bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term functional prognosis and related factors of spinal cord stimulation in patients with disorders of consciousness
Authors: Yang Yi , He Qiheng , Xia Xiaoyu , Dang Yuanyuan , Chen Xueling , He Jianghong , Zhao Jizong
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The treatment of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) remains a challenging issue, and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been reported to be a promising treatment for DoC in some studies.

Aims

This study explores the efficiency of SCS in treating patients with DoC at different consciousness levels, including the vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) and the minimally conscious state (MCS) and summarizes and analyzes the long‐term effect and related factors of SCS in patients with DoC.

Results

An overall positive outcome was reached in 35 of 110 patients (31.8%). Among patients with positive outcomes, the MCS group improved 45.53% more than VS/UWS group, and this difference was statistically significant. In terms of the recommendation standard, positive outcomes occurred in 33 patients (94.3%) in the highly recommended group and 2 patients (5.7%) in the weakly recommended group (p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential covariables, young age (age ≤ 19 years old) (p = 0.045) and MCS (p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with positive outcome. A nomogram based on age, state of consciousness, and pathogeny showed good predictive performance, with a c‐index of 0.794. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test showed that the model was well calibrated (χ2 = 3.846, p = 0.871).

Conclusions

SCS is one of the most feasible treatments for patients with DoC, especially for patients with MCS. Younger age is significantly associated with better outcomes and could therefore serve as a basis for preoperative screening. However, more evidence‐based randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of the treatment.
Efficacy and ethics of intensive predator management to save endangered caribou
Authors: Johnson Chris J. , Ray Justina C. , St‐Laurent Martin‐Hugues
Published: May 2022

Lethal population control has a history of application to wildlife management and conservation. There is debate about the efficacy of the practice, but more controversial is the ethical justification and methods of killing one species in favor of another. This is the situation facing the conservation of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Canada. Across multiple jurisdictions, large numbers of wolves (Canis lupus), and to a lesser extent bears (Ursus americanus) and coyotes (C. latrans), are killed through trapping, poisoning or aerial shooting to halt or reverse continued declines of woodland caribou. While there is evidence to support the effectiveness of predator management as a stop‐gap solution, questions remain about the extent to which this activity can make a meaningful contribution to long‐term recovery. Also, there are myriad ethical objections to the lethal removal of predators, even if that activity is in the name of conservation. Debates about predator management, just one of numerous invasive actions for maintaining caribou, are made even more complex by the conflation of ethics and efficacy. Ultimately, long‐term solutions for the recovery of caribou require governments to stop delaying difficult decisions that address the real causes of population decline, habitat change.
Tax obsessions: Taxpayer registration and the “informal sector” in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Moore Mick
Published: May 2022

Motivation

There are three puzzling features of sub‐Saharan African tax systems: tax administrations maintain records on vast numbers of small enterprises that actually provide no revenue; they continually invest resources into registering even more of these “unproductive taxpayers”; and discussions about taxing small enterprises are framed by the ambiguous, misleading concept of the “informal sector.”

Purpose

To make sense of these separate puzzling practices and narratives by exploring the synergies between them, and the broader organizational and political interests that they serve.

Methods and approach

There is little statistical or sociological information on the functioning of national tax administrations in sub‐Saharan Africa. The analysis is based on the results of recent research; along with a thorough search for useful data; my own extensive interactions with African tax administrators and relevant international organizations; and a sensitivity to the political dimensions of taxation.

Findings

The three features of tax systems that are individually puzzling make sense when examined holistically. The continual drive to register more taxpayers provides an unduly favourable impression of the extent of policy and managerial efforts to collect more revenue. The informal sector narrative locates the apparent cause of revenue scarcity in the alleged undertaxation of small enterprises and poorer people, and thus helps divert attention from failures adequately to tax more privileged Africans and larger enterprises.

Policy implications

Be very wary of claims that it would be a good idea to invest resources in registering large numbers of new taxpayers in sub‐Saharan Africa. Try to avoid using the term “informal sector” when discussing issues of tax policy and administration—it is confusing and diversionary.
Key predictors of the need for a family‐focused pediatric epilepsy adherence intervention
Authors: Bakula Dana M. , Junger Katherine W. , Guilfoyle Shanna M. , Mara Constance A. , Modi Avani C.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Nonadherence to antiseizure drugs is a significant problem in pediatric epilepsy and is linked to increased morbidity and mortality, clinically unnecessary medication changes, and increased health care costs. Family interventions can improve adherence. However, it is challenging to determine which families will struggle with nonadherence and require intervention. This study aims to identify specific parent, family, child, and medical factors that predict which families most need family‐based adherence interventions.

Methods

Families enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of a family‐based adherence intervention completed measures assessing parent, family, child, and medical factors. Families also used an electronic adherence monitor. Adherence of ≥95% was considered high adherence (not requiring intervention), and <95% was considered suboptimal adherence (requiring intervention). We conducted a stepwise logistic regression analysis to assess demographic, medical, child, family, and parent predictors of membership to the suboptimal adherence group.

