bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the impact of children's and young people's self‐harm on parental well‐being: a systematic literature review of qualitative and quantitative findings
Authors: Martin Faith , Ferrey Anne , Hobbs Laura , Lascelles Karen , van Even Suzanne , Oliver Thomas
Published: February 2024

Background

Self‐harm in children and young people is increasing. Parents are vital in supporting young people; however, parents may experience distress linked to the self‐harm. Previous reviews have highlighted the emotional impact and need for information and support, however, have not elucidated the relationships between these themes, nor examined the quantitative data examining parents' well‐being.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods review, with qualitative meta‐synthesis focusing on links between themes and quantitative synthesis of parental well‐being findings, including pooled means. PsycInfo, Medline, EMBASE, AMED, CINHAL and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant records. References of included studies were also searched. Every abstract was screened by two authors. Data were extracted by one author and checked by another.

Results

We identified 39 reports of 32 studies: 16 with qualitative data and 17 with quantitative data (one had both). Qualitative findings showed how parents' emotions were associated to their knowledge and beliefs about self‐harm. Parents' emotions often evidenced the need to self‐care, but emotions of guilt reduced engagement in self‐care. How parents supported their young person was linked to their knowledge, and the management of their own emotions, and influenced if they could engage in self‐care. Quantitative findings were mixed, however suggested poor general mental health amongst these parents.

Conclusions

Further good quality quantitative studies are needed, with measurement of psychological mechanisms that may underpin parental distress. Current evidence supports peer‐support and interventions that go beyond information provision to address the connected factors of knowledge, emotion, self‐care, and parenting behaviours.
Current understanding of subclinical diabetic retinopathy informed by histology and high‐resolution in vivo imaging
Authors: Hein Martin , Qambari Hassanain , An Dong , Balaratnasingam Chandrakumar
Published: February 2024

The escalating incidence of diabetes mellitus has amplified the global impact of diabetic retinopathy. There are known structural and functional changes in the diabetic retina that precede the fundus photography abnormalities which currently are used to diagnose clinical diabetic retinopathy. Understanding these subclinical alterations is important for effective disease management. Histology and high‐resolution clinical imaging reveal that the entire neurovascular unit, comprised of retinal vasculature, neurons and glial cells, is affected in subclinical disease. Early functional manifestations are seen in the form of blood flow and electroretinography disturbances. Structurally, there are alterations in the cellular components of vasculature, glia and the neuronal network. On clinical imaging, changes to vessel density and thickness of neuronal layers are observed. How these subclinical disturbances interact and ultimately manifest as clinical disease remains elusive. However, this knowledge reveals potential early therapeutic targets and the need for imaging modalities that can detect subclinical changes in a clinical setting.
Spread management priorities to limit emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) impacts on United States street trees
Authors: Hudgins Emma J. , Hanson Jeffrey O. , MacQuarrie Chris J. K. , Yemshanov Denys , Baker Christopher M. , Chadès Iadine , Holden Matthew H. , McDonald‐Madden Eve , Bennett Joseph R.
Published: February 2024

The invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) causes damage to street trees which is estimated to reach US$ 900 million over the next 30 years. Although millions of dollars are spent annually to control this species, spatiotemporal management plans are often based on rules of thumb that ignore future pest dispersal. Here, we reveal an optimal management strategy to protect urban trees in North America from A. planipennis. To achieve this, we embedded a pest dispersal model within a mixed integer programming framework. We discovered that optimized strategies consistently outperformed those based on rules of thumb, potentially resulting in the protection of an additional nearly 1 million street trees and savings of $ 629 million. Critically, the best management strategies always relied on quarantines and biological control (constituting 98–99% and 1–2% of the project budget, respectively), in contrast with current practices, where federal spending has been diverted to biological control. Our findings serve to inform future pest control efforts and can help protect many more trees from this invasive species.
Biomarker and pharmacodynamic activity of the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) inhibitor SAR439459 as monotherapy and in combination with cemiplimab in a phase I clinical study in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Robbrecht Debbie , Grob Jean‐Jacques , Bechter Oliver , Simonelli Matteo , Doger Bernard , Borbath Ivan , Butler Marcus O. , Cheng Tina , Romano Patricia Martin , Pons‐Tostivint Elvire , Di Nicola Massimo , Curigliano Giuseppe , Ryu Min‐Hee , Rodriguez‐Vida Alejo , Schadendorf Dirk , Garralda Elena , Abbadessa Giovanni , Demers Brigitte , Amrate Amele , Wang Hong , Lee Joon Sang , Pomponio Robert , Wang Rui
Published: February 2024

