bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact toxicity of eucalyptol and RNA sequencing of Tribolium castaneum after exposure to eucalyptol
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Huo Zhuangkun , Guo Mengyi , Zhang Kunpeng , Zhang Yuanchen , Wang Xingyun , Li Ruimin
Published: June 2023

Eucalyptol, the main active component of Artemisia vulgaris (A. vulgaris) essential oil, can reduce the activity of Tribolium castaneum (T. castaneum) metabolic detoxification enzymes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the toxic effect of eucalyptol on T. castaneum is still unclear. Here, results showed that the eucalyptol caused time‐dependent increase in larval mortality. Further, 1669 differential expressed genes (DEGs) expressed between the control group and the experimental group were detected via RNA sequencing, of which 504 were upregulated and 1165 were downregulated. The validity of the RNA‐Seq results was verified by qRT‐PCR. Further, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were used to analyze the DEGs, focusing on immune system process, response to stimulus, and developmental process in the GO analysis and on the excretory system and the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides in the KEGG analysis. The results showed that the upregulation of Apolipoprotein D and the downregulation of V‐type proton ATPase subunits, farnesol dehydrogenase, receptor tyrosine‐protein phosphatase ε and α may affect the growth and metabolism of T. castaneum larvae. In the KEGG pathway analysis, we focused on the role of certain metabolic detoxification enzymes in the regulation of eucalyptol‐stimulated T. castaneum. Among them, the expression of metabolic detoxification enzymes OBP10, CYP4C1, CYP6BS1, CYP4g15, CYP301A1, CYP49A1, UGTs2C1, UGTs2B2, UGTs2B16, and Est FE4 was downregulated. The expression of OBPC01, OBPC09, OBPC12, OBPC02, OBPC11, CYP345B1, CYP346B1, Est E4, Est 6, and GST1 increased significantly. These metabolic detoxification enzymes were involved in the detoxification of eucalyptol by T. castaneum, and their downregulation or upregulation may indirectly affect insect survival and death. Our results provide an overview of transcriptomic changes in eucalyptol‐stimulated T. castaneum and enriches the candidate transcripts that can be exploited for pest control initiatives.
Automatic detection of migrating soaring bird flocks using weather radars by deep learning
Authors: Schekler Inbal , Nave Tamir , Shimshoni Ilan , Sapir Nir
Published: June 2023

The use of weather radars to detect and distinguish between different biological patterns greatly improves our understanding of aeroecology and its consequences for our lives. Importantly, it allows us to quantify passerine bird migration at different scales. Yet, no algorithm to detect soaring bird flocks in weather radar is available, precluding our ability to study this type of migration over large spatial scales.

We developed the first automatic algorithm for detecting the migration of flocks of soaring birds, an important bio‐flow phenomenon involving many millions of birds that travel across large spatial extents, with implications for risk of bird‐aircraft collisions. The algorithm was developed with a deep learning network for semantic segmentation using U‐Net architecture. We tested several models with different weather radar products and with image sequences for flock movement identification.

The best model includes the radial velocity product and a sequence of two previous images. It identifies 93% of soaring bird flocks that were tagged by a human on the radar image, with a false discovery of less than 20%.

Large birds such as those detected by the algorithm pose a serious risk for flight safety of civilian and military transportation and therefore the application of this algorithm can substantially reduce bird‐strikes, leading to reduced financial losses and threats to human lives. In addition, it can help overcome one of the main challenges in the study of bird migration by automatically and continuously detecting flocks of large birds over wide spatial scales without the need to equip the birds with tracking devices, unravelling the abundance, timing, spatial flyways, seasonal trends and influences of environmental conditions on the migration of bird flocks.
Labour marketisation level and corporate labour investment efficiency: Evidence from China
Authors: Yuan Zhizhu , Yang Ye , Liu Bai
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the effect of labour marketisation level on corporate labour investment efficiency. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms, we provide evidence that higher labour marketisation level is associated with higher corporate labour investment efficiency. Firms with higher labour marketisation level reduce over‐investment and under‐investment in labour. In the cross‐sectional tests, we discover that this effect is more prominent for private enterprises and firms with stronger product market competition, more financing constraints, and higher labour adjustment costs. We eliminate the impact of other non‐labour investments and ensure that our results are not driven by these investments.
Comments of the AFAANZ Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee on the Proposed Standard on Assurance Engagements over GHG Emissions Disclosure
Authors: Hay David , Harding Noel , Gan Chris , Ge Irene , Ho Linh , Ranasinghe Dinithi , Singh Harj , Sultana Nigar , Zhou Shan
Published: June 2023

The New Zealand External Reporting Board (XRB) issued for public comment a standard on Assurance Engagements over GHG Emissions Disclosure. The Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee of AFAANZ prepared a submission, based on the findings reported in published research, responding to a number of the questions asked by the XRB. This technical note presents the formal submission made to the XRB.
Pocodisco: The sonic performativity of grief, grievance, and joy in diaspora
Authors: Kheshti Roshanak
Published: June 2023

