bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commitment and Reasons – A Comment on Ruth Chang, ‘Three Dogmas of Normativity’
Authors: Railton Peter
Published: March 2023

Ruth Chang has argued convincingly that we must recognize that some choices will not involve strict, univocal comparison of options. How, then, can such choices be made well? Chang suggests that commitment is a fundamental way of ‘putting one's very self’ behind a normative consideration, thereby ‘endow[ing] that consideration with the normativity of a reason’. This view challenges what Chang deems to be three dogmas of normativity, and the current comment critically assesses the relation of her view to the first and third of these dogmas. I suggest some alternative ways of thinking about these dogmas, which enable us to see how her work might uncover a fourth dogma, and which can, I believe, lend strength to a position very close to Chang's.
Effect of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance in adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disabilities: A comparative study
Authors: Bidaurrazaga‐Letona Iraia , Ayán Carlos , Duñabeitia Iratxe , Esain Izaro , Monasterio Xabier , Zulueta Biotz , Torres‐Unda Jon
Published: March 2023

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities often experience mobility limitations. Baduanjin, a mindfulness‐based exercise intervention, can exert positive effects on functional mobility and balance. This study examined the impact of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method

Twenty‐nine adults with intellectual disabilities participated in the study. Eighteen received a Baduanjin intervention for 9‐months; 11 participants did not receive any intervention (comparison group). Physical functioning and balance were assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and stabilometry.

Results

Participants in the Baduanjin group experienced significant changes in the SPPB walking test (p = .042), chair stand test (p = .015), and SPPB summary score (p = .010). No significant changes between groups were observed in any of the variables assessed at the end of the intervention.

Conclusions

Baduanjin practice may cause significant, albeit small, improvements in physical functioning of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Survival analysis of productive life in Florida dairy goats using a Cox proportional hazards model
Authors: Ziadi C , Sánchez J P , Sánchez M , Morales R , Molina A
Published: March 2023

Longevity is an economically important trait, since extending the functional life of a doe would allow us to keep the most productive females in the herd as long as possible, and this could result in the increased profitability of dairy farms. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the most important factors that influence the length of productive life (LPL) of female Florida goats and to estimate its genetic additive variance using a Cox proportional hazards model. The data consisted of 70,695 productive life records from 25,722 Florida females kidding between 2006 and 2020. A total of 19,495 does had completed their productive life while 6227 (24.2%) does had censored information. The pedigree contained information on 56,901 animals. The average censoring age and average failure age after first kidding for LPL were 36 and 47 months respectively. The model included, as time‐independent effects, the age at first kidding and the interaction between herd, year and season of birth of the doe, and as time‐dependent effects, the age at kidding, the interaction between herd, year and season of kidding, the within‐herd class of milk production deviation, and the interaction between the lactation number and the stage of lactation. All fixed effects had a significant effect on LPL (p < 0.05). Does with older ages at the first kidding and an earlier age at kidding were at higher risk of being culled. A large difference among herds was observed in terms of culling risk, which highlighted the importance of adequate management practices. Also, high‐producing does were less likely to be culled. The estimate of the additive genetic variance was 1.844 (in genetic standard deviation), with a heritability estimate of 0.58 ± 0.012. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of a genetic model for genetic evaluation of the length of the productive life of Spanish dairy goat breeds.
Experimental investigation of single open pan heat exchanger for jaggery making: A novel technique to enhance the performance of a system
Authors: Kore Abhijeet N. , Lakade Sanjay S. , Padalkar Atul
Published: March 2023

Jaggery is an essential ingredient in the food. Due to its medicinal properties, it keeps humans away from diseases. So it is imperative to make good quality jaggery. Mechanical and thermal energy are used to manufacture jaggery. Effective utilization of these energies is essential for better efficiency of jaggery plant. Current single‐pan jaggery plants are 14.75%–24.36%. efficient. Due to its low efficiency, jaggery traders suffer losses, and the quality of jaggery also differs. To solve this problem, it is necessary to use a new operating system. In the modified plant, a conventional single pan with the open‐hearth furnace is replaced by a single open pan heat exchanger and thermic fluid heater to cope up with above mentioned losses. First batch of modified plant has an efficiency of 74.84%, whereas it has been improved to 96.49% for the second batch due to the removal of stack losses. Process time for this plant has been reduced by 13%–27% for first batch and 29%–44% for second batch as compared to the conventional plant.
Women at the margins: Experiences with spousal incarceration inIndia
Authors: Gupta Shivangi , Arditti Joyce A.
Published: March 2023

