bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some neighbours are better than others: Variation in associational effects among plants in an old field community
Authors: Mutz Jessie , Heiling Jacob M. , Paniagua‐Montoya Monica , Halpern Stacey L. , Inouye Brian D. , Underwood Nora
Published: May 2022

Consumer‐resource interactions are often influenced by other species in the community, such as when neighbouring plants increase or reduce herbivory to a focal plant species (known as associational effects). The many studies on associational effects between a focal plant and some neighbour have shown that these effects can vary greatly in strength and direction. But because almost all of these studies measure associational effects from only one or two neighbour species, we know little about the actual range of associational effects that a plant species might encounter in a natural setting. This makes it difficult to determine how important effects of neighbours are in real field settings, and how associational effects might interact with competition and other processes to influence plant community composition.

In this study, we used a field experiment with a focal species, Solanum carolinense, and 11 common neighbour species to investigate how associational effects vary among many co‐occurring neighbour species and to test whether factors such as neighbour plant apparency, phylogenetic proximity to the focal species, or effects on focal plant defence traits help to explain interspecific variation in associational effect strength.

We found that some neighbour species affected S. carolinense damage and attack by specialist herbivores, but associational effects of most neighbours were weak. Associational effects increased herbivore attack on average earlier in the season (associational susceptibility) and reduced herbivore attack on average later in the season (associational resistance) relative to S. carolinense in monoculture.

We found some evidence that a neighbour's associational effect was related to its biomass and phylogenetic proximity to the focal species. While neighbour species differed in their effects on physical leaf traits of focal plants (trichome density, specific leaf area, and leaf toughness), these traits did not appear to mediate the effects of neighbours on focal plant herbivory.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the distribution of associational effect strengths in natural communities are similar to those observed for other interaction types, and that multiple mechanisms are likely acting simultaneously to shape associational effects of different neighbour species.
Executive functions and household chores: Does engagement in chores predict children's cognition?
Authors: Tepper Deanna L. , Howell Tiffani J. , Bennett Pauleen C.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The benefits of completing household chores appear to transfer beyond managing day‐to‐day living. It is possible that chore engagement may improve executive functions, as engagement in chores require individuals to plan, self‐regulate, switch between tasks, and remember instructions. To date, little research has been conducted on household chores and executive functions in children, for whom these skills are still developing.

Methods

Parents and guardians (N = 207) of children aged 5–13 years (M = 9.38, SD = 2.15) were asked to complete parent‐report questionnaires on their child's engagement in household chores and their child's executive functioning.

Results

Results of the regression model indicated that engagement in self‐care chores (e.g., making self a meal) and family‐care chores (e.g., making someone else a meal) significantly predicted working memory and inhibition, after controlling for the influence of age, gender, and presence or absence of a disability. For families with a pet, there was no significant relationship between engagement in pet‐care chores and executive function skills.

Conclusion

We strongly recommend that further research explore the relationship between chores and executive functions. It is possible that parents may be able to facilitate their child's executive function development through encouraging participation in chores, whereas chore‐based interventions (e.g., cooking programmes) may also be used to target deficits in ability.
SMYD2 epigenetically activates MEX3A and suppresses CDX2 in colorectal cancer cells to augment cancer growth
Authors: Pan Lizhen , Fan Yuejuan , Zhou Lei
Published: May 2022

Dysfunction of the protein methyltransferase SET and MYND domain‐containing protein 2 (SMYD2) is frequently linked to multiple diseases including cancer. The study focused on the role of SMYD2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. SMYD2 was expressed at high levels in CRC tissues and cells. Knockdown of SMYD2 in LOVO cells reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness in vitro and it suppressed xenograft tumorigenesis in vivo. Overexpression of SMYD2 in HCT116 cells led to inverse trends. Mex‐3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) was predicted as a target of SMYD2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and cellular assays were performed and validated that SMYD2 activated MEX3A expression by promoting H3K36me2 modification on its promoter. Data in the STRING bioinformatics system indicated caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) as an important MEX3A‐related gene. Silencing of MEX3A alone blocked proliferation and growth of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas MEX3A overexpression promoted cell growth by suppressing CDX2. In rescue experiments, MEX3A silencing suppressed the cell growth augmented by SMYD2, and CDX2 downregulation restored the malignance of cancer cells inhibited by MEX3A silencing. Taken together, this study reports that SMYD2‐mediated activation of MEX3A augments progression of CRC by suppressing CDX2.
Are agro‐clusters pro‐poor? Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Jr Tabe‐Ojong Martin Paul , Dureti Guyo Godana
Published: May 2022

