bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive ontogenetic shifts in larval responses to environmental cues
Authors: Brackley Allison , Lill John T. , Weiss Martha R.
Published: October 2021

Although many organisms experience relatively predictable environmental conditions throughout development, others, as a result of ontogenetic changes, inhabit very different environments across life stages, requiring them to navigate into habitats or microhabitats that they have not previously encountered. For holometabolous insects, late instars must often locate a safe site before undergoing pupation. In Lepidoptera, many pre‐pupae cease feeding and wander in search of an appropriate pupation site; their preferences display a shift in behavioral responses to habitat‐specific environmental cues, relative to those of feeding larvae. Having previously determined that pre‐pupae of Epargyreus clarus (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) move from their Fabaceae host plant down into the leaf litter, where they construct a pupal refuge out of dried leaves and silk, we investigated the sensory cues used by E. clarus in selecting a pupation location. We further explored how responses to these cues vary between actively feeding larvae and non‐feeding pre‐pupae, both for individual insects and for stage‐based cohorts. Using Y‐tube assays, we determined that pre‐pupae used visual (light) and gravitational cues to move from host plants into the leaf litter, whereas the odor cues we tested did not appear to influence their decision‐making. Directional responses to both light and gravity reversed over ontogeny, allowing the two life stages to make use of the same cues to produce stage‐appropriate adaptive behaviors.
Multivariate patterns and long‐range temporal correlations of alpha oscillations are associated with flexible manipulation of visual working memory representations
Authors: Golemme Mara , Tatti Elisa , Di Bernardi Luft Caroline , Bhattacharya Joydeep , Herrojo Ruiz Maria , Cappelletti Marinella
Published: October 2021

The ability to flexibly manipulate memory representations is embedded in visual working memory (VWM) and can be tested using paradigms with retrospective cues. Although valid retrospective cues often facilitate memory recall, invalid ones may or may not result in performance costs. We investigated individual differences in utilising retrospective cues and evaluated how these individual differences are associated with brain oscillatory activity at rest. At the behavioural level, we operationalised flexibility as the ability to make effective use of retrospective cues or disregard them if required. At the neural level, we tested whether individual differences in such flexibility were associated with properties of resting‐state alpha oscillatory activity (8–12 Hz). To capture distinct aspects of these brain oscillations, we evaluated their power spectral density and temporal dynamics using long‐range temporal correlations (LRTCs). In addition, we performed multivariate patterns analysis (MVPA) to classify individuals' level of behavioural flexibility based on these neural measures. We observed that alpha power alone (magnitude) at rest was not associated with flexibility. However, we found that the participants' ability to manipulate VWM representations was correlated with alpha LRTC and could be decoded using MVPA on patterns of alpha power. Our findings suggest that alpha LRTC and multivariate patterns of alpha power at rest may underlie some of the individual differences in using retrospective cues in working memory tasks.
Topographical distance between presynaptic Ca2+ channels and exocytotic Ca2+ sensors contributes to differential facilitatory actions of roscovitine on neurotransmitter release at cerebellar glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses
Authors: Satake Shin' Ichiro , Konishi Shiro
Published: October 2021

Calcium influx into presynaptic terminals through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels triggers univesicular or multivesicular release of neurotransmitters depending on the characteristics of the release machinery. However, the mechanisms underlying multivesicular release (MVR) and its regulation remain unclear. Previous studies showed that in rat cerebellum, the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor roscovitine profoundly increases excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) amplitudes at granule cell (GC)‐Purkinje cell (PC) synapses by enhancing the MVR of glutamate. This compound can also moderately augment the amplitude and prolong the decay time of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) at molecular layer interneuron (MLI)‐PC synapses via MVR enhancement and GABA spillover, thus allowing for persistent activation of perisynaptic GABA receptors. The enhanced MVR may depend on the driving force for Cav2.1 channel‐mediated Ca2+ influx. To determine whether the distinct spatiotemporal dynamics of presynaptic Ca2+ influence MVR, we compared the effects of slow and fast Ca2+ chelators, that is, EGTA and BAPTA, respectively, on roscovitine‐induced actions at GC‐PC and MLI‐PC synapses. Membrane‐permeable EGTA‐AM decreased GC‐PC EPSC and MLI‐PC IPSC amplitudes to a similar extent but suppressed the roscovitine‐induced enhancement of EPSCs. In contrast, BAPTA‐AM attenuated the effects of roscovitine on IPSCs. These results suggest that roscovitine augmented glutamate release by activating the release machinery located distally from the Cav2.1 channel clusters, while it enhanced GABA release in a manner less dependent on those at distal sites. Therefore, the spatial relationships among Ca2+ channels, buffers, and sensors are critical determinants of the differential facilitatory actions of roscovitine on glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in the cerebellar cortex.
Wnt10a/β‐catenin signalling is involved in kindlin‐1‐mediated astrocyte activation in a chronic construction injury rat model
Authors: Zhao Baisong , Pan Yongying , Xu Haiping , Song Xingrong
Published: October 2021