Justice‐involved families in India are underserved despite concurrent challenges including inadequate penal systems and widespread poverty. Families provide emotional and financial support to incarcerated individuals—burdens that fall upon female kin who are underresourced. Women experiencing spousal incarceration in India are likely to be from marginalized sections of society, vulnerable to co‐occurring forms of oppression, making intersectional feminism a suitable theoretical framework to contextualize their lives. Through consistent interactions with the carceral institution, these women become integrated in the prison culture, experiencing secondary prisonization. Intersectional feminism helps understand variations in secondary prisonization for women inhabiting different social locations. However, this population remains understudied. We bridge the gap by building a contextualized understanding of this population using intersectional feminism, by attending to scholarship that illustrates sources of marginalization including exploitive informal work, a minoritized caste identity, and a minoritized religious identity. We offer recommendations for theory and research.
Celastrol pretreatment attenuates concanavalin A‐induced hepatitis in mice by suppressing interleukin‐6/STAT3‐interleukin‐17 signaling
Authors: Li Dingwu , Chen Jianing , Lin Bingru , Guo Yanjun , Pan Jiaqi , Yu Chaohui , Wan Xingyong
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim

Celastrol is extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. It has been reported to have protective effects against various liver diseases and immune regulation of autoimmune diseases. However, little is known about whether celastrol protects against immune‐mediated hepatitis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of celastrol on liver injury induced by concanavalin A (ConA) and the potential mechanisms.

Methods

Intravenous administration of ConA was applied to induce acute liver injury in mice with or without pretreatment of celastrol. The effects of celastrol on ConA‐induced liver injury were further demonstrated by biochemical and histopathological assessments, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Both biochemical and histopathological observations showed that pretreatment of celastrol significantly ameliorated liver injury induced by ConA. Moreover, the hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammatory responses induced by ConA were also improved in celastrol‐pretreated mice. Further studies revealed that these improvements were characterized as the celastrol‐mediated suppression of total interleukin (IL)‐17 from liver mononuclear cells in ConA‐treated mice. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that celastrol specifically decreased IL‐17 production by CD4+ T cells but not by CD8+ T cells. Fundamentally, pretreatment with celastrol inhibited both the IL‐6 produced by F4/80+ macrophages and the IL‐6 receptor on Th17 cells in the liver, which further led to the downregulated activation of STAT3, thus accounting for blocked Th17 signaling.

Conclusions

Celastrol may exhibit immune regulatory effects by regulating IL‐6/STAT3‐IL‐17 signaling in ConA‐induced hepatitis, which suggested new potentials for celastrol to be applied in treating immune‐mediated liver diseases.
Diet After Ileostomy Study: an observational study describing dietary intake and stoma‐related symptoms in people with an ileostomy
Authors: England Clare , Mitchell Alexandra , Atkinson Charlotte
Published: March 2023

Background

People with ileostomy are frequently advised to avoid specific foods and food groups, making it plausible that they are at risk of a range of nutrition‐related adverse health consequences. Despite this there has been no recent study in the United Kingdom describing dietary intake, symptoms and food avoidance in people with ileostomy or post‐reversal.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at different time points in people with ileostomy and reversal. Participants were recruited at 6–10 weeks post‐formation (n = 17) and ≥12 months with established ileostomy (n = 16) and with reversal (n = 20). In all participants, ileostomy/bowel‐related symptoms in the previous week were assessed using a study‐specific questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using three online diet recalls or 3‐day dietary records. Food avoidance and reasons for food avoidance were assessed. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics.

Results

Participants reported a few ileostomy/bowel‐related symptoms in the previous week. However, over 85% of participants reported avoiding foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. At 6–10 weeks the most common reason was being advised to do so (71%), although 53% avoided foods due to gas. At ≥12 months the most common reasons were foods visible in the bag (60%) or advised to do so (60%). Reported intakes of most nutrients were comparable to population medians, apart from lower fibre in people with ileostomy. Intakes of free sugars and saturated fats were above recommended levels in all groups, due to high consumption of cakes and biscuits and sugar‐sweetened drinks.

Conclusion

After the initial healing period, foods should not be automatically excluded unless found to be problematic after reintroduction. There may be a need for healthy eating advice for people with established ileostomies and post‐reversal, targeting discretionary high‐fat, high‐sugar foods.
Late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian eclogites and high‐pressure granulites in the Central Qilian terrane (China) record the earliest subduction of Proto‐Tethyan Ocean in the eastern Tethysides
Authors: Wang Hao , Xiao Wenjiao , Li Rui , Chen Hongxu , Tan Zhou , Mao Qigui
Published: March 2023