This article examines the intersection between diasporic melancholia, dance, and world music. These phenomena coalesce at postcolonial discos, or public gatherings where political movement takes the form of dance, sound, and eros. I explore the network that connects various times and places to this fantastical dreamland of a sonic postcolonial future and the DJs and producers who keep those records spinning. Focusing especially on the queer and feminist nature of these spaces and sounds, I explore how these artists/activist/curators work outside of institutional contexts as public media archaeologists who excavate and re‐present sounds thought long lost to diasporic communities who occupy a precarious relationship to histories of belonging. These artists contribute to radical acts of space‐making that are not merely fleeting and ephemeral events but instead participate in a legacy of the postcolonial disco, or acts of place‐making with the potential for radical forms of diasporic and postcolonial belonging across space and time.
Tuga
Authors: Stainova Yana
Published: June 2023

This flash ethnography explores the Bulgarian concept of tuga, translated as sorrow, through the prism of new motherhood and immigration.
Deforestation
Authors: Caldwell Melissa L.
Published: June 2023

This piece is part of a special section of “hundreds” in honor of Kathleen Stewart. It considers the forest as a space of loss—the loss of intimacy, familiarity, friendship, and ethnographic certainty—as a casualty of the war on Ukraine waged by Russia, the country where the author has conducted fieldwork since the 1990s.
The neurologist
Authors: Mazzarella William
Published: June 2023

This one‐hundred‐word vignette on insomnia, humor, inadvertence, and affect is written for a special section of “hundreds” for Kathleen Stewart.
Exclusion of pregnant and lactating persons from breast cancer clinical trials: a review of active trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Stephenson Nikki , Cairncross Zoe F. , Scime Natalie V. , Fidler‐Benaoudia Miranda
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Treatment of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer is complex, as providers try to balance risks to the pregnant person and the developing fetus. Given increased case fatality and increasing incidence, there is a pressing need understand the efficacy and safety of different treatment regimens in this population; however, pregnant and lactating people have traditionally been excluded from participating in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Given recent efforts to expand the inclusion criteria for oncology RCTs, this study aimed to review the inclusion/exclusion criteria of current breast cancer RCTs to assess what proportion of trials permitted enrollment of pregnant and lactating persons.

Material and methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of ClinicalTrials.gov in January 2022 to identify interventional studies of breast cancer in adults that were actively recruiting. The primary outcomes were the exclusion of pregnant and lactating people.

Results

The search identified 1706 studies, of which 1451 met eligibility criteria. Overall, 69.4% and 54.8% of studies excluded pregnant and lactating people, respectively. The exclusion of pregnant and lactating persons differed by study characteristics but extended across all trial designs, locations, phases and interventions. Exclusion of pregnant and lactating persons was most common in trials where the intervention was biological (86.3%), drug (83.5%) or radiation (81.5%).

Conclusions

The exclusion of pregnant and lactating people from clinical trials contributes to evidence gaps in how to treat this population. A paradigm shift is needed that focuses on how research can be used to protect pregnant people from future harms, instead of protecting pregnant people from research‐related risks.
Meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and neonatal morbidity in nulliparous patients with prolonged pregnancy
Authors: Attali Isabelle , Korb Diane , Azria Elie , Lepercq Jacques , Goffinet François , Schmitz Thomas ,   for the Groupe de Recherche en Obstétrique et Gynécologie (GROG)
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Our objective was to study the strength of the association between meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and severe morbidity among neonates of nulliparas with prolonged pregnancies.

Material and methods

This was a secondary analysis of the NOCETER randomized trial that took place between 2009 and 2012 in which 11 French maternity units included 1373 nulliparas at 41+0 weeks of gestation onwards with a single live fetus in cephalic presentation. This analysis excluded patients with a cesarean delivery before labor and those with bloody amniotic fluid or of unreported consistency. The principal end point was a composite criterion of severe neonatal morbidity (neonatal death, 5‐minute Apgar <7, convulsions in the first 24 h, meconium aspiration syndrome, mechanical ventilation ≥24 h, or neonatal intensive care unit admission for 5 days or more). The neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with thin or thick meconium‐stained amniotic fluid were compared with those with normal amniotic fluid. The association between the consistency of the amniotic fluid and neonatal morbidity was tested by univariate and then multivariate analysis adjusted for gestational age at birth, duration of labor, and country of birth.

Results

This study included 1274 patients: 803 (63%) in the group with normal amniotic fluid, 196 (15.4%) in the thin amniotic fluid group, and 275 (21.6%) in the thick amniotic fluid group. The neonates of patients with thick amniotic fluid had higher rates of neonatal morbidity than those of patients with normal amniotic fluid (7.3% vs. 2.2%; p < 0.001; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–6.3), but those of patients with thin amniotic fluid did not (3.1% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.50; aRR 1.0, 95% CI, 0.4–2.7).

