bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rodent models of hypertension
Authors: Jama Hamdi A. , Muralitharan Rikeish R. , Xu Chudan , O'Donnell Joanne A. , Bertagnolli Mariane , Broughton Bradley R. S. , Head Geoffrey A. , Marques Francine Z.
Published: August 2021

Elevated blood pressure (BP), or hypertension, is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease. As a multifactorial and systemic disease that involves multiple organs and systems, hypertension remains a challenging disease to study. Models of hypertension are invaluable to support the discovery of the specific genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying essential hypertension, as well as to test new possible treatments to lower BP. Rodent models have proven to be an invaluable tool for advancing the field. In this review, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of rodent models of hypertension through a systems approach. We highlight the ways how target organs and systems including the kidneys, vasculature, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), immune system and the gut microbiota influence BP in each rodent model. We also discuss often overlooked hypertensive conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and hypertensive‐pregnancy disorders, providing an important resource for researchers.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Preclinical Models for Cardiovascular disease research (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.5/issuetoc
Loss of Krüppel‐like factor 9 facilitates stemness in ovarian cancer ascites‐derived multicellular spheroids via Notch1/slug signaling
Authors: Wang Kun , Liu Shujie , Dou Zhiyuan , Zhang Shuo , Yang Xingsheng
Published: August 2021

The ascites that develops in advanced OC, both at diagnosis and upon recurrence, is a rich source of multicellular spheroids/aggregates (MCSs/MCAs), which are the major seeds of tumor cell dissemination within the abdominal cavity. However, the molecular mechanism by which specific ascites‐derived tumor cells survive and metastasize remains largely unknown. In this study, we elucidated cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of ascites‐derived MCSs, concomitant with enhanced malignancy, induced EMT, and low KLF9 (Krüppel‐like factor 9) expression, compared with PTCs. KLF9 was also downregulated in OC cell line‐derived spheroids and the CD117+CD44+ subpopulation in MCSs. Functional experiments demonstrated that KLF9 negatively modulated stem‐like properties in OC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that KLF9 reduced the transcriptional expression of Notch1 by directly binding to the Notch1 promoter, thereby inhibiting the function of slug in a CSL‐dependent manner. Clinically, expression of KLF9 was associated with histological grade and loss of KLF9 predicts poor prognosis in OC.
Evidence for causal associations between prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure and asthma in children, England
Authors: Souza da Cunha Sergio , Santorelli Gillian , Pearce Neil , Wright John , Oddie Sam , Petherick Emily , Pembrey Lucy
Published: August 2021

Background

Higher risks of asthma have been observed in children with prenatal exposure to antibiotics and during early life compared with those who have not. However, the causality of such associations is unclear.

Objective

To assess whether exposure to antibiotics in early life had a causal effect in increasing the risk of asthma in children diagnosed at 5–8 years of life, and the impact in the target population.

Methods

Data were from electronic health records and questionnaires for children and their mothers in the Born in Bradford birth cohort. Exposure variables were prescriptions of systemic antibiotics to the mother during pregnancy (prenatal) and to the children at 0–24 months of life (postnatal). We assessed the association in 12,476 children with several approaches to deal with different sources of bias (triangulation): the interactions with mother's ethnicity, mode of delivery, and between prenatal and postnatal exposures; dose‐response; and estimated the population attributable risk.

Results

There was an association between prenatal exposure at 7–27 days before the child's birth and asthma (adjusted OR = 1.40; 1.05, 1.87), but no association with the negative control exposure (before pregnancy) (adjusted OR = 0.99 (0.88, 1.12)). For postnatal exposure, the adjusted OR was 2.00 (1.71, 2.34), and for sibling analysis, it was 1.99 (1.00, 3.93). For postnatal exposure, the risk of asthma increased with the number of prescriptions. The observed effect of both exposures was lower among children with mothers of Pakistani ethnicity, but inconclusive (p > .25). The interaction between prenatal and postnatal exposures was also inconclusive (p = .287). The population attributable risk of postnatal exposure for asthma was 4.6% (0.1% for prenatal).

Conclusions

We conclude that the associations between both late‐pregnancy prenatal exposure to antibiotics and postnatal exposure to antibiotics and an increased risk of asthma are plausible and consistent with a causal effect.
Safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐immunoglobulin G‐associated disorder among adults: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kharel Sanjeev , Ojha Rajeev , Ghimire Rakesh , Guragain Neha , Mudvari Anish
Published: August 2021

Objective

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G‐associated disorder (MOGAD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system having distinct clinical phenotypes and epidemiological distribution than multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Mycophenolate mofetil has shown good safety and efficacy in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients, but the published case series and observational studies of MOGAD showed contrasting results. Thus, we felt the need to carry out a meta‐analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and additional sources for suitable studies. Meta‐analysis through representative forest plot was carried out for the proportion of relapse‐free patients, change in annualized relapse ratio and Expanded Disability Status Scale before and after treatment, and reduction of relapse risk.

