bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validated removal of nuclear pseudogenes and sequencing artefacts from mitochondrial metabarcode data
Authors: Andújar Carmelo , Creedy Thomas J. , Arribas Paula , López Heriberto , Salces‐Castellano Antonia , Pérez‐Delgado Antonio José , Vogler Alfried P. , Emerson Brent C.
Published: January 2021

Metabarcoding of Metazoa using mitochondrial genes may be confounded by both the accumulation of PCR and sequencing artefacts and the co‐amplification of nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (NUMTs). The application of read abundance thresholds and denoising methods is efficient in reducing noise accompanying authentic mitochondrial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). However, these procedures do not fully account for the complex nature of concomitant sequences and the highly variable DNA contribution of specimens in a metabarcoding sample. We propose, as a complement to denoising, the metabarcoding Multidimensional Abundance Threshold Evaluation (metaMATE) framework, a novel approach that allows comprehensive examination of multiple dimensions of abundance filtering and the evaluation of the prevalence of unwanted concomitant sequences in denoised metabarcoding datasets. metaMATE requires a denoised set of ASVs as input, and designates a subset of ASVs as being either authentic (mitochondrial DNA haplotypes) or nonauthentic ASVs (NUMTs and erroneous sequences) by comparison to external reference data and by analysing nucleotide substitution patterns. metaMATE (i) facilitates the application of read abundance filtering strategies, which are structured with regard to sequence library and phylogeny and applied for a range of increasing abundance threshold values, and (ii) evaluates their performance by quantifying the prevalence of nonauthentic ASVs and the collateral effects on the removal of authentic ASVs. The output from metaMATE facilitates decision‐making about required filtering stringency and can be used to improve the reliability of intraspecific genetic information derived from metabarcode data. The framework is implemented in the metaMATE software (available at https://github.com/tjcreedy/metamate).
Clinical outcomes and radiation pneumonitis after concurrent EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors and radiotherapy for unresectable stage III non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Kunpeng , Liang Jun , Zhang Tao , Zhou Zongmei , Chen Dongfu , Feng Qinfu , Xiao Zefen , Hui Zhouguang , Lu Jima , Wang Xin , Deng Lei , Liu Wenyang , Wang Jianyang , Zhai Yirui , Wang Jie , Bi Nan , Wang Luhua
Published: January 2021

Background

Concurrent epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKI) with radiotherapy in patients with EGFR‐mutant unresectable stage III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) might improve survival. However, both treatments carry a potential risk of pneumonitis.

Methods

Between May 2012 and December 2017, patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC treated with concurrent radiotherapy and EGFR‐TKI were enrolled in this retrospective study. The baseline characteristics were evaluated to determine correlations with toxicity development.

Results

Among 45 eligible patients, 20 (44.4%) had an EGFR mutation and 44 (97.8%) received 50–66 Gy of radiotherapy. The median follow‐up was 62.7 months. The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with EGFR‐mutations were 27.9 (95% CI: 18.7–37.2) and 49.7 (95% CI: 27.7–71.8) months, and 13.8 (95% CI: 8.8–18.9) and 31.1 (95% CI: 9.8–52.4) months for EGFR wild‐type/unknown patients. A total of 17 patients (37.7%) developed radiation pneumonitis/pneumonitis (14 grade 2, 3 grade 3). In 16 patients, pneumonitis occurred within the radiation field and one patient had bilateral pneumonitis. The median time from the initial radiotherapy to pneumonitis was 74 days. Logistic regression analysis revealed a trend between the time of EGFR‐TKI and the development of G2+ pneumonitis. For late toxicity, only two patients had G2+ fibrosis. The daily dyspnea symptoms of patients with G2+ pneumonitis recovered significantly after the phase of pneumonitis (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Combined EGFR‐TKI and radiotherapy showed favorable survival in EGFR‐mutant patients with inoperable stage III NSCLC, with a 6.7% incidence of grade 3 radiation pneumonitis/pneumonitis, despite a higher incidence of mild‐to‐moderate radiation pneumonitis.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

We evaluated the outcomes and radiation pneumonitis after EGFR‐TKI during interval radiotherapy. EGFR‐TKI plus radiotherapy increased survival in patients with EGFR‐mutant inoperable stage III NSCLC. The mild‐to‐moderate radiation pneumonitis incidence increased but no grade 4–‐5 adverse events occurred.

What this study adds

The combination of EGFR‐TKI and radiotherapy might carry a risk of pneumonitis; however, there are limited data concerning dose constraints. Our results showed a slightly higher incidence of mild or moderate radiation pneumonitis by strict dose limitation.
Weekend admission and mortality among patients with sepsis: A nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In‐Ae
Published: January 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether weekend admission was associated with a higher risk of 90‐day mortality in patients with sepsis.

Methods

This population‐based cohort study was based on health records from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. All adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) admitted for sepsis (A40, A41) or septic shock (R65.2) as diagnosed according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes, during 2010‐2018 were screened. Weekend admission was defined as admission for sepsis on weekends.

