bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of an outbreak of acute liver injury after ingestion of plant‐based food supplement
Authors: Choi Gina , Ahmad Jawad , Navarro Victor , Thung Swan , Khan Ikhlas , Avula Bharathi , Barnhart Huiman , Stolz Andrew ,   the Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network
Published: June 2024

Background

In April 2022, French Lentil and Leek Crumble (FLLC), a new frozen food preparation manufactured by Daily Harvest™ (containing Tara flour) was offered as a natural high‐protein meal product. Soon thereafter, widespread anecdotal reports of acute gastrointestinal symptoms with liver injury were reported, leading to its voluntary withdrawal in June 2022, after shipment of 28,000 preparations.

Aims

To summarise the clinical and laboratory features of 17 patients with FLLC associated liver injury from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN).

Methods

Patients with FLLC‐associated liver injury were enrolled into a prospective protocol and followed for 6 months. Cases were adjudicated by expert opinion causality assessment with summary statistics for data analysis.

Results

Enrolled subjects had a mean age of 41 years, 82% were female with mean BMI of 24 kg/m2. All were Caucasian without underlying liver disease. In most cases, abdominal pain and nausea arose within hours of FLLC ingestion. Mean days from ingestion to identification of liver injury was 3.1 days (±2.8). On enrolment, 53% had jaundice, 47% nausea, 24% fever, 59% abdominal pain, 41% itching and 12% rash. The mean initial serum ALT was 475 U/L (±302), AST 315 U/L (±315), alkaline phosphatase 190 U/L (±76), with a total bilirubin of 2.6 mg/dL (±2). In this study, 63% presented with a hepatocellular pattern of liver injury, 6% cholestatic and 31% mixed as determined by the R value. In addition, 24% of patients were hospitalised, and there were no fatalities or liver transplants. Liver biopsy in one subject revealed acute hepatitis with mild ductular reaction, mild lymphocytic and eosinophilic portal inflammation, mild lobular inflammation, preserved bile ducts and absence of interface hepatitis, steatosis, granulomatous reaction or cholestasis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of Tara spinosa, the source of Tara flour.

Conclusions

Natural food products are increasingly ubiquitous and may unexpectedly cause significant illness. All clinicians should inquire whether patients are consuming natural food products or herbal supplements and consider them as a potential cause of liver injury.
Migrating sands: Refocusing transboundary flows from water to sediment
Authors: Hackney C. R.
Published: June 2024

Over 55,000 km of the world’s interior political border is formed along river channels. Yet it is more than just water that is conveyed downstream and across these borders by river systems, with sediment, pollutants, nutrients also transported, impacting downstream ecosystem service provision and livelihoods. Fundamentally, water and sediment operate in two distinct cycles, the behaviours of which have major implications for their management. The water cycle is inherently circular, with water being replenished by climatic processes across the basin. The sediment system, however, is linear, where once sediment is hindered or removed from the system, it cannot be reintroduced without anthropogenic action. In this paper, the balance between discourses of water and sediment are redressed by viewing the dialogues around transboundary management practices from these two cycles. Using the Mekong River, Southeast Asia as a focus, it is concluded that despite a political discourse that may predominantly focus on water, the management of waterways that traverse or cross international political borders must recognise that flows of water and sediment are intrinsically linked. The flow of rivers across political borders presents both challenges (potentially hindering data generation and sharing) and opportunities for international cooperation on environmental issues. It is argued that the framework for international cooperation on water is a good place to start when trying to address sediment issues, but a recognition of the differing behaviours of water and sediment systems is necessary to ensure appropriate and sustainable management of the sediment resource.
Change in vaping, smoking and dual‐use identities predicts quit success and cigarette usage: A prospective study of people quitting smoking with electronic cigarette support
Authors: Frings D. , Albery I. P. , Kimber C. , Naughton F. , Sideropoulos V. , Dawkins L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are an efficacious support for some but not all people wishing to stop using tobacco. While advice and practical support have been identified as increasing quit success, little research has explored the role of changes in smoking and EC‐related social identities.

Methods

A prospective study following 573 people attempting to quit smoking with EC support. Self‐report measures of identification with being a smoker, non‐smoker, vaper and dual user (people using ECs and tobacco products) were taken prior to the quit attempt and at a 12‐week follow‐up.

