bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysfunction of FadA‐cAMP signalling decreases Aspergillus flavus resistance to antimicrobial natural preservative Perillaldehyde and AFB1 biosynthesis
Authors: Yang Kunlong , Geng Qingru , Luo Yue , Xie Rui , Sun Tongzheng , Wang Zhen , Qin Ling , Zhao Wei , Liu Man , Li Yongxin , Tian Jun
Published: February 2022

Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that colonizes agriculture crops with aflatoxin contamination. We found that Perillaldehyde (PAE) effectively inhibited A. flavus viability and aflatoxin production by inducing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Transcriptome analysis indicated that the Gα protein FadA was significantly induced by PAE. Functional characterization of FadA showed it is important for asexual development and aflatoxin biosynthesis by regulation of cAMP‐PKA signalling. The ΔfadA mutant was more sensitive to PAE, while ΔpdeL and ΔpdeH mutants can tolerate excess PAE compared to wild‐type A. flavus. Further RNA‐sequence analysis showed that fadA was important for expression of genes involved in oxidation–reduction and cellular metabolism. The flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that ΔfadA accumulated more concentration of ROS in cells, and the transcriptome data indicated that genes involved in ROS scavenging were downregulated in ΔfadA mutant. We further found that FadA participated in regulating response to extracellular environmental stresses by increasing phosphorylation levels of MAPK Kinase Slt2 and Hog1. Overall, our results indicated that FadA signalling engages in mycotoxin production and A. flavus resistance to antimicrobial PAE, which provide valuable information for controlling this fungus and AF biosynthesis in pre‐ and postharvest of agricultural crops.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease: When East meets West
Authors: Xiao Ying Lian
Published: February 2022

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common worldwide and poses a huge challenge to health. Consensuses and guidelines on the diagnosis and management of GERD in China and the USA have recently been updated. The divergence between these guidelines indicates the differences in the conception of this disease by experts in different countries, and is influenced by available medications and interventional procedures. Prompt endoscopy has been advocated in China due to a high prevalence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, while endoscopy has been reserved for those who are at a risk of malignancy or who are reisitant to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the USA. A potassium channel acid‐blocker is widely used in Asian countries and has proven efficacy. Moreover, it has been recommended, together with PPIs, as a primary therapy for GERD in China; while PPI alone is recommended as a first‐line treatment in the USA. Although more prokinetics are available in China than in the USA and can alleviate GERD symptoms when combined with PPI, the choice of prokinetics is limited in the USA, leading to completely opposite attitudes to prokinetics in the two countries. Novel anti‐reflux procedures have been introduced in both countries. Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is recommended as an endoscopic anti‐reflux procedure, and magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is recognized as equivocal to conventional laparoscopic fundoplication in the USA. However, radiofrequency ablation is more popular in China, and clinical trials on TIF and MSA are not complete, which results in diverse opinions about suitable anti‐reflux procedures in China. A comparison of the guidelines may therefore shed light on the multiple dimensions of GERD and thus deepen our understanding of the disease.
Loss of legumain induces premature senescence and mediates aging‐related renal fibrosis
Authors: Wang Dekun , Kang Lichun , Chen Chuan'ai , Guo Jiasen , Du Lingfang , Zhou Donghui , Li Gang , Zhang Yuying , Mi Xue , Zhang Mianzhi , Liu Shuxia , Tan Xiaoyue
Published: February 2022

Aging is an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury and subsequent chronic kidney diseases, while the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Here, we found that renal tubules highly express a conserved lysosomal endopeptidase, legumain, which is significantly downregulated with the growing of age. Tubule‐specific legumain‐knockout mice exhibit spontaneous renal interstitial fibrosis from the 3rd month. In the tubule‐specific legumain‐knockout mice and the cultured legumain‐knockdown HK‐2 cells, legumain deficiency induces the activation of tubular senescence and thus increases the secretion of profibrotic senescence‐associated cytokines, which in turn accelerates the activation of fibroblasts. Blockage of senescence mitigates the fibrotic lesion caused by legumain deficiency. Mechanistically, we found that silencing down of legumain leads to the elevated lysosome pH value, enlargement of lysosome size, and increase of lysosomal voltage dependent membrane channel proteins. Either legumain downregulation or aging alone induces the activation of nuclear transcription factors EB (TFEB) while it fails to further upregulate in the elderly legumain‐knockdown tubules, accompanied with impaired mitophagy and increased mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) accumulation. Therapeutically, supplementation of exosomal legumain ameliorated fibronectin and collagen I production in an in vitro coculture system of tubular cells and fibroblasts. Altogether, our data demonstrate that loss of legumain in combined with aging dysregulates lysosomal homeostasis, although either aging or legumain deficiency alone induces lysosome adaptation via stimulating lysosomal biogenesis. Consequently, impaired mitophagy leads to mtROS accumulation and therefore activates tubular senescence and boosts the interstitial fibrosis.
Timing of elective surgery and risk assessment after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: an update
Authors: El‐Boghdadly K. , Cook T. M. , Goodacre T. , Kua J. , Denmark S. , McNally S. , Mercer N. , Moonesinghe S. R. , Summerton D. J.
Published: February 2022

