bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐renal interstitial fibrosis effect of norcantharidin is exerted through inhibition of PP2Ac‐mediated C‐terminal phosphorylation of Smad3
Authors: Luo Han‐wen , Yin Dan‐dan , Xiao Zheng , Wen Lu , Liao Ying‐jun , Tang Cheng‐yuan , Zeng Dong , Xiao Heng‐ting , Li Ying
Published: January 2021

Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated analog of cantharidin isolated from Mylabris, is known to inhibit renal fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. The present study investigates whether NCTD exerts this effect through regulation of the protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac)‒Smad3 pathway. HK‐2 human renal proximal tubule cells exposed to transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 were used as an in vitro model of renal fibrosis. The levels of total Smad3, C‐terminal‐phosphorylated Smad3 (p‐Smad3), PP2Ac, and fibronectin (Fn) were evaluated by Western blotting. A PP2Ac overexpression plasmid and the PP2Ac inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) were used for functional analyses. The subcellular localization of Smad3 was visualized by immunofluorescence labeling. The results showed that PP2Ac overexpression increased Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in HK‐2 cells, while pharmacologic inhibition of PP2Ac with OA had the opposite effect. NCTD suppressed Fn and p‐Smad3 expression and TGF‐β1‐induced nuclear entry of Smad3, but these effects were abrogated by inhibition of PP2Ac. Thus, the anti‐renal interstitial fibrosis effect of NCTD is exerted through inhibition of PP2Ac‐mediated C‐terminal phosphorylation of Smad3. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of NCTD for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.
US farm support under a Biden administration: Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose?
Authors: Glauber Joseph W. , Smith Vincent H.
Published: January 2021

During the Trump administration, there has been an unprecedented increase in the level of domestic support provided to US agricultural producers. Direct farm supports, including price and income support payments, federal crop insurance, and supplemental assistance to compensate losses due to the trade war with China and the pandemic, have accounted for more than one‐third of net farm income. Those payments have threatened to push the United States over its World Trade Organization (WTO) domestic support obligations and increased its vulnerability to potential dispute settlement challenges in the WTO. The incoming Biden administration will likely bring a new focus to repurpose farm subsidies to provide environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but to achieve those reforms they will need to convince a US Congress that has historically been prone to maintaining the status quo.
Role of international politics on agri‐food trade: Evidence from US–Canada bilateral relations
Authors: Afesorgbor Sylvanus Kwaku , Beaulieu Eugene
Published: January 2021

A well‐functioning trade relationship between Canada and the United States is crucial to the economic vitality of the Canadian agri‐food industry. However, agri‐food trade is more susceptible than other sectors to political interventions. The Trump presidency has strained Canada–US relations and his trade policy actions have significantly increased trade restrictions and trade policy uncertainty and undermined the rules‐based global trading system. We examine the pattern of agri‐food trade between the two countries and find that the upward trajectory of bilateral agri‐food trade ended in 2013. Although this flatlining predates the Trump administration, we show that Trump increased trade policy uncertainty starting in 2017 and likely impacted further expansion of trade. We examine what might change under the Biden presidency and argue that the new administration is likely to restore strong relationships with allies and work to rebuild important international institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). Although protectionist forces will continue to impact bilateral agri‐food trade, we expect closer political ties between a Biden administration and the Canadian Prime Minister. This should have a positive effect on the Canadian agri‐food industry by reducing trade uncertainties, thereby increasing agri‐food trade between Canada and the United States.
Retrospective long‐term clinical evaluation of implant‐prosthetic rehabilitations after head and neck cancer therapy
Authors: Pieralli Stefano , Spies Benedikt Christopher , Schweppe Felix , Preissner Saskia , Nelson Katja , Heiland Max , Nahles Susanne
Published: January 2021

Objective

To assess clinical and patient‐reported outcomes of implant‐prosthetic rehabilitations in patients with a history of head–neck cancer (HNC), treated with tumor resection without (TR) or with adjuvant radiotherapy (TR/RT). A healthy cohort rehabilitated with the same reconstructive protocols served as control group (C).

