bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating temporal dynamics to enhance grazing management outcomes for a long‐lived species
Authors: Larios Loralee , Hallett Lauren M.
Published: September 2022

Identifying successful management strategies for long‐lived species is challenging, especially in fluctuating environments, because the response of individual vital rates and overall growth rates to management action can vary over time. A demographic approach that isolates the impact of management and environment on individual vital rates, and assesses their importance for growth rate over time, can indicate whether and why a management strategy is successful.

Here we take a demographic approach to assess the success of grazing management for the perennial grass Stipa pulchra, California's state grass and a focus on conservation efforts. We tracked S. pulchra populations in paired grazed and ungrazed plots over 6 years, which included a historic drought and an El Niño rain year, and calculated summary transition matrices for the main effects of year, grazing and year × grazing interaction for each site. We averaged these summary transition matrices to calculate population growth rates, λ, for the main effects of year, grazing and year × grazing and used life table response experiment (LTRE) analysis to compare how individual vital rates contributed to differences in λ between grazed and ungrazed plots over time.

Overall we found that grazing was a successful management strategy; grazed populations maintained a positive average population growth rate whereas ungrazed populations declined. We found that grazing had a larger positive effect on growth rates in wet years than drought years. This was because grazed populations benefited from a greater contribution of adult growth immediately following the end of the drought compared with ungrazed populations and from adult survival thereafter.

Synthesis and applications. Although Stipa pulchra is the focus of many management efforts, the use of grazing for management is contentious, and there have been few studies that take a demographic approach to understanding S. pulchra responses over time. Our results indicate that conservation and restoration efforts should move beyond recruitment to focus on adult growth and survival for overall population success. To this end, moderate grazing can be a successful strategy to maintain S. pulchra populations and is particularly important in wet years to promote plant growth.
LPS preconditioning of MSC‐CM improves protection against hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced damage in H9c2 cells partly via HMGB1/Bach1 signalling
Authors: Wang Dan , Xie Yu , Peng Hui‐Qian , Wen Zhi‐Min , Ying Zi‐Yue , Geng Cong , Wu Jun , Lv Hui‐Yi , Xu Bing
Published: September 2022

Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction; however, this cardioprotective effect is moderate and transient. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment partially improves MSC‐CM‐mediated cardioprotective effects owing to the presence of paracrine factors. However, the mechanism underlying these improved effects remains unknown. To study the effect of LPS‐pretreated MSC‐CM on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced injury, MSCs were treated with or without LPS (400 ng/mL) for 48 h, and the supernatant was collected (MSC‐CM). Subsequently, H9c2 cells were co‐cultured with Nor‐CM (CM derived from LPS‐untreated MSCs) and LPS‐CM (CM derived from LPS‐pretreated MSCs) for 24 h and subjected to H/R. MSC‐CM inhibited the progression of H/R‐induced injury in H9c2 cells, and this protective effect was enhanced via LPS pretreatment as evidenced by the improved apoptosis assessment index (i.e. caspase‐3 and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 [Bcl‐2] expression) and decreased levels of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and cardiac troponin (cTn). In addition, the results of haematoxylin–eosin staining (H&E), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and TdT‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) validated that MSC‐CM inhibited H/R‐induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. LPS pretreatment downregulated the expression of high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) and BTB and CNC homology‐1 (Bach1) proteins in MSCs but upregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF). HMGB1 knockdown (MSC/siHMGB1‐CM) significantly decreased the expression of Bach1 and increased the expression of VEGF, HGF and IGF. Bach1 knockdown (MSC/siBach1‐CM) did not alter the production of HMGB1 but increased the expression of VEGF and IGF. LPS pretreatment did not alter the expression of the paracrine factors VEGF and HGF in the MSC/siHMGB1 group but increased their expression in the MSC/siBach1 group. The myocyte anti‐apoptotic effects of MSCs/siBach1‐CM were similar to those of untreated MSCs, which were not enhanced by LPS. LPS‐pretreated MSC‐CM protects H9c2 cells against H/R‐induced injury partly through the HMGB1/Bach1 signalling pathway.
PD‐L1/PD‐L1 signalling promotes colorectal cancer cell migration ability through RAS/MEK/ERK
Authors: Cao Yihui , Liang Weiye , Fang Lian , Liu Ming‐kai , Zuo Jia , Peng Ying‐long , Shan Jia‐jie , Sun Rui‐xia , Zhao Jie , Wang Jian
Published: September 2022