SAR439459, a ‘second‐generation’ human anti‐transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) monoclonal antibody, inhibits all TGFβ isoforms and improves the antitumor activity of anti‐programmed cell death protein‐1 therapeutics. This study reports the pharmacodynamics (PD) and biomarker results from phase I/Ib first‐in‐human study of SAR439459 ± cemiplimab in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03192345). In dose‐escalation phase (Part 1), SAR439459 was administered intravenously at increasing doses either every 2 weeks (Q2W) or every 3 weeks (Q3W) with cemiplimab IV at 3 mg/kg Q2W or 350 mg Q3W, respectively, in patients with advanced solid tumors. In dose‐expansion phase (Part 2), patients with melanoma received SAR439459 IV Q3W at preliminary recommended phase II dose (pRP2D) of 22.5/7.5 mg/kg or at 22.5 mg/kg with cemiplimab 350 mg IV Q3W. Tumor biopsy and peripheral blood samples were collected for exploratory biomarker analyses to assess target engagement and PD, and results were correlated with patients' clinical parameters. SAR439459 ± cemiplimab showed decreased plasma and tissue TGFβ, downregulation of TGFβ‐pathway activation signature, modulation of peripheral natural killer (NK) and T cell expansion, proliferation, and increased secretion of CXCL10. Conversion of tumor tissue samples from ‘immune‐excluded’ to ‘immune‐infiltrated’ phenotype in a representative patient with melanoma SAR439459 22.5 mg/kg with cemiplimab was observed. In paired tumor and plasma, active and total TGFβ1 was more consistently elevated followed by TGFβ2, whereas TGFβ3 was only measurable (lower limit of quantitation ≥2.68 pg/mg) in tumors. SAR439459 ± cemiplimab showed expected peripheral PD effects and TGFβ alteration. However, further studies are needed to identify biomarkers of response.
Das kutane Mikrobiom bei Hautkrebs – Eine systematische Übersicht
Authors: Ding Ruojun , Lian ShengYang Bertrand , Tam Yew Chong , Oh Choon Chiat
Published: February 2024

Die Hautkrebs‐Inzidenz ist über die vergangene halbe Dekade weltweit gestiegen und mit signifikanter Morbidität und Mortalität assoziiert. Jüngste Fortschritte in der molekularen Diagnostik ermöglichen ein besseres Verständnis von Mikrobiom‐Veränderungen bei diesen Erkrankungen. Allerdings ist die Literatur zum kutanen Mikrobiom bei Hautkrebs nach wie vor heterogen und spärlich. Wir führten eine systematische Überprüfung durch, um die bestehende Literatur sowie ihren Nutzen bezüglich mikrobiombasierter Biomarker zu evaluieren. Die Datenbanken (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, GoogleScholar) wurden zwischen Juni und Juli 2022 in Übereinstimmung mit den PRISMA‐Richtlinien gesichtet.

Insgesamt wurden 1.543 Artikel ermittelt, von denen 16 in die Übersicht eingeschlossen wurden (11 Artikel zu epithelialen Hauttumoren und 5 Artikel zu Melanomen). Bei Plattenepithelkarzinomen (PEKs) und aktinischer Keratose (AK) wird im Vergleich zu gesunder Haut eine erhöhte Prävalenz von Staphylococcus (S.) aureus bei gleichzeitigem Rückgang der kommensalen Organismen festgestellt. Das Mikrobiom des Melanoms scheint sich zwar von dem der gesunden Haut zu unterscheiden, doch stehen nur wenige Daten für aussagekräftige Schlussfolgerungen zur Verfügung.

Die vorliegende Übersicht fasst die aktuellen Erkenntnisse zum Mikrobiom bei epithelialem Hautkrebs und Melanom zusammen. Sie zeigt, dass sich das Mikrobiom bei diesen Erkrankungen von dem gesunder Haut unterscheidet und dass an dieser Dysbiose sowohl pathogene als auch kommensale Organismen beteiligt sind.
The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) guidelines for prevention of traumatic dental injuries: Part 1: General introduction
Authors: Levin Liran , O'Connell Anne C. , Tewari Nitesh , Mills Stephen C. , Stasiuk Hans , Roettger Mark , Abbott Paul V.
Published: February 2024

The Guidelines for Prevention of Traumatic Dental Injuries were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD).
The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) guidelines for prevention of traumatic dental injuries: Part 6: Education
Authors: Tewari Nitesh , Abbott Paul V. , O'Connell Anne C. , Mills Stephen C. , Stasiuk Hans , Roettger Mark , Levin Liran
Published: February 2024

The Guidelines for Prevention of Traumatic Dental Injuries were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD).
Defending (perceptual) attitudes
Authors: Martinis Valentina
Published: February 2024

In this paper, I defend a tripartite metaphysics of intentional mental states, according to which mental states are divided into subject, content, and attitude, against recent attempts at eliminating the attitude component (e.g., Montague, Oxford studies in philosophy of mind, 2022, 2, Oxford University Press). I suggest that a metaphysics composed of only subject and content cannot account for (a) multisensory perceptual experiences and (b) phenomenological differences between episodes of perception and imagination. Finally, I suggest that some of the motivations behind the rejection of the attitude component can be accommodated within the tripartite framework.
Sentiment and the cross‐section of expected stock returns
Authors: Jacoby Gady , Liao Chi , Lin Nanying , Lu Lei
Published: February 2024

