bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agronomic, nutritive value, reproductive, cytogenetic, and molecular aspects of Paspalum accessions: Contribution to the development of new forage cultivars
Authors: Matta Frederico de Pina , Fávero Alessandra Pereira , Vigna Bianca Baccili Zanotto , Pozzobon Marisa Toniolo , de Medeiros Sergio Raposo , Júnior Waldomiro Barioni , Cavallari Marcelo Mattos
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the agronomic, nutritive value, cytogenetic, molecular, and reproductive aspects of twenty‐five Paspalum accessions to support breeding programs. The agronomic aspects and the nutritive value were evaluated in a randomized block experimental design with four replications, and with monthly repeated measures for 2 years. For the molecular characterization 16 microsatellite markers developed for different Paspalum species in previous works were used. The number of chromosomes was determined by visualizing the meiotic cells and the DNA content was determined by flow cytometry. The embryo sac clarification technique was used to characterize the reproductive system. The results indicated genetic variability for all the variables related to yield and nutritive value. For almost all variables, the values of Paspalum accessions were higher than those of the commercial cultivars Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzania and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, used as references. However, the accessions showed in vitro dry matter digestibility values lower than the mean value presented by the references. The groups formed in the molecular analysis showed correspondence to the groups observed in the principal components analysis, considering the variables related to yield and nutritive value. Most accessions were revealed to be tetraploid with 40 chromosomes and most accessions belonging to the Virgata group displayed a sexual embryo sac structure. Some crosses can be indicated for genetic breeding, due to a superior genomic affinity between the accessions and the higher probability of heterosis in the progeny. These results provide subsidies to genetic plant breeding programs that use these accessions.
Expression of autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) in human breast and lung invasive micropapillary carcinomas
Authors: Xu Jing , Ma Hongfei , Wang Qi , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) expression in a variety of human invasive micropapillary carcinomas (IMPC). AMFR expression was compared in 111 samples of a variety of human IMPCs which had intrinsic non‐micropapillary components and with 26 cases of control pulmonary adenocarcinoma (CPA, carcinoma without an IMPC component) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In the 137 cases analysed, AMFR expression was significantly elevated in the IMPC components compared to the non‐IMPC components (p = .005) and normal tissues (p < .001). AMFR expression was also higher in the IMPC samples compared to their intrinsic non‐IMPC components (p = .0234). Between the 69 cases of lung IMPC and 26 cases of CPA, AMFR expression was notably higher in the IMPC components than in the CPA components (p = .0455). However, there was no significant difference between the non‐IMPC components in the lung and the CPA components (p = .4584). Moreover, in breast cancer, elevated AMFR expression was not significantly correlated with mixed type or pure type IMPC (p = .5969) or with age, gender, T stage, or lymph node metastasis (LNM). Between IMPC and CPA of the lung, there was no statistical significance in age, T stage, and LNM, where AMFR expression was higher in IMPC (p = .0071). Thus this study demonstrated that AMFR was overexpressed in a variety of human IMPC components compared with non‐micropapillary components. This suggests that AMFR expression is a potential new prognostic indicator for different types of human IMPC, which might thus be a new therapeutic target.
Fabrication of porous mullite‐based ceramic bricks from Al‐rich water treatment sludge and kaolinitic‐based clay
Authors: Darkwa Candy Ann Dwamena , Andrews Anthony , Darko Stephen Akosah , Asare George
Published: December 2022

A large quantity of water treatment sludge (WTS) is generated yearly from Ghana's Weija water treatment plant. The sludge contains some heavy metals and other toxic chemicals, which must be managed to minimize environmental impact. In the current work, WTS was mixed with varying quantities of kaolinitic‐based clays (kaolin and lithomargic clays) to produce porous mullite‐based bricks. The bricks were fired at 1200°C for 1 h, and their properties were determined. Lithomargic clay‐based mixtures had less dimensional variation and were suitable to produce near‐net shape bricks compared to WTS‐based bricks. The addition of WTS increased the linear firing shrinkage and apparent porosity whilst decreasing bulk density and compressive strength. Porous mullite‐based bricks fabricated from lithomargic clay exhibited high compressive strength (6.3 MPa) at 10 wt.% WTS addition. The highest apparent porosity of 27% was attained at 40 wt.% WTS addition with compressive strength of 5.1 MPa and thermal conductivity of .5 W/m K.
Significance of second progression‐free survival in patients with advanced urothelial cancer who received platinum‐based combination chemotherapy followed by pembrolizumab
Authors: Sato Ryo , Inamoto Teruo , Matsushita Yuto , Takemura Ayana , Uchimoto Taizo , Sano Asuka , Tanaka Hiroki , Ishikawa Gaku , Watanabe Kyohei , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Motoyama Daisuke , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Harada Ken‐ichi , Azuma Haruhito , Miyake Hideaki
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The present study comprehensively investigated the significance of several factors reflecting the therapeutic effects of anticancer treatment on overall survival (OS) in advanced urothelial cancer (UC) patients receiving sequential systemic therapy.

