bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urgent and emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for gallstone‐induced acute cholangitis and pancreatitis
Authors: Mukai Shuntaro , Itoi Takao , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Ishii Kentaro , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Sofuni Atsushi
Published: June 2022

Urgent or emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is indicated for gallstone‐induced acute cholangitis and pancreatitis. The technique and optimal timing of ERCP depend on the disease state, its severity, anatomy, patient background, and the institutional situation. Endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage within 24 h is recommended for moderate to severe acute cholangitis. The clinical outcomes of biliary drainage with nasobiliary drainage tube placement and plastic stent placement are comparable, and the choice is made on a case‐by‐case basis considering the advantages and disadvantages of each. The addition of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is basically not necessary when performing drainage alone, but single‐session stone removal following EST is acceptable in mild to moderate cholangitis cases without antithrombotic therapy or coagulopathy. For gallstone pancreatitis, early ERCP/EST are recommended in cases with impacted gallstones in the papilla. In some cases of gallstone pancreatitis, a gallstone impacted in the papilla has already spontaneously passed into the duodenum, and early ERCP/EST lacks efficacy in such cases, with unfavorable findings of cholangitis or cholestasis. If it is difficult to diagnose the presence of gallstones impacted in the papilla on imaging, endoscopic ultrasonography can be useful in determining the indication for ERCP.
Financial Market Globalization, Deglobalization Policies and Growth
Authors: Ho Wai‐Hong
Published: June 2022

This paper develops a world economy growth model to explore the consequences of financial market globalization. The model consists of small open countries that are plagued by domestic credit market imperfection and are connected via knowledge spillovers. When knowledge diffuses from the technology leader to the world as an international public good, the model predicts that financial market globalization promotes growth despite uphill credit flows dividing the world economy into a high‐income core and a low‐income periphery. But the associated world growth rate is not optimal. Barriers to cross‐border credit flows can give rise to a higher worldwide rate of growth through which all countries can benefit.
Concentration‐dependent response of soil parameters and functions to trifluoroacetic acid
Authors: Xu Baile , Alizray Rabea , Lammel Daniel R. , Riedel Sebastian , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: June 2022

Despite growing environmental concerns about perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) worldwide, the ultra‐short‐chain PFAS, for example, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), have been largely neglected in the context of soil pollution. Given the persistence and increasing occurrence of TFA in the soil environment, accumulated TFA could impact soil properties and functions. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a wide range of concentrations of TFA (0.001–100 μg g−1) on chemical, physical and biological indicators of soil health, using a six‐week microcosm experiment. Our results showed that TFA treatments decreased soil pH, sulphate content, soil respiration, litter decomposition and bacterial abundance, and increased phosphate content (p < 0.05). These effects were observed for TFA concentrations ≥1 μg g−1. As expected, because of its strong acidity, TFA decreased soil pH, and this change likely contributed to effects on other soil parameters and functions, for example, reducing bacterial abundance and soluble nutrients. However, importantly, TFA clearly also affected soil parameters at concentrations at which soil pH was not changed. Soil aggregation, fungal abundance, and enzyme activities were not affected by TFA in this study. Considering the current reported environmental levels of TFA of <2.4 μg g−1, only litter decomposition would be affected under current field conditions. Our data also show that future accumulation of higher concentrations, or hotspots of TFA, will likely negatively affect soils with similar properties as our test soil. Thus, we demonstrated that microbial processes can be impacted by the accumulation of the ‘forever chemical’ TFA in the tested sandy, low organic matter soil.

Highlights

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) decreased soil pH, respiration, litter decomposition and bacterial abundance.

TFA affected soil soluble nutrients.

TFA affected litter decomposition at 1 μg g−1with no change in soil pH.

Effects of TFA on soil enzyme activity and aggregation and fungal abundance were negligible.
Anterior nucleus of the thalamus deep brain stimulation vs temporal lobe responsive neurostimulation for temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Yang Jimmy C. , Bullinger Katie L. , Dickey Adam S. , Karakis Ioannis , Alwaki Abdulrahman , Cabaniss Brian T. , Winkel Daniel , Rodriguez‐Ruiz Andres , Willie Jon T. , Gross Robert E.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Based on the promising results of randomized controlled trials, deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) are used increasingly in the treatment of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is an indication for either DBS of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) or temporal lobe (TL) RNS, but there are no studies that directly compare the seizure benefits and adverse effects associated with these therapies in this patient population. We, therefore, examined all patients who underwent ANT‐DBS or TL‐RNS for drug‐resistant TLE at our center.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who were treated with either ANT‐DBS or TL‐RNS for drug‐resistant TLE with at least 12 months of follow‐up. Along with the clinical characteristics of each patient's epilepsy, seizure frequency was recorded throughout each patient's postoperative clinical course.

