bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of LHON ‐ An update
Authors: Yu‐Wai‐Man Patrick
Published: January 2024

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a devastating cause of blindness that predominantly affects young adult men. Over 90% of patients harbour one of three mitochondrial DNA point mutations, namely, m.3460G>A (MT‐ND1), m.11778G>A (MT‐ND4) and m.144484T>C (MT‐ND6). Idebenone is the only approved treatment for LHON. New evidence has refined the management guidelines for idebenone, in particular the duration of treatment and the therapeutic window of opportunity. Gene therapy using allotopic expression is an attractive strategy for LHON as it corrects the underlying mitochondrial DNA defect. Promising results have been obtained for the m.1178G>A (MT‐ND4) mutation for patients treated within 1 year of disease onset with an intravitreal injection of a modified adeno‐associated viral vector carrying the replacement gene.
Analysis of vitreous by optical coherence tomography as biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Maria Jesús Rodrigo , Ana Pueyo , Alberto Montolío , Amaya Perez del Palomar , José Cegoñino , Luis Pablo , Rocío Herrero‐Vanrell , Irene Bravo‐Osuna , Elena García‐Martín
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Neurodegeneration is multifactorial and the immune factor is key. Chronic and acute inflammation can be analysed as hyperreflective opacities in the vitreous (HOV) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. This study analyzes vitreous cellularity by OCT in two neurodegenerative diseases, chronic glaucoma (CG) and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) compared to healthy individuals.

Methods: Four models of CG generated in rats by episcleral veins sclerosis (EVS n = 35) or injection of biodegradable microspheres into the anterior chamber of the eye non‐loaded (Ms n = 28) and loaded with dexamethasone (Dex n = 43) and Dex‐fibronectin (DexFibro n = 44), compared to healthy rats (n = 32). In addition, patients with RRMS treated (n = 20) and healthy subjects (n = 20) were analysed. The relative intensity of vitreous/retinal pigment epithelium (VIT/RPE) obtained from OCT (for animal and human use) images was quantified. A custom program computational analysis characterizes in vivo the HOV (number and size), identified histologically as hyalocyte‐like Iba‐1+ (microglial marker) cells in animals. For humans, artificial intelligence methods and Image J software were used.

Results: Both image analysis techniques identified HOV in animals with chronic glaucoma, in patients with RRMS and in healthy (both animals and humans). Chronic glaucoma models presented more HOV than healthy (decreasing from 100 ‐EVS‐ to 15 ‐healthy‐) (p < 0.05). Corticosteroid models presented an anti‐inflammatory profile (with non‐activated cells as the highest population). However, according VIT/RPE intensity, patients with RRMS treated did not show differences vs. healthy humans (p > 0.44).

Conclusions: HOV analysed by OCT were identified in neurodegenerative diseases of chronic course, in outbreaks, and healthy individuals. The presence of anti‐inflammatory drugs (dexamethasone in animals) and immunemodulators (in humans) decreased the VIT/RPE intensity resembling healthy conditions.

Acknowledgments: Grants MAT2017‐83858‐C2‐1 and MAT2017‐83858‐C2‐2 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”. Grants PID2020‐113281RB‐C21 and PID2020‐113281RB‐C22 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033. Research Group UCM920415 (InnOftal). MJR thanks for the grants M17/00213 and JR22_00057.
Paediatric CXL myths and reality
Authors: Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Paediatric keratoconus is often an undiagnosed condition that results in many cases being untreated. As this patient population has a vulnerable developing visual system, a delay in treatment can lead to lifelong visual consequences. Published studies demonstrate that keratoconus progresses at a faster rate in children compared to adults and that CXL can arrest disease progression also in paediatric patients. Current barrier to the CXL treatment may be partly due to the lack of compliance during a procedure performed using local anaesthesia. In addition, children may not comply with instructions to avoid eye rubbing that increases the risk of regression over time and the chance for postoperative infection.
New applications and analyses of ERGs
Authors: Mahroo Omar
Published: January 2024

The electroretinogram (ERG) represents the summed electrical response of retinal neurons to light stimuli and allows direct non‐invasive assessment of human retinal function. Over recent decades there have been numerous developments in our understanding of the cellular basis of different ERG components as well as in techniques of recording and analysing the waveforms elicited by both standard and novel stimulus protocols. Portable devices are now available with automated stimulus adjustment according to pupil diameter, thus permitting non‐mydriatic recordings to be obtained rapidly in the outpatient clinic. Non‐standard stimulus protocols have been devised, for example to selectively isolate rod or cone‐driven contributions to dark‐adapted responses, or to track changes in rod and cone system sensitivity during retinal light and dark adaptation. New methods of analysis have been developed, including fitting of mathematical models to ERGs, application of machine‐learning techniques and interrogation of genetic associations with ERG parameters, the latter potentially shedding light on the effects of common genetic variants in the population. Many of these developments will be discussed, together with insights yielded into retinal physiology and pathophysiology (in both rare and common eye disease), concluding with a discussion of anticipated future investigations and applications in the field.
Alterations in clinical parameters in cicatrising conjunctivitis secondary to GvHD
Authors: Coco Giulia
Published: January 2024