Results

A total of nine studies were included in our meta‐analysis. Mycophenolate mofetil treatment showed approximately half the proportion (49%; 95% CI 0.26–0.73, P < .001) of relapse‐free patients at follow up. It also significantly reduced the mean annualized relapse (mean difference 0.76, 95% CI 0.49–1.03, P < .001) and relapse risk (hazard ratio 1.25, 95% CI −2.48 to −0.01, P < 0.05), but did not show a significant difference in change in Expanded Disability Status Scale score (mean difference 0.34, 95% CI −0.79 to 1.47, P = 0.56). On subgroup analysis, administration of a high dose (>2000 mg/day) showed a greater proportion of relapse‐free patients. Infections, leukopenia, fatigue, alopecia and diarrhea were common side‐effects. A total of 10.32% of patients discontinued treatment, mainly due to treatment failure.

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis shows mycophenolate mofetil therapy as cost‐effective, well tolerated and effective for the treatment of relapses in MOGAD among adult patients.
Patient perspectives on surveillance after head and neck cancer treatment: A systematic review
Authors: McLaren Oliver , Perkins Clare , Zhu Yinan , Smith Mary , Williams Richard
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Current guidelines advise post‐treatment surveillance of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients should involve scheduled appointments with a variety of practitioners. Increasing numbers of HNC survivors raise the burden to provide efficient and effective care. With resource limitation, there is growing importance to identify how surveillance can be justified and optimised for survivors. This systematic review presents current evidence on patient perspectives of post‐treatment HNC surveillance, aiming to inform future work putting patient priorities at the forefront of surveillance planning.

Design

MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, NIHR Dissemination Centre, The Kings Fund Library, Clinical Evidence, NHS Evidence and NICE Clinical Evidence were searched to identify publications regarding patient perspectives of HNC post‐treatment surveillance. Studies not reporting on both surveillance and patient perspectives were excluded.

Results

Three thousand five hundred fifty‐eight citations were screened and 49 full‐text articles reviewed. Sixteen studies were included in the final review. Three authors reviewed all articles prior to final analysis to ensure all met inclusion criteria. Most evidence was low quality. Study models returned included cross‐sectional surveys, structured interviews and one systematic review. Overall, positive perceptions of HNC surveillance were mostly related to increased reassurance. Negative perceptions predominantly focused on anxiety and fear of recurrence, but a lack of psychological support and inadequate access to certain aspects of care were also reported.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrates that patients’ perceptions of surveillance after HNC are mostly positive, feeling it provides reassurance. However, several studies report unmet needs, particularly regarding managing anxiety.
Poor‐quality monitoring data underestimate the impact of Australia's megafires on a critically endangered songbird
Authors: Crates Ross , Rayner Laura , Stojanovic Dejan , Scheele Ben C. , Roff Adam , MacKenzie Jason , Heinsohn Robert
Published: August 2021

Aim

Catastrophic events such as south‐eastern Australia's 2019/20 megafires are predicted to increase in frequency and severity under climate change. Rapid, well‐informed conservation prioritization will become increasingly crucial for minimizing biodiversity losses resulting from megafires. However, such assessments are susceptible to bias, because the quality of monitoring data underpinning knowledge of species' distributions is highly variable and they fail to account for differences in life history traits such as aggregative breeding. We aimed to assess how impact estimates of the 2019/20 megafires on the critically endangered regent honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia varied according to the quality of available input data and assessment methodology.

Innovation

Using Google Earth Engine Burnt Area Mapping, we estimated the impact of the megafires on the regent honeyeater using six monitoring datasets that differ in quality and temporal span. These datasets are representative of the variable quality of monitoring data available for assessing fire impact on 326 other threatened species; most are poorly monitored, and few have standardized, species‐specific monitoring programmes. We found that assessments based on area of occupancy (AOO), extent of occurrence (EOO) and public sightings underestimated the fire impact relative to recent, targeted monitoring datasets: a MaxEnt model, sightings from a national monitoring programme and nest locations since 2015. Using an impact threshold of 30% of habitat burned, regent honeyeaters would not meet these criteria using estimates derived from EOO, AOO or public sightings, but would exceed the cut‐off based on estimates derived from the targeted monitoring data that account for population density.

