bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reemployment of Kupffer’s vesicle cells into axial and paraxial mesoderm via transdifferentiation
Authors: Ikeda Takafumi , Inamori Kiichi , Kawanishi Toru , Takeda Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

Kupffer's vesicle (KV) in the teleost embryo is a fluid‐filled vesicle surrounded by a layer of epithelial cells with rotating primary cilia. KV transiently acts as the left‐right organizer and degenerates after the establishment of left‐right asymmetric gene expression. Previous labelling experiments in zebrafish embryos indicated that descendants of KV‐epithelial cells are incorporated into mesodermal tissues after the collapse of KV. However, the overall picture of their differentiation potency had been unclear due to the lack of suitable genetic tools and molecular analyses. In the present study, we established a novel zebrafish transgenic line with a promoter of dand5, in which all KV‐epithelial cells and their descendants are specifically labelled until the larval stage. We found that KV‐epithelial cells undergo epithelial‐mesenchymal transition upon KV collapse and infiltrate into adjacent mesodermal progenitors, the presomitic mesoderm and chordoneural hinge. Once incorporated, the descendants of KV‐epithelial cells expressed distinct mesodermal differentiation markers and contributed to the mature populations such as the axial muscles and notochordal sheath through normal developmental process. These results indicate that differentiated KV‐epithelial cells possess unique plasticity in that they are reemployed into mesodermal lineages through transdifferentiation after they complete their initial role in KV.
An online intervention for 18–25‐year‐old youth whose parents have a mental illness and/or substance use disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Maybery Darryl , Reupert Andrea , Bartholomew Catherine , Cuff Rose , Duncan Zoe , McAuliffe Caitlin , McLean Louise , Pettenuzzo Laura , Swing Alice , Foster Kim
Published: February 2022

Aim

Young adults aged 18–25 whose parents have a mental illness or substance use problem can be vulnerable to multiple difficulties in adulthood. There are, however, few available interventions designed for this group. This study evaluated a 6 week online intervention (mi. spot; mental illness: supported, preventative, online, targeted) specifically designed for this population. The intervention aims to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Methods

Forty‐one young people, recruited from the community, participated in a two‐arm parallel randomized controlled trial where participants were randomized to mi. spot (n = 22) or a wait list control group (n = 19). They were assessed at baseline, immediately post intervention and at six weeks post intervention with measures covering depression, anxiety and stress, wellbeing, coping, general self‐efficacy, help seeking and social connectedness.

Results

Intervention participants reported significantly improved psychological wellbeing, coping, general self‐efficacy, and a reduction in anxiety. Participants in the control group reported significant improvements in emotional wellbeing and help seeking and a reduction in self‐blame.

Conclusion

This pilot controlled trial supported previous findings and shows preliminary evidence that mi.spot is effective for young adults who grew up with parents who have a mental illness or substance use problem. A large‐scale, randomized controlled trial with a diverse group of young people is needed.
Diabetes: Risk factor and translational therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey , Ortiz Andrew , Castellino Janelle , Kinney Jefferson
Published: February 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) commonly co‐occur. T2DM increases the risk for AD by approximately twofold. Animal models provide one means of interrogating the relationship of T2DM to AD and investigating brain insulin resistance in the pathophysiology of AD. Animal models show that persistent hyperglycaemia results in chronic low‐grade inflammation that may contribute to the development of neuroinflammation and accelerate the pathobiology of AD. Epidemiological studies suggest that patients with T2DM who received treatment with specific anti‐diabetic agents have a decreased risk for the occurrence of AD and all‐cause dementia. Agents such as metformin ameliorate T2DM and may have other important systemic effects that lower the risk of AD. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) agonists have been associated with a decreased risk for AD in patients with T2DM. Both insulin and non‐insulin anti‐diabetic treatments have been evaluated for the treatment of AD in clinical trials. In most cases, patients included in the trials have clinical features of AD but do not have T2DM. Many of the trials were conducted prior to the use of diagnostic biomarkers for AD. Trials have had a wide range of durations and population sizes. Many of the agents used to treat T2DM do not cross the blood brain barrier, and the effects are posited to occur via lowering of peripheral hyperglycaemia and reduction of peripheral and central inflammation. Clinical trials of anti‐diabetic agents to treat AD are ongoing and will provide insight into the therapeutic utility of these agents.
Soils and topography control natural disturbance rates and thereby forest structure in a lowland tropical landscape
Authors: Cushman K.C. , Detto Matteo , García Milton , Muller‐Landau Helene C.
Published: February 2022