The asset pricing Literature suggests market sentiment is a state variable. This study shows that market sentiment is positively priced at the cross‐section of stock returns, conditional on aggregate investors’ sentiment. We estimate individual stock sentiment beta and find that, following low‐sentiment periods, stocks in the highest sentiment beta quintile generate a 0.74% higher monthly return than stocks in the lowest sentiment beta quintile. However, this return spread is insignificant following medium‐ or high‐sentiment periods. This finding is consistent with the argument that overpricing following high‐sentiment periods is more prevalent than underpricing following low‐sentiment periods due to short‐sale constraints.
Utilizing treated wastewater for pasture irrigation: Effects on productivity, plant community structure and soil properties
Authors: Lavi Renana , Bar‐Massada Avi , Dovrat Guy
Published: February 2024

Surplus wastewater accumulates in winter and requires a discharging solution. In our study we examined the effects of using treated wastewater (TWW) as supplemental pasture irrigation in winter. To test the effect of TWW irrigation on the vegetation and soil, 10 grazing prevention exclosures were established at Ramat‐Hanadiv Park, Israel, with half of them irrigated with TWW. Soil and vegetation were sampled during 2 years of irrigation and 1 year after cessation of irrigation. Vegetation composition, species richness, and productivity were sampled at the peak of the growing season and various indices of herbage quality were measured. Our results show that irrigation with wastewater increased herbage production by an average of 38% and total pasture protein production by 9% relative to the control subplots. Conversely, TWW irrigation decreased plant protein content while increasing herbage fibre content and lowering its digestibility. Over a period of 2 years, species richness decreased in the irrigated subplots. Most of the soil indices examined were not affected by irrigation, but in the irrigation subplots, sodium values and the sodium adsorption‐ratio were higher than in areas without irrigation. Additional resources in winter enabled the plants to grow rapidly and increased interplant competition. Changes in vegetation composition were revealed through functional group reshuffling and species richness decline. The results of our study show that wastewater irrigation causes an increase in productivity but a decrease in forage quality. At the pastoral system level, the significant increase in productivity leads to increased availability of protein and herbage for animals.
Travailler moins? Revue systématique des préférences et décisions en matière de temps de travail
Authors: ANTAL Miklós , LEHMANN Benedikt , GUIMARAES Thiago , HALMOS Alexandra , LUKÁCS Bence
Published: February 2024

Malgré les retombées économiques, sociales et environnementales de l'évolution du temps de travail, les études sur les préférences en la matière sont dispersées entre diverses disciplines et disséminées dans de multiples revues. Dans cette revue systématique de la littérature fondée sur 173 articles, il est démontré que les études existantes concernent un petit nombre de pays de l'OCDE, portent surtout sur les professions médicales et font essentiellement appel à des données d'enquête et à des méthodes statistiques. Les résultats les plus clairs et les plus homogènes ont trait à l'influence du genre, des obligations en matière de garde des enfants et du temps de travail actuel, tandis que les normes et la formation des préférences demeurent mal comprises. Davantage de travaux qualitatifs sont indispensables pour déterminer comment faire progresser la réduction du temps de travail.
¿Queremos trabajar menos horas? Revisión sistemática de los resultados y preferencias de tiempo de trabajo
Authors: ANTAL Miklós , LEHMANN Benedikt , GUIMARAES Thiago , HALMOS Alexandra , LUKÁCS Bence
Published: February 2024

La variación del tiempo de trabajo tiene importantes consecuencias económicas, sociales y ambientales, pero los estudios sobre las preferencias de los trabajadores están fragmentados entre diversas disciplinas y revistas. Para superar este escollo, se presenta una revisión sistemática de 173 estudios. Los resultados y la inadecuación del tiempo de trabajo se han investigado mayoritariamente en países de la OCDE, con datos de encuestas y métodos estadísticos. Los hallazgos más robustos se refieren al género, las responsabilidades familiares y las horas de trabajo actuales. Las ocupaciones más estudiadas son las del sector sanitario. Un corpus de investigaciones cualitativas que esclarezcan la formación de usos y preferencias ayudará a comprender cómo se propagan los modelos de reducción del tiempo de trabajo.
Spatiotemporal variability of fall daily maximum flows in southern Quebec (Canada) from 1930 to 2018
Authors: Assani Ali A.
Published: February 2024

Quebec is experiencing a significant increase in summer and fall temperatures and rainfall. This study compares the spatiotemporal variability of maximum daily flows generated by rainfall during the fall season (September–December) in relation to this climatic change and physiographic and land use factors. Analysis of the spatial variability of these maximum flows measured from 1930 to 2018 in 17 watersheds revealed that the magnitude of flows is approximately twice as low on the north shore as it is on the south shore south of 47° N. This difference is explained by three main factors: wetlands (negative correlation) and agricultural (positive correlation) surface area, and summer–fall total precipitation (positive correlation). As for the temporal variability of flows, the different Mann–Kendall statistical tests showed a significant increase in flows due to increased rainfall. The increase of flows was more widespread on the north shore than on the south because the storage capacity of wetlands and other water bodies does not change over time to store excess rainfall. On the south shore, the increase in flows over time is limited due to the significant reduction in agricultural areas since the modernization of agriculture. This reduction favored infiltration to the detriment of runoff.
Entheseal variation and locomotor behavior during growth
Authors: Mameli Davide , Pietrobelli Annalisa , Sorrentino Rita , Nicolosi Teresa , Mariotti Valentina , Belcastro Maria Giovanna
Published: February 2024