The activation of spinal astrocytes and release of neuroinflammatory mediators are important events in neuropathic pain (NP) pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the role of Wnt10a/β‐catenin signalling in kindlin‐1‐mediated astrocyte activation using a chronic constriction injury (CCI) NP rat model. Using kindlin‐1 overexpression and knockdown plasmids, we assessed hyperalgesia, changes in spinal astrocyte activation and the release of inflammatory mediators in a NP rat model. We also performed coimmunoprecipitation, Western blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to characterize the underlying mechanisms of kindlin‐1 in astrocyte cultures in vitro. Kindlin‐1 was significantly upregulated in CCI rats and promoted hyperalgesia. Moreover, we observed increased kindlin‐1, Wnt10a and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP; biomarker for astroglial injury) levels and the release of inflammatory mediators in NP rats (p < 0.05). Inhibiting GFAP in vitro led to decreased kindlin‐1 levels, prevented astrocyte activation, decreased Wnt10a level and the release of inflammatory mediators (p < 0.05). Coimmunoprecipitation showed that kindlin‐1 can interact with Wnt10a. We showed that kindlin‐1‐mediated astrocyte activation was associated with Wnt10a/β‐catenin signalling and the downstream release of inflammatory mediators in a CCI NP rat model. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of kindlin‐1‐mediated astrocyte activation after CCI.
The base and root of domain II loops of Cry toxins contribute to binding to Bombyx mori ABC transporter C2
Authors: Adegawa Satomi , Yamaguchi Naomi , Sato Ryoichi
Published: October 2021

Little information is available regarding the region of Cry toxins involved in binding to their major receptors, the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters. We analyzed which Cry1Aa amino acid residues contribute to binding to Bombyx mori ABC transporter C2 (BmABCC2). Several two oxidized double‐cysteine substitution mutant toxins were made. In these, two amino acids at distant positions on toxin loop α8 and loop 2 or loop 2 and loop 3 were substituted with cysteine residues and crosslinked. These mutants exhibited a marked reduction in binding affinity to BmABCC2, suggesting that the binding site comprises complex cavities formed by loops α8, 2, and 3. Loop swapping between Cry1Aa and other BmABCC2‐incompatible toxins indicated that loop 2 acts as a binding affinity‐generating part of Cry1Aa toxin. Using single amino acid substitution mutants, the results of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and response assays with BmABCC2‐expressing Sf9 cells indicated that Y366, R367, R368, and L447 in the Cry1Aa root and base region of loops 2 and 3 play important roles in binding. Furthermore, SPR analyses of these mutants suggested that a two‐state binding model fits best the data obtained. Moreover, complex cavities and the above‐mentioned amino acid residues contribute to the generation of multiple binding points and high‐affinity binding. Finally, we found that the binding site of B. mori cadherin‐like protein consists of complex cavities comprising loops 1, 2, and 3, partially overlapping that of BmABCC2, suggesting that the loop region of Cry1Aa toxin acts as a promiscuous binding site.
Predicting the occurrence of riparian woody species to inform environmental water policies in an Australian tropical river
Authors: Canham Caroline A. , Beesley Leah S. , Gwinn Daniel C. , Douglas Michael M. , Setterfield Samantha A. , Freestone Fiona L. , Pusey Bradley J. , Loomes Robyn C.
Published: October 2021

River flows are commonly altered by water resource development, with changes to the natural flow regime potentially impacting riparian vegetation. Increasingly, water resource managers seek to design policy to maintain healthy riparian ecosystems. Models that make explicit the relationship between hydrological variables and vegetation can be used by managers to assess vegetation response under different water management scenarios.

We determined the potential impact of water‐takeon the spatial distribution of woody riparian plant species in the lower Fitzroy River, in north‐western Australia, an area under pressure to increase water resource development. We undertook a plant survey and developed and applied a joint species distribution model to determine the likelihood of occurrence for 26 woody riparian plant species, mapped species occurrence and assessed the change in species distribution under two water‐take scenarios.

We found that the duration of inundation from flood flows was a strong predictor of species occurrence in our joint species distribution model. We identified species associated with wetter environments, as indicated by their effect size for the inundation metric. Under the 300‐Gl water‐take scenario we found little change (<2%) in species occurrence, but under the 600‐Gl scenario a decline between 5% and 7.4% was predicted for eight species associated with wetter habitats. This decline was generally confined to a localised area.

Our approach highlights the usefulness of predictive modelling to identify species most likely to be impacted by water‐take, and the benefit of linking modelling to spatial mapping because it can highlight areas where change is likely to occur. This information can assist management to protect ecologically and culturally important species.
Testing the match–mismatch hypothesis in bighorn sheep in the context of climate change
Authors: Renaud Limoilou‐Amélie , Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Pelletier Fanie
Published: October 2021

