bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The benefits of economic openness for North Korea
Authors: Jin Jang C.
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the possible role of economic openness in the resurgence of the devastated North Korean economy. The North Korean economy has suffered severely for several decades resulting from military build‐ups from the 1970s to the 1990s and also from focusing on nuclear bomb threats in the 2000s to 2010s. But if North Korea denuclearises and instead liberalises its economy, the benefits of economic openness could be expected to be significant. Based upon the economic benefits of openness, we suggest a proposal to unify the two Korean economies. If the two Koreas combine their economies, even maintaining their current political systems, the growth of the unified economy will be faster and stronger. In this case, the most difficult part for North Korea will be how to switch the socialist command economy to a socialist market economy. Although the political and military concerns of a worst‐case scenario are immediate barriers to its economic openness, the success story of China's economic growth should be a role model for North Korea.
Sing4Health: Randomised controlled trial of the effects of a singing group program on the subjective and social well‐being of older adults
Authors: Galinha Iolanda Costa , García‐Martín Miguel Ángel , Lima Maria Luísa
Published: August 2021

Group singing may be an optimal intervention strategy to promote active ageing and well‐being; however, evidence with experimental validity is scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by analysing the effects of a 34‐session singing group programme (SGP) on participants' subjective and social well‐being and the mediating roles of social identification with the singing group and of self‐esteem. An RCT with intervention (n = 89) and active waiting‐list control (n = 60) conditions was conducted, and a mixed method quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis were performed. Participants were mostly elderly day‐care centre users (M = 76.66 years old; SD = 8.79) with low average levels of education and income. Structured measures of life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, self‐esteem, loneliness, social identification and social well‐being were collected, as well as interviews on the perceived benefits of participating in the SGP. Results showed significant effects of the SGP on the positive affect, social well‐being and marginally on the self‐esteem of the participants. The observed effects were sustained at the follow‐up. Qualitative analysis corroborated the quantitative results. Mediation analysis showed indirect effects of social identification with the singing group on loneliness and social identification with the social care institution group; and of self‐esteem on positive and negative affect.
Editorial: central obesity is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B on anti‐viral therapy
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Fan et al and Fan & Hou papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16469 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16548
Editorial: does anti‐TNF “treatment persistence” always equate to “effective treatment”? Only objective disease assessments can answer the question
Authors: Srinivasan Ashish , van Langenberg Daniel R.
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Blesl et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16478 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16535
Editorial: when to start carvedilol in cirrhosis—time to reconsider? Authors' reply
Authors: Wijarnpreecha Karn , Li Fang , Taner C. Burcin , Yang Liu , Tao Cui
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wijarnpreecha et al and Gillespie & Hayes papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16490 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16512
Inhibition of DNA methylation de‐represses peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and attenuates pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wei Ai , Gao Qi , Chen Fang , Zhu Xiaobo , Chen Xingren , Zhang Lijun , Su Xin , Dai Jinghong , Shi Yi , Cao Wangsen
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Development of pulmonary fibrosis is associated with altered DNA methylation modifications of fibrogenic gene expression. However, their causal relationships and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the critical role of DNA methylation aberration‐associated suppression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) in pulmonary fibrosis.

Experimental Approach

Expression of PPARγ and bioactive DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and PPARγ promoter methylation status were examined in fibrotic lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and bleomycin (Blm)‐treated mice. DNA demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5aza) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) derived from medicinal plant were assessed for their PPARγ de‐repression and anti‐pulmonary fibrosis activities. PPARγ knockout mice were created to determine the critical role of PPARγ in this protection.

Key Results

Lung PPARγ expression was markedly suppressed in IPF patients and Blm mice, accompanied by increased DNMT 1/DNMT3a and PPARγ promoter hypermethylation. Administration of 5‐aza and GA similarly demethylated PPARγ promoter, restored PPARγ loss and alleviated fibrotic lung pathologies, including structural alterations and adverse expression of fibrotic mediators and inflammatory cytokines. In cultured lung fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells, GA alleviated PPARγ–mediated suppression of fibrosis in a gain of DNMT‐sensitive manner, and in PPARγ knockout mice, the anti‐fibrotic effects of 5aza and GA were significantly reduced, suggesting that PPARγ is a critical mediator of epigenetic pulmonary fibrogenesis.

Conclusion and Implications

Aberrant DNMT1/3a elevations and the resultant PPARγ suppression contribute significantly to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, and strategies targeting DNMT/PPARγ axis with synthetic or natural compounds might benefit patients with pulmonary fibrotic disorders.
Laparoscopic versus open resection in locally advanced rectal cancers: a propensity matched analysis of oncological and short‐term outcomes
Authors: Sasi Sajith , Kammar Praveen , Masillamany Sivasanker , de' Souza Ashwin , Engineer Reena , Ostwal Vikas , Saklani Avanish
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim was to compare oncological and short‐term outcomes between open and laparoscopic surgery in locally advanced rectal cancers.