The impact of vaccination and new SARS‐CoV‐2 variants on peri‐operative outcomes is unclear. We aimed to update previously published consensus recommendations on timing of elective surgery after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection to assist policymakers, administrative staff, clinicians and patients. The guidance remains that patients should avoid elective surgery within 7 weeks of infection, unless the benefits of doing so exceed the risk of waiting. We recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This should include baseline mortality risk calculation and assessment of risk modifiers (patient factors; SARS‐CoV‐2 infection; surgical factors). Asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with previous variants increased peri‐operative mortality risk three‐fold throughout the 6 weeks after infection, and assumptions that asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection does not add risk are currently unfounded. Patients with persistent symptoms and those with moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19 may require a longer delay than 7 weeks. Elective surgery should not take place within 10 days of diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, predominantly because the patient may be infectious, which is a risk to surgical pathways, staff and other patients. We now emphasise that timing of surgery should include the assessment of baseline and increased risk, optimising vaccination and functional status, and shared decision‐making. While these recommendations focus on the omicron variant and current evidence, the principles may also be of relevance to future variants. As further data emerge, these recommendations may be revised.
Locating the traditional economy in Port Vila, Vanuatu: Disaster relief and agrobiodiversity
Authors: Drake Luke , Liunakwalau Hannah Marianne ,   Hango Hango Community Association, Port Vila
Published: February 2022

Alternative economic indicators are becoming policy in Vanuatu, particularly focusing on what national policy calls traditional economy. Although this acknowledges livelihoods and customary land in rural areas, urban places receive less attention. This article advances an argument that cities are also home to traditional economies. We draw on concepts of diverse economies and translocality to examine how economic practices typically associated with community activities on customary land are also found in cities where households lack direct access to customary resources. Empirical data come from the authors' fieldwork and participation in community‐based organisations in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from 2017 to 2020. The case study presents surveys of agrobiodiversity in 27 urban backyards and livelihood practices of 24 households; and accounts of co‐authors' participation in community‐based disaster to distribute disaster relief supplies from urban to rural, create urban markets for rural crops and build urban resilience following Ambae Island's Manaro volcano eruptions and COVID‐19‐related unemployment. This study demonstrates how traditional economies are part of everyday urban life.
Working with community interviewers in social and cultural research
Authors: Hopkins Peter , Pande Raksha , Ali Nafhesa , Chambers Claire , Phillips Richard
Published: February 2022

Working with community or peer interviewers can provide valuable access to the lived experiences of individuals and communities who researchers are unlikely to reach. However, the ethical and methodological issues involved in working with community interviewers has received relatively little attention in social and cultural geographical research. In this paper, we reflect on our work with community interviewers in qualitative research about the sexual relationship practices of young British Pakistani Muslims. We outline the training we offered to them and consider several ethical and methodological issues, including issues of power and positionality, the politics or remuneration, providing feedback to community interviewers, issues of mental health and wellbeing, and addressing expectations and community relationships. We explore the benefits of working with community interviewers while also highlighting the ethical and political challenges associated with such work.
Plasma profile of follicle‐stimulating hormone and sex steroid hormones after a single epidural administration of follicle‐stimulating hormone via caudal vertebrae in Holstein dry cows
Authors: Sakaguchi Kenichiro , Suda Tomoko , Ninpetch Nattapong , Kawano Kohei , Yanagawa Yojiro , Katagiri Seiji , Yoshioka Koji , Nagano Masashi
Published: February 2022

The conventional follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment for bovine superstimulation involves multiple intramuscular injections, which is stressful for animals and onerous. We herein investigated whether a single epidural injection of porcine FSH (pFSH) can induce superovulation and peripheral concentrations of pFSH and steroid hormones after the treatment in Holstein dry cows. We intramuscularly administered pFSH twice daily to three cows for 3 days (control) or a single epidural pFSH administration (epidural). Numbers of follicles (≥10 mm in diameter) at estrus and corpora lutea at luteal phase were counted by ultrasonography. Blood was sampled from 0 to 104 h after the first pFSH administration and plasma pFSH, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol‐17β concentrations were measured. Numbers of follicles (control: 18.3 ± 7.5, epidural: 15.7 ± 4.0; mean ± SD) and corpora lutea (control: 7.3 ± 4.2, epidural: 8.0 ± 2.6) were similar between both treatments. Plasma pFSH concentrations were higher in epidural than in control (p < 0.01). Although no significant differences were observed in progesterone, androstenedione, or estradiol‐17β concentrations between the groups, testosterone concentrations were slightly lower with the epidural treatment than with the control treatment (p = 0.08). In conclusion, superovulation was induced by a single epidural injection of pFSH, which achieved higher pFSH level than the multiple injections in Holstein dry cows.
Corporate Environmental Performance and Financial Distress: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Jia Jing , Li Zhongtian
Published: February 2022