Main conclusions

To ensure that conservation prioritization has the greatest capacity to minimize biodiversity losses, we highlight the need to improve targeted, threatened species monitoring. We demonstrate the importance of using recent, standardized monitoring data to estimate accurately the impact of major ecological disturbances, particularly for declining, nomadic species undergoing range contractions.
Trade openness and income inequality: New empirical evidence
Authors: Dorn Florian , Fuest Clemens , Potrafke Niklas
Published: August 2021

We examine how trade openness influences income inequality within countries. The sample includes 139 countries over the period 1970–2014. We employ predicted openness as instrument to deal with the endogeneity of trade openness. The effect of trade openness on income inequality differs across countries. Trade openness tends to disproportionately benefit the relative income shares of the very poor, but not necessarily all poor, in emerging and developing economies. In most advanced economies, trade openness increased income inequality, an effect that is driven by outliers. Our results suggest a strong effect of trade openness on inequality in China and transition countries.
Field evaluation of resistance to tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii, in tea plant
Authors: Yorozuya Hiroshi , Sudo Masaaki , Sato Yasushi
Published: August 2021

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii Matsuda (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae), is a serious pest of tea plants in East Asia. In the laboratory, tea genotypes CA278, Cd19, and Cd289 [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae)] sustain fewer feeding damage symptoms known as hopperburn than the susceptible cultivar ‘Yabukita,’ and E. onukii excretes less honeydew on them than on Yabukita. Here, we evaluated whether these genotypes have practical and sufficient resistance under field conditions. The densities of E. onukii eggs, larvae, and adults on tea shoots and the degree of feeding damage were compared as indicators of resistance. Genotypes Cd19 and Cd289 showed strong resistance and CA278 showed moderate resistance under field conditions. Therefore, Cd19 and Cd289 are favorable materials for breeding tea cultivars with resistance to tea green leafhopper. We propose selection methods for breeding new resistant tea cultivars.
Drosophila melanogaster mutant for the dopamine recycling pathway shows altered biological parameters and increased lifespan
Authors: Pérez Martín M. , Rossi Fabiana A. , Sabio Germán A. , Bochicchio Pablo A. , Leal María C. , Quesada‐Allué Luis A. , Rabossi Alejandro
Published: August 2021

The ebony and tan genes in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) participate in a very peculiar (and exclusive to insects) recycling pathway of neurotransmitters, mainly dopamine (DA) and histamine, in the nervous system and regulate the intensity of tanning in the cuticle. The ebony and tan mutants show altered levels of neurotransmitters, which give rise to developmental and behavioral impairments. The mutant tan lacks N‐β‐alanyldopamine hydrolase (NBAD‐hydrolase) activity; therefore it is unable to liberate DA from NBAD. Here, we studied developmental traits in tan1 mutant and previously unknown biological parameters in adult males, such as oxygen consumption, antioxidant capacity, lifespan, and the expression of detoxifying enzymes in the central nervous system. We compared them with those of wt Canton S and the mutant ebony1. Our results show that although tan1 mutant had high mortality during the immature stages, adult males had a significantly longer lifespan than wt and ebony1 mutant; the latter had the shortest lifespan. The longer lifespan of tan1 was not due to caloric restriction. We found that the nervous system of tan1 males had a higher antioxidant capacity. After provoking mild oxidative stress by the ingestion of hematoporphyrin, tan1 males still had a significantly longer lifespan than wt, whereas the ebony1 mutant had a shorter one. Under these conditions, tan1 showed an increased expression of catalase mRNA. Our results suggest that lower levels of free DA in the nervous system together with higher antioxidant activities seem to favor an extended lifespan in D. melanogaster tan1 males.
Secondary cluster headache due to a contralateral demyelinating periaqueductal gray matter lesion
Authors: Fiore Alessia , Tsantes Elena , Curti Erica , Bazzurri Veronica , Granella Franco
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Background

Tension‐type headache and migraine without aura are the most common primary headaches occurring in people with demyelinating diseases, whereas cluster headache (CH) can be considered exceptional. The location of demyelinating lesions could be strategic in these cases, involving areas interacting with the trigeminovascular system.

Methods and Results

We report a case of a 54‐year‐old woman with right‐sided CH as the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis and showing a left dorsal brainstem lesion on magnetic resonance imaging, in the region of the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus (DLF).

Conclusion

Our case seems to suggest a possible role of the DLF in the process that leads to CH attacks. Because neuroimaging clearly showed a lesion contralateral to CH pain, we hypothesize that some fibers from periaqueductal gray matter project to the contralateral side, besides the known ipsilateral connections.
Cutaneous myiasis in skin cancer and malignant wounds: a systematic review
Authors: Cuestas Daniel , Pedraza John , Herrera Hugo , Motta Adriana , Cuestas Andrés , Forero Yency , Porras Ricardo , Urrea Fernando , Galvis Dany , Galvis Ingrid , Bernal Maria‐Alejandra , Alvarado Maria‐Victoria , Bula Rosa , Velasquez Oscar , Villalba Dennys , Lamus Sergio , Ariza Gabriel , Bayona Natalia , Gutierrez Ana , Segura Alexandra , Patiño Monica , Perafan Alejandra , Ramirez‐Rodriguez Santiago , Rolon Mariam
Published: August 2021

