bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 5’-3’ exoribonuclease XRN4 modulates the plant circadian network in Arabidopsis
Authors: Careno Daniel A. , Santangelo Soledad Perez , Macknight Richard C. , Yanovsky Marcelo J.
Published: July 2022

Circadian rhythms enable organisms to anticipate and adjust their physiology to periodic environmental changes. These rhythms are controlled by biological clocks that consist of a set of clock genes that regulate each other expression. Circadian oscillations in mRNA levels require regulation of mRNA production and degradation. While transcription factors controlling clock function have been well characterized from cyanobacteria to humans, the role of factors controlling mRNA decay is largely unknown. Here, we show that mutations in XRN4, the central component of the 5’-3’ mRNA decay pathway, alter clock function in Arabidopsis. We found that xrn4 mutants display long period phenotypes for clock gene expression and for the rhythm of leaf movement. These circadian defects were associated with changes in the circadian phases, but not overall mRNA levels, of several core clock genes. We then used non-invasive transcriptome-wide mRNA stability analysis to identify genes and pathways regulated by XRN4. Among genes affected in the xrn4 mutant at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, we found an enrichment in genes involved in auxin, ethylene, ABA signaling, and also circadian rhythmicity, although no significant effects were observed for canonical core-clock genes. Strikingly, the mRNAs of several clock regulated BBX genes were stabilized in xrn4 mutants. Some of these BBX genes are auxiliary factors controlling the pace of the clock and are candidates to mediate XRN4 effects on circadian period. Our results establish that, in Arabidopsis, the control of 5’-3’ mRNA decay by XRN4 constitutes a novel post-transcriptional regulatory layer of the circadian gene network.
IBD-based estimation of X chromosome effective population size with application to sex-specific demographic history
Authors: Cai Ruoyi , Browning Brian L. , Browning Sharon R.
Published: July 2022

The effective size of a population (Ne) in the recent past can be estimated through analysis of identity-by-descent (IBD) segments. Several methods have been developed for estimatingNefrom autosomal IBD segments, but no such effort has been made with X chromosome IBD segments. In this work, we propose a method to estimate the X chromosome effective population size from X chromosome IBD segments. We show how to use the estimated autosomeNeand X chromosomeNeto estimate female and male effective population sizes. We demonstrate the accuracy of our autosome and X chromosomeNeestimation with simulated data. We find that estimated female and male effective population sizes generally reflect the simulated sex-specific effective population sizes across the past 100 generations, but that short-term differences between the estimated sex-specificNeacross tens of generations may not reliably indicate true sex-specific differences. We analyzed the effective size of populations represented by samples of sequenced UK White British and UK Indian individuals from the UK Biobank.
An efficient method to identify, date, and describe admixture events using haplotype information
Authors: Wangkumhang Pongsakorn , Greenfield Matthew , Hellenthal Garrett
Published: July 2022

We present fastGLOBETROTTER, an efficient new haplotype-based technique to identify, date, and describe admixture events using genome-wide autosomal data. With simulations, we show how fastGLOBETROTTER reduces computation time by an order of magnitude relative to the related technique GLOBETROTTER without suffering loss of accuracy. We apply fastGLOBETROTTER to a cohort of more than 6000 Europeans from 10 countries, revealing previously unreported admixture signals. In particular, we infer multiple periods of admixture related to East Asian or Siberian-like sources, starting >2000 yr ago, in people living in countries north of the Baltic Sea. In contrast, we infer admixture related to West Asian, North African, and/or Southern European sources in populations south of the Baltic Sea, including admixture dated to ∼300–700 CE, overlapping the fall of the Roman Empire, in people from Belgium, France, and parts of Germany. Our new approach scales to analyzing hundreds to thousands of individuals from a putatively admixed population and, hence, is applicable to emerging large-scale cohorts of genetically homogeneous populations.
The effect of brain functional network following electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive disorder
Authors: Tian Shuxiang , Xu Guizhi , Yang Huilan , Fitzgerald Paul B.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the changes of brain functional network after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, resting electroencephalography (EEG) is used to explore the changes in spectral power density, functional connectivity and network topology elicited by an acute open-label course of ECT in a group of 19 MDD subjects. The brain functional network based on Pearson correlation is constructed in a continuous threshold space (0.38–0.59). Complex network theory is used to analyze the network characteristic such as the length of the characteristic path, clustering coefficient, degree, betweenness centrality, global efficiency and small-world architecture.

Findings

The results show that ECT increased the spectral power density of Delta, Theta and Alpha1 bands and the full frequency. ECT increases the functional connectivity in Delta and full frequency and reduces the functional connectivity in Alpha2 band. In the selected threshold space, the clustering coefficient, global efficiency and small-world attributes of the network are changed significantly after ECT.

