bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale nonlinear analysis of 3D orthogonal woven C/SiC composites based on the CT reconstruction
Authors: Du Xiyan , He Chunwang , Ma Lianhua
Published: April 2024

Due to the effects of manufacturing process, there are lots of distributed voids in the interior area of three‐dimensional (3D) woven C/SiC composites, leading to the difficulties in predictions of damage evolution and ultimate strength. In this work, the mesoscale geometry of 3D woven C/SiC composites is reconstructed based on the high‐resolution CT scanning, considering the yarn path, yarn profile, and void content. The CT‐based reconstructed model agrees well with the experimental observations. Then, the constitutive laws of mesoscale constituents and macroscale structure are established and implemented numerically by the user‐defined material subroutine UMAT. Finally, the established constitutive laws are applied for the reconstructed model, and the mesoscale and macroscale nonlinear progressive damage behavior of 3D woven C/SiC composite structures are predicted using the hierarchical multiscale method, which are also validated by the experiments. The established CT‐based multiscale computational scheme would be a potential tool for performance evaluation and design of composites.
Home‐based management on hospital re‐admission rates in COPD patients: A systematic review
Authors: Corcoran Rita , Moore Zena , Avsar Pinar , Murray Bridget
Published: April 2024

Aim

To determine the impact of home‐based management on hospital re‐admission rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

Systematic review methodology was utilized, combining meta‐analysis, where appropriate, or a narrative analysis of the data from included studies.

Data Sources

Electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and SAGE journals for primary papers, 2015 to 2021, were searched between December 2020 and March 2021, followed by hand‐searching key journals, and reference lists of retrieved papers.

Methods

The review followed the guidance of PRISMA. Data were extracted using a predesigned data extraction tool. Quality appraisal was undertaken using RevMan ‘risk of bias’ tool. Meta‐analysis was undertaken using RevMan software.

Results

This review integrates evidence from eight studies, five Random Control Trials, two observational studies and one retrospective study. The studies span three continents, Asia, Europe and North America, and include 3604 participants with COPD. Home‐based management in patients with COPD resulted in a statistically significant reduction in rates of hospital readmission. For the outcomes, length of stay and mortality, while slightly in favour of home‐based management, the results were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Given the burden of COPD on healthcare systems, and crucially on individuals, this review identified a reduction in hospital re‐admission rate, a clinically important outcome.

Impact

This study focused on the impact on hospital re‐admission rates among the COPD patient cohort when home‐based management was involved. A statistically significant reduction in rates of re‐admission to the hospital was identified. This is positive for the patient, in terms of hospital avoidance, and reduces the burden on hospital systems. Further research is needed to determine the impact on cost‐effectiveness and to quantify the most ideal type of care package that would be recommended for home‐based management.
The impact of digital technology use on nurses' professional identity and relations of power: a literature review
Authors: Knop Michael , Mueller Marius , Kaiser Stephanie , Rester Christian
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study seeks to review how the use of digital technologies in clinical nursing affects nurses' professional identity and the relations of power within clinical environments.

Design

Literature review.

Data Sources

PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched in April 2023.

Methods

We screened 874 studies in English and German, of which 15 were included in our final synthesis reflecting the scientific discourse from 1992 until 2023.

Results

Our review revealed relevant effects of digital technologies on nurses' professional identity and power relations. Few studies cover outcomes relating to identity, such as moral agency or nurses' autonomy. Most studies describe negative impacts of technology on professional identity, for example, creating a barrier between nurses and patients leading to decreased empathetic interaction. Regarding power relations, technologically skilled nurses can yield power over colleagues and patients, while depending on technology. The investigation of these effects is underrepresented.

Conclusion

Our review presents insights into the relation between technology and nurses' professional identity and prevalent power relations. For future studies, dedicated and critical investigations of digital technologies' impact on the formation of professional identity in nursing are required.

Implications for the Profession

Nurses' professional identity may be altered by digital technologies used in clinical care. Nurses, who are aware of the potential effects of digitized work environments, can reflect on the relationship of technology and the nursing profession.

Impact

The use of digital technology might lead to a decrease in nurses' moral agency and competence to shape patient‐centred care. Digital technologies seem to become an essential measure for nurses to wield power over patients and colleagues, whilst being a control mechanism. Our work encourages nurses to actively shape digital care.

Reporting Method

We adhere to the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis where applicable. EQUATOR reporting guidelines were not applicable for this type of review.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
A computable biomedical knowledge system: Toward rapidly building candidate‐directed acyclic graphs
Authors: Bai Yongmei , Shi Xuanyu , Du Jian
Published: April 2024

Aim

It is essential for health researchers to have a systematic understanding of third‐party variables that influence both the exposure and outcome under investigation, as shown by a directed acyclic graph (DAG). The traditional construction of DAGs through literature review and expert knowledge often needs to be more systematic and consistent, leading to potential biases. We try to introduce an automatic approach to building network linking variables of interest.

