bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The obstacle problem in no-tension structures and cable nets
Authors: Amendola Ada , Mattei Ornella , Milton Graeme W. , Seppecher Pierre
Published: January 2023

We consider the problem of finding a net that supports prescribed point forces, yet avoids certain obstacles, with all the elements of the net being under compression (or all being under tension), and being confined within a suitable bounding box. In the case of masonry structures, when described through the simple, no-tension constitutive model, this consists, for instance, in finding a strut net that supports the forces, is contained within the physical structure, and avoids regions that may be not accessible. We solve such a problem in the two-dimensional case, where the prescribed forces are applied at the vertices of a convex polygon, and we treat the cases of both single and multiple obstacles. By approximating the obstacles by polygonal regions, the task reduces to identifying the feasible domain in a linear programming problem. For a single obstacle we show how the region

Γ

available to the obstacle can be enlarged as much as possible in the sense that there is no other strut net, having a region

Γ
′

available to the obstacle with

Γ
⊂

Γ
′

. The case where some of the forces are reactive is also treated.
Hardy inequalities on metric measure spaces, III: the case
q
≤
p
≤ 0 and applications
Authors: Kassymov A. , Ruzhansky M. , Suragan D.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we obtain a reverse version of the integral Hardy inequality on metric measure space with two negative exponents. For applications we show the reverse Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev and the Stein–Weiss inequalities with two negative exponents on homogeneous Lie groups and with arbitrary quasi-norm, the result of which appears to be new in the Euclidean space. This work further complements the ranges of

p

and

q

(namely,

q
≤
p
<
0

) considered in the work of Ruzhansky & Verma (Ruzhansky & Verma 2019
Proc. R. Soc. A
475
, 20180310 (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2018.0310
); Ruzhansky & Verma. 2021
Proc. R. Soc. A
477
, 20210136 (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2021.0136
)), which treated the cases

1
<
p
≤
q
<
∞

and

p
>
q

, respectively.
Rheomergy
: collective behaviour mediated by active flow-based recruitment
Authors: Ganga Prasath S. , Mahadevan L.
Published: January 2023

The physics of signal propagation in a collection of organisms that communicate with each other both enables and limits how active excitations at the individual level reach, recruit and lead to collective patterning. Inspired by the spatio-temporal patterns in a planar swarm of bees that use pheromones and fanning flows to recruit additional bees, we develop a theoretical framework for patterning via active flow-based recruitment. Our model generalizes the well-known Patlak–Keller–Segel model of diffusion dominated aggregation and leads to an enhanced phase space of patterns spanned by two dimensionless parameters that measure the scaled stimulus/activity and the scaled chemotactic response. Together these determine the efficacy of signal communication via fluid flow (which we dub
rheomergy
) that leads to a variety of migration and aggregation patterns, consistent with observations.
Highly conserved thermal performance strategies may limit adaptive potential in corals
Authors: Álvarez-Noriega Mariana , Marrable Isabella , Noonan Sam H. C. , Barneche Diego R. , Ortiz Juan C.
Published: January 2023

Increasing seawater temperatures are expected to have profound consequences for reef-building corals' physiology. Understanding how demography changes in response to chronic exposure to warming will help forecast how coral communities will respond to climate change. Here, we measure growth rates of coral fragments of four common species, while exposing them to temperatures ranging from 19°C to 31°C for one month to calibrate their thermal-performance curves (TPCs). Our results show that, while there are contrasting differences between species, the shape of the TPCs was remarkably consistent among individuals of the same species. The low variation in thermal sensitivity within species may imply a reduced capacity for rapid adaptive responses to future changes in thermal regimes. Additionally, interspecific differences in thermal responses show a negative relationship between maximum growth and thermal optima, contradicting expectations derived from the classic ‘warmer-is-better’ hypothesis. Among species, there was a trade-off between current and future growth, whereby most species perform well under current thermal regimes but are susceptible to future increases in temperature. Increases in water temperature with climate change are likely to reduce growth rates, further hampering future coral reef recovery rates and potentially altering community composition.
Tropicalization shifts herbivore pressure from seagrass to rocky reef communities
Authors: Santana-Garcon Julia , Bennett Scott , Marbà Núria , Vergés Adriana , Arthur Rohan , Alcoverro Teresa
Published: January 2023

Climate-driven species redistributions are reshuffling the composition of marine ecosystems. How these changes alter ecosystem functions, however, remains poorly understood. Here we examine how impacts of herbivory change across a gradient of tropicalization in the Mediterranean Sea, which includes a steep climatic gradient and marked changes in plant nutritional quality and fish herbivore composition. We quantified individual feeding rates and behaviour of 755 fishes of the nativeSarpa salpa, and non-nativeSiganus rivulatusandSiganus luridus. We measured herbivore and benthic assemblage composition across 20 sites along the gradient, spanning 30° of longitude and 8° of latitude. We coupled patterns in behaviour and composition with temperature measurements and nutrient concentrations to assess changes in herbivory under tropicalization. We found a transition in ecological impacts by fish herbivory across the Mediterranean from a predominance of seagrass herbivory in the west to a dominance of macroalgal herbivory in the east. Underlying this shift were changes in both individual feeding behaviour (i.e. food choice) and fish assemblage composition. The shift in feeding selectivity was consistent among temperate and warm-affiliated herbivores. Our findings suggest herbivory can contribute to the increased vulnerability of seaweed communities and reduced vulnerability of seagrass meadows in tropicalized ecosystems.
Mutualistic coevolution and community diversity favour persistence in metacommunities under environmental changes
Authors: Cosmo Leandro G. , Sales Lilian P. , Guimarães Paulo R. , Pires Mathias M.
Published: January 2023