Methods

It is a retrospective analysis conducted in a high volume tertiary centre. Matching was carried out for nine variables, including preoperative factors, neoadjuvant treatment and sphincter preservation.

Results

Both the open and laparoscopic surgery arms had 239 patients each. The distributions of pretreatment MRI T3, T4, circumferential resection margin (CRM) positive tumours, neoadjuvant long‐course chemoradiation and sphincter preservation were 80.3%, 13.6%, 50%, 89% and 56.4% respectively. The mean number of nodes harvested (12.9 vs. 12.7, P = 0.716), pathological CRM positivity (6.3% in open vs. 5.4% in laparoscopic, P = 0.697) and distal resection margins were similar. The mean blood loss was higher in open surgeries (910 ml vs. 349 ml, P < 0.001). Anastomotic leaks and Clavien–Dindo Grade 3–4 complications were higher in the open arm than in the laparoscopy arm (5.9% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.024, and 12.5% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.015 respectively). The median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopy arm (7 vs. 6, P = 0.015). In CRM positive and threatened cases, the measured outcomes were similar between the two groups except for blood loss which was significantly higher in the open surgery (872 vs. 379, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

In high volume centres, in the hands of experienced colorectal surgeons, laparoscopic rectal surgery is oncologically safe in locally advanced rectal cancers and has lesser morbidity and shorter hospital stay than open surgery. In CRM positive and threatened cases the laparoscopic surgery showed less blood loss compared to open surgery, while other outcome measures were similar to open surgery.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic bioequivalence of biosimilar MYL‐1601D with US and European insulin aspart in healthy volunteers: A randomized, double‐blind, crossover, euglycaemic glucose clamp study
Authors: Hövelmann Ulrike , Raiter Yaron , Chullikana Anoop , Liu Mark , Donnelly Charles , Lawrence Tracey , Sengupta Nilanjan , CL Gopu , Ranganna Gopinath , Barve Abhijit
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) bioequivalence (BE) of MYL‐1601D biosimilar with originator, NovoLog (Ref‐InsAsp‐US), and NovoRapid (Ref‐InsAsp‐EU).

Materials and Methods

This was a double‐blind, randomized, crossover study that enrolled 71 healthy subjects to receive a single subcutaneous dose (0.2 U/kg) of each formulation under automated euglycaemic clamp conditions (ClampArt, level 81 mg/dL, duration 12 hours postdose). Primary PK endpoints were area under the plasma insulin aspart concentration‐time curve from 0 to 12 hours (AUC0‐12h) and maximum plasma insulin aspart concentration (Cmax). Primary PD endpoints were area under the glucose infusion rate (GIR) time curve from 0 to 12 hours (AUCGIR0‐12h) and maximum GIR (GIRmax). Insulin aspart in plasma was quantified using immunoaffinity purification followed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometric detection. The pairwise comparisons of geometric least square mean (LS‐mean) ratio for a 90% confidence interval (CI) of primary PK, and 90% CIs (MYL‐1601D vs. Ref‐InsAsp‐US) and 95% CIs (MYL‐1601D vs. Ref‐InsAsp‐EU) of primary PD variables, were to be within 80% to 125% to show BE.

Results

MYL‐1601D showed PK BE to both Ref‐InsAsp‐US (AUC0‐12h geometric LS‐mean ratio 102.17, 90% CI [100.26; 104.11]; Cmax 106.13 [100.71; 111.85]) and Ref‐InsAsp‐EU (AUC0‐12h 101.84 [100.04; 103.67]; Cmax 105.74 [101.09; 110.60]). Likewise, MYL‐1601D showed PD BE to Ref‐InsAsp‐US (AUCGIR_0‐last 99.93; 90% CI [95.74; 104.30]; GIR_max 100.12 [94.46; 106.12]) and Ref‐InsAsp‐EU (AUCGIR_0‐last 96.42; 95% CI [91.17; 101.98]; GIR_max 95.10 [89.37; 101.19]). All three insulin aspart products were well tolerated.

Conclusion

MYL‐1601D showed BE to Ref‐InsAsp‐US and Ref‐InsAsp‐EU with a comparable safety profile.
Exploring the implications of cloud‐based enterprise resource planning systems for public sector management accountants
Authors: Carlsson‐Wall Martin , Goretzki Lukas , Hofstedt Jesper , Kraus Kalle , Nilsson Carl‐Johan
Published: August 2021