Conclusions

Among nulliparas at 41+0 weeks onwards, only thick meconium‐stained amniotic fluid is associated with a higher rate of severe neonatal morbidity.
Organizational context and inclusion: Perceptions of managers and people with disabilities
Authors: de Carvalho‐Freitas Maria Nivalda , de Oliveira Marcos Santos , Tette Raissa Pedrosa Gomes , Santos Joelma Cristina
Published: June 2023

The objective of this article was to identify factors in the organizational context that may influence the inclusion of people with disabilities at work. To this end, we conducted three investigations in Brazil. The first study was conducted with 120 managers from 11 organizations and aimed to verify whether actions to adjust both working conditions and work practices affect the perception of managers about the performance of people with disabilities, considering the heterogeneity of disabilities. The second study included 75 people with disabilities and aimed to verify whether job satisfaction with contextual factors, for example, salary, the possibility of skill development, integration, and growth opportunity could explain the affective commitment of these people toward the organizations. The third study, which investigated 169 people with disabilities, included other contextual factors such as social and organizational support to verify if they would affect the meaning these workers assign to their work. The results of Study 1 indicated that types of disabilities are effectively perceived in different ways by the managers and require differentiated actions. From the perspective of the workers with disabilities (Study 2), there is evidence that job satisfaction is related to affective commitment. In addition, it appears that social and organizational support factors (Study 3) are directly related to the perception of fairness, participation, and the reception of these people. Results and theoretical and practical implications will be discussed.
Associations between potentially inappropriate prescribing and increased number of medications with postdischarge health outcomes among geriatric rehabilitation inpatients: RESORT study
Authors: Mekonnen Alemayehu B. , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Soh Cheng Hwee , Lim Wen Kwang , Maier Andrea B. , Manias Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Aims

Older adults are vulnerable to medication‐related harm mainly due to high use of medications and inappropriate prescribing. This study aimed to investigate the associations between inappropriate prescribing and number of medications identified at discharge from geriatric rehabilitation with subsequent postdischarge health outcomes.

Method

RESORT (REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs) is an observational, longitudinal cohort study of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) were measured at acute admission, and at admission and discharge from geriatric rehabilitation, using Version 2 of the STOPP/START criteria.

Results

In total, 1890 (mean age 82.6 ± 8.1 years, 56.3% female) were included. The use of at least 1 PIM or PPO at geriatric rehabilitation discharge was not associated with 30‐day and 90‐day readmission and 3‐month and 12‐month mortality. Central nervous system/psychotropics and fall risk PIMs were significantly associated with 30‐day hospital readmission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–2.15), and cardiovascular PPOs with 12‐month mortality (AOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.00–1.78). Increased number of discharge medications was significantly associated with 30‐day (AOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.07) and 90‐day (AOR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03–1.09) hospital readmissions. The use and number of PPOs (including vaccine omissions) were associated with reduced independence in instrumental activities of daily living scores at 90‐days after geriatric rehabilitation discharge.

Conclusion

The number of discharge medications, central nervous system/psychotropics and fall risk PIMs were significantly associated with readmission, and cardiovascular PPOs with mortality. Interventions are needed to improve appropriate prescribing in geriatric rehabilitation patients to prevent hospital readmission and mortality.
Outcomes of young adults (aged ≤ 40 years) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma after up‐front autologous stem cell transplant
Authors: Pasvolsky Oren , Marcoux Curtis , Milton Denái R. , Tanner Mark R. , Bashir Qaiser , Srour Samer , Saini Neeraj , Lin Paul , Ramdial Jeremy , Nieto Yago , Lee Hans C. , Patel Krina K. , Kebriaei Partow , Tewari Priti , Crawford‐Suber Lindsay , Thomas Sheeba K. , Weber Donna M. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Champlin Richard E. , Qazilbash Muzaffar H.
Published: June 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) primarily affects older patients. There are scarce data on the outcomes of young adults undergoing autologous transplantation (auto‐HCT). In this single‐centre analysis, we included 117 younger patients, with a median age of 37 years (range 22–40) at transplant. Seventeen (15%) patients had high‐risk cytogenetics. Before transplant, 10% of patients achieved ≥CR and 44% achieved ≥VGPR. At best post‐transplant response, 56% and 77% of patients achieved ≥CR and ≥VGPR respectively. With a median follow‐up for survivors of 72.6 months (range 0.9–238.0), median PFS and OS were 43.1 months (95% CI 31.2–65.0) and 146.6 months (95% CI 100.0–208.1) respectively. Patients who underwent auto‐HCT after 2010 had better median PFS (84.9 months vs. 28.2 months, p < 0.001) and OS (NR vs. 91.8 months, p < 0.001) compared with those transplanted earlier. In multi‐variate analysis, achieving ≥CR as best post‐transplant response was associated with improved PFS (HR [95% CI] 0.55 [0.32–0.95], p = 0.032), while achieving ≥VGPR was predictive of superior OS (0.32 [0.16–0.62], p < 0.001). Three patients (3%) developed a second primary malignancy. Younger MM patients had durable survival after auto‐HCT, which further improved after the availability of novel anti‐myeloma drugs in recent years. Depth of response following transplant remains a key predictor of survival.
Accessibility of social services and ICT‐based services for children with disabilities and their families
Authors: Rim Dahae , Shin Hyunsook , Jeon Hyejin
Published: June 2023

