bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐221‐3p targets Ang‐2 to inhibit the transformation of HCMECs to tip cells
Authors: Yang Peng , Yang Qing , Yang Yiheng , Tian Qingshan , Zheng Zhenzhong
Published: August 2023

Postembryonic angiogenesis is mainly induced by various proangiogenic factors derived from the original vascular network. Previous studies have shown that the role of Ang‐2 in angiogenesis is controversial. Tip cells play a vanguard role in angiogenesis and exhibit a transdifferentiated phenotype under the action of angiogenic factors. However, whether Ang‐2 promotes the transformation of endothelial cells to tip cells remains unknown. Our study found that miR‐221‐3p was highly expressed in HCMECs cultured for 4 h under hypoxic conditions (1% O2). Moreover, miR‐221‐3p overexpression inhibited HCMECs proliferation and tube formation, which may play an important role in hypoxia‐induced angiogenesis. By target gene prediction, we further demonstrated that Ang‐2 was a downstream target of miR‐221‐3p and miR‐221‐3p overexpression inhibited Ang‐2 expression in HCMECs under hypoxic conditions. Subsequently, qRT‐PCR and western blotting methods were performed to analyse the role of miR‐221‐3p and Ang‐2 on the regulation of tip cell marker genes. MiR‐221‐3p overexpression inhibited CD34, IGF1R, IGF‐2 and VEGFR2 proteins expression while Ang‐2 overexpression induced CD34, IGF1R, IGF‐2 and VEGFR2 expression in HCMECs under hypoxic conditions. In addition, we further confirmed that Ang‐2 played a dominant role in miR‐221‐3p inhibitors promoting the transformation of HCMECs to tip cells by using Ang‐2 shRNA to interfere with miR‐221‐3p inhibitor‐treated HCMECs under hypoxic conditions. Finally, we found that miR‐221‐3p expression was significantly elevated in both serum and myocardial tissue of AMI rats. Hence, our data showed that miR‐221‐3p may inhibit angiogenesis after acute myocardial infarction by targeting Ang‐2 to inhibit the transformation of HCMECs to tip cells.
Unveiling the interplay between evidence, values and cognitive biases. The case of the failure of the AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Amoretti M. Cristina , Lalumera Elisabetta
Published: July 2023

This paper depicts a Covid science case, that of the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine, with specific focus on what happened in Italy. Given that we believe acknowledging the role of non‐evidential factors in medicine is an important insight into the recent philosophy of science, we illustrate how in the case of Vaxzevria, the interplay between facts, values (both epistemic and non‐epistemic) and cognitive biases may have possibly led to different institutional decisions based on the same evidence. The structure of the paper is as follows. First, we provide a glossary of the relevant terms involved, that is to say, epistemic values, non‐epistemic values and cognitive biases. Second, we sketch a timeline of Vaxzevria's approvals and suspensions by relevant institutional healthcare authorities with special focus on Italy and the Italian Medicines Agency. Then we show the interplay between the evidence base, epistemic as well as non‐epistemic values and cognitive biases using a narrative review of political decisions along with newspaper and social media content pertaining to Vaxzevria. We briefly compare Italy with other European countries to show that different political decisions were made on the basis of the same evidence.
Relative billing complexity of in‐person versus telehealth outpatient encounters
Authors: Chen Kevin , Zhang Christine , Jackson Hannah B.
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Video visits became more widely available during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic. However, the ongoing role and value of video visits in care delivery and how these may have changed over time are not well understood.

Aims and Objectives

Compare the relative complexity of in‐person versus video visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic and describe the complexity of video visits over time.

Methods

We used billing data for in‐person and video revisits from non‐behavioural health specialities with the most video visit utilisation (≥50th percentile) at a large, urban, public healthcare system from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2022. We used current procedural terminology (CPT) codes as a proxy for information gathering and decision‐making complexity and time spent on an encounter. We compared the distribution of CPT codes 99211–99215 between in‐person and video visits using Fisher's exact tests. We used Spearman correlation to test for trends between proportions of CPT codes over time for video visits.

Results

Ten specialities (adult primary care, paediatrics, adult dermatology, bariatric surgery, paediatric endocrinology, obstetrics and gynaecologist, adult haematology/oncology, paediatric allergy/immunology, paediatric gastroenterology, and paediatric pulmonology) met inclusion criteria. For each speciality, proportions of each CPT code for in‐person visits and for video visits varied significantly, and patterns of variation differed by speciality. For example, in adult primary care, video visits had smaller proportions of moderate/high complexity visits (99214 and 99215) and greater proportions of lower complexity visits (99211–99213) compared with in‐person visits (p < 0.001), but in paediatric endocrinology, the opposite was seen (p < 0.001). Trends in CPT codes over time for video visits in each speciality were also mixed.