Linking local to regional ecological and evolutionary processes is key to understand the response of Earth's biodiversity to environmental changes. Here we integrate evolution and mutualistic coevolution in a model of metacommunity dynamics and use numerical simulations to understand how coevolution can shape species distribution and persistence in landscapes varying in space and time. Our simulations show that coevolution and species richness can synergistically shape distribution patterns by increasing colonization and reducing extinction of populations in metacommunities. Although conflicting selective pressures emerging from mutualisms may increase mismatches with the local environment and the rate of local extinctions, coevolution increases trait matching among mutualists at the landscape scale, counteracting local maladaptation and favouring colonization and range expansions. Our results show that by facilitating colonization, coevolution can also buffer the effects of environmental changes, preventing species extinctions and the collapse of metacommunities. Our findings reveal the mechanisms whereby coevolution can favour persistence under environmental changes and highlight that these positive effects are greater in more diverse systems that retain landscape connectivity.
Timing of organogenesis underscores the evolution of neonatal life histories and powered flight in bats
Authors: Nojiri Taro , Werneburg Ingmar , Tu Vuong Tan , Fukui Dai , Takechi Masaki , Iseki Sachiko , Furutera Toshiko , Koyabu Daisuke
Published: January 2023

Bats have undergone one of the most drastic limb innovations in vertebrate history, associated with the evolution of powered flight. Knowledge of the genetic basis of limb organogenesis in bats has increased but little has been documented regarding the differences between limb organogenesis in bats and that of other vertebrates. We conducted embryological comparisons of the timelines of limb organogenesis in 24 bat species and 72 non-bat amniotes. In bats, the time invested for forelimb organogenesis has been considerably extended and the appearance timing of the forelimb ridge has been significantly accelerated, whereas the timing of the finger and first appearance of the claw development has been delayed, facilitating the enlargement of the manus. Furthermore, we discovered that bats initiate the development of their hindlimbs earlier than their forelimbs compared with other placentals. Bat neonates are known to be able to cling continuously with their well-developed foot to the maternal bodies or habitat substrates soon after birth. We suggest that this unique life history of neonates, which possibly coevolved with powered flight, has driven the accelerated development of the hindlimb and precocious foot.
Palaeontological evidence for community-level decrease in mesopelagic fish size during Pleistocene climate warming in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Agiadi Konstantina , Quillévéré Frédéric , Nawrot Rafał , Sommeville Theo , Coll Marta , Koskeridou Efterpi , Fietzke Jan , Zuschin Martin
Published: January 2023

Mesopelagic fishes are an important element of marine food webs, a huge, still mostly untapped food resource and great contributors to the biological carbon pump, whose future under climate change scenarios is unknown. The shrinking of commercial fishes within decades has been an alarming observation, but its causes remain contended. Here, we investigate the effect of warming climate on mesopelagic fish size in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during a glacial–interglacial–glacial transition of the Middle Pleistocene (marine isotope stages 20–18; 814–712 kyr B.P.), which included a 4°C increase in global seawater temperature. Our results based on fossil otoliths show that the median size of lanternfishes, one of the most abundant groups of mesopelagic fishes in fossil and modern assemblages, declined by approximately 35% with climate warming at the community level. However, individual mesopelagic species showed different and often opposing trends in size across the studied time interval, suggesting that climate warming in the interglacial resulted in an ecological shift toward increased relative abundance of smaller sized mesopelagic fishes due to geographical and/or bathymetric distribution range shifts, and the size-dependent effects of warming.
Theoretical studies of diverse sexual patterns in marine animals
Authors: Iwasa Yoh , Yamaguchi Sachi
Published: January 2023

Marine animals show diverse and flexible sexual systems. Here, we review several advancements of theoretical studies made in the last decade. (i) Sex change in coral fishes is often accompanied by a long break in reproductive activity. The delay can be shortened by retaining the inactive gonad for the opposite sex. (ii) Barnacles adopt diverse sexual patterns. The game model was analysed assuming that newly settled larvae choose either growth or immediate reproduction and large individuals adjust male–female investments. (iii) Some parasitic barnacles produce larvae with sexual size dimorphism and others produce larvae with the sex determined after settlement on hosts. (iv) In some fish and many reptiles, sex is determined by the temperature experienced as eggs. The dynamics of sex hormones were studied when the enzymatic reaction rates were followed by the Arrhenius equation. The FMF pattern (male at intermediates temperature; female both at high and low temperatures) required some reactions with enhanced temperature dependence at higher temperatures. The game model provides a useful framework for understanding diverse sexual patterns if we incorporate various constraints, such as unpredictability, cost of trait change and social situations. For further developments, we need to consider constraints imposed by physiological and molecular mechanisms.
Nursing students satisfaction level Regarding Clinical learning environment in Peshawar
Authors: Rahman Ihsanur , Sahib Umar
Published: January 2023

Background

of this study is to know about the students’ satisfaction level regarding clinical learning environment.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in Peshawar, KPK. Participants were selected from different semester by using random sampling technique. The data was collected through modified questionnaire.