Cicatricial conjunctivitis is part of a well‐known complication of graft versus host disease (GVHD) resulting from the tissue fibrosis that affects different body organs. It results from inflammatory reactions determined by recognition of recipient antigens as foreign by donor cells. The main target tissues in ocular GVHD are the conjunctiva and the lacrimal gland, and conjunctival involvement is usually associated with more severe systemic disease. Clinical manifestations of cicatricial conjunctivitis includes conjunctival fibrosis, conjunctival shortening, conjunctival scarring and keratinization, and symblepharon and/or ankyloblepharon. Such scarring may even lead to cicatricial lagophthalmos, ectropion, entropion, and stenosis or closure of the lacrimal puncta. In fact, the degree of palpebral conjunctival changes has been used as a criterion to classify conjunctival involvement in chronic GVHD.

Conjunctival epithelial cells and myofibroblasts may have donor origin, though with a very small proportion. These donor‐derived fibroblasts may play a role in the pathogenesis of conjunctival fibrosis. In addition, it has been shown that the ocular surface of patients with chronic GVHD may show epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, in which the epithelium may gain the mesenchymal phenotype and the ability to migrate into the subepithelial stroma, resulting in conjunctival fibrosis.

Our group showed that a significant proportion of patients with ocular GHVD had subtarsal fibrosis, that was non evident in non‐GHVD dry eye disease (DED) patients, even with the same degree of clinical severity. Extent of involvement varied from one eye to another; on average, more than a quarter of the visible tarsal area was affected by the fibrosis. Such fibrosis was significantly associated with ocular surface epitheliopathy and conjunctival staining. In contrast, densities of epithelial and stromal immune cells in the conjunctiva were comparable between GVHD and non GVHD DED patients after adjustment for severity of DED. We also showed that spontaneous extrusion of punctal plugs occurs in a majority of ocular GVHD‐associated DED patients within 90 days of plug placement, and this lower retention rate of punctal plugs has been attributed to punctal subepithelial fibrosis.

In all patients with ocular GVHD, the eye care provider should evaluate the presence of conjunctival fibrosis and associated ocular surface complications. If present, the therapeutic strategy should attempt to address this scarring process.
Corneal complications of ocular GvHD
Authors: Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Corneal fluorescein staining is one of the tests recommended to diagnose and grade ocular graft versus host disease (GvHD) according to the International Chronic Ocular GvHD Consensus Group. Despite superficial punctate keratopathy is the most common corneal manifestation, patients with more severe stages may develop corneal neovascularization, sterile corneal ulceration and even perforation. Previous in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) studies reported significant microstructural changes in the cornea of patients with ocular GvHD, including a higher density of dendritic cells and globular immune cells, a network of hyper‐reflective activated keratocytes, and a lower density and higher tortuosity of sub‐basal corneal nerves. Dendritic cells act as antigen‐presenting cells, and play a key role in ocular surface immune homeostasis. Thus, their increased density may be indicative of immune activation and inflammation of the ocular surface in patients with ocular GvHD. Interestingly, Kheirkhah et al. reported higher dendritic cell density in patients with DED owing to systemic immune disease (i.e., Sjögren syndrome and ocular GvHD) compared to patients with DED of other origins. Recently, our group employed a fully automated IVCM analysis system to compare corneal sub‐basal nerve plexus in patients with DED owing to both ocular GvHD and Sjögren syndrome and in healthy control subjects. Although overall patients with DED showed lower density of nerve fibres and branches, shorter nerve fibres and higher fibre width compared to healthy controls, no significant difference was observed between patients with ocular GvHD and Sjögren syndrome for all IVCM metrics. In agreement with this observation, other studies reported no significant difference of IVCM parameters in DED patients with and without ocular GvHD after adjusting for clinical severity of dry eye. This suggests that the ocular surface changes observed by IVCM in ocular GvHD may be possibly reflective of the local disease severity rather than the underlying systemic process.
Quantitative analysis of crystalline lens and vitreous opacities
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Ruminski Daniel , Villar Alfonso Jimenez , Toledo Raúl Duarte , Gondek Grzegorz , Pierscionek Barbara , Sebag J. , Artal Pablo , Grulkowski Ireneusz
Published: January 2024

Intraocular light scattering affects the contrast of the image created on the retina thus reducing the vision quality. Although one can consider the ocular components transparent, the microstructural changes (that are associated with aging or other factors) lead to the increase in intraocular light scattering. Therefore, the opacification of ocular structures is associated with vision‐affecting diseases such as corneal dystrophies, crystalline lens cataracts, vitreous floaters etc.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive imaging modality enabling generation of micrometre resolution, two‐dimensional (2‐D) cross‐sectional images and three‐dimensional (3‐D) volumetric data presenting internal structure of optically scattering tissues. OCT detects light that is back‐scattered/back‐reflected at the optical in homogeneities within the ocular structures. Due to its high sensitivity, OCT enables detection of ultralow scattered light levels obtained from weakly scattering tissues such as the vitreous body.

