bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical peels for atrophic acne scarring: Evolution of peel types and methods
Authors: Sun Cong , Lim Davin
Published: December 2022

Acne vulgaris is a common condition among those of adolescent age. Prolonged inflammation associated with the disease can result in substantial scaring which is detrimental to both the physical and psychological well‐being of the patient. Chemical peels are a commonly used treatment modality for acne scarring that is widely available and can be administered with a low associated cost. This article aims to illustrate the current best practice and highlight new advances in chemical peeling in the treatment of acne scarring.
High‐risk HPV testing vs liquid‐based cytology for cervical cancer screening among 25‐ to 30‐year‐old women: A historical cohort study
Authors: Feldstein Ohad , Gali‐Zamir Hadar , Schejter Eduardo , Feinberg Tali , Yehuda‐Shnaidman Einav , Bornstein Jacob , Levy Tally
Published: December 2022

Introduction

High‐risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) DNA testing is more sensitive than cytology screening, achieving greater protection against cervical cancer. Controversy exists regarding the preferred screening method for women 25–30 years of age. At this age, infection with HPV is common and usually transient. Consequently, hrHPV screening in this age group is fraught with high false‐positive screening results, leading to more colposcopies and unnecessary treatments with the potential for harm. In the present study, we aimed to compare the results of two screening methods in relation to high‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesion detection rate in the young age group of 25–30 years.

Material and methods

Retrospective information on cervical cytology, hrHPV testing, colposcopy referrals and histologic results, from one screening round, were retrieved from the Maccabi HealthCare Health Maintenance Organization centralized database during the study period from March 1, 2017 to April 1, 2019 for 25‐ to 30‐year‐old women. Screening with hrHPV testing for types 16, 18 and 12 other hrHPV types was compared with the conventional PAP liquid‐based cytology (LBC) test. Odds ratio (OR) of detection with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or higher (CIN 3+).

Results

During the study period, 42 244 women 25–30 years old underwent cervical cancer screening; of them, 20 997 were screened with LBC between March 1, 2017 and March 1, 2018 and compared with 21 247 who were screened with hrHPV between April 1, 2018 and April 1, 2019. Testing for hrHPV resulted in a higher colposcopy referral rate compared with primary LBC screening: 9.8% vs 7.8%, respectively; (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.2–1.37; p < 0.001). Screening with hrHPV led to significantly higher detection of CIN 3+ lesions (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2–1.6; p < 0.001) compared with LBC. HPV infections with non‐16/18 hrHPV (other hrHPV) were the most prevalent (84.8%).

Conclusions

In women 25–30 years old, primary hrHPV screening was associated with a higher detection rate of CIN 3+ compared with cytology screening and should be considered for primary screening in this age group.
Do nutrition knowledge, food preferences, and habit strength moderate the association between preference for intuition and deliberation in eating decision‐making and dietary intake?
Authors: Sproesser Gudrun , Aulbach Matthias , Gültzow Thomas , König Laura M.
Published: December 2022

An intuitive style in eating decision‐making, for example, basing decisions on one's gut feeling, has been related to a less healthy diet, whereas deliberately deciding what to eat, such as making plans about eating behavior, has been related to a healthier diet. The present study investigated whether nutrition knowledge, food preferences, and habit strength for healthy and unhealthy eating moderate these relationships. In total, 1245 participants took part in a preregistered cross‐sectional online survey. Results revealed that neither nutrition knowledge, nor liking of healthy or unhealthy foods, nor habit strength for healthy or unhealthy eating interacted with the preference for intuition or deliberation in eating decision‐making in affecting dietary intake (βs ≤ |.06|; ts ≤ |2.11|; ps ≥ .035). Instead, including the potential moderating variables in analyses rendered the effect of a preference for intuition largely non‐significant. In contrast, the positive effect of a preference for deliberation was largely stable even when including the potential moderating variables. Thus, the present study confirms the general health‐promoting effect of a preference for deliberation in eating decision‐making. In contrast, results speak in favor of a generally minor role of a preference for intuition for healthy or unhealthy eating.
Infectious native aortic aneurysm with negative blood cultures: do not forget the pneumococcal urinary antigen test!
Authors: Dubert Marie , Derycke Lucie , Bidaud Anne‐Laure , Gibault Laure , Le Pendu Claire , Pogdlajen Isabelle , Lebeaux David
Published: December 2022

Infectious native aortic aneurysm (INAA) are rare but life‐threatening infections. Early microbiological identification is crucial to initiate adequate therapy and decrease the peri‐operative risk, but can be challenging when blood cultures remain negative. We describe two cases of pneumococcal INAA with negative blood cultures, diagnosed in the with the pneumococcal urinary antigen test.
Unilateral BIPORTAL endoscopic translaminar approach to treat up‐migrated lumbar disc herniation: 12 cases report
Authors: Moon Kang Suk , Jeong MinSeung , Lee Sang‐Ho , Baek Oon‐Ki , Villanueva Solórzano Pedro Leonardo
Published: December 2022

Objective

There are difficulties on removing migrated disc herniation (MDH) using a microscope. The purpose of this study was to introduce a unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) translaminar approach to treat up‐migrated lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Patients and Methods

A total of 12 patients from March 2021 to February 2022 with up‐migrated LDH were treated with a UBE translaminar approach. Clinical outcomes such as a visual analog scale (VAS) (back and leg pain) and MacNab criteria were assessed preoperative, postoperative, and 1 month after surgery.

