bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childcare by migrant nannies and migrant grannies: A critical discourse analysis of new policy solutions for securing reproductive labor in Australian households
Authors: Hamilton Myra , Kintominas Angela , Adamson Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

Migrant nannies (au pairs) and migrant grannies (migrant grandparents) have emerged in Australian policy and public discourses as new “solutions” to the “problems” of unmet needs for reproductive labor in households and the under‐utilization of working‐aged Australian women in the workforce. Despite their similarities – both are pitched as sources of extended or fictive kin for the provision of childcare – these two classes of migrants are rarely thought about together. Using a critical discourse analysis of policy and media documents between 2013 and 2019, this article examines how debates concerning migrant nannies and migrant grannies are framed and explores the implications for the distribution of reproductive labor. Findings reveal new directions in the distribution of reproductive labor to fictive and extended migrant kin and highlight the importance of an intersectional approach to understanding the complex interactions not only between gender, class, migration status, and ethnicity but also age in new articulations of Australia's work‐care regime.
Effect of butyrate, a bacterial by‐product, on the viability and ICAM‐1 expression/production of human vascular endothelial cells: Role in infectious pulpal/periapical diseases
Authors: Chang Mei‐Chi , Wang Tong‐Mei , Chien Hua‐Hong , Pan Yu‐Hwa , Tsai Yi‐Ling , Jeng Po‐Yuan , Lin Li‐Deh , Jeng Jiiang‐Huei
Published: August 2021

Aim

To investigate the effects of butyric acid (BA), a metabolic product generated by pulp and root canal pathogens, on the viability and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) production of endothelial cells, which are crucial to angiogenesis and pulpal/periapical wound healing.

Methodology

Endothelial cells were exposed to butyrate with/without inhibitors. Cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated using an MTT assay, PI/annexin V and DCF fluorescence flow cytometry respectively. RNA and protein expression was determined using a polymerase chain reaction assay and Western blotting or immunofluorescent staining. Soluble ICAM‐1 (sICAM‐1) was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The quantitative results were expressed as mean ± standard error (SE) of the mean. The data were analysed using a paired Student's t‐test where necessary. A p‐value ≤0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference between groups.

Results

Butyrate (>4 mM) inhibited cell viability and induced cellular apoptosis and necrosis. It inhibited cyclin B1 but stimulated p21 and p27 expression. Butyrate stimulated ROS production and hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression as well as activated the Ac‐H3, p‐ATM, p‐ATR, p‐Chk1, p‐Chk2, p‐p38 and p‐Akt expression of endothelial cells. Butyrate stimulated ICAM‐1 mRNA/protein expression and significant sICAM‐1 production (p < .05). Superoxide dismutase, 5z‐7oxozeaenol, SB203580 and compound C (p <  .05), but not ZnPP, CGK733, AZD7762 or LY294002, attenuated butyrate cytotoxicity to endothelial cells. Notably, little effect on butyrate‐stimulated sICAM‐1 secretion was found. Valproic acid, phenylbutyrate and trichostatin (three histone deacetylase inhibitors) significantly induced sICAM‐1 production (p < .05).

Conclusion

Butyric acid inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, stimulated ROS and HO‐1 production and increased ICAM‐1 mRNA expression and protein synthesis in endothelial cells. Cell viability affected by BA was diminished by some inhibitors; however, the increased sICAM‐1 secretion by BA was not affected by any of the tested inhibitors. These results facilitate understanding of the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of pulpal/periapical diseases.
Biological parameters, discolouration and radiopacity of calcium silicate‐based materials in a simulated model of partial pulpotomy
Authors: Oliveira Lilian Vieira , de Souza Gabriela Leite , da Silva Gisele Rodrigues , Magalhães Thamara Eduarda Alves , Freitas Gabrielle Alves Nunes , Turrioni Ana Paula , de Rezende Barbosa Gabriella Lopes , Moura Camilla Christian Gomes
Published: August 2021

Aim

To analyse the discolouration, radiopacity, pH and calcium ion release of Biodentine (BD), Bio‐C repair (BCR) and Bio‐C temp (BCT), as well as their biological effects on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).

Methodology

Sixty‐four extracted bovine incisors were prepared to simulate crown fractures with pulp exposure and open root apex. The roots were filled using a mixture of agar and blood (control), and BD, BCR or BCT were placed over this mixture. Colour assessment analyses of the samples were performed before and immediately after material insertion and repeated at 30 and 90 days, using a spectrophotometer. The colour change of each specimen was evaluated at the crown and calculated based on the CIELab colour space. Digital radiographs were acquired for radiopacity analysis. hDPCs were placed in contact with different dilutions of culture media previously exposed to such materials and tested for cell viability using the MTT assay. The pH and calcium ion release of all materials were measured after 24 h; the data were assessed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Cell viability was analysed by two‐way ANOVA. Differences in colour parameters and wound‐healing data were assessed by two‐way repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05). Tukey's and Dunnett's tests were used to compare the experimental groups with the control group.

