bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HAUSP Stabilizes SOX2 through Deubiquitination to Maintain Self-renewal and Tumorigenic Potential of Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Huang Zhi , Zhai Kui , Wu Qiulian , Fang Xiaoguang , Huang Qian , Tao Weiwei , Lathia Justin D. , Yu Jennifer S. , Rich Jeremy N. , Bao Shideng
Published: June 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal brain tumor containing glioma stem cells (GSCs) that promote malignant growth and therapeutic resistance. The self-renewal and tumorigenic potential of GSCs are maintained by core stem cell transcription factors including SOX2. Defining the posttranslational regulation of SOX2 may offer new insights into GSC biology and potential therapeutic opportunity. Here, we discover that HAUSP stabilizes SOX2 through deubiquitination to maintain GSC self-renewal and tumorigenic potential. HAUSP is preferentially expressed in GSCs in perivascular niches in GBMs. Disrupting HAUSP by shRNA or its inhibitor P22077 promoted SOX2 degradation, induced GSC differentiation, impaired GSC tumorigenic potential, and suppressed GBM tumor growth. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of HAUSP synergized with radiation to inhibit GBM growth and extended animal survival, indicating that targeting HAUSP may overcome GSC-mediated radioresistance. Our findings reveal an unappreciated crucial role of HAUSP in the GSC maintenance and provide a promising target for developing effective anti-GSC therapeutics to improve GBM treatment.

Highlights

HAUSP deubiquitinates and stabilizes SOX2 in glioma stem cells (GSCs).

HAUSP is preferentially expressed by GSCs in perivascular niches in GBMs.

HAUSP is required for maintaining GSC self-renewal and tumorigenic potential.

Targeting HAUSP inhibited malignant growth in GSC-derived GBM xenografts.

Inhibition of HAUSP synergized with radiation to suppress GBM tumor growth.
Craft beer vs industrial beer: chemical and sensory differences
Authors: Rosales Alicia , Talaverano M. Inmaculada , Lozano Jesús , Sánchez-Vicente Carlos , Santamaría Óscar , García-Latorre Carlos , Rodrigo Sara
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine chemical and sensory differences of between craft and industrial/or commercial beers. Beer market is nowadays booming and consumers are in the search of new and healthier products.

Design/smethodology/approach

Here, commercial and craft beers were chemically analyzed and sensory evaluated. Chemical analysis included pH, bitterness, color, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Likewise, 40 sensory descriptors were evaluated by trained panelists, including visual, olfactory and gustatory attributes. In addition, an electronic nose (e-nose) was tested to determine its suitability to discriminate beer type and/or style according to their volatiles profile.

Findings

Craft beers presented higher values of color, bitterness and antioxidant activity when compared to commercial beers. Sensory descriptors showed craft beers to be associated with the highest scores in visual, olfactory and gustatory descriptors. Data from e-nose explained 97% of the total variability of the volatile compounds in the analyzed beers, indicating the suitability of this device to discriminate beer types.

Originality/value

Results are of interest for design of marketing and selling techniques for craft brewery managers. In addition, cheap and easy-managing device as e-nose resulted in a valuable tool to monitoring beer quality.
What companies can learn from unicorn startups to overcome the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Rodrigues Cristina Doritta , Noronha Matheus Eurico Soares de
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to search measures that unicorn startups have implemented during the pandemic and show what lessons can be learned to help entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses to overcome the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is a multiple case study with five unicorn startups. This study collected data through interviews and analyzed them by the content analysis technique.

Findings

The findings show that the pandemic affects negatively unicorns’ businesses; that a digital business model innovation affects them positively; and that innovations moderate positively the negative impact of the crisis.

Research limitations/implications

Most interviewees hold operational positions.

Practical implications

Three actions stand out to overcome the crisis: adoption of new digital platforms; strategies to increase the network of partners; and adaptations in the provision of payment services.

Originality/value

The cases show that entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises need to develop capabilities to innovate in their business models, and digitalization is a solution to face the crisis and overcome it in the future.
Effect of thickness and build orientation on the water vapor and oxygen permeation properties of laser-sintered polyamide 12 sheets
Authors: Liebrich Anna , Langowski Horst-Christian , Schreiber Regina , Pinzer Bernd R.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of the material thickness and build orientation on the mass transfer of low molecular weight substances through polyamide 12 (PA12) structures produced by laser sintering (LS).

Design/methodology/approach

Disc-shaped PA12 sheets having a nominal thickness ranging from 700 to 2,000 µm were built in horizontal, vertical and diagonal orientations and their permeation properties to oxygen and water vapor were measured. The structural properties of the sheets were examined by X-ray micro-computed tomography, differential scanning calorimetry and polarized light microscopy.

Findings

All the LS sheets that were investigated had water vapor and oxygen permeation coefficients that are in the range of those of PA12 produced by traditional manufacturing technologies. Despite significant differences in the porosity characteristics, the permeation properties of sheets built in different orientations were similar. The pores seem to have no measurable effect on the mass transfer rates in the sheets, and the transport processes seem to predominantly follow the rules of a regular solution-diffusion mechanism. The results showed a non-significant trend toward thickness-dependent permeation coefficients, which agrees with the observed differences in the crystal structures of the sheets.