Results

Seven patients were diagnosed with high‐grade up‐migrated LDH, while five patients presented very‐high grade up‐migrated LDH. In all cases, the migrated LDH were removed completely and were confirmed by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The VAS for back pain were improved from 4.5 (SD = 3.1) to 2.0 (SD = 1.0) and 1.0 (SD = 1.0) for immediately postoperative and in 1‐month follow‐up, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). VAS for leg pain was 6.5 (SD = 2.5) preoperatively to 2.3 (SD = 1.1) and 0.8 (SD = 0.4) immediately postoperative and 1‐month follow‐up, respectively, also showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). According to the MacNab criteria, we observed excellent outcomes in 66.6% and good outcomes in 33.3%.

Conclusion

The UBE translaminar approach showed a high success rate with high patient satisfaction for the management of up‐migrated LDH. It could be considered a feasible alternative surgical option to treat up‐migrated LDH.
Drug‐induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A systematic review and review of European and North American pharmacovigilance data
Authors: Schofield Jeremy , Hosseinzadeh Sara , Burton Kieran , Pavord Sue , Dutt Tina , Doree Carolyn , Lim Wen Yuen , Desborough Michael J. R.
Published: December 2022

Many medications have been reported to be associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) through pharmacovigilance data and published case reports. Whilst there are existing data available regarding drug‐induced thrombotic microangiopathy, there is no available synthesis of evidence to assess drug‐induced TTP (DI‐TTP). Despite this lack of evidence, patients with TTP are often advised against using many medications due to the theoretical risk of DI‐TTP. This systematic review evaluated the evidence for an association of medications reported as potential triggers for TTP. Of 5098 records available 261 articles were assessed further for eligibility. Fifty‐seven reports, totalling 90 patients, were included in the final analysis. There were no cases where the level of association was rated as definite or probable, demonstrating a lack of evidence of any drug causing DI‐TTP. This paucity of evidence was also demonstrated in the pharmacovigilance data, where 613 drugs were reported as potential causes of TTP without assessment of the strength of association. This systematic review demonstrates the need for standardised reporting of potential drugs causing TTP. Many reports omit basic information and, therefore, hinder the chance of finding a causative link if one exists.
Mitophagy and endoplasmic reticulum‐phagy accelerated by a p62 ZZ ligand alleviates paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Kim Hee‐Yeon , Yoon Hee‐Soo , Heo Ah Jung , Jung Eui Jung , Ji Chang Hoon , Mun Su Ran , Lee Min Ju , Kwon Yong Tae , Park Joo‐Won
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose

Paracetamol (acetaminophen)‐induced hepatotoxicity is the leading cause of drug‐induced liver injury worldwide. Autophagy is a degradative process by which various cargoes are collected by the autophagic receptors such as p62/SQSTM1/Sequestosome‐1 for lysosomal degradation. Here, we investigated the protective role of p62‐dependent autophagy in paracetamol‐induced liver injury.

Experimental Approach

Paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity was induced by a single i.p. injection of paracetamol (500 mg·kg−1) in C57/BL6 male mice. YTK‐2205 (20 mg·kg−1), a p62 agonist targeting ZZ domain, was co‐ or post‐administered with paracetamol. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were performed to explore the mechanism.

Key Results

N‐terminal arginylation of the molecular chaperone calreticulin retro‐translocated from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was induced in the livers undergoing paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity, and YTK‐2205 exhibited notable therapeutic efficacy in acute hepatotoxicity as assessed by the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic necrosis. This efficacy was significantly attributed to accelerated degradation of ubiquitin (Ub) conjugates as well as damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER‐phagy). In primary murine hepatocytes treated with paracetamol, YTK‐2205 induced the co‐localization of p62+LC3+ phagophores to the sites of mitophagy and ER‐phagy. A similar activity of YTK‐2205 was observed with N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinone imine, a putative toxic metabolite of paracetamol in Hep3B cells.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results elucidated that p62‐dependent autophagy plays a key role in the removal of cytotoxic materials such as damaged mitochondria in paracetamol‐induced hepatotoxicity. Small molecule ligands to p62 may be developed into drugs to treat this pathological condition.
Testicular teratomagenesis from primordial germ cells with overexpression of germinal center‐associated nuclear protein
Authors: Sakai Yasuhiro , Yoshinaga Kazuya , Yoshida Ayaka , Rezano Andri , Shiogama Kazuya , Kawashima Yoshiaki , Yoshizawa Tadashi , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Hatakeyama Shingo , Ohyama Chikara , Ito Hiroyasu , Abe Masato , Kijima Hiroshi , Otsuki Yoshiro , Ito Akihiko , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Takeya Motohiro , Sakaguchi Nobuo , Kuwahara Kazuhiko
Published: December 2022