Governments and development agencies increasingly promote agro‐clusters as a pathway to improving smallholder incomes and ensuring inclusive rural development through mitigating production and market risks. However, there is very limited empirical evidence to support this promise. We use a large farm household survey of about 4000 smallholder farmers in Ethiopia growing cereals like teff, maize, wheat, maltbarley and sesame to examine the relationship between agro‐clusters and smallholder welfare and poverty. Using instrumental variable estimators, we establish a positive association between agro‐clusters, household income and per capita income. Agro‐clusters are also shown to reduce poverty and poverty gaps. Our results are robust over different agro‐cluster proxies and alternative estimators, such as the augmented inverse probability weighting estimator. We also show that our findings are unlikely to be driven by omitted variable bias. Moving beyond average effects and in the interest of understanding heterogeneous effects, we use quantile regressions at different income levels. We find that agro‐clusters are associated with welfare gains for all households. However, the most significant gains are observed for the wealthier households. Despite this regressive association, our findings suggest that agro‐clusters may be useful in making farming more profitable with significant welfare implications.
Bovidae‐based gelatin: Extractions method, physicochemical and functional properties, applications, and future trends
Authors: Samatra Muhammad Yazid , Noor Nor Qhairul Izzreen Mohd , Razali Umi Hartina Mohamad , Bakar Jamilah , Shaarani Sharifudin Md.
Published: May 2022

Gelatin is one of the most important multifunctional biopolymers and is widely used as an essential ingredient in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. Porcine gelatin is regarded as the leading source of gelatin globally then followed by bovine gelatin. Porcine sources are favored over other sources since they are less expensive. However, porcine gelatin is religiously prohibited to be consumed by Muslims and the Jewish community. It is predicted that the global demand for gelatin will increase significantly in the future. Therefore, a sustainable source of gelatin with efficient production and free of disease transmission must be developed. The highest quality of Bovidae‐based gelatin (BG) was acquired through alkaline pretreatment, which displayed excellent physicochemical and rheological properties. The utilization of mammalian‐ and plant‐based enzyme significantly increased the gelatin yield. The emulsifying and foaming properties of BG also showed good stability when incorporated into food and pharmaceutical products. Manipulation of extraction conditions has enabled the development of custom‐made gelatin with desired properties. This review highlighted the various modifications of extraction and processing methods to improve the physicochemical and functional properties of Bovidae‐based gelatin. An in‐depth analysis of the crucial stage of collagen breakdown is also discussed, which involved acid, alkaline, and enzyme pretreatment, respectively. In addition, the unique characteristics and primary qualities of BG including protein content, amphoteric property, gel strength, emulsifying and viscosity properties, and foaming ability were presented. Finally, the applications and prospects of BG as the preferred gelatin source globally were outlined.
High‐pressure processing of fish and shellfish products: Safety, quality, and research prospects
Authors: Roobab Ume , Fidalgo Liliana G. , Arshad Rai Naveed , Khan Abdul Waheed , Zeng Xin‐An , Bhat Zuhaib F. , Bekhit Ala El‐Din A. , Batool Zahra , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Seafood products have been one of the main drivers behind the popularity of high‐pressure processing (HPP) in the food industry owing to a high demand for fresh ready‐to‐eat seafood products and food safety. This review provides an overview of the advanced knowledge available on the use of HPP for production of wholesome and highly nutritive clean label fish and shellfish products. Out of 653 explored items, 65 articles published during 2016–2021 were used. Analysis of the literature showed that most of the earlier work evaluated the HPP effect on physicochemical and sensorial properties, and limited information is available on nutritional aspects. HPP has several applications in the seafood industry. Application of HPP (400–600 MPa) eliminates common seafood pathogens, such as Vibrio and Listeria spp., and slows the growth of spoilage microorganisms. Use of cold water as a pressure medium induces minimal changes in sensory and nutritional properties and helps in the development of clean label seafood products. This technology (200–350 MPa) is also useful to shuck oysters, lobsters, crabs, mussels, clams, and scallops to increase recovery of the edible meat. High‐pressure helps to preserve organoleptic and functional properties for an extended time during refrigerated storage. Overall, HPP helps seafood manufacturers to maintain a balance between safety, quality, processing efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms of pressure‐induced modifications and clean label strategies to minimize these modifications.
Pitx2 suppression at meiotic stages associates with seasonal inhibition of testis development in Rattus norvegicus caraco
Authors: TIAN Lin , LI Xixuan , YING Yaqi , WANG Lewen , QIAO Yanting , WANG Dawei , SONG Ying , LI Ning , LIU Xiaohui
Published: May 2022

The bicoid‐related transcription factor 2 (Pitx2) plays a crucial role in the development of many organs and tissues by affecting the mitotic cell cycle. Postnatal testis development is related to mitosis and meiosis in multiple cell types, but the role of Pitx2 gene in seasonal inhibition of testicular development remains unknown in rodents. We analyzed PITX2 protein and Pitx2 mRNA expression features using both laboratory and wild male Rattus norvegicus caraco. In postnatal testicle of laboratory colony, we found that PITX2 was expressed in Leydig cells, pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids, and elongating spermatids rather than spermatogonia and leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes. Pitx2b expression significantly increased along with the occurrence of pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, while decreased along with the processes of elongated spermatids. In wild male rats with similar testes weight, a significantly suppressed Pitx2b expression occurred with an active meiotic stage in the inhibited testes in autumn and winter, compared with the normally developing testes in spring and summer. These results indicate that Pitx2b expression suppression plays a crucial role in the seasonal inhibition of testis development.
Development of low‐fat and anthocyanin‐rich purple sweet potato vacuum fried chips
Authors: Chintha Pradeepika , Giri Namrata , Thulasimani Krishnakumar , Sajeev Moothandassery Sankarakutty , Safiya Shanavas
Published: May 2022

