bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of paternal exercise on physiological systems in the offspring
Authors: Vieira de Sousa Neto Ivo , Fontes Wagner , Prestes Jonato , de Cassia Marqueti Rita
Published: February 2021

A significant number of studies have demonstrated that paternal exercise modulates future generations via effects on the sperm epigenome. However, comprehensive information regarding the effects of exercise performed by the father on different tissues and their clinical relevance has not yet been explored in detail. This narrative review is focused on the effects of paternal exercise training on various physiological systems of offspring. A detailed mechanistic understanding of these effects could provide crucial clues for the exercise physiology field and aid the development of therapeutic approaches to mitigate disorders in future generations. Non‐coding RNA and DNA methylation are major routes for transmitting epigenetic information from parents to offspring. Resistance and treadmill exercise are the most frequently used modalities of planned and structured exercise in controlled experiments. Paternal exercise orchestrated protective effects over changes in fetus development and placenta inflammatory status. Moreover paternal exercise promoted modifications in the ncRNA profiles, gene and protein expression in the hippocampus, left ventricle, skeletal muscle, tendon, liver and pancreas in the offspring, while the transgenerational effects are unknown. Paternal exercise demonstrates clinical benefits to the offspring and provides a warning on the harmful effects of a paternal unhealthy lifestyle. Exercise in fathers is presented as one of the most logical and cost‐effective ways of restoring health in the offspring and, consequently, modifying the phenotype. It is important to consider that paternal programming might have unique significance in the developmental origins of offspring diseases.
Hoklo speakers and Taiwanese identity in south Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chun‐Ying
Published: February 2021

Taiwanese identity is distinct from and juxtaposed against the Chinese identity. What explains the emergence of a Taiwanese identity – specifically in the south? This identity formation is surprising considering the multiple decades of authoritarian rule where the government championed a Chinese identity. In this article, weargue that the Taiwanese identity manifested from a linguistic tension betweenHokloand Mandarinspeakers.And while the Kuomintang adopted a strict Mandarin monolingual policy, thehomogeneity of theHoklo speakers in the south – i.e., they constituted a minimal winningsizeand they were regionally concentrated –ensured the survival of theHoklovernacular. This vernacular would become the instrument for the formation of a Taiwanese identity. In contrast,we see initial push back from the Hakka speakers who were excluded from the narrative of Taiwanese identity. Likewise,in the north where there weregreater linguistic heterogeneity and increasing interethnic marriages, Taiwanese identity was not as coherent.
Examining obstetric interventions and respectful maternity care in Hungary: Do informal payments for continuity of care link to quality?
Authors: Rubashkin Nicholas , Baji Petra , Szebik Imre , Schmidt Erika , Vedam Saraswathi
Published: February 2021

Background

In Hungary, 60% of women pay informally to secure continuity with a “chosen” provider for prenatal care and birth. It is unclear if paying informally influences quality of maternity care. This study examined associations between incentivized continuity care models and obstetric procedures and respectful care.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional survey of a representative sample of Hungarian women (N = 589) in 2014. We calculated descriptive statistics comparing experiences among women who paid informally for continuity with a chosen provider with those who received care in the public health system. After adjusting for social and clinical covariates, we used logistic regression to estimate the odds of obstetric procedures and disrespectful care and linear regression to estimate the level of autonomy (MADM scale).

Results

Of women in our sample, 317 (53%) saw a chosen doctor, 68 (11%) a chosen midwife, and 204 (33%) had care in the public system. Women who paid an obstetrician informally had the highest rates of cesarean (49.5%), induction of labor (31.2%), and epidural (15%), and reported lower rates of disrespectful care (41%) compared to public care (64%). Paying for continuity with an obstetrician significantly predicted cesarean (aOR 1.61 [95%CI 1.00‐2.58]), episiotomy (2.64, [1.39‐5.03]), and epidural (3.15 [1.07‐9.34]), but not induction of labor (1.59 [0.99‐2.57]). Informal payment continuity models predicted increased autonomy scores (doctor: 3.97, 95% CI 2.39‐5.55; midwife: 7.37, 95% CI 5.36‐9.34) and reduced odds of disrespectful care. There were no differences in the prevalence of scheduled cesareans or inductions performed without a medical indication.

