bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal associations between sleep and weight status in infants and toddlers
Authors: Bucko Agnes G. , Armstrong Bridget , McIver Kerry L. , McLain Alexander C. , Pate Russell R.
Published: May 2023

Background

The limited research assessing relationships between sleep duration and weight status in infants and toddlers relies primarily on parent‐reported sleep and cross‐sectional studies.

Objectives

Examine whether average sleep duration and changes in sleep duration among 6‐24‐month‐old children were associated with weight‐for‐length z‐scores, and whether these associations varied by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and sex.

Methods

Data were collected when children were approximately 6, 12, 18 and 24 months old (N = 116). Sleep duration was measured using actigraphy. Weight‐for‐length z‐scores were calculated using children's height and weight. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometry. Diet was assessed using a feeding frequency questionnaire. Demographic characteristics included sex, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Separate associations of between‐ and within‐person changes in sleep duration were estimated with weight‐for‐length z‐score treated as the outcome variable in linear mixed model analyses. Additional models were assessed that included interactions between sleep and demographic characteristics.

Results

At time points where children slept longer at night compared to their own average, their weight‐for‐length z‐score was lower. This relationship was attenuated by physical activity levels.

Conclusions

Increasing sleep duration can improve weight status outcomes in very young children who have low physical activity levels.
Care work in different arenas: Working conditions in Swedish eldercare and disability services
Authors: Erlandsson Sara , Szebehely Marta
Published: May 2023

Care work is shaped by the context in which it is carried out. This study explored the context, content, conditions and consequences of work in two fields of social care in Sweden: eldercare and disability services. Policy documents and statistical sources were used to analyse the context. Job content, working conditions and consequences of work were analysed using survey data collected in 2015 and 2017 in eldercare and disability services (N = 1307). The analysis of the political and economic context showed that the disability sector is characterised by a higher ambition level in legislation and funding. The survey of care workers reflected this difference: the work content differs; and the working conditions and their consequences are significantly worse for the eldercare staff than for the disability service staff. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed in terms of policy‐framing, ageist notions and unintended consequences of policy changes.
Comparison of the risk of hospitalisation among BA.1 and BA.2 COVID‐19 cases treated with sotrovimab in the community in England
Authors: Harman Katie , Nash Sophie Grace , Webster Harriet H. , Groves Natalie , Hardstaff Jo , Bridgen Jessica , Blomquist Paula B. , Hope Russell , Ashano Efejiro , Myers Richard , Rokadiya Sakib , Hopkins Susan , Brown Colin S. , Chand Meera , Dabrera Gavin , Thelwall Simon
Published: May 2023

There are concerns that sotrovimab has reduced efficacy at reducing hospitalisation risk against the BA.2 sub‐lineage of the Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 variant. We performed a retrospective cohort (n = 8850) study of individuals treated with sotrovimab in the community, with the objective of assessing whether there were any differences in risk of hospitalisation of BA.2 cases compared with BA.1. We estimated that the hazard ratio of hospital admission with a length of stay of 2 days or more was 1.17 for BA.2 compared with BA.1 (95%CI 0.74–1.86). These results suggest that the risk of hospital admission was similar between the two sub‐lineages.
Use of iTRAQ‐based quantitative proteomic identification of CHGA and UCHL1 correlated with lymph node metastasis in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Lee Ko‐Chao , Chen Hong‐Hwa , Cheng Kung‐Chuan , Liu Ting‐Ting , Lee Kam‐Fai , Teng Chih‐Chuan , Huang Cheng‐Yi , Hsieh Meng‐Chiao , Kuo Hsing‐Chun
Published: May 2023

Metastatic dissemination of colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common cancer type, is responsible for CRC deaths. Understanding the transition of lymph node metastasis (LNM) from Stage II to Stage III is beneficial in the prognosis and intervention of CRC. In this study, a quantitative proteomic survey was conducted to investigate the LNM‐associated proteins and evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of these target proteins in CRC. By using the LC–MS/MS iTRAQ technology, we analysed the proteomic changes between LMN II and LMN III. Fresh tumours from the CRC specimens consisting of 12 node‐negative (Stage II) and 12 node‐positive (Stage III) cases were analysed by LC–MS/MS iTRAQ proteome analysis. Subsequently, tissue microarray with immunohistochemistry staining was conducted to access the clinicopathological characteristics of these proteins in 116 paraffin‐embedded CRC samples, each for non‐LNM and LNM CRC. To study the effects of the differentially expressed proteins on the potential mechanism, Boyden chamber assay, flow cytometry and shRNA‐based assessments were conducted to examine the role of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the invasiveness of CRC cells and others in vivo xenograft mouse model experiments. Forty‐eight proteins were found differentially expressed between non‐LNM and LNM CRC tissues. Protein abundances of chromogranin‐A (CHGA) and ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCHL1) were observed in node‐positive CRC (p < 0.05). Knockdown of CHGA and UCHL1 significantly regulate cancer behaviours of HCT‐116, including inhibition of cell migration, invasiveness, cell cycle G1/S arrest and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mechanistically, the CHGA and UCHL1 inactivation displayed decreased levels of UCH‐L1, chromogranin A, β‐catenin, cyclin E, twist‐1/2, vimentin, MMP‐9, N‐cadherin and PCNA through the activation of the Rho‐GTPase/AKT/NFκB pathways. Histone modification of H3K4 trimethylation of CHGA and UCHL1 promoter were increased to activate their transcription through the signalling transduction such as Rho‐GTPase, AKT and NFκB pathways. Our results indicated that UCHL1 and chromogranin A are novel regulators in CRC lymph node metastasis to potentially provide new insights into the mechanism of CRC progression and serve as biomarkers for CRC diagnosis at the metastatic stage.
Corticostriatal connectivity mediates the reciprocal relationship between parent‐reported sleep duration and impulsivity in early adolescents
Authors: Yang Fan Nils , Liu Tina Tong , Wang Ze
Published: May 2023