Based on a case study of a large Swedish local government municipality, we explored the extent to which a cloud‐based enterprise resource planning (CERP) system enabled the role performance of public sector management accountants. Our findings suggest that the CERP system enabled central management accountants to mobilize their specific expertise because it eliminated manual work, increased transparency, and made them feel more comfortable with the numbers. However, the less flexible features of a CERP system provided by external vendors, such as limited customization, posed a challenge for the local management accountants serving the different needs of a diverse range of managers and business units. Looking at the different attitudes that central and local management accountants developed toward the CERP system, we found that although both focal groups in our analysis belonged to the same occupation, they framed the role of technology differently. Although local management accountants framed it as a tool that should enable them to draw on their local expertise to produce tailor‐made information for their local units, central management accountants saw the CERP system as a tool that allowed them to consume prefabricated “high‐quality” information to assure efficient and risk‐free accounting processes throughout the entire organization. Given this, cloud technology constitutes a risk that accounting and control processes become unduly inflexible and cumbersome at the local level. Coping with an inflexible cloud‐based system may therefore add to the list of challenges that public sector management accountants experience when trying to be(come) business partners.
Fatal remedies. How dealing with policy conflict can backfire in a context of trust‐erosion
Authors: Wolf Eva Elizabeth Anne , Dooren Wouter Van
Published: August 2021

This article investigates the relationship between policy conflict and trust‐erosion. It concludes that in a context of trust‐erosion, practices to deal with conflict may backfire and lead to further conflict escalation. The article draws on an in‐depth analysis of 32 interviews with key actors in the conflict over a contested multibillion‐euro highway project in Antwerp (Belgium). It concludes that while all actors draw on the policy repertoire of “managing public support” to explain the conflict, their perspectives of what it means for a policy to have public support differ. Practices to “manage public support” that made sense from one perspective, contributed to the erosion of trust from those holding a different perspective, thus further escalating the conflict. Practices intended to end conflict proved to be fatal remedies.
Touching tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes in low‐risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) correlate with upgrading to high‐grade DCIS
Authors: Khoury Thaer , Quinn Marie , Tian Wanqing , Yan Li , Zhan Haiying
Published: August 2021

Aims

To examine our hypothesis that a higher number of touching tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in low‐risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) detected in a setting such as an active surveillance clinical trial correlates with upgrading to high‐grade DCIS (HG‐DCIS) in the subsequent excisional biopsy.

Methods and results

The clinical inclusion criteria of the Comparison of Operative versus Monitoring and Endocrine Therapy (COMET) trial were applied to women who were mammographically screened between 2007 and 2017. In the core needle biopsy, touching TILs were assessed by counting the number of TILs touching the ductal basement membrane or away from it by one lymphocyte thickness. The highest number of TILs around a single involved duct and the average number among involved ducts were recorded. DCIS was graded as low or intermediate. Twenty‐six of 129 (20.2%) cases had upgrading [14 (10.9%) to pure HG‐DCIS, and 12 (9.3%) to invasive carcinoma, two of them with concurrent HG‐DCIS]. An increased average number of touching TILs and intermediate‐grade DCIS correlated with upgrading to HG‐DCIS in 11 of 16 (68.8%) cases, and a decreased average number of touching TILs and low‐grade DCIS correlated with no upgrading in 89 of 113 (78.8%) cases [accuracy of 0.775; area under the curve (AUC) of 0.746]. An increased highest number of touching TILs and intermediate‐grade DCIS correlated with upgrading to HG‐DCIS in 12 of 16 (75%) cases, and a decreased highest number of touching TILs and low‐grade DCIS correlated with no upgrading in 82 of 113 (72.6%) cases (accuracy of 0.7287; AUC of 0.734). A highest number of touching TILs of ≥10 correlated with upgrading to invasive carcinoma and/or HG‐DCIS (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

Intermediate‐grade and touching TILs may be good variables to examine in the COMET trial and to correlate with the risk of upgrading.
European Society of Endodontology position statement: The restoration of root filled teeth
Authors:   European Society of Endodontology developed by:, Mannocci Francesco , Bhuva Bhavin , Roig Miguel , Zarow Maciej , Bitter Kerstin
Published: August 2021

This position statement on the restoration of root filled teeth represents the consensus of an expert committee, convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). Current clinical and scientific evidence, as well as the expertise of the committee, have been used to develop this statement. The aim is to provide clinicians with evidence‐based principles for decision‐making on the choice of restoration following the completion of root canal treatment. By discussing the evidence in relation to key topics regarding post‐endodontic restoration, a series of clinical recommendations are made. The scientific basis of the recommendations made in this paper can be found in a recently published review article (Bhuva et al. 2021, International Endodontic Journal, https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13438). It is the intention of the committee to update this statement as further evidence emerges.
Long‐term chronological changes in renal function and functional renal volume after nephron‐sparing surgery: A prospective observational study
Authors: Onishi Kenta , Tanaka Nobumichi , Hori Shunta , Miyake Makito , Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Hosokawa Yukinari , Mibu Hisakazu , Marugami Nagaaki , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate long‐term chronological changes in functional renal volume and renal function after nephron‐sparing surgery, and factors that contribute to the progression of postoperative chronic kidney disease.

Methods

A total of 80 patients who underwent nephron‐sparing surgery were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The renal function deterioration group was defined as patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate at 5 postoperative years decreased by ≥20% relative to that before surgery.