Results

Baseline identifications with being a smoker, non‐smoker or dual user were not associated with smoking outcomes. Baseline vaper identity baseline was linked to more frequent tobacco abstinence at follow‐up and lower levels of cigarette smoking. Levels of social identification at follow‐up were consistently linked with outcomes, with vaper identity and non‐smoking identities being protective and dual user identity being related to lower abstinence rates but decreased tobacco usage. Changes in identity over time were the most consistent predictor of outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings have implications for smoking cessation practice, informing how and when identity‐based interventions may be effective and our understanding of how identity transitions occur.
Sedimentation tempo in an Early Jurassic erg system: Refined chronostratigraphy and provenance of the Clarens Formation of southern Africa
Authors: Head Howard V. , Bordy Emese M. , Bolhar Robert
Published: June 2024

The Clarens Formation is a widespread aeolianite deposited over southern Gondwana and represents the final phase of erg evolution in the main Karoo Basin during the Early Jurassic. Previous age assessments of the formation hinge on limited detrital zircon data, supplemented by relative ages from the biostratigraphy and geochronology of the adjacent Karoo units. This study refines the depositional history of the Clarens Formation, including its sediment source dynamics as well as basin‐wide geochronological framework, based on U–Pb dating of detrital zircon grains, together with petrographic and sedimentological characterization. The abundant presence of heavy minerals like zircon, tourmaline and rutile suggests large‐scale detritus recycling, while the uniform sandstone composition on a regional scale is an indication of sediment homogenisation across the basin. Based on the prominent detrital zircon age fractions, the sediments are interpreted as having been reworked from pre‐existing rocks of the Karoo Supergroup (Permian), the Damara and Saldania Orogenic belts (650–490 Ma), whereas minor sources can be assigned to the Namaqua‐Natal Mobile Belt (1.35–1.1 Ga) and the western Sierras Pampeanas (1.30–1.33 Ga). Unstable minerals (hornblende, garnet, titanite, feldspar) provide evidence for a nearby granitic source east and southeast of the basin, related to likely Grenvillian rocks (1.0–1.3 Ga). An Early Jurassic zircon age fraction is linked to volcanic activity in the Chon Aike Magmatic Province that, at the time, was situated south and southwest of the study area. Maximum depositional ages derived from these detrital zircon dates suggest that the sedimentation of the Clarens Formation spanned an interval of ~10 Ma during the Pliensbachian and early Toarcian. More specifically, the lower part of the formation is of early Pliensbachian age or younger (~191–192), while the upper part is of early Toarcian age or younger (~181–183 Ma). These age patterns are particularly prominent in the south of the basin that was situated closer to the volcanic source.
Pricing the priceless childcare: Early childhood education for babies and toddlers
Authors: Bandelj Nina , Spiegel Michelle
Published: June 2024

This article connects Viviana Zelizer's theory of the social meaning of money to family studies, using the case of American parents’ spending on children. We investigate how money spent on the youngest children—babies and toddlers—reflects the growing expert emphasis on the importance of parental investment in the critical early period for child development. First, we review literature on expert knowledge to trace the shift in increasing emphasis on the importance of building children's cognitive skills through formal education beginning in infancy, offered in center‐based care, moving from spaces of “childcare” to “early childhood education” centers. Second, we use quantitative data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey (1995–2017) to show that parents have increasingly spent money, and an increasing share of their income, on center‐based care for babies and toddlers but not on other child items. Additionally, lower income families have been spending a greater share of their income on center‐based care for their infants than other families. We interpret our findings using Zelizer's theory about the cultural influences on the meaning of money, showing how these can be expert‐led and persist even when families are faced with structural economic constraints.
Effects of dental insurance and dental care utilization on oral health‐related daily life activities among federally qualified healthcare center patients in the United States
Authors: Chandel Tejasvita , Aldosari Muath , Chamut Steffany
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To assess the association between dental insurance, dental care utilization and oral health‐related impact on daily activities among patients visiting Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)‐funded health centers in the United States.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), a survey of patients who received care at US health centers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the likelihood of the oral health‐related impact on daily activities domains such as school/work performance, sleeping, eating/chewing, social and home activities considering sociodemographic, dental insurance, and dental care utilization.

Results

Among 7002 total participants, 6890 self‐reported oral health‐related impact on daily activities. Adults aged 18–44 were 2.6 times more likely to report an overall impact on everyday life activities compared to children and adolescents. After adjusting for sociodemographics, Hispanic patients were less likely to report any oral health‐related impacts, while patients visiting rural centres reported higher odds of oral health related impairment. Patients who experienced delays in receiving dental care or were unable to access dental care when needed were 4.5 times more likely to encounter difficulties in their daily activities.

Conclusions

This study linked limited dental insurance and care to increased oral health issues impacting daily life, particularly among adults, rural populations, and those facing delay in dental care. This highlights the need for policy reforms and interventions aimed at improving dental care access to mitigate the detrimental effects of poor oral health on daily functions for vulnerable populations.
The importance of social capital for the functioning of families with a child with neurodevelopmental disability
Authors: Bánovčinová Andrea
Published: June 2024