Practical implications

The results are an important basis for the qualification of LS technology for direct manufacturing in applications requiring special barrier performance.

Originality/value

This study provides new information on mechanisms of mass transport through LS PA12 and the effect of the material thickness and build orientation. Furthermore, the results enhance understanding of the structural properties of thin polymeric sheets produced by LS.
Microscopic and biomolecular complementary approaches to characterize bioweathering processes at petroglyph sites from the Negev Desert, Israel
Authors: Nir Irit , Barak Hana , Kramarsky‐Winter Esti , Kushmaro Ariel , de los Ríos Asunción
Published: June 2021

Throughout the Negev Desert highlands, thousands of ancient petroglyphs sites are susceptible to deterioration processes that may result in the loss of this unique rock art. Therefore, the overarching goal of the current study was to characterize the composition, diversity and effects of microbial colonization of the rocks to find ways of protecting these unique treasures. The spatial organization of the microbial colonizers and their relationships with the lithic substrate were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. This approach revealed extensive epilithic and endolithic colonization and close microbial–mineral interactions. Shotgun sequencing analysis revealed various taxa from the archaea, bacteria and some eukaryotes. Metagenomic coding sequences (CDS) of these microbial lithobionts exhibited specific metabolic pathways involved in the rock elements' cycles and uptake processes. Thus, our results provide evidence for the potential participation of the microorganisms colonizing these rocks during different solubilization and mineralization processes. These damaging actions may contribute to the deterioration of this extraordinary rock art and thus threaten this valuable heritage. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, in conjunction with the in situ scanning electron microscopy study, can thus be considered an effective strategy to understand the complexity of the weathering processes occurring at petroglyph sites and other cultural heritage assets.
Development of a nursing outcome for a percutaneous procedure
Authors: Reich Rejane , Rabelo‐Silva Eneida Rejane , Swanson Elizabeth , Moorhead Sue , Almeida Miriam de Abreu
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To develop a nursing outcome, consistent with the standardized format of outcomes within the nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC). This outcome will include an outcome label, an outcome definition, and clinical indicators. The proposed use for this outcome is to evaluate the access site of a percutaneous procedure.

Methods

Concept analysis with a scoping review. Initially, content experts were recruited to validate the indicators of the proposed outcome in order to complete a consensus validation. After consensus validation, a review of the proposed outcome and its indicators was completed by two of the editors of the NOC team to confirm that the outcome label, definition, and indicators were consistent with the NOC taxonomy. During this review, edits were made on the label name and definition.

Findings

After a series of reviews, the initial outcome of Vascular Status: Percutaneous Procedure Access was changed to Tissue Injury Severity: Percutaneous Procedure. In addition, the original definition of the condition of an access site for percutaneous procedure by venous or arterial puncture and health of surrounding tissues was edited to: Severity of complications from a needle‐puncture access through the skin and into deeper tissues. The outcome has 11 indicators to be used to formulate a target rating for use in the clinical setting. The indicators were not edited over the course of the reviews.

Conclusion

The proposed outcome will assist nurses in evaluating the access site of percutaneous procedures and in identifying possible complications.

Implications for the Nursing Practice

This research contributes to the refinement of the NOC taxonomy by having a new outcome that meets clinical practice needs.
Christmas, Crescents, and Crosses: When Is Symbolic Religious Establishment Permissible?
Authors: Bardon Aurélia
Published: June 2021

Symbolic religious establishment (SRE), that is, the noncoercive recognition of religion by the state, has become the object of a growing debate in political philosophy. Although SRE is purely symbolic, some have argued that it can be wrong because of the message of political inequality that it sends. The indeterminacy of this expressive argument makes its application problematic, however. The objective of this article is to improve the applicability of the expressivist argument by providing clear guidelines of evaluation of SRE. I develop a three‐step test that helps distinguish permissible from impermissible cases of SRE: religious symbols that are divisive, political, and not appropriately justified are impermissible because of their exclusionary message. One important upshot of the argument is that the appeal to the value of heritage does not provide a plausible justification for the introduction of new religious symbols, and therefore that such neo‐establishment is always impermissible.
Type D personality is associated with depressive symptoms and clinical activity in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Jordi Sebastian Bruno Ulrich , Botte Federica , Lang Brian Matthew , Greuter Thomas , Krupka Niklas , Auschra Bianca , Schreiner Philipp , Sulz Michael Christian , Biedermann Luc , von Känel Roland , Rogler Gerhard , Begré Stefan , Misselwitz Benjamin ,   the Swiss IBD cohort study group
Published: June 2021

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be exacerbated by stress and depression. Type D personality, characterised by high negative affectivity and social inhibition, represents a vulnerability towards stressors and is associated with adverse outcomes in coronary heart disease.