Methods

Large‐scale text mining from medical literature was utilized to construct a conceptual network based on the Semantic MEDLINE Database (SemMedDB). SemMedDB is a PubMed‐scale repository of the “concept‐relation‐concept” triple format. Relations between concepts are categorized as Excitatory, Inhibitory, or General.

Results

To facilitate the use of large‐scale triple sets in SemMedDB, we have developed a computable biomedical knowledge (CBK) system (https://cbk.bjmu.edu.cn/), a website that enables direct retrieval of related publications and their corresponding triples without the necessity of writing SQL statements. Three case studies were elaborated to demonstrate the applications of the CBK system.

Conclusions

The CBK system is openly available and user‐friendly for rapidly capturing a set of influencing factors for a phenotype and building candidate DAGs between exposure‐outcome variables. It could be a valuable tool to reduce the exploration time in considering relationships between variables, and constructing a DAG. A reliable and standardized DAG could significantly improve the design and interpretation of observational health research.
Risk factors for intraoperative and delayed perforation related with gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Mimura Takuya , Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Suzuki Haruhisa , Takizawa Kohei , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Takeuchi Yoji , Ishido Kenji , Hoteya Shu , Yano Tomonori , Tanaka Shinji , Kudara Norihiko , Nakagawa Masahiro , Mashimo Yumi , Ishigooka Masahiro , Fukase Kazutoshi , Shimazu Taichi , Ono Hiroyuki , Tanabe Satoshi , Kondo Hitoshi , Iishi Hiroyasu , Ninomiya Motoki , Oda Ichiro ,   the J‐WEB/EGC group
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Perforation is one of the most important complications of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). Several studies have examined risk factors for intraoperative and delayed perforations, but most were retrospective analyses with small numbers of patients.

Methods

This study represents a secondary analysis of a Japanese multicenter prospective cohort study. We investigated the factors associated with each type of perforation using 9015 patients with 9975 EGCs undergoing ESD between July 2010 and June 2012.

Results

Intraoperative perforation occurred in 198 patients (2.2%) with 203 lesions (2.0%), necessitating emergency surgery for four lesions (0.04% [2.0%, 4/203]). Delayed perforation occurred in another 37 patients (0.4%) with 42 lesions (0.4%), requiring emergency surgery for 12 lesions (0.12% [28.6%, 12/42]). Factors showing significant independent correlations with intraoperative perforation were upper or middle third of the stomach; remnant stomach or gastric tube; procedure time ≥100 min; tumor size >35 mm; body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2; and ≥72 years. Factors showing significant independent correlations with delayed perforation were procedure time ≥60 min; BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; ≥75 years; ulceration; and tumor size >20 mm. Intraoperative perforation occurred most frequently at the greater curvature in the upper third of the stomach (7.9%), whereas delayed perforation occurred most frequently at the greater curvature in the middle third (1.2%).

Conclusion

This multicenter prospective cohort study clarified the risk and risk factors of intraoperative and delayed perforation related to ESD for EGCs, providing information to help endoscopists reduce perforation.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) XpressO: Validation of a digital self‐administered cognitive prescreening tool
Authors: Klil‐Drori Sivan , Bodenstein Katie C. , Sun Shuo , Kojok Lara , Gruber Johanna , Ghantous Youssef , Cummings Jeffrey , Nasreddine Ziad
Published: April 2024

Background

The need for cognitive testing is increasing with the aging population and the advent of new Alzheimer disease therapies. To respond to the increased demand, the XpressO was developed as a self‐administered digital cognitive prescreening tool that will help distinguish between populations of subjective and objective cognitive impairment according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Methods

This is a prospective validation study. XpressO is composed of tasks that assess memory and executive functions. It is validated compared to the digital MoCA as a gold standard. Out of 118 participants screened from the MoCA Clinic and a family practice clinic, 88 met inclusion criteria, two participants had missing data due to incomplete tasks, 86 participants were included in the analysis; the mean age was 70.34 years. A logistic regression model was built, and its accuracy was evaluated by the sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic.

Results

Analysis showed strong correlation between (1) XpressO memory tasks scores and the MoCA Memory Index Score (p‐values < 0.001), and between (2) XpressO sub‐test scores and MoCA total score (p‐values < 0.005). The AUC for predicting MoCA performance is 0.845. To classify individuals with normal and abnormal MoCA scores, two threshold values were introduced for the total XpressO scores: sensitivity of 91% at a cutoff of 72, specificity of 90% at a cutoff of 42, and an undetermined range in between.