Background

Cutaneous myiasis in patients with malignant wounds or skin cancer is a rare and undesirable event with limited epidemiological data. A subregister of reports, lack of education in the population, inadequate empirical treatments, and medical underestimation are components of a public health problem that threatens patients' lives.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature of cutaneous myiasis associated with malignant wounds and skin cancer, characterizing sociodemographic variables, risk factors, clinical and histological features, and treatment. Additionally, we present a demonstrative case with the adequate taxonomic evaluation.

Discussion

Cutaneous myiasis is an underestimated and poorly managed infestation, which can generate severe complications in oncological patients. This is the first systematic review in the literature about this clinical scenario, which provides information to the physician and clinical researcher about the epidemiological gaps and what has been published so far.

Conclusions

Findings from the current review have helped to display the sociodemographic, epidemiological, and clinical behavior of myiasis in skin cancer and malignant wounds. Its contribution to the greater tumor tissue destruction is clear; however, more studies are required. The therapeutic management in these patients is equally clarified.
Regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in skin: role in pathophysiology
Authors: Gupta Divya , Abdullah Tasduq S.
Published: August 2021

Skin is a dynamic interface between the external environment and internal organs. It has high turnover that allows the renewal of dead skin cells, thus maintaining a healthy skin homeostasis. Mitochondria fulfills all the energy needs for these cells. In addition, mitochondria are an active source of free radicals that have been determined as crucially important in skin health and disease. The common notion of limited role of mitochondria as merely the cellular powerhouse has drastically changed. Several extracellular stressors have proved to induce impairment in the dynamic properties of mitochondria such as fusion and fission, which further leads to an activation of selective autophagic response known as mitophagy. Altered mitochondrial dynamics have been lately associated with skin photodamage and cutaneous manifestations of several diseased states, thereby suggesting it to be an effective therapeutic target. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved with impaired mitochondrial dynamics and its potential role in skin health and disease.
LINC00472 suppressed by ZEB1 regulates the miR‐23a‐3p/FOXO3/BID axis to inhibit the progression of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Bi Cong , Wang Gang
Published: August 2021

The tumour‐suppressive role of LINC00472 has been extensively reported in various human cancers such as lung, colon and ovarian cancers, yet its function in pancreatic cancer remains unidentified. Here, the current research aimed to explore the role and regulatory axis mediated by LINC00472 in the progression of pancreatic cancer. RT‐qPCR was adopted to determine LINC00472 expression in the harvested pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function experiments were performed to examine the effects of LINC00472 on proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. Immunoblotting was performed to detect the expression of several proliferation and apoptosis‐related proteins. Bioinformatic analysis, dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down were conducted to profile the relationships between LINC00472 and miR‐23a‐3p, between miR‐23a‐3p and FOXO3 and between FOXO3 and BID. The LINC00472 expression was down‐regulated by ZEB1 in the pancreatic cancer cells and tissues. LINC00472 could competitively bind to miR‐23a‐3p to enhance the expression of FOXO3, which consequently could promote the BID expression, thereby suppressing proliferation and promoting the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. Meanwhile, the inhibitory role of LINC00472 in tumorigenesis was validated in vivo, and the LINC00472‐mediated miR‐23a‐3p/FOXO3/BID axis was also demonstrated in the nude mouse tumour formation model. The study substantiated the antitumour activity of LINC00472 in pancreatic cancer and proposed a regulatory axis in which LINC00472 competitively binds to miR‐23a‐3p to enhance the FOXO3 expression and promote BID expression. Consequently, these findings provide theoretical basis for developing potential targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The stressosome, a caspase‐8‐activating signalling complex assembled in response to cell stress in an ATG5‐mediated manner
Authors: Mnich Katarzyna , Koryga Izabela , Pakos‐Zebrucka Karolina , Thomas Melissa , Logue Susan E. , Eriksson Leif A. , Gorman Adrienne M. , Samali Afshin
Published: August 2021