Conclusion

In‐person and video visits had differing proportions of complexity codes (typically skewing towards lower complexity for video visits). The complexity of video visits changed over time in many specialities. Observed patterns for both phenomena varied by speciality.
Contrasting epistemologies: Biomedicine, narrative medicine and indigenous story medicine
Authors: Neilson Shane
Published: August 2023

Background

Narrative Medicine (NM) and Indigenous Story Medicine both use narrative to understand and effect health, but their respective conceptualizations of narrative differ.

Aims

I contrast the concept of narrative in NM with that of Indigenous Story Medicine.

Materials and Methods

The article relies Western narrative theorists as well as Indigenous epistemologists to frame a discussion‐by‐contrast of the Judeo‐Christian creation myth with a Haundenosaunee Creation Story.

Results

I demonstrate that the deficiencies of Narrative Medicine exist because the latter's use of narrative is a mere application in an otherwise reductive field, whereas Indigenous epistemologies rely on story as medicine itself.

Discussion

OMIT.

Conclusion

I call for more scholars to take up different narratives to further investigate the ethical space between NM and Indigenous Story Medicine.
Aggressive end‐of‐life care across gradients of cognitive impairment in nursing home patients with metastatic cancer
Authors: Koroukian Siran M. , Douglas Sara L. , Vu Long , Fein Hannah L. , Gairola Richa , Warner David F. , Schiltz Nicholas K. , Cullen Jennifer , Owusu Cynthia , Sajatovic Martha , Rose Johnie
Published: July 2023

Background

Studies examining end‐of‐life (EOL) care in older cancer patients are scarce, and prior studies have not accounted for gradients of cognitive impairment (COG‐I). We examine EOL care patterns across COG‐I gradients, hypothesizing that greater COG‐I severity is associated with lower odds of receiving aggressive EOL care.

Methods

Using data from the linked Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) ‐Medicare ‐Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, we identified patients with nursing facility stays (NFS) and who died with metastatic cancer from 2013 to 2017. Markers of aggressive EOL care were: cancer‐directed treatment, intensive care unit admission, >1 emergency department visit, or >1 hospitalization in the last 30 days of life, hospice enrollment in the last 3 days of life, and in‐hospital death. In addition to descriptive analysis, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the independent association between COG‐I severity and receipt of aggressive EOL care.

Results

Of the 40,833 patients in our study population, 49.2% were cognitively intact; 24.4% had mild COG‐I; 19.7% had moderate COG‐I; and 6.7% had severe COG‐I. The percent of patients who received aggressive EOL care was 62.6% and 74.2% among those who were cognitively intact and those with severe COG‐I, respectively. Compared with cognitively intact patients, those with severe COG‐I had 86% higher odds of receiving any type of aggressive EOL care (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.86 (95% confidence interval: 1.70–2.04)), which were primarily associated with higher odds of in‐hospital death. The odds of in‐hospital death associated with severe COG‐I were higher among those with short‐ than with long‐term stays (aOR:2.58 (2.35–2.84) and aOR:1.40 (1.17–1.67), respectively).

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, aggressive EOL care in older metastatic cancer patients with NFS was highest among those suffering severe COG‐I. These findings can inform the development of interventions to help reduce aggressive EOL care in this patient population.
Preferential transport activity of DkDTX5/MATE5 affects the formation of different astringency in persimmon
Authors: Liu Ying , Wu Xin , Sun Chenfeng , Chen Wenxing , Zhang Meng , Liu Niannian , Zhang Qinglin , Xu Liqing , Luo Zhengrong
Published: August 2023

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are specialized metabolites that influence persimmon fruit quality. Normal astringent (A)‐type and non‐astringent (NA)‐type mutants show significant variation in PA accumulation, but the influencing mechanism remains unclear. In this study, among the six identified DTXs/MATEs proteins associated with PA accumulation, we observed that allelic variation and preferential transport by DkDTX5/MATE5 induced variation in PA accumulation for A‐type and NA‐type fruit. The expression pattern of DkDTX5/MATE5 was correlated with PA accumulation in NA‐type fruit. Upregulation and downregulation of DkDTX5/MATE5 promoted and inhibited PA accumulation, respectively, in the NA‐type fruit. Interestingly, transporter assays of Xenopus laevis oocytes indicated that DkDTX5/MATE5 preferentially transported the PA precursors catechin, epicatechin, and epicatechin gallate, resulting in their increased ratios relative to the total PAs, which was the main source of variation in PA accumulation between the A‐type and NA‐type. The allele lacking Ser‐84 in DkDTX5/MATE5 was identified as a dominantly expressed gene in the A‐type and lost its transport function. Site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that DkDTX5/MATE5 binds to PA precursors via Ser‐84. These findings clarify the association between the transporter function of DkDTX5/MATE5 and PA variation, and can contribute to the breeding of new cultivars with improved fruit quality.
Type‐1 cannabinoid receptors and their ever‐expanding roles in brain energy processes
Authors: Fernández‐Moncada Ignacio , Rodrigues Rui S. , Fundazuri Unai B. , Bellocchio Luigi , Marsicano Giovanni
Published: July 2023