Aims

To assess the prevalence of Type D personality in IBD patients and investigate potential associations with disease course.

Methods

We tested for associations between Type D (Type D Scale‐14), depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale's depression subscore ≥11) and recurrent IBD amongst Swiss IBD cohort patients. We built regression models for cross‐sectional and Cox proportional hazards models for time‐to‐event analyses. IBD disease course was assessed by the future occurrence of active disease (Crohn's Disease Activity Index ≥150/Modified Truelove & Witts activity index ≥10) and several IBD‐relevant endpoints.

Results

Amongst 2275 patients (1005 ulcerative colitis, 1270 Crohn's disease), 672 (29.5%) had Type D. Type D was a significant risk factor for future active disease (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR: 1.60, corrected P value, q = 0.007) and predicted the future presence of depressive symptoms (aHR: 3.30, P < 0.001). The combination of Type D and depressive symptoms further increased the risk for active disease (aHR: 3.98, q < 0.001). However, Type D associated depressive symptoms seemed to be the main contributor to this effect as Type D's predictive power decreased considerably in models corrected for depressive symptoms (aHR: 1.32, CI: 0.97‐1.79, q = 0.292).

Conclusions

Type D personality's prevalence amongst IBD patients was comparable with its prevalence in the general population. Type D was strongly associated with depressive symptoms and showed modest independent associations with IBD prognosis.
Fusion of engineered albumin with factor IX Padua extends half‐life and improves coagulant activity
Authors: Lombardi Silvia , Aaen Kristin H. , Nilsen Jeannette , Ferrarese Mattia , Gjølberg Torleif T. , Bernardi Francesco , Pinotti Mirko , Andersen Jan T. , Branchini Alessio
Published: June 2021

The short half‐life of coagulation factor IX (FIX) for haemophilia B (HB) therapy has been prolonged through fusion with human serum albumin (HSA), which drives the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)‐mediated recycling of the chimera. However, patients would greatly benefit from further FIX‐HSA half‐life extension. In the present study, we designed a FIX‐HSA variant through the engineering of both fusion partners. First, we developed a novel cleavable linker combining the two FIX activation sites, which resulted in improved HSA release. Second, insertion of the FIX R338L (Padua) substitution conferred hyperactive features (sevenfold higher specific activity) as for FIX Padua alone. Furthermore, we exploited an engineered HSA (QMP), which conferred enhanced human (h)FcRn binding [dissociation constant (KD) 0·5 nM] over wild‐type FIX‐HSA (KD 164·4 nM). In hFcRn transgenic mice, Padua‐QMP displayed a significantly prolonged half‐life (2·7 days, P < 0·0001) versus FIX‐HSA (1 day). Overall, we developed a novel FIX‐HSA protein with improved activity and extended half‐life. These combined properties may result in a prolonged functional profile above the therapeutic threshold, and thus in a potentially widened therapeutic window able to improve HB therapy. This rational engineering of both partners may pave the way for new fusion strategies for the design of engineered biotherapeutics.
Impact of histological variants on outcomes in patients with urothelial carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Mizuki , Narita Shintaro , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Kanda Souhei , Hidaka Yu , Abe Hiroyasu , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Ito Katsuhiro , Kojima Takahiro , Kato Minoru , Hatakeyama Shingo , Matsushita Yuto , Naito Sei , Shiga Masanobu , Miyake Makito , Muro Yusuke , Nakanishi Shotaro , Kato Yoichiro , Shibuya Tadamasa , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Yasumoto Hiroaki , Yoshida Takashi , Uemura Motohide , Taoka Rikiya , Kamiyama Manabu , Morita Satoshi , Habuchi Tomonori , Ogawa Osamu , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kitamura Hiroshi , Kobayashi Takashi ,   the Japan Urological Oncology Group
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To assess the impact of histological variants on survival and response to treatment with pembrolizumab in patients with chemo‐resistant urothelial carcinoma (UC).

Patients and Methods

The medical records of 755 patients with advanced UC who received pembrolizumab were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were classified into pure UC (PUC) and each variant. Best overall response (BOR) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the groups using a propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

Overall, 147 (19.5%) patients harboured any histological variant UC (VUC). After PSM, there were no significant differences in the objective response rate (ORR, 24.5% vs 17.3%, P = 0.098) or disease control rate (DCR, 36.7% vs 30.2%, P = 0.195) when comparing patients with any VUC and PUC. Furthermore, any VUC, as compared with PUC, was associated with a similar risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–1.20; P = 0.482). Squamous VUC, which was the most frequent variant in the cohort, had a comparable ORR, DCR and OS as compared with PUC or non‐squamous VUC. The patients with sarcomatoid VUC (n = 19) had significantly better ORR (36.8%, P = 0.031), DCR (52.6%, P = 0.032), and OS (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.90; P = 0.023) compared to patients with PUC.