Stress‐induced apoptosis is mediated primarily through the intrinsic pathway that involves caspase‐9. We previously reported that in caspase‐9‐deficient cells, a protein complex containing ATG5 and Fas‐associated death domain (FADD) facilitated caspase‐8 activation and cell death in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Here, we investigated whether this complex could be activated by other forms of cell stress. We show that diverse stress stimuli, including etoposide, brefeldin A and paclitaxel, as well as heat stress and gamma‐irradiation, caused formation of a complex containing ATG5‐ATG12, FADD and caspase‐8 leading to activation of downstream caspases in caspase‐9‐deficient cells. We termed this complex the ‘stressosome’. However, in these cells, only ER stress and heat shock led to stressosome‐dependent cell death. Using in silico molecular modelling, we propose the structure of the stressosome complex, with FADD acting as an adaptor protein, interacting with pro‐caspase‐8 through their respective death effector domains (DEDs) and interacting with ATG5‐ATG12 through its death domain (DD). This suggests that the complex could be regulated by cellular FADD‐like interleukin‐1β‐converting enzyme–inhibitory protein (cFLIPL), which was confirmed experimentally. This study provides strong evidence for an alternative mechanism of caspase‐8 activation involving the stressosome complex.
Investigating performance of fabricated electrospun polyethersulfone/Zeolite Y composite nanofibers in concentrate lemon juice by the osmotic membrane distillation process
Authors: Estedlali Zahra , Aroujalian Abdolreza , Salimi Parisa
Published: August 2021

The main objective of this work is to increase the hydrophobicity of Polyethersulfone (PES) by adding Zeolite Y nanoparticles and investigating hydrophobicity, and the performance of fabricated membrane in concentrate fresh juice by the osmotic membrane distillation (OMD) process. Membranes containing 0, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12 wt% of Zeolite Y nanoparticles were fabricated by the electrospinning method. Prepared membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle, and tensile. Pure water permeability was also measured for each membrane. Membranes were evaluated in the concentration of raw and fresh lemon juice (initial Brix of 6.75°) by the OMD process. Also, the concentrated juice color (a*, b*, L*, and ΔE) was measured for the most hydrophobic membrane. The contact angle of the electrospun membrane with 0 and 0.12 wt% of Zeolite Y nanoparticles were 138° and 160°, respectively, showing an increase in their surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the final concentration of juice during 5 hr of the OMD process with membranes containing 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12 wt% Zeolite Y and with the same stripping solution reached 33, 34.25, 34, 34.5°Brix, respectively. Finally, transpired that the time to reach the final concentration by the membrane containing 0.12 wt% nanoparticles was about 45 min shorter than the membrane without nanoparticles. The juice color had become redder, yellower, and darker. Adding nanoparticles and using the electrospinning method increases the hydrophobicity of the membrane. In the OMD process, as the hydrophobicity of the membrane increases, the duration of concentration decreases.

Practical applications

Considering the various benefits of the fabricated membrane, it can be used to concentrate fruit juice in less time.
Revascularization versus medical therapy in patients aged 80 and older with stable ischemic heart disease
Authors: Phan Derek Q. , Zadegan Ray , Lee Ming‐Sum
Published: August 2021

Background

Older patients are underrepresented in landmark randomized trials for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Therefore, we sought to evaluate the benefits of revascularization in patients ≥80 years old with SIHD.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for SIHD between 2009 and 2019. Patients were grouped according to treatment: revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) versus initial medical therapy alone. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)‐adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed. Outcomes evaluated were all‐cause mortality, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization.

Results

A total of 1015 patients (median age 83.0, interquartile range [IQR] 81.3–85.2 years; 29% female) underwent ICA for SIHD. Of these, 557 (55%) were treated with revascularization and 458 (45%) with initial medical therapy alone. Baseline characteristics were well balanced after IPTW adjustment. At median follow‐up of 3.5 years (IQR 1.7–5.9 years), there were no differences in all‐cause mortality and non‐fatal MI between treatment groups; but there was an increased need for repeat revascularization (IPTW adjusted hazard ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.53–3.22) with revascularization. Separately comparing PCI or CABG alone versus medical therapy yielded similar results; as well as in subgroup analysis (except for patients ≥90 years old and those without prior CABG).

Conclusion

There were no differences in all‐cause mortality and non‐fatal MI with invasive revascularization (either PCI or CABG) versus medical therapy alone in patients ≥80 years old with SIHD. Large randomized trials focusing on older patients are warranted to guide clinical practice in this growing population.
Application of red light therapy for moderate‐to‐severe acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Yifan , Deng Yu , Huang Peng
Published: August 2021

Background

Photodynamic therapy had made great progress in the treatment of acne vulgaris. However, there is no meta‐analysis on the effectiveness and safety of red light therapy for acne vulgaris.

Objective

To assess the efficiency and safety of red light therapy for acne vulgaris.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were retrieved to identify related studies. The outcomes were expressed as improvement in the average percentages of inflammatory acne lesions (MPRI) and non‐inflammatory acne lesions (NMPRI), as well as the improvement of acne lesions respectively after treatment.

