bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing and developing critical‐thinking skills in higher education
Authors: Van Damme Dirk , Zahner Doris , Cortellini Olivia , Dawber Teresa , Rotholz Kelly
Published: August 2023

Generic skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication are essential for students' success in higher education and their careers. This article presents findings from an international study of students' (n ≈ 120,000) generic skills from six countries using a performance‐based assessment. Results indicate that higher education students, on average, gain generic skills between entry and exit. However, learning gain is less marked than could be expected and varies significantly among country samples. Various background variables such as gender, ethnicity, parental level of education, and primary language are also explored. The authors conclude that it is feasible to reliably and validly measure generic skills in a cross‐cultural context and that assessment of these skills is an essential component of best practices in higher education.
Valuing adolescent students' street smarts to foster critical thinking
Authors: Davies Maree , Xie Yan , Girard Patrick
Published: August 2023

The New Zealand Ministry of Education has included an increase in the expectations of critical thinking for secondary students across curricula. However, New Zealand has a history of inequitable opportunities for minority students to learn critical thinking. This article presents a framework designed for adolescent learners to make critical thinking equitable and accessible through valuing student experiences or Street Smarts. A mixed methods study trialled the critical thinking talk model Street Smarts. There were 33 teacher participants and 824 student participants (average age 15 years). Students identified ethnically as New Zealand European (46.1%), 17.1% as Asian, 10.6% as Pasifika, 5.2% as Māori, and 4.3% as other; and as undisclosed ethnicity (16.7%). Descriptive statistics of all the critical thinking indicators showed that Providing a statement of evidence was the most frequently observed indicator in both 2018 and 2019, followed by Building points and Uptake questions. The deeper cognitive features of High‐level questioning, Recognising power structures in society and developing Situated awareness were observed in classes with high academic ability and far less so in several classes of mixed academic ability and low academic ability. However, where teachers had allowed the opportunity for students identified in the low academic ability group to share their stories and experiences of the controversy, these students demonstrated deeper cognitive features in their discussions. We conclude that more time and opportunity should be given to adolescent students, particularly minority students and students in low ability classes, to share their narratives and stories before discussing controversial topics.
Fostering critical thinking: Features of powerful learning environments
Authors: Elen Jan , Verburgh An
Published: August 2023

Critical thinking is a recurrent educational ambition. At the same time, it is not self‐evident how that ambition can be realised. This is partly due to the different perspectives from which Critical Thinking can be approached. The literature on critical thinking is extensive and diverse, different meanings and aspects of critical thinking have been explored. However, there is agreement among several researchers that critical thinking entails both ability and attitudinal components. Research in psychology on different types of cognitive processing has similarly pointed to the importance of both skills and attitudes. This article builds on a tripartite notion of disposition that has been proposed in the context of education. The tripartite dispositional perspective on which we elaborate highlights the importance of ability, inclination and sensitivity. We describe and discuss an educational protocol aligned with the tripartite conceptualisation of disposition. The protocol identifies characteristics of powerful learning environments. We propose that the proposed educational protocol—aligned to Critical Thinking education goals, conditions and interventions—can be used for fostering critical thinking. More specifically, the use of four types of interventions are recommended: (1) modelling, (2) inducing, (3) declaring and (4) surveillance. Finally, we underscore that there is a need for further research on the use of the educational protocol.
Conceptualisation of learning to learn competence and the challenges of implementation: The Estonian experience
Authors: Kikas Eve , Eisenschmidt Eve , Granström Mikk
Published: August 2023

The importance of students' learning to learn competence for academic achievement, as well as their well‐being at school and in life, is increasingly emphasised by educators and policy makers in national curricula and educational strategies. In an uncertain and complex world, learners need to become autonomous, be able to analyse challenges and apply knowledge in different contexts, address complex tasks, and create new knowledge. This article explores concepts and approaches to the development of students' learning to learn competence in the context of education in Estonia. First, the conceptualisation, model and dimensions of learning to learn competence are described and related challenges for teachers are analysed. Second, an overview of Estonian teachers' current practices, beliefs, knowledge, skills and occupational standards relevant to students' learning to learn competence is provided. We discuss how Estonian teacher education policy may enhance or inhibit the work of teachers when supporting students to develop learning to learn competence. Future directions for teacher educators and how to prepare teachers to support the development of students' learning to learn competence are suggested.
Mechanical thrombectomy in young patients with large vessel occlusion‐related ischemic stroke: Data from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke
Authors: Nicolini Ettore , Saia Valentina , Lorenzano Svetlana , Pracucci Giovanni , Iacobucci Marta , De Michele Manuela , Vallone Stefano , Bergui Mauro , Diomedi Marina , Nencini Patrizia , Tassi Rossana , Saletti Andrea , Puglielli Edoardo , Naldi Andrea , Vinci Sergio Lucio , Giannini Nicola , Malfatto Laura , Roberto Menozzi , Romano Daniele G. , Cappellari Manuel , Zini Andrea , Sallustio Fabrizio , Casetta Ilaria , Fainardi Enrico , Mangiafico Salvatore , Toni Danilo ,   the IRETAS Group
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

The weight of outcome predictors in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients older than 60 years is not necessarily mirrored in the younger population, posing the question of whether outcome determinants specific for the latter might vary. Very few data are available on predictors of outcome in young AIS patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods

We analyzed data for patients aged between 16 and 55 years from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke. We divided our population into patients <45 years old and patients aged between 45 and 55 years. After testing the differences between groups in terms of 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, we looked for predictors of poor outcome (mRS 3–6), death, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in the two groups.

