bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating power in conservation
Authors: Shackleton Ross T. , Walters Gretchen , Bluwstein Jevgeniy , Djoudi Houria , Fritz Livia , Lafaye de Micheaux Flore , Loloum Tristan , Nguyen Van Thi Hai , Rann Andriamahefazafy Mialy , Sithole Samantha S. , Kull Christian A.
Published: January 2023

Conservation research and practice are increasingly engaging with people and drawing on social sciences to improve environmental governance. In doing so, conservation engages with power in many ways, often implicitly. Conservation scientists and practitioners exercise power when dealing with species, people and the environment, and increasingly they are trying to address power relations to ensure effective conservation outcomes (guiding decision‐making, understanding conflict, ensuring just policy and management outcomes). However, engagement with power in conservation is often limited or misguided. To address challenges associated with power in conservation, we introduce the four dominant approaches to analyzing power to conservation scientists and practitioners who are less familiar with social theories of power. These include actor‐centered, institutional, structural, and, discursive/governmental power. To complement these more common framings of power, we also discuss further approaches, notably non‐human and Indigenous perspectives. We illustrate how power operates at different scales and in different contexts, and provide six guiding principles for better consideration of power in conservation research and practice. These include: (1) considering scales and spaces in decision‐making, (2) clarifying underlying values and assumptions of actions, (3) recognizing conflicts as manifestations of power dynamics, (4) analyzing who wins and loses in conservation, (5) accounting for power relations in participatory schemes, and, (6) assessing the right to intervene and the consequences of interventions. We hope that a deeper engagement with social theories of power can make conservation and environmental management more effective and just while also improving transdisciplinary research and practice.
Hide‐and‐sniff: can anti‐trafficking dogs detect obfuscated wildlife parts?
Authors: Narayanasamy Sai Sanggkeeth , Chong Erin , Abdul Aziz Sheema , Visscher Wesley , Abdul Jaafar Syed Zafarullah , Reuben Clements Gopalasamy
Published: January 2023

Wildlife detection dog (WDD) programs are increasingly being developed to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. However, there is little scientific research available on how sniffer dogs perform when wildlife parts are hidden during the smuggling process, which hampers the effectiveness of WDD programs. Here, we investigate the ability of WDDs to detect wildlife parts that are hidden in legally traded goods. We employed a smell test using the two most smuggled wildlife parts worldwide: elephant ivory and pangolin scales, in combination with two obfuscation items of plant and animal origin commonly employed by smugglers. We then established the sensitivity of the dogs to the target substances. Our results showed that there was a large variation between the two dogs in their sensitivity to ivory and pangolin scales. However, both dogs were generally less sensitive to ivory compared to pangolin scales, and stronger‐smelling obfuscation items could potentially lower the sensitivity of the dogs to the wildlife parts. Our study highlights the potential of dogs to detect hidden wildlife parts, but their effectiveness may depend on other aspects such as training, personality, the health of the dog, the type of wildlife substance, and the obfuscation item used. Given the variability of our findings, WDD programs need to invest in research to optimize the number and type of dogs with the right balance of traits to successfully detect wildlife parts that could potentially be obfuscated during smuggling.
Racial and ethnic differences in sickle cell disease within the United States: From demographics to outcomes
Authors: Pokhrel Akriti , Olayemi Adeniran , Ogbonda Stephanie , Nair Kiron , Wang Jen Chin
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Sickle cell disease mainly affects African Americans, and studies on racial differences in sickle cell disease outcomes are scanty. This study examined racial and ethnic differences in sickle cell disease prevalence, comorbidities, and outcomes.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2018, we identified patients' records with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. The overall study population was further stratified by race into Blacks, Whites, and Hispanics. Using logistic regression, comorbidities and outcomes among sickle cell disease patients were compared between the three races/ethnicities.

Results

Of the 74 817 hospitalized for sickle cell disease, 69 889 (93.4%) were Blacks, 3603 (4.8%) were Hispanics, and 1325 (1.8%) were Whites. Compared to Whites, Blacks were more likely to have significantly higher odds of sickle cell crisis (odds ratio [OR]: 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.66–4.14) and blood transfusion (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.37–2.02). There was no difference in mortality between Blacks and Whites. Compared to Hispanics, Blacks had significantly higher odds of sickle cell crisis (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.19–1.53) and blindness (OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.22–7.11), lower odds of asplenia (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.45–0.71) and gallstones (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58–0.95). However, Blacks had statistically significantly lower odds of mortality of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.38–0.93) than Hispanics.