This study examines the association between corporate environmental performance and financial distress. Using a sample of Australian firms, we find that environmental performance is negatively related to the financial distress probability perceived by the market. In addition, the negative association between environmental performance and the financial distress probability is more pronounced for firms with a higher level of risk. The findings provide important empirical evidence regarding the implications of environmental performance on firms’ risk management.
School readiness losses during the COVID‐19 outbreak. A comparison of two cohorts of young children
Authors: González Meliza , Loose Tianna , Liz Maite , Pérez Mónica , Rodríguez‐Vinçon Juan I. , Tomás‐Llerena  Clementina , Vásquez‐Echeverría Alejandro
Published: February 2022

The COVID‐19 context has created the most severe disruption to education systems in recent history. Its impact on child development was estimated comparing two cohorts of 4‐ to 6‐year‐old Uruguayan children: control (n = 34,355, 48.87% girls) and COVID cohort (n = 30,158, 48.95% girls) assessed between 2018 and 2020 in three waves, by a routinely administered school readiness instrument in public preschools. Ethnicity information is not available. For the COVID cohort, losses were observed in Motor and Cognitive development, Attitudes towards learning, and Internalizing behavior (range 0.13 – 0.27 SD). Losses were less pronounced among children from higher socioeconomic schools. These results extend the literature on the consequences of the pandemic on learning and early child development.
Are there positive effects of having a sibling with special needs? Empathy and prosociality of twins of children with non‐typical development
Authors: Rum Yonat , Genzer Shir , Markovitch Noam , Jenkins Jennifer , Perry Anat , Knafo‐Noam Ariel
Published: February 2022

This study examined whether typically developing (TD) twins of non‐TD children demonstrate enhanced empathy and prosociality. Of 778 Hebrew‐speaking Israeli families who participated in a twin study, 63 were identified to have a non‐TD child with a TD twin, and 404 as having both twins TD. TD twins of non‐TD children (27% males) were compared to the rest of the cohort of TD children (46% males) on measures of empathy and prosociality. Participants were 11 years old. TD twins of non‐TD children scored significantly higher than TD twins of TD children in a measure of cognitive empathy (d = .43). No differences were found in emotional empathy and prosociality. The specificity of the positive effect on cognitive empathy is discussed.
Driving behaviour and visual compensation in glaucoma patients: Evaluation on a driving simulator
Authors: Adrian Julien , Authié Colas , Lebrun Johan , Lombardi Marco , Zenouda Ariel , Gutman Emmanuel , Brasnu Emmanuelle , Hamard Pascale , Sahel José‐Alain , Baudouin Christophe , Labbé Antoine
Published: February 2022

Background

To assess the driving performance and both the visual scanning and driving compensations of glaucoma patients.

Methods

In this case‐control pilot study, the driving behaviour and performance of 14 patients with glaucoma and nine healthy age‐ and sex‐similar control subjects were compared in a fixed‐base driving simulator. All subjects performed in four scenarios with one to two hazardous situations on urban streets, for a total of five hazards. Measurements taken during the tests included reaction times, longitudinal regulation, lateral control and eye and head movements.

Results

Glaucoma patients showed poor driving performance with longer reaction time to hazardous situations than control subjects: pedestrians crossing the road from the left (p < 0.022) or from the right (p = 0.013), and vehicles coming from the left (p = 0.002). Their mean duration of lateral excursion was longer (p = 0.045), and they showed more lane excursions in a wide left curve (p = 0.045). Glaucoma patients also showed a higher standard deviation of time‐headway (p = 0.048) with preceding vehicles. Analyses of driving behavioural compensations on curved roads showed that glaucoma patients stayed closer to the centre line in large (p = 0.006) and small (p = 0.025) left curves and on small right curves (p = 0.041). Additionally, on straight roads, as compared to control subjects, glaucoma patients showed longer mean time‐headway (p = 0.032) and lower mean speed (p = 0.04). Finally, the glaucoma group exhibited a larger standard deviation of horizontal gaze (p = 0.034) than the control subjects.

Conclusions

In a virtual driving environment, glaucoma patients exhibited unsafe driving behaviours, despite their driving and eye‐scanning compensations.
Preoperative buccal bone volume predicts long‐term graft retention following augmentation in the esthetic zone: A retrospective case series
Authors: Feher Balazs , Frommlet Florian , Ulm Christian , Gruber Reinhard , Kuchler Ulrike
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Buccal bone augmentation in the esthetic zone is routinely used to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. Nonetheless, long‐term data are sparse, and it is unknown how baseline buccal bone volume affects the retention of the augmented volume over time.

Material and methods

This is a long‐term follow‐up retrospective case series. After a preoperative computed tomography scan, implants were placed in the anterior maxilla following guided bone regeneration, autogenous block grafting, or both. At the follow‐up, patients received a computed tomography scan and a clinical examination. Buccal bone volume was the primary outcome. Buccal bone thickness, peri‐implant, and esthetic parameters were secondary outcomes.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 6.7 years (interquartile range: 4.9–9.4), 28 implants in 19 patients (median age at augmentation: 43.3 years, interquartile range: 34.4–56.7, 53% female) were followed up. Preoperative buccal bone volume at baseline (V0) showed a moderate correlation to final buccal bone volume (Vt, rs = .43) but a strong correlation to the absolute volumetric change (ΔV = Vt–V0, rs = −.80). A linear mixed model for Vt had a large intercept of 91.39 (p < .001) and a rather small slope of .11 for V0 (p = .11). Observed differences between treatments were not statistically significant in the mixed model. V0 above 105 mm3 predicted a negative volume change (ΔV < 0) with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 96%.