Results

BCR had grater radiopacity and smaller colour alteration (ΔEab/ΔE00) than the other materials tested (p < .005;p < .001). No significant differences in pH were found amongst the tested materials (p > .05). BCT was associated with the largest release of calcium ions (p < .0001). BD had cell viability similar to that of the control at the lowest dilutions, and BCR was similar to that of the control, regardless of the dilution tested (p > .05). BCT had a lower percentage of viability than that of the control at all tested dilutions (p < .0001). Cell migration rates in BD and BCR were similar to those in the control group after 24 h and 48 h (p > .05), whilst BCT had larger voids than the control in both periods (p < .0001).

Conclusions

BCR, BCT and BD were associated with tooth discolouration. BCR had the lowest staining values, the highest radiopacity and viability greater than 80% hDPCs.
Does MTA provide a more favourable histological response than other materials in the repair of furcal perforations? A systematic review
Authors: Pinheiro Lucas Siqueira , Kopper Patricia Maria Poli , Quintana Ramiro Martins , Scarparo Roberta Kochenborger , Grecca Fabiana Soares
Published: August 2021

Background

There is no consensus on which furcal perforation repair material induces a more favourable histological response. This systematic review of laboratory studies provides an overview of the studies comparing repair materials in animal models.

Objectives

To evaluate whether mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) yields a more favourable histological response than other materials when used to repair furcal perforations in animal experimental models.

Methods

This review followed the PRISMA checklist. The studies included various materials used to repair furcal perforations and compared the histological responses with MTA. An electronic search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science up to 2 September 2020, with no language or publication date restrictions. Studies whose full text was unavailable were excluded. The ARRIVE and SYRCLE tools were used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) of the studies.

Results

The studies included in the qualitative synthesis were conducted in rat (n = 3) and dog (n = 17) models. They were classified as having a low quality, high methodological heterogeneity and high RoB. MTA and Biodentine, the materials most often compared, reduced the inflammatory reaction to mild over time. In addition, a mineralized tissue was formed in all studies. The response yielded by MTA was better than or equivalent to that of the other tested materials.

Discussion

This review confirmed that MTA is the reference standard material for furcal perforation repair. However, research using animal models has inherent limitations, and the substantial methodological heterogeneity across the studies included should be considered. Therefore, the knowledge generated by this systematic review should be translated into clinical practice cautiously.

Conclusions

Features described in the report and quality assessment guidelines, such as PRIASE, ARRIVE and SYRCLE, should guide researchers. Despite the high RoB and the low methodological quality of the studies included, findings indicated that MTA yields a more favourable histological response than other materials in the repair of furcal perforations.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42020181297).
Reduction of dual‐species biofilm after sonic‐ or ultrasonic‐activated irrigation protocols: A laboratory study
Authors: Hoedke Daniela , Kaulika Namira , Dommisch Henrik , Schlafer Sebastian , Shemesh Hagay , Bitter Kerstin
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the antibacterial effect of sonic‐ and ultrasonic‐activated irrigation on bacterial reduction of a dual‐species biofilm in root canals compared to nonactivated irrigation in a laboratory study.

Methodology

Two hundred and forty extracted human single‐rooted maxillary anterior teeth were divided into two main groups (G, n = 120) according to the initial preparation size of the root canal (G1: size 25, 0.06 taper, G2: size 40, 0.06 taper). Root canals were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus oralis. After 5 days, G1 received combined instrumentation (up to size 40, 0.06 taper) and irrigation/activation, whereas G2 received solely irrigation/activation protocols. In both groups, irrigation was performed with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl 1%) or physiological saline (NaCl 0.9%), using nonactivated syringe irrigation, sonic activation (2 x 30 s) or ultrasonic activation (2 x 30 s). Logarithmic reduction factors (LRFs) of colony‐forming units were analysed separately for dentine‐adherent and planktonic bacteria immediately after irrigation/activation protocols (time‐point 1) or after 5 days of further incubation (time‐point 2) by analysis of variance (anova) and post hoc tests (Tukey's HSD, t‐test). The significance level was set at 0.05.

Results

In G1 subgroups (combined instrumentation with irrigation/activation), LRFs were significantly affected by the applied irrigation solution (p < .0001), but not by the activation method (p > .05; anova). In G2 subgroups (solely irrigation/activation), both, irrigant solution and activation, significantly affected LRFs (p < .0001, anova). Sonic activation resulted in significantly higher LRFs than ultrasonic activation (p < .0001) which had significantly greater reductions than nonactivated irrigation (p < .05; Tukey's HSD). At T2, strong bacterial regrowth was observed in all groups; however, a significant bacterial reduction was detected for factors instrumentation, irrigant solution and activation (p < .0001; anova). Similar LRFs were found for dentine‐adherent and planktonic bacterial cells in all groups (r = 0.91 at T1, r = 0.8 at T2).