Conclusion

Prevalent sickle cell type, severity, complications, and comorbidities vary in different races. Physicians need to be aware of these differences to manage sickle cell patients efficiently. This study hopes to inform further research regarding the reasons for varying disease characteristics among racial groups and bridge a gap in tailored management protocols.
Quantitative modelling demonstrates format‐invariant representations of mathematical problems in the brain
Authors: Nakai Tomoya , Nishimoto Shinji
Published: January 2023

Mathematical problems can be described in either symbolic form or natural language. Previous studies have reported that activation overlaps exist for these two types of mathematical problems, but it is unclear whether they are based on similar brain representations. Furthermore, quantitative modelling of mathematical problem solving has yet to be attempted. In the present study, subjects underwent 3 h of functional magnetic resonance experiments involving math word and math expression problems, and a read word condition without any calculations was used as a control. To evaluate the brain representations of mathematical problems quantitatively, we constructed voxel‐wise encoding models. Both intra‐ and cross‐format encoding modelling significantly predicted brain activity predominantly in the left intraparietal sulcus (IPS), even after subtraction of the control condition. Representational similarity analysis and principal component analysis revealed that mathematical problems with different formats had similar cortical organization in the IPS. These findings support the idea that mathematical problems are represented in the brain in a format‐invariant manner.
Recurrence of conjunctival exuberant granulation tissue in a pony
Authors: Bessonnat Amandine , Benoit‐Biancamano Marie‐Odile , Vanore Maria
Published: January 2023

A 22‐year‐old pony mare was presented at the Equine Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with a pedunculated exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) located at the lateral bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye. The granulation tissue, diagnosed by histology, grew over three and a half weeks after a superior and inferior Gundersen inlay flap procedure. The pony's underlying ocular pathology was diffuse corneal oedema, suspected to be related to immune‐mediated keratitis affecting the endothelium. Despite several surgical resections, topical corticosteroid treatment, intralesional injection of methylprednisolone acetate and electrosurgical cauterisation, the combination of a ligature at the peduncle base of the mass, intralesional injection of methylprednisolone acetate and removal of the facemask seemed to be the most efficient treatment. The mass did not recur after 33 months of follow‐up. Similar healing tissue has been reported, secondary to surgical ophthalmic procedures in human medicine, in which it is called a conjunctival pyogenic granuloma (CPG).
Changes in equine intestinal stem/progenitor cell number at resection margins in cases of small intestinal strangulation
Authors: Veerasammy Brittany , Gonzalez Gabriel , Báez‐Ramos Patricia , Schaaf Cecilia R. , Stewart Amy Stieler , Ludwig Elsa K. , McKinney‐Aguirre Caroline , Freund John , Robertson James , Gonzalez Liara M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Intestinal epithelial stem cells (ISC) are responsible for epithelial regeneration and are critical to the intestine's ability to regain barrier function following injury. Evaluating ISC biomarker expression in cases of small intestinal strangulation (SIS) may provide insight into clinical progression.

Objectives

Intestinal resection margins from cases of SIS were evaluated to determine if (1) evidence of injury could be identified using histomorphometry, (2) ISC biomarker expression was decreased in the proximal resection margin compared to control and distal resection margin, and (3) the ISC biomarker expression was associated with the number of preoperative risk factors negatively related to outcome, post‐operative complications, or case outcome.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Intestinal samples were obtained intraoperatively from resection margins of adult horses with SIS and horses euthanised for reasons unrelated to colic. Preoperative risk factors negatively related to outcome, post‐operative complications, and case outcome were obtained from medical records. Horses were grouped as euthanised intraoperatively, postoperatively, or survived to discharge. Histomorphometry and immunofluorescence were performed to evaluate tissue architecture and ISC and progenitor cell number. Groups were compared using one‐way ANOVA. Associations between biomarker expression and the number of preoperative risk factors and post‐operative complications negatively related to outcome were determined using linear regression modelling.

Results

Thirty‐six cases of SIS were evaluated. Ki67+ cell counts were decreased in the proximal (mean = 15.45 cells; 95% CI = 10.27–20.63; SD = 4.17; p = 0.02) and distal resection margins (mean = 15.05; 95% CI = 8.46–21.64; SD = 4.141; p = 0.03) in horses euthanised postoperatively compared to control (mean = 23.62 cells; 95% CI = 19.42–27.83; SD = 5.883). In the distal resection margin, an increase in SOX9+Ki67+ cells were associated with a decrease in the total number of preoperative risk factors negatively related to outcome (95% CI = 0.236–1.123; p = 0.008, SE = 0.1393).

Main limitations

Small population size.

Conclusions

Proliferating cell and ISC numbers may be associated with case outcome.
Identification of a previously unreported site of subchondral bone injury in the dorsodistolateral calcaneus in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Melly Virginia , Ortved Kyla F. , Manzi Timothy J. , Richardson Dean W. , Stefanovski Darko , Wulster Kathryn B.
Published: January 2023

Background

Increasing accessibility and advancements in computed tomographic (CT) imaging improve understanding of the contributors to poor performance in the Thoroughbred racehorse.

Objectives

To characterise an unreported site of tarsal subchondral bone injury (SBI) in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Study design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional analytical study.

Methods

Tarsal CT scans of 108 horses were reviewed for evidence of SBI in the dorsodistolateral calcaneus (DDLC). Signalment, including age, breed, sex, and discipline of horses, was recorded. The association of DDLC SBI with Thoroughbred racehorse compared to other breeds/disciplines was calculated. Nuclear scintigraphic scans of the hindlimbs of Thoroughbreds between 2007 and 2022 were also reviewed for increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) suggestive of DDLC SBI.

