bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐analytical variables in haemostasis: Findings from the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment scheme for Blood Coagulation (UK NEQAS BC) haemolysis exercise
Authors: Brown Lilia , Jennings Ian , Kitchen Steve , Kitchen Dianne P. , Woods Tim A. L. , Walker Isobel D.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Haemolysis is considered one of the major contributors of nonconformities and sample rejection in coagulation testing.

Materials and methods

Two lyophilized plasmas were distributed to 800 centres registered for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and either Clauss fibrinogen or thrombin time (TT) in the UK NEQAS BC programme. The same pool of normal plasma was used to prepare both samples, to one of which red blood cell haemolysate was added to mimic haemolysis at 3 g/L haemoglobin concentration. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their laboratory approach to dealing with haemolysed samples, including strategies used to deal with different levels of haemolysis.

Results

Results for tests performed did not show great differences between the two samples. It should be noted that artificially constructed haemolysed samples may not behave in the same way as patient samples (ie, may not be commutable). However, the possibility of carrying out a large multicentre study for detection of haemolysis was demonstrated. Inconsistency in practice was observed with 226/551 (41%) of centres indicated they reject haemolysed samples solely on visual checks, and 163 (30%) using initial visual checks with further sample rejection evaluation by analyser flags. Furthermore, 333 (72%) of centres indicated that the level of haemolysis affects sample rejection decisions, while 132 (28%) stated it did not.

Conclusion

Variability of responses for dealing with haemolysed samples reflects a lack of clear consistency in the pre‐analytical area of sample processing.
Financial aid, remittances and their effect on relative deprivation in Rwanda
Authors: Warnaar Hester , Bilgili Özge
Published: February 2021

Economic relative deprivation is increasingly recognized as an indication of economic well‐being, also among refugees. This study examines to what extent financial contributions (financial aid and remittances) can compensate for the objective and subjective relative deprivation of Congolese refugees compared to their Rwandan hosts. The analysis is conducted using unique data that have been collected with a UNHCR‐funded research project. We find that refugee households initially experience more objective and subjective relative deprivation than local households, but that this association is largely suppressed by financial contributions they receive. The results show that especially financial aid can compensate for relative deprivation. Furthermore, there is evidence that local households are more often exceptionally deprived than refugee households, when more rigid measurements of objective relative deprivation are used. To promote economic well‐being among the whole population, the needs of both refugees and locals should be considered when distributing financial and development assistance.
Effects of mechanochemical activation on the structural and electrical properties of orthorhombic LuFeO3 ceramics
Authors: Wang Zhi , Xiao Wenzhen , Zhang Junkang , Huang Jilong , Dong Mingyang , Yuan Haifeng , Xu Tongshuai , Shi Liran , Dai Yuqiang , Liu Qingqing , Yang Jing
Published: February 2021

Orthorhombic LuFeO3 is an important member of rare‐earth orthoferrites ReFeO3 whose appealing physical features have drawn much attention due to its various potential applications. In this work, pure phase LuFeO3 ceramics have been prepared by a mechanochemical activation‐assisted solid‐state reaction (MAS) method and conventional solid‐state reaction (CSS) method for comparison. X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) studies demonstrated that the mechanochemical activation process can lower the starting reaction temperature and substantially shorten the time to complete the reaction of LuFeO3 ceramics. Besides, more homogeneous and highly denser LuFeO3 ceramics can be obtained using the MAS method revealed by the density measurement and Scanning Electron Microscopy. It was revealed by XRD and Raman measurements that there is a little increase in lattice constant in the MAS sample compared to the CSS sample. The complex impedance spectra illustrated that the MAS sample has a much higher resistance than the CSS sample, which is caused by the higher density and fewer oxygen vacancies verified by X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. We believe that this study will contribute to solving the common leakage problems in ReFeO3 ceramics and the investigation of its multiferroic properties.
Paediatric nursing clinical competences in primary healthcare: A systematic review
Authors: Laserna Jiménez Cristina , López Poyato Mireia , Casado Montañés Isabel , Guix‐Comellas Eva Maria , Fabrellas Núria
Published: February 2021

Aims

To identify and critically appraise the available evidence on paediatric nurses’ clinical competencies performed autonomously regarding disease prevention and health promotion activities for children and adolescents in primary healthcare worldwide.

Design

A systematic review design in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement.

Data sources

The search was conducted through MEDLINE (PubMed), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SCOPUS, The Cochrane Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science and The Joanna Briggs Institute EBP (Ovid) databases. The grey literature was reviewed at OpenGrey. Additional studies were located through a references list of selected studies identified on first search.