Conclusions

In this laboratory study on extracted maxillary anterior teeth high‐frequency sonic activation resulted in a greater bacterial reduction compared to ultrasonic activation in groups receiving solely irrigation/activation protocols; however, irrigation using NaOCl and ultrasonic activation also contributed significantly to bacterial reduction compared to the control groups.
Social environment affects sensory gene expression in ant larvae
Authors: Pulliainen U. , Morandin C. , Bos N. , Sundström L. , Schultner E.
Published: August 2021

Social insects depend on communication to regulate social behaviour. This also applies to their larvae, which are commonly exposed to social interactions and can react to social stimulation. However, how social insect larvae sense their environment is not known. Using RNAseq, we characterized expression of sensory‐related genes in larvae of the ant Formica fusca, upon exposure to two social environments: isolation without contact to other individuals, and stimulation via the presence of other developing individuals. Expression of key sensory‐related genes was higher following social stimulation, and larvae expressed many of the same sensory‐related genes as adult ants and larvae of other insects, including genes belonging to the major insect chemosensory gene families. Our study provides first insights into the molecular changes associated with social information perception in social insect larvae.
Linguistic and developmental influences on superordinate facial configuration categorization in infancy
Authors: Ruba Ashley L. , Meltzoff Andrew N. , Repacholi Betty M.
Published: August 2021

Humans perceive emotions in terms of categories, such as “happiness,” “sadness,” and “anger.” To learn these complex conceptual emotion categories, humans must first be able to perceive regularities in expressive behaviors (e.g., facial configurations) across individuals. Recent research suggests that infants spontaneously form “basic‐level” categories of facial configurations (e.g., happy vs. fear), but not “superordinate” categories of facial configurations (e.g., positive vs. negative). The current studies further explore how infant age and language impact superordinate categorization of facial configurations associated with different negative emotions. Across all experiments, infants were habituated to one person displaying facial configurations associated with anger and disgust. While 10‐month‐olds formed a category of person identity (Experiment 1), 14‐month‐olds formed a category that included negative facial configurations displayed by the same person (Experiment 2). However, neither age formed the hypothesized superordinate category of negative valence. When a verbal label (“toma”) was added to each of the habituation events (Experiment 3), 10‐month‐olds formed a category similar to 14‐month‐olds in Experiment 2. These findings intersect a larger conversation about the nature and development of children's emotion categories and highlight the importance of considering developmental processes, such as language learning and attentional/memory development, in the design and interpretation of infant categorization studies.
Development and validation of the Early Executive Functions Questionnaire: A carer‐administered measure of Executive Functions suitable for 9‐ to 30‐month‐olds
Authors: Hendry Alexandra , Holmboe Karla
Published: August 2021

Executive functions (EFs) enable us to control our attention and behavior in order to set and work toward goals. Strong EF skills are linked to better academic performance, and greater health, wealth, and happiness in later life. Research into EF development has been hampered by a lack of scalable measures suitable for infancy through to toddlerhood. The 31‐item Early Executive Functions Questionnaire (EEFQ) complements temperament measures by targeting cognitive and regulatory capabilities. Exploratory Factor Analysis (n = 486 8‐ to 30‐month‐olds) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (n = 317 9‐ to 30‐month‐olds) indicate Inhibitory Control, Flexibility, and Working Memory items load onto a common “Cognitive Executive Function (CEF)” factor, while Regulation items do not. The CEF factor shows strong factorial measurement invariance for sex, and partial strong factorial measurement invariance for age. CEF and Regulation scores show limited floor and ceiling effects, good internal consistency, short‐term stability, and convergent validity with carer‐report measures of attentional control. The EEFQ is sensitive to developmental change. Results indicate that the widely overlooked period between late infancy and early toddlerhood may be a sensitive period for EF development. The low‐resource demands of the EEFQ afford the possibility to study emergent EFs at scale; opening up new opportunities in basic developmental and intervention research.
A multi‐centre, single‐blinded randomised controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of resorbable glass fibre matrix in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Armstrong David G. , Orgill Dennis P. , Galiano Robert D. , Glat Paul M. , DiDomenico Lawrence A. , Carter Marissa J. , Zelen Charles M.
Published: August 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are at risk for detrimental complications even with current, standard of care (SOC) treatments. The primary objective of this randomised controlled trial was to compare a unique resorbable glass microfiber matrix (Mirragen; Advanced Wound Matrix [BBGFM]; ETS Wound Care, Rolla, Missouri) compared with a standard of care group (SOC, collagen alginate dressing) at 12 weeks. Both groups received standard diabetic foot care including glucose monitoring, weekly debridements when needed and an offloading device. The primary endpoint was proportion of full‐thickness, non‐infected, non‐ischaemic wounds healed at 12 weeks, with secondary endpoints including percent area reduction (PAR) and changes in Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament testing. The result illustrated in the intent‐to‐treat analysis at 12 weeks showed that 70% (14/20) of the BBGFM‐treated DFUs healed compared with 25% (5/20) treated with SOC alone (adjusted P = .006). Mean PAR at 12 weeks was 79% in the BBGFM group compared with 37% in the SOC group (adjusted P = .027). Mean change in neuropathic score between baseline and up to 12 weeks of treatment was 2.0 in the BBGFM group compared with −0.6 in the SOC group where positive improvement in scores are better (adjusted P = .008). The mean number of BBGFM applications was 6.0. In conclusion, adding BBGFM to SOC significantly improved wound healing with no adverse events related to treatment compared with SOC alone.
Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of sintering in Al‐doped Y2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Nakajima Kimiko , Dahl Spencer , Thron Andrew , Castro Ricardo H. R.
Published: August 2021

