bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The psychometric properties of the Iranian version of Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Jenabi Ensiyeh , Rabiei Niloofar , Seyedi Mahdieh , Rezaei Mohammad , Soltanian Ali Reza , Bashirian Saeid , Salehi Amir Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the social communication questionnaire (SCQ) in Iran by identifying children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who had Persian-speaking parents.

Design/methodology/approach

A case–control study was performed from June to August 2021 in Hamadan, Iran. The case group consisted of children who were examined by clinicians who used a coding scheme based on the DSM-V criteria for ASD by a psychiatrist. The control group consisted of non-ASD children who were asked to participate in the study. This study conducted the reliability, content and face validity to evaluate the psychometric properties of the tool. In the first step, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and Bartlett’s test were used to determine sampling adequacy and appropriateness of correlation matrix. In the second step, the exploratory factor analysis approach was used. The method of extracting the factors is done by using the varimax rotation method and selecting the number of factors using an eigenvalue and scree plot. Statistical analysis was performed using Software Package for Social Sciences 21 with the statistical significance set at level less than 0.05.

Findings

The quantitative content validity analysis revealed that the mean of content validity ratio and content validity index were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively. Mean score ± standard deviation in the two groups of ASD and control were 14.23 ± 3.84 and 7.83 ± 4.80, respectively. With cut-off point >12.5, sensitivity, specificity and misclassification error values were 73.33%, 80.0% and 23%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The results showed that the internal consistency of the SCQ is desirable. Also, the internal consistency of its five subscales was obtained between 0.700 and 0.87. The findings showed that SCQ questionnaire is highly reliable in reciprocal social interaction (Factor 1) and the total score, while other factors were relatively reliable.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper on psychometric properties of SCQ in ASD children in Iran.
The role of blockchain technology in the process of decision-making in human resource management: a review and future research agenda
Authors: Ramachandran Rukma , Babu Vimal , Murugesan Vijaya Prabhagar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the extensive literature on blockchain technology (BT) and human resource management (HRM) in enterprises and set the future scope of research in the adoption of BT in HRM.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework-based review of the literature (Callahan, 2014; Paul and Criado, 2020) is adopted for the present study. The 6 W-Framework developed by Callahan (2014) is used for the development of a conceptual framework on BT and HRM and could address HRM issues through the applications of BT.

Findings

This study focused on the major HR issues, i.e., regulation, staffing and development, and change management. These issues were categorized into sub-categories. The major implementation of BT in HRM is highlighted. The study developed a framework to aid HR professionals in implementing blockchain in the decision-making process of HRM.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is limited to the bias on the part of employers in providing feedback and data feeding. Blockchain being at its infancy stage did not allow much of pieces of literary works to be introduced.

Practical implications

Implementation of ledger technology in managerial functions will reduce the time, money and effort required by potential recruiters and HR professionals. Using this technology, the time and cost required to verify and sort the right potential can be reduced.

Originality/value

The present work offers benefits to HR professionals and practitioners by expediting the process of effective decision-making of HRM employing BT.
The role of compensation in shaping employee’s behaviour: a mediation study through job satisfaction during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Aman-Ullah Attia , Aziz Azelin , Ibrahim Hadziroh , Mehmood Waqas , Aman-Ullah Attiqa
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This research aimed to study the impact of compensation on employee retention and turnover intentions among healthcare employees. The study also tested the mediation role of job satisfaction in the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, self-administrated questionnaires were distributed among 600 doctors working in public hospitals of Pakistan, following stratified sampling. The data analysis was conducted through SPSS and smart-PLS.

Findings

Results of the present study supported all the hypotheses (H1–H7), such as the significant relationship of compensation with employee retention and turnover intentions. Results further confirmed the mediation effect of job satisfaction between compensation and employee retention as well as compensation and turnover intentions.

Practical implications

This study is useful for policymakers and organizational managers since the study provides guidelines on employee retention and high turnover intentions and how these factors are influenced by improved compensation.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the relationship of compensation together with employee retention and turnover intentions through the mediating role of job satisfaction in healthcare context, which was overlooked in the existing literature.
Oral pregabalin is effective as preemptive analgesia in abdominal hysterectomy—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: da Silva Fabrício Gomes , Podestá Márcia Helena Miranda Cardoso , Silva Thayná Coelho , de Barros Carlos Marcelo , de Carvalho Breno Fialho Vitarelli , dos Reis Tiago Marques , Espósito Milena Carla , Marrafon Danielle Aparecida Ferreira de Oliveira , Nogueira Denismar Alves , Diwan Sudhir , Ceron Carla Speroni , Torres Larissa Helena
Published: November 2022

