bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
tRNA‐derived fragments are altered in diabetes
Authors: Ng N. , Gibriel H. A. Y. , Halang L. , Jirström E. , Ioana J. A. , Burke M. , Byrne M. M. , Prehn J. H. M.
Published: November 2023

Aims

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a rare form of adult‐onset diabetes that can be difficult to diagnose due to its variable clinical phenotype. Transfer RNA‐derived small fragments are a novel, emerging class of small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that have significant potential as serum biomarkers due to their stress‐induced generation, abundance, stability and ease of detection.

Methods

We investigated the levels of tiRNA 5'ValCAC (alone and in combination with miR‐23b‐3p) identified from small RNA sequencing studies in serum samples from healthy controls, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and MIDD subjects.

Results

Serum levels of 5'ValCAC were reduced in MIDD and type 2 diabetes subjects compared to controls. Type 2 diabetes subjects had higher serum levels of miR‐23b‐3p compared to all other subjects. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis showed the potential of 5'ValCAC and miR‐23b‐3p as MIDD biomarkers, with the combination showing excellent separation from type 2 diabetes subjects.

Conclusions

This is the first report showing altered serum levels of tiRNAs in diabetes subjects. The combined use of 5'ValCAC and miR‐23b‐3p as serum biomarkers could potentially differentiate between MIDD subjects and type 2 diabetes subjects.
Non‐lunge feeding behaviour of humpback whales associated with fishing boats in Norway
Authors: Iwata Takashi , Aoki Kagari , Miller Patrick J. O. , Biuw Martin , Williamson Michael J. , Sato Katsufumi
Published: November 2023

Top marine predators, such as odontocetes, pinnipeds, and seabirds, are known to forage around fishing boats as fishermen aggregate and/or discard their prey. Recently, incidents of humpback whales interacting with fishing boats have been reported. However, whether humpback whales utilise discard fish as a food source and how they forage around fishing boats is unknown. This study reports, for the first time, the foraging behaviour of a humpback whale around fishing boats. Three whales were tagged using a suction‐cup tag containing a video camera, and a behavioural data logger in the coastal area of Tromsø, Norway. Video data from one tagged whale showed that the whale remained in close vicinity of fishing boats for 43 min, and revealed the presence of large numbers of dead fish, fish‐eating killer whales, fishing boats, and fishing gear. In waters with large numbers of dead fish, the whale raised its upper jaw, a motion associated with engulfing discard fish from fishing boats, and this feeding behaviour differed markedly from lunge‐feeding observed in two other whales in the same area. This behaviour was defined as “pick‐up feeding”. No lunge feeding was seen on the data logger when the whale foraged around fishing boats. This study highlights a novel humpback whale foraging strategy: low energy gain from scattered prey but also low energy costs as high‐energy lunge feeding is not required.
A guide to ferroptosis, the biological rust of cellular membranes
Authors: Veeckmans Geraldine , Van San Emily , Vanden Berghe Tom
Published: November 2023

Unprotected iron can rust due to oxygen exposure. Similarly, in our body, oxidative stress can kill cells in an iron‐dependent manner, which can give rise to devastating diseases. This type of cell death is referred to as ferroptosis. Generally, ferroptosis is defined as an iron‐catalyzed form of regulated necrosis that occurs through excessive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids within cellular membranes. This review summarizes how ferroptosis is executed by a rather primitive biochemical process, under tight regulation of lipid, iron, and redox metabolic processes. An overview is given of major classes of ferroptosis inducers and inhibitors, and how to detect ferroptosis. Finally, its detrimental role in disease is briefly discussed.
Transient analysis of a cracked functionally graded magneto‐electro‐elastic rectangular finite plane under anti‐plane mechanical and in‐plane electric and magnetic impacts
Authors: Ayatollahi Mojtaba , Abdel‐Wahab Magd , Hashemi Seyyed Mohammad Moein
Published: November 2023

The transient anti‐plane problem of a functionally graded magneto‐electro‐elastic (FGMEE) rectangular plane weakened by several embedded and edge cracks under various boundary conditions is solved. First, the solutions to the dynamic magneto‐electro‐elastic dislocation in the finite rectangular domain are derived by employing Laplace and finite Fourier cosine transforms. The solutions can be utilized to construct the singular integral equations in Laplace transform domain for FGMEE rectangular plane with multiple embedded and edge cracks. The integral equations arising from dislocation solutions have Cauchy‐type singularities with unknown dislocation density functions. These unknown functions may be obtained by reducing the integral equations into a system of linear algebraic equations, hereby, the dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) for several arbitrarily embedded and edge cracks are obtained. The overshoots of dynamic stress intensity factors are shown to be intensely affected by the rectangular plane dimensions, length and position of the cracks, loading parameter, and negative or positive gradient index.
Impacts of a century of land‐use change on the eutrophication of large, shallow, prairie Lake Manitoba in relation to adjacent Lake Winnipeg (Manitoba, Canada)
Authors: Gushulak Cale A. C. , Mezzini Stefano , Moir Katherine E. , Simpson Gavin L. , Bunting Lynda , Wissel Björn , Engstrom Daniel R. , Laird Kathleen R. , St. Amand Ann , Cumming Brian F. , Leavitt Peter R.
Published: November 2023

Evaluation of large lake response to centennial changes in land use and climate can be complicated by high spatial and hydrological complexity within their catchments, particularly in regions of low relief. Furthermore, large lakes can exhibit abrupt changes in structure and function that obscure causes of eutrophication.