Conclusion

XpressO demonstrated high AUC, high sensitivity and specificity to predict cognitive performance compared to the digital MoCA. It may provide efficient cognitive prescreening by identifying individuals who would benefit from further clinical assessments, potentially reducing waiting times and high burden on healthcare clinics.
Type and timing of ultra‐processed foods consumption and its association with dietary intake and physical activity in women with obesity living in poverty
Authors: Carvalho Guilherme César , Pereira Micnéias Róberth , de Lima Macena Mateus , Silva Junior André Eduardo , Silva Dafiny Rodrigues , Ferro Débora Cavalcante , Paula Déborah Tenório da Costa , Melo Jennifer Mikaella Ferreira , Farias da Silva Maria Clara Tavares , Bueno Nassib Bezerra
Published: April 2024

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the type and timing of ultra‐processed foods (UPF) consumption and its association with dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA) in women with obesity living in poverty.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was employed. Obesity was defined by at least two criteria (body mass index, waist circumference or % fat mass). Poverty was defined as the three lowest classes of the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion. PA was measured with triaxial accelerometers and DI was assessed with three 24‐h dietary recalls. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification, with UPF classified into five subgroups, as well as the timing of consumption into six meals.

Results

In total, 56 adult women were included. Overall energy intake was 1653.21 (503.22) kcal/day. UPF intake was 21.62% (11.94%) kcal/day, being higher at breakfast (4.91% kcal/day), afternoon snack (5.39% kcal/day) and dinner (5.01% kcal/day). Only UPF subgroup 4 (sandwich biscuits, sweets, or treats) showed a positive association with energy intake (β = 54.40 [27.6, 81.10] kcal/day) and a negative association with protein intake (β = −0.31% [−0.48%, −0.14%] kcal/day). UPF consumption in morning (β = −0.41% [−0.79%, −0.02%] kcal/day) and afternoon (β = −0.18% [−0.33%, −0.04%] kcal/day) snacks was associated with lower protein intake. Furthermore, lunchtime UPF consumption was positively associated with walking time (β = 0.16% [0.02%; 0.30%]) and steps/hour (β = 8.72 [1.50; 15.94] steps/h).

Conclusions

Women with obesity living in poverty consume more UPF during breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. Physical activity is positively associated with UPF consumption at lunch. UPF, such as sandwich biscuits, sweets or treats, contribute to increasing energy intake and reducing protein intake.
RACK1A promotes hypocotyl elongation by scaffolding light signaling components in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fu Yajuan , Zhu Wei , Zhou Yeling , Su Yujing , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Dayan , Zhang Dong , Shen Jinyu , Liang Jiansheng
Published: April 2024

Plants deploy versatile scaffold proteins to intricately modulate complex cell signaling. Among these, RACK1A (Receptors for Activated C Kinase 1A) stands out as a multifaceted scaffold protein functioning as a central integrative hub for diverse signaling pathways. However, the precise mechanisms by which RACK1A orchestrates signal transduction to optimize seedling development remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that RACK1A facilitates hypocotyl elongation by functioning as a flexible platform that connects multiple key components of light signaling pathways. RACK1A interacts with PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF)3, enhances PIF3 binding to the promoter of BBX11 and down‐regulates its transcription. Furthermore, RACK1A associates with ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) to repress HY5 biochemical activity toward target genes, ultimately contributing to hypocotyl elongation. In darkness, RACK1A is targeted by CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC (COP)1 upon phosphorylation and subjected to COP1‐mediated degradation via the 26 S proteasome system. Our findings provide new insights into how plants utilize scaffold proteins to regulate hypocotyl elongation, ensuring proper skoto‐ and photo‐morphogenic development.
Estimation of the forces exerted on the limb long bones of a white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) using musculoskeletal modelling and simulation
Authors: Etienne Cyril , Houssaye Alexandra , Fagan Michael J. , Hutchinson John R.
Published: April 2024

Heavy animals incur large forces on their limb bones, due to the transmission of body weight and ground reaction forces, and the contractions of the various muscles of the limbs. This is particularly true for rhinoceroses, the heaviest extant animals capable of galloping. Several studies have examined their musculoskeletal system and the forces their bones incur, but no detailed quantification has ever been attempted. Such quantification could help understand better the link between form and function in giant land animals. Here we constructed three‐dimensional musculoskeletal models of the forelimb and hindlimb of Ceratotherium simum, the heaviest extant rhino species, and used static optimisation (inverse) simulations to estimate the forces applied on the bones when standing at rest, including magnitudes and directions. Overall, unsurprisingly, the most active muscles were antigravity muscles, which generate moments opposing body weight (thereby incurring the ground reaction force), and thus keep the joints extended, avoiding joint collapse via flexion. Some muscles have an antigravity action around several joints, and thus were found to be highly active, likely specialised in body weight support (ulnaris lateralis; digital flexors). The humerus was subjected to the greatest amount of forces in terms of total magnitude; forces on the humerus furthermore came from a great variety of directions. The radius was mainly subject to high‐magnitude compressive joint reaction forces, but to little muscular tension, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for the ulna. The femur had a pattern similar to that of the humerus, and the tibia's pattern was intermediate, being subject to great compression in its caudal side but to great tension in its cranial side (i.e. bending). The fibula was subject to by far the lowest force magnitude. Overall, the forces estimated were consistent with the documented morphofunctional adaptations of C. simum's long bones, which have larger insertion areas for several muscles and a greater robusticity overall than those of lighter rhinos, likely reflecting the intense forces we estimated here. Our estimates of muscle and bone (joint) loading regimes for this giant tetrapod improve the understanding of the links between form and function in supportive tissues and could be extended to other aspects of bone morphology, such as microanatomy.
Unbanked and impoverished? Exploring banking and poverty interactions over time
Authors: Creamer John , Warren Lewis
Published: April 2024