Conclusions

The presence of variant histology did not seem to affect BOR or OS after pembrolizumab administration in patients with chemo‐resistant UC. The patients with sarcomatoid VUC achieved favourable responses and survival rates compared to PUC.
Chromosome alignment‐maintaining phosphoprotein CHAMP1 plays a role in cell survival through regulating Mcl‐1 expression
Authors: Hino Maho , Iemura Kenji , Ikeda Masanori , Itoh Go , Tanaka Kozo
Published: June 2021

Antimitotic drugs such as vinca alkaloids and taxanes cause mitotic cell death after prolonged mitotic arrest. However, a fraction of cells escape from mitotic arrest by undergoing mitotic slippage, which is related to resistance to antimitotic drugs. Tipping the balance to mitotic cell death thus can be a way to overcome the drug resistance. Here we found that depletion of a mitotic regulator, CHAMP1 (chromosome alignment‐maintaining phosphoprotein, CAMP), accelerates the timing of mitotic cell death after mitotic arrest. Live cell imaging revealed that CHAMP1‐depleted cells died earlier than mock‐treated cells in the presence of antimitotic drugs that resulted in the reduction of cells undergoing mitotic slippage. Depletion CHAMP1 reduces the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins, especially Mcl‐1. We found that CHAMP1 maintains Mcl‐1 expression both at protein and mRNA levels independently of the cell cycle. At the protein level, CHAMP1 maintains Mcl‐1 stability by suppressing proteasome‐dependent degradation. Depletion of CHAMP1 reduces cell viability, and exhibits synergistic effects with antimitotic drugs. Our data suggest that CHAMP1 plays a role in the maintenance of Mcl‐1 expression, implying that CHAMP1 can be a target to overcome the resistance to antimitotic drugs.
Children’s Developing Ability to Resolve Disagreements by Integrating Perspectives
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Walker Caren M. , Heyman Gail D.
Published: June 2021

Children live in a world where disagreement is commonplace. Although disagreement can sometimes be explained by differences in people’s reliability, disagreement may also indicate that the referent elicits multiple perspectives. The present studies (total N = 129, 5‐ to 12‐year‐old ethnically diverse U.S. children, 42% girls) examined children’s ability to resolve disagreement among two individuals by identifying referents that integrated the perspectives, and considered the extent to which any age‐related change could be explained by epistemological understanding (i.e., acknowledging that two perspectives can be right). Children’s age was positively correlated with their ability to integrate perspectives, and children performed at above‐chance levels by approximately 10 years of age. Age differences in integrating perspectives were partially accounted for by epistemological understanding.
A myriad of roles of dendritic cells in atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhao Yanfang , Zhang Jing , Zhang Wenjie , Xu Yuekang
Published: June 2021

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease with break-down of homeostatic immune regulation of vascular tissues. As a critical initiator of host immunity, dendritic cells (DCs) have also been identified in the aorta of healthy individuals and atherosclerotic patients, whose roles in regulating arterial inflammation aroused great interest. Accumulating evidence has now pointed to the fundamental roles for DCs in every developmental stage of atherosclerosis due to their myriad of functions in immunity and tolerance induction, ranging from lipid uptake, efferocytosis and antigen presentation to pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine or chemokine secretion. In this study we provide a timely summary of the published works in this field, and comprehensively discuss both the direct and indirect roles of DCs in atherogenesis. Understanding the pathogenic roles of DCs during the development of atherosclerosis in vascular tissues would certainly help to open therapeutic avenue to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Multiple Mutualism Effects generate synergistic selection and strengthen fitness alignment in the interaction between legumes, rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Afkhami Michelle E. , Friesen Maren L. , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: June 2021

Nearly all organisms participate in multiple mutualisms, and complementarity within these complex interactions can result in synergistic fitness effects. However, it remains largely untested how multiple mutualisms impact eco‐evolutionary dynamics in interacting species. We tested how multiple microbial mutualists—N‐fixing bacteria and mycorrrhizal fungi—affected selection and heritability of traits in their shared host plant (Medicago truncatula), as well as fitness alignment between partners. Our results demonstrate for the first time that multiple mutualisms synergistically affect the selection and heritability of host traits and enhance fitness alignment between mutualists. Specifically, we found interaction with multiple microbial symbionts doubled the strength of natural selection on a plant architectural trait, resulted in 2‐ to 3‐fold higher heritability of plant reproductive success, and more than doubled fitness alignment between N‐fixing bacteria and plants. These findings show synergism generated by multiple mutualisms extends to key components of microevolutionary change, emphasising the importance of multiple mutualism effects on evolutionary trajectories.
COVID‐19 lockdown consequences on body mass index and perceived fragility related to physical activity: A worldwide cohort study
Authors: Urzeala Constanta , Duclos Martine , Chris Ugbolue Ukadike , Bota Aura , Berthon Mickael , Kulik Keri , Thivel David , Bagheri Reza , Gu Yaodong , Baker Julien S. , Andant Nicolas , Pereira Bruno , Rouffiac Karine ,   The Covistress Network, Clinchamps Maëlys , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Background

This paper is a follow‐up study continuing the COVISTRESS network previous research regarding health‐related determinants.