Tree mortality is a major control over tropical forest carbon stocks globally but the strength of associations between abiotic drivers and tree mortality within forested landscapes is poorly understood. Here, we used repeat drone photogrammetry across 1500 ha of forest in Central Panama over 5 years to quantify spatial variation in canopy disturbance rates and its predictors. We identified 11,153 canopy disturbances greater than 25 m2 in area, including treefalls, large branchfalls and standing dead trees, affecting 1.9% of area per year. Soil type, forest age and topography explained up to 46%–67% of disturbance rate variation at spatial grains of 58–64 ha, with higher rates in older forests, steeper slopes and local depressions. Furthermore, disturbance rates predicted the proportion of low canopy area across the landscape, and mean canopy height in old growth forests. Thus abiotic factors drive variation in disturbance rates and thereby forest structure at landscape scales.
An Open‐Source Model for Projecting Small Area Demographic and Land‐Use Change
Authors: Lomax Nik , Smith Andrew P. , Archer Luke , Ford Alistair , Virgo James
Published: February 2022

The size, composition, and spatial distribution of both people and households have a substantial impact on the demand for and development and delivery of infrastructure required to support the population. Infrastructure encompasses a wide range of domains including energy, transport, and water, each of which has its own set of spatial catchments at differing scales. Demographic projections are required to assess potential future demand; however, official projections are usually not provided at a high level of spatial resolution required for infrastructure planning. Furthermore, generating bespoke demographic projections, often incorporating a range of scenarios of possible future demographic change is a specialist, resource intensive job and as such is often missing from infrastructure development projects. In this paper we make the case that such demographic projections should be at the heart of infrastructure planning and present a set of open‐source models which can be used to undertake this demographic projection work, thus providing the tools needed to fill the identified gap. We make use of a case study for the United Kingdom to exemplify how a range of scenarios can be assessed using our model.
The potential of soluble CD14 in discriminating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nakamura Akihisa , Yamamoto Koji , Takeda Rei , Yamada Ren , Kubo Akinori , Morikawa Kenichi , Ando Sayaka , Shimazaki Tomoe , Izumi Takaaki , Umemura Machiko , Kitagataya Takashi , Shigesawa Taku , Suzuki Kazuharu , Kimura Megumi , Nakai Masato , Sho Takuya , Suda Goki , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Ogawa Koji , Ohnishi Shunsuke , Sugiyama Toshiro , Takeda Hiroshi , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Although various noninvasive markers and prediction formulas for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have been reported, they are of value only in the diagnosis of the advanced fibrosis stage of NASH. In this study, we evaluated soluble CD14 (sCD14) as a diagnostic marker for discriminating NASH from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using an animal model and clinical specimens.

Methods

Serum sCD14 levels were measured in samples derived from mice with diet‐induced NASH and patients using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Our cohort enrolled 126 patients with liver needle biopsy‐proven NAFLD.

Results

The intestinal defense mechanism in NASH model mice was altered as a consequence of the unique gut environment. Elevated serum levels of sCD14 were observed in mice with diet‐induced NASH, and the condition of the liver was exacerbated as a result of exposure to gut‐derived endotoxin. We confirmed that the serum sCD14 levels in NAFL patients significantly differed from those in NASH patients. The area under the curve for distinguishing between NAFL and NASH was 0.891. Moreover, we found that serum sCD14 levels were weakly correlated with the inflammation grade based on the NAFLD activity score (NAS), the grade of fibrosis according to the Brunt fibrosis classification, and a positive correlation with the grade of ballooning based on NAS in patients with NAFLD.

Conclusion

sCD14 could be a useful pathophysiological marker and diagnostic adjunct distinguishing NASH from NAFLD. The use of sCD14 may allow the screening and identification of high‐risk groups for NASH development and support early therapeutic interventions.
Parents' perspectives on user participation and shared decision‐making in adolescents' inpatient mental healthcare
Authors: Bjønness Stig , Grønnestad Trond , Johannessen Jan O. , Storm Marianne
Published: February 2022

Background

Parents are a resource that can be of considerable importance in supporting their adolescents' recovery and shared decision‐making processes. However, involving both adolescents and their parents in treatment creates challenges. Understanding the roles of all decision stakeholders is vital to the implementation of shared decision‐making and delivery of high‐quality healthcare services.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore parents' experiences with adolescents' participation in mental health treatment and how parents perceive being involved in decision‐making processes.

Design

This was a qualitative study with a phenomenological, inductive design. Content analysis of data from qualitative interviews was performed.

Setting and Participants

This study took place in a Norwegian public healthcare setting. Twelve parents of adolescents who received treatment for severe mental illness participated.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) self‐determined treatment, but within limits; (2) the essential roles of parents; (3) the need for information and support; and (4) the fight for individualized treatment and service coordination.