Results

Twenty‐six patients underwent ANT‐DBS implantation and 32 patients underwent TL‐RNS for drug‐resistant TLE. The epilepsy characteristics of both groups were similar. Patients who underwent ANT‐DBS demonstrated a median seizure reduction of 58% at 12–15 months, compared to a median seizure reduction of 70% at 12–15 months in patients treated with TL‐RNS (p > .05). The responder rate (percentage of patients with a 50% decrease or more in seizure frequency) was 54% for ANT‐DBS and 56% for TL‐RNS (p > .05). The incidence of complications and stimulation‐related side effects did not significantly differ between therapies.

Significance

We demonstrate in our single‐center experience that patients with drug‐resistant TLE benefit similarly from either ANT‐DBS or TL‐RNS. Selection of either ANT‐DBS or TL‐RNS may, therefore, depend more heavily on patient and provider preference, as each has unique capabilities and configurations. Future studies will consider subgroup analyses to determine if specific patients have greater seizure frequency reduction from one form of neuromodulation strategy over another.
Genetic inhibition of collapsin response mediator protein‐2 phosphorylation ameliorates retinal ganglion cell death in normal‐tension glaucoma models
Authors: Brahma Musukha Mala , Takahashi Kazuya , Namekata Kazuhiko , Harada Takayuki , Goshima Yoshio , Ohshima Toshio
Published: June 2022

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a cause of glaucoma. However, glaucoma often develops with normal IOP and is known as normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG). Glutamate neurotoxicity is considered as one of the significant causes of NTG, resulting in excessive stimulation of retinal neurons via the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The present study examined the phosphorylation of collapsin response mediator protein‐2 (CRMP2), a protein that is abundantly expressed in neurons and involved in their development. In two mouse models, NMDA‐injection and glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) mutant, CRMP2 phosphorylation at the cyclin‐dependent kinase‐5 (Cdk5) site was elevated in RGCs. We confirmed that the decrease in the number of RGCs and thickness of the inner retinal layer (IRL) could be suppressed after NMDA administration in CRMP2KI/KI mice with genetically inhibited CRMP2 phosphorylation. Next, we investigated GLAST heterozygotes (GLAST+/−) with CRMP2KI/KI (GLAST+/−;CRMP2KI/KI) and GLAST knockout (GLAST−/−) mice with CRMP2KI/KI (GLAST−/−;CRMP2KI/KI) mice and compared them with GLAST+/− and GLAST−/− mice. pCRMP2 (S522) inhibition significantly reduced RGC loss and IRL thinning. These results suggest that the inhibition of CRMP2 phosphorylation could be a novel strategy for treating NTG.
Comparison of non‐volatile degradation products formed from different vegetable oils during deep frying of French fries
Authors: Chen Jia , Zhang Lingyan , Zhao Peng , Wang Jiayun , Li Qi , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: June 2022

Deterioration of frying oil greatly affects its nutritional quality. This study sought to establish how oil type affected the evolution of non‐volatile degradation products in frying oils. Frying experiments were applied with three different commercial oils (palm oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil) known to be used in French fries, and the formed degradation products in oils were determined by classical assays, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The FTIR demonstrated that the thermal stress may result in gradual alteration of cis fatty acids to trans fatty acids. The acyl groups, oxygenated compounds and 1,2‐diglycerides in samples were determined by 1H NMR. Soybean and rapeseed oils contained more oxygenated compounds than palm oil owing to higher polyunsaturated acyl group content. However, a contrary result was shown for 1,2‐diglycerides. Of note, the major aldehydes formed were n‐alkanals, (E,E)‐2,4‐alkadienals and (E)‐2‐alkenals; 4‐oxo‐alkanals were not detected in palm oil. Correlation analysis indicated that these aldehydes were positively correlated with the polymerisation and oxidation of frying oils (P < 0.01). The research provided new data for evaluating the suitability of these oils for food preparations.
Strain effects in epitaxial La‐doped SrSnO3 films on lattice‐matched PMN‐PT substrates
Authors: Li Kaifeng , Zhao Li , Gao Qiang , Lv Kai , Wang Haifeng , Liu Qinzhuang
Published: June 2022

Here we report the effect of the strain states on the structure, optical and electrical transport properties of the La0.05Sr0.95SnO3 (LSSO) thin films grown epitaxially on (001)‐oriented 0.70 Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.30PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. X‐ray diffraction results indicate that the films are fully strained up to at least 100 nm thickness, and the in‐plane compressive strain gradually releases in thicker films. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy characterizations demonstrate that the LSSO films were grown coherently on PMN‐PT(001) substrates. With varying the thicknesses of the fully strained films from 20 to 100 nm, the electrical transport properties are improved significantly. A lowest room‐temperature resistivity of 1.88 mΩcm and the highest mobility of 28.1 cm2/Vs are obtained in the 100 nm film. The optical band gap determined from spectroscopic ellipsometry is found to increase from 4.58 to 4.88 eV with the film thicknesses varying from 20 to 500 nm. The results imply that the LSSO epitaxial films exhibit tunable electrical performances and optical band gaps through strain, which may have potential applications in optoelectrical devices.
Comparison of the efficacy of periodontal prognostic systems in predicting tooth loss
Authors: Saydzai Selai , Buontempo Zoe , Patel Pankti , Hasan Fatemah , Sun Chuanming , Akcalı Aliye , Lin Guo‐Hao , Donos Nikos , Nibali Luigi
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of this analysis was to assess how different tooth‐prognosis systems could predict tooth loss in a cohort of periodontitis patients followed up prospectively during supportive periodontal care (SPC).