Methods

This study included 101 consecutive advanced UC patients who received first‐line platinum‐based combination chemotherapy followed by second‐line pembrolizumab. The impacts of the following factors on OS in these patients were analyzed: responses to chemotherapy, responses to pembrolizumab, progression‐free survival (PFS) with chemotherapy, PFS with pembrolizumab, and second PFS (PFS2).

Results

The median age of patients was 71 years, and 35 and 66 had UC in the upper urinary tract and bladder, respectively. objective response rate to first‐line chemotherapy and second‐line pembrolizumab were 37.6% and 19.8%, respectively. Median PFS with chemotherapy, pembrolizumab, and PFS2 were 5, 4, and 9 months, respectively. Uni‐ and multivariate analyses of the five factors examined identified PFS with pembrolizumab and PFS2 as independent surrogates for OS, with PFS2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.23) being more closely associated with OS than PFS with pembrolizumab (HR = 0.31). Furthermore, uni‐ and multivariate analyses of various prognostic parameters showed the independent impacts of baseline performance status (PS) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on PFS2.

Conclusions

The present results suggest the potential of PFS2 as an optimal surrogate for OS in advanced UC patients receiving standard sequential systemic therapy and indicate that intensive treatment needs to be considered for those with poor PS and/or high NLR prior to the introduction of first‐line chemotherapy.
Significance of dorsal bladder neck involvement in predicting the progression of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Fukushima Hiroshi , Yoshitomi Kasumi , Soma Takahiko , Kobayashi Masaki , Fan Bo , Fujiwara Motohiro , Ishikawa Yudai , Fukuda Shohei , Waseda Yuma , Tanaka Hajime , Yoshida Soichiro , Yokoyama Minato , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Accurately predicting of progression is important for patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). We previously reported that bladder neck involvement (BNI) was significantly associated with progression of NMIBC. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of the detailed BNI location in NMIBC patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 651 patients diagnosed with primary NMIBC at a single center between 2000 and 2018. Using the detailed BNI location, patients were divided into the following three groups: dorsal BNI (BNId; 4 to 8 o'clock position), ventral BNI (BNIv; 8 to 4 o'clock but not 4 to 8 o'clock position), and non‐BNI group. Both time to progression to muscle‐invasive disease and distant metastasis was compared among the three groups. A prognostic model was developed and its discriminative ability was evaluated.

Results

Dorsal bladder neck involvement and BNIv were observed in 43 (6.6%) and 36 (5.5%) patients, respectively. During a median follow‐up of 61 months, 35 (5.4%) patients progressed. The cumulative incidence at 5 years was 12%, 0%, and 5.0% in BNId, BNIv, and non‐BNI groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, BNId was a significant and independent risk factor for progression, tumor stage pT1, and histologic grade G3. One point was assigned to each factor, and patients were classified into four well‐stratified prognostic groups based on the total score.

Conclusion

Dorsal bladder neck involvement was an independent and significant risk factor for progression in primary NMIBC. Our simple and practical prognostic model including BNId is easy to use and may help selecting the optimal treatment and its timing.
Can group identity explain the gender gap in the recruitment process?
Authors: Asanov Igor , Mavlikeeva Maria
Published: December 2022

Despite evidence that the gender gap in the labour market favours men, aggregate findings from correspondence studies show that women are more likely than men to be invited for a job interview. We hypothesize that the predominance of women among recruiters may explain this somewhat puzzling finding; recruiters may favour applicants of their own gender. We use the data from a large‐scale correspondence study to test this hypothesis. As expected, we find that female applicants are more likely to receive callbacks for interview. We also see that in our sample the majority of contact persons responsible for the recruitment process are female. More importantly, we find that if recruiter and applicant are of the same gender, then the likelihood that the applicant will be invited for an interview increases. These findings reveal the gender favouritism at the selection stage in the labour market.
Challenges, coping and resilience in caring for children with disability among immigrant parents: A mixed methods study
Authors: Alsharaydeh Ethar , Alqudah Muhammad , Lee Regina , Chan Sally
Published: December 2022

Aims

To examine the relationships between challenges, coping and resilience among immigrant parents caring for their children with disabilities; and to explore their coping and resilient experiences and the service centre providers' perspectives on these.

Design

A sequential explanatory mixed methods study.

Methods

The participants were recruited from seven centres of disability service in Australia between May 2019 and February 2020. Phase 1 consisted of a cross‐sectional survey. Data were collected from 134 immigrant parents. Phase 2 consisted of semi‐structured interviews. Data were collected from nine immigrant parents and nine service providers. The findings from each phase were analysed separately and then integrated to answer the research aims.