Materials and Methods

A total of 28 women and 29 men were considered in the present retrospective study. Participants received 322 implants, finally supporting 79 prosthetic reconstructions. Primary outcome was the assessment of implant and prosthetic survival rates. Furthermore peri‐implant soft tissue parameters (attached peri‐implant mucosa, AM; modified bleeding and plaque indices, mBI/mPI; probing depth, PD) and prosthetic technical complications were documented. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) by means of visual analog scales (VAS) and the Oral Health Impact Profile German 14 form (OHIP G14) were collected. For statistical purposes Chi‐square and Mann–Whitney‐U‐Test were adapted.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 81.2 ± 50.3 months, implant survival rate was 98.1% (HNC‐TR), 98.2% (HNC‐TR/RT) and 100.0% (C), respectively (four implants failed in the HNC groups). HNC‐TR/RT showed significant higher mPI and mBI compared to C. Within HNC‐TR/RT, vestibuloplasty significantly reduced mBI and PD values. No failures occurred at the prosthetic level. Overall, higher VAS scores were reported for bar‐ compared with Locator‐retained prostheses. Furthermore, increased OHIP G14 values resulted for HNC‐TR/RT.

Conclusions

High survival rates on implant and prosthetic level were observed. The use of soft tissue grafts resulted in stabilization of the peri‐implant mucosa in irradiated patients. In terms of retention and chewing ability, participants preferred bars over Locator attachments.
Usefulness of an artificial intelligence system for the detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma evaluated with videos simulating overlooking situation
Authors: Waki Kotaro , Ishihara Ryu , Kato Yusuke , Shoji Ayaka , Inoue Takahiro , Matsueda Katsunori , Miyake Muneaki , Shimamoto Yusaku , Fukuda Hiromu , Matsuura Noriko , Ono Yoichiro , Yao Kenshi , Hashimoto Satoru , Terai Shuji , Ohmori Masayasu , Tanaka Kyosuke , Kato Motohiko , Shono Takashi , Miyamoto Hideaki , Tanaka Yasuhito , Tada Tomohiro
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have shown favorable performance in the detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, previous studies were limited by the quality of their validation methods. In this study, we evaluated the performance of an AI system with videos simulating situations in which ESCC has been overlooked.

Methods

We used 17,336 images from 1376 superficial ESCCs and 1461 images from 196 noncancerous and normal esophagi to construct the AI system. To record validation videos, the endoscope was passed through the esophagus at a constant speed without focusing on the lesion to simulate situations in which ESCC has been missed. Validation videos were evaluated by the AI system and 21 endoscopists.

Results

We prepared 100 video datasets, including 50 superficial ESCCs, 22 noncancerous lesions, and 28 normal esophagi. The AI system had sensitivity of 85.7% (54 of 63 ESCCs) and specificity of 40%. Initial evaluation by endoscopists conducted with plain video (without AI support) had average sensitivity of 75.0% (47.3 of 63 ESCC) and specificity of 91.4%. Subsequent evaluation by endoscopists was conducted with AI assistance, which improved their sensitivity to 77.7% (P = 0.00696) without changing their specificity (91.6%, P = 0.756).

Conclusions

Our AI system had high sensitivity for the detection of ESCC. As a support tool, the system has the potential to enhance detection of ESCC without reducing specificity. (UMIN000039645)
Comparable COVID‐19 outcomes with current use of GLP‐1 receptor agonists, DPP‐4 inhibitors or SGLT‐2 inhibitors among patients with diabetes who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Israelsen Simone Bastrup , Pottegård Anton , Sandholdt Håkon , Madsbad Sten , Thomsen Reimar Wernich , Benfield Thomas
Published: January 2021

Incretin‐based therapies, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i), have been hypothesized to exert beneficial effects on COVID‐19 outcomes due to anti‐inflammatory properties. In this population‐based cohort study, we retrieved data from nationwide registries on all individuals diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection up to 1 November 2020. For individuals with diabetes, we examined the impact of use of GLP‐1 RAs (n = 370) and DPP‐4i (n = 284) compared with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) (n = 342) on risk of hospital admission and severe outcomes. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated after applying propensity score weighted methods to control for confounding. Current users of GLP‐1 RAs had an adjusted RR of 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.34‐2.33), while users of DPP‐4i had an adjusted RR of 2.42 (95% confidence interval 0.99‐5.89) for 30‐day mortality compared with SGLT‐2i use. Further, use of GLP‐1 RAs or DPP‐4i compared with SGLT‐2i was not associated with decreased risk of hospital admission. Thus, use of incretin‐based therapies in individuals with diabetes and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was not associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Cardiovascular safety of evogliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Park So‐Hee , Jeong Han Eol , Oh In‐Sun , Hong Sang‐Mo , Yu Sung Hoon , Lee Chang Beom , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: January 2021

Aim

To assess whether the use of evogliptin, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i), was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events compared with glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using South Korea's nationwide healthcare database from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018. We identified a base cohort of patients with T2D who newly initiated metformin monotherapy, from which we identified a study cohort of patients who either added or switched to glimepiride or DPP‐4is (including evogliptin). Patients were followed up from initiation of DPP‐4is or glimepiride until the earliest of either outcome occurrence or 31 December 2018. Our primary outcome was hospitalization or an emergency visit for cardiovascular events, a composite endpoint comprised of cerebrovascular events, heart failure, myocardial infarction, transient ischaemic attack, angina pectoris and revascularization procedures; secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary outcome. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of study outcomes associated with evogliptin compared with glimepiride.