Conclusions

Continuity models secured with informal payments significantly increased both women's experience of respectful care and rates of obstetric procedures. Intervention rates exceed global standards, and women do not choose elective procedures to preserve continuity.
Evolution of the strikingly diverse submandibular muscles in Anura
Authors: Elias‐Costa Agustín J. , Araujo‐Vieira Katyuscia , Faivovich Julián
Published: February 2021

The most ventral muscles of the head (the mm. submentalis, intermandibularis, and interhyoideus) provide support to the gular region and lift the buccal floor during ventilation and feeding. These muscles show limited variation in most gnathostomes, but in Anura they exhibit a surprising diversity. The few studies that have explored this character system highlighted its potential as a source of phylogenetic information. In this paper we explored the diversity of this character system studying specimens of 567 anuran species and reviewing published data to cover a total of 1321 species, belonging to 53 of the 54 currently recognized anuran families, as well as caudates and caecilians. We defined 27 discrete characters including the number of muscle bellies, supplementary layers, hypertrophy and diversity of elastic fibres, and pigmentation, among others, and optimized them on a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis. We recognized 223 unambiguously optimized synapomorphies for numerous clades on different scales, including three for Anura and many for suprafamiliar clades with poor phenotypic support. Finally, we discussed the evolution of this highly diverse character system, including homology, development, and its functional role in vocalization and feeding. Interestingly, the striking levels of variation in some structures contrast with the amount of phylogenetic inertia, allowing us to recognize several general patterns. Supplementary elements of the m. intermandibularis evolved first as broad layers occuring in more than half of extant anuran species and then concentrated forming discreet bellies in several clades. The anterior portion of the gular region is not sexually dimorphic, and is likely related to ventilation and tongue protraction. Conversely, the diversity of the m. interhyoideus is strongly linked to vocal sacs, which are present only in adult males, suggesting the presence of two independent modules.
Forecasting for intended consequences
Authors: Mozelewski Tina G. , Scheller Robert M.
Published: February 2021

Restoration and conservation innovations face numerous challenges that often limit widespread adoption, including uncertainty of outcomes, risk averse or status quo biased management, and unknown trade‐offs. These barriers often result in cautious conservation that does not consider the true cost of impeding innovation, and overemphasizes the risks of unintended consequences versus the opportunities presented by proactive and innovative conservation, the intended consequences. Simulation models are powerful tools for forecasting and evaluating the potential outcomes of restoration or conservation innovations prior to on‐the‐ground deployment. These forecasts provide information about the potential trade‐offs among the risks and benefits of candidate management actions, elucidating the likelihood that an innovation will achieve its intended consequences and at what cost. They can also highlight when and where business‐as‐usual management may incur larger costs than alternative management approaches over the long‐term. Forecasts inform the decision‐making process prior to the implementation of emergent, proactive practices at broad scales, lending support for management decisions and reducing the barriers to innovation. Here we review the science, motivations, and challenges of forecasting for restoration and conservation innovations.
Opening learning spaces to create actionable knowledge for conservation
Authors: Stern Marc J. , Briske David D. , Meadow Alison M.
Published: February 2021

The limited application of science to environmental management has been termed the “science‐management knowledge gap.” This gap is widely assumed to be a consequence of inefficient knowledge transfer from science to application. However, this metaphor misrepresents knowledge as a “thing” that can be readily exchanged in complex systems, rather than a “process of relating” that involves negotiation and dialogue among stakeholders. We advocate for development of a more explicit alternative model of knowledge creation founded on Nonaka's Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation, which emphasizes how knowledge is converted into more usable forms through socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization within “learning spaces.” Effective learning spaces require sufficient trust to enable open, honest, and receptive interactions among stakeholders. We advocate that greater emphasis on knowledge conversions within effectively designed learning spaces will accelerate development of actionable knowledge beyond that of existing models.
Species distribution, hybridization and connectivity in the genusChionodraco: Unveiling unknown icefish diversity in antarctica
Authors: Schiavon Luca , Dulière Valérie , La Mesa Mario , Marino Ilaria Anna Maria , Codogno Giuditta , Boscari Elisa , Riginella Emilio , Battistotti Alessandra , Lucassen Magnus , Zane Lorenzo , Papetti Chiara
Published: February 2021

Aim

The species of the genusChionodraco(Notothenioidei) are the most abundant icefish on the continental shelf of the Weddell Sea. While previous studies indicated that onlyChionodraco hamatusandChionodraco myersiinhabit the Weddell Sea, the thirdChionodracospecies,Chionodraco rastrospinosus, was recently sampled in the area. AsC. rastrospinosusis supposed to be found only at the Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Arc, this study aimed at confirming the species classification ofC. rastrospinosusby molecular methods and identifying its putative source population. Given the documented evidence of introgression among the three species, we tested whether the newly foundC. rastrospinosusshared any genetic variability with the otherChionodracospecies. To explain the pattern of distribution of theChionodracospecies, we aimed at estimating the hydrodynamic connectivity between the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea.

Location

Antarctic Peninsula, southern Scotia Arc and the south‐eastern Weddell Sea.

Methods

We genotyped 19 microsatellites and sequenced the mitochondrial D‐loop for 560Chionodracoindividuals. We simulated the dispersal of more than 3 million drifters (Lagrangian model).

Results

The molecular analyses support the presence ofC. rastrospinosusin the Weddell Sea and its homogeneity withC. rastrospinosusfrom the Antarctic Peninsula. Bayesian clustering identifies three putative hybrids amongC. rastrospinosusand the other congenerics. Lagrangian simulations do not support connectivity driven by the oceanographic features of the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea via passive larval dispersal only.