Results

13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) consisting of 422 participants were included. There was no significant difference in the average number of non‐inflammatory lesions (weighted mean difference (WMD = −0.527; 95% CI,‐3.055~2.001; p = 0.683). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in the average number of inflammatory lesions (WMD =0.701; 95% CI, −0.809~2.212; p =0.363). In the subgroup analysis of the outcome changes in comedones, pustules, papules, and total lesions, it was found that red light therapy elicited no significant superiority compared with other conventional treatment methods (WMD = −1.125; 95% CI, −3.122~0.873; p = 0.270). Adverse events of the red light group were generally mild or even completely non‐existent.

Conclusion

There was no statistically significant difference between red light therapy and traditional therapies in terms of efficacy. However, due to the heterogeneity of the researches and the lack of large sample size, the result of this study needs to be interpreted with caution.
Nursing perspectives on reducing sedentary behaviour in sub‐acute hospital settings: A mixed methods study
Authors: Hills Danny , Ekegren Christina , Plummer Virginia , Freene Nicole , Kunstler Breanne , Robinson Tracy , Healy Ellen , Vo Jennifer , Gasevic Danijela , Crabtree Amelia
Published: August 2021

Aim and objectives

To determine the factors influencing nurses’ decisions and capacity to reduce sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients in sub‐acute hospital settings.

Background

Sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is a complex issue that can be resistant to resolution. There is little research investigating factors influencing nurses’ promotion of reduced levels of sedentary behaviour in sub‐acute hospital settings.

Design

An explanatory sequential design was employed, comprising quantitative and qualitative phases.

Methods

An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 138 nurses from five Australian states. Logistic regression modelling identified demographic and behavioural characteristics of nurses who often encouraged patients to reduce their sedentary behaviour. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 11 ward nurses and nurse managers, with the content subjected to thematic analysis. STROBE and GRAMMS checklists were employed.

Results

Nurses recognised their role in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour but faced a range of personal and organisational barriers in achieving this outcome for patients. Few nurses were aware of national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. Five themes emerged from interviews (nursing role, care challenges, expectations of advocates, teamwork and improving the experience). Overall, many nurses experienced a lack of agency in promoting reduced sedentary behaviour and cognitive dissonance in feeling unable to undertake this role.

Conclusions

The results of this study are significant in confirming that reducing sedentary behaviour in hospital inpatients is influenced by a range of complex and multi‐level factors. There is a fundamental need for organisational and clinical leadership in building a culture and climate in which staff feel empowered to promote reduced sedentary behaviour in their patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study highlight the importance of taking action to reduce sedentary behaviour in sub‐acute hospital settings. A co‐design approach to developing interventions in local health services is warranted.
Interpersonal Outcomes of Religious Identity Management at Work
Authors: Ahmad Afra S. , King Eden , Lindsey Alex , Sabat Isaac , Phetmisy Cassandra , Anderson Amanda
Published: August 2021

Despite potential positive intrapersonal outcomes of expressing important aspects of identity, people fear its negative interpersonal consequences. Two complementary studies with triangulating methodologies explore the interpersonal implications of a full range of religious identity management behaviours, from concealing to ardently revealing religion in the workplace. A field experiment manipulating religion and identity management behaviours demonstrated that ardently revealing a religious affiliation improved interpersonal reactions across religious groups. A complementary virtual experiment suggested that the effects of revealing behaviours (whether in relation to one’s religion or another social identity group) on interpersonal reactions were explained by enhanced perceptions of authenticity. Together, these findings provide robust evidence that being open about social group memberships can result in positive interpersonal experiences.
Adverse post‐operative events of salivary gland biopsies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Valdez Remberto M. A. , Melo Thayanara S. , Santos‐Silva Alan R. , Duarte Angela , Gueiros Luiz A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the complications following major and minor salivary gland biopsy.

Materials and Methods

Observational studies assessing postoperative complications of minor salivary gland biopsy and indexed at Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, Cinahl, LILACS, or Scopus were selected. This review was registered under the protocol number: CRD42020211169. The level of significance considered was 0.05, and the R software (The R Foundation) was used for the meta‐analysis.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies reporting 3208 patients were included in this review. The combined prevalence of postsurgical complications was 11% (95% CI, 8 to 13%, p = 0.01). The percentage of the combined prevalence of neurological complications was 3% (95% CI, 1–6%, p = 0.01). The surgical technique did not influence the frequency of overall and neurological complications.