Postoperative pain is one of the main negative symptoms resulting from surgery and the use of new methods to control this symptom is of ever‐increasing relevance. Opioid‐sparing strategies, such as multimodal analgesia, are trends in this scenario. Pregabalin is a well‐established treatment for neuropathic pain; however, it is still controversial in the surgical context for postoperative analgesia. This study investigated the effect of pregabalin on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. It is a prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Female patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy were randomised to use pregabalin (group P1), 300 mg orally 2 h before surgery, or identical placebo pills (group P0). The main outcome includes the postoperative pain index by visual analogue scale (VAS) and McGill's pain questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include opioid consumption and the presence of adverse effects. A value of p < 0.05 was used to reject type I error. Fifty‐five patients were randomised amongst the groups. Patients in group P1 had lower pain rates by VAS scale, both at rest and in active motion, than group P0. In McGill's questionnaire, patients from group P1 also had lower pain rates (12 × 28.5). There was approximately twice as much opioid consumption amongst patients in group P0. Regarding side effects, there was a difference between the two groups only for dizziness, being more incident in group P1. This study suggests that pregabalin is an important adjuvant drug in treating postoperative pain in patients with abdominal hysterectomy.
Shrinking the United Kingdom: Rebranding the Realm after the Secession of the Irish Free State
Authors: Torrance David
Published: November 2022

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a century old, but while the secession of (much of) Ireland in the early 1920s has received substantial historical attention, its impact on the UK has been largely ignored. This article considers how the ‘official mind’ approached the issue of nomenclature before and after 6 December 1922, the point at which the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland) came into existence. Through analysis of archival documents and public discourse, it is shown that discussion initially focussed on the King's style and titles before being extended to how the UK Parliament at Westminster was described. The influence of the Free State in these discussions is considered, as is the primary legislation which finally altered the royal and parliamentary titles in 1927.
Gaia, psyche and deep ecology
Authors: Fellows Andrew
Published: November 2022

This article identifies a remarkable degree of consilience between aspects of classical Jungian theory, dual‐aspect monism, Earth System science and deep ecology, despite their mostly independent formulation. The resulting synergy offers a radically different and urgently needed worldview based on respectful relationship with, rather than hubristic domination of, the other‐than‐human world. This metanoia, rooted in psychology, science and metaphysics, informs practical change without being conventionally political or moralistic.

Circumscribing the Pauli‐Jung conjecture to our inner and outer worlds – the human psyche and this planet respectively – reveals qualitative correlations between their dynamics, structure and pathologies. In particular, the comparable roles of ego in the psyche and of humankind in the Earth System link our modern monotheism of consciousness, that Jung decried, with the advent of the Anthropocene epoch. This connection is explored over time by applying Jung's stages of life developmental theory, with its crucial mid‐life enantiodromia, to our civilization. It contrasts our heroic development to date with future adaptation through what I call frugal individuation, and attributes our persistent failure to address dangers such as the climate emergency to a combination of inertia, nostalgia and hubris. Finally, parallels are drawn between Jungian individuation and the philosophy of the long‐range deep ecology movement.
Psyche within the matrix of the natural world: weaving the inner and outer
Authors: Holifield Barbara
Published: November 2022

This paper explores a way of relating to self, others, and the land rooted in embodied affectivity. It explores the way in which our emotions are an inherent part of the natural world and why attention to them matters regarding the environmental crisis. Recognizing the parallel between the prevailing attitudes of Western culture towards the Earth and towards our bodies, the paper offers an alternative paradigm through a poem by a Diné woman. The poem expresses how the Diné culture honours the Earth by seeking to cultivate the beauty and wisdom intrinsic to it within the body, mind, and spirit of the individual. Interwoven in the essay are images that express the land’s power and its uncanny ability to resonate with emotional states. This resonance can help us come to know and work with those states that, on the one hand, threaten to overwhelm us, while at the same time, potentially infusing us with the wisdom of their terrible and astonishing beauty. Drawing from affective neuroscience’s emphasis on the primacy and embodied basis of emotion, the paper discusses how interoceptive awareness enhances emotional discernment as well as consciousness of one’s way of inhabiting and responding to the Earth, including the threatening forces of climate change.
Metformin and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A hidden treasure
Authors: Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Nadwa Eman Hassan , Albogami Sarah M. , Alorabi Mohammed , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: November 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder due to the reduction of insulin sensitivity and relative deficiency of insulin secretion. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) superfamily and was initially identified as macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 (MIC‐1). GDF15 is considered a cytokine with an anti‐inflammatory effect and increases insulin sensitivity, reduces body weight, and improves clinical outcomes in diabetic patients. GDF15 acts through stimulation of glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor α‐like (GFRAL), which is highly expressed in the brain stem to induce taste aversion. Metformin belongs to the group of biguanides that are derived from the plant Galega officinalis. It is interesting to note that metformin is an insulin‐sensitizing agent used as a first‐line therapy for T2DM that has been shown to increase the circulating level of GDF15. Thus, the present review aims to determine the critical association of the GDF15 biomarker in T2DM and how metformin agents affect it. This review illustrates that metformin activates GDF15 expression, which reduces appetite and leads to weight loss in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, the present review cannot give a conclusion in this regard. Therefore, experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies are warranted to confirm the potential role of GDF15 in T2DM patients.
Computed tomography and anatomy of the abdominal structures in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
Authors: de Oliveira Fernanda Gabriela , Schimming Bruno Cesar , da Costa Isis Pinto , da Silva Jeana Pereira , de Lima Heloísa Coppini , Cardoso Eduardo Burgarelli Mayrink , da Silva Suelen Lorena , da Silva Alves Lidiane , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline
Published: November 2022

