educators have implemented the new staging and grading system into their clinical and didactic curricula. DH educators valued the individual, patient‐specific components of the new system. While educators were confident in integrating the new system, those at community and technical colleges were less confident in teaching the system.
Sn‐based glass–graphite‐composite as a high capacity anode for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Wei Ran , Liu Xiaoqing , Tian Ying , Huang Feifei , Xu Shiqing , Zhang Junjie
Published: September 2022

Sn‐based anode has been widely studied because of its high theoretical specific capacity. However, the capacity of Sn‐based anode decreases sharply during the cycle, which hinders its application in commercial batteries. In this paper, Sn‐based glass was successfully obtained by melt quenching method. Sn‐based glass and graphite were combined by the ball milling method as anode materials. The Sn‐based glass–graphite‐composite anode can still maintain the capacity of 700 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 500 mA g−1, which is about 2.7 times that of the Sn glass anode (260 mA h g−1) under the same test conditions. The addition of graphite can effectively inhibit the accumulation of Sn particles in the discharge process of Sn‐based glass anode, which improves the capacity of Sn‐based glass anode, and the addition of graphite can effectively reduce the resistance of Sn‐based glass anode. Therefore, the Sn‐based glass–graphite‐composite anode has excellent Li+ ions storage properties.
Optimization of eHealth interventions for intimate partner violence and abuse: A qualitative study amongst Arabic‐speaking migrant women
Authors: Elbelassy Allaa E. , van Gelder Nicole E. , Ligthart Suzanne A. , Oertelt‐Prigione Sabine
Published: September 2022

Aims

This interview study focuses on the needs and wishes of Arabic‐speaking migrant women in the Netherlands to culturally adapt and optimize the digital support platform SAFE (safewomen.nl) for intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) for their use.

Design

This is a qualitative interview‐based study.

Methods

We conducted the study between March 2020 and 2021. The study entailed 16 semi‐structured interviews with Arabic‐speaking women in the Netherlands with a migration background.

Results

Findings suggest that a cultural gap, a lack of knowledge of the Dutch law, and the prevalence of restrictive gender roles amongst the participants and their spouses affected their acknowledgement of the different forms of IPVA. Furthermore, mental health consequences of IPVA were also strongly stigmatized. Clear information in their native language, summarizing infographics and potential interactive features should be main components of any eHealth intervention for this target group.

Conclusion

The participants in our study deemed e‐help a potentially valuable support option for women experiencing IPVA in their community. The impact of IPVA on mental health is currently overlooked within this target group and should be emphasized in future interventions.

Impact

Cultural sensitivity proved crucial in understanding the concepts of IPVA amongst women with migrant backgrounds. To ensure effective eHealth interventions for migrant women, they should be involved in the design and delivery of these interventions.
Partner supply mediates elevational gradients in the outcome of ant‐hemipteran mutualistic associations
Authors: Camacho Luis F. , Lessard Jean‐Philippe , Avilés Leticia
Published: September 2022

Aim

Along elevational or latitudinal gradients, the dynamics of mutualistic interactions may be driven by shifts in partner abundance, themselves driven by changes in environmental factors. We test the hypothesis that partner abundance mediates the frequency of associations and investment incurred by partners while associating.

Location

Western and Eastern slopes of the Andes of Ecuador.

Taxon

Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) and treehoppers (Hemiptera, Membracidae).

Methods

Using a combination of visual surveys and sucrose baits, we scored the abundance of ants, treehoppers, and their associations at 500‐meter intervals along two 4000 m elevational gradients in the equatorial Andes (three locations per elevation interval, two 70 m transects per location). We used the size of the treehopper aggregations and of the ant worker force involved in the associations as proxies for the investment partners incur in the interaction. We analysed our data using GLMM with transects as units of analyses and locations as random effects.