Objective

The aim was to identify the main consequences of COVID‐19 lockdown on Body Mass Index and Perceived Fragility, related to Physical Activity (PA), for different categories of populations, worldwide.

Design

The study design included an online survey, during the first wave of COVID‐19 lockdown, across different world regions.

Setting and participants

The research was carried out on 10 121 participants from 67 countries. The recruitment of participants was achieved using snowball sampling techniques via social networks, with no exclusion criteria other than social media access.

Main outcome measures

Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, Perceived Fragility and risk of getting infected items were analysed. SPSS software, v20, was used. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Body Mass Index significantly increased during lockdown. For youth and young adults (18‐35 years), PA decreased by 31.25%, for adults (36‐65 years) by 26.05% and for the elderly (over 65 years) by 30.27%. There was a high level of Perceived Fragility and risk of getting infected for female participants and the elderly. Correlations between BMI, Perceived Fragility and PA were identified.

Discussion and Conclusions

The research results extend and confirm evidence that the elderly are more likely to be at risk, by experiencing weight gain, physical inactivity and enhanced Perceived Fragility. As a consequence, populations need to counteract the constraints imposed by the lockdown by being physically active.
2. ON THE DOMESTICATION OF CRITICAL LEGAL HISTORY
Authors: DESAUTELS‐STEIN JUSTIN , MOYN SAMUEL
Published: June 2021

Among many of today's legal historians, there is a relatively new and generally unreflective understanding of the relationship between history and method. The landscape is everywhere marked by a tendency to eschew big thinking, grand theory, and programmatic approaches to historical explanation and social transformation. In the place of the grand theory approach to law and history, there is a preference for the minimalist, the pragmatic, the particularistic, and the quotidian. What this normal science of today's legal historiography makes obvious is a kind of attachment to particular kinds of problems with particular sorts of built‐in solutions. The result for today is intellectual stagnation, a routinized and thoroughly domesticated mode of revealing contingency. Oddly, the fascination with contingency, and its deadening affair with a minimalist pragmatism, is itself a result of the triumph of what continues to be called “critical legal history.” Ostensibly due to an interface between critical legal studies and the historical discipline, the rise and triumph of critical legal history hides a secret: the whole idea of a reigning critical appreciation for contingency seems to be a misnomer. Sure, some may say that “things might have been otherwise.” But what this intellectual settlement demands is obedience to its qualification: “things might have been otherwise, but they weren't, and so let's get on with doing what works.” Although so‐called critical legal history seduces adherents with promises of edgy progressivism, the actual malaise of our minimalism seems in fact to suggest just the opposite. It is a quiescent and even quietistic method in practice, counseling in its conservatism against higher‐order proposals that might ever make good on the discovery that nothing is natural. In the end, either we must accept that critical legal history in the United States is a lot less politically explosive than we once thought—given its deradicalization and domestication today—or that people have been mistaken about what critical legal history was, is, and ought to be.
Organomorphic carbon–carbon composite for hot pressing molds
Authors: Bogachev Evgeny , Elakov Alexander
Published: June 2021

Organomorphic composites are obtained by pyrolysis of heat‐treated molded polymer fibers followed by compacting the resulting Ipresskon® preform using carbon or silicon carbide. The structure of these materials features the most uniform volume distribution of a fiber and a matrix. The carbon–carbon (C/C) composite bushings made in this way show a very high compressive strength (up to 390 MPa) and a radial tensile strength (150 MPa). These characteristics ensure high performance of hot pressing molds for ceramics conventionally made of isostatic graphite characterized by much lesser tensile strength. This paper describes the microstructure and properties of C/C‐Ipresskon® composite that was used instead of graphite as a hot pressing mold die. The material structure was found to show a slight transformation after 22 cycles of high‐temperature thermal/mechanical loading at a temperature up to 2000°C and 30–35 MPa.
Extended loci histocompatibility matching in HSCT—Going beyond classical HLA
Authors: Neuchel Christine , Fürst Daniel , Tsamadou Chrysanthi , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Mytilineos Joannis
Published: June 2021

Unrelated haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has evolved from an experimental protocol to a potentially curative first‐line treatment in a variety of haematologic malignancies. The continuous refinement of treatment protocols and supportive care paired with ongoing achievements in the technological field of histocompatibility testing enabled this transformation. Without a doubt, HLA matching is still the foremost criterion for donor selection in unrelated HSCT. However, HSCT‐related treatment complications still occur frequently, often resulting in patients suffering severely or even dying as a consequence of such complications. Current literature indicates that other immune system modulating factors may play a role in the setting of HSCT. In this review, we discuss the current clinical evidence of a possible influence of nonclassical HLA antigens HLA‐E, HLA‐F, and HLA‐G as well as the HLA‐like molecules MICA and MICB, in HSCT.
Multi‐scale biodiversity analyses identify the importance of continental watersheds in shaping lake zooplankton biogeography
Authors: Paquette Cindy , Gregory‐Eaves Irene , Beisner Beatrix E.
Published: June 2021

Aim

We examined variation in crustacean zooplankton composition and diversity across Canada, the most lake‐rich country in the world. In addition to α‐diversity patterns, we explore mechanisms behind β‐diversity spatial variation, using taxonomic and functional metrics. Our goal was to explore geographical gradients and related mechanisms shaping zooplankton distribution across different spatial scales.