Results

The predicted estimated glomerular filtration rate, calculated based on the functional renal volume at 5 postoperative years, was strongly correlated with the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (Spearman’s ρ = 0.89, P < 0.001). The rate of new‐onset stage IIIb chronic kidney disease was significantly higher in the renal function deterioration group than in the stable renal function group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified proteinuria (P = 0.017), small preoperative total functional renal volume (≤250 mL, P = 0.046) and large tumor volume (≥4.5 mL, P = 0.036) as independent factors associated with renal function deterioration.

Conclusions

Our findings show that the functional renal volume is significantly associated with renal function, even in the long‐term postoperative period. Additionally, for patients with preoperative proteinuria, large tumor volume and small total preoperative functional renal volume, both oncological follow ups and medical interventions, including prevention of lifestyle‐related diseases, might prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Effect and safety evaluation of tacrolimus and tripterygium glycosides combined therapy in treatment of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis
Authors: Zhang Huiwu , Li Xiuli , Xu Haiping , Ran Fang , Zhao Guoxia
Published: August 2021

Objective

Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis has become a significant threat to children's health. Traditional combined therapy of glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide leads to severe toxicity and complications. Therefore, identifying a feasible and effective strategy with low side‐effects for the treatment of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis is of great significance.

Methods

A randomized, controlled trial was carried out. A total of 279 children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis were recruited and randomly divided into three groups: control group (receiving the current standard therapy), TA group (receiving tacrolimus) and TA + tripterygium glycosides group (receiving tacrolimus + tripterygium treatment). The total duration of the trial was 6 months, and the duration of follow‐up observation was 9 months.

Results

Various therapies showed similar therapeutic effects in the third and sixth months. The relief of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis symptoms caused by TA + tripterygium glycosides was slower than the TA and control groups. The incidence of adverse reactions in the TA + tripterygium glycosides group was lower in the control and TA groups. The final treatment effect of the experimental groups was better than the control group. The recurrence rate in the TA + tripterygium glycosides group was also significantly lower.

Conclusion

Tacrolimus and tripterygium glycosides combined therapy had better effects and safety for long‐term treatment of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis.
Comparison of disease‐specific quality of life in prostate cancer patients treated with low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy: A randomized controlled trial of silodosin versus naftopidil
Authors: Maesaka Fumisato , Tanaka Nobumichi , Nakai Yasushi , Asakawa Isao , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Owari Takuya , Miyake Makito , Anai Satoshi , Yamaki Kaori , Fujii Tomomi , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To compare the effects of naftopidil and silodosin administration on the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer who underwent low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy.

Methods

In total, 141 men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who were treated with low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy were enrolled. Patients were randomized (1:1) to the naftopidil (75 mg/day, n = 63) or silodosin group (8 mg/day, n = 64). Naftopidil and silodosin were administered 1 day after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy, and were continued for at least 3 months. Using the University of California at Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index and Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores, the mean changes and rates of deterioration from baseline were compared. The deterioration rates in the quality of life of patients at 1 and 3 months after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy were evaluated based on the minimal important difference.

Results

The rates of deterioration from baseline to 1 and 3 months after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy were not significantly different between the two groups in terms of urinary function, urinary bother, bowel bother, sexual function or Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores. In contrast, there were significant differences in bowel function (naftopidil 1 month, 52%; 3 months, 52%; silodosin 1 month, 28%; 3 months, 34%; 1 month, P < 0.01; 3 months, P = 0.048) and sexual bother (naftopidil 3 months, 11%; silodosin 3 months, 29%; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Naftopidil and silodosin provide different disease‐specific quality of life outcomes in patients undergoing, especially in terms of bowel function and sexual bother. These findings can help in the selection of α‐1 adrenoceptor antagonists after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy.
Financial investments and commodity prices
Authors: Liu Peng , Qiu Zhigang , Xu David Xiaoyu
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we show that financial investments dilute the relationship between convenience yields (a proxy for fundamentals) and commodity prices. On average, the explanatory power of convenience yields on the movements of commodity prices decreased from 63% to 33% after 2004, when institutional investors rapidly started building their positions in commodity futures. We develop a model of the commodity market with financial investments and test the model predictions using futures prices of 21 US‐traded commodities and index traders' positions on 12 agricultural commodities. Because of correlated financial demands for different commodity futures, we identify comovements in spot prices for fundamentally independent commodities.
The application of umbilical cord‐derived MSCs in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Chen Yueqiu , Shen Han , Ding Yinglong , Yu You , Shao Lianbo , Shen Zhenya
Published: August 2021

Transplantation of stem cells is a promising, emerging treatment for cardiovascular diseases in the modern era. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord are one of the most promising cell sources because of their capacity for differentiation into cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro/in vivo. In addition, umbilical cord‐derived MSCs (UC‐MSCs) secrete many effective molecules regulating apoptosis, fibrosis and neovascularization. Another important and specific characteristic of UC‐MSCs is their low immunogenicity and immunomodulatory properties. However, the application of UC‐MSCs still faces some challenges, such as low survivability and tissue retention in a harmful disease environment. Gene engineering and pharmacological studies have been implemented to overcome these difficulties. In this review, we summarize the differentiation ability, secretion function, immunoregulatory properties and preclinical/clinical studies of UC‐MSCs, highlighting the advantages of UC‐MSCs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Mitonuclear conflict in a macaque species exhibiting phylogenomic discordance
Authors: Bailey Nick P. , Stevison Laurie S.
Published: August 2021