Entheses are acknowledged as skeletal markers capable of revealing several biological and behavioral aspects of past individuals and populations. However, entheseal changes (ECs) of juvenile individuals have not yet been studied with a systematic approach. This contribution aims at investigating the morphological changes occurring at the femoral insertion of the gluteus maximus and tibial origin of the soleus muscles to highlight a potential link between the morphological features of those entheses and skeletal maturity in relation to sex, age, and locomotor developmental patterns. The sample consisted of 119 skeletons (age‐at‐death: 0–30 years) belonging to the Documented Human Skeletal Collection of the Certosa Cemetery (Bologna, Italy). The entheseal variation during the last stages of skeletal maturation in young adults was assessed using existing recording standards. A recording protocol for each enthesis was developed for immature individuals to subdivide the morphological variability into discrete categories. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to investigate the variation of entheseal morphologies and measurements in relation to bone metrics, degree of epiphyseal closure, sex, age, and locomotor developmental patterns. A statistically significant relationship was observed between ECs morphological patterns and age for both entheses, while sexual differences were negligible. A relationship between ECs morphological pattern and locomotor milestones emerged only for the gluteus maximus. Even though further testing is needed on other documented skeletal collections, our protocol could be usefully applied in forensic and archaeological fields and serving as important reference for evolutionary investigations.
Factors Relating to Kanji Reading Accuracy in Kun‐readings: An Item‐Level Analysis
Authors: Kakihana Shinichiro
Published: February 2024

This study sought to obtain comprehensive data on the difficulty level of kun‐reading (native Japanese reading) of Japanese kanji (Chinese characters adapted for Japanese) learned in junior high and high school. Drawing from an item‐based analysis, it explored the word variables related to the difficulty level of kun‐reading. A reading test comprising 645 kun‐readings of common kanji learned in junior high and high school was administered to 123 university students. Tobit regressions were conducted for the total, okurigana (phonetic kana letters suffix written after kanji), and single kanji items, using the word variables as independent variables and the reading accuracy as the dependent variable. Significant positive contributions were observed for imageability and word frequency for all item categories, kun‐reading ratio for the single kanji items, and okurigana ratio for the total items. A significant negative contribution was observed for okurigana neighborhood size for the okurigana items. The results highlighted the need for education focusing on the meanings of kanji characters, and for a language policy for the use of the okurigana.
Prevalence and severity of exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage in 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred racehorses and its relationship to performance
Authors: Shoemaker Sierra , Wang Yuan , Sellon Debra , Gold Jenifer , Fisher Allison , Bagshaw Julia , Leguillette Renaud , Sanz Macarena , Bayly Warwick
Published: February 2024

Background

Little has been reported regarding the prevalence and severity of exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred racehorses.

Objectives

Evaluate EIPH prevalence and severity and its association with performance, speed index, furosemide administration, race distance, and track surface.

Animals

A total of 830 2‐year‐old Thoroughbreds.

Methods

Prospective blinded observational study. Videoendoscopy was performed 30 to 60 minutes postrace at 15 American racetracks. Three blinded observers independently assigned an EIPH grade (0‐4) to each video, and prevalence and severity of EIPH were determined. Relationships of EIPH grade to performance, speed index, race distance, track surface, and prerace administration of furosemide were evaluated using Pearson's chi‐squared test for categorical variables and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for numerical variables. Multivariable logistic regression assessed relationships between EIPH prevalence and severity, respectively, and the aforementioned independent variables. A P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 1071 tracheoendoscopies were recorded. The EIPH prevalence was 74% and for EIPH grade ≥3 was 8%. Speed index (P = .02) and finishing place (P = .004) were lower with EIPH ≥3. The EIPH prevalence and severity were lower at 2 tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory rather than voluntary (P < .001). Probability of observing EIPH was negatively associated with speed index (P = .01) at tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory. Prerace furosemide administration decreased the probability of EIPH occurrence (P = .007) and severity (P = .01) where study participation was voluntary.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Prevalence and severity of EIPH in 2‐year‐old racehorses were consistent with that of older racehorses. An EIPH grade ≥3 was associated with decreased performance. Prerace furosemide administration was associated with a decreased likelihood, but not severity, of EIPH at most tracks.
Serial monitoring of pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, C‐reactive protein, abdominal ultrasonography, and clinical severity in dogs with suspected pancreatitis
Authors: Mitchell Leslie , Wang Sichao , Lawver Jody , Cridge Harry
Published: February 2024

Background

Diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on clinical signs, pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI), and abdominal ultrasonography (AUS). Diagnostic discrepancies exist between test results which might be related to differences in the timeline for resolution of these abnormalities after pancreatic injury.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate disease severity, ultrasonographic findings, and serum biomarkers of pancreatitis in dogs over a period of 28‐days.

Animals

Sixteen client‐owned dogs with a clinical suspicion for acute pancreatitis based on history/physical examination, an abnormal SNAP cPLI, and ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Clinical severity (modified clinical activity index [MCAI]), cPLI, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and AUS were evaluated at days 0, 2, 7, and 28. Owner assessed overall health (OH) was noted. Dogs were stratified into baseline cPLI ≥400 μg/L vs <400 μg/L groups for reporting.