In this talk, we will demonstrate in vivo enhanced three‐dimensional visualization of vitreous and lens opacities in normal subjects and cataract patients of different ages using a swept source OCT (SS‐OCT) system deployed to the Laboratory of Optics at the University of Murcia, Spain. The instrument operated at the central wavelength of 1050 nm and was optimized to image the anterior segment of the eye. Volumetric images were used to effectively map the opacities and to generate en‐face projection images of opacities.

The results revealed the changes in the transparency of the crystalline lens showing lens micro‐ and macro‐scale features related to cataract such as cortical spokes, water clefts and enhanced scattering in the lens nucleus. On the other hand, vitreous imaging with SS‐OCT allowed for visualization of gel vitreous, liquefied lacunae, Berger's space, retrolental laminae and fibrous opacifications.

Volumetric OCT data of the lens and retrolental vitreous were used to perform quantitative analysis of light scattering (transparency). We introduced indices describing transparency and optical homogeneity of ocular structures. Later on, we showed that those biomarkers correlate with age. Finally, statistical association between transparency of crystalline lens / vitreous and degradation of visual function was performed.

The proposed imaging platform can be a new‐generation ophthalmic diagnostic tool in the fundamental studies as well as for objective clinical evaluation and management of eye diseases.
Anti‐angiogenesis in colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Zhenni , Zhang Xuqian , Bai Xiaozhe , Xi Xiaonan , Liu Wentian , Zhong Weilong
Published: January 2024

The morbidity of colorectal cancer (CRC) has risen to third place among malignant tumors worldwide. In addition, CRC is a common cancer in China whose incidence increases annually. Angiogenesis plays an important role in the development of tumors because it can bring the nutrients that cancer cells need and take away metabolic waste. Various mechanisms are involved in the formation of neovascularization, and vascular endothelial growth factor is a key mediator. Meanwhile, angiogenesis inhibitors and drug resistance (DR) are challenges to consider when formulating treatment strategies for patients with different conditions. Thus, this review will discuss the molecules, signaling pathways, microenvironment, treatment, and DR of angiogenesis in CRC.
IgE to cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) in childhood: Prevalence, risk factors, putative origins
Authors: Potapova Ekaterina , Tripodi Salvatore , Panetta Valentina , Dramburg Stephanie , Bernardini Roberto , Caffarelli Carlo , Casani Antonella , Cervone Rosa , Chini Loredana , Comberiati Pasquale , De Castro Giovanna , del Giudice Michele Miraglia , Dello Iacono Iride , Di Rienzo Businco Andrea , Gallucci Marcella , Giannetti Arianna , Moschese Viviana , Sfika Ifigenia , Varin Elena , Asero Riccardo , Bianchi Annamaria , Calvani Mauro , Frediani Tullio , Macrì Francesco , Maiello Nunzia , Paravati Francesco , Pelosi Umberto , Peroni Diego , Pingitore Giuseppe , Tosca Mariangela , Zicari Anna Maria , Ricci Giampaolo ,   for the Italian Pediatric Allergy Network, Reese Gerald , Grabenhenrich Linus , Icke Katja , Grübl Armin , Müller Christoph , Zepp Fred , Schuster Antje , Wahn Ulrich , Lau Susanne , Keil Thomas , Matricardi Paolo Maria
Published: January 2024

Background

IgE antibodies to cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) are usually clinically irrelevant but they can be a cause of false positive outcomes of allergen‐specific IgE tests in vitro. Their prevalence and levels have been so far cross‐sectionally examined among adult allergic patients and much less is known about their origins and relevance in childhood.

Methods

We examined CCD with a cross‐sectional approach in 1263 Italian pollen allergic children (Panallergen in Paediatrics, PAN‐PED), as well as with a longitudinal approach in 612 German children (Multicenter Allergy Study, MAS), whose cutaneous and IgE sensitization profile to a broad panel of allergen extracts and molecules was already known. The presence and levels of IgE to CCD were examined in the sera of both cohorts using bromelain (MUXF3) as reagent and a novel chemiluminescence detection system, operating in a solid phase of fluorescently labelled and streptavidin‐coated paramagnetic microparticles (NOVEOS, HYCOR, USA).

Results

IgE to CCD was found in 22% of the Italian pollen allergic children, mainly in association with an IgE response to grass pollen. Children with IgE to CCD had higher total IgE levels and were sensitized to more allergenic molecules of Phleum pratense than those with no IgE to CCD. Among participants of the German MAS birth cohort study, IgE to CCD emerged early in life (even at pre‐school age), with IgE sensitization to group 1 and 4 allergen molecules of grasses, and almost invariably persisted over the full observation period.