This commentary is on the original article by Banaru et al. on pages 1632–1643 of this issue.
Start, switch and stop (triple‐S) criteria for enzyme replacement therapy of late‐onset Pompe disease: European Pompe Consortium recommendation update 2024
Authors: Schoser Benedikt , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E. , Broomfield Alexander , Brusse Esther , Diaz‐Manera Jordi , Hahn Andreas , Hundsberger Thomas , Kornblum Cornelia , Kruijshaar Michelle , Laforet Pascal , Mengel Eugen , Mongini Tiziana , Orlikowski David , Parenti Giancarlo , Pijnappel W. W. M. Pim , Roberts Mark , Scherer Thomas , Toscano Antonio , Vissing John , van den Hout Johanna M. P. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Wenninger Stephan , van der Ploeg Ans T.
Published: June 2024

Background and purpose

Two novel enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs), studied in phase 3 trials in late‐onset Pompe patients, reached marketing authorization by the European Medicines Agency in 2022 and 2023. The European Pompe Consortium (EPOC) updates and extends the scope of the 2017 recommendations for starting, switching and stopping ERT.

Methods

The European Pompe Consortium consists of 25 neuromuscular and metabolic experts from eight European countries. This update was performed after an in‐person meeting, three rounds of discussion and voting to provide a consensus recommendation.

Results

The patient should be symptomatic, that is, should have skeletal muscle weakness or respiratory muscle involvement. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging findings showing substantial fat replacement can support the decision to start in a patient‐by‐patient scenario. Limited evidence supports switching ERT if there is no indication that skeletal muscle and/or respiratory function have stabilized or improved during standard ERT of 12 months or after severe infusion‐associated reactions. Switching of ERT should be discussed on a patient‐by‐patient shared‐decision basis. If there are severe, unmanageable infusion‐associated reactions and no stabilization in skeletal muscle function during the first 2 years after starting or switching treatment, stopping ERT should be considered. After stopping ERT for inefficacy, restarting ERT can be considered. Six‐monthly European Pompe Consortium muscle function assessments are recommended.

Conclusions

The triple‐S criteria on ERT start, switch and stop include muscle magnetic resonance imaging as a supportive finding and the potential option of home infusion therapy. Six‐monthly long‐term monitoring of muscle function is highly recommended to cover insights into the patient's trajectory under ERT.
Helicobacter pyloriCagA Promotes the Formation of Gallstones by Increasing the Permeability of Gallbladder Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yu Jingjing , He Yuanhang , Yao Wenchao , Liu Tianming , Liu Xuxu , Zheng Yi , Hao Chenjun , Xue Dongbo
Published: June 2024

Background

The formation of gallstones is often accompanied by chronic inflammation, and the mechanisms underlying inflammation and stone formation are not fully understood. Our aim is to utilize single‐cell transcriptomics, bulk transcriptomics, and microbiome data to explore key pathogenic bacteria that may contribute to chronic inflammation and gallstone formation, as well as their associated mechanisms.

Methods

scRNA‐seq data from a gallstone mouse model were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed using the FindCluster() package for cell clustering analysis. Bulk transcriptomics data from patients with gallstone were also extracted from the GEO database, and intergroup functional differences were assessed using GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on gallbladder mucosal samples from asymptomatic patients with gallstone (n = 6) and liver transplant donor gallbladder mucosal samples (n = 6) to identify key bacteria associated with stone formation and chronic inflammation. Animal models were constructed to investigate the mechanisms by which these key pathogenic bacterial genera promote gallstone formation.

Results

Analysis of scRNA‐seq data from the gallstone mouse model (GSE179524) revealed seven distinct cell clusters, with a significant increase in neutrophil numbers in the gallstone group. Analysis of bulk transcriptomics data from patients with gallstone (GSE202479) identified chronic inflammation in the gallbladder, potentially associated with dysbiosis of the gallbladder microbiota. 16S rRNA sequencing identified Helicobacter pylori as a key bacterium associated with gallbladder chronic inflammation and stone formation.

Conclusions

Dysbiosis of the gallbladder mucosal microbiota is implicated in gallstone disease and leads to chronic inflammation. This study identified H. pylori as a potential key mucosal resident bacterium contributing to gallstone formation and discovered its key pathogenic factor CagA, which causes damage to the gallbladder mucosal barrier. These findings provide important clues for the prevention and treatment of gallstones.
Recent advances in hepatitis E virus research and the Japanese clinical practice guidelines for hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Kanda Tatsuo , Li Tian‐Cheng , Takahashi Masaharu , Nagashima Shigeo , Primadharsini Putu Prathiwi , Kunita Satoshi , Sasaki‐Tanaka Reina , Inoue Jun , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Nakamoto Shingo , Abe Ryuzo , Fujiwara Keiichi , Yokosuka Osamu , Suzuki Ryosuke , Ishii Koji , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Okamoto Hiroaki ,   The AMED HAV and HEV Study Group
Published: June 2024