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the largest of the Neotropical vermilinguans. This animal is the second mammal most frequently run over on the roads of Cerrado biome, Brazil. Therefore, it is pivotal to know the anatomy of this species to contribute to the clinical care of these animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the abdominal region of the giant anteater using computed tomography (CT). For this, the tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in the craniocaudal direction in five giant anteaters. Moreover, four giant anteater corpses were used for anatomical studies, where two corpses were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 3 cm each, and two animals were dissected to identify the abdominal organs. The association between CT and anatomical study allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the abdominal cavity, such as the topographic anatomy facilitates the identification of organs on CT images. The findings of this study demonstrated that CT is a good technique to provide detailed information about the anatomical structures in the abdominal cavity and that this study can be used as CT and anatomical reference for veterinarians who care for wild animals.
Active screening for lung cancer increases smoking abstinence in Australia
Authors: Marshall Henry M. , Vemula Mounavi , Hay Karen , McCaul Elizabeth , Passmore Linda , Yang Ian A. , Bowman Rayleen V. , Fong Kwun M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Smoking cessation is an important screening component, but the evidence base to inform implementation is lacking. We report longitudinal smoking behavior in an Australian screening cohort and examine predictor variables associated with continued smoking.

Methods

Healthy current or former smokers (quit less than 15 years and ≥30‐pack year smoking history) aged 60–74 years underwent CT screening at baseline, year 1 and year 2. Participants received brief smoking cessation advice and generic Quitline materials. Smoking status was self‐reported every 6 months for 5 years. Mediators of smoking behavior, adjusted for sociodemographic, health and scan variables were explored using logistic regression modeling.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐five participants were analyzed. One hundred eight (46%) were current smokers at enrolment. At baseline, current smokers’ mean Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was 4.9, and they had higher levels of lung cancer‐specific distress and passive smoke exposure than former smokers. At 36 months, 33% of baseline smokers achieved sustained (≥6 months) smoking abstinence. Five (4%) former smokers relapsed at any point during the study. Continued smoking was positively associated with greater nicotine dependence and smoking pack‐years, and negatively associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and lung cancer family history.

Conclusions

This study provides the first data on smoking cessation rates in Australian lung cancer screenees and supports screening as a teachable moment. We identify several factors that identify smokers who may require more intensive smoking cessation interventions and could be used to develop effective smoking cessation as part of lung cancer screening, tailored to individual risk profiles.
Control of blood glucose levels by an artificial pancreas in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia
Authors: Tokuhira Natsuko , Uchiyama Akinori , Hoshino Taiki , Kubo Naoko , Ishigaki Suguru , Enokidani Yusuke , Sakaguchi Ryota , Koyama Yukiko , Fujino Yuji
Published: November 2022

Background

Many patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia experience hyperglycemia. It is often difficult to control blood glucose (BG) levels in such patients using standard intravenous insulin infusion therapy. Therefore, we used an artificial pancreas. This study aimed to compare the BG status of the artificial pancreas with that of standard therapy.

Methods

Fifteen patients were included in the study. BG values and the infusion speed of insulin and glucose by the artificial pancreas were collected. Arterial BG and administration rates of insulin, parenteral sugar, and enteral sugar were recorded during the artificial pancreas and standard therapy. The target BG level was 200 mg/dl.

Results

Arterial BG was highly correlated with BG data from the artificial pancreas. A higher BG slightly increased the difference between the BG data from the artificial pancreas and arterial BS. No significant difference in arterial BG was observed between the artificial pancreas and standard therapy. However, the standard deviation with the artificial pancreas was smaller than that under standard therapy (p < 0.0001). More points within the target BG range were achieved with the artificial pancreas (180–220 mg/dl) than under standard therapy. The hyperglycemic index of the artificial pancreas (8.7 ± 15.6 mg/dl) was lower than that of standard therapy (16.0 ± 21.5 mg/dl) (p = 0.0387). No incidence of hypoglycemia occurred under the artificial pancreas.