Conclusions

Our results contribute to dissect the immunological origins, onset, evolution and risk factors of CCD‐sIgE response in childhood, and raise the hypothesis that group 1 and/or 4 allergen molecules of grass pollen are major inducers of these antibodies through an antigen‐specific, T‐B cell cognate interaction.
Interactions between temperature and nutrients determine the population dynamics of primary producers
Authors: Bieg Carling , Vasseur David
Published: January 2024

Global change is rapidly and fundamentally altering many of the processes regulating the flux of energy throughout ecosystems, and although researchers now understand the effect of temperature on key rates (such as aquatic primary productivity), the theoretical foundation needed to generate forecasts of biomass dynamics and extinction risk remains underdeveloped. We develop new theory that describes the interconnected effects of nutrients and temperature on phytoplankton populations and show that the thermal response of equilibrium biomass (i.e. carrying capacity) always peaks at a lower temperature than for productivity (i.e. growth rate). This mismatch is driven by differences in the thermal responses of growth, death, and per‐capita impact on the nutrient pool, making our results highly general and applicable to widely used population models beyond phytoplankton. We further show that non‐equilibrium dynamics depend on the pace of environmental change relative to underlying vital rates and that populations respond to variable environments differently at high versus low temperatures due to thermal asymmetries.
Q‐switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser restores skin photoageing by activating autophagy by TGFβ1 and ITGB1
Authors: Xiang Huiyi , Jia Xiaorong , Duan Xiaoxia , Xu Qi , Zhang Ruiqi , He Yunting , Yang Zhi
Published: January 2024

Excessive ultraviolet B ray (UVB) exposure to sunlight results in skin photoageing. Our previous research showed that a Q‐switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser can alleviate skin barrier damage through miR‐24‐3p. However, the role of autophagy in the laser treatment of skin photoageing is still unclear. This study aims to investigate whether autophagy is involved in the mechanism of Q‐switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG in the treatment of skin ageing. In vitro, primary human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells were irradiated with different doses of UVB to establish a cell model of skin photoageing. In vivo, SKH‐1 hairless mice were irradiated with UVB to establish a skin photoageing mouse model and irradiated with laser. The oxidative stress and autophagy levels were detected by western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometer. String was used to predict the interaction protein of TGF‐β1, and CO‐IP and GST‐pull down were used to detect the binding relationship between TGFβ1 and ITGB1. In vitro, UVB irradiation reduced HDF cell viability, arrested cell cycle, induced cell senescence and oxidative stress compared with the control group. Laser treatment reversed cell viability, senescence and oxidative stress induced by UVB irradiation and activated autophagy. Autophagy agonists or inhibitors can enhance or attenuate the changes induced by laser treatment, respectively. In vivo, UVB irradiation caused hyperkeratosis, dermis destruction, collagen fibres reduction, increased cellular senescence and activation of oxidative stress in hairless mice. Laser treatment thinned the stratum corneum of skin tissue, increased collagen synthesis and autophagy in the dermis, and decreased the level of oxidative stress. Autophagy agonist rapamycin and autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) can enhance or attenuate the effects of laser treatment on the skin, respectively. Also, we identified a direct interaction between TGFB1 and ITGB1 and participated in laser irradiation‐activated autophagy, thereby inhibiting UVB‐mediated oxidative stress further reducing skin ageing. Q‐switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser treatment inhibited UVB‐induced oxidative stress and restored skin photoageing by activating autophagy, and TGFβ1 and ITGB1 directly incorporated and participated in this process.
Effects of Ion Irradiation on Stage II Fatigue Crack Growth and Plasticity
Authors: Weihrauch Melissa , Patel Maulik , Patterson Eann A.
Published: January 2024

Fatigue crack growth characteristics of ion irradiated compact tension (CT) specimens were evaluated in the Paris law region. Fatigue crack growth was monitored under tension‐tension loading and the thermoelastic response was measured. Two stages of crack propagation were identified. In the first 300,000 cycles, crack growth rates of irradiated and unirradiated specimens were comparable and plastic zone area was found to be independent of crack length. Beyond 300,000 cycles, irradiated specimens showed a greater crack growth rate; additionally, the plastic zone area increased with crack length. The increase in crack growth rate was attributed to irradiation hardening. The plastic zone area was found to be dependent on the crack path, especially in the initial stages of crack propagation. Local peaks in the value of the area of the plastic zone were found to be associated with greater crack tortuosity and secondary cracks. As a result, decreases in plastic zone area were associated with greater crack growth rates.
Effect of lipase and lipoxygenase on lipid metabolism and the formation of main volatile flavour compounds in fermented fish products: a review
Authors: Ye Qi , Tan Junrui , He Xiaorong , Wang Caixia , Liu Xiaoyu , Li Cheng , Fang Zhengfeng , Chen Hong , Liu Yuntao , Chen Saiyan , Zeng Zhen
Published: January 2024

Lipid metabolism due to lipid hydrolysis and oxidation considerably contributes to the final product quality of fermented fish products and especially impacts its flavour. Lipase and lipoxygenase (LOX) are key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. Endogenous lipases (lipase from fish muscle and adipose tissue) and/or exogenous lipases (lipase from microorganisms, the added lipase) catalyse the hydrolysis of lipids, producing numerous free fatty acids. LOX in fish gills and skin tissues plays an important role in lipid oxidation. During the catalysis by LOX, polyunsaturated fatty acids having cis, cis‐1,4‐pentadiene structure are oxidised, finally leading to the generation of flavour precursors or compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters and acids. The addition of lipase effectively enhances the content of acidic components. Simultaneously, fermented fish products with a start culture capable of producing both lipase and LOX exhibit higher levels of flavour and aroma. In this process, the collaborative action of lipase and LOX generates a rich array of volatile flavour components. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the distinct functions and effects of both endogenous and exogenous lipase, along with LOX, in fermented fish products, as well as their roles in lipid metabolism. The study also explores their effects on the main volatile flavour compounds of fermented fish products. Moreover, the article discusses the prospects of applying lipase and LOX in fermented fish products, highlighting some limitations in current research and offering recommendations for future studies.
Thermochemical data and phase equilibria of halide (Cl−, Br−, I−) containing AFm and hydrotalcite compounds
Authors: Collin Marie , Prentice Dale P. , Geddes Dan , Provis John L. , Ellison Kirk , Balonis Magdalena , Simonetti Dante , Sant Gaurav N.
Published: January 2024