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is widely known as an immune checkpoint, and immunotherapy through the inhibition of checkpoint molecules has become an important component in the successful treatment of tumours via programmed death 1 (PD‐1)/PD‐L1 signalling pathways. However, its biological functions and expression profile in colorectal cancer (CRC) are elusive. We previously found that PD‐L1 can bind to PD‐L1 and cause cell detachment. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of how PD‐L1 binds to PD‐L1 and how it transmits signals to the cell remain unclear. In this study, we disclosed that PD‐L1 expression was dramatically upregulated in CRC compared to normal tissues. Ectopic expression of PD‐L1 inhibits cell adhesive capacity and promotes cell migration in CRC cell lines, while silencing PD‐L1 had the opposite effects and suppressed invasion and proliferation. Mechanistically, PD‐L1 was found to promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the ERK signalling molecule pathway and interacted with the 1–86 aa fragment of KRAS to transduce signals. Collectively, our study demonstrated the role of PD‐L1 after binding to PD‐L1 in CRC, thereby providing a new theoretical basis for further improving immunotherapy with anti‐PD‐L1 antibodies.
Drivers of fungal diversity and community biogeography differ between green roofs and adjacent ground‐level green space
Authors: Droz Anna G. , Coffman Reid R. , Eagar Andrew C. , Blackwood Christopher B.
Published: September 2022

Green roof soils are usually engineered for purposes other than urban biodiversity, which may impact their fungal communities, and in turn impact the health of plants in the urban ecosystem. We examined the drivers of fungal diversity and community composition in soil of green roofs and adjacent ground‐level green spaces in three Midwestern USA cities—Chicago, Cleveland, and Minneapolis. Overall, fungal communities on green roofs were more diverse than ground‐level green spaces and were correlated with plant cover (positively) and roof age (negatively) rather than abiotic soil properties. Fungal community composition was distinct between roof and ground environments, among cities, and between sampling sites, but green roofs and their immediately surrounding ground‐level green space showed some similarity. This suggests dispersal limitation may result in geographic structuring at large spatial scales, but dispersal between roofs and their neighbouring sites may be occurring. Different fungal taxonomic and functional groups were better explained when roofs were classified either by depth (extensive or intensive) or functional intent of the roof design (i.e. stormwater/energy, biodiversity, or aesthetics/recreation). Our results demonstrate that green roofs are an important reservoir of fungal diversity in the urban landscape, which should be considered in future green roof design.
The ‘oxygen’ in oxygen minimum zones
Authors: Canfield Don E. , Kraft Beate
Published: September 2022

Aerobic processes require oxygen, and anaerobic processes are typically hindered by it. In many places in the global ocean, oxygen is completely removed at mid‐water depths forming anoxic oxygen minimum zones (A‐OMZs). Within the oxygen gradients linking oxygenated waters with A‐OMZs, there is a transition from aerobic to anaerobic microbial processes. This transition is not sharp and there is an overlap between processes using oxygen and those using other electron acceptors. This review will focus on the oxygen control of aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms and will explore how this overlap impacts both the carbon and nitrogen cycles in A‐OMZ environments. We will discuss new findings on non‐phototrophic microbial processes that produce oxygen, and we focus on how oxygen impacts the loss of fixed nitrogen (as N2) from A‐OMZ waters. There are both physiological and environmental controls on the activities of microbial processes responsible for N2 loss, and the environmental controls are active at extremely low levels of oxygen. Understanding how these controls function will be critical to understanding and predicting how fixed‐nitrogen loss in the oceans will respond to future global warming.
Multi‐disciplinary, simulation‐based, standardised trauma team training within the Victorian State Trauma System
Authors: Fitzgerald Mark C , Noonan Michael , Lim Emma , Mathew Joseph K , Boo Ellaine , Stergiou Helen E , Kim Yesul , Reilly Stephanie , Groombridge Christopher , Maini Amit , Williams Kim , Mitra Biswadev
Published: September 2022

Objective

Inconsistency in the structure and function of team‐based major trauma reception and resuscitation is common. A standardised trauma team training programme was initiated to improve quality and consistency among trauma teams across a large, mature trauma system. The aim of this manuscript is to outline the programme and report on the initial perception of participants.

Methods

The Alfred Trauma Team Reception and Resuscitation Training (TTRRT) programme commenced in March 2019. Participants included critical care and surgical craft group members commonly involved in trauma teams. Training was site‐specific and included rural, urban and tertiary referral centres. The programme consisted of prescribed pre‐learning, didactic lectures, skill stations and simulated team‐based scenarios. Participant perceptions of the programme were collected before and after the programme for analysis.

Results

The TTRRT was delivered to 252 participants and 120 responses were received. Significant improvement in participant‐reported confidence was identified across all key topic areas. There was also a significant increase in both confidence and clinical exposure to trauma team leadership roles after participation in the programme (from 53 [44.2%] to 74 [61.7%; P = 0.007]). This finding was independent of clinician experience.