Testicular teratomas are the major histologic type of testicular germ cell tumors and their incidence continues to grow. Moreover, teratomas can develop from undifferentiated cells in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell transplantation therapy, seriously hampering the progress of regenerative medicine. Germinal center‐associated nuclear protein (GANP) is thought to be important to the biogenetic control of primordial germ cells and is among the genes susceptible to testicular germ cell tumors. Thus, we analyzed the expression of GANP in human testicular postpubertal‐type teratomas and established a novel mouse model to reveal the association between GANP and teratomagenesis. We analyzed 31 cases of human testicular postpubertal‐type teratomas and, in all cases, GANP was overexpressed. The aberrant expression was also detected in germ cell neoplasia in situ accompanied by the teratoma. GANP expression was particularly high in the epithelia of the epidermis, cutaneous appendages, and trachea‐like ciliated epithelium. To further clarify the association between GANP and teratomagenesis, we established a novel teratomagenesis mouse model (CAG‐ganpTg mice). In the GANP−teratoma mice, GANP‐overexpressing teratomas were more frequent at the testes and the middle portion of the uterus than has been seen in the previously established mouse models. In conclusion, GANP is overexpressed in testicular postpubertal‐type teratomas and is an essential teratomagenic factor. We also found that CAG‐ganpTg mice are useful mouse models of teratomagenesis that mimics human midline teratomas and that teratomas may originate from the overexpression of GANP in primordial germ cells.
Integrating larval connectivity into the marine conservation decision‐making process across spatial scales
Authors: Muenzel Dominic , Critchell Kay , Cox Courtney , Campbell Stuart J. , Jakub Raymond , Suherfian Wahid , Sara La , Chollett Iliana , Treml Eric A. , Beger Maria
Published: December 2022

Larval dispersal connectivity is typically integrated into spatial conservation decisions at regional or national scales, but implementing agencies struggle with translating these methods to local scales. We used larval dispersal connectivity at regional (hundreds of kilometers) and local (tens of kilometers) scales to aid in design of networks of no‐take reserves in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. We used Marxan with Connectivity informed by biophysical larval dispersal models and remotely sensed coral reef habitat data to design marine reserve networks for 4 commercially important reef species across the region. We complemented regional spatial prioritization with decision trees that combined network‐based connectivity metrics and habitat quality to design reserve boundaries locally. Decision trees were used in consensus‐based workshops with stakeholders to qualitatively assess site desirability, and Marxan was used to identify areas for subsequent network expansion. Priority areas for protection and expected benefits differed among species, with little overlap in reserve network solutions. Because reef quality varied considerably across reefs, we suggest reef degradation must inform the interpretation of larval dispersal patterns and the conservation benefits achievable from protecting reefs. Our methods can be readily applied by conservation practitioners, in this region and elsewhere, to integrate connectivity data across multiple spatial scales.
Influence of underground mining with explosives on a hibernating bat population
Authors: Summers Jennifer L. , White John Paul , Kaarakka Heather M. , Hygnstrom Scott E. , Sedinger Benjamin S. , Riddle Jason , Van Deelen Timothy , Yahnke Christopher
Published: December 2022

Bats arouse from hibernation both naturally and in response to disturbances. Frequent bat arousals can decrease survival due to increased energetic costs. An active sand mine in west‐central Wisconsin hosted over 52,000 hibernating bats of 4 species in inactive tunnels, and regularly blasted with explosives to remove sand. We collected environmental and acoustic data at this mine during two hibernation seasons (November 1 through February 28 in 2013–2014 and 2014–2015) to examine the effect of blasting on echolocation calls (bat activity), a measure of bat arousal from hibernation. We used total bat activity recorded 7 h before and 7 h after blast time as the response variable, assigned it to a binary category and used that as a fixed effect. We used explosive charge per delay (kg), number of blasts per day, number of consecutive blast days, barometric pressure, temperature, and hibernation season as fixed effects. We used generalized linear mixed models with a negative binomial distribution and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) for model selection. The BIC‐optimal model did not include any of the variables associated with blasting, but included activity timing, temperature, barometric pressure, and season as fixed effects, of which all were significant. Blasting did not influence bat activity significantly in this mine.
Development and validation of an artificial intelligence‐based system for predicting colorectal cancer invasion depth using multi‐modal data
Authors: Yao Liwen , Lu Zihua , Yang Genhua , Zhou Wei , Xu Youming , Guo Mingwen , Huang Xu , He Chunping , Zhou Rui , Deng Yunchao , Wu Huiling , Chen Boru , Gong Rongrong , Zhang Lihui , Zhang Mengjiao , Gong Wei , Yu Honggang
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Accurate endoscopic optical prediction of the depth of cancer invasion is critical for guiding an optimal treatment approach of large sessile colorectal polyps but was hindered by insufficient endoscopists expertise and inter‐observer variability. We aimed to construct a clinically applicable artificial intelligence (AI) system for the identification of presence of cancer invasion in large sessile colorectal polyps.