Results

The median CRP, MCAI, and OH were 111.9 mg/L, 10, and 4/10 respectively in the cPLI ≥400 μg/L group. The median CRP, MCAI, and OH were 58.0 mg/L, 6, and 6/10 respectively in the cPLI <400 μg/L group. None of these variables were significantly different between groups. Most dogs (4/5) in the cPLI <400 μg/L group had a history of suspected pancreatitis (ie, suspect acute on chronic disease). cPLI and MCAI rapidly decreased in dogs with a baseline cPLI ≥400 μg/L, whereas sonographic evidence of pancreatitis persisted for a longer time period.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis in the absence of overt clinical or biochemical abnormalities might represent a resolving injury rather than active disease.
Characterization of lymphocyte‐rich hepatocellular carcinoma and the prognostic role of tertiary lymphoid structures
Authors: Ahn Bokyung , Ahn Hee‐Sung , Shin Jinho , Jun Eunsung , Koh Eun‐Young , Ryu Yeon‐Mi , Kim Sang‐Yeob , Sung Chang Ohk , Shim Ju Hyun , Hong JeongYeon , Kim Kyunggon , Kang Hyo Jeong
Published: February 2024

Background & Aims

Lymphocyte‐rich hepatocellular carcinoma (LR‐HCC) is largely unknown and a rare subtype of HCC with immune‐rich stroma. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), frequently observed in LR‐HCC, are known to be prognostically significant in various malignancies; however, their significance in HCC remains unevaluated.

Methods

Clinicopathologic data of 191 cases of surgically resected conventional HCC (C‐HCC, n = 160) and LR‐HCC (n = 31) were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence staining, RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis were conducted. Differences between the subtypes were statistically evaluated.

Results

LR‐HCC was significantly correlated to larger tumour size, higher Edmondson–Steiner grade, presence of TLS and higher CD3‐, CD8‐ and FOXP3‐positive T cell, high PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression (p < .001 for all) compared to C‐HCC. Patients with LR‐HCC exhibited significantly better overall survival (OS) (p = .044) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (p = .025) than C‐HCC. LR‐HCC demonstrated TLS signatures with significantly higher proteomic‐based immune scores in 14 of 17 types of tumour‐infiltrating immune cells. Furthermore, C‐HCC with secondary follicles, the most mature form of TLS, exhibited significantly better OS (p = .031) and RFS (p = .033) than those without. Across the global proteome, LR‐HCC was well‐differentiated from C‐HCC and a map of protein–protein interactions between tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes and HCC in tumour microenvironment was completed.

Conclusion

LR‐HCC is clinicopathologically and molecularly distinct and shows better prognosis compared to C‐HCC. Also, the presence of secondary follicle can be an important prognostic marker for better prognosis in both LR‐HCC and C‐HCC.
Menthacarin treatment attenuates nociception in models of visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Omoloye Adesina , Weisenburger Sabrina , Lehner Martin D. , Gronier Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is closely associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a very common disorder which significantly impairs quality of life, characterized by abdominal pain, and distension. Imaging studies have found that IBS patients show higher metabolic activities and functional differences from normal controls in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), in response to visceral pain stimulation. Non‐clinical data and clinical data suggest that medicinal products containing essential oils such as peppermint or caraway oil exert beneficial effects on IBS symptoms.

Methods

We assessed acute and long‐term treatment effects of a mixture of peppermint and caraway essential oils (Menthacarin) on brain electrophysiological markers of gut pain sensitivity in two rat models of visceral hypersensitivity.

Key Results

Chronic administration of corticosteroids and acute repeated mechanical hyperstimulation under anesthesia induced hyperalgesia and hypersensitivity, characterized by an increase in electrophysiological excitatory responses of ACC neurons to colorectal distension (CRD) and an increase in the proportion of neurons responding to otherwise subthreshold stimulation, respectively.

Long‐term, but not acute, oral administration of Menthacarin (60 mg kg−1 day−1) significantly reduced the net excitatory response to CRD in normally responsive control animals and counteracted the development of visceral hyperalgesia and hypersensitivity induced by repeated corticosterone administration and acute mechanical stimulation.

Conclusions & Inferences

The present study shows that, using the CRD method, chronic Menthacarin administration at a clinically relevant dose attenuates the neuronal discharge associated with visceral pain stimuli in the rat ACC, particularly in models of hypersensitivity, suggesting a potential for treating exaggerated visceral pain sensitivity.
Programmable RNA N6‐methyladenosine editing with CRISPR/dCas13a in plants
Authors: Shi Chuanlin , Zou Wenli , Liu Xiangpei , Zhang Hong , Li Xiaofang , Fu Guiling , Fei Qili , Qian Qian , Shang Lianguang
Published: February 2024