Results

Our base and study cohorts had 317,307 and 128,788 patients, respectively, of which 100,038 were DPP‐4i users (2946 were evogliptin users) and 28,750 were glimepiride users within the study cohort. The median follow‐up was 195 days for evogliptin and 113 days for glimepiride users. Compared with glimepiride, evogliptin was associated with a reduced risk of the primary outcome (aHR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48–0.95) and cerebrovascular events (aHR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.78) but showed non‐significant associations for myocardial infarction (aHR 0.63, 95% CI 0.27–1.46), heart failure (aHR 0.35, 95% CI 0.09–1.47), transient ischaemic attack (aHR 0.23, 95% CI 0.03–1.72) and angina pectoris (aHR 1.35, 95% CI 0.82–2.21).

Conclusions

Findings from this population‐based cohort study provide novel real‐world evidence that the use of evogliptin, compared with glimepiride, did not increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction, heart failure, transient ischaemic attack and angina pectoris.
Functional traits are key to understanding orchid diversity on islands
Authors: Taylor Amanda , Keppel Gunnar , Weigelt Patrick , Zotz Gerhard , Kreft Holger
Published: January 2021

The extraordinary diversity of orchids has captivated scientists for more than a century, yet their complex spatial patterns at large scales remain poorly resolved. On islands, orchid diversity patterns are especially puzzling. While some islands are centres of orchid diversity, orchids are underrepresented on most islands. To disentangle such complex patterns, key functional differences among orchids must be considered – a distinction seldom made in biogeographical analyses. Using a global dataset of 454 islands, we tested prominent hypotheses in island biogeography, while simultaneously making the distinction between epiphytes and two terrestrial life forms (geophytes and non‐geophytes). Orchid diversity was unevenly distributed across islands and life forms. Epiphytic orchid diversity strongly increased with temperature, illustrating the near confinement of epiphytes to the tropics. Geophytes became proportionally more important with increasing seasonality, highlighting their ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions. Epiphytes and non‐geophytes both displayed responses (e.g. negative relationship with seasonality) related to their dependence on consistently favourable conditions, possibly because of the absence of subterranean storage organs. This highlights that the factors explaining orchid diversity differ strongly with, and are related to, life form. We suggest that key functional differences within and across plant families be considered in future studies to better understand drivers of complex diversity patterns.
Tergal and pleural wing‐related tissues in the German cockroach and their implication to the evolutionary origin of insect wings
Authors: Clark‐Hachtel Courtney , Fernandez‐Nicolas Ana , Belles Xavier , Tomoyasu Yoshinori
Published: January 2021

The acquisition of wings has facilitated the massive evolutionary success of pterygotes (winged insects), which now make up nearly three‐quarters of described metazoans. However, our understanding of how this crucial structure has evolved remains quite elusive. Historically, two ideas have dominated in the wing origin debate, one placing the origin in the dorsal body wall (tergum) and the other in the lateral pleural plates and the branching structures associated with these plates. Through studying wing‐related tissues in the wingless segments (such as wing serial homologs) of the beetle, Tribolium castaneum, we obtained several crucial pieces of evidence that support a third idea, the dual origin hypothesis, which proposes that wings evolved from a combination of tergal and pleural tissues. Here, we extended our analysis outside of the beetle lineage and sought to identify wing‐related tissues from the wingless segments of the cockroach, Blattella germanica. Through detailed functional and expression analyses for a critical wing gene, vestigial (vg), along with re‐evaluating the homeotic transformation of a wingless segment induced by an improved RNA interference protocol, we demonstrate that B. germanica possesses two distinct tissues in their wingless segments, one with tergal and one with pleural nature, that might be evolutionarily related to wings. This outcome appears to parallel the reports from other insects, which may further support a dual origin of insect wings. However, we also identified a vg‐independent tissue that contributes to wing formation upon homeotic transformation, as well as vg‐dependent tissues that do not appear to participate in wing formation, in B. germanica, indicating a more complex evolutionary history of the tissues that contributed to the emergence of insect wings.
Effects of host plants on the population parameters and activities of detoxification enzymes in Laodelphax striatellus
Authors: Ding Jie , Wang Youwei , Wang Sheng , Wang Xueting , Wang Zhiwei , Liu Chao , Jin Yan , Zhang Guofu , Xia Xiaoming
Published: January 2021