The Central Qilian terrane (CQT) of the northern Tibetan Plateau played a key role in the tectonic evolution of the Proto‐Tethyan Ocean in the Tethysides, but its formation and tectonic attribution have been hotly debated. Here, we report the discovery of eclogites and HP mafic granulites in the Beidahe Complex of the western CQT. These occur as blocks of various sizes within a sequence of metavolcanic–sedimentary rocks, exhibiting typical a ‘block‐in‐matrix’ and thrust imbrication structure. The eclogite facies metamorphic rocks preserve distinct mineral assemblages and textures corresponding to prograde, peak, and retrograde metamorphism. By combining phase equilibrium modelling with SHRIMP and LA‐ICPMS U–Pb dating of metamorphic zircon, sphene, and rutile, the Late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian (c. 553–516 Ma) eclogite facies peak with low thermal gradients of 10–14°C/km, Cambrian (c. 515–506 Ma) post‐peak decompression and Ordovician (c. 495–455 Ma) cooling histories for these metabasic rocks have been restored. These constitute hairpin‐type clockwise pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) paths depicting in detail the sequence of deep subduction and subsequent exhumation in Central Qilian during the Late Neoproterozoic to Early Palaeozoic. Our new findings suggest that the CQT represents a Japan‐type arc‐accretionary system that formed as a result of the North Qilian oceanic plate, one of the major branches of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean, being subducted southward. Eclogites in the Beidahe Complex in western CQT offer the earliest (c. 553 Ma) metamorphic record of subduction in the Qilian orogen, indicating that the North Qilian Ocean commenced subducting southward prior to the Late Neoproterozoic.
Atopic dermatitis in a chimpanzee (pan troglodytes verus)—A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Hoes Nicole P. M. , van Bolhuis Hester , Platteel Anouk C. M. , Leistra Mieke H. G.
Published: March 2023

Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in chimpanzees are challenging. Validated allergy tests specific for chimpanzees are not available. A multifactorial management of atopic dermatitis is important. Successful management of AD has, to the best knowledge of the authors, not been described in chimpanzees.
Comparative study of cranial measurements between sexes from Brazil and The Netherlands: A cone‐beam computed tomography study
Authors: Gamba Thiago Oliveira , Oliveira Matheus L. , Flores Isadora Luana , Da Silveira Heraldo Luis Dias , Sanderink Gerard C. H. , Berkhout W. Erwin R.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to better understand human variation by comparing cone‐beam computed tomography‐based cranial measurements between both sexes of individuals from two distinct populations: Brazilian and Dutch. Cone‐beam computed tomography volumes of 311 patients between 20 and 60 years from Brazil and The Netherlands were selected. Two radiologists performed 16 linear measurements in the maxillary sinuses and mandibular canal. Kruskall–Wallis test compared measurements of the two cranial structures between male and female for the two populations and four age ranges (20–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60). Mann–Whitney test compared individual measurements obtained from the cranial structures between male and female for each population, and between both populations for both sexes. Intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation test (α = 0.05). No significant differences were found in the linear measurements among the experimental groups including sex, population and age group for both cranial structures (p > 0.05). Most of the cranial linear measurements were significantly higher for male than those for female irrespective of the population (p ≤ 0.05). When the populations were compared regardless of sex, Brazilians presented four significantly higher measurements, and Dutch presented seven significantly higher measurements (p ≤ 0.05). The assessed cranial structures did not differ between Brazilian and Dutch populations for both sexes and four age ranges. Multiple linear measurements differed between both populations with a predominance of larger dimensions for the Dutch population.
Effects of registered nurses' staffing levels, work environment and education levels on nursing home residents' quality of life and nurse outcomes
Authors: Cho Eunhee , Min Deulle , Heo Seok‐Jae , Lee Kyoungeun , Kim Hyejin
Published: March 2023

Aims and Objectives

To examine the effects of registered nurse staffing levels, work environment and education levels on the residents' quality of life and nurses' job dissatisfaction, burnout and turnover intention.

Background

Registered nurse staffing status and work environment are suboptimal in nursing homes worldwide. Nursing home care aims to maximise residents' quality of life. However, evidence on the impact of registered nurse staffing levels, work environment and education levels on the residents' quality of life and nurse outcomes in nursing homes is limited.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional observational study.

Methods

A total of 513 residents and 117 registered nurses from 39 nursing homes in South Korea participated in surveys. The main measures included registered nurses' staffing levels, work environment, education levels, residents' quality of life, registered nurses' job dissatisfaction, burnout and turnover intention. We analysed data using the generalised estimating equations and reported the study using the STROBE checklist.

Results

Overall, the residents' quality‐of‐life score was 13.7 ± 2.6 (out of 17). Residents in nursing homes with a higher number of registered nurses or with work environment evaluated as ‘mixed’ or ‘better’ (compared with ‘poor’) had a higher quality of life. Regarding nurse outcomes, 74.4% of the registered nurses were dissatisfied with their current jobs, 12.0% had burnout and 18.8% had a turnover intention. Registered nurses working in ‘mixed’ or ‘better’ work environment were less likely to have job dissatisfaction. Registered nurses' education levels did not have a statistically significant effect on the resident and nurse outcomes.

Conclusions

Registered nurse staffing levels and work environment should be considered important for improving residents' quality of life and nurses' job satisfaction.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Regulation and policy reforms are needed to increase the registered nurse staffing levels and to create a good work environment in nursing homes.

Patient or Public Contribution

Nursing home residents and registered nurses participated in the surveys of this study. Registered nurses facilitated resident recruitment by identifying and introducing the study to residents who were eligible for study participation.

