bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic low‐grade inflammation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Mesquita Thassio , Lin Yen‐Nien , Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is currently the predominant form of HF with a dramatic increase in risk with age. Low‐grade inflammation, as occurs with aging (termed “inflammaging”), is a common feature of HFpEF pathology. Suppression of proinflammatory pathways has been associated with attenuated HFpEF disease severity and better outcomes. From this perspective, inflammasome signaling plays a central role in mediating chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease progression. However, the causal link between the inflammasome‐immune signaling axis on the age‐dependent progression of HFpEF remains conjectural. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of inflammatory pathways in age‐dependent cardiac function decline. We will also evaluate recent advances and evidence regarding the inflammatory pathway in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, with special attention to inflammasome signaling.
Migrant entrepreneurs and firm innovation
Authors: Gao Jie , Wu Huiying , You Jiaxing , Smith Meg
Published: August 2021

This study examines the impact of entrepreneurs’ migrant background on firm innovation as measured by spending on research and development and by the number of patents. We find that entrepreneurs’ migrant background is positively related to firm innovation level, and that this relation is weakened by a less supportive environment. We also find that migrant entrepreneurs have a higher propensity to take risks than their local peers. Further analyses show that the relationship between migrant background and innovation varies in times of uncertainty and that entrepreneurs’ migrant background is positively associated with innovation quality, innovation efficiency and firm performance.
Responses to COVID‐19 in Southeast Asia: Diverse Paths and Ongoing Challenges
Authors: Amul Gianna Gayle , Ang Michael , Kraybill Diya , Ong Suan Ee , Yoong Joanne
Published: August 2021

Due to geographical proximity and trade links with China, Southeast Asian countries were among the first to be exposed to and affected by COVID‐19. However, despite shared challenges including protecting population health and economic security, policy responses by national governments have been varied and remain so a year into the pandemic. This article critically reviews Southeast Asian countries' approaches to COVID‐19 with reference to individual country experiences and Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We discuss key policy responses: leadership, public risk communications, health system preparedness and resilience, economic support and social protection, aid and global health diplomacy, digital technologies, and the region's multilateral response.
The impact of the Arts and Dementia Program on short‐term well‐being in older persons with dementia from Singapore
Authors: Tan Wan Jie , Lim Xavier Yan Heng , Lee Theresa , Wong Sze Chi , Koh Hwan Jing , Yeo Donald
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of a locally developed Arts and Dementia Program on the short‐term well‐being of older persons with dementia in Singapore.

Methods

Single‐arm study with 21 persons with dementia. Behavioural tendencies and mood and engagement values were assessed using Dementia Care Mapping at baseline and during the program. The averaged mood and engagement value over the mapping period produced a well‐/ill‐being score for each person with dementia.

Results

Well‐/ill‐being scores were significantly higher during the program compared to at baseline. The behavioural tendencies most frequently captured during the program were creative expression, reminiscence and leisure. In contrast, there were more eating or drinking behaviours during the baseline. Analyses revealed that the changes in occurrences of reminiscence, leisure, and eating or drinking behaviours across time were significant.

Conclusions

The present study suggests potential benefits of the Arts and Dementia Program in enhancing the well‐being of persons with dementia.
Predicting potential habitat suitability of Quercus suber L. in Algeria under climate change scenarios
Authors: Laala Ahmed , Alatou Djamel , Adimi Amina
Published: August 2021

Cork oak is one of the forestry species of major socio‐economic importance in western Mediterranean countries and in particular in Algeria. However, its conservation depends on the accurate estimates of its spatial distribution and a detailed knowledge of its ability to adapt to climate change. The purpose of this study is to model the potential habitat suitability for cork oak in Algeria with a view to determining the most vulnerable areas to climate change. Species distribution modelling (MaxEnt) was used to predict the potential current and future distribution of Q. suber under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios. The study results showed that the highly suitable areas for the current distribution of cork oak cover 20,640 km2. Future scenarios depict a slight reduction of those areas (−1.1 to 4.2%), with a general shifting in altitude. The environmental variable with highest gain when used in isolation was annual precipitation (Bio12), which therefore appears to have the most useful information by itself. Overall, the maps derived from this study are an important tool to help foresters geolocate sites where the climatic conditions expected for the region in the coming decades will be inadequate to the cork oak and select appropriate areas of cork oak forests to be preserved in Algeria.
Interaction between α1B‐ and other α1− and α2‐adrenoceptors in producing contractions of mouse spleen
Authors: Alsufyani Hadeel A. , Daly Craig , Docherty James R.
Published: August 2021

