bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Like every other day’: Writing temporalities of banal exploitation among precarious migrant workers
Authors: Yea Sallie
Published: August 2023

The violence of precarious labour migration is often represented in popular and policy accounts through episodic frames that emphasise particular—often sensationalised and extreme—aspects and moments of more complex and mundane experiences. These depictions commonly appear under the labels of ‘modern‐day slavery’ and ‘labour trafficking’. This paper advances a participatory methodology aimed at elucidating more complex temporalities experienced by precarious migrant labourers, drawing on a project with male migrant workers in Singapore. The methodology developed for this project centres on written diaries/narratives authored by the participants over periods ranging from one to three months. These detailed narratives document struggles—physically, relationally, financially and emotionally—in the context of post‐labour destitution. These struggles appear as both ‘everyday’ difficulties and longer‐term problems, with both temporalities rendered visible as a form of slow violence. This methodology fuses key principles of qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) methods with participatory action research (PAR) to develop a methodological orientation to temporally extenuative experiences of violence that are visible through processes that draw on participants as key producers of knowledge and advocates for change. As a way of engaging migrants' mundane post‐labour struggles, this methodology allows for tracing of the longer‐term and cumulative impacts of precarious migrant labour through participants' own frames of reference.
Unheard voices: The sexual challenges of families of patients with bipolar disorder: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Yaghmaei Safura , Babamohamadi Hassan , Shamsaei Farshid , Ghods Ali Asghar
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the voices of the family members of Bipolar Disorder (BD) patients about the challenges ahead of them.

Methods

In this qualitative study, 22 participants shared their experiences of sexual challenges of patients with BD through in‐depth, face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

An overarching theme entitled “Unheard voices” reflected this experience. It comprised four main categories include sexual promiscuity, a change in sexual patterns, sexual support, and sexual indifference. The results revealed that the families of patients with BD have to deal with sexual promiscuity and change in sexual patterns in their family, and the family system attempts to respond to these changes by sexual support mechanisms and sexual indifference.

Conclusions

Given the significant impact of healthy sexual behaviors on the quality of life of both the individual and the family, therapists and family support systems are advised to strengthen and educate families to support their patients' sexual health and needs and protect their sexual existence; they should also address the sexual challenges faced by these families as a diagnostic and therapeutic priority, and early sexual health interventions should be provided to these families.
Human phenotype caused by biallelic KDM4B frameshift variant
Authors: Takada Sanami , Silva Sebastián , Zamorano Ivonne , Pérez Andrea , Iwabuchi Chisato , Miyake Noriko
Published: August 2023

KDM4B (MIM*609765, NM_015015.3, formerly JMJD2B) encodes a histone demethylase and regulates gene expression via demethylation, mainly of H3K9 tri‐methylation. Heterozygous KDM4B loss‐of‐function variants cause autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder 65 (MIM#619320), which is characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disability, language and gross motor delays, structural brain anomalies, characteristic facial features, and clinodactyly. Although the majority of reported patients have de novo pathogenic variants, some patients inherit pathogenic variants from affected parents. To our knowledge, only 23 patients with heterozygous KDM4B variants have been reported to date, and there are no reports of patients with biallelic KDM4B pathogenic variants. Herein, we report a female patient with a biallelic KDM4B frameshift variant (NM_015015.3: c.1384_1394delinsGGG, p.(Leu462Glyfs*43)) located at exon 12 of 23 protein‐coding exons, which is thought to be subject to nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay and no protein production. She presented developmental and language delays and a hypotonic and characteristic face. The patient's phenotype was more obvious than that of her mother, who is heterozygous for the same variant. Although declining birth rate (embryonic lethality in male mice) in homozygous knockout mice has been demonstrated, our report suggests that homozygous KDM4B frameshift variants can be viable in humans at least female.
Learning curve for robotic‐assisted total mesorectal excision: a multicentre, prospective study
Authors: Arquillière J. , Dubois A. , Rullier E. , Rouanet P. , Denost Q. , Celerier B. , Pezet D. , Passot G. , Aboukassem A. , Colombo P. E. , Mourregot A. , Carrere S. , Vaudoyer D. , Gourgou S. , Gauthier L. , Cotte E.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Robotic‐assisted surgery (RAS) is becoming increasingly important in colorectal surgery. Recognition of the short, safe learning curve (LC) could potentially improve implementation. We evaluated the extent and safety of the LC in robotic resection for rectal cancer.

Method

Consecutive rectal cancer resections (January 2018 to February 2021) were prospectively included from three French centres, involving nine surgeons. LC analyses only included surgeons who had performed more than 25 robotic rectal cancer surgeries. The primary endpoint was operating time LC and the secondary endpoint conversion rate LC. Interphase comparisons included demographic and intraoperative data, operating time, conversion rate, pathological specimen features and postoperative morbidity.