Conclusions

The results suggest higher gains in sites with lower V0 and point to a cutoff V0 above which the augmented volume is not retained long‐term.
Do Sticky Wages Matter? New Evidence from Matched Firm Survey and Register Data
Authors: Funk Anne Kathrin , Kaufmann Daniel
Published: February 2022

We study the causal effects of downward nominal wage rigidity after a deflationary monetary policy shock using Swiss data on employee‐level contractual wages matched with income and employment from social security register data. We exploit the discontinuity around the origin of the wage growth distribution to compare the outcomes of individuals with wage freezes (treatment group) and small wage cuts (control group) before and after an unexpected decision by the Swiss National Bank leading to a 1% decline of the price level. Locally (that is, near the origin of the wage growth distribution), downward nominal wage rigidities cause a 4.4% decline in income and a 0.7 percentage point increase in the probability of unemployment. In the aggregate, income declines by 0.3% and the probability of unemployment increases by 0.05 percentage points.
Neryl decanoate: female sex pheromone of the click beetle Dalopius marginatus
Authors: Tolasch Till , Steidle Johannes L.M.
Published: February 2022

Dalopius marginatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) is a very common click beetle species developing in forest soils in an area from southwest Europe to eastern Siberia. Here, we studied the composition of the female‐released sex pheromone of D. marginatus using coupled gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Neryl octanoate, neryl decanoate, and neryl dodecanoate, in a ratio of approximately 1:100:3, were the only volatile compounds present in the extracts of the pheromone glands. The main compound neryl decanoate proved to be highly attractive to swarming D. marginatus males in the field, whereas adding the two trace compounds in the natural ratio did not influence its attractiveness. Although closely related to the genus Agriotes, D. marginatus is distinct in the use of neryl compounds with comparatively long acid moieties, as opposed to the use of geranyl‐ and/or (E,E)‐farnesyl esters of shorter‐chain fatty acids as sex pheromones in Agriotes species.
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of intravenous brivaracetam in pediatric patients with epilepsy: An open‐label trial
Authors: Farkas Mark Kristof , Kang Harriet , Fogarasi Andras , Bozorg Ali , James Gareth D. , Krauwinkel Walter , Morita Diego , Will Edgar , Elshoff Jan‐Peer
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV) as 15‐min intravenous (IV) infusion and bolus (≤2‐min injection).

Methods

EP0065 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03405714) was a Phase 2, multicenter, open‐label trial in patients ≥1 month to <16 years of age with epilepsy. Patients received up to 5 mg/kg/day BRV (not exceeding 200 mg/day). Enrollment was sequential by descending age, depending on safety review. Outcomes included BRV plasma concentrations before and after IV administration, treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and discontinuations due to TEAEs.

Results

Fifty patients were enrolled, received BRV, and completed the trial. Twenty‐six patients (52.0%) received 15‐min infusions and 24 (48.0%) received bolus injections. Most patients (80.0%) received one IV dose. In the 15‐min infusion group, geometric mean (GeoMean) BRV concentrations 15 (±2) min (n = 21) and 3 h (±15 min) (n = 21) post dose were 1903.0 ng/mL (geometric coefficient of variation [GeoCV]: 60.7%) and 1130.3 ng/mL (58.8%), respectively. In the bolus group, GeoMean BRV concentrations 15 (±2) min (n = 19) and 3 h (±15 min) (n = 21) post dose were 1704.8 ng/mL (GeoCV: 74.5%) and 1383.9 ng/mL (85.0%), respectively. Overall, 14 patients (28.0%) had TEAEs (15‐min infusion: 8 [30.8%]; bolus: 6 [25.0%]), most commonly (≥5% of patients) somnolence (3 [6.0%]). Ten patients (20.0%) had drug‐related TEAEs (15‐min infusion: 6 [23.1%]; bolus: 4 [16.7%]). No patients discontinued due to TEAEs, and no deaths occurred.

Significance

IV BRV (up to 200 mg/day) was well tolerated in patients ≥1 month to <16 years of age, regardless of whether BRV was administered as 15‐min infusion or bolus. No unexpected safety or pharmacokinetic differences were observed between patients receiving 15‐min infusions or bolus, and plasma concentrations were in the expected range. Safety results were consistent with the known safety profile of oral BRV, with no new safety concerns identified.
Semiautomated classification of nocturnal seizures using video recordings
Authors: Peltola Jukka , Basnyat Pabitra , Armand Larsen Sidsel , Østerkjærhuus Tim , Vinding Merinder Torsten , Terney Daniella , Beniczky Sándor
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a semiautomated classification of nocturnal seizures using a hybrid system consisting of an artificial intelligence‐based algorithm, which selects epochs with potential clinical relevance to be reviewed by human experts.