Trial Registration

Not applicable.
Central bank forecasting: A survey
Authors: Binder Carola Conces , Sekkel Rodrigo
Published: March 2023

Central banks' forecasts are important monetary policy inputs and tools for central bank communication. We survey the literature on forecasting at the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Canada, focusing especially on recent developments. After describing these central banks' forecasting frameworks, we discuss the literature on central bank forecast evaluation and new tests of unbiasedness and efficiency. We also discuss evidence of central banks' informational advantage over private sector forecasters, which appears to have weakened over time, and how central bank forecasts may affect private sector expectations even in the absence of an informational advantage. We discuss how the Great Recession led central banks to evaluate their forecasting frameworks, how the Covid‐19 pandemic has further challenged central bank forecasting, and directions for future research.
Surface electromyographic activity of submental muscles during different types of swallow‐specific tasks: A comparative study
Authors: Söyler Ayşe Kübra , Serel Arslan Selen , Demir Numan , Kıylıoğlu Nefati
Published: March 2023

Background

Repetitive performance of a motor task has been proposed to increase the ability to perform that motor task. Therefore, exercise training including swallow‐specific task may be an optimal training to improve swallowing function.

Objectives

To determine the submental muscles activity during different types of swallow‐specific tasks (effortful swallow, ES; tongue‐hold swallow, THS; swallow with Kinesio taping, SwKT; and head extension swallowing exercise, HESE) compared to normal swallow (NS), and also compare these tasks within themselves.

Methods

Thirty‐five healthy adults participated in this prospective experimental study with one participant group. The surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to evaluate submental muscles activity while performing swallow‐specific tasks.

Results

While the greatest submental muscles activity was revealed during the ES, HESE, NS and THS tasks, respectively, the lowest was obtained during SwKT. When compared to NS, ES caused a statistically greater submental muscles activity (p1 = .000 and p2 = .000), although SwKT revealed a lower submental muscles activity (p1 = .002 and p2 = .000). When swallow‐specific tasks were compared within themselves, ES caused the highest muscles activity (p < .005) than all other tasks, and HESE caused higher muscles activity than THS and SwKT (p < .005).

Conclusion

Different swallow‐specific tasks can cause increased or decreased submental muscles activity compared to NS task. Since ES and HESE are superior in selective submental muscles, they appear to be more promising in terms of submental muscles gains in long‐term exercise training.
Biocultural innovation: Innovating at the intersection of the biosphere and ethnosphere
Authors: Vassallo Jarrod P. , Banerjee Sourindra , Prabhu Jaideep C.
Published: March 2023

Scientists, economists, and politicians increasingly recognize that Indigenous peoples possess invaluable knowledge and practices that have the potential to drive innovation to solve critical global challenges. Indeed, thousands of important drugs—including lifesaving cancer treatments—have their origins in centuries old Indigenous knowledge and practices. Similarly, Indigenous practices have fueled the fast‐growing regenerative agriculture industry that is able to yield windfall profits while sequestering carbon and enhancing biodiversity. Referred to in policy circles as biocultural innovation—a form of innovation that occurs at the intersection of the biosphere and ethnosphere—hundreds of diverse examples from a wide array of industries have been documented outside of the innovation literature. However, innovation scholars have yet to recognize or embrace biocultural innovation. We argue that this major oversight hinders practice and leaves untapped potential for solving issues such as slow or unsustainable economic growth, ecological decline, and inequality. To address this gap, we provide a clear definition of biocultural innovation, differentiate it from other innovation domains, and establish its conceptual foundations. Informed by economic theorizing that views the ethnosphere and biosphere as assets, we propose that these assets share four traits: functionality, potentiality, vulnerability, and inseparability (“FPVI shared traits”). Due to their immense biocultural diversity, we assert that these assets carry an “option value” representing enormous innovation potential that can be converted, conserved, or constructed to solve global challenges (the “3Cs”). We conclude by identifying promising avenues for future research on biocultural innovation and a call for action on how to unlock economic and social value while supporting biocultural assets and Indigenous rights.
Long‐term biogeographical processes dominate patterns of genetic diversity in a wingless grasshopper despite substantial recent habitat fragmentation
Authors: Hoffmann Ary A. , Jasper Moshe , White Vanessa L. , Yagui Hiromi , Kearney Michael R.
Published: March 2023

Low‐vagility species may hold strong genetic signatures of past biogeographical processes but are also vulnerable to habitat loss. Flightless grasshoppers of the morabine group were once widespread in southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, but are becoming restricted to remnant patches of vegetation, with local ranges impacted by agriculture and development as well as management. Habitat fragmentation can generate genetically differentiated “island” populations with low genetic variation. However, following revegetation, populations could be re‐established, and gene flow increased. Here we characterize single nucleotide polymorphism‐based genetic variation in a widespread chromosomal race of the morabine Vandiemenella viatica (race 19) to investigate the genetic health of remnant populations and to provide guidelines for restoration efforts. We update the distribution of this race to new sites in Victoria and Tasmania, and show that V. viatica populations from northern Tasmania and eastern Victoria have reduced genetic variation compared to other mainland populations. In contrast, there was no effect of habitat fragment size on genetic variation. Tasmanian V. viatica populations fell into two groups, one connected genetically to eastern Victoria and the other connected to southwestern Victoria. Mainland populations showed isolation by distance. These patterns are consistent with expectations from past biogeographical processes rather than local recent population fragmentation and emphasize the importance of small local reserves in preserving genetic variation. The study highlights how genomic analyses can combine information on genetic variability and population structure to identify biogeographical patterns within a species, which in turn can inform decisions on potential source populations for translocations.
Genomic divergence between two sister Medicago species triggered by the quaternary climatic oscillations on the Qinghai–Tibet plateau and northern China
Authors: Guo Wei , Yang Yingbo , Zhang Xu , Chen Jinyuan , Wu Shuang , Yang Jinli , Qu Kunjing , He Ling , Liu Meijun , Hu Hongyin , Liu Zhipeng , Ren Guangpeng
Published: March 2023