Results

A total of 438 patients younger than 45 years and 817 aged 45–55 years were included; 284 (34.8%) patients aged 45–55 years and 112 (25.6%) patients younger than 45 years old showed poor 90‐day functional outcome (p = 0.001). Predictors of poor outcome in the older group were baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.027), poor collateral status (p = 0.036), and groin puncture‐to‐recanalization time (p = 0.010), whereas Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b–3 had an inverse association (p < 0.001). Predictors of poor outcome in patients younger than 45 years were baseline NIHSS (p < 0.001) and groin puncture‐to‐recanalization time (p = 0.015), whereas an inverse association was found for baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (p = 0.010) and TICI 2b–3 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Approximately one third of young adults treated with EVT do not reach a good functional outcome. Fast and successful recanalization, rather than common risk factors, has a major role in determining clinical outcome.
Determining patient value profiles in psoriasis
Authors: Hilhorst N. T. , Abatih E. , Deprez E. , Lambert J. L. W. , Hoorens I.
Published: August 2023

Background

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should strive to create the maximum value for their patients in which value is defined as the patient‐relevant health outcomes achieved per costs made. However, currently it remains difficult to determine which outcomes matter to an individual psoriasis patient.

Objective

To define outcome profiles, or so called ‘patient value profiles’, within a cohort of psoriasis patients that can be translated to daily practice to increase value for the individual patient.

Methods

Hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) was used to identify groups of patients sharing the same profile within an outcome ranking exercise. Once the clusters were defined, their characterization was provided based on a V‐test. In a final step, a multi‐class decision tree (MDT) based on relevant socio‐demographic and clinical variables was built to allocate patients to a cluster.

Results

In the ranking exercise 120 patients participated. The median age was 50.0 (IQR 25.0) years and 36.7% were female. Median PASI score was 2.4 (IQR 5.2) and median duration of psoriasis was 17.0 (IQR 20.0) years. Primary treatment varied from topicals to biologicals. We found three distinct patient value profiles in this cohort (QoL, cost and treatment). A MDT was built which had an accuracy of 64%.

Conclusion

We found three distinct patient value profiles in a cohort of psoriasis patients and patients can be easily assigned to one of these profiles based on a MDT. HCPs can use these profiles to steer psoriasis management accordingly allowing for a more goal‐orientated approach.
Permafrost thaw causes large carbon loss in boreal peatlands while changes to peat quality are limited
Authors: Harris Lorna I. , Olefeldt David , Pelletier Nicolas , Blodau Christian , Knorr Klaus‐Holger , Talbot Julie , Heffernan Liam , Turetsky Merritt
Published: August 2023

Rapid, ongoing permafrost thaw of peatlands in the discontinuous permafrost zone is exposing a globally significant store of soil carbon (C) to microbial processes. Mineralization and release of this peat C to the atmosphere as greenhouse gases is a potentially important feedback to climate change. Here we investigated the effects of permafrost thaw on peat C at a peatland complex in western Canada. We collected 15 complete peat cores (between 2.7 and 4.5 m deep) along four chronosequences, from elevated permafrost peat plateaus to saturated thermokarst bogs that thawed up to 600 years ago. The peat cores were analysed for peat C storage and peat quality, as indicated by decomposition proxies (FTIR and C/N ratios) and potential decomposability using a 200‐day aerobic laboratory incubation. Our results suggest net C loss following thaw, with average total peat C stocks decreasing by ~19.3 ± 7.2 kg C m−2 over <600 years (~13% loss). Average post‐thaw accumulation of new peat at the surface over the same period was ~13.1 ± 2.5 kg C m−2. We estimate ~19% (±5.8%) of deep peat (>40 cm below surface) C is lost following thaw (average 26 ± 7.9 kg C m−2 over <600 years). Our FTIR analysis shows peat below the thaw transition in thermokarst bogs is slightly more decomposed than peat of a similar type and age in permafrost plateaus, but we found no significant changes to the quality or lability of deeper peat across the chronosequences. Our incubation results also showed no increase in C mineralization of deep peat across the chronosequences. While these limited changes in peat quality in deeper peat following permafrost thaw highlight uncertainty in the exact mechanisms and processes for C loss, our analysis of peat C stocks shows large C losses following permafrost thaw in peatlands in western Canada.
Evaluation of treatment and outcome for patients with haemophilia A and haemophilia B on extended half‐life (EHL) factor products: A 12‐month data analysis
Authors: George Carly , Parikh Sumit , Carter Tina , Mccosker Joanna , Carlino Sara , Tran Huyen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Extended half‐life (EHL) factor VIII and IX concentrates as prophylaxis against bleeds have been available to selected persons with haemophilia (PWH) in Australia since March 2018. Preliminary analysis of switching to EHL demonstrated increased treatment adherence, fewer injections and improved bleeding outcomes.

