bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wound healing efficacy of rhamnolipid‐coated zinc oxide nanoparticle along with its in vivo antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Malakar Chandana , Kashyap Bhaswati , Kalita Mohan Chandra , Deka Suresh
Published: October 2022

Rhamnolipids are microbial metabolites with antibacterial efficacies, which can be further boosted through the application of nanobiotechnology. In this study, the efficacy of rhamnolipid‐coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnRL) has been studied for their wound healing efficacy as well as in vivo antibacterial efficacy. Thus, this study evaluates the efficacy of ZnRL to heal an excised infected wound, which was compared with the healing efficacy of rhamnolipid and clindamycin. The study revealed that rhamnolipid‐coated zinc oxide nanoparticles possess promising wound healing efficacy with prominent antibacterial activity in the rat model. Prominent wound healing in a Staphylococcus aureus infected excised wound was observed on the 5th day of the treatment when the wound site was treated with 100 μl of 0.5 mg/ml of ZnRL. This concentration of ZnRL was found to exhibit efficient antibacterial activity against the pathogen, thereby decreasing the amount of pathogen in the wound site. ZnRL exhibited efficient wound contraction, thereby decreasing the size of the wound prominently in 5 days. Histological study revealed efficient tissue remodelling in ZnRL‐treated skin which resulted in rapid formation of the epidermis and recruitment of various dermal cells within the 5th day of treatment. The study also revealed the non‐cytotoxic effect of the nanoparticles in fibroblast cell line L929 and the non‐haemolytic effect against blood cells, indicating its potential in pharmaceuticals.
Statistical learning from Brazilian fake news
Authors: Lima Gabriel B. , Chaves Thiago de M. , Freitas Wanessa W. L. , de Souza Renata M. C. R.
Published: October 2022

Fake news is information that does not represent reality but is commonly shared on the internet as if it were true, mainly because of its dramatic, appealing, and controversial content. Therefore, a relevant issue is to find characteristics that can assist in identifying Fake News, mainly nowadays, where an increasing number of fake news is spread all over the internet every day. This work aims to extract knowledge from Brazilian fake news data based on statistical learning. Initially, an exploratory data analysis is performed for the available variables to extract insights from the differences between fake and true news. Then, the prediction and modelling are carried out. The learning phase aims to build a model and measure the features that best explain the behaviour of misleading texts, which leads to a parsimonious model. Finally, the test phase estimates the fitted model accuracy based on 10‐fold cross‐validation in the Monte Carlo framework. The results show that four variables are significant to explain fake news. Moreover, our model achieved comparable results with state‐of‐the‐art, 0.941 F‐measure, for a single classifier while having the advantage of being a parsimonious model. This work's details and code can be found at https://github.com/limagbz/fake-news-ptBR.
Nizp1 is a specific NUP98‐NSD1 functional interactor that regulates NUP98‐NSD1‐dependent oncogenic programs
Authors: Berardi Andrea , Botrugno Oronza A. , Quilici Giacomo , Manteiga José Manuel Garcia , Bachi Angela , Tonon Giovanni , Musco Giovanna
Published: October 2022

NSD1, NSD2 and NSD3 proteins constitute a family of histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methyltransferases with similar domain architecture, but diversified activities, in part, dependent on their non‐enzymatic domains. These domains, despite their high sequence identity, recruit the hosting proteins to different chromatin regions through the recognition of diverse epigenetic marks and/or associations to distinct interactors. In this sense, the PHDvC5HCH finger tandem domain represents a paradigmatic example of functional divergence within the NSD family. In this work, we prove and give a structural rationale for the uniqueness of the PHDvC5HCH domain of NSD1 in recognizing the C2HR Zinc finger domain of Nizp1 (NSD1 interacting Zn finger protein). Importantly, we show that, in a leukaemogenic context, Nizp1 is pivotal in driving the unscheduled expression of HoxA genes and of genes involved in the type I IFN pathway, triggered by the expression of the fusion protein NUP98‐NSD1. These data provide the first insight into the pathophysiological relevance of the Nizp1‐NSD1 functional association. Targeting of this interaction might open new therapeutic windows to inhibit the NUP98‐NSD1 oncogenic properties.
Plant secondary metabolic responses to global climate change: A meta‐analysis in medicinal and aromatic plants
Authors: Sun Yuming , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: October 2022