Review methods

Database search employed MeSH terms: (paediatric nursing) AND (primary healthcare) AND ((clinical skills) OR (clinical competences)). Studies published from inception to October 2019 exploring paediatric nurses' clinical competencies in primary healthcare were eligible for inclusion. No language restrictions were applied in the main search. Selection was made by two reviewers independently. Three independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of included studies.

Results

Eighteen studies were included from six countries. The most common nursing competencies independently performed identified and described in studies were Health education and advice, Child and adolescent health and development assessment, Immunizations and Child health checks.

Conclusion

Studies describe clinical competencies of nurses in children care. No consistent scientific evidence is available about clinical competencies of paediatric nurses performed autonomously in primary care.

Impact

Few scientific studies identifying and assessing nurses' child primary healthcare skills were found and therefore recorded. Studies describe nurses' clinical skills in childhood, but results do not show firm consistency assessing their practice scope. Health policy‐makers should encourage the development of nurses' competencies if they wish to preserve quality and equity of healthcare services to children. Therefore, the first step is to identify the autonomous competencies of paediatric nurses in primary care.
Towards a new understanding of HIV‐related stigma in the era of efficient treatment‐ A qualitative reconceptualization of existing theory
Authors: Reinius Maria , Zeluf Andersson Galit , Svedhem Veronica , Wettergren Lena , Wiklander Maria , Eriksson Lars E.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To further develop Earnshaw and Chaudoir's HIV stigma framework by describing the experiences of HIV‐related stigma among people living with viral suppression in a context where HIV is well controlled and to investigate how these experiences correspond to the stigma mechanisms of the framework.

Design

Qualitative study using interviews and a framework approach to analysis.

Methods

People living with virally suppressed HIV in Sweden were recruited through an outpatient clinic and interviewed about their experiences of social aspects of living with HIV. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Fifteen participants (eight women and seven men, aged 30–64 years) were interviewed from March to September 2017. They described stigma around HIV as a barrier in many situations. Anticipated and enacted stigma were found to be more complex than is described in the existing literature. Being labelled as a person with HIV was found to be an important and persistent part of the stigma experience. Disclosure was found to be context‐related and a result of a process of negotiating and weighing the relevance of disclosing HIV, perceiving HIV as a private matter and feeling a responsibility to disclose one's HIV status to others. An important reason for nondisclosure was to avoid being labelled with HIV, which would then become their most defining feature.

Conclusions

The HIV stigma framework could benefit from revision for people living with virally suppressed HIV.

Implications

The present findings, which indicate the role of health professionals in relation to disclosure and labelling, may guide nurses and other healthcare personnel in providing counselling and support for people who live with virally suppressed HIV and experience stigma.
The Cardiac Care Bridge randomized trial in high‐risk older cardiac patients: A mixed‐methods process evaluation
Authors: Verweij Lotte , Spoon Denise F. , Terbraak Michel S. , Jepma Patricia , Peters Ron J. G. , Scholte Op Reimer Wilma J. M. , Latour Corine H. M. , Buurman Bianca M.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To evaluate healthcare professionals' performance and treatment fidelity in the Cardiac Care Bridge (CCB) nurse‐coordinated transitional care intervention in older cardiac patients to understand and interpret the study results.

Design

A mixed‐methods process evaluation based on the Medical Research Council Process Evaluation framework.

Methods

Quantitative data on intervention key elements were collected from 153 logbooks of all intervention patients. Qualitative data were collected using semi‐structured interviews with 19 CCB professionals (cardiac nurses, community nurses and primary care physical therapists), from June 2017 until October 2018. Qualitative data‐analysis is based on thematic analysis and integrated with quantitative key element outcomes. The analysis was blinded to trial outcomes. Fidelity was defined as the level of intervention adherence.

Results

The overall intervention fidelity was 67%, ranging from severely low fidelity in the consultation of in‐hospital geriatric teams (17%) to maximum fidelity in the comprehensive geriatric assessment (100%). Main themes of influence in the intervention performance that emerged from the interviews are interdisciplinary collaboration, organizational preconditions, confidence in the programme, time management and patient characteristics. In addition to practical issues, the patient's frailty status and limited motivation were barriers to the intervention.

Conclusion

Although involved healthcare professionals expressed their confidence in the intervention, the fidelity rate was suboptimal. This could have influenced the non‐significant effect of the CCB intervention on the primary composite outcome of readmission and mortality 6 months after randomization. Feasibility of intervention key elements should be reconsidered in relation to experienced barriers and the population.

