bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of sea level changes and volcanic eruptions on Holocene vegetation in Tonga
Authors: Strandberg Nichola A. , Edwards Mary , Ellison Joanna C. , Steinbauer Manuel J. , Walentowitz Anna , Fall Patricia L. , Sear David , Langdon Peter , Cronin Shane , Castilla‐Beltrán Alvaro , Croudace Ian W. , Prebble Matiu , Gosling William D. , Nogué Sandra
Published: May 2023

Here, we investigate Mid‐ to Late‐Holocene vegetation changes in low‐lying coastal areas in Tonga and how changing sea levels and recurrent volcanic eruptions have influenced vegetation dynamics on four islands of the Tongan archipelago (South Pacific). To investigate past vegetation and environmental change at Ngofe Marsh (‘Uta Vava’u), we examined palynomorphs (pollen and spores), charcoal (fire), and sediment characteristics (volcanic activity) from a 6.7‐m‐long sediment core. Radiocarbon dating indicated the sediments were deposited over the last 7700 years. We integrated the Ngofe Marsh data with similar previously published data from Avai’o’vuna Swamp on Pangaimotu Island, Lotofoa Swamp on Foa Island, and Finemui Swamp on Ha’afeva Island. Plant taxa were categorized as littoral, mangrove, rainforest, successional/ disturbance, and wetland groups, and linear models were used to examine relationships between vegetation, relative sea level change, and volcanic eruptions (tephra). We found that relative sea level change has impacted vegetation on three of the four islands investigated. Volcanic eruptions were not identified as a driver of vegetation change. Rainforest decline does not appear to be driven by sea level changes or volcanic eruptions. From all sites analyzed, vegetation at Finemui Swamp was most sensitive to changes in relative sea level. While vegetation on low‐lying Pacific islands is sensitive to changing sea levels, island characteristics, such as area and elevation, are also likely to be important factors that mediate specific island responses to drivers of change.
Species richness, vegetation structure, and floristic composition of woody plants along the elevation gradient of Mt. Meru, Tanzania
Authors: Lasway Julius V. , Njovu Henry K. , Eustace Abraham , Mathisen Karen Marie , Skarpe Christina , Peters Marcell K.
Published: May 2023

Understanding the change in vegetation composition along elevational gradients is critical for species conservation in a changing world. We studied the species richness, tree height, and floristic composition of woody plants along an elevation gradient of protected habitats on the eastern slope of Mount Meru and analyzed how these vegetation variables are influenced by the interplay of temperature and precipitation. Vegetation data were collected on 44 plots systematically placed along five transects spanning an elevational gradient of 1600 to 3400 m a.s.l. We used ordinary linear models and multivariate analyses to test the effect of mean annual temperature and precipitation on woody plant species richness, tree height, and floristic composition. We found that species richness, mean tree height, and maximum tree height declined monotonically with elevation. Models that included only mean annual temperature as an explanatory variable were generally best supported to predict changes in species richness and tree height along the elevation gradient. We found significant changes in woody plant floristic composition with elevation, which were shaped by an interaction of mean annual temperature and precipitation. While plant communities consistently changed with temperature along the elevation gradient, levels of precipitation were more important for plant communities at lower than for those at higher elevations. Our study suggests that changes in temperature and precipitation regimes in the course of climate change will reshape elevational gradients of diversity, tree height, and correlated carbon storage in ecosystems, and the sequence of tree communities on East African mountains.
FHOD1 is upregulated in glioma cells and attenuates ferroptosis of glioma cells by targeting HSPB1 signaling
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wu Lixiang , Feng Songshan , Zhao Zijin , Zhang Kui , Thakur Abhimanyu , Xu Zhijie , Liang Qiuju , Liu Yuanhong , Liu Wei , Yan Yuanliang
Published: May 2023

Background

As a new type of regulatory cell death, ferroptosis has been proven to be involved in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic response. However, the detailed roles of ferroptosis or ferroptosis‐associated genes in glioma remain to be clarified.

Methods

Here, we performed the TMT/iTRAQ‐Based Quantitative Proteomic Approach to identify the differentially expressed proteins between glioma specimens and adjacent tissues. Kaplan–Meier survival was used to estimate the survival values. We also explored the regulatory roles of abnormally expressed formin homology 2 domain‐containing protein 1 (FHOD1) in glioma ferroptosis sensitivity.

Results

In our study, FHOD1 was identified to be the most significantly upregulated protein in glioma tissues. Multiple glioma datasets revealed that the glioma patients with low FHOD1 expression displayed favorable survival time. Functional analysis proved that the knockdown of FHOD1 inhibited cell growth and improved the cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis in glioma cells T98G and U251. Mechanically, we found the up‐regulation and hypomethylation of HSPB1, a negative regulator of ferroptosis, in glioma tissues. FHOD1 knockdown could enhance the ferroptosis sensitivity of glioma cells via up‐regulating the methylated heat‐shock protein B (HSPB1). Overexpression of HSPB1 significantly reversed FHOD1 knockdown‐mediated ferroptosis.