Conclusions

The rate of achieving target BG was higher using artificial pancreas than with standard therapy. An artificial pancreas helps to control BG in critically ill patients.
D3 lymph node dissection with versus without left colic artery preservation in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectosigmoid cancer: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Hiranuma Chikashi , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Hirano Yasumitu , Hattori Masakazu , Douden Kenji
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In surgery for colorectal cancer, dissection of the lymph nodes and fatty tissue around the root of the inferior mesenteric artery is important from an oncologic point of view. However, it is debatable whether it is better to preserve or remove the left colic artery (LCA). This study aimed to compare D3 lymphadenectomy with versus without LCA preservation in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectosigmoid cancer.

Methods

A total of 1138 patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancer between April 2011 and December 2018 at Fukui Prefectural Hospital. This propensity score‐matched retrospective study analyzed the data of 163 patients: 42 patients with LCA preservation (group A) and 129 without LCA preservation (group B). Clinical and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups A and B in patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, including the 5‐year overall survival rate (75% vs. 64.2%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–4.30), 5‐year disease‐free survival rate (85.7% vs. 85.7%, HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.24–4.22), and 5‐year cancer‐specific survival rate (92.8% vs. 89.3%, HR 1.50, 95% CI 0.25–11.4).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients who underwent single‐incision laparoscopic surgery with D3 lymphadenectomy with versus without LCA preservation. This suggests that LCA preservation is safe and feasible in single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectosigmoid colon cancer.
Application of sarunashi (Actinidia arguta) juices extracted at different ripening stages for Japanese Shorthorn steer meat tenderization
Authors: Muramoto Takayuki , Nishimura Miu
Published: November 2022

We investigated the effects of juices of sarunashi (Actinidia arguta) at varying ripening stages (unripe, force‐ripe, ripe, and over‐ripe) on textural properties and water holding capacity after application to the supraspinatus muscle meat from Japanese Shorthorn steers (n = 6). Following drip and cooking loss measurements, we analyzed the maximum load, gumminess load, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness of the muscle samples. Drip loss did not differ significantly among the groups; however, cooking loss in the over‐ripe group was higher than that in the other groups. The maximum load and gumminess load in the over‐ripe group were significantly lower than those in the unripe group, but no significant difference was observed for the others. There were no differences in cohesiveness and adhesiveness among the groups. Over‐ripened sarunashi juices were found to be more effective for beef tenderization than unripened fruit juice.
Exploring the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for dental presentations in Australian general practice—A pilot study
Authors: Teoh Leanne , Hopcraft Matthew , McCullough Michael , Manski‐Nankervis Jo‐Anne , Biezen Ruby
Published: November 2022

Aims

Dental pain is a common presentation in general medical practice for which patients are often prescribed antibiotics. The aim of this pilot study was to assess prescriptions by general medical practitioners (GPs) for dental presentations in Australia.

Methods

Anonymised electronic medical data relating to antibiotic prescribing across 2 periods (3 August–30 November 2019 and 3 August–30 November 2020) were extracted from 8 general practices in Victoria that contributed data to the University of Melbourne's Data for Decisions programme. Extracted de‐identified data included antibiotics prescribed for dental presentations, practice site number, visit date, patient age, sex, reason for prescription, reason for visit and the regimen of the antibiotic. Appropriateness of the prescribed antibiotic was assessed against the Australian national dental guidelines Therapeutic Guidelines Oral and Dental.

Results

From 13 641 recorded prescriptions, 178 were recorded for dental presentations, representing 1.3% of all antibiotic prescriptions. When assessed against the guidelines, 23.6% (n = 42) were considered appropriate. The top 3 most commonly prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin (n = 84, 47.2%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (n = 52, 29.2%) and metronidazole (n = 15, 8.4%). The reasons for inappropriate prescribing were as follows: third‐line treatment being chosen, inappropriate spectrum, incorrect regimen or prescribing an antibiotic not recommended in the guidelines.

Conclusion

These results indicate a need to better understand the potential patient drivers for antibiotic prescription for GPs and patients, and resources GPs need to manage dental presentations. These results will inform the codesign of targeted interventions to address any educational gaps and barriers to accessing dental treatment and thus improving antibiotic prescribing.
Leader expectations facilitate employee pro‐environmental behavior
Authors: Nie Qi , Peng Jian , Yu Guangyu
Published: November 2022

