bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivery of an online psychosocial recovery program during COVID‐19: A survey of young people attending a youth mental health service
Authors: Somaiya Janaki , Thompson Andrew , O'Donoghue Brian , Brown Ellie
Published: February 2022

Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic forced the rapid move of mental health services to being delivered online. This included the delivery of a psychosocial recovery program (PRP) delivered in youth mental health services in Melbourne, Australia which consists of groups that address functional recovery. At the time, there was limited evidence about how this switch in service provision would be received by service users or what impact the pandemic was having on their mental health.

Methods

Young people engaged with the PRP between March and May 2020 were sent a link to complete an online survey that was co‐developed by young people and clinicians. Attendance data at groups were extracted as a proximal measure of feasibility and acceptability.

Results

A total of 44 young people undertook the survey with the domains of wellbeing most impacted by lockdown being work/study, motivation and social connection. Groups provided online were generally well attended during lockdown, particularly those that had a focus on therapeutic content. Young people indicated little preference for continuing to attend groups run purely online when restrictions eased, with many expressing a preference for these to be offered face‐to‐face or in a combined format.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that implementation of online psychosocial groups during periods of lockdown is both feasible and acceptable. Whilst young people found accessing groups online to be of benefit at the time, they felt that continued substitution of face‐to‐face groups would not necessarily be preferable and clinical services should consider these preferences in their long‐term service delivery.
Catholicity and Conciliarity as Challenges for Christian Churches Today
Authors: Chalamet Christophe
Published: February 2022

Teaching ecumenism in the context of global Christianity raises the question of how to approach the themes of “catholicity” and “conciliarity.” This article addresses some of the challenges and possible paths in relation to this topic. At a time when universalism is often (and rightly) denounced, can or should there be room for a sense of the church’s universality or catholicity? Or is universality always an instrument in the service of hegemonic (mostly Western) quests for domination? The paper seeks to show how universality entails a mutual, ongoing dialogue in which all parties involved may set the agenda and contribute. This connects to conciliarity or synodality, a much‐discussed theme in Roman Catholicism, in the Orthodox world, and among Protestant churches worldwide. The article presents some of the challenges the churches have been and are facing as they seek to become more authentically synodal churches.
Is Ecumenism Even Possible in the Context of World Christianity?
Authors: De La Torre Miguel A.
Published: February 2022

Ecumenism is difficult to achieve because Eurochristianity dominates the discourse, thus masking its complicity with oppression. Those from the global South who adopt the white Jesus of the colonizers become complicit with their own oppression. For ecumenism to occur, the decolonization of the minds of those on the margins must first take place by rejecting Eurochristianity and interpreting their faith through their own indigenous symbols. This process may require ecumenical conversations within the global South apart from the global North. And for whites to eventually join the ecumenical discourse, they must first crucify their whiteness and bow their knees to the Jesus of the oppressed.
Being Roman Catholic Today in a Worldwide Context
Authors: Sattler Dorothea
Published: February 2022

Taking the example of the Roman Catholic Church, this article focuses on the role in the formation of ecumenical consciousness of acquiring knowledge about the current reform processes in confessional communities other than one’s own. It begins with an account of current reform efforts in the Roman Catholic Church, keeping in mind the ecumenical context. It then goes on to recall how, according to the Second Vatican Council, the catholicity of the one church of Jesus Christ is not identical with the institutional shape of the Roman Catholic Church. The article concludes with a set of theses that consider the significance for ecumenical formation and education of how we perceive developments in confessions other than our own.
New Ecumenism in a Discriminatively Divided World
Authors: Kim Un‐Hey
Published: February 2022

This article explores the idea of a new ecumenism as the basis for teaching ecumenism more relevantly and emphatically in the reality of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This new ecumenism is about the symbiosis of the divine family, not simply the unity of the Christian family or the solidarity of the human family. This requires a paradigm shift toward seeking a path with all beings and creatures on Earth in accordance with the will of God – who still works faithfully for the ultimate salvation. Not only are humans created by God, but our fellow creatures are all also partners for salvation. Ecumenism needs to be about sympoiesis, making‐life‐with‐other beings, especially in the Anthropocene epoch, when people are divided not just by race, nation, gender, and class, but also by anthropocentric ways of life. What is needed is not just an eco‐friendly ecumenism but a sympoietic ecumenism, through which we treat every being on this planet as part of our extended family.
Teaching Ecumenism in the Context of World Christianity
Authors: Sinn Simone
Published: February 2022