We provide the first quantification of historical trends in lake production, cyanobacterial abundance, sediment geochemistry and diatom composition since c. 1800 in Lake Manitoba, the 29th largest lake in the world, and compared them to Lake Winnipeg, a morphologically similar, adjacent basin with a 10‐fold larger catchment and an abrupt increase in production around 1990.

Before 1900, Lake Manitoba was mesotrophic, with low sedimentary concentrations of carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, cyanobacteria and algal pigments, as well as assemblages of low‐light‐adapted benthic diatoms. Analysis of pigment time‐series with hierarchical generalised additive models revealed that Lake Manitoba eutrophied during 1900–1930 as a consequence of the development of intensive agriculture within its local catchment, but thereafter exhibited stable cyanobacterial densities with limited expansion of N2‐fixing cyanobacteria despite persistent eutrophication.

Lake Manitoba did not undergo an abrupt change as seen in Lake Winnipeg.

These findings suggest that catchment size had little influence on water quality degradation and that nutrient influx from proximal agricultural sources was sufficient to initially degrade these large prairie lakes. The abrupt change in Lake Winnipeg around 1990 required additional intensification of local land use that did not occur in the Lake Manitoba catchment.
The elusive role of urban form, centrality and scale in the absence of a metropolitan planning agenda: Central European perspective
Authors: Malý Jiří , Lichter Marek , Krejčí Tomáš
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the implementation of grand spatial planning narratives such as the compact city and polycentricity in planning practice. The effects of overlapping scales on the application of spatial imaginaries in metropolitan space are examined. Using post‐socialist space, the research enriches the geographical context of metropolitan studies. On the basis of a spatial analysis of metropolitan form and centrality and a textual analysis of the relevant spatial plans of three Czech metropolitan areas, the key features in efforts of planning polycentric and compact metropolitan areas are identified as “Administrative blindness”, “(De)centralization ambiguity”, and “Reactive passivity”. By identifying the limits of translating spatial visions into the practical language of statutory regional and land‐use plans, the paper contributes to the debate on the effectiveness of metropolitan planning based on the specific context of Central Europe.
Age‐associated effects of intradialytic exercise on physical function and nutritional status in patients receiving ambulatory hemodialysis: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Takahashi Ren , Yabe Hiroki , Ishikawa Hideaki , Hibino Takashi , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Morishita Sayumi , Kono Kenichi , Moriyama Yoshifumi , Yamada Tetsuya
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Intradialytic exercise is essential for improving physical function for older patients. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the effects of exercise therapy and aging.

Methods

This multicenter cohort study included 1176 patients aged 40–89 years, who participated in an intradialytic exercise program, comprising stretching and resistance training, three times per week for 12 months. Isometric knee extension strength (IKES), 10‐m walking speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) were measured at baseline and after 12 months. The patients were divided according to age as follows: 40–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years. A linear mixed‐effects model examined the improvement within‐group and between‐control differences, as the 40–59 age group was the control group.

Findings

The 40–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 age groups comprised 180, 317, 466, and 213 participants, respectively. Within‐group differences, all the age groups significantly improved IKES and SPPB. The 10‐m walking speed [0.02 (0.02) m/s] and GNRI [0.38 (0.33)] did not improved only in the 80–89 age group despite other age groups significantly improved. Between‐control differences, IKES of the 70–79 age group [−0.24 (−0.42 to −0.06) %] was significantly lower improvement than control. GNRI of all the older groups were significantly smaller improvement than control (p < 0.05).

Discussion

The older group demonstrated difficulty in improving walking ability and nutritional status compared with the younger groups. Clinicians need to consider the difference in effectiveness due to age and prescribe intradialytic exercises accordingly.
Head‐to‐head: how many categories for grading urothelial carcinoma?
Authors: Varma Murali , Compérat Eva , van der Kwast Theodorus
Published: November 2023

Tumour grade is a critical prognostic parameter for guiding the management of patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. In 2004, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a binary (low‐grade/high‐grade) grading system to replace the three‐tier (grades 1–3) system used to grade urothelial carcinoma since 1973. However, there is significant global variation in the grading of urothelial carcinoma. Some pathology and clinical guidelines recommend reporting of the WHO 1973 and 2004 grades in parallel, while others require reporting only of the WHO 2004 grade. This variation in pathology practice is clinically significant, because the two grading systems are not readily translatable. Some experts have proposed novel systems for grading urothelial carcinoma that involve splitting of the WHO 1973 and 2004 grade categories. The arguments for and against splitting urothelial carcinomas into two‐, three‐ and four‐grade categories are independently discussed by the three authors.
Immunostimulatory effects of Hsp70 fragments and Hsp27 in design of novel HIV‐1 vaccine formulations
Authors: Milani Alireza , Akbari Elahe , Pordanjani Parisa Moradi , Jamshidi Fateme , Ghayoumi Shahrzad , Sadeghi Seyed Amir , Bolhassani Azam
Published: November 2023