Conclusions

A team‐based trauma reception and resuscitation education programme, introduced in a large, mature trauma system led to positive participant‐reported outcomes in clinical confidence and real‐life team leadership participation. Wider implementation combined with longitudinal data collection will facilitate correlation with patient and staff‐centred outcomes.
Living on the edge: morphological and behavioral adaptations to a marginal high‐elevation habitat in an arboreal mammal
Authors: TRANQUILLO Claudia , WAUTERS Lucas Armand , SANTICCHIA Francesca , PREATONI Damiano , MARTINOLI Adriano
Published: September 2022

Habitats are characterized by different local environmental conditions that influence both behavior and morphology of species, which can result in habitat‐dependent phenotypic differences among animals living in heterogeneous environments. We studied 3 alpine populations of Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), 1 living in a marginal high‐elevation habitat at the edge of the species’ altitudinal distribution, and 2 occurring in higher‐quality habitats. Here, we investigated whether squirrels living in the marginal area differed in 2 morphological parameters (body size and body mass) and/or in the expression of 4 personality traits estimated with an open field test and a mirror image stimulation test (activity, exploration, activity‐exploration, and social tendency). Furthermore, we tested whether within‐individual variance of the traits (behavioral plasticity) was higher in the edge habitat. Male squirrels in the edge habitat were smaller and weighed less than in the other study areas, while among females, size–habitat relationships were less marked. These sex‐specific patterns were explained by a strong association between body mass and reproductive success in female squirrels. Squirrels in the marginal habitat were more active, explorative, and had a more social personality than in the other habitats. However, in contrast to our predictions, behavioral plasticity was smaller in the marginal habitat, but only for the trait exploration. Our results suggest that animals choose the habitat that best fits their personality, and that habitat‐related differences in selective pressures may shape animals’ morphology.
Umbilical cord plasma concentrate has beneficial effects on DNA methylation GrimAge and human clinical biomarkers
Authors: Clement James , Yan Qi , Agrawal Megha , Coronado Ramon E. , Sturges John A. , Horvath Markus , Lu Ake T. , Brooke Robert T. , Horvath Steve
Published: September 2022

Plasma transfusions are standard treatments to replace missing proteins in people with rare genetic diseases. Prior studies have demonstrated that heterochronic parabiosis has beneficial effects on several tissues of old animals receiving young blood. Human clinical trials are currently underway to investigate whether the infusion of plasma or plasma‐derived factors from young donors can be used to mitigate human age‐related conditions. Here, we use data from a safety study (n = 18, mean age 74) to investigate whether human umbilical cord plasma concentrate (hereinafter Plasma Concentrate) injected weekly (1 ml intramuscular) into elderly human subjects over a 10‐week period affects different biomarkers, including epigenetic age measures, standard clinical biomarkers of organ dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA‐CN), and leukocyte telomere length. This study shows that treatment with plasma concentrate is safe. More than 20 clinical biomarkers were significantly and beneficially altered following the treatments. For example, creatinine was significantly decreased (p = 0.0039), while estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was increased (p = 0.0044), indicating the treatment may improve biomarkers of kidney function. Three of four immunoglobulin biomarkers decreased, while telomere length and mtDNA‐CN were not significantly affected by the treatment. The treatment reduced DNA methylation‐based GrimAge by an average of 0.82 years (p = 0.0093), suggests a reduction in morbidity and mortality risk. By contrast, no significant results could be observed for epigenetic clocks that estimate chronological age. Our results support the view that plasma concentrate contains youth‐promoting factors.
Distributional overlap and potential competition between a threatened habitat specialist and generalist frog species in coastal wallum habitats ofSouth EastQueensland, Australia
Authors: Filer Alannah , Meyer Edward A. , van Rensburg Berndt J.
Published: September 2022

Coastal wallum wetlands inhabited by the vulnerable wallum sedgefrog (Litoria olongburensis) are highly susceptible to habitat degradation owing to their unusual hydrology and water chemistry. Anthropogenic impacts on wallum wetland environs pose a significant threat to the wallum sedgefrog by allowing the eastern sedgefrog (Litoria fallax), a habitat generalist and closely related competitor species, to colonise and displace the wallum sedgefrog from disturbed wallum habitat. To identify ‘at risk’ areas, overlapping species distribution models were utilised to highlight areas of sympatry between these species in south east Queensland, where competition with the eastern sedgefrog poses a particular threat to the wallum sedgefrog. Significant areas of distributional overlap (including 47% of the wallum sedgefrog's modelled distribution) were identified, primarily in mainland areas where anthropogenic disturbance is highest. When overlayed with the boundaries of protected areas, 84% of the area exclusively inhabited by the wallum sedgefrog occurs within the bounds of protected lands. In contrast, 74% of overlapping distribution of the two species occurred outside of these parks, highlighting the importance of protected areas in the conservation of the wallum sedgefrog. This study highlights areas where competition with the eastern sedgefrog presents a particular threat to the wallum sedgefrog, helping inform effective conservation initiatives for this species.
‘The best thing since sliced bread’: Patient experiences of teleoncology in western NSW
Authors: Pye Sid , Webster Emma , Zielinski Rob , Honeyball Florian
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study explored experiences of rural cancer patients who were receiving treatments by remote video‐assisted chemotherapy (RVAC) or participating in clinical trials remotely.

Setting

Participants lived in Coonabarabran or Dubbo in western NSW.

Participants

Seven cancer patients undergoing treatment for breast, bladder or colon cancer, renal cell carcinoma or lymphoma.

Design

Appreciative inquiry informed this qualitative study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted between July 2018 and January 2019 and thematically analysed.