Children with disabilities and their families are often socially isolated. To integrate them into society, it is important to improve their access to services and encourage families to participate in society. It is effective to incorporate information and communication technology in providing information access and care services for children with disabilities and their families. Therefore, this study explores parental satisfaction with and demand for information and communication technology‐based care services for children with disabilities. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed method design. A total of 99 parents of children enrolled in two schools for special education or rehabilitation hospital participated in the study. Data were collected from parents through either a questionnaire survey or interviews. The study was conducted from 5 November to 5 December 2018. More than 50% of the participants found it inconvenient to search for services and reported below‐average satisfaction because of a lack of information and the results being inappropriate, abstract, difficult to understand, insufficient and scattered. More than 70% of the participants were dissatisfied with the services because of their high cost and the limited frequency of use. Participants expressed a need for information and communication technology‐based services to address these issues, including services to help the child's development, with low eligibility requirements and easy access to treatment that can enhance networks and services. Parents had high care burdens and difficulties accessing services for their children, which highlights the need for alternative services.
Naturalness and principle pluralism in conservation
Authors: Saltz David , Cohen Shlomo
Published: June 2023

The concept of naturalness in biodiversity conservation remains polysemic, hampering decision‐making. Although some conservationists claim ecosystem naturalness should be primarily determined by composition (integrity), others argue it should be determined by the extent of freedom from anthropogenic influence (autonomy). Problems arise when deciding how to treat affected ecosystems. Although the integrity school promotes benchmark‐based active restoration, the autonomy school advocates a hands‐off policy, making these 2 approaches contradictory. Moreover, expected global changes have promoted advocacy for ecosystem resilience, further complicating the debate. We argue that autonomy, integrity, and resilience are all morally valid. The conflict between them is contained by recognizing that full naturalness is an unattainable goal; restoration and rewilding processes are not an act of curation, but a contrary‐to‐duty obligation; principle pluralism can accommodate integrity, resilience, and autonomy as pro tanto principles in a case‐specific approach; and naturalness, as an overarching value, gives unity to the plurality of principles.
Migrants and imports: Evidence from Dutch firms
Authors: Erbahar Aksel , Gençosmanoğlu Ömer Tarık
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the effect of hiring migrants on firms' imports using a rich employer–employee dataset from the Netherlands for 2010–17. We use an instrumental variables strategy, and find that firms that employ migrants from a high‐income country are more likely to import from that country. Our benchmark specification indicates that a one standard deviation increase in the share of migrant workers from a certain country raises their employer's probability of importing from those workers' origin country by 6.6 percentage points, explaining half of the average probability of importing from a given country. This result is robust to a battery of sensitivity checks, and the effects are driven largely by migrants working in trade intermediaries that import final goods and inputs. Our results suggest that migrants help to erode informational barriers and enable their employers to source goods from abroad.
Association between childhood maltreatment and cortical folding in women with eating disorders
Authors: Cascino Giammarco , Canna Antonietta , Russo Andrea Gerardo , Monaco Francesco , Monteleone Alessio Maria , Ceres Rossella , Carfagno Marco , Di Salle Francesco , Monteleone Palmiero
Published: June 2023

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with distinct clinical and biological characteristics in people with eating disorders (EDs). The measurement of local gyrification index (lGI) may help to better characterize the impact of CM on cortical structure. Thus, the present study investigated the association of CM with lGI in women with EDs. Twenty‐six women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and 24 with bulimia nervosa (BN) underwent a 3T MRI scan. All participants filled in the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. All neuroimaging data were processed by FreeSurfer. LGI maps underwent a general linear model to evaluate differences between groups with or without CM. People with AN and BN were merged together. Based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire cutoff scores, 24 participants were identified as maltreated and 26 as non‐maltreated. Maltreated people with EDs showed a significantly lower lGI in the left middle temporal gyrus compared with non‐maltreated people, whereas no differences emerged in the right hemisphere between groups. The present study showed that in people with EDs, CM is associated with reduced cortical folding in the left middle temporal gyrus, an area that could be involved in ED psychopathology. This finding corroborates the hypothesis of a ‘maltreated ecophenotype’, which argues that CM may allow to biologically, other than clinically, distinguish individuals with the same psychiatric disorder.
Advances in the understanding, detection and management of equine strangles
Authors: McLinden Luke A. , Freeman Sarah L. , Daly Janet , Blanchard Adam , Kemp‐Symonds Jeremy G. , Waller Andrew
Published: June 2023

Streptococcus equisubspeciesequi(S. equi) is the causative organism of the upper respiratory disease of equids, strangles, characterised by pyrexia, lymphadenopathy and mucopurulent nasal discharge. Strangles was first reported over 750 years ago and continues to be of significance in equine populations across the globe. This review discusses howS. equihas adapted, the clinical manifestation of strangles, and how clinicians and caregivers can tackle the disease in the future.S. equievolved from the commensal, and occasionally opportunistic pathogen,Streptococcus equisubspecieszooepidemicusrefining its capabilities as it became host restricted. The success ofS. equican be attributed to its ability to cause both acute and persistent infection, the latter occurring in about 10% of those infected. In this carrier state,S. equipersists in the guttural pouch without causing clinical signs, intermittently shedding into the environment, and encountering naïve animals. Insight into theS. equigenome and lifestyle has led to advances in diagnostic assays and the development of a safe and efficacious recombinant‐fusion vaccine, giving clinicians and caregivers the tools to better combat this infection. Alongside rigorous biosecurity protocols and pragmatic control measures such as screening new arrivals for exposure and carrier status, these new technologies demonstrate that strangles can be an increasingly preventable infection.
Carbon dioxide‐induced decrease in extracellular pH enhances the production of extracellular matrix components by upregulating TGF‐β1 expression via CREB activation in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Takano Kei , Kasamatsu Shinya , Aoki Mika , Takahashi Yoshito
Published: June 2023