Abstract

In species with long gestation, females commit to reproduction several months before parturition. If cues driving conception date are uncoupled from spring conditions, parturition could be mistimed. Mismatch may increase with global change if the rate of temporal changes in autumn cues differs from the rate of change in spring conditions. Using 17 years of data on climate and vegetation phenology, we show that autumn temperature and precipitation, but not vegetation phenology, explain parturition date in bighorn sheep. Although autumn cues drive the timing of conception, they do not predict conditions at parturition in spring. We calculated the mismatch between individual parturition date and spring green‐up, assessed whether mismatch increased over time and investigated the consequences of mismatch on lamb neonatal survival, weaning mass and overwinter survival. Mismatch fluctuated over time but showed no temporal trend. Temporal changes in green‐up date did not lead to major fitness consequence of mismatch. Detailed data on individually marked animals revealed no effect of mismatch on neonatal or overwinter survival, but lamb weaning mass was negatively affected by mismatch. Capital breeders might be less sensitive to mismatch than income breeders because they are less dependent on daily food acquisition. Herbivores in seasonal environments may access sufficient forage to sustain lactation before or after the spring ‘peak’ green‐up, and partly mitigate the consequences of a mismatch. Thus, the effect of phenological mismatch on fitness may be affected by species life history, highlighting the complexity in quantifying trophic mismatches in the context of climate change.
Global decadal variability of plant carbon isotope discrimination and its link to gross primary production
Authors: Lavergne Aliénor , Hemming Deborah , Prentice Iain Colin , Guerrieri Rossella , Oliver Rebecca J. , Graven Heather
Published: October 2021

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) in C3 woody plants is a key variable for the study of photosynthesis. Yet how Δ13C varies at decadal scales, and across regions, and how it is related to gross primary production (GPP), are still incompletely understood. Here we address these questions by implementing a new Δ13C modelling capability in the land‐surface model JULES incorporating both photorespiratory and mesophyll‐conductance fractionations. We test the ability of four leaf‐internal CO2 concentration models embedded in JULES to reproduce leaf and tree‐ring (TR) carbon isotopic data. We show that all the tested models tend to overestimate average Δ13C values, and to underestimate interannual variability in Δ13C. This is likely because they ignore the effects of soil water stress on stomatal behavior. Variations in post‐photosynthetic isotopic fractionations across species, sites and years, may also partly explain the discrepancies between predicted and TR‐derived Δ13C values. Nonetheless, the “least‐cost” (Prentice) model shows the lowest biases with the isotopic measurements, and lead to improved predictions of canopy‐level carbon and water fluxes. Overall, modelled Δ13C trends vary strongly between regions during the recent (1979–2016) historical period but stay nearly constant when averaged over the globe. Photorespiratory and mesophyll effects modulate the simulated global Δ13C trend by 0.0015 ± 0.005‰ and –0.0006 ± 0.001‰ ppm−1, respectively. These predictions contrast with previous findings based on atmospheric carbon isotope measurements. Predicted Δ13C and GPP tend to be negatively correlated in wet‐humid and cold regions, and in tropical African forests, but positively related elsewhere. The negative correlation between Δ13C and GPP is partly due to the strong dominant influences of temperature on GPP and vapor pressure deficit on Δ13C in those forests. Our results demonstrate that the combined analysis of Δ13C and GPP can help understand the drivers of photosynthesis changes in different climatic regions.
Planar cell polarity protein Vangl2 and its interacting protein Ap2m1 regulate dendritic branching in cortical neurons
Authors: Yasumura Misato , Hagiwara Akari , Hida Yamato , Ohtsuka Toshihisa
Published: October 2021

Van Gogh‐like 2 (Vangl2) is a mammalian homolog of Drosophila core planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Vang/Strabismus, which organizes asymmetric cell axes for developmental proliferation, fate determination, and polarized movements in multiple tissues, including neurons. Although the PCP pathway has an essential role for dendrite and dendritic spine formation, the molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. To investigate the mechanism of Vangl2‐related neuronal development, we screened for proteins that interact with the Vangl2 cytosolic N‐terminus from postnatal day 9 mouse brains using a yeast two‐hybrid system. From 61 genes, we identified adaptor‐related protein complex 2, mu 1 subunit (Ap2m1) as the Vangl2 N‐terminal binding protein. Intriguingly, however, the pull‐down assay demonstrated that Vangl2 interacted with Ap2m1 not only at its N‐terminus but also at the C‐terminal Prickle binding domain. Furthermore, we verified that the downregulation of Ap2m1 in the developing cortical neurons reduced the dendritic branching similar to what occurs in a knockdown of Vangl2. From these results, we suggest that the membrane internalization regulated by the PCP pathway is required for the developmental morphological change in neurons.
Characteristics and natural disease history of persistent idiopathic facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and neuropathic facial pain
Authors: Ziegeler Christian , Brauns Greta , May Arne
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aimed to characterize key features, and to assess the clinical development of common nondental facial pain syndromes such as persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and neuropathic facial pain (NEUROP).

Methods

This is a longitudinal study in which prospective questionnaire data of patients presenting to a specialized outpatient clinic were collected from 2009 to 2019. A telephone interview was conducted with the same patients in 2020 to assess the natural disease history.