Conclusions

In summary, this study demonstrated that the FHOD1‐HSPB1 axis exerts marked regulatory effects on ferroptosis, and might affect the prognosis and therapeutic response in glioma.
Comparison of the Discovery A and Stratos DR densitometers for assessing whole‐body and regional bone mineral density and body composition
Authors: Maïmoun Laurent , Mahadea Krishna Kunal , Alonso Sandrine , Chevallier Thierry , Kotzki Pierre‐Olivier , Mura Thibault , Boudousq Vincent
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The agreement between the Stratos DR and Discovery A densitometers was assessed for measurements of whole‐body (WB) and regional fat mass (FM), fat‐free soft tissue (FFST) and bone mineral density (BMD). Moreover, the precision of the Stratos DR was also evaluated.

Methods

Fifty participants (35 women, 70%) were measured consecutively, once on the Discovery A and once on the Stratos DR. In a subgroup of participants (n = 29), two successive measurements with the Stratos DR were also performed.

Results

FM, FFST and BMD measured with the two devices were highly correlated, with a coefficient of correlation ranging from 0.80 to 0.99. Bland‐Altman analyses indicated significant bias between the two devices for all measurements. Thus, compared to the Discovery A, the Stratos DR underestimated WB BMD and WB and regional FM and FFST, with the exception of trunk FM and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which were overestimated. Precision error for the Stratos DR, when expressed as root mean square‐coefficient of variation (RMS‐CV%) for FM, was 1.4% for WB, 3.0% for the gynoid and android regions, and 15.9% for VAT. The RMS‐CV% for FFST was 1.0% for WB. The root mean square of standard deviation for WB BMD was 0.018 g/cm², corresponding to a 1.4% CV. The least significant change was 0.050 g/cm² (SD), and 4.0% was considered to be a significant biological change.

Conclusions

Differences between the Stratos DR and Discovery A measurements are significant and require the use of translational cross‐calibration equations. For most of the BMD and body composition parameters, our results demonstrated good Stratos DR precision.
Granulomatous thyroiditis—A rare case and the diagnostic approach
Authors: Prasad Niraj , Sethy Madhusmita , Pradhan Pradeep , Ayyanar Pavithra
Published: May 2023

The presence of well‐formed granulomas, multinucleated giant cells containing colloid, and degenerative changes in thyroid follicular epithelium are the key diagnostic features of granulomatous (subacute, de Quervain's) thyroiditis. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a confirmatory test that is helpful in cases without any clinical suspicion and to exclude differential diagnoses.
S1 Guideline onychomycosis
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Reinel Dieter , Mayser Peter , Abeck Dietrich , Bezold Guntram , Bosshard Philipp P. , Brasch Jochen , Daeschlein Georg , Effendy Isaak , Ginter‐Hanselmayer Gabriele , Gräser Yvonne , Hamm Gudrun , Hengge Ulrich , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Höger Peter , Kargl Alexandra , Kolb‐Mäurer Annette , Krüger Constanze , Malisiewicz Bartosz , Mayer Johannes , Ott Hagen , Paasch Uwe , Schaller Martin , Uhrlaß Silke , Zidane Miriam
Published: May 2023

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails. In Europe, tinea unguium is mainly caused by dermatophytes. The diagnostic workup comprises microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular testing (nail scrapings). Local treatment with antifungal nail polish is recommended for mild or moderate nail infections. In case of moderate to severe onychomycosis, oral treatment is recommended (in the absence of contraindications). Treatment should consist of topical and systemic agents. The aim of this update of the German S1 guideline is to simplify the selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostics and treatment. The guideline was based on current international guidelines and the results of a literature review conducted by the experts of the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consisted of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German‐Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), the Working Group for Pediatric Dermatology (APD) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence‐based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guideline was approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review.
High focus on threatened species and habitats may undermine biodiversity conservation: Evidence from the northern Baltic Sea
Authors: Virtanen Elina A. , Moilanen Atte
Published: May 2023