In 2019, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reported that 7.1 million households in the United States (5.4%) were unbanked and lacked a checking or savings account). Using three leading household surveys, this paper documents how the interaction between bank access and poverty has evolved over time. We present a historical time series of unbanked rates, showing high‐unbanked rates for those in poverty even with increases in financial access over time. In the 1980s, 49.6% of households in poverty were unbanked while 22.8% were unbanked in 2019. Unbanked rates were even higher for Black and Hispanic households that were in poverty. In the 1980s, these groups had unbanked rates of 73.6% and 66.5% which declined to 38.4% and 31.8% in 2019, respectively. To explain differences in banking rates by race, we use binary Kitagawa‐Oaxaca‐Blinder decompositions. Socio‐demographic characteristics explain less than half the difference in unbanked rates for Blacks and around half for Hispanics.
Fall risk perception in older adults: A concept analysis
Authors: Nan Jiang , Li Zhuoran , Zou Xueqiong , Sun Manyao , Gao Jing , Jiang Yuyu
Published: April 2024

Background

Fall prevention is crucial for older adults. Enhanced fall risk perception can encourage older adults to participate in fall prevention programs. However, there is still no unified definition of the concept of fall risk perception.

Objective

To explore the concept of fall risk perception in older adults.

Design

A concept analysis.

Data Sources

The literature was searched using online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WangFang and SinoMed. Searches were also conducted in Chinese and English dictionaries. The literature dates from the establishment of the database to April 2023.

Methods

The methods of Walker and Avant were used to identify antecedents, attributes and consequences of the concept of “fall risk perception” in older adults.

Results

Eighteen publications were included eventually. The attributes were identified as: (1) dynamic change, with features of continuum and stage; (2) whether falls are taken seriously; (3) a self‐assessment of the fall probability, which is driven by individual independence; and (4) involves multiple complex emotional responses. The antecedents were identified as: (1) demographic and disease factors; (2) psychological factors and (3) environmental factors. The consequences were identified as: (1) risk‐taking behaviour; (2) risk compensation behaviour; (3) risk transfer behaviour; and (4) emotions.

Conclusion

A theoretical definition of fall risk perception was identified. A conceptual model was developed to demonstrate the theoretical relationships between antecedents, attributes and consequences. This is helpful for the development of relevant theories and the formulation of fall prevention measures based on fall risk perception as the intervention target.
Efficiency of bacterial isolates on suppressing brown spot in rice plants
Authors: Ajulo Akintunde Abiodun , Bezerra Gustavo de Andrade , de Oliveira Rodrigo Silva , Gonçalves Ariany Rosa , Moura Maria Fernanda Gonçalves Godoi , Cardoso Marco Antônio Adorno , de Filippi Marta Cristina Corsi
Published: April 2024

Many fungicides can control brown spot, caused by Bipolaris oryzae in rice (Oryza sativa L.), although searching for beneficial microorganisms for biocontrol will improve sustainable integrated pest management. The aim of this investigation was the selection of natural suppressors of the brown spot disease in rice. We performed biochemical (E1), molecular antagonism (E2) and severity suppression (E3) studies under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The E1, E2 and E3 assays were performed with 21 isolates. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replicates. E1 characterized all 21 isolates for the production of extracellular enzymes, siderophores, biofilm, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and phosphate solubilization. E2 was conducted to test the in vitro antagonism between the 21 isolates and B. oryzae, and E3 was conducted under greenhouse conditions, where seeds of the rice cultivars BRS‐Primavera and Esmeralda were sown in plastic trays containing 3 kg of fertilized soil. After 45 days, rice leaves were sprayed and inoculated with a mixed suspension of bacterial cells (1 × 108 CFU) and B. oryzae. All of the 21 bacterial isolates produced lipase, N‐fixation, siderophore, IAA, biofilm and solubilized phosphorus. Bacillus cereus, Priestia megaterium, Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens, Serratia marcescens and Serratia nematodiphila reduced radial colony growth of B. oryzae and suppressed brown spot severity by up to 90%. This indicates the potential of these isolates for biocontrol of brown spot in rice as a component of rice disease management.
Methods for inoculation and evaluation of resistance to Macrophomina phaseolina in soybean genotypes
Authors: Bizari Eduardo Henrique , Panizzi Rita de Cássia , Pedroso Val Bruno Henrique , Giaretta Azevedo Cleber Vinicius , Franco Carolina Andrade , Checchio Mingotte Fábio Luiz , Prates Coelho Anderson , da Silva Souza Jardel , Unêda‐Trevisoli Sandra Helena
Published: April 2024