Vacuum frying technology has proven to be one of the best methods to produce snack products with higher retention of health‐promoting/protecting nutraceuticals with reduced‐fat content. In this work, application and optimization of vacuum frying process for purple sweet potato have used response surface methodology‐based Box–Behnken design to produce low‐fat and anthocyanin‐rich purple sweet potato vacuum fried chips. The study showed the significant impact of frying temperature, vacuum pressure, and frying time on the chip's moisture and oil content, level of anthocyanin, visual impressions like color and texture. The selection of optimized frying parameters was carried out using a numerical optimizer and found to be 105°C for 7.08 min at a reduced pressure of 14.79 kPa. Compared to the atmospheric deep‐fried chips, the vacuum fried chips showed 86% retention of anthocyanin content and a 35.6% decline in oil content with a lower breaking force of 0.69 N. Overall, the study confirmed that vacuum fried purple sweet potato chips could be a viable option to produce snacks with high functional value to meet the current consumer demands.

Practical Application

Purple sweet potatoes have the potential to produce healthy snack chips with lower fat content and higher functional characteristics when vacuum frying technology is used with optimized processing variables.
Milk protein hydrolysates obtained with immobilized alcalase and neutrase on magnetite nanoparticles: Characterization and antigenicity study
Authors: Li Hongbo , Yang Jingjing , Qin Airong , Yang Feifei , Liu Dingkuo , Li Hongjuan , Yu Jinghua
Published: May 2022

Enzymatic hydrolysis is the most commonly used method to reduce the antigenicity of milk protein, but free protease is unstable and difficult to recycle after application. In this study, alcalase and neutrase were selected for immobilization on the modified magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The reusability of the immobilized enzyme was 68.23% of the total starting activity after 5 recycling batches. The optimal hydrolysis conditions were an enzyme to substrate ratio of 6000 U/g and reaction at 50℃ and pH 8.5 for 3 h. Under these conditions, 22.76% hydrolysis of hydrolysate was achieved, and the antigenicity reduction rates of β‐lactoglobulin and casein were 21.34% and 30.89%, respectively. In addition, 82.75% of the hydrolysate had a molecular weight less than 1 kDa, and free amino acids represented 13.65% of the sample. This result showed that the hydrolysis with immobilized enzyme was similar to that with free enzyme and the immobilized enzyme could be applied to produce hypoallergenic hydrolysate.

Practical Application

Reduces milk protein allergenicity.
Creating foods for older adults: Emotional responses and liking of microwave‐assisted thermal sterilization processed meals
Authors: Romaniw Olivia C. , Montero Maria Laura , Sharma Madhu , Ross Carolyn F. , Duizer Lisa M.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine emotional and liking responses to foods designed for older adults and made using microwave‐assisted thermal sterilization technology (MATS). Six chicken pasta meals (three each with and without herbs) were formulated with three concentrations of salt at 100%, 75%, and 50%. Seventy‐six community‐dwelling older adults conducted sensory and emotional evaluations. Sensory testing involved measuring liking of various sensory attributes using a 9‐point hedonic scale, Just‐about‐right scales to measure appropriateness of the intensity of the attributes, and check‐all‐that‐apply questions to identify perceived flavor and texture attributes. EsSense25 methodology was used for capturing food‐evoked emotional responses. Significant differences existed in all measured sensory attributes and in 14 out of the 25 tested emotions across the six meals. Liking scores for all pastas with herbs and high salt pasta with no herbs were not significantly different for all tested attributes and fell between neither like nor dislike and like slightly on the 9‐point hedonic scale. These samples were also associated with positive emotions related to energy and activation. Low‐salt pastas with no herbs were consistently the least liked samples and evoked negative emotions. Results show that sodium content can be reduced by up to half when herbs are added to microwave‐processed pasta meals without compromising liking.

Practical Application

Chicken pasta meals manufactured using microwave‐assisted thermal sterilization technology are acceptable to community living individuals 60 years and older. Emotional responses to the meal are positive. When formulating these meals, herbs can be added to lower sodium content formulations to improve liking and increase the number of positive emotions associated with the meal. Microwave‐assisted thermal sterilization, sodium reduction, emotional responses, consumer liking, older adults.
Colloid‐Pollutant Migration through Saturated Vegetative Filter Strips with Various Hydrodynamics Condition under Rainfall
Authors: Yu Congrong , Sun Xiaolu , Sun Yufeng , Yang Kang , Yu Zhongbo
Published: May 2022