We have investigated the interaction of α1‐ and α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes in producing isometric contractions to NA in mouse whole spleen. The α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (10−8 M) or the α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (10−6 M) alone produced only small shifts in NA potency in wild type (WT) mice, but the combination produced a large shift in NA potency. In spleen from α1A/D‐KO mice, the effects of prazosin and the combination of prazosin and yohimbine were similar to their effects in WT mice. Hence, in α1A/D‐KO mice, in which the only α1‐adrenoceptor present is the α1B‐adrenoceptor, prazosin still antagonized contractions to NA. The α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist RS100329 (3 × 10−9 M) produced significant shifts in the effects of higher concentrations of NA (EC50 and EC75 levels) and the α1D‐adrenoceptor antagonist BMY7378 (3 × 10−8 M) produced significant shifts in the effects of lower concentrations of NA (EC25 and EC50 levels). The effects of BMY7378 and RS00329 demonstrate α1D‐adrenoceptor and α1A‐adrenoceptor components and suggest that the α1B‐adrenoceptor interacts with an α1D‐adrenoceptor, and to a lesser extent an α1A‐adrenoceptor, at low, and an α1A‐adrenoceptor at high, NA concentrations. This study demonstrates the complex interaction between α1‐ and α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes in producing contractions of mouse spleen and may have general implications for α‐adrenoceptor mediated control of smooth muscle.
Detecting aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in a tropical estuary using environmental DNA
Authors: Polanco F. Andrea , Mutis Martinezguerra Maria , Marques Virginie , Villa‐Navarro Francisco , Borrero Pérez Giomar Helena , Cheutin Marie‐Charlotte , Dejean Tony , Hocdé Régis , Juhel Jean‐Baptiste , Maire Eva , Manel Stéphanie , Spescha Manuel , Valentini Alice , Mouillot David , Albouy Camille , Pellissier Loïc
Published: August 2021

Estuaries are characterized by a tidal regime and are strongly influenced by hydrodynamics and host diverse and highly dynamic habitats, from fresh, brackish, or saltwater to terrestrial, whose biodiversity is especially difficult to monitor. Here, we investigated the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, with three primer sets targeting different regions of the mitochondrial DNA 12S ribosomal RNA gene, to detect vertebrate diversity in the estuary of the Don Diego River in Colombia. With eDNA, we detected not only aquatic organisms, including fishes, amphibians, and reptiles, but also a large diversity of terrestrial, arboreal, and flying vertebrates, including mammals and birds, living in the estuary surroundings. Further, the eDNA signal remained relatively localized along the watercourse. A transect from the deep outer section of the estuary, across the river mouth toward the inner section of the river, showed marked taxonomic turnover from typical marine to freshwater fishes, while eDNA of terrestrial and arboreal species was mainly found in the inner section of the estuary. Our results indicate that eDNA enables the detection of a large diversity of vertebrates and could become an important tool for biodiversity monitoring in estuaries, where water integrates information across the ecosystem.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Inhibition of MEK pathway enhances the antitumor efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cells against neuroblastoma
Authors: Tomida Akimasa , Yagyu Shigeki , Nakamura Kayoko , Kubo Hiroshi , Yamashima Kumiko , Nakazawa Yozo , Hosoi Hajime , Iehara Tomoko
Published: August 2021

Disialoganglioside (GD2)‐specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells (GD2‐CAR‐T cells) have been developed and tested in early clinical trials in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. However, the effectiveness of immunotherapy using these cells is limited, and requires improvement. Combined therapy with CAR‐T cells and molecular targeted drugs could be a promising strategy to enhance the antitumor efficacy of CAR T cell immunotherapy. Here, we generated GD2‐CAR‐T cells through piggyBac transposon (PB)‐based gene transfer (PB‐GD2‐CAR‐T cells), and analyzed the combined effect of these cells and a MEK inhibitor in vitro and in vivo on neuroblastoma. Trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, ameliorated the killing efficacy of PB‐GD2‐CAR‐T cells in vitro, whereas a combined treatment of the two showed superior antitumor efficacy in a murine xenograft model compared to that of PB‐GD2‐CAR‐T cell monotherapy, regardless of the mutation status of the MAPK pathway in tumor cells. The results presented here provide new insights into the feasibility of combined treatment with CAR‐T cells and MEK inhibitors in patients with neuroblastoma.
Tissue factor and its procoagulant activity on cancer‐associated thromboembolism in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Satoshi , Koizume Shiro , Takahashi Tomoko , Ueno Makoto , Oishi Ritsuko , Nagashima Shuhei , Sano Yusuke , Fukushima Taito , Tezuka Shun , Morimoto Manabu , Nakamura Sho , Narimatsu Hiroto , Ruf Wolfram , Miyagi Yohei
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic cancer frequently involves cancer‐associated thromboembolism, which is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Tissue factor, a blood coagulation factor largely produced in cancer patients as a component of extracellular vesicles, plays a key role in the incidence of cancer‐associated thromboembolism in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, no prospective studies have been published on the relationship between tissue factor and cancer‐associated thromboembolism or patient clinical characteristics, including recent chemotherapy regimens. Thus, we aimed to address this in a Japanese cohort of 197 patients and 41 healthy volunteers. Plasma tissue factor levels were measured by ELISAs preevaluated by tissue factor specificity. Multivariable analysis was used to identify independent predictors of cancer‐associated thromboembolism. We found that the cancer‐associated thromboembolism rate in the patient cohort was 6.6% (4.6%, venous thromboembolism; 2.0%, arterial thromboembolism). Tissue factor levels of 100 pg/mL or higher at patient registration were predictive of cancer‐associated thromboembolism, with positive and negative predictive values of 23.1% and 94.6%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that plasma tissue factor levels were an independent predictive factor for cancer‐associated thromboembolism, with a risk ratio of 5.54 (95% confidence interval, 1.02‐30.09). Unlike in healthy volunteers and patients without cancer‐associated thromboembolism, tissue factor levels were highly correlated with extracellular vesicles’ procoagulant activity in patients developing cancer‐associated thromboembolism. Taken together, our data show that the tissue factor levels at patient registration were a predictive factor for cancer‐associated thromboembolism in this cohort of patients with pancreatic cancer.
WEE1 inhibitor and ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3‐related inhibitor trigger stimulator of interferon gene‐dependent immune response and enhance tumor treatment efficacy through programmed death‐ligand 1 blockade
Authors: Wu Xue , Kang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Xie Wan , Su Yue , Liu Xiaoyu , Guo Lili , Guo Ensong , Li Fuxia , Hu Dianxing , Qin Xu , Fu Yu , Peng Wenju , Jia Jiedong , Wang Changyu
Published: August 2021