Background

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) as an adjuvant induce antigen‐specific immunity through facilitating antigen presentation and stimulating T cells. In this study, the immunostimulatory properties of two major fragments of Hsp70 (N‐Hsp70(aa 1–387) with ATPase property and C‐Hsp70 (aa 508–641) with peptide‐binding capacity) and the full length of Hsp27 as vaccine adjuvants were evaluated to boost HIV‐1 Nef antigen‐specific immunity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Methods

At first, the nanoparticles harbouring DNA fusion constructs (i.e. N‐Hsp70‐Nef, C‐Hsp70‐Nef and Hsp27‐Nef) complexed with HIV Rev (34–50) cell‐penetrating peptide were generated to deliver DNA into the cells. Then, the recombinant Nef, Hsp27‐Nef, N‐Hsp70‐Nef and C‐Hsp70‐Nef proteins were generated in E.coli expression system. Next, the immunostimulatory properties of these fusion constructs were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the secretion of main cytokines from single‐cycle replicable (SCR) HIV‐1 virion‐exposed splenocytes was investigated.

Results

Our data showed that the stable and non‐toxic DNA/Rev nanoparticles could successfully deliver the genes of interest into the cells. Moreover, higher secretion of antibodies and cytokines was detected in mice receiving the Hsp‐Nef constructs than in mice receiving Nef antigen. The C‐Hsp70 was also superior for inducing Nef‐specific Th1 and CTL immunity compared with N‐Hsp70 and Hsp27. The T‐cell activity was maintained in the SCR‐exposed splenocytes, especially the splenocytes of mice receiving the C‐Hsp70‐Nef regimen.

Conclusion

Altogether, these findings demonstrate the significance of Hsps as enhancers of antigen‐specific immunity. Notably, the C‐Hsp70 region showed better adjuvant properties for inducing cellular immunity in the improvement of HIV‐1 therapeutic vaccines.
Effectiveness of nonpharmacological multi‐component intervention on depressive symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cai Mingjin , Bai Dingxi , Hou Dongjiang , You Qian , Wang Wei , Lu Xianying , Gao Jing
Published: November 2023

Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are more prone to depression than people without MCI or dementia. Some studies have found nonpharmacological multi‐component intervention to be more effective than single‐component intervention in improving the condition of patients with MCI and dementia; however, their effect on depressive symptoms is still inconsistent. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the effectiveness of nonpharmacological multi‐component intervention in improving depressive symptoms in patients with MCI and dementia. This review retrieved papers from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO and CNKI. The retrieval time limit was set from 1 January 1990 to 25 November 2022. The PRISMA 2020 guideline was used to report the included studies. The result showed that nonpharmacological multi‐component intervention could improve depressive symptoms in patients with MCI and dementia. Among them, nonpharmacological multi‐component intervention with a duration of <6 months, physical and cognitive activities, or other activities had significant effects. However, each study differed in terms of specific measures, duration and frequency of intervention methods. Accordingly, more randomized controlled trials with larger samples are required to discover the best scheme for nonpharmacological multi‐component intervention.
Effect of transverse colostomy versus ileostomy in colorectal anastomosis on post‐operative wound complications: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Qixin , Liu Fei , Li Yao , Ji Lin , Yu Yanchun , Yang Xingju
Published: November 2023

A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of colostomy or ileostomy on post‐operative wound complications. The research was tested using Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Included were randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs). A sensitivity analysis and a meta‐analysis were carried out. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the reduction of wound infection between LC and LI. Out of 268 related studies, 5 publications were chosen and examined for compliance. Literature quality was evaluated throughout the trial. Studies with poor literature were excluded. The data were analysed with RevMan 5.3, and a decision was taken to analyse the data with either a stochastic or a fixed‐effects model. There were no significant differences in the incidence of post‐operative infection in patients with LC (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.34, 1.81; p = 0.57), and the incidence of post‐operative anastomotic fistulae (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.30, 3.15; p = 0.97) was not significantly different from that with LI. These meta‐analyses indicate that no significant reduction in the incidence of post‐operative infections or anastomotic fistulae was observed by either LC or LI.
Care call requests and inpatient beds modernization: Is there any link? A prospective observational study in the oncological setting
Authors: Panattoni Nicolò , Sperduti Isabella , Spano Alessandro , De Leo Aurora , Petrone Fabrizio , Di Simone Emanuele
Published: November 2023

Aim

The study aims to analyse the principal causes of patients' care calls and compare differences before and after inpatient beds' technological modernization in a surgical breast oncological ward.

Design

A prospective observational study was conducted under the STROBE guidelines. Data were collected from June to September 2022.

Methods

Statistical analyses were performed to compare each reason for care calls, by shifts and pre and post‐inpatient bed modernization.

Results

Two thousand five hundred and fifty‐nine care request calls were analysed during the 202 observed shifts. The most frequent reason was related to the requests for positions.