Location

Canada.

Taxon

Crustacean zooplankton.

Methods

Pelagic zooplankton was sampled in and characterized for 624 lakes across Canada, spanning 12 ecozones (defined by climatic, vegetation and geological differences) or 6 continental drainage basins as part of the NSERC Canadian Lake Pulse Network project. We compared taxon and trait distributions, as well as spatial (longitudinal and latitudinal) patterns of community composition and diversity. We computed taxonomic and functional spatial β‐diversity indices, decomposing these into taxon replacement and richness differences. Finally, species (or traits) and lake uniqueness (contributions) to β‐diversity (SCBD and LCBD) were estimated by ecozone and continental basin.

Results

In all, 90 crustacean zooplankton species were identified across the country. Differences in zooplankton taxonomic and functional composition were more distinct when considered by continental basin than by ecozone. α‐diversity varied greatly across space, with greatest diversity in eastern Canada. β‐diversity was greatest when based on taxonomy and was driven by richness differences across all spatial and biodiversity dimensions.

Main conclusions

Structuring factors influencing zooplankton taxon and trait assemblages vary across spatial scales, being more important at the broadest scale considering continental hydrodynamics. Our results point to the combined effects of physical barriers to longitudinal dispersal and climate change in shaping zooplankton taxonomic and functional biogeography across Canadian lakes.
Case of type 2 diabetes mellitus with edema resulting in subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome
Authors: Hu Ying , Zhu Qiongwen , Yang Xiuli , Yan Jieping , Shi Jiana
Published: June 2021

Subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome caused by obesity, induration at the injection site, skin temperature and other factors is common clinically, whereas resistance events caused by edema are relatively rare. This article introduced a case of a woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus with heart failure edema. Her blood glucose control was significantly associated with the level of edema. Excluding other factors, it can be concluded that edema might lead to subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome, even if the edema at the injection site is not obvious.
Can emergency nurses safely and effectively insert fascia iliaca blocks in patients with a fractured neck of femur? A prospective cohort study in an Australian emergency department
Authors: Gawthorne Julie , Stevens Jennifer , Faux Steven G. , Leung Julie , McInnes Elizabeth , Fasugba Oyebola , Mcelduff Benjamin , Middleton Sandy
Published: June 2021

Aims and objectives

To compare the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound‐guided fascia iliaca block (FIB) insertion in patients with fractured neck of femur by trained emergency nurses with insertion by doctors.

Background

The FIB is an effective and safe form of analgesia for patients with hip fracture presenting to the emergency department (ED). While it has traditionally been inserted by medical doctors, no evidence exists comparing the effectiveness and safety of FIB insertion by nurses compared with doctors.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Methods

The study was conducted in an Australian metropolitan ED. Patients admitted to the ED with suspected or confirmed fractured neck of femur had a FIB inserted under ultrasound guidance by either a trained emergency nurse or doctor. A retrospective medical record audit was undertaken of consecutive ED patients presenting between January 2013–December 2017. Reporting of this study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines for cohort studies.

Results

Of the 472 patients eligible for a FIB, 322 (68%) had one inserted. A majority were inserted by doctors (n = 207, 64.3%) with 22.4% (n = 72) by nurses and in 13.3% (n = 43) of patients the clinician was not documented. There were no differences between the nurse‐inserted and doctor‐inserted groups for mean pain scores 1 hr post‐FIB insertion; clinically significant reduction (≥30%) in pain score 1 hr post‐FIB insertion; pain score 4 hr post‐FIB insertion; delirium incidence; opioid use post‐FIB insertion; or time to FIB insertion. No adverse events were identified in either group.

Conclusion

Insertion of FIBs by trained emergency nurses is as effective and safe as insertion by doctors in patients with fractured neck of femur in the ED. Senior emergency nurses should routinely be inserting FIB as a form of analgesia for patients with hip fracture.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our study showed trained emergency nurses can safely and effectively insert fascia iliaca blocks in patients with hip fractures. Pain was significantly reduced in a majority of patients with no reported complications. Emergency nurses should be trained to insert fascia iliaca blocks in patients with hip fractures.
Pressure ulcer risk assessment—registered nurses´ experiences of using PURPOSE T: A focus group study
Authors: Hultin Lisa , Gunningberg Lena , Coleman Susanne , Karlsson Ann‐Christin
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate the clinical usability of PURPOSE T among registered nurses in Sweden.