Conservation policies and environmental impact assessments commonly target threatened species and habitats. Nevertheless, macroecological research provides reasons why also common species should be considered. We investigate the consequences of focussing solely on legally protected species and habitats in a spatial conservation planning context using a comprehensive, benthic marine data set from the northern Baltic Sea. Using spatial prioritization and surrogacy analysis, we show that the common approach in conservation planning, where legally listed threatened species and habitats are the focus of conservation efforts, could lead to poor outcomes for common species (and therefore biodiversity as a whole), allowing them to decline in the future. If conservation efforts were aimed solely at threatened species, common species would experience a loss of 62% coverage. In contrast, if conservation plans were based only on common species, threatened species would suffer a loss of 1%. Threatened species are rare and their ecological niches distinct, making them poor surrogates for biodiversity. The best results are achieved by unified planning for all species and habitats. The minimal step towards acknowledging common species in conservation planning would be the inclusion of the richness of common species, complemented by information on indicator species or species of high importance for ecosystem functioning. The trade‐off between planning for rare and common species should be evaluated, to minimize losses to biodiversity.
Staying and Returning dynamics of young children's attention
Authors: Kim Jaeah , Singh Shashank , Vales Catarina , Keebler Emily , Fisher Anna V. , Thiessen Erik D.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we decompose selective sustained attending behavior into components of continuous attention maintenance and attentional transitions and study how each of these components develops in young children. Our results in two experiments suggest that changes in children's ability to return attention to a target locus after distraction (“Returning”) play a crucial role in the development of selective sustained attention between the ages of 3.5–6 years, perhaps to a greater extent than changes in the ability to continuously maintain attention on the target (“Staying”). We further distinguish Returning from the behavior of transitioning attention away from task (i.e., becoming distracted) and investigate the relative contributions of bottom‐up and top‐down factors on these different types of attentional transitions. Overall, these results (a) suggest the importance of understanding the cognitive process of transitioning attention for understanding selective sustained attention and its development, (b) provide an empirical paradigm within which to study this process, and (c) begin to characterize basic features of this process, namely its development and its relative dependence on top‐down and bottom‐up influences on attention.

Research Highlights

Young children exhibited an endogenously ability, Returning, to preferentially transition attention to task‐relevant information over task‐irrelevant information.

Selective sustained attention and its development were decomposed into Returning and Staying, or task‐selective attention maintenance, using novel eye‐tracking‐based measures.

Returning improved between the ages of 3.5–6 years, to a greater extent than Staying.

Improvements in Returning supported improvements in selective sustained attention between these ages.
Who is ready? A peer support screening measure for parents of children with disabilities
Authors: Dodds Robin L. , Singer George H. S. , Wang Mian
Published: May 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of readiness to be trained as a supporting parent volunteer for the Parent to Parent USA Network.

Background

Parents of children with disabilities may suffer from isolation, stress, and depression due to increased burden of caregiving, lack of knowledge about disability, stigmatization by community and family and/or reduced family income. Peer support can serve as a buffer to stress.

Methods

Measure items are based on qualitative findings and a review of relevant literature. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to determine the factor structure, and predictive validity was assessed using two‐sample t tests.

Results

The 17‐item measure comprised three factors—Into Action, Wellbeing, and Skills and Navigation—and demonstrated good internal consistency. Additionally, significant differences in readiness score were found between parents who had and those who had not been trained to be peer supports and parents who had and had not received support from P2P.

Implications

This measure may facilitate further study and evaluation of P2P and may be useful to other programs serving families of children with special educational or health care needs.
Biochemical and structural insight into the chemical resistance and cofactor specificity of the formate dehydrogenase from Starkeya novella
Authors: Partipilo Michele , Whittaker Jacob J. , Pontillo Nicola , Coenradij Jelmer , Herrmann Andreas , Guskov Albert , Slotboom Dirk Jan
Published: May 2023

Formate dehydrogenases (Fdhs) mediate the oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide and concomitant reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The low cost of the substrate formate and importance of the product NADH as a cellular source of reducing power make this reaction attractive for biotechnological applications. However, the majority of Fdhs are sensitive to inactivation by thiol‐modifying reagents. In this study, we report a chemically resistant Fdh (FdhSNO) from the soil bacterium Starkeya novella strictly specific for NAD+. We present its recombinant overproduction, purification and biochemical characterization. The mechanistic basis of chemical resistance was found to be a valine in position 255 (rather than a cysteine as in other Fdhs) preventing the inactivation by thiol‐modifying compounds. To further improve the usefulness of FdhSNO as for generating reducing power, we rationally engineered the protein to reduce the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) with better catalytic efficiency than NAD+. The single mutation D221Q enabled the reduction of NADP+ with a catalytic efficiency kCAT/KM of 0.4 s−1·mm−1 at 200 mm formate, while a quadruple mutant (A198G/D221Q/H379K/S380V) resulted in a fivefold increase in catalytic efficiency for NADP+ compared with the single mutant. We determined the cofactor‐bound structure of the quadruple mutant to gain mechanistic evidence behind the improved specificity for NADP+. Our efforts to unravel the key residues for the chemical resistance and cofactor specificity of FdhSNO may lead to wider use of this enzymatic group in a more sustainable (bio)manufacture of value‐added chemicals, as for instance the biosynthesis of chiral compounds.
Engaging with the world: Applying connected learning in a university language learning context
Authors: York James
Published: May 2023