Impact

In addition to insight in effectiveness, insight in intervention fidelity and performance is necessary to understand the mechanism of impact. This study demonstrates that the suboptimal fidelity was subject to a complex interplay of organizational, professionals' and patients' issues. The results support intervention redesign and inform future development of transitional care interventions in older cardiac patients.
The adaptation and feasibility of dialectical behaviour therapy for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and transdiagnoses: A pilot community‐based randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jones Jessica , Blinkhorn Ashleigh , McQueen Meg , Hewett Laura , Mills‐Rogers Mary‐Jane , Hall Layla , Althagafi Lujain , Hudson Chloe , Gierc Madelaine , Wright Kristyn , Goettl Hannah , Keogh‐Lim Daniel , Rischke‐Peddle Alexis , Ayub Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Preliminary evidence suggests dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) may be beneficial for persons with intellectual disabilities. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the feasibility of adapted DBT for adults with intellectual disabilities and co‐morbid psychiatric disorders in the community.

Methods

An adapted DBT programme (aDBT‐ID) was delivered to adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability (n = 20) and their caregivers (n = 20). A single‐blind, mixed‐methods design was employed with treatment (n = 10) and control (n = 10). In addition to feasibility, pre–post‐measures of emotional regulation, anger and mental health were taken from clients and caregivers.

Results

Results suggest it was feasible and beneficial to deliver adapted DBT in the community. Qualitative findings found both participants and caregivers were satisfied with the treatment delivery. No differences between conditions were found.

Conclusion

This pilot study highlights the feasibility of adapted DBT for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the practicalities of delivering community‐based inclusive research.
The anti‐scientists bias: The role of feelings about scientists in COVID‐19 attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Sanchez Carmen , Dunning David
Published: February 2021

Across three studies, we investigated who expresses concern for COVID‐19, or coronavirus, and engages in behaviors that are consistent with slowing the spread of COVID‐19. In Studies 1 and 2 (n = 415, n = 199), those with warmer feelings toward scientists were more concerned and engaged in greater COVID‐preventative behaviors, regardless of partisanship. That is, an anti‐scientists bias was related to lessened concern and toward less preventive behaviors. Furthermore, those who were the most optimistic about hydroxychloroquine, a purported but unproven treatment against the virus, were less likely to engage in behaviors designed to decrease the spread of COVID‐19. In Study 3 (n = 259), asking participants to watch a scientist discuss hydroxychloroquine on Fox News led people to greater endorsement of COVID behaviors. In short, positive feelings toward scientists, rather than political attitudes or knowledge, related to who was concerned and those willing to engage in pandemic reducing behaviors. These behaviors were not immutable and can be changed by scientific out‐reach.
Estimation of economic value for efficiency and animal health and welfare traits, teat and udder structure, in Canadian Angus cattle
Authors: Devani Kajal , Quinton Cheryl D. , Archer Jason A. , Santos Bruno F. S. , Martin‐Collado Daniel , Amer Peter , Pajor Ed A. , Orsel Karin , Crowley John J.
Published: February 2021

The Canadian Angus Association recently developed genetic evaluations for teat and udder structure, which impact efficiencies, and animal health and welfare. Genetic selection tools are most effective incorporated into economic selection indexes. An important factor in the development of economic indexes is the estimation of the economic value and discounted gene expression coefficients, and thereby the economic weight, of each trait. Traditional estimation methods, interrogation of previous studies quantifying the impact of the traits and bioeconomic modelling, were reinforced using producer surveys that employed pairwise ranking methods. Estimates of discounted genetic expression coefficients, economic value and economic weight for teat and udder score in Canadian Angus cattle were 0.31 per sire, $52.47, and $16.91 per score change on a per calf born basis, respectively, indicating that functional traits such as teat and udder structure have a significant impact on profitability and should be included in genetic selection programmes. Limitations in previous studies illustrate the need for longitudinal studies on traits that impact efficiencies and animal health and welfare.
Natural and anthropogenic climate variability shape assemblages of range‐extending coral‐reef fishes
Authors: Monaco Cristián J. , Booth David J. , Figueira Will F. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Schoeman David S. , Bradshaw Corey J.A. , Nagelkerken Ivan
Published: February 2021

Aim

Climate change is redistributing species globally, resulting in altered community structures and ecosystem functioning. The current paradigm is that species should track temperature isoclines along latitudinal and depth gradients to remain within their thermal niches. However, the many exceptions to this rule point to complex ecological and environmental processes often overlooked in statistical models predicting species redistributions. We tested the contributions of natural versus anthropogenic climate change to the long‐term spatio‐temporal dynamics of assemblages of range‐shifting tropical fishes at the leading edge of redistribution fronts.

Location

East coast of Australia.

Taxon

Tropical coral‐reef fishes.

Methods

We analysed 16 years (2003–2018) of tropical species occurrences at two temperate locations using traditional diversity metrics (richness, accumulation curves and β‐diversity). We also quantified the role of primary environmental covariates and estimated species associations using joint species distribution models.