The conference “Teaching Ecumenism in the Context of World Christianity,” held in June 2021, was an initiative of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey together with related programme units in the World Council of Churches. This article offers background to this initiative by sketching historical developments in the field of teaching ecumenism and by outlining creative synergies and tensions that have emerged in relation to academic scholarship in the area of World Christianity. By bringing together colleagues teaching in the areas of ecumenical studies, World Christianity, and related fields, the conference aimed to enter more deeply into conversations around epistemologies and methodologies, where participatory approaches engage discourses like global‐versus‐local and unity‐versus‐diversity in a critical and constructive way.
Structure‐based engineering of a short‐chain cis‐prenyltransferase to biosynthesize nonnatural all‐cis‐polyisoprenoids: molecular mechanisms for primer substrate recognition and ultimate product chain‐length determination
Authors: Kutsukawa Ryo , Imaizumi Riki , Suenaga‐Hiromori Miki , Takeshita Kohei , Sakai Naoki , Misawa Shuto , Yamamoto Masaki , Yamaguchi Haruhiko , Miyagi‐Inoue Yukino , Waki Toshiyuki , Kataoka Kunishige , Nakayama Toru , Yamashita Satoshi , Takahashi Seiji
Published: February 2022

Most cis‐prenyltransferases (cPTs) use all‐trans‐oligoprenyl diphosphate, such as (E,E)‐farnesyl diphosphate (FPP, C15), but scarcely accept dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP, C5), as an allylic diphosphate primer in consecutive cis‐condensations of isopentenyl diphosphate. Consequently, naturally occurring cis‐1,4‐polyisoprenoids contain a few trans‐isoprene units at their ω‐end. However, some Solanum plants have distinct cPTs that primarily use DMAPP as a primer to synthesize all‐cis‐oligoprenyl diphosphates, such as neryl diphosphate (NPP, C10). However, the mechanism underlying the allylic substrate preference of cPTs remains unclear. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of NDPS1, an NPP synthase from tomato, and investigated critical residues for primer substrate preference through structural comparisons of cPTs. Highly conserved Gly and Trp in the primer substrate‐binding region of cPTs were discovered to be substituted for Ile/Leu and Phe, respectively, in DMAPP‐preferring cPTs. An I106G mutant of NDPS1 exhibited a low preference for DMAPP, but a higher preference for FPP. However, an I106G/F276W mutant preferred not only DMAPP but also all‐trans‐oligoprenyl diphosphates, with 15‐fold higher catalytic efficiency than WT. Surprisingly, the mutant synthesized longer polyisoprenoids (~C50). Furthermore, one of the helix domains that constitute the hydrophobic cleft for accommodating elongating prenyl chains was also demonstrated to be critical in primer substrate preference. An NDPS1 I106G/F276W mutant with a chimeric helix domain swapped with that of a medium‐chain cPT synthesizing C50–60 polyisoprenoids showed over 94‐fold increase in catalytic efficiency for all primer substrates tested, resulting in longer products (~C70). These NDPS1 mutants could be used in the enzymatic synthesis of nonnatural all‐cis‐polyisoprenoids.
Evaluation of physicochemical properties and microbial counts of raw and cooked low‐fat patties added with eggplant powder prepared with different drying methods
Authors: br Sembring Hanna Seprina , Chin Koo Bok
Published: February 2022

Effects of different drying methods and different addition levels of eggplant (EP) on product quality of low‐fat patties (LFPs) were investigated during storage. EP was dried in an oven dryer at 60 °C or a freeze dryer at −50 °C. LFPs were prepared by replacing with 1.5% soy protein isolate (SPI). Six treatments were used in this study: (1) control (CTL), without addition of EP; (2) reference (REF), 0.1% ascorbic acid; (3) O1, 0.25% oven‐dried (OD) EP; (4) O2, 0.5% ODEP; (5) F1, 0.25% freeze‐dried (FD) EP; and (6) F2, 0.5% FDEP. Redness (a*) and lightness (L*) values in LFPs added with EP were lower than those of others (p < 0.05) and decreased with increasing storage time. Yellowness (b*) values of cooked patties were increased during storage time (p < 0.05), with control having the highest value. The addition of EP or ascorbic acid into LFPs lowered microbial counts than control (p < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was increased during storage, with REF having the lowest value, and patties added with EP had lower TBARS values than control during storage. Volatile basic nitrogen (VBN, mg%) contents of all patties also increased during storage time with O2 and F2 having lower values than control. Therefore, EP might have potential as a natural antioxidant in meat products during storage.
Investigation of the antioxidation capacity of gallic acid and its alkyl esters with different chain lengths for dried oyster during ambient storage
Authors: Zhao Man‐Tong , Liu Zhong‐Yuan , Zhao Guan‐Hua , Li De‐Yang , Xia Guang‐Hua , Yin Fa‐Wen , Zhou Da‐Yong
Published: February 2022