Results

In all, 251 837 patients were enrolled, of which 43 327 (17.2%) were in the weekend admission group and 208 510 (82.8%) in the weekday admission group. After propensity score matching, 86 654 patients with sepsis (43 327 patients with sepsis in each group) were included in the analysis. The 90‐day mortality rates in the weekend admission and weekday admission groups were 44.3% (19 204/43 327) and 41.9% (18 157/43 327), respectively. On Cox regression analysis, the risk of 90‐day mortality in the weekend admission group was 1.09‐times higher than that in the weekday admission group (hazard ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.07‐1.12; P < .001).

Conclusion

Using the national health claims database in South Korea, we showed that weekend admission for diagnosed sepsis was associated with an increased risk of 90‐day mortality, compared to that for weekday admission. This might be due to the higher severity of illness in patients with sepsis admitted during the weekend or relatively lesser hospital staff during the weekend.
Employee disclosures in the grocery industry before the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kent Pamela , McCormack Robyn , Zunker Tamara
Published: January 2021

We provide evidence on the consumer staples industry's commitment and accountability to employees prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic by analysing their employee‐related disclosures in annual reports. A high level of disclosure exists from 2004 to 2019 with 93 percent of the industry disclosing some information about employees. The highest categories of disclosure are remuneration, health and safety, and training and development. We find that total disclosure is significantly related to having employee share ownership, a Big 4 auditor, a larger board of directors, a majority independent board, independent chair, an audit and nomination committee and higher ROA.
Comparison of growth performance and biochemical components between parent and hybrid offspring in the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Li Yiming , Jiang Qichen , Chen Qiang , Liu Zhiquan , Huang Yinying , Tian Jiangtao , Huang Youhui , Zhao Yunlong
Published: January 2021

Macrobrachium nipponense, as one of the large‐yield farmed shrimp, is facing germplasm degradation. Genetic improvement through hybridization is one of the effective methods to solve this problem. In this study, using a three‐line hybrid strategy, two‐hybrid F1 populations were obtained using three local populations of M. nipponense as parents for crossbreeding. Five populations were then cultured for 3 months. Growth rate performance was measured by the hepatosomatic index, weight gain, body length growth rate and special growth rate. Biochemical components were also assessed. The results showed that the survival rate and growth performance of the hybrid progeny were better than those of the parents. The levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, glycogen and lactic acid of the hybrid population were higher than those of the parents. This was consistent with variation in the activity of four digestive enzymes. Compared with the results of the fatty acid and amino acid analysis, it was found that the contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and eight essential amino acids in the hybrid populations were significantly higher than those of their parents, and the contents of flavor amino acids were higher. The expression level of molting genes related to the growth of the parent populations was lower than that of the hybrids. These results show that crossbreeding is effective for the genetic improvement of M. nipponense germplasm. Hybrids showed advantages in growth and nutrition and multigenerational breeding will be required to form a stable germplasm.
How essentialist beliefs about national groups differ by cultural origin and study abroad experience among Chinese and American college students
Authors: Xu Yian , Li Xuan , Coley John D.
Published: January 2021

Nationality constitutes a salient part of social categorization. However, little research has examined how people form nationality concepts and how it may be shaped by culture and experience. The current study aims to investigate essentialist beliefs about nationality in participants from two cultural origins: the United States and China. In both samples, we compared college students studying domestically and internationally (N = 290) by using direct and indirect measures of essentialism. Ratings from direct measures of essentialism revealed that American participants were more likely than Chinese participants to perceive national groups as natural, whereas Chinese participants were more likely than American participants to perceive national groups as cohesive. Interestingly, the observed differences between domestic and international students on the indirect measure showed opposite directions among participants of different cultures of origin. As hypothesized, American international students showed lower essentialist thinking than American domestic students. Surprisingly, Chinese international students showed stronger essentialist thinking than Chinese domestic students. Further analyses revealed a positive relationship between the length of arrival time and essentialist thinking by Chinese international students. The current research demonstrates the cognitive malleability of social essentialism, addressing the importance of examining the effect of intergroup processes under diverse and dynamic cultural contexts.
Familiar Pixels: Imag(in)ing the Dead and the Political in Israel/Palestine
Authors: Silver Jake
Published: January 2021

On July 2, 2014, a Palestinian teenager, Mohammed Abu Khdeir, was brutally killed. Although his murderers eventually confessed, the month following Mohammed's death was full of indecision about the crime and its perpetrators. During this period, Israeli and Palestinian publics latched onto Mohammed's selfies as intimate touchstones for comprehending who he was, what led to his death, and what subsequent action should be taken. This archive of images, however, inspired different understandings of Mohammed; among Israelis and Palestinians, conflictual voices emerged from the same pictures, making incompatible testimonials about Mohammed's identity and his victimhood. Central to the politics surrounding Mohammed's death were how such personal modes of perception—hearing him, seeing him, sensing him—inspired and legitimated radically different political claims and ambitions. Pausing on the ways that individuals grasped Mohammed in his images, in this article I unravel the cultural genealogies and social affordances that affected Israeli and Palestinian forms of visual apprehension. I argue that the most seemingly mundane moments of individual encounter—when Israelis and Palestinians caught sight of Mohammed at everyday digital interfaces—substantially inflected political landscapes and the contours of social understanding, laying the groundwork for further conflicts, including Israel's 2014 invasion of Gaza that occurred a month after his death. [death and dying, mediation, visuality, sexuality, Israel/Palestine]
Clearcutting and selective logging have inconsistent effects on liana diversity and abundance but not on liana–tree interaction networks
Authors: Addo‐Fordjour Patrick , Afram Isaac Sarfo
Published: January 2021