Originality/value

The findings indicate that resting EEG could effectively characterize the changes of brain functional networks following ECT in MDD. The results provide a theoretical basis to explore the neurophysiological mechanism of ECT in the field of MDD treatment.
Dramatic social change (COVID-19) moderating complexity leadership and organisational adaptability in Zimbabwean SMEs
Authors: Chingwena Tongesai , Scheepers Caren Brenda
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Major social changes, such as those induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, intensify the need for organisations in Africa to accelerate adaptation. Leadership plays an important role in their organisations’ adaptation. This study focuses on how leaders can build adaptive organisations through appropriate complexity leadership practices by establishing which of these most predict organisational adaptation. The study aims to contribute to dramatic social change (DSC) theory and to empirically confirm conceptual relationships between complexity leadership theory and perceptions of organisational adaptability (OA).

Design/methodology/approach

The convenience non-probability sample include 126 senior management respondents from 24 small and medium enterprises in Zimbabwe. The study focuses on these individual senior managers’ perceptions of their organisations’ adaptation, leadership practices and the social changes during COVID-19. The questionnaire used a five-point Likert scale, based on some items from existing scales on entrepreneurial, operational and enabling leadership of complexity leadership and items on OA and DSC. The study applied structural equation modelling using SmartPLS and SPSS software.

Findings

The study formulates recommendations for the boundary conditions under which each or a combination of the complexity leadership practices will bring about the appropriate level of adaptability. The enabling and entrepreneurial leadership practices required, include brokering, decentralisation and establishing multilevel collaboration.

Originality/value

The study contributes insight for leaders to differentiate between the levels of adaptation their organisations require at particular times in particular contexts. Different adaptations will require a different combination of complexity leadership practices. When the adaptation sought is internal, operational leadership is more appropriate, whereas if the motive is market adaptation, entrepreneurial leadership is more appropriate.
Education for sustainable development through research-based learning in an online environment
Authors: Ahel Oliver , Schirmer Moritz
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The society faces growing global challenges in terms of sustainable development. A key factor in preparing society for these challenges is education for sustainable development (ESD). This study aims to discuss how the combination of research-based learning (RBL) and digitalization can be used for successful ESD in higher education. The paper introduces the conceptual development of technical and didactical implications for an online learning format, which combines the opportunities of RBL and digitalization to facilitate the distribution of ESD. Furthermore, corresponding evaluation results are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework, based on key dimensions described by the relevant literature, was applied for the empirical approach to evaluate students’ learning experiences. On this basis, the differences in the students’ learning experiences between the RBL-format and conventional digital learning format (self-directed studies, learning videos and electronic examination) were measured.

Findings

The performed two-samplet-test indicates statistical significant differences in all dimensions. On average, students (N = 226) using the RBL-based format report higher ratings for each examined dimension than students who experienced a conventional format. In summary, this indicates an overall corresponding tendency in students’ learning experience between the examined learning formats.

Originality/value

The presented examination offers empirically based insights on how a digital format can combine RBL and ESD to enhance students’ learning experiences. Moreover, theoretical contributions are provided regarding the future development of digital learning formats to further integrate ESD in higher education.
Achieving organizational resilience through complex adaptive systems approach: a conceptual framework
Authors: Akpinar Hatice , Özer-Çaylan Didem
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The global business environment causes different and difficult kinds of problems that threaten organizational survival. As an important solution, the organizational resilience concept arises and offers holistic philosophy. The resilience concept offers multidisciplinary and valuable eclectic literature to organizational studies that help to produce a wide variety of solutions but causes a lack of consensus to measure and apply resilience at an organizational level. To fill this gap, this paper aims to offer the complex adaptive systems (CAS) approach as a lens to organizations. This paper aims to offer that CAS provides a suitable toolkit to address the organizational resilience concept as it has the potential to offer more generalizable guidance.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach that goal, this research follows a two-phase systematic literature review. In the first phase, the purpose is to search past five years’ studies (2015–2020) to figure out current trends in organizational resilience concepts. In the second phase, organizational resilience studies, which include the CAS approach, are checked to analyze the alignment procedures of two concepts.

Findings

Literature shows that the organizational resilience concept has rarely worked from the CAS lens.CAS are more resilient via adaptation and learning as they depend on local interactions that shape and co-evolve together with their dynamic environment, which helps the emergence of self-organization in an unpredictable future. To achieve organizational resilience, the CAS lens proposes a generalizable and applicable framework to organizational studies.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should also explore the impact of the interrelationship between two concepts; quantitative and qualitative methods should be applied to be able to get empirical results.

Practical implications

CAS lens could be used as a contemporary design idea. The CAS approach enables the learning and adaptation requirement of the organizational resilience concept, which helps to create dynamic capabilities to handle turbulent changes and gain long-lasting competitiveness. Designing organizations’ agents from CAS viewpoint helps to understand and be ready for new trends, such as digitalization or Industry 4.0.