Results

The patient experience of teleoncology was overwhelmingly positive. Patients explained the value of relationships that developed with the local and virtual care team. Patients felt they received better care if they saw the same oncologist for the duration of their treatment and felt RVAC had accommodated this. Teleoncology allowed patients to remain independent because they were able to maintain their usual support mechanisms including family, friends and health care team. Patients described the reduced physical and emotional travel burden in addition to reduction in travel time and cost.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the acceptability of teleoncology for rural patients as chemotherapy can be added to the health care and social and emotional supports, which exist in their hometown. Expansion of teleoncology should be codesigned with local communities with a focus on establishing care teams with consistent staffing to build trust between the treating team and the patient. These relationships improve the patient experience and enhance patient independence, which is a desirable attribute of cancer survivorship. Recruitment to clinical trials using teleoncology is acceptable and should be factored into trial development.
Robust subtractive stability measures for fast and exhaustive feature importance ranking and selection in generalised linear models
Authors: Smith Connor , Guennewig Boris , Muller Samuel
Published: September 2022

We introduce the relatively new concept of subtractive lack‐of‐fit measures in the context of robust regression, in particular in generalised linear models. We devise a fast and robust feature selection framework for regression that empirically enjoys better performance than other selection methods while remaining computationally feasible when fully exhaustive methods are not. Our method builds on the concepts of model stability, subtractive lack‐of‐fit measures and repeated model identification. We demonstrate how the multiple implementations add value in a robust regression type context, in particular through utilizing a combination of robust regression coefficient and scale estimates. Through resampling, we construct a robust stability matrix, which contains multiple measures of feature importance for each variable. By constructing this stability matrix and using it to rank features based on importance, we are able to reduce the candidate model space and then perform an exhaustive search on the remaining models. We also introduce two different visualisations to better convey information held within the stability matrix; a subtractive Mosaic Probability Plot and a subtractive Variable Inclusion Plot. We demonstrate how these graphics allow for a better understanding of how variable importance changes under small alterations to the underlying data. Our framework is made available in R through the RobStabR package.
Identification of sepsis in paediatric emergency departments: A scoping review
Authors: Oruganti Sivakumar , Evans Jordan , Cromarty Thomas , Javaid Assim , Roland Damian
Published: September 2022

Aim

Sepsis is an acute illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection and time‐sensitive management of sepsis has been shown to improve outcomes. We report the results of a scoping review to explore methods evaluated for the identification of sepsis in children presenting to emergency departments.

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out on two databases, Medline and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies published from 1990 to 2022. Data were extracted for age groups including study design, reference standard used for comparison, sepsis identification method evaluated and study quality.

Results

A total of 89 studies were identified from the literature search. There was significant heterogeneity in the age groups including study design and reference standards used for evaluating the performance of the sepsis identification methods. There has been a substantial increase in the number of published studies in the last 2 years.

Conclusion

Our scoping review identifies marked heterogeneity in approaches to identifying sepsis but demonstrates a recent focus of research on patient outcomes. Using appropriate core outcome sets, developing reference standards, monitoring sepsis prevalence via registries and continuously monitoring process measures will provide robust evidence to identify the best performing identification tools and the impact they have on patient‐orientated outcomes.
Meta‐analysis of caries microbiome studies can improve upon disease prediction outcomes
Authors: Butcher Mark C. , Short Bryn , Veena Chandra Lekha Ramalingam , Bradshaw Dave , Pratten Jonathan R. , McLean William , Shaban Suror Mohamad Ahmad , Ramage Gordon , Delaney Christopher
Published: September 2022

As one of the most prevalent infective diseases worldwide, it is crucial that we not only know the constituents of the oral microbiome in dental caries but also understand its functionality. Herein, we present a reproducible meta‐analysis to effectively report the key components and the associated functional signature of the oral microbiome in dental caries. Publicly available sequencing data were downloaded from online repositories and subjected to a standardized analysis pipeline before analysis. Meta‐analyses identified significant differences in alpha and beta diversities of carious microbiomes when compared to healthy ones. Additionally, machine learning and receiver operator characteristic analysis showed an ability to discriminate between healthy and disease microbiomes. We identified from importance values, as derived from random forest analyses, a group of genera, notably containing Selenomonas, Aggregatibacter, Actinomyces and Treponema, which can be predictive of dental caries. Finally, we propose the most appropriate study design for investigating the microbiome of dental caries by synthesizing the studies, which had the most accurate differentiation based on random forest modelling. In conclusion, we have developed a non‐biased, reproducible pipeline, which can be applied to microbiome meta‐analyses of multiple diseases, but importantly we have derived from our meta‐analysis a key group of organisms that can be used to identify individuals at risk of developing dental caries based on oral microbiome inhabitants.
Petrographic and geochemical characterization of chert artifacts from Middle, Upper, and Epi‐Paleolithic assemblages in the Jebel Qalkha area, southern Jordan
Authors: Ichinose Natsuki , Suga Eiki , Kadowaki Seiji , Tsukada Kazuhiro , Nadmid Bayart , Umeda Kanta , Nuramkhaan Manchuk , Massadeh Sate , Henry Donald O.
Published: September 2022

This study conducted petrographic and geochemical analyses of chert artifacts from the Late Middle Paleolithic, the Initial Upper Paleolithic, the Early Upper Paleolithic, and the Epi‐Paleolithic assemblages in the Jebel Qalkha area, southern Jordan, to examine their correlations with the visual attributes and diachronic variability. The results revealed two different aspects of the petrographic and geochemical signatures. The first aspect showed some correlations with the visual chert types that were characterized by the abundance/preservation of fossils, the enrichment of several elements (i.e., Ca, Sr, and Ba), and the quartz crystallite size.