Results

A total of 140 nursing students of BSN and post RN participated in which male were 54 (38.6%) and female were 86 (61.4%). The average age of the study participants was 24.41 years with a SD 5.194. The total male participants were 54, among 3 (5.5%) of them were dissatisfied from their clinical environment, 46 (85.1%) were satisfied and 5 (9.2%) were highly satisfied from their clinical environment. On the other hand among total female participant 86, among 2 (2.3%) of them were dissatisfied, 72 (83.7%) were satisfied and 12 (13.9%) participants were highly satisfied from their clinical environment.

Conclusion

The current study conducted in two nursing colleges, focused on satisfaction level regarding clinical environment. The result showed that the satisfaction level was in ascending order as the junior students were least satisfied. Most satisfied students were from senior most classes. The study shows the need for further research work on factors affecting satisfaction level in order to help the low level of satisfaction amongst junior classes’ students.
Inspiration of SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein mutations on pathogenicity of Omicron XBB
Authors: Wang Yi , Ji Hongying , Zuo Xiaoli , Xia Bingqing , Gao Zhaobing
Published: January 2023

Predicting pathogenicity of Omicron sub-variants is critical for assessing disease dynamics and developing public health strategies. As an important virulence factor, SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein (2-E) causes cell death and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-like pathological damages. Evaluation of 2-E mutations might offer clues to pathogenicity forecast. Here, the frequency and cell lethality of 92 mutations of 2-E in five early “variants of concern” (VOCs, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5) were analyzed, which could be divided into three classes. Most (87) mutations belong to Class I, no obvious frequency changes. Class II consists of 2 mutations, exhibiting enhanced cell lethality but decreased frequency. The rest 3 mutations in Class III were characterized by attenuated cell lethality and increased frequency. Remarkably, the Class II mutations are always observed in the VOCs with high disease severity while the Class III mutations are highly conserved in the VOCs with weakened pathogenicity. For example, P71L, the most lethal mutation, dropped to nearly 0.00% in the milder Omicrons from 99.12% in Beta, while the less lethal mutation T9I, sharply increased to 99.70% in BA.1 and is highly conserved in BA.1-5. Accordingly, we proposed that some key 2-E mutations are pathogenicity markers of the virus. Notably, the highly contagious Omicron XBB retained T9I also. In addition, XBB gained a new dominant-negative mutation T11A with frequency 90.52%, exhibiting reduced cell lethality, cytokine induction and viral production capabilitiesin vitro, and particularly weakened lung damages in mice. No mutations with enhanced cell lethality were observed in XBB. These clues imply a further weakened pathogenicity of XBB among Omicron sub-variants.
Long Non-Coding RNA Generated fromCDKN1AGene by Alternative Polyadenylation Regulates p21 Expression during DNA Damage Response
Authors: Murphy Michael R. , Ramadei Anthony , Doymaz Ahmet , Varriano Sophia , Natelson Devorah , Yu Amy , Aktas Sera , Mazzeo Marie , Mazzeo Michael , Zakusilo George , Kleiman Frida E.
Published: January 2023

Alternative Polyadenylation (APA) is an emerging mechanism for dynamic changes in gene expression. Previously, we described widespread APA occurrence in introns during the DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we show that a DNA damage activated APA event occurs in the first intron ofCDKN1A, inducing an alternate last exon (ALE)-containing lncRNA. We named this lncRNA SPUD (Selective Polyadenylation Upon Damage). SPUD localizes to polysomes in the cytoplasm and is detectable as multiple isoforms in available high throughput studies. SPUD has low abundance compared to the CDKN1A full-length isoform and is induced in cancer and normal cells under a variety of DNA damaging conditions in part through p53 transcriptional activation. RNA binding protein (RBP) HuR and the transcriptional repressor CTCF regulate SPUD levels. SPUD induction increases p21 protein, but not CDKN1A full-length levels, affecting p21 functions in cell-cycle, CDK2 expression, and cell viability. Like CDKN1A full-length isoform, SPUD can bind two competitive p21 translational regulators, the inhibitor calreticulin and the activator CUGBP1; SPUD can change their association with CDKN1A full-length in a DDR-dependent manner. Together, these results show a new regulatory mechanism by which a lncRNA controls p21 expression post-transcriptionally, highlighting lncRNA relevance in DDR progression and cellcycle.
Chalcogen bonding in the solid-state structures of 1,3-bis(benzimidazoliumyl)benzene-based chalcogen-bonding donors
Authors: Steinke Tim , Engelage Elric , Huber Stefan M.
Published: January 2023