Methods

A deep learning‐based colorectal cancer invasion calculation (CCIC) system was constructed. Multi‐modal data including clinical information, white light (WL) and image‐enhanced endoscopy (IEE) were included for training. The system was trained using 339 lesions and tested on 198 lesions across three hospitals. Man–machine contest, reader study and video validation were further conducted to evaluate the performance of CCIC.

Results

The overall accuracy of CCIC system using image and video validation was 90.4% and 89.7%, respectively. In comparison with 14 endoscopists, the accuracy of CCIC was comparable with expert endoscopists but superior to all the participating senior and junior endoscopists in both image and video validation set. With CCIC augmentation, the average accuracy of junior endoscopists improved significantly from 75.4% to 85.3% (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

This deep learning‐based CCIC system may play an important role in predicting the depth of cancer invasion in colorectal polyps, thus determining treatment strategies for these large sessile colorectal polyps.
Measuring the welfare costs of racial discrimination in the labor market
Authors: Gramozi Almarina , Palivos Theodore , Zachariadis Marios
Published: December 2022

We find that the conditional wage‐gap for non‐whites is negatively related to gross domestic product per worker across the US. To explain this, we develop a model linking unequal access to employment with the wage gap, labor misallocation, and income loss. The presence of underprivileged workers allows inefficient firms to co‐exist with efficient ones and leads to skill misallocation, higher unemployment and lower output. Calibrating the model to match the US, we find a fall in market‐based racial discrimination renders inefficient firms non‐profitable, causing reallocation of labor and a positive effect on income as high as 4 percent when discrimination is eliminated.
Comparative assessment of heat tolerance in weevils associated with a fire‐prone ecosystem
Authors: Javal Marion , Terblanche John S. , Smit Chantelle , Haran Julien
Published: December 2022

Fire is an important cause of disturbance which directly shapes many ecosystems worldwide. While the effect of fire on the distribution and regeneration of plant species has been widely documented, little is known on how phytophagous insects are reacting to these disturbances.

This study explores the survival strategies of various weevil species, a highly diverse phytophagous beetle group in fire‐prone ecosystems of the biodiversity hotspot of the Cape Floristic Region in South Africa. More specifically, we investigated how the lifestyle of species (location of larval development, phenology of adults, and flight ability) correlates with heat tolerance. We hypothesized that wingless species in particular will show better tolerance to heat as they have a limited ability to escape fire rapidly and usually remain hidden in the soil.

The thermal tolerance of a set of sixteen species with divergent lifestyles and geographic distribution was measured using a standard heat knockdown protocol at 48°C. Respirometry was then performed on the most resistant species using a ramping protocol in order to determine CTmax.

Our results show that the species tested exhibit high variation in thermal tolerance across taxonomic groups, clustering into three modalities: weak, intermediate, and high tolerance to heat stress. In addition, life history traits (diurnal vs. nocturnal adult activity and location of juvenile stages in plant tissues) likely better explain thermal tolerance at the species level than flight ability or the fire‐proneness of ecosystems. Finally, results revealed that some non‐flying weevil species are highly heat tolerant with CTmax values reaching up to 50.2 and 51.9°C in species among the Ocladiinae and Brachycerinae subfamilies, respectively.

Climate change is leading to an increase in the impact and frequency of fires. In this context, this study highlights the diversity of strategies developed by arthropods to escape extreme heat in fire prone ecosystems. Further work is necessary to examine the generality of these patterns across other fire prone ecosystems to better understand behavioural compensation and evolutionary responses, especially given the forecast increases in fire driven by drying and warming associated with climate change.
Gendered morphologies and walking: Evidence from smartphone tracking data among young adults in Barcelona
Authors: Maciejewska Monika , Vich Guillem , Delclòs‐Alió Xavier , Miralles‐Guasch Carme
Published: December 2022

It is well established that urban form can encourage or hinder daily walking activity. Consequently, urban form has a direct impact on both spatial accessibility and the ability of achieving daily physical activity recommendations. However, the relationship between urban form and walking patterns may present relevant differences among different population subgroups, for instance in terms of gender. In order to analyse how the relationship between urban form and daily walking time might be modulated by gender, the present study aims to explore walking patterns of men and women living in different neighbourhood types in Barcelona Metropolitan Region (Spain). For this purpose, the study uses data extracted from a smartphone tracking app among a rather specific population group: young adults who commute daily to the same destination. The findings show that compact urban forms promote gender equality. The study especially sheds light on the disadvantaged position of young women living in small towns and suburbs, who walk much less than other women and any men.
Sulfur Mass Fractions in Thirty‐Seven Geological Reference Materials by Titration, XRF and Elemental Analyser
Authors: Alard Olivier , Halimulati Ananuer , Gorojovsky Lauren , Wieland Peter
Published: December 2022