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) phases that form during cement hydration can incorporate a variety of interlayer anions in their interlayer positions. Here, a range of phases of general formula [MII(1−x)MIII(x)(OH)2][An−]x/n·zH2O were synthesized, where MII = Mg2+ (hydrotalcite) or Ca2+ (AFm), MIII = Al3+ such that [MII/Al] = 2 (Ca and Mg, atomic units) or 3 (Mg only), and A = Cl−, Br−, or I−. All the synthesized phases were characterized to assess their composition, density, and crystal structure. By approach from undersaturation, the solubility data of these compounds was measured at 5, 25, and 60°C. This thermochemical data was used to successfully model their formation using thermodynamic modeling and to infer the fields of stability of these compounds for conditions of relevance to cementitious systems. It is seen that halide‐containing hydrotalcite phases strongly compete with hydroxide‐containing hydrotalcite, with the latter prevailing at high pH. In contrast, halide‐containing AFm compounds are more stable compared with hydroxide‐containing AFm compositions.
Adapting suicide safety plans for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Earixson Daniel Q. , Hall Karen C. , Marraccini Marisa E. , Calhoun Casey D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Although risk for suicide appears elevated in individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders (I/DD), few interventions or tools addressing suicide prevention have been adapted for this population. Among evidence‐based interventions for preventing suicide, safety planning interventions are an effective and commonly employed intervention for reducing suicide‐related risk.

Methods

By drawing on Special Education praxis for supporting the learning needs of individuals with I/DD, we provide recommendations for adapting suicide safety planning interventions for youth with I/DD.

Results

Specific visual, content, teaching, and communication components of the safety plan intervention can be adapted to better meet the needs of youth with I/DD.

Discussion

Although future research is needed to evaluate these recommendations, these modifications may support clinicians serving youth with I/DD and suicide‐related risk.
Evaluating the influence of primary healthcare nurse practitioners' interventions in home care on hospitalizations and emergency department transfers
Authors: Savard Isabelle , Jabbour Mira , Tchouaket Eric , Gauthier Nathalie , Kilpatrick Kelley
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Home care allows patients with functional limitations to receive services at home and prevent health decline. Home care can reduce hospitalization and emergency department (ED) transfers. Integrating primary healthcare nurse practitioners (PHCNPs) in home care increases the supply of services, but little is known about their influence on patients' ability to remain at home.

Aims and Objectives

Evaluate the influence of PHCNPs' interventions on hospitalizations and ED transfers in patients receiving care from interprofessional home care teams with PHCNPs.

Method

The retrospective cohort study employed multiple logistic regression and Cox modelling techniques to assess the influence of PHCNP interventions on hospitalizations and ED transfers. Descriptive and bivariate analyses examined sample characteristics and variable associations. Four purposively selected sites in Québec, Canada, were included. Data were collected from electronic health records of all patients (n = 343) receiving home care from these teams.

Results

The characteristics of the sites, sample, and PHCNP interventions were described. Planned interventions led to a 5.8% decrease in hospitalizations and ED transfers (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.058, p = 0.039), while unplanned interventions resulted in a 1.5‐fold increase in this outcome (adjusted OR: 1.518, p < 0.001). The risk of hospitalization and ED transfers increased by 10.7 times with unplanned interventions (adjusted OR: 10.651, p = 0.002). Furthermore, imaging was associated with a 2‐fold increased risk (adjusted OR: 1.954, p = 0.021), consultations with a 1.8‐fold increased risk (adjusted OR: 1.849, p = 0.034), and laboratory test‐related interventions after 30 or more days reduced the risk by 68.0% (adjusted OR: 0.320, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

PHCNPs in interprofessional home care teams show promise in reducing hospitalizations and ED transfers through planned visits. These findings provide valuable insights that can contribute to enhancing home care services for a population with limited access to healthcare and high healthcare needs. Further research is needed in other jurisdictions.
The relationship between hedonic hunger and self‐stigmatisation in terms of weight and self‐esteem in adult people living with obesity
Authors: Çakir Muhammet Ali , Mercan Yeliz , Pancar Nüket , Demircan Ülkü , Pehlivan Merve
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the hedonic hunger status of overweight adults and to examine the relationship between hedonic hunger, self‐stigmatisation and self‐esteem in terms of weight.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 353 people living with obesity who applied to the Endocrine and Internal Medicine Clinic in Samsun, Turkey, between June and October 2022. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Power of Food Scale (PFS), Weight Self‐Stigmatisation Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Self‐Liking/Self‐Competence Scale (SLSC) through face‐to‐face survey method.