Results

In 174 patients (69% men; mean age 62.6 years) the mean operating time was 334.5 ± 92.1 min. Operative procedures included low anterior resection (n = 143) and intersphincteric resection (n = 31). For operating time, there were two or three (centre‐dependent) LC phases. After 12–21 cases (learning phase), there was a significant decrease in total operating time (all centres) and an increase in the number of harvested lymph nodes (two centres). For conversion rate, there were two or four LC phases. After 9–14 cases (learning phase), the conversion rate decreased significantly in two centres; in one centre, there was a nonsignificant decrease despite the treatment of significantly more obese patients and patients with previous abdominal surgery. There were no significant differences in interphase comparisons.

Conclusion

The LC for RAS in rectal cancer was achieved after 12–21 cases for the operating time and 9–14 cases for the conversion rate. RAS for rectal cancer was safe during this time, with no interphase differences in postoperative complications and circumferential resection margin.
Assessment of pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability following twice‐daily administration of molnupiravir for 10 days in healthy participants
Authors: Iwamoto Marian , Duncan Kelly E. , Wickremasingha Prachi K. , Zhao Tian , Liberti Maria V. , Lemoine Lieselotte , Decaesteker Tatjana , Rottey Sylvie , Maas Brian M. , Gillespie Gillian , Stoch S. Aubrey
Published: August 2023

Molnupiravir is an orally administered, small‐molecule ribonucleoside prodrug of β‐D‐N4‐hydroxycytidine (NHC) that has demonstrated potent, broad‐spectrum preclinical activity against RNA viruses and has a high barrier to the development of resistance. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase I trial was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PKs), safety, and tolerability of 10.5‐day administration of multiple doses of molnupiravir and its metabolites in healthy, adult participants. Participants were randomly assigned (3:1) to receive molnupiravir (400 mg [n = 6], 600 mg [n = 6], and 800 mg [n = 12]) or matching placebo (n = 8) every 12 h (q12h) for 10.5 days. Blood was collected to evaluate the PKs of NHC in plasma and of its active metabolite, NHC‐triphosphate (NHC‐TP), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Molnupiravir was generally well‐tolerated. All adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and none led to treatment discontinuation. No clinically meaningful dose‐related safety findings were observed. Mean time to maximal concentration was ~1.50 to 1.98 h for plasma NHC and ~4.00 to 8.06 h for PBMC NHC‐TP. Accumulation was minimal (<1.2) for NHC and ~2‐ to 2.5‐fold for NHC‐TP. Plasma NHC PKs was generally dose proportional, and PBMC NHC‐TP PKs was less than dose proportional over the dose range studied. NHC and NHC‐TP PK support twice‐daily administration. Overall, molnupiravir administered at up to 800 mg q12h for 10.5 days was generally well‐tolerated in healthy participants with dose‐linear PKs, supporting the evaluation of longer molnupiravir dosing up to 10 days in future clinical trials.
Changes in employment status over time in multiple sclerosis following a first episode of central nervous system demyelination, a Markov multistate model study
Authors: Zarghami Amin , Fuh‐Ngwa Valery , Claflin Suzi B. , van der Mei Ingrid , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Broadley Simon , Simpson‐Yap Steve ,   Ausimmune/AusLong Investigator Group, Taylor Bruce V.
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

Understanding predictors of changes in employment status among people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can assist health care providers to develop appropriate work retention/rehabilitation programs. We aimed to model longitudinal transitions of employment status in MS and estimate the probabilities of retaining employment status or losing or gaining employment over time in individuals with a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination (FCD).

Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised adults (aged 18–59 years) diagnosed with FCD (n = 237) who were followed for more than 11 years. At each review, participants were assigned to one of three states: unemployed, part‐time, or full‐time employed. A Markov multistate model was used to examine the rate of state‐to‐state transitions.

Results

At the time of FCD, participants with full‐time employment had an 89% chance of being in the same state over a 1‐year period, but this decreased to 42% over the 10‐year follow‐up period. For unemployed participants, there was a 92% likelihood of remaining unemployed after 1 year, but this probability decreased to 53% over 10 years. Females, those who progressed to clinically definite MS, those with a higher relapse count, and those with a greater level of disability were at increased risk of transitioning to a deteriorated employment state. In addition, those who experienced clinically significant fatigue over the follow‐up period were less likely to gain employment after being unemployed.