Plant secondary metabolites (SMs) play crucial roles in plant‐environment interactions and contribute greatly to human health. Global climate changes are expected to dramatically affect plant secondary metabolism, yet a systematic understanding of such influences is still lacking. Here, we employed medicinal and aromatic plants (MAAPs) as model plant taxa and performed a meta‐analysis from 360 publications using 1828 paired observations to assess the responses of different SMs levels and the accompanying plant traits to elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), elevated temperature (eT), elevated nitrogen deposition (eN) and decreased precipitation (dP). The overall results showed that phenolic and terpenoid levels generally respond positively to eCO2 but negatively to eN, while the total alkaloid concentration was increased remarkably by eN. By contrast, dP promotes the levels of all SMs, while eT exclusively exerts a positive influence on the levels of phenolic compounds. Further analysis highlighted the dependence of SM responses on different moderators such as plant functional types, climate change levels or exposure durations, mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation. Moreover, plant phenolic and terpenoid responses to climate changes could be attributed to the variations of C/N ratio and total soluble sugar levels, while the trade‐off supposition contributed to SM responses to climate changes other than eCO2. Taken together, our results predicted the distinctive SM responses to diverse climate changes in MAAPs and allowed us to define potential moderators responsible for these variations. Further, linking SM responses to C‐N metabolism and growth‐defence balance provided biological understandings in terms of plant secondary metabolic regulation.
Perceptions and imaginaries about the fourth industrial revolution between geographies of opportunity and discontent: Some reflections on the Italian case
Authors: Lazzeroni Michela , Albanese Valentina Erminia
Published: October 2022

The pervasiveness of advanced technologies and their disruptive impact on society have spurred the debate on the emergence of a new industrial revolution and on its positive and negative effects, both at an individual and spatial level. This paper aims to contribute to this debate, focusing attention on the perception of changes related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and exploring new methods of analysis of the manifestations of both techno‐enthusiasm and opposition to it. Starting from the extensive literature in this field, the work adopts two research perspectives: the study of imaginaries and narratives developed around the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which convey different messages from social groups and places; the geographies of opportunity and discontent, which address the resentment expressed by some localities towards advanced technological models and growing inequalities. In this work the Fourth Industrial Revolution is not interpreted through data about the technological variables or interviews to protagonists of the phenomenon; rather, emphasis is on the points of view of non‐institutional subjects and, in particular, the opinions expressed by people on the Web. For this reason, the sentiment analysis has been adopted to identify both positive and negative polarities and the relevance of specific feelings through the selection of key words related to the notion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The empirical analysis based on this methodology focuses on the Italian case in a specific period (first and second phase of the pandemic, from January 2020 to September 2021) and, at a local level, on the comparison between four medium‐sized cities (Pisa, Lecce, Taranto and Terni). This paper also tries to extend recent contributions through the provision of new perspectives for the definition of policies designed with the involvement of the population and places regarding both the processes of technological change and the definition of new socio‐spatial models.
Factors associated with regular dental attendance by aged adults: A systematic review
Authors: Tu Raychel Yap , Liang Phoebe , Tan Alan Jia‐Ming , Tran Daniel Hien Gia , He Antonio Menglong , Je Heidi , Kroon Jeroen
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To determine factors influencing regular dental attendance in aged adults 65 and over according to Andersen's Behavioural Model.

Background

Regular attendance for dental visits is vital to improve and maintain oral health, quality of life and general well‐being. Aged adults 65 years and older experience barriers to regular dental attendance, which in turn leads to an increased risk for oral diseases.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was undertaken in April 2021 in Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Cinahl, Dentistry & Oral Science Source via EBSCOhost and Embase for papers on factors influencing the frequency of attendance by older people. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale for cohort and case–control studies, and with modified version of this tool for cross‐sectional studies. Frequency effect size was calculated for factors described in Andersen's Behavioural Model (predisposing, enabling and needs‐related).

Results

Twenty‐one studies were eligible for inclusion. Factors frequently investigated affecting regular dental attendance included: age, gender, education (predisposing); income, and social support (enabling); and remaining teeth, pain, perceived health (needs‐related). Income was the only factors with a 100% positive association with regular dental attendance.

Conclusions

This systematic review confirms the complex interconnectedness of several factors and dental attendance in older adults. A number of factors were identified which warrant further investigation to improve access to dental care to socio‐economically vulnerable older populations.
Multifunctionality and diversity of livestock grazing systems for sustainable food systems throughout the world: Are there learning opportunities for Europe?
Authors: Ickowicz Alexandre , Hubert Bernard , Blanchard Mélanie , Blanfort Vincent , Cesaro Jean‐Daniel , Diaw Arona , Lasseur Jacques , Thi Thanh Huyen Le , Li Li , Mauricio Rogerio Martins , Cangussu Mauroni , Müller Jean‐Pierre , Quiroga Mendiola Mariana , Quiroga Roger Juan , Vera Tomas Anibal , Ulambayar Tungalag , Wedderburn Liz
Published: October 2022