Conclusion

User participation is vital in adolescent mental healthcare and parents play essential roles regarding the shared decision‐making process. However, user participation and shared decision‐making pose several dilemmas. Parental involvement in treatment decisions may be necessary when adolescents are mentally ill, but could simultaneously hinder those adolescents' empowerment and recovery. Cooperation among parents, adolescents and healthcare professionals can improve treatment engagement and adherence, but may be challenged by divergent interests. Health services should provide family‐oriented services to utilize the potential of parents as a resource and minimize conflicting interests.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two adolescent user representatives participated in designing the study.
Reacting to Change within Change: Adaptive Leadership and the Peruvian Response to Venezuelan Immigration
Authors: Aron Said Valeria , Castillo Jara Soledad
Published: February 2022

Peru is the second most important destination country for Venezuelan emigration. The country’s policy response can be separated into two distinct phases: the first one, under former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (July 2016–March 2018), is characterized by relative openness; the second one, under incumbent president Martín Vizcarra (in office since March 2018), is characterized by policy closure and a shift towards securitization. In this paper, we apply the concept of adaptive leadership to explain the stark difference in the migration‐related governance of both presidents. We find that the policy shift can be explained by an interplay between three factors: an internal political crisis due to conflict between the executive and legislative branches of government; the change in number and social profiles of Venezuelan migrants, with a tendency towards lower social, economic and educational statuses; and the rise in xenophobic attitudes among the Peruvian population.
Analysis of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae and classic Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in a Chinese hospital
Authors: Chen Dongjie , Zhang Yingrui , Wu Jiafang , Li Jun , Chen Han , Zhang Xiaoguang , Hu Xinlan , Chen Falin , Yu Rongguo
Published: February 2022

Aims

To evaluate the clinical and genetic virulence characteristics of critically ill patients with hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) and classic KP (cKP) infection.

Methods and Results

The patients included in this retrospective study (n = 225) were grouped according to their hvKP (n = 114) or cKP (n = 111) status, and their clinical characteristics were analysed and compared. Cox multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors for hvKP infection. Length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and 28-day survival rate were similar between the groups. However, the incidence of septic shock was higher in the hvKP group (16.7%) than in the cKP group (8.1%).

Conclusions

There was a high rate of hvKP infection in this population. Compared to patients with cKP infection, those with hvKP infection showed a higher probability of having septic shock; nevertheless, survival and length of hospital stay were similar between the groups. Risk factors for hvKP infection included hospital-acquired infection and renal insufficiency.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study presents relevant information on the characteristics of hvKP infection in a Chinese population, and this promotes early diagnosis and supports the view that the prevalence of hvKP is high in China.
Antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes inSalmonella entericaserovars isolated from droppings of layer chicken in two farms in Nigeria
Authors: Shittu Olufunke B. , Uzairue Leonard I. , Ojo Olufemi E. , Obuotor Tolulope M. , Folorunso Jamiu B. , Raheem-Ademola Ramota R. , Olanipekun Grace , Ajose Theresa , Medugu Nubwa , Ebruke Bernard , Obaro Stephen K.
Published: February 2022

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the isolation rate, antibiotic resistance and virulence genes of Salmonella enterica serovar from two commercial farms in Nigeria.

Methods and Results

Salmonella isolation was performed according to the United States Food and Drug Agency (USFDA) method. Serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, detection of resistance and virulence genes were done using the Kauffman–White Scheme, disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. Salmonella serovars were isolated from only farm A at 22/50 (44.0%) while none were isolated from farm B. Salmonella Typhi, 9 (40.9%); Salmonella Typhimurium, 2 (9.1%), Salmonella Enteritidis, 2 (9.1%), Salmonella Pullorum, 1 (4.5%), Salmonella Kentucky, 4 (18.2%) were identified while 4 (18.2%) were untypable. Sixteen isolates (72.7%) showed multiple drug resistance and 17 different resistance profile types with AMP-CHL-TRM-SXT as the most prevalent pattern. Resistance genes (blaTEM, 12/22 (54.5%) and virulence genes (InvA, sopB, mgtC and spi4D, 22/22 (100.0%), ssaQ, 16/22 (72.7%) and spvC, 13/22 (59.1%) were found, while blaSHV, blaCTX-M, floR, tetA, tetB, tetG and LJSGI-1 genes were absent.

Conclusion

Pathogenic Salmonella were isolated from the chicken droppings in this study. Most of these strains were resistant to antibiotics and possessed characteristics of virulence.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Chicken droppings from this study area contained pathogenic strains of Salmonella and a rare occurrence of Salmonella Typhi. The study revealed that the environment and the food chain could be at risk of contamination of highly virulent and antimicrobial-resistant strains of Salmonella. These could affect the profitability of the poultry industry and food consumption. There is a need for caution in indiscriminate disposal of poultry waste and the use of uncomposted chicken droppings in soil amendment.
Validity and reliability of the novel three‐item occupational violence patient risk assessment tool
Authors: Cabilan C. J. , McRae Joshua , Learmont Ben , Taurima Karen , Galbraith Sue , Mason Dale , Eley Robert , Snoswell Centaine , Johnston Amy N. B.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test an occupational violence (OV) risk assessment tool in the emergency department (ED).

Design

Three studies were conducted in phases: content validity, predictive validity and inter‐rater reliability from June 2019 to March 2021.

Methods

For content validity, ED end users (mainly nurses) were recruited to rate items that would appropriately assess for OV risk. Subsequently, a risk assessment tool was developed and tested for its predictive validity and inter‐rater reliability. For predictive validity, triage notes of ED presentations in a month with the highest OV were assessed for presence of OV risk. Each presentation was then matched with events recorded in the OV incident register. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated. For inter‐rater reliability, two assessors—trained and untrained—independently assessed the triage notes for presence of OV risk. Cohen's kappa was calculated.