Conclusions

In our FCD cohort, we found a considerable rate of employment transition during the early years post‐diagnosis. Over more than a decade of follow‐up post‐FCD, we found that females and individuals with a greater disability and a higher relapse count are at higher risk of losing employment.
Arctic drones – A new security dilemma
Authors: Rogers James
Published: August 2023

Over 100 countries now have a military drone programme comprised of either armed or unarmed systems. These drones are used to project power, fulfil national security objectives and signal political interest in disputed regions. As the climate crisis transforms parts of the Arctic, considerable investment is taking place in remote systems that can both monitor for ‘unwanted guests’ and engage in military activity. In this context, drones, specifically unarmed military drones, are becoming the favoured technology of Arctic states. Denmark, Iceland, Canada, Russia and the United States are all now using drones to protect national interests, symbolise sovereignty and enable a watchful eye to be cast on neighbours and newcomers, such as China. This article argues that while the introduction of military drones may be seen as stabilising in the first instance, in the longer term these systems are likely to escalate tensions, leading to a new drone‐based security dilemma. Of particular note is the ‘virtual’ net of detection being built by Russia. This net is reliant on drones, in partnership with additional military infrastructure and hardware, and has been developed by Moscow to establish a military capacity to detect and respond to external actors across and perhaps beyond the Russian Arctic.
Still central: Change and continuity in Australia's major industrial tribunal
Authors: Bray Mark , Macneil Johanna
Published: August 2023

Australia's major public dispute resolution agency has changed substantially since the 1990s from a stand‐alone tribunal administering a collectivist system of compulsory conciliation and arbitration to an integrated agency resolving both individual and collective disputes as well as performing a broader regulatory role. It remains central to Australian industrial relations, reflecting its adaptability and the peculiarities of its political and industrial relations contexts.
RETRACTED: Assessing the role of combination of stem cell and light‐based treatments on skin wound repair: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Mingjing , Zhang Huihe , Wu Huizhen , Xie Jiayi , Chen Qiong , Jiang Yue , Zhao Dongrui
Published: August 2023

The meta‐analysis aims to evaluate and compare the impact of the combination of stem cells (SCs) and light‐based treatments (LBTs) on skin wound (SW) repair. Examinations comparing SCs to LBT with SCs for SW repair was among the meta‐analysis from various languages that met the inclusion criteria. Using continuous random‐effect models, the results of these investigations were examined, and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals was computed (CIs). Seven examinations from 2012 to 2022 were recruited for the current analysis including 106 animals with SWs. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBT) plus SCs had a significantly higher wound closure rate (WCR) (MD, 9.08; 95% CI, 5.55–12.61, p < 0.001) compared to SCs in animals with SWs. However, no significant difference was found between PBT plus SCs and SCs on wound tensile strength (WTS) (MD, 2.01; 95% CI, −0.42 to 4.44, p = 0.10) in animals with SWs. The examined data revealed that PBT plus SCs had a significantly higher WCR, however, no significant difference was found in WTS compared to SCs in animals with SWs. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised while interacting with its values since all the chosen examinations were found with a low sample size and a low number of examinations were found for the comparisons studied for the meta‐analysis.
Unpacking underdetermination: Theoretical challenges in understanding macroecological and biogeographic patterns
Authors: Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F. , Coelho Marco Tulio Pacheco , Terribile Levi Carina
Published: August 2023

Macroecology and biogeography have made significant strides in understanding the patterns and processes underlying biodiversity, yet the problem of underdetermination (the Duhem–Quine thesis) remains an ongoing challenge. Underdetermination arises when multiple explanations are consistent with the observed data, resulting in challenges in theory and model development and testing. Here, we explore the different forms of underdetermination in macroecology and biogeography and their implications for understanding biodiversity patterns. We highlight the gradient ranging from optimistic to pessimistic views in addressing the problem, coupled then with realistic and instrumentalist scientific reasonings, illustrating these issues by evaluating how underdetermination may affect our understanding of the latitudinal diversity gradient. We show how evolution and diversification introduce a new and unexpected source of underdetermination, and that unpacking the underdetermination problem in macroecology and biogeography requires deconstruction methods in a more comprehensive and integrated approach that considers both hierarchical scale and phylogenetic relationships between organisms and trait‐based explanations.
Association of salivary TREM‐1 and PGLYRP1 inflammatory markers with non‐communicable diseases
Authors: Silbereisen Angelika , Lira‐Junior Ronaldo , Åkerman Sigvard , Klinge Björn , Boström Elisabeth A. , Bostanci Nagihan
Published: August 2023

Aim

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM‐1) and peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1) are elevated in biofluids in the presence of various inflammatory conditions. This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the effect of age, sex, smoking and different oral and systemic non‐communicable diseases on the levels of TREM‐1 and PGLYRP1 in saliva.

Materials and Methods

In total, 445 individuals (mean age 48.7 ± 16.9 years, female:male 51%:49%) were included. All provided self‐reported information on smoking and systemic diseases and whole stimulated saliva. Periodontal and cariological parameters were recorded. Salivary levels of TREM‐1, PGLYRP1 and total protein were measured using commercially available assays.

Results

Salivary TREM‐1 levels were significantly higher in stages III–IV periodontitis compared to other periodontal diagnoses (p < .05). Smoking, bleeding on probing (BOP), percentage of pockets ≥4 mm and the number of manifest caries were associated with TREM‐1 (p < .05), while sex, BOP, number of manifest caries and muscle and joint diseases were associated with PGLYRP1 (p < .05).