Main conclusions

This study documents, for the first time, the presence ofC. rastrospinosusin the Weddell Sea unveiling more biodiversity than previously known in this region. The sympatry of the threeChionodracospecies explains the occurrence of occasional, ongoing events of hybridization in the genus. Alternative possible hypotheses need to be tested in future studies about the mechanisms maintaining the interspecific connectivity inChionodracospp.
Occurrence and diversity of Phytophthora species in declining broadleaf forests in western Ukraine
Authors: Matsiakh Iryna , Kramarets Volodymyr , Cleary Michelle
Published: February 2021

In western Ukraine, forest decline and dieback of several broadleaved tree species have become increasingly evident during recent years, and surveys in some areas have shown symptoms indicative of Phytophthora infections. In this study, we aimed to determine the occurrence and diversity of Phytophthora species associated with several broadleaved tree species (Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur) from forest stands where dieback has been observed. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from 14 forest stands during 2017 and 2018 and tested for the presence of Phytophthora species using morphological and molecular methods. Seven Phytophthora species (P. bilorbang, P. cactorum, P. gallica, P. gonapodyides, P. lacustris, P. plurivora and P. polonica), and two other clade six taxa were detected from the various forest types, several of which are probable agents responsible for decline. Four of the Phytophthora species (P. bilorbang, P. gallica, P. plurivora and P. polonica) have previously never been reported from broadleaf forests in Ukraine.
Virulence of seven pathogenicbursaphelenchus xylophilusisolates inpinus pinasterandpinus radiataseedlings and its relation with multiplication
Authors: Menéndez‐Gutiérrez María , Villar Lucía , Díaz Raquel
Published: February 2021

Recent new outbreaks ofBursaphelenchus xylophilusin Spain and adverse pine wilt disease expansion forecasts must be met with rapid advances in genetic breeding against this pathogen. The optimal approach for breeding trees that are more resistant to pine wilt disease is to use the most virulent isolates in inoculation assays. A series of controlled inoculation experiments onBotrytis cinereacultures, along withPinus pinasterandP. radiatabranch sections and seedlings, was conducted to investigate differences among seven virulentB. xylophilusisolates of diverse geographic origin (USA745 from USA, KA4 and S10 from Japan, Pt52T and Pt72CH from Portugal, SpPO1 and SpSA1 from Spain). Results from the experiments showed significant differences amongB. xylophilusisolates. The virulence classification of the isolates studied differed forP. pinasterandP. radiata, indicating that PWN isolates vary according to host specificity. Isolates Pt52T and SpP01 proved the most virulent toP. pinaster, so either of them could be used as ‘test isolates’ in future assays to identify resistant or tolerant genotypes. ForP. radiata, any isolate except SpSA1 could be used, as all the others were more virulent and all presented the same significant level of virulence. The results indicate that use ofP. pinasterbranch sections, rather thanP. radiatabranch sections or multiplication assays onB. cinerea, could be an accurate, time‐saving method for evaluating virulence levels of newB. xylophilusisolates.
When Single Parents Marry: Do Children Benefit Academically?
Authors: Usevitch Matthew T. , Dufur Mikaela J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

The objective of this research is to determine whether children born to single parents benefit academically if their parents marry.

Background

Children born to single parents have on average worse educational outcomes than peers who live with married parents, but transitions to a married parent family are not well understood.

Method

We use the U.S. Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Cohort of 1998 to create two groups of children born to single parents: children who remain in a stable single‐parent family (n = 220) and children whose single parent marries (n = 392). We examine differences in reading and math test scores in context of potential confounding variables.

Results

Initial findings suggest that children born to single parents whose parents marry perform better than do their peers in stable single‐parent families, but this effect disappears when controls for financial and human capital, race, and stress are included.

Conclusion

Financial and human capital resources explain the perceived benefit of parent marriage, suggesting benefits of marriage accrue due to selectivity factors among parents more likely to marry. Other factors, such as stress, race, and number of siblings, play a role.

Implications

Determining the nature of the link between parental marriage and educational outcomes has important policy implications as to whether marriage should be promoted as an educational benefit to children.
Maternal Race‐Related Stressors and African American Adolescents' Academic and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Holloway Kathleen , Varner Fatima
Published: February 2021

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to use the integrative model for the Study of Stress in Black American Families to test whether a set of maternal race‐related stressors were related to adolescents' academic and behavioral outcomes through maternal depressive symptoms and involved‐vigilant parenting. Gender differences in these relations were tested also.

Background

Research on race‐related stressors has predominantly focused on the role of personal racial discrimination experiences on individual outcomes. Yet parents' vicarious and anticipated racial discrimination also may be related to parents' psychological functioning, family processes, and adolescent development.

Method

Path analyses were conducted in Mplus 8.2 using online survey data from a national sample of 317 African American mothers of adolescents to examine direct and indirect relations between maternal personal, vicarious, and anticipated racial discrimination, and adolescents' problem behaviors, grades, and academic persistence.