Aims

To characterise clinical practices regarding the use of EHL in Australia, to further evaluate treatment regimens and bleeding outcomes, and to analyse the influence of EHL product pharmacokinetics on clinical decision‐making.

Methods

A national, retrospective study was conducted using the Australian Bleeding Disorders Registry (ABDR). Patients on EHL products during the entire 2019 calendar year were included for analysis.

Results

A complete and validated dataset of 174 PWH was analysed, 115 Haemophilia A (HA) and 59 Haemophilia B (HB). Adherence to EHL therapy was 85.7% in HA and 87.2% in HB. About 63.5% of HA and 64.4% of HB PWH reported zero spontaneous bleeds over 12months. Ankles were the most frequent spontaneous bleed site. Approximately one‐third patients underwent dose adjustments, with most frequent reasons being pharmacokinetics, body weight change and breakthrough bleeds. About 19.5% of PWH had target joint history, with spontaneous bleeds reported in 58% of that cohort on EHL. Multivariate regression showed significant impact of non‐adherence, target joint history and short half‐life on spontaneous bleeds in the HA cohort; however only short half‐life had significant impact in the HB cohort.

Conclusion

EHL usage in Australia shows excellent treatment adherence and bleeding outcomes. This study affirms the use and value of widely available population‐based pharmacokinetics as a clinical tool.
Genetic and epigenetic prognosticators of neuroendocrine tumours of the GI tract, liver, biliary tract and pancreas: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mestre‐Alagarda Claudia , Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan , Zen Yoh , Giwa Mojisola , Howard Mark , Ooft Marc Lucas
Published: August 2023

Multiple recurrent genetic and epigenetic aberrations have been associated with worse prognosis in multiple studies of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), but these have been mainly small cohorts and univariate analysis. This review and meta‐analysis will focus upon the literature available on NETs of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, biliary tract and pancreas. PubMed and Embase were searched for publications that investigated the prognostic value of (epi)genetic changes of neuroendocrine tumours. A meta‐analysis was performed assessing the association of the (epi)genetic alterations with overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) or locoregional control (LRC). In the pancreas DAXX/ATRX [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.28–4.74] and alternative lengthening telomeres (ALT) activation (HR = 8.20; 95% CI = 1.40–48.07) showed a pooled worse survival. In the small bowel NETs gains on chromosome 14 were associated with worse survival (HR  2.85; 95% CI = 1.40–5.81). NETs from different anatomical locations must be regarded as different biological entities with diverging molecular prognosticators, and epigenetic changes being important to the pathogenesis of these tumours. This review underpins the prognostic drivers of pancreatic NET which lie in mutations of DAXX/ATRX and ALT pathways. However, there is reaffirmation that prognostic molecular biomarkers of small bowel NETs should be sought in copy number variations (CNVs) rather than in single nucleotide variations (SNVs). This review also reveals how little is known about the prognostic significance of epigenetics in NETs.
Probing the effectiveness of barrier creams against human skin penetration of nickel powder
Authors: Magnano Greta Camilla , Marussi Giovanna , Crosera Matteo , Hasa Dritan , Adami Gianpiero , Lionetti Nicola , Larese Filon Francesca
Published: August 2023

Objective

Barrier creams (BCs) are marketed as locally applied medical devices or cosmetic products to protect the skin from exposure to chemicals and irritants. Generally, the mechanism of action of such products is mainly due to the formation of a superficial thin film between the skin and the irritant or sensitizer, thus reducing or totally blocking the cutaneous penetration of such agents. Specifically, studies focusing on the effectiveness of commercial protective creams to prevent nickel cutaneous penetration are extremely scarce. The aim of the current work, therefore, is to evaluate the protective role of a commercially available barrier cream for nickel and compare the results with a simple moisturizing, following exposure to Ni powder.

Methods

Marketed BCs were evaluated and tested. Human skin absorption of Ni was studied in vitro using static Franz diffusion cells.

Results

Our results demonstrate that the application of both formulations caused a reduction of Ni inside the skin (8.00 ± 3.35 μg cm−2 for the barrier cream and 22.6 ± 12.6 μg cm−2 for the general moisturizing product), with the specialized barrier cream being statistically (p = 0.015) more efficient on forming a protective barrier, thus evidencing the importance of some ingredients in such formulations on the nickel dermal accumulation.