This article introduces an empirical study of “Connected Learning” in a Japanese EFL classroom context, instantiated through the Bridging Activities pedagogical framework. Students considered their interests, made groups, and joined Reddit communities. Self‐selected texts were then analyzed with rigorous teacher mediation. Students participated by creating Reddit posts and several presentations detailing their text analysis and participation. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from these presentations and questionnaires. Findings revealed that students in this context focused predominantly on gaming and anime communities, and participated multimodally using text, images, videos, and polls. Regarding language learning, attention was paid to cultural similarities and differences, vocabulary, acronyms, and slang. Student perceptions were positive, with 96% of students considering the topics covered appropriate to their future language needs. Additionally, the opportunity to engage in intercultural communication with target language users was considered novel, meaningful, and empowering. Pedagogical implications of using public websites in FL instruction and future research ideas are discussed.
STDGL3, a Reference Material for Analysis of Sulfide Minerals by Laser Ablation ICP‐MS: An Assessment of Matrix Effects and the Impact of Laser Wavelengths and Pulse Widths
Authors: Belousov Ivan , Danyushevsky Leonid , Goemann Karsten , Gilbert Sarah , Olin Paul , Thompson Jay , Lounejeva Elena , Garbe‐Schönberg Dieter
Published: May 2023

A new reference material, STDGL3, for the calibration of in situ analyses of sulfide minerals by LA‐ICP‐MS has been developed and characterised. It represents a lithium‐borate‐based glass containing a mixture of Zn‐ and Fe‐sulfide concentrates doped with several chalcophile elements as well as Zr, Gd, Hf and Ta required for assessing common interferences on Ag, Au and Pt. STDGL3 has a wider range of elements and a better homogeneity compared with existing reference materials for LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of sulfides. Compositional variations for most elements are below 3% RSD, below 5% RSD for Ag, Au and Pt, and below 7% RSD for Se, when performing spot analyses with a 50 μm beam size. Its preparation recipe is reproducible allowing for multiple batches to be made. Use of STDGL3 significantly improves accuracy of sulfide mineral analysis by LA‐ICP‐MS when compared with use of other available reference materials. Performance of STDGL3 was evaluated using several different laser systems. No significant change was observed between 193 nm ArF excimer lasers with 5 and 20 ns pulse widths, but use of 213 and 248 nm lasers displays more systematic differences, especially when analysing galena. Correction coefficients are needed for some elements (Zn and Cd in particular) when analysing sulfide minerals using STDGL3 as a calibration reference material.
Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the lung with EWSR1::CREM fusion
Authors: Grosjean Vincent , Fournel Pierre , Picot Tiphanie , Tiffet Olivier , Forest Fabien
Published: May 2023

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the lung is a very rare tumour, with fewer than 15 cases described. The main differential diagnosis is squamous cell carcinoma, testing for EWSR1 rearrangement, as discussed in a case of a low mitotic activity, mild atypias without necrosis, and stromal fibrohyaline bands.
Rare inherited coagulation and fibrinolytic defects that challenge diagnostic laboratories
Authors: Mathews Natalie , Tasneem Subia , Hayward Catherine P. M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Coagulation factors, anticoagulants, and fibrinolytic proteins are important for hemostasis, and mutations affecting these proteins causes some rare inherited bleeding disorders that are particularly challenging to diagnose.

Aims

This review provides current information on rare inherited bleeding disorders that are difficult to diagnose.

Material & Methods

A review of the literature was conducted for up to date information on rare and difficult to diagnose bleeding disorders.

Results

Some rare bleeding disorders cause an inherited deficiency of multiple coagulation factors (F), such as combined FV and FVIII deficiency and familial vitamin K‐dependent clotting factor deficiency. Additionally, congenital disorders of glycosylation can affect a variety of procoagulant and anticoagulant proteins and also platelets. Some bleeding disorders reflect mutations with unique impairments in the procoagulant/anticoagulant balance, including those caused by F5 mutations that secondarily increase the plasma levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor as well as THBD mutations that increase functional thrombomodulin in plasma or cause a consumptive coagulopathy due to thrombomodulin deficiency. Some bleeding disorders accelerate fibrinolysis due to loss‐of‐function mutations in SERPINE1 and SERPINF2 or in the case of Quebec platelet disorder, a duplication mutation that rewires PLAU and selectively increases expression in megakaryocytes, resulting in a unique platelet‐dependent gain‐of‐function defect in fibrinolysis.

Discussion

Current information on rare and difficult to diagnose bleeding disorders indicates they have unique clinical and laboratory features, and pathogenic characteristics to consider for diagnostic evaluation.

Conclusion

Laboratories and clinicians should consider rare inherited disorders, and difficult to diagnose conditions, in their strategy for diagnosing bleeding disorders.
The role of molecular diagnostic testing for hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias
Authors: Sabath Daniel E.
Published: May 2023

Hemoglobin disorders are among the most common genetic diseases worldwide. Molecular diagnosis is helpful in cases where the diagnosis is uncertain and for genetic counseling. Protein‐based diagnostic techniques are frequently adequate for initial diagnosis. Molecular genetic testing is pursued in some cases, particularly when a definitive diagnosis is not possible and especially for the purpose of assessing genetic risk for couples wanting to have children. The expertise available in the clinical hematology laboratory is essential for the diagnosis of patients with hemoglobin abnormalities. Initial diagnoses are made using protein‐based techniques such as electrophoresis and chromatography. Based on these findings, genetic risk to an individual's offspring can be assessed. In the setting of β‐thalassemia and other β‐globin disorders, coincident α‐thalassemia may be difficult to diagnose, which can have potentially serious consequences. In addition, unusual forms of β‐thalassemia caused by deletions in the β‐globin locus cannot be definitively characterized using standard techniques. Molecular diagnostic testing has an important role in the diagnosis of hemoglobin disorders and is important in the setting of genetic counseling. Molecular testing also has a role in prenatal diagnosis to identify fetuses affected by severe hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias.
Factors affecting the psychomotor vigilance of nurses working night shift
Authors: Çolak Merve , Esin Melek Nihal
Published: May 2023