Results

Maternal personal racial discrimination experiences were positively related to adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors directly and indirectly through maternal depressive symptoms and involved‐vigilant parenting. Anticipated racial discrimination and vicarious racial discrimination were indirectly related to better adolescent outcomes through positive relations with maternal involved‐vigilant parenting.

Conclusion

Maternal personal, vicarious, and anticipated racial discrimination act differently in relation to adolescent competencies in African American families.
A guide to the composition and functions of the extracellular matrix
Authors: Karamanos Nikos K. , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Piperigkou Zoi , Manou Dimitra , Passi Alberto , Skandalis Spyros S. , Vynios Demitrios H. , Orian‐Rousseau Véronique , Ricard‐Blum Sylvie , Schmelzer Christian E.H. , Duca Laurent , Durbeej Madeleine , Afratis Nikolaos A. , Troeberg Linda , Franchi Marco , Masola Valentina , Onisto Maurizio
Published: February 2021

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic 3‐dimensional network of macromolecules that provides structural support for the cells and tissues. Accumulated knowledge clearly demonstrated over the last decade that ECM plays key regulatory roles since it orchestrates cell signaling, functions, properties and morphology. Extracellularly secreted as well as cell‐bound factors are among the major members of the ECM family. Proteins/glycoproteins, such as collagens, elastin, laminins and tenascins, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronan, and their cell receptors such as CD44 and integrins, responsible for cell adhesion, comprise a well‐organized functional network with significant roles in health and disease. On the other hand, enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases and specific glycosidases including heparanase and hyaluronidases contribute to matrix remodeling and affect human health. Several cell processes and functions, among them cell proliferation and survival, migration, differentiation, autophagy, angiogenesis, and immunity regulation are affected by certain matrix components. Structural alterations have been also well associated with disease progression. This guide on the composition and functions of the ECM gives a broad overview of the matrisome, the major ECM macromolecules, and their interaction networks within the ECM and with the cell surface, summarizes their main structural features and their roles in tissue organization and cell functions, and emphasizes the importance of specific ECM constituents in disease development and progression as well as the advances in molecular targeting of ECM to design new therapeutic strategies.
Global projections of the soil microbiome in the Anthropocene
Authors: Guerra Carlos A. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Duarte Eliana , Marigliano Orlando , Görgen Christiane , Maestre Fernando T. , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: February 2021

Aim

Soil microbes are essential for maintenance of life‐supporting ecosystem services, but projections of how these microbes will be affected by global change scenarios are lacking. Therefore, our aim was to provide projections of future soil microbial distribution using several scenarios of global change.

Location

Global.

Time period

1950–2090.

Major taxa studied

Bacteria and fungi.

Methods

We used a global database of soil microbial communities across six continents to estimate past and future trends of the soil microbiome. To do so, we used structural equation models to include the direct and indirect effects of changes in climate and land use in our predictions, using current climate (temperature and precipitation) and land‐use projections between 1950 and 2090.

Results

Local bacterial richness will increase in all scenarios of change in climate and land use considered, although this increase will be followed by a generalized community homogenization process affecting > 85% of terrestrial ecosystems. Changes in the relative abundance of functional genes associated with the increases in bacterial richness are also expected. Based on an ecological cluster analysis, our results suggest that phylotypes such asGeodermatophilusspp. (typical desert bacteria),Mycobacteriumsp. (which are known to include important human pathogens),Streptomyces mirabilis(major producers of antibiotic resistance genes) or potential fungal soil‐borne plant pathogens belonging to Ascomycota fungi (Venturiaspp.,Devriesiaspp.) will become more abundant in their communities.

Main conclusions

Our results provide evidence that climate change has a stronger influence on soil microbial communities than change in land use (often including deforestation and agricultural expansion), although most of the effects of climate are indirect, through other environmental variables (e.g., changes in soil pH). The same was found for microbial functions such as the prevalence of phosphate transport genes. We provide reliable predictions about the changes in the global distribution of microbial communities, showing an increase in alpha diversity and a homogenization of soil microbial communities in the Anthropocene.
Effects of sodium butyrate supplementation on inflammation, gut microbiota, and short‐chain fatty acids in Helicobacter pylori‐infected mice
Authors: Huang Yumei , Ding Yinhuan , Xu Huiyuan , Shen Cheng , Chen Xia , Li Changping
Published: February 2021

Background

Inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the basis for the pathogenesis of H. pylori. Butyric acid, a diet‐related microbial‐associated metabolite, is connected to inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases. Several studies have indicated the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) against bacteria; however, the effects of SB on the main virulence factors of H. pylori, H. pylori‐induced inflammation, and gut microbiota composition remain unclear.

Materials and Methods

SB was supplemented in H. pylori coculture and administered to mice infected with H. pylori. The effects of SB intake on inflammation, gut microbiota composition, and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in H. pylori‐infected mice were assessed.

