bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain catastrophizing hinders Disease Activity Score 28 – erythrocyte sedimentation rate remission of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with normal C‐reactive protein levels
Authors: Yoshida Tamami , Hashimoto Motomu , Horiguchi Go , Murakami Kosaku , Murata Koichi , Nishitani Kohei , Watanabe Ryu , Yamamoto Wataru , Tanaka Masao , Morinobu Akio , Ito Hiromu , Matsuda Shuichi , Uehara Ritei
Published: October 2021

Aim

This study aimed to assess the relationship between pain catastrophizing and achievement of 28‐joint Disease Activity Score‐defined remission of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), considering the presence or absence of systemic inflammation, and to evaluate associated factors for pain catastrophizing.

Method

This cross‐sectional study included 421 RA outpatients. The relationship between pain catastrophizing and remission was analyzed by adjusting several confounding factors. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the relationship between pain catastrophizing and RA‐related factors, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits.

Results

The prevalence of pain catastrophizing was 26%. Pain catastrophizing was negatively associated with remission (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.38‐1.00, P = .048). A multinomial logistic analysis showed that the presence of pain catastrophizing was an independent factor that was negatively correlated with the achievement of remission in the absence of systemic inflammation (odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.28‐0.93, P = .029). Factors associated with elevated ratings on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale were a history of falls within the past year, a Health Assessment Questionnaire score >0.5, and smoking habit. Further, patients' subjective symptoms, including patient global assessment minus evaluator global assessment values ≥20 and high tender joint count minus swollen joint counts, were associated with elevated pain catastrophizing.

Conclusion

Pain catastrophizing is a major obstacle to achieving remission in RA patients with normal C‐reactive protein levels. Advanced physical disability, smoking habit, and history of falls were associated with pain catastrophizing, in addition to patients' subjective symptoms.
Diagnostic utility of transbronchial biopsy for Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case study
Authors: Hoshi Miki , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Tanaka Katsushi , Somekawa Kohei , Kaneko Ayami , Izawa Ami , Seki Kenichi , Tagami Yoichi , Aoki Ayako , Fujii Hiroaki , Watanabe Keisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Hara Yu , Matsumura Mai , Enaka Makiko , Hagihara Maki , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: October 2021

Lung lesions of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) are rare and difficult to diagnose by nonsurgical biopsy. We herein present the case of a 72‐year‐old Japanese male who presented with accumulation of lung infiltrates and masses bilaterally on the lungs for 3 years. Although transbronchial lung biopsy (TBB) and computed tomography‐guided biopsy were conducted several times, his diagnosis remained inconclusive. On further deterioration of lung lesions, the patient was transferred to our hospital. Positron emission tomography revealed increased accumulation in the bilateral lungs and right supraclavicular lymph nodes. Surgical biopsy of the lymph node was performed. He was finally diagnosed with HL and underwent chemotherapy with doxorubicin, vinblastine, dacarbazine, and brentuximab vedotin. After chemotherapy, the lung lesion showed significant regression. A literature review indicated that the diagnostic success rate of TBB was low (18.5%) in cases of lung lesions in HL.
Tracking the decline in Australian adolescent drinking into adulthood
Authors: Livingston Michael , Callinan Sarah , Vashishtha Rakhi , Yuen Wing See , Dietze Paul
Published: October 2021

Background and aims

Adolescent drinking in Australia (and many other countries) has declined substantially since the early 2000s. This study aimed to test whether these declines have been maintained into adulthood and whether they are consistent across sub‐groups defined by sex and socio‐economic status.

Design

Quasi‐cohorts were constructed from seven repeated waves of cross‐sectional household survey data (2001–2019).

Setting

Australia.

Participants

A total of 20 733 respondents age between 14 and 24 (male: 9492; female: 11 241).

Measurements

Participants were grouped into five cohorts based on their birth year (from 1979–1983 to 1999–2003). Three measures of drinking were assessed: any past‐year consumption (yes/no), past‐year regular risky drinking (12 or more drinking episodes of >40 g of pure alcohol, yes/no) and total volume of alcohol consumed in the past year (in Australian standard drinks, 10 g of alcohol). Socio‐economic status was measured based on neighbourhood of residence.

Findings

Drinking declines were consistent across socio‐economic groups on all measures and trends were broadly similar for women and men. More recent birth cohorts had significantly lower levels of drinking across all three measures (odds ratios between 0.31 and 0.70 for drinking and risky drinking, coefficients between −0.28 and −0.80 for drinking volume). There were significant interactions between birth cohort and age for past‐year drinking and past‐year regular risky drinking, with cohort differences diminishing as age increased.