Faced with increasing global environmental problems, organizational scholars and practitioners have increasingly considered how to promote employee pro‐environmental behavior. This research seeks to expand our understanding of the facilitators of employee pro‐environmental behavior from the perspective of leader expectations. Drawing on behavioral confirmation theory, we propose that leader pro‐environmental expectations are expressed in active support for the environment, which subsequently facilitates employee pro‐environmental behavior, thus rising to meet the leader's initial expectations. Furthermore, we argue that the above relationship becomes stronger with the increase in employees' pro‐environmental self‐expectations. Based on data from 197 leader‐employee dyads, the results of regression analysis showed that leader pro‐environmental expectations are positively related to employee pro‐environmental behavior via demonstrated leader support for the environment, and this indirect relationship is positively moderated by employee pro‐environmental self‐expectations. When an employee holds high pro‐environmental expectations for himself or herself, a leader with high pro‐environmental expectations will render support for the environment, which ultimately increases employee pro‐environmental behavior. Our findings highlight the relevance of incorporating behavioral confirmation theory into the pro‐environmental behavior literature and provide valuable insights for managers on how to effectively promote employee pro‐environmental behavior.
Future minds are not a challenge to anti‐natalism: A reply to Gould
Authors: Lougheed Kirk
Published: November 2022

Deke Caiñas Gould (2021) argues that the possibility of future non‐human‐like minds who are not harmed by coming into existence poses a challenge to David Benatar's well‐known Asymmetry Argument for anti‐natalism. Since the good of these future minds has the potential to outweigh the current harms of human existence, they can be appealed to in order to justify procreation. I argue that Gould's argument rests on a fundamental misunderstanding of Benatar's argument. According to the Asymmetry Argument, if a person experiences any harm at all, then bringing them into existence is unjustified. It does not depend upon on‐balance judgments about the relative harms and benefits of existence. It therefore remains impermissible to procreate right now in our world, regardless of the prospect of future humans contributing to the successful development of beings who are not harmed by existence. I conclude by addressing two alternate readings of Gould, which, for the sake of argument, permit such on‐balance judgments, and show why they fail to rescue his case. Benatar's Asymmetry Argument might be unsound, but not for any reason identified by Gould.
Soft tissue features of peri‐implant diseases and related treatment
Authors: Galarraga‐Vinueza Maria Elisa , Tavelli Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

Background

The need for soft tissue grafting at implant sites for preventing and treating peri‐implant diseases is a currently investigated and debated topic.

Purpose

The aim of this manuscript is to explore the inflammatory mechanisms at the peri‐implant soft tissue compartment, to distinguish the structural components of the peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype and their role on peri‐implant health, and to appraise the clinical indications and expected outcomes of soft tissue augmentation procedures at peri‐implant diseased sites.

Materials and Methods

This narrative review depicts the inflammatory biomarkers and mediators in the peri‐implant crevicular fluid utilized to diagnose peri‐implant disease and that have been shown to be associated with peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype modification and disease resolution. The impact of the peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype, involving keratinized mucosa (KM) width, attached mucosa (AM), mucosal thickness (MT), and supracrestal tissue height (STH), on peri‐implant health, esthetic, patient's comfort and disease prevention are discussed. The manuscript also illustrates the use of ultrasonography for the detection of peri‐implant health/disease and the evaluation of the treatment outcomes following surgical therapies.

Results

Current evidence indicates that soft tissue phenotype modification at implant sites with inadequate KM width, AM and MT can be beneficial for promoting peri‐implant health and improving patient's comfort and hygiene procedures. Treatment approaches and outcomes from the available literature on soft tissue phenotype modification in combination with conventional techniques at sites with peri‐implant mucositis or peri‐implantitis are presented and discussed in detail.

Conclusions

Soft tissue grafting can be beneficial in preventing and treating peri‐implant diseases. Clinical recommendations based on the disease, soft tissue phenotype characteristics and bone defect morphology are provided for a comprehensive hard‐ and soft‐tissue‐oriented treatment of peri‐implant disease.
Trends in cannabis use intention around the period of cannabis legalisation in Australia: An age‐period‐cohort model
Authors: Chiu Vivian , Chan Gary , Hall Wayne , Hides Leanne , Leung Janni
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study examines age, time period and birth cohort trends in cannabis use intention and weekly use in Australia over a period in which medicinal cannabis was legalised.

Methods

Hierarchical age‐period‐cohort models were used to analyse the National Drug Strategy Household Survey between 2001 and 2019, including 158,395 participants aged 18–79 years.

Results

The hierarchical age‐period‐cohort model demonstrated a decrease in likelihood of intending to try cannabis as age increases. Similar age effects were found in intending to use cannabis as often or less often. There was broad‐based shift in attitudes for people wanting to try cannabis (2007: b = −0.51 [−0.82, −0.21]; 2019: b = 0.68 [0.38, 0.98]) or use cannabis more often (2007: b = −0.15 [−0.50, 0.20]; 2019: b = 0.83 [0.49, 1.18]). The population trend of weekly cannabis use decreased in the earlier periods but increased since 2013 (b = −0.13 [−0.25, −0.02] vs 2019: b = 0.06 [−0.09, 0.20]). This suggests that legalisation would increase uptake of cannabis and consumption among current consumers. There were distinctive inter‐generation variations: people born between 1950s and 1960s had more liberal views towards cannabis use than people born before or after (p < 0.05). There were indications that young people born in the 1990 s are catching up with the baby boomers in using cannabis more often if it was legal.