Results

n = 411 data sets of patients with chronic facial pain were compiled. Among these were n = 150 patients with PIFP, n = 111 patients with TN, and n = 86 patients with NEUROP. Guideline therapy had not been initiated in 38.7% (58/150; PIFP), 19.8% (22/111; TN), and 33.7% (29/86; NEUROP) patients. Of the patients with PIFP, 99.3% (149/150) had primarily consulted a dentist due to their pain syndrome. The additional telephone interview was completed by 236 out of the 411 patients (57.4%). Dental interventions in healthy teeth had been performed with the intention to treat the pain in many patients (78/94 [83.0%] PIFP; 34/62 [54.8%] TN; 19/43 [44.2%] NEUROP), including dental extractions. 11.3% (7/43) of the patients with TN had never profited from any therapy. In contrast, 29.8% (28/94) of the patients with PIFP had never profited from any therapy. Furthermore, the primary pharmaceutical therapy options suggested by national guidelines were, depending on the substance class, only considered to be effective by 13.8% (13/94; antidepressants) and 14.9% (14/94; anticonvulsants) of the patients with PIFP.

Conclusions

Facial pain syndromes pose a considerable disease burden. Although treatment of TN seems to be effective in most patients, patients with PIFP and NEUROP report poor effectiveness even when following guideline therapy suggestions. In addition, unwarranted dental interventions are common in facial pain syndromes.
Bibliometric analysis confirms expected trends in consumer health information publications
Authors: Aldousari Elham
Published: October 2021

Background

This study provides an overview of consumer health information (CHI) scholarly communication trends.

Objectives

To explore CHI publications trends, journal citations, prolific authors, countries of origin, and distribution of CHI publications.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was used; 8953 records from the Web of Science (WoS) and peer‐reviewed journal articles from databases, including LISA, MEDLINE, ERIC, PREMEDLINE and EMBASE were analysed.

Results

Publications on CHI rapidly increased from 1980 to 2019, especially during the 1990s and 2000s. Most journals that have published CHI research are based in North America and Europe.

Conclusion

The increase in the CHI literature corresponds with that in Internet usage in the 2000s, and explains the availability of CHI content online. This trend is associated with the widespread adoption of personal computers (PCs) and other Internet‐enabled gadgets.
Association between oral clefts and periodontal clinical measures: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Marzouk Tamer , Youssef Mostafa , Tsigarida Alexandra , McKinney Christy , Wong Cynthia , DeLucia Lisa , Shah Ritu , Wang Hongyue , Malmstrom Hans , Shope Erin
Published: October 2021

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and to evaluate the clinical parameters for periodontal diseases in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).

Design

The authors searched six indexed databases without any linguistic limitation through July 2021. The eligibility criteria were observational studies that compared the periodontal clinical measures of individuals with CL/P to those without CL/P. A meta‐analysis was conducted using random‐effects models with inverse variance weighting.

Results

The literature search generated 1277 records, and 40 full‐text articles were reviewed. Twenty‐three studies comprising 3235 individuals from four continents fulfilled our selection criteria. The meta‐analysis revealed a significant difference in mean plaque index scores (MD = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.41), gingival index scores (MD = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.77), and periodontal pocket depth (MD = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.12, 1.16) between individuals with and without CL/P. A slight increase in clinical attachment loss was detected among individuals with CL/P; however, such an increase may have little clinical significance.

Conclusions

As age is positively related to periodontal disease progression, and individuals with CL/P are more likely to present with more plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, clinicians should reinforce preventive dental care from an early age.
Brexit and the ‘left behind’: Job polarization and the rise in support for leaving the European Union
Authors: Drinkwater Stephen
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on the changing relationship between attitudes towards European Union (EU) membership and workers affected by globalization and technological advances in the lead‐up to the UK's EU referendum in 2016. It is found that workers employed in middling occupations, where both relative wages and employment have fallen, were significantly more likely than workers in high‐paying occupations to indicate that the UK's long‐term policy should be to leave the EU. This view was particularly noticeable amongst males with middling occupations in the post‐recessionary period between 2012 and 2015 and had increased significantly relative to the mainly pre‐recessionary period between 2004 and 2008.
Childhood adversity and mental health among Chinese young adults: The protective role of resilience
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Wang Lin , Chen Wenyi , Perrin Nancy , Gross Deborah
Published: October 2021

Aim

The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among health science students in China; associations between the number of ACE exposures and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms; and the extent to which resilience moderates the effect of ACEs on mental health outcomes.

Design

This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted May–August 2020.

Methods

Five hundred and sixty‐six health science students (18–38 years) from China completed online surveys measuring ACEs using the Simplified Chinese version of the ACE‐International Questionnaire, depressive and anxiety symptoms and resilience. Descriptive statistical analysis, ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc tests and multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS 27.

Results

88.5% of participants reported at least one ACE; 42.6% reported four or more ACEs. Higher number of ACEs was associated with more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Four or more ACEs were associated with significantly worse mental health outcomes than those with no ACEs and those with one to three ACEs. Greater resilience significantly attenuated the effects of ACEs on mental health symptoms.

Conclusions

ACEs are highly prevalent among Chinese health science students but their impact on mental health can be buffered by higher levels of resilience.