The small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is an economically important pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and other members of the Poaceae. The effects of host plant type on SBPH life table parameters reared on two cultivars of rice (Zixiangnuo 2315 and Wuyujing 3), wheat (Jimai 22 and Nongda 26), and one grass weed (Echinochloa crusgalli Beauv.) under laboratory conditions were determined using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table. Additionally, the corresponding activities of three detoxifying enzymes – carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and mixed‐function oxidase (MFO) – were also measured. The results showed that host plant species and cultivars had effects on population parameters and activities of detoxification enzymes. Rice cv. Zixiangnuo 2315 and wheat cv. Nongda 26 were shown to be more suitable than the other three hosts. The activities of the three detoxifying enzymes showed different patterns of changes on the three host plants after feeding for 0–72 h. Regardless of short‐term (72 h) or long‐term (one generation) induction on host plants, the activity levels of GST and MFO in adult SBPH reared on rice ‘Zixiangnuo 2315’ were lower and higher, respectively, than on the other four hosts. The results may help understand the host adaptability of this pest and inform the development of strategies for effective field‐based integrated pest management programs.
The influence of vector‐borne disease on human history: socio‐ecological mechanisms
Authors: Athni Tejas S. , Shocket Marta S. , Couper Lisa I. , Nova Nicole , Caldwell Iain R. , Caldwell Jamie M. , Childress Jasmine N. , Childs Marissa L. , De Leo Giulio A. , Kirk Devin G. , MacDonald Andrew J. , Olivarius Kathryn , Pickel David G. , Roberts Steven O. , Winokur Olivia C. , Young Hillary S. , Cheng Julian , Grant Elizabeth A. , Kurzner Patrick M. , Kyaw Saw , Lin Bradford J. , Lopez Ricardo C. , Massihpour Diba S. , Olsen Erica C. , Roache Maggie , Ruiz Angie , Schultz Emily A. , Shafat Muskan , Spencer Rebecca L. , Bharti Nita , Mordecai Erin A.
Published: January 2021

Vector‐borne diseases (VBDs) are embedded within complex socio‐ecological systems. While research has traditionally focused on the direct effects of VBDs on human morbidity and mortality, it is increasingly clear that their impacts are much more pervasive. VBDs are dynamically linked to feedbacks between environmental conditions, vector ecology, disease burden, and societal responses that drive transmission. As a result, VBDs have had profound influence on human history. Mechanisms include: (1) killing or debilitating large numbers of people, with demographic and population‐level impacts; (2) differentially affecting populations based on prior history of disease exposure, immunity, and resistance; (3) being weaponised to promote or justify hierarchies of power, colonialism, racism, classism and sexism; (4) catalysing changes in ideas, institutions, infrastructure, technologies and social practices in efforts to control disease outbreaks; and (5) changing human relationships with the land and environment. We use historical and archaeological evidence interpreted through an ecological lens to illustrate how VBDs have shaped society and culture, focusing on case studies from four pertinent VBDs: plague, malaria, yellow fever and trypanosomiasis. By comparing across diseases, time periods and geographies, we highlight the enormous scope and variety of mechanisms by which VBDs have influenced human history.
Contribution of transglutaminases and their substrate proteins to the formation of cornified cell envelope in oral mucosal epithelium
Authors: Roy Rita Rani , Shimada Katsumitsu , Murakami Satoshi , Hasegawa Hiromasa
Published: January 2021

Cornified envelope formation is crucial for the final differentiation of keratinized epithelium. However, the mechanisms of cornified envelope formation in the oral epithelium remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the differences in the distribution and expression of cornified envelope related proteins and genes between keratinized and non‐keratinized oral epithelia. We immunohistochemically investigated the distribution patterns of transglutaminase 1 (TG1), transglutaminase 3 (TG3), and their substrate proteins involucrin (IVL), loricrin (LOR), and small proline rich proteins (SPRs), in 19 keratinized and 14 non‐keratinized oral epithelium samples. TG1 and TG3 mRNA levels were investigated in both types of epithelium by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using paraffin‐embedded specimens. Data were analyzed to identify factors involved in cornified envelope formation. We demonstrate that 11 localization patterns show statistically significant differences between keratinized and non‐keratinized oral epithelia. These factors clearly drove the separation of the two groups during cluster analysis. TG1 mRNA levels in keratinized oral epithelium were significantly higher than those in non‐keratinized oral epithelium. In conclusion, the characteristic distribution of transglutaminases and their substrates and the mRNA levels of TG1 can regulate cornified envelope formation in keratinized oral epithelium, together with the contribution of TG3 first reported in this paper.
Shear bond strength between gingival composite resin and glazed gingival porcelain for implant‐supported prostheses
Authors: Komine Futoshi , Kubochi Kei , Kimura Fumiaki , Kusaba Kosuke , Takano Ryoki , Matsumura Hideo
Published: January 2021

