bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change, the cutaneous microbiome and skin disease: implications for a warming world
Authors: Isler Madeleine F. , Coates Sarah J. , Boos Markus D. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe skin plays an important role in human health by providing barrier protection against environmental stressors. In addition to human skin cells, the cutaneous barrier is also home to a network of organisms that have co‐evolved with humans, referred to as the cutaneous microbiome. This network has been demonstrated to play an active role in skin health and the manifestation of cutaneous disease. Here, we review how a warming world and its attendant changes in climatic variables, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, and air pollution, influence the cutaneous microbiome and, in turn, skin health. Studies indicate that the cutaneous microbiome is affected by these factors, and these changes may influence the epidemiology and severity of cutaneous disorders including atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and skin cancer. Further investigation into how the cutaneous microbiome changes in response to climate change and subsequently influences skin disease is needed to better anticipate future dermatologic needs and potentially generate novel therapeutic solutions in response.
Application of a composite scoring protocol to identify factors that contribute to the risk of overweight and obesity in Irish children
Authors: O'Donnell Aisling , Buffini Maria , Kehoe Laura , Nugent Anne , Kearney John , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert , McNulty Breige 
Published: May 2022

SummaryBackgroundInvestigations into the main drivers of childhood obesity are vital to implement effective interventions to halt the global rise in levels. The use of a composite score may help to identify children most at risk of overweight/obesity.ObjectivesTo investigate the cumulative impact of factors associated with overweight/obesity risk in children.MethodsData were analysed from the Irish National Children's Food Survey II which included 600 children, aged 5–12‐years. The risk factors examined included social class, parental, early life, lifestyle, and dietary components. A composite score was calculated which ranged from 0 (no risk factors for overweight/obesity) to 4 (4 risk factors for overweight/obesity).ResultsIn model 1 (%BF) the four factors associated with overweight/obesity risk were having a parent with overweight/obesity (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.9–4.8), having a high birth weight of ≥4 kg (2.5; 1.6–3.9), being from a low social class (2.3; 1.4–3.8) and low physical activity (1.9; 1.2–2.8). Children who scored 3–4 points on the composite score had a 10‐fold (10.0; 4.2–23.9) increased risk of overweight/obesity compared to those with 0 points, a sevenfold (7.2; 3.9–13.5) increased risk compared to those with 1 point and a threefold (2.6; 1.4–4.8) increased risk compared to those with 2 points, with similar results observed in model 2 (BMI).ConclusionThe use of a composite score is a beneficial means of identifying children at risk of overweight/obesity and may prove useful in the development of effective interventions to tackle childhood obesity.
Leveraging South African HIV research to define SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity triggered by sequential variants of concern
Authors: Bhiman Jinal N. , Moore Penny L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), has shifted our paradigms about B cell immunity and the goals of vaccination for respiratory viruses. The development of population immunity, through responses directed to highly immunogenic regions of this virus, has been a strong driving force in the emergence of progressively mutated variants. This review highlights how the strength of the existing global virology and immunology networks built for HIV vaccine research enabled rapid adaptation of techniques, assays, and skill sets, to expeditiously respond to the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Allying real‐time genomic surveillance to immunological platforms enabled the characterization of immune responses elicited by infection with distinct variants, in sequential epidemic waves, as well as studies of vaccination and hybrid immunity (combination of infection‐ and vaccination‐induced immunity). These studies have shown that consecutive variants of concern have steadily diminished the ability of vaccines to prevent infection, but that increasing levels of hybrid immunity result in higher frequencies of cross‐reactive responses. Ultimately, this rapid pivot from HIV to SARS‐CoV‐2 enabled a depth of understanding of the SARS‐CoV‐2 antigenic vulnerabilities as population immunity expanded and diversified, providing key insights for future responses to the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.
Macrophages of the M1 and M2 types play a role in keloids pathogenesis
Authors: Seoudy Wael M. , Mohy El Dien Sara M. , Abdel Reheem Talal A. , Elfangary Mona M. , Erfan Moatasem A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe pathophysiology of keloid formation is unknown, however, macrophages are thought to play a role in keloid formation. Understanding the mechanism(s) of keloid development might be crucial in developing a new treatment regimen for keloids. The aim of this study was to understand possible status of M1 and M2 type macrophages in the pathogenesis of keloid. Thirty cases of Keloid tissues were selected according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as 30 normal scars, were enrolled in our study as a control group. An excisional biopsy was harvested and ELISA was done on keloid tissue and normal scar samples, with CD68, the surface marker for M1 and CD163 representing M2. The results revealed the low expression of M1 (CD68) in keloid tissue meanwhile high levels of M1 were detected in normal scars. We also detected that higher tissue expression of M2 (CD163) was significantly associated with keloid cases when compared to low M2 expression in the control group. An important finding that was discovered during our study is that the M1 and M2 are significant predictors of keloid. Every increase of 1 ng/mL in M1 decreases the risk of keloid by 0.99 while every increase of one unit in M2 increases the risk of keloid by 2.01. This study concluded that the keloid formation could be a result of an abnormal response to tissue injury where there is an excessive entry of inflammatory cells into the wound, including macrophages and that the keloid incidence might be related to a decrease in M1 and an increase in M2.