Results

Of the 200 families of children with new onset epilepsy who enrolled, 177 families completed the study. Of these families, 121 (68%) were in the high adherence group and 56 (32%) were in the suboptimal adherence group. Families with lower socioeconomic status (SES), children of color, lower general family functioning, and more parent distress were more likely to be in the suboptimal adherence group.

Significance

We identified that parent and family factors, as well as sociodemographic characteristics, predicted membership in the suboptimal adherence group. It is critical to find creative and practical solutions for assessing and intervening upon key adherence predictors. These may include streamlined screening for parental distress and family functioning, as well as recognition that families of lower SES and communities of color may be at heightened risk for suboptimal adherence.
The HN1/HMGB1 axis promotes the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and attenuates the chemosensitivity to oxaliplatin
Authors: Wang Ruhua , Fu Yunong , Yao Menglin , Cui Xiaomeng , Zhao Yan , Lu Xinlan , Li Yarui , Lin Yiguang , He Shuixiang
Published: May 2022

Hematological and neurological expressed 1 (HN1) is closely associated with the proliferation and metastasis of various tumors. However, the physiological functions and clinical significance of HN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain indistinct. In this study, we investigated the role of HN1 in the pathogenesis of HCC and the underlying mechanism using clinical data from HCC patients, in vitro experiments utilizing HCC cell lines and in vivo animal models. We demonstrated that the overexpressed HN1 in HCC was correlated with patients' adverse outcomes. The gain and loss of function experiments indicated that HN1 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells in vitro. Furthermore, we found that HN1 knockdown sensitized HCC cells to oxaliplatin. Mechanically, HN1 prevented HMGB1 protein from ubiquitination and degradation via the autophagy‐lysosome pathway, which was related to the interaction between HN1 protein and TRIM28 protein. In the nucleus, the downregulation of HMGB1 followed by HN1 knockdown resulted in increased DNA damage and cell death in the oxaliplatin‐treated HCC cells. In the cytoplasm, HN1 regulated autophagy via HMGB1. Furthermore, HN1 knockdown in combination with HMGB1 overexpression restored the aggressive phenotypes of HCC cells and the sensitivity of these cells to oxaliplatin. HN1 knockdown inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis, and promoted the anticancer efficiency of oxaliplatin in vivo. In conclusion, our data suggest that the HN1/HMGB1 axis plays an important role in the development/progression and chemotherapy of HCC. Our findings indicate that the HN1/HMGB1 axis may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Genetic divergence along a climate gradient shapes chemical plasticity of a foundation tree species to both changing climate and herbivore damage
Authors: Eisenring Michael , Best Rebecca J. , Zierden Mark R. , Cooper Hillary F. , Norstrem Madelyn A. , Whitham Thomas G. , Grady Kevin , Allan Gerard J. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: May 2022

Climate change is threatening the persistence of many tree species via independent and interactive effects on abiotic and biotic conditions. In addition, changes in temperature, precipitation, and insect attacks can alter the traits of these trees, disrupting communities and ecosystems. For foundation species such as Populus, phytochemical traits are key mechanisms linking trees with their environment and are likely jointly determined by interactive effects of genetic divergence and variable environments throughout their geographic range. Using reciprocal Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) common gardens along a steep climatic gradient, we explored how environment (garden climate and simulated herbivore damage) and genetics (tree provenance and genotype) affect both foliar chemical traits and the plasticity of these traits. We found that (1) Constitutive and plastic chemical responses to changes in garden climate and damage varied among defense compounds, structural compounds, and leaf nitrogen. (2) For both defense and structural compounds, plastic responses to different garden climates depended on the climate in which a population or genotype originated. Specifically, trees originating from cool provenances showed higher defense plasticity in response to climate changes than trees from warmer provenances. (3) Trees from cool provenances growing in cool garden conditions expressed the lowest constitutive defense levels but the strongest induced (plastic) defenses in response to damage. (4) The combination of hot garden conditions and simulated herbivory switched the strategy used by these genotypes, increasing constitutive defenses but erasing the capacity for induction after damage. Because Fremont cottonwood chemistry plays a major role in shaping riparian communities and ecosystems, the effects of changes in phytochemical traits can be wide reaching. As the southwestern US is confronted with warming temperatures and insect outbreaks, these results improve our capacity to predict ecosystem consequences of climate change and inform selection of tree genotypes for conservation and restoration purposes.
Seed yield and quality responses of oilseed crops to simulated nitrogen deposition: A meta‐analysis of field studies
Authors: Si Tong , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Yuhao , Zhang Kai , Xie Wei , Yuan Haiyan , Wang Yuefu , Sun Yuming
Published: May 2022