Background

Adolescence, a developmental period characterized by significant changes in sleep, is associated with normative increases in impulsivity. While short sleep duration has been linked to elevated impulsivity, the neural mechanism underlying the relationship between short sleep duration and elevated impulsivity remains poorly understood.

Methods

We analyzed a dataset of 7,884 drug‐naive 9–10 year‐olds from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Among them, 5,166 have two‐year follow‐up neuroimaging data. Linear mixed‐effects models, mediation analyses, and longitudinal mediation analyses were used to investigate the relationship between parent‐reported sleep duration, impulsivity, and functional and structural connectivity between the cortex and the striatum.

Results

We found that less sleep duration is significantly associated with higher positive and negative urgency, which are two affect‐related components of impulsivity. In addition, we observed a link between short sleep duration and reduced corticostriatal connectivity. Neural pathways associated with short sleep duration—functional connectivity between the cingulo‐opercular network and the left caudate, and between the cingulo‐parietal network and the right pallidum—mediated the association between sleep duration and positive urgency both at baseline and two‐year follow‐up. Longitudinal mediation analyses further revealed that short sleep duration and elevated positive urgency exacerbated each other through these two corticostriatal connectivities.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the key role of corticostriatal connectivities in the reciprocal relationship between short sleep duration and elevated impulsivity. Given the increasing prevalence of short sleep duration in adolescents, the link between sleep duration, impulsivity, and corticostriatal connectivities has important implications for timely interventions to address impulsive problems in early adolescents.
Influence of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication management on bleeding events in dermatosurgery—A prospective observational study
Authors: Höper Rabea , Rosen Michael , Kofler Katrin , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Kofler Lukas
Published: May 2023

Background

Perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant (AP/AC) therapy is a matter of balancing the risks of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Reliable data for dermatosurgery are still lacking, especially for direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC).

Objectives

The aim was to prospectively evaluate the influence of AP/AC‐medication on bleeding risk in dermatosurgery with focus on exact intervals between DOAC intake and procedure performed on post‐operative bleeding.

Methods

Patients with or without AP/AC‐therapy were included in the study without randomization. Exact times of DOAC‐intake, procedure performed and post‐operative bleeding were documented. Data collection was prospectively and standardized done by one person.

Results

We evaluated 1852 procedures in 675 patients. Post‐operative bleeding occurred after 15.93% (n = 295) of all procedures, but only a few of them were severe (1.57%, n = 29). Compared to patients without AP/AC‐medication, severe post‐operative bleeding occurred significantly more often under dual antiplatelet therapy (11.76%, n = 2; p = 0.0166) and bridging of either vitamin K antagonist (9.09%, n = 2; p = 0.0270) or DOAC (15.38%, n = 2; p = 0.0099). There was no significant difference in the frequency of severe bleeding regarding to the preoperative DOAC‐free period.

Conclusions

Although AP/AC‐therapy is associated with a significant higher rate of post‐operative bleeding, no life‐threatening bleeding was recorded. Long preoperative pausing or bridging of DOAC does not lead to significantly less severe bleeding events.
Tildrakizumab improves high burden skin symptoms, impaired sleep and quality of life of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis patients in conditions close to clinical practice
Authors: Costanzo Antonio , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Cuccia Aldo , Rivera‐Diaz Raquel , Gaarn Du Jardin Kristian , Kasujee Ismail , Puig Lluís , Carrascosa José Manuel
Published: May 2023

Background

Tildrakizumab (TIL) is an interleukin (IL)‐23p19 inhibitor for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis with long‐term efficacy and safety demonstrated in Phase III trials. Studies conducted in conditions closer to clinical practice are needed.

Objectives

The TRIBUTE study (open‐label, Phase IV) assessed the efficacy and impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of TIL 100 mg in adult moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients (naïve to IL‐23/Th17 pathway inhibitors) in conditions similar to clinical practice.

Methods

Key efficacy measure was Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). HRQoL was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex‐16. Additional patient‐reported outcomes included Pain‐, Pruritus‐ and Scaling‐Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Medical Outcome Study (MOS)‐Sleep, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), Patient Benefit Index (PBI) and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM).