Materials and Methods

Clinical and radiographic data of 97 patients undergoing regular SPC for 5 years were used to assign tooth prognosis using four different systems (McGuire & Nunn, 1996; Kwok & Caton, 2007; Graetz et al., 2011; Nibali et al., 2017). Three independent examiners assigned tooth prognosis using all four systems, following a calibration exercise. The association between prognostic categories and tooth loss was tested for each prognostic system separately and across prognostic systems.

Results

All four systems showed good reproducibility and could identify teeth at higher risk of being lost during 5 years of SPC; the risk of tooth loss increased with the worsening of tooth‐prognosis category (p < .0001). Although specificity and negative predictive values were good, low sensitivity and positive predictive values were detected for all systems.

Conclusions

Previously published periodontal prognostic systems exhibited good reproducibility and predictive ability for tooth retention. However, low sensitivity was detected, with several teeth in the worst prognosis category being retained at 5 years. Some modifications in the number of categories and their definitions are suggested.
Numerical modeling and experimental validation of meat burgers and vegetarian patties cooking process with an innovative IR laser system
Authors: Schillaci Eugenio , Gràcia Alvar , Capellas Marta , Rigola Joaquim
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a numerical model for the simulation of the cooking process of meat burgers and vegetarian patties by means of an IR laser beam is presented. The innovative cooking system is thought to be integrated within a 3‐D printer prototype where the food sample is placed on a rotating plate. The numerical model consists of two different tools. First, a simplified 0‐D model, aimed at studying the heat transfer processes between the food sample, the lower plate, and the surrounding environment. Second, a 3‐D finite‐volume algorithm, which is employed to simulate the temporal and spatial evolution of the temperature within the food sample, when subjected to a laser beam which follows a given path. In parallel, an experimental test campaign is carried out to measure the temperature and cooking losses evolution inside burgers and patties. The results of the experimental campaign on the evolution of the temperature inside meat burgers and vegetarian patties are used to validate the numerical method, showing a good agreement. Next, the numerical method is used to carry out a parametric analysis of the IR laser system, aimed at analyzing and optimizing cooking parameters as laser power, incidence time and reversal time.

Practical Application

The current practical application of the numerical model presented here consists on the development of 3D food printers' prototypes which incorporate an infrared laser cooking system. IR laser cooking is a new cooking method currently under research which requires an adequate experimental design and an intense experimental work. The numerical models presented here allows an effective estimation of spatial and temporal distribution of real cooking temperatures during an infrared (IR) laser cooking process, allowing the analysis of pasteurization temperatures needed to inactivate pathogenic bacteria. The numerical simulation tool can be used to optimize and develop the IR laser system by analyzing different parametric conditions, as the ray tracing function frequency (incidence time), the reversal time of the burger, and the laser power. Simulations are aimed at simplifying and guiding the experimental work, leading to time and material savings, and it would also help to determine the most significant variables involved in the cooking process. The present model can be integrated as a new application of the laser control software and can be used in a professional gastronomic environment to choose between different cooking degrees, to analyze the characteristics of the printed food, or to determine the appropriate cooking parameters required to ensure food safety. The ability to 3D print and cook in the same physical area may facilitate a better implementation of the 3DFP technology in different markets.
Integrated clinical pathways for lower limb orthopaedic surgeries: An updated systematic review
Authors: Zhou Huaqiong , Ngune Irene , Roberts Pam A. , Della Phillip R.
Published: June 2022

Objective

The objective of the study was to comprehensively synthesise the components of integrated clinical pathways (ICPs) and post‐operative outcomes of patients undergone total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA & TKA) and hip fracture surgeries.

Background

Previous systematic reviews examined components and effectiveness of ICPs for lower limb joint replacement and hip fracture surgeries.

Design and Methods

An updated systematic review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework. Electronic databases, Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCOhost‐CINAHL, the Cochrane Reviews and Trails, EMBASE and PubMed, were searched from 2007 to 31 January 2021. Due to the heterogeneity of the methods and data collection tools of included studies, pooling of the quantitative data was not possible. Therefore, the included studies were synthesised and presented narratively under subthemes of arthroplasty and hip fracture surgeries. The PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews was used.

Results

Twenty‐four studies met selection criteria with 11 examined ICPs for hip fracture and 13 for the THA and TKA. Twenty‐one ICPs were reviewed, and 33 components were extracted. The most frequently included components for hip fracture subgroup were ‘discharge disposition arrangement’ and ‘dedicated personnel and resources’. ‘Exercise plan’ and ‘pain management’ were for the arthroplasty subgroup. A significant reduction in the length of stay and post‐operative complications were associated with the ICPs. Results were mixed for the effectiveness of ICPs in reducing unplanned hospital admissions, mortality rates, post‐operative complications and hospital costs.