Effects of immersive virtual reality classrooms on students' academic achievement, motivation and cognitive load in science lessons
Authors: Liu Ruixue , Wang Lei , Koszalka Tiffany A. , Wan Kun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundImmersive virtual reality (IVR) applications that support student learning have gained increasing interest. However, empirical studies exploring the educational potential of using IVR in primary school science classrooms are lacking.ObjectivesThis study developed a series of IVR science lessons for primary school students and examined the effects of these lessons on learning outcomes.MethodsOur mixed‐method approach employed pre‐ and post‐tests to measure academic achievement, questionnaires to measure motivation and cognitive load, and semi‐structured interviews to further explore students' feelings and attitudes about IVR science lessons. Participants included 362 Grade 4 students assigned to either the experimental (IVR‐based classroom) or control (traditional classroom) groups. The experimental group engaged in IVR science lessons using Head‐Mounted Displays; the control group learned the same material through traditional methods.Results and conclusionsThe results showed that the IVR‐based classroom significantly improved primary students' academic achievement and science motivation and decreased their cognitive load. Moreover, the experimental group reported positive experiences with the IVR science lessons.TakeawaysThese findings help unpack the relationships between IVR and academic achievement, science motivation, and cognitive load in primary school science lessons, thus providing insight on integrating IVR into existing classrooms.
Effects of blended language learning on EFL learners' language performance: An activity theory approach
Authors: Li Rui 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite a great deal of studies on blended language learning, synthesized empirical evidence of its effects on language performance is still lacking.ObjectivesTo bridge the gap, this study aimed to meta‐analyse the effects of blended language learning on EFL learners' language performance.MethodsDrawing on the framework of AT (Activity Theory), this paper reported results based on a meta‐analysis of the effects of blended language learning on EFL (English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language) learners' language performance with 43 valid effect sizes from 39 experimental and quasi‐experimental studies published during 2000–2021.Results and ConclusionsThe results showed that the overall effect size was significantly moderate for language performance, suggesting that blended language learning is more effective than traditional methods. The moderating effects of AT‐related moderators were analysed. The educational levels, intervention durations, geographic regions and software types were found to be significant moderators, while others did not find a significant moderating effect.ImplicationsThe results also provided some practical insights into the pedagogical implications for teachers, practitioners, and researchers in blended language learning.
The quality of four psychology practice guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II
Authors: Trepanier Lyane , Hébert Catherine , Stamoulos Constantina , Reyes Andrea , MacIntosh Heather , Beauchamp Sylvie , Larivée Serge , Dagenais Christian , Drapeau Martin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRationale, Aims and ObjectivesClinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) have been shown to improve healthcare services and clinical outcomes. However, they are useful resources only to the degree that they are developed according to the most rigorous standards. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant variability between CPGs with regard to specific indicators of quality. The Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ), the College of psychologists of Quebec, has published several CPGs that are intended to provide empirically supported guidance for psychologists in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, general functioning, treatment and other decision‐making support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of these CPGs.MethodsThe Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument was used to assess the quality of the CPGs.ResultsOur results show that although there have been some modest improvements in quality of the CPGs over time, there are important methodological inadequacies in all CPGs evaluated.ConclusionsThe findings of this study demonstrate the need for more methodological rigour in CPGs development as such, recommendations to improve CPG quality are discussed.
Parental attitudes towards vaccination against COVID‐19 of children 5–11 years old in Greece
Authors: Miliordos Konstantinos , Giannouchos Theodoros , Steletou Evangelia , Sanidas Georgios , Karkania Aglaia , Vervenioti Aggeliki , Dimitriou Gabriel , Gkentzi Despoina 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRationaleVaccinating children against COVID‐19 is critical to contain the ongoing pandemic.Aims/ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to assess parents' and caregivers' intention to vaccinate their 5–11 years old children against COVID‐19 and to estimate the association between vaccination intention and sociodemographic, clinical and contextual factors.MethodWe conducted a questionnaire‐based survey on a convenience sample of parents in Patras, Western Greece.ResultsOut of 366 study participants, around 48% reported their intention to vaccinate their child. The main factors associated with positive attitudes were paediatrician recommendation, parental vaccination, and reliance on the healthcare providers for decision making. Of note, 80% of the 190 parents who did not intend to vaccinate their children would vaccinate them if the paediatrician recommended it.ConclusionInterventions to further train healthcare professionals to establish rapport with parents, and to provide adequate information about vaccinations are crucial to address concerns related to COVID‐19 vaccine benefits for children.
