bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and dynamics of mixed‐species choruses in a tropical anuran assemblage: insights from network analysis
Authors: Duarte Marina H. L. , Llusia Diego , Rodrigues Samuel S. , Nascimento Luciana B.
Published: June 2021

Males of a wide variety of vertebrates aggregate in mixed‐species choruses to attract females and signal territory occupancy. It is often assumed that species within these choruses co‐signal, interact and compete for the acoustic space, although few studies have tested this assumption, particularly in tropical and highly diverse environments. Using a novel combination of passive acoustics and network analysis, we monitored calling activity of a tropical anuran assemblage for an entire year and examined the structure and dynamics of mixed‐species choruses. Species composition was determined at 1‐min resolution on 288 recording hours and then used to estimate a set of centrality metrics (degree, strength and eigenvector) that characterize the species roles within the acoustic network. The studied assemblage formed a dynamic network comprising eight species during the rainy season and four during the dry season. These species showed distinct roles within the network, ranging from central species (those co‐signalling frequently and with many species) to peripheral species (those barely co‐signalling and with few species). Our results shed light on the species interactions in acoustic communities and challenge the general assumption of an equal contribution of species to the mixed‐species choruses. While in the rainy season the territorial frogs Boana albopunctata and B. faber exhibit the most prominent role within the network (with a higher degree, strength and eigenvector centrality), all of the species calling in the dry season co‐signalled with equal number of species, with only another territorial species, B. lundii, showing a higher rate of co‐signalling events (higher strength and eigenvector centrality). This suggests that territorial behaviour may favour increased calling activity and hence central roles in acoustic networks. These findings contribute to a better understanding of chorus dynamics in tropical assemblages and have crucial implications for the study of species interactions and the evolutionary hypotheses of acoustic divergence.
Technology spillovers, asset redeployability and corporate financial policies
Authors: Kecskés Ambrus , Nguyen Phuong‐Anh
Published: June 2021

Prior research shows that technology spillovers across firms increase innovation, productivity and value. We study how firms finance their own growth stimulated by technology spillovers from their technological peer firms. We find that greater technology spillovers lead to higher leverage. This is the result of technology spillovers increasing asset redeployability, as evidenced by more collateralized borrowing and asset transactions. Borrowing costs also decrease. Exogenous variation in the research and development tax credits of other firms allows us to identify the causal effect of technology spillovers on a given firm.
Machine learning in finance: A topic modeling approach
Authors: Aziz Saqib , Dowling Michael , Hammami Helmi , Piepenbrink Anke
Published: June 2021

We identify the core topics of research applying machine learning to finance. We use a probabilistic topic modeling approach to make sense of this diverse body of research spanning across multiple disciplines. Through a latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling technique, we extract 15 coherent research topics that are the focus of 5942 academic studies from 1990 to 2020. We find that these topics can be grouped into four categories: Price‐forecasting techniques, financial markets analysis, risk forecasting and financial perspectives. We first describe and structure these topics and then further show how the topic focus has evolved over the last three decades. A notable trend we find is the emergence of text‐based machine learning, for example, for sentiment analysis, in recent years. Our study thus provides a structured topography for finance researchers seeking to integrate machine learning research approaches in their exploration of finance phenomena. We also showcase the benefits to finance researchers of the method of probabilistic modeling of topics for deep comprehension of a body of literature.
Cassava disease recognition from low‐quality images using enhanced data augmentation model and deep learning
Authors: Abayomi‐Alli Olusola Oluwakemi , Damaševičius Robertas , Misra Sanjay , Maskeliūnas Rytis
Published: June 2021

Improvement of deep learning algorithms in smart agriculture is important to support the early detection of plant diseases, thereby improving crop yields. Data acquisition for machine learning applications is an expensive task due to the requirements of expert knowledge and professional equipment. The usability of any application in a real‐world setting is often limited by unskilled users and the limitations of devices used for acquiring images for classification. We aim to improve the accuracy of deep learning models on low‐quality test images using data augmentation techniques for neural network training. We generate synthetic images with a modified colour value distribution to expand the trainable image colour space and to train the neural network to recognize important colour‐based features, which are less sensitive to the deficiencies of low‐quality images such as those affected by blurring or motion. This paper introduces a novel image colour histogram transformation technique for generating synthetic images for data augmentation in image classification tasks. The approach is based on the convolution of the Chebyshev orthogonal functions with the probability distribution functions of image colour histograms. To validate our proposed model, we used four methods (resolution down‐sampling, Gaussian blurring, motion blur, and overexposure) for reducing image quality from the Cassava leaf disease dataset. The results based on the modified MobileNetV2 neural network showed a statistically significant improvement of cassava leaf disease recognition accuracy on lower‐quality testing images when compared with the baseline network. The model can be easily deployed for recognizing and detecting cassava leaf diseases in lower quality images, which is a major factor in practical data acquisition.
By‐catch risk for toothed whales in global small‐scale fisheries
Authors: Temple Andrew J. , Westmerland Ethan , Berggren Per
Published: June 2021