Background

Shifts and long working hours decrease the psychomotor vigilance of healthcare workers especially when working night shifts. Working night shifts adversely affects nurses’ health and impacts patient safety.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the psychomotor vigilance of nurses working night shift.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out with 83 nurses who were working in a private hospital in Istanbul and voluntarily participated in this study between April 25 and May 30, 2022. Data were collected using “Descriptive Characteristics Form,” “Psychomotor Vigilance Task,” “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,” and “Epworth Sleepiness Scale.” The “STROBE checklist” for cross‐sectional studies was utilized in order to report the findings of the study.

Results

When time‐dependent variation of the nurses' psychomotor vigilance task performances on the night shift was examined, it was observed that the nurses’ mean reaction time and number of lapses increased at the end of the night shift. Age, smoking, physical activity, daily water consumption, daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality were found as the factors affecting nurses' psychomotor vigilance.

Conclusion

The psychomotor vigilance task performances of nurses working night shift are affected by age and a variety of behavioral factors.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Suggestions for nursing policy include the implementation of workplace health promotion programs in order to increase the attention level of nurses in order to ensure employee and patient health and safety and create a healthy working environment.
Assessing the impacts of nurse staffing and work schedules on nurse turnover: A systematic review
Authors: BAE Sung‐Heui
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study aimed to investigate and synthesize the impacts of nurse staffing and work schedules on nurse turnover in acute hospitals.

Background

The retention of nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic was critical due to the increased demand for nurses. Among the multifaceted factors contributing to nurse turnover, it is worth examining nurse staffing and work schedules while considering policy intervention.

Methods

The findings of this systematic literature review were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. Using eight databases, including CINAHL and PubMed, research articles published from January 2000 until June 2021 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were original peer‐reviewed research, nonexperimental studies published in English or Korean languages, and studies examining the impacts of nurse staffing and work schedules on nurses’ actual turnover.

Results

Fourteen articles were reviewed. Among them, 12 studies investigated the relationship between nurse staffing and turnover, and four examined the impact of work schedules on nurse turnover. Nurse staffing levels are strongly related to nurse turnover in the expected direction. However, few studies have found that work schedules are significantly related to nurse turnover.

Conclusion

Inadequate and unsafe nurse staffing leads to increased nurse turnover rates. More studies are needed to investigate the impacts of work schedules on nurse turnover.

Implications for nursing, health, and social policy

Several states in the United States have adopted the nurse staffing policy during the COVID‐19 pandemic. More hospitals and the government should adopt and implement policies to regulate nurse staffing, reduce nurse turnover, and increase retention. Policy intervention in nurse work schedules should also be considered to prevent nurse turnover.
Key factors predicting the in‐hospital mortality of patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions in Thailand
Authors: Chuenboonngarm Nunthanach , Puaratanaarunkon Thanaporn , Washrawirul Chanudda , Triwatcharikorn Jidapa , Chancheewa Bussabong , Theerawattanawit Chinathip , Chongpison Yuda , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Klaewsongkram Jettanong
Published: May 2023

Background

At present, no predictive models are available to determine the probability of in‐hospital mortality rates (HMRs) in all phenotypes of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs).

Objectives

Our study explored whether simple clinical and laboratory assessments could help predict the HMRs in any phenotypes of SCAR patients.

Methods

Factors influencing HMRs in 195 adults diagnosed with different SCAR phenotypes were identified, and their optimal cut‐offs were determined by Youden's index. Predictive equations for HMRs for all SCAR patients and Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) patients were determined using the exact logistic regression models.

Results

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) patients were significantly older, with a short time from drug exposure to reaction, and higher neutrophil count compared to SJS/TEN and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS, p < 0.001). Peripheral blood eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytosis and elevated liver transaminase enzymes were significantly higher in DRESS. SJS/TEN phenotype, age ≥ 71.5 years, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio ≥ 4.08 (high NLR) and systemic infection were factors predicting in‐hospital mortality in all SCAR subjects. The ALLSCAR model developed from these factors demonstrated high‐diagnostic accuracy for predicting HMRs in all SCAR phenotypes (area under the receiver‐operator curve (AUC) = 0.95). The risk of in‐hospital death was significantly increased in SCAR patients with high NLR after adjusting for systemic infection. The model derived from high NLR, systemic infection and age yielded higher accuracy than SCORTEN (AUC = 0.77) for predicting the HMRs in SJS/TEN patients (AUC = 0.97).