WEE1 plays an important role in the regulation of cell cycle G2/M checkpoints and DNA damage response (DDR). Inhibition of WEE1 can increase the instability of the genome and have anti–tumor effects in some solid tumors. However, it has certain limitations for multiple cancer cells from different lineages. Therefore, we consider the use of synthetic lethal interactions to enhance the therapeutic effect. Our experiments proved that WEE1 inhibitor (WEE1i) can activate the ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3‐related (ATR) pathway and that blockage of ATR dramatically sensitized the WEE1i‐induced cell death. The tumor‐selective synthetic lethality between bioavailable WEE1 and ATR inhibitors led to tumor remission in vivo. Mechanistically, the combination promoted the accumulation of cytosolic double‐strand DNA, which subsequently activated the stimulator of the interferon gene (STING) pathway and induced the production of type I interferon and CD8+ T cells, thereby inducing anti–tumor immunity. Furthermore, our study found that immune checkpoint programmed death‐ligand 1 is upregulated by the combination therapy, and blocking PD‐L1 further enhances the effect of the combination therapy. In summary, as an immunomodulator, the combination of WEE1i with ATR inhibitor (ATRi) and immune checkpoint blockers provides a potential new approach for cancer treatment.
Attachment security predicts adolescents’ prosocial and health protective responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Coulombe Brianne R. , Yates Tuppett M.
Published: August 2021

Prosocial and health protective behaviors are critical to contain the COVID‐19 pandemic, yet adolescents have been difficult to engage. Attachment security promotes adolescents’ capacities to navigate stress, and influences prosocial and health behaviors. Drawing on a diverse sample of 202 adolescents (48% female; 47.5% Latinx) this study evaluated relations among attachment, mental health, and prosocial and health protective responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Attachment security (age 12) predicted adolescents’ (age 15) COVID‐19 prosocial (f2 = .201) and health protective behaviors (f2 = .274) during the pandemic via smaller‐than‐expected increases in mental health symptoms above pre‐pandemic levels (age 14). Findings highlight the importance of attachment for supporting adolescents’ mental health responses to life stressors and promoting prosocial and health protective behaviors.
Decreased iris thickness on swept‐source optical coherence tomography in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Chen Zhiqi , Liang Xin , Chen Wei , Wang Ping , Wang Junming
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate the iris thickness (IT) of patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and older adults using anterior segment swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT).

Methods

In this comparative cross‐sectional study, 154 participants were enrolled, including 40 patients with POAG and 114 healthy individuals. Nasal‐angle SS‐OCT images were analysed using callipers to measure the thickness of the iris, including the anterior border layer, stromal, and pigmented epithelial layer, at 1 and 2 mm from the pupil edge. The relationship between IT and glaucoma severity was analysed, and receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the ability of each IT parameter to distinguish patients with glaucoma from healthy controls.

Results

The IT parameters and iris area were lower in the POAG group than in the age‐matched control group (p < 0.05). In the POAG group, the thickness of the pigmented epithelial layer at 1 and 2 mm was significantly correlated with the severity of glaucoma (p < 0.05). Iris area, with a cut‐off of 1.43 mm2, exhibited the highest sensitivity (85%) and specificity (64.81%; area under the curve = 0.783) for distinguishing patients with POAG from healthy controls. Older adults tended to have the thinnest IT, children had the smallest iris area (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with POAG, the severity of iris atrophy was associated with glaucoma severity. The results of IT measurements by SS‐OCT may help in the clinical evaluation of POAG.
Do firms practicing integrated reporting engage in less myopic behavior? International evidence on opportunistic earnings management
Authors: Wu Yi (Ava) , Zhou Shan
Published: August 2021

Research Question/Issue

Earnings management is often perceived as a typical response to managers' short‐term objectives at the expense of long‐term benefits. However, this is not aligned with the most recent development in corporate reporting—integrated reporting (IR)—which encourages long‐term orientation and a trustworthy, honest, and ethical corporate culture. We thus examine whether firms practicing IR to a greater extent exhibit lower levels of earnings management.