Fisheries by‐catch poses the single greatest threat to cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises) populations. Despite this, by‐catch of cetaceans does not receive proportionate levels of research or management effort. The contribution of small‐scale fisheries to cetacean by‐catch is generally overlooked because of the extreme data paucity in these fisheries. Here, we assess the likely geographic distribution of by‐catch risk posed to the odontocetes (toothed whales) at the global scale. We combine species’ occurrence and estimates of fisheries susceptibility for all 72 marine toothed whale species with estimates of small‐scale fisheries’ gillnet fishing pressure across 163 marine fishing nations. We show that the by‐catch risk from small‐scale fisheries is likely greatest in low‐ and middle‐income regions, generally in the tropics and sub‐tropics. Our findings highlight a “wicked problem”, that the highest by‐catch risks primarily occur in regions with lowest fisheries management efficacy. Addressing by‐catch in these priority regions is fraught with potentially damaging consequences for the survival of vulnerable human coastal communities. Yet, immediate management and conservation actions are required to prevent species extirpation and extinction through the reduction of small‐scale fisheries by‐catch. To be successful, these actions will likely require multilateral cooperation and must carefully balance both species and human needs.
Homeostatic and pathogenic roles of the GM3 ganglioside
Authors: Inokuchi Jin‐ichi , Kanoh Hirotaka , Inamori Kei‐ichiro , Nagafuku Masakazu , Nitta Takahiro , Fukase Koichi
Published: June 2021

Two decades ago, we achieved molecular cloning of ganglioside GM3 synthase (GM3S; ST3GAL5), the enzyme responsible for initiating biosynthesis of complex gangliosides. The efforts of our research group since then have been focused on clarifying the physiological and pathological roles of gangliosides, particularly GM3. This review summarizes our long‐term studies on the roles of GM3 in insulin resistance and adipogenesis in adipose tissues, cholesterol uptake in intestine, and leptin resistance in hypothalamus. We hypothesized that GM3 plays a role in innate immune function of macrophages and demonstrated that molecular species of GM3 with differing acyl‐chain structures and modifications functioned as pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory endogenous Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) modulators in macrophages. Very‐long‐chain and α‐hydroxy GM3 species enhanced TLR4 activation, whereas long‐chain and unsaturated GM3 species counteracted this effect. Lipidomic analyses of serum and adipose tissues revealed that imbalances between such pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory GM3 species promoted progression of metabolic disorders. GM3 thus functions as a physiological regulatory factor controlling the balance between homeostatic and pathological states. Ongoing studies based on these findings will clarify the mechanisms underlying ganglioside‐dependent control of energy homeostasis and innate immune responses.
On the variability in static and cyclic mechanical properties of extruded 7075‐T6 aluminum alloy
Authors: Benedetti Matteo , Menapace Cinzia , Fontanari Vigilio , Santus Ciro
Published: June 2021

The present paper investigates the variability in the static and cyclic properties of two nominally identical supplies of the aeronautical Al grade 7075‐T6. Samples were extracted from extruded bars of 15 and 60 mm diameter and with slightly different chemical composition. Noticeable differences were found in tensile strength, total elongation, and low‐ and high‐cycle fatigue strength, despite the nearly identical hardness value. The diverse mechanical behavior has been imputed to different extrusion ratio and therefore work hardening along with a more or less fine distribution of precipitates and dispersoids. The high‐cycle fatigue strength was found to be in direct correlation with the monotonic yield strength and the size of the largest intermetallic precipitate. A simple equation based on Murakami sqrt (area) parameter is proposed to predict the fatigue endurance. Tensile tests and microstructural analyses are recommended instead of conventional hardness tests to have a tighter quality control on the mechanical properties of semifinished products.
Collaborative innovation efficiency: From within cities to between cities—Empirical analysis based on innovative cities in China
Authors: Wang Song , Wang Jiexin , Wei Chenqi , Wang Xueli , Fan Fei
Published: June 2021

The city is both a carrier and a subject of innovation. Based on the triple helix theory of industry–university research and the theory of spatial correlation, this study constructs a collaborative innovation framework both within the cities and between cities, and uses a network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and spatial econometric model to measure and analyze the collaborative innovation efficiency in 75 innovative cities in China. The results show that collaborative innovation efficiency within cities is on the rise, and the efficiency of “research to production” is significantly higher than that of “learning to research.” Industrial structure and foreign factors have inhibited the efficiency improvements, and infrastructure and living standards have different promoting effects on different stages of efficiency. Between cities, capital flows have obvious spillover effects, which promote the efficiency of innovation networks, while the long‐term characteristics of institutional learning have a near‐term negative impact.
Effects of plant traits on caterpillar communities depend on host specialisation
Authors: Abe Tomokazu , Volf Martin , Libra Martin , Kumar Rajesh , Abe Haruka , Fukushima Hiroaki , Lilip Roll , Salminen Juha‐Pekka , Novotny Vojtech , Kamata Naoto , Murakami Masashi
Published: June 2021

The community composition of insect herbivores is largely shaped by host–plant phylogeny and functional traits. These effects differ between herbivores due at least in part to varying levels of diet specialisation. Distinguishing between herbivores with differing specialisation is therefore necessary to understand the roles of host phylogeny and traits in shaping complex insect communities.