Flow hydrodynamic condition impacts the deposition process on vegetation and removal of colloid and colloid‐associated contaminants in saturated vegetative filter strips (VFSs) under rainfall. A 9.6‐m‐long flume was constructed to investigate the retention of colloids through VFSs, with saturated soil and simulated rainfall. Colloidal filtration theory was applied to calculate the colloid deposition rate coefficient (kd) on vegetation surface. The result showed that removal efficiencies (η) of the single‐stem decreased, but colloid kd on the flume scale vegetation increased with increased Reynolds number (Re). Flume experiment found that the colloid retention rate in VFSs decreased as the Re increased. Since deposition on vegetation surface and diffusion into saturated soil are two main removal mechanisms, the discrepancy between kd and retention rate suggests that colloid diffusion into the soil was the dominant process of colloid removal in saturate VFSs. The research deepens the understanding of colloid transport mechanism in VFSs, and provides theoretical basis for the design of VFSs.
Tungsten Isotopic Constraints on the Nature of Earth's Accreting Materials
Authors: MEI Qingfeng , YANG Jinhui
Published: May 2022

Tungsten isotope is a powerful tracer for the Earth's accreting materials because of the distinct W isotope compositions of the non‐carbonaceous meteorites and carbonaceous meteorites. To better understand the evolution of the early Earth, here we calculated the expected μ183W of the bulk silicate Earth for different assumed compositions of the proto‐Earth's mantle, the Moon‐forming giant impactor, and the late veneer using a Monte Carlo approach. The result shows that the proto‐Earth likely has a non‐carbonaceous composition, while the carbonaceous chondrite‐like materials were delivered to the Earth at the late stages of accretion. The predicted difference in μ183W values between the bulk silicate Earth and the non‐carbonaceous meteorites of the scenarios assuming a pure carbonaceous composition for the giant impactor is slightly bigger than that of the scenarios assuming either a pure non‐carbonaceous or a mixed carbonaceous‐non‐carbonaceous composition for the giant impactor (∼5 ppm versus ∼2 ppm). The ancient mantle reservoir that partially lacks the late veneer with carbonaceous composition should have a negative μ183W value (from –3 to 0). Uncertainties introduced by the cosmogenic effects and mass‐independent fractionation should be concerned during the high precision measurement of μ183W for meteorites and ancient terrestrial samples in further work.
Molecular and metabolic characteristics of wastewater associated Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Behruznia Mahboobeh , Gordon David M.
Published: May 2022

We previously characterized the genetic diversity of Escherichia coli strains isolated from septic tanks in the Canberra region, Australia. In this study, we used repetitive element palindromic (REP) PCR fingerprinting to identify dominant REP‐types belonging to phylogroups A and B1 strains across septic tanks. Subsequently, 76 E. coli strains were selected for whole‐genome sequencing and phenotype microarrays. Comparative genome analysis was performed to compare septic tank E. coli genomes with a collection of 433 E. coli isolates from different hosts and freshwater. Clonal complexes (CCs) 10 (n = 15) and 399 (n = 10) along with sequence type (ST) 401 (n = 9) were the common lineages in septic tanks. CC10 strains have been detected from animal hosts and freshwater, whereas CC399 and ST401 strains appeared to be associated with septic tanks as they were uncommon in isolates from other sources. Comparative genome analysis revealed that CC399 and ST401 were genetically distinct from other isolates and carried an abundance of niche‐specific traits involved in environmental adaptation. These strains also showed distinct metabolic characteristics, such as the ability to utilize pectin, which may provide a fitness advantage under nutrient‐limited conditions. The results of this study characterized the adaptive mechanisms allowing E. coli to persist in wastewater.
Development of a clinical pathway for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia care: A tool to improve resident outcomes
Authors: Kennedy Kate J. , Eckert Marion , Forsythe Deborah , Wagner Joanne , Sharplin Greg
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Clinical pathways are used to improve the quality of care, reduce variation and maximise health or treatment outcomes in selected populations. The aim of this study was to develop a draft clinical pathway based on the best practice evidence for use in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

Methods

The pathway was developed using the best practice evidence from clinical practice guidelines, operational guides and a systematic literature review. A multidisciplinary team of health professionals and researchers worked in an iterative process to contextualise the proposed pathway to local needs and context, and improve its clarity and user‐friendliness. The pathway was then re‐assessed for accuracy and adherence to the evidence.

Results

The draft pathway outlines processes for BPSD prevention, watchful waiting for mild‐to‐moderate BPSD, and specific interventions for severe BPSD. Ongoing risk assessment is required throughout, and non‐pharmacological options are first‐line interventions. Person‐centred care was found to be an important care component across all three phases. An instruction guide with colour‐coded flow charts was developed to assist staff with determining the best care and treatment for each person living with dementia. Feasibility testing is underway.

Conclusions

A draft clinical pathway based on clinical practice guidelines was developed to enhance the translation of evidence into practice for the management of BPSD, by nursing and clinical leaders in RACFs.
Evaluation of the revised ISTH overt DIC score (2018) for predicting 90‐day mortality in critically ill adult patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Fang Ming , Zha Yutao , Bao Junjie , Huang Rui , Han Xuan , Yu Chao , Zhao Dongsheng , Wang Cui , Liu Nian , Shao Min
Published: May 2022

Background and Objective

Coagulopathy is a common and serious problem in patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and this study evaluated whether the 2018 diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) score established by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) is associated with 90‐day mortality in adult ECMO patients.