Understanding the effects of forest management on lianas and their interaction with trees is an important step toward effective forest management. Our study therefore aimed at quantifying the patterns of liana diversity and abundance, and liana–tree interaction network structure in response to logging disturbance in a moist semi‐deciduous forest in Ghana. We sampled lianas (diameter at 1.3 m ≥ 1 cm) and their host trees (diameter at breast height ≥5 cm) in 90 20 × 20 m plots among three forest management regimes: clearcut‐logged, selectively logged, and old‐growth forests. Liana species diversity and abundance in the selectively logged forest was similar to that of the old‐growth forest, while that in clearcut‐logged forest was significantly lower than both above‐mentioned forest types. Liana–tree interaction networks showed anti‐nested structure, which is a form of non‐random community organization. There were significant modularity and degree of specialization, but no significant connectance in the network structure. Largely, most of the species were peripherals, while a few species acted as structurally important species (i.e., module hubs, network hubs, and connectors) in the three networks. A different set of species acted as structurally important species in the different forest management regimes. Our findings call for a re‐examination of clearcutting logging in forest management in view of its negative effects on lianas, and we recommend prioritizing important modules in the liana–tree networks for future conservation.
Cardiac phenotype in familial partial lipodystrophy
Authors: Eldin Abdelwahab Jalal , Akinci Baris , da Rocha Andre Monteiro , Meral Rasimcan , Simsir Ilgin Yildirim , Adiyaman Suleyman Cem , Ozpelit Ebru , Bhave Nicole , Gen Ramazan , Yurekli Banu , Ozdemir Kutbay Nilufer , Siklar Zeynep , Neidert Adam H. , Hench Rita , Tayeh Marwan K. , Innis Jeffrey W. , Jalife Jose , Oral Hakan , Oral Elif A.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

LMNA variants have been previously associated with cardiac abnormalities independent of lipodystrophy. We aimed to assess cardiac impact of familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) to understand the role of laminopathy in cardiac manifestations.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Clinical data from 122 patients (age range: 13–77, 101 females) with FPLD were analysed. Mature human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) from a patient with an LMNA variant were studied as proof‐of‐concept for future studies.

Results

Subjects with LMNA variants had a higher prevalence of overall cardiac events than others. The likelihood of having an arrhythmia was significantly higher in patients with LMNA variants (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.45–9.83). These patients were at higher risk for atrial fibrillation or flutter (OR: 5.78, 95% CI: 1.04–32.16). The time to the first arrhythmia was significantly shorter in the LMNA group, with a higher HR of 3.52 (95% CI: 1.34–9.27). Non‐codon 482 LMNA variants were more likely to be associated with cardiac events (vs. 482 LMNA: OR: 4.74, 95% CI: 1.41–15.98 for arrhythmia; OR: 17.67, 95% CI: 2.45–127.68 for atrial fibrillation or flutter; OR: 5.71, 95% CI: 1.37–23.76 for conduction disease). LMNA mutant hiPSC‐CMs showed a higher frequency of spontaneous activity and shorter action potential duration. Functional syncytia of hiPSC‐CMs displayed several rhythm alterations such as early afterdepolarizations, spontaneous quiescence and spontaneous tachyarrhythmia, and significantly slower recovery in chronotropic changes induced by isoproterenol exposure.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need for vigilant cardiac monitoring in FPLD, especially in patients with LMNA variants who have an increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, hiPSC‐CMs can be studied to understand the basic mechanisms for the arrhythmias in patients with lipodystrophy to understand the impact of specific mutations.
Deep brain stimulation in the medial septum attenuates temporal lobe epilepsy via entrainment of hippocampal theta rhythm
Authors: Wang Ying , Shen Yating , Cai Xianhui , Yu Jie , Chen Cong , Tan Bei , Tan Na , Cheng Heming , Fan Xiang , Wu Xiaohua , Liu Jinggen , Wang Shuang , Wang Yi , Chen Zhong
Published: January 2021

Aims

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), often associated with cognitive impairment, is one of the most common types of medically refractory epilepsy. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) shows considerable promise for the treatment of TLE. However, the optimal stimulation targets and parameters of DBS to control seizures and related cognitive impairment are still not fully illustrated.

Methods

In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of DBS in the medial septum (MS) on seizures and cognitive function in mouse acute and chronic epilepsy models.