Oilseed crops are widely planted and are closely associated with human nutrition and health. Globally, increased nitrogen (N) deposition has a significant impact on agricultural production; however, in‐depth knowledge of oilseed crop yields and quality is still lacking. Here, we performed a global meta‐analysis from 128 published papers with 462 paired observations to evaluate the response of oilseed crop yields, yield composition, protein, and oil content to simulated N deposition. The meta‐analysis showed that simulated N deposition significantly increased oilseed crop yields in a dose‐dependent and duration‐dependent manner. The yield compositions were also changed by N deposition, where pod numbers per plant (PNP) and seed weights per pod were significantly increased. Interestingly, our analysis identified PNP as the key factor determining the oilseed crop yield response to simulated N deposition. Additionally, the form of N deposition had no striking influence on either yields or yield components, whereas differences in the sensitivity in rape responses reflected differences in crop species. In terms of oilseed crop quality, although simulated N deposition increased the seed protein content in a dose‐dependent manner, there was a significant negative impact on the seed oil content. Furthermore, this negative correlation between seed oil content and biomass under simulated N deposition implies adverse effects caused by a dilution effect. Overall, our results suggest discrete responses of oilseed crop yield, seed protein and oil content to simulated N deposition. This study has ecological and biological implications for oilseed crop yield and quality responses facing global N deposition.
Macromolecular–structural interactions and phytochemical constituents of therapeutic herbs in pasta altered the functional properties, cooking profile and in vitro starch and protein digestibility
Authors: Bhandari Manisha , Sharma Rajan , Sharma Savita
Published: May 2022

The current investigation was focused on developing and assessing the influence of different herbs (Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri and Asparagus racemosus) on bio‐functional and structural characteristics of semolina‐based pasta. Pasta were enriched with 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% herbs and significant difference (P < 0.05) in functional properties of blends, cooking quality of pasta, bioactive profile and antioxidant potential, in vitro nutrient digestibility and colour profile were noted. Herbs‐enriched pasta showed modified functional properties and enhanced bioactive constituents. Modification in structural and molecular structures of control and 5% herbs‐incorporated pasta was shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared. Further, principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering were employed to authenticate the difference in the incorporation of herbs and observations. The results suggest that herbs could be served as potential food components in valorised products of cereals.
Elucidation of key aroma enhancement in cloudy lemon juices by the addition of peel oil using GC–MS‐Olfactometry
Authors: Yetisen Mehmet , Guclu Gamze , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan
Published: May 2022

Volatile substances play a crucial role in the consumer preference of lemon juices. The effects of heat treatment and addition of lemon peel oil to lemon juice (Citrus limon Burm. cv. Kutdiken) on the aroma compounds were elucidated for the first time. Total phenolic, antioxidant activity, acidity, pH and colour properties were also studied. Results revealed that the aroma of the juice samples comprised mostly the terpene compounds. Limonene, γ‐terpinene, β‐pinene and α‐pinene were the influential terpenes responsible for the distinctive odour of the lemon juice. The addition of the lemon peel oil increased the amounts of the aroma and aroma‐active compounds. Besides, the heat treatment had a positive effect on the total phenolics and the antioxidant activity but it caused significant reduction of the aroma compounds. Sensory analysis revealed that the most preferred sample was the juice with lemon peel oil added after pasteurisation.
Analysis of volatile compounds and antioxidant activity in rice extracts (Oryza sativa L.) extracted by various conditions
Authors: Lee Hana , Lee Gaeun , Kim Yuri , Ahn Hyunwoo , Lee Kwang‐Geun
Published: May 2022

This study focused on the analysis of the volatiles present in rice extracts (Oryza sativa L.) produced under various extraction conditions (i.e. the range of temperature was 50, 60 and 70 °C, and particle size was whole, 355, and 710 μm) The main volatiles identified were ethyl palmitate, benzenemethanol, nonanal, hexanal and 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol. The highest levels of flavour compounds extracted from rice cultivated in Icheon and Cheorwon were recorded at an extraction temperature of 70 and 60 °C, respectively, and at a rice particle size of 355 μm. Non‐volatile rice extracts were tested for antioxidant activity using 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The antioxidant activity of Icheon rice extracts at a concentration of 2000 ppm was found to be 84.33 and 84.39% in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively.
The wage impact of being a works council representative in Germany: A case of strategic discrimination?
Authors: Brébion Clément
Published: May 2022