Conclusion

Technological modernization of the beds has not led to effective—positive—changes; on the contrary, it seems at first glance to show an upward trend in calls above all in the short period after the changes.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

What problem did the study address? By analysing the principal causes of care calls and comparing the differences before and after inpatient beds' technological modernization, this study evaluates if inpatient gear or device modernization can impact care call requests.

What were the main findings? The results show that the most frequent reasons for care calls were position, possession and other. These findings seem not superimposable; the hypothesis supported by the international literature in which the causes relating to potty and pain were found among the main reasons.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? These results could impact the care organizational area in nursing care and could improve care quality, patient satisfaction and safety.

Reporting Method

This prospective observational study was conducted following STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

After adequate information (presentation, design methods and objectives), all unit healthcare staff agreed to collaborate in the study.
Are some children genetically predisposed to poor sleep? A polygenic risk study in the general population
Authors: Kocevska Desana , Trajanoska Katerina , Mulder Rosa H. , Koopman‐Verhoeff M. Elisabeth , Luik Annemarie I. , Tiemeier Henning , van Someren Eus J.W.
Published: November 2023

Background

Twin studies show moderate heritability of sleep traits: 40% for insomnia symptoms and 46% for sleep duration. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variants involved in insomnia and sleep duration in adults, but it is unknown whether these variants affect sleep during early development. We assessed whether polygenic risk scores for insomnia (PRS‐I) and sleep duration (PRS‐SD) affect sleep throughout early childhood to adolescence.

Methods

We included 2,458 children of European ancestry (51% girls). Insomnia‐related items of the Child Behavior Checklist were reported by mothers at child's age 1.5, 3, and 6 years. At 10–15 years, the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children and actigraphy were assessed in a subsample (N = 975). Standardized PRS‐I and PRS‐SD (higher scores indicate genetic susceptibility for insomnia and longer sleep duration, respectively) were computed at multiple p‐value thresholds based on largest GWAS to date.

Results

Children with higher PRS‐I had more insomnia‐related sleep problems between 1.5 and 15 years (BPRS‐I < 0.001 = .09, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.14). PRS‐SD was not associated with mother‐reported sleep problems. A higher PRS‐SD was in turn associated with longer actigraphically estimated sleep duration (BPRS‐SD < 5e08 = .05, 95% CI: 0.001; 0.09) and more wake after sleep onset (BPRS‐SD < 0.005 = .25, 95% CI: 0.04; 0.47) at 10–15 years, but these associations did not survive multiple testing correction.

Conclusions

Children who are genetically predisposed to insomnia have more insomnia‐like sleep problems, whereas those who are genetically predisposed to longer sleep have longer sleep duration, but are also more awake during the night in adolescence. This indicates that polygenic risk for sleep traits, based on GWAS in adults, affects sleep already in children.
Secured credit and bankruptcy resolution
Authors: Adler Barry E. , Capkun Vedran
Published: November 2023

Accepted wisdom holds that secured creditors favor liquidation of a debtor in bankruptcy even where the debtor may be more valuable as a going concern. This is false wisdom, however. Holders of senior claims can be expected to favor liquidation prior to a debtor's bankruptcy because the return on such claims are capped by the amount owed while debtor asset values fluctuate. But bankruptcy is a day of reckoning that can eliminate a creditor's exposure to value fluctuation. For this reason, we expect that modern bankruptcy practice, with the secured creditor often firmly in control, does not unduly encourage liquidation. In fact, we expect any bias to favor reorganization, which can be manipulated for the benefit of any party in control of the bankruptcy process. Our results are consistent with this hypothesis. In a broad study of US corporate bankruptcy cases, we find that secured credit is positively and significantly correlated with the reorganization of insolvent debtors.
Effects of the GingivalStat approach on early gingival margin remodeling following esthetic clinical crown lengthening: A case series
Authors: Garcia‐Valenzuela Francisco Salvador , Chambrone Leandro
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The aim of this case series is to present the potential applications of the GingivalStat approach, that is, the use of temporary gingival stabilizers, to favor early gingival margin remodeling and prevent the occurrence of gingival rebound following esthetic clinical crown lengthening.

Clinical Considerations

Four patients requiring clinical crown lengthening were treated for esthetical and functional reasons. The surgical approach included: (a) gingival margin recontouring; (b) full‐thickness flap elevation; (c) osteotomy (to achieve an adequate dimension between the alveolar bone crest and the CEJ) and osteoplasty (to reduce the bone thickness and improve the buccal bone anatomic profile, where indicated); (d) temporary gingival stabilizer placement using a block‐out resin or a composite (the GingivalStat approach); and (e) flap repositioning, adaptation, and suture. One‐ to five‐year follow‐ups, reported in the different case scenarios, show evidence of clinically stable gingival margins around the treated teeth.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this case series, it can be concluded that the GingivalStat approach appears as a further maneuver to cope with clinical crown lengthening procedures at esthetic sites. GingivalStat seems to favor gingival margin contour remodeling during the early phase of healing as well as prevent the occurrence of gingival rebound.