Impact

Screening for ACEs and strength‐based, trauma‐informed interventions on fostering resilience is needed to promote mental health among Chinese young adults.
Credit rating downgrade risk and acquisition decisions
Authors: Kang Mengyao
Published: October 2021

This study examines the impact of credit rating downgrade risk on acquisition decisions. I find that firms at risk of a rating downgrade conduct fewer acquisitions. This result is robust to different measures of downgrade risk, instrumental variable analyses and matched sample tests. The correlation between downgrade risk and acquisition propensity is likely driven by the concern that risks associated with acquisitions lead to downgrades as evidenced by the more cautious approach of acquirers facing downgrade risk. These firms take more time to complete deals, hire more and higher‐quality financial advisors, issue less debt to finance merger consideration, adopt target termination fee clauses and select targets with lower information asymmetry and higher ratings. This more cautious approach is associated with better long‐term post‐merger performance and reduced future‐downgrade risk. Subgroup analyses reveal credit rating downgrade risk is negatively associated with acquisition decisions and positively associated with performance for investment‐grade firms, especially BBB‐ firms, which are on the brink of being downgraded to non‐investment grade. Such associations are not significant for non–investment‐grade firms. Overall, the results suggest that firms at risk of a rating downgrade conduct acquisitions more cautiously, leading to fewer but more value‐creating deals.
Human amniotic fluid stem cells can improve cerebral vascular remodelling and neurological function after focal cerebral ischaemia in diabetic rats
Authors: Liang Ching‐Chung , Shaw Steven W. , Huang Yung‐Hsin , Lee Tsong‐Hai
Published: October 2021

Diabetes causes vascular injury and carries a high risk of ischaemic stroke. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) can enhance cerebral vascular remodelling and have the potential to improve neurological function after stroke in diabetic rats. Five groups of female rats were examined: (1) normal control, (2) type 1 diabetic (T1DM) rats induced by streptozotocin injection (DM), (3) non‐DM rats receiving 60‐minute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), (4) T1DM rats receiving 60‐minute MCAO (DM + MCAO) and (5) T1DM rats receiving 60‐minute MCAO and injection with 5 × 106 hAFSCs at 3 h after MCAO (DM + MCAO + hAFSCs). Neurological function was examined before, and at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, and cerebral infarction volume and haemorrhage, cerebral vascular density, angiogenesis and inflammatory were examined at 7 and 28 days after MCAO. hAFSCs treatment caused a significant improvement of neurological dysfunction, infarction volume, blood‐brain barrier leakage, cerebral arterial density, vascular density and angiogenesis and a reduction of brain haemorrhage and inflammation compared with non‐treatment. Our results showed that the effect of hAFSCs treatment against focal cerebral ischaemia may act through the recovery of vascular remodelling and angiogenesis and the reduction of inflammation in ischaemic brain.
Diet‐induced prediabetes: Effects on the activity of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in selected organs
Authors: Mkhize Bongeka Cassandra , Mosili Palesa , Ngubane Phikelelani Sethu , Sibiya Ntethelelo Hopewell , Khathi Andile
Published: October 2021

Aims/Introduction

Derangements often observed with type 2 diabetes are associated with disturbances in renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activity. A positive correlation between local RAAS activity and the complications observed in type 2 diabetes has been noted. However, the detrimental ramifications due to moderate hyperglycemia noted in prediabetes, and the affected organ system and mechanistic pathways are not elucidated. Hence, this study investigated the effects of diet‐induced prediabetes on RAAS in various organs.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were separated into two groups: (i) non‐prediabetes through exposure to standard rat chow group; and (ii) diet‐induced prediabetes group by exposure to a high‐fat high‐carbohydrate diet for 32 weeks. RAAS activity in the skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, liver, pancreas and heart was determined through the analysis of RAAS components, such as renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin‐converting enzyme and angiotensin II type 1 receptor through polymerase chain reaction, as well as the quantification of angiotensin II and aldosterone concentration. Furthermore, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 1 concentrations were determined in the skeletal muscle, pancreas and heart, in addition to the hepatic triglycerides.

Results

The RAAS components were elevated in the diet‐induced prediabetes group when compared with the non‐prediabetes group. This was further accompanied by increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 1 concentrations in the selected organs, in addition to the elevated hepatic triglycerides concentration in the diet‐induced prediabetes by comparison to non‐prediabetes group.

Conclusions

Due to these observed changes, we suggest that local RAAS activity in the prediabetes state in selected organs elicits the derangements noted in type 2 diabetes.
Epidemiology, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization of patients with chronic urticaria in Germany
Authors: Weller K. , Maurer M. , Bauer A. , Wedi B. , Wagner N. , Schliemann S. , Kramps T. , Baeumer D. , Multmeier J. , Hillmann E. , Staubach P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Comprehensive data on the epidemiology and comorbidities of chronic urticaria (CU) in Germany are either limited, or not contemporary.

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiology of CU, overall comorbidities and healthcare resource utilized by patients with CU in Germany, using an anonymized statutory health insurance (SHI) database.

Methods

Anonymized SHI claims research database of the Institute for Applied Health Research, Berlin [InGef] (01 January 2015–30 September 2018) was used to analyse insured individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of CU (ICD‐10‐GM codes). Twelve‐month diagnosed prevalence and incidence, comorbidities (vs. atopic dermatitis and psoriasis), and healthcare utilization by patients with CU were investigated.