Results

We found that DBS in the MS alleviated the severity of seizure activities in both kainic acid‐induced acute seizure model and hippocampal‐kindled epilepsy model. DBS showed antiseizure effects with a wide window of effective stimulation frequencies. The antiseizure effects of DBS were mediated by the hippocampal theta rhythm, as atropine, which reversed the DBS‐induced augmentation of the hippocampal theta oscillation, abolished the antiseizure effects of DBS. Further, in the kainic acid‐induced chronic TLE model, DBS in the MS not only reduced spontaneous seizures, but also improved behavioral performance in novel object recognition.

Conclusion

DBS in the MS is a promising approach to attenuate TLE probably through entrainment of the hippocampal theta rhythm, which may be therapeutically significant for refractory TLE treatment.
Changing trends of contact allergens: A 40‐year retrospective study from a referral centre in northern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Pin‐Hsin , Tseng Yu‐Hsian , Chu Chia‐Yu
Published: January 2021

Background

The common contact allergens may change over time as the environmental exposure changes.

Objectives

To identify the prevalence rates and changing trends of contact allergens in Taiwan over a 40‐year period.

Materials & Methods

The patch testing results of a referral centre from 1978 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The study population was divided into four groups according to 10‐year intervals. The prevalence rates of contact sensitization to each agent and the clinical relevance were analysed. For patients with positive reactions to relevant allergens, the occupations and sites of dermatitis were analysed.

Results

From 1978 to 2018, a total of 4005 patients underwent patch testing. Successively increasing trends of positive reactions to cobalt, fragrance mix I, and para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) were found. Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) was an emerging contact allergen. Hairdressers, cosmetologists, and aromatherapists became the occupations most commonly having positive reactions in the most recent 10 years. In the first two decades, the face and neck were the most commonly affected areas. Later, hands became the most commonly affected sites.

Conclusions

The prevalence rates of positive reactions to cobalt, fragrance mix I, and PPD increased successively. MCI/MI was an emerging contact allergen of special concern.
Evaluating risk factors for acute graft versus host disease in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients receiving tacrolimus
Authors: Phan Michael , Chavan Rishikesh , Beuttler Richard , Benipayo Nicole , Magedman Grace , Buchbinder David , Tomaszewski Daniel , Yang Sun
Published: January 2021

To identify the clinical and pharmacological risk factors associated with tacrolimus pharmacodynamics for acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) in pediatric patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a matched related donor. A retrospective cohort single center chart review study was conducted with pediatric patients who received tacrolimus prophylaxis after allogeneic HSCT between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. Potential risk factors were tested separately between aGVHD and non‐aGVHD cohorts and were further analyzed in a logistic regression model with backward elimination and a partial least squares discriminant analysis. Thirty‐three patient cases were included in our study and 52% (17/33) developed aGVHD while on tacrolimus prophylaxis. When tested independently, donor age and sibling versus parent donor/recipient relation were shown to be statistically significant between aGVHD and non‐aGVHD patients (p < 0.005). Pharmacological factors associated with tacrolimus treatment failed to demonstrate a significant impact on patient’s risk of aGVHD. Using a best fit logistic regression model that tested all the variables together, donor age was the only significant variable predicting patient’s risk of aGVHD (p < 0.01). Donor relationship and donor age were unable to be evaluated separately and are therefore confounding variables. Among pediatric patients receiving allogeneic HSCT, aGVHD risk is significantly decreased by either sibling donor and/or younger donors. Although no conclusions were drawn on the effect of tacrolimus therapy (p = 0.08), results warrant additional research with a larger sample size to evaluate the accuracy of monitoring tacrolimus serum trough levels.
First‐in‐human study of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ALPN‐101, a dual CD28/ICOS antagonist, in healthy adult subjects
Authors: Yang Jing , Lickliter Jason D. , Hillson Jan L. , Means Gary D. , Sanderson Russell J. , Carley Kay , Tercero Almudena , Manjarrez Kristi L. , Wiley Jennifer R. , Peng Stanford L.
Published: January 2021

ALPN‐101 (ICOSL vIgD‐Fc) is an Fc fusion protein of a human inducible T cell costimulatory ligand (ICOSL) variant immunoglobulin domain (vIgD) designed to inhibit the cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) and inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS) pathways simultaneously. A first‐in‐human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ALPN‐101 in healthy adult subjects. ALPN‐101 was generally well‐tolerated with no evidence of cytokine release, clinically significant immunogenicity, or severe adverse events following single subcutaneous (SC) doses up to 3 mg/kg or single intravenous (IV) doses up to 10 mg/kg or up to 4 weekly IV doses of up to 1 mg/kg. ALPN‐101 exhibited a dose‐dependent increase in exposure with an estimated terminal half‐life of 4.3–8.6 days and SC bioavailability of 60.6% at 3 mg/kg. Minimal to modest accumulation in exposure was observed with repeated IV dosing. ALPN‐101 resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in maximum target saturation and duration of high‐level target saturation. Consistent with its mechanism of action, ALPN‐101 inhibited cytokine production in whole blood stimulated by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B ex vivo, as well as antibody responses to keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunization, reflecting immunomodulatory effects upon T cell and T‐dependent B cell responses, respectively. In conclusion, ALPN‐101 was well‐tolerated in healthy subjects with dose‐dependent PK and PD consistent with the known biology of the CD28 and ICOS costimulatory pathways. Further clinical development of ALPN‐101 in inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases is therefore warranted.
Evolving drug regulatory landscape in China: A clinical pharmacology perspective
Authors: Tang Weifeng , Huang Ying , Zhou Diansong , Huang Yao , Chen Yingxue , Ren Song , Li Yan , Wu Shengqian , Zhao Xiaoying , Song Xuyang , Wang Haidong , Jin Yuwen , Yu Hongtao , Zhang Li , Li Yunfei , Boulton David , Shen Kevin
Published: January 2021