Conclusions

Being older, having systemic infection, having a high NLR and SJS/TEN phenotype increases ALLSCAR scores, which in turn increases the risk of in‐hospital mortality. These basic clinical and laboratory parameters can easily be obtained in any hospital setting. Despite its simple approach, further validation of the model is warranted.
Synthesis of ‘joint class’ curricula at high volume joint replacement centres and a preliminary model for development and evaluation
Authors: Pitaro Nicholas L. , Herrera Michael M. , Stern Brocha Z. , Russo Donna A. , McLaughlin Jonathan A. , Chen Darwin D. , Moucha Calin S. , Hayden Brett L. , Poeran Jashvant
Published: May 2023

Rationale

Preoperative patient education through ‘joint class’ has potential to improve quality of care for total joint replacement (TJR). However, no formal guidance exists regarding curriculum content, potentially resulting in inter‐institutional variation.

Objective

We aimed to (a) synthesize curriculum components of ‘joint classes’ across high‐volume institutions and (b) develop a preliminary theory of change model for development and evaluation guided by the existing curricula and related literature.

Methods

We reviewed ‘joint class’ curricula from the websites of the 10 highest‐volume TJR centres (by average annual 2017–2019 volume) that publicly disclosed this information. Two reviewers qualitatively compared available content and noted common categories, which were synthesized into key domains across institutions. We then reviewed the PubMed database for literature on pre‐TJR patient education and education needs in the past 10 years. Drawing on our curriculum synthesis and related literature, we proposed a theory of change model: hypothesized mechanisms through which ‘joint class’ confers benefits to patients and health systems.

Results

We identified 30 categories in our review of existing class content, which we synthesized into seven key domains: (I) Practical Elements, (II) Logistics, (III) Medical Information, (IV) Modifiable Risk Factors, (V) Expected Outcomes, (VI) Patient Role in Recovery and (VII) Enhanced Education. Variation across institutions was noted. Our preliminary model based on the curriculum synthesis and related literature on the impact of ‘joint class’ includes three levels: (1) Practical Elements (‘joint class’ accessibility and information quality), (2) Class Goals (increased health literacy, increased adherence, risk mitigation, realistic expectations, and reduced anxiety) and (3) Target Outcomes (improved clinical outcomes, positive patient experience and increased patient satisfaction).

Conclusion

Our synthesis identified core common topics included in pre‐TJR education but also highlighted variation across institutions, supporting opportunities for standardization. Clinicians and researchers can use our preliminary model to systematically develop and evaluate ‘joint classes,’ with the goal of establishing a standard of care for TJR preoperative education.
Influence of temperature, ion type, and ionic strength on dynamic viscoelastic, steady‐state, and dilute‐solution behavior of Melissa officinalis seed gum
Authors: Jafari Zahra , Shirazinejad Alireza , Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Fathi Morteza
Published: May 2023

In this study, the rheological properties of Melissa officinalis seed gum (MOSG) as a function of temperature (25, 35, 45, 55, and 65°C) and salt concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 200 ppm NaCl and CaCl2) were investigated. The power law and Herschel‐Bulkley models could describe the rheological behavior of gum dispersions. The results showed that the intrinsic viscosity of the samples significantly decreased with increasing temperature and salt concentration. Steady‐state analysis of the samples revealed a non‐Newtonian, shear‐thinning behavior at tested temperatures and concentrations. The apparent viscosity increased with increasing salt concentrations and decreasing temperature. The results obtained from the frequency sweep test showed that the loss modulus (G″) values were higher than storage modulus (G′) in the concentrations of 0.25% to 0.5%, but beyond these concentrations, G′ values were greater than G″. The elasticity and viscosity of the gum samples increased with increasing concentration. The results of this study confirmed that MOSG has good rheological properties and can be used in food and pharmaceutical systems.

Practical Applications

The rheological behavior is the most important functional property of natural colloids. This property is related to the capacity of hydrocolloids in improving viscosity and the formation of gel structure at low concentrations. The thickening property of hydrocolloids has a determinant role in consumer acceptance. Furthermore, the consumer acceptance of different food products such as fruit juices, sauces, ready jells, and desserts is mainly dependent on rheological behavior. Therefore, investigation of rheological properties of the new source of food hydrocolloids is interested in food industries.
Acute care utilization and its associated determinants among patients with substance‐related disorders: A worldwide systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Armoon Bahram , Griffiths Mark D. , Mohammadi Rasool , Ahounbar Elaheh , Fleury Marie‐Josée
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Identifying determinants of emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization among patients with substance‐related disorders (SRDs) can improve health services to address unmet health needs.

Aim

The present study aimed to identify the prevalence rates of ED use and hospitalization, and their associated determinants among patients with SRDs.

Methods

Studies in English published from January 1, 1995, to December 1, 2022, were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify primary studies.