Results

We show that the number of ant‐treehopper aggregations declined with elevation, in parallel with a decline in the abundance of both partners, but with ants declining at a faster rate. Despite this, the numbers of ants and treehoppers within individual aggregations increased with elevation, but this time with the number of treehoppers in the aggregations increasing at a faster rate.

Main conclusion

We suggest that this elevational gradient in the size of ant‐treehopper aggregations arises from consumer resource‐dynamics, where the partner in short supply elicits greater investment from the other. Within the range of elevations where the interaction is possible, the observation that a smaller proportion of treehopper species engage in mutualism at higher elevations further suggests decreasing benefits of the associations with elevation. Our study suggests that the geography of abundance and supply, and its consequences on cost and demand of services, may dictate the outcome of mutualistic interactions along gradients, with possible implications for the maintenance of biological diversity.
Hypercholesterolemia promotes autoantibody production and a lupus‐like pathology via decreased DNase‐mediated clearance of DNA
Authors: Dhawan Umesh Kumar , Margraf Andreas , Lech Maciej , Subramanian Manikandan
Published: September 2022

Hypercholesterolemia exacerbates autoimmune response and accelerates the progression of several autoimmune disorders, but the mechanistic basis is not well understood. We recently demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia is associated with increased serum extracellular DNA levels secondary to a defect in DNase‐mediated clearance of DNA. In this study, we tested whether the impaired DNase response plays a causal role in enhancing anti‐nuclear antibody levels and renal immune complex deposition in an Apoe−/− mouse model of hypercholesterolemia. We demonstrate that hypercholesterolemic mice have enhanced anti‐ds‐DNA and anti‐nucleosome antibody levels which is associated with increased immune complex deposition in the renal glomerulus. Importantly, treatment with DNase1 led to a decrease in both the autoantibody levels as well as renal pathology. Additionally, we show that humans with hypercholesterolemia have decreased systemic DNase activity and increased anti‐nuclear antibodies. In this context, our data suggest that recombinant DNase1 may be an attractive therapeutic strategy to lower autoimmune response and disease progression in patients with autoimmune disorders associated with concomitant hypercholesterolemia.
Compiling forty years of guppy research to investigate the factors contributing to (non)parallel evolution
Authors: Heckley Alexis M. , Pearce Allegra E. , Gotanda Kiyoko M. , Hendry Andrew P. , Oke Krista B.
Published: September 2022

Examples of parallel evolution have been crucial for our understanding of adaptation via natural selection. However, strong parallelism is not always observed even in seemingly similar environments where natural selection is expected to favour similar phenotypes. Leveraging this variation in parallelism within well‐researched study systems can provide insight into the factors that contribute to variation in adaptive responses. Here we analyse the results of 36 studies reporting 446 average trait values in Trinidadian guppies, Poecilia reticulata, from different predation regimes. We examine how the extent of predator‐driven phenotypic parallelism is influenced by six factors: sex, trait type, rearing environment, ecological complexity, evolutionary history, and time since colonization. Analyses show that parallel evolution in guppies is highly variable and weak on average, with only 24.7% of the variation among populations being explained by predation regime. Levels of parallelism appeared to be especially weak for colour traits, and parallelism decreased with increasing complexity of evolutionary history (i.e., when estimates of parallelism from populations within a single drainage were compared to estimates of parallelism from populations pooled between two major drainages). Suggestive – but not significant – trends that warrant further research include interactions between the sexes and different trait categories. Quantifying and accounting for these and other sources of variation among evolutionary ‘replicates’ can be leveraged to better understand the extent to which seemingly similar environments drive parallel and nonparallel aspects of phenotypic divergence.
Value‐adding in biosecurity surveillance and monitoring: Testing colour and non‐target semiochemical lures on Psylloidea and Pentatomoidea
Authors: Moir Melinda L. , Croeser Louise , Telfer Don , Fenner Christopher , McCauley Rosalie
Published: September 2022