1,3-Bis(benzimidazoliumyl)benzene-based chalcogen-bonding catalysts were previously successfully applied in different benchmark reactions. In one of those examples, i.e. the activation of quinolines, sulfur- and selenium-based chalcogen-bonding catalysts showed comparable properties, which is unexpected, as the selenium-containing catalysts should show superior catalytic properties due to the increased polarizability of selenium compared to sulfur. Herein, we present four crystal structures of the respective 1,3-bis(benzimidazoliumyl)benzene-based chalcogen-bonding catalyst containing sulfur (3S
) and selenium (3Se
, three forms) as Lewis acidic centres. The sulfur-containing catalyst shows weaker chalcogen bonding compared to its selenium analogue, as well as anion–π interactions. The selenium-based analogues, on the other hand, show stronger chalcogen-bonding motifs compared to the sulfur equivalent, depending on the crystallization conditions, but in every case, the intermolecular interactions are comparable in strength. Other interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and anion–π, were also observed, but in the latter case, the interaction distances are longer compared to those of the sulfur-based equivalent. The solid-state structures could not further explain the high catalytic activity of the sulfur-containing catalysts. Therefore, a comparison of their σ-hole depths from density functional theory (DFT) gas-phase calculations was performed, which are again in line with the previously found properties in the solid-state structures.
Co-design and development of a multi-component anxiety management programme for people with an intellectual disability
Authors: Acton Daniel James , Waites Robert , Jaydeokar Sujeet , Jones Steven
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the lived experience of people with intellectual disability of their anxiety and of being co-design partners in developing a multi-component approach to the management of anxiety.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of an anxiety manual and programme was part of a service development which allowed existing and established psychological therapies to be adapted for people with intellectual disability. A qualitative approach was used to better understand the views of people who experienced anxiety on a daily basis. The feedback generated was used to make modifications to the manuals and the anxiety management programme.

Findings

The study has demonstrated the value of involving people with intellectual disability in the co-production of an anxiety management programme. Additional findings identified the real-life challenges and experiences of the impact anxiety has on people’s lives.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first study to involve people with intellectual disability in developing an anxiety management programme as co-production partners. This paper underlines the value of understanding and involving people as co-production partners in developing clinical interventions.
Supply chain learning and performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Lujie , Jiang Mengqi , Li Taiyu , Jia Fu , Lim Ming K.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain learning (SCL)–performance relationship based on the existing empirical evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

We sampled 54 empirical studies on the SCL–performance relationship. We proposed a conceptual research framework and adopted a meta-analytical approach to analyse the SCL–performance relationship.

Findings

The results of the meta-analysis confirm the positive effects of SCL on the performance of both firms and supply chains. In addition, building on the knowledge-based view, we found that learning from customers has a stronger positive effect on performance than does learning from suppliers, while joint learning has a stronger positive effect on performance than does absorptive learning. Business knowledge had a greater effect on performance than did general knowledge, process knowledge or technical knowledge, while explicit knowledge had a stronger effect than tacit knowledge. Moreover, the SCL–performance relationship is moderated by performance measure and industry type but not by regional economic development, highlighting the broad applicability of SCL.

Originality/value

This study is the first meta-analysis on the SCL–performance relationship. It differentiates between learning from customers and learning from suppliers, examines a more comprehensive list of performance measures and tests five moderators to the main effect, significantly contributing to the SCL literature.
Measuring cultural readiness for innovation: six essential questions
Authors: Dobni C. Brooke , Wilson Grant Alexander
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a framework that includes six essential factors and four strategic intervention points that provide the necessary context to sustain and support innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on our academic and consulting experience, this article summarizes our knowledge of what it takes to be a top innovator and how organizations should best pursue innovation agendas. The model presented is supported by our research which considers assessments from 3,642 employee responses assessing the innovation cultures of organizations.

Findings

We find that companies need to ask six questions to assess their innovation cultures. These questions relate to creativity, incentives, processes, leadership, knowledge management and resources. Our framework presents four intervention points to support implementing and sustaining an innovation culture including objectives, behaviors and actions, context and management for execution.

Research limitations/implications

Our framework is effective, but we acknowledge that there are other means to creating and sustaining an innovation culture.

Practical implications

We present six questions that companies need to ask themselves to assess their innovation culture and offer strategies to enhance it.

Social implications

Given the contribution of innovation culture to competitiveness and performance, our recommendations will allow managers to set themselves apart from their competition and further their financial and nonfinancial corporate objectives.