N6‐methyladenonsine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) and plays critical roles in mRNA processing and metabolism. However, perturbation of individual m6A modification to reveal its function and the phenotypic effects is still lacking in plants. Here, we describe the construction and characterization of programmable m6A editing tools by fusing the m6A writers, the core catalytic domain of the MTA and MTB complex, and the AlkB homologue 5 (ALKBH5) eraser, to catalytically dead Cas13a (dCas13a) to edit individual m6A sites on mRNAs. We demonstrated that our m6A editors could efficiently and specifically deposit and remove m6A modifications on specific RNA transcripts in both Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, we found that targeting SHORT‐ROOT (SHR) transcripts with a methylation editor could significantly increase its m6A levels with limited off‐target effects and promote its degradation. This leads to a boost in plant growth with enlarged leaves and roots, increased plant height, plant biomass, and total grain weight in Arabidopsis. Collectively, these findings suggest that our programmable m6A editing tools can be applied to study the functions of individual m6A modifications in plants, and may also have potential applications for future crop improvement.
The Yucatan miniature swine as a model for post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Authors: Wang Ying , Herringshaw Emilee , Anderson R. Rox , Tam Joshua
Published: February 2024

Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a hypermelanosis that often occurs secondary to skin irritation or injury, especially in darker skin tones, for which there is currently a lack of effective treatment options. Few preclinical models are available to study PIH. Here, we show that the Yucatan miniature pig consistently develops PIH after skin injuries. Skin wounds were produced on Yucatan pigs by needle punches, full‐thickness excisions, or burns. Wound sites were monitored and photographed regularly. Tissue samples were collected after 24 weeks and processed for histology/immunohistochemistry. Skin pigmentation and histologic changes were quantified by computer‐assisted image analyses. All injury methods resulted in hyperpigmentation. Melanin content at the histologic level was quantified in the larger (burn and excision) wounds, showing a significant increase compared to uninjured skin. Increased melanin was found for both epidermal and dermal regions. Dermal melanin deposits were primarily clustered around the papillary vasculature, and were associated not with melanocytes but with leukocytes. The Yucatan miniature pig model recapitulates key clinical and histologic features of PIH in humans, including skin hyperpigmentation at both gross and histologic levels, and persistence of dermal melanin subsequent to injury. This model could be used to further our understanding of the etiology of PIH, and for new therapy development.
Autogenic evolution of valley‐confined deltas during sea‐level rise: Insights from numerical and physical modelling
Authors: Wang Ru , Kim Wonsuck , Colombera Luca , Mountney Nigel P. , Lee Yunhyeong , Lee Jaehyung
Published: February 2024

Nearshore incised valleys are important conduits for the transport of sediment, nutrients, pollutants and organic carbon from the continents to the sea. Therefore, it is essential to understand the autogenic evolution of deltas confined within incised valleys and how such evolution is affected by relative sea‐level rise. To date, limited research has focused on how deltas constrained by incised valleys or other forms of antecedent topography respond to rising sea level. An existing theory of autostratigraphy envisages scenarios in which two‐dimensional or unconfined three‐dimensional fan deltas can experience three evolutionary stages under constant rates of relative sea‐level rise and sediment supply: progradation, autoretreat and post‐autobreak transgression. In this work, an integrated study of geometric numerical models and physical experiments is undertaken to investigate autostratigraphic delta evolution for a variety of incised‐valley geometries, under conditions of constant rates of relative sea‐level rise and sediment supply. Results indicate that interplays of antecedent topography (valley geometries) and sediment mass balance expressed in resultant deltaic geometries can result in autogenic changes in shoreline dynamics and river avulsion frequency on deltas. The following primary findings arise. (i) Compared to valleys with rectangular and trapezoidal cross‐sectional profiles, valleys with triangular cross‐sections tend to contain deltas that experience faster rates of progradation, autoretreat and post‐autobreak transgression under rising sea level, and exhibit a more prominent convex‐seaward shoreline trajectory. (ii) The shoreline trajectory is also related to delta topset geometry, becoming more convex‐seaward under decreasing topset slopes. (iii) River avulsion frequency on deltas with rising sea level varies markedly across valleys with different geometries, even under the same rate of relative sea‐level rise; this is attributed to the difference in temporal evolution of shoreline migration for different valley geometries and the resultant difference in the delta topset aggradation. This study highlights complexities in responses of sedimentary systems under the confinement of different topographic configurations that have hitherto largely been overlooked in sequence‐stratigraphic models. The findings provide insight into future shoreline behaviour and river avulsion hazard on confined deltas, and for decoding the stratigraphic record.
The peptide GOLVEN10 alters root development and noduletaxis in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Roy Sonali , Torres‐Jerez Ivone , Zhang Shulan , Liu Wei , Schiessl Katharina , Jain Divya , Boschiero Clarissa , Lee Hee‐Kyung , Krom Nicholas , Zhao Patrick X. , Murray Jeremy D. , Oldroyd Giles E. D. , Scheible Wolf‐Rüdiger , Udvardi Michael
Published: February 2024