Conclusion

The number of ICP components varied across studies. This review could not recommend a one size‐fits‐all ICP that could be adapted for use for patients undergoing hip fracture and joint replacement surgeries.

Relevance for clinical practice

This review identified research evidence‐based components considered as essential for the inclusion in ICP’s for hip fracture and arthroplasty surgeries. Further research is suggested to determine the patient experience and healthcare providers’ acceptance of ICPs.
Localized labor flow networks in knowledge‐intensive industries
Authors: Lahdelma Tamás
Published: June 2022

This study examines the relationship between agglomeration and labor market matching by investigating the small‐scale sociospatial determinants of a network created by the within‐region mobility of employees across organizations. The local labor flow network is constructed on the basis of an establishment‐level matched employer–employee database covering selected knowledge‐intensive industries in the Helsinki–Uusimaa Region in Finland during the period 2001–2015. The results from the analysis of various tie formation processes reveal that the formation of a link by interorganizational employee mobility within an integrated labor market area is more likely between organizations geographically closer to each other, all else being equal. The findings highlight the importance of local density for the job search process.
Caring for nontraditional families: Kinship, foster, and adoptive
Authors: Foli Karen J. , VanGraafeiland Brigit , Snethen Julia A. , Greenberg Cindy Smith
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Information about nontraditional (kinship, foster, and adoptive) families is typically scattered or overlooked both in nursing education and nursing practice settings. Using a nursing‐centric, population‐focused lens, the current state of nontraditional families in the United States is briefly described. An overview of the challenges and psychological dynamics involved when a nonbiological parent assumes the role of caregiver is provided.

Conclusion

Based on the 2010 Census findings and other indicators, we now understand that nontraditional families and their children make up a considerable portion of the population. Nurses, regardless of level of practice, have the potential to positively impact health outcomes of nontraditional parents and their children. Knowledge of the formation and needs of nontraditional families can inform, and improve, culturally safe, trauma‐informed nursing care.

Practice implications

This discussion is a first step in appreciating the formation of nontraditional families and the importance of trauma‐informed, unbiased, nonstereotypic discourse in nursing care. By describing the heterogeneity of how families are built through kinship care, foster placements, and adoptive homes, nurses’ assessments and interventions will be informed and through a lens of the high potential for past traumas. With this foundational knowledge, nurses interfacing with nontraditional families are better prepared to provide much needed support and relevant care for this unique population.
Examining regional asymmetries in drivers of international migration flows
Authors: Nanda Anupam , Oladiran Olayiwola
Published: June 2022

Migration is key to economic development, with varying implications and uneven impacts on origin and destination regions. This paper examines the variation in the major drivers of migration within and across continental blocs and the OECD in a gravity framework. The empirical model uses bilateral migration flow data for 182 countries over a 25 year period (1990–2015) while controlling for push and pull drivers of migration. The novelty of the study rests in the added dimension of the variation in the impact of migration drivers that is based on the direction of migration flow. The results suggest that migration drivers vary significantly across several economic blocs based in different regions and OECD countries. We find that the weight and significance of the impact of migration drivers vary significantly based on the direction of flow across continental blocs and the OECD, although some similarities exist in some regions regardless of the direction of migration flow. The results specifically show that economic and socio‐cultural drivers of migration are strongest when migration originates in continents dominated by developing countries and terminates in other continents, compared to migration that originates and terminates within the continents. This raises some anomalies and several issues of potential policy intervention.
Praja1 RING‐finger E3 ubiquitin ligase is a common suppressor of neurodegenerative disease‐associated protein aggregation
Authors: Watabe Kazuhiko , Niida‐Kawaguchi Motoko , Tada Mari , Kato Yoichiro , Murata Makiko , Tanji Kunikazu , Wakabayashi Koichi , Yamada Mitsunori , Kakita Akiyoshi , Shibata Noriyuki
Published: June 2022

The formation of misfolded protein aggregates is one of the pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. We have previously demonstrated the cytoplasmic aggregate formation of adenovirally expressed transactivation response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43), the main constituent of neuronal cytoplasmic aggregates in cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), in cultured neuronal cells under the condition of proteasome inhibition. The TDP‐43 aggregate formation was markedly suppressed by co‐infection of adenoviruses expressing heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), a master regulator of heat shock response, and Praja1 RING‐finger E3 ubiquitin ligase (PJA1) located downstream of the HSF1 pathway. In the present study, we examined other reportedly known E3 ubiquitin ligases for TDP‐43, i.e. Parkin, RNF112 and RNF220, but failed to find their suppressive effects on neuronal cytoplasmic TDP‐43 aggregate formation, although they all bind to TDP‐43 as verified by co‐immunoprecipitation. In contrast, PJA1 also binds to adenovirally expressed wild‐type and mutated fused in sarcoma, superoxide dismutase 1, α‐synuclein and ataxin‐3, and huntingtin polyglutamine proteins in neuronal cultures and suppressed the aggregate formation of these proteins. These results suggest that PJA1 is a common sensing factor for aggregate‐prone proteins to counteract their aggregation propensity, and could be a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases that include ALS, FTLD, Parkinson's disease and polyglutamine diseases.
Subjective life expectancy of middle‐aged and older adult cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study in Korea using age‐specific subgroup analysis
Authors: Baek Wonhee , Lee Go Eun
Published: June 2022