Mild acidification caused by transcutaneous administration of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been reported to improve some epidermal skin impairments, such as desquamation and inflammation; however, its effects on dermal tissue remain unclear. Here, we examined the effect and mechanism of mild acidity on extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). To achieve this, the skin permeability of CO2 and its effect on intradermal pH were evaluated by treating reconstructed human skin equivalents (HSEs) with a CO2‐containing formulation. Additionally, NHDFs were cultured in a pH‐adjusted medium (pH 6.5). CO2 successfully permeated HSEs and reduced the intradermal pH. Decreased extracellular pH activated CREB, upregulated TGF‐β1 expression, promoted the production of elastic and collagen fibres, and increased hyaluronan concentration in NHDFs. Additionally, the low pH‐induced increase in TGF‐β1 expression was attenuated via the RNAi‐mediated suppression of the expression of CREB1 and proton‐sensing G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), including GPR4 and GPR65. Moreover, low pH‐induced CREB activation was suppressed by the inhibition of the cAMP/PKA and PLC/PKC signalling pathways. Taken together, a CO2‐induced decrease in intradermal pH may promote ECM production in NHDFs via the upregulation of TGF‐β1 expression, which was mediated by the activation of the GPCR signalling pathway and CREB, indicating that CO2 could be used to treat ultraviolet radiation‐induced photoaging, intrinsic ageing and ECM deterioration.
Rapamycin improves social and stereotypic behavior abnormalities induced by pre‐mitotic neuronal subset specific Pten deletion
Authors: Narvaiz David A. , Nolan Suzanne O. , Smith Gregory D. , Holley Andrew J. , Reynolds Conner D. , Blandin Katherine J. , Nguyen Phuoc H. , Tran Doan L. K. , Lugo Joaquin N.
Published: June 2023

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a signaling system integral to neural growth and migration. In both patients and rodent models, mutations to the phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN) on chromosome 10 results in hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway, as well as seizures, intellectual disabilities and autistic behaviors. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, can reverse the epileptic phenotype of neural subset specific Pten knockout (NS‐Pten KO) mice, but its impact on behavior is not known. To determine the behavioral effects of rapamycin, male and female NS‐Pten KO and wildtype (WT) mice were assigned as controls or administered 10 mg/kg of rapamycin for 2 weeks followed by behavioral testing. Rapamycin improved social behavior in both genotypes and stereotypic behaviors in NS‐Pten KO mice. Rapamycin treatment resulted in a reduction of several measures of activity in the open field test in both genotypes. Rapamycin did not reverse the reduced anxiety behavior in KO mice. These data show the potential clinical use of mTOR inhibitors by showing its administration can reduce the production of autistic‐like behaviors in NS‐Pten KO mice.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors with endocrine activity: Perioperative management pathways for reduced complications and improved outcomes
Authors: Utsumi Takanobu , Iijima Shota , Sugizaki Yuka , Mori Takamichi , Somoto Takatoshi , Kato Seiji , Oka Ryo , Endo Takumi , Kamiya Naoto , Suzuki Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2023

The major adrenal tumors with endocrine activity are primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome/mild autonomous cortisol secretion, and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Excessive aldosterone secretion in primary aldosteronism causes cardiovascular, renal, and other organ damage in addition to hypertension and hypokalemia. Cortisol hypersecretion in Cushing's syndrome/mild autonomous cortisol secretion causes obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, and cardiometabolic syndrome. Massive secretion of catecholamines in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma causes hypertension and cerebrocardiovascular disease due to rapid blood pressure fluctuation. Moreover, pheochromocytoma multi‐system crisis is a feared and possibly fatal presentation of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Thus, adrenal tumors with endocrine activity are considered an indication for adrenalectomy, and perioperative management is very important. They have a risk of perioperative complications, either due to direct hemodynamic effects of the hormone hypersecretion or due to hormone‐related comorbidities. In the last decades, deliberate preoperative evaluation and advanced perioperative management have significantly reduced complications and improved outcomes. Furthermore, improvements in anesthesia and surgical techniques with the feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy have contributed to reduced morbidity and mortality. However, there are still several challenges to be considered in the perioperative care of these patients. There are very few data available prospectively to guide clinical management, due to the rarity of adrenal tumors with endocrine activity. Therefore, most guidelines are based on retrospective data analyses or small case series. In this review, the latest knowledge is summarized, and practical pathways to reduce perioperative complications and improve outcomes in adrenal tumors with endocrine activity are presented.
A guide to relocating your laboratory
Authors: Liston Adrian , Dooley James
Published: June 2023