Conclusions

Lighter drinking adolescent cohorts appear to partly ‘catch up’ to previous cohorts by early adulthood, but maintain lower levels of drinking and risky drinking up to the age of 24. These ongoing reductions in drinking are spread evenly across socio‐economic groups.
Risk of somatic disease and mortality in individuals of parents with alcohol use disorder: a register‐based cohort study
Authors: Holst Charlotte , Tolstrup Janne S. , Becker Ulrik
Published: October 2021

Aims

To estimate the risks of 12 types of somatic disease—alcohol‐related, blood, cancer, circulatory, digestive, endocrine and metabolic, genitourinary, infectious, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory and skin—in individuals with parental alcohol use disorder (AUD) versus a reference population, and to estimate the risks of all‐cause mortality and of death from an alcohol‐related cause.

Design

Matched cohort study followed‐up through nation‐wide health registries. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

A total of 14 008 individuals born 1962–2003 of parents with AUD and 139 087 reference offspring randomly selected from the Danish Civil Registration System were followed from their 15th birthday and onward during 1970–2018. Follow‐up time ranged between 2 423 955 and 3 208 366 person‐years for somatic diseases and was 3 214 411 person‐years for all‐cause and alcohol‐related mortality.

Measurements

Information on somatic disease was obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry. Causes of death were obtained from the Danish Cause of Death Registry.

Findings

Individuals of parents with AUD had a higher risk of alcohol‐related diseases (HR = 2.70, 95% CI = 2.24–3.24) compared with the reference individuals. Higher HRs among individuals with parental AUD compared with reference individuals were also observed in all other somatic diseases except for cancer. All‐cause mortality (HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.63–2.00) and alcohol‐related mortality (HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.11–5.08) were higher among individuals of parents with AUD compared with the reference individuals. No significant differences were found in relation to the gender of either parents or offspring.

Conclusions

In Denmark, parental alcohol use disorder appears to predict alcohol‐related and non‐alcohol‐related somatic morbidity and mortality in offspring.
PD‐1 inhibitors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Aboul‐Fettouh Nader , Chen Leon , Ma Junsheng , Patel Jigar , Silapunt Sirunya , Migden Michael
Published: October 2021

PD‐1 inhibitors are immunotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This study aimed to determine the pooled objective response and disease control rates of patients with advanced cSCC treated with PD‐1 inhibitors. Pubmed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched up to 1 January 2021 to include eligible articles. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were pooled and analysed. Subgroup analysis of the odds ratio (OR) for ORR for patients by PD‐L1 tumour proportion score (TPS) was performed. Seven articles including a total of 453 patients were identified and included. Pooled estimate of ORR was 44% (95% CI: 39‐49%, I2 = 23.7%) and of DCR was 66% (95% CI: 57‐74%, I2 = 68.2%). Pooled odds ratio of ORR for patients by PD‐L1 TPS was 2.81 (95% CI: 1.22‐6.51, I2 = 0.0%). These results were derived from single‐arm studies, some of which were retrospective. No head‐to‐head trials comparing PD‐1 inhibitors have been reported. We present aggregate estimates of ORR and DCR for patients with advanced cSCC treated with PD‐1 inhibitors, as well as subgroup analysis for ORR for patients by PD‐L1 TPS.
Holding Land, Claiming Kin: The Relation Between Race, Land, and Kinship in the Southern US and Barbados
Authors: Franzen Sarah , Bascomb Lia T.
Published: October 2021

“Holding Land, Claiming Kin” uses a comparison between the Southern US and the Caribbean island of Barbados to explore the connection between race, property, and kinship. Focusing on the customary practices of family land and the legal category of heir property, we argue that land ownership is used by racially dispossessed populations to name and practise kinship, to assert multiple forms of belonging, and to define their own value systems within racialised, social, and legal structures. Contributing to broader understandings of Black geographies, this work adds to social understandings of land ownership as place making and has the potential to influence US policies around grants, agricultural assistance, and protection of heir property, as well as Caribbean understandings of land as a family resource. Through this comparative analysis we posit dispossession as more than the loss of monetary wealth and land ownership as more than an economic asset.
Stress and urgency urinary incontinence one year after a first birth—prevalence and risk factors. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jansson Markus H. , Franzén Karin , Tegerstedt Gunilla , Hiyoshi Ayako , Nilsson Kerstin
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Few prospective studies have examined the effect of pregnancy and childbirth on stress and urgency urinary incontinence separately. The aim of the present study was to assess the extent to which pregnancy, vaginal delivery, and vaginal delivery characteristics affect the risk of significant stress and urgency incontinence 1 year after delivery.

Material and methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 670 nulliparous women from early pregnancy to 1 year partum. The women were recruited at maternity health care service in Region Örebro County, Sweden, between October 1, 2014 and October 1, 2017 and completed questionnaires in early and late pregnancy and at 8 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Primary outcome measures were significant stress and urgency incontinence at 1 year postpartum in women who reported being continent before pregnancy. Generalized linear models were used.

Results

Stress and urgency incontinence commencing before pregnancy were reported by 4% and 3% of women, respectively, in the first questionnaire in early pregnancy, and these women were excluded from subsequent analysis. Stress and urgency incontinence were reported by 21% and 8%, respectively, at 1 year postpartum, in women not reporting incontinence before pregnancy. Stress incontinence during pregnancy increased the risk of stress incontinence postpartum (risk ratio [RR] 2.48, 95% CI 1.86–3.3). Urgency incontinence during pregnancy increased the risk of urgency incontinence postpartum (RR 4.07, 95% CI 2.1–7.89). Vaginal delivery increased the risk of stress incontinence postpartum (adjusted RR 2.63, 95% CI 1.39–5.01) but not of urgency incontinence. This effect of vaginal delivery on stress incontinence was similar irrespective of incontinence status during pregnancy. The population‐attributable fraction of stress incontinence associated with vaginal delivery was 0.58 (95% CI 0.23–0.77).

Conclusions

This study shows essentially different risk factors for stress and urgency incontinence, supporting stress incontinence as being the subtype mostly associated with pregnancy and childbirth, and urgency incontinence as being more stable over time. At a population level, vaginal delivery was the major risk factor for stress incontinence, followed by reporting stress incontinence during pregnancy.
An ex vivo comparison of partial thromboplastin time and activated clotting time for heparin anticoagulation in an ovine model
Authors: Berk Zachary B. K. , Shah Aakash , Sun Wenji , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: October 2021

Background

Sheep are a primary model of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with heparin anticoagulation therapy frequently being monitored by activated clotting time (ACT) due to ease and cost. In patients undergoing long‐term heparin therapy, other anticoagulation monitoring strategies, such as activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), have proven to be more reliable indicators for the adequacy of anticoagulation, frequently determined by heparin concentration. As there is a paucity of similar studies in sheep, we sought to investigate the correlation between heparin concentration and ACT and aPTT using whole sheep blood in an ex vivo model.

Methods

Fresh whole blood was serially drawn from an adult female Dorset‐hybrid sheep and aliquots were placed into tubes containing heparin saline solutions with concentrations ranging from 0 to 7.81 U heparin per mL of whole blood. ACT and aPTT values were measured on each of the samples. The experiment was performed four times with the same animal. A simple linear regression was performed to determine correlation, and subgroup analysis was performed on low versus high heparin concentrations typically seen in human patients on long‐term MCS, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), versus cardiopulmonary bypass, respectively.

Results

aPTT measurements versus the heparin concentration had an R2 = 0.7295. ACT measurements versus the heparin concentration had a R2 = 0.4628. aPTT measurements versus the ACT measurements had a R2 = 0.2974. The strength of the correlation between aPTT and heparin concentration increased at low heparin concentrations (R2 = 0.8392).

Conclusion

aPTT had a more reliable correlation to heparin concentration and thus anticoagulation level than ACT. This was particularly true at lower heparin concentrations, similar to ranges seen for patients on ECMO. The correlation between aPTT and ACT values was poor. Further in vivo studies should be performed to confirm our results.
Editorial: the never‐ending story—Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease
Authors: Sugano Kentaro , Howden Colin W.
Published: October 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jiang et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16604 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16654
Editorial: brain‐gut research needs objective measures of disease activity and mental disorders
Authors: Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Knowles Simon R.
Published: October 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Mules et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16616 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16649
Power of blank spaces: A critical cartography of China's Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Murton Galen
Published: October 2021

A variety of maps depict a usefully approximate but inexact network of roads, rails, sea lanes and other infrastructures to represent something called China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). And yet, for a global programme that reflects and advances Beijing's new position as a leader of international development, BRI maps remain largely imprecise and unofficial. Taking this as a starting point of critical cartography, I ask why BRI development throughout the Tibet‐Himalaya region remains conspicuously blank on most maps, and what work is accomplished by such cartographic silences. In contrast to this apparent invisibility, however, the BRI is very much present in Nepal – discursively, materially and cartographically. Chinese development programmes are widely anticipated, embraced and promoted as grand and spectacular things throughout Nepal. Following this friction of representation in the case of Chinese development in Nepal, I argue that the apparent paradox between the BRI as invisible thing and BRI as promised future reveals the manifold ways in which infrastructures articulate politics and, vice‐versa, how politics articulate infrastructures.
Collective narcissism and weakening of American democracy
Authors: Keenan Oliver , de Zavala Agnieszka Golec
Published: October 2021

The storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, and voter intimidation by Donald Trump's supporters have marked significant upheaval in American democracy. In two cross‐sectional studies and one experiment, we tested the proposition that American collective narcissism is associated with support for populist leadership (particular, their message of renewed ingroup recognition) to the point of disregard for democratic procedures. In Study 1, conducted just before the 2020 presidential elections, we examined the association of American collective narcissism with support for Trump's re‐election even if he was to violate the democratic procedures while securing it. In pre‐registered Study 2, conducted just after the Capitol attack, we examined the association between American collective narcissism and support for the attacks. In Study 3, we experimentally examined a more general proposition that collective narcissism is associated with support for populist leaders and lack of support for democratic procedures, in a minimal group setting deprived of any associations with a particular political context. The results of the three studies converge to indicate that collective narcissism is most strongly (beyond variables commonly implicated in support for right‐wing populism) associated with populist leadership to the extent of disregarding democratic norms.
Training on a virtual reality laparoscopic simulator improves performance of live laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Ohtake Shinji , Makiyama Kazuhide , Yamashita Daisuke , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Yao Masahiro
Published: October 2021

Introduction

To determine whether training laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) with a virtual reality (VR) simulator improves the performance of porcine LN.

Methods

Twelve urological residents were assigned to two groups: a training and a non‐training group. All participants performed baseline assessments of LN skills and time on the LapPASS® simulator. The training group received preoperative LapPASS® training. Both groups then performed LN using a porcine model. The operations were videotaped and evaluated using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) system. After porcine LN, the training group performed a final LN with the LapPASS® simulator.

Results

There was no significant difference in the operation time required for porcine LN. There were no significant differences in the total A (autonomy), B (bimanual dexterity), D (depth perception), or T (tissue handling) GOALS scores. However, the total E (efficiency) score in the training group was higher than that in the non‐training group (P = .030). The final LN score with LapPASS® was significantly higher than the baseline (P = .004).

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrated that VR LN training improved performance in an actual operation. VR‐based procedural simulation could become a vital part of the laparoscopic training program for residents.
Dynamic logistic state space prediction model for clinical decision making
Authors: Jiang Jiakun , Yang Wei , Schnellinger Erin M. , Kimmel Stephen E. , Guo Wensheng
Published: October 2021

Prediction modeling for clinical decision making is of great importance and needed to be updated frequently with the changes of patient population and clinical practice. Existing methods are either done in an ad hoc fashion, such as model recalibration or focus on studying the relationship between predictors and outcome and less so for the purpose of prediction. In this article, we propose a dynamic logistic state space model to continuously update the parameters whenever new information becomes available. The proposed model allows for both time‐varying and time‐invariant coefficients. The varying coefficients are modeled using smoothing splines to account for their smooth trends over time. The smoothing parameters are objectively chosen by maximum likelihood. The model is updated using batch data accumulated at prespecified time intervals, which allows for better approximation of the underlying binomial density function. In the simulation, we show that the new model has significantly higher prediction accuracy compared to existing methods. We apply the method to predict 1 year survival after lung transplantation using the United Network for Organ Sharing data.
mHealth and technology innovations for anxiety and OC spectrum disorders
Authors: Timpano Kiara R.
Published: October 2021

Interdisciplinary mobile health (mHealth) technologies and intervention approaches are changing the nature of health research, providing the opportunity to shift from more reactive approaches for patient care to a more proactive stance. As with the larger field of medicine, mHealth and technology‐enhanced approaches in psychiatry and clinical psychology are opening an unparalleled number of avenues to help reduce the risk for psychiatric disease, treat psychological disorders, and increase well‐being of our patients. While promising, this research is characterized by complex challenges across the domains of concept development, initial design and testing, and downstream implementation and scaled‐up dissemination. This Special Issue in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology was designed to highlight the development and implementation of mHealth research in the anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive spectrum disorders. In addition to informing readers about important advances that have been made, the present special issue also draws attention to the myriad challenges that will need to be considered in future research. Three domains relevant for mHealth research are addressed, including a careful consideration of where the research currently stands and what challenges we should prepare for, the adaptation of traditional and adjunctive treatments to mobile or online platforms, and the ability for technology and associated methodological approaches to provide further insight into aetiological investigations.
Ferroptosis resistance determines high susceptibility of murine A/J strain to iron‐induced renal carcinogenesis
Authors: Cheng Zhen , Akatsuka Shinya , Li Guang Hua , Mori Kiyoshi , Takahashi Takashi , Toyokuni Shinya
Published: October 2021

Cancer susceptibility is a critical factor in the understanding of carcinogenesis. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of an iron chelate, ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe‐NTA), produces hydroxyl radicals via Fenton reaction to induce ferroptosis in renal proximal tubules. Rats or mice subjected to repeated i.p. injections of Fe‐NTA develop renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that cause susceptibility to renal carcinogenesis, we first established an inter‐strain difference in the susceptibility to Fe‐NTA‐induced renal carcinogenesis in mice. Based on a previous observation of a low incidence of RCC with this model in C57BL/6J strain mice, we investigated A/J strain mice here, which demonstrated significantly higher susceptibility to Fe‐NTA‐induced renal carcinogenesis. Homozygous deletion of the Cdkn2a/2b tumor suppressor locus was detected for the first time in A/J strain mice. Focusing on ferroptosis and iron metabolism, we explored the mechanisms involved that lead to the difference in RCC development. We compared the protective responses in the kidney of A/J and C57BL/6J strains after Fe‐NTA treatment. After 3‐week Fe‐NTA treatment, A/J mice maintained higher levels of expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and xCT (SLC7A11), leading to a lower level of lipid peroxidation. Simultaneously, A/J mice had decreased expression of transferrin receptor and increased expression of ferritin to greater degrees than C57BL/6 mice. After a single Fe‐NTA injection, higher levels of oxidative cell damage and cytosolic catalytic Fe(II) were observed in C57BL/6J mice, accompanied by a greater increase in lipocalin‐2. Lipocalin‐2 deficiency significantly decreased oxidative renal damage. Our results suggest that a genetic trait favoring ferroptosis resistance contributes to high susceptibility to Fe‐NTA‐induced RCC in A/J strain.
Treatment effectiveness for Vocal Cord Dysfunction in adults and adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Mahoney Janine , Hew Mark , Vertigan Anne , Oates Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Objective

To determine whether treatment effectiveness can be established for a range of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) interventions in adolescents and adults.

Design

A systematic review of the literature and risk of bias appraisal was completed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were qualitatively synthesized in the broad intervention groups of glottic airway and respiratory retraining, pharmacological therapies, airway device therapies and psychological therapies.

Data sources

Nine electronic databases, two clinical trial registries and the grey literature were searched from inception to September 2021 for articles on VCD interventions or equivalent terms.

Eligibility criteria

Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials, non‐randomized controlled trials, quasi‐experimental pre‐ and post‐test studies and within‐subject repeated measure designs, participants were 13 years or older, VCD was diagnosed using laryngoscopy or CT larynx, VCD intervention was provided and outcome measures reported on VCD symptoms.

Results

The search yielded no randomized controlled trials. There were 17 quasi‐experimental studies that met the eligibility criteria, and these studies reported on glottic airway and respiratory retraining, botulinum toxin injections, inspiratory muscle strength training and amitriptyline; all were associated with VCD symptom reduction. In addition, 2 within‐subject repeated measure studies reported inspiratory muscle strength training and respiratory retraining to be effective in reducing symptoms in participants with exertional VCD. The included studies were reported in full‐text publications (11) and conference proceedings (8). There was a high risk of bias and low quality of evidence across all intervention areas.

Conclusion

Glottic airway and respiratory retraining, botulinum toxin injections, low‐dose amitriptyline and inspiratory muscle strength training devices have been associated with symptom reduction in adults and adolescents with vocal cord dysfunction. Limited objective data exist to support the effectiveness of these interventions, and robust controlled trials are needed in this area.

Systematic Review Registration: CRD42018092274 (PROSPERO).
A process for dyeing cotton with direct dyes possessing primary aromatic amino groups furnishing wash fastness exhibited by reactive dyes
Authors: Hande Pratik , Kulkarni Kedar S. , Adivarekar Ravindra V. , Bhagwat Sunil S. , Bhate Prakash M.
Published: October 2021

Direct dyes constitute one of the major classes of azo dyes. These dyes due to their structural characteristics possess affinity for cellulose fibres when dyed in the presence of electrolytes. However, they bind with cellulose fibres through weak physical forces due to which cotton dyed with direct dyes bleeds when washed. In the present study, cotton fabric dyed by using direct dyes possessing primary aromatic amino groups followed by treatment with nitrous acid and soda ash was shown to exhibit a remarkable improvement in wash and rubbing fastness. With this process, any azo dye with primary aromatic amino groups possessing moderate substantivity for cellulose can be used to obtain dyed cotton exhibiting fastness properties comparable to that of reactive dyes. The dyeing process can, in principle, be made continuous thereby offering dyers the possibility of achieving good to excellent wash fastness by using inexpensive direct dyes.
High‐binding‐fastness dye from functional extracts of Keemun black tea waste for dyeing flax fabric
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu Hongfang , Zheng Xianhong , Bian Liran , Sun Yufang , Wang Zongqian , Li Changlong
Published: October 2021

Black tea natural dye is usually recognised to contain functional colouring matters, which has long been used for the coloration of textile materials. However, due to poor binding and colour fastness, a large number of mordants have been used in the dyeing process, leading to serious environmental problems. To address these issues, we have developed a no‐mordant pad‐dry dyeing strategy for dyeing flax fabrics with functional components of Keemun black tea (KBT) waste. The dyed flax fabrics showed outstanding colour fastness to perspiration, rubbing, and washing. Moreover, increasing the KBT extract concentration, dyeing time, and temperature, and decreasing the pH level could significantly enhance the K/S values. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results revealed that theaflavin compounds dyed thoroughly the fibres successfully through hydrogen bonding force, and the theaflavin compounds could be bound to fibres stably through van der Waals and hydrogen bonding forces based on Independent Gradient Model (IGM) calculations. In addition, the dyed flax fabrics possessed good ultraviolet (UV) protection and antibacterial performance. This work proposes novel approaches for the reuse of KBT waste and the simultaneous coloration and functionalisation of flax fabric.
Deletion of Nf2 in neural crest‐derived tongue mesenchyme alters tongue shape and size, Hippo signalling and cell proliferation in a region‐ and stage‐specific manner
Authors: Ishan Mohamed , Chen Guiqian , Yu Wenxin , Wang Zhonghou , Giovannini Marco , Cao Xinwei , Liu Hong‐Xiang
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The mammalian tongue develops from the branchial arches (1–4) and comprises highly organized tissues compartmentalized by mesenchyme/connective tissue that is largely derived from neural crest (NC). This study aimed to understand the roles of tumour suppressor Neurofibromin 2 (Nf2) in NC‐derived tongue mesenchyme in regulating Hippo signalling and cell proliferation for the proper development of tongue shape and size.

Materials and methods

Conditional knockout (cKO) of Nf2 in NC cell lineage was generated using Wnt1‐Cre (Wnt1‐Cre/Nf2cKO). Nf2 expression, Hippo signalling activities, cell proliferation and tongue shape and size were thoroughly analysed in different tongue regions and tissue types of Wnt1‐Cre/Nf2cKO and Cre‐/Nf2fx/fx littermates at various stages (E10.5–E18.5).

Results

In contrast to many other organs in which the Nf2/Hippo pathway activity restrains growth and cell proliferation and as a result, loss of Nf2 decreases Hippo pathway activity and promotes an enlarged organ development, here we report our observations of distinct, tongue region‐ and stage‐specific alterations of Hippo signalling activity and cell proliferation in Nf2cKO in NC‐derived tongue mesenchyme. Compared to Cre−/Nf2fx/fx littermates, Wnt1‐Cre/Nf2cKO depicted a non‐proportionally enlarged tongue (macroglossia) at E12.5–E13.5 and microglossia at later stages (E15.5–E18.5). Specifically, at E12.5 Nf2cKO mutants had a decreased level of Hippo signalling transcription factor Yes‐associated protein (Yap), Yap target genes and cell proliferation anteriorly, while having an increased Yap, Yap target genes and cell proliferation posteriorly, which lead to a tip‐pointed and posteriorly widened tongue. At E15.5, loss of Nf2 in the NC lineage resulted in distinct changes in cell proliferation in different regions, that is, high in epithelium and mesenchyme subjacent to the epithelium, and lower in deeper layers of the mesenchyme. At E18.5, cell proliferation was reduced throughout the Nf2cKO tongue.
Serum tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐17 relate to anxiety and depression risks to some extent in non‐small cell lung cancer survivor
Authors: Liu Meifang , Li Yao , Liu Xuesong
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Inflammatory cytokines are proposed as modulators for the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression (anxiety/depression), and anxiety/depression are frequently existed in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors. However, no published study has explored the association of inflammation cytokines with anxiety/depression in NSCLC survivors.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) levels, and their correlations with anxiety/depression in NSCLC survivors.

Methods

Totally, 217 NSCLC survivors and 200 controls were recruited. Then, inflammatory cytokines in serum samples were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides, their anxiety/depression status was assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

HADS‐anxiety score, anxiety rate, anxiety severity, HADS‐depression score, depression rate, and depression severity were all increased in NSCLC survivors compared with controls (all P < 0.001). Regarding inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐17 levels were higher (all P < 0.01), while IL‐6 (P = 0.105) level was of no difference in NSCLC survivors compared with controls. Furthermore, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17 were all positively associated with HADS‐A score (all P < 0.05), anxiety occurrence (all P < 0.05), HADS‐D score (all P < 0.05), and depression occurrence (all P < 0.05) in NSCLC survivors, while the correlation‐coefficients were weak. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analyses disclosed that TNF‐α (both P < 0.05) and IL‐1β (both P < 0.001) were independently correlated with increased anxiety and depression risks in NSCLC survivors.

Conclusion

Serum TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐17 are related to increased anxiety and depression risks to some extent in NSCLC survivors.
Role of alcohol taxes in moderating alcohol consumption: Current and future potential impacts
Authors: Voon Derby , Fogarty James
Published: October 2021

Introduction

There is a substantial literature on the price elasticity of demand for alcoholic beverages, but the literature on the tax elasticity and the way tax rates impact the evolution of alcohol consumption through time is more limited.

Methods

A two‐level Bayesian hierarchical model is used to estimate tax and income elasticity values. The estimates from five different forecast methods are then averaged, and combined with the tax elasticity estimate, to investigate consumption for different scenarios. The sample consists of 30 high‐income and upper‐middle‐income countries.

Results

The alcohol tax elasticity estimate is approximately −0.4 and the alcohol income elasticity estimate approximately 0.2. If alcohol taxes evolve the way they have in the past, there is little evidence to suggest that per capita alcohol consumption will be higher in 2027, relative to 2017; but if alcohol taxes remain constant over the next decade, it is likely that per capita alcohol consumption will be notably higher in 2027, relative to 2017, for the sample of countries considered.

Discussion and Conclusions

There is a natural tendency for alcohol consumption to increase with income. A working rule of thumb that can be used by policy makers to mitigate this effect is to increase alcohol tax rates at approximately half the long‐run gross national income growth rate. For rich countries, this implies annual increases of approximately 1.0–1.5% in alcohol taxes.
Singular mental abilities
Authors: Hicks Michael R.
Published: October 2021

Lucy O'Brien has argued that defenders of the object‐dependence of singular thought should attend to mental agency. A recent trend in action theory, towards what John Maier calls ‘agentive modality’, suggests that we conceive agency in terms of the exercise of abilities, and this is how I propose to approach O'Brien's challenge. For Gareth Evans, an early defender of object‐dependence, maintained that thinking is the exercise of a complex of abilities. The debate about object‐dependence gives way to the question whether we have what I call dedicated singular mental abilities. In arguing that we do, I defend the thesis of object‐dependence.
Unheard Voices
Authors: Dlamini Ntobeko
Published: October 2021

In every age, potentially divisive controversies arise that the church has to deal with. Placed squarely before the church of today is the issue of sexual orientation and the ambiguous response to this question made by the church so far. In line with the theme of the World Council of Churches' Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, with a special focus on gender justice, this article brings to the centre the oral testimonies of queer people in the conversation on same‐sex unions – a debate that has mainly been driven by heterosexual men. This article, which details the personal stories of several Methodist clergy who identify variously as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other (LGBTI+), gives us a chance to hear voices that up to now have been unheard. Some of it is not easy reading. There is pain, misunderstanding, rejection, and fear. Sometimes LGBTI+ people are objectified. One can forget that behind labels are human beings, people with feelings, struggles, and wounds. The stories in this article reveal the pain of some vulnerable people. Perhaps meeting them through their stories can promote further understanding and bring us, if not to one mind, then to a deepened level of respect for a view that may be different from our own.
Environmental Justice and Ecumenism
Authors: Muriithi Kevin
Published: October 2021

The shape of African Christianity is overly concerned with an otherworldly focus that fails to consider the environmental concerns of Christian theology. Environmental theology seeks to understand that creation, as God’s world, is crucial to Christian stewardship. A triumphalist gospel ignores the Indigenous understanding of the environment and how spirituality should be integrated in our daily lives. The contemporary and ecumenical necessity of environmental theology for the 21st century is similar to the task of liberation theology in the contemporary context of multiculturalism of the 20th century. Borrowing from various Christian traditions and Indigenous cultures, this paper will pursue an ecumenical focus to call the African church and academy to environmental justice by offering practical suggestions.
“Welcome to the End of the World!”
Authors: Jiménez Jiménez Leonel Iván
Published: October 2021

As the COVID‐19 pandemic is shattering the world, it can also be considered a “dress rehearsal” for the next crisis: climate change. The pandemic showed the worst faces of the global hegemonic system, but the next crisis will signify a crisis that is unthinkable. The global discourse has been demonstrated as a fiction, as global treaties, organizations, and systems were not able to respond to the global crisis, leaving local communities to survive a global problem through their own means. After the failure of the global, we must turn to the local as a way of transforming every paradigm into a culture of life. Homodiversity – against hegemonic identities – needs to emerge. The existence of many coexisting identities, epistemologies, and ways of living must be recognized in order to imagine another reality after the pandemic. It is in the local arena that real transformation can be made. Ecumenism is transcendental in this task as a model of communitarian relationships that can also transform political and economic systems. Karl Barth’s ecumenical theology is of key importance.
Future applications of 3D bioprinting: A promising technology for treating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Popp Courtney M. , Miller William C. , Eide Cindy R. , Tolar Jakub
Published: October 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to initiate a paradigm shift in the treatment of skin wounds arising from burns, ulcers and genodermatoses. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a severe form of epidermolysis bullosa, is a rare genodermatosis that results in mechanically induced blistering of epithelial tissues that leads to chronic wounds. Currently, there is no cure for RDEB, and effective treatment is limited to protection from trauma and extensive bandaging. The care of chronic wounds and burns significantly burdens the healthcare system, further illustrating the dire need for more beneficial wound care. However, in its infancy, 3D bioprinting offers therapeutic potential for wound healing and could be a breakthrough technology for the treatment of rare, incurable genodermatoses like RDEB. This viewpoint essay outlines the promise of 3D bioprinting applications for treating RDEB, including skin regeneration, a delivery system for gene‐edited cells and small molecules, and disease modelling. Although the future of 3D bioprinting is encouraging, there are many technical challenges to overcome–including optimizing bioink and cell source–before this approach can be widely implemented in clinical practice.
Development methodologies for ontology‐based knowledge management systems: A review
Authors: Mora Manuel , Wang Fen , Gómez Jorge Marx , Phillips‐Wren Gloria
Published: October 2021

Knowledge management systems (KMS) are computer‐based systems highly valued in business organizations because they support knowledge management (KM) processes. Most KMS have been developed using non‐intelligent computer technology—that is, DMS, CMS, DBMS, and CIS—, and thus, they cannot provide advanced capabilities. Consequently, enhanced KMS using intelligent technologies of ontologies with inference engines—called ontology‐based knowledge management systems (OKMS)—have been proposed in the last three decades. Nowadays, however, the implementation of OKMS in real‐world settings is still scarce. Lack of comprehensive and systematic development methodologies including Project Management and Technical Systems Engineering processes—as the Systems and Software Systems Engineering standards propose—have been suggested as a factor that inhibits OKMS implementations. In this study, we review the OKMS literature (1990–2021 period)—from six seminal studies located using a research search engine—to assess OKMS development methodologies that can be considered comprehensive and systematic. Five methodologies were identified and assessed using an evaluation subset from the ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015 Systems and Software Engineering standard. Two of them—CommonKADS and NeON—were found with a high comprehensive and systematic level and both are suggested for organizations interested in OKMS implementations, but none of them qualified as agile, which is a current development approach for systems and software systems. Hence, further empirical research toward the realization of comprehensive and systematic OKMSs development methodologies, including agile versions, is suggested for fostering the implementation of OKMS in real‐world settings.
Structure‐based prediction of the IgE epitopes of the major dog allergen Can f 1
Authors: Nakatsuji Masatoshi , Sugiura Keisuke , Suda Keisuke , Sakurai Michiko , Ubatani Miki , Muroya Haruka , Okubo Rina , Noguchi Ryo , Kamata Yoichi , Fukutomi Yuma , Ishibashi Osamu , Nishimura Shigenori , Inui Takashi
Published: October 2021

Allergy to dogs has become increasingly prominent worldwide. Seven dog allergens have been identified, including Canis familiaris allergen 1–7 (Can f 1–7). Although Can f 1 is a major dog allergen sensitized to 50–75% of dog‐allergic subjects, its IgE epitopes have not been identified. The structural analysis of an allergen is important to identify conformational epitopes. In this study, we generated a recombinant Can f 1 protein and determined its crystal structure using X‐ray crystallography. Can f 1 had a typical lipocalin fold, which is composed of an eight‐stranded β‐barrel and α‐helix, and has high similarity to Can f 2, Can f 4, and Can f 6 in overall structure. However, the localizations of surface charges on these proteins were quite different. Based on sequence alignment and tertiary structure, we predicted five critical residues (His86, Glu98, Arg111, Glu138, and Arg152) for the IgE epitopes. The relevance of these residues to IgE reactivity was assessed by generating Can f 1 mutants with these residues substituted for alanine. Although the effects of the mutation on IgE binding depended on the sera of dog‐allergic patients, H86A and R152A mutants showed reduced IgE reactivity compared with wild‐type Can f 1. These results suggest that Can f 1 residues His86 and Arg152 are candidates for the IgE conformational epitope.
Crack evolution law and failure mode of red sandstone under fatigue–creep interaction
Authors: Wang Ju , Li Jiangteng , Shi Zhanming
Published: October 2021

To explore the fracture characteristics of rock under the interaction of fatigue load and creep load, fatigue–creep interactive loading experiments were performed on red sandstone with prefabricated cracks. The crack evolution process and failure mode were analyzed using acoustic emission technology and digital image correlation. The results showed that crack growth mainly occurred in the fatigue loading stage; the crack evolution of the sample could be divided into three stages: nucleation and initiation (
), stable expansion (
), and unstable fracture (
). There were distinct differences in the crack propagation modes of the rock samples with different prefabricated crack angles. The relationship between the crack initiation angle and prefabricated crack angle was analyzed based on the maximum circumferential stress theory. Moreover, with an increase in the prefabricated crack angle, the rock sample gradually changed from compression–shear failure to tension–shear failure.
Experimental method for determining the fracture toughness of concrete based on the modified two‐parameter model and DIC technique
Authors: Qing Longbang , Cao Guorui , Guan Junfeng , Li Shuguang
Published: October 2021

An experimental method, based on the modified two‐parameter model and digital image correlation technique, was proposed for determining the mixed mode fracture toughness (KI+II) of concrete. Three‐point bending tests on notched concrete beam specimens of different sizes, maximum aggregate sizes, and aggregate volume contents were conducted, and the values of KI+II were evaluated considering the crack deflection. The values of KI+II and KI under mode I loading were compared. The results show that KI+II increases with the specimen size and gradually stabilizes. In addition, KI+II decreases with the maximum aggregate size, but the aggregate volume content has little effect on KI+II. Higher values of KI+II are presented after considering the effect of crack deflection. Only a monotonic loading process is required for the proposed method to determine KI+II.