Objective

As the population ages and the survival rate of cancer patients increases, long‐term management of older adult cancer survivors has become important. Subjective life expectancy (SLE) is a concept that refers to an individual's particular predicted lifespan, which enables individuals to live an active life with hopeful expectations for the extension of a healthy life. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors related to SLE according to age group, to help enable middle‐aged and older adult cancer survivors to actively live out their lives with a sense of control.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was used.

Methods

This study included 538 participants in the fifth to seventh survey data of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging dataset. Moreover, we conducted multivariable regression analyses.

Results

The participants of this study were 137 middle‐aged (under 64 years), 196 young‐old (65–74 years), 164 old‐old (75–84 years) and 41 oldest‐old (over 85 years) cancer survivors. The mean age of the participants was 71.22 ± 9.4 years. The factors related to SLE were employment status (β = 7.43, p = 0.018) and quality of life (QOL) (β = 0.25, p = 0.010) for the middle‐aged group and age (β = −1.50, p = 0.002) and employment status (β = 10.44, p = 0.003), and QOL (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) in the young‐old group; in the old‐old group and oldest‐old group, the predictors of SLE were QOL (β = 0.35, p = 0.004) and social network (β = 2.76, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

The SLE of middle‐aged and older adult cancer survivors was different by age group, and related factors also varied by it. Therefore, an individual approach for each age group is required to effectively promote SLE.

Implications for practice

By developing and applying differentiated nursing interventions suitable for each age group for middle‐aged and older adult cancer survivors, it should be possible to help them make a healthy transition with positive expectations for life extension.
Histopathological Changes in Liver and Heart Tissue Associated with Experimental Ultraviolet Radiation A and B Exposure on Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Keskin Seda , Acikgoz Eda , Ertürk Fatma Yilmaz , Ragbetli Murat Cetin , Ozkol Halil
Published: June 2022

This study aims to evaluate the influences of ultraviolet radiation A and B (UVA + B) exposure on the liver and heart organs of albino rats. Female Wistar Albino rats, whose hair of the dorsal skin was shaved, were exposed to a combined UVA + B radiation for 2 h/day, for 4 weeks in order to be compared with the control group. Histopathological findings in vital organs (liver and heart) were evaluated. Tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin (pH = 7.2) and embedded in paraffin. The histopathological findings were examined on the H&E stained sections with light microscopy. The results show that the liver and the heart were injured in the UVA + B group. Liver tissue in the UVA + B group showed minimal vacuolation, enlargement of hepatocytes and bile duct proliferation, and the heart tissue showed hibernomas; uniform large cells resembling brown fat with coarsely granular to multivacuolated cytoplasm that is eosinophilic or pale with a small central nucleus. The number of hibernoma cases was significantly higher in the UVA + B group compared with the control group (P = 0.021). The control group showed normal liver and heart histology with normal adipose tissue in the pericardium. As a result, UVA + B exposure has toxic effects, especially on the liver and the heart of Wistar albino rats. UV radiation may cause such adverse effects in humans. Therefore, protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation is of significant importance for skin and organs.
Prognostic significance of CKS2 and CD47 expression in patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zeng Jing , Zhou Wei , Wu Keyan , Tian Zhen , Shen Weigan
Published: June 2022

To investigate the protein expression levels of cyclin‐dependent kinase subunit 2 (CKS2) and the cluster of differentiation (CD) 47 in gastric cancer (GC) and their clinical significance. A total of 126 GC patients who underwent radical resection were selected as study subjects. Additionally, 32 patients with benign gastric tumour, 42 patients with low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIEN), and 49 patients with high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIEN) who underwent surgery were selected as the control groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CKS2 and CD47 in surgical specimens. We statistically analysed the clinical significance of the expression of the two factors. (1) The positivity rates for CKS2 in benign gastric tumour tissue, LGIEN tissue, HGIEN tissue, and GC tissue gradually increased, that is, 6.3% (2/32), 30.9% (13/42), 38.8% (19/49), and 60.3% (76/126), respectively, and the positivity rates for CD47 were 18.8% (6/32), 38.1% (16/42), 46.9% (23/49), and 65.9% (83/126), respectively. (2) High expression of CKS2 and CD47 were associated with tumour diameter, Lauren classification, number of lymph node metastases, and TNM stage. In addition, the immunohistochemical scores for CKS2 and CD47 were positively correlated (r = .625, P = .000). (3) The median follow‐up time of 126 patients was 46.5 months, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 40.5% (51/126). Survival analysis showed that compared with that in the CKS2 (−) group, the OS rate for patients in the CKS2 (+) group was significantly worse and that compared with the CD47 (−) group, the CD47 (+) group had significantly worse OS (30.1% vs 60.5%, χ2 = 15.67, P = .000). (4) The OS rates of CKS2 (+) CD47 (+) group, CKS2 (+) CD47 (−) group, CKS2 (−) CD47 (+) group, and CKS2 (−) CD47 (−) group were 20.0% (13/65), 58.3% (7/12), 57.1% (8/14), 65.7% (23/35), respectively, the prognosis of patients in CKS2 (+) CD47 (+) group was significantly poor. High expression levels of CKS2 and CD47 were closely related to the occurrence of GC and can be used as independent risk factors to assess the prognosis of patients.
Social class bias in welfare sanctioning judgements: Experimental evidence from a nationally representative sample
Authors: de Vries Robert , Reeves Aaron , Geiger Ben
Published: June 2022