Research positions have become increasingly less stable, thus increasing the frequency at which research laboratories need to be relocated. A laboratory relocation can be a positive transition for you and your team; however, it requires careful planning in order to minimize the disruption and mitigate potential harms. Here we discuss key planning steps involved in successfully relocating your laboratory.
Do brushings taken during bronchoscopy for suspected primary lung cancer increase diagnostic yield? An audit of real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Davidson Dorothy , Page Matthew , Budge David , Goodwin Rebekah , Kim Sewoon , Trembath Aaron , Wood Jonathan , Dummer Jack , Parkin Lianne
Published: June 2023

We reviewed clinical records to determine whether the use of bronchial brushings improved diagnostic yield in a setting where bronchoscopy for suspected primary lung cancer is routinely guided by prior chest computed tomography but endobronchial ultrasound‐guided sampling is unavailable. For 29% of cases who had brushings and at least one other test taken (bronchial biopsies or washings), the histological diagnosis was made solely on the basis of samples obtained by brushings.
Evaluation of the electrocardiogram RV5/V6 criteria in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in marathon runners
Authors: Yang Pan , Ge Zhixiang , Gao Jinmei , Liu Xia , Xu Min , Ke Haiyan
Published: June 2023

To assess the value of electrocardiogram (ECG) RV5/V6 criteria for diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in marathons. A total of 112 marathon runners who met the requirements for “Class A1” events certified by the Chinese Athletics Association in Changzhou City were selected, and their general clinical information was collected. ECG examinations were performed using a Fukuda FX7402 Cardimax Comprehensive Electrocardiograph Automatic Analyser, whereas routine cardiac ultrasound examinations were performed using a Philips EPIQ 7C echocardiography system. Real‐time 3‐dimensional echocardiography (RT‐3DE) was performed to acquire 3‐dimensional images of the left ventricle and to calculate the left ventricular mass index (LVMI). According to the LVMI criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography for the diagnosis of LVH, the participants were divided into an LVMI normal group (n = 96) and an LVH group (n = 16). The correlation between the ECG RV5/V6 criteria and LVH in marathon runners was analysed using multiple linear regression stratified by sex and compared with the Cornell (SV3 + RaVL), modified Cornell (SD + RaVL), Sokolow–Lyon (SV1 + RV5/V6), Peguero–Lo Presti (SD + SV4), SV1, SV3, SV4, and SD criteria. In marathon runners, the ECG parameters SV3 + RaVL, SD + RaVL, SV1 + RV5/V6, SD + SV4, SV3, SD, and RV5/V6 were able to identify LVH (all p < .05). When stratified by sex, linear regression analysis revealed that a significantly higher number of ECG RV5/V6 criteria were evident in the LVH group than in the LVMI normal group (p < .05), both with no adjustment and after initial adjustment (including age and body mass index), as well as after full adjustment (including age, body mass index, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, and history of hypertension). Additionally, curve fitting showed that the ECG RV5/V6 values increased with increasing LVMI in marathon runners, exhibiting a nearly linear positive correlation. In conclusions, the ECG RV5/V6 criteria were correlated with LVH in marathon runners.
Advances in processing, encapsulation, and analysis of food flavor compounds
Authors: Gan Sunlong , Zhang Min , Mujumdar Arun S. , Zhang Lihui , Liu Yaping
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the market for edible flavor has become larger and the demand for edible flavor has become more diverse. Customers are paying more attention to natural, healthy, and functional flavors. This article reviews some new technologies about flavors in recent years, including processing technology, encapsulation, and detection of flavors. The synthetic technologies of flavor include thermal reaction technology, enzymatic hydrolysis technology, and microbial fermentation technology. The encapsulation technology includes nano‐emulsion and filled soluble hydrogel, as well as the new carrier materials used in packaging, such as β‐cyclodextrin, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP), yeast cell, and jackfruit seed starch (JM) are also hot spots in recent years. Finally, the detection of flavor components and the monitoring of characteristic flavor substances and harmful flavor substances are very important for flavor quality control. There are many detection techniques, such as chromatographic analysis techniques, solid‐phase microextraction, electronic nose and electronic tongue, sensor arrays, and fluorescence detection with DNA barcoding techniques and (quantitative) conformational relationships.
Disentangling the role of light and nutrient limitation on bacterivory by mixotrophic nanoflagellates
Authors: Princiotta Sarah DeVaul , VanKuren Andrew , Williamson Craig E. , Sanders Robert W. , Valiñas Macarena S.
Published: June 2023