Conclusion

Minor salivary gland biopsies are a safe and predictable procedure that should be performed on the lower lip. Postoperative complications are more common than previously reported, but permanent complaints are uncommon.
Consequences of child maltreatment: A glimpse at stress and sleep
Authors: Pfaff Angela , Schlarb Angelika A.
Published: August 2021

The present study goal was to provide further information on the association of maltreatment experiences in childhood (CM) and impaired sleep taking the hyperarousal theory of insomnia and stress reaction into account. In all, 62 participants took part in the study. CM history (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were assessed before study commencement. In addition, participants wore an actigraph for 6–7 consecutive nights and completed a sleep log during this time. After 3–4 days, the participants took part in a laboratory stress paradigm (Maastricht Acute Stress Test) with 29 participants in the experimental and 31 in the control condition. Saliva cortisol samples were taken before and after the experiment and heart rate variability was assessed. CM was positively correlated with impaired subjectively assessed sleep in adulthood. The stress manipulation led to heightened subjective and physiological stress. Although lower cortisol changes after and lower mean heart rate values during the stress induction were found in the CM group, the differences were not statistically significant. There was no observable sleep reactivity on the stress induction. Stress and CM appear to have long‐term effects on subjective sleep. Acute social stress does not directly worsen sleep quality, neither in participants with nor without a history of CM. However, the association underlines the importance of prevention and intervention. When treating sleep impairments, potential CM experiences should be taken into account.
Cure everyone and vaccinate the rest: The patient perspective on future hepatitis B treatment
Authors: Freeland Catherine , Racho Rhea , Kamischke Maureen , Moraras Kate , Wang Evangeline , Cohen Chari
Published: August 2021

Those living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) require years, if not decades, of regular monitoring to prevent liver complications from occurring. An estimated 292 million people were living with chronic HBV globally in 2018 with approximately 2.4 million of those residing within the United States (US). This study is one of the first of its kind that aims to explore the treatment preferences for those living with chronic HBV through qualitative interviews. Participant data were collected by in‐depth telephone interviews using a semi‐structured discussion guide. A codebook guided the organization of data, and codes were developed by review of the literature (a priori) and through line‐by‐line reading of a subsample of queries. All data transcripts (N = 19) were independently double coded. Overarching themes identified from the data specific to the treatment modalities and implications of a functional HBV cure included the concern about side effects, treatment modality, frequency, duration, cost‐effectiveness and overall impact on their lives. Qualitative data analysis revealed the significant impact that an HBV functional cure would have on quality of life. Benefits of a cure were described as not having a finite course of treatment, improving overall vitality, and reducing the fear and anxiety associated with lifelong infection and potential development of liver cancer. Many individuals expressed the desire for a cure for HBV, stating it would be life‐changing, and a ‘miracle’. As new therapies are in development, more research should examine in detail the treatment preferences of those living with HBV.
Lubrication in the joints of insects (Arthropoda: Insecta)
Authors: Nadein K. , Gorb S.
Published: August 2021

Femoro‐tibial leg joint, head–prothorax joint (gular area) and occipital region of the head were examined using scanning electron microscopy in insects from the orders Blattodea and Coleoptera. Lubricating substances and corresponding pore openings were found in Argentinean Wood Roach Blaptica dubia and in the beetles from families Carabidae, Hydrophilidae, Silphidae, Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Tenebrionidae and Curculionidae. Lubricant on the contacting surfaces were found on femoral and tibial counterparts of leg joints of different beetle species and cockroaches, in the gular region of the head in beetles, and in the occipital region of the head of the cockroach. Typical pore opening was on an average 1 µm in diameter (ranging from 0.5 µm to 10.0 µm). The amount of pore openings in a joint varies from a few pores to hundreds. The lubricant is found to be strongly variable in its appearance usually in the form of a single elongated filiform flow, as well as long or short drops, often forming accumulations or spreading over the surface. The supposed function of the lubricant in studied joints is discussed and assumed as friction and wear minimization. The presence of a high amount of the lubricant in leg joints of insects with intense leg locomotion is presumed.
Alethic pluralism, deflationism, and faultless disagreement
Authors: Wright Crispin
Published: August 2021

One of the most important “folk” anti‐realist thoughts about certain areas of our thought and discourse—basic taste, for instance, or comedy—is that their lack of objectivity crystallises in the possibility of “faultless disagreements”: situations where one party accepts P, another rejects P, and neither is guilty of any kind of mistake of substance or shortcoming of cognitive process. On close inspection, however, it proves challenging to make coherent sense of this idea, and a majority of theorists have come to reject it as incoherent. There are two significant exceptions in the contemporary literature: relativists often hold it up as something of a coup for their view that it can make straightforward sense of faultless disagreement; and the author of this paper has argued (Wright 2006) that making judicious intuitionistic revisions to classical logic can provide resources that suffice to stabilise the notion. The present paper argues that neither relativism nor intuitionism in fact provides a satisfactory account and indicates how an alethic pluralist framework enables us to do better.
Surgical management of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in Africa: A systematic review of 891 cases
Authors: Bongomin Felix , Olum Ronald , Kwizera Richard , Baluku Joseph Baruch
Published: August 2021