Works councils provide an essential mechanism for worker participation in decision‐making. While the literature has extensively explored their impact on worker and establishment outcomes, the negotiation process between works council representatives and their employer has remained largely unexplored. This article contributes to filling this gap by investigating wage discrimination towards works councilors in Germany. Fixed effects models leveraging panel data show that councilors receive a wage premium that positively correlates with the sectoral coverage of collective bargaining. In the manufacturing sector, where the tradition of bargaining is heavily entrenched, employers positively discriminate councilors. In contrast, in the service sector, where the culture of bargaining is weak, employers penalize works councilors. In both sectors, partisan and unionized works councilors are the most affected. The most likely hypothesis to explain these results is that employers strategically discriminate these councilors in order to bypass the traditional constraints of establishment‐level participation. This article therefore questions the quality of industrial democracy in Germany.
The new complex high‐entropy metal boron carbonitride: Microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Guan Jingyi , Liu Yuchen , Li Daxin , Yang Zhihua , Qin Shaohua , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2022

In this contribution, the ternary BCN anion systems of high‐entropy ceramics (HEC) are consolidated by hot‐pressing sintering and the impacts of sintering temperature and the content of amorphous BCN addition on microstructural evolution and mechanical performance were evaluated. Results confirmed that high‐entropy, oxide, and BN(C) phases were precipitated for (Ta0.2Nb0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2Ti0.2)(B, C, N) ceramics after sintering at 1900°C. With the decrease of BCN addition, a new phase of MiB2 (Mi representing the metal atoms) occurred. The Vickers hardness, bending strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of the optimized bulk HECs were investigated, obtained at 24.5 ± 2.3 GPa, 522.0 ± 2.6 MPa, 478.9 ± 11.1 GPa, and 5.36 ± 0.56 MPa m1/2, respectively.
The tri‐emitting phosphate phosphors SrIn2(P2O7)2: Tm, Dy, Eu for ratiometric optical thermometer
Authors: Liu Yijia , Wang Rongrong , Yang Qihua , Li Guihua , Huang Junben , Cai Gemei
Published: May 2022

Developing new phosphors used for ratiometric optical thermometers has attracted broad attention recently. According to the recent research, the phosphate SrIn2(P2O7)2 with regard to the structural rigidity has been adopted as the host of Tm and Dy activators behaving the super‐stable white emission. Herein, Tm, Dy, Eu tri‐doped phosphors were prepared to investigate the interaction of three different activators and their coupling sensitivity to temperature. Based on concentration control and energy transfer among three activators, the tunable emission, including the idea warm white, has been obtained. In the case of increasing temperature, the emission intensities of Dy3+ and Eu3+ partially decrease, whereas the Tm3+ fluorescence extremely keeps increasing to 155.4% of 473 K compared with that of room temperature. This phenomenon can be defined the negative thermal‐quenching. It is believed that the back energy transfer (BET) from Dy3+ and that from Eu3+ to Tm3+ help the negative thermal‐quenching of Tm3+ to a certain extent. Both cation occupation and structural rigidity obviously affect the BET efficiency. In the new phosphors, the fluorescence intensity ratios of Tm3+ and Eu3+ (blue/red) and (blue/orange) of Tm3+/Dy3+ are closely related to temperature and vary linearly over a wide temperature range, which can be regarded as an important index of temperature sensor. The SI1.92P: T0.01D0.01E0.06 shows excellent temperature sensitivity and recyclability. The current results show that SrIn2(P2O7)2: Tm, Dy, Eu phosphors can be regarded as candidate materials for optical thermometry.
The sintering behavior of ellipsoidal particles
Authors: Bjørk R.
Published: May 2022

The sintering behavior of ellipsoidally shaped particles, particularly spheroids, was studied using a numerical kinetic Monte Carlo model for solid‐state sintering. Compact packings of spheroids with five different aspect ratios from 0.5 to 2.0, thus comprising oblate, spherical, and prolate particles, were generated by simulating the pouring of such particles into a cubic container. For each spheroid particle aspect ratio, five different packings were generated to provide statistics on the sintering properties. The sintering behavior was quantified by the densification rate, relative density, anisotropic strain, grain size, and grain coordination number, as determined from the kinetic Monte Carlo model. The spherical particles were found to sinter to a relative density of 0.87 before grain growth occurs, whereas the oblate and prolate particles reach a relative density of 0.91 before grain growth sets in, with the prolate particles sintering slightly better compared to oblate particles. The more extreme the particle aspect ratio, the more anisotropic the strain is. Finally, the oblate and prolate spheroids have a slightly higher mean grain coordination number and a slightly higher initial relative density compared to the spherical particles.
Astragaloside IV improved antioxidative stress capacity and related gene expression of the Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) hepatocytes under heat stress
Authors: Liu Hua , Yang Ying , Yu Ying‐Ying , Feng Jing‐Jing , Bao Xiao‐Xue , Zhao Jun , Yu Hui
Published: May 2022