Results

Of 4 693 772 individuals of all ages listed in the database, 3 538 540 were observable during 2017. Overall, 17 524 patients (˜0.5%) were diagnosed with CU; chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU: 71.2%), chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU: 19.7%), CSU+CIndU (9.1%). Females, vs. males, had higher diagnosed prevalence (0.62% vs. 0.37%) and diagnosed incidence (0.18% vs. 0.11%) of CU among all patients. Patients most frequently visited general practitioners (41.3% of total visits). Hypertensive diseases (43.5%), lipoprotein metabolism disorders (32.1%) and affective disorders (26.0%) were the most frequently reported comorbidities of special interest. Rates of most comorbidities of special interests were similar to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients, and all higher vs. overall population. More than half (54.1%) of all CU patients were not prescribed any treatment. Second‐generation H1‐antihistamines were the most commonly prescribed medication for adult (17.9%) and paediatric (27.9%) patients. Patients with CIndU (paediatric, 15.5%; adult, 7.8%) were more often hospitalized versus patients with CSU (paediatric, 9.9%; adult, 4.6%).

Conclusions

In Germany, prevalence of CU along with multiple comorbidities may pose increased burden on the healthcare system. Awareness of adhering to treatment guidelines, and aiming for complete control of urticaria, needs to be driven and may improve outcomes.
An interdisciplinary approach to orthodontic treatment of a mutilated Class III malocclusion with mini‐implants, dental implants, and an autotransplant
Authors: Liaw Johnny Joung‐Lin , Park Jae Hyun , Chang Chia‐Chuan , Wang Shin‐Huei , Tsai Betty Meng‐Yun
Published: October 2021

This case report demonstrates the interdisciplinary treatment of a 24‐year‐old female. Her skeletal discrepancy, anterior crossbite, mutilated dentition, and midline deviation made it challenging to achieve satisfactory treatment results, especially without major orthognathic surgery. This article thoroughly discusses the decision‐making process associated with various treatment alternatives, the biomechanical considerations with temporary skeletal anchorage devices, and the detailed operational process of dental implant restoration and autotransplantation.

Clinical Significance

Orthodontic treatment aims to obtain better facial and dental esthetics, achieve functional occlusion, and improve oral health. Treatment of patients with a mutilated dentition requires interdisciplinary teamwork from a group of professionals with various types of expertise. Orthodontists should be the navigator that generates the tooth movement and space redistribution, thus facilitating the subsequent functional rehabilitation under a well‐organized occlusal architecture. Autotransplantation offers an economical and biologically‐friendly opportunity to replace a missing tooth.
Is the use of a potassium nitrate dentifrice effective in reducing tooth sensitivity related to in‐office bleaching? A randomized triple‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Ortega‐Moncayo María Gracia , Aliaga‐Sancho Paulina , Pulido Camilo , Gutierrez Mario Felipe , Rodriguez‐Salazar Estuardo , Burey Adrieli , León Katherine , Román‐Oñate Yolanda , Galvao Arrais Cesar Augusto , Loguercio Alessandro D. , Dávila‐Sánchez Andrés
Published: October 2021

Objective

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the use of a dentifrice containing 5% potassium nitrate (KNO3) prior to and during in‐office dental bleaching reduces bleaching‐induced tooth sensitivity and affects bleaching efficiency.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐eight individuals were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 19). The experimental group performed toothbrushing using a dentifrice containing 5% KNO3, one week before treatment and before the first and second bleaching sessions. In the control group, a placebo dentifrice without KNO3 was applied as described for the first group. Tooth sensitivity was recorded on visual analog scales (VAS) and numeric rating scales (NRS) immediately and up to 48 h after bleaching sessions. Color change at different time intervals, was evaluated with shade guide units (∆SGU) and a digital spectrophotometer (∆E CIELab 1976 and CIEDE2000) at baseline and 7, 15, and 30 days post‐bleaching. Mann–Whitney test and t‐test were used to evaluate TS intensity for NRS and VAS scales, respectively, and T‐test was used for color difference evaluation.

Results

No significant difference in tooth sensitivity's absolute risk and intensity were observed between tested groups in any evaluated treatment time for NRS (p = 0.91) or VAS scales (p = 0.48). T‐test showed no significant difference in both ∆E and ∆SGU tooth color among the experimental and control groups during the different evaluation times (p = 0.27).

Conclusion

The use of a dentifrice containing 5% KNO3 does not prevent post‐operatory tooth sensitivity but allows the same whitening efficiency as a regular dentifrice.

Clinical significance

The use of a dentifrice‐containing KNO3 did not prevent bleaching‐induced tooth sensitivity when high‐concentrated hydrogen peroxide was used for in‐office bleaching.
Changes in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels post‐vitamin D supplementation in people of Black and Asian ethnicities and its implications during COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Vaughan Megan , Trott Mike , Sapkota Raju , Premi Gurmel , Roberts Justin , Ubhi Jaspal , Smith Lee , Pardhan Shahina
Published: October 2021

Background

People of Black and Asian ethnicities have a higher infection rate and mortality as a result of COVID‐19. It has also been reported that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in this, possibly because of the multi‐gene regulatory function of the vitamin D receptor. As a result, increased dietary intake and/or supplementation to attain adequate 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels could benefit people in these ethnicities. The present study aimed to review the literature examining the changes in 25(OH)D in different types of vitamin D supplementation from randomised controlled trials in this population.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases were systematically searched using keywords related to vitamin D supplementation in Black and Asian ethnicities.