The conservation of GOLVEN (GLV)/ROOT MERISTEM GROWTH FACTOR (RGF) peptide encoding genes across plant genomes capable of forming roots or root‐like structures underscores their potential significance in the terrestrial adaptation of plants. This study investigates the function and role of GOLVEN peptide‐coding genes in Medicago truncatula. Five out of fifteen GLV/RGF genes were notably upregulated during nodule organogenesis and were differentially responsive to nitrogen deficiency and auxin treatment. Specifically, the expression of MtGLV9 and MtGLV10 at nodule initiation sites was contingent upon the NODULE INCEPTION transcription factor. Overexpression of these five nodule‐induced GLV genes in hairy roots of M. truncatula and application of their synthetic peptide analogues led to a decrease in nodule count by 25–50%. Uniquely, the GOLVEN10 peptide altered the positioning of the first formed lateral root and nodule on the primary root axis, an observation we term ‘noduletaxis’; this decreased the length of the lateral organ formation zone on roots. Histological section of roots treated with synthetic GOLVEN10 peptide revealed an increased cell number within the root cortical cell layers without a corresponding increase in cell length, leading to an elongation of the root likely introducing a spatiotemporal delay in organ formation. At the transcription level, the GOLVEN10 peptide suppressed expression of microtubule‐related genes and exerted its effects by changing expression of a large subset of Auxin responsive genes. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which GOLVEN peptides modulate root morphology, nodule ontogeny, and interactions with key transcriptional pathways.
Performance of far forward iceless blood storage containers in controlled cold environments
Authors: Vuong Antoine , Derkenne Clément , Travers Stéphane , Javaudin Olivier , Clavier Benoît , Martinaud Christophe , Pasquier Pierre
Published: February 2024

Background

The Golden Hour Box (GHB), an iceless blood container designed for transfusion closest to the point of injury, is used by military medical teams in remote damage control resuscitation. While its performance is well‐established in hot environments, it remains underexplored in cold conditions, a significant consideration in emerging global conflict zones.

Study Design and Methods

Four GHBs were preconditioned at +4°C or +18°C for 8 h and subsequently exposed to controlled laboratory simulated temperatures of −5, −15, and −25°C for 100 h. The study focused on their capability to maintain an internal temperature between +2 and +6°C, the recommended range for red blood cells unit storage and transport, using calibrated sensors for precise monitoring.

Results

When exposed to negative Celsius temperatures, GHBs showed varied performance depending on preconditioning temperatures. When preconditioned at +4°C, GHBs maintained an internal temperature within the target range (+2 to +6°C) for 100 h at −5°C, 52 ± 1 h at −15°C, and 29 ± 4 h at −25°C. In contrast, the internal temperature of GHBs preconditioned at +18°C exceeded this range in less than 30 min, then dropped below 2°C more rapidly than those preconditioned at +4°C, occurring within 20 ± 2 h at −15 and 13 ± 1 h at −25°C.

Conclusion

The GHB, when properly preconditioned, effectively maintains internal temperatures suitable for blood product transport in extreme cold. Future research, including analyses of blood performances, is still needed to validate these results in more realistic operational conditions for use in cold environments.
Digital postprocessing analysis of prostatic perfusion in neutered dogs
Authors: Spada Stefano , Arlt Sebastian , De Felice Daniela , England Gary C. W. , Russo Marco
Published: February 2024

B‐mode ultrasound is routinely performed to evaluate the prostate gland in neutered dogs, although, the detection of malignancies may be challenging. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has shown to be useful for the assessment of prostatic perfusion in normal and diseased dogs, although the interpretation of contrast ultrasonographic features may still be subjective. A quantitative tool for evaluating prostatic perfusion might improve the reliability of the results in terms of early detection of prostate neoplasia in neutered dogs. The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability of a postprocessing analysis tool to CEUS of the prostate in healthy neutered dogs, to provide quantitative measurements, and to study the influence of individual characteristics on prostatic regression. Twenty‐three neutered dogs underwent a B‐mode and CEUS examination of the prostate to acquire data about prostatic morphology and microcirculation. The prostate was imaged using a 5–7.5 MHz linear transducer and contrast was administered intravenously. Videoclips were analyzed by using Qontrast software and a postprocessing digital analysis tool (ImageJ) to measure perfusion peak intensity, time to peak, and vascularization ratio at the moment of the peak, which were then related to body weight, age, and time elapsed since orchiectomy. Correlation tests revealed higher vascularization in younger compared with older dogs (P < .05) and in smaller compared with larger dogs (P < .05). Time elapsed since orchiectomy (P > .05) did not affect prostatic perfusion. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and the postprocessing analysis tool ImageJ allowed analysis of vascular perfusion in all dogs and have the potential to improve the diagnostic possibilities for andrological examination.
Best practices for implementation of Kamishibai cards in the healthcare setting to improve nursing‐sensitive indicator associated outcomes: An integrative review
Authors: Gabriel Elizabeth L. , Clark Kimberly , May Victoria , Meltzer Rachel , Moreland Jennifer , Rosenblum Nadine , Truong Linh , Weiss Emily J. , Yfantis Vicki , Johnson Alexandra , Whalen Madeleine
Published: February 2024

Background

Many adverse events are identified as nursing‐sensitive indicators (NSIs) and have evidence‐based care bundles known to reduce risk of occurrence. Kamishibai cards are a tool from the manufacturing industry used for practice auditing and improvements. Use of Kamishibai cards is believed to be common in the healthcare setting, but true evidence‐based guidelines do not yet exist to guide their implementation.