Throughout the world, livestock grazing systems (LGS) include, and provide livelihoods for, many rural populations. These LGS are represented in a wide variety of agroecological contexts and offer a huge variety of system organization. They contribute to sustainable food systems by providing multiple products including low‐cost edible proteins and energy, draft power, outputs (carbon and soil nutrient regulation, landscape and biodiversity maintenance), roles (local development support in harsh environments, contribution to the circular economy) and benefits to populations (revenue, employment, and cultural assets). These multiple functions can be described through a multifunctional conceptual model specified for LGS. Applied to cases in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe, the framework enables the assessment of these systems in a holistic manner that includes four dimensions: production, social, environmental and local development. These dimensions and associated local indicators demonstrate the potential important contribution that LGS may deliver to sustainable food systems. Management of interactions and trade‐offs between these functions may be improved using such a model in a multi‐stakeholder approach. Some of the functions and balance between them might have been overlooked in the consideration of European food systems.
Role of computed tomography‐based evaluation of skeletal muscle area in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure after cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Harada Taisuke , Kondo Hidekazu , Yufu Kunio , Uno Akihiro , Takahashi Masaki , Wada Masato , Yamasaki Hirochika , Ogawa Naoko , Takano Masayuki , Hirota Kei , Ishii Yumi , Yonezu Keisuke , Saito Shotaro , Fukui Akira , Akioka Hidefumi , Shinohara Tetsuji , Teshima Yasushi , Nakagawa Mikiko , Takahashi Naohiko
Published: October 2022

Aim

This study aimed to determine possible associations between sarcopenia and poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 120 patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy between March 2004 and June 2018. In total, 58 patients who underwent computed tomography within 30 days of cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation were eligible for inclusion, and their data were analyzed (25 women; 33 men; mean age 71.6 ± 8.7 years). Skeletal muscle area was measured at the third lumbar vertebra, and skeletal muscle index was calculated. Major adverse cardiovascular events included cardiovascular death, hospitalization due to heart failure, cerebral infarction, acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest.

Results

During the follow‐up period (mean 868 ± 617 days), major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 22 of 58 patients (38%). The patients were allocated to two groups according to sex‐based tertiles of skeletal muscle index. The lowest tertile was defined as the low skeletal muscle index group. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the low skeletal muscle index group had a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (log‐rank 4.38; P = 0.036). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis also showed that low skeletal muscle index values were significantly associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 3.08; 95% confidence interval 1.26–7.66, P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Decreases in skeletal mass index on computed tomography might predict the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with chronic heart failure who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 1013–1018.
Emicizumab dose up‐titration in case of suboptimal bleeding control in people with haemophilia A
Authors: Schmitt Christophe , Mancuso Maria Elisa , Chang Tiffany , Podolak‐Dawidziak Maria , Petry Claire , Sidonio Jr Robert , Yoneyama Koichiro , Key Nigel S. , Niggli Markus , Lehle Michaela , Peyvandi Flora , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Emicizumab promotes effective haemostasis in people with haemophilia A (PwHA). It is indicated for routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in PwHA with or without factor (F)VIII inhibitors.

Aim

To investigate the effect of emicizumab dose up‐titration in PwHA with suboptimal bleeding control.

Methods

Data from seven completed or ongoing phase III studies were pooled. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and bleeding events were evaluated before and after dose up‐titration. Adverse events (AEs) were compared between PwHA with and without dose up‐titration.

Results

Of 675 PwHA evaluable for the analysis, 24 (3.6%) had their maintenance dose up‐titrated to 3 mg/kg once weekly (QW). Two participants had neutralising antibodies (nAbs) associated with decreased emicizumab exposure, and dose increase did not compensate for the effect of nAbs. In the other 22 participants, mean emicizumab steady‐state trough concentrations increased from 44.0 to 86.2 μg/mL after up‐titration. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) efficacy period prior to up‐titration was 24.6 (24.0–32.0) weeks. The model‐based annualised bleed rate for ‘treated bleeds’ and ‘all bleeds’ decreased by 70.2% and 72.9%, respectively, after a median (IQR) follow‐up of 97.1 (48.4–123.3) weeks in the up‐titration period. Incidences of injection‐site reactions and serious AEs were higher in PwHA with up‐titration; however, this was already observed in these participants before the dose up‐titration. Overall, the safety profile appeared similar between PwHA with and without up‐titration.

Conclusion

The dose up‐titration to 3 mg/kg QW was well tolerated. Bleed control improved in most participants whose bleeding tendency was inadequately controlled during clinical trials.
Diffusion bonding of SiC ceramics with interlayers of metallic titanium foils and PVD titanium coatings
Authors: Halbig Michael C. , Singh Mrityunjay , Tsuda Hisoshi , Asthana Rajiv
Published: October 2022