Charcoal rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, is a disease of economic significance in soybean production. The evaluation of this disease is difficult due to the lack of reliable and efficient methods for testing soybean genotypes. This work aimed at investigating different inoculation methods for Macrophomina phaseolina in soybean genotypes to determine the degree of resistance and their use in genetic improvement programs. Infected sorghum seeds, pregerminated seed in culture medium, and infected toothpick test were the methods tested. Colonization by the fungus, determined as a colony‐forming unit (CFU), and disease development based on root and stem severity (RSS) were evaluated. There was a good correlation between CFU and RSS (0.87), with the infected sorghum seed method being the most efficient means of inoculating. The results show that PI594302 was the most resistant line regarding the two studied parameters and would be a source of resistance to charcoal rot in breeding programs.
The role of community health workers in promoting oral health at school settings: A scoping review
Authors: Molete Mpho Matlakale , Malele‐Kolisa Yolanda , Thekiso Maphefo , Lang Adina Yael , Kong Ariana , George Ajesh
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The scoping review aimed to examine the literature on the role of Community Health Workers (CHW) in oral health interventions within school settings. The objectives were to identify the characteristics of school oral health interventions where CHWs played a role; and to assess the outcomes derived from CHW participation in school oral health.

Methods

The scoping review was guided by the Levac et al (2010) framework. Articles selected for this review included all forms of study designs and gray literature. The search strategy included CHW and other non‐dental personnel providing oral health activities within schools and the outcomes of these interventions from 1995. Databases included Pubmed, ProQuest, Scopus and EBSCO Host.

Results

There were eleven (n = 11) peer reviewed articles included. Only one study in this review related to CHW involvement in school oral health settings. The remaining involved teachers (n = 4), peer learners (n = 3) or a combination of both (n = 3). Characteristics of the interventions ranged from oral health screenings, education, supervised brushing, and community engagements. Three outcomes emerged; widening access to oral health services, acceptability of non‐oral health personnel and learners in promoting oral health and improvement of oral health self‐care.

Conclusions

The review brought to light the benefits of utilizing non‐dental personnel such as teachers and peer learners in augmenting staff capacity for school oral health interventions. In addition, the findings highlighted the need to further research on the feasibility and acceptability of integrating CHW in school oral health settings.
Innovation theater in corporate venturing units: Cultural design as a (de)legitimizing mechanism
Authors: Brattström Anna , Faems Dries
Published: April 2024

This paper builds theory on theatrical cultural design in corporate venturing units, such as manifested in playful esthetics (foosball tables and beanbags), startup lingo, or youthful behavior (building with Lego bricks and informal dressing). We develop a set of propositions, illuminating how theatrical cultural design can (de)legitimize corporate venturing units, highlighting three different functions: attention‐direction function, social categorization function, and escapist function. In addition, we explain how such changes in legitimization can influence the resilience of corporate venturing units. Our framework contributes to an emergent debate on innovation theater by pointing to the possibility of innovation theater as a constructive process in contemporary innovation management practices.
Dense infraspecific sampling reveals cryptic differentiation in the enigmatic hemiparasitic love vine Cassytha filiformis (Lauraceae)
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Fang , Zhang Shi‐Fang , Twyford Alex D. , Ci Xiu‐Qin , Li Lang , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Hu Jian‐Lin , Tan Jia‐Chuan , Tang Guang‐Da , Qin Sheng‐Yuan , Hu Ling , Ding Xin , Meng Hong‐Hu , Dong Li‐Na , Huang Ting , Ma Hui , Xiao Jian‐Hua , Cai Chao‐Nan , Conran John G. , Wang Qi , Hollingsworth Peter M. , Li Jie
Published: April 2024

Species delimitation remains a challenge worldwide, especially in highly diverse tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we use an integrative approach that combines morphology, phylogenomics, and species distribution modeling (SDM) to clarify the cryptic differentiation within the enigmatic hemiparasitic love vine Cassytha filiformis (Lauraceae) in China and adjacent regions. We generated complete plastid genomes and nuclear ribosomal sequences for diverse samples from across the species range and compared results with previously published plastid data, recovering two well‐supported monophyletic clades. Further, the analysis revealed significant differences in two morphological characters and SDM, indicating distinct environmental factors influencing their distributions. Fossil‐calibrated analyses to estimate the origins and diversification patterns for the cryptic species gave divergence age estimates corresponding to the Oligo‐Miocene; a period of new ecological opportunities associated with the prevailing East Asian monsoon. Multivariate analyses support the conclusion that southern China and adjacent regions have a different, previously unknown, cryptic lineage of C. filiformis. Our study highlights the importance of using multivariate approach to characterize plant species, as well as the significant role that past climatic changes have played in driving speciation in parasitic plants in tropical and subtropical zones.
Race, Religion, and Death: How Racial Attitudes Contextualize the Relationship Between Religion and Support for Capital Punishment
Authors: Chuang Louis , Harris Jacob , Jones Melissa S.
Published: April 2024