The brain requires large quantities of energy to sustain its functions. At the same time, the brain is isolated from the rest of the body, forcing this organ to develop strategies to control and fulfill its own energy needs. Likely based on these constraints, several brain‐specific mechanisms emerged during evolution. For example, metabolically specialized cells are present in the brain, where intercellular metabolic cycles are organized to separate workload and optimize the use of energy. To orchestrate these strategies across time and space, several signaling pathways control the metabolism of brain cells. One of such controlling systems is the endocannabinoid system, whose main signaling hub in the brain is the type‐1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor. CB1 receptors govern a plethora of different processes in the brain, including cognitive function, emotional responses, or feeding behaviors. Classically, the mechanisms of action of CB1 receptors on brain function had been explained by its direct targeting of neuronal synaptic function. However, new discoveries have challenged this view. In this review, we will present and discuss recent data about how a small fraction of CB1 receptors associated to mitochondrial membranes (mtCB1), are able to exert a powerful control on brain functions and behavior. mtCB1 receptors impair mitochondrial functions both in neurons and astrocytes. In the latter cells, this effect is linked to an impairment of astrocyte glycolytic function, resulting in specific behavioral outputs. Finally, we will discuss the potential implications of (mt)CB1 expression on oligodendrocytes and microglia metabolic functions, with the aim to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the role of (mt)CB1 receptors in brain function and behavior.

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Proteomic analysis of the human hippocampus identifies neuronal pentraxin 1 (NPTX1) as synapto‐axonal target in late‐stage Parkinson's disease
Authors: Warth Perez Arias Carmina C. , Silbern Ivan , Caldi Gomes Lucas , Wartmann Hannes , Dambeck Vivian , Fanz Jonas , Neuenroth Lisa , Bähr Mathias , Outeiro Tiago F. , Bonn Stefan , Stadelmann‐Nessler Christine , Rizzoli Silvio O. , Lenz Christof , Urlaub Henning , Lingor Paul
Published: July 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects a significant proportion of the population over the age of 60 years, and its prevalence is increasing. While symptomatic treatment is available for motor symptoms of PD, non‐motor complications such as dementia result in diminished life quality for patients and are far more difficult to treat. In this study, we analyzed PD‐associated alterations in the hippocampus of PD patients, since this brain region is strongly affected by PD dementia. We focused on synapses, analyzing the proteome of post‐mortal hippocampal tissue from 16 PD cases and 14 control subjects by mass spectrometry. Whole tissue lysates and synaptosomal fractions were analyzed in parallel. Differential analysis combined with bioinformatic network analyses identified neuronal pentraxin 1 (NPTX1) to be significantly dysregulated in PD and interacting with proteins of the synaptic compartment. Modulation of NPTX1 protein levels in primary hippocampal neuron cultures validated its role in synapse morphology. Our analysis suggests that NPTX1 contributes to synaptic pathology in late‐stage PD and represents a putative target for novel therapeutic strategies.

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Democracy and emergency: finding the constitutional foundation of the knowledgeable state in social dynamics
Authors: KUO MING‐SUNG
Published: July 2023

This article aims to bring to light the law–society dynamic relationship in constitutional governance by engaging with the question of political constitutionalism from the perspective of institutional epistemology. It first reframes the debate surrounding legal and political constitutionalism as one concerning the state's ‘epistemic competence’ in governance shaped by the constitution, and then traces how constitutional ordering has given rise to the ‘knowledgeable state’ by setting a unique social dynamic in motion: the ‘epistemico‐political constitution’. Using the example of the World Health Organization's initial response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, a the article presents a two‐part argument. First, constitutional ordering institutes a process of knowledge production embedded in the interaction between the state and society – a unique law–society dynamic – that responds to governance needs. Second, given the current law–society dynamic in the suprastate political landscape, the legitimacy challenge facing expertise‐steered global governance is further intensified as more crisis responses are expected from outside the state.
Risk, the COVID‐19 pandemic, and organisations: Extending, repurposing, and developing theory
Authors: Soane Emma , Flin Rhona , Macrae Carl , Reader Tom W.
Published: July 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has challenged and changed organisations. While the pandemic has brought opportunities for business in some sectors, such as information and communication, and for people who enjoy the flexibility they gain from home‐based or hybrid work arrangements, the realisation of benefits for individuals and organisations is uncertain over longer time periods and distributed unevenly across the workforce. Thus, the pandemic situation has been a trigger, albeit an unwelcome one, for revising our theorising about organisational risk. We build on the articles within our special section and develop a perspective on how to continue the development of new theoretical insights. First, we examine how existing theories can be extended to encompass organisational risk. We focus on theories of organisational culture to do so. Second, we discuss ways that existing theories can be repurposed to address important challenges. We illustrate our points using paradoxical leadership theory and theories of creativity. Third, we reflect on ways to develop new theorising by exploring multilevel modelling and the microfoundations of organisational risk. Fourth, we reflect on methods. In doing so, we pave the way for future studies that will enrich our understanding of organisational risk and contribute to preparations for future crises.
Communicating about linguistics using lingcomm‐driven evidence: Lingthusiasm podcast as a case study
Authors: Gawne Lauren , McCulloch Gretchen
Published: August 2023