Results

One hundred and seventy‐seven patients were enrolled (six patients did not complete the study). After 24 weeks, the proportion of patients achieving PASI scores ≤ 3, PASI 75, PASI 90 and DLQI 0/1 was 88.4%, 92.5%, 74.0% and 70.4%, respectively. Skindex‐16 overall score improved (mean absolute change from baseline, MACB [95%CI]: −53.3 [−58.1, −48.5]). Significant benefits (MACB [95%CI]) were found on pruritus‐, pain‐ and scaling‐NRS scores (−5.7 [−6.1, −5.2], −3.5 [−4.1, −3.0] and −5.7 [−6.2, −5.2], respectively), MOS‐Sleep (−10.4 [−13.3, −7.4] Sleep problems Index II) and WPAI (−36.4 [−42.6, −30.2] activity impairment, −28.2 [−34.7, −21.7] productivity loss, −27.0 [−32.9, −21.1] presenteeism and −6.8 [−12.1, −1.5] absenteeism). 82.7% of patients reported PBI ≥ 3 and the mean (SD) global TSQM score was high (80.5 [18.5]). Only one serious treatment‐emergent adverse event was reported (not‐related to TIL).

Conclusions

TIL 100 mg treatment after 24 weeks in conditions close to real clinical practice showed a quick and high improvement in psoriasis signs and HRQoL. Patient reported improvements in sleep outcomes and work productivity, relevant benefits and high treatment satisfaction. The safety profile was favourable and consistent with Phase III trials.
Impact on facial skin aging signs of a 1‐year standardized photoprotection over a classical skin care routine in skin phototypes II–VI individuals: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Flament F. , Mercurio D. G. , Catalan E. , Bouhadanna E. , Delaunay C. , Miranda D. F. , Passeron T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Data reflecting the impact of photoprotection on cutaneous aging are scarce and mostly limited to fair skin.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of a photoprotective product in counteracting the photoaging process in different skin phototypes over 1 year compared against a classical routine.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and ninety Brazilian women aged 30–65 years, with skin phototype II–VI were equally randomized in two groups. Group 1 kept on their routine whereas Group 2 applied, twice daily, a photoprotective product (SPF 60, PPD = 24.1) replacing the one they routinely used. Volunteers reported the duration of their daily sun‐exposure. Standardized photographs taken at D0 and D365 were analysed by 15 dermatologists to assess eight wrinkles and pigmentation signs.

Results

A global increase in severity was reported which was significant for Group 1. This increase was lower in Group 2 where only half the signs showed significant worsening. In Group 2 versus Group 1, the increase in forehead wrinkles, marionette lines, wrinkles created by ptosis and size of dark spot was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by 30%–50%.

Conclusion

Daily application of a high photoprotective product significantly decreases the progression of skin aging signs after 1 year in skin phototypes II–VI.
A holistic and comprehensive data approach validates the distribution of the critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius)
Authors: Garbett Amy , Loca Sophie L. , Barreau Thomas , Biscoito Manuel , Bradley Caroline , Breen Joe , Clarke Maurice , Ellis Jim R. , Griffiths Andrew M. , Hannon Gary , Jakobsdóttir Klara , Junge Claudia , Lynghammar Arve , McCloskey Matthew , Minos George , Phillips Natasha D. , Prodöhl Paulo A. , Roche William , Iglésias Samuel P. , Thorburn James , Collins Patrick C.
Published: May 2023

Morphological similarities between skates of the genus Dipturus in the north‐eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean have resulted in longstanding confusion, misidentification and misreporting. Current evidence indicates that the common skate is best explained as two species, the flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) and the common blue skate (D. batis). However, some management and conservation initiatives developed prior to the separation continue to refer to common skate (as ‘D. batis’). This taxonomic uncertainty can lead to errors in estimating population viability, distribution range, and impact on fisheries management and conservation status. Here, we demonstrate how a concerted taxonomic approach, using molecular data and a combination of survey, angler and fisheries data, in addition to expert witness statements, can be used to build a higher resolution picture of the current distribution of D. intermedius. Collated data indicate that flapper skate has a more constrained distribution compared to the perceived distribution of the ‘common skate’, with most observations recorded from Norway and the western and northern seaboards of Ireland and Scotland, with occasional specimens from Portugal and the Azores. Overall, the revised spatial distribution of D. intermedius has significantly reduced the extant range of the species, indicating a possibly fragmented distribution range.
“I am going to break this logic of fear!”: Activism and subversive care at the periphery of Fortaleza, Brazil
Authors: Mandache Luminiţa‐Anda
Published: May 2023

Based on ethnographic work conducted between 2015 and 2022 at the periphery of Fortaleza, in Northeast Brazil, this article analyzes the work of community activists as a form of subversive care. Women activists, many of whom work for the local public clinics, as social workers with local NGOs, or as schoolteachers, challenge dominant narratives presented in the media and political discourses about their neighborhood as being poor and therefore violent. By establishing relationships of mutual trust with gang members and humanizing them, women activists “challenge the logic of fear” and maintain presence in areas controlled by the gangs to direct the economically vulnerable toward existing public resources. Activists’ understanding of urban violence is informed by participation in collective action and living together with gang members and their families. These experiences lead activists to see urban violence as the symptom of systemic inequalities that require systemic changes.
Barter Credit: Warehouses as a Contracting Technology
Authors: SKRASTINS JANIS
Published: May 2023