Speciation is a central topic in evolutionary biology. However, how genomic divergence originates and accumulates in the face of gene flow during ecological adaptation remains poorly understood. Closely related species that have adapted to distinct environments but inhabit some overlapping ranges provide an ideal system to evaluate this issue. Here, we combine population genomics and species distribution models (SDMs) to examine genomic divergences between two sister plant species, Medicago ruthenica and M. archiducis‐nicolai, that occur in northern China and the northeast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, respectively, with overlapping distributions in the border of the two regions. M. ruthenica and M. archiducis‐nicolai are well‐delimited based on population genomic data, although hybrids exist in sympatric sampling locations. Coalescent simulations and SDMs suggest that the two species diverged from each other in the Quaternary but have been in continuous contact with gene flow occurring between the two species since then. We also discovered positive selection signatures associated with genes both outside and within genomic islands in both species that are probably involved in adaptations to arid and high‐altitude environments. Our findings provide insights into how natural selection and climatic changes in the Quaternary initiated and maintained interspecific divergence of these two sister species.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid plays a key role in alleviating Glomerella leaf spot in apples
Authors: Li Yuxing , Cui Yinglian , Liu Boyang , Xu Ruixuan , Shi Yanjiao , Lv Lingling , Wang Hongtao , Shang Yueming , Liang Wei , Ma Fengwang , Li Cuiying
Published: March 2023

The fungal disease Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) seriously impacts apple production. As a nonprotein amino acid, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is widely involved in biotic and abiotic stresses. However, it is not clear whether GABA is involved in a plant's response to GLS, nor is its molecular mechanism understood. Here, we found that exogenous GABA could significantly alleviate GLS, reduce lesion lengths, and increase antioxidant capacity. MdGAD1 was identified as a possible key gene for GABA synthesis in apple. Further analysis indicated that MdGAD1 promoted antioxidant capacity to improve apple GLS resistance in transgenic apple calli and leaves. Yeast one‐hybrid analysis identified the transcription factor MdWRKY33 upstream of MdGAD1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, β‐glucuronidase activity, and luciferase activity further supported that MdWRKY33 bound directly to the promoter of MdGAD1. The content of GABA and the transcription level of MdGAD1 in the MdWRKY33 transgenic calli were higher than that of the wild type. When MdWRKY33 transgenic calli and leaves were inoculated with GLS, MdWKRY33 positively regulated resistance to GLS. These results explained the positive regulatory effects of GABA on apple GLS and provided insight into the metabolic regulatory network of GABA.
Bilateral medial medullary infarction due to varicella‐zoster virus vasculopathy: A case report
Authors: Mizutani Keisuke , Oguri Takuya , Sakurai Keita , Yuasa Hiroyuki , Takada Koji
Published: March 2023

Bilateral medial medullary infarction (MMI) is a rare form of ischemic stroke, mainly caused by vertebral artery atherosclerosis or small penetrating artery disease. We report a case of bilateral MMI due to varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy. An 81‐year‐old man presented with altered consciousness and right hemiplegia during disseminated herpes zoster. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of his cerebrospinal fluid detected positive VZV‐DNA, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed ischemic infarction localized to the ventral part of the bilateral medial medulla and enhancement of the left vertebral artery. After initiating intravenous acyclovir administration, his consciousness, skin rashes, and general condition improved gradually, whereas pyramidal symptoms deteriorated into quadriplegia. This case demonstrates that VZV vasculopathy may cause bilateral MMI.
A conserved gene regulatory network controls root epidermal cell patterning in superrosid species
Authors: Zhu Yan , Schiefelbein John
Published: March 2023

In superrosid species, root epidermal cells differentiate into root hair cells and nonhair cells. In some superrosids, the root hair cells and nonhair cells are distributed randomly (Type I pattern), and in others, they are arranged in a position‐dependent manner (Type III pattern). The model plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) adopts the Type III pattern, and the gene regulatory network (GRN) that controls this pattern has been defined. However, it is unclear whether the Type III pattern in other species is controlled by a similar GRN as in Arabidopsis, and it is not known how the different patterns evolved.

In this study, we analyzed superrosid species Rhodiola rosea, Boehmeria nivea, and Cucumis sativus for their root epidermal cell patterns. Combining phylogenetics, transcriptomics, and cross‐species complementation, we analyzed homologs of the Arabidopsis patterning genes from these species.