The second aspect of geochemical signatures, such as Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Co, showed no correlation with the visual types but was correlated with the chrono‐cultural groups. Given the chert occurrences and variability in and around the study area, the first aspect of the chert variability likely represents the variations of different chert outcrops as well as the internal variations within the same sources. Whether the second aspect represents chrono‐cultural changes in the use of chert sources needs to be clarified in future by our ongoing examination of geological chert samples in the study area.
Prediction of the pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed with a low test dose: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Boosman René J. , de Rouw Nikki , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Burgers Jacobus A. , ter Heine Rob
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Pemetrexed is a cytotoxic drug used for the treatment of lung cancer and mesothelioma. The use of a low test dosing of cytotoxic drugs may aid in dose individualization without causing harm. The aim of this proof‐of‐concept study was to assess if the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of a test dose could predict the PKs of a therapeutic pemetrexed dose.

Methods

Ten patients received both a low test dose (100 μg) and a therapeutic dose of pemetrexed after which plasma concentrations pemetrexed were measured. PK analysis was performed by means of nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. The predictive performances of test dose clearance and renal function towards a therapeutic dose were assessed.

Results

The PKs of a pemetrexed test dose were best described by a one‐compartment model with linear elimination. A high variability in the administered dose was observed for the test dose, but not for the therapeutic dose. A statistically significant correlation between test dose clearance and therapeutic dose clearance was observed (Spearman's rho: 0.758, P = 0.02). The predictive performance of test dose clearance was worse than renal function: mean predictive error (+95% confidence interval [CI]) 53.9% (50.1‐57.6%) vs 19.4% (12.4‐26.4%) and normalized root‐mean square error (+95% CI) 57.8% (30.5‐85.1%) vs 25.7% (20.3‐31.0%).

Conclusion

We show that test dosing of pemetrexed is feasible, but there seems no added value for a low test dosing in the dose individualization of pemetrexed.
Social responsibility in micro businesses in an African context: Towards a theoretical understanding
Authors: Uba Chijioke Dike , Hasan Md Nazmul , Mshelia James Buba
Published: September 2022

Small businesses often engage in social responsibility (SR) without knowing it or without referring to their actions as SR. This is particularly the case in developing countries where the idea of SR is seen as synonymous with philanthropy. While the literature on small business social responsibility is growing, our understanding of the context‐specific determinants of responsible practices in microbusinesses (those that employ less than 10 employees) that dominate the business landscape in many developing countries is still limited. In this paper, we address this gap and offer a theoretical understanding of how microbusiness owner‐managers understand and approach SR by drawing on rich qualitative data collected from Nigeria—Africa's largest economy. We utilise Social Representations Theory to understand (1) how and why microbusiness owner‐managers limit their understanding of SR to philanthropic activities and (2) the wide range of practices, including philanthropic activities, that account for their overall Responsible Business Practices (RBPs)—those practices that enable them to act responsibly towards their stakeholders and/or operating environments. We find that owner‐managers' representations of SR are anchored primarily on an idiosyncratic ethical tendency and inclination towards the creation of social/communal harmony by ‘giving back to society’ and objectified via actions deriving from three ‘giving back’ orientations, namely Core Philanthropism, Social Problem Solving, and Empowering. We model microbusiness owner‐managers' RBPs, highlighting the intersectional interplay of the voluntary (SR as philanthropy) and non‐voluntary (self‐regulatory and legal) dimensions of RBPs. Finally, we discuss the key findings in relation to the extant literature and to policymakers and managers.
Discussion of “A Formal Causal Interpretation of the Case-Crossover Design”
Authors: Andersen Per Kragh , Martinussen Torben
Published: September 2022

Discussion on “A formal causal interpretation of the case-crossover design” by Zach Shahn, Miguel A. Hernan, and James M. Robins
Monkeypox outbreak: characterizing the morphology of an emergent infection
Authors: Watchorn Richard E. , Bunker Christopher B.
Published: September 2022

Linked Article: Català et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:765–772.
The effects of the interaction of genetic predisposition with lifestyle factors on bladder cancer risk
Authors: Yu Evan Yi‐Wen , Liu Yu‐Xiang , Chen Ya‐Ting , Tang Qiu‐Yi , Mehrkanoon Siamak , Wang Shi‐Zhi , Li Wen‐Chao , Zeegers Maurice P. , Wesselius Anke
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate the association of polygenic risk score (PRS) and bladder cancer (BC) risk and whether this PRS can be offset by a healthy lifestyle.