Although sulfur is a relatively abundant element, measurement results with small uncertainties remain challenging to achieve, especially at S mass fractions below 100 μg g‐1. We report > 1700 measurement results of S for thirty‐seven geological reference materials including igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, and one soil. Measurement results were obtained in two laboratories (Macquarie GeoAnalytical and Géosciences Montpellier) over a long period of time ≈ 25 years (1997–2022), using several measurement procedures: X‐ray fluorescence, high temperature iodo titration and elemental analysers equipped with thermal conductivity and/or infra‐red detectors. Sulfur mass fractions for these diverse geological reference materials range between 5.5 and 11,395 μg g‐1. While the comprehensive data set reported here should contribute significantly to a better characterisation of the S mass fractions of widely used geological reference materials, computed uncertainties, data distribution and comparison to published values still indicate heterogeneous distribution of S carrier(s) and analytical bias.
Factoring Impacts to Water Supply Well Operations into Groundwater Management Planning
Authors: Gailey Robert M.
Published: December 2022

Groundwater management planning requires balancing the interests of different stakeholder groups because (1) water supply development causes changes to groundwater systems that include declines in groundwater levels and (2) benefits and costs from pumping the common‐pool resource often do not occur such that they are shared proportionate to use. Quantifying impacts from declining groundwater levels among user groups can be useful for evaluating management strategies. In California, considering impacts to supply well operations is proving important for acceptance of management plans that have been required by law. A case study is presented to illustrate the types of results that may contribute to the planning process. The results indicate that significant differences in impact may occur between groundwater pumpers. Suggestions are provided for using this information to mitigate impacts to the most vulnerable stakeholders.
Innovative approach to predict the fouling propensity of orange juice suspended particles through relevant physical characterisation
Authors: Demoulin Camille , Wisniewski Christelle , Ricci Julien , Kapitan‐Gnimdu André , Delalonde Michèle , Dahdouh Layal
Published: December 2022

The feasibility of predicting at laboratory‐scale the fouling propensity of orange juice suspended particles based on their physical properties, was investigated. Samples were generated from mixtures of two selected size class of large and fine particles. The particle‐size distribution, rheological and textural properties of these samples were characterised as well as their fouling propensity using permeability test. Qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses revealed significant correlations between specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and hydration velocity (Vh), statistical diameter (D90) and shear strain at flow point (ɣf). Partial Least Square method allowed to discriminate contrasted values of log(SRF) of suspended particles using a simplified model (R2 = 0.79; RMSEC; RMSECV <20% of SRF mean; RPD = 1.6), based on 5 predictor variables (Vh, ɣf, D90, D[4;3] and ). These findings, offer new prospects to guide the choice of pretreatment or specific operating conditions to improve the performance of fruit juices microfiltration.
Effect of edible coating from octenyl succinic anhydride modified rye starch to extend shelf life of plums
Authors: Kaur Pinderpal , Sandhu Kawaljit Singh , Bangar Sneh Punia , Whiteside William Scott
Published: December 2022

The present study envisaged the effect of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modification on rye starch. Different properties (amylose content, swelling, and solubility) of rye starch before and after OSA modifications were evaluated. The swelling capacity of starch increased from 12.96 to 21.72 after OSA modification. Amylose content and solubility of rye starch decreased from 21.48%–15.39% and 18.69%–11.64%, respectively. Further, as an application, plum fruits (uncoated and coated with native and OSA‐modified starch) were selected to check the effect of storage duration on their weight and phenolic content. The result showed that native and OSA‐modified rye starch was capable enough to retard weight loss and maintain freshness in plum fruit during storage. During the present study, untreated plums lost 21.95% of weight after 21 days of storage. The weight loss percentage observed in plum coated with native rye and OSA‐modified starch (pH‐4, pH‐6, pH‐8) was 8.09% and 5.42%–7.39%. OSA‐modified starch at pH‐8 was more effective in preventing the quality deterioration of plum fruit. The starch coating on plums resulted in increased fruit TPC and antioxidant properties; however, the storage period negatively affects the TPC and antioxidant properties. The experimental observations from the present work valorise the potential of rye starch to be used as an alternate edible source for the coating of fruits.
Network pharmacology and molecular docking combined to investigate the mechanism of duck‐derived active peptides in preventing hypertension
Authors: Cao Yaqi , Huang Jichao , Sun Mingzhu , Shui Wenhao , Huang Tianran , Huang Ming
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the potential target and mechanism of duck‐derived active peptides in preventing hypertension through network pharmacology and molecular docking. Food‐derived active peptides proved to have potent anti‐hypertension activity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. ‘Active peptide‐target’ and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The top five genes in PPI network were selected as target genes, and associated peptides and targets were subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Forty‐four active peptides were obtained, and 143 targets were uncovered, twenty‐two of which were associated with hypertension. In PPI network, ACE, MMP2, REN, NOS3 and VCAM1 were main potential targets. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses documented that function involved in modulation of blood pressure, endocrine and renin–angiotensin cycle, including impact on membrane raft, membrane microdomain, membrane region and even G protein‐coupled peptide receptor activity, peptide receptor activity, endopeptidase activity and calcium signalling pathway. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations proved that the interaction between active peptides and targets depended on hydrogen. IPIIDYEVSITLGDPEALRDLLGEWVPWQ, AEDEEEINAELTAK, LLCVAV, IQLESVAVNVTIQDFVADVESKLF and GGPDF exhibited the strongest binding ability with ACE, MMP2, NOS3, REN and VCAM1. These findings provided potential key targets for hypertension treatment by duck‐derived active peptides.
Preparation and refractive index characterization of chalcogenide glasses with gradient refractive index
Authors: Guan Yongnian , Xia Kelun , He Lelu , Gu Zhengxiang , Liang Yachen , Zhang Jingwei , Gui Yiming , Wang Xunsi , Dai Shixun , Shen Xiang , Liu Zijun
Published: December 2022