Results

Tarsal CT scans of 108 horses were analysed and lesion location and type were recorded. DDLC SBI was identified in 8/108 (7.3%) horses. All lesions were found in racing Thoroughbreds (Fischer's exact test p = 0.002) and in 20% (8/40) of racing Thoroughbreds that underwent tarsal CT. DDLC SBI was determined to be the primary cause of lameness in 3/8. Third tarsal bone fracture was considered the primary cause of lameness in 3/8 horses. A total of 1663 nuclear scintigraphic scans of 1603 Thoroughbred horses were reviewed. Increased IRU in the DDLC was present in 13 horses (0.9%).

Main limitations

Study limitations include the retrospective nature of the study, incomplete medical records, lack of sensitivity/specificity data for lesion identification on various imaging modalities or comparison to histopathology, and limited substantive follow‐up information.

Conclusions

The DDLC is a previously unreported site of SBI in the Thoroughbred racehorse. The lesion can be the primary source of lameness but may also be found in horses with other clinically relevant osseous injuries. This lesion may be underestimated in the Thoroughbred population. Further investigation is required to determine the true prevalence, clinical relevance, and prognosis in Thoroughbred racehorses with this injury.
Spatial interactions among short‐interval fires reshape forest landscapes
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Buonanduci Michele S. , Turner Monica G.
Published: January 2023

Aim

Ecological disturbances are increasing as climate warms, and how multiple disturbances interact spatially to drive landscape change is poorly understood. We quantified burn severity across fire regimes in reburned forest landscapes to ask how spatial patterns of high‐severity fire differ between sequential overlapping fires and how landscape heterogeneity is shaped by cumulative disturbance patterns. We also characterized the amount and configuration of an emerging phenomenon: areas burned as high‐severity fire twice in successive fires.

Location

Northwest USA.

Time period

1984–2020.

Major taxa studied

Forests of western continental USA.

Methods

We used a field‐calibrated atlas of satellite‐measured burn severity across diverse fire regimes (more than three decades, >200 short‐interval fires) to quantify landscape metrics of high‐severity (>75% tree mortality) fire in sequential overlapping short‐interval fires. We used generalized linear models to test differences in individual and cumulative landscape patterns of burn severity following the first and second fires.

Results

The amount of severe wildfire and patch size/configuration were generally similar between successive overlapping fires and across fire regimes. However, overlapping individual fires produced cumulative landscape patterns of recent high‐severity fire that were consistently more homogeneous after two fires, with greater distances to remaining mature forest. Additionally, 19–25% of landscapes affected by short‐interval fires burned at high severity in both fires, highlighting the spatial extent of repeatedly and severely disturbed forests.

Main conclusions

When two individually heterogeneous fires overlap, burn mosaics can fit together like puzzle pieces, whereby twice‐burned landscapes are composed of large and simple‐shaped patches of cumulative recent high‐severity fire interspersed with small patches of mature/old forest. These cumulative spatial outcomes of interacting disturbances can be mechanisms of shifting ecosystem dynamics as global change unfolds and reburns continue.
Thinking problem‐space in studies of revolt and archival methods
Authors: Gowland Ben
Published: January 2023

This article engages with Jamaican anthropologist David Scott’s conceptual analytic of problem‐space and maps out the potential contributions problem‐space thinking can make to geographical studies of revolt and protest as well as archival methods. Scott's theory is broadened spatially through the introduction of space‐time geographies scholarship and in particular the spatial ontology of Massey. I suggest Scott's theory can compliment and advance the work of political and historical geographers seeking to produce more broadly spatialised and temporalised accounts of insurrections and political protests. Problem‐space thinking also develops efforts to recover subaltern voices and political motivations in such studies both empirically and methodologically.
Burden of HIV, HBV and syphilis among children in urban Ethiopia: Community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Getaneh Yimam , Khairunisa SitiQ. , Husada Dominicus , Kuntaman Kuntaman , Lusida Maria I.
Published: January 2023

Background

Children have largely been ignored in the fight against sexually transmitted infection (STI). Among children, STI is reported to be a globally emerging public health challenge. We evaluated the burden of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis among children (< 15 years old) and its determinants in urban Ethiopia.

Methods

For this study, we used data from the Ethiopian Population‐based HIV Impact Assessment (EPHIA), collected through a nationally representative, community‐based study conducted in Ethiopia from October 2017 to April 2018. We used plasma samples from 4729 children. Moreover, we linked the data and analysed them alongside their respective mothers. Child and maternal HIV status was determined using the national testing algorithm. Plasma samples from children were also tested for syphilis and HBV surface antigen. A descriptive analysis was done followed by bivariable analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI) at a significance level of p < 0.05. We finally evaluated predictors of STIs using regression analysis.