Results

The in vitro experiments demonstrated that SB not only inhibited the growth of H. pylori but also decreased the mRNA expression of CagA and VacA. SB intake reduced the production of virulence factors in H. pylori‐infected mice, inhibited the IκBα/NF‐κB pathway by reducing the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), and reduced the production of TNF‐α and IL‐8. Further analysis demonstrated that H. pylori infection altered the relative abundance of the intestinal microbial community in mice. The level of SCFAs in the feces of H. pylori‐infected mice was changed, although the intake of SB did not obviously change the level of SCFAs.

Conclusions

Our study showed that SB may decrease H. pylori‐induced inflammation by inhibiting the viability and virulence of H. pylori and may reduce inflammation in association with the gut microbiota in H. pylori‐infected mice. This study may provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which SB, a diet‐related microbial‐associated metabolite, affects H. pylori‐induced disease development.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of selected cell lineage markers (CD4, CD8, CD68, c‐Kit, Foxp3, CD56, CD20) in cutaneous variant of lichen planus
Authors: Żychowska Magdalena , Woźniak Zdzislaw , Baran Wojciech
Published: February 2021

Background

Lichen planus (LP) is considered to be an immune‐mediated disease of a not fully understood etiology. There are scarce data on the immune cells forming the band‐like infiltration in cutaneous LP (CLP). The objective of the current study was to investigate the immunohistochemical pattern of cells forming the infiltrate in CLP by assessing the immunoexpression of selected cell lineage markers.

Methods

The immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of CD4, CD8, CD20, CD56, CD68, c‐Kit, and Foxp3 was performed in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) biopsy specimens from 14 cases of CLP and 11 healthy volunteers.

Results

The expression of CD4 (P < 0.001), CD8 (P < 0.001), CD68 (P < 0.001), Foxp3 (P < 0.001), CD56 (v = 0.019), and CD20 (P < 0.001) was significantly higher in lesional skin in CLP compared to healthy controls. The ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells in the infiltrate was 1.75:1. The expression of Foxp3, CD56, and CD20 was markedly lower than the expression of CD4 and CD8. There was no statistically significant difference in c‐Kit expression between CLP lesions and healthy skin (P = 0.57).

Conclusions

We found a wide variety of immune cells in the inflammatory infiltrate in CLP. The expression of CD4, CD8, CD68, Foxp3, CD56, and CD20 was significantly increased in CLP, while the expression of c‐Kit was comparable in lesional skin and controls. The presence of various cell populations, including T regulatory cells, NK cells, and B cells, may indicate a complex pathogenesis of CLP.
Elite philanthropy in the United States and United Kingdom in the new age of inequalities
Authors: Maclean Mairi , Harvey Charles , Yang Ruomei , Mueller Frank
Published: February 2021

Elite philanthropy—voluntary giving at scale by wealthy individuals, couples and families—is intimately bound up with the exercise of power by elites. This theoretically oriented review examines how big philanthropy in the United States and United Kingdom serves to extend elite control from the domain of the economic to the domains of the social and political, and with what results. Elite philanthropy, we argue, is not simply a benign force for good, born of altruism, but is heavily implicated in what we call the new age of inequalities, certainly as consequence and potentially as cause. Philanthropy at scale pays dividends to donors as much as it brings sustenance to beneficiaries. The research contribution we make is fourfold. First, we demonstrate that the true nature and effects of elite philanthropy can only be understood in the context of what Bourdieu calls the field of power, which maintains the economic, social and political hegemony of the super‐rich, nationally and globally. Second, we demonstrate how elite philanthropy systemically concentrates power in the hands of mega foundations and the most prestigious endowed charitable organizations. Third, we explicate the similarities and differences between the four main types of elite philanthropy—institutionally supportive, market‐oriented, developmental and transformational—revealing how and why different sections within the elite express themselves through philanthropy. Fourth, we show how elite philanthropy functions to lock in and perpetuate inequalities rather than remedying them. We conclude by outlining proposals for future research, recognizing that under‐specification of constructs has hitherto limited the integration of philanthropy within the mainstream of management and organizational research.
Leadership training and organizational learning climate: Measuring influences based on a field experiment in education
Authors: Daniëls Ellen , Muyters Gertjan , Hondeghem Annie
Published: February 2021

Research considering the effects of leadership training and development is underresearched. However, leadership behaviour can generate greater levels of performance and satisfaction. In this study, the effect of a group reflective learning programme for school leaders is examined. The study questions whether leadership development, using a group reflective learning programme that focuses on coaching skills, can influence teacher perceptions of the organizational learning climate. Gaining a deeper insight in factors influencing organizational learning climate is important because organizational learning climate is associated with job motivation, job satisfaction, positive working conditions and the optimizing of training outcomes. Hence, a positive organizational learning climate can contribute to organizational performance, in the case of primary education delivering quality education to pupils. Based on a sample of 289 teachers, it turned out that school leaders’ participation in the group reflective learning programme resulted in a significant increase of teachers’ perceptions of the organizational learning climate. The results are inspiring for scholars, policy makers and practitioners.
Desecuritizing migration in Greece: Contesting securitization through “flexicuritization”
Authors: Georgia Dimari
Published: February 2021