How do racial attitudes affect the relationship between religion and support for capital punishment? Past research has clearly established important links between religion, racial attitudes, and capital punishment. Yet, it remains unclear how racial attitudes affect this relationship. We examine this question using a large sample of respondents from the General Social Survey from 1994 to 2018. We find evidence of a strong moderating effect where the relationship between religion and support for capital punishment varies considerably contingent on racial resentment. At high levels of racial resentment, support for capital punishment is uniformly high across all religious traditions while there are large disparities at low levels of racial resentment. Thus, strongly held, prejudicial racial attitudes overshadow the association between religion and support for capital punishment. Future research should more seriously consider the racial dynamics embedded religion and punishment.
Severe hepatic steatosis promotes increased liver stiffness in the early stages of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Ogawa Sadanobu , Gotoh Tatsuya , Suzuki Yasuaki , Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Yoshida Yuichi , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Kamada Yoshihiro , Sumida Yoshio , Ito Takanori , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanaka Junko
Published: April 2024

Background & Aims

The predictors of progression from steatosis to more advanced stages of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remain unclear. We evaluated the association between the quantity of hepatic steatosis and longitudinal changes in liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in patients with MASLD.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients with MASLD who underwent at least two serial MRE and magnetic resonance imaging–based proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) examinations at least 1 year apart. Fine‐Gray competitive proportional hazard regression was used to identify LSM progression and regression factors.

Results

A total of 471 patients were enrolled. Factors linked to LSM progression were steatosis grade 3 (MRI‐PDFF ≥17.1%, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.597; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.483–4.547) and albumin–bilirubin grade 2 or 3 (aHR 2.790; 95% CI 1.284–6.091), while the only factor linked to LSM regression was % decrease rate of MRI‐PDFF ≥5% (aHR 2.781; 95% CI 1.584–4.883). Steatosis grade 3 correlated with a higher incidence rate of LSM progression than steatosis grade 1 (MRI‐PDFF <11.3%) in patients with LSM stage 0 (<2.5 kilopascal [kPa]), and a % annual decrease rate of MRI‐PDFF ≥5% correlated with a higher incidence rate of LSM regression than that of MRI‐PDFF >−5% and <5% in patients with LSM stage 1 or 2–4 (≥2.5 kPa).

Conclusions

Severe hepatic steatosis was linked to significant LSM progression in patients with MASLD and low LSM (<2.5 kPa).
GRASP negatively regulates the secretion of the virulence factor gp63 in Leishmania
Authors: Kumar Kamal , Basak Rituparna , Rai Aakansha , Mukhopadhyay Amitabha
Published: April 2024

Metalloprotease‐gp63 is a virulence factor secreted by Leishmania. However, secretory pathway in Leishmania is not well defined. Here, we cloned and expressed the GRASP homolog from Leishmania. We found that Leishmania expresses one GRASP homolog of 58 kDa protein (LdGRASP) which localizes in LdRab1‐ and LPG2‐positive Golgi compartment in Leishmania. LdGRASP was found to bind with COPII complex, LdARF1, LdRab1 and LdRab11 indicating its role in ER and Golgi transport in Leishmania. To determine the function of LdGRASP, we generated LdGRASP knockout parasites using CRISPR‐Cas9. We found fragmentation of Golgi in Ld:GRASPKO parasites. Our results showed enhanced transport of non‐GPI‐anchored gp63 to the cell surface leading to higher secretion of this form of gp63 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites in comparison to Ld:WT cells. In contrast, we found that transport of GPI‐anchored gp63 to the cell surface is blocked in Ld:GRASPKO parasites and thereby inhibits its secretion. The overexpression of dominant‐negative mutant of LdRab1 or LdSar1 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites significantly blocked the secretion of non‐GPI‐anchored gp63. Interestingly, we found that survival of transgenic parasites overexpressing Ld:GRASP‐GFP is significantly compromised in macrophages in comparison to Ld:WT and Ld:GRASPKO parasites. These results demonstrated that LdGRASP differentially regulates Ldgp63 secretory pathway in Leishmania.
Inhalant anesthesia for minimally invasive procedures in free‐ranging Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi)
Authors: Barbosa Lorraine , Borremans Benny , Deming Alissa C. , Gálvez Casandra , Norris Tenaya , Pattison Sarah , Whoriskey Sophie , Elorriaga‐Verplancken Fernando R.
Published: April 2024

Free‐ranging otariids are routinely captured for data and sample collection. To achieve this, anesthesia may be used to facilitate handling, decrease stress, and improve human and animal safety. Injectable anesthetics are widely used for such endeavors; however, certain disadvantages to this approach warrant further exploration of alternative anesthetic techniques. Inhalant anesthesia, commonly utilized for otariids in a clinical setting, is used more sparingly in the field, with few studies assessing safety and efficacy in free‐ranging otariids. During 2016–2020, 175 Guadalupe fur seals were net‐captured and anesthetized with isoflurane and oxygen on Guadalupe Island, Mexico, for satellite telemetry attachment and biological sampling. To contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding the use of inhalants in the field, physiologic and anesthetic parameters (time to induction, total oxygen use, heart rate, respiratory rate, time to recovery, and anesthetic depth) were assessed for effects of biometric and logistical factors (pursuit and holding time, sex, age class, body weight, year, oxygen flow rate, and total anesthesia time). This anesthetic technique provided rapid induction and recovery times and rare side effects in Guadalupe fur seals, serving as a practical means of field immobilization for minimally invasive procedures in this imperiled species.
Clinicopathological study of dementia with grains presenting with parkinsonism compared with a typical case
Authors: Arakawa Akira , Goto Ryoji , Higashihara Mana , Hiroyoshi Yuko , Shioya Ayako , Hara Manato , Orita Makoto , Matsubara Tomoyasu , Sengoku Renpei , Kameyama Masashi , Tokumaru Aya M , Hasegawa Masato , Toda Tatsushi , Iwata Atsushi , Murayama Shigeo , Saito Yuko
Published: April 2024

Argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) is one of the major pathological backgrounds of senile dementia. Dementia with grains refers to cases of dementia for which AGD is the sole background pathology responsible for dementia. Recent studies have suggested an association between dementia with grains and parkinsonism. In this study, we aimed to present two autopsy cases of dementia with grains. Case 1 was an 85‐year‐old man who exhibited amnestic dementia and parkinsonism, including postural instability, upward gaze palsy, and neck and trunk rigidity. The patient was clinically diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer's disease. Case 2 was a 90‐year‐old man with pure amnestic dementia, clinically diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease. Recently, we used cryo‐electron microscopy to confirm that the tau accumulated in both cases had the same three‐dimensional structure. In this study, we compared the detailed clinical picture and neuropathological findings using classical staining and immunostaining methods. Both cases exhibited argyrophilic grains and tau‐immunoreactive structures in the brainstem and basal ganglia, especially in the nigrostriatal and limbic systems. However, Case 1 had more tau immunoreactive structures. Considering the absence of other disease‐specific structures such as tufted astrocytes, astrocytic plaques and globular glial inclusions, lack of conspicuous cerebrovascular disease, and no history of medications that could cause parkinsonism, our findings suggest an association between AGD in the nigrostriatal system and parkinsonism.
Prevalence and determinants of postprandial diarrhea in a tertiary care center
Authors: Hassan Rafla , Singh Prashant , Ballou Sarah , Rangan Vikram , Iturrino Johanna , Katon Jesse , Lembo Anthony , Nee Judy
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Postprandial diarrhea (PPD) is commonly seen in patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), but the factors associated with it have not been well studied. In this study, we aim to study the burden, impact, and predictors of PPD using a clinical cohort of DGBI patients.

Methods

This study included patients with chronic diarrhea fulfilling ROME IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional diarrhea (FDiarr). PPD was defined as patients reporting mushy/watery stools following meals ≥30% of the time in the last 3 months using a ROME IV question on PPD. Age, sex, and BMI, the severity of diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, anxiety, somatization, and quality of life were assessed using validated measures. Person's chi‐square test and Student's t‐test were used to compare variables. A multiple linear regression model with backward elimination was done to determine predictors of PPD severity.

Key Results

Of 213 eligible patients, more than three‐fourth of patients (75.6%) had PPD. Women (79.0%, p = 0.037), patients with ROME IV diagnosis of IBS‐D (90.5%, p = 0.002), and functional dyspepsia (83.2%, p = 0.014), and those with a history of cholecystectomy (CCY) (95.5%, p = 0.022) were more likely to report PPD. PPD patients experienced more severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased quality of life (QoL) but showed no significant difference in BMI, anxiety, depression, sleep, or somatization. In our regression model, female sex and history of CCY were independent predictors of PPD.

Conclusions and Inferences

PPD is frequently reported among chronic diarrhea patients and is associated with more severe GI symptoms and decreased QoL. Female sex and CCY predict PPD, while psychological factors do not.
Interaction of ubiquitin‐like protein SILENCING DEFECTIVE 2 with LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 is required for regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana in response to sucrose
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Liang Chengcheng , Ren Yulong , Lv Zhaojun , Huang Jirong
Published: April 2024

The regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis have been well documented at the transcriptional and translational levels. By contrast, how anthocyanin biosynthesis is epigenetically regulated remains largely unknown.

In this study, we employed genetic, molecular biology, and chromatin immunoprecipitation‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to identify a regulatory module essential for repressing the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis through chromatin remodeling.

We found that SILENCING DEFECTIVE 2 (SDE2), which was previously identified as a negative regulator for sucrose‐induced anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis, is cleaved into N‐terminal SDE2‐UBL and C‐terminal SDE2‐C fragments at the first diglycine motif, and the cleaved SDE2‐C, which can fully complement the sde2 mutant, is localized in the nucleus and physically interacts with LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) in vitro and in vivo. Genetic analyses showed that both SDE2 and LHP1 act as negative factors for anthocyanin biosynthesis. Consistently, immunoblot analysis revealed that the level of LHP1‐bound histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) significantly decreases in sde2 and lhp1 mutants, compared to wild‐type (WT). In addition, we found that sugar can induce expression of SDE2 and LHP1, and enhance the level of the nucleus‐localized SDE2‐C.

Taken together, our data suggest that the SDE2‐C‐LHP1 module is required for repression of gene expression through H3K27me3 modification during sugar‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Modified Percutaneous Endoscopic Interlaminar Discectomy through the Near‐spinous Process Approach for L4/5 Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Xu Peichuan , Yuan Jinghong , Wu Tianlong , He Dingwen , Miao Xinxin , Cheng Xigao
Published: April 2024

Objective

Compared with traditional open surgery, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has the advantages of less trauma, faster recovery, and less postoperative pain, so it has been widely used in the field of spinal surgery. However, it still has the defect of intraoperative fluoroscopy occurrences, complications, and even the risk of damage to the spinal cord and nerve. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of modified percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (MPEID) with percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) in treating L4/5 lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MPEID.

Methods

Thirty‐four L4/5 LDH patients treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from June 2020 to June 2021 were studied retrospectively. Seventeen underwent MPEID and seventeen PETD. Variables analyzed included demographics, operative duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy occurrences, and surgical outcomes. Effectiveness was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria. Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to assess radiological outcomes. A paired t‐test was performed to compare intragroup pre‐ and postoperative clinical data, VAS, and ODI scores.

Results

The average operative time in PETD group was 91.65 ± 14.04 min, and the average operative time in MPEID group was 65.41 ± 12.61 min (p < 0.001). In PETD group, the fluoroscopy occurrences averaged 9.71 ± 1.05 times, with fluoroscopy occurrences averaging 6.47 ± 1.00 times (p < 0.001) in MPEID group. At 12 months follow‐up, the clinical effect showed significant improvement in both two groups. The MPEID group showed a decrease in average VAS‐back score from 5.41 ± 2.18 to 1.76 ± 1.09 (p < 0.001) and VAS‐leg score from 6.53 ± 1.66 to 0.82 ± 0.64 (p < 0.001). The ODI scores decreased from 51.35 ± 10.65 to 11.71 ± 2.91 (p < 0.001). In the PETD group, the VAS‐back score decreased from 4.94 ± 1.98 to 2.06 ± 1.25 (p < 0.001), VAS‐leg score from 7.12 ± 1.73 to 1.12 ± 0.60 (p < 0.001), and ODI scores from 48.00 ± 11.62 to 12.24 ± 2.56 (p < 0.001). According to the modified MacNab criteria, MPEID had 15 excellent and two good results; PETD had 12 excellent and 5 good (p = 0.23). No nerve root injuries, dural tears, or significant complications were reported.

Conclusion

MPEID and PETD effectively treat L4/5 LDH, with MPEID showing shorter operative times and fewer fluoroscopies. Furthermore, the MPEID group can provide excellent clinical efficacy as the PETD group in the short term.
Comparison of Outcomes in Obese Patients after Total Knee Arthroplasty with Neutral or Mild Varus: A Retrospective Study with 8‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Lai Ya‐hao , Zhao Wen‐xuan , Li Xiao‐yu , Lv Ning , Zhou Zong‐ke
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Residual varus after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can affect functional outcomes, which may worsen in the presence of obesity. However, no studies were found to compare the outcomes of obese patients involving postoperative residual mild varus or neutral. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complications and prosthesis survival, and functional outcomes for knees of obese patients with neutral or mild varus after TKA.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 188 consecutive obese patients (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) at our hospital who underwent TKA due to varus knee osteoarthritis from January 2010 to December 2015. The mechanical hip‐knee‐ankle axis angle was measured in all patients at admission and discharge. Knee functions were retrospectively assessed based on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Knee Society Knee Score (KS‐KS), Knee Society Function Score (KS‐FS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), and range of motion (ROM). Continuous data were compared between knees with neutral or mild varus alignment using analysis of Student's t test or variance or the Kruskal–Wallis test as appropriate. For multiple comparisons of outcomes, we used Bonferroni–Dunn method to adjust p‐values. Categorical data were compared using the chi‐squared test.

Results

Of the 156 knees in 137 obese patients who completed follow‐up for a mean of 8.32 ± 1.47 years, 97 knees were corrected from varus to neutral and 54 knees were kept in mild residual varus. Patients with mild varus knees had significantly WOMAC (8.25 ± 8.637 vs. 14.97 ± 14.193, p = 0.009) and better FJS (86.03 ± 15.607 vs. 70.22 ± 30.031, p = 0.002). The two types of knees did not differ significantly in KS‐KS, KS‐FS, or ROM. Although one patient with a neutral knee had to undergo revision surgery, there was no significant difference between two groups.

Conclusions

For obese patients with osteoarthritis, preservation of residual varus alignment after TKA can improve functional outcomes without compromising prosthesis survival.