Acute hepatitis E was considered rare until reports emerged affirming the existence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 infections in Japan in the early 2000s. Extensive studies by Japanese researchers have highlighted the pivotal role of pigs and wild animals, such as wild boars and deer, as reservoirs for HEV, linking them to zoonotic infections in Japan. Currently, when hepatitis occurs subsequent to the consumption of undercooked or grilled pork, wild boar meat, or offal (including pig liver and intestines), HEV infection should be considered. Following the approval of anti‐HEV immunoglobulin A antibody as a diagnostic tool for hepatitis E by Japan's Health Insurance System in 2011, the annual number of diagnosed cases of HEV infection has surged. Notably, the occurrence of post‐transfusion hepatitis E promoted nationwide screening of blood products for HEV using nucleic acid amplification tests since 2020. Furthermore, chronic hepatitis E has been observed in immunosuppressed individuals. Considering the significance of hepatitis E, heightened preventive measures are essential. The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) Study Group, which includes special virologists and hepatologists, held a virtual meeting on February 17, 2024. Discussions encompassed pathogenesis, transmission routes, diagnosis, complications, severity factors, and ongoing and prospective vaccination or treatments for hepatitis E. Rigorous assessment of referenced studies culminated in the formulation of recommendations, which are detailed within this review. This comprehensive review presents recent advancements in HEV research and Japanese clinical practice guidelines for HEV infection.
Perceptions and drivers of the metaverse adoption: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Adhini Nandini Venkatesh , Prasad Ch. V. V. S. N. V.
Published: June 2024

Metaverse has garnered considerable attention in recent times. Given its swift pace of development, it is imperative to study the adoption of the metaverse. This study analyses the perceptions and drivers influencing the behavioural intention to use the metaverse among Generation Z and millennials by employing a sequential mixed‐methods approach. In the first stage of the study, in‐depth expert interviews were conducted (n = 20), and the subsequent stage featured a countrywide survey (n = 1253). The outcomes of this study indicate that perceived usefulness, personal innovativeness, perceived enjoyment, facilitating conditions, telepresence, social presence, trust, and regulatory support influence attitudes and behavioural intentions towards the metaverse. The findings also reveal a significant difference in the strength of a few relationships across age, gender, and income levels, shedding light on the crucial factors for organisations seeking to position themselves strategically among various demographic groups. This study significantly contributes to the existing knowledge on emerging optimistic and pessimistic perceptions and factors affecting the adoption of the metaverse. By harnessing these outcomes, organisations can enhance the development and promotion of metaverse experiences.
Cutaneous findings and treatment responses of lipoid proteinosis patients
Authors: An İsa
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the accumulation of hyaline‐like material in the skin, oral mucosa, larynx, and brain. This study aimed to evaluate the dermatological findings and treatment responses of patients diagnosed with LP.

Methods

This retrospective study included 41 patients diagnosed with LP at our clinic between May 2018 and January 2023. The diagnosis of LP was established in 22 patients by detecting mutations in the ECM1 gene. In comparison, in 19 patients, it was based on typical clinical findings and histopathological examination of lesioned skin. Clinical and demographic data such as dermatological findings, treatments received, and responses to treatment were recorded from patient files.

Results

All patients exhibited skin thickening and acneiform scars. The most commonly observed additional dermatological findings were moniliform blepharosis (60.9%), varioliform scars (29.2%), waxy papules and plaques (24.3%), and blisters with crusts (19.5%). Verrucous lesions, diffuse yellow plaques, and scarring alopecia were observed in adult patients, while hypopigmented lesions and blisters with crusts were seen in the pediatric age group. The most frequently used treatments were acitretin (14.6%) and systemic steroids (9.7%). No improvement in skin lesions was observed in patients treated with acitretin, whereas complete resolution of blisters with crusts was noted in patients treated with systemic steroids.

Conclusions

In addition to the existing literature on dermatological manifestations of LP, hypopigmented lesions and atrophoderma vermiculatum‐like lesions can also be observed in these patients. We believe that short‐term systemic steroid therapy for vesiculobullous lesions can be considered for treatment. We think prospective studies with more patients and requiring long‐term follow‐up are needed regarding the effectiveness of acitretin treatment.
From rapid prototyping to rapid firing: on the feasibility of high‐speed production for complex BaTiO3 components
Authors: Bhandari Subhadip , Hanzel Ondrej , Veteška Peter , Janek Marián , De Bona Emanuele , Sglavo Vincenzo M. , Biesuz Mattia , Franchin Giorgia
Published: June 2024