Despite emerging securitization patterns all over Europe and although desecuritization has occasionally been suggested as a possible alternative to security discourses, it has remained, however, severely underexplored. Implications pertaining to the polarization of the security‐migration nexus are traceable both in the host state as well as in the overall life quality of migrants and refugees. As far as Greece is concerned, the migration‐related security discourse has penetrated all layers of the social and political fabric with serious consequences both for those that remain in the country as well as for the political imprint of Greece. Yet, despite limited conceptual attempts to explore the desecuritization of migration dynamics in Greece, there remains a huge research gap. The aim of this paper was to present a desecuritization framework for Greece, through the management and supervision of migratory flows. Drawing insights from conceptual understandings, a pragmatic, utilitarian, flexible and positive form of desecuritization is proposed, called "flexicuritization", which constitutes a feasible and implementable solution in the Greek case. It is argued that desecuritization presupposes a pragmatic view of security leading policymakers to the management of migration through monitoring and supervision. At a theoretical and synthetic level, this strategy will include elements from the three theoretical schools of realism, liberalism and constructivism. The purpose of this flexible strategy is to become a precursor to integration under conditions that are consistent and in the spirit of the flows and the number of migrants / refugees currently in Greece. A case study method will be used, based on Paul Roe's (2004) desecuritization strategy for ethnic minorities in the Greek migration context.
The effectiveness of a new dried human amnion derived membrane in addition to standard care in treating diabetic foot ulcers: A patient and assessor blind, randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Game Fran , Gray Katie , Davis Daniel , Sherman Rachelle , Chokkalingam Kamal , Connan Zak , Fakis Apostolos , Jones Michael
Published: February 2021

Recent reviews suggest that amniotic membrane products may accelerate healing of diabetic foot ulcers. A new dried human amniotic membrane (dHAM) has been used for ocular ulcers but not for diabetic foot ulcers. This was a multi‐centre, prospective, patient and observer blind, randomised controlled pilot trial, to investigate whether 2 weekly addition of the dHAM to standard care versus standard care alone increased the proportion of healed participants' index foot ulcers within 12 weeks. Thirty‐one people (mean age 59.8 years, 81% male, 87% type 2 diabetes) were randomised (15 dHAM, 16 usual care). Within 12 weeks, healing occurred in 4 (27%) ulcers in the dHAM group versus 1 (6.3%) usual care group (P = .1). Percentage wound area reduction was higher in the dHAM versus control group. (P = .0057). There was no difference in AEs between the two groups. Six participants allocated to dHAM correctly identified their treatment group, although 5 in usual care incorrectly thought they were in the intervention arm. This pilot trial result is encouraging showing that this dHAM preparation is safe and promising treatment. These results will be used to design a statistically powered, definitive double blind randomised controlled trial.
Little evidence of range size conservatism in freshwater plants across two continents
Authors: Vieira Denner S. , García‐Girón Jorge , Heino Jani , Toivanen Maija , Helm Aveliina , Alahuhta Janne
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aim

Range size conservatism suggests that closely‐related species maintain geographic ranges of similar extent. However, consensus regarding this suggestion has not been reached. To shed more light on this phenomenon, we studied freshwater plant range size conservatism, range overlap and environmental niche conservatism using congeneric species comparison in two continents. In addition, we investigated whether a phylogenetic signal is found in the range sizes of aquatic plants.

Location

Europe and North America.

Taxon

Freshwater plants.

Methods

Across spatial resolutions (50 km2, 100 km2and 200 km2), we applied Spearman correlations among 347 and 730 pairs of congeneric species in Europe and North America, respectively, and 63 pairs shared between them. In addition, Spearman correlations were used to evaluate how the degree of spatial overlap influences range sizes and which environmental variables explain variation in range sizes. Brownian evolutionary model was used to assess the phylogenetic signal in species range sizes.

Results

We found no evidence of range size conservatism across spatial resolutions for any species and species shared between the continents. In addition, range sizes of more closely related species did not overlap geographically more than those of distantly related ones and no support for environmental niche conservatism was evidenced.