Conclusions

Salivary TREM‐1 is associated with periodontitis and caries, while PGLYRP1 is associated with gingival inflammation and caries. Additionally, TREM‐1 levels are modified by smoking, while PGLYRP1 is modified by sex and muscle and joint diseases. TREM‐1 and PGLYRP1 in saliva could serve as potential biomarkers for detecting and monitoring non‐communicable diseases.
Atonal homolog 7 (ATOH7) confers neuroprotection for photoreceptor cells in glaucoma via inhibition of the notch pathway
Authors: Yin Yuan , Wu Shuai , Niu Lingzhi , Huang Shiwei
Published: August 2023

Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) technologies enable the profiling and analysis of the transcriptomes of single cells and hold promise for clarifying gene mechanisms at single‐cell resolution. We based this study on scRNA‐seq data to reveal glaucoma‐related genes and downstream pathways with neuroprotection effects. The scRNA‐seq datasets related to glaucoma of retinal tissue samples of human beings and Atonal Homolog 7 (ATOH7)‐null mice were obtained from the GEO database. The 74 top marker genes and 20 cell clusters were obtained in human retinal tissue samples. The key gene ATOH7 was found after the intersection with genes from GeneCards data. In the ATOH7‐null mouse retinal tissue samples, pseudotime inference demonstrated significant changes in cell differentiation. Moreover, mouse retinal photoreceptor cells (PRCs) were cultured and treated with lentivirus carrying oe‐ATOH7 alone or in combination with Notch signaling pathway activator Jagged‐1/FC, after which cell biological functions were determined. The involvement of ATOH7 in glaucoma was identified through regulating PRCs. Furthermore, ATOH7 conferred neuroprotection in PRCs in glaucoma by mediating the Notch signaling pathway. In vitro data confirmed that ATOH7 overexpression promoted the differentiation of PRCs and inhibited their apoptosis by suppressing the Notch signaling pathway. The evidence provided by our study highlighted the involvement of ATOH7 in the blockade of the Notch signaling pathway, resulting in the neuroprotection for PRCs in glaucoma.

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Pandemic precarity: COVID‐19's impact on Mexican and Central American immigrant families
Authors: García Melissa J. , Brooks Caroline V. , Ambriz Denise , Ekl Emily A. , Smith Nicholas C. , Maupomé Gerardo , Perry Brea L.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study examines the association of gender, parenthood, and marriage with reports of perceived pandemic precarity among Mexican and Central American immigrants during the COVID‐19 pandemic (Fall 2020) to understand predictors of vulnerability in periods of crisis.

Background

Latinos/as, immigrants, parents, and women have faced significant challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Family structure, along with social expectations for gender (i.e., self‐sacrificing femininity for women and hegemonic masculinity for men), parenthood, and marriage may explain perceptions of pandemic precarity—defined as the material deprivation and economic anxiety resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

This study used data from the Hispanic COVID‐19 Rapid Response Study (n = 400), a follow‐up of the VidaSana Study of Mexican and Central American immigrants, to examine how family structure is associated with pandemic precarity (i.e., food, housing, and economic insecurity). Using linear regression models, average marginal effects (AMEs), and tests for group differences, we investigate the independent and interactive effects of gender, parenthood, and marriage on pandemic precarity.

Results

Men and parents reported the highest pandemic precarity. Fathers reported higher pandemic precarity than mothers. For men, marriage is associated with greater precarity, and for women, marriage is associated with less precarity, yet marriage increased precarity for those without children.

Conclusion

We discuss the importance and implications of examining gender along with family structure to understand how immigrant families were faring in response to the pandemic.
The parent bodies of CR chondrites and their secondary history
Authors: Prestgard Trygve , Beck Pierre , Bonal Lydie , Eschrig Jolantha , Gattacceca Jérôme , Sonzogni Corinne , Krämer Ruggiu Lisa
Published: August 2023

Renazzo‐type (CR) chondrites are a relatively rare group of carbonaceous chondrites with the vast majority having escaped thermal alteration. This means that CRs are composed of relatively unprocessed material, depending on the extent of aqueous alteration they have experienced. Hydration in CRs ranges from incipient alteration of matrix glass, up to nearly complete replacement of the rock by hydration products. The extent of secondary processes is often difficult to assess in these meteorites, due to their heterogeneity and diversity of alteration products. Yet, this is crucial in order to understand the extent of geological processing that occurred on the primary parent body. Additionally, the parent asteroids of CRs remain a mystery, mainly because terrestrial oxyhydroxide signatures dominate the reflectance spectra of CRs. In this work, we have conducted optical and IR reflectance and transmission spectra of 25 CR chondrites in order to (i) better evaluate the extent of aqueous alteration that occurred on the CR parent body, and (ii) find possible parent body candidates. Terrestrial oxyhydroxides were removed from 12 samples, as these tend to interfere with the optical‐IR spectra of CRs. Our results suggest, among other, that (i) aqueous alteration in most of our CRs was limited to the matrix and (ii) most CRs may stem from a continuum of X‐to‐C complex asteroids, depending on their extent of aqueous alteration. More specifically, the endmembers being Xk/Xn types and Cgh/Ch types. This has strong implication in regard to what we can expect from the Psyche mission.
Cinemeducation: A mixed methods study on learning through reflective thinking, perspective taking and emotional narratives
Authors: Rueb Mike , Rehfuess Eva A. , Siebeck Matthias , Pfadenhauer Lisa M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Cinemeducation describes the use of film in medical education. The M23 Cinema (M23C) comprises a film screening and subsequent discussion with experts, affected persons and the audience. Previous research suggests that participating in cinemeducation may affect emotions and attitudes. This study aimed to establish a conceptual framework and explore when learning takes place, how learning occurs and what participants learn during the M23C.