In this study, we examine whether welfare deservingness judgements in the United Kingdom are affected by a bias against claimants from stigmatised social class backgrounds. In the United Kingdom, as in other countries, stereotypes of a perceived social ‘underclass’ are widespread. Political and media discourse frequently portrays members of this ‘underclass’ as lazy, feckless and not genuinely in need of support. Yet despite strong academic interest in perceived welfare deservingness, existing research has largely neglected the role of social class bias in deservingness judgements. To address this gap, we use a novel vignette experiment administered to a representative sample of British respondents to provide the first direct evidence of discrimination against welfare claimants with ‘underclass’ signifiers. We find that the British public are more likely to endorse a sanction against a claimant from an ‘underclass’ background than against an otherwise identical claimant from a less stigmatised class background. We also asked respondents to justify their decisions and, applying computational methods to analyse these free‐text responses, we find that ‘underclass’ claimants are more likely to be blamed for violating the conditions of their benefit, while claimants from other class backgrounds are more often given the ‘benefit of the doubt.’ Our findings have important implications for our understanding of the relationship between social class background and public deservingness perceptions, and potentially for the differential treatment of claimants by the benefits system.
Rayleigh–Bénard Convection in a Radiating Fluid
Authors: Siddheshwar P. G. , Kanchana C. , Laroze D.
Published: June 2022

Linear and weakly nonlinear stability analyses of Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC) in a radiating Newtonian fluid are studied in the paper. The optical properties of the Newtonian fluid are considered to be independent of the wavelength of radiation. A gray medium thus assumed allows us to consider two asymptotic cases: (a) optically thin fluid medium (transparent) and (b) optically thick fluid medium (opaque). Using the solution in terms of a truncated Fourier series representation, we arrive at the analytical expression for the Rayleigh number and examine the thermal radiation properties. A modified Lorenz model, which has in it the influence of the radiation parameters, is derived. The analytically intractable three-dimensional Lorenz model is then projected into the one-dimensional Stuart–Landau equation. The analytical solution of the Stuart–Landau equation is used to quantify the heat transport. It is shown that the radiation inhibits the primary instability of convection in both transparent and opaque media. However, the delay of convection is more in the opaque medium compared to that in the transparent medium. Inclusion of a transparent medium creates a “heat-sink-like situation,” whereas the opaque medium leads to an “enhanced-thermal-diffusivity situation.” Both these situations result in diminished heat transport in the RBC system. The analytical expression of the Hopf–Rayleigh number is obtained by linearizing the modified Lorenz model around one of its postonset critical points. This number provides information about the onset of chaos in the dynamical system. The impact of the radiation effect is to delay the appearance of chaos.
High ionic conductivity of ultralow yttria concentration yttria-stabilized zirconia thin films
Authors: Zhang Wenfei , Hua Bin , Miao Mengmeng , Cadien Ken , Luo Jing-Li
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the ionic conductivity of ultralow yttria concentration (<2 mol. %) yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) thin films synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD). With our ALD recipe, yttria is homogeneously distributed among zirconia, and its concentration is controlled by the pulse time of the yttrium precursor. High conductivity values are observed at test temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C). 1.6YSZ exhibits a conductivity of 0.02 S cm−1 at 600 °C and an activation energy of 0.98 eV. In order to relate the electrical property, atomic force microscope and x-ray diffraction are used to study the crystallinity and microstructure. The true size effect is considered to be responsible for the outstanding electrical property. Finally, the effects of YSZ thin film thickness and annealing process on their conductivities are studied. The true size effect is weakened by an increase in grain size from annealing or higher thickness, leading to reduced ionic conductivities.
Volatility in coral cover erodes niche structure, but not diversity, in reef fish assemblages
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Han , Sweatman Hugh P. A. , Thibaut Loïc M. , Connolly Sean R.
Published: June 2022