Main conclusions

We found that aquatic plants show no range size conservatism in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that it is challenging to define different range sizes of freshwater plants through species traits. Furthermore, we are unable to predict unknown distributions of extant aquatic plant species based on known distributional attributes of closely related species. However, our findings suggest that the interpretations of previous investigations on the range sizes of aquatic plants remain valid due to lack of range size conservatism. These practical implications encourage studying range size conservatism across realms and regions, especially for understudied organismal groups.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of CSF neurofilaments in a cohort of patients with motor neuron disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gagliardi Delia , Faravelli Irene , Meneri Megi , Saccomanno Domenica , Govoni Alessandra , Magri Francesca , Ricci Giulia , Siciliano Gabriele , Pietro Comi Giacomo , Corti Stefania
Published: February 2021

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a rare group of disorders characterized by degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). The most common form of MND, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is an incurable disease with a variable rate of progression. The search of robust biomarkers able to discriminate among different ALS forms is paramount to properly stratify patients, and to identify those who could most likely benefit from experimental therapies. Phosphorylated‐neurofilament heavy chain (p‐NfH) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) are neuron‐specific components of the cytoskeleton and may represent reliable markers of neuronal injury in neurological disorders. In this study, we described our cohort of ALS patients in order to investigate whether and how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) p‐NfH and NfL levels may reflect progression rate, MN involvement and the extent of neurodegeneration. CSF p‐NfH and NfL were significantly increased in ALS compared with healthy and disease controls, including patients with other forms of MND, and were higher in patients with more aggressive disease course, reflecting progression rate. We also evaluated neurofilament diagnostic accuracy in our centre, identifying with high sensitivity and 100% specificity cut‐off values of 0.652 ng/mL for CSF p‐NfH (P < .0001) and of 1261 pg/mL for NfL (P < .0001) in discriminating ALS from healthy controls. CSF neurofilaments were significantly correlated with ALS progression rate. Overall, CSF neurofilaments appear to reflect the burden of neurodegeneration in MND and represent reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in ALS.
MicroRNA‐130a inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by suppressing autophagy via ATG2B
Authors: Zheng Liang , Wang Zhecun , Li Zilun , Wang Mian , Wang Wenjian , Chang Guangqi
Published: February 2021

Numerous microRNAs participate in regulating the pathological process of atherosclerosis. We have found miR‐130a is one of the most significantly down‐regulated microRNAs in arteriosclerosis obliterans. Our research explored the function of miR‐130a in regulating proliferation by controlling autophagy in arteriosclerosis obliterans development. A Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of miR‐130a target genes indicated a correlation between miR‐130a and cell proliferation. Thus, cell cycle, CCK‐8 assays and Western blot analysis were performed, and the results indicated that miR‐130a overexpression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) significantly attenuated cell proliferation, which was validated by an in vivo assay in a rat model. Moreover, autophagy is thought to be involved in the regulation of proliferation. As our results indicated, miR‐130a could inhibit autophagy, and ATG2B was predicted to be a target of miR‐130a. The autophagy inhibition effect of miR‐130a overexpression was consistent with the effect of ATG2B knockdown. The results that ATG2B plasmids and miR‐130a mimics were cotransfected in VSMCs further confirmed our conclusion. In addition, by using immunohistochemistry, the positive results of LC3 II/I and ATG2B in the rat model and artery vascular tissues from the patient were in accordance with in vitro data. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that miR‐130a inhibits VSMCs proliferation via ATG2B, which indicates that miR‐130a could be a potential therapeutic target that regulates autophagy in atherosclerosis obliterans.
The aberrant expression in epithelial cells of the mesenchymal isoform of FGFR2 controls the negative crosstalk between EMT and autophagy
Authors: Ranieri Danilo , Nanni Monica , Guttieri Luisa , Torrisi Maria Rosaria , Belleudi Francesca
Published: February 2021

Signalling of the epithelial splicing variant of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2b) triggers both differentiation and autophagy, while the aberrant expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform in epithelial cells induces impaired differentiation, inhibition of autophagy as well as the induction of the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In light of the widely proposed negative loop linking autophagy and EMT in the early steps of carcinogenesis, here we investigated the possible involvement of FGFR2c aberrant expression and signalling in orchestrating this crosstalk in human keratinocytes. Biochemical, molecular, quantitative immunofluorescence analysis and in vitro invasion assays, coupled to the use of specific substrate inhibitors and transient or stable silencing approaches, showed that AKT/MTOR and PKCε are the two hub signalling pathways, downstream FGFR2c, intersecting with each other in the control of both the inhibition of autophagy and the induction of EMT and invasive behaviour. These results indicate that the expression of FGFR2c, possibly resulting from FGFR2 isoform switch, could represent a key upstream event responsible for the establishment of a negative interplay between autophagy and EMT, which contributes to the assessment of a pathological oncogenic profile in epithelial cells.
Characterization of an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related signature to evaluate immune features and predict prognosis in glioma
Authors: Zhang Qing , Guan Gefei , Cheng Peng , Cheng Wen , Yang Lianhe , Wu Anhua
Published: February 2021

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has considerable impact on cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, invasion, angiogenesis and chemoradiotherapy resistance in various cancers. However, the effect of ER stress on the outcomes of glioma patients remains unclear. In this study, we established an ER stress risk model based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioma data set to reflect immune characteristics and predict the prognosis of glioma patients. Survival analysis indicated that there were significant differences in the overall survival (OS) of glioma patients with different ER stress‐related risk scores. Moreover, the ER stress‐related risk signature, which was markedly associated with the clinicopathological properties of glioma patients, could serve as an independent prognostic indicator. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the risk model correlated with immune and inflammation responses, as well as biosynthesis and degradation. In addition, the ER stress‐related risk model indicated an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In conclusion, we present an ER stress risk model that is an independent prognostic factor and indicates the general immune characteristics in the glioma microenvironment.
FXR‐mediated epigenetic regulation of GLP‐1R expression contributes to enhanced incretin effect in diabetes after RYGB
Authors: Kong Xiangchen , Feng Linxian , Yan Dan , Li Bingfeng , Yang Yanhui , Ma Xiaosong
Published: February 2021