Results

The pooled prevalence rates of ED use and hospitalization among patients with SRDs were 36% and 41%, respectively. Patients with SRDs who were the most at risk of being both ED users and hospitalized were those (i) having medical insurance, (ii) having other drug and alcohol use disorders, (iii) having mental health disorders, and (iv) having chronic physical illnesses. A lower level of education increased the risk of ED use only.

Discussion

To decrease ED use and hospitalization, more comprehensive services may be offered to these vulnerable patients with diversified needs.

Implications for Practice

Chronic care integrating outreach interventions could be more provided for patients with SRDs after discharge from acute care units or hospitals.
Genomic recovery lags behind demographic recovery in bottlenecked populations of the Channel Island fox, Urocyon littoralis
Authors: Adams Nicole E. , Edmands Suzanne
Published: May 2023

With continued global change, recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act is increasingly challenging. One rare success was the recovery and delisting of the Channel Island fox (Urocyon littoralis) after 90%–99% population declines in the 1990s. While their demographic recovery was marked, less is known about their genetic recovery. To address genetic changes, we conducted the first multi‐individual and population‐level direct genetic comparison of samples collected before and after the recent bottlenecks. Using whole‐exome sequencing, we found that already genetically depauperate populations were further degraded by the 1990s declines and remain low, particularly on San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands, which underwent the most severe bottlenecks. The two other islands that experienced recent bottlenecks (Santa Cruz, and Santa Catalina islands) showed mixed results based on multiple metrics of genetic diversity. Previous island fox genomics studies showed low genetic diversity before the declines and no change after the demographic recovery, thus this is the first study to show a decrease in genetic diversity over time in U. littoralis. Additionally, we found that divergence between populations consistently increased over time, complicating prospects for using inter‐island translocation as a conservation tool. The Santa Catalina subspecies is now federally listed as threatened, yet other de‐listed subspecies are still recovering genetic variation which may limit their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This study further demonstrates that species conservation is more complex than population size and that some island fox populations are not yet ‘out of the woods’.
Genetic control of photoprotection and photosystem II operating efficiency in plants
Authors: Sahay Seema , Grzybowski Marcin , Schnable James C. , Głowacka Katarzyna
Published: May 2023

Photoprotection against excess light via nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) is indispensable for plant survival. However, slow NPQ relaxation under low light conditions can decrease yield of field‐grown crops up to 40%.

Using semi‐high‐throughput assay, we quantified the kinetics of NPQ and photosystem II operating efficiency (ΦPSII) in a replicated field trial of more than 700 maize (Zea mays) genotypes across 2 yr. Parametrized kinetics data were used to conduct genome‐wide association studies.

For six candidate genes involved in NPQ and ΦPSII kinetics in maize the loss of function alleles of orthologous genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) were characterized: two thioredoxin genes, and genes encoding a transporter in the chloroplast envelope, an initiator of chloroplast movement, a putative regulator of cell elongation and stomatal patterning, and a protein involved in plant energy homeostasis.

Since maize and Arabidopsis are distantly related, we propose that genes involved in photoprotection and PSII function are conserved across vascular plants. The genes and naturally occurring functional alleles identified here considerably expand the toolbox to achieving a sustainable increase in crop productivity.
Radiotherapy upregulated immune checkpoints contribute to the development of second primary OSCC
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Siyu , Zhang Jiayu , Peng Jianmin , Cheng Bin , Li Huan , Hu Qinchao
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Radiation injury is common after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Radiotherapy can reshape the immune microenvironment and cause immunosuppression, including dysregulation of immune checkpoints (ICs). However, the relationship between oral ICs expression after radiation and the development of second primary tumors is unclear.

Methods

Clinical specimens of second primary oral squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy (s‐OSCC) and primary OSCC (p‐OSCC) were collected. The expression and prognostic value of PD‐1, VISTA, and TIM‐3 were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. To further clarify the relationship between radiation and ICs alteration, a rat model was constructed to explore the spatiotemporal changes of ICs in the oral mucosa after radiation.

Results

In carcinoma tissue, the expression of TIM‐3 was higher in s‐OSCC than in p‐OSCC, while the expression of PD‐1 and VISTA was similar between the groups. In para‐carcinoma tissue, the expression of PD‐1, VISTA, and TIM‐3 was higher in s‐OSCC. High ICs expression was associated with poor survival. In the rat model, ICs were locally upregulated in the irradiated tongue. Moreover, there was a bystander effect, in which the ICs were also upregulated in the unirradiated site.

Conclusion

Radiation may upregulate ICs expression in oral mucosa and contribute to the development of s‐OSCC.
miR‐27a‐5p alleviates periodontal inflammation by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten
Authors: Deng Li , Huo Peng‐cheng , Feng Mei‐ting , Wang Rui‐ling , Jing Rui , Luo Li‐jun
Published: May 2023

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of non‐coding RNA, have been demonstrated to be essential posttranscriptional modulators in oral diseases and inflammatory responses. However, the specific role of miR‐27a‐5p in periodontitis requires further investigation. In this study, we used both cellular and animal models to determine how miR‐27a‐5p affects the pathogenesis of periodontitis and its associated biological functions.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to analyze the expression of cytokines, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), and miR‐27a‐5p transcription. Investigation of alveolar bone resorption and inflammation of the periodontium in ligature‐induced periodontitis in mice was performed using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The binding of miR‐27a‐5p and PTEN was predicted using the TargetScan database and experimentally confirmed using dual luciferase reporter gene assays.