Originality/value

Everyone likes the idea of change, but it is the process of change that is difficult. We offer strategies that put such intentions to work.
Futures markets and price stabilisation: An analysis of soybeans markets in North America
Authors: Miljkovic Dragan , Goetz Cole
Published: January 2023

The objective of this paper was to determine whether the futures markets have a stabilising or destabilising impact on soybean's spot prices in North America. Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are used to test for causality between futures prices, spot prices and ending stocks, followed by time series econometric analysis. The DAGs point to the two‐way causal link between futures and spot prices and a lack of a causal link between inventory/stocks and spot price volatility. Time series results, including cointegration, vector error correction, impulse response and variance decomposition analysis, indicate a large impact from futures markets on the level and volatility of soybean spot prices in both the short and long run. These results have potentially important implications, as the impact of commodity price volatility is typically asymmetric across different actors. Farmers, for example, unlike speculators, utilise price risk management (PRM) instruments such as futures markets to mitigate price risks and appear to suffer from intensified volatility precisely because of their use of these instruments. Therefore, additional policies to cope with commodity price volatility, such as direct price controls or mitigation of consequences, can have critical stabilising functions supporting farmers' welfare and regional (rural) development.
Do Firms Earn Rents from the Intangible Assets of Their Owners? Institution‐Based Insights from the Energy Sector
Authors: Aliyev Murod , Kafouros Mario
Published: January 2023

Firms can earn rents not only from their own intangible assets (FIAs), but also from the intangible assets of their owner organizations (OIAs). Although the literature has established that rent creation from FIAs depends on the quality of institutions, it remains unclear how institutional quality influences rents from OIAs. This study examines how the rents from OIAs and FIAs change when they are deployed in environments with different institutional quality. Combining insights from the resource‐based view and institutional economics, we develop and test a set of predictions using a sample of over 6000 energy firms from 23 European countries. The study shows that the effect of institutional quality on rent creation is asymmetric, being positive for FIAs and negative for OIAs. In addition, OIAs drawn from multiple owners create higher rents than OIAs from a single owner. Such ‘multiplicity‐of‐ownership’ advantages are stronger in countries with better institutional quality. The contribution of the study lies in explaining how the two types of intangible assets generate rents for the focal firm, and in clarifying why the creation of such rents is contingent on the institutional context in which they are deployed.
Camera‐trapping density estimates suggest critically low population sizes for the Wet Tropics subspecies of the spotted‐tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis)
Authors: Rowland Jesse , Hoskin Conrad J. , Burnett Scott
Published: January 2023

Accurate estimates of distribution and population density are critical for the management of threatened species. This is particularly pertinent for mammalian predators, whose generally low population density, elusive nature, and large home range requirements make it difficult to detect declines. We aimed to refine population estimates of the northern spotted‐tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis) in the Wet Tropics bioregion, to estimate the total number of adults, the likely size of subpopulations across the known distribution of the subspecies, and its associated conservation status. We performed targeted upland camera‐trapping surveys from June 2017 to May 2019. To calculate population densities, we used a combination of the number of individuals identified from each survey and the mean maximum distance moved from three life history stages. We then extrapolated these estimates to modelled suitable habitat areas, refined by the camera‐trapping surveys. Population sizes for the six defined subpopulations were estimated, and ranged from approximately 5 to 105 individuals. The total population was estimated to be 221 individuals. This total population estimate, and the estimates for each of the subpopulations, are lower than previous published estimates and are cause for concern. Given the low population estimates presented here and unresolved threats driving declines in some subpopulations, we suggest elevation of this subspecies to Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Time to diagnosis and the impact of delayed diagnosis on clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Jayasooriya Nishani , Baillie Samantha , Blackwell Jonathan , Bottle Alex , Petersen Irene , Creese Hanna , Saxena Sonia , Pollok Richard C. ,   POP‐IBD study group
Published: January 2023

Background

The impact of diagnostic delay on the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains uncertain.

Aim

To perform a systematic review of time to diagnosis and the impact of delayed diagnosis on clinical outcomes in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

We searched EMBASE and Medline from inception to 30th November 2022 for studies reporting diagnostic interval, from symptom onset to IBD diagnosis. We calculated the median, interquartile range (IQR) and pooled weighted median, of median diagnostic intervals of eligible studies. We defined delayed diagnosis as individuals above the 75th centile of longest time to diagnosis in each study. Using random effects meta‐analysis, we pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for studies reporting clinical outcomes, according to delayed diagnosis.

Results

One hundred and one studies representing 112,194 patients with IBD (CD = 59,359; UC = 52,835) met inclusion criteria. The median of median times to diagnosis was 8.0 (IQR: 5.0–15.2) and 3.7 months (IQR: 2.0–6.7) in CD and UC, respectively. In high‐income countries, this was 6.2 (IQR: 5.0–12.3) and 3.2 months (IQR: 2.2–5.3), compared with 11.7 (IQR: 8.3–18.0) and 7.8 months (IQR: 5.2–21.8) in low‐middle‐income, countries, for CD and UC respectively. The pooled weighted median was 7.0 (95% CI: 3.0–26.4) and 4.6 (95% CI: 1.0–96.0) months, for CD and UC respectively. Eleven studies, representing 6164 patients (CD = 4858; UC = 1306), were included in the meta‐analysis that examined the impact of diagnostic delay on clinical outcomes. In CD, delayed diagnosis was associated with higher odds of stricturing (OR = 1.88; CI: 1.35–2.62), penetrating disease (OR = 1.64; CI: 1.21–2.20) and intestinal surgery (OR = 2.24; CI: 1.57–3.19). In UC, delayed diagnosis was associated with higher odds of colectomy (OR = 4.13; CI: 1.04–16.40).