Methods

Individuals with BC (n = 563) and non‐BC controls (n = 483 957) were identified in the UK Biobank, and adjusted Cox regression models were used. A PRS was constructed based on 34 genetic variants associated with BC development, while a healthy lifestyle score (HLS) was constructed based on three lifestyle factors (i.e., smoking, physical activity, and diet).

Results

Overall, a negative interaction was observed between the PRS and the HLS (P = 0.02). A 7% higher and 28% lower BC risk per 1‐standard deviation (SD) increment in PRS and HLS were observed, respectively. A simultaneous increment of 1 SD in both HLS and PRS was associated with a 6% lower BC risk. In addition, individuals with a high genetic risk and an unfavourable lifestyle showed an increased BC risk compared to individuals with low genetic risk and a favourable lifestyle (hazard ratio 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.16–1.91; P for trend <0.001). Furthermore, population‐attributable fraction (PAF) analysis showed that 12%–15% of the BC cases might have been prevented if individuals had adhered to a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

This large‐scale cohort study shows that a genetic predisposition combined with unhealthy behaviours have a joint negative effect on the risk of developing BC. Behavioural lifestyle changes should be encouraged for people through comprehensive, multifactorial approaches, although high‐risk individuals may be selected based on genetic risk.
3D matrix promotes cell dedifferentiation into colorectal cancer stem cells via integrin/cytoskeleton/glycolysis signaling
Authors: Han Tong , Jiang Yuhong , Wang Xiaobo , Deng Shuangya , Hu Yongjun , Jin Qianqian , Long Dongju , Liu Kuijie
Published: September 2022

The potential for tumor occurrence triggered by cancer stem cells (CSCs) has emerged as a significant challenge for human colorectal cancer therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of CSC development remains controversial. Our study provided evidence that the bulk of tumor cells could dedifferentiate to CSCs and reacquire CSC‐like phenotypes if cultured in the presence of extracellular matrix reagents, such as Matrigel and fibrin gels. In these 3D gels, CD133− colorectal cancer cells can regain tumorigenic potential and stem‐like phenotypes. Mechanistically, the 3D extracellular matrix could mediate cytoskeletal F‐actin bundling through biomechanical force associated receptors integrin β1 (ITGB1), contributing to the release of E3 ligase tripartite motif protein 11 (TRIM11) from cytoskeleton and degradation of the glycolytic rate‐limiting enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK). Consequently, PFK inhibition resulted in enhanced glycolysis and upregulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1α), thereby promoting the reprogramming of stem cell transcription factors and facilitating tumor progression in patients. This study provided novel insights into the role of the extracellular matrix in the regulation of CSC dedifferentiation in a cytoskeleton/glycolysis‐dependent manner.
Factors influencing diabetes‐related foot ulcer healing in Australian adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tehan Peta Ellen , Burrows Tracy , Hawes Morgan Brian , Linton Clare , Norbury Kate , Peterson Benjamin , Walsh Annie , White Diane , Chuter Vivienne Helaine
Published: September 2022

Objective

Diabetes‐related foot ulceration (DFU) is a common limb‐threatening condition, which is complex and subsequently challenging to manage. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of a range of clinical and social factors to the healing of diabetes‐related foot ulceration in an Australian population.

Research design and methods

This was a prospective cohort study of individuals with diabetes‐related foot ulceration (DFU). Age, sex, medical history, medications, dietary supplementation (e.g. vitamin C intake) and smoking history were elicited at baseline. The index of relative socio‐economic disadvantage (IRSD) was calculated. The Australian Eating Survey and International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐short were administered. Wound history, size, grade, time to healing and infection were captured and monitored over 6 months. Logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between healing and diet quality, toe systolic pressure, wound size at, IRSD, infection and previous amputation.

Results

A total of 117 participants were included. The majority were male n = 96 (82%), socio‐economically disadvantaged (mean IRSD 965, SD 60), and obese (BMI 36 kg/m2, SD 11) with a long history of diabetes (20 years, SD 11). Wounds were predominantly neuropathic (n = 85, 73%) and classified 1A (n = 63, 54%) on the University of Texas wound classification system with few infections (n = 23, 16%). Dietary supplementation was associated with 4.36 increased odds of healing (95% 1.28–14.84, p = 0.02), and greater levels of socio‐economic advantage were also associated with increased odds of healing (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

In this cohort study of predominantly neuropathic, non‐infected DFU, individuals who had greater levels of socio‐economic advantage had significantly greater odds of DFU healing. Diet quality was poor in most participants, with individuals taking supplementation significantly more likely to heal.
Association of ictal imaging changes in status epilepticus and neurological deterioration
Authors: Cornwall Camilla Dyremose , Dahl Svein Magne , Nguyen Nina , Roberg Lars Egil , Monsson Olav , Krøigård Thomas , Beier Christoph Patrick
Published: September 2022

Objective

In patients with status epilepticus (SE), the clinical significance of ictal changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is insufficiently understood. We here studied whether the presence of ictal MRI changes was associated with neurological deterioration at discharge.