We identified R. rosea and B. nivea as Type III species and C. sativus as Type I species. We discovered substantial similarities in structure, expression, and function of Arabidopsis patterning gene homologs in R. rosea and B. nivea, and major changes in C. sativus.

We propose that in superrosids, diverse Type III species inherited the patterning GRN from a common ancestor, whereas Type I species arose by mutations in multiple lineages.
Deciphering the mechanism of fungal pathogen‐induced disease‐suppressive soil
Authors: Wen Tao , Ding Zhexu , Thomashow Linda S. , Hale Lauren , Yang Shengdie , Xie Penghao , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Heqi , Shen Qirong , Yuan Jun
Published: March 2023

One model of a disease‐suppressive soil predicts that the confrontation of plant with a phytopathogen can lead to the recruitment and accumulation of beneficial microorganisms. However, more information needs to be deciphered regarding which beneficial microbes become enriched, and how the disease suppression is achieved.

Here, we conditioned soil by continuously growing eight generations of cucumber inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum in a split‐root system.

Disease incidence was found to decrease gradually upon pathogen infection accompanied with higher quantity of reactive oxygen species (ROS mainly OH•) in roots and accumulation of Bacillus and Sphingomonas. These key microbes were proven to protect the cucumber from pathogen infection by inducing high ROS level in the roots through enrichment of pathways, including a two‐component system, a bacterial secretion system, and flagellar assembly revealed by metagenomics sequencing. Untargeted metabolomics analysis combined with in vitro application assays suggested that threonic acid and lysine were pivotal to recruit Bacillus and Sphingomonas.

Collectively, our study deciphered a ‘cry for help’ case, wherein cucumber releases particular compounds to enrich beneficial microbes that raise the ROS level of host to prevent pathogen attack. More importantly, this may be one of the fundamental mechanisms underpinning disease‐suppressive soil formation.
Genetic disruption of Ano5 leads to impaired osteoclastogenesis for gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Liu Xiu , Wang Xiaoyu , Ma Xinrong , Li Hongyu , Miao Congcong , Tian Zhenchuan , Hu Ying
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia (GDD; OMIM#166260) is a rare skeletal genetic disorder characterized by sclerosis of tubular bones and cemento‐osseous lesions in mandibles. TMEM16E/ANO5 gene mutations have been identified in patients with GDD. Here, Ano5 knockout (Ano5−/−) mice with enhanced osteoblastogenesis were used to investigate whether Ano5 disruption affects osteoclastogenesis.

Subjects and Methods

The maturation of osteoclasts, formation of F‐actin ring and bone resorption were detected by immunohistochemistry, TRAP, phalloidin staining and Coming Osteo assays. The expression of osteoclast‐related factors was measured by qRT‐PCR. Early signaling pathways were verified by western blot.

Results

Ano5−/− mice exhibited inhibitory formation of multinucleated osteoclasts with a reduction of TRAP activity. The expression of Nfatc1, c‐Fos, Trap, Ctsk, Mmp9, Rank and Dc‐stamp was significantly decreased in bone tissues and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) of Ano5−/− mice. Ano5−/− osteoclasts manifested disrupted actin ring and less mineral resorption. RANKL‐induced early signaling pathways were suppressed in Ano5−/− osteoclasts and Ano5 knockdown RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of NF‐κB signalling pathway on osteoclastogenesis were partially attenuated with NF‐κB signalling activator.

Conclusions

Ano5 deficiency impairs osteoclastogenesis, which leads to enhanced osteogenic phenotypes mediated by bone homeostasis dysregulation.
Impact of left bundle branch block on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Mathew Don , Agarwal Siddharth , Sherif Akil
Published: March 2023

Background

The implications of LBBB in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unclear. Our study assesses clinical outcomes among patients with LBBB and HFpEF who were admitted with acute decompensated heart failure.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016–2019.

Results

We found 74,365 hospitalizations with HFpEF and LBBB and 3,892,354 hospitalizations with HFpEF without LBBB. Patients with LBBB were older (78.9 vs 74.2 years) and had higher rates of coronary artery disease (53.05% vs 40.8%), hypertension (74.7% vs 70.8%), atrial fibrillation (32.8% vs 29.4%), sick sinus rhythm (3.4% vs 2.02%), complete heart block (1.8% vs 0.66%), ventricular tachycardia (3.5% vs 1.7%), and ventricular fibrillation (0.24% vs 0.11%). Patients with LBBB were found to have decreased in‐hospital mortality (OR: 0.85; 0.76–0.96; p‐0.009) but higher rates of cardiac arrest (OR: 1.39; 1.06–1.83; p‐0.02) and need for mechanical circulatory support (OR: 1.7; 1.28–2.36; p‐0.001). Patients with LBBB underwent a higher rate of pacemaker (OR: 2.98; 2.75–3.23; p < 0.001) and ICD (implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator) placement (OR: 3.98; 2.81–5.62; p < 0.001). Patients with LBBB were also found to have a higher mean cost of hospitalization ($81,402 vs $60,358; p < 0.001) but lower length of stay (4.8 vs 5.4 days; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients admitted with decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, left bundle branch block is associated with increased odds of cardiac arrest, mechanical circulatory support requirement, device implantation and mean cost of hospitalization but decreased odds of in‐hospital mortality.
Pediatric intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrests: A survey to evaluate if Medical Emergency Teams are utilized in pediatric operating rooms
Authors: Charles Aidan , Williams Sacha A. , Dolan Jenny , Rehman Mohamed , Arnold Jennifer , Chandler Nicole M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Studies have shown that standardized code teams may improve outcomes following cardiac arrests. Pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrests are rare events and are associated with a mortality rate of 18%. There is limited data available regarding use Medical Emergency Team (MET) response to pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrest. The purpose of this study was to identify the use of MET in response to pediatric intraoperative cardiac arrest as an exploratory step in establishing evidence‐based standardized practice across the hospital for training and management of this rare event.