Methods

Consecutive patients with nocturnal motor seizures admitted for video‐electroencephalographic long‐term monitoring (LTM) were prospectively recruited. We determined the extent of data reduction by using the algorithm, and we evaluated the accuracy of seizure classification from the hybrid system compared with the gold standard of LTM.

Results

Forty consecutive patients (24 male; median age = 15 years) were analyzed. The algorithm reduced the duration of epochs to be reviewed to 14% of the total recording time (1874 h). There was a fair agreement beyond chance in seizure classification between the hybrid system and the gold standard (agreement coefficient = .33, 95% confidence interval = .20–.47). The hybrid system correctly identified all tonic–clonic and clonic seizures and 82% of focal motor seizures. However, there was low accuracy in identifying seizure types with more discrete or subtle motor phenomena.

Significance

Using a hybrid (algorithm–human) system for reviewing nocturnal video recordings significantly decreased the workload and provided accurate classification of major motor seizures (tonic–clonic, clonic, and focal motor seizures).
Transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of the young in a Thoroughbred yearling
Authors: Cock Gemma , Felippe M. Julia B. , Blair Armon , DeNotta Sally
Published: February 2022

A 12‐month‐old Thoroughbred colt was presented for chronic recurrent respiratory disease characterised by persistent nasal discharge, intermittent pyrexia and coughing of several months' duration. These episodes were responsive to empirical antimicrobial therapy but returned once therapy was discontinued. History, physical examination and initial diagnostics were suggestive of bacterial pneumonia and possible underlying immunodeficiency. Serum immunoglobulin analysis and peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping revealed low serum IgG and IgM concentrations. In this 12‐month‐old colt, low serum IgG concentration was the most diagnostic parameter and supported a presumptive diagnosis of transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of the young. The colt responded favourably to repeated treatment with antimicrobials for bacterial pneumonia, and serial immunologic testing over the following months showed gradual increase in serum IgG and IgM concentrations, supporting the diagnosis of delayed development of humoral immunity in this patient.
Single‐cell transcriptomics in human skin research: available technologies, technical considerations and disease applications
Authors: Theocharidis Georgios , Tekkela Stavroula , Veves Aristidis , McGrath John A. , Onoufriadis Alexandros
Published: February 2022

Single‐cell technologies have revolutionized research in the last decade, including for skin biology. Single‐cell RNA sequencing has emerged as a powerful tool allowing the dissection of human disease pathophysiology at unprecedented resolution by assessing cell‐to‐cell variation, facilitating identification of rare cell populations and elucidating cellular heterogeneity. In dermatology, this technology has been widely applied to inflammatory skin disorders, fibrotic skin diseases, wound healing complications and cutaneous neoplasms. Here, we discuss the available technologies and technical considerations of single‐cell RNA sequencing and describe its applications to a broad spectrum of dermatological diseases.
Mycosis fungoides in pediatric population: comprehensive review on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management
Authors: Kothari Rohit , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Bagot Martine , Sandhu Sunmeet , Patil Anant , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: February 2022

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. However, it is rare in pediatric population. Most of the cases of pediatric MF present with hypopigmented patches and/or various other forms, which may often mimic common childhood dermatoses, thereby causing a delay in the diagnosis. There are no established treatment guidelines for pediatric MF. As the progression of childhood MF is extremely rare and it has an indolent course, it is usually diagnosed at an early stage (IA, IB, IIA), and hence phototherapy with a response rate of >80% is a well‐established effective treatment in children. However, as recurrences are frequently seen on stopping the therapies, a maintenance regimen and long‐term follow‐up is equally important. This article reviews the epidemiological factors, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and various treatment modalities used in pediatric MF. We analyzed and compared the data of almost 616 childhood MF cases from various studies undertaken from 1988 to 2021.
Sustaining the Australian respiratory workforce through the COVID‐19 pandemic: a scoping literature review
Authors: Stone Emily , Irving Louis B. , Tonga Katrina O. , Thompson Bruce
Published: February 2022

The outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in late 2019 and in 2020 presented challenges to healthcare workers (HCW) around the world that were unexpected and dramatic. The relentless progress of infection, starting in China and rapidly spreading to Europe, North America and elsewhere gave more remote countries, like Australia, time to prepare but also time for unease. HCW everywhere had to readjust and change their work practices to cope. Further waves of infection and transmission with newer variants pose challenges to HCW and health systems, even after mass vaccination. Respiratory medicine HCW found themselves at the frontline, developing critical care services to support intensive care units and grappling with unanticipated concerns about safety, risk and the need to retrain. Several studies have addressed the need for rapid changes in the healthcare workforce for COVID‐19 and the impact of this preparation on HCW themselves. In this paper, we present a scoping review of the literature on preparing HCW for the pandemic, explore the Australian experience of building the respiratory workforce and propose evidence‐based recommendations to sustain this workforce in an unprecedented high‐risk environment.
Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients: A cross‐sectional survey of Nurses' attitudes and experiences in adult intensive care units
Authors: Song Yi , Zhao Qian , Yang Mei , Xie Xiaohua , Gong Min , Chen Hui
Published: February 2022

Aims

To describe adult intensive care nurses' experiences and attitudes towards intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients and to assess the relationship between nurses' characteristics, attitudes and experiences.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Factor analysis identified factors within the attitudinal and experience domains. Univariate analysis was performed to demonstrate the relationship between attitudinal and experience factors and demographic and professional characteristics of the participants. Multiple regression equations were applied to determine associations between nurses' experiences and attitudes. The study took place from July to August 2019.