Direct ink writing (DIW) is an attractive additive manufacturing (AM) technology because of its simplicity, production speed, and feedstock flexibility; in addition, the use of a limited amount of binder makes the subsequent thermal debinding process easy. Nevertheless, the conventional approach to debind and sinter AMed components remains extremely slow, representing a bottleneck in the manufacturing process. In order to address such limitation, we explored different rapid sintering strategies: ultrafast high‐temperature sintering (UHS), pressureless spark plasma sintering (P‐SPS), and fast firing (FF), for the densification of BaTiO3 components fabricated by DIW, one of the widely used lead‐free piezoceramics. All sintering technologies allow debinding and sintering of crack‐free components in a few minutes instead of several hours. The final density and microstructure are strongly dependent on the sintering atmosphere (inert for UHS and P‐SPS, air for FF) and a maximum relative density of only ≈72% was obtained when firing occurred in an inert environment, irrespective of the sintering technique (UHS and P‐SPS). An undesired phase transition from tetragonal to hexagonal BaTiO3 was also observed upon UHS and ‐PSPS. On the contrary, FF in air yielded a density of about 95% in a few minutes while maintaining the desired tetragonal polymorph. The results provide proof of feasibility for rapid processing of BaTiO3 components obtained by DIW.
Stoichiometric modulation and scintillation property characterization of Ce,Ca:LuAG ceramics
Authors: Zhu Danyang , Cai Jinling , Beitlerova Alena , Kucerkova Romana , Hu Chen , Zhou Zhenzhen , Chewpraditkul Weerapong , Nikl Martin , Li Jiang
Published: June 2024

Due to the huge difference in the solubility‐product constants (Ksp) between the precipitates of Lu and Al, the synthesis of lutetium aluminum garnet (Lu3Al5O12, LuAG) nanopowders by coprecipitation method is prone to Lu loss, resulting in the creation of Al2O3 secondary phase. In this work, coprecipitated (Ce0.001Ca0.0015Lu(0.9975+x%))3Al5O12 (x = 0, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5) nanopowders with different starting stoichiometries are synthesized and combined with vacuum pre‐sintering and hot‐isostatic pressing to fabricate scintillating ceramics. The effect of compensated Lu content on the phase composition, microstructure, optical properties, and scintillation performance of ceramics is analyzed. The complete elimination of the secondary phase requires an additional compensation of 1.2% of Lu, which gives the best transmittance in ceramics. When x = 1.5, excessive Lu forms LuAl antisite defect, leading to the decrease of both light yield and intensity of the fast scintillation component.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor therapy reduces the administration frequency of steroid injection in patients with diabetic macular edema: A cohort study using the Japanese health insurance claims database
Authors: Ishibashi Ryoichi , Koshizaka Masaya , Takatsuna Yoko , Tatsumi Tomoaki , Maezawa Yoshiro , Shiko Yuki , Inaba Yosuke , Kawasaki Yohei , Kashiwagi Yusuke , Kawakami Eiryo , Yamamoto Shuichi , Yokote Koutaro
Published: June 2024

Aims/Introduction

Severe diabetic macular edema (DME) is often resistant to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Steroids are particularly effective at reducing edema by suppressing inflammation; they are also used as an alternative to expensive anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in some patients. Therefore, the use of steroids in DME reflects an unmet need for anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Notably, triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections are widely used in Japan. Here, we evaluated the frequency of TA as an indicator of the efficacy of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in DME treatment using a health insurance claims database.

Materials and Methods

In this cohort study, we retrospectively analyzed the health insurance claims data of 11 million Japanese individuals from 2005 to 2019. The frequency and duration of TA injection after the initiation of SGLT2is or other antidiabetic drugs were analyzed.

Results

Among the 2,412 matched patients with DME, the incidence rate of TA injection was 63.8 times per 1,000 person‐years in SGLT2i users and 94.9 times per 1,000 person‐years in non‐users. SGLT2is reduced the risk for the first (P = 0.0024, hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.87), second (P = 0.0019, hazard ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.80) and third TA (P = 0.0053, hazard ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.25–0.80) injections. A subanalysis of each baseline characteristic of the patients showed that SGLT2is were effective regardless of the background factors.

Conclusions

The use of SGLT2is reduced the frequency of TA injection in patients with DME. Therefore, SGLT2i therapy might be a novel, noninvasive and low‐cost adjunctive therapy for DME.
Autogenic training for chronic health conditions: A service evaluation
Authors: Shaker Nada Abdel Llah Abdullah , Majumdar Anne , Straiton Nicholas , Bird Jane , Ashby Stephen , Sharma Raj , Waller Sherquita , Hughes John Gareth
Published: June 2024

Background

Autogenic training (AT) is a structured meditative‐style practice, consisting of a sequence of simple mental exercises intended to induce a relaxed state in patients. There is some emerging evidence to suggest that AT can be effective in treating certain chronic conditions, however, further evidence is required. A service evaluation of AT services at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine was conducted to evaluate the impact of AT on patients with chronic conditions.