Methods

The retrospective cohort comprised all identifiable patients treated at Odense University Hospital in the period 2008–2017. All amenable MRIs were systemically screened for ictal changes. Patient demographics, electroencephalography, seizure characteristics, treatment, and SE duration were assessed. Neurological status was estimated before and after SE. The predefined endpoint was the association of neurological deterioration and ictal MRI changes.

Results

Of 261 eligible patients, 101 received at least one MRI during SE or within 7 days after cessation; 43.6% (44/101) had SE due to non‐ or less brain‐damaging etiologies. Patients who received MRI had a longer duration of SE, less frequently had a history of epilepsy, and were more likely to have SE due to unknown causes. Basic characteristics (including electroencephalographic features defined by the Salzburg criteria) did not differ between patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 81) ictal MRI changes. Timing of MRI was important; postictal changes were rare within the first 24 h and hardly seen >5 days after cessation of SE. Ictal MRI changes were associated with a higher risk of neurological deterioration at discharge irrespective of etiology. Furthermore, they were associated with a longer duration of SE and higher long‐term mortality that reached statistical significance in patients with non‐ or less brain‐damaging etiologies.

Significance

In this retrospective cohort, ictal changes on MRI were associated with a higher risk of neurological deterioration at discharge and, possibly, with a longer duration of SE and poorer survival.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of exotic fish species in the Mediterranean Sea: Over a century of invasion reconstructed
Authors: Azzurro Ernesto , Smeraldo Sonia , D'Amen Manuela
Published: September 2022

With over a thousand of introduced species, the Mediterranean is the most heavily invaded marine region in the world. Yet, the spatio‐temporal dynamics of this bioinvasion has never been analysed. Examination of a comprehensive dataset of 4015 georeferenced observations, extracted from the scientific literature, allowed (i) reconstructing the invasion and the introduction and post‐introduction dynamics of exotic fish species, (ii) calculating introduction and spread rates, and (iii) investigating the time correlates since introduction. Our analysis encompasses 188 fish species that entered the Mediterranean from 1896 to 2020, including 25 Atlantic species that naturally expanded their range through the Strait of Gibraltar. Cumulative occurrences, reported in 264 distribution maps, documented the progressive expansion of the most represented species and the spatio‐temporal patterns associated with three introduction routes: the Suez Canal (CAN); other human‐mediated vectors (HM) and the Strait of Gibraltar (NRE). The arrival rate of the species introduced through all three routes increased steeply after 1990, without a sign of saturation. Data analysis highlighted some temporal and geographical patterns, such as the effect and eventual weakening of the biogeographical barriers represented by the Strait of Sicily and the North Aegean Sea and the asymmetrical distribution of occurrences along the northern and southern Mediterranean coasts. Finally, there was an exponential increase in the secondary spread rates of CAN and NRE immigrants, as the more recent introductions achieved the fastest geographical expansions. Our findings provide a detailed and spatially explicit summary of a massive invasion that has changed the history of the Mediterranean biota and represent a remarkable example of rapid biotic homogenization in the global ocean.
Biocrust impacts on dryland soil water balance: A path toward the whole picture
Authors: Li Shenglong , Bowker Matthew A. , Xiao Bo
Published: September 2022

As a crucial living feature inhabiting the soil–atmosphere boundary, biocrusts play a vital role in liquid water or vapor transport through surface soil and thus have strong effects on soil water regimes. However, it remains unclear how biocrusts affect annual or multiyear soil water budgets through the regulation of evaporation outputs and non‐rainfall water (NRW) or infiltration inputs. Thus, we used automated microlysimeters to continually investigate the differences in evaporation and NRW rates between moss‐dominated biocrusts and bare soil at 0–5 cm depth for 2 years. The upper 30 cm of soil moisture (θ) and water storage (W) of bare soil and biocrusts were also monitored. Our results showed that the daily evaporation rate (E) of biocrusts was 17% higher than bare soil. Especially after rainfall events, biocrusts had higher E and larger cumulative evaporation than bare soil. Besides, the daily NRW of biocrusts averaged 15% higher than bare soil over 2 years. Furthermore, biocrusts increased θ by 11%–76% at 0–10 cm depth but decreased θ by 32%–56% at 20–30 cm depth in comparison to bare soil, and they subsequently decreased W by 20% at 0–30 cm depth. Summarized annually, the NRW amount of biocrusts was 19% higher than bare soil, but at the same time, the cumulative evaporation of biocrusts was also 19% higher than bare soil. Finally, biocrusts resulted in more water loss at shallow depth through evaporation and lessened total W throughout 0–30 cm depth of soil. These findings demonstrate that although biocrusts input more NRW into surface soil, these water inputs partially offset their intensified evaporation. Given that all rainfall water infiltrates into the soil in our study system, our findings indicate that biocrusts may have an overall negative effect on soil water balance there, while at the same time increasing water storage and availability of the deeper soil underlying biocrusts.
The evolution of structural resilience of global oil and gas resources trade network
Authors: Sun Xin , Wei Ye , Jin Ying , Song Wei , Li Xiaoling
Published: September 2022