Conclusions

The composition of the formulations based on film‐forming or chelating agents may play an imperative role in reducing the cutaneous penetration of Ni.
Quasi‐3D dynamic photoelastic analysis of stress distribution during preparation of simulated canals with 13 mechanical preparation systems
Authors: Moriya Paulo Takeji , de Carvalho Kleber Kildare Teodoro , Kishen Anil , Souza Erick M. , Versiani Marco A.
Published: August 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare the stress produced on the internal walls of simulated canals by nine rotary and four reciprocating systems.

Methodology

Sixty‐five isotropic transparent blocks containing a 60° curved and tapered simulated canal were selected and distributed into 13 groups (n = 5) according to the preparation system: BioRace, HyFlex EDM, iRaCe, Mtwo, One RECI, ProTaper Next, RaCe EVO, Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, R‐Motion, VDW.ROTATE, XP‐Endo Rise Shaper, and XP‐Endo Shaper. Each resin block was mounted in a vice and a digital camera recorded the entire sequence of each preparation system through a circular polariscope set for dark field analysis. The video frames when each instrument reached the end of the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the canal were extracted from the recordings and analysed by two independent observers regarding the stress generated on the canal walls using a semi‐quantitative evaluation on a 0–5 scale. Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement were subjected to the Cohen's Kappa coefficient test, whilst the experimental results were compared using Kruskal‑Wallis test post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction (α = 5%).

Results

The inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement were 0.98 and 1, respectively. Most instruments demonstrated acceptable performance (scores ≤ 2) in all thirds. Other instruments, such as the HyFlex EDM 25.12 (coronal and middle thirds), Reciproc Blue R25 and Reciproc R25 (coronal and apical thirds), R‐Motion 30.04 (apical third), and VDW.ROTATE 20.05 (apical third) showed scores higher than 3. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference amongst the tested systems at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds (p < .05).

Conclusion

None of the canal instrumentation protocols were stress‐free, showing varying levels of stress concentrations. Various factors seemed to influence the magnitude of stress and its distribution pattern on the canal walls. Overall, instruments characterized by a larger taper, lower speed, reciprocating motion, and made of heat‐treated NiTi alloy exhibited higher patterns of stress distribution.
Improvement of nutritional and bioactive properties of barley β‐glucan‐based food products using Bacillus subtilis 168 endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase
Authors: Šokarda Slavić Marinela , Kojić Milan , Margetić Aleksandra , Ristović Marina , Pavlović Marija , Nikolić Stefan , Vujčić Zoran
Published: August 2023

The combination of β‐oligosaccharides from enzymatically hydrolysed barley β‐glucan has attracted interest recently due to its positive effects on human health. This study aimed to assess the impact of the endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase enzyme from Bacillus subtilis 168 on improving the nutritional and bioactive properties of barley β‐glucan. A new procedure for the isolation of β‐glucan was developed, at a lower temperature (45 °C), enabling purity from starch contamination, without affecting the yield (6 g β‐glucan from 100 g of barley flour). The endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase is cloned into E. coli pQE_Ek enables the high production and purification (82% yield, 1.8 mg mL−1 and 440 U mg−1) of an enzyme identical to the natural one (25.5 kDa). The enzymatic reaction showed high efficiency of β‐glucan degradation by recombinant enzyme, giving a mixture of products (of which 3‐O‐β‐cellobiosyl‐D‐glucose and 3‐O‐β‐cellotriosyl‐D‐glucose are the most abundant), the reduction of viscosity (17%) and increase in antioxidant capacities by 15.2%, 30.9% and 44.0% assessed by ABTS, DPPH and ORAC, respectively. These results indicate the possible application of endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase enzyme in improving the properties of barley β‐glucan used as functional foods.
Wastewater from maize lime‐cooking as growth media for alkaliphilic microalgae–cyanobacteria consortium to reduce chemical oxygen demand and produce biomass with high protein content
Authors: Del Valle‐Real Marinat , Franco‐Morgado Mariana , García‐García Rebeca , Guardado‐Félix Daniela , Gutiérrez‐Uribe Janet A.
Published: August 2023

Wastewater from maize lime‐cooking (nejayote) was fermented with an alkaliphilic microalgae–cyanobacteria consortium (AMC) or mixed with a mineral salt medium (MSM) to reduce its chemical oxygen demand (COD). Four sets of experiments in 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks were done with and without previous nejayote sterilisation (NE and N) inoculated with AMC and as controls MSM (M) and non‐sterile without AMC (NB). Total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), proteins and COD were analysed in the culture broth and in dried biomass. The pH decreased for N, NE and NB to 8.8 ± 0.1, 9.2 ± 0.2 and 8.9 ± 0.1, respectively, but increased to 10.4 ± 0.1 for M. NE showed more than 50% COD removal efficiency after 12 days. NB had a protein content (ICP) of 24% ± 2% DW, followed by NE with 19% ± 0.4%, N with 16% ± 1% and M with 1% ± 0%. COD reduction was not related to AMC growth but to TSC consumption. Intracellular protein contents for NE (19%) or N (16%) were higher than the observed for M (1%), but further analysis of the amino acid profile, functionality and stability of this potential single‐cell protein (SCP) should be considered to promote its use in functional foods.
PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis perturbs mitochondria of macrophages
Authors: Medha   , Priyanka   , Sharma Sadhna , Sharma Monika
Published: August 2023