A large Brazilian agribusiness lender introduces a new contracting technology: grain warehouses. Using runner‐up warehouse locations as a control group, I find that construction of these warehouses permits a new debt contract, namely, barter credit repayable in grain. This contract increases borrowers' debt capacity and reduces borrowing costs. The effects are stronger when grain price risk is higher, for municipalities with weaker courts, and for financially constrained borrowers. These findings are consistent with barter credit reducing financial market imperfections by mitigating borrowers' output price risk.
Does dental rehabilitation under general anaesthetic contribute to the development of temporomandibular disorders in children and adolescents? A scoping review
Authors: Walker Benjamin M. , Donnell Christopher C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have multiple aetiological factors. Although some evidence suggests invasive and lengthy dental procedures may contribute towards TMD development, there is a relative paucity in the literature regarding an association between elements of paediatric dental general anaesthesia (pDGA) and TMDs. This review aims to consider the impact of dental rehabilitation (and its constituent elements) performed under general anaesthesia on the development of TMDs in childhood and adolescence and identify theories and/or gaps in knowledge which may benefit from future research.

Methods

Due to the need to preliminarily examine the nature and extent of the current evidence base, a scoping review approach was chosen. The review was conducted based on the framework provided by the methodological working group of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched as well as the grey literature using OpenGrey, Nexis, Ethos, Google Scholar and ProQuest, with eligible studies uploaded onto Zotero (Mac Version 5.0.96.2).

Results

A total of 810 records were identified. After removing duplicates and those not available in English, 260 were identified for title and abstract screening. Seventy‐six records underwent full‐text review of which only one met the broad inclusion criteria. The most common reasons for exclusion were no specific relation to general anaesthesia, not specifically relating to dental treatment and only being concerned with TMD management. The included study found that while development of TMDs following dental rehabilitation under GA did occur in children, whether the problems caused by treatment were exacerbated by other elements of the pDGA process remains unknown.

Conclusion

This review has confirmed a distinct paucity of research in this field. While there is no current tangible scientific evidence that common and routine dental procedures lead to TMD, the literature shows that alterations to any one or a combination of critical factors can contribute to TMD development, which may be collectively exacerbated by iatrogenic macrotrauma during the pDGA process. We have highlighted elements of pre‐, peri‐ and post‐operative pDGA, alongside biopsychosocial factors, which may contribute to TMD development in childhood and adolescence and may benefit from future research.
Overexpression of heat‐shock protein 47 impacts survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: da Costa Bruno Cesar , Dourado Mauricio Rocha , de Moraes Everton Freitas , Panini Luana Marí , Elseragy Amr , Téo Fábio Haach , Guimarães Gustavo Narvaes , Machado Renato Assis , Risteli Maija , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa Araujo , Paranaíba Lívia Máris Ribeiro , González‐Arriagada Wilfredo Alejandro , da Silva Sabrina Daniela , Rangel Ana Lucia Carrinho Ayroza , Marques Marcelo Rocha , Salo Tuula , Coletta Ricardo D.
Published: May 2023

Background

The expression of heat‐shock protein 47 (HSP47) has been linked to collagen synthesis control and implicated in fibrotic disorders, but more recent studies have demonstrated its role in solid tumors. In this study, we explored the prognostic impact of HSP47 in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and determined the in vitro effects of its loss‐of‐function on viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to cisplatin of OSCC cells.

Methods

The HSP47 expression in tumor samples was assessed by immunohistochemistry in two independent cohorts totaling 339 patients with OSCC, and protein levels were associated with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. The OSCC cell lines HSC3 and SCC9 were transduced with lentivirus expressing short hairpin RNA to stably silence HSP47 and used in assays to measure cellular viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Results

HSP47 was overexpressed in OSCC samples, and its overexpression was significantly and independently associated with poor disease‐specific survival and shortened disease‐free survival in both OSCC cohorts. The knockdown of HSP47 showed no effects on cell viability or cisplatin sensitivity, but impaired significantly proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells, with stronger effects on SCC9 cells.

Conclusion

Our results show a significant prognostic impact of HSP47 overexpression in OSCC and reveal that HSP47 inhibition impairs the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. HSP47 may represent a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Laparoscopic versus open pyeloplasty in paediatric pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction
Authors: Tanash Mohammad A , Bollu Bapesh K , Naidoo Rasika , Alexander Angus , Thomas Gordon , Deshpande Aniruddh V , Smith Grahame HH , Giutronich Sarah
Published: May 2023

Aim

Compared to open pyeloplasty (OP), we hypothesised that laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) is associated with early recovery, a shorter length of stay (LOS) and less analgesia requirement.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2016, 146 dismembered pyeloplasty cases were reviewed, of which 113 were in the OP group and 33 were in the LP group. We evaluated both groups regarding operative time, LOS, success rate, complications rate and analgesia requirement. Subgroup analysis was done for patients above the age of 5 years, and within the OP group (dorsal lumbotomy (DL) vs. loin incision (LI)).