Communicating linguistics to broader audiences (lingcomm) can be achieved most effectively by drawing on insights from across the fields of linguistics, science communication (scicomm), pedagogy and psychology. In this article we provide an overview of work that examines lingcomm as a specific practice. We also give an overview of the Lingthusiasm podcast, and discuss four major ways that we incorporate effective communications methodologies from a range of literature in the production of episodes. First, we discuss how we frame topics and take a particular stance towards linguistic attitudes, second, we discuss how we introduce linguistic terminology and manage audience cognitive load, third, we discuss the role of metaphor in effective communication of abstract concepts, and fourth, we discuss the affective tools of humour and awe in connecting audiences with linguistic concepts. We also discuss a 2022 survey of Lingthusiasm listeners, which highlights how the audience responds to our design choices. In providing this summary, we also advocate for lingcomm as a theoretically‐driven area of linguistic expertise, and a particularly effective forum for the application of linguistics.
Mitonuclear discordance results from incomplete lineage sorting, with no detectable evidence for gene flow, in a rapid radiation of Todiramphus kingfishers
Authors: DeRaad Devon A. , McCullough Jenna M. , DeCicco Lucas H. , Hime Paul M. , Joseph Leo , Andersen Michael J. , Moyle Robert G.
Published: July 2023

Many organisms possess multiple discrete genomes (i.e. nuclear and organellar), which are inherited separately and may have unique and even conflicting evolutionary histories. Phylogenetic reconstructions from these discrete genomes can yield different patterns of relatedness, a phenomenon known as cytonuclear discordance. In many animals, mitonuclear discordance (i.e. discordant evolutionary histories between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes) has been widely documented, but its causes are often considered idiosyncratic and inscrutable. We show that a case of mitonuclear discordance in Todiramphus kingfishers can be explained by extensive genome‐wide incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), likely a result of the explosive diversification history of this genus. For these kingfishers, quartet frequencies reveal that the nuclear genome is dominated by discordant topologies, with none of the internal branches in our consensus nuclear tree recovered in >50% of genome‐wide gene trees. Meanwhile, a lack of inter‐species shared ancestry, non‐significant pairwise tests for gene flow, and little evidence for meaningful migration edges between species, leads to the conclusion that gene flow cannot explain the mitonuclear discordance we observe. This lack of evidence for gene flow combined with evidence for extensive genome‐wide gene tree discordance, a hallmark of ILS, leads us to conclude that the mitonuclear discordance we observe likely results from ILS, specifically deep coalescence of the mitochondrial genome. Based on this case study, we hypothesize that similar demographic histories in other ‘great speciator’ taxa across the Indo‐Pacific likely predispose these groups to high levels of ILS and high likelihoods of mitonuclear discordance.
Multiple paths toward repeated phenotypic evolution in the spiny‐leg adaptive radiation (Tetragnatha; Hawai'i)
Authors: Cerca José , Cotoras Darko D. , Santander Cindy G. , Bieker Vanessa C. , Hutchins Leke , Morin‐Lagos Jaime , Prada Carlos F. , Kennedy Susan , Krehenwinkel Henrik , Rominger Andrew J. , Meier Joana , Dimitrov Dimitar , Struck Torsten H. , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: July 2023

The repeated evolution of phenotypes provides clear evidence for the role of natural selection in driving evolutionary change. However, the evolutionary origin of repeated phenotypes can be difficult to disentangle as it can arise from a combination of factors such as gene flow, shared ancestral polymorphisms or mutation. Here, we investigate the presence of these evolutionary processes in the Hawaiian spiny‐legTetragnathaadaptive radiation, which includes four microhabitat‐specialists or ecomorphs, with different body pigmentation and size (Green, Large Brown, Maroon, and Small Brown). We investigated the evolutionary history of this radiation using 76 newly generated low‐coverage, whole‐genome resequenced samples, along with phylogenetic and population genomic tools. Considering the Green ecomorph as the ancestral state, our results suggest that the Green ecomorph likely re‐evolved once, the Large Brown and Maroon ecomorphs evolved twice and the Small Brown evolved three times. We found that the evolution of the Maroon and Small Brown ecomorphs likely involved ancestral hybridization events, while the Green and Large Brown ecomorphs likely evolved through novel mutations, despite a high rate of incomplete lineage sorting in the dataset. Our findings demonstrate that the repeated evolution of ecomorphs in the Hawaiian spiny‐legTetragnathais influenced by multiple evolutionary processes.
Feeding habits of South American and sub‐Antarctic fur seals during their nonbreeding season in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: de Lima Renan C. , de Albernaz Thaise L. , Secchi Eduardo R. , Cebuhar Julieta D. , Botta Silvina
Published: July 2023