This study aims to investigate the protective effects of astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) on the hepatocytes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) on heat stress. Cultured cells were treated with AS‐IV (0, 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml) at 28°C for 24 h and then exposed to heat stress by increasing the culturing temperature (32 ± 0.5°C) for 6 h. The increased temperatures significantly reduced cell viability and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the 0 μg/ml AS‐IV treatment group at 32°C, but the grass carp hepatocytes treated with 100 and 200 μg/ml AS‐IV had significantly increased cell viability and SOD activity and decreased MDA levels. The mRNA levels of keap1a, keap1b, nrf2, gsh‐px, cat, cu‐zn sod, mgst1 and il‐6 were significantly lower in the 0 μg/ml AS‐IV treatment group at 32°C, while those of keap1a, nrf2, gsh‐px, cat, cu‐zn sod, gstp1, ho‐1 and il‐6 were significantly higher in cells treated with 100 or 200 μg/ml AS‐IV. Our findings indicate that AS‐IV could enhance the antioxidative stress capacity of grass carp hepatocytes under heat stress, and its mechanism may be associated with the activation of the Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway. Thus, these results provide new insights into how to alleviate heat stress in grass carp.
Early life history of the middling thread herring (Opisthonema medirastre) in the central Galápagos Islands
Authors: Marin Jarrin Jose R. , Andrade‐Vera Solange , Brito Carla , Ray Lana , Schuiteman Michelle A.
Published: May 2022

The authors estimated life‐history parameters of a clupeid forage fish, Opisthonema medirastre, by sampling juveniles over the course of a year in the central region of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. They collected 160 juveniles on the south coast of Santa Cruz Island during the wet/warm season that were 16–48 mm standard length, were 30–88 days old, had hatched at the beginning of the wet/warm season and had grown at 0.4 mm day−1. The results suggest that in Galápagos, O. medirastre reproduce during the wet/warm season mostly under neutral ENSO conditions.
Prevalence and clinical features of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fukuda Soma , Akiyama Shintaro , Tarakji Ahmad , Hamdeh Shadi , Suzuki Hideo , Tsuchiya Kiichiro
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are categorized into immune‐mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs). While AIP is a pancreato‐biliary IMID with an increased incidence and prevalence among patients with IBD, its features are still unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of AIP‐IBD patients.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify observational studies assessing AIP and IBD. The primary outcome was the prevalence of IBD among AIP patients, and vice versa. Secondary outcomes included clinical findings and outcomes of each IMID in AIP‐IBD patients. The pooled rate of each outcome was determined using a random effects model.

Results

For primary outcomes, 40 observational studies with 4031 AIP patients were included and the pooled prevalence of IBD was 10.5% (95% CI 7.2–15.0%). Meanwhile, five studies with 10,551 IBD patients were included and the pooled prevalence of AIP was 0.6% (95% CI 0.2–1.9%). For secondary outcomes, 53 observational studies with 469 AIP‐IBD patients were assessed. The rates of type 2 AIP and ulcerative colitis were 79.2% (95% CI 69.1–86.6%) and 74.8% (95% CI 68.2–80.4%), respectively. We also demonstrated AIP‐IBD patients were at a significant increased risk of AIP recurrence and colectomy compared with patients with either AIP or IBD (RR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.1 and P = 0.014 and RR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.9–6.9, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis reported the prevalence of AIP‐IBD patients and demonstrated patients with both IMIDs had a high risk of poor outcomes.
An age‐old dilemma: Defining the optimal revascularization approach in older adults
Authors: Hanna Jonathan M. , Nanna Michael G.
Published: May 2022

This editorial comments an article by Shah et al. in this issue.
Garnet crystallization mechanisms and localized polymetamorphism in the southwestern Meguma Terrane, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Nagurney Alexandra B. , Caddick Mark J. , White Chris E.
Published: May 2022

We present data on the pressure and temperature (P–T) conditions experienced by metamorphic rocks of the Meguma Terrane, Nova Scotia, Canada, also utilizing three‐dimensional microstructural data on one sample to better constrain the mechanisms that controlled garnet crystallization. Inverse and forward thermodynamic modelling place peak P–T conditions in the southwestern Meguma Terrane at ~650°C and 4.5 kbar. Interpretation of these results with petrographic observations and previous P–T constraints across the terrane suggests that amphibolite facies metamorphism occurred during the Devonian Neoacadian orogeny (406–388 Ma). Integration of quantitative 3D textural data with an estimated metamorphic heating rate of <5°C/Myr is consistent with amphibolite facies metamorphism resulting from tectonic loading during the Neoacadian orogeny, though the exact nature of the orogeny is still not well understood. Further, the intrusion of granitic plutons into the Meguma metasediments at 373 Ma likely locally drove metamorphic recrystallization (polymetamorphism). The 3D size, shape, and location of garnet crystals in one sample reveal that the rate‐limiting step for garnet crystallization was likely the diffusion of aluminium through the intergranular matrix at length scales less than the mean nearest neighbour distance between garnet crystals. Nucleation was aided by epitaxial overgrowth onto a muscovite substrate, though it appears there may have been a decoupling between minerals providing a substrate and those providing nutrients during garnet growth.
Lagerstroemia indica extract regulates human hair dermal papilla cell growth and degeneration via modulation of β‐catenin, Stat6, and TGF‐β signaling pathway
Authors: Kim Byung Hyun , Kim Myong Ki , Choi Bu Young
Published: May 2022

Background

Lagerstroemia indica (L. indica) is reported to have diverse biological activities including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, neuro‐regulatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activity.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of hair growth promotion and/or hair loss prevention by L. indica extract.