Results

HIV, HBV and syphilis prevalence rates among urban children in Ethiopia were 0.36%, 1.48% and 0.28%, respectively. Children living in Gambella and Addis Ababa had a 6.41‐fold (95% CI: 3.20–9.88) and 4.20‐fold (95% CI: 3.24–5.46) higher risk of HIV infection compared with those in Dire Dawa. Children of HIV‐positive mothers had a 10.31‐fold (95% CI: 3.20–18.19) higher risk of HIV infection, and if those mothers were not taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the risk was 7.27 times higher (95% CI: 2.57–12.64). Those who were from HIV‐positive mothers with viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL had a 18.64‐fold (95% CI: 6.36–31.24) higher risk of HIV infection and those with a history of breastfeeding had a 3.27‐fold (95% CI: 1.11–5.67) higher risk. Children from Addis Ababa had a 3.26‐fold (95% CI: 1.64–6.66) higher risk of HBV infection compared with those from Dire Dawa. Moreover, for those from HIV‐positive mothers and whose mother was not taking HAART, the risk of HBV transmission was 6.37 (95% CI: 2.20–19.96) and 3.62 (95% CI: 1.27–11.29), respectively. Children living in Gambella, Somali, Afar and Tigray had a 7.21‐fold (95% CI: 2.30–18.68), 3.10‐fold (95% CI: 1.28–3.74) and 1.32‐fold (95% CI: 1.11–3.38) higher risk of acquiring active syphilis compared with those living in Dire Dawa, respectively. Those from HIV‐positive mothers also had a 4.22‐fold (95% CI: 1.16–8.39) higher risk of acquiring active syphilis.

Conclusion

The burden of HIV, HBV and syphilis was high among children in urban Ethiopia. The key determinants for the high burden of HIV, syphilis and HBV were maternal factors including maternal HIV status and breastfeeding. This might be due to the challenges associated with mother‐to‐child transmission. Hence, the programme shall focus on the elimination of the triple infections of HIV, syphilis and HBV.
Changes in physicochemical property and its potential regulatory mechanism for the formation of water core of the Fuji apples post‐harvesting
Authors: Wang Xuanyu , Wang Rui , Zhuang Min , Ke Sheng , Wang Anqi , Zhou Zhongkai
Published: January 2023

This study analysed the factors for influencing the occurrence of water core in apples and proposed a potential metabolism following its post‐harvesting. By comparing the ordinary pulp and the region within the water core in different post‐harvesting stages of the Fuji apples, although the occurrence of water core did not significantly change the appearance of the apples, its interior firmness decreased with increased cell permeability. Furthermore, fructose content decreased, and sorbitol content increased rapidly accompanied by a reduction of sorbitol dehydrogenase activity at the site of water core. The cell morphology also demonstrated that the cells became denser and the blue aggregates formed. It indicated that the cell walls were saturated with locally highly accumulated sorbitol, followed by visualised transparent spots. In summary, the occurrence of water core during the post‐harvesting of Fuji apples was found to be related to the increased sorbitol content and the corresponding decreased dehydrogenase activity.
The combination of emicizumab and recombinant factor VIII in plasma: Which assays can we use for accurate measurement?
Authors: Bowyer Annette E. , Maclean Rhona M. , Kitchen Steve
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The bispecific antibody, emicizumab, is a prophylactic therapy used for the treatment of haemophilia A (HA). Patients may require additional replacement factor VIII (FVIII) to ensure adequate haemostasis. This study investigated the laboratory measurement of severe HA (SHA) plasma spiked with 36 combinations of emicizumab plus recombinant (r) FVIII concentrates.

Method

FVIII assays were performed by one stage assay (OSA) using eight APTT reagents from three manufacturers and chromogenic assays (CSA) using seven kits. CSA kits comprised a range of bovine FX/FIXa, bovine FX/human FIXa or human FX/FIXa. Thrombin generation (TG) was assessed by CAT and ST‐Genesia.

Results

Emicizumab‐calibrated modified OSA and human FX CSA both overestimated rFVIII in the presence of emicizumab; median FVIII:C of up to 89% higher was observed in plasma spiked with both drugs compared to just rFVIII. In bovine FX CSA assays, there was a FVIII:C increase of up to 11% in plasmas spiked with both drugs compared to rFVIII alone. TG parameters were not all normalized by the presence of emicizumab however addition of rFVIII increased TG. ETP and peak thrombin were normalized at 50 μg/ml emicizumab using ST‐Genesia but were still reduced at 75 μg/ml with CAT. Addition of rFVIII further normalized results.

Conclusion

Modified OSA and human FX CSA could not distinguish between rFVIII or emicizumab. The presence of both emicizumab and rFVIII increased thrombin generation to normal levels compared to each drug alone. Bovine FX CSA can be used to accurately determine FVIII activity of rFVIII in plasma which also contains emicizumab.
Employee green behaviour: A review and recommendations for future research
Authors: Tang Guiyao , Ren Shuang , Wang Mo , Li Yixuan , Zhang Shujie
Published: January 2023

Despite the increasing awareness of impacts of organizational activities on the natural environment and the urgent need for sustainable management of ecosystems, emerging research on employee green behaviour in the field of management and organizational science is largely fragmented, requiring an integrative review. Seeking to better understand research opportunities and advance theoretical and empirical development, this paper evaluates available research on the topic by first reviewing conceptualizations and corresponding theoretical approaches. It then develops an overarching framework to evaluate the findings of empirical studies at different levels of analysis for different approaches. It concludes with recommendations for future research on employee green behaviour and provides important implications for environmental sustainability in organizations.
Survey of activation‐induced genome architecture reveals a novel enhancer of Myc
Authors: Chan Wing Fuk , Coughlan Hannah D , Ruhle Michelle , Iannarella Nadia , Alvarado Carolina , Groom Joanna R , Keenan Christine R , Kueh Andrew J , Wheatley Adam K , Smyth Gordon K , Allan Rhys S , Johanson Timothy M
Published: January 2023