Cost efficiency in biosecurity surveillance is vital, and the ability to survey multiple pest species using just one trap is, therefore, highly appealing. The Psylloidea, or plantlice, contain significant horticultural pest species that act as vectors for a number of deleterious plant bacteria. We examine the efficacy of using two different coloured sticky traps, and two semiochemical lures on the general Psylloidea and Pentatomoidea fauna, and a target extant pest psyllid; tomato potato psyllid (TPP) Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) in Western Australia. Specifically, we test the effect of semiochemical lure (no lure, Asian citrus psyllid ACP lure, brown marmorated stink bug BMSB lure, combined lures), sticky trap colour (yellow‐green vs yellow) and sentinel plant (tomato vs citrus) on psyllid and pentatomid species in 104 urban backyards across Perth, Australia. We found that tomato sentinel host plants and yellow‐green traps significantly increased the capture rate of TPP, but that lures decreased the capture of TPP constraining their use. Yellow‐green traps also increased the capture rate of all other Psylloidea. Although BMSB lures reduced TPP capture, these lures increased the abundances of other Psylloidea and the pest stinkbug Plautia affinis (Dallas) on traps. Thus, our experiment demonstrates that increased efficiencies can be gained with multi‐species traps and semiochemical lures for particular groups, provided that they have been tested on focal organisms in the first instance, as reactions to non‐target lures are unpredictable and species specific.
The effect of bait air broadcasting by unmanned aerial vehicles on the ant community diversity
Authors: Li Shenlei , Cui Can
Published: September 2022

To explore the control effect of bait broadcasting by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta and evaluate its impact on biodiversity, we tested the drop flow rate and broadcasting evenness of fire ant baits with bait exit hatch sizes, as well as the dynamics of fire ants and other ants when different amounts of bait were used. The amount of bait applied per hectare was 6000–15,000 g in orchards. Fourteen days after broadcasting, the control effect of broadcasting 12,000 g and 15,000 g bait per hectare on active mounds and workers reached 90%, which was significantly higher than that achieved with 6000 g and 9000 g. After the application of bait, the number and species of other ants decreased and then increased; this was reflected in changes in the Shannon–Wiener index (H′), Pielou evenness index (E) and Simpson dominance index (C). The results of this study suggest that broadcasting bait by UAVs can achieve good control of S. invicta, and a reduction in native ant diversity can be achieved in the short term.
Using otolith and body shape to discriminate between stocks of European anchovy (Engraulidae: Engraulis encrasicolus) from the Aegean, Marmara and Black Seas
Authors: Dürrani Ömerhan , Bal Habib , Battal Zeynep Selva , Seyhan Kadir
Published: September 2022

European anchovy, a small pelagic fish, plays a significant role in the blue economy, with remarkable commercial, ecological and culinary values. In this study, the variability in the shapes of the body and sagitta otoliths was examined to identify the different anchovy stocks in the Black Sea (26.5°E–39.9°E, 38.7° N–42.1°N) and adjacent regions, i.e., the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea. The body shape was assessed with geometric morphometrics, while shape indices and elliptic Fourier analysis were used to evaluate the shape of the sagitta otoliths. The data were analysed using multivariate and univariate analysis of variance, discriminant function and principal component analysis. The anchovy population could be divided into five distinct stocks based on body shape, with an overall leave‐one‐out cross‐validated correct classification of 85.6%. The geometric morphometrics revealed significant differences in body depth, snout, lower jaw and caudal fin. The differences in sagitta otolith shape also revealed the existence of four distinct stocks with an overall leave‐one‐out cross‐validated correct classification of 46.5%–69.3%. The elliptic Fourier analysis revealed two main stocks of anchovy from the Black Sea as the Eastern–Middle Black Sea stock and the Western Black Sea stock. Based on the elliptic Fourier analysis, the differences in the sagitta otoliths increase in magnitude with increasing geographic separation, first manifested at the otolith anterior notch, followed by changes in the otolith width. The findings affirmed the existence of distinct stocks that should have important implications for effective management of this pelagic fish in the Black Sea and adjacent regions.
Exploring the role of the long short‐term memory model in improving multi‐step ahead reservoir inflow forecasting
Authors: Luo Xinran , Liu Pan , Dong Qianjin , Zhang Yanjun , Xie Kang , Han Dongyang
Published: September 2022