Patients/Methods

The effects of L. indica on hair growth have been studied in human hair follicle dermal papillary (hHFDP) cells and follicular organ culture ex vivo by cell proliferation assay, PCR, western blot analysis, and reporter gene activity assay. Moreover, a clinical trial was conducted in healthy volunteers.

Results

Lagerstroemia indica significantly promoted the proliferation of hHFDP cells, which was associated with increased expression of TCF/LEF, VEGF, and Gli1 mRNA, and inhibition of STAT6 and Smad2 mRNA. Treatment with L. indica also increased the TCF/LEF reporter gene activity but downregulated the SBE‐ and STAT6‐luciferase activities. The expression of total β‐catenin, CDK4, and CDK2 were elevated, while that of STAT6 and SMAD2/3 was suppressed upon treatment with L. indica. In human hair follicles organ culture, L. indica significantly inhibited hair follicular degeneration. The clinical trial showed a statistically significant rise in total hair count in test group (n = 24) after 24 weeks of applying the hair tonic enriched with L. indica (141.46 ± 21.27 number/cm2, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We suggest that L. indica extract prevents hair loss as well as stimulate hair growth by regulating the Wnt‐β‐catenin, JAK3‐STAT6, and TGF‐β1‐Smad signaling pathways, and may be further developed as a novel functional cosmetic for preventing hair loss.
Open abdomen technique used in complications of major gynecological oncology surgery
Authors: Akbayir Ozgur , Ulukent Suat C. , Guraslan Hakan , Seyhan Niyazi A. , Gunkaya Osman S. , Cingillioglu Basak , Akturk Erhan , Yuksel Ilkbal T.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the open abdomen technique (laparostomy) used in complications of major gynecological oncology surgery.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively the surgical database of all patients who had undergone major open surgery by the same gynecologic oncologist over a 5‐year period. All patients who had had open abdomen procedure were identified; demographic data and indications of primary surgery, temporary abdominal closure procedure details, fascia closure and morbidity, mortality rates were evaluated. Intraabdominal infection and intraoperative massive hemorrhage were the major indications for all open abdomen cases. Mannheim Peritonitis Index was used perioperatively to determine open abdomen decision in intraabdominal infections. Vacuum Assisted Abdominal Closure system and Bogota Bag were used for temporary abdominal closure techniques.

Results

Out of the total 560 patients who had undergone major oncological surgery, 19 patients (3.3%) had open abdomen procedure due to surgical complications. Eleven patients had intraabdominal infection, six patients had hemodynamic instability due to peri and postoperative hemorrhage, two patients had gross fecal contamination during posterior pelvic exenteration surgery. The fascia was closed totally in 15 (78%), partially in 3 (15%) and could not be closed in 1 patient who had died secondary to multiorgan failure. Total morbidity and mortality rates were 26% (5/19) (two intrabdominal abscess, one pulmonary embolism, one skin necrosis, one enteroatmospheric fistula) and 5.2% (1/19) respectively.

Conclusion

Open abdomen is a life‐saving procedure when applied with correct indications and timing. Gynecological oncologic surgeries are candidates to serious complications and gynecologic oncologists dealing with such surgery should be as experienced as general surgeons in this regard.
Racial/ethnic variation in family support: African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non‐Latino Whites
Authors: Taylor Robert Joseph , Skipper Antonius D. , Cross Christina J. , Taylor Harry Owen , Chatters Linda M.
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study examined racial and ethnic differences in the receipt and provision of instrumental family support.

Background

Extended families provide significant levels of emotional and instrumental support across the life course. Despite their importance, extended family relationships and the assistance they provide are largely neglected in the literature. Further, questions remain concerning cultural variation in family support relationships and inconsistent findings on racial differences in family support in prior investigations.

Method

This study relied on data from the National Survey of American Life‐Reinterview (n = 3483) to investigate the provision and receipt of instrumental support from extended family among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non‐Latino Whites and within high‐ and low‐income categories for each group. Eight key measures of instrumental family support are examined: receiving and providing transportation, help with chores, financial assistance, and help during an illness.

Results

African Americans and Black Caribbeans share similar profiles of providing and receiving instrumental family support. Both populations receive and provide assistance more frequently than do non‐Latino Whites. Similarly, analyses stratified by income indicated that for low‐income and high‐income groups, African American and Black Caribbeans are similar to one another, and at each income category, both groups received and provided support more frequently than non‐Latino Whites.