Results

About 53.3% of the participants were ≥45 years old, 80.5% were married and 69.1% had previously followed weight loss diet. It was found that those who were aged <45 years, single, those who perceived themselves as overweight, those who had used weight loss diets before and those whose waist‐hip ratio were normal had higher hedonic hunger scores (p < 0.05). A negative and significant correlation was found between PSF‐Tr general dimension scores and SLSC general dimension, whereas a significant and positive correlation was observed between PSF‐Tr general dimension scores and WSSQ general dimension (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

As hedonic hunger increased in adults with overweight, self‐esteem decreased, and self‐stigmatisation in terms of weight increased. Effective interventions are needed to cope with the hedonic hunger that contributes to obesity and to prevent the stigma and low self‐esteem experienced by people living with obesity because of their excess weight.
Determinants of polycystic ovary syndrome: A matched case–control study
Authors: Kaur Ishwarpreet , Kishore Kamal , Suri Vanita , Sahni Nancy , Rana Satya Vati , Singh Amarjeet
Published: January 2024

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age with a multifactorial aetiology. Despite much research, there is still inconclusive data on the impact of dietary, lifestyle and socio‐economic factors on PCOS aetiology. Thus, the present study explored the association of PCOS with diet, eating behaviour, other lifestyle and socio‐economic factors.

Methods

A matched‐pair case–control study was conducted on 150 women with PCOS and 150 healthy controls. Information on diet, eating behaviour and physical activity, and also anthropometric and socio‐economic data were collected through standard questionnaires. The adjusted odds ratios (AmOR) were calculated and reported using conditional multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The results showed low education level (AmOR = 8.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63–43.68), high sugar consumption (AmOR = 11.61; 95% CI = 2.05–65.72) along with higher body mass index (BMI) and inactivity to be significantly associated with PCOS. Also, a significant protective effect was found for cognitive dietary restraint (AmOR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.66–0.93), crude fibre (AmOR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.45–0.82) and protein intake.

Conclusions

Low education status may contribute to higher receptiveness to choosing unhealthy diets and lifestyles, resulting in adiposity and an increased risk of PCOS.
Insights into alternative cryoprotectants to freeze sperm of domestic cats
Authors: Martins Maria Isabel Mello , Silva Vinícius Wagner , Hidalgo Myrian Megumy Tsunokawa , Fontbonne Alain
Published: January 2024

Globalization and habitat destruction pose a significant threat to wildlife felids. Even though conservation banks for genetic materials have been created, the sperm cryopreservation with minimal cell damage is still a great challenge. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of two commercial extenders with different concentrations of alternative cryoprotectants on thawed sperm quality of domestic cats. Five adult cats were anaesthetized (using a combination of 40 μg/kg medetomidine associated to 5 mg/kg ketamine), and the semen was collected by electroejaculation (electrical stimulation of 2–3 V). Semen samples were evaluated for sperm characteristics (kinetics, morphology, membrane integrity and morphometry). Subsequently, they were sorted into two aliquots and centrifuged. The aliquots were added to a commercial extender containing 3% glycerol and 2% methylformamide (extender I) or 2% glycerol and 3% methylformamide (extender II), frozen, thawed (37°C/30 s) and reevaluated. Comparatively, the sperm kinetics and membrane integrity of fresh semen were higher (p < .002) than frozen samples in extender I and II. Total and progressive motility were lowest in the thawed samples. However, the subjective analysis indicated high sperm motility, since the kinetics evaluation was impaired by the low cell number in the thawed samples. There were no differences in sperm morphology between the groups. In the sperm morphometric analysis, a significant difference (p = .04) was identified in the length of the intermediate piece in extender II samples compared with fresh and extender I. Thus, it can be concluded that although the concentrations tested did not maintain the kinetic parameters and membrane integrity of spermatozoa after thawing, the extender with a lower concentration of glycerol was less toxic for maintaining the midpiece length.
Asynchronous entanglement routing for the quantum internet
Authors: Yang Zebo , Ghubaish Ali , Jain Raj , Shapourian Hassan , Shabani Alireza
Published: January 2024

With the emergence of the Quantum Internet, the need for advanced quantum networking techniques has significantly risen. Various models of quantum repeaters have been presented, each delineating a unique strategy to ensure quantum communication over long distances. We focus on repeaters that employ entanglement generation and swapping. This revolves around establishing remote end-to-end entanglement through repeaters, a concept we denote as the “quantum-native” repeaters (also called “first-generation” repeaters in some literature). The challenges in routing with quantum-native repeaters arise from probabilistic entanglement generation and restricted coherence time. Current approaches use synchronized time slots to search for entanglement-swapping paths, resulting in inefficiencies. Here, we propose a new set of asynchronous routing protocols for quantum networks by incorporating the idea of maintaining a dynamic topology in a distributed manner, which has been extensively studied in classical routing for lossy networks, such as using a destination-oriented directed acyclic graph or a spanning tree. The protocols update the entanglement-link topology asynchronously, identify optimal entanglement-swapping paths, and preserve unused direct-link entanglements. Our results indicate that asynchronous protocols achieve a larger upper bound with an appropriate setting and significantly higher entanglement rate than existing synchronous approaches, and the rate increases with coherence time, suggesting that it will have a much more profound impact on quantum networks as technology advances.
What Is Known About Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Among Sport Coaches? A Scoping Review
Authors: Hägglund Karin , Kenttä Göran , Wagstaff Christopher R.D. , Bentzen Marte
Published: January 2024