Speciation and hybridization are intertwined processes in the study of evolution. Hybridization between sufficiently diverged populations can result in genomic conflict within offspring, causing reduced viability and fertility, thus increasing divergence between populations. Conflicts between mitochondrial and nuclear genes are increasingly found to play a role in this process in various systems. We examine the possibility of this conflict in the bear macaque, Macaca arctoides (Primates: Cercopithecidae), a primate species exhibiting mitonuclear discordance due to extensive hybridization with species in the sinica and fascicularis groups. Here, divergence, introgression and natural selection of mitonuclear genes (N = 160) relative to nuclear control genes (N = 144) were analysed to determine whether there are evolutionary processes involved in resolving the potential conflict caused by mitonuclear discordance. Nucleotide divergence of mitonuclear genes is increased relative to control nuclear genes between M. arctoides and the species sharing its nuclear ancestry (p = 0.007), consistent with genetic conflict. However, measures of introgression and selection do not identify large‐scale co‐introgression or co‐evolution as means to resolve mitonuclear conflict. Nonetheless, mitochondrial tRNA synthetases stand out in analyses using dN/dS and extended branch lengths as potential targets of selection. The methodology implemented provides a framework that can be used to examine the effects of mitonuclear co‐introgression and co‐evolution on a genomic scale in a variety of systems.
Exosome miR‐134‐5p restrains breast cancer progression via regulating PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting ARHGAP1
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhang Geng , Zhang Yanshou , Zhang Shuo , Li Jingping , Liu Yunjiang
Published: August 2021

Aim

Exosomes has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cancer progression. However, the role of exosome miR‐134‐5p in breast cancer (BC) progression is unclear.

Methods

Exosomes were extracted from BC cells (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231) using differential centrifugation and were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The protein levels of exosome markers, apoptosis markers, Rho GTPase activating protein 1 (ARHGAP1, an important oncogene in BC) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) markers were detected by western blot (WB) assay. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to measure the expression levels of miR‐134‐5p and ARHGAP1. Cell cycle and apoptosis, colony number, viability, migration, and invasion were determined by flow cytometry, colony formation assay, MTT assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between miR‐134‐5p and ARHGAP1 was confirmed using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft models were constructed to verify the role of exosome miR‐134‐5p in BC tumor growth in vivo.

Results

MiR‐134‐5p was lowly expressed in BC cells and in the exosomes of BC cells. Overexpressed exosome miR‐134‐5p suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted the apoptosis of BC cells. ARHGAP1 was a target of miR‐134‐5p, and its silencing could inhibit BC progression. In addition, ARHGAP1 overexpression could reverse the negative regulation of miR‐134‐5p on BC progression. MiR‐134‐5p could target ARHGAP1 to inhibit the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway. Exosome miR‐134‐5p overexpression could suppress BC tumor growth via targeting ARHGAP1 in vivo.

Conclusion

Exosome miR‐134‐5p restrained BC progression through regulating ARHGAP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that miR‐134‐5p might be a therapeutic target for BC.
Endocrowns Clinical Performance and Patient Satisfaction: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Three Monolithic Ceramic Restorations
Authors: El‐Ma'aita Ahmad , A. Al‐Rabab'ah Mohammad , Abu‐Awwad Motasum , Hattar Susan , Devlin Hugh
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial was to assess the survival of endocrowns made from three different monolithic ceramic materials, and to evaluate patient satisfaction.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐three patients (sixty root canal treated molar teeth) were enrolled. Teeth were prepared to a flat butt‐joint margin and randomly divided between three material groups: lithium disilicate‐reinforced glass‐ceramic, monolithic zirconia and polymer infiltrated hybrid ceramic. Predefined cementation protocols were used. Clinical assessment using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria was carried out after two years by two independent clinicians blinded to the material used. Radiographic examination was conducted to check for the presence of caries, excess cement, and periapical infection. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests as well as the Kaplan‐Meier survival estimate.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were available for assessment after 2 years (recall rate 90.6%). The overall Kaplan‐Meier survival estimate among all groups was 90.9% with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.17). Three zirconia endocrowns debonded after 9, 10 and 13 months (82.4% survival rate), while 2 hybrid ceramic endocrowns chipped/fractured (89.5% survival rate). Lithium disilicate endocrowns had a 100% survival rate. The Kruskal Wallis test revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups in the USPHS criteria ratings and the radiographic assessment (P>0.05). Patient satisfaction ranged from 82.3% in the zirconia group to 100% in both the lithium disilicate and hybrid ceramic groups.