Results

We reveal that tropical species richness has increased in this temperate ecosystem over time. Furthermore, we show that the richness of tropical vagrant species increased with the sea‐surface temperature experienced by both local vagrants and their putative source populations at the southern Great Barrier Reef, which accounted for 23.1% and 22.1% of the explained variance, respectively. We also detected a signal from El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, as species turnover and richness peaked during the strong La Niña event of 2010–2011.

Main conclusions

While the increases in ocean temperature and strength of the surface ocean current due to anthropogenic climate change are gradually favouring the poleward redistribution of tropical species, natural climatic oscillations can have a strong additive effect by rapidly modifying the pool of incoming species and potentially disrupting local communities.
Spatial proximity between polyploids across South American frog genera
Authors: David Kyle T. , Halanych Kenneth M.
Published: February 2021

Aim

Polyploids have been theorized to occur more frequently in environments that are subjected to severe conditions or sudden disruptions. Here we test the expectation that polyploid taxa occur more frequently in extreme or disrupted environments than their diploid counterparts, whether due to increased adaptive potential, environmental resilience or cross‐ploidy competition.

Location

South America.

Taxon

All frog genera in the area with both polyploid and diploid member species (Ceratophrys, Chiasmocleis, Odontophrynus, Phyllomedusa and Pleurodema).

Methods

In all, 13,556 occurrence records of 82 frog species were collected from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Species distribution models, range overlap estimates, statistical tests and principal component analyses were used to estimate and compare environments between diploid and polyploid species within and across genera using several categorical and quantitative variables taken from multiple publicly available sources.

Results

Almost all polyploid occurrences are found within southeastern South America, largely to the exclusion of diploids. Polyploid species occur more closely with intergeneric polyploids than they do with congeneric diploids. Southeastern South America is more temperate, seasonal and less forested when compared to the tropical environments more commonly inhabited by diploids. The habitat ranges of polyploid species are subject to greater temperature fluctuations than diploid species. This region has also experienced major transformations in the modern era, owing to an agriculture boom over the last century. Polyploid occurrences are more likely to be found in areas with greater cropland usage, fertilizer application and pesticide application than diploids.

Main Conclusions

Across species, temperature seasonality was the only variable with strong statistical differences between diploids and polyploids. Greater annual fluctuations in temperature may lead to more established polyploid species due to reasons mentioned above; however, extreme temperature differences are also known to contribute to polyploid gamete formation, providing a possible non‐selective explanation. Polyploid occurrences are also more likely to be found in areas of high agricultural impact, providing support for the hypothesis that polyploids are more resilient to environmental disruptions than diploids.
BMP9‐initiated osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of mouse tooth germ mesenchymal cells (TGMCS) requires Wnt/β‐catenin signalling activity
Authors: Luo Wenping , Zhang Linghuan , Huang Bo , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Fugui , Liang Panpan , Chen Qiuman , Cheng Qianyu , Tan Dongmei , Tan Yi , Song Jinlin , Zhao Tianyu , Haydon Rex C. , Reid Russell R. , Luu Hue H , Lee Michael J. , El Dafrawy Mostafa , Ji Ping , He Tong‐Chuan , Gou Liming
Published: February 2021