The antioxidant capacity of gallic acid (GA) and its fatty alkyl esters such as butyl gallate, octyl gallate (OG), lauryl gallate and hexadecyl gallate in freeze‐dried oyster was investigated. During ambient storage, the significant increase of peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid value together with the decline for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents indicated the occurrence of lipid autoxidation in freeze‐dried oysters. Meanwhile, the oxidative degradation of glycerol phosphocholine (GPC), glycerol phosphoethanolamine (GPE) and triacylglycerols (TAG) molecular species carrying DHA or EPA in oyster ranked as: TAG > GPE > GPC. GA and its alkyl esters could effectively be prevented dried oyster lipid from oxidation. Among them, OG stood out as the most effective individual. This work implied that the chain lengths of GA alkyl esters affect their antioxidant ability for dried oysters, which provides the information for selecting eligible antioxidants to enhance the oxidative stability of freeze‐dried seafood.
Body fat differences among US youth aged 8–19 by race and Hispanic origin, 2011–2018
Authors: Martin Crescent B. , Stierman Bryan , Yanovski Jack A. , Hales Craig M. , Sarafrazi Neda , Ogden Cynthia L.
Published: February 2022

Background

The association between body mass index (BMI) and adiposity differs by race/ethnicity.

Objective

To examine differences in adiposity by race/Hispanic origin among US youth and explore how those differences relate to differences in BMI using the most recent national data, including non‐Hispanic Asian youth.

Methods

Weight, height and DXA‐derived fat mass index (FMI) and percentage body fat (%BF) from 6923 youth 8–19 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018 were examined. Age‐adjusted mean BMI, FMI and %BF were reported. Sex‐specific linear regression models predicting %BF and FMI were adjusted for age, BMI category and BMI category*race/Hispanic origin interaction.

Results

%BF was highest among Hispanic males (28.2%) and females (35.7%). %BF was lower among non‐Hispanic Black (23.9%) compared with non‐Hispanic White (26.0%) and non‐Hispanic Asian (26.6%) males. There was no difference between non‐Hispanic Black females (32.7%) and non‐Hispanic White (33.2%) or non‐Hispanic Asian (32.7%) females. FMI was higher among Hispanic youth compared with non‐Hispanic White youth. Among youth with underweight/healthy weight, predicted %BF and FMI were lower among non‐Hispanic Black males (−2.8%; −0.5) and females (−2.0%; −0.3), compared with non‐Hispanic White youth, and higher among Hispanic males (0.9%; 0.2) and females (2.0%; 0.5), while %BF but not FMI was higher among non‐Hispanic Asian males (1.3%) and females (1.4%). Among females with obesity, non‐Hispanic Asian females had lower %BF (−2.3%) and FMI (−1.7) than non‐Hispanic White females.

Conclusions

Differences in %BF and FMI by race/Hispanic origin were not consistent by BMI category among US youth in 2011–2018.
Comparative oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy in men with clinical T3b prostate cancer
Authors: Lee Wonchul , Lim Bumjin , Kyung Yoon Soo , Kim Choung‐Soo
Published: February 2022

Objective

To compare oncological outcomes in men with clinical T3b prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy or a combination of radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy.

Methods

Men with clinical T3b prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy between 2007 and 2014 were evaluated. All patients were relatively healthy, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 without nodal or distant metastasis. Cancer‐specific survival was analyzed. Age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, biopsy Gleason score and pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen were adjusted by propensity score matching. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess factors prognostic of cancer‐specific survival.

Results

Of the 152 patients with clinical T3b prostate cancer, 45 underwent radical prostatectomy, and 107 underwent radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy between 2007 and 2014. The mean cancer‐specific survival was significantly longer in the radical prostatectomy than in the radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy group (P = 0.029). Age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen were significantly higher in the radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy group. In the propensity score matched population of 24 patients each, the median cancer‐specific survival remained significantly longer in the radical prostatectomy than in the radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy group (not reached vs 112.93 ± 11.94 months, P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis showed that undergoing radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy was the only significant poor prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 6.694, 95% confidence interval 1.642–27.592, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Cancer‐specific survival was significantly longer in men with clinical T3b prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy than radiation therapy plus androgen deprivation therapy, suggesting that radical prostatectomy can be a better treatment option for the initial definitive treatment for these patients.
Exploration of the occupational and personal dimensions impacted by theCOVID‐19 pandemic for nurses: A qualitative analysis of survey responses
Authors: Marceau Mélanie , Ledoux Isabelle , Lavoie Stéphan , Benyamina Douma Nabiha , Mailhot‐Bisson Didier , Gosselin Émilie
Published: February 2022

Aim

To explore the occupational and personal life dimensions that have been impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN).

Design

Qualitative interpretive description approach.

Methods

Between July and September 2020, a web‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among RNs and LPNs in Quebec, Canada. Included in this survey was an open‐ended question allowing nurses to describe the occupational and personal life dimensions that were impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data from this open‐ended question. Reporting followed the Standards For Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Results

Of the 1860 survey respondents, 774 RNs and 43 LPNs responded to the open‐ended question (totaln = 819). For the occupational dimension, six themes were identified: impacts of infection control on work, change in daily work tasks, offloading and reorganization of care, deterioration of working conditions, increased stress at work and issues related to the profession. For the personal dimension, four themes were found: impacts on the family, dealing with changes about leisure and personal life, impacts on physical and psychological health.