Conclusions

Endocrowns provide a predictable option for the restoration of endodontically treated molar teeth in the short term. Lithium disilicate‐reinforced ceramic had fewer complications and required less intervention compared with zirconia and hybrid ceramics. Long‐term follow‐up is required to substantiate these study results.
Feasibility and use of a transition process planning and communication tool among multiple subspecialties within a pediatric health system
Authors: Mulchan Siddika S. , Hinderer Katherine A. , Walsh Jennifer , McCool Ashley , Becker Jamie
Published: August 2021

Purpose

An emerging need to improve health care transition planning has developed worldwide as more youth with special health care needs are surviving to adulthood. Nurses have been instrumental in facilitating transition planning and supporting youth throughout this process. While various transition tools have been developed, health professionals' utilization and perception of these tools have yet to be explored. Furthermore, there are no universally‐accepted documentation tools for transition planning. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a transition process planning and communication tool to facilitate transition planning among multiple, pediatric subspecialties within a system‐wide transition program.

Design and Methods

This project was a cross‐sectional quality improvement initiative. Eligible encounters in the electronic medical record (N = 20,645) were obtained from 38 subspecialty clinics at a large, freestanding pediatric health system. Transition planning documentation was monitored for 8 months pre‐implementation and 14 months post‐implementation of the tool. Health professionals (N = 89) completed a survey to assess the tool's feasibility.

Results

Implementation of the tool was feasible and corresponded with increased transition planning documentation post‐implementation. Nurses represented 33% of the sample that utilized the tool. Survey results revealed barriers to documentation and utilization of the tool, along with strategies for improvement.

Practice Implications

This study demonstrates that health professionals, especially pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners, are willing to adopt new, electronic documentation tools to enhance multidisciplinary transition planning consistent with best practices. Future studies should address identified barriers, assess the effectiveness of the tool on improving transition outcomes, and consider implications for integration into global health care models. System‐wide implementation of such tools may improve multidisciplinary communication and coordination of care for youth with special health care needs.
Characterizing environmental stress responses of aposymbioticAstrangia poculatato divergent thermal challenges
Authors: Wuitchik Daniel M. , Almanzar Adeline , Benson Brooke E. , Brennan Sara , Chavez Juan D. , Liesegang Mary B. , Reavis Jennifer L. , Reyes Christopher L. , Schniedewind Mikaela K. , Trumble Isabela F. , Davies Sarah W.
Published: August 2021

Anthropogenic climate change threatens corals globally and both high and low temperatures are known to induce coral bleaching. However, coral stress responses across wide thermal breadths remain understudied. Disentangling the role of symbiosis on the stress response in obligately symbiotic corals is challenging because this response is inherently coupled with nutritional stress. Here, we leverage aposymbiotic colonies of the facultatively symbiotic coral,Astrangia poculata, which lives naturally with and without its algal symbionts, to examine how broad thermal challenges influence coral hosts in the absence of symbiosis.A.poculatawere collected from their northern range limit and thermally challenged in two independent 16‐day common garden experiments (heat and cold challenge) and behavioural responses to food stimuli and genome‐wide gene expression profiling (TagSeq) were performed. Both thermal challenges elicited significant reductions in polyp extension. However, there were five times as many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under cold challenge compared to heat challenge. Despite an overall stronger response to cold challenge, there was significant overlap in DEGs between thermal challenges. We contrasted these responses to a previously identified module of genes associated with the environmental stress response (ESR) in tropical reef‐building corals. Cold challenged corals exhibited a pattern consistent with more severe stressors while the heat challenge response was consistent with lower intensity stressors. Given that these responses were observed in aposymbiotic colonies, many genes previously implicated in ESRs in tropical symbiotic species may represent the coral host's stress response in or out of symbiosis.
Nonsurgical weight loss interventions: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Twells Laurie K. , Harris Walsh Kristin , Blackmore Alicia , Adey Tanis , Donnan Jennifer , Peddle Justin , Ryan Devonne , Farrell Alison , Nguyen Hai , Gao Zhiwei , Pace Dave
Published: August 2021