Methods

An anonymous electronic survey was created and sent to two populations: The Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council, a section of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia, and the Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Collaborative, a multinational collaborative group, which works to improve resuscitation care in children. Standard summary and descriptive statistics were used for survey responses.

Results

The overall response rate was 41%. The majority of respondents worked in a university affiliated, free‐standing children's hospital. Ninety‐five percent of respondents had a dedicated pediatric MET at their hospital. In 60% of responses from Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Collaborative and 18% of Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council hospitals, the MET responds to pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrest; however, the majority of times MET involvement is requested rather than automatic. The MET was found to be activated intraoperatively for situations other than cardiac arrest such as, massive transfusion events, need for extra staff, and for specialty expertise. In 65% of institutions, simulation‐based training for cardiac arrest is supported but lacking pediatric intra‐operative focus.

Conclusions

This survey revealed heterogeneity in the composition and response of the medical response teams responding to pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrests. Improved collaboration and cross training among MET, anesthesia, and operating room nursing may improve outcomes of pediatric intra‐operative code events.
Survey of enteral feeding of preterm infants and the human milk bank in Japan
Authors: Wada Yuka Sano , Tani Yuki , Shindo Jun , Miyata Masashi , Sakurai Motoichirou , Nishimaki Shigeru , Mizuno Kastumi
Published: March 2023

Background

In Japan, the first human milk bank (HMB) was established in 2017, which changed the practice of enteral feeding in neonatal care. This study investigated the practice of enteral feeding of preterm infants after the establishment of the HMB in Japan and examined related future issues.

Methods

A survey on enteral feeding and the use of the HMB was conducted in 251 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from December 2020 to February 2021.

Results

The response rate was 61%. The ideal times to start enteral feeding for extremely‐low‐birthweight infants (ELBWI) and very‐low‐birthweight infants (VLBWI) were within 24 h after birth in approximately 59% and 62% of NICUs, however, only 30% and 46% could do so, respectively. Artificial nutrition was used to initiate enteral feeding for ELBWIs and VLBWIs in in 24% and 56% of NICUs, respectively. Of the NICUs, 92% considered the HMB “necessary” or “rather necessary”. Fifty‐five percent wanted to use the HMB but could not. The major reasons for this were (1) difficulty in paying the annual membership fee, (2) difficulty obtaining approval from the NICU, and (3) complexity in using the facility. The indications for using and discontinuation of use of donor milk varied among the NICUs. Only in 17%, milk expression was within 1h after delivery.

Conclusions

Compared with before the establishment of the HMB, NICUs are currently more willing to start enteral feeding for preterm infants earlier. However, the implementation of enteral feeding appears to be challenging. Issues related to the HMB highlighted by the responses need to be addressed. Additionally, guidelines for using donor milk should be established.
Clinical risk factors at 3 months of age for the development of bronchial asthma at 36 months of age
Authors: Sugiura Shiro , Hiramitsu Yoshimichi , Futamura Masaki , Kamioka Naomi , Yamaguchi Chikae , Umemura Harue , Kondo Yasuto , Ito Komei
Published: March 2023

Background

We examined the associations between factors evident at the routine 3‐month well‐child visit (WCV) and the risk of developing 36‐month parent‐reported physician‐diagnosed bronchial asthma (BA).

Methods

This longitudinal study was conducted in Nagoya City, Japan, and included 40,242 children who qualified for the 3‐month WCVs in the city between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2018. In total, 22,052 (54.8%) questionnaires linked to their 36‐month WCVs were analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of BA was 4.5%. The multivariable Poisson regression model identified male sex (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–1.81), born in autumn (aRR, 1.30; 95% CI: 1.09–1.55), having at least one sibling (aRR, 1.31; 95% CI: 1.15–1.49), wheeze history before 3‐month WCVs, with clinic/hospital visit: aRR, 1.99; 95% CI: 1.53–2.56; hospitalization: aRR, 2.99; 95% CI: 2.09–4.12, eczema with itch (aRR, 1.51; 95% CI: 1.27–1.80), paternal history of BA (aRR, 1.98; 95% CI: 1.66–2.34), maternal history of BA (aRR, 2.11; 95% CI: 1.77–2.49), and rearing pets with fur (aRR, 1.35; 95% CI: 1.15–1.58) were independent risk factors for BA at 36 months of age. The combination of severe wheeze history (with clinic/hospital visit or hospitalization) and maternal and paternal BA could identify high‐risk infants whose prevalence of BA was 20%.