This work investigates the effects of doping on both the thermodynamics and kinetics of sintering in aluminum‐doped yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Al‐doped Y2O3), with the objective of delineating their interdependent effects at different stages of the process. Direct measurements of surface and grain boundary energies using differential scanning calorimetry showed that Al‐doping decreases both interfacial energies, leading to an increase in dihedral angle (from 152.7 ± 5.6° to 165.8 ± 5.5°) and, therefore, sintering stress. Densification and grain growth analyses showed that despite this increase in sintering stress, the onset of sintering is delayed for the Al‐doped samples, demonstrating that a large dihedral angle is a necessary but not sufficient condition for densification. The measurements of activation energies for densification and grain growth point out that Al suppresses grain boundary mobility by increasing the activation energy from 400 to 448 kJ/mol, hindering densification at the intermediate stages of sintering. At temperatures above 1150℃, grain growth is activated in the Al‐doped samples, which rapidly releases the accumulated sintering stress and exhibits a higher densification rate than in undoped Y2O3. This study demonstrates a complex interconnectivity between the thermodynamics and kinetics at different temperature ranges of sintering and reinforces the need for a comprehensive description for proper design of sintering aids.
Reproducibility of nighttime home blood pressure measured by a wrist‐type nocturnal home blood pressure monitoring device
Authors: Tomitani Naoko , Kanegae Hiroshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: August 2021

The authors investigated the reproducibility of nighttime home blood pressure (BP) measured by a wrist‐type BP monitoring device. Forty‐six hypertensive patients (mean 69.0±11.6 years, 56.5% male) self‐measured their nighttime BP hourly using simultaneously worn wrist‐type and upper arm‐type nocturnal home BP monitoring devices at home on two consecutive nights. Using the average 7.4±1.3 measurements on the first night and the average 7.0 ± 1.8 measurements on the second night, the authors assessed the reliability and the reproducibility of nighttime BP measured on the two nights. The difference between nights in systolic BP (SBP) measured by the wrist‐device was not significant (1.6±7.0 mmHg, p = .124), while the difference in diastolic BP (DBP) was marginally significant (1.4±4.9 mmHg, p = .050). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for agreement between nights were high both in SBP and DBP average (SBP: 0.835, DBP: 0.804). Averaging only three points of SBP resulted in lower ICC values, but still indicated good correlations (ICC > 0.6). On the other hand, the correlations of the standard deviation and average real variability of SBP between nights were low, with ICCs of 0.220 and 0.436, respectively. In conclusion, the average SBP values measured on the first night were reliable even when averaging only three readings. The reproducibility of nighttime BP variability seemed inferior to that of BP average; it might be better to measure nighttime BP over multiple nights to assess BP variability. However, this hypothesis needs verification in other study population. In addition, our study population had well‐controlled BP, which limits the generalizability of this findings to all hypertensive patients.
Uncontrolled hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes: What are the correlates?
Authors: Rabizadeh Soghra , Gholami Bahareh , Mahmoudzadeh Kani Shiva , Rajab Armin , Farrokhpour Hossein , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr
Published: August 2021

Suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with adverse micro‐ and macrovascular complications. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of uncontrolled hypertension in an Iranian population with type 2 diabetes. This is a cross‐sectional study of 2612 patients with type 2 diabetes, including 944 patients with hypertension. Controlled and uncontrolled hypertension were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to determined independent predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Of 2612 patients with type 2 diabetes, 944 (36.1%) patients had hypertension. Of all patients with hypertension, 580 (61.4%) were still on monotherapy. Uncontrolled hypertension was detected in 536 participants (56.8%). Patients with uncontrolled hypertension had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (29.8±4.8 vs. 28.6±4.6), waist circumference (99.11±10.95 vs. 96.68±10.92), pulse pressure (67.3±17.3 vs. 48.4±10.7), total cholesterol (177.1±45.5 vs. 164.3±40.5), non‐HDL cholesterol (133.0±43.5 vs. 120.1±38.7), triglycerides (175.7±80.3 vs. 157.4±76.7), and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) (0.57±0.23 vs. 0.52±0.24) (p < .05 for all of them) compared to patients with controlled hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that uncontrolled hypertension was significantly associated with BMI (p = .001), pulse pressure (p = .001), total cholesterol (p = .006), and non‐HDL cholesterol (p = .009). In patients with triglycerides levels > 200 mg/dl non‐HDL cholesterol had a significant correlation with uncontrolled hypertension (OR = 4.635, CI95%:1.781–12.064, p = .002). In conclusion, BMI, pulse pressure, total cholesterol, and non‐HDL cholesterol are significant predictors of uncontrolled hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, ineffective monotherapy, medical inertia and patients’ non‐compliance were other contributors to the uncontrolled hypertension.
MicroRNA‐206 has a bright application prospect in the diagnosis of cases with oral cancer
Authors: Wang Lili , Song Hongguang , Yang Shiming
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have shown that microRNA‐206 (miR‐206) exhibits anti‐tumour properties in various tumours. Nevertheless, diagnostic significance of miR‐206 in oral cancer is still poorly known. Our research was carried out to explore the performance of miR‐206 in the diagnosis of oral cancer. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) method was adopted to measure the level of miR‐206 in serum specimens from oral cancer cases and control individuals. Chi‐square test was performed to analyse the correlation between miR‐206 level and clinicopathological parameters of the cases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constituted to assess diagnostic accuracy of miR‐206 in oral cancer. Serum miR‐206 level in oral cancer patients was significantly lower than that in control individuals (P < .001). miR‐206 expression was obviously related to T classification (P = .033), TNM stage (P = .008) and lymph node metastasis (P = .028). The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve was 0.846 (95% CI = 0.797‐0.896, P < .001) with a specificity of 72.7% and a sensitivity of 81.2%. It revealed that miR‐206 might be a non‐invasive indicator in differentiating oral cancer cases from control individuals. Down‐regulation of miR‐206 is related to the development of oral cancer. Serum miR‐206 might be an effective indicator for early detection of oral cancer.
Exogenous H2S prevents the nuclear translocation of PDC‐E1 and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in the diabetic state
Authors: Zhang Linxue , Jiang Xiaoshu , Liu Ning , Li Mingyu , Kang Jiaxin , Chen Lingxue , Tang Jingyuan , Dong Shiyun , Lu Fanghao , Zhang Weihua
Published: August 2021