Discussion and Conclusions

There has been a population‐based shift in Australia in favourable attitudes towards cannabis use, more so among those born in the 1950s to 1960s than other generations. Liberal attitudes and more frequent cannabis use may put certain cohorts at higher risks of cannabis dependence and related harms.
maea affects head formation through ß‐catenin degradation during early Xenopus laevis development
Authors: Goto Toshiyasu , Shibuya Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Canonical Wnt signalling plays important roles in early embryogenesis, such as axis formation due to its activation and head formation due to its inhibition. ß‐catenin protein stability is a key factor in canonical Wnt signalling. Several E3 ubiquitin ligases contribute to ß‐catenin degradation through the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We characterised an E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, Xenopus laevis macrophage erythroblast attacher (maea), during early development. maea transcripts were ubiquitously detected in early embryos. The expression levels of the Wnt target genes nodal homolog 3, gene 1 (nodal3.1), and siamois homeodomain 1 (sia1), which were induced by injection with ß‐catenin mRNA, were reduced by maea.S mRNA co‐injection. maea.S overexpression at the anterior dorsal region enlarged head structures, whereas Maea knockdown interfered with head formation in Xenopus embryos. Maea.S decreased and ubiquitinated ß‐catenin protein. ß‐catenin‐4KRs protein, which mutated the four lysine (K) residues known as ubiquitinated sites to arginine (R) residues, was also ubiquitinated and degraded by Maea.S. These findings suggest that Maea contributes to β‐catenin degradation by ubiquitination of unknown lysine residues in early Xenopus development.
Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kawashima Shusuke , Togashi Yosuke
Published: November 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have contributed significantly to the treatment of various types of cancer, including skin cancer. However, not all patients respond; some patients do not respond at all (primary resistance), while others experience recurrence after the initial response (acquired resistance). Therefore, overcoming ICI resistance is an urgent priority. Numerous ICI resistance mechanisms have been reported. They are seemingly quite complex, varying from patient to patient. However, most involve T‐cell activation processes, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME). ICIs exert their effects in the TME by reactivating suppressed T cells through inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules, such as cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1). Thus, this review focuses on the resistance mechanisms based on the T‐cell activation process. Here, we classify the main mechanisms of ICI resistance into three categories based on (1) antigen recognition, (2) T‐cell migration and infiltration, and (3) effector functions of T cells. By identifying and understanding these resistance mechanisms individually, including unknown mechanisms, we seek to contribute to the development of novel treatments to overcome ICI resistance.
Back to the future: Climate change effects on habitat suitability of Parnassius apollo throughout the Quaternary glacial cycles
Authors: Sbaraglia Claudio , Samraoui Kenz Raouf , Massolo Alessandro , Bartoňová Alena Sucháčková , Konvička Martin , Fric Zdeněk Faltýnek
Published: November 2022

Alpine grasslands above the treeline are severely threatened by climate change, mainly due to forest expansion driven by warmer conditions. Analogous lowland grasslands experience severe reductions due to land‐use abandonment and forest encroachment.

To address how climate change impacted open‐areas insects, we used Parnassius apollo as a model, a butterfly with wide Palearctic distribution inhabiting both alpine and low‐altitude steppe grasslands. We modelled upper Pleistocene range changes from the Last Interglacial (130 Kya) to the present and future (2050/2070), using medium and high greenhouse gas emission rates for the latter.

We combined bioclimatic variables (Worldclim, Paleoclim, Chelsa) with distribution records of P. apollo and two of its most often used larval host plants (Sedum album; Hylotelephium telephium) to formulate species distribution models (SDMs) via the Maximum entropy method.

We estimated a substantial range expansion during cold periods (last glacial maximum, 22 Kya) and contractions in warmer periods. Including the host plants in the models brought reduced suitable areas estimate, possibly due to differences in climatic requirements of hosts and the butterfly. Future projections of the extent of suitable climates are surprisingly better than would be expected from a warming climate, likely because the current distribution, especially at lower elevations, is probably restricted by habitat loss due to land abandonment and afforestation.