Infrared gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses have great application value and potential in multispectral imaging systems. This study reports various chalcogenide axial GRIN glasses prepared using the hot‐pressing diffusion method. It is worth noting that the S4–S60 GRIN sample has a difference in refractive index (RI) Δnof greater than 0.3 and a diffusion depth of about 5 mm, which is the deepest diffusion depth reported in chalcogenide glass to date. In addition, the linear portion in the profile of the GRIN sample has a RI difference of 0.15 and a thickness of 1.2 mm. The effects of the temperature, concentration difference, and diffusion time on the sample diffusion process are discussed. The dispersion properties of the GRIN samples were further calculated, providing a new option for correcting chromatic aberrations in optical systems. In addition, a method for the indirect nondestructive characterization of sample RI using the Raman intensity ratio is proposed, and the reliability of the method is verified by practical experiments, which is convenient for the subsequent measurement of the GRIN profile.
FUBP3 regulates chronic myeloid leukaemia progression through PRC2 complex regulated PAK1‐ERK signalling
Authors: Sharma Mugdha , Anandram Seetharam , Ross Cecil , Srivastava Sweta
Published: December 2022

The development of resistance and heterogeneity in differential response towards tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment has led to the exploration of factors independent of the Philadelphia chromosome. Among these are the association of deletions of genes on derivative (der) 9 chromosome with adverse outcomes in CML patients. However, the functional role of genes near the breakpoint on der (9) in CML prognosis and progression remains largely unexplored. Copy number variation and mRNA expression were evaluated for five genes located near the breakpoint on der (9). Our data showed a significant association between microdeletions of the FUBP3 gene and its reduced expression with poor prognostic markers and adverse response outcomes in CML patients. Further investigation using K562 cells showed that the decrease in FUBP3 protein was associated with an increase in proliferation and survival due to activation of the MAPK–ERK pathway. We have established a novel direct interaction of FUBP3 protein and PRC2 complex in the regulation of ERK signalling via PAK1. Our findings demonstrate the role of the FUBP3 gene located on der (9) in poor response and progression in CML with the identification of additional druggable targets such as PAK1 in improving response outcomes in CML patients.
Heterogeneity of Hippo signalling activity in different histopathologic subtypes of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Duong Nguyen Xuong , Le Minh‐Khang , Kondo Tetsuo , Mitsui Takahiko
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to reveal the prognostic role of the Hippo pathway in different histopathological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The TCGA‐KIRC (n = 537), TCGA‐KIRP (n = 291) and TCGA‐KICH (n = 113), which contain data about clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC) and chromophobe RCC (chRCC), respectively, were investigated. Gene Set Variation Analysis was used to compare the activity of many pathways within a single sample. Oncogenic pathway‐related expression differed between cases of ccRCC involving low and high Hippo pathway activity. There were two subsets of ccRCC, in which the cancer exhibited lower and higher Hippo signalling activity, respectively, compared with normal tissue. In the ccRCC cohort, lower Hippo pathway activity was associated with a higher clinical stage (p < 0.001). The Hippo pathway (HR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.17–0.50,p < 0.001), apoptosis (HR = 6.02; 95% CI = 1.47–24.61;p = 0.013) and the p53 pathway (HR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02–0.36;p < 0.001) were identified as independent prognostic factors for ccRCC. The 5‐year overall survival of the ccRCC patients with low and high Hippo pathway activity were 51.9% (95% CI = 45.0–59.9) and 73.6% (95% CI = 67.8–79.9), respectively. In conclusion, the Hippo pathway plays an important role in the progression of ccRCC. Low Hippo pathway activity is associated with poor outcomes in ccRCC, indicating the tumour suppressor function of this pathway.
Crosstalk between reproductive and immune systems: the teleostean perspective
Authors: Chuphal Bhawna , Sathoria Priyanka , Rai Umesh , Roy Brototi
Published: December 2022