Stomach contents of South American (Arctocephalus australis) (n = 219) (SAFS) and sub‐Antarctic (A. tropicalis) (n = 37) (SFS) fur seals were opportunistically sampled from 1980 to 2021 to examine their feeding habits and resource partitioning in southern Brazil while in their nonreproductive periods. SAFSs mainly consumed abundant coastal pelagic species, such as Anchoa marinii and Doryteuthis sanpaulensis, resulting in high sexual trophic niche overlap. The frequency of occurrence (%FO) of fish prey, especially the overexploited Micropogonias furnieri, decreased between 1980–1992 and 2007–2021, while squid increased. For SFSs, offshore squids such as Ommastrephes bartramii and Illex argentinus were the most important prey considering both sexes in the long‐term. The interspecific trophic niche overlap was low, but it is likely underestimated since it increased with the inclusion of scat samples from SFSs. This sample‐size effect was also observed in Shannon's diversity index, which was lower for underrepresented SFSs. Marine debris ingestion was detected in both species (SAFS %FO = 2.7; SFS %FO = 8.3), with only flexible plastic material found. This study brings novel information on feeding habits of fur seal species in the extreme south of Brazil, as well as unprecedented information about their ecology during the nonreproductive period.
Molecular perspectives on age‐related resistance of plants to (viral) pathogens
Authors: DeMell April , Alvarado Veria , Scholthof Herman B.
Published: July 2023

Age‐related resistance to microbe invasion is a commonly accepted concept in plant pathology. However, the impact of such age‐dependent interactive phenomena is perhaps not yet sufficiently recognized by the broader plant science community. Toward cataloging an understanding of underlying mechanisms, this review explores recent molecular studies and their relevance to the concept. Examples describe differences in genetic background, transcriptomics, hormonal balances, protein‐mediated events, and the contribution by short RNA‐controlled gene silencing events. Throughout, recent findings with viral systems are highlighted as an illustration of the complexity of the interactions. It will become apparent that instead of uncovering a unifying explanation, we unveiled only trends. Nevertheless, with a degree of confidence, we propose that the process of plant age‐related defenses is actively regulated at multiple levels. The overarching goal of this control for plants is to avoid a constitutive waste of resources, especially at crucial metabolically draining early developmental stages.
The effect of root hairs on root water uptake is determined by root–soil contact and root hair shrinkage
Authors: Duddek Patrick , Ahmed Mutez Ali , Javaux Mathieu , Vanderborght Jan , Lovric Goran , King Andrew , Carminati Andrea
Published: August 2023

The effect of root hairs on water uptake remains controversial. In particular, the key root hair and soil parameters that determine their importance have been elusive.

We grew maize plants (Zea mays) in microcosms and scanned them using synchrotron‐based X‐ray computed microtomography. By means of image‐based modelling, we investigated the parameters determining the effectiveness of root hairs in root water uptake. We explicitly accounted for rhizosphere features (e.g. root–soil contact and pore structure) and took root hair shrinkage of dehydrated root hairs into consideration.

Our model suggests that > 85% of the variance in root water uptake is explained by the hair‐induced increase in root–soil contact. In dry soil conditions, root hair shrinkage reduces the impact of hairs substantially.

We conclude that the effectiveness of root hairs on root water uptake is determined by the hair‐induced increase in root–soil contact and root hair shrinkage. Although the latter clearly reduces the effect of hairs on water uptake, our model still indicated facilitation of water uptake by root hairs at soil matric potentials from −1 to −0.1 MPa. Our findings provide new avenues towards a mechanistic understanding of the role of root hairs on water uptake.
Sequencing the COVID‐19 Recession in the USA: What Were the Macroeconomic Drivers?
Authors: Breitenlechner Max , Geiger Martin , Gründler Daniel , Scharler Johann
Published: July 2023

We apply a structural vectorautoregressive analysis to decompose fluctuations in the growth rate of industrial production and inflation precipitated by the COVID‐19 pandemic in the USA into aggregate demand, aggregate supply, and uncertainty shocks. While all three types of shocks contributed to output and inflation dynamics, the surge in economic uncertainty contributed to the decline in output more strongly than aggregate demand or aggregate supply disruptions. In 2021, the decline in uncertainty and adverse aggregate supply shocks emerged to be similarly important in spurring inflation.
Efficacy and safety of revisional treatments for weight regain or insufficient weight loss after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Franken Rutger J. , Franken Josephine , Sluiter Nina R. , de Vries Ralph , Euser Sjoerd , Gerdes Victor E. A. , de Brauw Maurits
Published: July 2023