Results

Two rounds of content validity with a total of N = 81 end users led to the development of a three‐domain tool that assesses for OV risk using aggression history, behavioural concerns (i.e., angry, clenched fist, demanding, threatening language or resisting care) and clinical presentation concerns (i.e., alcohol/drug intoxication and erratic cognition). Recommended risk ratings are low (score = 0 risk domain present), moderate (score = 1 risk domain present) and high (score = 2–3 risk domains present), with an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.7–0.81, p < .01). Moderate risk rating had a 61% sensitivity and 91% specificity, whereas high risk rating had 37% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Inter‐rater reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.75 (p < .01), suggesting moderate agreement.

Conclusions

The novel three‐domain OV risk assessment tool was shown to be appropriate and relevant for application in EDs. The tool, developed through a rigorous content validity process, demonstrates acceptable predictive validity and inter‐rater reliability.

Impact

The developed tool is currently piloted in a single hospital ED, with a view to extend to inpatient settings and other hospitals.
Prioritizing and meeting life‐threateningly ill patients' fundamental care needs in the emergency room—An interview study with registered nurses
Authors: Pavedahl Veronica , Muntlin Åsa , Summer Meranius Martina , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Holmström Inger K.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To explore how registered nurses in the emergency room describe their work approach and prerequisites for meeting life‐threateningly ill patients' care needs from the perspective of a person‐centred fundamental care framework.

Design

A descriptive, qualitative interview study.

Method

Individual interviews were carried out with 14 registered nurses with experience of working in an emergency room in Sweden, during 2019. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, according to Braun and Clarke. The COREQ checklist was used for reporting the findings.

Results

Three themes were identified: Task‐oriented nursing care based on structured guidelines and checklists; Fundamental care not being promoted or prioritized in the emergency room; and The organization and responsibilities for providing person‐centred fundamental care are unclear. Results showed that registered nurses structure their work approach based on prevailing organizational prerequisites as well as personal ones. Meeting patients' fundamental care needs was not always prioritized; their physical needs were met to a greater extent than their relational and psychosocial needs. Registered nurses did not prioritize fundamental care when the organization did not.

Conclusion

From the registered nurses' perspective, they structured their work based on the prevailing conditions for meeting patients' fundamental care needs. The organizational structure does not clearly state that fundamental care should be performed in the emergency room, and the registered nurses' work approach there for meeting patients' fundamental care needs is not adapted to provide patients with person‐centred care.

Impact

To date, little is known about registered nurses' work approach and prerequisites in meeting life‐threateningly ill patients' fundamental care needs in the emergency room. Our findings indicate that the organizational structure is pivotal in supporting registered nurses to provide person‐centred fundamental care. The knowledge from this study can be used in emergency care settings to facilitate person‐centred fundamental care and thereby avoid fundamental care being missed.
Reconnection patterns after CLOSE‐guided 50 W high‐power‐short‐duration circumferential pulmonary vein isolation and substrate modification—PV reconnection might no longer be an issue
Authors: Francke Alexander , Scharfe Frank , Schoen Steffen , Wunderlich Carsten , Christoph Marian
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) with high‐power‐short‐duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) technology is emerging as a new standard of care in many electrophysiology laboratories. While procedural short‐term efficacy and efficiency is very promising, little is known about mid‐ to long‐term effects of HPSD ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and left atrial substrate modification.

Methods

In a single‐center registry, 412 AF procedures were performed in 400 individual patients using a standardized CLOSE protocol‐guided fixed 50 W HPSD ablation, aiming for an ablation index (AI) of 400 on the posterior and 550 on the anterior wall. Additional substrate‐tailored lines were performed when required.

Results

After a mean clinical follow‐up of 337 ± 134 days, 15 patients suffered from AF recurrence beyond the blinding period. Twelve gave consent to the indicated reablation. Here, 11 of 12 patients had chronic isolation of all four pulmonary veins (PV). In three of six patients, a reconnection of additional left atrial ablation lines was revealed. Ten out of 12 patients showed progressive fibrous atrial cardiomyopathy and required additional left atrial substrate modification or reisolation of left‐atrial lines. During the follow‐up no clinical case of atrioesophageal fistula was registered. No PV stenosis after initial HPSD PVI was documented.