Results

Immigrant parents experienced challenges such as overwhelming caretaking responsibilities, lack of supportive social networks and feeling embarrassment over their children's behaviours. They used a variety of coping strategies, including reframing and mobilizing family to acquire and accept help from others to overcome their challenges. They had positive gains from the parental experience. Immigrant parents had a reasonable level of resilience. Those with a higher level of perceived challenges had a lower level of coping and resilience. Perceived barriers to parental coping included barriers to establishing social networks and utilizing available disability services. Services from competent service providers and the availability of social support networks were factors facilitating immigrant parents' coping.

Conclusion

Sensitive communication and culturally appropriate care provided by service providers and healthcare professionals can facilitate service utilization and reduce perceived stigma over children with disability.

Impact

Findings from the study support that special training provided to healthcare providers about the challenges of immigrant parents raising children with disabilities may enhance awareness of the experience of these parents. Information and instrumental support may help to enhance parental coping, reduce isolation and promote their mental health.

Patient or Public Contribution

We thank the immigrant parents and the service providers who have been instrumental in the conception of this study.
Combining industrial ecology tools to assess potential greenhouse gas reductions of a circular economy: Method development and application to Switzerland
Authors: Wiprächtiger Maja , Haupt Melanie , Froemelt Andreas , Klotz Magdalena , Beretta Claudio , Osterwalder Dominik , Burg Vanessa , Hellweg Stefanie
Published: December 2022

Industrial ecology (IE) methodologies, such as input/output or material flow analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA), are often used for the environmental evaluation of circular economy strategies. Up to now, an approach that utilizes these methods in a systematic, integrated framework for a holistic assessment of a geographic region's sustainable circular economy potential has been lacking. The approach developed in this study (IE4CE approach) combines IE methodologies to determine the environmental impact mitigation potential of circular economy strategies for a defined geographic region. The approach foresees five steps. First, input/output analysis helps identify sectors with high environmental impacts. Second, a refined analysis is conducted using material flow and LCA. In step 3, circular strategies are used for scenario design and evaluated in step 4. In step 5, the assessment results are compiled and compared across sectors. The approach was applied to a case study of Switzerland, analyzing 8 sectors and more than 30 scenarios in depth. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) from waste incineration, biogas and cement production, food waste prevention in households, hospitality and production, and the increased recycling of plastics had the highest mitigation potential. Most of the scenarios do not influence each other. One exception is the CCS scenarios: waste avoidance scenarios decrease the reduction potential of CCS. A combination of scenarios from different sectors, including their impact on the CCS scenario potential, led to an environmental impact mitigation potential of 11.9 Mt CO2‐eq for 2050, which equals 14% of Switzerland's current consumption‐based impacts.
Health disparities associated with access to disability evaluations for toddlers in Early Head Start
Authors: Diemer M. C. , Paul R. A. , Gerstein E. D.
Published: December 2022

Background

The aim of this investigation was to examine developmental, sociodemographic and familial factors associated with parent reported access to an evaluation in an Early Head Start sample. Children with developmental disabilities often require evaluations to access early interventions, which can improve their long‐term outcomes.

Methods

This study (n = 191) examined how developmental, sociodemographic and parent factors at age 2 were associated with parent reporting the child being evaluated by age 3. Two logistic regression analyses were conducted. The first model included children at age 2 with scores at least in the monitoring zone of developmental risk, and the second model included children with high developmental risk.

Results

The first model found that children in the monitoring zone of developmental risk were more likely to be evaluated per parent report if they were born preterm, male, with increased behaviour problems, higher economic risk, increased maternal education, increased parental depressive symptoms and in urban areas and less likely if they were of Black or Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, had no health insurance or more home disorganisation. The second model found that children with high developmental risk were less likely to be evaluated per parent report if they were female, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, had better language skills and increased home disorganisation and more likely if their parents reported increased depressive symptoms or less economic risk.

Conclusions

This study highlights barriers associated with access to developmental and disability evaluations for children in at‐risk families. Health disparities are negatively associated with children's access to evaluations, even when supported by systems like Early Head Start.
Novel conformation of hyaluronic acid with improved cosmetic efficacy
Authors: Nam Geewoo , Lee Hye Won , Jang JiSung , Kim Chul Hwan , Kim Kyoung‐Hee
Published: December 2022

Background

Hyaluronic acid presents a valuable cosmetic ingredient that occurs naturally. Its direct links to skin aging has led to its broad application. The aim of this study was to improve the cosmetic efficacy of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA) without chemical modifications and evaluate such improvements through clinical and in vitro studies.

Methods

A novel formulation of HMWHA (SCAI‐HA) was prepared and investigated to comparatively assess 6 clinical and 2 in vitro parameters concerning its dermatological cosmetic efficacy and biological properties. The dermatological and cellular parameters examined in this study include skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity, wrinkles, facial sagging, dermal density, cytotoxicity, and collagen synthesis.

Results

SCAI‐HA exhibited the ability to improve the tested dermatological parameters (hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and density) to magnitudes comparable to those of HMWHA. In addition, SCAI‐HA showed notably improved capacities for attenuating facial sagging and TEWL and promoting cellular collagen synthesis in normal human dermal fibroblasts.