The transcription factor Myc is critically important in driving cell proliferation, a function that is frequently dysregulated in cancer. To avoid this dysregulation Myc is tightly controlled by numerous layers of regulation. One such layer is the use of distal regulatory enhancers to drive Myc expression. Here, using chromosome conformation capture to examine B cells of the immune system in the first hours after their activation, we reveal a previously unidentified enhancer of Myc. The interactivity of this enhancer coincides with a dramatic, but discrete, spike in Myc expression 3 h post‐activation. However, genetic deletion of this region, has little impact on Myc expression, Myc protein level or in vitro and in vivo cell proliferation. Examination of the enhancer deleted regulatory landscape suggests that enhancer redundancy likely sustains Myc expression. This work highlights not only the importance of temporally examining enhancers, but also the complexity and dynamics of the regulation of critical genes such as Myc.
Patient and carer experiences of lung cancer referral pathway in a regional health service: a qualitative study
Authors: Otty Zulfiquer , Brown Amy , Larkins Sarah , Evans Rebecca , Sabesan Sabe
Published: January 2023

Background

Lung cancer referral pathways aim to reduce delays and improve referral patterns of people with suspected lung cancer.

Aim

As part of implementing a lung cancer referral pathway at a regional Australian hospital, this study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of people with lung cancer and their carers.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were used to elicit data for thematic analysis in this cross‐sectional descriptive qualitative study. Patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer and their carers at a regional academic cancer centre were invited to participate in interviews. Five interviews were conducted face‐to‐face, and 14 interviews were conducted by telephone (as per interviewee preference). Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and qualitatively analysed. Descriptive phrases were used to generate initial inductive codes and themes.

Results

Nineteen participants approached agreed to take part in the study. Factors that positively impacted the care experience were good communication, timeliness and patient advocacy and support. Improper communication, long waiting times for investigations and appointments, uncertainty about the process and inconsistent advice from providers negatively impacted the care experience. Participants preferred face‐to‐face or video‐linked consultations over telephone consultations.

Conclusions

Understanding the experiences of rural and regional patients and carers with the lung cancer referral pathway is important to improve quality of care. Implementing changes to the referral pathway to improve patient and carer experiences needs to be an ongoing quality improvement exercise.
Correlation of spirometry indices to chest radiology in the diagnosis of chronic airway disease among regional and rural Indigenous Australians
Authors: Howarth Timothy , Gahreman Daniel , Ben Saad Helmi , Ng Lai , Heraganahally Subash S.
Published: January 2023

Background

The majority of Indigenous Australians reside in non‐urban locations, with reduced access to chest radiology such as computed tomography (CT). Spirometry and chest X‐ray (CXR) may be used in the absence of CT; however, the correlation of spirometry indices to CT‐defined chronic airway diseases (i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis) compared with CXR among Indigenous people is sparsely reported.

Aim

To evaluate spirometry indices against CXR and CT findings among adult Indigenous Australians.

Methods

Indigenous patients who had undergone a spirometry test between 2012 and 2020 and had a CXR or chest CT scan assessed for the presence (+)/absence (−) of airway diseases were included in this study.

Results

Of 643 patients (57% female, 31% remote/very remote), 364 (57%) had CT and CXR available. Patients who were ‘CT− and CXR−’ for airway diseases (48%) recorded a mean FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC of 61%, 59% and 0.76 compared to 57%, 49% and 0.66 in the ‘CT+ and CXR−’ group and 53%, 39% and 0.58 in the ‘CT+ and CXR+’ group. CXR showed sensitivity (44%) and specificity (88%), while spirometry showed 62% and 77% compared to CT. Spirometry demonstrated predominately restrictive impairment among ‘CT− and CXR−’ and mixed/obstructive impairment among ‘CT+ and CXR−’ and ‘CT+ and CXR+’ groups.

Conclusion

Indigenous Australians tend to demonstrate restrictive impairment in the absence of radiological evidence of airway disease. However, in the presence of airway disease, combinations of mixed and obstructive impairments were common. Obstructive impairment shows greater sensitivity for identifying COPD than that shown by CXR; however, CXR shows greater specificity. Hence, spirometry in conjunction with chest radiology should be utilised to aid in the assessment of airway diseases in this population.
Effect of COVID‐19 lockdown on body weight in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Siu Hanson , Polkinghorne Kevan , Finlay Paul , Yong Theresa , Bardin Philip G. , King Paul T.
Published: January 2023

A series of studies has reported weight gain in association with COVID‐19 lockdowns; typically, this research has had short‐term follow‐up in populations that tended to gain weight. In this study, the effect of prolonged lockdowns on weight was assessed in a population of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Before lockdown subjects gained an average of 0.022 kg per month; after lockdown this trend reversed with subjects losing weight at 0.032 kg per month, a trend that was highly significant (P < 0.001).
Dysbiosis in gastrointestinal pathophysiology: Role of the gut microbiome in Gulf War Illness
Authors: Slevin Elise , Koyama Sachiko , Harrison Kelly , Wan Ying , Klaunig James E. , Wu Chaodong , Shetty Ashok K. , Meng Fanyin
Published: January 2023