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a candidate material for high‐temperature structural aerospace applications due to its thermal and mechanical properties. Joining technologies enable the fabrication of complex shaped components needed for such applications. Various interlayers and processing conditions were used to form diffusion bonds between SiC substrates. Interlayers of titanium (Ti) foils and physically vapor deposited Ti coatings were used in the thicknesses of 10 and 20 μm with processing hold times of 1, 2, and 4 h. Polished cross sections of resulting diffusion bonds were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From the TEM analysis, selected‐area diffraction patterns for Ti3SiC2, Ti5Si3Cx, and TiSi2 were observed. Moreover, TiC and an unknown phase were present in diffusion bonds formed with metallic titanium foil. From the SEM/EDS analyses, intermediate phases of Ti5Si3Cx and TiC were found to be present in microcracked diffusion bonds. With the thinner Ti interlayers and/or longer processing time, microcracking was alleviated or eliminated due to the presence of the more stable and lower thermal expansive phases of Ti3SiC2 and TiSi2. Detailed analysis of microstructures and the probable phases that formed in the bonded regions is presented.
Gel properties, physicochemical properties, and sensory attributes of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) surimi gel treated with sodium chloride (NaCl) substitutes
Authors: Chen Nuo , Jiang Qixing , Gao Pei , Yu Dawei , Yang Fang , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effects of different NaCl substitutes on the gel properties, physicochemical properties, and sensory attributes of shrimp surimi gel to produce high‐quality reduced‐salt shrimp surimi gel. The results showed that CaCl2, calcium ascorbate (Vc‐Ca), and L‐arginine (L‐Arg) could significantly improve the gel strength and texture of shrimp surimi gel compared to NaCl. The addition of CaCl2, Vc‐Ca, and L‐Arg significantly increased the number of disulphide bonds and the content of β‐sheet structures compared to NaCl. The electrophoretic analysis revealed that CaCl2, Vc‐Ca, and L‐Arg had protective effects on the myosin heavy chain during thermal gelation. Additionally, CaCl2 and L‐Arg promoted the cross‐linking of myofibrillar proteins to form the denser and less porous microstructures, and thus improved the gel properties of shrimp surimi gel. In general, the introduction of L‐Arg as a substitute for NaCl acquired the best gel properties and sensory attributes of shrimp surimi gels, followed by CaCl2 and Vc‐Ca.
C3‐dependent effector functions of complement
Authors: Zarantonello Alessandra , Revel Margot , Grunenwald Anne , Roumenina Lubka T.
Published: October 2022

C3 is the central effector molecule of the complement system, mediating its multiple functions through different binding sites and their corresponding receptors. We will introduce the C3 forms (native C3, C3 [H2O], and intracellular C3), the C3 fragments C3a, C3b, iC3b, and C3dg/C3d, and the C3 expression sites. To highlight the important role that C3 plays in human biological processes, we will give an overview of the diseases linked to C3 deficiency and to uncontrolled C3 activation. Next, we will present a structural description of C3 activation and of the C3 fragments generated by complement regulation. We will proceed by describing the C3a interaction with the anaphylatoxin receptor, followed by the interactions of opsonins (C3b, iC3b, and C3dg/C3d) with complement receptors, divided into two groups: receptors bearing complement regulatory functions and the effector receptors without complement regulatory activity. We outline the molecular architecture of the receptors, their binding sites on the C3 activation fragments, the cells expressing them, the diversity of their functions, and recent advances. With this review, we aim to give an up‐to‐date analysis of the processes triggered by C3 activation fragments on different cell types in health and disease contexts.
Nurses’ perceptions of using volunteer support in health care settings: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Crookes Kate , Saunders Rosemary , Kemp Vivien , Gallagher Olivia , Ghosh Manonita , Bulsara Caroline , Gullick Karen , O'Connell Bev
Published: October 2022

Aims

To understand nurses’ perceptions of volunteer support in health care settings.

Background

Increasingly, volunteers provide specialised support to health care service users, requiring volunteers and nurses to work closely together. However, little is known about nurses’ perceptions of volunteer support.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. A mixed‐methods convergent integrative approach was taken guided by the JBI framework. Quantitative data were transformed into qualitative data for synthesis and descriptive thematic analysis. Six databases were searched (CINHAL+, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, ProQuest Health and Medical Collection) on 24 January 2022 using terms related to nurses, perceptions, volunteers and care settings, followed by a manual search. The search was limited to English language articles published during 2000–2022. Studies were included if they reported nurses’ perceptions of volunteers supporting care within any health care setting.

Results

Of the 943 records identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria. All 12 were included in the review following critical appraisal. Five themes were identified: perceived benefits for patients, volunteers providing support for nursing staff, nurses’ valuing volunteer support, nurses’ understanding of the volunteer role and nurses’ understanding of recruitment and training of volunteers.

Conclusion

Nurses generally viewed volunteer support positively and perceived that it benefitted patients and assisted nurses. Some nurses raised concerns about the burden of additional supervision of volunteers and lacked knowledge of the volunteer role, recruitment and training. Emerging innovative models of nurse‐led volunteer support can maximise the contribution of volunteers and help overcome barriers to volunteer acceptance.