In order to encourage innovative medicine to address Chinese unmet medical needs, China has changed its drug regulatory landscape to speed up access to new medicines. In order to understand the fast‐changing landscape and to enable planning of more global drug development programs and study designs in China, we reviewed 15 published clinical pharmacology‐related guidances by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and compared them with reference guidances from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), or the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), to understand the similarities and differences, especially any China‐specific requirements, such as ethnic sensitivity analysis. Overall, by reviewing these clinical pharmacology‐related NMPA guidances, it is clear that NMPA guidances are very similar to FDA, EMA, and ICH guidances. There are no relevant differences in the major principles, but some differences in structure, contents, and focus were noted. The NMPA is adapting flexibility statements into newly published guidances. Ethnic sensitivity analysis needs to be implemented early in drug development plans. The NMPA encourages sponsors to conduct early clinical trials in China or include China early in multiregional clinical trials, and to obtain safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic data for ethnic sensitivity analysis. Depending on the stage of development, ethnic sensitivity analysis can be conducted using in vitro or literature data, other Asian clinical data, or Chinese clinical data.
Effects of liraglutide on the metabolism of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Taskinen Marja‐Riitta , Björnson Elias , Matikainen Niina , Söderlund Sanni , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Ainola Mari , Hakkarainen Antti , Lundbom Nina , Fuchs Johannes , Thorsell Annika , Andersson Linda , Adiels Martin , Packard Chris J. , Borén Jan
Published: January 2021

Aim

To elucidate the impact of liraglutide on the kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo)B48‐ and apoB100‐containing triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after a single fat‐rich meal.

Materials and Methods

Subjects with T2D were included in a study to investigate postprandial apoB48 and apoB100 metabolism before and after 16 weeks on l.8 mg/day liraglutide (n = 14) or placebo (n = 4). Stable isotope tracer and compartmental modelling techniques were used to determine the impact of liraglutide on chylomicron and very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) production and clearance after a single fat‐rich meal.

Results

Liraglutide reduced apoB48 synthesis in chylomicrons by 60% (p < .0001) and increased the triglyceride/apoB48 ratio (i.e. the size) of chylomicrons (p < .001). Direct clearance of chylomicrons, a quantitatively significant pathway pretreatment, decreased by 90% on liraglutide (p < .001). Liraglutide also reduced VLDL1‐triglyceride secretion (p = .017) in parallel with reduced liver fat. Chylomicron‐apoB48 production and particle size were related to insulin sensitivity (p = .015 and p < .001, respectively), but these associations were perturbed by liraglutide.

Conclusions

In a physiologically relevant setting that mirrored regular feeding in subjects with T2D, liraglutide promoted potentially beneficial changes on postprandial apoB48 metabolism. Using our data in an integrated metabolic model, we describe how the action of liraglutide in T2D on chylomicron and VLDL kinetics could lead to decreased generation of remnant lipoproteins.
Collecting arboreal arthropods: a technique for sampling plant‐inhabiting arthropod communities in a tropical forest understory
Authors: Viana‐Junior Arleu Barbosa , Quijano‐Cuervo Luis G. , Ferreira Jessica Cardoso , do Nascimento Reis Ronaldo Roberto , dos Santos Iracenir Andrade , Martins Marlucia Bonifacio
Published: January 2021

In this study, we describe a new low‐cost technique to collect plant‐inhabiting arthropods at a height of up to 10 m without the need for specialized and complicated methods such as rope climbing or fogging. We present a model to build and apply the technique in a tropical forest understory. This technique is important because it is not only efficient for arthropod collection, it also enables a variety of ecological studies such as stratification, habitat comparison, and species distribution.
The role of plant physiology and cultivar of chrysanthemum in the resistance against Western flower thrips
Authors: Rogge Sina Alexandra , Meyhöfer Rainer
Published: January 2021