The PE_PGRS proteins have coevolved with the antigenic ESX‐V secretory system and are abundant in pathogenic Mycobacterium. Only a few PE_PGRS proteins have been characterized, and research suggests their role in organelle targeting, cell death pathways, calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. The PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) protein was predicted to contain mitochondria targeting sequences by in silico evaluation. Therefore, we investigated the targeting of the Rv2615c protein to host mitochondria and its effect on mitochondrial functions. In vitro experiments showed the Rv2615c protein colocalized with the mitochondria and led to morphological mitochondrial perturbations. Recombinant Rv2615c was observed to cause increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the adenosine diphosphate‐to‐adenosine triphosphate ratio. The Rv2615c protein also induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and the generation of mitochondrial superoxide. We observed the release of cytochrome C into the cytoplasm and increased expression of proapoptotic genes Bax and Bim with no significant change in anti‐apoptotic Bcl2 in Rv2615c‐stimulated THP1 macrophages. Ca2+ is a key signaling molecule in tuberculosis pathogenesis, modulating host cell responses. As reported for other PE_PGRS proteins, Rv2615c also has Ca2+‐binding motifs and thus can modulate calcium homeostasis in the host. We also observed a high level of Ca2+ influx in THP1 macrophages stimulated with Rv2615c. Based on these findings, we suggest that Rv2615c may be an effector protein that could contribute to disease pathogenesis by targeting host mitochondria.
Dendrite microstructure formation and enhanced toughness in high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 eutectic oxide
Authors: Feng Yingjie , Liu Xiangyang , Zhang Peng , Han Yi , Zhai Shuoyan , Pan Wei , Wan Chunlei
Published: August 2023

In this study, complex GdAlO3–Gd2Zr2O7 and high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 (RE = Nd, Sm, Gd, Eu, and Dy) composites with an equiaxed dendrite structure at eutectic composition are successfully fabricated using a gas levitation containerless solidification method. The unique microstructure of the composites is characterized, and the evolution process of the dendritic structure is explained. The formation of dendrites at eutectic composition is attributed to the rapid cooling induced by the shutoff of lasers and the homogeneous temperature field and nucleation achieved through gas levitation. The GdAlO3–Gd2Zr2O7 and high‐entropy oxide composites exhibit enhanced fracture toughness compared to the bulk samples fabricated by solid‐state sintering methods. The fracture toughness increases by 44% for GdAlO3–Gd2Zr2O7 bulk sample and 34% for high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 bulk sample, which can be attributed to the complicated interfaces introduced by the equiaxed dendritic microstructure and the high thermal mismatch stress between two phases. Additionally, the high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 oxides exhibit excellent high‐temperature stability, with no significant change in dendritic microstructure or fracture toughness even after holding at 1573 K for 100 h. These findings suggest the potential of high‐entropy eutectic oxide ceramics with dendrite microstructure for advanced engineering applications.
Purifying selection against spurious splicing signals contributes to the base composition evolution of the polypyrimidine tract
Authors: Yıldırım Burçin , Vogl Claus
Published: August 2023

Among eukaryotes, the major spliceosomal pathway is highly conserved. While long introns may contain additional regulatory sequences, the ones in short introns seem to be nearly exclusively related to splicing. Although these regulatory sequences involved in splicing are well-characterized, little is known about their evolution. At the 3′ end of introns, the splice signal nearly universally contains the dimer AG, which consists of purines, and the polypyrimidine tract upstream of this 3′ splice signal is characterized by over-representation of pyrimidines. If the over-representation of pyrimidines in the polypyrimidine tract is also due to avoidance of a premature splicing signal, we hypothesize that AG should be the most under-represented dimer. Through the use of DNA-strand asymmetry patterns, we confirm this prediction in fruit flies of the genus Drosophila and by comparing the asymmetry patterns to a presumably neutrally evolving region, we quantify the selection strength acting on each motif. Moreover, our inference and simulation method revealed that the best explanation for the base composition evolution of the polypyrimidine tract is the joint action of purifying selection against a spurious 3′ splice signal and the selection for pyrimidines. Patterns of asymmetry in other eukaryotes indicate that avoidance of premature splicing similarly affects the nucleotide composition in their polypyrimidine tracts.