Implications

These findings will inform volunteer policies and provide guidance in developing volunteer support programs.
Qualitative study on barriers and coping strategies for dental care in autistic children: Parents' perspective
Authors: Junnarkar Vrushali Sameer , Tong Huei Jinn , Hanna Kamal Maher Batra , Aishworiya Ramkumar , Duggal Monty
Published: October 2022

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) face challenges in home oral care, accessing a dentist and accepting dental treatment.

Aim

To determine the barriers to dental care for autistic children in Singapore through the experiences and opinions of their parents.

Design

A qualitative exploratory approach comprising semistructured interviews and a focus group discussion was used. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded into themes using NVivo 12 software.

Results

Participants were 23 parents of autistic children aged 3–12 years. The following barriers were identified: (1) Sensory, physical and parental knowledge issues are related to toothbrushing difficulties and use of nonoptimally fluoridated toothpaste in autistic children. (2) Accessing dental services was hindered by a lack of parental knowledge on the importance of an early dental home, parental apprehension about the child's acceptance of dental care, lack of information on specialised dentists and perceived high cost of dental visits. Parental suggestions for improvements included understanding the child's sensory profile, more information on finding a suitable dentist and subsidisation of costs for multiple acclimatisation visits.

Conclusion

Caregivers' education, information about specialised dentists and the availability of specific dental care resources for autistic children in Singapore are needed for optimising their dental care.
Endoscopic approach to complex or recurrent pilonidal sinus: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Maione Francesco , D'Amore Anna , Milone Marco , Vertaldi Sara , Anoldo Pietro , Chini Alessia , Sorrentino Carmen , Marello Alessandra , Cantore Grazia , Maione Rosa , D'Angelo Salvatore , D'Alesio Nicola , De Simone Giuseppe , Servillo Giuseppe , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Manigrasso Michele
Published: October 2022

Pilonidal Sinus is a benign, chronic disease that affects the hair follicles of the natal cleft of the sacrococcygeal area. Its ideal treatment is controversial, especially in complex or recurrent cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of minimally invasive endoscopic approach in this setting. We enrolled patients affected by complex or recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus from January 2015 through December 2020 who underwent Video‐Assisted Ablation of Pilonidal Sinus. All patients enrolled were re‐evaluated once a year with a standard physical examination. The patients included were 38. Recurrence rate at 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐years follow‐ups were 28.9%, 22.2% and 38.1% respectively. Of interest, the mean (SD) distance from the most lateral orifice to the midline was higher in group of patients with recurrence and the multivariate analysis demonstrated that it was the limiting factor, which influences the recurrence rate. In complex or recurrent pilonidal sinus disease with pits off the midline the endoscopic approach should not be the first choice. This makes us think that these cases should have their own classification to be identified and guide surgeons in choosing the appropriate approach.
Ten days (vs. May 10) make you rush: The effect of time descriptions on task scheduling
Authors: Jeong Yunjoo , Hwang Sanyoung , Suk Kwanho
Published: October 2022

A time interval can be presented as a duration (e.g., 10 days) or a calendar date (e.g., May 10). This study examines the influence of time descriptions on task scheduling. Results of 10 studies (N = 2,129) present evidence that people tend to schedule their tasks earlier when the time interval is described as a duration than a date. This time description effect is accounted for by different mindsets. People tend to have an implemental mindset when time is described as a duration (vs. date) because of stronger feelings of being inside the time frame. This mindset affects decisions on scheduling when to initiate future tasks.
How tectonic, volcanic and climatic processes in Andean ‘sky islands’ shaped the diversification of endemic ground beetles
Authors: Murienne Jérôme , Barragán Álvaro , Manzi Sophie , Samaniego Pablo , Moret Pierre
Published: October 2022

Aim

The Andean superpáramo ecosystem, above c. 4200 m a.s.l., currently forms an archipelago of isolated ‘sky islands’ which provides a unique setting to study biogeography. However, there is still a poor understanding of how past geological events, together with past climatic changes, have shaped the distribution of life in this ecosystem. Our aim was to investigate the importance of biogeographical barriers in local diversifications and to analyse how populations have become isolated on current ‘sky islands’.

Location

Neotropics, Andes, Páramo, Ecuador.

Taxon

Coleoptera, Carabidae, Platynini, Dyscolus.

Methods

We first used distributional data of 45 superpáramo specialist species to define areas of endemism in northern Ecuador. We then selected 34 currently isolated populations of 12 species to perform a high‐throughput genome skimming approach encompassing the complete mitogenome and the complete nuclear ribosomal cluster. We also generated a time‐calibrated estimation for the diversification of the group, and compared it to geochronological data.