Mindfulness and self-compassion are two constructs positively related to well-being and mental health outside sport. Within sport, these constructs are emerging in research, yet the extant work has primarily been conducted with athlete samples. The aim of this scoping review was to provide a broad synthesis of the literature on mindfulness and self-compassion among coaches. Fourteen articles were included, 11 of them published 2019–2022. Of the 14 publications, the concepts studied were mindfulness (n = 10), self-compassion (n = 2), and a combination of both (n = 2). The samples were predominantly male coaches (68.7%), and most of the studies targeted coaches at the elite or competitive level. The most common area studied was developing and testing interventions and programs, followed by depicting relationships of mindfulness or self-compassion with desirable outcomes. This review significantly extends the current knowledge by illuminating critical issues in this rapidly moving area of research; the need for conceptual and contextual clarity of mindfulness and self-compassion; methodological considerations, such as measures that may allow reliable comparison across studies; and the need to further explore the potential benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion for coaches for sustainability and performance.
Comparison of Concurrent and Asynchronous Running Kinematics and Kinetics From Marker-Based and Markerless Motion Capture Under Varying Clothing Conditions
Authors: Kanko Robert M. , Outerleys Jereme B. , Laende Elise K. , Selbie W. Scott , Deluzio Kevin J.
Published: January 2024

As markerless motion capture is increasingly used to measure 3-dimensional human pose, it is important to understand how markerless results can be interpreted alongside historical marker-based data and how they are impacted by clothing. We compared concurrent running kinematics and kinetics between marker-based and markerless motion capture, and between 2 markerless clothing conditions. Thirty adults ran on an instrumented treadmill wearing motion capture clothing while concurrent marker-based and markerless data were recorded, and ran a second time wearing athletic clothing (shorts and t-shirt) while markerless data were recorded. Differences calculated between the concurrent signals from both systems, and also between each participant’s mean signals from both asynchronous clothing conditions were summarized across all participants using root mean square differences. Most kinematic and kinetic signals were visually consistent between systems and markerless clothing conditions. Between systems, joint center positions differed by 3 cm or less, sagittal plane joint angles differed by 5° or less, and frontal and transverse plane angles differed by 5° to 10°. Joint moments differed by 0.3 N·m/kg or less between systems. Differences were sensitive to segment coordinate system definitions, highlighting the effects of these definitions when comparing against historical data or other motion capture modalities.
Is There a Place for Assessment of Procedural Perceptual-Motor Learning in Pediatric Rehabilitation? A Survey of French Psychomotor and Occupational Therapists
Authors: Martin Elodie , Trouilloud David , Tallet Jessica
Published: January 2024

The principles of motor learning have been applied in neurological rehabilitation for years. The underlying assumption is that these principles that have been identified in research on healthy individuals would also apply to those with neurological disorders, making them highly relevant for rehabilitation. However, there is currently no tool dedicated to evaluating motor learning abilities, that refers to procedural perceptual-motor learning (PPML) abilities, before rehabilitation. To address this gap, we created a new tool assessing PPML (EVALuation de l’APprentissage Procedural [EVAL_APP]), based on two experimental tasks known to assess motor sequence learning and visuomotor adaptation. The study aimed to determine whether this tool is suitable for clinical practice and meets care needs by conducting a cross-sectional online survey of psychomotor and occupational therapists in France. The results show that professionals are interested in measuring PPML, and over half of them indicated that they would use the tool. Participants who felt trained about PPML responded positively to the relevance of PPML assessment and to the future use of the EVAL_APP tool. While some parameters of the EVAL_APP tool are well adjusted, others may need improvement to be adapted for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Developmental Coordination Disorder. The results are encouraging for pursuing the conception of the new tool by considering the opinion of professionals specialized in pediatric rehabilitation.
Supershear triggering and cascading fault ruptures of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, earthquake doublet
Authors: Ren Chunmei , Wang Zexin , Taymaz Tuncay , Hu Nan , Luo Heng , Zhao Zeyan , Yue Han , Song Xiaodong , Shen Zhengkang , Xu Haoyu , Geng Jianghui , Zhang Wei , Wang Teng , Ge Zengxi , Irmak T. Serkan , Erman Ceyhun , Zhou Yijian , Li Zhen , Xu Hang , Cao Bonan , Ding Hongyang
Published: January 2024