Conclusion

Knowing the dimensions affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic could help to identifying appropriate interventions to support RNs and LPNs.

Impact

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted the occupational and personal lives RNs and LPNs working in the Quebec healthcare system. More specifically, Quebec's nurses experienced a major reorganization of care generated by important government decisions. Knowing how the pandemic affected different life dimensions will help in the development of support adapted to nurses' realities. Even in a pandemic context, improvements in the work environment or appropriate support could lead to an improved psychological health for nurses.
Investigating the pedagogies of screen‐sharing in contemporary learning environments—A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Stevenson Michael , Lai Jennifer W. M. , Bower Matt
Published: February 2022

Background

Screen‐sharing technologies enable applications such as screen mirroring, video streaming and instant messaging across multiple device screens. Despite their increasing use in many contemporary classrooms, there is a paucity of research directly examining pedagogical benefits and issues of these technologies.

Objectives

This study investigated the influence of screen‐sharing technologies on teachers' practices, highlighting pedagogical benefits and issues encountered.

Methods

The paper drew on a sample of 321 K‐12 teachers and utilised principal components analysis, descriptive statistics and inductive coding.

Results and Conclusions

Teachers reported greater mobility, increased ease of content sharing and deeper learner cognition as attributes of improved learning and teaching with the technologies. However, a minority highlighted technical issues such as network and hardware problems affecting their confidence. Despite increased mobility as an affordance, teachers' perceptions about mobility largely appeared to be predicated on assumptions that the technologies were intended for didactic instruction.

Takeaways

The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of screen‐sharing affordances while underscoring learner‐led screensharing as a focus for future research and practice.
Perpendicular catheter orientation during papillary muscle ablation results in larger, deeper lesions
Authors: Nussinovitch Udi , Wang Paul , Narayan Sanjiv , Viswanathan Mohan , Badhwar Nitish , Zheng Lijun , Sauer William H. , Nguyen Duy T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Ablation of papillary muscles (PMs) for refractory ventricular arrhythmias can often be challenging. The catheter approach and orientation during ablation may affect optimal radiofrequency (RF) delivery. Yet, no previous study investigated the association between catheter orientation and PM lesion size. We evaluated ablation lesion characteristics with various catheter orientations relative to the PM tissue during open irrigated ablation, using a standardized, experimental setting.

Methods

Viable bovine PM was positioned on a load cell in a circulating saline bath. RF ablation was performed over PM tissue at 50 W, with the open irrigated catheter positioned either perpendicular or parallel to the PM surface. Applied force was 10 g. Ablation lesions were sectioned and underwent quantitative morphometric analysis.

Results

A catheter position oriented directly perpendicular to the PM tissue resulted in the largest ablation lesion volumes and depths compared with ablation with the catheter parallel to PM tissue (75.26 ± 8.40 mm3 vs. 34.04 ± 2.91 mm3, p < .001) and (3.33 ± 0.18 mm vs. 2.24 ± 0.10 mm, p < .001), respectively. There were no significant differences in initial impedance, peak voltage, peak current, or overall decrease in impedance among groups. Parallel catheter orientation resulted in higher peak temperature (41.33 ± 0.28°C vs. 40.28 ± 0.24°C, p = .003), yet, there were no steam pops in either group.

Conclusion

For PM ablation, catheter orientation perpendicular to the PM tissue achieves more effective and larger ablation lesions, with greater lesion depth. This may have implications for the chosen ventricular access approach, the type of catheter used, consideration for remote navigation, and steerable sheaths.
The inverse association between a fish consumption biomarker and gingival inflammation and periodontitis: A population‐based study
Authors: Ottosson Filip , Hultgren Lina , Fernandez Celine , Engström Gunnar , Orho‐Melander Marju , Kennbäck Cecilia , Persson Margaretha , Demmer Ryan T. , Melander Olle , Klinge Björn , Nilsson Peter M. , Jönsson Daniel
Published: February 2022

Aim

The metabolite 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropionic acid (CMPF) is a fatty fish–intake biomarker. We investigated the association between plasma levels of CMPF in relation to gingival inflammation and periodontitis case definition, as well as the extent and severity variables.

Materials and Methods

The Malmö Offspring Study is a population‐based study, and the Malmö Offspring Dental Study (MODS) is its dental arm, including periodontal charting. Plasma CMPF was measured using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and studied in relation to periodontal diagnosis and parameters using multivariable linear or logistic regression modelling adjusting for age, sex, education, body mass index, fasting glucose, and smoking.

Results

Metabolite data were available for 922 MODS participants. Higher CMPF levels were associated with less gingival inflammation (β = −2.12,p = .002) and lower odds of severe periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56 to 0.98). Higher CMPF levels were also associated with more teeth (β = 0.19,p = .001), lower number of periodontal pockets (≥4 mm) (β = −1.07,p = .007), and lower odds of having two or more periodontal pockets of ≥6 mm (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.98) in fully adjusted models.