Methods

Informed by focused literature searches, discussions of the authors and the research results, a conceptual framework of the M23C was developed, comprising three dimensions (five distinct phases, learning methodology and potential impact). A mixed method study was undertaken, employing an exploratory sequential design. Initially, the qualitative component was conducted by interviewing everyone involved, comprising focus groups, expert interviews, a group interview and one narrative interview. All qualitative data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The qualitative findings were used to inform the development of a survey among the participants of M23C evenings. The survey results were analysed descriptively. The findings generated by both data sets were integrated using the “following a thread” protocol and visualised by joint displays.

Results

In total, 15 participants in M23C courses, six members of the current and two of the former organising committee, two experts, two affected persons and the initiator of the M23C were included in the qualitative component (n = 28). A total of 503 participants responded to the survey. The qualitative data confirmed the relevance of the five phases and participants described reflective thinking, perspective taking and emotional narratives as the three dimensions of how they learned during the M23C. Participants reported a change in attitudes, enriching their knowledge, experiencing empathy and learning about other health professions.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the M23C as a cinemeducation course provides a unique learning environment in the training of health professionals.
Strange bedfellows: Why right‐wing intellectuals in South Korea chose to cooperate with their country's former coloniser
Authors: Yang Myungji , Asahina Yuki
Published: August 2023

Why and when do today's Far‐Right groups cooperate across national boundaries? This paper seeks to provide answers to these questions by examining a deviant rather than representative case: the transnational connections between right‐wing intellectuals in South Korea and Japan. Analysing the recent publication of a highly controversial and provocative book and the transnational politics around it, we emphasise the roles of right‐wing intellectuals and the processes by which divergent political interests converge in changing geopolitical and domestic political contexts. By situating Far Right activities in its broader context of shaping—colonial history, American hegemony and the confrontation with socialist regimes such as China and North Korea—this paper develops a contextual account of the transnational Far Right.
The power of patterns: new insights into pattern‐triggered immunity
Authors: Shu Lin‐Jie , Kahlon Parvinderdeep S. , Ranf Stefanie
Published: August 2023

The plant immune system features numerous immune receptors localized on the cell surface to monitor the apoplastic space for danger signals from a broad range of plant colonizers. Recent discoveries shed light on the enormous complexity of molecular signals sensed by these receptors, how they are generated and removed to maintain cellular homeostasis and immunocompetence, and how they are shaped by host‐imposed evolutionary constraints. Fine‐tuning receptor sensing mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and physiological level is critical for maintaining a robust but adaptive host barrier to commensal, pathogenic, and symbiotic colonizers alike. These receptors are at the core of any plant‐colonizer interaction and hold great potential for engineering disease resistance and harnessing beneficial microbiota to keep crops healthy.
Taking the lead: NLR immune receptor N‐terminal domains execute plant immune responses
Authors: Chia Khong‐Sam , Carella Philip
Published: August 2023

Nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) proteins are important intracellular immune receptors that activate robust plant immune responses upon detecting pathogens. Canonical NLRs consist of a conserved tripartite architecture that includes a central regulatory nucleotide‐binding domain, C‐terminal leucine‐rich repeats, and variable N‐terminal domains that directly participate in immune execution. In flowering plants, the vast majority of NLR N‐terminal domains belong to the coiled‐coil, Resistance to Powdery Mildew 8, or Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor subfamilies, with recent structural and biochemical studies providing detailed mechanistic insights into their functions. In this insight review, we focus on the immune‐related biochemistries of known plant NLR N‐terminal domains and discuss the evolutionary diversity of atypical NLR domains in nonflowering plants. We further contrast these observations against the known diversity of NLR‐related receptors from microbes to metazoans across the tree of life.
A drought year favored drier‐adapted origins over local origins in a reciprocal transplant experiment along a rainfall gradient
Authors: Metz Johannes , Tielbörger Katja
Published: August 2023