On 6 February 2023, two large earthquakes (moment magnitude 7.8 and 7.6) shocked a vast area of southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria, leading to heavy casualties and economic loss. To investigate the rupture process over multiple fault segments, we performed a comprehensive analysis of local seismic and geodetic data and determined supershear ruptures on the initial branch and the Pazarcık and Erkenek segments and subshear ruptures on the Amanos segment of event 1. The bilateral rupture of event 2 also presents distinct sub- and supershear velocities. The dynamic stress of the branch fault rupture triggered the Pazarcık segment initial rupture at a point 9 kilometers west of the junction of these two faults, boosting the supershear rupture of the Pazarcık segment of the main fault. The geometry and prestress level of multiple segments controlled the rupture behaviors and influenced the ground shaking intensity.
When the CIA met LSD
Tripping on Utopia: Margaret Mead, the Cold War, and the Troubled Birth of Psychedelic Science
Benjamin Breen
Grand Central Publishing, 2024. 384 pp.
Authors: Turner Alexis
Published: January 2024

A pair of anthropologists’ personal papers shed light on US psychedelic science in the mid-20th century
Second image of ‘shadow’ confirms giant black hole is real
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: January 2024

To zoom in farther, Event Horizon Telescope wants to add more radio dishes to its network—and go to space
Temporal σ
B
stress-response profiles impact
Bacillus subtilis
fitness
Authors: Bush Sidney R. , Sanders Shelby , Frey Nicholas , Hamm Christopher W. , Toews Madeline , Winburn Sarah , Fayard Emily J. , Rodriguez AnaLisa , Boyne Nicholas S. , Osborne Jacob S. , Cabeen Matthew T.
Published: January 2024

The Gram-positive model organism
Bacillus subtilis
responds to environmental stressors by activating the alternative sigma factor σ
B
. The sensing apparatus upstream of σ
B
activation is thought to consist of cytoplasmic stressosomes—megadalton-sized protein complexes that include five paralogous proteins known as RsbRs. The RsbRs are presumed to be involved in stress sensing and the subsequent response. Perturbations to the RsbR complement in stressosomes by engineering cells that produce only one of the RsbR paralogs (“single-RsbR strains”) lead to altered σ
B
response dynamics with respect to timing and magnitude. Here, we asked whether such changes to σ
B
response dynamics impact the relative fitness of a strain. We competed strain pairs with different RsbR complements under ethanol and sodium chloride stress and found not only differences in relative fitness among wild-type and single-RsbR strains but also different relative fitness values in the two different stressors. We found that the presence of RsbRA, which dominates the wild-type σ
B
response, enhances fitness in ethanol but is detrimental to fitness in NaCl. Meanwhile, RsbRD-only cells were among the most fit in NaCl. Strains producing hybrid RsbR fusion proteins displayed different fitness values that depended on the RsbR proteins from which they were derived. Our results here suggest that σ
B
response dynamics can impact fitness, highlighting the physiological importance of the unusual stressosome-based general stress response system of
B. subtilis
.

IMPORTANCE

The model bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
uses cytoplasmic multiprotein complexes, termed stressosomes, to activate the alternative sigma factor σ
B
when facing environmental stresses. We have previously shown that genetically manipulating the complement of putative sensor proteins in stressosomes can alter the dynamics of the σ
B
response in terms of its magnitude and timing. However, it is unknown whether these response dynamics impact the fitness of cells challenged by environmental stressors. Here, we examine the fitness of strains with different σ
B
responses by competing strain pairs in exponential-phase co-cultures under environmental stress. We find that strains with different response dynamics show different competitive indices that differ by stressor. These results suggest that the dynamics of the σ
B
response can affect the fitness of cells facing environmental stress, highlighting the relevance of different σ
B
dynamics.
Early impairment of magnocellular visual pathways mediated by isolated-check visual evoked potentials in primary open-angle glaucoma: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ye Qiaona , Xu Kezheng , Chen Zidong , Liu Zitian , Fan Yanmei , Liu Pingping , Yu Minbin , Yang Yangfan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To explore different performances in the magnocellular (MC) and parvocellular (PC) visual pathways in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to objectively assess impairment in early stage of POAG.

Methods and analysis

This is a cross-sectional study. MC and PC visual pathways were assessed using isolated-check visual evoked potential (ic-VEP). Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus examination, optical coherence tomography and visual field were measured. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), mediated by ic-VEP were recorded. The Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to estimate the relationships between visual functions and structures. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate the accuracy in detection of early POAG.

Results

60 participants (30 early POAG eyes and 30 age-matched control subjects) were recruited. MC visual pathway showed a non-linear response function, while PC visual pathway was a linear response function as contrast increased. Early POAG eyes exhibited significantly weaker initial contrast gains and lower maximum responses in the MC visual pathway (p=0.001, p=0.004, respectively). The SNRs at 8% and 32% depths of modulation (DOM) were significantly correlated with temporal-side retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in early POAG in MC-biased stimulation (p=0.017, p=0.020, respectively). The areas under ROC of 16% DOM were 0.780 (sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 63.3%) with the cut-off SNR of 2.07.

Conclusions

The MC visual pathway was damaged in the early stage of POAG. The SNRs at 8% and 32% DOM of MC-biased stimulation were significantly correlated with temporal-side RNFL thickness in early POAG, which helped in understanding the mechanisms of visual impairment in the early stage of POAG.