Social implications

Evaluating organizations from the CAS lens as living systems that co-evolve with their environments reveals different ways to achieve organizational resilience management philosophy. Designing organizations as CAS promotes organizational adaptation and learning, which improves organizational decision-making, increasing organizational resilience in organizations.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in proposing to achieve organizational resilience via CAS lenses and offering a conceptual framework to achieve organizational resilience.
Survivability versus rate of recovery for skeletal elements in forensic anthropology
Authors: Scott Shelby , Jantz Richard L.
Published: July 2022

Survivability, the ability of a skeletal element to withstand taphonomic processes, is often equated to recoverability, the probability that an element will be recovered in a forensic context, and further misused to infer the likelihood that a forensic anthropologist will recover a particular element at a scene. Consequently, researchers have utilized notions of survivability to infer that a skeletal element may be recovered when justifying the necessity of various research endeavors. This is problematic because the factors impacting survivability are not always applicable in a forensic context; the ability of a bone to survive taphonomic processes may not align with the likelihood of recovery. Empirical recovery rates are presented from two distinct contexts, with data derived from the Forensic Anthropology Data Bank based on cases performed by the late J. Lawrence Angel (1914–1986) and cases done by the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK). Recovery rates may be influenced by factors beyond survivability, though we do not investigate the many considerations that might explain recovery rate variation between datasets. Rather, these data exemplify the conceptual differences between notions of survivability and rates of recovery in actual casework scenarios. Thus, it is proposed that researchers consider documented rates of recovery when providing rationale for forensic anthropology research endeavors, in addition to citing a rationale that is based on inferences of survivability. This ensures that the theoretical framework of future forensic anthropology research stems, primarily, from the premise of practical application.
Mechanical stress on canola seed during dehulling
Authors: Martinez‐Soberanes Edgar E. , Purdy Sarah K. , Reaney Martin J. T. , Zhang W. J.
Published: July 2022

The mature canola seed comprises an embryo, a group of structures that have a high content of protein and oil, and a fibrous seed coat held together by endosperm tissues. High‐quality canola meal production requires removal of fiber‐rich seed hull that typically contributes little nutrient value. Canola hull accounts for more than 70.0% of the insoluble fiber within the seed, which limits its uses as feed. Dehulling canola seed, before oil extraction, increases the protein content and decreases fiber content in the meal, to up to 50.0% and to down to 10.0%, respectively. Due to the complexity in dehulling canola seeds, several methods have been explored by the canola processing industry. However, little research has been conducted in analyzing the effects that mechanical dehulling methods have on seeds. In this study, we conducted mechanical tests to characterize seed behavior and hull fracture under uncoupled stresses such as compression and shear;stresses generated by the common dehulling equipment used in the industry, such as mills. All tests were carried out on single seeds at different moisture contents, from 5.00% to 25.0% wet mass basis (w.b.). Over a range of moisture contents studied, shear loading mode limited deformation of embryos in comparison to compression loading. Additionally, hardness tests were performed with a nano‐indenter machine to determine seed hull properties. The overall results from these experiments provided information used to construct a computational model that represents canola seed deformation under compression stress.
Feeling a deep sense of loneliness: Chinese late‐life immigrants in New Zealand
Authors: Zhao Ivy Yan , Holroyd Eleanor , Wright‐St Clair Valerie A. , Wang Shan Shan , Garrett Nick , Neville Stephen
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To explore Chinese late‐life immigrants' perceptions of loneliness and social isolation.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive methodology underpinned this study. In‐depth individual interviews were conducted in Mandarin with purposively recruited participants. The twenty‐three participants in the study had all emigrated from China, were 65–80 years old on arrival and had lived in New Zealand for between 2.5 and 16 years. An inductive thematic analytic process was undertaken. The COREQ checklist was followed to ensure study rigour.

Results

Three themes, ‘high value placed on meeting family obligations’, ‘feeling a deep sense of imbalanced intergenerational reciprocity’ and ‘moving away from filial expectations’, were identified. Confucianist values of ‘women's domestic duty of caring for grandchildren’, ‘filial piety’, and ‘saving face’ to be accepted and respected by others negatively attributed to participants' understandings and experiences of loneliness. To plan for increasing frailty and to avoid family conflict while ameliorating potential loneliness, some participants reluctantly discarded prior customary filial piety expectations in favour of formal aged care options.

Conclusions

Participants' profound sense of loneliness was seen to be attributed to their deeply rooted cultural values and backgrounds from having lived for a significant period of time in China. Loneliness occurred as a result of the resettlement process in later life. These experiences highlight the importance of using cultural framing that takes into account beliefs and adaptations to host societies anticipated during the process of late‐life immigration.
Incidence, clinicopathological characteristics, and therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer patients with metastasis to the central nervous system
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Marui Akira , Yokota Keiichiro , Kawanishi Yasuhiro , Munekage Masaya , Uemura Sunao , Maeda Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: July 2022

Aim

This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathologic features and treatment outcomes of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis from gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 419 patients diagnosed with unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer at Kochi Medical School between January 2007 and December 2021 were evaluated. Data of patients were reviewed, and clinicopathological information and survival outcomes of those with CNS metastases were compared to patients without CNS metastases.