Methods

A retrospective study analyzed data from adult patients receiving ECMO in our hospital from September 2018 to April 2021. Pre‐ECMO DIC score and other variables were assessed and compared to predict 90‐day mortality.

Results

Among 103 eligible patients, 55.3% received V‐V ECMO and 44.7% received V‐A ECMO. The overall 90‐day mortality for study patients was 54.4%, including 45.6% in the V‐V group and 65.2% in the V‐A group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for sex, sepsis, and APACHE II score, pre‐ECMO DIC scores in the total and V‐V group predicted 90‐day mortality (odds ratio(OR): 1.419, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.101–1.828; OR: 2.562; 95% CI: 1.452–4.520). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves displayed that pre‐ECMO DIC score of 4 in the total and V‐V group was a good predictor of 90‐day mortality (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.706, 95% CI: 0.606–0.806; AUC = 0.737, 95% CI: 0.604–0.870). Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated the 90‐day mortality of patients with pre‐ECMO DIC score ≥ 4 in the total and V‐V group was higher than that of patients with DIC score < 4 (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.821, 95% CI: 1.632–4.879; HR: 3.864, 95% CI: 1.660–8.992).

Conclusion

The pre‐ECMO ISTH DIC score was associated with 90‐day mortality in adult patients undergoing ECMO, particularly in the V‐V ECMO group.
Daily interpersonal conflicts and daily exposure to bullying behaviors at work: The moderating roles of trait anger and trait anxiety
Authors: Zahlquist Lena , Hetland Jørn , Einarsen Ståle V. , Bakker Arnold B. , Hoprekstad Øystein L. , Espevik Roar , Olsen Olav K.
Published: May 2022

Building on the three‐way model of workplace bullying and its underlying theories, this study investigates the role of trait anger and trait anxiety in the link between daily interpersonal conflicts and daily exposure to bullying behaviors. Using a quantitative diary study design, we approached 57 military naval cadets participating in a tall‐ship voyage across the Atlantic, from Europe to North America, in 2017. They responded to a questionnaire on a daily basis over a period of 30 days—yielding 1428 measurement points. Prior to the voyage, participants also responded to a general questionnaire including measures of trait anger and trait anxiety. As hypothesized, multilevel analyses showed positive main effects of daily interpersonal conflicts on interpersonal conflicts the next day and exposure to bullying behaviors the same day. However, daily involvement in interpersonal conflicts did not predict exposure to bullying behaviors the next day. Moreover, and in support of the hypothesized moderating effects, trait anger (but not trait anxiety) interacted positively with daily interpersonal conflicts in the prediction of interpersonal conflicts the next day as well as exposure to bullying behaviors the same day. The study suggests that interpersonal conflicts persist and have an immediate effect on exposure to bullying behaviors and that this is particularly the case for individuals high (vs. low) on trait anger. We discuss how these findings contribute to the three‐way model of workplace bullying, as well as possible practical implications.
Working Through Apocalyptic Times: When the Psychoanalytic Frame is Blown Up
Authors: Salaam Abdel‐Malek Hana
Published: May 2022

This paper elaborates the impact that the traumatic experiences of the Lebanese socio‐economic crisis, the Port of Beirut blast, and the COVID‐19 pandemic have had on my work as a psychoanalyst in Lebanon. These shared traumas affected the psychoanalytic setting, frame, and process, ‘blowing up’ the constants of time, space and fees, triggering ‘topical collapse’, blurring boundaries, and reviving the ‘infantile’. They affected my internal analytic setting, compromising the fundamental rule of free association, triggering enactments, and violating the rule of abstinence. In such situations, psychoanalysts may try to repair the setting by adhering to strict ground rules and techniques. However, emphasizing the analytic frame's physical characteristics may transform it into a fetish that hinders the analytic process and encumbers the analytic relationship. The frame's holding and containing functions depend not on ground rules, setting and technique, but on the unconscious ability to use another person's mind. Thus, to creatively rethink my practice and co‐construct a malleable frame that safeguards the ‘analysing situation’, and to restore my internal setting, I had to do my trauma work.
lncRNA XLOC013218 promotes cell proliferation and TMZ resistance by targeting the PIK3R2‐mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in glioma
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xu Ningbo , Liu Boyang , Wang Chenyang , He Zhenyan , Lenahan Cameron , Tang Wenhui , Zeng Huijun , Guo Hongbo
Published: May 2022