Results

Eight studies were included in the review. All the included studies found that supplementation of vitamin D (D2 and D3), regardless of dosage, increased 25(OH)D levels compared to a placebo. All trials in which participants were vitamin D deficient at baseline showed increased 25(OH)D levels to a level considered adequate. Two studies that used food fortification yielded smaller 25(OH)D increases compared to similar studies that used oral supplementation (10.2 vs. 25.5 nmol L−1, respectively). Furthermore, vitamin D2 supplementation yielded significantly lower 25(OH)D increases than vitamin D3 supplementation.

Conclusions

Oral vitamin D supplementation may be more efficacious in increasing 25(OH)D levels than food fortification of Black and Asian ethnicities, with vitamin D3 supplementation possibly being more efficacious than vitamin D2. It is recommended that people with darker skin supplement their diet with vitamin D3 through oral tablet modes where possible, with recent literature suggesting a daily intake of 7000–10,000 IU to be potentially protective from unfavourable COVID‐19 outcomes. As a result of the paucity of studies, these findings should be treated as exploratory.
Fast, high‐precision autofocus on a motorised microscope: Automating blood sample imaging on the OpenFlexure Microscope
Authors: Knapper Joe , Collins Joel T. , Stirling Julian , McDermott Samuel , Wadsworth William , Bowman Richard W.
Published: October 2021

The OpenFlexure Microscope is a 3D‐printed, low‐cost microscope capable of automated image acquisition through the use of a motorised translation stage and a Raspberry Pi imaging system. This automation has applications in research and healthcare, including in supporting the diagnosis of malaria in low‐resource settings. The plasmodium parasites that cause malaria require high magnification imaging, which has a shallow depth of field, necessitating the development of an accurate and precise autofocus procedure. We present methods of identifying the focal plane of the microscope, and procedures for reliably acquiring a stack of focused images on a system affected by backlash and drift. We also present and assess a method to verify the success of autofocus during the scan. The speed, reliability and precision of each method are evaluated, and the limitations discussed in terms of the end users' requirements.
Parentally deprived juvenile Owl monkeys suffer from long‐term high infection rates but not from altered hair cortisol concentrations nor from stereotypic behaviours
Authors: Osman Mahdiyah , Olkun Aylin , Maldonado Angela M. , Lopez‐Tremoleda Jordi , Sanchez‐Perea Nofre , Paredes Ursula M.
Published: October 2021

Background

In captive colonies, owl monkeys’ mothers sometimes reject their newborns. To prevent, mortality infants are manually raised by veterinarians. Both parental separation and rejection are stressful experiences, associated with elevated stress, physical, and behavioural disorders. The effect of parental deprivation in IVITA’s owl monkeys stress profiles and health is unknown.

Methods

We compared stress biomarkers such as hair cortisol (using cortisol ELISA), stereotypic behaviours (with infrared cameras), and infection histories in juveniles separated from parents soon after birth (n = 14, ~17 months) and controls (n = 11, ~17 months).

Results

Parentally deprived owl monkeys show higher infection rates than controls (p = .001). However, they display no higher incidence of biomarkers of stress: Neither stereotypic behaviour nor cortisol in hair was different between cohorts. Irrespective of deprivation status, rates of infection, and concentration of cortisol in hair were positively associated (R2 = .29, p = .005).

Conclusion

Early parental deprivation and natural high levels of cortisol secretion are associated with elevated infection levels in the IVITA owl monkey juveniles detectable up to 17 months post separation.
Changes of stem cell niche during experimental pituitary tumor development
Authors: Guido Carolina Beatriz , Sosa Liliana del Valle , Perez Pablo Aníbal , Zlocoswki Natacha , Velazquez Fabiola Noelia , Gutierrez Silvina , Petiti Juan Pablo , Mukdsi Jorge Humberto , Torres Alicia Inés
Published: October 2021

To investigate the putative stem cell/tumor stem cell (SC/TSC) niche contribution to hyperplasic/adenomatous pituitary lesions, we analyzed variation in the pituitary stem cell population during the development of experimental pituitary tumors. Pituitary tumors were induced in female F344 rats with estradiol benzoate for 5, 10, 20 and 30 days. Cells positive for GFRa2, Sox2, Sox9, Nestin, CD133 and CD44 were identified in the marginal zone and in the adenoparenchyma in both control and 30D groups, with predominant adenoparenchyma localization of GRFa2 and SOX9 found in tumoral pituitaries. GFRa2, Nestin, CD133 and CD44 were upregulated at the initial stages of tumor growth, whereas Sox9 significantly decreased at 5D, with Sox2 remaining invariable during the hyperplasic/adenomatous development. In addition, isolated pituispheres from normal and tumoral pituitary glands enriched in SC/TSC were characterized. Pituispheres from the 30D glands were positive for the above‐mentioned markers and showed a significant increase in the proliferation. In conclusion, our data revealed pituitary SC pool fluctuations during hyperplastic/adenomatous development, with differential localization of the SC/TSC niche in this process. These findings may help to provide a better understanding of these cell populations, which is crucial for achieving advancements in the field of pituitary tumor biology.
The expression of neural cell adhesion molecule and the microenvironment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Marques Pedro , Barry Sayka , Carlsen Eivind , Collier David , Ronaldson Amy , Grieve Joan , Dorward Neil , Mendoza Nigel , Nair Ramesh , Muquit Samiul , Grossman Ashley B. , Korbonits Márta
Published: October 2021