Weight regain or inadequate weight loss following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass poses a significant clinical challenge. Our objective was to evaluate various revisional techniques for addressing weight regain and insufficient weight loss after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We performed a literature search (in PubMed and Embase) on revisional interventions in collaboration with a medical information specialist. Measured outcomes included body mass index at intervention, total weight loss during follow‐up, and complications. Random effects models were used to determine pooled effect size and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Thirty‐nine studies were included: four studies reported on argon plasma coagulation, four studies on transoral outlet reduction, nine studies on transoral outlet reduction + argon plasma coagulation, four studies on pouch/gastrojejunal anastomosis revision, five on laparoscopic gastric banding, two studies on laparoscopic gastric banding + pouch resizing, 10 on distalization‐RYGB, and one on duodenal switch. All techniques resulted in short‐term clinically relevant weight loss. Endoscopic procedures had a short follow‐up and resulted in modest and temporary weight loss. Surgical revision techniques were successful for weight loss in longer term follow‐up, at the expense of high complication rates.
Amblyopia—A novel virtual round table to explore the caregiver perspective
Authors: Nowik Marta , Perna Flavia , Dahlmann‐Noor Annegret , Stern Jude , Malkowski Jean‐Pierre , Weisberger Annemarie , Webber Ann
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A survey aimed to capture the caregiver's perspective on the impact of amblyopia and its treatment on the child and family, as well as caregivers' views on the design and feasibility of clinical trials investigating dichoptic binocular therapies for amblyopia.

Methods

Parents of amblyopic children, patient advocates and healthcare professionals took part in a moderated, structured discussion on a novel virtual advisory‐board platform.

Results

Seven parents of children with amblyopia, two patient organisation representatives, one ophthalmologist and one optometrist participated in the survey. A total of 645 posts were entered on the platform over a 14‐day period in September 2021. There was widespread agreement that the management of amblyopia poses more of a burden on the child and family than the condition itself, with treatment burden accentuated when treatment is unsuccessful. Parents expressed uncertainty and frustration in relation to the duration of patching, success of patching and alternative treatment options, and felt there was inadequate readily available, easy‐to‐understand information on the condition. Parents reported that a new treatment for amblyopia, such as dichoptic binocular therapy using video games, should be safe, non‐invasive and engaging compared with an eye patch. Treating at home, potentially for a shorter treatment duration, and with an entertaining game were the main reasons parents would join a clinical study with this type of novel therapy. However, due to a limited critical period treatment window, parents would feel more comfortable joining a clinical trial if traditional therapies were offered in conjunction with those under investigation.

Conclusion

Patient perspectives and the role of caregivers in the acceptance of any interventional treatments are increasingly recognised. Understanding how amblyopia and its treatment impacts a child and family should be an important premise to guide therapy and evaluate treatment value, both in clinical trials and in routine medical practice.
The alternative bile acid pathway can predict food allergy persistence in early childhood
Authors: Lee So‐Yeon , Park Yoon Mee , Yoo Hyun Ju , Lee Seung‐Hwa , Choi Eom Ji , Baek Eun Young , Song Kun Baek , Yoon Jisun , Hong Soo‐Jong
Published: August 2023

Background

Mechanisms underlying persistent food allergy (FA) are not well elucidated. The intestinal mucosa is the primary exposure route of food allergens. However, no study has examined intestinal metabolites associated with FA persistence. The goal of this study was to investigate intestinal metabolites and associated microbiomes in early life that aid in determining the development and persistence of FA.

Methods

We identified metabolomic alterations in the stool of infants according to FA by mass spectrometry‐based untargeted metabolome profiling. The targeted metabolomic analysis of bile acid metabolites and stool microbiome was performed. Bile acid metabolite composition in infancy was evaluated by characterizing the subjects at the age of 3 into FA remission and persistent FA.

Results

In untargeted metabolomics, primary bile acid biosynthesis was significantly different between subjects with FA and healthy controls. In targeted metabolomics for bile acids, intestinal bile acid metabolites synthesized by the alternative pathway were reduced in infants with FA than those in healthy controls. Subjects with persistent FA were also distinguished from healthy controls and those with FA remission by bile acid metabolites of the alternative pathway. These metabolites were negatively correlated with specific IgE levels in egg white. The abundance of intestinal Clostridia was decreased in the FA group and was correlated with ursodeoxycholic acid.

Conclusion

Intestinal bile acid metabolites of the alternative pathway could be predictive biomarkers for persistent FA in early childhood. These findings require replication in future studies.
STK4 deficiency and epidermodysplasia verruciformis‐like lesions: A case report
Authors: Gutierrez‐Marin Paula A. , Castano‐Jaramillo Lina M. , Velez‐Tirado Natalia , Villamil‐Osorio Milena , Patiño Esteban , Reina Maria Fernanda , Hernandez Maribel Trujillo
Published: July 2023

Serine/threonine kinase 4 deficiency (STK4 or MST1, OMIM:614868) is an autosomal recessive (AR) combined immunodeficiency that can present with skin lesions such as epidermodysplasia verruciformis‐like lesions (EVLL). Herein, we describe a 17‐year‐old male patient born from consanguineous parents presenting with recurrent respiratory infections, verruciform plaques, poikiloderma, chronic benign lymphoproliferation, and Sjögren syndrome with suspected interstitial lymphocytic pneumonia.
Contrasting interactions of the aggressive Verticillium longisporum lineage A1/D1 and the non‐aggressive A1/D2 lineage with roots of oilseed rape
Authors: Vega‐Marin Marta , von Tiedemann Andreas
Published: July 2023