Research Findings/Insights

Using multiple IR measures and an international sample of 19,926 firm‐year observations from 2008 to 2015, we document that while firms practicing IR engage in less accrual‐based earnings management, they do resort to real activities earnings management. Such opportunistic earnings management behavior is most pronounced when firms' incentive to manage earnings is high. We also show that opportunistic earnings management behavior is moderated in countries and regions where IR is mandatory, where capital markets are more developed, and where financial reporting is less frequent.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study contributes to the growing literature on whether IR is an effective governance tool in constraining earnings management behavior. The results show that the institutional environment plays an essential role in enabling corporate reporting initiatives such as IR to affect substantive internal changes rather than being used opportunistically.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Firms that practice IR to a greater extent are associated with a lower level of earnings management in countries where IR is mandatory, which contributes to the policy debate on mandating IR.
Aptamer‐mediated synthesis of multifunctional nano‐hydroxyapatite for active tumour bioimaging and treatment
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Zhou Ronghui , Yang Yuting , Peng Shuanglin , Xiao Dexuan , Kong Tingting , Cai Xiaoxiao , Zhu Bofeng
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHAp) is widely used to develop imaging probes and drug carriers due to its excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. However, traditional methods usually need cumbersome and stringent conditions such as high temperature and post‐modification to prepare the functionalized nHAp, which do not benefit the particles to enter cells due to the increased particle size. Herein, a biomimetic synthesis strategy was explored to achieve the AS1411‐targeted tumour dual‐model bioimaging using DNA aptamer AS1411 as a template. Then, the imaging properties and the biocompatibility of the synthesized AS‐nFAp:Gd/Tb were further investigated.

Materials and methods

The AS‐nFAp:Gd/Tb was prepared under mild conditions through a one‐pot procedure with AS1411 as a template. Besides, the anticancer drug DOX was loaded to AS‐nFAp:Gd/Tb so as to achieve the establishment of a multifunctional nano‐probe that integrated the tumour diagnosis and treatment. The AS‐nFAp:Gd/Tb was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy disperse X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis analyses, zeta potential and particle sizes. The in vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging were performed on an MRI system and a confocal laser scanning microscope, respectively. The potential of the prepared multifunctional nHAp for a targeted tumour therapy was investigated by a CCK‐8 kit. And the animal experiments were conducted on the basis of the guidelines approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Sichuan University, China.

Results

In the presence of AS1411, the as‐prepared AS‐nFAp:Gd/Tb presented a needle‐like morphology with good monodispersity and improved imaging performance. Furthermore, due to the specific binding between AS1411 and nucleolin up‐expressed in cancer cells, the AS‐nFAp:Gd/Tb possessed excellent AS1411‐targeted fluorescence and MRI imaging properties. Moreover, after loading chemotherapy drug DOX, in vitro and in vivo studies showed that DOX@AS‐nFAp:Gd/Tb could effectively deliver DOX to tumour tissues and exert a highly effective tumour inhibition without systemic toxicity compared with pure DOX.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the prepared multifunctional nHAp synthesized by a novel biomimetic strategy had outstanding capabilities of recognition and treatment for the tumour and had good biocompatibility; hence, it might have a potential clinical application in the future.
1000. NICOTIANA SALINA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Fay Michael F. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: August 2021

Nicotiana salina is described here and illustrated from plants collected at Weelhamby Lake, a salt lake in Western Australia, and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. We discuss its ecology and cultivation.
Unmasking the Fragility of Trigger Warnings, Safe Spaces, and Code‐Switching on Campus
Authors: Jackson Myron
Published: August 2021

In this essay, Myron Jackson offers a critique of trigger warnings, safe spaces, and code‐switching that is based on two grounds. First, these practices derive from ideals of assimilation and appropriation, and are therefore wedded to a logic of domination. Second, these practices promote fragility. Increased reliance on trigger warnings, safe spaces, and code‐switching is, Jackson contends, a biopolitical reflexive response of bodies under erasure in racialized spaces. In place of these practices, he proposes fostering an ideal of open selfhood (rather than fragility) that derives from techniques of cultural adoption (rather than assimilation or appropriation). He then locates these practices within a vision of democratic education.
Functional connectivity changes in complex migraine aura: beyond the visual network
Authors: Silvestro Marcello , Tessitore Alessandro , Di Nardo Federica , Scotto di Clemente Fabrizio , Trojsi Francesca , Cirillo Mario , Esposito Fabrizio , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Russo Antonio
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Although the majority of migraine with aura (MwA) patients experience simple visual aura, a discrete percentage also report somatosensory, dysphasic or motor symptoms (the so‐called complex auras). The wide aura clinical spectrum led to an investigation of whether the heterogeneity of the aura phenomenon could be produced by different neural correlates, suggesting an increased visual cortical excitability in complex MwA. The aim was to explore whether complex MwA patients are characterized by more pronounced connectivity changes of the visual network and whether functional abnormalities may extend beyond the visual network encompassing also the sensorimotor network in complex MwA patients compared to simple visual MwA patients.