We recommend preventing afforestation in critical habitats across Europe and Asia, and increasing survey activities to perform more accurate SDMs.
Cost evaluation of the Merlin assay for predicting melanoma sentinel lymph node biopsy metastasis
Authors: Thao Viengneesee , Dholakia Ruchita , Moriarty James P. , Borah Bijan J. , Dwarkasing Jvalini , Meves Alexander
Published: November 2022

Background

The Merlin assay for melanoma‐risk assessment has become commercially available to reduce the rate of unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in SLNB‐eligible patients with cutaneous melanoma. Merlin low‐risk patients are recommended to undergo wide local excision (WLE) of the primary tumor, whereas Merlin high‐risk patients are recommended to undergo both SLNB and WLE. Here, we compared the cost of a Merlin testing strategy to that of a no‐testing strategy (usual care) before prescribing SLNB.

Methods

We identified T1 and T2 patients who underwent WLE and SLNB but not completion lymph node dissection between 2007 and 2018. Controls were T1 patients who only underwent WLE. Costs for WLE and SLNB were calculated by converting institutional cost data to standardized Medicare reimbursement rates. We then developed a decision tree to compare the cost of Merlin testing to that of a no‐testing strategy (usual care).

Results

The average standardized cost of WLE was $2066, whereas the cost of WLE and SLNB was $11,976 based on Medicare rates. At a cost below $7350 for T1b melanoma and $4600 for T1b to T2 melanoma, Merlin testing was cost‐saving compared to a no‐testing strategy (usual care), assuming Medicare reimbursement rates.

Conclusion

Merlin testing for T1b and T2 melanoma is potentially cost saving depending on the cost of the molecular assay and SLNB reimbursement rates. In addition to being cost saving, Merlin is expected to improve health‐related quality of life.
Effect of heat‐treatment times on the microstructure and water absorption properties of sea cucumber
Authors: Yu Xiliang , Wei Shibiao , Zhao Meiyu , Li Yanxin , Huang Yizhen , Kunihiko Konno , Dong Xiuping
Published: November 2022

In order to explore the relationship between water absorption properties and microstructure changes of sea cucumber body wall with different heat treatments. The microstructure, rheological characteristics and hydrogen bond content changes of sea cucumber body wall at different heat‐treatment times (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h) were investigated, as well as the distribution and phase of water during the soaking. The results showed that the heat treatment for 4 and 6 h mainly caused fibre fracture which led to more water binding sites and free water content. With prolonged heat‐treatment times, the degree of denaturation increases. The micro‐pores formed at 10 h heat treatment could accommodate the highest free water content, and the network structure was more intensive at 12 h with decreased porosity. The apparent viscosity, storage and loss modulus gradually decreased with heat‐treatment time, and the liquidity increased. Extended heat‐treatment time led to the breakage of the microstructure, and the longer time required for its free water and immobile water content to reach the maximum. However, the trend of bound water was the opposite.
Effect of phosphorylated long‐chain inulin on the dough rheology and steamed bread quality
Authors: Zhao Yingyu , Luo Denglin , Yue Chonghui , Wang Libo , Xiang Jinle , Guo Jinying , Li Peiyan , Huang Jihong , Zhang Kangyi
Published: November 2022

Long‐chain inulin is found to damage the quality of flour products even at low addition amounts due to its molecular structure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of modified long‐chain inulin on the properties of the dough and steamed bread. The rheological properties of dough, as well as the structure, moisture distribution and retrogradation enthalpy of the steamed bread, were evaluated with a rheometer, a texture analyser, low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance and a spectrometer differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The results showed that the phosphorylation of long‐chain inulin (PFXL) addition in wheat flour could decrease the G′ and G′′ of the dough, which exerted different effects depending on the substitution level. The addition of PFXL (≤5.0%) contributed to a uniform crumb with well‐distributed cells of steamed bread. During the storage of steamed bread, PFXL slowed down the retrogradation process, especially at 5% of substitution level. In conclusion, the phosphorylation of long‐chain inulin is an effective method to broaden its potential applications such as improving the nutritional and textural quality of steamed bread.
The fabrication and characterisation of surimi gel modified by konjac glucomannan with the different hydrolysis degree
Authors: Zhu Shichen , Wei Chuanshuang , Jin Yan , Feng Yuan , Yang Qing , Wei Zhengpeng , Liu Shulai , Jia Shiliang , Ding Yuting , Zhou Xuxia
Published: November 2022