Vitamin B1 THIAMIN REQUIRING1 synthase mediates the maintenance of chloroplast function by regulating sugar and fatty acid metabolism in rice
Authors: Nie Yanshen , Yu Li , Mao Lianlian , Zou Wenxuan , Zhang Xiufeng , Zhao Jie 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTVitamin B1 (VB1), including thiamin, thiamin monophosphate (TMP), and thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP), is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. Nevertheless, the precise function of VB1 in rice remains unclear. Here, we described a VB1 auxotrophic mutant, chlorotic lethal seedling (cles) from the mutation of OsTH1, which displayed collapsed chloroplast membrane system and decreased pigment content. OsTH1 encoded a phosphomethylpyrimidine kinase/thiamin‐phosphate pyrophosphorylase, and was expressed in various tissues, especially in seedlings, leaves, and young panicles. The VB1 content in cles was markedly reduced, despite an increase in the expression of VB1 synthesis genes. The decreased TPP content affected the tricarboxylic acid cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and de novo fatty acid synthesis, leading to a reduction in fatty acids (C16:0 and C18:0) and sugars (sucrose and glucose) of cles. Additionally, irregular expression of chloroplast membrane synthesis genes led to membrane collapse. We also found that alternative splicing and translation allowed OsTH1 to be localized to both chloroplast and cytosol. Our study revealed that OsTH1 was an essential enzyme in VB1 biosynthesis and played crucial roles in seedling growth and development by participating in fatty acid and sugar metabolism, providing new perspectives on VB1 function in rice.
The difference in the effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccine based on smoking status
Authors: Hikari Takako , Honda Atsuko , Hashiguchi Mariko , Okuma Ryoichi , Kurihara Makiko , Fukuda Asako , Okuma Emi , Nakao Yoshifumi , Yokoyama Masatoshi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimThis study aimed to clarify (1) the effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against precancerous lesions of uterine cervical cancer and (2) the difference in these effectiveness based on smoking status.MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study considered women aged 20–24 who underwent cervical cancer screening in Saga City from April 2014 to March 2020. Cervical cytology and histological diagnosis were compared with or without HPV vaccination and smoking.ResultsThe study included 7253 women (2467 vaccinated and 4786 unvaccinated). Among the vaccinated women, 462 were smokers, 2003 were nonsmokers: among the nonvaccinated women, the numbers were 1217 and 3554, respectively. 0.28% (7/2467) of participants with vaccination had HSIL+ compared to 0.77% (37/4786) without vaccination (odds ratio [OR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–0.81). About 0.32% (8/2467) with vaccination had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ compared to 0.69% (33/4786) without vaccination (OR 0.46, 95% CI, 0.21–1.00). Four women without vaccination had CIN3+. In nonsmokers, HPV vaccination significantly suppressed the incidence of HSIL+ from 0.42% (15/3554) to 0.1% (2/2003) (OR 0.21, 95% CI, 0.05–0.95), but the suppressive effect was not significant in smokers (OR 0.59, 95% CI, 0.22–1.56). In vaccinated women, the incidence of CIN2+ was 0.20% (4/2003) in nonsmokers and 0.87% (4/462) in smokers (OR 0.22, 95% CI, 0.05–0.89, p = 0.02).ConclusionsHPV bivalent/quadrivalent vaccination is effective in protecting against CIN but insufficient in smokers. The nine‐valent vaccine should be introduced into routine vaccination as soon as possible to prevent high‐risk HPV infection other than 6/11/16/18.
Current concepts regarding Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Bartalena Luigi , Tanda Maria Laura 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGraves’ orbitopathy (GO) is an orbital autoimmune disorder and the main extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. GO affects about 30% of Graves’ patients, although fewer than 10% have severe forms requiring immunosuppressive treatments. Management of GO requires a multidisciplinary approach. Medical therapies for active moderate‐to‐severe forms of GO (traditionally, high‐dose glucocorticoids) often provide unsatisfactory results, and subsequently surgeries are often needed to cure residual manifestations. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of current concepts regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, assessment, and treatment of GO, and to present emerging targeted therapies and therapeutic perspectives. Original articles, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses from 1980 to 2021 were searched using the following terms: Graves’ disease, Graves’ orbitopathy, thyroid eye disease, glucocorticoids, orbital radiotherapy, rituximab, cyclosporine, azathioprine, teprotumumab, TSH‐receptor antibody, smoking, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, and antithyroid drugs. Recent studies suggest a secular trend toward a milder phenotype of GO. Standardized assessment at a thyroid eye clinic allows for a better general management plan. Treatment of active moderate‐to‐severe forms of GO still relies in most cases on high‐dose systemic—mainly intravenous—glucocorticoids as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies—such as mycophenolate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, or orbital radiotherapy—but novel biological agents—including teprotumumab, rituximab, and tocilizumab—have achieved encouraging results.