Results

A total of 480 nurses from 12 adult intensive care units in China participated, with a response rate of 65%. Most respondents had a baccalaureate nursing degree (75%). The majority (80%) had participated in IHT of critically ill more than five times in the previous 12 months and 90% agreed that checklists led to an improvement in patient safety during transport. However, 75% of respondents expressed that transport increased the workload of the nurses who accompany patients off unit and those who remained in the intensive care unit (66%). Variables that were associated with a favourable perception of transport competency and checklists/tool use were nurses' prior transport experiences and knowledge/training.

Conclusion

Nurses perceived IHT was a sourse of stress and increased workload. Checklists and training were beneficial for patient safety during IHT.

Impact

The findings point out a clear need for ICU nurse training, standardised policy/procedure and customisation of existing intrahospital transfer checklists according to hospital procedures and local circumstances. New research is needed to evaluate the impact of novel IHT interventions on patient safety and nurses' stress.
Lacunae rostralis: A new structure on the rostrum of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus
Authors: Häge Jan , Hansen Matthew J. , Pacher Korbinian , Dhellemmes Félicie , Domenici Paolo , Steffensen John F. , Breuker Michael , Krause Stefan , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Fritsch Guido , Bach Pascal , Sabarros Philippe S. , Zaslansky Paul , Mahlow Kristin , Schauer Maria , Müller Johannes , Krause Jens
Published: February 2022

Recent comparative studies of billfishes (Istiophoridae and Xiphiidae) have provided evidence of differences in the form and function of the rostra (bill) among species. Here, we report the discovery of a new structure, lacuna rostralis, on the rostra of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus, which is absent on the rostra of swordfish Xiphias gladius, striped marlin Kajikia audax and blue marlin Makaira nigricans. The lacunae rostralis are small cavities that contain teeth. They were found on the ventral rostrum surface of all I. platypterus specimens examined and dorsally in half of them. Ventrally, the lacunae rostralis were most prominent in the mid‐section of the rostrum. Dorsally, they occurred closer to the tip. The density of lacunae rostralis increased towards the rostrum tip but, because they are smaller in size, the percentage of rostrum coverage decreased. The teeth located within the lacunae rostralis were found to be different in size, location and orientation from the previously identified micro‐teeth of billfish. We propose two potential functions of the lacunae rostralis that both relate to the use of the bill in feeding: mechanoreception of prey before tapping it with the bill and more efficient prey handling via the creation of suction, or physical grip.
Egg incubation temperature influences the population‐specific outmigration rate of juvenile brown troutSalmo trutta
Authors: Jonsson Bror , Greenberg Larry
Published: February 2022

The present experiment tested if temperature during embryogenesis and parental heritage affected the migratory behaviour of young brown troutSalmo trutta. Two parental forms were used, a freshwater resident form and an anadromous form, both from the same river system but geographically isolated since 1993–95. Four groups of youngS. truttawere produced and reared from (a) freshwater resident parents spawning in a tributary to the River Imsa, Norway, (b) anadromous parents spawning in the main stem of the same river system, (c) resident male × anadromous female parents and (d) resident female × anadromous male parents. The eggs were incubated until first exogenous feeding in River Imsa water, either unheated or heatedc. 2.7°C above ambient temperature. Thereafter, all fish experienced the same ambient river temperature until release. Groups were released below an impassable waterfall 900 m upstream of the mouth of the River Imsa, either as age‐0 in October 2019 or as age‐1 in May 2020. About 7.5% of the released fish moved downstream and were captured in a trap at the outlet. For any given body size, the proportion of warm incubated trout that moved downstream was greater than the proportion of cold incubated trout. It was also found that most emigrants of the October‐releasedS. truttawere caught within a month of release. Also, most May‐releasedS. truttaemigrated in October. The offspring of the freshwater resident parents emigrated to a larger extent than offspring of anadromous parents. Thus, the difference in emigration with regard to embryonic temperature was phenotypically plastic and may be associated with an epigenetic effect of the thermal conditions during early development. The effect of parental origin suggests there may be genetic divergence between the geographically isolated populations.
Physical restraint practices in an adult intensive care unit: A prospective observational study
Authors: Alostaz Ziad , Rose Louise , Mehta Sangeeta , Johnston Linda , Dale Craig
Published: February 2022

Aim and objectives

To conduct a diagnostic evaluation of physical restraint practice using the integrated‐Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i‐PARIHS) framework.

Background

Evidence indicates that physical restraints are associated with adverse physical, emotional and psychological sequelae and do not consistently prevent intensive care unit (ICU) patient‐initiated device removal. Nevertheless, physical restraints continue to be used extensively in ICUs both in Canada and internationally. Implementation science frameworks have not been previously used to diagnose, develop and guide the implementation of restraint minimisation interventions.