Clinical Significance

GingivalStat approach may guide gingival margin remodeling and prevent gingival rebound after wound healing of sites submitted to esthetic clinical crown lengthening.
Caregiving and all‐cause mortality in postmenopausal women: Findings from the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Chavan Prachi P. , Weitlauf Julie C. , LaMonte Michael J. , Sisto Sue Ann , Tomita Machiko , Gallagher‐Thompson Dolores , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Bidwell Julie T. , Manson JoAnn E. , Kroenke Candyce H. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Hirsch Calvin H. , Mouton Charles P. , Cannell Michael B. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean
Published: November 2023

Background

Caregiving is commonly undertaken by older women. Research is mixed, however, about the impact of prolonged caregiving on their health, well‐being, and mortality risk. Using a prospective study design, we examined the association of caregiving with mortality in a cohort of older women.

Methods

Participants were 158,987 postmenopausal women aged 50–79 years at enrollment into the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) who provided information on current caregiving status and caregiving frequency at baseline (1993–1998) and follow‐up (2004–2005). Mortality was ascertained from baseline through March of 2019. Cox regression with caregiving status defined as a time‐varying exposure was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, smoking, and history of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. Stratified analyses explored whether age, race‐ethnicity, depressive symptoms, frequency of caregiving, optimism, and living status modified the association between caregiver status and mortality.

Results

At baseline, 40.7% of women (mean age 63.3 years) self‐identified as caregivers. During a mean 17.5‐year follow‐up, all‐cause mortality (50,526 deaths) was 9% lower (multivariable‐adjusted HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89–0.93) in caregivers compared to non‐caregivers. The inverse association between caregiving and all‐cause mortality did not differ according to caregiving frequency or when stratified by age, race‐ethnicity, depressive symptoms, optimism, or living status (interaction p > 0.05, all). Caregiving was inversely associated with CVD and cancer mortality.

Conclusion

Among postmenopausal women residing across the United States, caregiving was associated with lower mortality. Studies detailing the type and amount of caregiving are needed to further determine its impact on older women.
Primed conversion: The emerging player of precise and nontoxic photoconversion
Authors: Kalyviotis Konstantinos , Pantazis Periklis
Published: November 2023

In 2015, we reported primed conversion, a novel way to convert green‐to‐red photoconvertible fluorescent proteins, which emerges as a powerful tool for precision optical imaging. Primed conversion uses the intercept of blue and red‐to‐far‐red light instead of traditional violet or near‐UV light illumination which offers a series of advantages. Here, we review the fundamental principles and applications of primed conversion with a focus on its use in single‐cell labelling and lineage tracing. We provide a historical perspective of lineage tracing techniques, thereby covering basic principles of fluorescence, photoconvertible fluorescent proteins, and eventually primed conversion. We then present the molecular requirements for primed conversion to take place and showcase how it can be used for dual‐colour high‐fidelity lineage tracing. Further, we discuss potential future developments of the primed conversion imaging toolkit that can benefit the study of both development and disease progression.
Best practices for communication while wearing facemasks: A scoping review
Authors: Shaw Clarissa A. , Lee Kyu Ri , Williams Alexander , Shaw Nathan A. , Weeks Delaney , Jackson Lainie , Williams Kristine N.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Facemasks are an important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses, but they can impede communication between patients and healthcare providers. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify effective communication practices while wearing facemasks.

Design

Scoping review using a systematic search of articles from the PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases.

Methods

The PEO (population, exposure, outcome) methodology was selected for this systematic scoping review. The population of interest (P) includes humans of all ages (children, adults, and older adults); the exposure of interest (E) is PPE that covers the mouth (i.e., facemasks); and the outcome of interest (O) is successful or unsuccessful communication practices. The Johns Hopkins Evidence‐Based Practice for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals appraisal guidelines were used to determine the level and quality of the research.

Results

Thirty‐nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen of these were high‐ or good‐quality research studies, and the remaining 22 were non‐research articles included with separate analysis as part of the scoping review. The 17 articles encompassed 2656 participants. The highest quality evidence indicated that standard surgical masks have the least impact on speech perception compared to other non‐transparent mask types, and that recognizing emotions is less accurate with facemasks, necessitating compensatory actions (i.e., reducing extraneous noise, using a microphone to amplify voice, and employing clear speech). Evidence was contradictory regarding the use of transparent masks. Evidence was of limited quality for other non‐verbal and verbal communication strategies.

Conclusion

Awareness of communication challenges is crucial when wearing facemasks. More high‐quality studies are needed to evaluate communication techniques when speakers are wearing facemasks. Basic strategies such as selecting an appropriate mask type, reducing extraneous noise, using microphones, verbalizing emotions, and employing clear speech appear to be beneficial.