Conclusion

Delayed diagnosis is associated with disease progression in CD, and intestinal surgery in both CD and UC. Strategies are needed to achieve earlier diagnosis of IBD.
Prevalence and factors associated with liver fibrosis among first‐degree relatives of Mexican Americans with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sharpton Suzanne , Shan Kuangda , Bettencourt Ricki , Lee Miryoung , McCormick Joseph B. , Fisher‐Hoch Susan P. , Loomba Rohit
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

Whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases the familial risk for hepatic fibrosis has not been thoroughly explored, particularly in Mexican Americans who are disproportionately affected by obesity and metabolic syndrome. We evaluated the risk of significant hepatic fibrosis in first‐degree relatives of Mexican American adults with HCC.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of Mexican American probands with HCC and first‐degree relatives enrolled in the Hispanic Liver Cancer Cohort study. We evaluated the prevalence of hepatic fibrosis in first‐degree relatives, defined by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) >= 7.0 kPa with transient elastography (TE). Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of definite hepatic steatosis, defined by controlled attenuation parameter >=288 dB/m.

Results

We identified 70 probands diagnosed with HCC; 47% were female and the mean age was 62 years (±13 years). Among 112 first‐degree relatives with a mean age of 43 years (±14 years), 19 (17%) had significant fibrosis and 47 (42%) had definite hepatic steatosis, respectively. The prevalence of significant fibrosis was 20% in first‐degree relatives 40 years of age or older. Regression analysis revealed that diabetes (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1–9.2, p = 0.03) and aspartate aminotransferase >=30 units/L (OR 4.0, 95% CI: 1.4–11.7, p = 0.01) were predictors of significant fibrosis in first‐degree relatives.

Conclusions

Using a well‐phenotyped familial cohort, we found that the prevalence of significant fibrosis and definite hepatic steatosis are high in first‐degree relatives of Mexican Americans with HCC, particularly those with diabetes, suggesting that this population may benefit from screening for liver disease.
Perception of smile attractiveness among laypeople and orthodontists regarding the buccal corridor space, as it is defined by the eyes. An innovated technique
Authors: Ntovas Panagiotis , Karkazi Frantzeska , Özbilen Elvan Önem , Flavio Altamiro , Ladia Ourania , Papazoglou Efstratios , Yilmaz Hanife Nuray , Coachman Christian
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate whether there is a relationship between the distance between the iris and pupil with the ideal size of buccal corridors.

Materials and Methods

A full‐portrait image of a male Caucasian was used to create a set of 11 digitally modified images with different buccal corridor space. A web‐based cross‐sectional study was designed and distributed via an online survey to 200 laypeople and 200 orthodontists to assess image attractiveness, using a Visual analogue scale. For the statistical analysis, Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney U tests were used. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The response rate for laypeople was 70% (n = 139), while the rate for orthodontists was 73% (n = 146). For the layperson group, the maximum smile attractiveness score was 10% of buccal width reduction, compared to the iris‐pupillary distance, while for the orthodontists, it was 20%. The attractiveness of the smile was significantly reduced in both groups when the buccal corridor width was increased in comparison to the iris‐pupillary distance.

Conclusion

The length between the mesial part of the iris and the distal of the pupil, may constitutes a landmark for the estimation of the desired width of the buccal corridor.

Clinical Relevance

Inter iris‐pupillary distance can be the starting point in the smile designing process, in order to perform a facial driven selection of buccal corridor size.
Improvement of detection sensitivity of upper gastrointestinal epithelial neoplasia in linked color imaging based on data of eye tracking
Authors: Higashino Masayuki , Ono Shoko , Matsumoto Shogo , Kubo Marina , Yasuura Naohiro , Hayasaka Shuhei , Tanaka Ikko , Shimoda Yoshihiko , Nishimura Yusuke , Ono Masayoshi , Yamamoto Keiko , Ono Yuji , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

Linked color imaging (LCI) is useful for screening in the gastrointestinal tract; however, its true clinical benefit has not been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the objective advantage of LCI for detection of upper gastrointestinal neoplasms.

Methods

Nine endoscopists, including three novices, three trainees, and three experts, prospectively performed eye tracking. From 30 cases of esophageal or gastric neoplasm and 30 normal cases without neoplasms, a total of 120 images, including 60 pair images of white light imaging (WLI) and LCI taken at the same positions and angles, were randomly shown for 10 s. The sensitivity of tumor detection as a primary endpoint was evaluated and sensitivities by organ, size, and visual gaze pattern were also assessed. Color differences (ΔE using CIE1976 [L*a*b*]) between lesions and surrounding mucosa were measured and compared with detectability.

Results

A total of 1080 experiments were completed. The sensitivities of tumor detection in WLI and LCI were 53.7% (50.1–56.8%) and 68.1% (64.8–70.8%), respectively (P = 0.002). LCI provided higher sensitivity than WLI for the novice and trainee groups (novice: 42.2% [WLI] vs 65.6% [LCI], P = 0.003; trainee: 54.4% vs 70.0%, P = 0.045). No significant correlations were found between sensitivity and visual gaze patterns. LCI significantly increased ΔE, and the diagnostic accuracy with WLI depended on ΔE.