Gulf War Illness (GWI) has been reported in 25%–35% of veterans returned from the Gulf war. Symptoms of GWI are varied and include both neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms as well as chronic fatigue. Development of GWI has been associated with chemical exposure particularly with exposure to pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and permethrin. Recent studies have found that the pathology of GWI is connected to changes in the gut microbiota, that is the gut dysbiosis. In studies using animal models, the exposure to PB and permethrin resulted in similar changes in the gut microbiome as these found in GW veterans with GWI. Studies using animal models have also shown that phytochemicals like curcumin are beneficial in reducing the symptoms and that the extracellular vesicles (EV) released from gut bacteria and from the intestinal epithelium can both promote diseases and suppress diseases through the intercellular communication mechanisms. The intestinal epithelium cells produce EVs and these EVs of intestinal epithelium origin are found to suppress inflammatory bowel disease severity, suggesting the benefits of utilizing EV in treatments. On the contrary, EV from the plasma of septic mice enhanced the level of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro and neutrophils and macrophages in vivo, suggesting differences in the EV depending on the types of cells they were originated and/or influences of environmental changes. These studies suggest that targeting the EV that specifically have positive influences may become a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of veterans with GWI.
Full mouth oral rehabilitation of a severely worn dentition based on a fully digital workflow
Authors: Lanis Alejandro , Gallucci German , Pedrinaci Ignacio
Published: January 2023

Objective

To demonstrate the use of a complete digital workflow for a full mouth rehabilitation in a severely worn dentition.

Clinical Considerations

The present case report successfully rehabilitated a full‐mouth case of a severely worn dentition based on the use of digital technologies, making the diagnosis and treatment process faster, accurate and less expensive. A long‐lasting esthetic and functional result are showed after 30‐months follow up.

Conclusions

An appropriate knowledge on dental erosion and oral rehabilitation, combined with a digital dentistry approach could lead the clinician to deliver a fast, accurate and predictable noninvasive restorative treatment in cases like the one described.

Clinical Significance

Bruxism‐based severely worn dentition is being found more often in population. In this situation, a detailed diagnosis and tailored treatment are mandatory to obtain a predictable treatment outcome. In this sense, the development of adhesive dentistry, new restorative materials and the incorporation of digital technologies can create a predictable synergy to rehabilitate these types of patients with a modern and less invasive approach.
Q‐switched Nd:YAGlaser versus itraconazole pulse therapy in treatment of onychomycosis: A clinical dermoscopic and mycologic study
Authors: Nasif Ghada A. , Amin Aliaa A. , Ragaie Maha H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Onychomycosis (OM) represents about 50% of nail disorders. Oral antifungals have proven efficacy in the treatment of onychomycosis but their associated side effects limit their use. Accordingly, there is an increased need for a safe and effective therapy to induce clearance and improve the esthetic appearance of diseased nails.

Objective

The current study is an attempt to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Q‐Switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser as monotherapy versus pulse itraconazole in the clearance of onychomycosis.

Methods

In this prospective study, 40 onychomycosis patients were equally divided into two groups: Groups I (laser group) and II (Itraconazole group). Patients of Group I are treated with six biweekly sessions of Q‐Switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser. Patients of Group II are treated with itraconazole pulse therapy. The assessment of clearance was rated using the “Onychomycosis Severity Index (OSI)”, photographs, dermoscopy, and mycology. All 40 patients were followed up for 3 months after the end of treatment.

Results

Group I's clinical improvement response was a marked improvement in 19 cases and moderate improvement in one case (OSI before treatment was 24.5 and after was 0). A dermoscopic cure occurred in 19 cases. Mycological cure was obtained in 19 cases. Group II's clinical improvement response was marked in 15 and moderate in 5 (OSI before treatment was 24 and after was 0). Dermoscopic cure occurred in 15 cases. Mycological cure was obtained in 15 cases. There were no adverse effects. The clinical response, the dermoscopic cure, and the mycological cure were equal in both groups, with no significant difference found between them.

Conclusion

Q‐Switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser can be used as an effective and safe modality in the clearance of nail onychomycosis, particularly in patients who have a contraindication to or refuse the use of oral antifungals.
Healthcare professionals' perceived challenges and solutions when providing rehabilitation to persons living with dementia—A scoping review
Authors: Scerri Anthony , Innes Anthea , Scerri Charles
Published: January 2023

Aim

This review aimed to map studies related to healthcare professionals' perceptions and attitudes towards the rehabilitation for persons living with dementia and extract what they perceive are the barriers and solutions.

Background

Rehabilitation can improve the quality of life and integration of persons living with dementia into society. However, there are several barriers to accessing rehabilitation services. Healthcare professionals are a source of information to understand the challenges and provide solutions to improve these services.

Design

Arksey and O′ Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8, 2005 and 19) five‐step framework for scoping reviews and the PRISMA‐ScR checklist was used. The PAGER (Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations) framework was used to identify research and practice recommendations.