Teeth arise from the tooth germ through sequential and reciprocal interactions between immature epithelium and mesenchyme during development. However, the detailed mechanism underlying tooth development from tooth germ mesenchymal cells (TGMCs) remains to be fully understood. Here, we investigate the role of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in BMP9‐induced osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of TGMCs. We first established the reversibly immortalized TGMCs (iTGMCs) derived from young mouse mandibular molar tooth germs using a retroviral vector expressing SV40 T antigen flanked with the FRT sites. We demonstrated that BMP9 effectively induced expression of osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase, collagen A1 and osteocalcin in iTGMCs, as well as in vitro matrix mineralization, which could be remarkably blunted by knocking down β‐catenin expression. In vivo implantation assay revealed that while BMP9‐stimulated iTGMCs induced robust formation of ectopic bone, knocking down β‐catenin expression in iTGMCs remarkably diminished BMP9‐initiated osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation potential of these cells. Taken together, these discoveries strongly demonstrate that reversibly immortalized iTGMCs retained osteogenic/odontogenic ability upon BMP9 stimulation, but this process required the participation of canonical Wnt signalling both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, BMP9 has a potential to be applied as an efficacious bio‐factor in osteo/odontogenic regeneration and tooth engineering. Furthermore, the iTGMCs may serve as an important resource for translational studies in tooth tissue engineering.
Lansoprazole promotes cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury via enhancing tubular necroptosis
Authors: Ye Lin , Pang Wanxia , Huang Yanheng , Wu Hongluan , Huang Xiaorong , Liu Jianxing , Wang Shujun , Yang Chen , Pan Qingjun , Liu Huafeng
Published: February 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the main obstacle that limits the use of cisplatin in cancer treatment. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the most commonly used class of medications for gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients, have been reported to cause adverse renal events. However, the effect of PPIs on cisplatin‐induced AKI remains unclear. Herein, the effect and mechanism of lansoprazole (LPZ), one of the most frequently prescribed PPIs, on cisplatin‐induced AKI were investigated in vivo and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (18 mg/kg) to induce AKI, and LPZ (12.5 or 25 mg/kg) was administered 2 hours prior to cisplatin administration and then once daily for another 2 days via i.p. injection. The results showed that LPZ significantly aggravated the tubular damage and further increased the elevated levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen induced by cisplatin. However, LPZ did not enhance cisplatin‐induced tubular apoptosis, as evidenced by a lack of significant change in mRNA and protein expression of Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and TUNEL staining. Notably, LPZ increased the number of necrotic renal tubular cells compared to that by cisplatin treatment alone, which was further confirmed by the elevated necroptosis‐associated protein expression of RIPK1, p‐RIPK3 and p‐MLKL. Furthermore, LPZ deteriorated cisplatin‐induced inflammation, as revealed by the increased mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory factors including, NLRP3, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and caspase 1, as well as neutrophil infiltration. Consistently, in in vitro study, LPZ increased HK‐2 cell death and enhanced inflammation, compared with cisplatin treatment alone. Collectively, our results demonstrate that LPZ aggravates cisplatin‐induced AKI, and necroptosis may be involved in the exacerbation of kidney damage.
The functions of autophagy at the tumour‐immune interface
Authors: Luo Xiaobo , Qiu Yan , Dinesh Palani , Gong Wang , Jiang Lu , Feng Xiaodong , Li Jing , Jiang Yuchen , Lei Yu L. , Chen Qianming
Published: February 2021

Autophagy is frequently induced in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment. Accumulating evidence reveals important functions of autophagy at the tumour‐immune interface. Herein, we propose an update on the roles of autophagy in modulating tumour immunity. Autophagy promotes adaptive resistance of established tumours to the cytotoxic effects of natural killer cells (NKs), macrophages and effector T cells. Increased autophagic flux in tumours dampen their immunogenicity and inhibits the expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by suppressing the activation of STING type I interferon signalling (IFN‐I) innate immune sensing pathway. Autophagy in suppressive tumour‐infiltrating immune subsets maintains their survival through metabolic remodelling. On the other hand, autophagy is involved in the antigen processing and presentation process, which is essential for anti‐tumour immune responses. Genetic deletion of autophagy induces spontaneous tumours in some models. Thus, the role of autophagy is context‐dependent. In summary, our review has revealed the dichotomous roles of autophagy in modulating tumour immunity. Broad targeting of autophagy may not yield maximal benefits. The characterization of specific genes regulating tumour immunogenicity and innovation in targeted delivery of autophagy inhibitors into certain tumours are among the most urgent tasks to sensitize cold cancers to immunotherapy.
Low expression of GSTP1 in the aqueous humour of patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Liu Aihua , Wang Liming , Feng Qiang , Zhang Dandan , Chen Kexi , Yiming Guli Humaer , Wang Qiong , Hong Yaru , Whelchel Amy , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Xiaorong , Dong Lijie
Published: February 2021

Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by irreversible neurodegeneration accompanied by visual field defects and high intraocular pressure. Currently, an effective treatment is not available to prevent the progression of POAG, other than treatments to decrease the high intraocular pressure. We performed proteomic analysis of aqueous humour (AH) samples from patients with POAG combined with cataract and patients with cataract to obtain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of POAG and explore potential treatment targets for this condition. Samples were collected from 10 patients with POAG combined with cataract and 10 patients with cataract. Samples from each group were pooled. A high‐resolution, label‐free, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomic analysis was performed. In total, 610 proteins were identified in human AH samples from the two groups. A total of 48 up‐regulated proteins and 49 down‐regulated proteins were identified in the POAG combined with cataract group compared with the control group. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed key roles for these proteins in inflammation, immune responses, growth and development, cellular movement and vesicle‐mediated transport in the biological process category. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated the down‐regulated expression of glutathione S‐transferase P (GSTP1) in the glutathione metabolism signalling pathway in the POAG combined with cataract group. Additionally, certain significantly differentially expressed proteins in the proteomic profile were verified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GSTP1 levels were reduced in the human AH samples from the POAG combined with cataract group, based on the results of ELISA and proteomic profiling. Therefore, GSTP1, a redox‐related marker, may be involved in the pathological process of POAG and may become a treatment target in the future.
Ferroptosis‐related gene signature as a prognostic marker for lower‐grade gliomas
Authors: Zheng Yi , Ji Qiang , Xie Lei , Wang Can , Yu Chun‐Na , Wang Ya‐Li , Jiang Jing , Chen Feng , Li Wen‐Bin
Published: February 2021