Methods

The service evaluation consisted of the completion of validated quantitative outcome measures pre and posttreatment to explore the impact of AT. AT patients were asked to complete the Measure Yourself Medical Outcomes Profile (MYMOP) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at their first hospital appointment (baseline) and then again 8 weeks later following completion of their AT sessions. Pre‐ and posttreatment scores for each outcome measure were analysed in SPSS using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

One hundred ninety‐nine patients completed both initial and follow‐up MYMOP forms and were included in the evaluation. The most common presenting complaints for MYMOP symptom 1 were prolonged anxiety/stress and depression (n = 70, 35.2%), chronic pain and migraine headache (n = 44, 22.1%), chronic insomnia and sleep problems (n = 42, 21.1%) and, long‐term exhaustion and fatigue (n = 18, 9%). The change in median score pre‐ and posttreatment for all MYMOP categories (symptoms, activity and well‐being) were statistically highly significant p < 0.001. Anxiety, stress, depression, pain and insomnia were the symptoms that had the largest statistically significant difference between the median score pre‐ and posttreatment. Fifty‐five patients completed the PSS questionnaire at two time points (pre‐ and posttreatment). It showed a highly statistically significant change in PSS median score in patients experiencing stress (p < 0.001).

Discussion

The findings of the evaluation indicate that 8 weeks of AT appears to be effective in improving symptoms of concern to patients and enhancing patients' overall well‐being. In particular, AT was found to be beneficial for patients with symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, pain and insomnia.
Clarifying the relationship between trait aggression and self‐control using random item slope regression
Authors: West Samuel J. , Thomson Nicholas D.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Myriad psychological research evinces a negative association between self‐control and aggression with some arguing for self‐control failure as a cause of aggression. Recent literature suggests that the relationship between aggression and self‐control is likely more complex and even positive in some cases. One source of such conflict in the literature could be the presence of unaccounted for random item slopes in commonly used measures of self‐control which may inflate the likelihood of Type I errors. This study (N = 1386) tested the hypothesis that self‐control would share random item slopes with the facets of trait aggression using random item slope regression.

Method

We measured trait aggression and self‐control via two common self‐reports: the Buss–Perry Questionnaire and the Brief Self‐Control Scale.

Results

Our analyses revealed that the facets of trait aggression shared significant random item slopes with self‐control and that many of these slopes were positive, rather than negative. We also found that Type I error inflation was evident in models that did not account for these random slopes.

Conclusions

These findings may in part explain some of the conflicting results in the literature and that researchers interested in studying self‐control and aggression should test for random item slopes.
PNPLA3 variation and kidney disease
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Targher Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Accumulating epidemiological evidence shows that the patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein‐3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 G allele, which is the most robust genetic variant associated with greater susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is significantly associated with impaired kidney function in both adults and children, regardless of the presence of common renal risk factors, MASLD severity, and other potential confounders. Although some prospective studies have reported a significant association between the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele and the increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), the epidemiological evidence about a possible direct effect of the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele on the risk of developing CKD is still limited. Experimentally, PNPLA3 is expressed in renal podocytes, pericytes, and proximal tubule cells, thus supporting the notion that the mutant PNPLA3 protein may play a role in developing renal steatosis and fibrosis. However, it cannot be ruled out that a part of the adverse effect of the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele on kidney function may be driven by a direct impact of this genetic variant on the development and progression of MASLD. It is possible to hypothesize that identifying the PNPLA3 genotype might help identify individuals at higher risk of CKD and those at greater risk of advanced MASLD. In this narrative minireview, we summarize the current epidemiological data about the association between the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele and the risk of CKD and abnormal albuminuria. We also briefly discuss the putative biological mechanisms underpinning this association and its potential and future clinical implications.
PagJAZ5 regulates cambium activity through coordinately modulating cytokinin concentration and signaling in poplar
Authors: Hu Meng‐Xuan , Guo Wei , Song Xue‐Qin , Liu Ying‐Li , Xue Yuan , Cao Yuan , Hu Jian‐Jun , Lu Meng‐Zhu , Zhao Shu‐Tang
Published: June 2024

Wood is resulted from the radial growth paced by the division and differentiation of vascular cambium cells in woody plants, and phytohormones play important roles in cambium activity.

Here, we identified that PagJAZ5, a key negative regulator of jasmonate (JA) signaling, plays important roles in enhancing cambium cell division and differentiation by mediating cytokinin signaling in poplar 84K (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa).

PagJAZ5 is preferentially expressed in developing phloem and cambium, weakly in developing xylem cells. Overexpression (OE) of PagJAZ5m (insensitive to JA) increased cambium activity and xylem differentiation, while jaz mutants showed opposite results. Transcriptome analyses revealed that cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKXs) and type‐A response regulators (RRs) were downregulated in PagJAZ5m OE plants. The bioactive cytokinins were significantly increased in PagJAZ5m overexpressing plants and decreased in jaz5 mutants, compared with that in 84K plants. The PagJAZ5 directly interact with PagMYC2a/b and PagWOX4b. Further, we found that the PagRR5 is regulated by PagMYC2a and PagWOX4b and involved in the regulation of xylem development.