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is an emerging fungal infectious disease of public health importance. We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting the outcomes of patients with CPA managed surgically in Africa. A search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and African Journals Online was conducted to identify studies indexed from inception to June 2021 that examined surgical management of CPA in Africa. All articles that presented primary data, including case reports and case series, were included. We excluded review articles. A total of 891 cases (557 males (62.5%), mean age 39.3 years) extracted from 27 eligible studies published between 1976 and 2020 from 11 African countries were included. Morocco (524, 59%) and Senegal (99, 11%) contributed the majority of cases. Active or previous pulmonary tuberculosis was reported in 677 (76.0%) cases. Haemoptysis was reported in 682 (76.5%) cases. Lobectomy (either unilateral or bilateral, n = 493, 55.3%), pneumonectomy (n = 154, 17.3%) and segmentectomy (n = 117, 13.1%) were the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Thirty (4.9%) cases from South Africa received bronchial artery embolisation. Empyema (n = 59, 27.4%), significant haemorrhage (n = 38, 173.7%), incomplete lung expansion (n = 26, 12.1%) and prolonged air leak (n = 24, 11.2%) were the most frequent complications. Overall, 45 (5.1%) patients died. The causes of death included respiratory failure (n = 14), bacterial superinfection/sepsis (n = 10), severe haemorrhage (n = 5), cardiopulmonary arrest (n = 3) and complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 3). The cause of death was either unknown or unspecified in 9 cases. We conclude that surgical treatment had very low mortality rates and maybe considered as first‐line management option in centres with experience and expertise in Africa.
Revisiting florivory: an integrative review and global patterns of a neglected interaction
Authors: Boaventura Maria Gabriela , Villamil Nora , Teixido Alberto L. , Tito Richard , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Silveira Fernando A. O. , Cornelissen Tatiana
Published: August 2021

Florivory is an ancient interaction which has rarely been quantified due to a lack of standardized protocols, thus impairing biogeographical and phylogenetic comparisons. We created a global, continuously updated, open‐access database comprising 180 species and 64 families to compare floral damage between tropical and temperate plants, to examine the effects of plant traits on floral damage, and to explore the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of flower–florivore interactions. Flower damage is widespread across angiosperms, but was two‐fold higher in tropical vs temperate species, suggesting stronger fitness impacts in the tropics. Flowers were mostly damaged by chewers, but neither flower color nor symmetry explained differences in florivory. Herbivory and florivory levels were positively correlated within species, even though the richness of the florivore community does not affect florivory levels. We show that florivory impacts plant fitness via multiple pathways and that ignoring this interaction makes it more difficult to obtain a broad understanding of the ecology and evolution of angiosperms. Finally, we propose a standardized protocol for florivory measurements, and identify key research avenues that will help fill persistent knowledge gaps. Florivory is expected to be a central research topic in an epoch characterized by widespread decreases in insect populations that comprise both pollinators and florivores.
Antibodies to human leukocyte antigens and their association with blood product exposures in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac transplantation
Authors: Cruz‐Beltran Susana , Lane Andrea , Seth Shivani , Miller Kati , Moore Reneé H. , Sullivan Harold C. , Fasano Ross M. , Guzzetta Nina A.
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

Previous blood product exposures may result in the development of antibodies to human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Pediatric heart transplant recipients who have these antibodies experience increased morbidity and mortality after transplantation. In this study, our aims were to confirm the association of previous allogeneic blood product exposures with the formation of anti‐HLA antibodies, determine which blood components pose the greatest risk of developing antibodies, and assess differences in outcomes after transplantation between patients who had anti‐HLA antibodies and those who did not.

Methods

This retrospective investigation included all children who underwent cardiac transplantation at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2018. Chart reviews were performed to collect pertinent data. Anti‐HLA antibodies were detected by single antigen bead testing. Antibody burden was tabulated using the calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) score immediately prior to transplantation. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine differences based on HLA antibody status and identify associations with outcomes of interest.

Results

Our results show a significant association between pretransplant blood product exposures and HLA antibody status. Children with a pretransplant blood product exposure had 7.98 times the odds of developing an anti‐HLA antibody compared to those without a pretransplant blood product exposure (p = .01). We also found a significant association between a previous red blood cell (RBC) exposure and HLA antibody status (p = .01) which was not found for other blood component exposures. Patients who were HLA antibody positive were more likely to develop a donor‐specific antibody (DSA) after transplantation (p = .04).

Conclusions

Exposure to previous allogeneic blood products affects the development of anti‐HLA antibodies in children presenting for heart transplantation. Previous RBC exposures resulted in HLA antibody positivity more than other blood component exposures. Importantly, the presence of HLA antibodies was associated with the development of DSAs post‐transplantation. Developing transfusion strategies to reduce allogeneic blood product exposures in children who may need future cardiac transplantation should be a high priority.