Results

The success rate was 96% in the open group and 97% in the laparoscopic group. The median operative time was significantly shorter in the open group for the entire cohort (127 vs. 200 min; P < 0.05), and in children older than 5 years (n = 41, 134 vs. 225 min; P < 0.05). Other parameters were similar in both groups. The median LOS was significantly shorter (2 vs. 4 days; P < 0.05), and the median analgesia requirement was less (0.44 vs. 0.64 mg/kg morphine; P < 0.05) in the DL (n = 60) compared to LI (n = 53).

Conclusion

Both OP and LP dismembered approaches are equally effective in treating pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction. Overall, the LOS, complications rate and analgesia requirement were not significantly different; however, the operative time was significantly longer in LP.
Opportunistic coeliac disease screening in undifferentiated presentations to paediatric acute care
Authors: Pathmanandavel Karrnan , Wong Melanie , Williams Emma , Stormon Michael , Nogajski Rebecca , Williams Andrew
Published: May 2023

Aim

Coeliac disease (CD) can remain undiagnosed due to absent/atypical symptoms. We evaluated screening for CD in undifferentiated paediatric patients in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Subjects were all patients presenting to a children's hospital ED during the study period who had blood taken. Plasma remaining after routine care was tested for tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG IgA) and deamidated gliadin IgG (DGP IgG) antibodies. Patients with positive results were counselled and offered confirmatory testing, then gastroenterology review if warranted.

Results

An initial positive result for either DGP IgG or tTG IgA was found in 4.2% (44/1055). There was a normalisation of 76% (19/25) of positive DGP IgG and 44% (4/9) of tTG IgA results on repeat testing, which was not available in 27% (12/44). The prevalence of biopsy‐confirmed CD was 0.7% (7/1055), including two new diagnoses and five subjects with known CD. Three likely cases could not be confirmed. All confirmed and likely cases were >10 years old. In children >10 years old, the prevalence of either biopsy‐confirmed or likely CD was 3.3% (10/302). A family history of CD, growth concerns, recurrent abdominal pain and lethargy were associated with persistence of positive tests.

Conclusion

Opportunistic testing for CD in ED requires further investigation as a CD screening strategy. Our results suggest optimal screening in this setting should be by initially testing for tTG IgA and total IgA in children >10 years old (minimising transiently positive tests). Transiently positive coeliac antibodies may also warrant further investigation as a predictor of future CD.
Prevention of neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment induced by zinc nanoparticles by oral administration of saffron extract
Authors: Hamdi Essia , Muñiz‐Gonzalez Ana‐Belén , Hidouri Slah , Bermejo Alberto M. , Sakly Mohsen , Venero César , Amara Salem
Published: May 2023

The accumulation of relatively higher dose of zinc oxide nanoparticles in brain was reported to produce neurotoxicity. Indeed, nanoparticles have a high ability to penetrate biological membranes and be uptaken by cells, which may cause cell disorders and physiological dysfunctions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate, whether oral administration of saffron extract, in rats, can protect from neurotoxicity and behavioural disturbances induced by chronic administration of ZnO‐NPs. Daily oral administration of ZnO‐NPs was performed for 21 consecutive days to induce oxidative stress‐like situation. Then after the saffron extract was concomitantly administrated in several rat groups to overcome the nanotoxicological effect induced by ZnO‐NPs. In the frontal cortex, the hippocampus and the cerebellum, ZnO‐NPs induced a H2O2‐oxydative stress‐like effect reflected in reduced enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione S‐transferase, and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, increased levels of proinflammatory interleukins IL‐6 and IL‐1‐⍺ occurred in the hippocampus, reveal the existence of brain inflammation. The concomitant administration of saffron extract to animals exposed to ZnO‐NPs prevented the enhanced anxiety‐related to the behaviour in the elevated plus‐maze test, the open field test and preserved spatial learning abilities in the Morris water maze. Moreover, animals exposed to ZnO‐NPs and saffron showed abnormal activity of several antioxidant enzymes as well as acetylcholinesterase activity, an effect that may underly the preserved anxiety‐like behaviour and spatial learning abilities observed in these animals. Saffron extract has a potential beneficial therapeutic effect: antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective agent.
How Exceptional Is the West? An Investigation of Worldwide Trends in Societal‐Average Levels of Religiosity, 1981–2020
Authors: Roberts Louisa L.
Published: May 2023

Research shows most Western societies became less religious over recent decades. But we know much less about the rest of the world. Is the non‐Western world also becoming less religious, as some varieties of secularization theory would lead us to expect? Using 1981‐to‐2020 World/European Values Survey data from 103 countries, this study describes, and uses mixed‐effects models to rigorously estimate, religious trends in eight world regions and five former Soviet and Eastern Bloc (FSEB) subregions. Results indicate that religious decline occurred in Latin America, Central and Baltic Europe, and (recently) in the Mideast and North Africa. But there is little evidence of such decline elsewhere in Asia, Africa, or the FSEB—despite the broad reach of many modernizing social trends. These findings do not lend support to a strong version of secularization theory but may be consistent with some versions of the idea that modernization can make people less religious.
Effect of extrusion processing on techno‐functional properties, textural properties, antioxidant activities, in vitro nutrient digestibility and glycemic index of sorghum–chickpea‐based extruded snacks
Authors: Kaur Jashandeep , Singh Baljit , Singh Arashdeep , Sharma Savita , Kidwai Mohd Kashif
Published: May 2023