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has previously been studied in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs), but its role in tumour biology and aggressiveness remains controversial, and its relationship with the tumour microenvironment remains unknown. We aimed to characterise NCAM expression in PitNETs, to correlate this with clinico‐pathological features, and to assess the role of various microenvironment components on NCAM expression. NCAM and immune cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 16 human non‐functioning‐PitNETs (NF‐PitNETs) and eight somatotrophinomas, including macrophages (CD68, CD163, HLA‐DR), cytotoxic (CD8) and T helper (CD4) lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (FOXP3), B cells (CD20), and neutrophils (neutrophil elastase). Five normal pituitaries were included for comparison. The cytokine secretome from these PitNETs and from PitNET‐derived tumour‐associated fibroblasts (TAFs) were assessed on culture supernatants using a multiplex immunoassay panel. There were no significant NCAM expression differences between PitNETs and normal pituitary, and no difference between types of pituitary tumours (NF‐PitNETs vs. somatotrophinomas). There was no association between NCAM expression and different clinico‐pathological features, including cavernous sinus invasion and Ki‐67, nor with serum hormone levels. NCAM immunoreactivity correlated negatively with PitNET‐derived CXCL10 (rho = −0.417; p = .042) and CX3CL1 (rho = −0.423; p = .040) levels. NCAM immunoreactivity was negatively correlated with TAF‐derived fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 (rho = −0.632; p = .009), but not with other TAF‐derived cytokines. Within the PitNET cohort, there were no correlations between NCAM immunoreactivity and immune infiltrates or ratios, although, within NF‐PitNETs, NCAM expression was higher in tumours with more FOXP3+ cells. NCAM expression does not differ between PitNETs and normal pituitary, and does not appear to relate to tumour invasiveness or proliferation. However, our data suggest a possible role for cytokines in the modulation of NCAM expression in PitNETs, particularly CXCL10, CX3CL1 and FGF‐2, but not for immune cell infiltrates.
Financial capability and wellbeing of vulnerable consumers
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Porto Nilton
Published: October 2021

Consumer financial capability can be defined variously by different researchers. In this study, financial capability is assumed to have three components, financial knowledge, financial behavior, and financial skills. This study examines relative contributions of financial capability components to financial wellbeing among vulnerable consumers. With data from the National Financial Wellbeing Survey commissioned by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), results show that among financial capability components, financial behavior contributes the most to financial wellbeing of the whole sample, followed by financial skill and financial knowledge. In addition, group differences surface when subsamples in terms of age, poverty status, confidence, and fraud victim status are examined. Results suggest that for low‐income consumers, encouraging them to engage in desirable financial behaviors is more important than teaching them financial knowledge and skills. Findings have implications for financial educators, practitioners, and policymakers to help them recognize the proper financial education or program to be delivered based on consumer vulnerability and components of financial capability.
Spontaneous labor curve based on a retrospective multi‐center study in Japan
Authors: Shindo Ryosuke , Aoki Shigeru , Misumi Toshihiro , Nakanishi Sayuri , Umazume Takeshi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Masuyama Hisashi , Itakura Atsuo , Ikeda Tomoaki ,   Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Perinatal Committee
Published: October 2021

Aim

In Japan, the criteria of the latent and active phases of the first stage of labor have not been decided. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) Perinatal Committee conducted a study to construct a spontaneous labor curve in order to determine the point of onset of the active phase.

Methods

The participants were women who had spontaneous deliveries at four health facilities in Japan between September 1, 2011, and September 31, 2019. Spontaneous delivery was defined as the spontaneous onset of labor at term (37 weeks, 0 days to 41 weeks, 6 days) with vaginal delivery of a mature fetus in a cephalic position without uterotonic agents or epidural analgesia. The time points for each “cm” of dilation were collected starting from the time of full dilation retrogradely. The relationship between time since labor onset and cervical dilation was expressed as a curve using a smoothing B‐spline.

Results

A total of 4215 primiparous and 5266 multiparous women were included in this study. The spontaneous labor curve showed that in both primiparous and multiparous women, labor progress was slow until 5 cm cervical dilation, accelerating between 5 and 6 cm dilation, and steadily progressed after 6 cm dilation.

Conclusion

We propose that the active phase of the first stage of labor be defined as starting at 5 cm dilation of the cervix, and that it be divided into an acceleration phase (5–6 cm dilation) and a maximal phase (>6 cm dilation).