Design

A prospective observational study of restrained patients in a 20‐bed, academic ICU in Toronto, Canada.

Methods

Data collection methods included patient observation, electronic medical record review, and verbal check with the point‐of‐care nurses. Data were collected pertaining to framework domains of unit culture (restraint application/removal), evaluation capacity (documentation) and leadership (rounds discussion). The reporting of this study followed the STROBE guidelines.

Results

A total of 102 restrained patients, 67 (66%) male and mean age 58 years (SD 1.92), were observed. All observed devices were wrist restraints. Restraint application and removal time was verified in 83 and 57 of 102 patients respectively. At application, 96.4% were mechanically ventilated and 71% sedated/unarousable. Nurses confirmed 71% were prophylactically restrained; 7.2% received restraint alternatives. Restraint removal occurred after interprofessional team rounds (87%), during daytime (79%) and following extubation (52.6%). Of the 923 discrete patient observation of physical restraint use, 691 (75%) were not documented. Of the 30 daytime interprofessional team rounds reviewed, physical restraint was discussed at 3 (10%).

Conclusion

In this single‐centre study, a culture of prophylactic physical restraint was observed. Future facilitation of restraint minimisation warrants theoretically informed implementation strategies including leadership involvement to advance interprofessional collaboration.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings draw attention to the importance of a preliminary diagnostic study of the context prior to designing, and implementing, a physical restraint minimisation intervention.
Spotlighting Black Adolescent Development in the Shadow of Racism: A Commentary
Authors: McLoyd Vonnie C.
Published: February 2022

The special issue brings together scholarship that expands our understanding of the adverse effects of interpersonal, online, and vicarious racial discrimination on Black adolescents’ psychosocial well‐being and sociocultural factors (e.g., racial socialization and positive racial identity) that mitigate these effects. It also focuses attention on ways that adolescents’ behavior and characteristics shape racial socialization. Some of the critical tasks that lie ahead include elevating a developmental perspective, documenting developmental pathways, directly assessing proximal mediating processes, giving more attention to the robustness and replicability of findings, and expanding levels of analyses and outcomes to include both macro‐structural indicators and indicators of physiological and neuropsychological functioning.
Plant–insect chemical communication in ecological communities: An information theory perspective
Authors: Zu Peng‐Juan , García‐García Reinaldo , Schuman Meredith C. , Saavedra Serguei , Melián Carlos J.
Published: February 2022

Cross‐species communication, where signals are sent by one species and perceived by others, is one of the most intriguing types of communication that functionally links different species to form complex ecological networks. Global change and human activity can affect communication by increasing fluctuations in species composition and phenology, altering signal profiles and intensity, and introducing noise. So far, most studies on cross‐species communication have focused on a few specific species isolated from ecological communities. Scaling up investigations of cross‐species communication to the community level is currently hampered by a lack of conceptual and practical methodologies. Here, we propose an interdisciplinary framework based on information theory to investigate mechanisms shaping cross‐species communication at the community level. We use plants and insects, the cornerstones of most ecosystems, as a showcase and focus on chemical communication as the key communication channel. We first introduce some basic concepts of information theory, then we illustrate information patterns in plant–insect chemical communication, followed by a further exploration of how to integrate information theory into ecological and evolutionary processes to form testable mechanistic hypotheses. We conclude by highlighting the importance of community‐level information as a means to better understand the maintenance and workings of ecological systems, especially during rapid global change.
Retention and Attrition in Early‐Career Foreign Language Teachers in Austria and the United Kingdom
Authors: SULIS GIULIA , BABIC SONJA , MAIRITSCH ASTRID , MERCER SARAH , JIN JUN , KING JIM
Published: February 2022

The issue of early‐career teacher attrition is a pressing concern across a variety of educational settings. Research in predominantly anglophone contexts has shown that rates of foreign language teachers leaving the profession are particularly high. Noting the important role that well‐being plays in fostering teacher retention, this study examines factors affecting the well‐being of early‐career foreign language teachers in the United Kingdom and Austria, and the subsequent possible consequences for their decision to leave or remain in the profession, drawing a comparison across the 2 settings. In‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 early‐career foreign language teachers at secondary schools in Austria (n = 6) and the United Kingdom (n = 8). Inductive data analysis revealed an interplay among intrapersonal, societal, and contextual factors in relation to well‐being, which might contribute to shaping participants’ decision to remain or leave the profession across the 2 settings. These factors include perfectionism, self‐efficacy, work–life spillover, self‐regulation, relationships within the school, and foreign language teacher status. Our findings suggest the need for systematic approaches toward improving teacher well‐being, not only for surviving in the profession but also for flourishing and thriving in the long term.
A pilot study comparing the efficiency of a novel asymmetric cellulose triacetate (ATA) dialyser membrane (Solacea‐190H) to a standard high flux polysulfone dialyser membrane (FX‐80) in the setting of extended hours haemodialysis
Authors: Kameshwar Kamya , Damasiewicz Matthew J. , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Kerr Peter G.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To compare small, middle and large‐middle molecule clearance; and expression of markers of inflammation, between Solacea‐190H (asymmetric cellulose triacetate [ATA]) and FX‐80 dialysers in long‐hour haemodialysis patients.