Conclusions

Patients requiring reablation of AF or other atrial tachycardia after a fixed 50 W HPSD circumferential PVI and substrate modification predominantly suffer from progressive fibrous atrial cardiomyopathy, while PV reconnection appears to be a rare cause of AF recurrence.
Nocturnal heart rate rising is a risk factor for poor renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease and hypertension
Authors: Liu Xiang , Zhou Huan , Li Gen , Li Fangming , Dong Lingqiu , Wang Siqing , Jiang Zheng , Tan Jiaxing , Qin Aiya , Tang Yi , Qin Wei
Published: February 2022

The association of heart rate (HR) dipping pattern with renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with hypertension has never been investigated. In order to demonstrate if HR dipping pattern is a risk factor for renal outcomes, cardiovascular (CV) diseases, and mortality in hypertensive patients with CKD, we conducted the prospective longitudinal observational study. Patients were divided into three groups according to their nocturnal HR: HR dippers (night–day HR ratio ≤ 0.9), HR non‐dippers (0.9 < night–day HR ratio ≤ 1.0), and HR risers (night–day HR ratio > 1.0). The primary outcome was renal endpoint, a composite outcome of progression to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline ≥ 50%; the secondary outcomes included poor renal outcomes, CV events, and death. A total of 34 (11.3%) patients reached renal endpoint after a follow‐up of 34 ± 17 months. Both HR non‐dippers and HR risers were predictive to renal endpoint (hazard ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04‐ 6.4, P = .04; hazard ratio 3.95, 95% CI 1.33‐ 11.79, P = .01, respectively), while only HR risers was shown to be correlated with a decline in eGFR≥ 50% (hazard ratio 5.28, 95% CI 1.45–19.16, P < .05), and decline in eGFR (β ‐0.17, 95% CI ‐0.33‐ ‐0.01, P = .04). No predictive value was found for HR dipping pattern to mortality and CV events. In conclusion, our study provided the first evidence that HR non‐dippers, especially risers were a risk factor for poor renal outcomes in hypertensive patients with CKD.
Prognostic significance of day‐by‐day in‐hospital blood pressure variability in COVID‐19 patients with hypertension
Authors: He Chunyan , Liu Chuan , Yang Jie , Tan Hu , Ding Xiaohan , Gao Xubin , Yang Yuanqi , Shen Yang , Xiang Hedong , Ke Jingbin , Yuan Fangzhengyuan , Chen Renzheng , Cheng Ran , Lv Hailin , Li Ping , Zhang Limin , Huang Lan
Published: February 2022

Hypertension is the most common comorbidity in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and increases in‐hospital mortality. Day‐by‐day blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) is associated with clinical outcomes in hypertensive patients. However, little information is available on the association of BPV with the outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with hypertension. This study aimed to demonstrate whether day‐by‐day in‐hospital BPV had prognostic significance in these patients. The authors included 702 COVID‐19 patients with hypertension from Huoshenshan Hospital (Wuhan, China), who underwent valid in‐hospital BP measurements on at least seven consecutive days. Day‐by‐day BPV was assessed by standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and variation independent of mean (VIM). Overall, patients with severe COVID‐19 and non‐survivors had higher BPV than moderate cases and survivors, respectively. Additionally, higher BPV was correlated with greater age and higher levels of C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, high‐sensitive cardiac troponin I, and B‐type natriuretic peptide. In multivariable Cox regression, SD of systolic BP (SBP) was predictive of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.30] as well as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.16). Similar trends were observed for CV and VIM of SBP, but not indices of diastolic BP variability. The authors demonstrated that day‐by‐day in‐hospital SBP variability can independently predict mortality and ARDS in COVID‐19 patients with hypertension. And high BPV might be correlated with severe inflammation and myocardial injury. Further studies are needed to clarify whether early reduction of BPV will improve the prognosis of these patients.
Transnational Litigation in U.S. Courts: A Theoretical and Empirical Reassessment
Authors: Whytock Christopher A.
Published: February 2022

It is widely claimed that the level of transnational litigation in U.S. courts is high and increasing, primarily due to forum shopping by foreign plaintiffs. This “transnational forum shopping claim” reflects the conventional wisdom among transnational litigation scholars. Lawyers use the claim in briefs; judges use it in court opinions; and interest groups use it to promote law reform. This article reassesses the transnational forum shopping claim theoretically and empirically. It argues that despite globalization, there are reasons to doubt the claim. Changes in procedural and substantive law have made the U.S. legal system less attractive to plaintiffs than it supposedly once was. Meanwhile, other legal systems have been adopting features similar to those that are said to have made the United States a “magnet forum” for foreign plaintiffs, and arbitration is growing as an alternative to transnational litigation. Empirically, using data on approximately 8 million civil actions filed in the U.S. district courts since 1988, the article shows that transnational diversity cases represent only a small portion of overall litigation, their level has decreased overall, and U.S., not foreign, plaintiffs file most of them. The data also reveal that federal question filings by foreign resident plaintiffs are not extensive or increasing either. These findings challenge the transnational forum shopping claim and law reforms based on it, and suggest that it should no longer be used by lawyers, judges, and scholars—at least not without supporting data. The article’s analysis also suggests new directions for transnational litigation as a field of scholarship that would move it beyond its current focus on U.S. courts toward a focus on understanding the dynamics of transnational litigation in global context.
Diel migration pattern of pink salmon fry in small streams
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Urabe Hirokazu , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: February 2022