The gel performance of surimi‐based products is indispensable technological attribute responsible for their high popularity. Here, surimi gels with tunable gel properties were successfully fabricated based on the double network theory. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) hydrolysed for various periods (0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 min) was introduced into surimi systems. Corresponding structural characterisations including FTIR, XRD, SDS‐PAGE and grafting degree assessment, were conducted to confirm the presence of double crosslinking reactions. Furthermore, the gel strength, dynamic rheology, thermal stability and in vitro digestibility of the surimi gels were investigated. Red shifts in the amide A band and an increase in relative intensity indicated that hydrogen bonding existed in the complex systems, according to the FTIR spectra. The XRD patterns suggested that the crystalline structures were weakened by interfering with the protein chain arrangement due to the Maillard reaction. In addition, SDS‐PAGE and o‐phthalaldehyde (OPA) assays also confirmed that myofibrillar protein and hydrolysed KGM were partially linked by covalent bonding. The SK‐2 group showed the greatest mechanical strength and lowest digestibility amongst all groups due to its dense hierarchical structure. This work may provide inspiration for the design and development of surimi gels with improved gel properties via microarchitectural modulation.
The formation and function of the neutrophil phagosome
Authors: Naish Emily , Wood Alexander JT , Stewart Andrew P , Routledge Matthew , Morris Andrew Conway , Chilvers Edwin R , Lodge Katharine M
Published: November 2022

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating leukocyte and are crucial to the initial innate immune response to infection. One of their key pathogen‐eliminating mechanisms is phagocytosis, the process of particle engulfment into a vacuole‐like structure called the phagosome. The antimicrobial activity of the phagocytic process results from a collaboration of multiple systems and mechanisms within this organelle, where a complex interplay of ion fluxes, pH, reactive oxygen species, and antimicrobial proteins creates a dynamic antimicrobial environment. This complexity, combined with the difficulties of studying neutrophils ex vivo, has led to gaps in our knowledge of how the neutrophil phagosome optimizes pathogen killing. In particular, controversy has arisen regarding the relative contribution and integration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase‐derived antimicrobial agents and granule‐delivered antimicrobial proteins. Clinical syndromes arising from dysfunction in these systems in humans allow useful insight into these mechanisms, but their redundancy and synergy add to the complexity. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the formation and function of the neutrophil phagosome, examine new insights into the phagosomal environment that have been permitted by technological advances in recent years, and discuss aspects of the phagocytic process that are still under debate.
The effect of the modality principle to support learning with virtual reality: An eye‐tracking and electrodermal activity study
Authors: Liberman Liat , Dubovi Ilana
Published: November 2022

Background

Virtual reality (VR) is considered a promising approach to support learning. An instructional design is essential to optimize cognitive processes. Studies show that VR has unique instructional and pedagogical requirements.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the modality principle, which was previously validated in 2D classic multimedia, for learning with VR. The modality principle states that multimedia information presented as spoken narration is superior to on‐screen text.

Methods

A prospective experimental study with two compared conditions of instruction: VR‐based learning guided by on‐screen text (n = 34) versus spoken narration (n = 28). Students' cognitive learning experiences were captured by eye‐tracking and electrodermal activity (EDA). In addition, students' knowledge was evaluated using a pre–post knowledge test.

Results and Conclusions

Overall, there was no significant difference in knowledge retention between the participants who learned with on‐screen text compared to spoken narration. However, results from the eye‐tracking analysis showed that students who learned with the on‐screen text devoted longer visual attention toward important learning activity areas of interest, suggesting a better ability to discern between relevant and irrelevant information. Conversely, students who learned with the spoken narration expressed significantly more EDA peak responses, proposing a higher cognitive load.

Implications

This study outlines that while learning with VR was effective, the modality principle might not apply to learning with VR. Moreover, the analysis of the learning process suggests even an inverse effect, favouring the provision of instructional scaffolds as on‐screen text. Future research should evaluate this effect on long‐term knowledge retention.
Alterations of long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in extracellular vesicles derived from the murine heart post‐ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Ge Xinyu , Meng Qingshu , Liu Xuan , Liu Jing , Ma Xiaoxue , Shi Shanshan , Li Mimi , Lin Fang , Liang Xiaoting , Gong Xin , Liu Zhongmin , Han Wei , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: November 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in cardiovascular diseases by delivering their RNA cargos. However, the features and possible role of the lncRNAs and mRNAs in cardiac EVs during ischemia–reperfusion (IR) remain unclear. Therefore, we performed RNA sequencing analysis to profile the features of lncRNAs and mRNAs and predicted their potential functions. Here, we demonstrated that the severity of IR injury was significantly correlated with cardiac EV production. RNA sequencing identified 73 significantly differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs (39 upregulated and 34 downregulated) and 720 DE‐mRNAs (317 upregulated and 403 downregulated). Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analysis were performed to predict the potential functions of the DE‐lncRNAs and mRNAs. The lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA network showed the possible functions of DE‐lncRNAs with DE‐mRNAs which are enriched in the pathways of T cell receptor signalling pathway and cell adhesion molecules. Moreover, the expressions of ENSMUST00000146010 and ENSMUST00000180630 were negatively correlated with the severity of IR injury. A significant positive correlation was revealed between TCONS_00010866 expression and the severity of the cardiac injury. These findings revealed the lncRNA and mRNA profiles in the heart derived EVs and provided potential targets and pathways involved in cardiac IR injury.