Conclusion

Study findings are discussed in relation to conceptual and methodological differences in assessing Black–White differences across studies of family support. Attention to these issues and the specific contexts for receiving/providing family support (emergency vs. routine; intergenerational vs. extended) will help clarify inconsistent findings across studies.
Addressing diaper need as racial stratification through intersectional family justice
Authors: Randles Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Objective

To use racial stratification and intersectional family justice frameworks to analyze experiences of and efforts to address diaper need.

Background

One in three American families with infants and toddlers struggles with insufficient access to diapers, which can have negative social, physical, and economic implications for family well‐being. Prior research has yet to examine diaper need as a form of racial stratification, despite existing evidence of racialized prevalence.

Method

In‐depth interviews were conducted with nonrandom samples of 70 mothers who experienced diaper need, including 61 mothers of color, and 40 diaper bank advocates. Qualitative abductive coding techniques were employed to identify how diaper need is experienced and framed as a form of racial stratification.

Results

Mothers of color were more likely to report racialized stigma, stress, surveillance, and social exclusion associated with diaper need. Diaper bank advocates framed diaper assistance as necessary to address intersecting race, class, and gender inequalities of diaper distress.

Conclusion

Conceptualizing diaper need and public responses as issues of racial stratification and intersectional family justice points to how family scholarship can center analyses of systemic oppression and privilege to optimize family and caregiving relationships and promote equitable pathways to well‐being for all families.

Implications

These findings reinforce the importance of racially just strategies for equalizing access to basic needs and caregiving resources in ways that account for the racist underpinnings of social problems like diaper need and related influences on parenting experiences.
Lichenoid areas may arise in early stages of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: A long‐term study of 34 patients
Authors: Barba‐Montero Catalina , Lorenzo‐Pouso Alejandro Ismael , Gándara‐Vila Pilar , Blanco‐Carrión Andrés , Marichalar‐Mendía Xabier , García‐García Abel , Pérez‐Sayáns Mario
Published: May 2022

Background

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia is considered an uncommon oral potentially malignant disorder with a high malignant transformation rate. The objective of this paper was to define its cancer incidence and related risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective audit of 34 patients diagnosed with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia from a university‐based unit, during the period from 1995 to 2019 was performed. The mean number of visits was 23 ± 18.6. The follow‐up was divided into four‐time intervals to evaluate the clinical presentation, number of lesions, dysplasia grade, and malignant transformation rate.

Results

The majority of patients were females 29 (85.3%), with verrucous component (77.8%), with a gingival presentation (31.8%), and with a preceding lichenoid area (44.1%). Eleven patients (32.4%) were affected by oral cancer during the follow‐up, developing a total of 15 carcinomas. The mean age of malignant transformation was 67.2 ± 12.9 years, particularly 8 ± 8.5 from the onset of the lesions. Warty forms presented a higher mean estimate for malignant transformation (15.2 years, 95% confidence interval 4.4–26 years) than nodular forms (1.9 years, 95% confidence interval 1.9–1.9) (p = 0.019). Patients with an initial proliferative verrucous leukoplakia diagnosis suffered a higher risk of malignancy, particularly 15.55 times (95% confidence interval 1.69–143.17; p = 0.015) than those who did present a preceding area with lichenoid morphology.

Conclusion

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia presented a high malignant transformation rate and sometimes displayed preceding oral lichenoid areas in early stages. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of these lichenoid areas in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia progression.
Risk factors of paternal postnatal depression in Pakistan: Findings from an urban sample
Authors: Atif Maria , Halaki Mark , Chow Chin Moi , Raynes‐Greenow Camille
Published: May 2022

Paternal postnatal depression is an emerging public health concern, with negative outcomes for men, their partners, and the newborn. There is a dearth of data on paternal postnatal depression in lower‐middle‐income countries like Pakistan. This study aimed to identify risk factors of postnatal depression in Pakistani men. Men who consented to this cross‐sectional study completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic information and Urdu translated versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 10–12 weeks postpartum. Descriptive analyses for the sociodemographic variables were calculated. Univariate analyses were conducted to calculate the relative risk and 95% confidence interval of the independent variables with an EPDS score of >10. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were performed for risk factors of paternal postnatal depression. Fifty‐one questionnaires were analyzed and 23.5% of the participants scored more than 10 on the EPDS. Spouse's EPDS score > 12, and own sleep disturbance were risk factors of paternal postnatal depression in Pakistani men. There is an imminent need to incorporate fathers in the existing and future perinatal mental health programs in Pakistan.
Frameworks for the design, implementation, and evaluation of simulation‐based nursing education: A scoping review
Authors: Salifu David Abdulai , Christmals Christmal Dela , Reitsma Gerda Marie
Published: May 2022