Conclusion

SCAI‐HA presents a novel conformation of HMWHA with improved cosmetic efficacy in mitigating (i) facial sagging, (ii) TEWL, and promoting, and (iii) collagen synthesis. These findings denote the enhancement of SCAI‐HA as a cosmetic ingredient with potential anti‐aging properties.
Oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorder beyond melasma: A review
Authors: Mahjoub Taghreed Tariq , Milibary Heba Hamza
Published: December 2022

Background

Tranexamic acid, a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, is an antifibrinolytic, procoagulant agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding and prevention of bleeding in patients with hemophilia undergoing tooth extraction. Oral tranexamic acid has been used off‐label in dermatology in the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders. In a recent study, oral tranexamic acid was reviewed thoroughly in treating melasma, and its effectiveness was demonstrated. Their role in treating other hyperpigmentation disorders has also been tried in several studies.

Aim

To review the evidence regarding the use of tranexamic acid in treating different types of hyperpigmentation disorders other than melasma.

Methodology

A comprehensive literature review was searched using the electronic online database “PubMed” and “google scholar” using key words “Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation,” “lichen planus pigmentosus,” “ashy dermatosis,” “riehl melanosis”. After that, a full‐text review of the studies was performed.

Result

Oral tranexamic acid has been used in different types of hyperpigmentation disorder, including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation treatment and prevention, lichen planus pigmentosus, ashy dermatosis, and Riehl melanosis in a dose range from 250 mg per day to 1500 mg per day for a period range from 2 weeks to 6 months with variable efficacy and a good safety profile.

Conclusion

Oral tranexamic acid is a promising treatment option in a different type of hyperpigmentation disorders refractory to topical treatment. However, more evidence from blinded randomized controlled trials and case–control studies is needed to determine their efficacy in treating various hyperpigmentation disorders.
A comparative study of pain perception during the microfocused ultrasound procedure between topical anesthesia and combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling
Authors: Vachiramon Vasanop , Palakornkitti Pasita , Anuntrangsee Tanaporn , Rutnin Suthinee , Visessiri Yingluck , Fabi Sabrina
Published: December 2022

Background

The experience of pain during microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU‐V) treatment is common and crucial for dictating patient satisfaction and retention.

Objective

To compare the pain perception during the MFU‐V procedure between two pain reduction methods (topical anesthesia alone versus combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling).

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial. A square area on the inner side of both arms of healthy volunteers was marked as an experimental site and randomly assigned to receive each pain reduction method: topical anesthesia or combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling. Thereafter, MFU‐V was performed with a 4.5 MHz, 4.5 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.9 J) followed by a 7 MHz, 3.0 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.3 J). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was measured immediately after 4.5 mm transducer (T1a), immediately after 3.0 mm transducer (T1b), and after the entire procedure (T2).

Results

Twenty‐one participants with a mean (SD) age of 34.67 (±6.18) years were enrolled. The mean (±SD) pain score of combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling‐treated area was 5.40 (±1.64), 4.80 (±1.63), and 5.40 (±1.56) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. The mean pain score for topical anesthesia‐treated areas was 5.89 (±1.45), 5.00 (±1.72), and 5.76 (±1.67) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the pain perception between the two methods.

Conclusion

The addition of forced air cooling is not beneficial for pain reduction during the MFU‐V procedure because its temperature reduction effect cannot be delivered to the deep parts of the skin, which is the target site of MFU‐V.
Skin manifestations following anti‐COVID‐19 vaccination: A multicentricstudy from Turkey
Authors: Oguz Topal Ilteris , Tokmak Aslı , Kurmuş Gökçe Işıl , Kalkan Göknur , Demirseren Düriye Deniz , Tosun Mustafa , Emre Selma , Özkök Akbulut Tuğba , Kaya Özden Hatice , Koska Mahmut Can , Külcü Çakmak Seray , Kutlu Ömer , Mutlu Emine , Gür Aksoy Güneş , Topaloğlu Demir Filiz , Karadağ Ayşe Serap
Published: December 2022

Purpose

After the emergence of the pandemic caused by the COVID‐19 virus, vaccination with various vaccines has started to be implemented across the world. To identify dermatological reactions developing after the COVID‐19 vaccines administered in Turkey and determine their clinical features and risk factors that may play a role in their development.