We surveyed the complete plant–caterpillar food web in a 0.2 ha plot of a lowland cool‐temperate deciduous forest. We measured leaf nutrients, physical traits and polyphenols of the hostplants and analysed the effects of leaf traits and phylogeny on Lepidoptera caterpillars with differing levels of host specialisation.

We sampled 190 species from 16 433 individual caterpillars on 20 host plant species. These included 102 species of specialists using confamilial hostplant species, 17 species of conservative generalists using allofamilial but phylogenetically close hostplant species and 71 species of non‐conservative generalists using phylogenetically distant hostplant species.

The species composition of non‐conservative generalists associated with the polyphenol protein precipitation capacity and overall leaf trait dissimilarity; conservative generalists were weakly associated with polyphenol oxidative activity. In contrast, the composition of specialist assemblages showed no correlation with leaf traits.

Our results demonstrate that host phylogeny and traits play variable roles in structuring communities of herbivores, based on the phylogenetic specialisation of herbivores. Understanding the factors that shape the community structures of various herbivores traditionally classified as ‘generalists’ is important as they account for a large proportion of herbivore species while showing differential responses to traits of hosts.
Caregiver resource utilization: Intellectual and development disability and dementia
Authors: Fleming Victoria , Litzelman Kristin
Published: June 2021

Background

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have high need for support services. This study assessed resource utilization among caregivers of intellectual and developmental disabilities and other conditions.

Methods

We assessed 366 caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia or other conditions Regressions assessed group differences in number of agency contacts and frequency of service use. A secondary analysis assessed reasons for underutilization of services.

Results

Caregivers of individuals with dementia contacted twice as many agencies as other caregivers and were more likely to report using suggested services. Agency contact and service utilization were similar among caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities compared to other caregivers. Caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental indicated that suggested services were unavailable to them.

Conclusion

The findings of this study shed light on challenges with access to and utilization of support services.
MTHFD2 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma by regulating AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Shi Yangfeng , Xu Yiming , Yao Jianchang , Yan Chao , Su Hua , Zhang Xue , Chen Enguo , Ying Kejing
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have demonstrated that one‐carbon metabolism plays a significant role in cancer development. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2), a mitochondrial enzyme of one‐carbon metabolism, has been reported to be dysregulated in many cancers. However, the specific role and mechanism of MTHFD2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) still remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the clinicopathological and prognostic values of MTHFD2 in LUAD patients. We conducted a series of functional experiments in vivo and in vitro to explore novel mechanism of MTHFD2 in LUAD. The results showed that MTHFD2 was significantly up‐regulated in LUAD tissues and predicted poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Knockdown of MTHFD2 dramatically inhibited cell proliferation and migration by blocking the cell cycle and inducing the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, MTHFD2 knockdown suppressed LUAD growth and metastasis in cell‐derived xenografts. Mechanically, we found that MTHFD2 promoted LUAD cell growth and metastasis via AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling. Finally, we identified miR‐30a‐3p as a novel regulator of MTHFD2 in LUAD. Collectively, MTHFD2 plays an oncogenic role in LUAD progression and is a promising target for LUAD diagnosis and therapy.
Neuroprotective effects of microRNA‐211‐5p on chronic stress‐induced neuronal apoptosis and depression‐like behaviours
Authors: Shen Jie , Zhang Ping , Li Ye , Fan Cuiqin , Lan Tian , Wang Wenjing , Yu Shu Yan
Published: June 2021

Findings from recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are related to numerous neurological disorders. However, whether miRNAs regulate neuronal anomalies involved in the pathogenesis of depression remain unclear. In the present study, we screened miRNA expression profiles in the CA1 hippocampus of a rat model of depression and found that a specific miRNA, microRNA‐211‐5p, was significantly down‐regulated in depressed rats. When miR‐211‐5p was up‐regulated in these rats, neuronal apoptosis within the CA1 area was suppressed, effects which were accompanied with an amelioration of depression‐like behaviours in these rats. These neuroprotective effects of miR‐211‐5p in depressed rats appear to result through suppression of the Dyrk1A/ASK1/JNK signalling pathway within the CA1 area. In further support of this proposal are the findings that knock‐down of miR‐211‐5p within the CA1 area of normal rats activated the Dyrk1A/ASK1/JNK pathway, resulting in the promotion of neuronal apoptosis and display of depression‐like behaviours in these rats. Taken together, these results demonstrate that deficits in miR‐211‐5p contribute to neuronal apoptosis and thus depression‐like behaviours in rats. Therefore, the miR‐211‐5p/Dyrk1A pathway may be critically involved in the pathogenesis of depression and serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of depression.
Capturing the anorexia nervosa phenotype: Conceptual and normative issues in ICD‐11
Authors: Radden Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Introduction

ICD‐11's diagnostic definition possesses conceptual lacunae and normative implications calling for further attention.