This scoping review was conducted to identify and describe constructs of frameworks and theories used to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of simulation in nursing education globally, with a focus on their applicability in low‐resource settings. Six electronic databases, three of which were on EBSCO Host (CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC), PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest, as well as Google Scholar, were searched to retrieve studies published in the English language between 2012 and February 2022. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) checklist, and was guided by Arksey and O′Malley's five‐step scoping review methodological framework. Data were extracted from five studies (four frameworks and a theory) and narratively synthesized. Hence, seven constructs were identified and described: context, background, simulation design, educational practices, facilitator, participant, and outcomes. The four frameworks and theory were developed in the context of developed countries, which reveals the lack of a context‐specific framework to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of simulation in nursing education in low‐resource settings. Given resource limitations and the apparent gaps in applying simulation‐based framework(s) developed in developed countries to low‐resource settings, the findings of this review underscored the need for a context‐specific framework that is locally tailored to the needs and resources of low‐resource settings, to promote access to and use of simulation in enhancing student learning, and the development of clinical competence.
Direct evidence supporting Darwin's hypothesis of cross‐pollination promoted by sex organ reciprocity
Authors: Simón‐Porcar Violeta I. , Muñoz‐Pajares A. Jesús , de Castro Alejandra , Arroyo Juan
Published: May 2022

The floral phenotype plays a main role in the attraction and fit of pollinators. Both perianth traits and the positioning of sex organs can be subjected to natural selection and determine nonrandom mating patterns in populations. In stylar‐polymorphic species, the Darwinian hypothesis predicts increased mating success between individuals with sex organs at equivalent heights (i.e. with higher reciprocity).

We used paternity analyses in experimental populations of a stylar‐dimorphic species. By comparing the observed mating patterns with those expected under random mating, we tested the effects of sex organ reciprocity and perianth traits on mating success. We also analysed phenotypic selection on perianth traits through female and male functions.

The (dis)similarity of parental perianth traits had no direct effects on the mating patterns. Sex organ reciprocity had a positive effect on mating success. Narrow floral tubes increased this effect in upper sex organs. Perianth traits showed little signs of phenotypic selection. Female and absolute fitness measures resulted in different patterns of phenotypic selection.

We provide precise empirical evidence of the Darwinian hypothesis about the functioning of stylar polymorphisms, demonstrating that mating patterns are determined by sex organ reciprocity and only those perianth traits which are critical to pollinator fit.
Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase contributes to carbon fixation in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum at low inorganic carbon concentrations
Authors: Yu Guilan , Nakajima Kensuke , Gruber Ansgar , Rio Bartulos Carolina , Schober Alexander F. , Lepetit Bernard , Yohannes Elizabeth , Matsuda Yusuke , Kroth Peter G.
Published: May 2022

Photosynthetic carbon fixation is often limited by CO2 availability, which led to the evolution of CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). Some diatoms possess CCMs that employ biochemical fixation of bicarbonate, similar to C4 plants, but whether biochemical CCMs are commonly found in diatoms is a subject of debate.

In the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is present in two isoforms, PEPC1 in the plastids and PEPC2 in the mitochondria. We used real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blots, and enzymatic assays to examine PEPC expression and PEPC activity, under low and high concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC).

We generated and analyzed individual knockout cell lines of PEPC1 and PEPC2, as well as a PEPC1/2 double‐knockout strain. While we could not detect an altered phenotype in the PEPC1 knockout strains at ambient, low or high DIC concentrations, PEPC2 and the double‐knockout strains grown under ambient air or lower DIC availability conditions showed reduced growth and photosynthetic affinity for DIC while behaving similarly to wild‐type (WT) cells at high DIC concentrations. These mutants furthermore exhibited significantly lower 13C/12C ratios compared to the WT.

Our data imply that in P. tricornutum at least parts of the CCM rely on biochemical bicarbonate fixation catalyzed by the mitochondrial PEPC2.
A significant other: Non‐canonical caspase‐4/5/11 inflammasome in periodontitis
Authors: Wang Zizheng , Chan Weicheng , Yue Yuan
Published: May 2022

Periodontitis is an oral inflammatory disease characterised by the destruction of periodontal soft tissue and alveolar bone resorption, mainly triggered by plaque microbial infection. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed cell death mediated by the pore‐forming gasdermin proteins, which resist the invasion of pathogens into the body's immune system. Many studies have found that pyroptosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of periodontitis. At present, most of these studies focused on the canonical pathway mediated by caspase‐1. Moreover, Gram‐negative bacteria's lipopolysaccharide has been shown to activate a new form of the non‐canonical inflammasome by directly binding to human caspase‐4/5 and mouse caspase‐11 in the cytosol. However, most of the functions of non‐canonical inflammasome are still gradually being studied. Therefore, in this review, we have summarised and analysed the existence and regulation mechanism of the non‐canonical inflammasome in periodontitis.