Results

In total, 12/419 (2.9%) patients (median age: 66.5 years [range, 41–82 years]) were diagnosed with CNS metastasis from gastric cancer. Eleven had diffuse‐type gastric cancer which was significantly more common than in those without CNS metastasis (91% vs. 61%, p = .034). Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status was positive in one of the 12 patients. The median survival time was significantly lower for patients with CNS metastasis than for those without CNS metastasis (1.8 months vs. 11.4 months, p < .001). The median survival time for patients who underwent surgical resection, radiation, or chemotherapy for CNS metastasis was significantly higher than those who received only best supportive care (3.5 months vs. .6 months; p = .007).

Conclusions

CNS metastasis was found in 2.9% (12/419) of patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. Diffuse‐type histology was a risk factor for CNS metastasis. Multidisciplinary treatment, including surgical resection, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy, for CNS metastasis from gastric cancer may benefit selected patients.
The environmental and occupational influence of pesticides on male fertility: A systematic review of human studies
Authors: Giulioni Carlo , Maurizi Valentina , Castellani Daniele , Scarcella Simone , Skrami Edlira , Balercia Giancarlo , Galosi Andrea Benedetto
Published: July 2022

Background

The environment plays a key role in male infertility, changing the incidence in various populations, and pesticides are one of the most studied hazards. The use of the latter has never decreased, jeopardizing the safety of workers and the general population.

Objective

Our purpose was to summarize the results of studies discussing the association between pesticides and male fertility.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only human studies were considered. Semen parameters and DNA integrity were considered to evaluate the effect of pesticides on men.

Results

A total of 64 studies that investigated their impact in terms of semen parameters (51 studies) and chromatin and DNA integrity (25 studies) were included. The most frequently affected parameters were total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, although a reduction in ejaculate volume and concentration occur in several cases. A tangible worsening of semen quality was associated with organochlorines and organophosphates. Furthermore, pesticide exposure, especially pyrethroids, was related to a higher DNA fragmentation index and chromosome aneuploidy in most articles.

Conclusion

The epidemiological evidence supports the association between pesticides and male fertility for workers and the exposed population in terms of semen quality, DNA fragmentation, and chromosome aneuploidy.
Novel prognostic model predicts overall survival in colon cancer based on RNA splicing regulation gene expression
Authors: Luo Qiu‐Yun , Di Tian , Chen Zhi‐Gang , Peng Jian‐Hong , Sun Jian , Xia Zeng‐Fei , Pan Wen‐Tao , Luo Fan , Lu Fei‐Teng , Sun Yu‐Ting , Yang Li‐Qiong , Zhang Lin , Qiu Miao‐Zhen , Yang Da‐Jun
Published: July 2022

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Dysregulated RNA splicing factors have been reported to be associated with tumorigenesis and development in colon cancer. In this study, we interrogated clinical and RNA expression data of colon cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Genes regulating RNA splicing correlated with survival in colon cancer were identified and a risk score model was constructed using Cox regression analyses. In the risk model, RNA splicing factor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PPARGC1) is correlated with a good survival outcome, whereas Cdc2‐like kinase 1(CLK1), CLK2, and A‐kinase anchor protein 8‐like (AKAP8L) with a bad survival outcome. The risk model has a good performance for clinical prognostic prediction both in the TCGA cohort and the other two validation cohorts. In the tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis, the immune score was higher in the low‐risk group, and TME‐related pathway gene expression was also higher in low‐risk group. We further verified the mRNA and protein expression levels of these four genes in the adjacent nontumor, tumor, and liver metastasis tissues of colon cancer patients, which were consistent with bioinformatics analysis. In addition, knockdown of AKAP8L can suppress the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells. Animal studies have also shown that AKAP8L knockdown can inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer in vivo. We established a prognostic risk model for colon cancer based on genes related to RNA splicing regulation and uncovered the role of AKAP8L in promoting colon cancer progression.
UK national chronic hypoparathyroidism audit
Authors: Kiam Jian Shen , Sharma Vivek , Glenister Liz , Fraser William D. , Turner Jeremy J. O.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Individuals with chronic hypoparathyroidism may experience suboptimal medical care with high frequency of unplanned hospitalisation and iatrogenic harm. In 2015 the European Society for Endocrinology published consensus guidelines on the management of chronic hypoparathyroidism. We set out to audit compliance with these guidelines.

Methods

Using these recommendations as audit standards we worked with the Society for Endocrinology and Parathyroid UK to conduct a national audit of management of chronic hypoparathyroidism in the United Kingdom. Endocrine leads in 117 endocrine departments were invited to participate in the survey by completing a data collection tool on up to 5 sequential cases of chronic hypoparathyroidism seen in their outpatient clinics in the preceding 12 months. Data were collected on 4 treatment standards and 9 monitoring standards. Data on hospitalisations and Quality of Life monitoring were also collected.