In this study, we investigated how Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) enhances glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) response in GK rats and explored the potential link between RYGB‐stimulated BAs/FXR signalling and GLP‐1R‐linked signalling in β‐cells, a key pathway that regulates glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Here we show that RYGB restores GLP‐1R expression in GK rat islets. This involves increased total BAs as well as chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), leading to FXR activation, increasing FXR binding to the promoter of Glp‐1r and enhancing occupancy of histone acetyltransferase steroid receptor coactivator‐1 (SRC1), thus increasing histone H3 acetylation at the promoter. These coordinated events bring about increased GLP‐1R expression, resulting in greater GLP‐1 response in β‐cells. Moreover, ablation of FXR suppressed the stimulatory effects of GLP‐1. Thus, this study unravels the crucial role of the BAs/FXR/SRC1 axis‐controlled GLP‐1R expression in β‐cells, which results in enhanced incretin effect and normalized blood glucose of GK rats after RYGB.
Lenvatinib prevents liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and sinusoidal capillarization in experimental liver fibrosis
Authors: Ogawa Hiroyuki , Kaji Kosuke , Nishimura Norihisa , Takagi Hirotetsu , Ishida Koji , Takaya Hiroaki , Kawaratani Hideto , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Akahane Takemi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: February 2021

Molecular targeted agents are pharmacologically used to treat liver fibrosis and have gained increased attention. The present study examined the preventive effect of lenvatinib on experimental liver fibrosis and sinusoidal capillarization as well as the in vitro phenotypes of hepatic stellate cells. LX‐2, a human stellate cell line, was used for in vitro studies. In vivo liver fibrosis was induced in F344 rats using carbon tetrachloride by intraperitoneal injection for 8 weeks, and oral administration of lenvatinib was started two weeks after initial injection of carbon tetrachloride. Lenvatinib restrained proliferation and promoted apoptosis of LX‐2 with suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT. It also down‐regulated COL1A1, ACTA2 and TGFB1 expressions by inhibiting the transforming growth factor‐β1/Smad2/3 pathway. Treatment with lenvatinib also suppressed platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB‐stimulated proliferation, chemotaxis and vascular endothelial growth factor‐A production, as well as basic fibroblast growth factor‐induced LX‐2 proliferation. In vivo study showed that lenvatinib attenuated liver fibrosis development with reduction in activated hepatic stellate cells and mRNA expression of profibrogenic markers. Intrahepatic neovascularization was ameliorated with reduced hepatic expressions of Vegf1, Vegf2 and Vegfa in lenvatinib‐treated rats. Collectively, these results suggest the potential use of lenvatinib as a novel therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
AS602801 sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide and vincristine by blocking gap junction communication between glioma cells and astrocytes
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Gong Yong , Wang Hongxin , Li Zhongfan , Huang Yunfeng , Fu Xing , Xiang Peng , Fan TianYu
Published: February 2021

Previous studies showed that the chemotherapeutic effect of temozolomide (TMZ) and vincristine (VCR) against glioma might be blunted by the co‐culture with astrocytes, and connexin‐43 (CX43) was thought to play a vital role in the communication between glioma cells and astrocytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the combined chemotherapeutic effect of AS602801 and TMZ/ VCR in glioma cells both. Dye transfer assay was used to evaluate the gap junction activity between U251 cells and astrocytes. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to analyse the expression of p‐JNK, CX43 and CASP‐3 proteins treated under different conditions. AS602801 significantly suppressed the gap junction activity between U251 cells and astrocytes. The expression of p‐JNK and CX43 was remarkably inhibited by AS602801. TMZ/VCR‐induced apoptosis of glioma cells was effectively enhanced by AS602801 treatment. Accordingly, the inhibitory role of TMZ/VCR in the expression of p‐JNK, CX43 and CASP‐3 in glioma cells was notably restored by AS602801. Furthermore, in a glioma cell xenograft, AS602801 showed an apparent capability to enhance TMZ/VCR‐induced tumour cell apoptosis through altering the expression of p‐JNK, CX43 and CASP‐3. The findings of this study demonstrated that the co‐culture of glioma cells with astrocytes blunted the tumour killing effect of TMZ and VCR. AS602801 down‐regulated CX43 expression by inhibiting JNK. And AS602801 also sensitized glioma cells to TMZ/VCR by blocking the gap junction communication between glioma cells and astrocytes via down‐regulating CX43, indicating its potential role as a novel adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of glioma.