Materials and Methods

The study included patients aged ≥18 years, who presented to 13 different dermatology clinics in Turkey between July 2021 and September 2021 after developing dermatological reactions following the administration of the COVID‐19 vaccine. After providing written consent, the patients were asked to complete a standard survey including questions related to age, gender, occupation, comorbidities, the regular medication used, the onset of cutaneous reactions after vaccination, and localization of reactions. Dermatological reactions were categorized according to whether they developed after the first or second dose of the vaccine or whether they occurred after the inactivated or messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. The relationship between dermatological reactions and some variables such as gender and comorbidities was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 269 patients [116 women (43.1%), 153 men (56.9%)] were included in the study. It was observed that the dermatological diseases and reactions that most frequently developed after vaccination were urticaria (25.7%), herpes zoster (24.9%), maculopapular eruption (12.3%), and pityriasis rosea (4.5%). The rate of dermatological reactions was 60.6% after the administration of the mRNA vaccine and 39.4% after that of the inactivated vaccine. There was a statistically significantly higher number of reactions among the patients that received the mRNA vaccine (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The most common reactions in our sample were urticaria, herpes zoster, and maculopapular eruption. Physicians should know the dermatological side effects of COVID‐19 vaccines and their clinical features.
Incentivized Mergers and Cost Efficiency: Evidence from the Electricity Distribution Industry*
Authors: Clark Robert , Samano Mario
Published: December 2022

We propose an endogenous merger algorithm to evaluate the impact of government‐provided incentives on consolidation patterns for services such as electricity distributors, school boards, hospitals and municipalities. The algorithm replicates the observed industry reconfiguration, with calibrated parameters used to simulate consolidation patterns that would have resulted from policy incentives. We apply the method to the case of Ontario, where transfer tax reductions have been proposed to incentivize consolidation of electricity distributors. We find that the proposed incentive would have no impact on efficiency and consolidation, and even subsidies would still leave many more electricity distributors than desired by policy makers.
Degree of conversion of light‐polymerized composite resin in implant prosthesis screw access opening
Authors: Park Se‐Hyun , Huh Yoon‐Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jin , Cho Lee‐Ra , Ko Kyung‐Ho
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The mechanical and physical properties of implant screw access opening deteriorate if composite resin is not polymerized properly. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of using composite resin in implant access opening on the degree of conversion (DC).

Materials and methods

Two prosthetic materials (Co–Cr and zirconia), two types of composite resin (low and high viscosity), two light‐cured resin depths (2 and 3 mm), and two polymerization methods (max‐mode 10 s and mid‐mode 20 s: 16 and 22 J/cm2, respectively) were considered (n = 192). The DC of the polymerized composite resin was measured through Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The top and bottom surfaces of the polymerized composite resin body were observed through scanning electron microscopy. Multiple linear regression analysis and analysis of variance were used to identify significant differences in DC (α = 0.05).

Results

The DC was lower when the low‐viscosity composite resin (β = −0.431), light‐polymerized resin depth of 2 mm (β = −0.430), zirconia prosthesis (β = −0.191), and mid‐mode polymerization method (β = −0.164) were used. The resin type, depth of resin to be light‐cured, prosthesis material, and polymerization method had an effect on the DC.

Conclusions

Low‐viscosity composite resin should be polymerized at a low irradiance and long polymerization time (such that the light‐cured resin depth does not exceed 2 mm) to ensure proper composite resin polymerization in implant screw access opening.
Participation in a School‐Based Wellness Initiative Associated With Improved K‐12 Student Body Mass Index Trends
Authors: Head Kathleen C. , Morella Kristen , Lugo Michael P. , Key Janice D.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Associations between school participation in an academic medical center‐supported school‐based wellness initiative and programmatic components implemented with change in average student body mass index (BMI) over time were examined.

METHODS

This was an observational study of 103 K‐12 South Carolina schools over school years 2014‐2018, classified as participating (n = 87 schools, 27,855 students) or non‐participating (n = 16 schools; 3608 students). Associations between students' BMI z‐score (BMIz) and school participation were evaluated by linear multilevel mixed‐effects modeling using data from FitnessGram and the School Wellness Checklist© (SWC), respectively.

RESULTS

One‐third of the students had a BMI percentile ≥85. Average student BMIz decreased in participating schools (p = .026) and increased in non‐participating schools (p = .004) over time. For schools that participated two or more years, there was an inverse relationship between SWC score and student BMIz (p = .002) that did not differ by school type, rural/urban location, Title 1 status, or student sex. Physical activity and stress management interventions for students, as well as employee wellness and establishing a wellness committee at the school level were significantly associated with decreased average student BMIz (all p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of similar comprehensive school‐based wellness programs focused on improving physical activity, stress management, and employee engagement may help prevent and reduce pediatric obesity in diverse communities.
Asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine gingival crevicular fluid levels in periodontitis
Authors: Güney Zeliha , Kurgan Sivge , Önder Canan , Mammadov Cavid , Serdar Muhittin A. , Günhan Meral
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the level of ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine), SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine), and IL‐1β (Interleukin‐1β) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from periodontitis patients and control subjects.