The discovery of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has improved the understanding of development and progression in various cancer subtypes. However, the role of lncRNAs in temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains largely undefined. In this present study, the differential expression of lncRNAs was identified between U87 and U87 TMZ‐resistant (TR) cells. lncRNA XLOC013218 (XLOC) was drastically upregulated in TR cells and was associated with poor prognosis in glioma. Overexpression of XLOC markedly increased TMZ resistance, promoted proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, RNA‐seq analysis and gain‐of‐function or loss‐of‐function studies revealed that PIK3R2 was the potential target of XLOC. Mechanistically, XLOC recruited specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor and promoted the binding of Sp1 to the promoters of PIK3R2, which elevated the expression of PIK3R2 in both mRNA and protein levels. Finally, PIK3R2‐mediated activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway promoted TMZ resistance and cell proliferation, but inhibited cell apoptosis. In conclusion, these data highlight the vital role of the XLOC/Sp1/PIK3R2/PI3K/AKT axis in GBM TMZ resistance.
Association between serum β‐oestradiol and health‐related quality of life in postmenopausal women with degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Tian Lijun , Guo Yusong , Guo Zheming
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) is an age‐related spinal disease. It is an important cause of low back pain, lower limb pain and intermittent claudication, which seriously affects the quality of life of middle‐aged and elderly people. Design: This article aims to study the changes in serum oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women with DLS and its relationship.

Patients

One hundred and sixty‐eight postmenopausal women diagnosed with DLS (DLS group) and 140 healthy postmenopausal women (control group) were recruited. Measurements: Lumbar spinal bone mineral density (LSBMD) was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyser was used to detect serum β‐oestradiol (E2) levels. The severity of lower back pain was assessed by the visual analogue scale score and dysfunction was evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The quality of life was evaluated by Medical Outcomes Study 36‑item Short Form Health Survey (SF‑36). Diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by the receiver‐operating characteristics curve (ROC).

Results

LSBMD and the level of E2 in the serum in DLS patients were significantly reduced when compared with the control group. The levels of E2 in the serum of postmenopausal women are reliable for predicting DLS revealed by ROC (p < .001). Serum E2 levels were negatively correlated with Cobb angle, VAS and ODI and were positively correlated with LSBMD and SF‐36 scores.

Conclusions

In postmenopausal women, serum E2 levels in DLS patients are significantly reduced and low levels of E2 are associated with lower bone density and poorer quality of life.
Implications of considering peri‐implant bone loss a disease, a narrative review
Authors: Albrektsson Tomas , Tengvall Pentti , Amengual‐Peñafiel Luis , Coli Pierluigi , Kotsakis Georgios , Cochran David L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Peri‐implantitis has been suggested to cause significant increasing proportions of implant failure with increasing time.

Purpose

To assess whether implant failure rates in long term studies are matching the supposed high prevalence of peri‐implantitis.

Material and Methods

This paper is written as a narrative review of the long‐term clinical investigations available in the literature.

Results

Some implant systems have seen unacceptable marginal bone loss figures with time coupled to increased implant failure rates, resulting in the withdrawal of these systems. The reasons for such mishap are generally unknown, with the exception of one system failure that was found to be due to improper clinical handling. Modern, moderately rough implant systems have functioned excellently over 10–15 years of follow up with minor problems with marginal bone loss and implant failure rates within a few per cent. Machined implants have functioned adequately over 20–30 years of follow up. Implant failures occur predominantly during the first few years after implant placement. No significant increase of implant failures has been observed thereafter over 20–30 years of follow up.

Over the years of our new millennium, scientific and technical advances have allowed the discovery of numerous molecular pathways and cellular interactions between the skeletal and immune system promoting the development of the interdisciplinary field called osteoimmunology. Nowadays, this knowledge has not only allowed the emergence of new etiologic paradigms for bone disease but also a new dynamic approach on the concept of osseointegration and MBL around oral implants, re‐evaluating our older disease oriented outlook. This facilitates at the same time the emergence of translational applications with immunological perspectives, scientific approaches based on omics sciences, and the beginning of an era of personalized dental implant therapy to improve the prognosis of oral implant treatment.

Conclusions

Oral implant systems have been found to function with very good clinical outcome over follow‐up times of 20–30 years. Registered implant failures have occurred predominantly during the first few years after implantation, and there has been no significant increase in late failures due to peri‐implantitis.
Medicolegal issues of peri‐anaesthetic dental injuries: A 21‐years review of liability lawsuits in France
Authors: Diakonoff Hadrien , De Rocquigny Gaël , Tourtier Jean‐Pierre , Guigon Aurore
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim

Peri‐anaesthetic dental injuries (PDI) represent a major source of potential malpractice claims against anesthesiologists. Studies about the medico‐legal aspects of PDI have mainly focused on liability insurance cases thus not encompassing those cases brought to court. The aim of this study was to assess the medico‐legal issues of PDI‐related liability lawsuits in France.

Material and Methods

A review of judicial decisions pertaining to PDI was conducted on a French legal database, spanning the period between January 2000 and October 2021. Characteristics of decisions, patients and anesthesiologists, peri‐operative care, dental injuries, and convictions were collected when available for analysis.