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation induced by hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia; however, the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we observed lower H2S levels and higher expression of the proliferation‐related proteins PCNA and cyclin D1 in db/db mouse aortae and vascular smooth muscle cells treated with 40 mmol/L glucose and 500 μmol/L palmitate, whereas exogenous H2S decreased PCNA and cyclin D1 expression. The nuclear translocation of mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex‐E1 (PDC‐E1) was significantly increased in VSMCs treated with high glucose and palmitate, and it increased the level of acetyl‐CoA and histone acetylation (H3K9Ac). Exogenous H2S inhibited PDC‐E1 translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus because PDC‐E1 was modified by S‐sulfhydration. In addition, PDC‐E1 was mutated at Cys101. Overexpression of PDC‐E1 mutated at Cys101 increased histone acetylation (H3K9Ac) and VSMC proliferation. Based on these findings, H2S regulated PDC‐E1 S‐sulfhydration at Cys101 to prevent its translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus and to inhibit VSMC proliferation under diabetic conditions.
CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and coronary heart disease: A meta‐analysis of 40,979 subjects
Authors: Li Yan‐yan , Wang Hui , Zhang Yang‐yang
Published: August 2021

It has been implied that there is a possible relationship between cyclin‐dependent protein kinase inhibitors antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B‐AS1) gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility. However, as the research results are discrepant, no distinct consensus on this issue has been reached so far. In order to further elaborate the latent association of the CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and CHD, this present meta‐analysis was conducted. There were 40,979 subjects of 17 individual studies in the present meta‐analysis. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to determine the association strength. Considering the significant heterogeneity among the individual studies, the random‐effect models were used. In the current meta‐analysis, a significant association between CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and CHD was found under allelic (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.29, p = 4.83×10−4), recessive (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11–1.67, p = 0.003), dominant (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58–0.86, p = 6.26×10−4), heterozygous (OR:1.210, 95% CI: 1.076–1.360, p = 0.001), homozygous (OR: 1.394, 95% CI: 1.163–1.671, p = 3.31×10−4) and additive (OR: 1.180, 95% CI: 1.075–1.295, p = 4.83×10−4) genetic models. A more significant association between them was found in the Asian population than that in the whole population under these genetic models (p < 0.05). However, no significant association between them was found in the Caucasian population (p > 0.05). CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism was associated with CHD susceptibility, especially in the Asian population. G allele of CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism is the risk allele for CHD.
Impaired immunomodulatory capacity in adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells isolated from obese patients
Authors: Zhu Xiang‐Yang , Klomjit Nattawat , Conley Sabena M. , Ostlie Megan M. , Jordan Kyra L. , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: August 2021