Background

ADMA and SDMA are potentially hazardous non‐proteinogenic amino acids that limit nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and have many functions in various human disorders. ADMA causes a structural change in nitric oxide synthase, while SDMA blocks arginine cell uptake. Increased plasma ADMA has been widely recognized as a “trigger” initiating impaired NO bioavailability and vascular dysfunction, which ultimately leads to oxidative stress.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with periodontitis (P) (Stage III, Grade C, n = 25) and 20 control (C) subjects were included in the study. The IL‐1β level of GCF was measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and ADMA and SDMA by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Results

Periodontitis patients had higher clinical parameters than controls (p < .001). Levels of IL‐1β, ADMA and SDMA GCF were statistically significantly higher in group P than in group C (respectively; p = .003, p < .0001, p < .0001). There was no difference in the ADMA/SDMA ratio (p = .312) between the groups. There were significant positive correlations between clinical periodontal parameters and IL‐1β, ADMA, and SDMA levels (p < .05). ADMA and SDMA levels were significantly correlated with IL‐1β (p < .05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that ADMA and SDMA may be involved in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.
A novel cDNA‐uPA/SCID/Rag2−/−/Jak3−/− mouse model for hepatitis virus infection and reconstruction of human immune system
Authors: Uchida Takuro , Teraoka Yuji , Imamura Michio , Abe‐Chayama Hiromi , Makokha Grace Naswa , Hayes Clair Nelson , Aikata Hiroshi , Hamamura Satoko , Ishida Yuji , Tateno Chise , Shirouzu Takayuki , Kawai Shintaro , Tanaka Yuka , Ohdan Hideki , Okada Seiji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: December 2022

Although human hepatocyte‐transplanted immunodeficient mice support infection with hepatitis viruses, these mice fail to develop viral hepatitis due to the lack of an adaptive immune system. In this study, we generated new immunodeficiency cDNA‐urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA)/SCID/Rag2−/−/Jak3−/− mice and established a mouse model with both a humanized liver and immune system. Transplantation of human hepatocytes with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A24 resulted in establishment of a highly replaced liver in cDNA‐uPA/SCID/Rag2−/−/Jak3−/− mice. These mice were successfully infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) for a prolonged period and facilitate analysis of the effect of anti‐HCV drugs. Administration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from an HLA‐A24 donor resulted in establishment of 22.6%–81.3% human CD45‐positive mononuclear cell chimerism in liver‐infiltrating cells without causing graft‐versus‐host disease in cDNA‐uPA/SCID/Rag2−/−/Jak3−/− mice without human hepatocyte transplantation. When mice were transplanted with human hepatocytes and then administered HLA‐A24‐positive human PBMCs, an alloimmune response between transplanted human hepatocytes and PBMCs occurred, with production of transplanted hepatocyte‐specific anti‐HLA antibody. In conclusion, we succeeded in establishing a humanized liver/immune system characterized by an allo‐reaction between transplanted human immune cells and human liver using a novel cDNA‐uPA/SCID/Rag2−/−/Jak3−/− mouse. This mouse model can be used to generate a chronic hepatitis mouse model with a human immune system with application not only to hepatitis virus virology but also to investigation of the pathology of post‐transplantation liver rejection.
Is there a species swarm paradox? Spatial segregation of related species in the understorey of a tropical plant community
Authors: Ferreira‐Santos Karina , Carrijo Tatiana T. , Torres‐Leite Filipe , Hollunder Renan K. , Dias André T. C. , Garbin Mário L.
Published: December 2022

Question

Individual plants of some highly diverse angiosperm families occur in aggregated spatial patterns in tropical plant communities, which have been defined as species swarms. Although this spatial aggregation seems paradoxical, because related species should segregate in space owing to expected ecological similarities, it has yet to be tested. We assessed whether species of the family Rubiaceae segregate in space in the understorey of a tropical plant community.

Location

An Atlantic Forest fragment in southeast Brazil.

Methods

We surveyed all local aggregates of Rubiaceae species within an 18.75‐ha plot across a topographic gradient. Based on the species abundance distribution, we used the 10 most abundant species to model their spatial patterns using univariate and bivariate spline spatial correlations. Bubble graphs were used to show how these species were distributed across the gradient.

Results

A total of 12,258 individuals of 47 species were found distributed in 543 local aggregates. The 10 studied species corresponded to 86% of the total abundance and were aggregated in space, at distances from 0 to 10–300 m. Pairwise comparisons revealed a segregation pattern at scales ranging from 0 to 10–230 m. Local aggregates were strongly dominated by a single species, whereas many other species occurred at very low abundances.

Conclusion

The studied species of Rubiaceae shared the understorey environment by occupying different portions of available space. Habitat preferences, negative interactions, dispersal limitation and priority effects may explain the observed spatial patterns. Swarms are not paradoxical because species of Rubiaceae use different microhabitats within the forest understorey.
L’image de la Chinoise « désexuée » sous le regard de Beauvoir : De la critique à l’idéalisation
Authors: Liu Yangyang
Published: December 2022