Clinical Relevance

The findings of this scoping review highlight the importance of considering communication challenges while wearing facemasks in the healthcare settings. The review suggests that selecting an appropriate mask type, reducing extraneous noise, verbalizing emotions, and employing clear speech are some strategies that may be effective in mitigating the impact of facemasks on communication between patients and healthcare providers.
What do brain endocasts tell us? A comparative analysis of the accuracy of sulcal identification by experts and perspectives in palaeoanthropology
Authors: Labra Nicole , Mounier Aurélien , Leprince Yann , Rivière Denis , Didier Mélanie , Bardinet Eric , Santin Mathieu D. , Mangin Jean François , Filippo Andréa , Albessard‐Ball Lou , Beaudet Amélie , Broadfield Douglas , Bruner Emiliano , Carlson Kristian J. , Cofran Zachary , Falk Dean , Gilissen Emmanuel , Gómez‐Robles Aida , Neubauer Simon , Pearson Alannah , Röding Carolin , Zhang Yameng , Balzeau Antoine
Published: November 2023

Palaeoneurology is a complex field as the object of study, the brain, does not fossilize. Studies rely therefore on the (brain) endocranial cast (often named endocast), the only available and reliable proxy for brain shape, size and details of surface. However, researchers debate whether or not specific marks found on endocasts correspond reliably to particular sulci and/or gyri of the brain that were imprinted in the braincase. The aim of this study is to measure the accuracy of sulcal identification through an experiment that reproduces the conditions that palaeoneurologists face when working with hominin endocasts. We asked 14 experts to manually identify well‐known foldings in a proxy endocast that was obtained from an MRI of an actual in vivo Homo sapiens head. We observe clear differences in the results when comparing the non‐corrected labels (the original labels proposed by each expert) with the corrected labels. This result illustrates that trying to reconstruct a sulcus following the very general known shape/position in the literature or from a mean specimen may induce a bias when looking at an endocast and trying to follow the marks observed there. We also observe that the identification of sulci appears to be better in the lower part of the endocast compared to the upper part. The results concerning specific anatomical traits have implications for highly debated topics in palaeoanthropology. Endocranial description of fossil specimens should in the future consider the variation in position and shape of sulci in addition to using models of mean brain shape. Moreover, it is clear from this study that researchers can perceive sulcal imprints with reasonably high accuracy, but their correct identification and labelling remains a challenge, particularly when dealing with extinct species for which we lack direct knowledge of the brain.
Accuracy of Crit‐Line® monitors in predicting hematocrit and change in blood volume of dogs during hemodialysis
Authors: Vickery Whitney E. , Steinbach Sarah M. L. , Moore George E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Ultrafiltration (UF) is an extracorporeal technique for treating fluid overload and is monitored with noninvasive blood volume monitors.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The primary objective was to determine the accuracy of Crit‐Line® III and IV noninvasive blood volume monitors to estimate canine packed cell volume (PCV) and changes in blood volume during UF. A secondary aim was to determine accuracy of targeted ultrafiltration rates (UFR) compared to calculated delivered UFR.

Methods

An ex vivo study with a single Phoenix® X36 platform and canine packed red blood cells (pRBC) was performed. Through dilution and UF, clinically applicable PCV values were obtained and compared to Crit‐Line® hematocrit (Hct). Blood volume was constantly measured and compared to targeted UFR. Systematic and proportional bias were calculated using a Bayes method.

Results

Crit‐Line® III and IV reported Hct was significantly lower than PCV (n = 140, median 26%, range, 8%‐50%) when PCV was >25% and >30%, respectively. Crit‐Line® III and IV calculated change in blood volume (ΔBV%) was significantly different from measured blood volume changes at ΔBV% ±20% and >−20%, respectively. Comparing targeted and delivered UFR (mL/h), less than targeted UFR was removed at UFR100 through UFR400 and UFR0 adding volume.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Crit‐Line® III and IV monitors provide accurate estimates of canine PCV and UF volume change within specific ranges and are useful in monitoring canine UF and hemodialysis. Veterinary hemodialysis services should evaluate individual machines for UFR inaccuracies, which can meaningfully affect small animals.
Utilizing ISSRseq genotyping to assist growth selection in tomato grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati) without broodstock information
Authors: Hsu Te‐Hua , Chu Pei‐Yun , Gong Hong‐Yi , Nan Fan‐Hua , Huang Chang‐Wen
Published: November 2023

Growth selection in fish is essential for aquaculture; however, long generation times and artificial breeding limitations present challenges for breeding endeavors. The tomato grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati) is an emerging aquaculture species with a generation cycle of at least 5 to 10 years. Mixed culture of broodstocks and natural mating are commonly employed in hatcheries. To expedite the selection process for tomato grouper, we utilized ISSRseq technology for assisted future growth selection. After 6 months of rearing, we selected 48 individuals, including 24 fast‐growing and 24 slow‐growing individuals (representing the top and bottom 10% of samples). These samples produced 932 SNPs. Although specific broodstock pairing information is unavailable, our results suggest that these fry likely originated from multiple broodstock exhibiting considerable diversity. Further analysis of genetic relationships among individuals revealed three main clades. One clade contained a higher proportion of faster‐growing individuals (80%), while another featured a lower proportion of rapidly growing individuals (28.6%). Through the relatedness network and further exclusion of individuals, the faster‐growth clade comprised 92.3% of fast‐growing individuals. The faster‐growth clade is appropriate for further development into a high‐growth strain. Our findings demonstrate that molecular markers can advance population selective breeding to family selection in aquaculture breeding research.
Humoral immunity to phlebovirus infection
Authors: Doores Katie J.
Published: November 2023