The world’s coral reefs are experiencing increasing volatility in coral cover, largely because of anthropogenic environmental change, highlighting the need to understand how such volatility will influence the structure and dynamics of reef assemblages. These changes may influence not only richness or evenness but also the temporal stability of species’ relative abundances (temporal beta-diversity). Here, we analyzed reef fish assemblage time series from the Great Barrier Reef to show that, overall, 75% of the variance in abundance among species was attributable to persistent differences in species’ long-term mean abundances. However, the relative importance of stochastic fluctuations in abundance was higher on reefs that experienced greater volatility in coral cover, whereas it did not vary with drivers of alpha-diversity. These findings imply that increased coral cover volatility decreases temporal stability in relative abundances of fishes, a transformation that is not detectable from static measures of biodiversity.
Steroid nuclear receptor coactivator 2 controls immune tolerance by promoting induced T
reg
differentiation via up-regulating Nr4a2
Authors: Zhang Wencan , Cao Xu , Zhong Xiancai , Wu Hongmin , Feng Mingye , Gwack Yousang , Isakov Noah , Sun Zuoming
Published: June 2022

Steroid nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (SRC2) is a member of a family of transcription coactivators. While SRC1 inhibits the differentiation of regulatory T cells (T
regs
) critical for establishing immune tolerance, we show here that SRC2 stimulates T
reg
differentiation. SRC2 is dispensable for the development of thymic T
regs
, whereas naive CD4
+
T cells from mice deficient of SRC2 specific in T
regs
(

SRC2
fl/fl
/Foxp3
YFP-Cre

) display defective T
reg
differentiation. Furthermore, the aged

SRC2
fl/fl
/Foxp3
YFP-Cre

mice spontaneously develop autoimmune phenotypes including enlarged spleen and lung inflammation infiltrated with IFNγ-producing CD4
+
T cells.

SRC2
fl/fl
/Foxp3
YFP-Cre

mice also develop severer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) due to reduced T
regs
. Mechanically, SRC2 recruited by NFAT1 binds to the promoter and activates the expression of
Nr4a2
, which then stimulates Foxp3 expression to promote T
reg
differentiation. Members of SRC family coactivators thus play distinct roles in T
reg
differentiation and are potential drug targets for controlling immune tolerance.
The balance between protective and pathogenic immune responses to pneumonia in the neonatal lung is enforced by gut microbiota
Authors: Stevens Joseph , Steinmeyer Shelby , Bonfield Madeline , Peterson Laura , Wang Timothy , Gray Jerilyn , Lewkowich Ian , Xu Yan , Du Yina , Guo Minzhe , Wynn James L. , Zacharias William , Salomonis Nathan , Miller Lisa , Chougnet Claire , O’Connor Dennis Hartigan , Deshmukh Hitesh
Published: June 2022

Although modern clinical practices such as cesarean sections and perinatal antibiotics have improved infant survival, treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics alters intestinal microbiota and causes dysbiosis. Infants exposed to perinatal antibiotics have an increased likelihood of life-threatening infections, including pneumonia. Here, we investigated how the gut microbiota sculpt pulmonary immune responses, promoting recovery and resolution of infection in newborn rhesus macaques. Early-life antibiotic exposure interrupted the maturation of intestinal commensal bacteria and disrupted the developmental trajectory of the pulmonary immune system, as assessed by single-cell proteomic and transcriptomic analyses. Early-life antibiotic exposure rendered newborn macaques more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia, concurrent with increases in neutrophil senescence and hyperinflammation, broad inflammatory cytokine signaling, and macrophage dysfunction. This pathogenic reprogramming of pulmonary immunity was further reflected by a hyperinflammatory signature in all pulmonary immune cell subsets coupled with a global loss of tissue-protective, homeostatic pathways in the lungs of dysbiotic newborns. Fecal microbiota transfer was associated with partial correction of the broad immune maladaptations and protection against severe pneumonia. These data demonstrate the importance of intestinal microbiota in programming pulmonary immunity and support the idea that gut microbiota promote the balance between pathways driving tissue repair and inflammatory responses associated with clinical recovery from infection in infants. Our results highlight a potential role for microbial transfer for immune support in these at-risk infants.
Sex-specific effects of daily tadalafil on diabetic heart kinetics in RECOGITO, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Pofi Riccardo , Giannetta Elisa , Feola Tiziana , Galea Nicola , Barbagallo Federica , Campolo Federica , Badagliacca Roberto , Barbano Biagio , Ciolina Federica , Defeudis Giuseppe , Filardi Tiziana , Sesti Franz , Minnetti Marianna , Vizza Carmine D. , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Caboni Pierluigi , Carbone Iacopo , Francone Marco , Catalano Carlo , Pozzilli Paolo , Lenzi Andrea , Venneri Mary Anna , Gianfrilli Daniele , Isidori Andrea M.
Published: June 2022