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is an economically important pest insect in vegetable and ornamental cultivation worldwide. Little is known about host plant resistance in the vegetative and generative phases of chrysanthemum [Chrysanthemum × morifolium (Ramat.) Hemsl. (Asteraceae)] and the role of resistance factors such as flavonols, flower color, and flower shape. We screened a broad range of chrysanthemum cultivars across two seasons to quantify resistance against Western flower thrips. Resistance was based on silver damage on the leaves, and relative flavonol content was measured using a Dualex Scientific 4 hand‐held sensor. There was significant variation in silver damage between cultivars, indicating different levels of resistance. There was no correlation between the relative flavonol content in middle leaves and plant silver damage. A clearer resistance level discrimination by flavonols in resistant and susceptible cultivars would be possible in the future by comparing multiple leaf positions during the ontogenetic phases of plant development. Moreover, the influence of flower color and shape on resistance to thrips was investigated by counting the adult thrips and larvae on flowers. The results showed significant differences in flower color preference by adults, but not by larvae. Flower shape influenced thrips larvae and females, but not males. The importance of the results for resistance determination is discussed.
Parasitism of the leaf‐cutting ant Atta bisphaerica by phorid flies: biology and seasonal and inter‐colonial parasitism rates
Authors: Bragança Marcos A.L. , Martins Hendria C. , Oliveira Rafael J. , Della Lucia Terezinha M.C.
Published: January 2021

The leaf‐cutting ant Atta bisphaerica Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Attini) forages leaves from monocotyledons in natural environments and is a serious pest of pastures and sugarcane plantations in Brazil. This study investigated aspects of the interactions between A. bisphaerica and dipteran Phoridae parasitoids. The seasonal and inter‐colonial variations in parasitism rates were also investigated. Ants from four A. bisphaerica colonies were sampled, with a total of 91 554 worker ants collected and evaluated. Of these ants, 4.4% were found to have been parasitized by three phorid species: Apocephalus attophilus Borgmeier (relative parasitism rate: 40%), Myrmosicarius grandicornis Borgmeier (31%), and Eibesfeldtphora bragancai (Brown) (28%). The months with the lowest average temperatures, lowest relative humidity, and lowest rainfall (characteristics of the dry season of the region under study) corresponded to the highest parasitism rates, especially by A. attophilus. Apocephalus attophilus and E. bragancai had the highest relative parasitism rates in two of the colonies, 45 and 41%, whereas M. grandicornis was the dominant species in each of the other two colonies, corresponding to approximately 40% of total parasitism. The variation in parasitism rates observed between colonies could be explained, at least in part, by the relationship between the size of the parasitoids and the size of the host ants. Concerning the biological characteristics, A. attophilus had the shortest life cycle, the highest successful emergence rate, and produced 2.5× more parasitoids per host. These characteristics, combined with the ability to cause higher levels of mortality of parasitized worker ants when compared to the two other phorid species, indicates that A. attophilus is an efficient natural enemy of A. bisphaerica and is therefore a candidate for a biocontrol program.
Lifestyle and psychosocial correlates of oral hygiene practice among Indonesian adolescents
Authors: Santoso Cornelia Melinda Adi , Bramantoro Taufan , Nguyen Minh Chau , Nagy Attila
Published: January 2021

Poor oral hygiene leads to poor oral health, which in turn has negative impacts on overall health and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of oral hygiene practice among school‐going adolescents in Indonesia. Secondary analysis of cross‐sectional, nationally representative data from the 2015 Indonesia Global School‐based Health Survey, covering 11,142 students aged 11‐18 years, was performed. Multiple logistic regression was employed to explore associations between lifestyle, psychosocial factors, and tooth‐brushing frequency. Around 10.8% of the students brushed their teeth less frequently than the recommended twice‐daily regimen. Male gender, lower socio‐economic status, poor dietary practice, longer sedentary time, drug use, psychological distress, less peer support, and no parental support were associated with infrequent tooth brushing. The findings support the need to integrate oral health promotion into general health actions that target families, schools, and social environments of adolescents to develop healthier habits.
Mechanisms matter: Predicting the ecological impacts of global change
Authors: Boult Victoria L. , Evans Luke C.
Published: January 2021

The ability of mechanistic models to reliably extrapolate to novel conditions could position them as the gold standard in understanding the impacts of global change, but exactly how mechanistic models can be used most effectively remains to be determined. In this issue, Desforges et al. present a mechanistic physiological model to understand the drivers of muskox population dynamics. We took this as an opportunity to discuss the potential for, and challenges of, using mechanistic models to predict ecological responses to environmental change.
Approaches to energy transitions: Carbon pricing, managed decline, and/or green new deal?
Authors: Eaton Emily
Published: January 2021

The need for wholescale energy transitions across the globe is now clear, but there is still much debate about how best to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Carbon‐pricing has so far been unable to avert the coming climate catastrophe. Instead supply‐side, managed decline of the fossil fuel sector and proposals for Green New Deals, or Just Transition are gaining steam among academics, policy communities, and movements and even entering mainstream politics. In this article, I review three main approaches to energy transition and highlight their underlying goals and assumptions. I argue that movements for energy transition must center social and economic justice in their struggles if they want to gain broad‐based appeal.
Cognitive performance in patients with episodic cluster headache outside and inside the active cluster
Authors: Navarro‐Pérez María Pilar , Bellosta‐Diago Elena , Viloria‐Alebesque Alejandro , Garrido‐Fernández Alberto , López‐Bravo Alba , Santos‐Lasaosa Sonia
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous studies have shown worse cognitive performance in cluster headache (CH) patients compared to healthy controls; however, little is known about cognitive performance in episodic CH (ECH) patients outside and inside the active cluster (AC).