Abstract

The base composition of the polypyrimidine tract of short introns in Drosophila is influenced by purifying selection against a spurious 3′ splice signal and selection for pyrimidines, as shown by analysis of asymmetry patterns and population genetic modelling. Similar patterns in other eukaryotes suggest a common mechanism of base composition evolution.
The causal role of circulating amino acids on neurodegenerative disorders: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cheng Ji‐Yun , Deng Yue‐Ting , Yu Jin‐Tai
Published: August 2023

Potential associations between the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and circulating levels of amino acids have been implied in both experimental research and observational studies. However, because of the confounding and reverse causality, the findings could be biased. We aimed to determine whether circulating amino acid levels have potential effects on the risk of neurodegenerative diseases through a more robust analysis. So, we performed a total of two MR analyses, a discovery two‐sample MR analysis, and a replication test, using summary‐level genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data, both with circulating levels of amino acids as exposure and risk of neurodegenerative diseases as an outcome. The potential causalities between nine amino acids (Glutamine [Glu], Leucine [Leu], Isoleucine [Ile], Phenylalanine [Phe], Valine [Val], Alanine [Ala], Tyrosine [Tyr], Histidine [His], and Glycine [Gly]) and six neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease [AD], Parkinson's disease [PD], Multiple sclerosis [MS], Frontotemporal dementia [FTD], Lewy body dementia [DLB], Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS]) were explored in this study. According to the discovery MR analysis, 1 SD. increase in circulating levels of Gln was genetically determined to result in a 13% lower risk of AD (IVW ORSD [95% CI] = 0.872 [0.822, 0.926]; FDR = 7.46 × 10−5) while PD risk was decreased to 63% per SD. increase of circulating Leu levels (IVW ORSD [95% CI] = 0.628 [0.467, 0.843]; FDR = 0.021). Results from the replication test provide further evidence of the potential association between circulating Gln levels and AD risk (IVW ORSD [95% CI] = 0.094 [0.028, 0.311]; FDR = 9.98 × 10−4). Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the significant relationships revealed by our two‐sample MR outcomes were reliable. Our analyses provided robust evidence of causal associations between circulating levels of Gln and AD risk as well as circulating Leu levels and risk of PD. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be further investigated.

image
Does the articularis cubiti muscle really exist? Anatomical, histological, and magnetic resonance imaging study with a narrative review of literature
Authors: Benes Michal , Novotny Tomas , Kachlik David , Uhlik Jiri , Kunc Vojtech
Published: August 2023

Although the term articularis cubiti muscle is incorporated in the official anatomical nomenclature, only sparse data about its appearance are available. It is usually described as few fibres originating from the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle and inserting to the capsule of the elbow joint. However, the most recent observations regarding the morphological relations in the posterior elbow region point towards the absence of a well‐defined muscle. Therefore, this study was designed to verify the existence of the articularis cubiti muscle in question and to compile more data on the topographical features of the subtricipital area near the posterior aspect of the elbow. To address these questions, 20 embalmed upper limbs were dissected, and seven samples were collected for histological analysis. The laboratory findings were then correlated with 20 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the elbow. Consequently, a narrative review of literature was performed to gain more information on the discussed muscle in a historical context. Upon the anatomical dissection, muscular fibres running from the posterior aspect of the shaft of the humerus to the elbow joint capsule and olecranon were identified in 100% of cases. Histologically, the connection with the joint capsule was provided via winding bands of connective tissue. On MRIs, the muscular fibres resembled a well‐demarcated thin muscle located underneath the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle. Combined with the review of literature, we concluded that the constant articularis cubiti muscle originates from the posterior shaft of the humerus and attaches indirectly to the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule and directly to the superior portion of the olecranon. The obtained results slightly differ from the modern description, but are in agreement with the original publication, which has become misinterpreted throughout time. Presumably, the misused description has led to questioning the existence of an independent muscle. Moreover, our findings attribute to the articularis cubiti muscle, a function in pulling on the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule to prevent its entrapment, and possibly also a minor role in extension of the forearm. The presented results should be taken into consideration when intervening with the posterior aspect of the elbow joint because the articularis cubiti muscle poses a consistently appearing landmark.
Centella triterpenes cream as a potential drug for the treatment of hypertrophic scar through inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3: A network pharmacology analysis and in vitro experiments
Authors: Tan Ming , Wu Dan , Zhou Yanshijing , Duan Bo
Published: August 2023

Background

Hypertrophic scars (HS) often affect the normal function and appearance of the skin and bring adverse effects to the body and mind of patients, being a challenge in the fields of burns and plastic surgery as well as rehabilitation. Despite significant efficacy of centella triterpenes cream for treating HS clinically, its pharmacodynamics and molecular targets are still unclear. Therefore, the network pharmacology analysis combined with in vitro cell molecular biology experiments was used to explore the mechanism and targets of centella triterpenes cream treating HS in this study.

Methods

First, target genes of asiaticoside (AC) were obtained from the databases including the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, similarity ensemble approach, SwissTargetPrediction and TargetNet, and HS targets were acquired from the databases like Disgenet, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. The common targets of AC‐HS were obtained through plotting a Venn diagram. Subsequently, STRING 11.0 was employed for analyzing the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the common targets, and cytoscape 3.9.0 for analyzing the connectivity of PPI and plotting the network diagram of “drug‐component‐target”. Additionally, a modified tissue culture method was applied to separate primary normal fibroblasts (NFs) in human skin and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs). HSFs after 24‐h AC treatment were subjected to MTT assay to detect cell viability, scratch assay to assess cell migration ability, and western blot to test the protein expression levels of STAT3, p‐STAT3, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), collagen I (COL 1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA).