Results

A high proportion (60%) of the sampled species are microendemic, being restricted to a single mountain summit. Three mutually exclusive areas of endemism are limited by deep transverse valleys across the Andes, and Pliocene speciation events are related to these orogenic barriers. The phylogeny obtained from the genome‐skimming approach provides a robust base to analyse the diversification of superpáramo endemic species and populations throughout the Plio‐Pleistocene.

Main conclusions

The opening of the Interandean Valley did not play a significant role in the diversification of the group prior to the Pleistocene. More recently, multiple populations have become isolated on the superpáramo of various volcanoes by independently colonizing this habitat during repeated cycles of glacial–interglacial periods. Our results highlight the joint contribution of orogeny and climatic fluctuations for explaining the current patterns of distribution. Each species had a different colonization history, with its populations reaching the different volcanoes at different glacial–interglacial cycles. Our approach also can provide a powerful tool to constrain the geological processes responsible for the topographic changes along and across the Cordillera.
Study on the multitarget mechanism of alliin activating autophagy based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Cheng Bijun , Li Tianjiao , Li Fenglin
Published: October 2022

Due to the rapid development of bioinformatics, network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches have been successfully applied in the investigation of mechanisms of action. Here, we combined network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict the targets and reveal the molecular mechanism responsible for regulating autophagy by alliin. Based on the influence of alliin on autophagy, the targets of alliin were screened on the basis of different rules such as structural similarity by Pharmmapper, and genes associated with autophagy were collected from the GeneCards database. We focused on clarifying the biological processes and signalling pathways related to autophagy. Through the cytoHubba plug‐in and a series of integrated bioinformatics analyses, the top nine hub nodes with higher degrees were obtained. And finally, through the LibDock included in Discovery Studio 2019, molecular docking method was adopted to declare the reliability of the interaction between alliin and hub targets. The results suggest that alliin‐activated autophagy was possibly associated with pathways in cancer and the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway. Furthermore, the potential targets (AKT1, MAPK14, MAPK, HSPA8, EGFR, HSP90AA1, SRC HSPA1A and HSP90AB1) were swimmingly screened on the basis of this practical strategy. Molecular docking analysis indicates that alliin can bind with AKT1 and EGFR with good binding scores. This network pharmacology could be an invaluable strategy for the investigation of action mechanisms of alliin‐activated autophagy. This study not only provides new and systematic insights into the underlying mechanism of alliin on autophagy, but also provides novel ideas for network approaches for autophagy‐related research.
Sex‐linked variations in the sagittal otolith biometry ofNemipterus randalli(Russell, 1986) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Yazici Ramazan
Published: October 2022

Few studies have been conducted on the sagittal otolith shape and morphometry ofNemipterus randalli, and none of these studies has examined the effect of sexual dimorphism on the otolith morphology of this species, therefore this study aimed to contribute to knowledge about the otolith morphology ofN. randalli, an invasive fish species for the Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, a total of 132 samples (51 female and 81 male) were obtained from İskenderun Bay with the help of commercial fishermen in November 2018. Relationships between otolith measurements and fish size were determined. Shape indices and elliptic Fourier coefficients were calculated. Significant differences were detected between males and females in all analysis. The sexes were separated from each other using both shape indices and elliptic Fourier coefficients. However, shape analysis was more effective in distinguishing sexes than traditional morphometric analysis. Asymmetry in the otolith morphology of sexes has been attributed to differences in the growth and sexual maturity of male and female fish. The results of this study indicated that sexual dimorphism inNemipterus randalliwas also reflected in the otolith morphology.
Extraction and encapsulation of bioactive compounds: A review
Authors: Peixoto Fernanda Barroso , Raimundini Aranha Ana Caroline , Nardino Danielli Andrea , Defendi Rafael Oliveira , Suzuki Rúbia Michele
Published: October 2022

The purposes of this article are to address the different bioactive compounds present in plant matrices, emphasizing the importance in choosing the extraction method in the yield and quality of extracted compounds, using techniques to determine antioxidant activity. As well as to expose the main mathematical models used in the kinetic study for process optimization and the influence of encapsulation on the conservation of bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds are chemical molecules that have medicinal properties, acting in the prevention of diseases. The wide variety of bioactive compounds present in plants determines their characteristics, and the different combinations of these phytochemicals confer the particularities of each matrix. The extraction of compounds is extremely important, due to their industrial applications, being widely used in the production of food, supplements, cosmetics, and medicines, as ingredients or additives of these products. It was observed that new technologies are able to improve extraction efficiency obtaining higher yields and antioxidant activity than conventional methods. To obtain the extraction mechanism, aiming at optimizing time, several empirical kinetic models are used. The employability of mathematical models helps in the kinetic extraction profile, verifying the extraction profile of antioxidant compounds. Among these models, Hyperbolic was the one that best adapted to the studies performed. Then, for the preservation of the bioactive compounds obtained in the extraction process, encapsulation is carried out. This process prevents the degradation of compounds caused by external conditions such as light, heat, humidity, and increase in desirable properties, decreasing the evaporation of trapped active agents.
Food processing of egg white using ultrasonically generated microbubbles
Authors: Takita Takeshi , Makuta Tosinori
Published: October 2022