Our results showed that PagJAZ5 can increase cambium activity and promote xylem differentiation through modulating cytokinin level and type‐A RR during wood formation in poplar.
Births in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim Seoyoung , Chirinda Witness , Han Mansuk Daniel , Snow Rachel
Published: June 2024

The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on fertility in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) remains a subject of much speculation. This article reports monthly birth registration data from 18 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) program countries, all predominantly LMICs, both before and after the onset of the COVID pandemic. Despite disruptions in family planning services in many of these countries during the early months of the pandemic, monthly birth data show no observable impact of COVID‐19 on births in four countries (Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cuba, Georgia), a short‐term decline then rebound in six countries (Brazil, Colombia, Kosovo, Serbia, Thailand, Ukraine), a relatively longer decline in six countries (Bolivia, Bhutan, Moldova, Mongolia, Oman, Qatar), and a brief increase before reverting to pre‐COVID levels in two countries (Sao Tome and Principe, Peru). This is not unlike the heterogeneous effects reported from high‐income countries. Nonetheless, the lack of birth registration data from the least developed countries, particularly those in Africa, reminds us of the urgent need to improve coverage and completeness of birth registration to monitor and understand future fertility dynamics.
High expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 1‐alpha‐2 in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Yamato Mariko , Dai Tomoko , Murata Yoshihiko , Nakagawa Tomoki , Kikuchi Shinji , Matsubara Daisuke , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: June 2024

Eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) encodes an isoform of the alpha subunit of the elongation factor 1 complex and is responsible for the enzymatic delivery of aminoacyl tRNA to the ribosome. Our proteomic analysis has identified eEF1A2 as one of the proteins expressed during malignant progression from adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) to early invasive lung adenocarcinoma. The expression level of eEF1A2 in 175 lung adenocarcinomas was examined by immunohistochemical staining in relation to patient prognosis and clinicopathological factors. Quantitative PCR analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to evaluate the amplification of the eEF1A2 gene. Relatively high expression of eEF1A2 was observed in invasive adenocarcinoma (39/144 cases) relative to minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (1/10 cases) or AIS (0/21 cases). Among invasive adenocarcinomas, solid‐type adenocarcinoma (15/32 cases, 47%) showed higher expression than other histological subtypes (23/92, 25%). Patients with eEF1A2‐positive tumors had a significantly poorer prognosis than those with eEF1A2‐negative tumors. Of the five tumors that were eEF1A2‐positive, two cases showed amplified genomic eEF1A2 DNA, which was confirmed by both qPCR and FISH. These findings indicate that eEF1A2 overexpression occurs in the course of malignant transformation of lung adenocarcinomas and is partly due to eEF1A2 gene amplification.
State infrastructural power in a neopatrimonialist democratization context: Why Tunisian sustainable land management fails
Authors: Thiel Andreas , Schütze Nora , Buhrow Annabelle , Fouzai Ayoub
Published: June 2024

Sustaining agricultural production in arid and semi‐arid regions is of paramount importance to food security, geo‐political independence, and social stability. In this context, it is vital to understand the effectiveness of policies. In this article, we aim to answer the question of what role the state and its policies play for soil protection in rainfed agriculture in Tunisia, and why. Beyond evaluating soil protection, this work contributes to explaining the role of the Tunisian state throughout the current phase of democratization for natural resource protection. That way it enhances our understanding of policy implementation in democratizing countries and contribute to theorizing of the policy process. We use qualitative methods and literature to understand the state infrastructural power of the Tunisian state in regard to soil protection. Land degradation in Tunisia remains a large problem. We explain the weak role of the state in effectively protecting soils as a result of subnational variation, and interrelated capabilities and weight of the state. Besides the overarching fiscal crisis that becomes worse over the years, neopatrimonial traits of the Tunisian state facilitate discrimination of rural areas, marginalization of parts of the farming population, and rainfed agriculture. Thereby, willingness and abilities of farmers and administrations to implement sustainable land management are undermined. Together with institutional uncertainty in administrations as a result of the current open‐ended democratization process, neopatrimonialist traits weaken administrative capacities.
Prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times, thromboelastography, hematocrit, and platelet count in a feline hemorrhage/over‐resuscitation model using lactated Ringer's solution or 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4
Authors: Zeiler Gareth E. , Dzikiti Brighton T. , Rioja Eva , Kamerman Peter , Buck Roxanne K. , Pohlin Friederike , Fuller Andrea
Published: June 2024

Objective

To describe and compare prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thromboelastography (TEG), HCT, and platelet count measurements in a hemorrhage/over‐resuscitation model.

Design

Randomized crossover study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Six cats.

Interventions

Anesthetized cats underwent 3 treatments at 2‐month intervals. The treatments were as follows: NHR—no controlled hemorrhage and sham resuscitation; LRS—controlled hemorrhage and lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) for resuscitation; and Voluven—controlled hemorrhage and 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4 for resuscitation. The LRS and Voluven were administered at 60 and 20 mL/kg/h, respectively, for 120 minutes. Blood samples were drawn for PT, aPTT, TEG, HCT, and platelet count measurements at a healthy check (T − 7d), after controlled hemorrhage (T0), at 60 and 120 minutes of resuscitation (T60 and T120), and at 24 hours after completion of resuscitation (T24h). Data were analyzed using a general linear mixed model approach (significance was P < 0.05).