Physico‐chemical, textural, functional, and nutritional properties of the twin screw extruded whole sorghum–chickpea (8:2) snacks was investigated using in vitro procedures. The extruded snacks were analyzed for the effect of variations in extruded conditions on their properties: barrel BT (BT) (130–170°C) and feed moisture (FM) (14%–18%), keeping screw speed constant (400 rpm). The results revealed that specific mechanical energy (SME) decreased (74.4–60.0) in response to rise in both BT and FM, whereas expansion ratio (ER) had shown an alternative relation as it decreased with elevated FM (2.17 at 14%, 130°C to 2.14 at 16%, 130°C) and increased with BT (1.75 at 18%, 130°C to 2.48 at 18%, 170°C). The values of WAI and WSI improved with the surge in BT, which was associated with enhanced disruption of starch granules at higher BT. Raise in FM incremented the total phenolic content (TPC) and hence the antioxidant activity (AA) (FRAP and DPPH) along with the hardness of snacks. As per in vitro starch digestibility is concerned, slowly digestible starch (SDS) content as well as glycemic index (51–53) of the extrudates depressed with increasing BT and FM. Also, lower BT and FM improved the functional properties such as expansion ratio, in‐vitro protein digestibility, and overall acceptability of the snacks. A positive correlation was seen among SME and hardness of the snacks, WSI and ER, TPC and AA, SDS and Exp‐GI, color and OA, texture and OA.
The phylum Chloroflexi and their SAR202 clade dominate the microbiome of two marine sponges living in extreme environmental conditions
Authors: Maggioni Federica , Stenger Pierre‐Louis , Jourand Philippe , Majorel Clarisse
Published: May 2023

The capacity of marine sponges to cope with environmental changes is often attributed to the specific composition of their bacterial communities. In this study, we assessed the bacterial microbiome of two dominant sponges, Rhabdastrella globostellata (Rg) and Hyrtios erectus (He), living in the Bouraké lagoon (New Caledonia), where abiotic conditions daily fluctuate according to the tide. Sponge specimens, sediment and seawater samples were collected at 2–3 m depth. The bacterial communities were assessed using 16S rRNA metabarcoding, and variations between the two sponges were compared using PCA biplots. Chloroflexi was the dominant phyla in both He and Rg with an average relative abundance of 41.2% and 53.2%, respectively, while it was absent in sediment and seawater. Among the phylum Chloroflexi, SAR202 clade was dominant in both sponges, reaching an average relative abundance of 53.2% (He) and 78.7% (Rg). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the main variables driving the bacterial community structure in both sponges. The results indicated that the bacterial community structure in both sponges was strongly associated with Chloroflexi (70.9% of the phyla variance) and SAR202 clade (86.6% of the clade variance). The high relative abundance of the phylum Chloroflexi and the SAR202 clade observed in this study is the highest reported so far in the literature in marine sponges. Such a high relative abundance of these bacteria could suggest their involvement in the well‐being of sponges in the extreme environmental conditions of Bouraké.
Serotonin reuptake transporter deficiency promotes liver steatosis and impairs intestinal barrier function in obese mice fed a Western‐style diet
Authors: Rosa Louisa Filipe , Haasis Eva , Knauss Annkathrin , Guseva Daria , Bischoff Stephan C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Intestinal barrier dysfunctions have been associated with liver steatosis and metabolic diseases. Besides nutritional factors, like a Western‐style diet (WSD), serotonin has been linked with leaky gut. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the role of serotonin in the pathogenesis of intestinal barrier dysfunctions and liver steatosis in mice fed high‐fat and high‐sugar diets.

Methods

6–8 weeks old male serotonin reuptake transporter knockout mice (SERT−/−) and wild‐type controls (SERT+/+) were fed either a WSD or a control diet (CD) ad libitum with or without fructose 30% (F) added to the drinking water for 12 weeks. Markers of liver steatosis and intestinal barrier function were assessed.

Key Results

SERT−/− mice showed increased weight gain compared with SERT+/+ mice when fed a WSD ± F for 12 weeks (p < 0.05), whereby SERT−/− mice exhibited reduced energy (−21%) intake. Furthermore, SERT knockout resulted in a more pronounced liver steatosis (p < 0.05), enhanced levels of endotoxin in portal vein plasma (p < 0.05), and increased liver expression of Tnf and Myd88 (p < 0.05), when mice were fed a WSD ± F. Finally, SERT−/− mice, when compared with SERT+/+ mice, had a decreased mRNA expression of Muc2 (p < 0.01), Ocln (p < 0.05), Cldn5 (p = 0.054) and 7 (p < 0.01), Defa5 (p < 0.05) and other antimicrobial peptides in the ileum. On the protein level, ZO‐1 (p < 0.01) and DEFA5 protein (p < 0.0001) were decreased.