Method

Assumptions underlying it and their ethical implications, are examined employing philosophical analysis; particularly, these are (1) changes to eliminate implications of voluntary agency to caloric restriction; (2) definitions of “dangerously low weight;” and (3) disorder boundaries as stated in qualifications and exclusions.

Results

(1) The extent to which AN behaviour can be acknowledged to be driven by forces out of, or limiting, voluntary control is unresolved; this is illustrated using the contested part played by excessive exercise, clarification of which requires understanding of AN motivation. (2) AN's uncertain aetiology leaves doubt over the sub‐threshold state. This affects not only when treatment is appropriate, but how definitions of morbidly low body weight are determined, putting individuals with prodromal symptoms at the social risks associated with “medicalizing“ normal variation. Concluded here is not that ICD‐11's conservative definition is mistaken but that since false positives are common, they must be factored into the complex cost‐risk assessments involved. (3) ICD‐11 efforts to minimize reliance on subjective motivation reveal limitations in exclusion criteria. Were AN motivation itself better understood, it would be possible to deal with non‐anorexic motivation by exclusion. But the history of “fat fears“ illustrates that uncertainty attaches to interpretations of AN motivation. Neither AN motivation nor cultural norms around other forms of self‐starvation admit of clear characterization, leaving an impasse.

Discussion

At least with present day medical and scientific knowledge, a complete characterization of the AN phenotype cannot be achieved without reference to psychological states of motivation. And more research, not only clinical, genetic and neurobiological but also conceptual and ethical, will be required to resolve the challenges presented by AN.
Genotype and virulence gene analyses of Bacillus cereus group clinical isolates from the Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Li‐Wu , Rao Shreesha , Poudyal Sayuj , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: June 2021

Chinese softshell turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) (CST) are susceptible to infections by bacteria belonging to the Bacillus cereus group (Bcg). Bcg includes several closely related species, two of which, B. cereus and B. thuringiensis, are pathogens of aquatic animals or insects. In the present study, we collected 57 Bcg isolates from diseased CST from 2016 to 2019 in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, where most CST farms are located in Taiwan. All isolates were divided into four genotypes with two restriction enzymes, SmaI and NotI, by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus–polymerase chain reaction (ERIC‐PCR). Representative isolates from each genotype were subjected to phylogenetic tree analysis using 16S rDNA and pyruvate carboxylase genes as phylogenetic markers, and these CST isolates appeared in different clades. PCR was performed targeting six selected virulence genes, four of which were detected in CST isolates, including cytotoxin K (1/57), hblC of the haemolysin BL complex (46/57), nheA of the non‐haemolytic enterotoxin complex (52/57) and enterotoxin FM (57/57), whereas cereulide synthetase and cereulide peptide synthase‐like genes were not detected in any isolates.
Fecal Fusobacterium nucleatum as a predictor for metachronous colorectal adenoma after endoscopic polypectomy
Authors: Xue Jin‐Hui , Xie Yuan‐Hong , Zou Tian‐Hui , Qian Yun , Kang Zi‐Ran , Zhou Cheng‐Bei , Pan Si‐Yuan , Xia Tian‐Xue , Chen Ying‐Xuan , Fang Jing‐Yuan
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Fusobacterium nucleatum is increasingly being recognized as an important risk factor in colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma. Endoscopic polypectomy is associated with a decreased incidence of colorectal cancer; however, patients still suffer from a risk of metachronous adenoma. Currently, there are few effective non‐invasive factors that may predict metachronous colorectal adenoma. Here, we evaluated the performance of F. nucleatum in predicting metachronous adenoma.

Methods

Fecal samples and clinical information of patients before endoscopic polypectomy were collected from 367 patients in a retrospective cohort, and 238 patients in a prospective cohort. The abundance of fecal F. nucleatum was measured via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Surveillance colonoscopies were conducted between 1 and 3 years after polypectomy (average follow‐up 27.07 months for the retrospective cohort & 22.57 months for the prospective cohort) to identify metachronous adenoma. Candidate predictive factors and cut‐off value of F. nucleatum abundance were identified from the retrospective cohort and then validated in the prospective cohort.

Results

A high abundance of fecal F. nucleatum was found to be an independent risk factor for metachronous adenomas (odds ratio, 6.38; P < 0.001) in the retrospective cohort and was validated in the prospective cohort with a specificity of 65.00%, and a sensitivity of 73.04%, and an overall performance with the area under the curve of 0.73.