Objective

Our aim is to compare cognitive function in ECH patients outside and inside the AC.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional, observational study, four neuropsychological tests (Trail Making Test [TMT], Stroop Test [ST], verbal fluency [VF], and Symbol Digit Modalities Test [SDT]) were completed by 21 ECH patients at two different points in time: outside and inside the AC. We also assessed self‐reported sleep quality and the presence of anxiety or depressive symptoms. Scores were compared.

Results

There was not any difference between the scores of the neuropsychological tests performed outside and inside the AC (TMT‐A: 23 vs. 23.5; p = 0.984; TMT‐B: 96.5 vs. 85.9; p = 0.104; ST word reading: 101.0 vs. 101.2; p = 0.938; ST color naming: 73.0 vs. 73.4; p = 0.858; ST color word: 44.0 vs. 46.0; p = 0.498; SDMT: 44.0 vs. 44.6; p = 0.961; VF phonemic: 29.5 vs. 30.2; p = 0.714; VF semantic: 20 vs. 21; p = 0.489). We found a worsening in the sleep quality component of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index median scores in patients outside the AC (2 vs. 1; p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that patients with ECH have a similar cognitive performance outside and during the AC.
Psychometric characteristics of the health care empowerment questionnaire in a sample of patients with arthritis and rheumatic conditions
Authors: Knight Erin , Carluzzo Kathleen , Schifferdecker Karen E. , Creek Emily , Butcher Rebecca L , Eakin Guy S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Patient empowerment can improve health‐related outcomes and is important in chronic conditions, such as arthritis. This study aimed to validate the Health Care Empowerment Questionnaire (HCEQ), a patient‐reported experience measure of empowerment, for use with patients with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

Methods

The HCEQ measures Patient Information Seeking (or Involvement in Decisions) and Healthcare Interaction Results (or Involvement in Interactions) and asks respondents to answer questions in two ways: whether they feel something happened and its importance to them. Face validity was assessed through qualitative data (n = 8, nominal group technique; n = 55, focus groups). Measure structure was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); internal consistency was also assessed (n = 9226). Test‐retest reliability was assessed with sub‐sample of participants (n = 182).

Results

We found adequate face validity of the HCEQ for patients with arthritis. The CFA indicated good fit to the data for the two‐factor structure of the HCEQ (RMSEA = 0.075; CFI = 0.987; TLI = 0.978; SRMR = 0.026). Internal consistency was strong (α=0.94 for both subscales). Test‐retest reliability was moderate for Patient Information Seeking (ICC=0.67) and good for Healthcare Interaction Results (ICC=0.77).

Conclusions

The HCEQ, with modifications, demonstrated promising psychometric properties within this sample, laying the foundation for further assessment. This work supports the HCEQ as an appropriate instrument for examining experiences with and perceived importance of empowerment in individuals with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

Patient Contribution

Patients contributed to the assessment of face validity. As a measure of patient empowerment, the HCEQ’s use can enable further participation of patients in health care.
Alterations of mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation and mineralization potential of lipopolysaccharide‐induced human dental pulp cells after exposure to N‐acetyl cysteine, Biodentine or ProRoot MTA
Authors: Weekate K. , Chuenjitkuntaworn B. , Chuveera P. , Vaseenon S. , Chompu‐inwai P. , Ittichaicharoen J. , Chattipakorn S. , Srisuwan T.
Published: January 2021

Aim

To investigate the effects of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC), Biodentine, ProRoot MTA and their combinations, on cell viability, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production, mineralization and on the expression of genes related to inflammatory cytokine production, mitochondrial dynamics and cell apoptosis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).

Methodology

Isolated hDPCs were exposed to 20 μg mL−1 of Escherichia coli (E. coli) LPS for 24 h, before the experiment, except for the control group. Eight experimental groups were assigned: (i) control (hDPCs cultured in regular medium), (ii) +LPS (hDPCs cultured in LPS medium throughout the experiment), (iii) −LPS/Media, (iv) −LPS/BD, (v) −LPS/MTA, (vi) −LPS/NAC, (vii) −LPS/BD + NAC and (viii) −LPS/MTA + NAC. Cell viability was measured using Alamar blue assay at 24 and 48 h. Production of mtROS was evaluated at 6 and 24 h by MitoSOX Red and MitoTracker Green. The expressions of IL‐6, TNF‐α, Bcl‐2, Bax, Mfn‐2 and Drp‐1 genes were investigated at 6 h using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). For differentiation potential, cells were cultured in the osteogenic differentiation media and stained using Alizarin red assay at 14 and 21 days. The Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test and one‐way anova were performed for statistical analysis.