Downstream migration is a critical stage in the anadromous salmonid life cycle, but previous studies have shown different results between rivers or surveys for the diel downstream migration pattern of the fry of the pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha. We investigated the diel migration pattern of pink salmon fry in three small streams. Our results showed that pink salmon fry migrate mainly within a few hours after sunset; 89.9% of migration occurred between 18:00 and 23:00. Therefore, the results indicated that sunset time influences the diel migration pattern of pink salmon fry in small streams. This pattern could be a predator‐avoidance behaviour.
Structure and regulation of desmosomes in intercalated discs: Lessons from epithelia
Authors: Yeruva Sunil , Waschke Jens
Published: February 2022

For electromechanical coupling of cardiomyocytes, intercalated discs (ICDs) are pivotal as highly specialized intercellular contact areas. ICD consists of adhesive contacts, such as desmosomes and adherens junctions (AJs) that are partially intermingled and thereby form an area composita to provide mechanical strength, as well as gap junctions (GJ) and sodium channels for excitation propagation. In contrast, in epithelia, mixed junctions with features of desmosomes and AJs are regarded as transitory primarily during the formation of desmosomes. The anatomy of desmosomes is defined by a typical ultrastructure with dense intracellular plaques anchoring the cadherin‐type adhesion molecules to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. Desmosomal diseases characterized by impaired adhesive and signalling functions of desmosomal contacts lead to arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy when affecting cardiomyocytes and cause pemphigus when manifesting in keratinocytes or present as cardiocutaneous syndromes when both cell types are targeted by the disease, which underscores the high biomedical relevance of these cell contacts. Therefore, comparative analyses regarding the structure and regulation of desmosomal contacts in cardiomyocytes and epithelial cells are helpful to better understand disease pathogenesis. In this brief review, we describe the structural properties of ICD compared to epithelial desmosomes and suggest that mechanisms regulating adhesion may at least in part be comparable. Also, we discuss whether phenomena such as hyperadhesion or the bidirectional regulation of desmosomes to serve as signalling hubs in epithelial cells may also be relevant for ICD.
Going the Extra Mile: Distant Lending and Credit Cycles
Authors: GRANJA JOÃO , LEUZ CHRISTIAN , RAJAN RAGHURAM G.
Published: February 2022

The average distance of U.S. banks from their small corporate borrowers increased before the global financial crisis, especially for banks in competitive counties. Small distant loans are harder to make, so loan quality deteriorated. Surprisingly, such lending intensified as the Fed raised interest rates from 2004. Why? We show that banks' responses to higher rates led bank deposits to shift into competitive counties. Short‐horizon bank management recycled these inflows into risky loans to distant uncompetitive counties. Thus, rate hikes, competition, and managerial short‐termism explain why inflows “burned a hole” in banks' pockets and, more generally, increased risky lending.
Expression of extracellular matrix proteins nidogen‐1 and legumain in endometrial carcinomas
Authors: Bayramoglu Zeynep , Kılınc Ayse N. U. , Omeroglu Ethem , Yilmaz Fatih , Bayramoglu Denizhan , Unlu Yasar , Aydin Hulya A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Our purpose was to comparatively investigate the expressions of nidogen‐1 (NID1) and legumain (LGMN) in patients with endometrial cancer, endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, and proliferative endometrium.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, single‐center study was performed by the obstetrics and gynecology and pathology departments of our institution. The relationships between descriptive data, clinicopathologic information, and immunohistochemical expressions of NID1 and LGMN were investigated.

Results

The histological grades of endometrial cancers (n = 124) as classified by FIGO included 1 (41, 21.1%), 2 (48, 24.7%), and 3 (35, 18.0%). The medians and ranges of deep and superficial NID1 expressions were 50.00 (0–285) and 5.00 (0–100), respectively. The intensity of legumain expression was noted as negative (30, 24.2%), mild (16, 12.9%), moderate (27, 21.8%), or strong (51, 41.1%). Median disease‐free survival and overall survival were 75.00 (range: 1 to 170) months and 77.00 (range: 1 to 170) months, respectively. Patients with more intense expression of NID1 and LGMN displayed a higher histological grade. These patients were more likely to have a positive peritoneal cytology, larger tumor size, higher tendency for myometrial or lymphovascular invasion, involvement of ovaries, cervix, omentum, as well as lymph node metastasis, and recurrence.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that the expressions of NID1 and LGMN may have important diagnostic implications in endometrial pathologies. Further studies should be performed to understand the significance of NID1 and LGMN in the pathogenesis of endometrial tumors.
Comparison of MRI methods for measuring whole‐brain oxygen extraction fraction under different geometric conditions at 7T
Authors: Lundberg Anna , Lind Emelie , Olsson Hampus , Helms Gunther , Knutsson Linda , Wirestam Ronnie
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose

Cerebral tissue oxygenation is a critical brain viability parameter, and the magnetic properties of hemoglobin offer the opportunity to noninvasively quantify oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrahigh‐field MRI shows advantages such as increased sensitivity to magnetic susceptibility differences and improved signal‐to‐noise ratio that can be translated into smaller voxel size, but also increased sensitivity to static and B1 field inhomogeneities. The aim was to produce a systematic comparison of three MRI‐based methods for estimation of OEF.