Dans La longue marche, essai sur la Chine (Gallimard, 1957), malgré son admiration pour le pays maoïste, Beauvoir aborde un phénomène social controversé qui est la « désexualisation » de la femme chinoise. La réception beauvoirienne, en cette matière, est assez particulière, car elle témoigne d’une rupture entre l’horizon d’attente et le présent. Or, ses convictions socialiste et féministe l’incitent à modifier sa vision, plus précisément, à créer un nouvel horizon basé sur de nouvelles données : une fusion de sa vision du passé et celle de l’actuelle. Cela faisant, la Chinoise est transformée, à un certain degré, en un paradigme de l’idéalisme socialiste et féministe.
The Gossiper's high and low: Investigating the impact of negative gossip about the supervisor on work engagement
Authors: Zhong Rui , Tang Pok Man , Lee Stephen H.
Published: December 2022

Although negative gossip is ubiquitous in the workplace, we know little about how negatively gossiping about the supervisor—who occupies a higher hierarchical position in the organization—influences gossipers themselves. To address this question, we draw on the conservation of resources theory to account for the resource‐consuming and resource‐generating impact of negative gossip about the supervisor on gossipers’ work engagement. Findings from three experience sampling studies show that negative gossip about the supervisor is a double‐edged sword for gossipers that seems to do more harm than good to their work engagement. On the one hand, spreading negative gossip about the supervisor evokes the resource‐consuming mechanism of image maintenance concerns, which impairs gossipers’ work engagement, especially when perceived organizational politics is higher. On the other hand, engaging in such gossip elicits the resource‐generating mechanism of sense of power, which only improves work engagement in Study 3 but not in Studies 1 and 2; contrary to our expectation, this effect is unaffected by perceived organizational politics. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical contributions of our research.
Partners' internal stress and well‐being: The role of dyadic coping and problem resolution
Authors: Donato Silvia , Pagani Ariela F. , Rosta‐Filep Orsolya , Faggiano Manuel , Pajardi Daniela , Martos Tamas , Sallay Viola , Randall Ashley K.
Published: December 2022

Couples' experiences of daily stress can be detrimental for partners' individual and relational well‐being, specifically their identity as a couple, their relational satisfaction, and their life satisfaction. Grounded in the Systemic Transactional Model, this study aimed at analyzing factors that may safeguard partners and their relationship from detrimental effects of internal stress (i.e., stress that originates inside the relationship). We examined the buffering effect of partners' positive dyadic coping and internal problem resolution. Daily diary data were collected across 7 days from 82 heterosexual couples. Multilevel dyadic analyses showed that internal stress was negatively associated with partners' individual and relational well‐being. Positive dyadic coping moderated the association between partners' internal stress and couple satisfaction for both partners, but not life satisfaction and couple identity. Moreover, for partners who reported a resolution to the internal problem, the negative associations of internal stress with life satisfaction, couple satisfaction, and couple identity were significantly lower than for those who did not resolve the internal problem. This study confirms the negative role of internal stress on well‐being, shows the associations between internal stress and couple identity, and highlights the protective role of dyadic coping and internal problem resolution in couples' daily lives.
Factors influencing loneliness among older people using homecare services during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wang Yu‐Chi , Lin Pin‐Hsuan , Lin Ying‐Lien , Lee Ya‐Chen , Wang Jiun‐Yi , Chen Yi‐Ching , Yang Shang‐Yu
Published: December 2022

Background

Elderly homecare service users may reduce their level of social participation and interpersonal interactions due to physiological loss, which may lead to loneliness and depression over the years. However, there is a lack of research on loneliness among older people who use homecare services. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing loneliness among older people using homecare services.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study conducted in communities in Central Taiwan, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was first administered as a pre‐test to obtain baseline information about the participants, and the same questionnaire was administered as a post‐test after 6 months to follow‐up. The pre‐ and post‐test questionnaires included five sections, that is, participant demographics, Brief Symptom Rating Scale, Interpersonal Interaction Scale (IIS), Frenchay Activities Index, and UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA).

Results

A total of 178 participants were recruited in this study. Results indicated that gender, whether participants eat alone or with others at dinner, social media use, perceived economic status, and IIS score were significantly correlated with the loneliness score on the UCLA. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the loneliness score among male participants in the low loneliness group from baseline to 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

Gender, presence of others at dinner, social media use, perceived economic status, and interpersonal interaction skills are significant factors that influence loneliness among older people using homecare services. Men tend to experience higher levels of loneliness over time.
Integrability and solvability of polynomial Liénard differential systems
Authors: Demina Maria V.
Published: December 2022

We provide the necessary and sufficient conditions of Liouvillian integrability for Liénard differential systems describing nonlinear oscillators with a polynomial damping and a polynomial restoring force. We prove that Liénard differential systems are not Darboux integrable excluding subfamilies with certain restrictions on the degrees of the polynomials arising in the systems. We demonstrate that if the degree of a polynomial responsible for the restoring force is greater than the degree of a polynomial producing the damping, then a generic Liénard differential system is not Liouvillian integrable with the exception of linear Liénard systems. However, for any fixed degrees of the polynomials describing the damping and the restoring force we present subfamilies possessing Liouvillian first integrals. As a by‐product of our results, we find a number of novel Liouvillian integrable subfamilies. In addition, we study the existence of nonautonomous Darboux first integrals and nonautonomous Jacobi last multipliers with a time‐dependent exponential factor.
Combination therapy with human amniotic epithelial cells and hyaluronic acid promotes immune balance recovery in type 1 diabetic rats through local engraftment
Authors: Cheng Ya‐Wei , Luo Yi , Zheng Shu‐Juan , Xiao Jian‐Hui
Published: December 2022