Access to bariatric surgery to treat obesity is limited and has long wait times. Many adults are seeking nonsurgical weight loss support. Our study objective was to conduct a systematic review of nonsurgical weight loss interventions. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the CochraneLibrary were searched. Inclusion criteria were adults 18 + with a BMI > 25 enrolled in minimum a 3‐month nonsurgical weight loss intervention. Studies were independently extracted and assessed for quality using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2). Pooled analyses were extracted, graded for evidence quality, and summarized. A total of 1065 studies were assessed for eligibility; 815 screened and 236 full‐texts assessed. Sixty‐four meta‐analyses met eligibility criteria: 1180 RCTs with 184,605 study participants. Studies were categorized as diets (n = 13), combination therapies (n = 10), alternative (n = 16), technology (n = 10), behavioral (n = 5), physical activity (n = 6), and pharmacotherapy (n = 3). In 80% of studies, significant weight losses were reported ranging from 0.34–8.73 k in favor of the intervention. The most effective nonsurgical weight loss interventions were diets, either low‐carbohydrate or low‐fat diets, followed for 6 months; combination therapy including meal replacements plus enhanced support; and pharmacotherapy followed for 12 months. Although significant weight losses were reported for other types of interventions such as physical activity and technology, the majority of studies reported weight losses less than 2 kgs.
Epstein–Barr virus oral shedding and viremia and their association with oral hairy leukoplakia in HIV+ individuals
Authors: Rosseto José Henrique Feijó , Tenório Jefferson Rocha , Mamana Ana Carolina , Tozetto‐Mendoza Tânia Regina , Andrade Natália Silva , Braz‐Silva Paulo Henrique , Ortega Karem L.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the oral shedding and viremia of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in HIV‐positive patients and their relationship with oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL).

Methodology

A total of 94 HIV‐positive patients were included in the study, in which blood and saliva samples were collected for EBV quantification. Data on gender, age, time of HIV seropositivity, combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), CD4+ T‐cell counts, and HIV viral load were collected. OHL diagnosis was based on histopathological examination and EBV in situ hybridization.

Results

The EBV load in the 94 HIV‐positive patients was higher in saliva than in blood (2.4 and 1.6, respectively), and there was a positive correlation between EBV oral shedding and viremia (p = 0.001). Twenty (21.27%) patients had OHL and also a higher EBV load in saliva (mean log10 = 3.11) compared to those who had no OHL (p = 0.045). Presence of OHL was only associated with age (p = 0.030).

Conclusion

In HIV‐positive patients, the presence of OHL was associated with EBV oral shedding but not with viremia, regardless of the amount of circulating CD4+ T cells.
Dual trajectories of loneliness and depression and their baseline correlates over a 14‐year follow‐up period in older adults: Results from a nationally representative sample in Taiwan
Authors: Liu I , Huang Yu‐Jen , Wang Liang‐Kai , Tsai Yi‐Hsuan , Hsu Sheng‐Lun , Chang Chun‐Jui , Li Ying‐Hsien , Hsiao Yi‐Chen , Chen Chun‐Yuan , Wann Shue‐Ren
Published: August 2021

Aims

To explore the codevelopment between loneliness and depression in older adults, and to identify its potential baseline individual, family and extrafamilial correlates.

Background

The number of older adults around the world has steadily increased over the last decades. Later life is a particularly vulnerable life stage due to multiple unfavourable conditions, and mental health in this stage appears to become an inescapable issue. Previous research has found the cross‐sectional association between loneliness and depression, but their codevelopment has been understudied. Therefore, exploring the codevelopment and its correlates has significant implications for prevention and healthcare professionals.

Design

A longitudinal follow‐up study.

Methods

The study used nationally representative data over a 14‐year follow‐up period from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Ageing focused on Taiwanese aged 60 years and above (n = 4049). Group‐based trajectory modelling, group‐based dual‐trajectory modelling and multinomial logistic regression were the primary analytical methods.

Results

We identified three distinct dual trajectories of loneliness and depression: longitudinal low‐frequency lonely depressed (29.3%), longitudinal moderate‐frequency lonely depressed (59.4%) and longitudinal high‐frequency lonely depressed (11.3%). After considering several demographic and background characteristics, difficulty in physical functioning, number of physical symptoms and diseases, sleep quality and number of child deaths were found to be significantly associated.

Conclusion

Across the three identified dual‐trajectory groups, they all showed a stable loneliness frequency pattern over time; however, the moderate‐frequency group and high‐frequency group both had a trajectory of increasing depression. It seems that depression tends to change over time in a worsening direction, especially for those with a certain frequency of loneliness. Furthermore, differences in individual and family correlates were found across the groups.

Implications for practice

Interventions focusing on the specific factors may help hinder coexisting loneliness and depression, and have implications for developing health promotion strategies and chronic disease care plans.
Recent work in African political and legal philosophy
Authors: Metz Thaddeus
Published: August 2021

In this article I critically survey non‐edited books on political and legal philosophy that have been composed by those working in the sub‐Saharan African tradition and have appeared in print since 2016. These monographs principally address political, distributive, and criminal justice at the domestic level, with this article recounting the essentials of these texts as well as noting prima facie weaknesses in their positions and gaps in current research agendas. My aims are to enable readers to obtain a bird's‐eye picture of key works in recent African political and legal philosophy and to suggest some plausible ways to advance debates.
Galactoglucomannan structure of Arabidopsis seed‐coat mucilage in GDP‐mannose synthesis impaired mutants
Authors: Nishigaki Naho , Yoshimi Yoshihisa , Kuki Hiroaki , Kunieda Tadashi , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko , Tsumuraya Yoichi , Takahashi Daisuke , Dupree Paul , Kotake Toshihisa
Published: August 2021