Results

The inflamed gingiva showed lower levels of miR‐27a‐5p. Macrophages from miR‐27a‐5p–/– mice produced much higher quantities of pro‐inflammatory cytokines owing to the stimulation of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide, and miR‐27a‐5p–/– mice with ligature‐induced periodontitis also exhibited more severe alveolar bone resorption and damage to the periodontium. Target validation assays identified PTEN as a direct target of bona. Blocking PTEN expression partially reduced inflammation, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

miR‐27a‐5p alleviated the inflammatory response in periodontitis by targeting PTEN.
Hydrogen peroxide regulates the Osa‐miR156‐OsSPL2/OsTIFY11b module in rice
Authors: Tseng Bo‐Shun , Huang Cheng‐Chung , King Yu‐Chi , Wu Ming‐Tsung , Hsieh Chih‐Hung , Hsieh Kun‐Ting , Hsing Yue‐Ie , Jeng Shih‐Tong
Published: May 2023

Field‐grown rice (Oryza sativa L.), when exposed to various environmental stresses, produces high amounts of reactive oxygen species, such as H2O2. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in plant stress responses. This study characterized the functions of H2O2‐regulated miRNAs in rice. Small RNA deep sequencing revealed that miR156 levels decreased following H2O2 treatment. Searches of the rice transcriptome and degradome databases indicated that OsSPL2 and OsTIFY11b are miR156‐target genes. Interactions between miR156 and OsSPL2 and OsTIFY11b were confirmed using transient expression assays through agroinfiltration. In addition, the levels of OsSPL2 and OsTIFY11b transcripts were lower in transgenic rice plants overexpressing miR156 than in wild‐type plants. The OsSPL2‐GFP and OsTIFY11b‐GFP proteins were localized to the nucleus. Yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays indicated interactions between OsSPL2 and OsTIFY11b. Furthermore, OsTIFY11b interacted with OsMYC2 to regulate the expression of OsRBBI3‐3, which encodes a proteinase inhibitor. The results suggested that H2O2 accumulation in rice suppresses the expression of miR156, and induces the expression of its target genes, OsSPL2 and OsTIFY11b, whose proteins interact in the nucleus to regulate the expression of OsRBBI3‐3, which is involved in plant defense.
Recalibrating evolutionary debunking
Authors: Koon Justis
Published: May 2023

Evolutionary debunking arguments purport to show that, if moral realism is true, all of our moral beliefs are unjustified. In this paper, I respond to two of the most enduring objections that have been raised against these arguments. The first objection claims that evolutionary debunking arguments are self‐undermining, because they cannot be formulated without invoking epistemic principles, and epistemic principles are just as vulnerable to debunking as our moral beliefs. I argue that this objection suffers from several defects, the most serious of which is that it has the unpalatable consequence that we should never revise our moral beliefs in response to evidence that our capacity for normative cognition is globally impaired. The second objection, which comes to us from Katia Vavova, claims that evolutionary debunking arguments are doomed to fail, because they attempt to show that our moral beliefs are unreliable without making any assumptions about the nature of morality, and this is impossible. I argue, to the contrary, that the etiological higher‐order evidence cited by debunking arguments can give us good reason to think that our moral beliefs are unreliable, even if we make no assumptions about what morality is like.
Two sorts of biological kind terms: The cases of ‘rice’ and ‘Rio de Janeiro Myrtle’
Authors: Devitt Michael , Porter Brian
Published: May 2023

Experiments have led some philosophers to conclude that the reference determination of natural kind terms is neither simply descriptive nor simply causal‐historical. Various theories have been aired to account for this, including ambiguity, hybrid, and different‐idiolects theories. Devitt and Porter (2021) hypothesized that some terms are covered by one theory, some another, with a place for all the proposed theories. The present paper tests hypotheses that the term ‘Rio de Janeiro Myrtle’ is simply causal‐historical but the term ‘rice’ is hybrid. For, whereas the former term is of scientific but little practical interest, the latter is not: rice is a significant part of the human diet. So, we predicted there would be two factors to the reference determination of ‘rice’: a superficial‐descriptive one and a deep‐causal one. Our experiments confirmed these hypotheses using the methods of elicited production and truth value judgments. We take our results to support the hybrid Theory of ‘rice’ rather than the ambiguity or different‐idiolects theory. We were not testing ‘myrtle’ but, surprisingly, our results implied that ‘myrtle’ was partly descriptive and so like ‘rice’ but not ‘Rio de Janeiro Myrtle’. A follow‐up experiment confirmed these puzzling results. More investigation is needed.