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, which has unique biological effects on metabolism and redox biology. In this study, the prognostic value of ferroptosis‐related genes was investigated in lower‐grade gliomas (LGG). We downloaded the ferroptosis‐related genes from the FerrDb dataset. Univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses were applied to identify genes correlated with overall survival (OS). Subsequently, 12 ferroptosis‐related genes were screened to establish the prognostic signature using stepwise multivariate Cox regression. According to the median value of risk scores, patients were divided into low‐ and high‐risk subgroups. The Kaplan‐Meier curves showed the high‐risk group had a lower OS. The predictive power of the risk model was validated using the CGGA. Functional analysis revealed that the terms associated with plasma membrane receptor complex, immune response and glutamate metabolic process were primarily related to the risk model. Moreover, we established a nomogram that had a strong forecasting ability for the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year OS. In addition, we compared the risk scores between different clinical features. We also detected infiltration of macrophages and monocytes in different subgroups. Overall, our study identified the prognostic signature of 12 ferroptosis‐related genes, which has the potential to predict the prognosis of LGG.
Team‐Based Approach to Managing Postpartum Screening of Women with Gestational Diabetes for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bounds Faye L. , Rojjanasrirat Wilaiporn , Martin Mary A.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Approximately 6% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is a strong risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is recommended that women with GDM complete a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 4 to 12 weeks postpartum to screen for type 2 diabetes. A 3‐month retrospective chart review in 2 patient‐centered medical homes found that postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes was performed in only 39% of eligible women, despite recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Diabetes Association. Thus, a quality improvement project was initiated to improve the postpartum type 2 diabetes screening rate.

Process

This quality improvement project involved an education session that described current ACOG recommendations for diabetes screening. The education session included a pretest and posttest that evaluated participants’ understanding about development of type 2 diabetes after GDM. A team‐based postpartum guideline designed to enable women to complete a 75‐g OGTT at the 4‐to‐12‐week postpartum appointment was implemented. A postintervention chart review was conducted to determine the postintervention rate of type 2 diabetes screening.

Outcome

The mean pretest score for the clinical team was 57%, and the mean posttest score was 99%. Postpartum screening for women with GDM was improved from 39% of women for whom screening was indicated to 77% with the implementation of the team‐based guideline.

Discussion

The quality improvement project results demonstrated that improved understanding of ACOG recommendations combined with the implementation of a team‐based guideline significantly improved postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes. Team‐based management of care, including education of team members about the rationale for change, may also improve outcomes in other quality improvement projects.
Central regulation of glucose metabolism in an insulin‐dependent and ‐independent manner
Authors: Fujikawa Teppei
Published: February 2021

The central nervous system (CNS) contributes significantly to glucose homeostasis. The available evidence indicates that insulin directly acts on the CNS, in particular the hypothalamus, to regulate hepatic glucose production, thereby controlling whole‐body glucose metabolism. Additionally, insulin also acts on the brain to regulate food intake and fat metabolism, which may indirectly regulate glucose metabolism. Studies conducted over the last decade have found that the CNS can regulate glucose metabolism in an insulin‐independent manner. Enhancement of central leptin signalling reverses hyperglycaemia in insulin‐deficient rodents. Here, I review the mechanisms by which central insulin and leptin actions regulate glucose metabolism. Although clinical studies have shown that insulin treatment is currently indispensable for managing diabetes, unravelling the neuronal mechanisms underlying the central regulation of glucose metabolism will pave the way for the design of novel therapeutic drugs for diabetes.
A Voxel‐based lesion study on facial emotion recognition after circumscribed prefrontal cortex damage
Authors: Ouerchefani Riadh , Ouerchefani Naoufel , Kammoun Brahim , Ben Rejeb Mohamed Riadh , Le Gall Didier
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the contribution of the different prefrontal regions in emotion recognition. Moreover, the hemispheric lateralization hypothesis posits that the right hemisphere is dominant for processing all emotions regardless of affective valence, whereas the valence specificity hypothesis posits that the left hemisphere is specialized for processing positive emotions while the right hemisphere is specialized for negative emotions. However, recent findings suggest that the evidence for such lateralization has been less consistent. In this study, we investigated emotion recognition of fear, surprise, happiness, sadness, disgust, and anger in 30 patients with focal prefrontal cortex lesions and 30 control subjects. We also examined the impact of lesion laterality on recognition of the six basic emotions. The results showed that compared to control subjects, the frontal subgroups were impaired in recognition of three negative basic emotions of fear, sadness, and anger – regardless of the lesion laterality. Therefore, our findings did not establish that each hemisphere is specialized for processing specific emotions. Moreover, the voxel‐based lesion symptom mapping analysis showed that recognition of fear, sadness, and anger draws on a partially common bilaterally distributed prefrontal network.
The trigeminal system: The meningovascular complex— A review
Authors: Terrier Louis‐Marie , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Velut Stéphane , Magnain Caroline , Amelot Aymeric , Bernard Florian , Zöllei Lilla , Destrieux Christophe
Published: February 2021