Cell‐wall polysaccharides are synthesized from nucleotide sugars by glycosyltransferases. However, in what way the level of nucleotide sugars affects the structure of the polysaccharides is not entirely clear. guanosine diphosphate (GDP)‐mannose (GDP‐Man) is one of the major nucleotide sugars in plants and serves as a substrate in the synthesis of mannan polysaccharides. GDP‐Man is synthesized from mannose 1‐phosphate and GTP by a GDP‐Man pyrophosphorylase, VITAMIN C DEFECTIVE1 (VTC1), which is positively regulated by the interacting protein KONJAC1 (KJC1) in Arabidopsis. Since seed‐coat mucilage can serve as a model of the plant cell wall, we examined the influence of vtc1 and kjc1 mutations on the synthesis of mucilage galactoglucomannan. Sugar composition analysis showed that mannose content in adherent mucilage of kjc1 and vtc1 mutants was only 42% and 11% of the wild‐type, respectively, indicating a drastic decrease of galactoglucomannan. On the other hand, structural analysis based on specific oligosaccharides released by endo‐β‐1,4‐mannanase indicated that galactoglucomannan had a patterned glucomannan backbone consisting of alternating residues of glucose and mannose and the frequency of α‐galactosyl branches was also similar to the wild type structure. These results suggest that the structure of mucilage galactoglucomannan is mainly determined by properties of glycosyltransferases rather than the availability of nucleotide sugars.
Platform Government in the Era of Smart Technology
Authors: Kim Soonhee , Andersen Kim Normann , Lee Jungwoo
Published: August 2021

Whereas the concept of platform government emerged a decade ago and virtual states are predicted beginning early 2000s, supporting technologies and infrastructures are now being installed and implemented with highly integrative technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, mobile computing, social media, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. This realization of platform governments leads us to rethink what have been predicted decades ago. Time has come for us to really open up real opportunities by facing realistic challenges for public management. The pressure for government innovations, such as algorithmic bureaucracy and collaborative value creation, is increasing. Attentions need to be paid with respect to how the managerial role and activities are being transformed, how the nature of work in government is fundamentally changed, and how the decision‐making processes are re‐institutionalized. Further research issues are discussed at the end of this Viewpoint.

Evidence for Practice

Platform governments predicted earlier are now being realized by highly integrative technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, social media, mobile computing, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence.

Platform government demands new approaches to public management, changes the nature of work of public managers, and reshapes the decision‐making processes.

Algorithmic bureaucracy provisioned by these new platformization will enable more anticipatory decision‐making, require stronger leadership commitment on digitalization and innovation, and provide higher agility in public management.

Collaborative value creation can and will be expedited by the technological capabilities provided but also with a lot of social experimentation on these platforms.

The nature of work of public managers will be changing continuously in serious orders on these platform governments.
Writing ritual and calendar together: The biblical cultic calendars in ancient Near Eastern context
Authors: Thames John Tracy
Published: August 2021

The Hebrew Bible's cultic calendars (found in Exodus 23, Exodus 34, Leviticus 23, Numbers 28–29, and Deuteronomy 16) propose a link between ritual time and the fixation of the annual calendar. These texts take part in an ancient Near Eastern mode of writing about rituals in connection with calendars that produced canonical texts, which, like the biblical calendars, outlasted the actual practice of the rituals they describe. Moreover, the connection of the festivals in the biblical calendars to the annual equinoxes demonstrates their ritualization of the passage of time. In this feature and other thematic elements, they participate in a shared nexus of ritual ideas that can be seen in documents describing other ancient Near Eastern equinoctial festivals.
Wave–current interaction on a free surface
Authors: Crisan Dan , Holm Darryl D. , Street Oliver D.
Published: August 2021

The classical water wave equations (CWWEs) comprise two boundary conditions for the two‐dimensional flow on the free surface of a bulk three‐dimensional (3D) incompressible potential flow in the volume bounded by the free surface, which itself moves under the restoring force of gravity. One of these two boundary conditions provides the kinematic definition of the vertical velocity of the surface elevation. The other boundary condition is the dynamic Bernoulli law that governs the evaluation of the bulk velocity potential on the free surface. The present paper applies these two boundary conditions as constraints in the action integral for Hamilton's variational principle, along with a non‐hydrostatic pressure constraint that imposes incompressible flow on the free surface. The stationary variations in Hamilton's principle then yield closed dynamical equations of free surface flow whose divergence‐free velocity admits nonzero vorticity and whose nonhydrostatic pressure matches the pressure of the 3D bulk flow when evaluated on the free surface. A minimal coupling approach is proposed to model the mutual interactions of the waves and currents. The dynamical effects of horizontal buoyancy gradients are also considered in this context. For any combination of these model variables, the resulting system of variational equations admits a Lie–Poisson Hamiltonian formulation.  Finally, stochastic versions of these model equations are derived by assuming that the material loop for their Kelvin circulation theorem in each case follows stochastic Lagrangian histories in a Stratonovich sense.