We developed the novel food processing method with directly generating microbubbles (MBs) in a highly viscous fluid like egg white with the hollow ultrasonic horn, which was impossible with conventional MBs generators. As for egg white processing with this method, we characterized the meringue produced by generating MBs made in the egg white and its use in cakes and puddings, hence, demonstrating the practicality of our method. These results reveal that MB meringue having high expansion rate than normally processed meringue and liquid egg white containing many MBs stably over a week are generated by the process with the hollow ultrasonic horn. In case of applying the egg white with MBs to cake and pudding, the expansion rate of cake increased and texture of cakes and puddings are changed.

Practical Applications

When the egg white processed by hollow ultrasonic horn applied to cakes, those use affected the volume expansion and texture of the cake. These results indicate a possibility to process egg whites using microbubbles (MBs) by controlling the texture and volume. This technology can be widely applied not only to egg whites, but also to high‐temperature, high‐viscosity liquid foodstuffs such as jelly liquid, honey, and oil. If many MBs can be injected into these foods during the cooking or pre‐cooking process, it is possible to meet the needs for a wide variety of textures and tastes, and it is also expected to be applied to nursing food for the elderly who have swallowing difficulties.
Nondestructive detection of S‐ovalbumin content in eggs using portable NIR spectrometer and MPA‐CARS
Authors: Yao Kunshan , Sun Jun , Cheng Jiehong , Xu Min , Chen Chen , Zhou Xin
Published: October 2022

The feasibility of applying a low‐cost and portable NIR spectrometer to detect the S‐ovalbumin content of eggs was investigated in this study, and a model population analysis based competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (MPA‐CARS) algorithm was proposed to reduce the dimensionality of spectral data. The NIR spectra of egg samples with different storage periods were collected in the wavelength range of 900–1700 nm. Standard normal variate (SNV) and Savitzky–Golay1st derivative were used to preprocess the raw spectral data. Then, CARS and the proposed MPA‐CARS were applied to select effective wavelengths from the whole spectral range. Statistical results showed that MPA‐CARS had better feature extraction performance than CARS and the number of selected feature wavelengths was less. Support vector machine (SVM), back propagation neural network (BPNN) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were used to establish calibration models for predicting S‐ovalbumin content, in which the simplified XGBoost model based on MPA‐CARS feature wavelengths yielded the best performance, with R2P of 0.906 and RMSEP of 7.799%. Therefore, portable NIR has the potential to be a useful tool for S‐ovalbumin content detection. This could help food processing industry to arrange miniaturized NIR sensors to detect egg quality at different points in the egg supply chain.

Practical applications

S‐ovalbumin content is a freshness index of eggs and can affect the quality of processed foods. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using portable NIR spectrometer to detect the S‐ovalbumin content of eggs, which can help food processing agencies to implement low‐cost NIR sensors to detect egg quality at different stages of the supply chain.
Kinetic parameters of microbial thermal death in goat cheese whey and growth of surviving microorganisms under refrigeration
Authors: Santos Fábio Ribeiro dos , Leite Júnior Bruno Ricardo de Castro , Tribst Alline Artigiani Lima
Published: October 2022

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and, in smallholdings, is usually destined for animal feed or improperly disposed. To create alternatives for whey use, microbiological stabilization is the first step. Therefore, this study evaluated the kinetic parameters of the native microbiota thermal death (62–85°C) in goat cheese whey (GCW) and the growth of survivors after thermal processing performed at three different time–temperatures. The results showed that the come‐up time inactivated 1.0–1.8 log CFU/ml (≤71°C), 3.8 log CFU/ml (75°C), and more than 8 log CFU/ml (≥80°C). The inactivation data at 62, 65, 68, 71, and 75°C were fitted to the Bigelow model, from which D values of 65.7, 31.0, 11.7, 5.4, and 1.2 min, respectively, were determined. Using a first‐order equation, the z value was calculated as 7.5°C (R2 = 0.99). Processes time–temperatures were selected to achieve 2.5 (71°C/20 min), 0.5 (75°C/5 min), and <0.1 log CFU/ml (80°C/1 min) survivors. During the shelf life, microbiological growth was observed in all samples, reaching total bacterial counts (TBC) and psychrotrophic bacteria (TPC) >3 log CFU/ml between 14 and 28 days, with a predominance of non‐acidifying psychrotrophic bacteria. From the results, the time–temperature of 75°C/5 min was established as the best option for GCW processing, ensuring counts <2 log CFU/ml for up to 21 days.