Results

Responses were received from 22 departments giving a response rate of 19%, concerning 80 individual cases. The mean age of subjects was 48.4 years. The main findings were that the commonest cause of hypoparathyroidism was post surgical (66.3%). Treatments taken by the group included activated vitamin D analogues (96.3%), oral calcium salts (66.3%), vitamin D supplements (17.5%), thiazide diuretics (5%) and rhPTH1–34 (1.3%). Compliance with the audit standards varied between 98.8% and 60% for the treatment standards and between 91.3% and 20% for the monitoring standards. Some of the areas of weakness revealed include low rates of 24 h urinary calcium excretion monitoring, serum magnesium monitoring and low rates of renal imaging where indicated. In addition and importantly, 16.3% of subjects had experienced at least one hospital admission in the preceding 12 months.

Conclusion

We conclude that further improvements in the UK national standard of management of chronic hypoparathyroidism should be made and that this will benefit both quality of life, morbidity and potentially mortality in this group of patients.
Treatment of horseshoe fistula with a two‐stage modified Hanley procedure: A video vignette
Authors: Leventoglu Sezai , Balci Bengi , Yildiz Alp , Mentes Bedrettin Bulent
Published: July 2022

A horseshoe fistula is a complex fistula that needs to be appropriately recognized to decrease recurrence rates usually resulting from insufficient treatment. The video presents a modified Hanley procedure for horseshoe fistula.
3D printed PCLA scaffold with nano‐hydroxyapatite coating doped green tea EGCG promotes bone growth and inhibits multidrug‐resistant bacteria colonization
Authors: Zhang Xiangchun , He Jian , Qiao Liang , Wang Ziqi , Zheng Qinqin , Xiong Chengdong , Yang Hui , Li Kainan , Lu Chengyin , Li Sanqiang , Chen Hongping , Hu Xulin
Published: July 2022

Objectives

3D‐printing scaffold with specifically customized and biomimetic structures gained significant recent attention in tissue engineering for the regeneration of damaged bone tissues. However, constructed scaffolds that simultaneously promote bone regeneration and in situ inhibit bacterial proliferation remains a great challenge. This study aimed to design a bone repair scaffold with in situ antibacterial functions.

Materials and Methods

Herein, a general strategy is developed by using epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a major green tea polyphenol, firmly anchored in the nano‐hydroxyapatite (HA) and coating the 3D printed polymerization of caprolactone and lactide (PCLA) scaffold. Then, we evaluated the stability, mechanical properties, water absorption, biocompatibility, and in vitro antibacterial and osteocyte inductive ability of the scaffolds.

Results

The coated scaffold exhibit excellent activity in simultaneously stimulating osteogenic differentiation and in situ resisting methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in a bone repair environment without antibiotics. Meanwhile, the prepared 3D scaffold has certain mechanical properties (39.3 ± 3.2 MPa), and the applied coating provides the scaffold with remarkable cell adhesion and osteogenic conductivity.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that EGCG self‐assembled HA coating on PCLA surface could effectively enhance the scaffold's water absorption, osteogenic induction, and antibacterial properties in situ. It provides a new strategy to construct superior performance 3D printed scaffold to promote bone tissue regeneration and combat postoperative infection in situ.
The absolute risk of incident type 2 diabetes following exposure to systemic corticosteroids in selected steroid‐related and phenotypic groups
Authors: Ambery Philip , Adamsson Eryd Samuel , Jenkins‐Jones Sara , Heywood Ben , Berni Ellen , Brown Mary N. , Astbury Carol , Hunt Phillip , Currie Craig J.
Published: July 2022

Aims

Exposure to corticosteroids is known to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We estimated the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in selected patient groups exposed to systemic corticosteroids.

Materials and methods

In a retrospective, observational cohort study, using real‐world data from UK primary care, patients were selected who had at least one episode of exposure to oral or intravenous corticosteroids for any indication. Corticosteroid‐exposed patients were matched with non‐exposed patients. Relative dosage was estimated as a weight‐based, prednisolone‐equivalent dose. Crude rates of progression to type 2 diabetes were determined for patient groups defined by relevant steroid‐related and phenotypic characteristics present at corticosteroid exposure.

Results

Overall, rates of incidence of type 2 diabetes were 12.5 and 6.7 events per thousand person‐years' (pkpy) exposure, respectively, in those who received at least one dose of corticosteroids versus those never exposed. This represented a rate ratio of 1.85 (95% CI 1.74‐1.97). The incidence of type 2 diabetes was found to be associated with several of the selected characteristics, both individually and multi‐dimensionally. The highest rate of incident type 2 diabetes was observed in very severely obese men aged 46‐55 years having had the longest corticosteroid exposure and highest corticosteroid dose (190 incident events pkpy exposure).