Conclusions

In conclusion, LCI significantly improved sensitivity in the detection of epithelial neoplasia and enabled epithelial neoplasia detection that is not possible with the small color difference in WLI.

(UMIN000047944).
Knee pain as a reason for referral to a paediatric rheumatologist: A retrospective study
Authors: Gorczyca Daiva , Iwańczyk Patrycja , Staś Karolina , Postępski Jacek
Published: January 2023

Aim

Knee pain is the most frequently reported type of lower extremity pain among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to establish the features distinguishing inflammatory knee pain from non‐inflammatory knee pain and to determine the specific variables to consider in suspected juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed among children with knee pain evaluated through paediatric rheumatology consultations at a single centre between 2012 and 2019.

Results

Among the 262 children, 32 patients (12.2%) were diagnosed with JIA, 46 patients (17.6%) presented with inflammatory knee pain (IP) of an origin different than JIA, and 57 patients (21.7%) with non‐inflammatory knee pain (NIP). In 127 cases (48.5%), no musculoskeletal disorder was diagnosed (NDD). The presence of limping, joint swelling, decreased passive range of motion and decreased active range of motion of the knee joint were registered more frequently in the JIA group compared to the other three groups. Multivariate analysis showed that a family history of autoimmune diseases and pain in other joints were associated with inflammatory pain. Increased pain after physical activity, pain only in the knee joint and absence of limping were predictors of NIP. The risk factors of JIA were limping and an erythrocyte sedimentation range of ≥10 mm after an hour. In the NDD group, the risk factors included no increase in pain after physical activity, serum C‐reactive protein level < 5 mg/L and normal musculoskeletal ultrasound image.

Conclusions

The majority of children with knee pain referred to a paediatric rheumatologist do not have arthritis. Knee pain alone, as a chief complaint, rarely leads to a final JIA diagnosis. Further studies are necessary in order to design the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.
Role of chitosan nanoparticles in combating Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri) of chickpea under changing climatic conditions
Authors: Sravani Bana , Dalvi Sunil , Narute Tanaji Krishna
Published: January 2023

Chickpea is the widely consumed dietary legume contributing 18% of global pulse production. Ongoing climatic changes impose several abiotic and biotic stresses on the yield and productivity of chickpeas. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) is a major soil‐born pathogen which causes up to 100% yield loss. Among the biocontrol strategies to manage the disease problem, the use of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) is now emerging as an attractive and beneficial option. CNPs have a major role in mitigating different stress conditions in plants by eliciting a variety of defence responses including pathogen‐related proteins, antioxidants, phytoalexins, proteinase inhibitors, lignin deposition, callose deposition, and so on. This is suggested as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals to prevent seed infestation from various pests. It is used as a seed coating agent which acts as a feeding deterrent and barrier to crop pests. Further, chitosan application can mitigate multiple abiotic and biotic stresses. Considering these properties of chitosan will certainly reduce the negative impact of Fusarium on the yield and quality of chickpeas. This review presents an overview of chickpea cultivation, yield losses due to diseases, chitosan application, its derivatives, and mode of action for the management of chickpea wilt in a sustainable manner.
Pregnancy during enzyme replacement therapy with alglucosidase alfa over a 14‐year period in late‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Yanagihara Chie , Hayasaka Yuki , Kageyama Yasufumi
Published: January 2023

We report a female patient who developed Pompe disease at 15 years old and received enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) from 25 years old. After 14 years of treatment, she became pregnant. ERT was suspended during the organogenic period as a precaution and restarted at 15 weeks' gestation. During the pregnancy, there were no complications or respiratory problems, but transient muscle weakness was observed during the third trimester. The patient gave birth by vaginal delivery at 39 weeks' gestation. Eight months postpartum, her muscle weakness had recovered slowly, and the patient was able to stand up without help.
Optimizing a therapeutic humanized follicle‐stimulating hormone–blocking antibody formulation by protein thermal shift assay
Authors: Sant Damini , Rojekar Satish , Gera Sakshi , Pallapati Anusha R. , Gimenez‐Roig Judit , Kuo Tan‐Chun , Padilla Ashley , Korkmaz Funda , Cullen Liam , Chatterjee Jiya , Shelly Eleanor , Meseck Marcia , Miyashita Sari , Macdonald Anne , Sultana Farhath , Barak Orly , Ryu Vitaly , Kim Se‐Min , Robinson Cemre , Rosen Clifford J. , Caminis John , Lizneva Daria , Haider Shozeb , Yuen Tony , Zaidi Mone
Published: January 2023