Immune‐modulatory properties of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) might be susceptible to metabolic disturbances. We hypothesized that the immune‐modulatory function of MSCs might be blunted in obese human subjects. MSCs were collected from abdominal subcutaneous fat of obese and lean subjects during bariatric or kidney donation surgeries, respectively. MSCs were co‐cultured in vitro for 24 h with M1 macrophages, which were determined as M1or M2 phenotypes by flow cytometry, and cytokines measured in conditioned media. In vivo, lean or obese MSCs (5 × 105), or PBS, were injected into mice two weeks after unilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS) or sham surgeries (n = 6 each). Fourteen days later, kidneys were harvested and stained with M1 or M2 markers. Lean MSCs decreased macrophages M1 marker intensity, which remained elevated in macrophages co‐cultured with obese MSCs. TNF‐α levels were four‐fold higher in conditioned media collected from obese than from lean MSCs. RAS mouse kidneys were shrunk and showed increased M1 macrophage numbers and inflammatory cytokine expression compared with normal kidneys. Lean MSCs decreased M1 macrophages, M1/M2 ratio and inflammation in RAS kidneys, whereas obese MSCs did not. MSCs isolated from lean human subjects decrease inflammatory M1 macrophages both in vivo and in vitro, an immune‐modulatory function which is blunted in MSCs isolated from obese subjects.
Impact of wound microbiology on limb preservation in patients with diabetic foot infection
Authors: Hung Shih‐Yuan , Chiu Cheng‐Hsun , Huang Chung‐Huei , Lin Cheng‐Wei , Yeh Jiun‐Ting , Yang Hui‐Mei , Huang Yu‐Yao
Published: August 2021

Aims/Introduction:

To investigate the association between specific bacterial pathogens and treatment outcome in patients with limb‐threatening diabetic foot infection (LT‐DFI).

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive patients treated for LT‐DFI in a major diabetic foot center in Taiwan were analyzed between the years 2014 and 2017. Patients with positive wound culture results at first aid were enrolled. Clinical factors, laboratory data, and wound culture results were compared. Lower‐extremity amputations and in‐hospital mortality were defined as a poor outcome.

Results:

Among the 558 patients, 272 (48.7%) patients had lower extremity amputation and 22 (3.9%) patients had in‐hospital mortality. Gram‐negative bacterial (GNB) infection was the independent factor following factors adjustment. When all the 31 microorganisms were analyzed, onlyE. coli(adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.01; 95% CI, 1.60–5.65),Proteusspp. (aOR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.69–5.29), andPseudomonas aeruginosa(aOR, 2.00; 95% CI 1.20–3.32) were associated with poor outcome. The analysis of specific GNB species in association with major‐ or minor‐ amputation have been reported. No specific pathogen was associated with cause of death in patients with mortality within 30 days. The antimicrobial‐resistant strains were not associated with a poor treatment outcome.

Conclusions:

The presence of GNB was associated with limb amputations. This study provides insight into more timely and appropriate management of the diabetic foot infection.
Clinical and trichoscopic aspects of scalp psoriasis: commentary to ‘Clinical and trichoscopic features in various forms of scalp psoriasis’ by F. Bruni et al.
Authors: Lacarrubba F.
Published: August 2021

Linked article: F. Bruni et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35: 1830–1837. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17354
Life history of the endangered Japanese striped loach, Cobitis kaibarai (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), with special reference to its reproductive ecology and the influence of creek reshapings on its population density
Authors: Tazunoki Yuhei , Akashi Kasumi , Haramoto Sumire , Kita Akihito , Mochioka Yukari , Matsuda Hiroki , Ohta Kazuki , Tokuda Makoto
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the biodiversity of freshwater fishes has been markedly decreasing worldwide because of anthropogenic activities. The Japanese striped loach, Cobitis kaibarai (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), is a primary freshwater fish endemic to northern Kyushu, Japan. This species is designated as endangered IB class in the Red List by the Japan Ministry of the Environment. Its population is decreasing, possibly because of habitat loss and degradation. To conserve C. kaibarai populations, information on its basic ecology is necessary; nonetheless, its detailed life history and reproductive ecology have yet to be clarified. In this study, the authors conducted monthly capture–mark–recapture surveys and periodical observations to investigate the life history, spawning sites and season of C. kaibarai. They also evaluated the influence of creek reshaping (concrete revetment) on the C. kaibarai population in Saga Plain, northern Kyushu. Between 2015 and 2018, more individuals were captured during winter than summer. The average body width of females peaked in early June and small immatures were confirmed from July. Some individuals were captured across 15 or more months after their initial marking. In the survey of reproductive sites, eggs and larvae of C. kaibarai were found in shallow areas in mid‐June; these were temporarily submerged following the increase in water level from early June. Therefore, C. kaibarai spawns in shallow areas during this season. Based on the capture–mark–recapture surveys, the estimated population density of C. kaibarai significantly decreased in a census site that had undergone creek reshaping, which contrasted with the results in a control site, where no significant difference was detected. The standard length of C. kaibarai increased following creek reshaping, suggesting that the proportion of C. kaibarai postponing spawning had increased, possibly because of degradation of spawning environments. The results of this study provide important ecological knowledge for the conservation of C. kaibarai and emphasize the importance of shallow waters for floodplain spawners.
Modeling of flood extremes using regional frequency analysis of sites of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shafeeq ul Rehman , Hussain Zamir , Ahmad Ishfaq , Noor Farzana
Published: August 2021