Many phytoplankton taxa function on multiple trophic levels by combining photosynthesis and ingestion of bacteria, termed mixotrophy. Despite the recognition of mixotrophy as a universal functional trait, we have yet to fully resolve how environmental conditions influence community grazing rates in situ. A microcosm study was used to assess bacterivory by mixotrophic nanoflagellates following nutrient enrichment and light attenuation in a temperate lake. We found contrasting results based on assessment of mixotroph abundance or bacterivory. Despite an interactive effect of nutrient enrichment and light attenuation on mixotroph abundance, significant differences within light treatments were observed only after enrichment with P or N + P. The greatest abundance of mixotrophs across treatments occurred under co‐nutrient enrichment with full exposure to irradiance. However, bacterivory by mixotrophic nanoflagellates was greatest under shaded conditions after either N or P enrichment. We suggest that PAR availability dampened the stimulatory effect of nutrient limitation, and bacterivory supplemented a suboptimal photosynthetic environment. In a saturating light regime, the mixotrophic community was less driven to ingest bacteria because photosynthesis was able to satisfy energetic demands. These findings quantify community bacterivory in response to environmental drivers that may characterize future ecosystem conditions and highlight the importance of considering grazing rates in conjunction with abundance of mixotrophic protists.
A socio‐epistemological program for the philosophy of regulatory science
Authors: Marín Penella Guillermo
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a program of action for the philosophy of regulatory science, based on a general theory of social epistemology. Two candidates are considered. The first one, offered by Alvin Goldman, is not fit for our purposes because it is focused on a veritism incompatible with non‐epistemic aims of regulatory science. The second, championed by Steve Fuller, sociologically investigates the existing means of producing knowledge, to modify them with the goal of obtaining democratic aims through action on a legislative meta‐level. The program has been built upon this procedure, instantiated by the identification, characterization, and modification of epistemic policies.
Geodorum laxiflorum(Orchidaceae) relectotypified
Authors: Mondal Swarnendu , Chakraborty Kasturi , Chakraborty Sayak , Sarkar Shuvadip , Sardar Sudipta , Bhattacharjee Avishek
Published: June 2023

The nameGeodorum laxiflorumGriff. (Orchidaceae) is re‐lectotypified by designating a specimen in CAL as a new lectotype, thus superseding the earlier lectotypification which was found inadmissible. In addition, morphological variation and an overlooked character of the labellum of this Indian endemic and vulnerable species of orchid are presented based on studies of living plants collected in the wild from Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Mizoram and Garh Jungle, West Bengal.
Is an infrequent moss species a weaker competitor? Experiment with three fen species
Authors: Samson Tiina , Kaasik Ants , Ingerpuu Nele , Vellak Kai
Published: June 2023

Overexploitation of mires leads to habitat degradation for many species, and the greatest impact is on species with specific demands or restricted distribution. Three fen species – with overlapping ecological demands, but different distribution frequency – were included in the study, to elucidate whether a less common species could be a weaker competitor under certain ecological conditions compared to other moss species inhabiting the same habitat. We grew the species under conditions that imitated changes in fen communities caused by human activities: water level drop, temperature rise, and shade increase. The species were grown as monocultures and as mixtures in distilled water, to exclude the influence of minerals and nutrients. Although all the species reacted to the different environmental conditions in a similar way, they grew better in monocultures. The shoot elongation of Hamatocaulis vernicosus, a less frequent species, even exceeded that of the two more common species included in the study: Calliergonella cuspidata and Scorpidium cossonii. Pairwise comparisons of shoot elongation showed the success of H. vernicosus. Our results proved that H. vernicosus is not a weaker competitor than other fen mosses in nutrient‐poor conditions, and can defeat the others in cool and flooded conditions. Restoration and conservation of such fen habitats is important to protect the populations of this species.
Validation of a new species for studying postoperative atrial fibrillation: Swine sterile pericarditis model
Authors: Lee Seungyup , Khrestian Celeen , Laurita Daniel , Juzbasich Dragan , Wallick Don , Waldo Albert
Published: June 2023

Background

The canine sterile pericarditis model associated with atrial inflammation is an experimental counterpart of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). However, the use of canines for research is restricted by ethics committees in many countries, and social acceptance is declining.

Objective

To validate the feasibility of the swine sterile pericarditis model as an experimental counterpart to study POAF.

Methods

Seven domestic pigs (35–60 kg) underwent initial pericarditis surgery. On two or more postoperative days in the closed‐chest state, we performed electrophysiological measurements of pacing threshold and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) while pacing from the right atrial appendage (RAA) and the posterior left atrium (PLA). The inducibility of POAF (>5 min) by burst pacing was determined in both the conscious and anesthetized closed‐chest state. These data were compared to previously published canine sterile pericarditis data for validation.

Results

The pacing threshold increased from day 1 to day 3 (2 ± 0.1 to 3.3 ± 0.6 mA in the RAA, 2.5 ± 0.1 to 4.8 ± 0.2 mA in the PLA). Also, the AERP increased from day 1 to day 3 (118 ± 8 to 157 ± 16 ms in the RAA; 98 ± 4 to 124 ± 2 ms in the PLA, both p < .05). Induction of sustained POAF occurred in 43% (POAF CL range 74–124 ms). All electrophysiologic data from the swine model were consistent with the canine model with respect to (1) the range of both pacing threshold and AERP; (2) the progressive increase in threshold and AERP over time; (3) a 40%–50% incidence of POAF.