Conclusion

Fecal abundance of F. nucleatum may be a reliable predictor for metachronous adenoma after endoscopic polypectomy.
Parametric representation of the top of income distributions: Options, historical evidence, and model selection
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir
Published: June 2021

Empirical distributions of top incomes suffer from statistical problems affecting the measurement of inequality and its trend. Researchers and practitioners have been increasingly noting parametric regularities across income distributions and turning to parametric functions to approximate or supplement the observed distributions, both for descriptive purposes and for correcting distributional statistics derived from data. The proliferation of distinct branches of modeling literature has highlighted the need to compare the alternative modeling options, and develop systematic tools to discriminate between them. This paper reviews the state of methodological and empirical knowledge regarding the adoptable parametric functions, and lists references and statistical programs allowing practitioners to apply these models to microdata in household surveys and administrative registers, or grouped‐records data from national accounts statistics. Implications for modeling the distributions of other economic outcomes including consumption and wealth, and incomes below the topmost tail, are drawn. For incomes, a handful of distribution functions hold promise for modeling the top tails based on theoretical and empirical properties—namely the extreme values distributions, the generalized Pareto, the Singh–Maddala and the generalized beta type 2. Understanding these functions in relation to other commonly invoked alternatives is a contribution of this review.
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway participates in the effect of miR‐626 on oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting RASSF4
Authors: Cui Sheng‐Hai , Hu Xiao‐Di , Yan Yan
Published: June 2021

Background

The role of miR‐626 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was investigated by targeting RASSF4.

Methods

The miR‐626 and RASSF4 expression was detected in normal oral mucosa or OSCC tissues and OSCC or normal cells. The methylation status of RASSF4 was analyzed using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The cytoplasmic/nuclear ratios (C/N ratios) targeted by miR‐626 were examined using microarray, followed by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The subcellular localization of RASSF4 and miR‐626 in OSCC cells was determined using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunocytochemistry (ICC), respectively. Ca9‐22 and HSC2 cells were divided into mock, inhibitor NC, miR‐626 inhibitor, scramble, RASSF4 and miR‐626 mimic + RASSF4 groups, and then CCK‐8, Annexin V‐FITC/PI, wound healing, Transwell, qRT‐PCR and western blotting assays were performed.

Results

OSCC tissues and cells had increased miR‐626 expression and decreased RASSF4 expression. Patients with RASSF4 methylation had lower RASSF4 expression than those without methylation. In addition, a negative correlation between miR‐626 and RASSF4 was found in OSCC tissues, both of which were correlated with the pathological grade, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis and patient prognosis. MiR‐626 targeted RASSF4 in OSCC cells. Overexpressed RASSF4 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OSCC cells, promoted cell apoptosis, and blocked the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway, which was reversed by miR‐626 overexpression.

Conclusions

Inhibiting miR‐626 can regulate the biological characteristics of OSCC cells, including proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT and apoptosis, by targeting RASSF4, which may be related to the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway.
Training and education, what has changed this last decade?
Authors: Hoekstra Bettie , Amiri Fariba , van Beenen Suzanne , Winkels Bieneke , van Leeuwen Mieke , Hesseling Lilliane , Hoogsteen Anneke
Published: June 2021

Background

The Dutch manual for the best care regarding training and education of our patients, as created by the special interest group for peritoneal dialysis (SIG PD), was revised.

Objectives

The aim of this paper is to describe topics learned from the manual revision, supported by noticed response changes in surveys from 2009 to 2019.

Design

Quantitative nursing research, using similar surveys to compare training and education over the last decade. Additionally, a brief search for literature was performed.

Participants

Dutch dialysis nurses.

Approach

In 2009, nurses were approached through an online survey sent to all dialysis centres in the Netherlands. In 2019, a similar survey was distributed during our annual Dutch nephrology days. Both surveys were compared and conclusions were drawn.

Findings

Retrieved information was divided into basic topics and compared. More important, our findings show that even after a decade, there is still no special education for the nurses and patient training is given based on experience alone. Furthermore, multiple nurses are involved in patient training, with varying materials. There are more home visits with training at home and retraining is more suitable. A growth in assisted PD implies more involvement by community nurses. Also, more acute PD is seen, with a different structure of training.