When plant populations show local adaptation along climatic gradients, climate change may displace them from their current fitness optima. Unclear is whether foreign genotypes originating from sites that approximate future climatic conditions can attain higher fitness and support existing populations, because foreign genotypes may lack important adaptations to other local conditions besides climate. We conducted a fully reciprocal transplant experiment with the winter annual Biscutella didyma across four sites along a steep natural rainfall gradient in Israel. It experienced an exceptional drought event that approximated future climatic conditions. This unique opportunity allowed to test whether genotypes transplanted from drier sites outperform local genotypes under a drier climate. The four population origins showed consistent clines in germination fraction, phenology, and vegetative biomass that suggest local adaptation along the rainfall gradient. In terms of fitness (survival, seed number), however, local origins were outperformed by genotypes originating from the next‐drier site along the gradient. Our results suggest that the experienced drought conditions favored origins from drier conditions over local origins despite local biotic interactions. Genotypes originating from drier sites may thus support existing populations and reduce their vulnerability to climate change. Moreover, we conceptualize under which conditions foreign genotypes may benefit local populations in general, which adds to clarify the importance of local adaptation to climatic and nonclimatic factors for populations under climate change.
A Comparison of Outcomes between the Wiltse Approach with Pedicle Screw Fixation and the Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation for Multi‐Segmental Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Zhang Yadong , Wang Wentao , Bai Lulu , Hao Dingjun
Published: August 2023

Objective

Multi‐segmental thoracolumbar fracture (MSF) generally refers to fractures occurring in two or more segments of the thoracolumbar spine. With the development of minimally invasive concept, there is little research on its application in the field of MSF. The purpose of this study is to compare two minimally invasive surgical techniques and determine which one is more suitable for treating patients with neurologically intact MSF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 49 MSF patients with intact nerves who were admitted from January 2017 to February 2019. Among them, 25 cases underwent percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF), and 24 cases underwent Wiltse approach pedicle screw fixation (WAPSF). The operation time, number of fixed segments, blood loss, length of incision, postoperative ambulation time, accuracy of pedicle screw placement, facet joint violation (FJV), number of C‐arm exposures, as well as pre‐ and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), local Cobb's angle (LCA), and percentage of anterior vertebral body height (PAVBH) were recorded for both groups. Paired sample t‐test was used for intra‐group comparison before and after surgery while independent sample t‐test was used for inter‐group comparison.

Results

The differences in the number of fixed segments, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative bed time, accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, VAS, and ODI between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the operative time and total surgical incision length were significantly shorter in the WAPSF group than in the PPSF group (p < 0.05), and the FJV was significantly higher in the PPSF group than in the WAPSF group (p < 0.05). Also, the PPSF group received more intraoperative fluoroscopy (p < 0.05). The result of LCA and PAVBH in the WAPSF group were significantly better than in the PPSF group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both PPSF and WAPSF were found to be safe and effective in the treatment of MSF without neurological deficits through our study. However, considering radiation exposure, FJV, vertebral height restoration, correction of kyphosis, and learning curve, WAPSF may be a better choice for neurologically intact MSF.
Metallosis‐Induced Conversion Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Unique Experience and Literature Review
Authors: Ji Jong‐Hun , Park Sang‐Eun , Parikh Darshil , Lee Woojin , Jeong Jinyoung , Park Hyun Woo , Oh Seungbae
Published: August 2023

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can fail for several reasons, such as component loosening, periprosthetic fracture, instability, infection, soft tissue failure, or joint overstuffing. Severe metallosis without loose glenoid components after TSA may result in the need for revision to reverse TSA.

Case presentation

Four years before the current presentation, an 86‐year‐old woman suffered from right shoulder pain and swelling. The initial diagnosis was osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, for which she underwent TSA. Four years later, she complained of shoulder joint pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. On sonography, subscapularis and supraspinatus tendon tears were identified. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans showed metallosis around the shoulder joint. Due to the rocking horse mechanism, wear of the upper portion of the glenoid component and bearing caused a foreign‐body reaction and severe metallosis around the joint. Due to a massive rotator cuff tear combined with glenoid component wear, the patient eventually underwent reverse TSA (RTSA) and was satisfied with the final results.

Conclusions

Severe metallosis due to glenoid component wear combined with a massive rotator cuff tear in TSA may cause the need for revision to RTSA.
Diagnosing psychiatric disorders from history of present illness using a large‐scale linguistic model
Authors: Otsuka Norio , Kawanishi Yuu , Doi Fumimaro , Takeda Tsutomu , Okumura Kazuki , Yamauchi Takahira , Yada Shuntaro , Wakamiya Shoko , Aramaki Eiji , Makinodan Manabu
Published: August 2023

Aim

Recent advances in natural language processing models are expected to provide diagnostic assistance in psychiatry from the history of present illness (HPI). However, existing studies have been limited, with the target diseases including only major diseases, small sample sizes, or no comparison with diagnoses made by psychiatrists to ensure accuracy. Therefore, we formulated an accurate diagnostic model that covers all psychiatric disorders.

Methods

HPIs and diagnoses were extracted from discharge summaries of 2,642 cases at the Nara Medical University Hospital, Japan, from 21 May 2007, to 31 May 31 2021. The diagnoses were classified into 11 classes according to the code from ICD‐10 Chapter V. Using UTH‐BERT pre‐trained on the electronic medical records of the University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan, we predicted the main diagnoses at discharge based on HPIs and compared the concordance rate with the results of psychiatrists. The psychiatrists were divided into two groups: semi‐Designated with 3–4 years of experience and Residents with only 2 months of experience.

Results

The model's match rate was 74.3%, compared to 71.5% for the semi‐Designated psychiatrists and 69.4% for the Residents. If the cases were limited to those correctly answered by the semi‐Designated group, the model and the Residents performed at 84.9% and 83.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the model matched the diagnosis predicted from the HPI with a high probability to the principal diagnosis at discharge. Hence, the model can provide diagnostic suggestions in actual clinical practice.
Efficacy of medical treatments for pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa: A systematic review
Authors: Masson Rahul , Ma Elaine , Parvathala Neha , Shih Terri , Atluri Swetha , Hogeling Marcia , Hughes Meagan , Sayed Christopher J. , Shi Vivian Y. , Hsiao Jennifer L.
Published: August 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that has been insufficiently studied in the pediatric population. Timely and effective medical treatments may improve quality of life, mitigate disease burden, and prevent the need for invasive procedural interventions such as surgical excisions. However, there is a paucity of research on the efficacy of medical management strategies for HS in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy and safety of medical treatments for HS in patients <18 years of age. In April 2022, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for articles on the efficacy of medical treatments for HS in the pediatric population. Between 1984 and 2022, 35 articles (101 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Most patients had Hurley Stage II disease (46.7%, 35/75) followed by Stage I (36%, 27/75), and Stage III (17.3%, 13/75). 100% (23/23) of patients responded to antibiotics, 100% (8/8) to finasteride, 93.9% (31/33) to biologics, 80% (4/5) to oral retinoids, and 50% (6/12) to metformin. Overall, this study demonstrates that medical treatment regimens can improve HS symptoms in pediatric patients, but the extent of improvement is unclear, and the results were largely based on case reports or case series. Prospective studies are warranted to better understand the efficacy and safety of medical treatments for pediatric HS. Clinical trials of HS therapies need to be inclusive of pediatric patients to help define the optimal timing of treatment initiation and guide patient selection.
The flesh texture of teleost fish: Characteristics and interventional strategies
Authors: Wang Zhe , Qiao Fang , Zhang Wen‐Bing , Parisi Giuliana , Du Zhen‐Yu , Zhang Mei‐Ling
Published: August 2023

With the growing demand of consumers for high‐quality aquatic products, controlling the harvest quality of farmed fish is becoming increasingly important in aquaculture industry. The texture is a sensory property that covers a group of attributes, such as firmness, tenderness, chewiness, adhesiveness, resilience, etc., which greatly determine consumers' perception and satisfaction for flesh products. Regarding texture quality, extensive research has been conducted in recent decades based on its related theories, influencing factors, and intervention strategies. However, the information available is largely scattered and disjointed. Essentially, flesh texture is mainly determined by the collective contribution of three major muscle components: muscle fibres, intramuscular connective tissue, and intramuscular fat. Therefore, changing these components in living animals through nutritional and management factors has the potential to modulate texture quality. Here, we briefly introduced the features and development of the three muscle components mentioned above, particularly their potential contributions to texture quality of fish flesh. Exciting promises to manipulate flesh texture through dietary intervention, feed restriction, and exercise training were also discussed. To ensure their applications in large‐scale aquaculture facilities, specific considerations of these regimens should be incorporated in experimental design parameters, including the species and age of fish, research system, experiment duration, and exercise intensity. Finally, the existing challenges and limitations of fish texture studies were presented, along with some viewpoints about current work and future directions of this field.
Locally correct confidence intervals for a binomial proportion: A new criteria for an interval estimator
Authors: Garthwaite Paul H. , Moustafa Maha W. , Elfadaly Fadlalla G.
Published: August 2023

Well‐recommended methods of forming “confidence intervals” for a binomial proportion give interval estimates that do not actually meet the definition of a confidence interval, in that their coverages are sometimes lower than the nominal confidence level. The methods are favoured because their intervals have a shorter average length than the Clopper–Pearson (gold‐standard) method, whose intervals really are confidence intervals. As the definition of a confidence interval is not being adhered to, another criterion for forming interval estimates for a binomial proportion is needed. In this paper, we suggest a new criterion for forming one‐sided intervals and equal‐tail two‐sided intervals. Methods which meet the criterion are said to yieldlocally correct confidence intervals. We propose a method that yields such intervals and prove that its intervals have a shorter average length than those of any other method that meets the criterion. Compared with the Clopper–Pearson method, the proposed method gives intervals with an appreciably smaller average length. For confidence levels of practical interest, the mid‐ method also satisfies the new criterion and has its own optimality property. It gives locally correct confidence intervals that are only slightly wider than those of the new method.
Gertrud Kuznitzky and Edith Stein on (non)conceptual experience
Authors: Neumann Daniel
Published: August 2023

This article considers a largely overlooked phenomenological account of nonconceptual experience that turns on experience having a sense that is unique to intuition, and which can be invoked to explain how we come to view what we experience in objective terms without referring to ready‐made concepts. The two early phenomenologists Edith Stein and Gertrud Kuznitzky are discussed as having elaborated two distinct, yet related, versions of this intuitive sense. My discussion identifies two common assumptions of both philosophers: firstly, the idea that the objective character of intuition hinges on the structure of apprehension, which is found by investigating the regularities of the appearance of objects; secondly, the objective character of intuition presupposes a metaphysical notion of things having a sense in themselves. Importantly, both philosophers do not take this “sense in itself” to be a direct part of the contents of experience, showing objectivity to arise out of intuition instead.
Evaluation of Dengue, Zika virus, and Chikungunya virus transmission by blood components in recipients of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: de Oliveira Fernando Nivaldo , Ferreira Suzete Cleusa , Nishiya Anna Shoko , Mendrone‐Junior Alfredo , Batista Marjorie Vieira , Rocha Vanderson , Costa Silvia Figueiredo
Published: August 2023

Background

Brazil has a high prevalence of arboviruses, especially Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZKV), and Chikungunya (CHKV).

Objectives

To study the risk of DENV, ZKV, and CHKV transmission by blood components in the haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) population.

Methods

Prospective cohort of HSCT recipients and donors performed at the Hospital das Clinicas da FMUSP, São Paulo‐Brazil. Patients were evaluated by serology and RT‐PCR for DENV, ZKV, and CHKV pre‐transplantation and once a week until neutrophil grafting. In positive cases (positive RT‐PCR and/or serology conversion), an investigation was carried out on the blood components that the patient received to evaluate the possibility of it being transfusion transmitted.

Results

A total of 93 patients were included during the study period. The mean age was 52 years with a predominance of males (56.9%). We considered five (5.3%) DENV cases positive by seroconversion in our study. One patient had IgM seroconversion and the other four presented IgG seroconversion to DENV. In the investigation of the blood components, 145 individual samples were analysed. None of the investigated blood components showed a positive RT‐PCR.

Conclusion

We observed a low prevalence of DENV, ZKV, and CHKV in HSCT donors and recipients by serology and RT‐PCR, and no case of blood transfusion transmission by RT‐PCR.
Resistance wheel running improves contractile strength, but not metabolic capacity, in a murine model of volumetric muscle loss injury
Authors: Schifino Albino G. , Raymond‐Pope Christiana J. , Heo Junwon , McFaline‐Figueroa Jennifer , Call Jarrod A. , Greising Sarah M.
Published: August 2023

The primary objective of this study was to determine if low‐ or high‐resistance voluntary wheel running leads to functional improvements in muscle strength (i.e., isometric and isokinetic torque) and metabolic function (i.e., permeabilized fibre bundle mitochondrial respiration) after a volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury. C57BL/6J mice were randomized into one of four experimental groups at age 12 weeks: uninjured control, VML untreated (VML), low‐resistance wheel running (VML‐LR) and high‐resistance wheel running (VML‐HR). All mice, excluding the uninjured, were subject to a unilateral VML injury to the plantar flexor muscles and wheel running began 3 days post‐VML. At 8 weeks post‐VML, peak isometric torque was greater in uninjured compared to all VML‐injured groups, but both VML‐LR and VML‐HR had greater (∼32%) peak isometric torque compared to VML. All VML‐injured groups had less isokinetic torque compared to uninjured, and there was no statistical difference among VML, VML‐LR and VML‐HR. No differences in cumulative running distance were observed between VML‐LR and VML‐HR groups. Because adaptations in VML‐HR peak isometric torque were attributed to greater gastrocnemius muscle mass, atrophy‐ and hypertrophy‐related protein content and post‐translational modifications were explored via immunoblot; however, results were inconclusive. Permeabilized fibre bundle mitochondrial oxygen consumption was 22% greater in uninjured compared to VML, but there was no statistical difference among VML, VML‐LR and VML‐HR. Furthermore, neither wheel running group demonstrated a change in the relative protein content of the mitochondrial biogenesis transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1‐α (PGC‐1α). These results indicate that resistance wheel running alone only has modest benefits in the VML‐injured muscle.
Discursos del odio: una instalación y tres hipótesis
Authors: Cámara Mario
Published: August 2023

El presente artículo analiza Diarios del odio, una instalación de Roberto Jacoby y Syd Krochmalny, desde una triple perspectiva. En primer lugar como una obra de sitio específico que dialoga críticamente con su emplazamiento en la que fuera la residencia de Victoria Ocampo; luego como una obra en diálogo con la tradición de la poesía visual que le permite capturar y materializar los discursos de odio que circulan en las redes; y finalmente como una obra de arte de los medios que reflexiona sobre el devenir de las utopías comunicativas imaginadas a partir de los años sesenta. En los tres casos, el odio como afecto contemporáneo se encuentra en el centro de la reflexión.