Conclusions

The combined assessment of important clinical factors enabled us to identify high‐risk infants set to derive optimal benefit from health guidance provided to the parent or caregiver of the child or infant at WCVs.
Neurocognitive deficits may not resolve following pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Lullmann Olivia , Conrad Amy L. , Steinbach Emily J. , Wilgenbusch Tammy , Harshman Lyndsay A. , van der Plas Ellen
Published: March 2023

Background

Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at risk for cognitive deficits with worsening disease progression. Limited, existing cross‐sectional studies suggest that cognitive deficits may improve following kidney transplantation. We sought to assess cognitive performance in relationship to kidney transplantation and kidney‐specific medical variables in a sample of pediatric kidney transplant patients who provided cross‐sectional and longitudinal observations.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients who completed pre‐ and/or post‐transplant neurocognitive testing at the University of Iowa from 2015–2021. Cognitive outcomes were investigated with developmentally appropriate, standardized measures. Mixed linear models estimated the impact of transplant status on cognitive function (z‐scores). Subsequent post‐hoc t‐tests on change scores were limited to patients who had provided pre‐ and post‐transplant assessments.

Results

Thirty eight patients underwent cognitive assessments: 10 had both pre‐ and post‐transplant cognitive assessments, 11 had pre‐transplant assessments only, and 17 had post‐transplant data only. Post‐transplant status was associated with significantly lower full‐scale IQ and slower processing speed compared to pre‐transplant status (estimate = −0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.52: −0.12; estimate = −0.86, CI = −1.17: −0.55, respectively). Post‐hoc analyses confirmed results from the mixed models (FSIQ change score = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.56: −0.12; processing speed change score = −0.98, CI = −1.28: −0.68). Finally, being ≥80 months old at transplant was associated with substantially lower FSIQ compared to being <80 months (estimate = −1.25, 95% CI = −1.94: −0.56).

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of monitoring cognitive function following pediatric kidney transplant and identify older transplant age as a risk factor for cognitive deficits.
Intellectual Humility and Political Polarization: An Exploration of Social Networks, Attitudes, and Affect
Authors: Sgambati Tyrone J. , Ayduk Ozlem N.
Published: March 2023

Political polarization is increasing in the United States, threatening social harmony. As this threat grows, it is important to identify factors that engender polarization and ways to disrupt them. To this end, we examined the buffering role of intellectual humility against political polarization and the potential mediating role of political heterophily (i.e., affiliation and communication with political outgroup members). Data were collected in five assessments over an eight‐month period, beginning one day prior to the 2020 U.S. presidential election (N = 387) and ending in July 2021 (N = 181). Results showed that intellectual humility was associated with (1) less affective and attitudinal polarization (although in some cases this effect was only present among conservatives) and (2) more political heterophily. Cross‐sectional and prospective mediation analyses suggested that intellectual humility may act through political heterophily to reduce attitude polarization. Our findings offer support for the notion that intellectual humility buffers against political polarization and provide preliminary evidence for political heterophily as one mechanism of action.
The income‐related distribution of cognitive function and its mobility among the Chinese elderly over a 14‐year period
Authors: Zhou Yiting , Xu Yongjian , Zhu Liang
Published: March 2023

Background

With population ageing, cognitive function among the elderly is a growing public health concern in China. This study aimed to investigate the trend of income‐related inequality in cognitive function, and to track health‐related income mobility among the Chinese elderly.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal concentration indices were used to measure the magnitudes of inequalities at different length of time. The mobility index was used to capture the discrepancy between short‐term and long‐term assessments. The contributions of determinants to mobility were estimated by decomposition analysis.

Results

The results showed the cognitive function score among the Chinese elderly as 21.13 at the baseline. Men, activities, daily living ability, education, marriage status, income, receipt of community service, vision and hearing condition were positively associated with cognitive function, whereas age, negative well‐being, and drinking were negatively associated with cognitive function. The cross‐sectional concentration index was positive and significant only at the baseline. In the long run, however, the concentration indices were all positive and became larger over time. After five waves, the mobility index reached −4.84. The largest negative contributor to the mobility index was daily living ability, followed by relaxing activity, domestic activity, and hearing condition. The two largest positive contributors were negative well‐being and income.

Conclusions

As a whole, cognitive function did not perform well among the Chinese elderly. In the long term, the weighted cross‐sectional concentration indices underestimated the inequality in cognitive function, and good cognitive performance was concentrated more among the rich. When formulating intervention measures, the Chinese government should give priority to vulnerable groups, especially the elderly who are poor or downwardly mobile in income.