Methods

OEF estimates in 16 healthy subjects were obtained at 7T utilizing susceptometry‐based oximetry (SBO), quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), and transverse relaxation rate (R2*). Two major draining veins, that is, the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and the straight sinus (SS), were investigated, including mutual agreement between the methods in each of the two different vessels, agreement between vessels as well as potential vessel angle and vessel size dependences.

Results

Very good correlation (r = .88) was found between SBO‐based and QSM‐based OEF estimates in SSS. Only QSM showed a moderate correlation (r = .61) between corresponding OEF estimates in SSS and SS. For SBO, a trend of increasing OEF estimates was observed as the SS vessel angle relative to the main magnetic field increased. No obvious size dependence could be established for any method. The R2*‐based OEF estimates were reasonable (35%‐36%), but the observed range was somewhat low.

Conclusion

The results indicate that QSM is a promising candidate for assessment of OEF estimates, for example, providing reasonably robust estimates across a wide range of vessel orientations.
Virulence analysis of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) in Horro Guduru Wollega, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Abdissa Tola , Fininsa Chemeda , Abeyo Bekele , Woldeab Getaneh
Published: February 2022

Stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is one of Ethiopia's most serious wheat diseases. Because of mutation and genetic recombination, stem rust can rapidly evolve new virulence to resistant genes. The Ethiopian highlands are well‐known hotspots for the rapid emergence and spread of new wheat stem rust races. The objective of this study was to determine the virulence diversity and spatial distribution of Pgt races in the main wheat‐growing districts, Horro Guduru Wollega. Wheat stem rust samples were collected from Abay Chomen, Amuru, Guduru, Hababo Guduru, Horro, Jardaga Jarte, Jimma Ganati and Jimma Rare districts during the main cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016. In the study, 147 stem rust isolates were derived from 121 viable samples. The physiological races of stem rust were determined on seedlings of standard wheat stem rust differentials using the International System of nomenclature. Twelve (12) physiological races of stem rust were identified. TKTTF, TTKSK, JRCQC, TRTTF and TTTTF were the most common in all districts with a frequency of 53.1%, 15.6%, 14.3%, 6.8% and 2.7%, respectively. TKTTF and TTKSK, two highly virulent races, were found in all districts. Four stem rust resistance genes (Sr11, Sr31, Sr36 and SrTmp) confer resistance to the majority of the virulent races identified. Sr24 was effective against all virulent races in this study but ineffective against the Ug99 variant (race TTKTT) detected in the country. The findings could be helpful for breeders to select many effective resistance gene combinations to provide more durable stem rust resistance.
Regression to the mean in vegetation science
Authors: Mazalla Leonie , Diekmann Martin
Published: February 2022

Aims

We present a possible pitfall in the statistical evaluation of vegetation resurvey studies and longitudinal experimental studies caused by the stochastic phenomenon called ‘regression to the mean’. It manifests itself in a negative correlation of change scores (the difference between an initial and a follow‐up measurement) with the initially measured values. If disregarded, analyses of the drivers of change may be misleading. The aim of this paper is to raise awareness of this issue in vegetation science.

Methods

The relevance of ‘regression to the mean’ is shown using four exemplary data sets, two from grasslands and two from forests with time gaps for the survey periods between 11 and 32 years, using in total 26 variables. The stochastic mechanism behind it is explained in detail and visualised with artificial data. A suggestion for how to deal with this phenomenon in the analysis of models regressing change in a variable on a predictor variable is made based on one of the exemplary data sets.

Results

We found the effect of ‘regression to the mean’ in 24 out of 26 examined variables. It also had a significant impact on the results of models that aimed to explain the change in an observed variable (e.g., change in species number) with another variable (e.g., soil nitrogen content).

Conclusions

The effects of ‘regression to the mean’ are important to keep in mind when interpreting results of resurvey studies, but also when evaluating treatments in experimental studies. We propose to always include the initial values of a variable as a predictor when calculating models of its change scores or evaluating treatment effects. This is especially important when the initial values are already correlated with potential predictor variables.
Leflunomide‐induced liver injury: Differences in characteristics and outcomes in Indian and US registries
Authors: Devarbhavi Harshad , Ghabril Marwan , Barnhart Huiman , Patil Mallikarjun , Raj Sujata , Gu Jiezhun , Chalasani Naga , Bonkovsky Herbert L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Leflunomide, a disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug, has been associated with elevations of serum aminotransferases. Herein, we describe the clinical, laboratory features and outcomes of 17 patients with leflunomide/teriflunomide hepatotoxicity from two large drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) registries.

Methods

Consecutive, adjudicated cases of leflunomide (n = 16)‐or teriflunomide (n = 1)‐related DILI from a single centre in Bangalore, India and the multicentre US Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) were reviewed.