Biopharmaceutical products are formulated using several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved excipients within the inactive ingredient limit to maintain their storage stability and shelf life. Here, we have screened and optimized different sets of excipient combinations to yield a thermally stable formulation for the humanized follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH)–blocking antibody, MS‐Hu6. We used a protein thermal shift assay in which rising temperatures resulted in the maximal unfolding of the protein at the melting temperature (Tm). To determine the buffer and pH for a stable solution, four different buffers with a pH range from 3 to 8 were screened. This resulted in maximal Tms at pH 5.62 for Fab in phosphate buffer and at pH 6.85 for Fc in histidine buffer. Upon testing a range of salt concentrations, MS‐Hu6 was found to be more stable at lower concentrations, likely due to reduced hydrophobic effects. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a higher root‐mean‐square deviation with 1 mM than with 100 mM salt, indicating enhanced stability, as noted experimentally. Among the stabilizers tested, Tween 20 was found to yield the highest Tm and reversed the salt effect. Among several polyols/sugars, trehalose and sucrose were found to produce higher thermal stabilities. Finally, binding of recombinant human FSH to MS‐Hu6 in a final formulation (20 mM phosphate buffer, 1 mM NaCl, 0.001% w/v Tween 20, and 260 mM trehalose) resulted in a thermal shift (increase in Tm) for the Fab, but expectedly not in the Fc domain. Given that we used a low dose of MS‐Hu6 (1 μM), the next challenge would be to determine whether 100‐fold higher, industry‐standard concentrations are equally stable.
Soil erosion modelling of burned and mulched soils following a Mediterranean forest wildfire
Authors: Gonzalez‐Romero Javier , Zema Demetrio Antonio , Carrà Bruno Gianmarco , Neris Jonay , Fajardo Alvaro , Plaza‐Álvarez Pedro Antonio , Moya Daniel , Peña‐Molina Esther , de las Heras Jorge , Lucas‐Borja Manuel Esteban
Published: January 2023

Soil erosion modelling applied to burned forests in different global regions can be unreliable because of a lack of verification data. Here, we evaluated the following three erosion models: (1) Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP), (2) Morgan‐Morgan‐Finney (MMF) and (3) Universal Soil Loss Equation‐Modified (USLE‐M). Using field plots that were either untreated or mulched with straw, this study involved observations of soil loss at the event scale at a burned pine forest in Central Eastern Spain. The erosion predictions of the three models were analysed for goodness‐of‐fit. Optimization of the MMF model with a new procedure to estimate the C‐factor resulted in a satisfactory erosion prediction capacity in burned plots with or without the mulching treatment. The WEPP model underestimated erosion in the unburned areas and largely overestimated the soil loss in burned areas. The accuracy of soil loss estimation by the USLE‐M model was also poor. Calibration of the curve numbers and C‐factors did not improve the USLE‐M model estimation. Therefore, we conclude that an optimized MMF model was the most accurate way to estimate soil loss and recommend this approach for in Mediterranean burned forests with or without postfire mulching. This study gives land managers insight about the choice of the most suitable model for erosion predictions in burned forests.
Assassination tango: an NLR/NLR‐ID immune receptors pair of rapeseed co‐operates inside the nucleus to activate cell death
Authors: Mermigka Glykeria , Michalopoulou Vassiliki A. , Amartolou Argyro , Mentzelopoulou Andriani , Astropekaki Niki , Sarris Panagiotis F.
Published: January 2023

Plant immunity largely relies on intracellular nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors. Some plant NLRs carry integrated domains (IDs) that mimic authentic pathogen effector targets. We report here the identification of a genetically linked NLR‐ID/NLR pair: BnRPR1 and BnRPR2 in Brassica napus. The NLR‐ID carries two ID fusions and the mode of action of the pair conforms to the proposed “integrated sensor/decoy” model. The two NLRs interact and the heterocomplex localizes in the plant‐cell nucleus and nucleolus. However, the BnRPRs pair does not operate through a negative regulation as it was previously reported for other NLR‐IDs. Cell death is induced only upon co‐expression of the two proteins and is dependent on the helper genes, EDS1 and NRG1. The nuclear localization of both proteins seems to be essential for cell death activation, while the IDs of BnRPR1 are dispensable for this purpose. In summary, we describe a new pair of NLR‐IDs with interesting features in relation to its regulation and the cell death activation.
The indecomposable objects in the center of Deligne's category Re̲pSt$\protect\underline{{\rm Re}}\!\operatorname{p}S_t$
Authors: Flake Johannes , Harman Nate , Laugwitz Robert
Published: January 2023

We classify the indecomposable objects in the monoidal center of Deligne's interpolation category by viewing as a model‐theoretic limit in rank and characteristic. We further prove that the center of is semisimple if and only if is not a non‐negative integer. In addition, we identify the associated graded Grothendieck ring of this monoidal center with that of the graded sum of the centers of representation categories of finite symmetric groups with an induction product. We prove analogous statements for the abelian envelope.
There and back again: 50 years of wandering through terra incognita fusorum
Authors: Banks Robert W.
Published: January 2023

This paper is in two parts: ‘There’, which is a review of some of the major advances in the study of spindle structure and function during the past 50 years, serving as an introduction to the symposium entitled ‘Mechanotransduction, Muscle Spindles and Proprioception’ held in Munich in July 2022; and ‘And Back Again’, presenting new quantitative morphological results on the equatorial nuclei of intrafusal muscle fibres and of the primary sensory ending in relationship to passive stretch of the spindle.