Phleboviruses are zoonotic pathogens found in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America and cause disease symptoms ranging from self‐limiting febrile illness to severe disease, including hemorrhagic diathesis, encephalitis, and ocular pathologies. There are currently no approved preventative vaccines against phlebovirus infection or antivirals for the treatment of the disease. Here, we discuss the roles of neutralizing antibodies in phlebovirus infection, the antigenic targets present on the mature polyproteins Gn and Gc, progress in vaccine development, and the prospects of identifying conserved neutralizing epitopes across multiple phleboviruses. Further research in this area will pave the way for the rational design of pan‐phlebovirus vaccines that will protect against both known phleboviruses but also newly emerging phleboviruses that may have pandemic potential.
Bridging the extant and fossil record of planktonic foraminifera: implications for the Globigerina lineage
Authors: Fabbrini Alessio , Greco Mattia , Iacoviello Francesco , Kucera Michal , Ezard Thomas H.G. , Wade Bridget S.
Published: November 2023

We conducted a morphometric study and wall texture analysis on extant and fossil specimens of the planktonic foraminifera Globigerina falconensis plexus. Our global data reveal morphological inconsistencies between fossil and extant populations. Our results are significant as G. falconensis is widely used in palaeoceanographic studies in conjunction with its sister taxon G. bulloides. Morphologically these two species are similar, with the main difference being the distinctive apertural lip present in G. falconensis. We selected cores covering the entire stratigraphic range of G. falconensis, from the early Miocene to current day, spanning sites from high latitudes in the North Atlantic Ocean and the southern Indian Ocean to sites in equatorial regions. The morphology found in the modern ocean is not consistent with the Miocene holotype of Globigerina falconensis Blow described from lower Miocene sediments in Venezuela. A more lobate morphology evolved in the late Miocene, thus, a new name is required for this morphotype, coexisting in the modern oceans with G. falconensis s.s. We thus describe the new morphospecies, G. neofalconensis for the more lobate forms which evolved in the late Miocene and inhabit the modern oceans. Additionally, we report a pseudocancellate wall texture present in the G. falconensis plexus. We use the molecular sequences from the PR2 database to explore the generic attribution of the G. falconensis lineage, confirming its close relationship with G. bulloides and its retention in the genus Globigerina.
The TaSOC1‐TaVRN1 module integrates photoperiod and vernalization signals to regulate wheat flowering
Authors: Luo Xumei , Liu Bingyan , Xie Li , Wang Ke , Xu Dengan , Tian Xiuling , Xie Lina , Li Lingli , Ye Xingguo , He Zhonghu , Xia Xianchun , Yan Liuling , Cao Shuanghe
Published: November 2023

Wheat needs different durations of vernalization, which accelerates flowering by exposure to cold temperature, to ensure reproductive development at the optimum time, as that is critical for adaptability and high yield. TaVRN1 is the central flowering regulator in the vernalization pathway and encodes a MADS‐box transcription factor (TF) that usually works by forming hetero‐ or homo‐dimers. We previously identified that TaVRN1 bound to an MADS‐box TF TaSOC1 whose orthologues are flowering activators in other plants. The specific function of TaSOC1 and the biological implication of its interaction with TaVRN1 remained unknown. Here, we demonstrated that TaSOC1 was a flowering repressor in the vernalization and photoperiod pathways by overexpression and knockout assays. We confirmed the physical interaction between TaSOC1 and TaVRN1 in wheat protoplasts and in planta, and further validated their genetic interplay. A Flowering Promoting Factor 1‐like gene TaFPF1‐2B was identified as a common downstream target of TaSOC1 and TaVRN1 through transcriptome and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses. TaSOC1 competed with TaVRT2, another MADS‐box flowering regulator, to bind to TaVRN1; their coding genes synergistically control TaFPF1‐2B expression and flowering initiation in response to photoperiod and low temperature. We identified major haplotypes of TaSOC1 and found that TaSOC1‐Hap1 conferred earlier flowering than TaSOC1‐Hap2 and had been subjected to positive selection in wheat breeding. We also revealed that wheat SOC1 family members were important domestication loci and expanded by tandem and segmental duplication events. These findings offer new insights into the regulatory mechanism underlying flowering control along with useful genetic resources for wheat improvement.
Should children receive a kidney transplant before 2 years of age?
Authors: Kizilbash Sarah J. , Evans Michael D. , Vock David M. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Chavers Blanche M.
Published: November 2023

Background

The optimal age of kidney transplantation for infants and toddlers with kidney failure is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the patient survival associated with kidney transplantation before 2 years of age versus remaining on the waitlist until ≥2 years.

Method

We used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to identify all children added to the deceased‐donor waitlist before 2 years of age between 1/1/2000 and 4/30/2020. For each case aged <2 years at transplant, we created a control group comprising all candidates on the waitlist on the case's transplant date. Patient survival was evaluated using sequential Cox regression. Dialysis‐free time was defined as graft survival time for cases and the sum of dialysis‐free time on the waitlist and graft survival time for controls.