Results

In network pharmacology analysis, 134 pharmacodynamic targets of AC and 2333 HS targets were obtained after retrieving the database, 50 AC‐HS common targets were obtained by a Venn diagram, and a total of 178 edges and 13 core genes such as JUN and STAT3 were acquired by PPI analysis. In vitro experiments showed that the phosphorylation level of STAT3 (p‐STAT3) was increased in HSFs. In addition to reducing p‐STAT3 in HSFs, AC significantly inhibited the cell viability and migration of HSFs and downregulated the protein levels of TGF‐β1, COL 1, FN 1, and α‐SMA.

Conclusion

STAT3 can be activated in HS. AC may exert its pharmacological effects of inhibiting TGF‐β1 signal transduction and regulating extracellular matrix remodeling in HS by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. However, the specific molecular mechanism of AC remains to be verified through further experiments.
Emotion‐Driven Eating and Overeating Among Fourth Graders: The Roles of Body Image, Academic Achievement, and Peer and School Factors
Authors: Somers Cheryl , Kevern Carla , Moore E. Whitney G. , Centeio Erin E. , Kulik Noel , Piotter Bridget , Garn Alex , McCaughtry Nate
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Eating patterns such as breakfast consumption and fruit and vegetable intake have been associated with academic achievement and cognitive function.

METHOD

The purpose of this study was to learn more about psychological (emotion‐driven eating) and behavioral (over‐eating) eating patterns and motives, and the roles of body image, academic achievement (reading and math), and social supports (peer acceptance and school attachment), among 378 fourth‐grade students (55% boys) from 14 classrooms across 6 schools within a large Midwestern urban area.

RESULTS

Results were analyzed through a 2‐group (male and female) path analysis. Boys' overeating (R2 = 9%) was not significantly predicted. Their emotional eating (R2 = 22.2%) was negatively, significantly predicted by peer acceptance and interaction of peer acceptance and school attachment. Girls' overeating (R2 = 13.6%) was negatively, significantly predicted by positive body image. Girls' emotional eating (R2 = 24.1%) was negatively significantly predicted by positive body image, math scores, and peer acceptance.

CONCLUSIONS

Boys' and girls' eating patterns are differentially affected by their school experiences.
The Quality of Life Supports Model as a major component in applying the quality of life paradigm
Authors: Verdugo Miguel Ángel , Schalock Robert L. , Gómez Laura E.
Published: August 2023

Social change is built on paradigms and models. A paradigm needs an operational action model to successfully implement the paradigm, and an operational model needs a paradigm to give it credibility and content. This article describes the Quality of Life Supports Model (QOLSM) as a major pathway for applying the quality of life (QOL) paradigm. The QOLSM integrates the concepts of QOL and individualized supports. The article describes and illustrates: (a) the four elements of the QOLSM (core values, individual and family QOL domains, systems of supports, and facilitating conditions); and (b) the use of the QOLSM in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) as a framework for supports provision. The article also discusses how the QOLSM represents a value‐based and actionable model that should be effective for solving problems regarding services and supports to people with IDD, developing new knowledge, making meaningful change, being evaluated, and contributing both theoretically and operationally to the field.
Clinical characterisation and long‐term survival of paediatric and juvenile lymphoma in cats: 33 cases (2008‐2022)
Authors: Rogato F. , Tanis J. B. , Pons Gil B. , Pittaway C. , Johnston C. A. , Guillén A.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe the clinical presentation, tumour characteristics, responses to chemotherapy protocols and toxicity in a cohort of cats with lymphoma up to 18 months of age. In addition, the probability of long‐term (>2 years) survival was explored.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of client‐owned cats aged up to 18 months diagnosed with lymphoma between 2008 and 2022 at five UK‐based veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐three cats were included. The most common anatomical forms were mediastinal (42%), disseminated disease (30%) and renal (15%), with all cats having intermediate to large cell lymphoma. Three out of 29 cats tested were positive for FeLV but none for FIV. Twenty‐six cats were treated with multi‐agent chemotherapy protocols with complete and partial responses seen in 46% and 50% of cats, respectively. For this group, median progression‐free survival was 133 days (95% confidence interval [Cl] 67 to 199) and median survival time was 268 days (95% Cl 106 to 430). Complete response to chemotherapy was associated with a longer progression‐free survival. Seven cats were considered long‐term survivors (>2 years). Chemotherapy was generally well tolerated with none of the long‐term survivors suffering from chronic sequelae from cytotoxic treatment.