Methods

By using a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging approach, the resting‐state functional connectivity (RS‐Fc) of both visual and sensorimotor networks in 20 complex MwA patients was compared with 20 simple visual MwA patients and 20 migraine without aura patients.

Results

Complex MwA patients showed a significantly higher RS‐Fc of the left lingual gyrus, within the visual network, and of the right anterior insula, within the sensorimotor network, compared to both simple visual MwA and migraine without aura patients (p < 0.001). The abnormal right anterior insula RS‐Fc was able to discriminate complex MwA patients from simple aura MwA patients as demonstrated by logistic regression analysis (area under the curve 0.83).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that higher extrastriate RS‐Fc might promote cortical spreading depression onset representing the neural correlate of simple visual aura that can propagate to sensorimotor regions if an increased insula RS‐Fc coexists, leading to complex aura phenotypes.
Path‐dependent multiaxial fatigue prediction of welded joints using structural strain method
Authors: Han Qinghua , Wang Peipeng , Lu Yan
Published: August 2021

The maximum shear strain's rotational conditions are investigated under multiaxial loading. The additional hardening is closely related to the relative value, rotational range, and gradual or severe rotation way of the maximum shear strain change. A novel path‐dependent loading factor is introduced to account for the nonproportional additional hardening effect. Subsequently, a computational formula of the structural strain method is established for the multiaxial loading state. The structural stress/strain terms and the proposed path‐dependent factor are introduced into the existing energy‐based fatigue parameter based on the critical plane model. The proposed fatigue prediction method provides prediction results showing that more than 68% and 87% of the data are within the scatter bands of 3 and 5, respectively, for the selected tube–flange/tube welded joints under multiaxial loading paths.
Chronic stress induces NPD‐like behavior in APPPS1 and WT mice with subtle differences in gene expression
Authors: Clement Amalie , Pedersen Mads M. , Stensballe Allan , Wiborg Ove , Asuni Ayodeji A.
Published: August 2021

Neuropsychiatric disturbances (NPDs) are considered hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, treatment of these symptoms has proven difficult and development of safe and effective treatment options is hampered by the limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Thus, robust preclinical models are needed to increase knowledge of NPDs in AD and develop testable hypotheses and novel treatment options. Abnormal activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is implicated in many psychiatric symptoms and might contribute to both AD and NPDs development and progression. We aimed to establish a mechanistic preclinical model of NPD‐like behavior in the APPPS1 mouse model of AD and wildtype (WT) littermates. In APPPS1 and WT mice, we found that chronic stress increased anxiety‐like behavior and altered diurnal locomotor activity suggestive of sleep disturbances. Also, chronic stress activated the HPA axis, which, in WT mice, remained heightened for additional 3 weeks. Chronic stress caused irregular expression of circadian regulatory clock genes (BMAL1, PER2, CRY1 and CRY2) in both APPPS1 and WT mice. Interestingly, APPPS1 and WT mice responded differently to chronic stress in terms of expression of serotonergic markers (5‐HT1A receptor and MAOA) and inflammatory genes (IL‐6, STAT3 and ADMA17). These findings indicate that, although the behavioral response to chronic stress might be similar, the neurobiochemical response was different in APPPS1 mice, which is an important insight in the efforts to develop safe and effective treatments options for NPDs in AD patients. Further work is needed to substantiate these findings.
Coastal darkening substantially limits the contribution of kelp to coastal carbon cycles
Authors: Blain Caitlin O. , Hansen Sandra Christine , Shears Nick T.
Published: August 2021