Method

Seven databases including Medline Complete, Academic Search Ultimate, Ageline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched. The healthcare professionals' perceived challenges and solutions were categorised using Braun & Clarke (Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 2006 and 77) thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen articles were selected for review. The challenges and solutions were organised according to their association with three stakeholders; the persons living with dementia/informal caregivers, healthcare professionals and the organisation providing the service. Nine of the studies focused on persons living with dementia following a fall or a hip fracture. Most of the studies focused on the perceptions of allied healthcare professionals, with nurses working in rehabilitation settings being underrepresented.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals have to consider the complexity of rehabilitating persons living with dementia irrespective of the rehabilitation speciality. Moreover, more studies are needed that focus on the views of rehabilitation nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This review provides further evidence of the healthcare professionals' misconceptions about the rehabilitation potential of persons living with dementia. There is a need to educate healthcare professionals about the societal, attitudinal and environmental barriers faced by persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

Patient Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution—scoping review.
Genetic heterogeneity and enrichment of variants in DNA‐repair genes in ameloblastoma
Authors: Awotoye Waheed , Whitt Joseph Craig , Yoo Byunggil , Farooqi Midhat S. , Farrow Emily G. , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Amendt Brad A. , Rengasamy Venugopalan Shankar
Published: January 2023

Objective

Ameloblastomas are a group of relatively common odontogenic tumors that frequently originate from the dental epithelium. These tumors are aggressive in nature and present as slow‐growing painless cortical expansion of the jaw. Histologically, the follicular and plexiform subtypes constitute two‐thirds of solid/multicystic ameloblastomas. The objective of this study was to understand the genetic architecture of follicular and plexiform ameloblastomas using deep whole‐exome sequencing.

Methods

Archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks of follicular (n = 4) and plexiform (n = 6) ameloblastomas were retrieved and genomic DNAs were isolated from the tumor tissue dissected from the formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded block. The exomes were enriched using the Integrated DNA Technologies Exome Research Panel (IDT, Coralville, IA) and paired‐end sequencing was completed on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 with an average output of 20 GB of data resulting in a mean coverage of 400×. Variant analysis was completed using custom‐developed software: Rapid Understanding of Nucleotide variant Effect Software and variant integration and knowledge interpretation in genomes.

Results

Our analyses focused on examining somatic variants (gnomAD minor allele frequency ≤1%) in genes found on an Food and Drug Administration ‐approved clinical cancer sequencing panel (FoundationOne®CDx). In follicular tumors, variants (>20% of the reads) were identified in BRAF, KMT2D, and ABL1 genes. In plexiform tumors, variants (>20% of the reads) were identified in ALK, BRAF, KRAS, KMT2D, SMO, KMT2A, and BRCA2 genes. Enrichment analysis showed a significant role of DNA repair genes in the development of these tumors.

Conclusion

The variants identified in follicular and plexiform ameloblastomas were enriched in DNA‐repair genes. The observed genetic heterogeneity in these ameloblastomas may contribute to the aggressive nature and recurrence risk of these tumors.
Leptin‐deficient ob/ob mice exhibit periodontitis phenotype and altered oral microbiome
Authors: Li Zhicong , Zheng Zhichao , Pathak Janak L. , Li Hongtao , Wu Gang , Xu Shaofen , Wang Tianqi , Cheng Haoyu , Piao Zhengguo , Jaspers Richard T. , Wu Lihong
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective

Leptin‐deficient obesity is associated with various systemic diseases including diabetes and low bone mass phenotype. However, the periodontal status of leptin‐deficient obese individuals is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to analyze the periodontal status, alveolar bone phenotype, and oral microbiome status in leptin‐deficient obese mice (ob/ob mice).

Methods

This study used 12‐week‐old wild‐type and ob/ob male mice. The alveolar bone phenotype and periodontal status in the maxilla were analyzed by micro‐CT and histological analysis. Osteoclasts in alveolar bone were visualized by TRAP staining. Expressions of inflammatory markers (MMP‐9, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β1) and osteoclastogenic markers (RANKL and OPG) in periodontium were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and RT‐qPCR. The oral microbiome was analyzed by 16 S rDNA sequencing.

Results

CEJ‐ABC distance in maxillary molars (M1‐M3) of ob/ob mice was significantly higher compared with that of wild‐type. The alveolar bone BV/TV ratio was reduced in ob/ob mice compared with wild‐type. Higher numbers of osteoclasts were observed in ob/ob mice alveolar bone adjacent to the molar root. Epithelial hyperplasia in gingiva and disordered periodontal ligaments was observed in ob/ob mice. RANKL/OPG expression ratio was increased in ob/ob mice compared with wild‐type. Expressions of inflammatory markers MMP‐9, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β1 were increased in ob/ob mice compared with wild‐type. Oral microbiome analysis showed that beneficial bacteria Akkermansia and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 were more abundant in the wild‐type mice while the inflammation‐related Flavobacterium was more abundant in ob/ob mice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ob/ob mice showed higher expressions of inflammatory factors, increased alveolar bone loss, lower abundance of the beneficial bacteria, and higher abundance of inflammatory bacteria in the oral cavity, suggesting leptin‐deficient obesity as a risk factor for periodontitis development in ob/ob mice.
Critical analysis of the protection of Traditional Knowledge Bill, 2022
Authors: KP Sreenath
Published: January 2023