Conclusions

CMPF, a validated biomarker of fatty fish consumption, is associated with less periodontal inflammation and periodontitis. Residual confounding cannot be ruled out, and future studies are warranted.
RDoC and the developmental origins of psychiatric disorders: How did we get here and where are we going?
Authors: Auerbach Randy P.
Published: February 2022

About a decade ago, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) proposed an innovative framework, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), to classify psychiatric disorders. This complementary approach has been used with existing diagnostic systems to identify transdiagnostic factors that inform early detection of mental health disturbances and critically, provide novel targets for interventions. An additional goal, however, has been to clarify developmental processes and illness trajectories by operationalizing dimensional constructs during sensitive periods of neurofunctional development to capture the early emergence of behavioral alterations and impairment. As developmental factors are inherent to all RDoC systems and the units of analysis therein, NIMH shepherded developmental‐oriented research with targeted funding opportunity announcements. This resulting work has highlighted promising phenotypes and biological markers related to psychiatric illness across the lifespan.
A comparative analysis of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and fall risk in older adults
Authors: Haddad Yara K. , Kakara Ramakrishna , Marcum Zachary A.
Published: February 2022

Background

One in five older adults (age 65+) uses an antidepressant medication. However, little is known about how fall risk differs between commonly prescribed medications. We examine the comparative association between individual selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and self‐reported falls in older adults.

Methods

We used data from 2010–2017 Medicare Current Beneficiary Surveys, a nationally representative survey of Medicare beneficiaries. We included participants from three different panels surveyed over two successive years. Participants were limited to community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries 65+, enrolled in Medicare Part D, and taking an SSRI (n = 1023) during baseline years. Participants were asked about demographic and health characteristics, medication use (including dose, frequency, duration of use) and self‐reported falls as any fall or recurrent falls in the past year. We compared individual SSRI (citalopram or escitalopram vs sertraline) use by the average monthly total standardized daily dose (TSDD) and self‐reported falling, controlling for potential confounders. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted using SAS‐callable SUDAAN.

Results

Citalopram/escitalopram (n = 460 users; 45.0% of all SSRI users) and sertraline (n = 294 users; 28.7% of all SSRI users) were the most commonly prescribed SSRIs. Overall, 36.3% of citalopram/escitalopram users and 39.4% of sertraline users reported a fall in the year following medication use. There were no statistically significant differences between sertraline and citalopram/escitalopram users of either low or medium TSDD levels in the risk of self‐reported any or recurrent falls. However, users of high TSDD of sertraline (>75 mg) had a lower risk of recurrent falls compared to high TSDD citalopram (>30 mg) or escitalopram (>15 mg) daily for 30 days.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a potential comparative safety benefit of sertraline compared to citalopram/escitalopram at high doses related to recurrent falls. Additional comparative studies of individual antidepressants may better inform fall risk management and prescribing for older adults.
Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid fillers for lip augmentation in a Chinese population
Authors: Guo Yanping , Wei Wuhan , Li Qiang , Tao Changbo , Li Xueyang , Zhang Aijun , Jin Peisheng
Published: February 2022

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an effective dermal filler for facial rejuvenation. This study aimed to observe the clinical efficacy of HA injection for lip augmentation in Chinese patients.

Methods

From May 2019 to April 2020, 70 patients with lip fullness scale (LPS) ≤3 underwent local HA injection using the “three‐point” injection technique. All patients were followed up to observe the clinical efficacy, LPS, adverse events, and complications.

Results

All 70 patients were followed up for 12 months. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the height of lips within 6–9 months post‐treatment (p < 0.05). The LFS improved significantly at follow‐up compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Local redness occurred in two patients, and serious swelling occurred in three patients. These adverse events were generally tolerated and disappeared gradually within 1 week. No other serious adverse events and complications were reported in the remaining patients.

Conclusions

Hyaluronic acid injection can be used for lip augmentation in the Chinese population. The “three‐point” technique is simple, safe, and effective and does not cause serious complications.
Mechanical dilatation of the stenosed cervix under local anesthesia: A prospective case series
Authors: Biggs Kirsty V. , Soo Hoo San , Kodampur Mallikarjun
Published: February 2022

Aim

Cervical stenosis is traditionally managed by mechanical dilatation under general anesthesia (GA). We aimed to assess the safety, effectiveness, and patient acceptability of dilatation in the outpatient setting under local anesthesia (LA).

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from all patients attending the outpatient department with cervical stenosis from March 20, 2015 to September 23, 2020. Mechanical dilatation of the cervix was performed using Hegar dilators under LA. Subsequent colposcopic assessment, cytology, histology, and management were recorded.

Results

One hundred forty‐nine cases were referred for cervical dilatation, 63 (43%) of which had complete stenosis. One hundred eighteen (79%) patients had previously undergone cervical procedures. Successful dilatation under LA was achieved in 119 (83%) patients; 5 (3%) declined (requesting GA), 6 (4%) did not tolerate speculum examination, and 19 (13%) had unsuccessful procedures. The median Hegar size used was 8 mm. Dilatation under LA was acceptable in 93% attempted procedures. Thirteen episodes of restenosis were recorded with no major adverse events. Younger age (p = 0.045) and severe (compared to complete) stenosis (p < 0.0001) were associated with procedure success, with improved results over time (p = 0.003). Successful dilatation permitted cervical assessment; eight patients required cervical excisions, two underwent hysterectomies, with one confirmed case of adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Rigid cervical dilatation in the outpatient setting provides effective, instantaneous treatment for women who have failed cytological or colposcopic assessment. For the vast majority of women, the procedure was well tolerated and preferred to using GA. However, given that 1 in 10 women experienced restenosis, patients should be counseled about the possibility of requiring further management.
Introducing Petrachlorosaceae fam. nov., Petrachloros gen. nov. and Petrachloros mirabilis sp. nov. (Synechococcales, Cyanobacteria) Isolated from a Portuguese UNESCO monument
Authors: Soares Fabiana , Trovão João , Ahn Anne‐Catherine , Wilmotte Annick , Cardoso Susana M. , Tiago Igor , Portugal António
Published: February 2022

The Synechococcales is a large cyanobacterial order comprising both unicellular and filamentous forms, with parietal thylakoid arrangement. Previously, this order has been the subject of taxonomic revisions with new families being erected. During studies of the phototrophic communities on the limestone walls of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (UNESCO monument), a coccoid Aphanocapsa‐like cyanobacterium was isolated. It was characterized using a polyphasic approach, based on morphology, 16S rRNA phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) secondary structure, and ecology. The 16S rRNA phylogenetic analyses showed that this strain is placed in a separate and highly supported family‐level clade, as part of a large group comprising the families Prochlorococcaceae and Prochlorotrichaceae, with Lagosinema as the closest (although quite distant) taxon. Additionally, the phylogenomic analysis also placed this strain in a separate lineage, situated distantly apart from the family Thermosynechococcaceae, but with strains assigned to Acaryochloris marina MBIC 11017 and Aphanocapsa montana BDHKU210001 as the closest taxa. Based on these data, as well as on the results from the secondary ITS structure, morphology, and ecology, we here propose the establishment of Petrachlorosaceae fam. nov., along with the description of Petrachloros gen. nov. and Petrachloros mirabilis sp. nov. We also address additional considerations regarding some cyanobacterial taxa within the order Synechococcales, which we believe deserve further revisions.
The distribution of the desert meteorites in China and their classification
Authors: Fan Yan , Li Shijie , Liu Shen , Peng Hao , Song Guangming , Smith Thomas
Published: February 2022

In recent years, numerous meteorites have been collected in desert areas in northern and western China. We describe the environment of some deserts in this region, and the petrological and mineralogical characteristics of 49 of the recovered ordinary chondrites. They consist of 14 H chondrites, 33 L chondrites, and 2 LL chondrites. Of the 300 desert meteorites with approved names from deserts in China, there have been 287 ordinary chondrites, six iron meteorites, one CO3 chondrite, one diogenite, one ureilite, one brachinite, one eucrite, and one EL7 chondrite. Forty‐two dense meteorite collection areas (DCAs) have been defined, mainly located in northern and western China. The meteorites collected are mainly from the Kumtag DCA, followed by the Alatage Mountain, Loulan Yizhi, Hami, and Lop Nur DCAs. After tentative pairing of the meteorites, we estimate that the ordinary chondrites account for 72% of the desert meteorites collected in China, with 63 H chondrites, 133 L chondrites, and 20 LL chondrites. This dominance of L chondrites contrasts with other deserts, which may result from the insufficient collection or bias in pairing of ordinary chondrites. The mass distribution of meteorites from different DCAs in China is consistent with that from DCAs in Africa. Based on the available information and the meteorite flux model proposed by previous studies, we suggest that the time over which meteorites have been accumulated in the southern Hami DCA might be >10 kyr. Therefore, the southern Hami region is currently the most suitable area for meteorite collection in China.
OsADK1, a novel kinase regulating arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in rice
Authors: Guo Rui , Wu Ya‐Nan , Liu Cheng‐Chen , Liu Ying‐Na , Tian Li , Cheng Jian‐Fei , Pan Zhiyong , Wang Dong , Wang Bin
Published: February 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis relies on the formation of arbuscules for efficient nutrient exchange between plants and AM fungi. In this study, we identified a novel kinase gene in rice named OsADK1 (Arbuscule Development Kinase 1) that is required for arbuscule development.

By obtaining OsADK1pro::GUS transgenic rice plants and also generating Osadk1 mutants via CRISPR/Cas9 technique, OsADK1 was revealed to be specifically induced in the arbusculated cortical cells and mutations in OsADK1 resulted in an extremely low colonisation rate (c. 3%) of rice roots by AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis.

In the mutant roots, the very few observed arbuscules nearly all arrested at an early ‘trunk‐forming’ phase without forming any branches. Increasing the inoculum strength of AM fungus or cocultivation with a wild‐type nurse plant did not result in the rescue of the arbuscule phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing of both nursed and un‐nursed Osadk1 mutants then revealed that the mutation of OsADK1 could greatly affect the AM symbiotic programme, including many key transcription factors such as RAM1 and WRI5.

OsADK1 therefore represents a new rice kinase that is required for arbuscule branching. Its identification opens a new window to explore the elaborate signal transduction pathway that determines arbuscule development during plant–fungus symbiosis.
Deuterium in marine organic biomarkers: toward a new tool for quantifying aquatic mixotrophy
Authors: Cormier Marc‐André , Berard Jean‐Baptiste , Bougaran Gaël , Trueman Clive N. , Mayor Daniel J. , Lampitt Richard S. , Kruger Nicholas J. , Flynn Kevin J. , Rickaby Rosalind E. M.
Published: February 2022

The traditional separation between primary producers (autotrophs) and consumers (heterotrophs) at the base of the marine food web is being increasingly replaced by the paradigm that mixoplankton, planktonic protists with the nutritional ability to use both phago(hetero)trophy and photo(auto)trophy to access energy are widespread globally. Thus, many ‘phytoplankton’ eat, while 50% of ‘protozooplankton’ also perform photosynthesis. Mixotrophy may enhance primary production, biomass transfer to higher trophic levels and the efficiency of the biological pump to sequester atmospheric CO2 into the deep ocean. Although this view is gaining traction, science lacks a tool to quantify the relative contributions of autotrophy and heterotrophy in planktonic protists. This hinders our understanding of their impacts on carbon cycling within marine pelagic ecosystems. It has been shown that the hydrogen (H) isotopic signature of lipids is uniquely sensitive to heterotrophy relative to autotrophy in plants and bacteria. Here, we explored whether it is also sensitive to the trophic status in protists. The new understanding of H isotope signature of lipid biomarkers suggests it offers great potential as a novel tool for quantifying the prevalence of mixotrophy in diverse marine microorganisms and thus for investigating the implications of the ‘mixoplankton’ paradigm.
DNase enhances photodynamic therapy against fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans biofilms
Authors: Abreu‐Pereira César Augusto , Klein Marlise Inêz , Lobo Carmélia Isabel Vitorino , Gorayb Pereira Ana Luiza , Jordão Cláudia Carolina , Pavarina Ana Claudia
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of DNase I combined with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, mediated by Photodithazine® and light‐emitting diode light, against biofilms formed by a fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans strain (ATCC 96901) and two clinical isolates (R14 and R70).

Materials and Methods

Biofilms were grown for 48 h and exposed to DNase for 5 min, followed by application of a photosensitizer (P) and light (L), either singly or combined (P+L+, P−L+, P+L−, P−L−, P−L−DNase, P+L+DNase, P+L−DNase, and P−L+DNase; n = 12). Biofilm analysis included quantification of extracellular matrix components (water‐soluble and insoluble polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA), and biomass (total and insoluble), as well as the enumeration of colony‐forming units. The data were analyzed using three‐way analysis of variance with Bonferroni's post hoc test.

Results

The DNase treatment combined with aPDT showed a reduction of 1.92, 1.65, and 1.29 log10 of cell viability compared with untreated controls for ATCC 96901, R14, and R70 strains, respectively. It also reduced extracellular matrix contents of water‐soluble polysaccharides (36.3%) and extracellular DNA (72.3%), as well as insoluble biomass content (43.3%).

Conclusion

The three strains showed similar behavior when treated with DNase, and the extracellular matrix components were affected, improving the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
Roots alter soil microbial diversity and interkingdom interactions in diversified agricultural landscapes
Authors: Mafa‐Attoye Tolulope G. , Borden Kira A. , Alvarez Dasiel Obregón , Thevathasan Naresh , Isaac Marney E. , Dunfield Kari E.
Published: February 2022