Supratentorial sensory perception, including pain, is subserved by the trigeminal nerve, in particular, by the branches of its ophthalmic division, which provide an extensive innervation of the dura mater and of the major brain blood vessels. In addition, contrary to previous assumptions, studies on awake patients during surgery have demonstrated that the mechanical stimulation of the pia mater and small cerebral vessels can also produce pain. The trigeminovascular system, located at the interface between the nervous and vascular systems, is therefore perfectly positioned to detect sensory inputs and influence blood flow regulation. Despite the fact that it remains only partially understood, the trigeminovascular system is most probably involved in several pathologies, including very frequent ones such as migraine, or other severe conditions, such as subarachnoid haemorrhage. The incomplete knowledge about the exact roles of the trigeminal system in headache, blood flow regulation, blood barrier permeability and trigemino‐cardiac reflex warrants for an increased investigation of the anatomy and physiology of the trigeminal system. This translational review aims at presenting comprehensive information about the dural and brain afferents of the trigeminovascular system, in order to improve the understanding of trigeminal cranial sensory perception and to spark a new field of exploration for headache and other brain diseases.
The 19th century in the Lombard Alps: The unfulfilled promise of industrialization
Authors: Mocarelli Luca , Ongaro Giulio , Tedeschi Paolo
Published: February 2021

The article aims to contribute to the discussion on the causes and the trajectories of the process of industrialization and economic development between the 18th and the 19th centuries. Focusing on the case study of the Lombard Alpine area, it will test the usefulness of the concept of uneven and combined development (UCD) in order to better understand the process of economic growth. The Alpine case study is particularly interesting because, in some Lombard Valleys, it involves a shift from a very advanced economy in the Early Modern period to a demographic and economic collapse from the mid‐19th century onward, when in contrast, other mountain territories in the Italian area were moving towards industrialization.
The Making of “La Gran Familia Mexicana”: Eugenics, Gender, and Sexuality in Mexico
Authors: Sánchez‐Rivera R.
Published: February 2021

This article examines the impact of Mexican eugenics on different programs relating to the family throughout the post‐Revolutionary period. It deals with how Mexican elites thought about the family and how these discussions delimited who should be part of or exist under the banner of “la gran familia mexicana”. I discuss how eugenicists' debates regarding motherhood, puericulture, class, and different preventive health measures were intended to keep “undesirables”—or the people who, in their view, should not be part of “la gran familia mexicana”—at bay. I argue that science was used as a tool for implementing different eugenic plans that would make ideas of mestizaje and “rational mixing” into the modern Mexican nation. I argue that according to the Mexican Society of Eugenics (MSE), it was through the regulation of individual families and the acceptance of eugenic precept of self‐management and rational reproduction that the creation of the national family was to be crafted. Thus, the “gran familia mexicana” would become the organizing principle for both the individual and broader national dynamics in Mexico.
Development and validation of a Fever Management Questionnaire aimed at parents and care givers
Authors: Arias Daniel , Chen Timothy F , Moles Rebekah J
Published: February 2021

Aim

The symptoms of childhood fever are often inappropriately managed by care givers resulting in overuse of health resources and medication errors. Understanding care giver's knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about fever management using a validated questionnaire is warranted. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive Fever Management Questionnaire.

Methods

The questionnaire items were developed through a content analysis of the literature and current fever management guidelines. For the knowledge component, a multidisciplinary panel of 12 experts assessed content validity of items (n = 35) through a one‐round Delphi process. The construct validity of the attitudes and belief items (19 items) were assessed using principal components analysis utilising response data collected from 149 Australian parents and care givers.

Results

Based on the responses from the panel of experts, six items were removed, six items required substantive modification, 13 items required minor modification with the remaining eight items retained in original form. For the Attitudes and Beliefs items, a parsimonious solution with three principal components resulted after removal of six cross‐loading items. The factor loadings of each item displayed a strong correlation to one of three components with scores ranging from 0.791 down to 0.541. The resulting Cronbach's α for the tool was 0.729.