Macroalgal‐dominated habitats are rapidly gaining recognition as important contributors to marine carbon cycles and sequestration. Despite this recognition, relatively little is known about the production and fate of carbon originating from these highly productive ecosystems, or how anthropogenic‐ and climate‐related stressors affect the role of macroalgae in marine carbon cycles. Here, we examine the impact of increasing turbidity on carbon storage, fixation and loss in southern hemisphere kelp forests. We quantified net primary production (NPP) and biomass accumulation (BA), and estimated carbon release via detritus and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) across a large‐scale turbidity gradient. We show that increased turbidity, resulting in a 63% reduction in light, can result in a 95% reduction in kelp productivity. When averaged annually, estimates of NPP and BA per plant at high‐light sites were nearly six and two times greater than those at low‐light sites, respectively. Furthermore, the quantity of carbon fixed annually by kelp forests was up to 4.7 times greater than that stored as average annual standing stock. At low‐light sites, the majority of C goes directly into tissue growth and is subsequently eroded. In contrast, excess production at high‐light sites accounts for up to 39% of the total carbon fixed and is likely released as DOC. Turbidity is expected to increase in response to climate change and our results suggest this will have significant impacts on the capacity of kelp forests to contribute to carbon sequestration pathways. In addition to demonstrating that turbidity significantly reduces the quantity of carbon fixed by kelp forests, and subsequently released as detritus, our results highlight the negative impacts of turbidity on a large source of previously unaccounted for carbon.
Community treatment orders and care planning: How is engagement and decision‐making enacted?
Authors: Dawson Suzanne , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear , Simpson Alan , Lawn Sharon
Published: August 2021

Background

In many jurisdictions worldwide, individuals with a mental illness may be forced to receive care and treatment in the community. In Australia, legislation states that such care should be driven by a care plan that is recovery‐focussed. Key components in the care planning process include engagement and decision‐making about a person's support needs and care options, with trust being an essential component of care planning relationships.

Objective

This study examines how these components were enacted during service care contacts for individuals on community treatment orders.

Methods

The study was located at two community mental health teams in South Australia. Ethnographic observations of care planning discussions between consumers, their carers and clinicians, and interviews with individuals from these groups, were conducted over 18 months. Carspecken's critical ethnography provided a rigorous means for examining the data to identify underlying cultural themes that were informing day‐to‐day care interactions.

Results

Care planning was not occurring as it was intended, with service culture and structures impeding the development of trusting relationships. Clinicians striving to work collaboratively with consumers had to navigate a service bias and culture that emphasized a hierarchy of ‘knowing’, with consumers assumed to have less knowledge than clinicians.

Conclusions

Services and clinicians can challenge prejudicial ethical injustice and counter this through testimonial justice and implementation of tools and approaches that support genuine shared decision‐making.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study included individuals with lived experience of mental illness, their carers and clinicians as participants and researchers.
Experimental study and numerical modeling of pulse CVI for the production of organomorphic C/SiC composites
Authors: Kulik Alexey , Bogachev Evgeny , Kulik Victor
Published: August 2021

During the recent years, considerable attention has been given to the development of efficient and environmentally friendly technologies for the production of ceramic matrix composites. However, little research has been carried out on use of methylsilane (MS) as a halogen‐free precursor in the CVI process. The goal of this work was therefore to study the production of SiC‐matrix composites by pulse chemical vapor infiltration (PCVI) method with MS as a precursor and recently developed organomorphic frameworks as preforms. Experimental research was combined with numerical modeling to get deeper insight into the physical mechanisms underlying the technological process. Results of the study demonstrated that the PCVI allows performing the process with higher densification rate compared to continuous‐flow modifications of CVI. It is shown that optimization of PCVI providing a compromise between the utilization efficiency of the precursor, the densification uniformity, and the process time requires a proper choice of duration of the deposition stage and the process temperature. Numerical modeling proved to be a helpful tool in research and development of PCVI technology.
Associations of maternal and infant metabolite profiles with foetal growth and the odds of adverse birth outcomes
Authors: Voerman Ellis , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Shokry Engy , Ruijter George J. G. , Felix Janine F. , Koletzko Berthold , Gaillard Romy
Published: August 2021

Background

Adaptations in maternal and foetal metabolic pathways may predispose to altered foetal growth and adverse birth outcomes.

Objective

To assess the associations of maternal early‐pregnancy metabolite profiles and infant metabolite profiles at birth with foetal growth from first trimester onwards and the odds of adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

In a prospective population‐based cohort among 976 Dutch pregnant women and their children, serum concentrations of amino acids, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), phospholipids (PL) and carnitines in maternal early‐pregnancy blood and in cord blood were obtained by liquid‐chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Information on foetal growth was available from first trimester onwards.

Results

After false discovery rate correction for multiple testing, higher infant total and individual NEFA concentrations were associated with a lower weight, length, and head circumference at birth. Higher infant total and individual acyl‐lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso.PC.a) and alkyl‐lysophosphatidylcholine concentrations were associated with higher weight and head circumference (lyso.PC.a only) at birth, higher odds of LGA and lower odds of SGA. Few individual maternal metabolites were associated with foetal growth measures in third trimester and at birth, but not with the odds of adverse birth outcomes.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that infant metabolite profiles, particularly total and individual lyso.PC.a and NEFA concentrations, were strongly related to growth measures at birth and the odds of adverse birth outcomes. Few individual maternal early‐pregnancy metabolites, but not total metabolite concentrations, are associated with foetal growth measures in third trimester and at birth.
Deep lateral transurethral incision for vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shinchi Masayuki , Horiguchi Akio , Ojima Kenichiro , Hirano Yusuke , Takahashi Eiji , Kimura Fumihiro , Ito Keiichi
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the outcomes of deep lateral incision for vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy and its impact on postoperative urinary incontinence.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 43 men who underwent deep lateral incision for non‐obliterated vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy between 2011 and 2020. The bladder neck was deeply incised through its circular fibers into the surrounding perivesical fat at 3 and 9 o’clock through electrocautery incision using needle‐type electrodes. Successful deep lateral incision was defined as the absence of additional treatment, including self‐dilatation. The postoperative urinary incontinence status was evaluated based on the number of pads used daily.