Cyclic GMP–phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibition has been shown to counteract maladaptive cardiac changes triggered by diabetes in some but not all studies. We performed a single-center, 20-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT01803828) to assess sex differences in cardiac remodeling after PDE5 inhibition in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy. A total of 122 men and women (45 to 80 years) with long-duration (>3 years) and well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; HbA1c < 86 mmol/mol) were selected according to echocardiographic signs of cardiac remodeling. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to placebo or oral tadalafil (20 mg, once daily). The primary outcome was to evaluate sex differences in cardiac torsion change. Secondary outcomes were changes in cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and renal function. At 20 weeks, the treatment-by-sex interaction documented an improvement in cardiac torsion (−3.40°, −5.96; −0.84,
P
= 0.011) and fiber shortening (−1.19%, −2.24; −0.14,
P
= 0.027) in men but not women. The primary outcome could not be explained by differences in cGMP concentrations or tadalafil pharmacodynamics. In both sexes, tadalafil improved hsa-miR-199-5p expression, biomarkers of cardiovascular remodeling, albuminuria, renal artery resistive index, and circulating Klotho concentrations. Immune cell profiling revealed an improvement in low-grade chronic inflammation: Classic CD14
++
CD16
−
monocytes reduced, and Tie2
+
monocytes increased. Nine patients (14.5%) had minor adverse reactions after tadalafil administration. Continuous PDE5 inhibition could offer a strategy to target cardiorenal complications of T2DM, with sex- and tissue-specific responses. Further studies are needed to confirm Klotho and hsa-miR-199-5p as markers for T2DM complications.
Repurposing the Kinase Inhibitor Mavelertinib for Giardiasis Therapy
Authors: Michaels Samantha A. , Hulverson Matthew A. , Whitman Grant R. , Tran Linh T. , Choi Ryan , Fan Erkang , McNamara Case W. , Love Melissa S. , Ojo Kayode K.
Published: June 2022

A phenotypic screen of the ReFRAME compound library was performed to identify cell-active inhibitors that could be developed as therapeutics for giardiasis. A primary screen against
Giardia lamblia
GS clone H7 identified 85 cell-active compounds at a hit rate of 0.72%.
Structural Basis of the Immunity Mechanisms of Pediocin-like Bacteriocins
Authors: Zhu Liyan , Zeng Jianwei , Wang Jiawei
Published: June 2022

Pediocin-like bacteriocins, ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides, are generally co-expressed with cognate immunity proteins to protect the bacteriocin-producing strain from its own bacteriocin. Bacteriocins are considered potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics in the context of the bacterial resistance crisis, but the immunity mechanism is unclear. This study uncovered the mechanisms of action and immunity of class IIa bacteriocins.
Comparative Analysis of Diverse Acetyltransferase-Type Toxin-Antitoxin Loci in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Goh Ying-Xian , Li Peifei , Wang Meng , Djordjevic Marko , Tai Cui , Wang Hui , Deng Zixin , Chen Zhaoyan , Ou Hong-Yu
Published: June 2022

Elucidating the roles of multifaceted GNAT-RHH TA loci is essential for understanding how these TAs interact among themselves. Recently, the reaction mechanisms and structures of several GNAT-RHH pairs have been reported.
Comparative Analysis of the Structure of Differences between Some Morphotypes of Large African Barbs of Genus Barbus (Labeobarbus auctorum) from Lake Tana, Ethiopia
Authors: Mina M. V. , Mironovsky A. N.
Published: June 2022

Abstract—

It is shown that the phyletic relationships of the morphotypes of large African barbs Barbus (Labeobarbus auctorum) may be assessed by the results of a comparative analysis of the structure of morphological differences between them. At the same time, the structure of differences between two samples is characterized by the distribution of eigenvector loadings of characters on the principle component, according to which their most clear separation is revealed; and the similarity of the structure of differences between pairs of samples is assessed by comparing the structure of differences between samples in the first and second pairs. The hypothesis, according to which the phenetic hierarchy of morphotypes of large African barbs from Lake Tana arose as a result of independent branching of ontogenetic channels from the channel of the generalized form is confirmed. The similarity of the structure of differences between morphotypes is characterized by the similarity of eigenvector loadings in pairwise comparisons and the similarity of the location of characters ranked by the magnitude of their eigenvector loadings.
Solvate Ionic Liquids: Assessing the Possibility of Determining the Composition by Means of Gas–Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Sheina L. V. , Karaseva E. V. , Battalova E. A. , Ivanov S. P. , Kolosnitsyn V. S.
Published: June 2022

A study is performed of the possibility of using gas–liquid chromatography (GLC) to determine the composition of solutions of lithium salts in aprotic dipolar solvents and solvate ionic liquids. The objects of study are solutions of lithium perchlorate and lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate in sulfolane and solvate complexes of lithium perchlorate with sulfolane obtained in two ways: direct interaction of the initial components in a given molar ratio and interaction of the components in a common solvent with its subsequent removal via evaporation. It is shown that GLC is a convenient way of determining the content of a solvating solvent in the composition of solutions and solvate ionic liquids. The presence of lithium salt in the analyzed solutions does not affect the period of retention; instead, it raises the degree of asymmetry of the chromatographic peak of the solvent and manifestation of the tailing effect. It is found that the presence of salt in the considered system also does not reduce the accuracy of determining the solvent content. The error in determining the content of solvent in solutions of lithium salts and solvate complexes by GLC is no greater than 1%.