Methods

This pilot, randomized cross‐over trial recruited 10 home haemodialysis patients. The total study duration was 8 weeks, using each dialyser for 4 weeks. Removal of small (urea, phosphate, creatinine and indoxyl sulfate [IS]), middle and large‐middle molecules (beta‐2 microglobulin [β2M], albumin), markers of inflammation (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], malondialdehyde‐modified low density lipoprotein [MDA‐LDL] and alpha‐1 microglobulin [α1M]), was evaluated in serum and dialysate samples.

Results

Reduction ratios [RR] were calculated for variables at the fourth week of each dialyzer sequence and results expressed as difference in mean RR between dialyzers. There was no difference in clearance of small molecules, with difference in mean RR for urea −2.43 (95% CI ‐6.44, 1.57; p = .19), creatinine −1.82 (95% CI ‐5.50, 1.85; p = .28) and phosphate −2.61 (95% CI −12.45, 7.23; p = .55); clearance of middle and large‐middle molecules with difference in mean RR (range) for β2M 2.2 (95% CI −3.2, 7.7; p = .35), IS 1.8 (95% CI −9.5, 13; p = .72) and albumin −0.6 (95% CI −5.5, 4.2; p = .77). There was lack of induction of markers of inflammation, including IL‐6 15.2 (95% CI −31.9, 62.2; p = .47), MDA‐LDL −8.1 (95% CI ‐22.1, 5.8; p = .21) and α1M −3.50 (95% CI −29.2, 22.2; p = .76). Dialysate removal results were concurrent.

Conclusion

This study showed no difference in clearance of small, middle and large‐middle molecules, nor expression of markers of inflammation between dialysers.
Molecular phylogenetics and character evolution in Haplanthodes (Acanthaceae), an endemic genus from peninsular India
Authors: Surveswaran Siddharthan , Tiwari Neha , Karanth Praveen K. , Deshmukh Pradip V. , Lekhak Manoj M.
Published: February 2022

Haplanthodes (Acanthaceae) is an Indian endemic genus with four species. It is closely related to Andrographis which is also mainly distributed in India. Haplanthodes differs from Andrographis by the presence of cladodes in the inflorescences, subactinomorphic flowers, stamens included within the corolla tube, pouched stamens and oblate pollen grains. To understand the phylogenetic relationship of Haplanthodes, Andrographis and Haplanthus, which are putatively closely related taxa, we used four plastid markers, matK, rbcL, psbA‐trnH and trnGRto construct a molecular phylogeny. Our results established the monophyly of Haplanthodes and revealed a sister relationship to Andrographis and Haplanthus. Further, to understand the historical biogeography of the genus, we inferred the divergence time and performed an ancestral area reconstruction. Our analyses suggest that Haplanthodes evolved during Late Miocene 5.85 Ma (95%HPD: 2.18–10.34 Ma) in peninsular India where it might have shared a common ancestor with Andrographis. To understand character evolution, the ancestral states of important morphological characters were inferred and discussed based on the equal rate model. The generic status of Haplanthus was not resolved due to incomplete sampling.
Solid bolus swallows during high‐resolution manometry complement multiple rapid swallows in predicting symptoms following antireflux surgery
Authors: Greenan Garrett , Rogers Benjamin D. , Sifrim Daniel , Gyawali C. Prakash
Published: February 2022

Background

Solid bolus swallows (SBS) assess esophageal peristalsis on high‐resolution manometry (HRM). It remains unknown if increase in contraction vigor (contraction reserve) following SBS (SBS‐CR) provides information similar to that observed following multiple rapid swallows (MRS‐CR).

Methods

Clinical and HRM data from adult patients (n = 96, age 58.2 years, 61.5% female) undergoing esophageal testing prior to anti‐reflux surgery (ARS) were analyzed if both MRS and SBS were available, and compared to similar data from healthy asymptomatic volunteers (n = 18, age 27.5 years, 55.6% female). Patients reported esophageal symptoms before and after ARS using 5‐point Likert scales evaluating symptom frequency and severity; scores for each patient were averaged to determine global symptoms. Distal contractile integral (DCI) from single swallows was compared to MRS DCI and SBS DCI; the ratio of single swallow DCI to MRS DCI or SBS DCI ≥1 determined the presence of contraction reserve.

Key Results

Multiple rapid swallows CR was concordant with SBS CR in 55.6% of healthy volunteers, 100% of absent contractility, 100% of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and 56.9% without IEM. Correlation between MRS DCI and SBS DCI was highest when IEM criteria were met (Spearman's rho 0.998). While neither MRS CR nor SBS CR presence differed by presenting symptoms or global symptom score at baseline, post‐ARS global symptom burden was highest in the absence of both MRS CR and SBS CR, especially in patients with esophageal hypomotility using Chicago Classification version 4.0 criteria (p = 0.03).

Conclusions & Inferences

Multiple rapid swallows and SBS are complementary in predicting post‐ARS symptom burden.