Results

Deep lateral incision was successful in 35 (81.4%) patients, with a median follow‐up period of 43 months (interquartile range 15–80 months). There was no significant association of age (P = 0.66), body mass index (P = 0.49) and history of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.39), radiation therapy (P = 0.89) or previous vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis treatment (P = 0.71) with the incision outcomes; however, there were significantly more unsuccessful cases in those with preoperative urinary retention (P = 0.04) or indwelling urinary catheters for >5 days post‐incision (P = 0.01). A second incision was carried out in eight patients and a third incision in two patients, resulting in 42 (97.7%) successful incisions. A total of 37 (88.1%) patients had urinary incontinence and used at least one pad daily; seven (16.7%) underwent artificial urinary sphincter implantation after the last incision.

Conclusions

Deep lateral incision is highly effective for treating vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy. Appropriate treatment is required for urinary incontinence, which occurs frequently after incision.
Our contemporary understanding of the aetiology of pressure ulcers/pressure injuries
Authors: Gefen Amit , Brienza David M. , Cuddigan Janet , Haesler Emily , Kottner Jan
Published: August 2021

In 2019, the third and updated edition of the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries has been published. In addition to this most up‐to‐date evidence‐based guidance for clinicians, related topics such as pressure ulcers (PUs)/pressure injuries (PIs) aetiology, classification, and future research needs were considered by the teams of experts. To elaborate on these topics, this is the third paper of a series of the CPG articles, which summarises the latest understanding of the aetiology of PUs/PIs with a special focus on the effects of soft tissue deformation. Sustained deformations of soft tissues cause initial cell death and tissue damage that ultimately may result in the formation of PUs/PIs. High tissue deformations result in cell damage on a microscopic level within just a few minutes, although it may take hours of sustained loading for the damage to become clinically visible. Superficial skin damage seems to be primarily caused by excessive shear strain/stress exposures, deeper PUs/PIs predominantly result from high pressures in combination with shear at the surface over bony prominences, or under stiff medical devices. Therefore, primary PU/PI prevention should aim for minimising deformations by either reducing the peak strain/stress values in tissues or decreasing the exposure time.
A phenomenological exploration of source isolation in patients infected with multi‐drug resistant organisms
Authors: Mutsonziwa Gift A. , Green Jennifer , Blundell Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Background

The physical isolation of patients colonised or infected with multi‐drug resistant organisms is a requirement in hospitals considering the risk of infecting other patients, healthcare workers and visitors. However, how these patients experience isolation in the current environment is not fully understood from the literature.

Aims

To explore and interpret the lived experience of the source isolation in patients infected with MDROs within an Australian setting.

Design

Hermeneutic phenomenology was utilised as the philosophical framework.

Methods

Unstructured in‐depth face to face interviews were conducted with 20 patients infected with multi‐drug resistant organisms who were physically isolated. Data was collected from February‐2018 to January‐2019 at two large teaching hospitals in the Sydney metropolitan area. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, analysed using thematic analysis by three researchers, and then subsequently interpreted, drawing insights from the relevant phenomenological notions.

Results

Three key findings emerged from the study as: Living in a changed space ‐ developed from the participants’ struggle to cope with being physically confined to a room that made them feel imprisoned. Living in a changed body ‐ emerged from the participants who described their bodies as ‘different’ because of bacteria that conventional medicine could not destroy permanently but kept relapsing. Striving to survive ‐ developed from participants who spoke about means of enduring some unfavourable experiences.

Conclusion

The essence of the lived experience of the phenomenon of source isolation from the perspectives of patients who become infected with MDROs emerged as Being‐in‐a‐changed‐world.

Impact

While source isolation is an important procedure for preventing and controlling transmissible infection; it often results in adverse psychological experiences. An understanding of this finding from the patients’ perspectives is essential for nurses and other healthcare workers involved in their care to maintain a balance between infection control isolation and psychological needs.
Investigation of hue effects in tooth whiteness perception
Authors: Luo Wen , Westland Stephen , Li Yuan , Joiner Andrew
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify the hue angles that provide the optimal perception of tooth whitening.