The bidirectional interaction between the hypothalamic–pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis and the immune system plays a crucial role in the adaptation of an organism to its environment, its survival and the continuance of a species. Nonetheless, very little is known about this interaction among teleost, the largest group of extant vertebrates. Fishes being seasonal breeders, their immune system is exposed to seasonally changing levels of HPG hormones. On the contrary, the presence and infiltration of leukocytes, the expression of pattern recognition receptors as well as cytokines in gonads suggest their key role in teleostean gametogenesis as in the case of mammals. Moreover, the modulation of gametogenesis and steroidogenesis by lipopolysaccharide implicates the pathological significance of inflammation on reproduction. Thus, it is important to engage in the understanding of the interaction between these two important physiological systems, not only from a phylogenetic perspective but also due to the importance of fish as an important economic resource. In view of this, the authors have reviewed the crosstalk between the reproductive and immune systems in teleosts and tried to explore the importance of this interaction in their survival and reproductive fitness.
Plant base editing and prime editing: The current status and future perspectives
Authors: Li Jingying , Zhang Chen , He Yubing , Li Shaoya , Yan Lei , Li Yucai , Zhu Ziwei , Xia Lanqin
Published: December 2022

Precise replacement of an allele with an elite allele controlling an important agronomic trait in a predefined manner by gene editing technologies is highly desirable in crop improvement. Base editing and prime editing are two newly developed precision gene editing systems which can introduce the substitution of a single base and install the desired short indels to the target loci in the absence of double‐strand breaks and donor repair templates, respectively. Since their discoveries, various strategies have been attempted to optimize both base editor (BE) and prime editor (PE) in order to improve the precise editing efficacy, specificity, and expand the targeting scopes. Here, we summarize the latest development of various BEs and PEs, as well as their applications in plants. Based on these progresses, we recommend the appropriate BEs and PEs for both basic plant research and crop improvement. Moreover, we propose the perspectives for further optimization of these two editors. We envision that both BEs and PEs will become the routine and customized precise gene editing tools for both plant biological research and crop improvement in the near future.
The relationships of financial literacy with both financial behavior and financial well‐being: Meta‐analyses based on the selective literature review
Authors: Hwang Hyesun , Park Hyung In
Published: December 2022

This study conducted meta‐analyses of the relationships between financial literacy and both financial behavior and financial well‐being. Peer‐reviewed articles published on financial literacy in the field of consumer studies were collected by July 29, 2020. Fourteen articles were eligible for the meta‐analyses. The results showed positive relationships of financial knowledge with desirable financial behavior and financial well‐being. Our comparison of objective and subjective financial knowledge indicated that subjective knowledge had stronger relationships with both financial behavior and financial well‐being than objective knowledge. These two types of knowledge also had different paths to financial well‐being in that subjective knowledge had both direct and indirect effects on financial well‐being through financial behavior, whereas objective knowledge only had an indirect effect. The relationship between financial knowledge and financial behavior appeared stronger in cross‐sectional data than in longitudinal data. The implications of these results and possible directions for future consumer science research were discussed.
Online information on mandibular advancement device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: A content, quality and readability analysis
Authors: Incerti Parenti Serena , Gamberini Sara , Fiordelli Andrea , Bortolotti Francesco , Laffranchi Laura , Alessandri‐Bonetti Giulio
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite increasing scientific interest in the effectiveness of mandibular advancement device (MAD) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), laypeople lack knowledge about this treatment option.

Objectives

To investigate content, quality and readability of the online information regarding MAD.

Methods

Google, Yahoo and Bing were searched for ‘sleep apnea’, ‘mandibular advancement device’ and ‘oral appliance’. Websites were analysed for content (multidisciplinary care team, qualified dentist, treatment contraindications and side effects), as well as for quality (DISCERN instrument, HONcode) and readability scores (Flesch Reading Ease, FRE and Flesch–Kincaid Reading Grade, FKG).

Results

Totally, 155 websites were included: 53% from health professionals, 20% commercial, 17% academic and 10% from non‐health professionals. Content was incomplete, especially for commercial ones. 71.61% websites failed to acknowledge treatment contraindications, approximately 40.00% did not mention side effects and the need for a multidisciplinary care team, while 22.58% did not address the need to consult a qualified dentist. Quality and reliability were poor. Mean DISCERN score was 39.93 (95% CI 37.90–41.96), with lower scores for commercial websites compared with others. Only nine websites displayed HONcode certification. Readability was quite difficult, with mean FRE score of 59.50 (95% CI 57.58–61.42) and mean FKG level of 6.92 (95% CI 6.64–7.21).