Aims

The aim of this integrative review was to identify best practices around the implementation of Kamishibai cards in the healthcare setting for improvement in NSI‐associated outcomes.

Methods

Eleven nurses at three facilities worked through the evidence using the Johns Hopkins Evidence‐Based Practice Model.

Results

Ten articles were included for this review. Broad themes included direct observation with non‐punitive and timely feedback, clearly visualized results, use of evidence‐based care bundles, pre‐implementation education, and both leadership and frontline‐staff involvement. All facilities showed improvement in NSI‐associated outcomes after the implementation of K‐cards.

Linking Action to Action

In health care, K‐cards can be implemented and designed with additional focus on the bundles of care they are intended to audit and staff support, but further evidence would better define guidelines around implementation.
Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Enhanced Tubes With Composite Structure
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Li Wei , Dou Binlin , Cao Yanlong , Kukulka David John , Sherif S. A.
Published: February 2024

To fill the research gaps in the study of flow boiling on composite surfaces, four heat exchange tubes with different structures were investigated: an enhanced tube with herringbone teeth (EHT_HB), a tube with a dimple structure (EHT_DIM), a tube with a composite herringbone tooth/dimple structure (EHT_HB/DIM), and a smooth tube as a baseline for comparison purposes. The experimental conditions were set as follows: saturation temperature 6 °C, mass flux 50–205 kg/(m2 · s), and vapor quality 0.2–0.8. After confirming the validity of the experimental results, the effects of the mass flux on the flow boiling heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics were examined. Results showed that the flow boiling heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop increase with the increase of the mass flux and the vapor quality in the tested tubes. The EHT_HB/DIM tube was found to combine the advantages of the two structures and to have the highest heat transfer coefficient. The average value of the heat transfer coefficient was found to be 43.75% higher than that of the smooth tube. Also, the average flow boiling heat transfer coefficients of the EHT_HB and the EHT_DIM tubes were found to be 15% and 35% higher than that of the smooth tube, respectively. From the perspective of the frictional pressure drop, it was found that the EHT_HB/DIM tube exhibited the maximum frictional pressure drop. The optimum working conditions of the enhanced tubes were determined by introducing a performance factor that captures the combined effects of heat transfer and pressure drop.
Complementary description of three species of the subgenus Anthoseius De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from India
Authors: Jose Anna , Döker Ismail , Gowda Channegowda Chinnamade , Hiremath Renuka
Published: February 2024

Taxonomy of the subgenus Anthoseius De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has become challenging and often causing confusions among taxonomists. We here provide complementary descriptions of three species, T. (A.) bengalensis Karmakar et al., T. (A.) bulbosis Karmakar et al., and T. (A.) serrulatus Ehara, based on the specimens collected from Karnataka, India. During the identification of our specimens, we observed several important morphological differences between the new specimens and the original descriptions of the first two species. The morphological differences include number of dorsal solenostomes (absence or presence of gd5), position of preanal pores, chelicera dentition including position of teeth, shape of calyx of spermatheca, and leg chaetotaxy including number of setae on genu II, number of macrosetae and shape of ventral setae. Since these characters are crucial for phytoseiid taxonomy, we decided to examine the type specimens of these two species. Our examination on their holotypes confirmed that the morphological characters mentioned above are different than those reported in their original descriptions, but identical to the complementary descriptions provided here. In addition, T. (A.) serrulatus has not been recognized by several acarologists and repeatedly described under different names. We proposed five new and three suspected synonymies for this species. Lastly, we also provided the first description of males of T. (A.) bengalensis.
In Remembrance: The Life and Legacy of Michael T. Turvey (1942–2023)
Authors: Riley Michael A. , Sternad Dagmar
Published: February 2024

Michael T. Turvey passed away on August 12, 2023 at the age of 81. This obituary aims to honor his life and career by highlighting some key events in his personal and professional life, noting some of his many remarkable accomplishments, and emphasizing his exceptional mentorship, friendship, and generosity.
Encoding of melody in the human auditory cortex
Authors: Sankaran Narayan , Leonard Matthew K. , Theunissen Frederic , Chang Edward F.
Published: February 2024

Melody is a core component of music in which discrete pitches are serially arranged to convey emotion and meaning. Perception varies along several pitch-based dimensions: (i) the absolute pitch of notes, (ii) the difference in pitch between successive notes, and (iii) the statistical expectation of each note given prior context. How the brain represents these dimensions and whether their encoding is specialized for music remains unknown. We recorded high-density neurophysiological activity directly from the human auditory cortex while participants listened to Western musical phrases. Pitch, pitch-change, and expectation were selectively encoded at different cortical sites, indicating a spatial map for representing distinct melodic dimensions. The same participants listened to spoken English, and we compared responses to music and speech. Cortical sites selective for music encoded expectation, while sites that encoded pitch and pitch-change in music used the same neural code to represent equivalent properties of speech. Findings reveal how the perception of melody recruits both music-specific and general-purpose sound representations.