Conclusions

Corticosteroid exposure increased the risk of incident type 2 diabetes, and there was evidence of both a dose‐response and a duration response. The impact of corticosteroid exposure upon the rate of incident type 2 diabetes appeared, however, to involve a complex, multi‐dimensional interaction between the selected characteristics, some of which might be impacted by reverse causality.
Disease heterogeneity of adult diabetes based on routine clinical variables at diagnosis: Results from the German/Austrian Diabetes Follow‐up Registry
Authors: Grimsmann Julia M. , Tittel Sascha R. , Bramlage Peter , Mayer Benjamin , Fritsche Andreas , Seufert Jochen , Laimer Markus , Zimny Stefan , Meyhoefer Sebastian M. , Hummel Michael , Holl Reinhard W.
Published: July 2022

Aim

To cluster adults with diabetes using variables from real‐world clinical care at manifestation.

Materials and Methods

We applied hierarchical clustering using Ward's method to 56 869 adults documented in the prospective Diabetes Follow‐up Registry (DPV). Clustering variables included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), components of the metabolic syndrome (hypertension/dyslipidaemia/hyperuricaemia) and beta‐cell antibody status. Time until use of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), use of insulin, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), retinopathy or neuropathy were assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression models.

Results

We identified eight clusters: four clusters comprised early diabetes onset (median age 40‐50 years) but differed with regard to BMI, HbA1c, DKA and antibody positivity. Two clusters included adults with diabetes onset aged in their early 60s who met target HbA1c, but differed in BMI and sex distribution. Two clusters were characterized by late diabetes onset (median age 69 and 77 years) and comparatively low BMI, but differences in HbA1c. Earlier insulin use was observed in adults with high HbA1c, and earlier OAD use was observed in those with high BMI. Time until CKD or CVD was shorter in those with late onset, whereas retinopathy occurred earlier in adults with late onset and high HbA1c, and in adults with early onset, but high HbA1c and high percentage of antibody positivity.

Conclusions

Adult diabetes is heterogeneous beyond classical type 1/type 2 diabetes, based on easily available variables in clinical practice using an automated clustering algorithm that allows both continuous and binary variables.
Birth order and the decline in college completion among the baby boom generation
Authors: Handy Christopher , Shester Katharine L.
Published: July 2022

We show that changes in birth order during the U.S. baby boom can explain a substantial share of the decline and recovery in college completion among cohorts born between 1946 and 1974. Combining birth order effects estimated using the Health and Retirement Survey and birth order data from Vital Statistics, we estimate that changes in birth order can explain about 20% of the decline in white male college completion rates among the 1946–60 cohorts, and about one third of the rebound among the 1960–74 cohorts.
Different scoring methods of theVARKquestionnaire to evaluate dentistry Students' learning styles
Authors: Tonkaboni Arghavan , Pareshkooh Mahdi Karimipour , Manafi Saba , Mendes Rui Amaral , Kharazifard Mohammad Javad
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The way students process and organise information to facilitate learning is known as learning style. Knowing one's learning style can improve learning and help teachers choose their teaching methods more effectively. This study was conducted to investigate different scoring methods of the VARK questionnaire and compare different learning styles in different stages of dental school.

Materials and Methods

Students in three stages of the dental school participated in this study: basic sciences, preclinical and clinical. The validated reliable Persian VARK questionnaire was utilised. Collected data were computed and analysed in three ways: raw, normalised and weighted scoring by ANOVA and chi‐squared tests (α = .05).

Result

The most favoured learning style was auditory; however, the prevalence of other learning styles varied through stages. On analyses of visual and auditory learning styles by all methods of scoring, no significant difference was seen in different stages (study time). The kinetic learning style, using normalised scoring method, was used more significantly when the grade increased (p‐value = .028). However, in the weighted method, this effect was not significant. The read‐write learning style using all three scoring methods showed an inverse relationship with the level of education (p‐value <.05), which means the tendency to use this style of learning decreased when the level of education increased.

Conclusion

As the educational level increases, students are more inclined to use kinetic and less likely to employ read‐write learning style. There was not a significant difference in the use of visual and aural learning styles in any stages of dental school.
Altered morphological traits along central olfactory centres in congenitally blind subjects
Authors: Chouinard‐Leclaire Christine , Manescu Simona , Collignon Olivier , Lepore Franco , Frasnelli Johannes
Published: July 2022

It is well documented that early sensory loss typically alters brain morphology in the areas associated with the lost sense. However, much less is known about the impact of early sensory loss on the remainder of the sensory regions. Therefore, we investigated whether congenitally blind (CB) individuals show brain alterations in the olfactory system by comparing cortical morphology and olfactory bulb (OB) volume between 16 congenitally blind individuals and 16 sighted matched controls. Our results showed that not only CB blind individuals exhibited smaller OB but also alterations of cortical density in some higher olfactory processing centres, but unchanged cortical thickness. Our current findings suggest that a lifelong absence of visual input leads to morphological alterations in olfactory processing areas.
Effect of the porosity on the fatigue strength of metals
Authors: Vantadori Sabrina , Ronchei Camilla , Scorza Daniela , Zanichelli Andrea , Luciano Raimondo
Published: July 2022