Stem cell engraftment is currently a promising approach for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) treatment. In our previous study, engraftment of a combination of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) and hyaluronic acid (HA) showed potent anti‐diabetic effect in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced T1DM mice via tail vein injection. Here, we adopted a different route of stem cell delivery, that is via pancreatic subcapsular transplantation. This combined local engraftment of hAECs and HA in STZ‐induced T1DM rats showed potent anti‐diabetic activity, leading to stronger hypoglycaemia, more intact islet structure and increased number of insulin‐positive cells compared with those with hAECs or insulin treatments. Engraftment of hAECs alone increased the proportion of Th1 and T‐reg cells and decreased the proportion of Th2 and Th17 cells to protect islet β cells in STZ‐induced T1DM rats, whereas the combined engraftment of hAECs and HA showed more potent regulatory capacity, considerably decreased the level of TNF‐α and IL‐17 and increased the level of TGF‐β1 compared with those by other treatments. The potent synergistic effect of HA contributed to the recovery of immune balance in the diabetic rat model, thereby suggesting a new strategy for effective treatment of T1DM.
Immune checkpoint analysis of T‐cell responses to pp65 and IE‐1 antigens in end‐stage lung diseases
Authors: Bergantini Laura , d'Alessandro Miriana , Cavallaro Dalila , Pordon Elena , Cassai Lucia , Gangi Sara , Meloni Federica , Montagnani Francesca , Paladini Piero , Refini Rosa Metella , Luzzi Luca , Fossi Antonella , Bargagli Elena , Bennett David
Published: December 2022

Lung transplant (LTX) patients are at high risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which is often associated with high mortality and morbidity. Reactivation of CMV causes cell injury due to the cytopathic effect of viral replication and triggering of T cell immunity. The aim of this study was to compare expression of immune checkpoints (ICs) (PD‐1, CTLA‐4, LAG‐3 and TIGIT) in CD4, CD8 and CD56 and activation markers CD137, CD154 and CD69 of end‐stage patients awaiting lung transplant. Eighteen pre‐LTX positive for anti‐CMV IgG titres and 18 healthy subjects were enrolled. IC and activation markers have been evaluated through flow cytometric analysis in HC and pre‐LTX patients. Reactive (QF+) and unreactive (QF−) patients were stratified according to QuantiFERON‐CMV assays. ICs' and activation markers' expression were determined before and after in vitro stimulation with pp‐65 and IE‐1 antigens. Lower expression of PD‐1 was observed in CD4 and CD8 cells of pre‐LTX patients than controls, whereas CTLA4 appeared upregulated in CD56 and CD8 cells. TIGIT is increased on the surface of CD4, CD8 and NK cells after peptide stimulation in QF‐negative patients and PD‐1 is only downregulated after stimulation in the QF‐positive patients. This study provides new evidence of immune dysregulation in patients with end‐stage lung disorders, particularly in relation to immune checkpoint cell biology. The change in QF+ mostly happens on cytotoxic cells NK and CD8, while the changes in QF− were observed in adaptive immune cells, including CD4 and CD8.
Identification of tumour antigens and immune subtypes in the development of an anti‐cancer vaccine for endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Feng Jianyang , He Hong
Published: December 2022

Therapeutic application of vaccines to endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains uncertain. In this study, we aimed to identify potential tumour antigens for use in the development of an anti‐tumour mRNA vaccine and clarify immune subtypes and their characteristics for immunotherapeutic application in heterogeneous EC by integrating multi‐omics data. Importantly, four potential tumour antigen candidates—PGR, RBPJ, PARVG and MSX1—were identified and significantly correlated with better overall survival, disease‐free survival and distinct antigen‐presenting cell infiltration in EC. In addition, two different immune subtypes by consensus clustering analysis of the immune‐related genes were identified. Patients with C2 immunophenotypes exhibited superior survival outcomes and ‘hot’ immunoreactivity and harboured higher microsatellite instability scores and tumoral mutation burden but lower copy‐number variation burden. Furthermore, the distinct expression of immunogenic cell death modulators and differential microenvironmental characteristics of immune‐cell infiltration were also revealed between C1 and C2 immune‐subtype tumours. Enrichment analysis of the co‐expression of immune‐related genes showed enrichment in immune response, immune cell‐mediated immunity and antigen processing pathways. These results indicated that these identified tumour antigens can be used for developing antitumour mRNA vaccines, and tumours with C2 immunophenotypic characteristics demonstrated sensitivity and susceptibility to immunotherapy in EC.