Practical Applications

This study showed that the time–temperatures 71°C/20 min, 75°C/5 min, or 80°C/1 min, applied in a batch pasteurization process, were able to inactivate more than 5 log CFU/ml of the native microbiota of goat cheese whey. However, the shelf life of the product at 7°C was limited to 21 days due to the growth of the surviving population, even for samples that reached <0.1 log CFU/ml immediately after heating. Therefore, if extended shelf life is needed, additional barriers to microbial growth should be used. These data can be readily applied by artisanal goat cheese producers as a way to stabilize whey for later use, either in the development of whey beverages or for the use of whey as an ingredient in products.
The effects of newcomer proactive behaviours on socialization outcomes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Teng , Liu Jiayi , Zawacki Alissa M. , Michel Jesse S. , Li Hairong
Published: October 2022

Organizational researchers and practitioners have shown increasing interest in how newcomer proactivity contributes to socialization. This meta‐analysis synthesizes the existing empirical research that examines the relationships between frequently performed newcomer proactive behaviours (sensemaking, relationship building, positive framing and job change negotiation) and proximal and distal socialization outcomes. Proximal outcomes include role clarity, task mastery and social integration; distal outcomes include job performance, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and turnover intention. Based on 45 independent samples (N = 11,508), proactive behaviours were found to be generally beneficial for newcomer socialization. Relative weight analyses identified positive framing as the strongest predictor of five of the seven reviewed outcomes while relationship building accounted for the greatest part of the variance in social integration. Job change negotiation was the weakest predictor of socialization outcomes. The study also explored the impact of boundary conditions, including culture, study design and sample type, on the magnitude of these effects. The paper concludes by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of these findings, along with the study's limitations and suggestions for future research.
Do cone‐beam computed tomography low‐dose protocols affect the evaluation of the temporomandibular joint?
Authors: de Oliveira Reis Larissa , Gaêta‐Araujo Hugo , Rosado Lucas P. Lopes , Mouzinho‐Machado Sâmia , Oliveira‐Santos Christiano , Freitas Deborah Queiroz , Correr‐Sobrinho Lourenço
Published: October 2022

Background

There is no established acquisition protocol based on scientific evidence for the acquisition of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of acquisition protocols and jaw positioning on the diagnostic accuracy of TMJ condylar morphological alterations (CMA), dimension, position and excursion.

Methods

Thirty‐six TMJs on 18 dry skulls were imaged using a CBCT unit (OP300 Maxio, Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) at two exposure settings (4.5 and 6.3 mA), three voxel resolutions (0.085, 0.125 and 0.280 mm), three jaw positions (concentric, anteriorised and posteriorised) and three jaw excursions (normoexcursion, hyperexcursion and hypoexcursion). The macroscopic anatomy examination and high‐resolution CBCT images were used as ground truth for CMA. Twenty‐five TMJs had at least one CMA with 11 healthy TMJs serving as controls. Three experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists evaluated the parasagittal images for the presence of CMA, position and excursion and measured dimensions. The area under the ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Weighted Kappa (α = 0.05) was used to determine intra‐ and interexaminer reliability and comparisons between dependent variables analysed by Analysis of Variance at an a prior level of significance of 0.05.

Results

The agreement of the evaluation of the position and excursion with the reference standard was high, independent of the protocol (range, 0.75–0.91). Various combinations of acquisition protocols and jaw position did not influence the CMA evaluation. Erosion was overdiagnosed in protocols with larger voxel sizes and the detection of osteophytes greater in images with smaller voxel sizes. The anteroposterior dimension was greater in the open jaw position (p < .05).

Conclusion

CBCT protocols using reduced radiation exposure from the CBCT machine evaluated in this study can be used to assess condylar morphology, dimension, position and excursion, without compromising diagnostic performances for these parameters.
Management of a prosthetic complication on an implant restoration placed when the patient was 10 years old: A case report
Authors: Oh Se‐Lim , Choi Seung Kee
Published: October 2022

The use of dental implants in pediatric patients may create unique complications. A 38‐year‐old patient presented with a mobile, cement‐retained implant crown due to an abutment screw loosening. The maxillary right central incisor implant was placed when the patient was 10 years old. Pus discharge from the peri‐implant sulcus was observed. The mucosal margin of the implant was at the level of the mucogingival junction of neighboring teeth. Radiographically, the platform of the implant appeared to be at the level of the apical third of the adjacent roots. After removing the existing implant‐retained crown, the inflamed peri‐implant tissue covering the implant platform was removed and the stability of the implant was confirmed. A new screw‐retained implant crown was made using an angulated screw channel to correct the labiopalatal angulation of the implant and allow for retrievability. Pink porcelain was used to match the mucosal margin of the implant crown to that of the maxillary left central incisor. This case report highlights the risk of implant placement in pediatric patients and agrees with previous reports that implants should be delayed until growth is complete.