In the present paper, a procedure for fatigue strength assessment of metals containing solidification defects is employed to analyze the fatigue behavior of a ductile cast iron (DCI) characterized by a relevant micro‐shrinkage porosity. The procedure implements (i) a statistical method deriving from extreme value theory, (ii) the
‐parameter model, and (iii) the multiaxial critical plane‐based criterion by Carpinteri et al. According to the above statistical method, both the distribution of defects and the return period are determined. More precisely, the return period is computed by also exploiting a relationship here proposed to optimize the accuracy of the procedure in terms of fatigue strength estimation. The great potential of the present procedure is that the defect content analysis (performed by means of a statistical method deriving from extreme value theory) can be easily performed using machine learning techniques.
Site impacts nutrient translocation efficiency in intraspecies and interspecies miscanthus hybrids on marginal lands
Authors: Magenau Elena , Clifton‐Brown John , Awty‐Carroll Danny , Ashman Chris , Ferrarini Andrea , Kontek Mislav , Martani Enrico , Roderick Kevin , Amaducci Stefano , Davey Chris , Jurišić Vanja , Kam Jason , Trindade Luisa M. , Lewandowski Iris , Kiesel Andreas
Published: July 2022

Miscanthus, a C4 perennial rhizomatous grass, is capable of growing in varied climates and soil types in Europe, including on marginal lands. It can produce high yields with low nutrient inputs when harvested after complete senescence. Senescence induction and rate depend on complex genetic, environmental, and management interactions. To explore these interactions, we analysed four miscanthus hybrids (two novel seed‐based hybrids, GRC 3 [Miscanthus sinensis × sinensis] and GRC 14 [M. sacchariflorus × sinensis]; GRC 15, a novel M. sacchariflorus × sinensis clone; and GRC 9, a standard Miscanthus × giganteus clone) in Italy, Croatia, Germany and the UK. Over all trial locations and hybrids, the average aboveground biomass of the 3‐year‐old stands in August 2020 was 15 t DM ha−1 with nutrient contents of 7.6 mg N g−1 and 14.6 mg K g−1. As expected, delaying the harvest until spring reduced overall yield and nutrient contents (12 t DM ha−1, 3.3 mg N g−1, and 5.5 mg K g−1). At lower latitudes, the late‐ripening M. sacchariflorus × sinensis GRC 14 and GRC 15 combined high yields with low nutrient contents. At the most elevated latitude location (UK), the early‐ripening M. sinensis × sinensis combined high biomass yields with low nutrient offtakes. The clonal Miscanthus × giganteus with intermediate flowering and senescence attained similar low nutrient contents by spring harvest at all four locations. Seasonal changes in yield and nutrient levels analysed in this study provide: (1) a first step towards recommending hybrids for specific locations and end uses in Europe; (2) crucial data for determination of harvest time and practical steps in the valorization of biomass; and (3) key sustainability data for life cycle assessments. Identification of trade‐offs resulting from genetic × environment × management interactions is critical for increasing sustainable biomass supply from miscanthus grown on marginal lands.
Improved anti‐solid tumor response by humanized anti‐podoplanin chimeric antigen receptor transduced human cytotoxic T cells in an animal model
Authors: Ishikawa Akihiro , Waseda Masazumi , Ishii Tomoko , Kaneko Mika K. , Kato Yukinari , Kaneko Shin
Published: July 2022

Recently, research has been conducted with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells to improve efficacy against solid tumors. Humanized CAR improved the long‐term survival of CAR‐T cells in patients' peripheral blood, resulting in increased therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, the humanization of the CAR‐gene sequence is considered an effective method. Podoplanin (PDPN) is a glycosylated transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Therefore, PDPN is considered a biomarker and good target for cancer treatment with CAR‐T cells. Previously, an anti‐PDPN CAR was generated from a conventional nonhumanized antibody—NZ‐1, the only anti‐PDPN antibody for which a CAR was produced. In this study, we investigated other anti‐PDPN CARs from the antibody NZ‐27, or humanized NZ‐1, to enhance the therapeutic potential of CAR‐T cells. The CAR signal intensity was enhanced by the efficient expression of CAR proteins on the T‐cell surface of NZ‐27 CAR‐T cells, which show tumor‐specific cytotoxicity, proinflammatory cytokine production, and anti‐tumor activity against PDPN‐expressing tumor xenografts in mice that were significantly better than those in nonhumanized NZ‐1 CAR‐T cells.
Influence of supplement administration of omega‐3 on the subcutaneous tissue response of endodontic sealers in Wistar rats
Authors: de Oliveira Pedro Henrique Chaves , Gomes Filho João Eduardo , Rodrigues Michael Júnio da Silva , da Silva Cristiane Cantiga , Cardoso Carolina da Barros Moraes , Cosme daSilva Leopoldo , Ervolino Edilson , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo
Published: July 2022

Aim

Natural substances such as omega‐3 have been used in the medical field due to their numerous properties and, in particular, modulating effect on the systemic and local inflammatory processes. Thus, this study evaluated the influence of omega‐3 supplementation on the subcutaneous tissue response of endodontic sealers in Wistar Rats.