Conclusion

Psychometric testing of this two‐part Fever Management Questionnaire has resulted in a tool with acceptable validity and reliability. This tool should now be used to gather the knowledge and attitudes of care givers surrounding fever management to further understand factors that lead to inappropriate fever management.
Paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis in New Zealand: A 3‐year prospective study
Authors: Roberts Amin J , Day Andrew S , Sinclair Jan , Dickson Nigel , Porter Jody , Wellington Grace , Evans Helen M
Published: February 2021

Aim

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a rare, chronic, relapsing immune/antigen‐mediated disease characterised by symptoms of oesophageal dysfunction, with a paucity of data among New Zealand (NZ) children. This 3‐year prospective study aimed to characterise EoE diagnosed nationally and to describe initial treatment strategies adopted.

Methods

Information on new diagnoses of paediatric EoE was obtained via the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit, through monthly questionnaires.

Results

From February 2014 to January 2017, 73 new cases (74% male) of EoE were reported, including 74% NZ European, 10% Asian, 7% Māori, 5% Middle‐Eastern and 3% Pacific peoples. Median age of symptom onset was 4 years; dysphagia (48%) was the most common, followed by vomiting/regurgitation (40%), food impaction (19%) and epigastric pain (16%). A co‐morbid history of other allergic conditions was present in 62% of patients, and 41% had a first degree relative with atopy. Seventy‐nine percent of patients had abnormal endoscopic findings, most commonly linear furrows and white plaques; none had strictures. Median eosinophil count per high‐powered field was 40 and 50 in the mid and distal oesophagus, respectively. Fifty‐four percent of patients were initially managed with dietary manipulation alone (four required elemental feeds, five nasogastric tubes). Fifty‐four percent of patients were treated with swallowed corticosteroids and 7% with prednisone. One patient was also treated with a leukotriene receptor antagonist.

Conclusion

This first prospective study on paediatric patients with EoE in NZ finds similar demographics and disease characteristics as in other populations despite our unique ethnic population. Long‐term prospective observational data should significantly improve our knowledge of this rare condition.
Conspecific negative density dependence does not explain coexistence in a tropical Afromontane forest
Authors: Abiem Iveren , Dickie Ian , Kenfack David , Chapman Hazel
Published: February 2021

Questions

A leading hypothesis for species coexistence in species‐rich, lowland tropical forests is conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD), driven by host‐specific pests and pathogens and competition for available resources. The extent to which this applies to Afromontane forests with relatively low diversity, a high frequency of single‐species stands, relatively few pests and pathogens and larger edge:core ratios, is unknown. We hoped that the results of our investigation would either confirm the generality of CNDD across these different tropical forest types or offer novel insights into alternative mechanisms leading to the maintenance of Afromontane tree species diversity.

Location

Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, southeastern Nigeria.

Methods

We monitored the survival of 10,741 seedlings of 93 species over two years in a long‐term Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) study plot in a montane forest in Nigeria. We assessed the effect of conspecific and heterospecific seedling and adult neighbours on the survival of every seedling and seedling guild (shade vs light‐demanding; canopy vs understorey; edge specialists vs generalists; small vs large seedlings).

Results

We found strong evidence for non‐species‐specific positive and negative density dependence. CNDD was stronger in canopy species and light‐demanding species than in the other growth form and shade tolerance guilds.

Conclusions

Our study offers some clear predictions about drivers of community coexistence in this environment, which will require further testing using field‐based experiments.
Plant functional traits involved in the assembly of canopy–recruit interactions
Authors: Perea Antonio J. , Garrido José L. , Alcántara Julio M.
Published: February 2021

Questions

The assembly of plant communities depends strongly on mechanisms that determine the recruitment of different plant species. Studying recruitment using a trait‐based approach may help in the search for general or dominant mechanisms involved in this process. Here, we try to disentangle what traits of saplings and established (canopy) plants can be considered as functional for recruitment, and whether the complementarity of these functional traits may be a driver of the plant community assembly.

Location

Regional. Two pine–oak forest communities in Sierra Sur de Jaén and one in Sierra de Segura, southeast of the Iberian peninsula.

Methods

In each forest community, we established three 50 m × 50 m plots, where we identified the saplings of each species recruiting under the canopy of each species or in open interspaces. The study focuses on 37 woody species. Measures of 18 traits were conducted for 30 saplings and 10 adults of each species.

Results

Seed mass and the ratio height:basal diameter of saplings were positively associated with species abundance in the sapling bank under vegetation, while abundance in the sapling bank in open interspaces was only related to the type of mycorrhizal association. On the other hand, some traits of adult plants (leaf mass per unit area [LMA], seed dispersal mechanism, leaf habit and branch density) favour the recruitment of other species in their close proximity. However, we found only circumstantial evidence of canopy/recruit trait complementarity affecting recruitment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the assembly of canopy–recruit interactions is primarily driven by the filtering effect of canopy species on recruitment, through traits that affect both seed arrival and soil properties. Species abundance in the sapling bank was related to resource acquisition traits. We did not find any clear evidence supporting that trait complementarity is involved in the interaction between canopy and recruit species.