The complex interactions between plant roots and soil microorganisms are, broadly, well described. Yet the patterns of microbe–microbe interaction and their association with the root functional traits are less known especially in plant communities at the edges of agricultural landscapes. To address this gap, we measured the active soil microbial communities with and without the presence of plant roots, using in situ root exclusions, in four plant communities at the edges of agricultural fields: undisturbed natural deciduous forests (FOREST1), coniferous forests (FOREST2), rehabilitated agroforests (AGROFOREST) and perennial herbaceous grass buffers (GRASS). Amplicon‐based analysis of 16S rRNA and ITS transcripts was used to evaluate soil bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities, and their interactions, with ‘roots' and with ‘no roots'. Plants roots were measured for a suite of functional traits and explored in association with microbial community composition. Significant differences in bacterial and archaeal but not fungal diversity were observed between soil plots with ‘roots' and with ‘no roots'. Network analysis illustrated intra and inter kingdoms co‐occurrence patterns respond to the presence of plant roots, with GRASS exhibiting distinct patterns in comparison to tree‐dominated soils. A shift in microbial hub from bacterial to fungal was observed with the exclusion of roots; Planctomycetes (OM190)_10 was replaced by Archaeorhizomyces in AGROFOREST site. Microbial taxa strongly correlate with root traits especially specific root length, root diameter and root tissue density indicating root traits are predictors of microbial community composition. This study validates the vital role of root traits in predicting plant–microbe interactions and highlights the key role of fungi in microbial interkingdom interactions when roots are absent. These findings have significant ecosystem level implications, with the rising interest in associated biodiversity in and at the edges of agricultural landscapes, this work suggests that plant community selection for specific root traits may drive microbial community structure and ecosystem services.
Change in rehabilitation needs and activity limitations over time of adults with acquired visual impairment following entry to a low vision rehabilitation service in England
Authors: Macnaughton Jane , Vianya‐Estopa Marta , Latham Keziah
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Longitudinal changes in priority rehabilitation needs, vision‐related activity limitation and importance of visual goals were evaluated in a sample of people with a visual impairment over a year following entry to low vision rehabilitation services in England.

Methods

Participants were adults with newly registered visual impairment within Leicestershire. Priority scores, indicating the level of rehabilitative need, were determined from the importance and difficulty scores of the 48 goals of the Participation and Activity Inventory (PAI). Rasch analysis of the difficulty and importance scores examined activity limitation and importance separately. PAI outcome measures were assessed on entry to rehabilitation services and at 4 and 12 months thereafter.

Results

Forty‐eight participants (mean age 74.2, SD 14.1 years) completed three visits. Overall, there was a statistically significant reduction in the perceived need for rehabilitation over time (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.29), driven by reduced perceived difficulty (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.32) but stable importance (p = 0.73) of goals, with most change occurring between baseline and 4 months. PAI goals with greatest rehabilitative need at study entry were reading, mobility and writing, and these remained of highest priority over time. The greatest priority score decrease was for the goal ‘Hobbies and crafts’. The largest decrease in importance was for ‘Mobility outdoors’, whereas ‘Relationship with loved ones’ increased most.

Conclusions

Despite a decline in the perceived need for rehabilitation over the study period, there remains a need for continued support and intervention at 12 months following registration with rehabilitation services, particularly for the key goals of reading, writing and mobility. Early identification and support for individuals’ important but difficult goals could prevent such goals being relinquished. Goals concerning relationships and communication became more important over time, indicating that re‐evaluation of needs at follow‐up is necessary to inform ongoing service provision.
Income Inequality and Increasing Dispersion of the Transition to First Birth in the Global South
Authors: Castro Torres Andrés F. , Batyra Ewa , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: February 2022

The relationship between levels of social and economic inequality and demographic changes remains poorly documented, particularly for fertility. Covering a period from 1986 to 2018, this paper documents a positive country‐level association between income inequality and the dispersion of first birth schedules among women from 88 countries of the Global South. This association is driven by a dual dynamic of the decreasing mean age at first birth among a shrinking group of women who transition to motherhood early, and the increasing mean age at first birth and rising heterogeneity in the timing of childbearing among a group of first birth delayers. We show that this association is strongest in countries where the total fertility rate is below 2.5 children per woman. We argue that differential opportunities for accessing quality education, formal labor markets, and migration are potential drivers of the rising heterogeneity in the ages at which women transition to childbearing. These results highlight the importance of examining societal and demographic processes jointly and clearly indicate that more and better‐quality data on social and economic inequality are needed.
Application of Bioluminescent Methods to Study the Effect of the Membrane‐active Antibiotic Colistin on Bacterial Cells
Authors: Yu. Lomakina Galina , Ugarova Natalia N.
Published: February 2022

For the first time, recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing thermostable Luciola mingrelica firefly luciferase were used to study the effect of the membrane‐active antibiotic colistin on live cells. Simple, fast, and highly sensitive bioluminescent methods were developed for measurement of luciferase activity and ATP concentration inside and outside E. coli cells incubated in a nutrient medium, or in saline. Luciferase proved to be an informative protein marker for detecting the irreversible changes in cell membrane permeability. The study of kinetics of intra‐ and extracellular ATP concentration at different concentrations of colistin showed that the rate of decrease in intracellular ATP concentration significantly exceeded the rate of accumulation of extracellular ATP concentration. This fact could not be explained only by the release of ATP from the cell with an increase in the permeability of the outer cell membrane under the action of colistin. The loss of a significant part of intracellular ATP in presence of the colistin is probably due to a decrease in the activity of the respiratory chain enzymes and ATP synthase which operate in the cytoplasmic cell membrane, which leads to a decrease in the rate of ATP synthesis or even to its halt.