Conclusions

The manual was revised with input from our nurses and new guidelines, so we can uplift the education of peritoneal dialysis for the benefit of our patients, caretakers, and community nurses. As SIG PD we can support the dialysis nurses.
“Creatively in Coalition” from Palestine to India: Weaving stories of refusal and community as decolonial praxis
Authors: Atallah Devin G. , Dutta Urmitapa
Published: June 2021

Colonialism and coloniality constitute the backbone of modernity. Colonial structures/systems are predicated on recurring patterns of domination and violence. Decolonial movements are rehumanizing and abolitionist projects guided by Global South peoples’ reimagining and reclaiming of what it means to be human. Decolonial praxes therefore require transnational efforts to decenter Whitestream academic institutions as hubs of knowledge production. In light of this, we question the boundaries of what we consider to be research in psychology as we walk in the legacies of struggle and survival—of our grandmothers and grandfathers, and so many ancestors who never used the word “decolonial”. Weaving together stories of refusal and community grounded on our work in Palestine and India, we demonstrate how our decolonial strivings require us to continuously rediscover ways of being present, being in struggle, and being human together as we work ‘‘creatively in coalition’’ with our communities. Through our stories of accompaniment, and bringing them into conversation with each other, we disrupt violent, colonially‐configured borders. In our world‐making coalitions and the writing of this article, we turn to a praxis that allows for the revisioning of justice as irresistible and interlinked, ungovernable and in defiance of borders and walls.
Luminal short‐chain fatty acids and 5‐HT acutely activate myenteric neurons in the mouse proximal colon
Authors: Fung Candice , Cools Bert , Malagola Sergio , Martens Tobias , Tack Jan , Kazwiny Youcef , Vanden Berghe Pieter
Published: June 2021

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) function is critically dependent on the control of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is situated within the gut wall and organized into two ganglionated nerve plexuses: the submucosal and myenteric plexus. The ENS is optimally positioned and together with the intestinal epithelium, is well‐equipped to monitor the luminal contents such as microbial metabolites and to coordinate appropriate responses accordingly. Despite the heightened interest in the gut microbiota and its influence on intestinal physiology and pathophysiology, how they interact with the host ENS remains unclear.

Methods

Using full‐thickness proximal colon preparations from transgenic Villin‐CreERT2;R26R‐GCaMP3 and Wnt1‐Cre;R26R‐GCaMP3 mice, which express a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator in their intestinal epithelium or in their ENS, respectively, we examined the effects of key luminal microbial metabolites (SCFAs and 5‐HT) on the mucosa and underlying enteric neurons.

Key Results

We show that the SCFAs acetate, propionate, and butyrate, as well as 5‐HT can, to varying extents, acutely elicit epithelial and neuronal Ca2+ responses. Furthermore, SCFAs exert differential effects on submucosal and myenteric neurons. Additionally, we found that submucosal ganglia are predominantly aligned along the striations of the transverse mucosal folds in the proximal colon.

Conclusions & Inferences

Taken together, our study demonstrates that different microbial metabolites, including SCFAs and 5‐HT, can acutely stimulate Ca2+ signaling in the mucosal epithelium and in enteric neurons.
Early adverse life events and post‐traumatic stress disorder in patients with constipation and suspected disordered defecation
Authors: Hendrix Justin , Ranginani Dheeksha , Montero Anne Mary , Lockett Carolyn , Xu Huiping , James‐Stevenson Toyia , Shin Andrea
Published: June 2021

Background

Early adverse life events (EALs) and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Disordered defecation (DD) presents with symptoms of IBS or functional constipation (FC) and is associated with psychological distress. However, the role of trauma and stress in chronic constipation is poorly defined. We aimed to examine EALS, PTSD, and psychological symptoms in patients with constipation and suspected DD.

Methods

We conducted a survey study among adults with constipation who completed anorectal manometry (ARM) and balloon expulsion testing (BET). Data were collected on socio‐demographics, EALs, PTSD, bowel symptoms, quality of life, and anxiety and depression. We performed comparisons between individuals with normal versus abnormal ARM or BET, subgroup analysis by detailed ARM and BET findings, and latent class analysis using individual EAL domains.

Key Results

Among 712 eligible patients, 69 completed the study. EALs and provisional PTSD were present in 75.4% and 27.5%, respectively; rates did not differ between those with normal versus abnormal ARM or BET. Normal testing was associated with higher rates of specific EAL domains (emotional abuse and mental illness), higher depression scores, and poorer mental component scores in both primary and subgroup comparisons (all p < 0.05). Normal testing was associated with a lower likelihood of high‐EAL latent class (p = 0.01) membership. Presence of IBS or FC did not influence associations.

Conclusions & Inferences

Early adverse life events and PTSD are prevalent in patients with constipation and suspected DD. Those with normal ARM and BET have higher rates of prior emotional abuse and poorer mental health.
Giant cell tumor of bone – Analysis of 213 cases involving extra‐craniofacial bones
Authors: Konishi Eiichi , Outani Hidetatsu , Mano Masayuki , Nagata Shigenori , Shirai Toshiharu , Naka Norifumi , Hori Yumiko , Takenaka Satoshi , Haga Hironori , Toguchida Junya , Kakunaga Shigeki , Kuwae Yuko , Hoshi Manabu , Inoue Takeshi , Aono Masanari , Morinaga Yukiko , Nakashima Yasuaki
Published: June 2021