The study provides results of regional frequency analysis (RFA) using annual maximum peak flows (AMPF) of 36 sites located on various streams and rivers of Khyber‐Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Assumptions of randomness, independent and identical distribution regarding AMPF at each site have been validated using different statistical tests. The region of 36 sites is heterogeneous as confirmed by L‐moments based heterogeneity measure. Therefore, it is subdivided into four homogeneous regions considering the most influential site characteristic among available using wards clustering method and Euclidean distance. To identify good‐fit‐regional distribution(s), from a set of popular three‐parameter distributions, L‐moment ratio diagram and |Z‐Dist| statistic are used as goodness‐of‐fit criteria. To obtain the most suitable distribution having robust properties, a simulation‐based assessment analysis is performed for each homogeneous region considering root mean square error and 95% error bounds of regional quantiles as accuracy measures. Due to non‐linearity (in the functional relationship between the mean of AMPF at various sites and their corresponding site characteristics) and the existence of multicollinearity between the site characteristics, radial basis function (RBF) network has been used for the estimation of quantiles at ungauged sites. The results show that the adopted methodology is useful for the estimation of quantiles at gauged and ungauged sites within the defined homogeneous regions.
Pain treatment and functional improvement in home health care: Relationship with dementia
Authors: Wang Jinjiao , Cato Kenrick , Conwell Yeates , Yu Fang , Heffner Kathi , Caprio Thomas V. , Nathan Kobi , Monroe Todd B. , Muench Ulrike , Li Yue
Published: August 2021

Background

Pain management is important to post‐acute functional recovery, yet older persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are often undertreated for pain. The main objectives were (1) to examine the relationship between ADRD and analgesic use among Medicare home health care (HHC) recipients with daily interfering pain, and (2) to examine the impact of analgesic use on functional outcome in patients with and without ADRD.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Medicare HHC claims, and HHC electronic medical records during a 60‐day HHC episode. The sample included 6048 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years receiving care from an HHC agency in New York in 2019 who reported daily interfering pain. Analgesic use was assessed during HHC medication reconciliation and included any analgesic, non‐opioid analgesic, and opioid. ADRD was identified from ICD‐10 codes (HHC claims) and cognitive impairment symptoms (Outcome and Assessment Information Set [OASIS]). Functional outcome was measured as change in the composite Activity of Daily Living (ADL) limitation score in the HHC episode.

Results

ADRD was related to a lower likelihood of using any analgesic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49, 0.90, p = 0.008) and opioids (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.62, p < 0.001), but not related to non‐opioid analgesic use (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.18, p = 0.58). Stratified analyses showed that any analgesic use (β = −0.43, 95% CI: −0.73, −0.13, p = 0.004) and non‐opioid analgesic use (β = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.56, −0.06, p = 0.016) were associated with greater ADL improvement in patients with ADRD, but not in patients without ADRD. Opioid use was not significantly related to ADL improvement regardless of ADRD status.

Conclusions

HHC patients with ADRD may be undertreated for pain, yet pain treatment is essential for functional improvement in HHC. HHC clinicians and policymakers should ensure adequate pain management for older persons with ADRD for improved functional outcomes.
Three wavelengths integrated: Efficacy and safety of a novel combination for hair removal
Authors: Naranjo García Pablo , López Andrino Rodolfo , Gómez González Carlos , Pinto Hernán
Published: August 2021

Background

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures.

Aims

The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel applicator combining three wavelengths (1064 nm, 810 nm, and 755 nm) for hair removal.

Patients/Methods

This prospective study included a four‐session hair removal treatment with three wavelengths combined and emitted simultaneously using an in‐motion technique. Patients were treated in eight‐week intervals between each session and a follow‐up of 3 months.

Results

Twenty‐two men (mean age 41.5 years, SD = 6.1) were included: two (9.1%) Fitzpatrick skin type II, 19 (86.4%) type III, and one (4.5%) type IV. Treated areas were two abdomens (14%), fourteen backs (64%), and five thoraxes (23%). Hair characteristics were evaluated with a dermatoscopic imaging system. Three months after the last session, the mean decrease in the hair count was of 75.6% (SD 5.9) (p < 0.0001), in hair density of 75.6% (SD 5.9) (p < 0.0001), in the terminal hair number of 60.1% (SD 55.0) (p < 0.0001), and in the vellus hair number of 39.7% (SD 72.9) (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The combined three different wavelengths in a single device provided a wide range of absorption and penetration, allowing for a safe and effective treatment.
Anti‐glycation activities of methyl gallate in vitro and in human explants
Authors: Shin Seoungwoo , Lee Jeesun , Yoon So Hyun , Park Deokhoon , Hwang Jae Sung , Jung Eunsun
Published: August 2021

Background

The build‐up of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is one of important factor of skin aging. Natural compounds with anti‐glycation activities might have great anti‐aging potential.

Aims

The objective of this study was to evaluate an anti‐glycation effects of methyl gallate as a potent ingredient for anti‐aging.

Methods

We first evaluated the AGEs inhibitory ability of methyl gallate in BSA/glucose system. Levels of Nε‐CML and carbonyl contents were also measured in BSA/glucose system. To further investigate if methyl gallate could prevent glycation in full‐thickness human skin explants. Glycation action was determined by the observation of the general morphology of dermis and epidermis structures and FBN‐1 and of CML immunostaining. In an in‐vivo study, primary irritation test was also performed to ensure the safety of methyl gallate for human skin.