Methodology

Polyethylene tubes were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of 48 animals (one empty for control and three filled with Sealapex, AH Plus or Endofill). The animals were treated with omega‐3 (TO) or water (TW). Treatments started 15 days before implantation until euthanasia. After 5, 15 and 30 days (n = 8), animals were euthanized and polyethylene tubes and surrounding tissue were removed and processed for histological analysis. The inflammatory reaction was analysed by Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and immunolabelling for IL‐6 and TNF‐α. The collagen maturity was analysed by picrosirius red stain and calcium deposition by von Kossa stain and polarized light. Results were statistically analysed (p < .05).

Results

Amongst TW sealer groups, Endofill evoked a more intense inflammatory infiltrate compared with AH Plus and control in the 30‐day period (p = .009). However, in TO sealer groups, there was no difference amongst the sealers and control in all periods (p > .05). Comparing each sealer as a function of the supplementation with water or omega‐3, there are differences for Endofill (p = .001) and Sealapex (p = .005) in the 30‐day period, presenting lower inflammatory infiltrate in the animals treated with omega‐3. A higher percentage of immature fibres was observed at 15 and 30 days in the TO group, compared with the TW group (p < .05). The deposition of calcium particles was observed only by Sealapex in all periods, despite the supplementation procedure.

Conclusions

Omega‐3 supplementation influence the tissue reactions of endodontic sealers, modulating inflammation, the immunolabelling of IL‐6 and TNF‐α, the repair process and it does not interfere with calcium deposition.
The attention‐based view: Review and conceptual extension towards situated attention
Authors: Brielmaier Christoph , Friesl Martin
Published: July 2022

Over two decades ago, William Ocasio introduced the attention‐based view (ABV) of the firm with a powerful argument: firm‐level behaviour is the result of the situated distribution and allocation of managerial attention, embedded in broader organizational structures and the environmental context. ABV‐based research has received substantial and increasing scholarly attention, resulting in a complex and incoherent body of research. In order to address this issue, this paper takes stock of extant research on the ABV and consolidates key debates. Based on a systematic review of 173 articles, we synthesize existing research into a unifying framework. Drawing on this framework, we propose situated attention as a central theme for future research. We elaborate on four situational factors (materiality, social dynamics, temporality and what we call framing of the strategic setting), which may influence how actors’ attention is situated in the particular context.
Switches between biologics in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis: results from the French cohortPSOBIOTEQ
Authors: Curmin R. , Guillo S. , De Rycke Y. , Bachelez H. , Beylot‐Barry M. , Beneton N. , Chosidow O. , Dupuy A. , Joly P. , Jullien D. , Richard M.A. , Viguier M. , Sbidian E. , Paul C. , Mahé E. , Tubach F. ,   the PSOBIOTEQ Study Group
Published: July 2022

Background

Biologics are the cornerstone of treatment of patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis and switches between biologics are frequently needed to maintain clinical improvement over time.

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to describe precisely switches between biologics and how their pattern changed over time with the recent availability of new biologic agents.

Methods

We included patients receiving a first biologic agent in the Psobioteq multicenter cohort of adults with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis receiving systemic treatment. We described switches between biologics with chronograms, Sankey and Sunburst diagrams, assessed cumulative incidence of first switch by competing risks survival analysis and reasons for switching. We assessed the factors associated with the type of switch (intra‐class – i.e. within the same therapeutic class ‐ vs. inter‐class) in patients switching from a TNF‐alpha inhibitor using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2153 patients was included. The cumulative incidence of switches from first biologic was 34% at 3 years. Adalimumab and ustekinumab were the most prescribed biologic agents as first and second lines of treatment. The main reason for switching was loss of efficacy (72%), followed by adverse events (11%). Patients receiving a TNF‐alpha inhibitor before 2016 mostly switched to ustekinumab, whereas those switching in 2016 or after mostly switched to an IL‐17 inhibitor. Patients switching from a first‐line TNF‐alpha inhibitor before 2016 were more likely to switch to another TNF‐alpha inhibitor compared with patients switching since 2018. Patients switching from etanercept were more likely to receive another TNF‐alpha inhibitor rather than another therapeutic class of bDMARD compared with patients switching from adalimumab.

Conclusion

This study described the switching patterns of biologic treatments and showed how they changed over time, due to the availability of the new biologic agents primarily IL‐17 inhibitors.