Results

Twenty‐four judicial decisions fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. All cases of dental injuries took place during elective surgery, 16 in the private sector and 8 in the public sector. Most injuries concerned two or more teeth and the most predominant dental injuries were luxation or avulsion (70.8% of cases). Eight cases resulted in a final verdict in favor of the plaintiff, four in the private sector (conviction rate: 25%), and four in the public sector (conviction rate: 50%). The causes of conviction were either a lack of information (5/8), a breach in the standard of care or technical negligence (3/8). The average amount of indemnification for the plaintiff was 3614 Euros (3753 Euros in 2022 inflation‐adjusted Euros) excluding legal fees.

Conclusions

The analysis of PDI‐related liability lawsuits shows that medico‐legal issues differ from those of PDI‐related insurance claims. Avulsion and luxation of multiple anterior teeth during elective surgery appear to be a risk factor for liability lawsuits. In addition, inadequacy of patient information about PDI‐risk seems to be a risk factor for conviction. Lastly, dental injuries are less at risk of civil conviction than other anesthesia‐related damages.
Prenatal reduction of E14.5 embryonically fate‐mapped pyramidal neurons in a mouse model of autism
Authors: Dufour Amandine , Dumon Camille , Gouty‐Colomer Laurie‐Anne , Eftekhari Sanaz , Ferrari Diana C. , Ben‐Ari Yehezkel
Published: May 2022

Although several observations suggest that the constitutive biological, genetic or physiological changes leading to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) start in utero, their early impact on the number and density of neurons in the brain remains unknown. Using genetic fate mapping associated with the immunollabeling‐enabled three‐dimensional imaging of solvent‐cleared organs (iDISCO) clearing method we identified and counted a selective population of neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the in utero valproate (VPA) mouse model of autism. We report that 1 day before birth, the number of pyramidal neurons born at E14.5 in the neocortex and hippocampus of VPA mice is smaller than in age‐matched controls. VPA also induced a reduction of the neocortical—but not hippocampal—volume 1 day before birth. Interestingly, VPA mice present an increase in both neocortical and hippocampal volumes 2 days after birth compared with controls. These results suggest that the VPA‐exposed hippocampus and neocortex differ substantially from controls during the highly complex perinatal period, and specially 1 day before birth, reflecting the early pathogenesis of ASD.
Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy related to NECAP1: Clinical delineation of the disease and review
Authors: Chouery Eliane , Mehawej Cybel , Sabbagh Sandra , Bleik Jamal , Megarbane Andre
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Epileptic encephalopathy (EE) refers to a heterogeneous group of epilepsy syndromes characterized by seizures as well as encephalopathies, leading to cognitive and behavioral disturbances. These conditions vary in their age at onset, their severity, and their electroencephalographic patterns. Whereas genetic factors are involved in approximately 40% of all epilepsy cases, they contribute to 80% of early infantile EEs (EIEEs), with approximately 125 genes previously linked to this disease.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in a 9‐month‐old Lebanese girl presenting with EIEE.

Results

WES enabled the detection of a homozygous missense mutation in the NECAP1 gene (NM_015509.3: p.Glu8Lys) in the proband.

Conclusions

Here, we report the first homozygous missense mutation in the NECAP1 gene in a 9‐month‐old girl presenting with EIEE. Our findings allow a better characterization of the NECAP1‐linked disease and enable broadening its clinical spectrum by including, in addition to EIEE, severe generalized hypotonia, poor feeding, developmental delay, severe microcephaly, delayed myelination, abnormalities of the corpus callosum, and eye abnormalities.
Family functioning within the context of families with adolescent children in urban India
Authors: Hsieh Hsing‐Fang , Mistry Ritesh , Kleinsasser Michael J. , Puntambekar Namrata , Gupta Prakash C. , Raghunathan Trivellore , McCarthy William , Córdova David , Maharjan Gaurab , Desai Maruti B. , Narake Sameer , Pednekar Mangesh S.
Published: May 2022

Research on family functioning within given cultural contexts is needed. This study aims to describe salient dimensions of family functioning in two urban contexts in India and to examine differences in family functioning by sociodemographic groups. We measured differences in family functioning using cross‐sectional survey questionnaire data collected from 13 to 15‐year‐old adolescents and one of their parents/primary caregivers in Mumbai (n = 843) and Kolkata (n = 913) during 2019–2020. We drew a multi‐stage sample representative of neighborhoods and households in both cities. We assessed a multi‐dimensional family functioning latent factor that included parent‐reported measures (parent–adolescent communication, family cohesion, and parent monitoring of peers) and adolescent‐reported measures (parent support, family cohesion, and parent supervision). Our results support an overall measure of family functioning manifested by multiple dimensions for parent‐ and adolescent‐reported data. Families with male adolescents had worse adolescent‐reported family functioning in Mumbai and parent‐reported family functioning in Kolkata. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with better parent‐reported family functioning in both cities and better adolescent‐reported family functioning in Kolkata. Muslim religious identification in Kolkata and the Hindi native language in both cities were associated with better adolescent‐reported family functioning. Our findings indicate heterogeneity in family functioning across demographic and social‐cultural groups within the two urban contexts of India. This study may inform the development of culturally congruent prevention interventions for families with adolescents in India.
The nature of dispersal barriers and their impact on regional species pool richness and turnover
Authors: Nekola Jeffrey C. , Divíšek Jan , Horsák Michal
Published: May 2022

Aim

We document realized and potential global species ranges based on empirically vetted species concepts in conjunction with global climate databases and climate suitability modelling. From this we investigate the nature of dispersal barriers and illustrate how they generate ecological uniqueness.