Temporal ranking for characterization and improved discrimination of protein beverages
Authors: Keefer Heather M. , Harwood Will S. , Castura John C. , Drake MaryAnne 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe propose a new temporal sensory method called temporal ranking (TR) in which assessors indicate and rank the three most noticeable sensations at every time point. The TR method was compared to temporal‐check‐all‐that‐apply (TCATA) in two trained‐panel studies, one study involving six ready‐to‐mix (RTM) protein beverages and one study involving seven ready‐to‐drink (RTD) protein beverages. In each study, the same attributes were used in both methods; six attributes were evaluated for RTMs and 10 attributes for RTDs. A trained sensory panel (n = 10) completed TCATA and temporal ranking (TR) training exercises, then evaluated each beverage in triplicate using each method in a replicated balanced randomized design. To evaluate each temporal method (TR and TCATA), each test beverage was compared with the sucrose‐ or sucralose‐sweetened control beverage within each study (RTM and RTD). Although results from TR and TCATA often coincided, TR better differentiated the protein beverage formulations on more sensory attributes and detected differences between the test and control beverages (p < .05) when TCATA did not. Overall, TR was found to be more sensitive in detecting sensory differences than TCATA, and thus could improve the guidance for the development and formulation of foods.Practical applicationsThis study proposes a new temporal method, temporal ranking, which has assessors continuously rank the three most noticeable attributes when evaluating a beverage. Temporal ranking data can give improved guidance, especially for products that might have side flavors, such as natural nonnutritive sweeteners or alternative protein sources. Further application of findings and methodologies from this study may help guide development and formulation of foods.
Complementary feeding and food‐group level inequality among Ethiopian children 6–23 months of age (2011–2019)
Authors: Tizazu Woinshet , Laillou Arnaud , Hailu Bayuh Asmamaw , Chitekwe Stanley , Baye Kaleab 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEnsuring diet quality in the first 2 years of life is critical to preventing malnutrition and instilling healthy food preferences. Children's diet quality has changed little over time and inequalities by socioeconomic status, rural–urban residence, but also by food group may exist. Using data from the 2011, 2016 and 2019 demographic and health surveys (DHS), we estimated the prevalence and inequalities in the minimum diet diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). We further assessed food group‐level inequities. In 2019, only 13.5% of children 6–23 months of age met the MDD, 55% met the MMF and only 11% met the MAD indicator. Absolute and relative measures of inequality were calculated. Modest increases in MDD, MMF and MAD were observed over the past decade (2011–2019). These modest improvements were concentrated in limited geographical areas, among children in wealthier households, and urban residents. Unhealthy practices such as bottle‐feeding and zero fruit and vegetables have been increasing; whereas, inequities in the consumption of nutrient‐dense foods have widened. Nevertheless, children from the wealthiest quintile also failed to meet the MDD. Multisectoral efforts that span from diversifying the food supply, regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods, and promoting minimal processing of perishables (i.e., to extend shelf‐life) are needed. Context‐adapted behavioural change communication along with nutrition‐sensitive social protection schemes are also needed to equitably improve the diet quality of children in Ethiopia.
Interaction of drought‐ and pathogen‐induced mortality in Norway spruce and Scots pine
Authors: Gomez‐Gallego Mireia , Galiano Lucia , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Stenlid Jan , Capador‐Barreto Hernán D. , Elfstrand Malin , Camarero J. Julio , Oliva Jonàs 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPathogenic diseases frequently occur in drought‐stressed trees. However, their contribution to the process of drought‐induced mortality is poorly understood. We combined drought and stem inoculation treatments to study the physiological processes leading to drought‐induced mortality in Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) saplings infected with Heterobasidion annosum s.s. We analysed the saplings' water status, gas exchange, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) and defence responses, and how they related to mortality. Saplings were followed for two growing seasons, including an artificially induced 3‐month dormancy period. The combined drought and pathogen treatment significantly increased spruce mortality; however, no interaction between these stressors was observed in pine, although individually each stressor caused mortality. Our results suggest that pathogen infection decreased carbon reserves in spruce, reducing the capacity of saplings to cope with drought, resulting in increased mortality rates. Defoliation, relative water content and the starch concentration of needles were predictors of mortality in both species under drought and pathogen infection. Infection and drought stress create conflicting needs for carbon to compartmentalize the pathogen and to avoid turgor loss, respectively. Heterobasidion annosum reduces the functional sapwood area and shifts NSC allocation patterns, reducing the capacity of trees to cope with drought.