The need for protecting traditional knowledge (TK) has been long established, and as a result, international negotiations are being conducted to protect TK internationally. Many international authorities appreciate India's efforts to create unique ways to protect TK. For instance, India was the first nation to set up Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, which helps scrutinise Patent applications on TK. Recently, Dr Shashi Tharror MP brought a private bill titled ‘Protection of TK’. Even though it's a bill, it still needs to be analysed because it serves as a reference point while formulating legislation by the union government or any state government. Hence, the paper aims to critically analyse the bill to point out its shortcomings of the bill. The bill gives TK holders hope since it asserts that it will protect TK from misappropriation. This bill can aid in commercialising TK. However, it is doubtful that the TK holders would gain from such commercialisation as specific provisions in the bill tend to favour outsiders more than the tribal or indigenous communities. It is identified that many crucial concepts about TK, such as ‘dynamic or changing’ or ‘traditional context’, which are necessary for stakeholders, authorities, and the judiciary to properly appreciate the nature of TK, have gone undefined. Also, it begs the question of why such a significant, essential component of TK is missing when the word ‘community’ is excluded from the definition of the term "knowledge society." In essence, it is possible to argue that the bill has been inadequately written without enough weight on the philosophy of TK and its jurisprudential comprehension.
A non‐JA producing oxophytodienoate reductase functions in salicylic acid‐mediated antagonism with jasmonic acid during pathogen attack
Authors: Huang Pei‐Cheng , Tate Morgan , Berg‐Falloure Katherine M. , Christensen Shawn A. , Zhang Jinglan , Schirawski Jan , Meeley Robert , Kolomiets Michael V.
Published: January 2023

Peroxisome‐localized oxo‐phytodienoic acid (OPDA) reductases (OPR) are enzymes converting 12‐OPDA into jasmonic acid (JA). However, the biochemical and physiological functions of the cytoplasmic non‐JA producing OPRs remain largely unknown. Here, we generated Mutator‐insertional mutants of the maize OPR2 gene and tested its role in resistance to pathogens with distinct lifestyles. Functional analyses showed that the opr2 mutants were more susceptible to the (hemi)biotrophic pathogens Colletotrichum graminicola and Ustilago maydis, but were more resistant to the necrotrophic fungus Cochliobolus heterostrophus. Hormone profiling revealed that increased susceptibility to C. graminicola was associated with decreased salicylic acid (SA) but increased JA levels. Mutation of the JA‐producing lipoxygenase 10 (LOX10) reversed this phenotype in the opr2 mutant background, corroborating the notion that JA promotes susceptibility to this pathogen. Exogenous SA did not rescue normal resistance levels in opr2 mutants, suggesting that this SA‐inducible gene is the key downstream component of the SA‐mediated defences against C. graminicola. Disease assays of the single and double opr2 and lox10 mutants and the JA‐deficient opr7opr8 mutants showed that OPR2 negatively regulates JA biosynthesis, and that JA is required for resistance against C. heterostrophus. Overall, this study uncovers a novel function of a non‐JA producing OPR as a major negative regulator of JA biosynthesis during pathogen infection, a function that leads to its contrasting contribution to either resistance or susceptibility depending on pathogen lifestyle.
m6A mRNA methylation in human brain is disrupted in Lewy body disorders
Authors: Martinez De La Cruz Braulio , Gell Chris , Markus Robert , Macdonald Ian , Fray Rupert , Knight Helen Miranda
Published: January 2023

Aims

N6‐methyladenosine modification of RNA (m6A) regulates translational control, which may influence neuronal dysfunction underlying neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

Using microscopy and a machine learning approach, we performed cellular profiling of m6A‐RNA abundance and YTHDF1/YTHDF3 m6A reader expression within four regions of the human brain from non‐affected individuals and individuals with Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results

In non‐diseased tissue, we found that m6A‐modified RNAs showed cell‐type and sub‐compartment‐specific variation. YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 showed opposing expression patterns in the cerebellum and the frontal and cingulate cortices. Machine learning quantitative image analysis revealed that m6A‐modified transcripts were significantly altered in localisation and abundance in disease tissue with significant decreases in m6A‐RNAs in Parkinson's disease, and significant increases in m6A‐RNA abundance in dementia with Lewy bodies. MCI tissue showed variability across regions but similar to DLB; in brain areas with an overall significant increase in m6A‐RNAs, modified RNAs within dendritic processes were reduced. Using mass spectrometry proteomic datasets to corroborate our findings, we found significant changes in YTHDF3 and m6A anti‐reader protein abundance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and asymptomatic AD/MCI tissue and correlation with cognitive resilience.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence for disrupted m6A regulation in Lewy body diseases and a plausible mechanism through which RNA processing could contribute to the formation of Lewy bodies and other dementia‐associated pathological aggregates. The findings suggest that manipulation of epitranscriptomic processes influencing translational control may lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases.