bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myoscaffolds reveal laminin scarring is detrimental for stem cell function while sarcospan induces compensatory fibrosis
Authors: Stearns-Reider Kristen M. , Hicks Michael R. , Hammond Katherine G. , Reynolds Joseph C. , Maity Alok , Kurmangaliyev Yerbol Z. , Chin Jesse , Stieg Adam , Geisse Nicholas A. , Hohlbauch Sophia , Kaemmer Stefan , Schmitt Lauren R. , Pham Thanh T. , Yamauchi Ken , Novitch Bennett G. , Wollman Roy , Hansen Kirk C. , Pyle April D. , Crosbie Rachelle H.
Published: July 2022

We developed an on-slide decellularization approach to generate acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds that can be repopulated with various cell types to interrogate cell-ECM interactions. Using this platform, we investigated whether fibrotic ECM scarring affected human skeletal muscle progenitor cell (SMPC) functions that are essential for myoregeneration. SMPCs exhibited robust adhesion, motility, and differentiation on healthy muscle-derived myoscaffolds. All SPMC interactions with fibrotic myoscaffolds from dystrophic muscle were severely blunted including reduced motility rate and migration. Furthermore, SMPCs were unable to remodel laminin dense fibrotic scars within diseased myoscaffolds. Proteomics and structural analysis revealed that excessive collagen deposition alone is not pathological, and can be compensatory, as revealed by overexpression of sarcospan and its associated ECM receptors in dystrophic muscle. Our in vivo data also supported that ECM remodeling is important for SMPC engraftment and that fibrotic scars may represent one barrier to efficient cell therapy.
Identification of a multipotent lung progenitor for lung regeneration
Authors: Rosen Chava , Shetzen Elias , Milman-Krentsis Irit , Qi Yuan , Orgad Ran , Su Xiaohua , Yadav Raj , Shemesh Michal , Biram Adi , Shulman Ziv , Eventov-Friedman Smadar , Maharjan Mukesh , Wang Jing , Biton Moshe , Reisner Yair
Published: July 2022

We recently showed that intravenous infusion of mouse or human, fetal or adult lung cells following conditioning of recipient mice leads to lung chimerism within alveolar and bronchiolar lineages, in distinct ’patches’ containing both epithelial and endothelial cells. We show here, usingR26R-Confettimice as donors, that these multi-lineage patches are derived from a single lung progenitor. FACS of adult mouse lung cells revealed that the putative patch-forming progenitors co-express the endothelial marker CD31 (PECAM-1) and the epithelial marker CD326 (EPCAM). Transplantation of lung cells from transgenic Cre/lox mice expressing nuclear GFP under the VEcad promoter (VEcad-Cre-nTnG), led to GFP+ patches comprising both GFP+ endothelial and epithelial cells in vivo, and in ex-vivo culture of CD326+CD31+ progenitors. Single cell RNA sequencing of CD326+CD31+ lung cells revealed a subpopulation expressing canonical epithelial and endothelial genes. Such double positive GFP+NKX2.1+SOX17+ cells were also detected by immunohistological staining in lungs of VEcad-Cre-nTnG (expressing nuclear GFP) mice in proximity to blood vessels. These findings provide new insights on lung progenitors and lung development and suggest a potential novel approach for lung regeneration.

We show in the present study, that multi-lineage regenerative patches in our transplantation model are derived from a single lung progenitor, co-expressing the endothelial marker CD31 and the epithelial marker CD326. These findings provide new insights on lung progenitors and lung development.
Impact and mitigation of sampling bias to determine viral spread: evaluating discrete phylogeography through CTMC modeling and structured coalescent model approximations
Authors: Layan Maylis , Müller Nicola F. , Dellicour Simon , De Maio Nicola , Bourhy Hervé , Cauchemez Simon , Baele Guy
Published: July 2022

Bayesian phylogeographic inference is a powerful tool in molecular epidemiological studies that enables reconstructing the origin and subsequent geographic spread of pathogens. Such inference is, however, potentially affected by geographic sampling bias. Here, we investigated the impact of sampling bias on the spatiotemporal reconstruction of viral epidemics using Bayesian discrete phylogeographic models and explored different operational strategies to mitigate this impact. We considered the continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) model and two structured coalescent approximations (BASTA and MASCOT). For each approach, we compared the estimated and simulated spatiotemporal histories in biased and unbiased conditions based on simulated epidemics of rabies virus (RABV) in dogs in Morocco. While the reconstructed spatiotemporal histories were impacted by sampling bias for the three approaches, BASTA and MASCOT reconstructions were also biased when employing unbiased samples. Increasing the number of analyzed genomes led to more robust estimates at low sampling bias for CTMC. Alternative sampling strategies that maximize the spatiotemporal coverage greatly improved the inference at intermediate sampling bias for CTMC, and to a lesser extent, for BASTA and MASCOT. In contrast, allowing for time-varying population sizes in MASCOT resulted in robust inference. We further applied these approaches to two empirical datasets: a RABV dataset from the Philippines and a SARS-CoV-2 dataset describing its early spread across the world. In conclusion, sampling biases are ubiquitous in phylogeographic analyses but may be accommodated by increasing sample size, balancing spatial and temporal composition in the samples, and informing structured coalescent models with reliable case count data.
The economic impact of corporate social responsibility on the development of indigenous communities: evidence from Ghana’s mining sector
Authors: Shubita Moade , Ahmed Sabbir , Essel-Paintsil Michael
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining activities as perceived by communities in Ghana, with data being drawn from primary and secondary sources.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 90 community residents were interviewed, with 15 from each of the six selected different communities.

Findings

The findings revealed a positive perception that corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of mining companies contribute to the development of mining communities in Ghana by creating jobs and generating income. However, it became clear that mining activities, particularly small-scale mining, create many social and environmental challenges as well. This includes land degradation, which reduces the fertility of community-owned land suitable for agricultural use. In addition, pollution of waterways and streams intensifies the plight of community residents living in mining areas.

Originality/value

Since 2011, the mining industry has invested between US$12m (in 2013) and US$44m (in 2011) in Ghana’s communities. The amount spent in 2019 was US$24m. The funds were spent by the industry in areas such as roads, education, health and electricity, among others. Still, it seems more effort is needed by the mining companies to harmonise the CSR practice and gain better impression by local people. In spite of the mining industry’s investment levels, more than half of the community respondents said it was insufficient. One-third of the respondents went as far as suggesting the mining companies had a negative impact on infrastructure improvement and community development.
The impact of coercive pressure and ethical responsibility on cross-functional green management and firm performance
Authors: Yue Xiaochen , Huo Baofeng , Ye Yuxiao
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand whether firms are driven by external pressure or intrinsic value to conduct green management; this study examines the effects of coercive pressure and ethical responsibility on cross-functional green strategy alignment (GSA) and green process coordination (GPC), and in turn, market and environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from 206 Chinese manufacturers, this study empirically tests the proposed relationships using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results highlight the role of coercive pressure in promoting both GSA and GPC that represent functional green efforts at both strategic and operational levels, indicating firms’ critical concern of obtaining external legitimacy from stakeholders. Ethical responsibility as an intrinsic value promotes GPC that demands joint working from different functions at the operational level. Besides, the authors find that GSA improves market and environmental performance, whereas GPC only enhances environmental performance.

Originality/value

This study adds to the knowledge of the drivers of cross-functional green management from external pressure and intrinsic value perspectives. The findings are also fruitful for practitioners and policymakers.
Consumer perspectives on cultural appropriation in fashion: the headdress ban at the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
Authors: Peters Cara , Lawson Brooks Stephanie
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the discourse of consumers as they attempt to define and create consensus on the meaning and significance of cultural appropriation within a fashion context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via consumer comments posted to an article fromThe Guardianabout the banning of headdresses from a large-scale music festival in Canada. Data were analyzed according to protocols for grounded theory.

Findings

Four themes emerged from the data: values consensus, ideological control, social and symbolic boundaries and social impact and change. These themes captured consumers' perspectives on the debate of cultural appropriation in fashion.

Social Implications

Cultural appropriation has become an increasingly important topic of interest as consumers share their voices online and demand companies increase their cultural competence.

Originality/value

Few researchers have examined cultural appropriation in fashion and captured the various perspectives of consumers on this phenomenon.
Multimodal critical-scenarios search method for test of autonomous vehicles
Authors: Feng Tianyue , Liu Lihao , Xing Xingyu , Chen Junyi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to search for the critical-scenarios of autonomous vehicles (AVs) quickly and comprehensively, which is essential for verification and validation (V&V).

Design/methodology/approach

The author adopted the index F1 to quantitative critical-scenarios' coverage of the search space and proposed the improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) to enhance exploration ability for higher coverage. Compared with the particle swarm optimization (PSO), there were three improvements. In the initial phase, the Latin hypercube sampling method was introduced for a uniform distribution of particles. In the iteration phase, the neighborhood operator was adapted to explore more modals with the particles divided into groups. In the convergence phase, the convergence judgment and restart strategy were used to explore the search space by avoiding local convergence. Compared with the Monte Carlo method (MC) and PSO, experiments on the artificial function and critical-scenarios search were carried out to verify the efficiency and the application effect of the method.

Findings

Results show that IPSO can search for multimodal critical-scenarios comprehensively, with a stricter threshold and fewer samples in the experiment on critical-scenario search, the coverage of IPSO is 14% higher than PSO and 40% higher than MC.

Originality/value

The critical-scenarios' coverage of the search space is firstly quantified by the index F1, and the proposed method has higher search efficiency and coverage for the critical-scenarios search of AVs, which shows application potential for V&V.
Social media user-generated content, online search traffic and offline car sales
Authors: Wang Shutian , Lin Yan , Yan Yejin , Zhu Guoqing
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study explores the direct relationship between social media user-generated content (UGC), online search traffic and offline light vehicle sales of different models.

Design/methodology/approach

The long-run equilibrium relationship and short-run dynamic effects between the valence and volume of UGC, online search traffic and offline car sales are analyzed by applying the autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) model.

Findings

The study found the following. (1) In the long-run relationship, the valence of online reviews on social media platforms is significantly negatively correlated with the sales of all models. However, in the short-run, the valence of online reviews has a significant positive correlation with all models in different lag periods. (2) The volume of online reviews is significantly positively correlated with the sales of all models in the long run. However, in the short run, the relationship between the volume of online reviews and the sales of lower-sales-volume cars is uncertain. There is a significant positive correlation between the volume of reviews and the sales of higher-sales-volume cars. (3) Online search traffic has a significantly negative correlation with the sales of all models in the long run. However, in the short run, there is no consistent conclusion on the relationship between online search traffic and car sales.

Originality/value

This study provides a reference for managers to use in their efforts to improve offline high-involvement product sales using online information.
Customer brand co-creation on social media: a systematic review
Authors: Le Quynh Hoa , Phan Tan Luc , Hoang Thu Hang
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to map existing literature on customer brand co-creation (CBC) in the context of social media and highlight multiple avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was used to identify relevant articles in Scopus and ISI Web of Science (WoS) databases to get access to the articles. The final sample of 59 articles on CBC on social media published from 2009 to 2021 was selected for review.

Findings

The findings clarified the conceptualization of CBC and revealed three groups of theories, seven groups of antecedents and two groups of consequences. Then, these components were synthesized into an integrative framework as a basis for further developing this research area.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the implementation of branding strategies aimed at involving customers in co-creating value for the brand.
Nutritional inter‐dependencies and a carbazole‐dioxygenase are key elements of a bacterial consortium relying on a Sphingomonas for the degradation of the fungicide thiabendazole
Authors: Vasileiadis Sotirios , Perruchon Chiara , Scheer Benjamin , Adrian Lorenz , Steinbach Nicole , Trevisan Marco , Plaza‐Bolaños Patricia , Agüera Ana , Chatzinotas Antonis , Karpouzas Dimitrios G.
Published: July 2022

Thiabendazole (TBZ), is a persistent fungicide/anthelminthic and a serious environmental threat. We previously enriched a TBZ‐degrading bacterial consortium and provided first evidence for a Sphingomonas involvement in TBZ transformation. Here, using a multi‐omic approach combined with DNA‐stable isotope probing (SIP) we verified the key degrading role of Sphingomonas and identify potential microbial interactions governing consortium functioning. SIP and amplicon sequencing analysis of the heavy and light DNA fraction of cultures grown on 13C‐labelled versus 12C‐TBZ showed that 66% of the 13C‐labelled TBZ was assimilated by Sphingomonas. Metagenomic analysis retrieved 18 metagenome‐assembled genomes with the dominant belonging to Sphingomonas, Sinobacteriaceae, Bradyrhizobium, Filimonas and Hydrogenophaga. Meta‐transcriptomics/‐proteomics and non‐target mass spectrometry suggested TBZ transformation by Sphingomonas via initial cleavage by a carbazole dioxygenase (car) to thiazole‐4‐carboxamidine (terminal compound) and catechol or a cleaved benzyl ring derivative, further transformed through an ortho‐cleavage (cat) pathway. Microbial co‐occurrence and gene expression networks suggested strong interactions between Sphingomonas and a Hydrogenophaga. The latter activated its cobalamin biosynthetic pathway and Sphingomonas its cobalamin salvage pathway to satisfy its B12 auxotrophy. Our findings indicate microbial interactions aligning with the ‘black queen hypothesis’ where Sphingomonas (detoxifier, B12 recipient) and Hydrogenophaga (B12 producer, enjoying detoxification) act as both helpers and beneficiaries.
The Achilles heel of the U.S. food industries: Exposure to labor and upstream industries in the supply chain
Authors: Wahdat Ahmad Zia , Lusk Jayson L.
Published: July 2022

The modern‐day food industries are part of a complex agri‐food supply chain, where food production has become efficient yet potentially vulnerable to supply chain risks. The COVID‐19 pandemic is a testament to that end. This article measures and identifies the U.S. food manufacturing industries' vulnerability to upstream industries and labor occupations by (a) calculating a food industry's diversification of intermediate input purchases across upstream industries, (b) quantifying the relative exposure of food manufacturing in a given industry and location to upstream input suppliers and labor occupations, and (c) estimating each food industry's gross output elasticity of inputs. This article also explores geographic heterogeneity in food industries' vulnerability. Among our results, we find evidence that the animal processing industry's output is relatively vulnerable to production labor, consistent with the observed disruptions to the meatpacking sector during COVID‐19, which were largely caused by labor issues. Our results may help academics and practitioners to understand food industries' vulnerabilities to upstream industries and labor occupations.
Demographic and clinical profile of residents living with dementia and depressive symptoms in Australian private residential aged care: Data from the Music Interventions for Dementia and Depression in ELderly care (MIDDEL) cluster‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee Young‐Eun C. , Sousa Tanara Vieira , Stretton‐Smith Phoebe A. , Gold Christian , Geretsegger Monika , Baker Felicity A.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

1) To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of residents with dementia and depressive symptoms in the Australian private residential aged care (RAC) context; and 2) to investigate the association between neuropsychiatric symptoms, depression and quality of life and their interactions with dementia severity.

Methods

This study examined the baseline demographic and clinical data from the Australian arm of the Music Interventions for Dementia and Depression in ELderly care (MIDDEL) study, a multinational, cluster‐randomised controlled trial. Demographic characteristics, neuropsychiatric symptoms, depression, quality of life and dementia severity were collected in 330 residents of 12 private RAC facilities across Melbourne, Australia. Descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Pearson Χ2 test were used to describe and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics according to dementia severity. The association between clinical characteristics and dementia severity was examined using linear regression analyses.

Results

Residents' mean age was 86.5 years, 69% were female, and 44.2% had severe dementia. There were no significant differences between the dementia severity groups on age, sex and education. Residents with severe dementia were more likely to have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (40.3%) and be born overseas (46.8%). Higher levels of neuropsychiatric symptoms, distress and depressive symptoms, and lower quality of life were associated with more severe dementia.

Conclusions

The findings from our study highlight the diverse and complex care needs of people living with dementia in the Australian private RAC setting, which can be used to inform targeted, person‐centred dementia care planning, staff training and allocation of resources.
Correlation of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake values on PET–CT scan with histological prognostic markers in breast cancer
Authors: Muduly Dillip Kumar , Ephraim Rebba , Sultania Mahesh , Ray Sudatta , Bhoriwal Sandeep , Pathak Mona , Kar Madhabananda
Published: July 2022

Background

Positron emission
tomography–computed tomography (PET‐CT) scan utilizes 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18‐FDG), based on the principle of higher glycolytic activity and reduced glucose‐6‐phosphatase levels in cancer cells. This imaging modality is usually advised in the metastatic evaluation of stage III breast cancer patients. The correlation of maximum standard uptake values of primary lesion with different pathological and molecular markers has not been studied extensively.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the data was performed from our prospectively maintained breast cancer database. All the patients who had undergone 18‐FDG PET–CT scan at initial evaluation for staging between June 2017 and April 2020 were included in the study. One‐way ANOVA test or Student's t‐test as appropriate was performed to assess the difference of means in maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary lesion and axillary nodes with clinical stage, histological grade, molecular subtype. Bonferroni post hoc test was also applied.

Results

Out of 388 patients in the breast cancer database, 45 patients met inclusion criteria. There was a significant correlation of molecular subtype (p = 0.029) with SUVmax of the primary lesion. Higher primary SUVmax was associated with higher T stage (p = 0.01) and higher histological grade (p = 0.06). In each molecular subtype, there was an increase in mean SUVmax of the primary lesion with increasing histological grade and vice versa.

Conclusions

SUVmax of the primary lesion in breast cancer patients reflects tumor biology. Higher SUVmax can predict patients with triple‐negative breast cancers and higher grades in primary tumors. However, further large‐scale validatory studies are essential.
Early childhood development practices in a remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services setting
Authors: Bromley Jane , Sherrard Stephanie , Atkinson David , Marley Julia V. , Henderson‐Yates Lynette , Griffiths Emma
Published: July 2022

Objective

Supporting Early Childhood Development (ECD) is an Australian national priority. Aboriginal children in Western Australia's Kimberley region have much higher rates of developmental concerns at school entry than non‐Aboriginal children. We aimed to describe ECD practices in the participating service; document follow‐up of identified developmental concerns; and identify barriers and enablers to incorporating ECD practices into clinic activity.

Design

Mixed‐method design incorporating clinical audit and staff interviews.

Setting

An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) in the Kimberley region.

Participants

A total of 176 children receiving primary health care through the participating ACCHS; interviews with five ACCHS staff members.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of developmental enquiry by age and domain; follow‐up of identified developmental concerns; and barriers and enablers to ECD practices.

Results

Developmental enquiry was documented for 114 of 176 eligible children (65%), including in 80% of ACCHS child health assessments. Standardised ECD assessments were less common. Staff were aware of the importance of developmental enquiry, however, barriers to increasing ECD practices included a lack of resources and structured staff education, time pressures and a lack of role clarity between the ACCHS and government community health clinic.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into ECD practices in an ACCHS setting, highlighting the potential of primary health care to have an enhanced role in ECD if appropriate systems, training and tools are provided. A lack of role clarity across services, combined with poor communication between services, creates a potential risk for missed opportunities to support ECD.
Depolarization and repolarization dynamics after His‐bundle pacing: Comparison with right ventricular pacing and native ventricular conduction
Authors: Yanagisawa Satoshi , Inden Yasuya , Watanabe Ryo , Tsurumi Naoki , Suzuki Noriyuki , Nakagomi Toshifumi , Shimojo Masafumi , Okajima Takashi , Riku Shuro , Furui Koichi , Suga Kazumasa , Shibata Rei , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: July 2022

Background

The current study aimed to evaluate changes in electrical depolarization and repolarization parameters after His‐bundle pacing (HBP) compared with right ventricular pacing (RVP) and its association with ventricular arrhythmia (VA).

Methods

Forty‐one patients (13 with HBP, 14 with RVP, and 14 controls [AAI mode]) were evaluated. After continuous pacing algorithm, QRS duration, QT interval, QTc, JT interval, T‐peak to T‐end (Tpe), and Tpe/QT ratio were measured on electrocardiography at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. We investigated VA occurrence and adverse events after implantation.

Results

At 6 months, QRS duration was significantly shorter in the HBP (121.6 ± 15.6 ms) than in the RVP (150.1 ± 14.9 ms) group. The QT intervals were lower in the HBP (424.0 ± 40.9 ms) and control (405.9 ± 23.0 ms) groups than in the RVP (453.0 ± 40.2 ms) group. The Tpe and Tpe/QT ratios at 6 months differed significantly between the HBP and RVP groups (Tpe, 69.8 ± 19.7 ms vs 87.4 ± 11.9 ms and Tpe/QT, 0.16 ± 0.03 vs 0.19 ± 0.02, respectively). The Tpe and Tpe/QT ratios were similarly shortened in the HBP and control groups. VA occurred less frequently in the HBP (15%) and control (7.1%) groups than in the RVP (50%) group (p = 0.020). The non‐RVP group showed significantly lower rates of VA and major adverse events than the RVP group. Patients with VA demonstrated significantly longer QRS duration, QT interval, Tpe, and Tpe/QT at 6 months than those without VA.

Conclusion

HBP showed better depolarization and repolarization stability than RVP.
Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging‐guided laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in a patient with situs inversus totalis: A case report with video
Authors: Doden Kenta , Watanabe Toru , Yoshimura Takahiro , Shibata Shiori , Yamagishi Yutaka , Kimura Karin , Iwaki Yoshitaka , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Kato Hideaki , Inaki Noriyuki
Published: July 2022

Situs inversus totalis is a rare congenital anomaly. Most surgeons have seldom performed laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy for situs inversus totalis. Inadequate knowledge regarding the anatomy of situs inversus totalis can result in increased intraoperative bleeding and prolonged operative time. A 74‐year‐old man was diagnosed with early gastric cancer with situs inversus totalis. We performed laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy with D1+ lymphadenectomy and Billroth‐I reconstruction by reversing the standard laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy setup. Mirror images of the operative video of the standardized laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy were created using video editing software. Lymphadenectomy was performed by indocyanine green fluorescence imaging of the lymphatic flow with operative time of 220 minutes and 100 mL intraoperative bleeding. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10, without postoperative complications. Laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy with indocyanine green navigation is safe and effective in patients with situs inversus totalis and is comparable with standard laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy.
A dose‐related positive effect of inhaled simvastatin‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles on paraquat‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats
Authors: Shahabadi Nasrin , Moshiri Mohammad , Roohbakhsh Ali , Imenshahidi Mohsen , Hashemi Maryam , Amin Fatemeh , Yazdian‐Robati Rezvan , Salmasi Zahra , Etemad Leila
Published: July 2022

Objective

Pulmonary fibrosis is an important complication of subacute paraquat (PQ) poisoning. Here, we reported a novel nanotherapeutic platform for PQ‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in animal inhalation models using simvastatin (SV)‐loaded into poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs).

Methods and Materials

Eight inhalations of normal saline, PQ (24 mg/kg), PQ plus SV (20 mg/kg), PQ plus SV‐loaded PLGA NPs at doses of 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg or PQ plus PLGA NPs were given to rats. After the end of the treatment period, inflammatory factors and creatine phosphokinase as well as lung pathological changes and tracheal responsiveness were evaluated.

Results

Inhalation of SV‐loaded PLGA NPs could significantly prevent the progression of PQ‐induced pulmonary fibrosis especially at a dose of 10 mg through decreasing the serum level of inflammatory factors as well as contractile responses (p < 0.001) compared to PQ group. Pathological findings also confirmed the results. However, inhalation of non‐formulated SV could not prevent tissue damage and fibrosis in comparision with SV‐loaded PLGA NPs.

Conclusion

Taken together, the present work provides us an idea about the pulmonary delivery of PLGA‐SV NPs using nebulizer for the treatment of PQ poisoning. However, the efficacy of this formulation in human beings and clinical use needs to be more investigated.
The development and validation of a decision aid to facilitate patient choice of surgery versus radiotherapy for high-risk basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Banks Jamie , Odili Joy , Zaidi Shane , Lalondrelle Susan , Singh Masha , Akhras Victoria , Jiyad Zainab
Published: July 2022

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an increasingly common cancer. For high-risk BCCs, there are several treatment options, with similar efficacies. The current best practice in deciding upon a particular treatment is for a patient-centred approach. At present, there are few resources available for patients to assist their choice. This reduces patient autonomy and increases the burden on clinicians within clinic. Patient decision aids (PDAs) have been shown to increase patient autonomy and facilitate shared decision-making. Currently, there is no published PDA designed to facilitate the decision between surgical management or radiotherapy in high-risk BCCs. We developed a novel decision aid designed along the International Patient Decision Aid Standards to fill this clinical need, and evaluated its acceptance by both patients and clinicians. We describe the challenges faced at initial alpha and subsequent beta testing, and go on to validate our PDA with both the Decisional Conflict Scale and the nine-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDMQ9). We include an example of the PDA and encourage other units to modify the PDA for their own use.
The stepwise Indian–Eurasian collision and uplift of the Himalayan‐Tibetan plateau drove the diversification of high‐elevation Scytodes spiders
Authors: Luo Yufa , Li Shuqiang
Published: July 2022

The Cenozoic Indian–Eurasian collision and uplift of the Himalayan‐Tibetan Plateau (HTP) are among the most important geological events in the world. They have affected the diversification of regional biota of many taxonomic groups on and around the HTP. However, the exact timing and model of the collision and uplift events and speciation on and around the HTP are still in debate. The Himalayas group of Scytodes spitting spiders (Araneae: Scytodidae) are distributed at high elevations of the HTP and northern Indochina. Here, we reconstruct a dated molecular phylogeny for pan‐Himalayan Scytodes spiders, including the Himalayas group, with full geographical sampling of the species from the HTP and Indochina. We test a hypothesis to explain that the rich montane biodiversity of the region is uplift‐driven diversification—that orogeny drives rapid in situ speciation of the resident Scytodes lineages. Our findings revealed that the separation of the Himalayas clade from the Myanmar clade took place during the middle Oligocene, reflecting the final collision of India with Eurasia. The deep divergences among three clades (the Himalayas, the Myanmar and the Indochina clades) occurred from the middle Eocene to the middle Oligocene, corresponding to two early uplift events of the HTP. The evolutionary split between the Himalayas + Myanmar and Indochina clades were simultaneous with the rapid lateral extrusion of Indochina by the initial Himalayan uplift around the Eocene. This study highlights the importance of the diversification of dispersal‐limited, high‐elevation invertebrates as independent lines of evidence to reflect key tectonic events in the Himalayan‐Indochina region, supporting the stepwise model for the Indian–Eurasian collision and uplift of HTP.
Patch testing with cobalt in children and adolescents: North American contact dermatitis group experience, 2001–2018
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I. , Patel Nisha , Warshaw Erin M. , Maibach Howard I. , Belsito Donald V. , DeKoven Joel G. , Zug Kathryn A. , Taylor James S. , Sasseville Denis , DeLeo Vincent A. , Pratt Melanie D. , Reeder Margo J. , Atwater Amber R. , Fowler Joseph F. , Houle Marie‐Claude
Published: July 2022

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cobalt is more common in children and adolescents than adults. However, detailed information on sites and sources of cobalt ACD is limited.

Objectives

To assess trends in positive and clinically relevant patch test reactions to cobalt in children and associated patient characteristics, common sources and body sites affected.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of children (<18 years) patch tested to cobalt by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018.

Results

Of 1919 children patch tested, 228 (11.9%) and 127 (6.6%) had a positive/allergic or currently relevant patch test reaction to cobalt, respectively. The most common primary body sites affected were scattered generalized (30.0%), face, not otherwise specified (10.6%) and trunk (10.1%). Patients with allergic and currently relevant allergic patch test reactions were more likely to have a primary site of trunk (p = 0.0160 andp = 0.0008) and ears (p = 0.0005 andp < 0.0001). Affected body site(s) varied by cobalt source among patients with currently relevant reactions, especially for less common sources. The most commonly identified sources of cobalt included jewellery, belts and clothing.

Conclusions

Positive patch test reactions to cobalt were common in children. The most common body site was scattered generalized and the sources of cobalt varied by body site.
Bronchoscopic removal of a leech from the trachea by cryotherapy
Authors: Li Dengyuan , Sun Danxiong
Published: July 2022

This report presents a 74‐year‐old man with haemoptysis, cough and pharyngeal discomfort. Bronchoscopy revealed a brown worm‐like moving foreign body attaching to the upper trachea approximately 2 cm below the glottis. This worm was identified as a leech, measured about 4 cm and was mobile. It was removed safely in one piece via cryotherapy by flexible bronchoscope. Intrabronchial cryotherapy by bronchoscope might be the best way of extraction of leeches.
Re‐surveys reveal biotic homogenization of Orthoptera assemblages as a consequence of environmental change
Authors: Ogan Sophie , Paulus Christian , Froehlich Christoph , Renker Carsten , Kolwelter Claude , Schendzielorz Marc , Danielczak Anja , Müller Katrin , Eulering Hannah , Hochkirch Axel
Published: July 2022

Aim

Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge. While population trends of vertebrates are well documented, insect declines have not been sufficiently studied. We aim to identify changes in Orthoptera assemblages and the underlying drivers with a focus on land‐use and climate change.

Location

Central Europe.

Time period

2018 to 2020.

Methods

We resurveyed 199 study sites in which Orthoptera assemblages had been recorded between 1986 and 1999.

Results

Our results show a significant increase in species per site (α‐diversity), but simultaneously a homogenization of Orthoptera assemblages (decreasing Sorensen's β‐diversity). Highly mobile species significantly increased in site occupancy compared to species with low mobility. Some Orthoptera species showed significant altitudinal range shifts, including species with positive trends (i.e. expansion to higher altitudes) and negative trends (i.e. extinction at lower altitudes). Abandonment of extensively used grassland sites and the associated afforestation had negative effects on Orthoptera, underlining the importance of extensive grassland management. Protected areas had a high efficacy for conservation as trends in site occupancy were generally more positive in protected areas than in unprotected sites.

Main conclusions

Our results provide insights into the patterns and drivers of orthopteran assemblage turnover, including major effects of agricultural land‐use change and climate change. These results are essential for implementing and adapting conservation action, as they show that traditional land‐use practices, protected areas and reduction of nitrogen input are important to preserve Orthoptera. The results also show that climate change is driving both range expansion and retraction of species. Therefore, insect monitoring is critical to understanding insect population trends and implementing the necessary actions.
The sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor ertugliflozin modifies the signature of cardiac substrate metabolism and reduces cardiac mTOR signalling, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis
Authors: Moellmann Julia , Mann Pascal A. , Kappel Ben A. , Kahles Florian , Klinkhammer Barbara M. , Boor Peter , Kramann Rafael , Ghesquiere Bart , Lebherz Corinna , Marx Nikolaus , Lehrke Michael
Published: July 2022

Aim

To investigate cardiac signalling pathways connecting substrate utilization with left ventricular remodelling in a murine pressure overload model.

Methods

Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by transverse aortic constriction surgery in 20‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice treated with or without the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ertugliflozin (225 mg kg−1 chow diet) for 10 weeks.

Results

Ertugliflozin improved left ventricular function and reduced myocardial fibrosis. This occurred simultaneously with a fasting‐like response characterized by improved glucose tolerance and increased ketone body concentrations. While cardiac insulin signalling was reduced in response to SGLT2 inhibition, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling was increased with induction of the fatty acid transporter cluster of differentiation 36 and phosphorylation of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). Further, enzymes responsible for ketone body catabolism (β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, succinyl‐CoA:3‐oxoacid‐CoA transferase and acetyl‐CoA acetyltransferase 1) were induced by SGLT2 inhibition. Ertugliflozin led to more cardiac abundance of fatty acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites and ATP. Downstream mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, relevant for protein synthesis, cardiac hypertrophy and adverse cardiac remodelling, was reduced by SGLT2 inhibition, with alleviation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) providing a potential mechanism for abundant reduced left ventricular apoptosis and fibrosis.

Conclusion

SGLT2 inhibition reduced left ventricular fibrosis in a murine model of cardiac hypertrophy. Mechanistically, this was associated with reduced cardiac insulin and increased AMPK signalling as a potential mechanism for less cardiac mTOR activation with alleviation of downstream ER stress, UPR and apoptosis.
Malar and maxillary fractures among pediatric patients and the risk factors for mortality
Authors: Stanbouly Dani , Stewart Sara J. , Harris Jack A. , Chuang Sung‐Kiang
Published: July 2022

Background/Aims

No studies have characterized the morbidity and mortality of maxillary & malar fractures on a national scale. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for mortality in pediatric patients who had sustained maxillary and malar fractures by using a national pediatric hospital inpatient care database.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). The primary predictor variable was the cause of injury. The primary outcome variable was mortality rate. Additional predictor variables included age, gender, race, income, payer information, year and place of injury, number of facial fractures, concomitant facial fractures, other fractures of the body, and intracranial/internal organ injury. Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed to assess risk factors for mortality. Statistical significance was set to a p‐value <.05.

Results

A total of 5859 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common age group was 13–17 years of age (n = 3816, 65.1%). Motor vehicle accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (n = 2172, 37.1%). The presence of cranial vault (OR = 2.81, p = .017), skull base (OR = 2.72, p < .001), and vertebral column fractures (OR = 2.13, p = .016), as well as sub‐arachnoid hemorrhage (OR = 4.75, p = .005), traumatic pneumothorax/hemothorax (OR = 2.16, p = .015), and heart/lung injury (OR = 3.37, p < .001) were each independently associated with increased odds of mortality.

Conclusions

Patients in their late teens most commonly sustained malar and maxillary fractures, likely due to general trends in craniomaxillofacial development. The presence of other fractures located in close proximity to the mid‐face increased the risk of mortality among pediatric patients with malar and maxillary fractures. This may be explained by the anatomical approximation of the mid‐face to vital neurovascular structures of the head, which, when damaged, may prove fatal.
A novel mouse model of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma revealed the combined effect of mogamulizumab with psoralen and ultraviolet a therapy
Authors: Nakahashi Keiko , Nihira Kaito , Suzuki Miyoko , Ishii Toshihiko , Masuda Kazuhiro , Mori Kiyotoshi
Published: July 2022

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a subtype of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). Topical or systemic treatment with psoralen, such as 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP), followed by ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation (PUVA therapy) is an effective phototherapy for early‐stage MF. However, the efficacy of PUVA therapy for advanced‐stage MF is not satisfactory, and the ideal combination partner for PUVA therapy has not yet been found. In this study, we developed a new mouse model of CTCL in which efficacy of PUVA was detected and further evaluated the efficacy of combination treatment of PUVA and mogamulizumab, an anti‐CCR4 monoclonal antibody. Cytotoxicity of PUVA therapy against HH cells, a CTCL cell line, was observed in vitro. The cytotoxicity was dependent on both 8‐MOP and UVA. Using HH cells, we developed a mouse model in which HH cells were subcutaneously inoculated in the ear. In this model, PUVA therapy suppressed tumour growth with statistical significance, while 8‐MOP or UVA alone did not. Combination therapy of PUVA and mogamulizumab showed greater antitumor activity than either monotherapy with statistical significance. In the histological analysis of the tumour tissue, PUVA accelerated tumour necrosis and then induced the infiltration inflammatory cells in the necrotic area, suggesting that these cells served as effector cells for mogamulizumab. This combination therapy is expected to be a beneficial option for CTCL therapy.
Impaired calcium signalling and neuropsychiatric disorders in Darier disease: An exploratory review
Authors: Ambur Austin , Zaidi Asma , Dunn Charles , Nathoo Rajiv
Published: July 2022

Darier (Darier‐White) disease (DD) is an autosomal dominant skin disorder caused by pathogenic mutations in the ATP2A2 gene which encodes a calcium ATPase in the sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum (SERCA2). Defects in the SERCA2 protein lead to an impairment of cellular calcium homeostasis, which in turn, triggers cell death pathways. There is a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in patients affected by this condition, namely intellectual disability, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and suicidality. Though these associations have been well‐documented over the years, little has been discussed or investigated regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms. The goal of this article is to review the literature related to the most commonly associated neuropsychiatric disorders found in patients with DD, highlight the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying each condition, and examine potential interventions that may be of interest for future development. A literature search was performed using PubMed to access and review relevant articles published in the last 40 years. Keywords searched included Darier disease neuropsychiatric, Darier disease pathophysiology, SERCA2 central nervous system, SERCA 2 skin, ATP2A2 central nervous system, ATP2A2 skin, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate signalling skin, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate signalling central nervous system, P2X7 receptor skin, and P2X7 receptor central nervous system. Our search resulted in 2692 articles, of which 61 articles were ultimately included in this review.
The N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonist ketamin exerts analgesic effects via modulation of the nitric oxide pathway
Authors: Mahmoudzade Shamim , Goudarzi Sepideh , Mohammad Jafari Razieh , Shafaroodi Hamed , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Sanatkar Mehdi
Published: July 2022

Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has been approved to have analgesic effects. It is known that nitric oxide pathway is involved in antinociception but with dual effects. In this study, we investigated the role of nitric oxide in ketamine‐induced analgesia. Ketamine was administered to mice acute and chronically with/without nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors. Experimental models of nociception pain, including hot plate, tail flick, and formalin tests, were performed. Western blot was used to measure levels of nitric oxide synthase enzymes in the brain. Ketamine doses of 0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg had significant analgesic effects (p < 0.01). High‐dose chronic ketamine could induce analgesia in later phases of the treatment in tail flick test (p < 0.01). Pretreatment with various NOS inhibitors decreased the analgesic effect. In western blot analysis, the expression of NOS proteins was decreased. Low‐dose ketamine is effective in analgesia induction. The expression of nNOS and iNOS proteins is dependent on the inhibition of the NMDA/NO pathway.
Using Alternate Pumping and Cooperative Game Theory to Reduce Sea Water Intrusion
Authors: Nagkoulis Nikolaos , Katsifarakis Konstantinos L.
Published: July 2022

In this article, alternate pumping is studied as a means used to reduce the salinity concentration in coastal aquifers, pumped using a system of wells. This approach has been applied to a hypothetical confined coastal aquifer. Flow has been modeled, using SEAWAT. Two strategies are proposed based on cooperative game theory, to promote alternate pumping. In both strategies an external player will compensate the users that will pump during an unpopular pumping period. In the first strategy it is supposed that this external player aims at protecting a critical well, e.g. a municipal well, reducing its maximum salinity concentration by pumping alternately. In the second strategy proposed, the target is to reduce the overall salinity of the water pumped by the wells. In applying the cooperative game theory, the Shapley value is used to distribute the benefits of cooperation between the players (well users), according to their marginal contribution. Overall, well users can reduce sea water intrusion by cooperatively changing their pumping time schedules. The game theoretical model developed is a useful tool to promote cooperation toward this direction. The methods applied in the hypothetical aquifer, can be tested in actual aquifers to reduce sea water intrusion.