Results

NAC was associated with significantly greater LPS‐induced hDPC viability (P < 0.05). Both Biodentine and MTA extracts promoted cell survival, whereas the combination of NAC to these material extracts significantly increased the number of viable cells at 24 h (P < 0.05). Biodentine, MTA or NAC did not alter the mtROS level (P > 0.05). NAC supplementation to the MTA extract significantly reduced the level of IL‐6 and TNF‐α expression (P < 0.05). Regarding mitochondrial dynamics, the use of NAC alone promoted significant Mfn‐2/Drp‐1 expression (P < 0.05). Most of the groups exhibited a level of Bcl‐2/Bax gene expression similar to that of the control group. The increases in mineralization productions were observed in most of the groups, except the LPS group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The antioxidant effect of NAC was not evident under the LPS‐induced condition in DPC in vitro. NAC combined either with Biodentine or MTA improved LPS‐induced hDPCs survival at 24 h. The combination of NAC with MTA promoted mineralization.
Megakaryocytes, erythropoietic and granulopoietic cells express CAL2 antibody in myeloproliferative neoplasms carrying CALR gene mutations
Authors: Ali Hebah , Puccio Ignazio , Akarca Ayse U. , Bob Roshanak , Pomplun Sabine , Keong Wong Wai , Gupta Rajeev , Sekhar Mallika , Lambert Jonathan , Al‐Masri Hytham , Stein Harald , Marafioti Teresa
Published: January 2021

Testing for the CALR mutation is included in the updated WHO criteria for essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). We report on the application of the CAL2 monoclonal antibody, raised against the mutated CALR gene to myeloid cases. The immunostain was used on 116 acute myeloid leukaemias (AML) and 66 myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) or myelodysplastic syndromes/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN). None of AML cases was stained by the CAL2 antibody, while 20/66 MPNs and MDS/MPNs appeared positive. Fourteen of the latter cases were studied by molecular techniques, and all showed aberrations of the CALR gene. In addition, CAL2 positivity was found in some small‐sized elements besides megakaryocytes. By double staining, these elements corresponded to small megakaryocytes as well as both erythroid and myeloid precursors. This finding suggests possible occurrence of CALR gene abnormalities in a stem cell.
Evaluation of sourcing contracts in wood supply procurement using simulation
Authors: Rahimi Ali , Rönnqvist Mikael , LeBel Luc , Audy Jean‐François
Published: January 2021

Procurement operations in forest companies are exposed to various risks, which may increase procurement costs. Examples of risks are the contract's unreliability and contract breach. Deterministic planning models cannot perfectly reflect the complexities of real‐world applications in the presence of sourcing risks when the future is uncertain. In practice, forest industries use contracts to guarantee the wood supply. Monthly forecasts are prepared for the delivery volume and are primarily based on the experience of procurement staff and the total volume of contracts. Missed deliveries in the contracts lead to a mismatch between the supply and demand for wood fiber and increase the costs of procurement as a result of high inventory costs or expensive purchases from the open market. Previous studies on simulating the impact of sourcing risks on procurement operations have been conducted; however, none have addressed the selection of procurement contracts in the presence of sourcing risks. In forest industry, numerous suppliers are available with sourcing contracts. Each contract possesses its own characteristics such as flexibility, volume, schedule, and price of delivery. A Monte Carlo simulation approach is implemented to analyze the behavior of a deterministic planning approach. Random events are generated by formulating different types of sourcing risks, having either short‐ or long‐term impact. The simulation is embedded with a deterministic planning model in each period. Results showed that management of sourcing risks is easier with flexible contracts than with fixed contracts, despite their higher purchasing cost.
Homecare nurses guide goals for care and care transitions in serious illness: A grounded theory of relationship‐based care
Authors: Sullivan Suzanne S. , Mann Catherine , Mullen Samantha , Chang Yu‐Ping
Published: January 2021

Aims

To identify the process that homecare nurses use when recognizing serious illness, engaging patients and families in goals‐for‐care discussions and guiding transitions to comfort‐focused care.

Design

Constructivist grounded theory.

Methods

Semi‐structured focus group interviews of 31 homecare Registered Nurses were recorded and transcribed (June–August 2019). Line‐by‐line coding using the constant comparative method until saturation was achieved and a grounded theory was identified. Credibility, transferability, and confirmability establish study rigor.

Results

A grounded theory of relationship‐based care. Nurses cogitate and act when recognizing serious illness. They have difficult conversations and support care transitions with wisdom and knowing, by identifying changes in illness trajectories and being informed and alert to diminishing quality of life. Nurses are skilled at engaging patients, families, and the team and accommodate care in the home for as long as possible, while manoeuvring through complex systems of care; ultimately relinquishing and guiding care to other providers and settings. However, nurses feel inadequately prepared and frustrated with a fragmented healthcare system and lack of collaboration among the team.

Conclusion

This study identifies a grounded theory to support clinical decision‐making and position homecare nurses as leaders in guiding goal care discussions and transitions to comfort‐focused care. These findings reinforce the importance of developing health policy that ensures care continuity in serious illness. Further research is needed to improve relationships across care settings and enhance training for the delivery of comfort‐focused care in the home as changing needs emerge during serious illness management.