This paper establishes anetwork resilience evaluation framework of the global oil and gas resourcetrade network in 2010, 2015 and 2020. The results are as follows: The links of the oil trade network present a gradually shrinking trend, and the gas tradenetwork presents a trend of close connection first and then reduced. In termsof network density, network centrality, network connectivity and network size, the structural resilience of the oil and gas resource trade network displays ashrinking trend, and the gas trade network is superior. Concerninginvulnerability and recovery, the resilience of the oil trade network issuperior to the natural gas trade network. In simulated attacks, the oil tradenetwork reveals a higher resilience towards intentional attacks, and the gastrade network shows a higher resilience towards random attacks. The Strait ofHormuz and the Strait of Malacca are critical chokepoints in the networks.
Advanced Ti3C2Tx MXene‐modified cement nanocomposites toward high efficiency electromagnetic functional materials for green buildings
Authors: Wei Fada , Liu Qinghua , Liu Heqiang , Wang Guohong , Li Minghang , Li Mingxing , Liu Xingmin
Published: September 2022

The proliferation of electronic devices and wireless communication is leading to serious electromagnetic (EM) interference. In this work, Ti3C2/cement composites were developed as high efficiency EM functional materials by introducing exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene with cement for green buildings with EM shielding function. In the composites, few‐layered Ti3C2 MXene were dispersed homogeneously throughout the cement matrix. The EM properties of the composites were studied as a function of the MXene content. With increasing MXene content, real and imaginary part of permittivity was significantly improved owing to the polarization and electrical conduction caused by the MXene phase. Composites with 15 wt.% MXene showed good EM absorbing properties with a maximum effective absorbing bandwidth of 2.67 GHz. Strong EM shielding can be achieved when MXene content increased to 25 wt.%. The EM shielding effectiveness of such composites was higher than 22.0 dB, and the dominating shielding mechanism was EM absorption. This work finds new materials for the development of advanced green buildings with EM shielding function.
Cardiac tamponade as an inherent but potentially nonfatal complication of transvenous lead extraction: Experience with 1126 procedures performed using mechanical tools
Authors: Nowosielecka Dorota , Tułecki Łukasz , Jacheć Wojciech , Polewczyk Anna , Tomków Konrad , Stefańczyk Paweł , Bródka Jarosław , Kutarski Andrzej
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Cardiac tamponade (CT) is one of the most common and dangerous complications of transvenous lead extraction (TLE). So far, however, there has been little discussion about the problem.

Methods

We analyzed the occurrence of CT in a group of 1226 patients undergoing TLE at a single reference center between June, 2015 and February, 2021. Using standard mechanical devices as first‐line tools, a total of 2092 leads had been extracted.

Results

CT occurred in 18 patients (1.47%): due to injury to the wall of the right atrium in 14 patients (1.14%) and other cardiac walls in four patients (0.33%). Younger patient age at first implantation, female gender, high left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lower New York Heart Association class, low Charlson comorbidity index, longer implant duration, and the number of previous procedures related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are important patient‐related risk factors for CT. Significant procedure‐related risk factors include the number of extracted leads, extraction of atrial leads and longer dwell time of extracted leads. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides a lot of information about pulling on various cardiac structures and is able to detect a very early phase of bleeding to the pericardial sac. As a result of implementing best practices guidance in performing extraction procedures and close collaboration with cardiac surgeons that allowed immediate rescue intervention in our series of 18 CT cases, there were no procedure‐related deaths (mortality 0%).

Conclusions

The need for rescue surgery due to CT has no influence on clinical and procedural success. Early diagnosed (TEE monitoring) and properly managed CT does not generate any additional risk in short‐ and long‐term follow‐up after TLE.
Protective effects of metformin in various cardiovascular diseases: Clinical evidence and AMPK‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Bu Yizhi , Peng Mei , Tang Xinyi , Xu Xu , Wu Yifeng , Chen Alex F. , Yang Xiaoping
Published: September 2022

Metformin, a well‐known AMPK agonist, has been widely used as the first‐line drug for treating type 2 diabetes. There had been a significant concern regarding the use of metformin in people with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to its potential lactic acidosis side effect. Currently growing clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that metformin can lower the incidence of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients or even non‐diabetic patients beyond its hypoglycaemic effects. The underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular benefits of metformin largely involve the cellular energy sensor, AMPK, of which activation corrects endothelial dysfunction, reduces oxidative stress and improves inflammatory response. In this minireview, we summarized the clinical evidence of metformin benefits in several widely studied cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, ischaemic/reperfusion injury and arrhythmia, both in patients with or without diabetes. Meanwhile, we highlighted the potential AMPK‐dependent mechanisms in in vitro and/or in vivo models.