Daily inflow forecasting is of vital importance in reservoir economic operation. In the context of hydrometeorological forecasting, the effectiveness of the data‐driven models has been demonstrated as bias correctors for physically‐based models or direct forecasting models. However, existing studies only highlight the performance improvements provided by the data‐driven model, lacking a comprehensive investigation on whether the data‐driven model should be used as bias correctors or direct forecasting models. This study constructs long short‐term memory (LSTM)‐based preprocessing and postprocessing techniques for a hydrological model, which are tested by linear scaling preprocessing and autoregressive (AR) postprocessing models. The integrated model is compared with the LSTM‐only model. The Shuibuya and Zuojiang reservoirs in China are selected as case studies. Results indicate that: (1) LSTM‐based bias correctors are effective in both preprocessing and postprocessing and (2) the integrated model is comparable to the LSTM‐only model when trained with four or more years of data, while it is better than the LSTM‐only model when trained with less data. These findings demonstrate that data‐driven methods can effectively correct the bias in physically‐based model output, and integrating the physical and data‐driven models is useful in improving multi‐step ahead reservoir inflow forecasting if limited data can be obtained.
Sustained activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosteron system after fetal exposure to AT1 blockers: Effects on kidney and bone in a preterm newborn
Authors: D'Amato Gabriele , Rembouskos Georgios , Cafagna Rosa , Dentico Domenico , Palladino Stefano , Chiarito Mariangela , Faienza Maria Felicia
Published: September 2022

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role in development of fetal kidney. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonists alter RAAS‐signaling compromising metanephrogenesis, and vascular and tubular development. The result is a fetal “RAS blockage syndrome” that may occur not only following exposure during the second and third trimester, but also after the use of these drugs at the beginning of pregnancy. The in‐utero exposure to AT1 antagonists is not confined exclusively to the risk of neonatal renal failure, but also to skull ossification defect that worsens the neonatal prognosis. We report the case of early arterial hypertension development, marked increase of plasma renin and aldosterone, severe hypocalvaria, and low bone mineralization in a female preterm infant in‐utero exposed to AT1 antagonists.
Trends in minimally invasive surgical therapies for overactive bladder management in Australia
Authors: Ng Hung Shin Paul Brian , Rhee Handoo , Chung Eric
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the national trends in minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for overactive bladder (OAB) in Australia over the past decade.

Methods

Annual MIST data were extracted using the Australian Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) on intravesical botulinum toxin (BTX), sacral nerve modulators (SNM) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulators (PTNS) performed between 2010 and 2021. Population‐adjusted rates of these procedures were compared in relation to individual states and against the introduction of various OAB drugs during the intervening years.

Results

The overall national utilization of MIST for OAB has increased over the last decade. The data reflect a rapid uptake in PTNS over the last 2 years following its introduction compared to the relatively steady increase in BTX and SNM over the past decade. There was minimal difference in SNM lead and generator placement, suggesting perhaps the conversion of trial SNM to permanent SNM has been relatively stable across the years. In contrast, there was an increase in PTNS maintenance in the following years following the initial rise in the PTNS treatment initiation. The introduction of various OAB drugs in the market did not seem to significantly affect the pattern of MIST uptake.