Clinical Significance

Paediatric and juvenile cats with lymphoma showed a high response rate to multi‐agent chemotherapy protocols with rare significant toxicities. The presence of long‐term survivors may suggest a more favourable outcome in a subset of patients.
Seasonality and meteorological factors of HIV‐negative cryptococcal meningitis in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Dai Kai , Feng Zhuo , Hu Tao , Su Zhihui , Yuan Dasen , Qin Bang‐e , Gu Meifeng , Peng Fuhua , Jiang Ying
Published: August 2023

Objective

Information about the seasonal characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is quite limited. The aim of this study was to explore the seasonality and meteorological factors of HIV‐negative patients with CM.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 469 HIV‐negative CM patients admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Their initial onset symptoms of CM occurred from January 2011 to December 2020. The temperature, precipitation, sunlight, humidity and wind speed for the corresponding period and the associated topographic, ecological type and soil type parameters data were collected. The Poisson regression model was used to determine the meteorological factors associated with CM onset. The geographical detector method was used to detect other environmental factors associated with CM onset.

Results

CM onset did not showed a seasonal fluctuation, but was strongly associated with mean temperature (β = .010, p = .028) and mean relative humidity (β = −.011, p = .006). In the rainy season, only mean wind speed remained significantly associated with CM onset (β = −.108, p = .041). In the dry season, mean temperature (β = .014, p = .016), mean relative humidity (β = −.016, p = .006) and hours of sunlight (β = −.002, p = .016) were significantly associated with CM onset. Topographic, ecological type and soil type factors did not add explanatory power.

Conclusions

Our findings add the knowledge about the environmental factors of HIV‐negative CM. Meteorological factors, especially temperature and humidity, may be the main environmental factors affecting the onset of HIV‐negative CM.
Influence of family strength on life satisfaction of individuals who have a sibling with disability: Mediating effect of disability acceptance
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , Lee Hyeongsuk
Published: August 2023

This descriptive correlational study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of disability acceptance on the relationship between family strength and life satisfaction in individuals who have a sibling with a disability. The responses of 144 non‐disabled siblings of persons with a disability were analyzed using panel data from the Korea Institute for Persons with Disabilities, and a regression analysis was performed. Family strength and acceptance of disabilities significantly affected the life satisfaction of siblings without disability. Regarding the effect of family strength on life satisfaction, acceptance of a sibling's disability by siblings without disability had a significant mediating effect. Our results suggest that strategies to enhance the acceptance of disabilities and promote family strength are necessary to improve the life satisfaction of individuals without disability as well as their siblings with disabilities. Family‐centered interventions are warranted to promote positive acceptance of disabilities.
Mapping the clinical care pathways for advanced stage non‐small cell lung cancer patients in Victoria: A retrospective cohort study of supportive and palliative care
Authors: Smith Shantelle , Sapkaroski Daniel , Brand Margaret , Tran Anh , Zalcberg John , Stirling Robert G.
Published: August 2023

The lung cancer Optimal Care Pathway recommends supportive care and palliative care integration throughout its various steps, with early referral to appropriate services improving the quality of life in advanced stage non‐small cell lung cancer patients. Using Victorian Lung Cancer Registry data and linked administrative datasets, this retrospective cohort study mapped clinical care pathways of 525 Stage III–IV non‐small cell lung cancer patients in Victoria to 11 recommendations in the Optimal Care Pathway, identifying unwarranted variations in clinical care. Supportive care and palliative care delivery were further examined to understand the involvement and timing of specialist care teams. Our findings showed that palliative care utilization is highest at the time of treatment, despite recommendations that it should be provided early after diagnosis to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Early supportive care screening was observed in half the cohort and almost three‐quarters of the patients had been presented at a multidisciplinary meeting. Multidisciplinary meeting presentations and supportive care provide an opportunity to improve communication about palliative care needs and integration into routine clinical practice, such as at the time of treatment planning.
Healthcare staff's experiences of using manual physical restraint: A meta‐synthesis review
Authors: Kodua Michael , Duxbury Joy , Eboh Winifred Oluchukwu , Asztalos Lilla , Tweneboa Justin
Published: August 2023

Manual restraint is a hands‐on type of physical restraint used to prevent harm to service users and staff, and to administer necessary treatments. This article reports on a review and meta‐synthesis of the qualitative literature on healthcare staff's experiences of using manual restraint. Three electronic databases (CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched, and 19 studies were included. Thematic synthesis was used to synthesize the findings. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to appraise study quality. The synthesis generated one overarching interpretive theme, “unpleasant but necessary,” and five subthemes: “maintaining safety triumphs all,” “emotional distress,” “significance of coping,” “feeling conflicted,” and “depletion.” Seven studies indicated that, from staff perspectives, manual restraint was not always used as a last resort. Healthcare staff experience manual restraint as a psychologically and physically unpleasant practice, yet paradoxically deem its use to be sometimes necessary to keep themselves and service users safe from harm. The findings indicate a need for healthcare staff support, post‐restraint debriefing meetings with service users, and the implementation of manual restraint minimization programs in healthcare settings.