Results

Nine (0.8%) of the 1070 Indian patients and 8 (0.5%) of the 1400 DILIN patients fulfilled the criteria for DILI because of leflunomide‐ or teriflunomide. 89% of the Indian cases were women and all were associated with severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR) and a median drug latency of 49 days, whereas 37.5% of the DILIN cases were female, none exhibited SCAR and the median drug latency was 166 days. Hepatocellular injury (70%) was more common in women than men (92% vs. 20%) and was associated with younger mean age (41 vs. 59 years), higher peak INR (2.3 vs. 1.2) and higher mortality (58% vs. 0%). Mortality was observed in six patients from India (2 of the three with myocarditis) and one received liver transplantation from the USA.

Conclusion

Leflunomide‐induced liver injury is predominantly hepatocellular. Leflunomide hepatotoxicity is more likely accompanied by SCAR, a short latency and a higher mortality in the Indian cohort, with a predominance of females, compared to US DILIN patients. The differences in skin involvement, immunoallergic features and outcomes among subjects from India vs. the USA suggest that genetic or environmental factors are important in the pathogenesis of liver injury.
Enabling or Subverting Legal Violence? Expert Witnesses in Immigration Proceedings
Authors: Heidbrink Lauren
Published: February 2022

Do expert witnesses enable legal violence by participating in a repressive immigration system? Drawing from over 20 years of court watching, accompaniment, and expert witness testimony, this article discusses some of the complications, contradictions, and ethical dilemmas in applying anthropological knowledge to immigration proceedings particularly for child applicants. For example, how might we effectively support individual claims to limited forms of legal relief while not essentializing cultures and countries? How do we resist reductive claims that victimize children and pathologize their parents? This is profoundly challenging, yet also a powerful opportunity. As in fieldwork, engaging with these dilemmas in practice often yields productive insights into how we might educate attorneys and judges from within.
Necessity of rice resistance to planthoppers for OsEXO70H3 regulating SAMSL excretion and lignin deposition in cell walls
Authors: Wu Di , Guo Jianping , Zhang Qian , Shi Shaojie , Guan Wei , Zhou Cong , Chen Rongzhi , Du Bo , Zhu Lili , He Guangcun
Published: February 2022

The planthopper resistance gene Bph6 encodes a protein that interacts with OsEXO70E1. EXO70 forms a family of paralogues in rice. We hypothesized that the EXO70‐dependent trafficking pathway affects the excretion of resistance‐related proteins, thus impacting plant resistance to planthoppers. Here, we further explored the function of EXO70 members in rice resistance against planthoppers.

We used the yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation assays to identify proteins that play roles in Bph6‐mediated planthopper resistance. The functions of the identified proteins were characterized via gene transformation, plant resistance evaluation, insect performance, cell excretion observation and cell wall component analyses.

We discovered that another EXO70 member, OsEXO70H3, interacted with BPH6 and functioned in cell excretion and in Bph6‐mediated planthopper resistance. We further found that OsEXO70H3 interacted with an S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase‐like protein (SAMSL) and increased the delivery of SAMSL outside the cells. The functional impairment of OsEXO70H3 and SAMSL reduced the lignin content and the planthopper resistance level of rice plants.

Our results suggest that OsEXO70H3 may recruit SAMSL and help its excretion to the apoplast where it may be involved in lignin deposition in cell walls, thus contributing to rice resistance to planthoppers.
Technology in care systems: Displacing, reshaping, reinstating or degrading roles?
Authors: Hamblin Kate A.
Published: February 2022

In the United Kingdom and further afield, policy discourse has focused on the efficiencies technology will afford the care sector by increasing workforce capacity at a time when there are recruitment and retention issues. Previous research has explored the impact of telecare and other technologies on roles within the care sector, but issues related to job quality and the consequences of newer digital technologies that are increasingly being deployed in care settings are under researched. Through an exploration of the literature on robotics and empirical studies of telecare and mainstream ‘smart’ digital technology use in UK adult social care, this paper examines how these technologies are generating new forms of work and their implications for job quality, arguing the tendency to prioritise technology results in the creation ‘machine babysitters’ and ‘fauxtomatons’.
Plants utilise ancient conserved peptide upstream open reading frames in stress‐responsive translational regulation
Authors: Causier Barry , Hopes Tayah , McKay Mary , Paling Zachary , Davies Brendan
Published: February 2022

The regulation of protein synthesis plays an important role in the growth and development of all organisms. Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are commonly found in eukaryotic messenger RNA transcripts and typically attenuate the translation of associated downstream main ORFs (mORFs). Conserved peptide uORFs (CPuORFs) are a rare subset of uORFs, some of which have been shown to conditionally regulate translation by ribosome stalling. Here, we show that Arabidopsis CPuORF19, CPuORF46 and CPuORF47, which are ancient in origin, regulate translation of any downstream ORF, in response to the agriculturally significant environmental signals, heat stress and water limitation. Consequently, these CPuORFs represent a versatile toolkit for inducible gene expression with broad applications. Finally, we note that different classes of CPuORFs may operate during distinct phases of translation, which has implications for the bioengineering of these regulatory factors.