Conclusion

Health care professionals should be aware that currently available online information do not fulfil the most important aspects of MAD therapy and may be difficult to understand by laypeople. This could contribute to cause delays in appropriate OSA care and unrealistic treatment expectations, increasing the risk of treatment discontinuation.
Sleep changes in Taiwanese first graders before and after school closure during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tsai Han‐Yi , Wu Wei‐Wen , Tang Chia‐Chun , Tsai Shao‐Yu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was (1) to examine sleep changes in first graders before and after school closure and (2) to examine the association between parental work rearrangement and children's sleep change during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Design and Methods

This was an observational study. The children's sleep habit questionnaire was completed by 103 parents of first‐graders before and after school closure. Paired t‐test and the general linear model were applied to data analysis.

Results

Children delayed their bedtime and rising time, but total sleep duration increased. Moreover, parents who rearranged their work during the pandemic perceived more child parasomnia symptoms (p = .029) and less delayed sleep‐wake patterns in their children.

Practical Implication

Sleep is an indicator that reflects children's behavioral changes in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. As routine changes, parents should be aware of child's parasomnia symptoms. Nursing interventions could aim at promoting sufficient external cues in the daytime during home confinement.
Multiple introductions, polyploidy and mixed reproductive strategies are linked to genetic diversity and structure in the most widespread invasive plant across Southern Ocean archipelagos
Authors: Mairal Mario , García‐Verdugo Carlos , Le Roux Johannes J. , Chau John H. , van Vuuren Bettine Jansen , Hui Cang , Münzbergová Zuzana , Chown Steven L. , Shaw Justine D.
Published: December 2022

Biological invasions in remote areas that experience low human activity provide unique opportunities to elucidate processes responsible for invasion success. Here we study the most widespread invasive plant species across the isolated islands of the Southern Ocean, the annual bluegrass, Poa annua. To analyse geographical variation in genome size, genetic diversity and reproductive strategies, we sampled all major sub‐Antarctic archipelagos in this region and generated microsatellite data for 470 individual plants representing 31 populations. We also estimated genome sizes for a subset of individuals using flow cytometry. Occasional events of island colonization are expected to result in high genetic structure among islands, overall low genetic diversity and increased self‐fertilization, but we show that this is not the case for P. annua. Microsatellite data indicated low population genetic structure and lack of isolation by distance among the sub‐Antarctic archipelagos we sampled, but high population structure within each archipelago. We identified high levels of genetic diversity, low clonality and low selfing rates in sub‐Antarctic P. annua populations (contrary to rates typical of continental populations). In turn, estimates of selfing declined in populations as genetic diversity increased. Additionally, we found that most P. annua individuals are probably tetraploid and that only slight variation exists in genome size across the Southern Ocean. Our findings suggest multiple independent introductions of P. annua into the sub‐Antarctic, which promoted the establishment of genetically diverse populations. Despite multiple introductions, the adoption of convergent reproductive strategies (outcrossing) happened independently in each major archipelago. The combination of polyploidy and a mixed reproductive strategy probably benefited P. annua in the Southern Ocean by increasing genetic diversity and its ability to cope with the novel environmental conditions.
Expanded‐repeat‐RNA‐mediated disease mechanisms in myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Nakamori Masayuki
Published: December 2022

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults, affecting skeletal muscle as well as cardiac and smooth muscle. Furthermore, involvement of the central nervous system, endocrine organs, and eyes is often seen, with debilitating consequences. The condition is an autosomal‐dominant inherited genetic disease caused by abnormal genomic expansion of tandem repeats. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) results from expansion of a CTG repeat in the 3′‐untranslated region of the gene encoding dystrophia myotonica‐protein kinase (DMPK), whereas myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is caused by expansion of a CCTG repeat in the first intron of the gene encoding CCHC‐type zinc finger nucleic acid‐binding protein (CNBP). Both types of DM exhibit abnormal mRNA transcribed from the mutated gene containing expanded repeats, which exert toxic gain‐of‐function effects on various proteins involved in cellular processes such as alternative splicing, signaling pathways, and cellular senescence. The present review discusses the expanded‐repeat‐RNA‐mediated molecular pathomechanisms in DM.
Telework quality and employee well‐being: Lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Miglioretti Massimo , Gragnano Andrea , Simbula Silvia , Perugini Marco
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) forced organisations to implement intensive telework for many of their workers overnight. This scenario was completely new, and the emergency caused by COVID‐19 created the possibility of experimenting with new ways of working with an unknown impact on employee well‐being. Drawing on previous literature, we defined a model of telework quality consisting of the following four core domains: agile offices within organisations, functional remote workstations, flex‐time and engaging management. We identified two high‐quality and low‐quality telework profiles using latent profile analysis on a data sample of 2295 insurance and financial sector employees. Demographic, occupational and procedural characteristics were associated with the probability of being in the positive or negative profiles. Our results showed that employees' emotional exhaustion and work engagement levels were related to telework quality. This study suggests that organisations need to consider the quality of telework to effectively adopt new ways of working that foster employee well‐being.
The novel HLA‐DQB1*06:208:02 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Yu Wen , Zheng Zhong‐Zheng , Du Ke‐Ming , An Lin , Liu Ai‐guo
Published: December 2022

HLA‐DQB1*06:208:02 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:02:02 by one nucleotide in exon 2.