Results

It is known that methyl gallate can suppress glycation reaction between BSA and glucose. Methyl gallate also has a remarkable potential to reduce the oxidation of proteins. Furthermore, the anti‐glycation activity of methyl gallate has been confirmed in a human skin ex‐vivo model. Methyl gallate decreased the expression of CML but stimulated the expression of FBN‐1 compared with MGO treatment. In an in‐vivo study, methyl gallate (0.1%) did not cause any skin irritation, suggesting that methyl gallate could be used as an active ingredient in cosmetics.

Conclusion

Our results showed that methyl gallate could protect against glucose‐mediated glycation in vitro. Furthermore, methyl gallate significantly prevented glycation in living human skin explants. Due to these beneficial effects, methyl gallate can be used to prevent or manage AGE‐mediated skin aging.
Conditions for staggering and delaying outplantings of the kelps Saccharina latissima and Alaria marginata for mariculture
Authors: Raymond Ann E. T. , Stekoll Michael S.
Published: August 2021

We describe a method for production of kelp using meiospore seeding creating flexibility for extended storage time prior to outplanting. One bottleneck to expansion of the kelp farming industry is the lack of flexibility in timing of seeded twine production, which is dependent on the fertility of wild sporophytes. We tested methods to slow gametophyte growth and reproduction of early life stages by manipulating temperature of the kelp Saccharina latissima. Reducing temperature from 12°C to 4°C reduced gametophyte size, sporophyte size, egg production, and sporophyte production and subsequently was the best candidate condition for storage experiments of seeded twine. Next, we examined how storage of Alaria marginata and S. latissima seeded twine at 4°C under differing nutrient concentrations affected the viability of sporelings after being moved into optimal growth conditions. Seeded twine storage at 4°C with no alteration to culturing media showed no negative effects in sporophyte density and sporophyte length for both species. This method for seeded twine storage, “cold banking,” allowed seeded twine storage for at least an additional 36 days compared to standard methods, with a total of 56 days spent in the hatchery providing opportunity for outplanting timing and staggering to enhance aquaculture efficiency.
Formation of chondrule analogs aboard the International Space Station
Authors: Koch Tamara E. , Spahr Dominik , Tkalcec Beverley J. , Lindner Miles , Merges David , Wilde Fabian , Winkler Björn , Brenker Frank E.
Published: August 2021

Chondrules are thought to play a crucial role in planet formation, but the mechanisms leading to their formation are still a matter of unresolved discussion. So far, experiments designed to understand chondrule formation conditions have been carried out only under the influence of terrestrial gravity. In order to introduce more realistic conditions, we developed a chondrule formation experiment, which was carried out at long‐term microgravity aboard the International Space Station. In this experiment, freely levitating forsterite (Mg2SiO4) dust particles were exposed to electric arc discharges, thus simulating chondrule formation via nebular lightning. The arc discharges were able to melt single dust particles completely, which then crystallized with very high cooling rates of >105 K h−1. The crystals in the spherules show a crystallographic preferred orientation of the [010] axes perpendicular to the spherule surface, similar to the preferred orientation observed in some natural chondrules. This microstructure is probably the result of crystallization under microgravity conditions. Furthermore, the spherules interacted with the surrounding gas during crystallization. We show that this type of experiment is able to form spherules, which show some similarities with the morphology of chondrules despite very short heating pulses and high cooling rates.
Metagenomic analysis reveals Culex mosquito virome diversity and Japanese encephalitis genotype V in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Sanborn Mark A. , Wuertz Kathryn McGuckin , Kim Heung‐Chul , Yang Yu , Li Tao , Pollett Simon D. , Jarman Richard G. , Berry Irina Maljkovic , Klein Terry A. , Hang Jun
Published: August 2021

Recent outbreaks of emerging and re‐emerging viruses have shown that timely detection of novel arboviruses with epidemic potential is essential to mitigate human health risks. There are rising concerns that emergent JEV genotype V (GV) is circulating in Asia, against which current vaccines may not be efficacious. To ascertain if JEV GV and other arboviruses are circulating in East Asia, we conducted next‐generation sequencing on 260 pools of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex bitaeniorhynchus mosquitoes (6540 specimens) collected at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea (ROK) in 2018. Interrogation of our data revealed a highly abundant and diverse virosphere that contained sequences from 122 distinct virus species. Our statistical and hierarchical analysis uncovered correlates of potential health, virological, and ecological relevance. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that JEV GV was circulating in Pyeongtaek and, retrospectively, in Seoul in 2016 and placed these findings within the context of human and fowl reservoir activity. Sequence‐based analysis of JEV GV showed a divergent genotype that is the most distant from the GIII‐derived live attenuated SA14‐14‐2 vaccine strain and indicated regions probably responsible for reduced antibody affinity. These results emphasize recent concerns of shifting JEV genotype in East Asia and highlight the critical need for a vaccine proven efficacious against this re‐emergent virus. Together, our one‐health approach to Culex viral metagenomics uncovered novel insights into virus ecology and human health.