Location

Holarctic.

Methods

Fifty‐two small body‐size (i.e. < 5 mm) land snail taxa within the generaEuconulus,PupillaandVertigowere considered. These represent ~10% of all small body‐size Holarctic land snails and are among the most proficient known passive dispersers. Their potential climatic ranges were determined using Maxent modelling based on 9205 occurrence records. From these we inferred the location, width and nature of isolating barriers and tested for their effects on regional species pool richness and turnover.

Results

Use of unvetted traditional taxonomic concepts and unverified occurrence records would have created up to threefold higher or lower estimates of species‐specific climatic tolerances than the actual values. Modelling must thus only use high quality occurrence data. All but one taxon were shown at a global scale to possess multiple isolated areas of appropriate climate. While oceans represented the most common barrier (37%), intra‐continental barriers were in total almost twice as frequent (inappropriate climate – 29%, habitat/history – 27% and the Greenland ice sheet – 7%). These barriers restricted taxa to only a subset of their potential range, with European taxa possessing approximately twice the global occupancy rates as North American ones (median scores of 62 vs. 34%). As a result, regional taxa pools were three times smaller than their potential sizes, with 50% change in composition occurring over ~2600‐km distances.

Main conclusions

Even for these readily dispersing taxa, isolation barriers prevented species from saturating their potential global range, reduced the size of regional species pools by 2/3, and generated ecological uniqueness between them.
Growth factor release and dental pulp stem cell attachment following dentine conditioning: An in vitro study
Authors: Sadaghiani Leili , Alshumrani Abdullah M. , Gleeson Hannah B. , Ayre Wayne Nishio , Sloan Alastair J.
Published: May 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dentine conditioning agents on growth factor liberation and settlement of dental pulp progenitor cells (DPSCs) on dentine surfaces.

Methodology

The agents used included ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA; 10%, pH 7.2), phosphoric acid (37%, pH < 1), citric acid (10%, pH 1.5) and polyacrylic acid (25%, pH 3.9). Human dentine slices were conditioned for exaggerated conditioning times of 5 and 10 min, so that the growth factor liberation reached quantifiable levels above the limit of detection of the laboratory methods employed. Transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1) release and surface exposure were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunogold labelling. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the morphology of cells and coverage by DPSCs cultured on dentine surfaces for 8 days.

Results

After 5‐min conditioning of dentine slices, citric acid was the most effective agent for growth factor release into the aqueous environment as measured by ELISA (Mann–Whitney U with Bonferroni correction, p < .01 compared with phosphoric and polyacrylic acid). As well as this, dentine slices treated with phosphoric acid for the same period, displayed significantly less TGF‐β1 on the surface compared with the other agents used, as measured by immunogold labelling (MWU with Bonferroni correction, p < .05). After 8 days, widespread coverage by DPSCs on dentine surfaces conditioned with citric acid and EDTA were evident under SEM. On dentine surfaces conditioned with phosphoric and polyacrylic acid, respectively, less spread cells and inconsistent cell coverage were observed.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this in vitro study, a desirable biological growth factor‐mediated effect may be gained when conditioning dentine by milder acidic or chelating agents such as citric acid and EDTA. The results must be interpreted in the context that the potential of the applied materials inducing a desirable biological response in DPSCs is only one consideration amongst other important ones in a clinical setting. However, it is crucial to look beyond the mere physical effects of materials and move towards biologically based treatment approaches as far as the restorative management of teeth with viable dental pulps are concerned.
Attachment styles and customers' long‐term relationships in a service context
Authors: Frydman Smadar , Tena Miguel Angel Moliner
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this study is to use attachment styles theory to explore long‐term relationships in a service context using the mobile market as a case study. Attachment theory focuses on the primary link between maternal loss or deprivation and later personality development. This theory was extended to adult life and commercial contexts. Three attachment styles (secure, avoidant, and anxious) were used as the independent variables. Commitment and trust, as constructs of any relationship, were employed as the mediating variables, while intention to stay and cooperation were adopted as the dependent variables, as indicators of long‐term commercial relationships. A random sample of 1024 members of an online panel participated in the online survey. Structural equation modelling was performed to measure the validity of the constructs through confirmatory factor analysis, and to assess the hypothesized model as a single theoretical structure using path analysis. Associations were found between most of the study variables. Significant mediation effects were found between attachment styles and long‐term relationship indicators, intention to stay, and cooperation, with trust and commitment as the mediators. This study employs a unique theoretical model that has not been previously tested. The model and findings demonstrate that primary psychological structures play a role in creating and maintaining long‐term relationships.