Conclusion and Inferences

Our data demonstrate that SERT knockout causes weight gain, liver steatosis, and leaky gut, especially in mice fed a WSD. Therefore, SERT induction could be a novel therapeutic approach to improve metabolic diseases associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Regulation of osteoclast differentiation and inflammatory signaling by TCF8 in periodontitis
Authors: Sun Shiqun , Yan Tongtong , Yang Nan , Wu Jian , Liu Zhihui
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of zinc‐finger homeodomain transcription factor (TCF8) in osteoclastogenesis and inflammation during periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Rats with periodontitis were induced via Porphyromonas gingivalis‐lipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS) injection. The recombinant lentivirus delivering short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against TCF8 was used to downregulate TCF8 in vivo. Alveolar bone loss in rats was determined by micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT). Typical pathological changes, periodontal tissue inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis were evaluated via histological analyses. The RAW264.7‐derived osteoclasts were induced by RANKL stimulation. TCF8 downregulation in vitro was achieved by lentivirus infection. The osteoclast differentiation and inflammatory signaling in RANKL‐induced cells were measured via immunofluorescence methods and molecular biology approaches.

Results

Porphyromonas gingivalis‐lipopolysaccharide induced rats exhibited overexpressed TCF8 in their periodontal tissues, while TCF8 knockdown attenuated the bone loss, tissue inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis in LPS‐induced rats. Besides, TCF8 silencing inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells, as evidenced by the reduced numbers of TRAP‐positive osteoclasts, less formation of F‐actin rings, and downregulated expressions of osteoclast‐specific markers. It also exerted an inhibitory effect on the NF‐κB signaling in RANKL‐induced cells via blocking NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation.

Conclusions

TCF8 silencing inhibited alveolar bone loss, osteoclast differentiation, and inflammation in periodontitis.
Lesion formation following pulsed field ablation for pulmonary vein and posterior wall isolation
Authors: Sohns Christian , Fink Thomas , Braun Martin , Sciacca Vanessa , Piran Misagh , Khalaph Moneeb , Hamriti Mustapha El , Guckel Denise , Imnadze Guram , Sommer Philipp
Published: May 2023

Background

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) results in unique lesion formation, but there is lack of in–vivo validation in terms of scar formation following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

Objective

We aimed to access atrial lesion formation based on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) following PFA for pulmonary vein (PV) and posterior wall isolation (PWI).

Methods

AF ablation was performed in 10 patients using a 31 mm pentaspline PFA catheter. After pulmonary vein isolation (PVI; n = 8 PFA‐applications/ PV; n = 4 in basket and n = 4 in flower configuration), another eight applications in flower configuration were conducted for concomitant PWI. Patients underwent LGE CMR 3 months after ablation aiming for quantification of left atrial (LA) scar.

Results

Acute procedural success was achieved in all patients. Mean procedure duration was 62 ± 7 min. and mean LA dwell time of the PFA catheter was 13 ± 2 min. Mean post ablation total LA scar burden was 8.1 ± 2.1% and mean scar width was 12.8 ± 2.1 mm. At the posterior LA, 22.6 ± 2.2% of the anatomical segment resulted in chronic scar tissue, concentrated at the PW. Postablation CMR found no evidence for PV stenosis or collateral damage of adjacent structures. At 7 months of follow‐up, 9/10 patients (90%) were free from arrhythmia recurrence.

Conclusion

PFA for AF resulted in durable and transmural atrial scar tissue at the PVs and PW. LGE CMR found a very homogeneous and contiguous lesion pattern with no signs for collateral damage.
Postoperative acute pain management with duloxetine as compared to placebo: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Govil Nishith , Arora Pankaj , Parag Kumar , Tripathi Mukesh , Garg Pankaj Kumar , Goyal Tarun
Published: May 2023

Background

Duloxetine has been used as an adjunct in multimodal analgesia for acute postoperative pain in clinical studies. This meta‐analysis aims to conclude whether oral duloxetine, when given perioperatively, is any better than a placebo in managing postoperative pain. Effects of duloxetine on postoperative pain scores, time to first rescue analgesia, postoperative rescue analgesia consumption, side effects attributable to duloxetine, and patient satisfaction profile were assessed.

Method

MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scholar Google, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched with keywords including “Duloxetine” AND “postoperative pain”, “Duloxetine” AND “acute pain” and with “Duloxetine” till October 2022. This meta‐analysis included randomized clinical trials in which perioperative duloxetine 60 mg per oral was administered not more than 7 days before surgery and for at least 24 after surgery but not more than 14 days after surgery. All RCTs in which the comparator is placebo and outcomes related to analgesic efficacy like pain scores, opioid consumption, and side effects of duloxetine until 48 h postoperatively were included. Data were extracted from the studies and a risk of bias summary was formed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Effect sizes were given as standardized mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) by the Mantel–Haenszel test for the categorical outcome. Confirmation of publication bias was done by Egger's regression test (p < 0.05). If publication bias or heterogeneity was detected, the trim‐and‐fill method was used to calculate the adjusted effect size. Sensitivity analysis was done by leaving one out method after excluding the study with a high risk of bias. Subgroup analysis was done based on the type of surgery and gender. The study was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42019139559.

Findings

29 studies with 2043 patients met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed for this meta‐analysis. Postoperative pain scores at 24 h [Std. Mean Difference (95% CI); −0.69 (−1.07, −0.32)] and at 48 h [−1.13 (−1.68, −0.58)] are significantly less with duloxetine (p‐value < 0.05). Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly more in patients where duloxetine was administered [1.27 (1.10, 1.45); p‐value > 0.05]. Opioid consumption up to 24 h [−1.82 (−2.46, −1.18)] and 48 h [−2.48 (−3.46, −1.50)] was significantly less (p‐value < 0.05) in patients who received duloxetine. Complications and recovery profiles were similar in patients receiving either duloxetine or a placebo.

Interpretation

Based on GRADE findings, we conclude that there is low to moderate evidence to advocate the use of duloxetine for managing postoperative pain. Further trials are needed to replicate or refute these results based on robust methodology.
Involuntary shifts of spatial attention contribute to distraction—Evidence from oscillatory alpha power and reaction time data
Authors: Weise Annekathrin , Hartmann Thomas , Parmentier Fabrice , Weisz Nathan , Ruhnau Philipp
Published: May 2023

Imagine you are focusing on the traffic on a busy street to ride your bike safely when suddenly you hear the siren of an ambulance. This unexpected sound involuntarily captures your attention and interferes with ongoing performance. We tested whether this type of distraction involves a spatial shift of attention. We measured behavioral data and magnetoencephalographic alpha power during a cross‐modal paradigm that combined an exogenous cueing task and a distraction task. In each trial, a task‐irrelevant sound preceded a visual target (left or right). The sound was usually the same animal sound (i.e., standard sound). Rarely, it was replaced by an unexpected environmental sound (i.e., deviant sound). Fifty percent of the deviants occurred on the same side as the target, and 50% occurred on the opposite side. Participants responded to the location of the target. As expected, responses were slower to targets that followed a deviant compared to a standard. Crucially, this distraction effect was mitigated by the spatial relationship between the targets and the deviants: responses were faster when targets followed deviants on the same versus different side, indexing a spatial shift of attention. This was further corroborated by a posterior alpha power modulation that was higher in the hemisphere ipsilateral (vs. contralateral) to the location of the attention‐capturing deviant. We suggest that this alpha power lateralization reflects a spatial attention bias. Overall, our data support the contention that spatial shifts of attention contribute to deviant distraction.
How do public health nurses in Norwegian school health services support siblings of children with complex care needs?
Authors: Bergvoll Lise‐Marie , Fjelldal Sunniva Solhaug , Clancy Anne , Martinussen Monica , Laholt Hilde
Published: May 2023

Aims

There is a paucity of data regarding the care and support provided by Norwegian school health services to siblings of children with complex care needs. Public health nurses are an integral part of these universal services, which focus on health promotion and disease prevention in primary and secondary schools. This study aimed to explore health promotion interventions by public health nurses for siblings in Norwegian schools and to identify regional differences.

Methods

An online national questionnaire was distributed to Norwegian public health nurses and leaders of public health nursing services (N = 487). The questions were related to how the nurses support siblings of children with complex care needs. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. An inductive thematic analysis of free‐text comments was conducted.

Ethical Approval

The study was approved by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data.

Results

The majority of public health nursing leaders (67%) reported that the services in their municipality had no system to identify siblings or to provide them with routine care. However, 26% of public health nurses reported that routine support was provided to siblings. Regional differences were identified.

Study Limitations

This study included responses from 487 PHNs from all four health regions in Norway. The study design is limited and gives a brief outline of the current situation. Further data are needed to provide in‐depth knowledge.

Conclusions

This survey provides important knowledge for health authorities and professionals working with siblings, about inadequate support and regional differences in care provided to siblings by school health services.
Freeing the performer's mind: A network analysis of music performance anxiety, negative affect, self‐consciousness and mindfulness among music performers
Authors: Lecuona Oscar , Moreno‐Jiménez Jennifer , Sofía Vilte Luz , de Rivas Sara , de la Cruz Zulema , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Raquel
Published: May 2023

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a common damaging phenomenon in musicians' careers. Mindfulness stands as a promising construct to prevent MPA. However, the relationships between mindfulness and MPA are scarcely explored, alongside other relevant attention‐based (e.g., self‐consciousness) or emotion‐based constructs (e.g., negative affect). This study explores the relationships between these constructs. A sample of 151 musicians was assessed to explore the relationships between these constructs. Self‐reports of mindfulness, MPA, negative affect, and self‐consciousness were applied. We implemented network analysis following a general (second‐order) and specific (first‐order) framework. Networks showed dispositional mindfulness as negatively associated with negative affect and MPA in both general and facet levels, while mindfulness in past performances was only negatively associated with negative affect. MPA was positively associated with negative affect and self‐consciousness. Mindfulness displayed light or no associations with self‐consciousness. Therefore, mindfulness seems to be a relevant construct toward MPA. We propose a preliminary model to improve mindfulness research and interventions applied to music performers. We also outline limitations and future directions.