We elucidated clinicopathological characteristics of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in Japan, and significant clinicopathological factors for predicting local recurrence. Clinicopathological profiles of 213 patients with GCTB (100 male, 113 female) involving extra‐craniofacial bones were retrieved. Pathological slides obtained at the initial surgery were reviewed. Fourteen pathological and five clinical features were statistically analyzed to disclose prognostic significance. Patient age ranged from 12–80 years (Average 38.7). Long bones were most frequently affected (86.4%), especially around the knee (62.9%). Histological features are basically similar to those previously reported. Within a follow‐up period (24–316 months, average 106.1 months), the local recurrence rate is 29.1%. Metastasis has occurred in 9 patients. Cox regression analysis of representative clinicopathological features shows that younger age, higher mitotic count, smaller zones of stromal hemorrhage, considerable vascular invasion and absence of ischemic necrosis are significant predictors for local recurrence. Initial operative method (curettage) is a significant risk factor in univariate analysis but not by multivariate analysis (P = 0.053). Denosumab administration increases risk but not significantly (P = 0.053). Histone 3.3 G34W immunopositivity is not significant for predicting local recurrence.
The Impact of Including Advantaged Groups in Collective Action Against Social Inequality on Politicized Identification of Observers From Disadvantaged and Advantaged Groups
Authors: Kutlaca Maja , Radke Helena R. M. , Becker Julia C.
Published: June 2021

Mobilizing public support is key to a movement's success. Little is known, however, about how movements can achieve this goal and whether involving advantaged group members is beneficial for a movement's cause. In a set of five experiments with convenience samples collected in the United States and Germany (total N = 1,625), we examined whether protests (e.g., against racism and sexism) with and without advantaged group members affect politicized identification among observers. We expected that the presence (vs. absence) of advantaged group members at a protest will increase politicized identification among advantaged group observers, which was confirmed in Studies 1A–1C. In contrast, we expected that the disadvantaged group observers will increase or decrease their politicized identification depending on the role advantaged group members have at a protest (i.e., supportive vs. leadership role). Studies 2A–2B revealed that when advantaged group members had a supportive role, disadvantaged and advantaged group observers increased their politicized identification, but this effect was absent when they had a leadership role. Moreover, including advantaged group members in a protest increased the belief that solidarity is a normative behavior and the expectations that a protest will be peaceful among observers. Implications for research on allyship are discussed.
Stress, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and resilience—The effects of naturalistic periods of elevated stress: A measurement‐burst study
Authors: Lines Robin L. J. , Ducker Kagan J. , Ntoumanis Nikos , Thøgersen‐Ntoumani Cecilie , Fletcher David , Gucciardi Daniel F.
Published: June 2021

Stress is an important consideration for understanding why individuals take part in limited or no physical activity. The negative effects of stress on physical activity do not hold for everyone, so examinations of possible resilience resources that might protect individuals from the harmful effects of stress are required. Accordingly, we conducted a measurement‐burst study with 53 university students over a 6‐month period to examine the dynamics among stress, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and resilience resources. Participants completed three bursts of 6 days, with each burst separated by an 8‐week gap. Expectations regarding the moderating effects of resilience resources were unsupported. Daily reports of academic and general stress were positively associated with sedentary behavior and negatively associated with light and moderate intensity physical activity. Hair cortisol concentration significantly moderated the association between academic stress and sedentary behavior, such that in bursts where cortisol was lower the daily positive association between stress and sedentary behavior was weaker. The finding that academic and general stress are dynamically associated with lower levels of light and moderate intensity physical activity and higher levels of sedentary behavior is an important extension to previous research, which has relied mainly on cross‐sectional designs and self‐report methods. Future research might examine resilience resources that are specific to the outcomes of interest rather than rely on generic resources.
Explaining Conspiracy Beliefs and Scepticism around the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Gemenis Kostas
Published: June 2021

Public opinion on COVID‐19 provides new empirical evidence for the debate on the ideological contours of conspiracy theories. I report findings from a web survey in Greece where participants were recruited via paid advertising on Facebook and the study sample was adjusted for age, gender, education, domicile, and region of residence using a nationally representative reference sample. I find that beliefs about conspiracy theories are more correlated than the values associated with established political ideologies, and that conspiracy beliefs and scepticism about the pandemic are best explained by belief in unrelated political and medical conspiracy theories. No other demographic or attitudinal variable has such a strong influence, and the results are robust to different statistical specifications. In comparison, the effect of ideology measured by left‐right self‐placement is rather negligible and further moderated by trust in government. The results have implications for the strategies aimed at fighting disinformation during public health emergencies.
Reconstituted cryopreserved platelets synthesize proteins during short‐term storage and packaging a defined subset into microvesicles
Authors: Schubert Peter , Johnson Lacey , Culibrk Brankica , Chen Zhongming , Tan Shereen , Marks Denese C. , Devine Dana V.
Published: June 2021

Background

Cryopreservation of platelets (PLTs) could allow extension of their shelf‐life to years, compared to days for liquid stored platelets. Due to their greater hemostatic effect, reconstituted cryopreserved platelets (cryo‐PLTs) would be able to support bleeding emergencies. Since protein synthesis has been linked to PLT functions, such as clot formation and immune responses, the translational capacity of reconstituted cryo‐PLTs was assessed upon thawing and short‐term storage.