Background

Pressure ulcers are an adverse event and a problem worldwide. Risk assessment is a cornerstone, and a first step in pressure ulcer prevention is to identify possible risk patients and/or pressure ulcers. There are many pressure ulcer risk assessment instruments; however, they are not updated and/or evidence‐based. PURPOSE T has been psychometrically evaluated in the UK and in Sweden with good inter‐rater and test–retest reliability, and convergent validity was reported as moderate.

Design

A descriptive study design with a qualitative approach.

Methods

A total of six focus group interviews with 29 registered nurses were conducted. They were recruited from May 2018 to November 2018 from a university hospital and two nursing homes in Sweden. Data analysis was performed as described by Krueger. The study adheres to the COREQ guidelines.

Results

Four categories were identified: “An efficient risk assessment instrument performed at the bedside,” “Deeper understanding and awareness of risk factors,” “Benefits compared to the Modified Norton Scale” and “Necessity of integration of PURPOSE T in the electronic health record and team collaboration.”

Conclusion

The registered nurses acknowledged an overall positive perception of PURPOSE T´s clinical usability. Future research is needed to evaluate the feasibility of PURPOSE T.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

PURPOSE T has the potential to replace outdated pressure ulcers risk assessment instruments that are used today.
Truths and fakes in the smell terminology during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Arana‐Fernández B. , Santamaría‐Gadea A. , Mariño‐Sánchez F. , Mullol J.
Published: June 2021

Click here to view the Brief Report by J. R. Lechien et al
Effects of Achyranthesjaponica extract on the performance of finishing pigs fed diets containing palm kernel meal and rapeseed meal as a partial alternative to soybean meal
Authors: Sureshkumar Shanmugam , Kim Yong Min , Sampath Vetriselvi , Kim In Ho
Published: June 2021

A total of 120 finishing pigs with an average initial body weight of 49.72 ± 0.08 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 10 weeks trial. Pigs were randomly allotted into one of four dietary treatments (6 replicate pen/treatment, 5 pigs/pen). The nutritional dietary treatments were corn, soy bean meal, palm‐ kernel meal, and rapeseed meal based basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20% of Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE). Dietary inclusion of AJE supplementation had trend to increase the body weight and average daily gain of pigs at week 10 and the overall experimental period, respectively. The graded level of AJE supplement had increase the total track digestibility dry matter (p = 0.067) only at week 5 while nitrogen and energy digestibility (p < 0.05) was linearly increased at both weeks 5 and 10. During week 10, pigs fed with an increased level of AJE supplementation had linearly increase (p < 0.05) fecal Lactobacillus counts. In addition, AJE supplementation in the diet of finishing pigs had linearly decreased (p > 0.05) NH3 emission of gas and trend to decrease total mercaptans during week 10. Dietary inclusion of AJE supplement resulted in a linear increase in the blood protein concentration level. Moreover, drip loss was linearly reduced on day 5 and day 7 (p > 0.05) post slaughter in finishing pigs fed with gradually increased levels of AJE supplementation. During weeks 5 and 10, pigs fed with graded levels of AJE supplementation had linearly increase (p < 0.05) the backfat thickness and lean meat percentage. Therefore we conclude that dietary inclusion of AJE with palm kernel meal and rapeseed meal could be benificial to enhance the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, blood prolife, meat quality and reduced fecal gas emission in finishing pigs.
The trace element composition of chondrule constituents: Implications for sample return methodologies and the chondrule silicate reservoir
Authors: Kunihiro Tak , Ota Tsutomu , Yamanaka Masahiro , Potiszil Christian , Nakamura Eizo
Published: June 2021

Sample return missions represent great opportunities to study terrestrially uncontaminated solar system materials. However, the size of returned samples will be limited, and thus, it is necessary to understand the most appropriate techniques to apply. Accordingly, the sensitivity of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICPMS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was compared through the analyses of trace elements in reference materials and the Allende CV3 chondrite. While the SIMS method was found to be more sensitive than the laser method toward all elements of interest, the LA‐ICPMS appears to be more suitable in terms of precision for certain elements. Using both analytical techniques, we measured chemical composition of an Allende chondrule and its igneous rim. These data were used to understand the nature of the reservoir that interacted with the host chondrule during formation of its igneous rim. We find that the igneous rim is enriched in silica, alkalis, and rare earth elements compared to the host chondrule. We suggest that the igneous rim could be explained by melting of a mixture of the chondrule‐like and REE‐enriched CAI‐like precursors that accreted on the surface of the host chondrule followed by gas‐melt interaction with a silica‐ and alkali‐rich gas. Alternatively, these observations could be interpreted as a result of interaction between the chondrule and the melt resulting from partial melting of a pre‐existing planetesimal in the early stages of its differentiation.
ARGONAUTE 2 increases rice susceptibility to rice black‐streaked dwarf virus infection by epigenetically regulating HEXOKINASE 1 expression
Authors: Wang Zhaoyun , Chen Dongyue , Sun Feng , Guo Wei , Wang Wei , Li Xuejuan , Lan Ying , Du Linlin , Li Shuo , Fan Yongjian , Zhou Yijun , Zhao Hongwei , Zhou Tong
Published: June 2021

ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins play crucial roles in plant defence against virus invasion. To date, the role of OsAGO2 in rice antiviral defence remains largely unknown. In this study, we determined that the expression of OsAGO2 in rice was induced upon rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infection. Using transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsAGO2 and Osago2 mutants generated through transposon‐insertion or CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we found that overexpression of OsAGO2 enhanced rice susceptibility to RBSDV infection. Osago2 mutant lines exhibited strong resistance to RBSDV infection through the elicitation of an early defence response, including reprogramming defence gene expression and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Compared to Nipponbare control, the expression level of OsHXK1 (HEXOKINASE 1) increased significantly, and the methylation levels of its promoter decreased in the Osago2 mutant on RBSDV infection. The expression profile of OsHXK1 was the opposite to that of OsAGO2 during RBSDV infection. Overexpression of OsHXK1 in rice also induced ROS production and enhanced rice resistance to RBSDV infection. These results indicate that OsHXK1 controls ROS accumulation and is regulated by OsAGO2 through epigenetic regulation. It is noteworthy that the Osago2 mutant plants are also resistant to southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus infection, another member of the genus Fijivirus. Based on the results presented in this paper, we conclude that OsAGO2 modulates rice susceptibility to fijivirus infection by suppressing OsHXK1 expression, leading to the onset of ROS‐mediated resistance. This discovery may benefit future rice breeding programmes for virus resistance.
The Measurement of the Inclination Angle of the Hamate and Analysis of the Inclination Angle for the Rotation Deformity of the Little Finger in the Fixation of the Carpometacarpal Joint
Authors: Qi Yimin , Liu Chengxin , Wu Lei , Yang Lei , Zhao Lei , Jiang Chunzhi , Yang Wengbo , Zeng Yiwen
Published: June 2021

Objective

Complex base fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone and dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint are more prone to internal rotation deformity of the little finger sequence after fixation with a transarticular plate. In the past, we have neglected that there is actually a certain angle of external rotation in the hamate surface of transarticular fixation. This study measured the inclination angle of the hamate surface relative to the fifth metacarpal surface for clinical reference.

Methods

In a prospective single‐center study, we investigated the tilt angle of 60 normal hamates. The study included thin‐layer computed tomography (CT) data from 60 patients from the orthopaedic clinic and inpatient unit from January 2017 to March 2020, including 34 men and 26 women who were 15~59 years old, average 35 years old. The CT data of 60 cases in Dicom format of the hand was input into Mimics and 3‐Matics software for three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction and measuring the angle α between hamate surface and the fifth metacarpal surface. According to the possible placement of the transarticular plate on the fifth metacarpal surface, we measured the angle β between the hamate surface 1 and the fifth metacarpal surface and the angle γ between the hamate surface 2 and the fifth metacarpal surface.

Results

The average angle between the hamate surface and the fifth metacarpal surface was 11.66°. The hamate surfaces 1 and 2 have an external rotation angle of 7.30° and 7.51° on average with respect to the fifth metacarpal surface, respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in the angles between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The horizontal angle of the dorsal side of the hamate is different from the back of the fifth metacarpal surface, and the hamate has a certain external rotation angle with respect to the fifth metacarpal surface. No matter how the transarticular plate is placed, the plate always has a certain external rotation angle relative to the fifth metacarpal surface. When the fixation is across the fifth carpometacarpal joint, if the plate does not twist and shape, it will inevitably cause internal rotation of the fifth metacarpal, resulting in internal rotation deformity of the little finger sequence.
Comparison of the decreases in regional cerebral blood flow in the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and parietal lobe between suspected non‐Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hayashi Hiroshi , Kobayashi Ryota , Kawakatsu Shinobu , Ohba Makoto , Morioka Daichi , Otani Koichi
Published: June 2021

Background

Suspected non‐Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology (SNAP) shows Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like neurodegeneration; however, amyloid β, which is a biological marker in AD, remains within normal levels. Since the effectiveness of anti‐dementia drugs for AD on SNAP is unknown, it is important to distinguish between patients with SNAP and AD. We aimed to compare decreases in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), precuneus, and parietal lobe critical to AD between SNAP and AD groups using the easy Z‐score imaging system in single‐photon emission computed tomography (eZIS‐SPECT).

Methods

We retrospectively analysed eZIS‐SPECT data of 13 SNAP and 24 AD patients. The three indicators (severity, extent, and ratio) that distinguished AD patients from healthy controls in previous studies were automatically calculated and were compared between the SNAP and AD groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the three indicators of eZIS in discriminating between the two groups.

Results

The mean values of severity, extent, and ratio were significantly lower in the SNAP group than in the AD group (P = 0.024, P = 0.044, and P = 0.045, respectively). The AUC values for severity, extent, and ratio were 0.668, 0.683, and 0.692, respectively.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that SNAP shows milder reduction of rCBF in the PCC, precuneus, and parietal lobe as compared to AD. However, it may be difficult to distinguish between SNAP and AD with the degrees of decrease in rCBF in these regions.