Methods

Thirty‐three male/female adult observers with normal color vision were recruited to assess teeth images on a color calibrated display. Images of teeth were generated which simulated color changes in each of eight hue directions in the CIE a*b* plane, each equi‐distant from a baseline tooth color. Using a paired comparison study design, observers were asked to indicate which of two images had whiter teeth. The data were converted into an interval scale using Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment. The relationship between the hue angles and the scores was modeled by curve fitting.

Results

The optimal hues were found in a region between green and blue in the CIE a*b chart. When the tooth color travels in an optimal hue direction, the same amount of color change will result in a greater change in whiteness perception than when traveling in other hue directions.

Conclusions

The optimal hues for tooth whitening were identified from the visual perception study. The most effective tooth whitening direction is to change tooth color towards the greenish‐blue hue direction.

Clinical significance

This study gives clinicians and researchers a better understanding of tooth color hue effects in tooth whiteness perception.
A new species of the genus Acyrtus on the eastern Pacific: A cornerstone for the evolution and biogeography of the genus
Authors: Tavera José , Rojas‐Vélez Stephania , Londoño‐Cruz Edgardo
Published: August 2021

The genus Acyrtus Schultz, 1944 currently includes four species distributed in the western Atlantic (WA), three occurring from the Bahamas to the southern Caribbean, and one endemic to the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in north‐east Brazil. We describe a new species of Acyrtus based on morphology and genetics from several individuals caught at artificial hard substrates deployed between 10 and 16 m deep at Malpelo Island, Colombian Pacific. The Malpelo clingfish, Acyrtus arturo new species, differs from all its WA congeners by a combination of morphology, meristics and genetics. This species is unique within Acyrtus in having the greatest number of caudal rays (12–13). It can also be distinguished by the greater body height (19.8–27.8% standard length), its longer disc (34.0–39.1% standard length) and the greater distance between anus and disc (13.9–18.1% standard length). A. arturo sp. nov. is the first Acyrtus so far recorded from the eastern Pacific and adds to the already high number of fishes endemic to Colombia's remote oceanic territory of Malpelo.
The elasmobranchs of Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Colombia
Authors: Bessudo Sandra , Ladino Felipe , Becerril‐García Edgar Eduardo , Shepard Charles M. , Salinas‐De‐León Pelayo , Hoyos‐Padilla Edgar Mauricio
Published: August 2021

Management and conservation actions in marine‐protected areas require baselines for monitoring threatened marine fauna such as elasmobranchs. This article provides evidence of the occurrence of 34 species of elasmobranchs (21 sharks and 13 batoids) in the Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Colombia, including five new records of sharks and three of rays. From 1987 to 2021, new records were obtained by underwater visual census using SCUBA, manned submersibles and deep‐ocean cameras to depths of up to 2211 m. Of the recorded species, 21 are considered as threatened taxa (64%) by the IUCN, making the Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary an essential conservation area for this highly threatened group of species.
Plastic packaging flows in Europe: A hybrid input‐output approach
Authors: Cimpan Ciprian , Bjelle Eivind Lekve , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: August 2021

The European Union (EU) set ambitious goals toward more sustainable use of plastics, but the basis for measuring performance and monitoring progress toward these goals remains inadequate due to a limited understanding of the complex systems behind plastic consumption. In this work, we study the region‐wide material flows of plastics related to packaging in 2014 using a hybrid approach that combines data on the production and end‐of‐life management of plastic packaging with a monetary input‐output model for the EU. The approach enables us to gain insight into interindustry flows and the connection between production and final demand. We map supply chains with a relatively high resolution, including polymer types, packaging forms and application categories. Results estimate the total packaging placed on the market (POM) and then discarded amounted to 18,000 kt., excluding a net increase in stocks of 500 kt. This means that waste generation could have been up to 15% higher than accounted in official statistics, reinforcing potential underreporting accounts as well as remaining data gaps. Thirty‐five percent of postconsumer packaging waste was directed toward recycling. However, only 5% contributed to new domestic packaging production, a reflection of the broad challenges to plastic circularity. Although first steps are taken in this work, we point to an acute lack of information on industrial streams, compounded by missing policy focus, for example, on transport packaging. We suggest areas for deeper investigation and emphasize the potential of hybrid approaches to establishing baselines and assessment of both production and consumption‐side mitigation strategies.
An industrial symbiosis simulation game: Evidence from the circular sustainable business development class
Authors: Fraccascia Luca , Sabato Alessandra , Yazan Devrim Murat
Published: August 2021

This study presents the industrial symbiosis (IS) business game developed in the “circular sustainable business development” (CSBD) class at the University of Twente. The game was designed by the instructors to allow students to experience the strategic business dynamics of IS. Spreading knowledge regarding IS dynamics is fundamental for fostering circular business development and equipping students, “the managers of tomorrow,” with the skills of circular economic thinking. In this paper, the rules of the IS business game are presented along with the game settings. Further, the results of the gameplay are presented and discussed from a dual perspective, that is, through the theoretical lenses provided by the IS literature and the intended learning outcomes. Overall, we aim to spread this experience and the related results to promote teaching activities focused on IS.