Methods/materials

Platelets were frozen at −80°C with 5–6% DMSO. Upon thawing, they were reconstituted in plasma and then aliquoted (12 ml) into mini‐bags and assessed over 24 h of storage at RT. One series served as control; the second and third series were spiked with either 300 μM puromycin (Pm) or 227 nM biotin‐labeled Pm. Samples were tested for in vitro quality and PLT microvesicle enumeration by flow cytometry. Protein synthesis in cryo‐PLTs was assessed using a modified method based on puromycin‐associated nascent chain proteomics.

Results

In vitro parameters of reconstituted and subsequently stored platelets were consistent with previously published results. Mass‐spectrometry analyses identified that 22 proteins were synthesized in PLTs and 13 of those were observed in platelet microvesicles (PMVs).

Conclusion

Cryo‐PLTs can synthesize proteins upon reconstitution and storage. Discovery of a subset of these proteins in the PMV suggests a role in vesicle encapsulation, possibly in a selective manner. This observation provides novel insights into the capacity for protein synthesis in cryo‐PLTs and the potential regulation of protein packaging into PMV.
SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody persistence in COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors: Dependency on assay format and applicability to serosurveillance
Authors: Di Germanio Clara , Simmons Graham , Kelly Kathleen , Martinelli Rachel , Darst Orsolya , Azimpouran Mahzad , Stone Mars , Hazegh Kelsey , Grebe Eduard , Zhang Shuting , Ma Peijun , Orzechowski Marek , Gomez James E. , Livny Jonathan , Hung Deborah T. , Vassallo Ralph , Busch Michael P. , Dumont Larry J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Antibody response duration following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection tends to be variable and depends on severity of disease and method of detection.

Study design and methods

COVID‐19 convalescent plasma from 18 donors was collected longitudinally for a maximum of 63–129 days following resolution of symptoms. All the samples were initially screened by the Ortho total Ig test to confirm positivity and subsequently tested with seven additional direct sandwich or indirect binding assays (Ortho, Roche, Abbott, Broad Institute) directed against a variety of antigen targets (S1, receptor binding domain, and nucleocapsid [NC]), along with two neutralization assays (Broad Institute live virus PRNT and Vitalant Research Institute [VRI] Pseudovirus reporter viral particle neutralization [RVPN]).

Results

The direct detection assays (Ortho total Ig total and Roche total Ig) showed increasing levels of antibodies over the time period, in contrast to the indirect IgG assays that showed a decline. Neutralization assays also demonstrated declining responses; the VRI RVPN pseudovirus had a greater rate of decline than the Broad PRNT live virus assay.

Discussion

These data show that in addition to variable individual responses and associations with disease severity, the detection assay chosen contributes to the heterogeneous results in antibody stability over time. Depending on the scope of the research, one assay may be preferable over another. For serosurveillance studies, direct, double Ag‐sandwich assays appear to be the best choice due to their stability; in particular, algorithms that include both S1‐ and NC‐based assays can help reduce the rate of false‐positivity and discriminate between natural infection and vaccine‐derived seroreactivity.
Pilot study evaluating the feasibility of stereotactic body radiation therapy for canine anal sac adenocarcinomas
Authors: Swan Michaela , Morrow Deanna , Grace Michael , Adby Natalie , Lurie David
Published: June 2021

The use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to treat many canine tumors is rapidly expanding. However, published studies are lacking regarding use of SBRT for management of canine anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC), primarily due to concerns regarding intolerable late effects. The objective of this retrospective, pilot study was to describe the efficacy and safety profile of coarse fractions administered with an SBRT regime to manage a group of dogs with ASAC. A total of 12 dogs with ASAC that received SBRT as a component of their treatment were sampled. Three patients had macroscopic primary tumors irradiated, while nine patients received SBRT following incomplete surgical resection. Seven patients also received metastatic regional lymph node irradiation. Primary tumor and nodal irradiation sites received three fractions totaling 22‐24 Gy and 22.5‐24 Gy, respectively, over three consecutive days. All patients developed acute effects including mild colitis, alopecia, and erythema. Late effects included alopecia, variable dermal pigmentation and leuko‐ or melanotrichia within radiation fields, and rectal stricture in one patient. A median progression free survival time of 549 days and median survival time of 991 days were achieved in this study. These results should be considered preliminary data suggesting that coarse fractionation administered with an SBRT technique is a safe and effective treatment regime for the management of canine ASAC, with the aim to conduct prospective studies in the future.