Conclusion

A newly developed swine sterile pericarditis model demonstrated electrophysiologic properties consistent with the canine model and patients after open heart surgery.
Integrative time‐scale and multi‐omics analysis of host responses to viroid infection
Authors: Márquez‐Molins Joan , Villalba‐Bermell Pascual , Corell‐Sierra Julia , Pallás Vicente , Gomez Gustavo
Published: June 2023

Viroids are circular RNAs of minimal complexity compelled to subvert plant‐regulatory networks to accomplish their infectious process. Studies focused on the response to viroid‐infection have mostly addressed specific regulatory levels and considered specifics infection‐times. Thus, much remains to be done to understand the temporal evolution and complex nature of viroid‐host interactions. Here we present an integrative analysis of the temporal evolution of the genome‐wide alterations in cucumber plants infected with hop stunt viroid (HSVd) by integrating differential host transcriptome, sRNAnome and methylome. Our results support that HSVd promotes the redesign of the cucumber regulatory‐pathways predominantly affecting specific regulatory layers at different infection‐phases. The initial response was characterised by a reconfiguration of the host‐transcriptome by differential exon‐usage, followed by a progressive transcriptional downregulation modulated by epigenetic changes. Regarding endogenous small RNAs, the alterations were limited and mainly occurred at the late stage. Significant host‐alterations were predominantly related to the downregulation of transcripts involved in plant‐defence mechanisms, the restriction of pathogen‐movement and the systemic spreading of defence signals. We expect that these data constituting the first comprehensive temporal‐map of the plant‐regulatory alterations associated with HSVd infection could contribute to elucidate the molecular basis of the yet poorly known host‐response to viroid‐induced pathogenesis.
Diversity, domain duplication, birth‐and‐death and adaptive evolution of fatty acyl‐CoA reductase genes in Hemiptera
Authors: Di Zhongjuan , Tian Jiahui , Ali Muhammad Yasir , Zhang Biyun , Yang Shiyong , Fu Yuejun , Li Fengqi , Luo Chen
Published: June 2023

Fatty acyl‐CoA reductases (FARs) play an important role in the synthesis of fatty alcohols in various organisms. Based on the important function of FAR genes, they can be used as a potential molecular target for controlling agricultural pests. Although the FAR genes have been studied in a number of insects, the gain, loss, and molecular evolution of FAR genes between different Hemipteran species still require comprehensive and systematic study. This study systematically identified and analysed 352 FAR genes from 12 Hemipteran species, including six typical true bug species, Cimex lectularius, Apolygus lucorum, Halyomorpha halys, Oncopeltus fasciatus, Rhodnius prolixus and Gerris buenoi. The number of FAR genes per species ranged from 17 to 43, and a phylogenetic analysis showed that the identified FAR genes of Hemiptera can be classified into 11 clades. The gain and loss of FAR genes have occurred in some Hemipteran species. These FAR genes conform to the birth‐and‐death model in the evolutionary process. Through selection pressure analysis, we determined that G. buenoi in clade 11 evolved under the pressure of positive selection, with the evolutionary sites of A at position 214 and T at position 451, thus clarifying the differences in amino acids among species and providing a better understanding of the molecular evolutionary mechanism of Hemipteran FAR. In addition, structural analysis of the FAR genes revealed duplication of the two conservative domains, the Rossmann‐fold domain and the sterile domain, of the FAR in four species, namely Bemisia tabaci, Diaphorina citri, R. prolixus and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. This study lays a foundation for further studies on the molecular functions of Hemiptera FAR, and provides a possible new target for the control of Hemiptera, especially the stink bugs.
Overexpression of SMAD7 improves the function of EGFR‐targeted human CAR‐T cells against non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Guoping , Liao Guoliang , Xie Jinbao , Liu Bo , Li Xu , Qiu Minglian
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective

Recent advancements in immunotherapy led to the development of Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy. CAR‐T cell therapy in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is hindered by overexpression of transforming growth factor (TGFβ) in the cancer cells that have a negative regulatory role on T‐cells activity. This study characterized CAR‐T with overexpression of mothers against decapentaplegic homologue 7 (SMAD), a negative regulator of TGFβ downstream signalling.

Methods

We have generated three types of CAR‐T: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐CAR‐T, EGFR‐dominant‐negative TGFbeta receptor 2 (DNR)‐CAR‐T, and EGFR‐SMAD7‐CAR‐T by transducing human T‐cells with the lentivirus constructs. We characterized the proliferation, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, activation profile, and lysis capacity in co‐cultures with A549 lung carcinoma cells with and without TGFβ neutralizing antibodies. We also tested the therapeutic potential of EGFR‐SMAD7‐CAR‐T in the A549 cells tumour‐bearing mice model.

Results

Both EGFR‐DNR‐CAR‐T and EGFR‐SMAD7‐CAR‐T demonstrated a higher proliferation rate and lysis capacity to A549 than traditional EGFR‐CAR‐T. Neutralization of TGFβ by the antibodies resulted in increased performance of EGFR‐CAR‐T. In vivo, both EGFR‐DNR‐CAR‐T and EGFR‐SMAD7‐CAR‐T resulted in complete tumour resorption by day 20, whereas conventional CAR‐T only has a partial effect.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the high efficacy and resistance to negative TGFβ regulation of EGFR‐SMAD7‐CAR‐T comparable with EGFR‐DNR‐CAR‐T and without the systemic effect of TGFβ inhibition.