Measurements and Main Results

Total median blood loss (controlled hemorrhage and blood sampling from T0 to T120) at T120 was 11.4, 31.0, and 30.8 mL/kg for NHR, LRS, and Voluven, respectively. PT and aPTT during LRS and Voluven were prolonged at T60 and T120 compared to NHR (P < 0.001). On TEG, the reaction time, kinetic time, and alpha‐angle were within reference intervals for cats at all time points in all treatments, while maximum amplitude was less than the reference interval (40 mm) at T0, T60, and T120 during Voluven and at T60 and T120 during LRS compared to NHR (both P < 0.001). The HCT and platelet count were significantly lower at T60 and T120 during LRS and Voluven compared to NHR (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Hypocoagulopathy was observed during hemorrhage and liberal fluid resuscitation. Prolongation of PT and aPPT and decreased clot strength may have been caused by hemodilution and platelet loss.
Phylogeography and bioclimatic models revealed a complicated genetic structure and future range shifts of Lymantria monacha L.
Authors: Rindos Michal , Yakovlev Roman V. , McLachlan Hamilton Karen , Fric Zdenek Faltynek , Knyazev Svyatoslav A. , Zahiri Reza
Published: June 2024

The phylogeography of economically important forest pests is important for understanding their demographic and evolutionary history. Linking the genetic data obtained with the bioclimatic models helps reveal future demographic trends of the pest species studied. Lymantria monacha is a polyphagous species that feeds on numerous coniferous and deciduous trees throughout the Palaearctic and is known to cause catastrophic defoliation, particularly in Europe. In addition, data from various mapping programmes over the last decade have revealed changes in the distribution of L. monacha. Therefore, in this study, we decided to clarify the evolutionary and demographic history of this important forest species using genetic data complemented by bioclimatic modelling. Our results confirmed the systematic status and monophyly of L. monacha. However, the lack of a geographical pattern between the studied regions suggests that the current genetic structure may be the result of recent dispersal events. Moreover, we found that the areas of high genetic diversity are consistent with potential past range shifts and survival of changes in climate and host plant availability. These two main variables also seem to determine the future range of L. monacha. Also, our modelling confirmed a poleward shift in its range and with a significant retraction from its current southern edge of distribution.
Boundary Layer Analysis of a Transonic High-Pressure Turbine Vane Using Ultra-Fast-Response Temperature-Sensitive Paint
Authors: Petersen Anna , Hilfer Michael
Published: June 2024

The focus of this article is the impact of surface roughness on the boundary layer caused by a 7YSZ thermal barrier coating (TBC). Experimental investigations are conducted on a NGV installed inside the wind tunnel for Straight Cascades Göttingen (EGG). The shape of the vane has been altered in a way that eliminates the influence of TBC's thickness. Therefore, it is expected that only the surface roughness is influencing the location of the separation and boundary layer transition. The transition next to the roughness can also be affected by positive and negative pressure gradients, separation, and interacting shocks. The impact of TBC on the turbulent wedges' appearance, separation bubble's position and length, and transition location is examined in this study. This research, combined with prior investigations, provides a comprehensive understanding of a turbine vane's aerothermodynamics. To investigate unsteady flow phenomena on a TBC-coated NGV, ultra-fast-response temperature-sensitive paint (iTSP) is utilized. This dataset will serve as a reference point for developing new turbine vane designs that include TBC and extensive cooling. Furthermore, the findings will be employed as a benchmark for improving numerical models.
UAV-Based Railroad Line Detection
Authors: Lewandowski Keith , Vitzilaios Nikolaos
Published: June 2024

The railroad industry is crucial for modern transportation, therefore the need for maintaining the integrity and safety of rail infrastructure is immense. Traditional rail inspection methods, involving manual teams or specialized vehicles, are labor-intensive and costly, causing logistical inconveniences, especially for rapid, large-scale inspection. This paper explores and expands the adaptation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and advanced computer vision for rail inspection. While existing literature highlights the benefits and capabilities of UAVs, challenges persist, and a fully integrated, online system has yet to be thoroughly implemented and tested. We seek to create a system that performs the task of track following strictly by visual sensor perception, eliminating any reliance on GPS and ensuring autonomy in environments with limited or degraded GPS availability, such as dense settings, tunnels, etc. The system will perform all processing onboard, providing immediate results without the need for external processing or infrastructure. Our proposed approach divides the problem into track detection, track interpretation, and track following. This work focuses on the first of these steps, track detection. We survey existing approaches, assess their strengths and limitations, and introduce a novel method addressing prior challenges, keeping in mind the goal of a fully integrated, autonomous system for rapid track assessment.