Results

We observed similar patient survival for posttransplant periods 0–3 and 4–12 months but higher survival for period >12 months for <2‐year decreased‐donor recipients (aHR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.13–0.78; p = .01) compared with controls. Similarly, patient survival was higher for <2‐year living‐donor recipients for posttransplant period >12 months (aHR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06–0.73; p = .01). The 5‐year dialysis‐free survival was higher for <2‐year deceased‐ (difference: 0.59 years; 95% CI: 0.23–0.93) and living‐donor (difference: 1.84 years; 95% CI: 1.31–2.25) recipients.

Conclusion

Kidney transplantation in children <2 years of age is associated with improved patient survival and reduced dialysis exposure compared with remaining on the waitlist until ≥2 years.
Making partners in the city: impact of urban soil P enrichment on the partnership between an invasive herb and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a tropical city
Authors: Méndez D. S. , Ramos‐Zapata J. , Estrada‐Medina H. , Carmona D.
Published: November 2023

The mutualistic relationship between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is essential for optimal plant nutrition, enabling plants to better withstand biotic and abiotic stressors and enhancing survival, reproduction, and colonization of new environments. Activities, such as soil enrichment or compaction, may decrease the benefits of AM fungi for plants, potentially reducing interactions in urban environments. Here, we examine this prediction by studying how urbanization alters AM interactions with the invasive herb Ruellia nudiflora (Acanthaceae).

We collected soil and plants from deep urban sites (DUS; e.g., sidewalks), open urban sites (OUS; parks), and rural sites (RS) to analyse soil nutrient content, plant morphology, AM colonization rates, spore density, richness, and diversity.

Contrary to predicted, DUS had the lowest soil nutrient concentration, except for phosphorus, reducing AM colonization. This supports the prediction of reduced AM interactions in urban environments. We also found that potassium affects the AM association. Urban plants had smaller and more compact root systems compared to their rural counterparts, but there were no discernible differences in AM fungi communities between urban and rural environments.

Phosphorus enrichment in sidewalks is the main driver of reductionof R. nudiflora‐AM fungi interactions in Mérida. More studies are needed to gain a better understanding of how AM fungi contribute to plant colonization in urban environments.
Empirical research on polycentric governance: Critical gaps and a framework for studying long‐term change
Authors: Baldwin Elizabeth , Thiel Andreas , McGinnis Michael , Kellner Elke
Published: November 2023

Polycentric governance (PG) describes governance systems characterized by multiple, interdependent centers of decision‐making, offering an alternative to centralized governance models. PG is often assumed to be effective at helping policy actors address complex collective action problems, but burgeoning empirical literature on PG shows that it is not a panacea – PG is associated with both positive and negative governance outcomes. In this article, we ask: what do we know about why PG performs well in some cases but not in others? We start with a systematic review, synthesizing findings that provide empirical support for positive and negative features that are theorized to accompany PG. Our review reveals a critical gap in relation to our understanding of PG: the existing empirical literature largely fails to address change and evolution over time in PG systems, undermining our understanding of why PG works – or does not– across different contexts and over time. To fill this gap, we propose a “Context – Operations – Outcomes – Feedbacks” (COOF) framework that draws explicit attention to the interplay between context, operational arrangements, outcomes and identifies feedback pathways and adjustment mechanisms that drive dynamic change and evolution over time.
Medication‐invariant resting aperiodic and periodic neural activity in Parkinson's disease
Authors: McKeown Daniel J. , Jones Manon , Pihl Camilla , Finley Anna J. , Kelley Nicholas , Baumann Oliver , Schinazi Victor R. , Moustafa Ahmed A. , Cavanagh James F. , Angus Douglas J.
Published: November 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) has been associated with greater total power in canonical frequency bands (i.e., alpha, beta) of the resting electroencephalogram (EEG). However, PD has also been associated with a reduction in the proportion of total power across all frequency bands. This discrepancy may be explained by aperiodic activity (exponent and offset) present across all frequency bands. Here, we examined differences in the eyes‐open (EO) and eyes‐closed (EC) resting EEG of PD participants (N = 26) on and off medication, and age‐matched healthy controls (CTL; N = 26). We extracted power from canonical frequency bands using traditional methods (total alpha and beta power) and extracted separate parameters for periodic (parameterized alpha and beta power) and aperiodic activity (exponent and offset). Cluster‐based permutation tests over spatial and frequency dimensions indicated that total alpha and beta power, and aperiodic exponent and offset were greater in PD participants, independent of medication status. After removing the exponent and offset, greater alpha power in PD (vs. CTL) was only present in EO recordings and no reliable differences in beta power were observed. Differences between PD and CTL in the resting EEG are likely driven by aperiodic activity, suggestive of greater relative inhibitory neural activity and greater neuronal spiking. Our findings suggest that resting EEG activity in PD is characterized by medication‐invariant differences in aperiodic activity which is independent of the increase in alpha power with EO. This highlights the importance of considering aperiodic activity contributions to the neural correlates of brain disorders.