Verticillium longisporum is a soilborne fungal vascular pathogen of Brassica crops. Three hybrid lineages originating from three independent hybridization events of four haploid Verticillium parents are known. V. longisporum lineage A1/D2 has only been found in horseradish and previous pathogenicity tests have shown that it is non‐aggressive on oilseed rape (Brassica napus). The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of the non‐aggressive lineage A1/D2 with oilseed rape in comparison with the aggressive A1/D1 lineage. Although A1/D2 did not cause severe disease symptoms, the study revealed restricted root infection and systemic colonization by this lineage, as assessed by quantitative PCR of fungal DNA. Assessment of root surface colonization by confocal laser microscopy indicated early sporulation, disorganized loosely attached hyphal growth and hyphal coiling of A1/D2. By contrast, A1/D1 showed organized hyphal growth tight to the root surface, as well as hyphal swellings at points of penetration. Vascular colonization was studied with transmission electron microscopy, which revealed less vessel colonization, higher intensity of vascular responses and lower plant cell wall degradation in A1/D2‐treated plants in comparison with A1/D1. Vascular responses consisted of strong coating of vessel walls and fungal hyphae with an electron‐dense material, indicating higher intensity of plant defence in comparison with A1/D1. The results, for the first time, demonstrate stem colonization and thus a basic level of pathogenic interaction of non‐aggressive strains of A1/D2 with oilseed rape associated with a lack of severe disease symptoms, which indicate tolerance in oilseed rape to lineage A1/D2.
Enabling emergency production shifting: The value of blockchain in supply chain resilience confronting COVID‐19
Authors: Niu Baozhuang , Wang Lingfeng , Dong Jian
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, factories located in COVID‐19 infected countries/regions are facing random outbreaks. If blockchain is adopted, then the outbreaks can be known immediately and emergency production shifting can be enabled, although high crash cost will be incurred. Otherwise, production delay will become inevitable. We therefore formulate the tradeoffs among the high crash cost, the benefit from quick production, and the efficiency loss because of supply chain decentralization in a global brand's blockchain adoption decisions. We show that, in the presence of supply chain competition, the global brand will be benefited from blockchain adoption when the competition intensity degree is high, the crash cost is low, and the probability of COVID‐19 outbreak is high. We then verify the robustness of the main findings by studying the impact of the global brand's risk attitude, its overestimation of production delay, and the unexpected production delay in the low‐risk areas. In addition, we examine the social welfare and find it can also benefit from the global brand's blockchain adoption but the consumer surplus cannot.
Meaning of wellness in caring science based on Rodgers's evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Eriksson Monica , Ekström‐Bergström Anette , Arvidsson Susann , Jormfeldt Henrika , Thorstensson Stina , Åström Ulrica , Lundgren Ingela , Roxberg Åsa
Published: July 2023

Background

Wellness is a holistic, multidimensional, and process‐oriented property on a continuum. It has been used interchangeably with and is undifferentiated from concepts such as health and well‐being without an in‐depth clarification of its theoretical foundations and a reflection on its meaning. The concept of wellness is frequently used, but its definition remains unclear.

Aim

To conceptually and theoretically explore the concept of wellness to contribute to a deeper understanding in caring science.

Method

Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis was applied to the theoretical investigation of data from publications of international origins. The focus was on antecedents, attributes, consequences, surrogate and related terms, and contextual references. A literature search was performed through a manual review of reference lists and an online search in CINAHL and PubMed via EBSCO, and in ProQuest. Abstracts were examined to identify relevant studies for further review. The inclusion criteria were peer‐reviewed papers in English; papers published in scientific journals using the surrogate terms ‘wellness’, ‘health’, ‘health care’, and ‘health care and wellness’; and papers discussing and/or defining the concept of wellness. Twenty‐six studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Based on the findings from this concept analysis, a definition of wellness was developed: ‘a holistic and multidimensional concept represented on a continuum of being well that goes beyond health’. Implications for nursing practice were correspondingly presented.

Conclusion

Wellness is defined as a holistic and comprehensive multidimensional concept represented on a continuum of being well, that goes beyond health. It calls attention by applying the salutogenic perspective to health promotion in caring science. It is strongly related to individual lifestyle and health behaviour and is frequently used interchangeably with health and well‐being without an in‐depth clarification of its theoretical foundation.
Aicardi–Goutières syndrome: A monogenic type I interferonopathy
Authors: Liu Anran , Ying Songcheng
Published: July 2023

Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare monogenic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the brains of children patients. Its main clinical features include encephalatrophy, basal ganglia calcification, leukoencephalopathy, lymphocytosis and increased interferon‐α (IFN‐α) levels in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. AGS may be caused by mutations in any one of nine genes (TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, SAMHD1, ADAR1, IFIH1, LSM11 and RNU7‐1) that result in accumulation of self‐nucleic acids in the cytoplasm or aberrant sensing of self‐nucleic acids. This triggers overproduction of type I interferons (IFNs) and subsequently causes AGS, the prototype of type I interferonopathies. This review describes the discovery history of AGS with various genotypes and provides the latest knowledge of clinical manifestations and causative genes of AGS. The relationship between AGS and type I interferonopathy and potential therapeutic methods for AGS are also discussed in this review.
Changes in the suicide risk behaviors of American college students over time: An analysis of three universities
Authors: Barclay Nathan , Kelley Karen A. , Brausch Amy M. , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J. , Nadorff Michael R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Suicide‐related behaviors are prevalent among college students, and several mental health problems associated with increased suicide risk have increased over time. Furthermore, notable cultural events (e.g., political changes, COVID‐19) have occurred in the past decade, which likely impact trends in suicide‐related behaviors. The current study examined how the prevalence of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI), suicidal ideation (SI), and suicide attempts has changed from 2012 to 2022 across three different universities.

Method

Archival datasets from multiple years of college student survey data were compiled, and different measures of NSSI, SI, and suicide attempts were dichotomized to assess prevalence. Chi‐square goodness‐of‐fit tests were used to identify changes in suicide‐related behaviors across time.

Results

Results indicated significant increases in the prevalence of most behaviors across each university, with most increases occurring after 2018. Despite sharing a general trend of increased suicide‐related behaviors, each university differed considerably in their respective trends between various timepoints, suggesting that unique factors may differentially contribute to growing risk among college students.

Conclusion

Overall, the current study identifies increasing trends in suicide‐related behaviors over the past decade and highlights the value of investigating these behaviors at the university level.
Cultural family processes, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation: A longitudinal study of Asian American youths
Authors: Lee Christina S. , Sin Esther J. , Park Michael , Okazaki Sumie , Choi Yoonsun
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This prospective study examined the direct and interactive effects of depressive symptoms and cultural family processes (i.e., intergenerational cultural conflict, academic parental control, cultural socialization parenting) on Asian American youths' suicidal ideation from adolescence to young adulthood.

Methods

We utilized three‐wave data of 408 Korean American and 378 Filipino American youths (M = 15.00 years, SD = 1.91 at Wave 1). For each ethnicity, we tested (1) whether depressive symptoms and cultural family processes predicted past‐year suicidal ideation; and (2) whether cultural family processes moderated the depressive symptom–suicidal ideation link.

Results

Across ethnicities, depressive symptoms significantly predicted suicidal ideation after controlling for cultural family processes. For Filipino youths, intergenerational cultural conflict significantly predicted suicidal ideation after controlling depressive symptoms and exacerbated the depressive symptom–suicidal ideation link. For Filipino youths, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with suicidal ideation only at lower levels of cultural socialization parenting. For Korean youths, academic parental control exacerbated the depressive symptom–suicidal ideation link.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that while depressive symptoms have a robust effect on Asian American youths' suicidal ideation, this effect may be moderated by cultural family processes. Different findings for Korean and Filipino youths highlight the importance of disaggregating analyses by ethnicity to guide prevention efforts.
Continental and island arc segmentation: Implications for retro‐arc and pro‐arc foreland basin and backarc basin geometries and sediment distributions
Authors: Martin Keith
Published: July 2023

Segmented magmatic arcs create arc‐parallel variable loads and influence associated foreland basins through flexural isostasy along strike, in addition to standard subduction‐perpendicular foredeep/forebulge/backbulge models. Segmentation occurs in both continental and island arcs (Aleutians, Calabria, Japan, Kuril/Kamchatka, Lesser Antilles, Solomon Islands and Sumatra/Java). Some segments have variable gravity anomalies and elastic thicknesses (Te). In standard theory, the load created by an orogenic belt/magmatic arc depresses the lithosphere modelled as a thin elastic plate floating on a fluid mantle substrate, leading to an arc‐perpendicular foredeep, forebulge and backbulge. Arc‐parallel topographic and gravitational features should influence loading along strike in a similar way, resulting in a checkerboard pattern of foredeeps, forebulges and backbulges in both pro‐arc and retro‐arc foreland basins. This pattern exercises profound controls on sediment and facies distribution in a here‐to‐fore un‐envisaged manner, with implications for resource exploration in foreland basins.
Disentangling Land Financialisation: Insights from Santiago de Chile's Land Lease‐Purchase Contracts
Authors: Gasic Ivo
Published: August 2023

Non‐depreciation gives to land a central role in the credit expansion process of the modern economy and constitutes the foundation of the relationship between finance and real estate. To understand the process by which land becomes an underlying asset in the financial market, this paper's theoretical model formalises a set of propositions derived from asset price theory and real options theory. Theoretically, vacant land speculation results from rational behaviour; thus, land becomes valued as a real investment option. This real option can later operate as an underlying asset for credits and financial options, which explains the financialisation of vacant land. This work evidences the process of formation of landbanks by insurance companies in Santiago, Chile, showing that their acquisitions are, partly, carried out via Lease‐Purchase Contracts. Besides, it is demonstrated that Lease‐Purchase Contracts tend to locate in geographical areas with greater growth rate in land price and deviations in this rate.