Conclusion

Despite the introduction of various OAB drugs, the overall MIST has increased steadily over the last decade, especially with PTNS. Further exploration into the motivators for specific MIST and cost–benefit analysis of these MIST for OAB is warranted.
Barriers and facilitators to exclusive breastfeeding among Black mothers: A qualitative study utilizing a modified Barrier Analysis approach
Authors: Tran Victoria , Reese Masterson Amelia , Frieson Tomeka , Douglass Frankie , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , O'Connor Duffany Kathleen
Published: September 2022

Breastfeeding has health benefits for both infants and mothers, yet Black mothers and infants are less likely to receive these benefits. Despite research showing no difference in breastfeeding intentions by race or ethnicity, inequities in breastfeeding rates persist, suggesting that Black mothers face unique barriers to meeting their breastfeeding intentions. The aim of this study is to identify barriers and facilitators that Black women perceive as important determinants of exclusively breastfeeding their children for at least 3 months after birth. Utilizing a Barrier Analysis approach, we conducted six focus group discussions, hearing from Black mothers who exclusively breastfed for 3 months and those who did not. Transcripts were coded starting with a priori parent codes based on theory‐derived determinants mapped onto the Socioecological Model; themes were analysed for differences between groups. Facilitators found to be important specifically for women who exclusively breastfed for 3 months include self‐efficacy, lactation support, appropriate lactation supplies, support of mothers and partners, prior knowledge of breastfeeding, strong intention before birth and perceptions of breastfeeding as money‐saving. Barriers that arose more often among those who did not exclusively breastfeed for 3 months include inaccessible lactation support and supplies, difficulties with pumping, latching issues and perceptions of breastfeeding as time‐consuming. Lack of access to and knowledge of breastfeeding laws and policies, as well as negative cultural norms or stigma, were important barriers across groups. This study supports the use of the Socioecological Model to design multicomponent interventions to increase exclusive breastfeeding outcomes for Black women.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of vagal nerve stimulation with a special attention to intestinal barrier dysfunction
Authors: Bonaz Bruno
Published: September 2022

The vagus nerve (VN), the longest nerve of the organism innervating the gastrointestinal tract, is a mixed nerve with anti‐inflammatory properties through its afferents, activating the hypothalamic–pituitary adrenal axis, and its efferents through the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway inhibiting the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα) by splenic and gut macrophages. In addition, the VN is also able to modulate the permeability of the intestinal barrier although the VN does not innervate directly the intestinal epithelium. Targeting the VN through VN stimulation (VNS) has been developed in experimental model of intestinal inflammation and in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and might be of interest to decrease intestinal permeability in gastrointestinal disorders with intestinal barrier defect such as IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease. In this issue of neurogastroenterology and motility, Mogilevski et al. report that a brief non‐invasive transcutaneous auricular VNS in healthy volunteers consistently reduces the permeability of the small intestine induced by intravenous administration of the stress peptide corticotropin releasing hormone, known to increase intestinal permeability and to inhibit the VN. In this review, we outline the mechanistic underpinning the effect of stress, of the VN and VNS on intestinal permeability. In particular, the VN can act on intestinal permeability through enteric nerves, and/or cells such as enteric glial cells. We also review the existing evidence of the effects VNS on intestinal permeability in models such as burn intestinal injury and traumatic brain injury, which pave the way for future clinical trials in IBD, IBS, and celiac disease.
Long‐term effects of methamphetamine abuse on visual evoked potentials
Authors: Mahjoob Monireh , Heydarian Samira
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To compare visual evoked potential (VEP) components in normal individuals and those with long‐term methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine use.

Methods

In this study, monocular pattern‐reversal VEPs were recorded in 40 methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine users and 38 normal individuals. Visual stimuli were high‐contrast (99%) checkerboard patterns at 15 and 60 min of arc with a reversal rate of 1.53 reversals per second.

Results

A significant difference was seen between the two groups for the P100 peak time for the 60 min of arc checks (p = 0.002, d = 0.75, 4.61% higher peak time in the addicted group) and the 15 min of arc checks (p = 0.004, d = 0.73, 4.78% higher peak time in the addicted group). However, other VEP components were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The higher P100 peak time at both 15 and 60 min of arc in methamphetamine‐dependent users reveals that VEPs are highly sensitive for the diagnosis of retinal and visual pathway lesions.