This study determined the shear bond strength (SBS) between an indirect gingival composite resin and glazed gingival porcelain after various surface treatments. A total of 176 porcelain disks with natural glazing were used and assigned to one of four groups: no surface treatment, airborne‐particle abrasion, hydrofluoric acid etching, or a combination of airborne‐particle abrasion followed by hydrofluoric acid etching. Each group was divided into two subgroups: one subgroup was unprimed, and the other was silanized. An indirect composite resin was then bonded to the porcelain disks. Half of the specimens in each group (n = 11) were exposed to 5000 thermocycles. SBSs were measured, and data were analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis and Steel–Dwass tests. Among silanized specimens, those treated with the combination of airborne‐particle abrasion and hydrofluoric acid etching exhibited the highest bond strengths both before and after thermocycling. However, the SBS values of the silanized and unprimed hydrofluoric acid etched specimens did not differ significantly. Airborne‐particle abrasion followed by hydrofluoric acid etching with silane application yielded stronger, more durable bonds between the indirect gingival composite resin and glazed gingival porcelain.
When the Artificial Is Natural: Reconsidering What Bionics and Sensoria Do
Authors: Lloyd Stephanie , Bonventre Chani
Published: January 2021

When the artificial is natural: reconsidering what bionics and sensoria do.

Videos of cochlear implant (CI) activation are common on online platforms such as YouTube, presenting activation as a “magical” moment when people receive “the gift of hearing.” We argue that these videos present a distorted understanding of what bionic devices, specifically CIs, do. Our research focuses on the scientific understandings of what the implants do within a user's sensorium and, consequently, what people do with CIs.

The case of CIs calls us to analyze and subvert notions of sensory deficits and the bionic devices that are thought to repair them. In doing so, we delve into the forms of embodiment and processes associated with “hearing,” in its multiple forms. We examine the categories of artificial and natural, and how they relate to researchers' and clinicians' conceptualizations of the sensoria of people with CIs. This approach turns attention back to the people living with CIs themselves and is positioned antithetically to the “inspiration porn” of viral CI activation videos, compelling us to consider how people who use CIs create and inhabit new 'natures' with the devices.

Quand l'artificiel est naturel: repenser la relation entre appareils “bioniques” et sensorium.

Les vidéos d'activation d'implants cochléaires (ICs) sont devenus du contenu courant, voire viral, sur des plateformes en ligne comme YouTube. L'activation y est très souvent présentée comme un moment « magique », qui permet à la personne de recevoir l'audition comme un « don ». Mais dans quelle mesure cette représentation correspond‐elle vraiment aux expériences présentées dans, et au‐delà de ces vidéos ? Cet article explore ce que font les ICs, en tant qu'appareils « bioniques » une fois intégrés dans le sensorium d'une personne et, conséquemment, quelle part prennent les personnes utilisant des ICs à ce processus.

À travers ces questionnements, nous proposons d'analyser et subvertir les notions de déficit sensoriel et l'idée selon laquelle des appareils bioniques seraient capables de les réparer. En se tournant vers les formes d'incorporation (embodiment) et les processus associés à l’ « audition » dans ses formes multiples, nous examinons comment les notions d'artificiel et de naturel induisent une conceptualisation spécifique et réductrice du sensorium.

Cette approche vise à valoriser l'expérience des personnes vivant avec des ICs et se positionne ainsi en opposition à l’ « inspiration porn » sous‐jacente aux vidéos virales d'activation d'ICs. Notre objectif est de considérer comment la diversité des expériences des personnes vivant avec des ICs renseigne les 'natures' multiples de l'audition, et plus spécifiquement celles produites au sein d'assemblages qui comprennent des appareils technologiques.
Activism, Growth, and Empowerment of Israeli Parents of Children With Disabilities
Authors: Geva Tamar , Werner Shirli
Published: January 2021

Traditionally, studies on parenting children with disabilities have focused mostly on experiences of stress. More recently, studies have turned to examining parental coping from the perspective of strength, focusing on the ability to achieve growth and empowerment. Most studies, however, have not examined parental activism as a coping mechanism. Based on the Double ABCX Model of Family Adjustment and Adaptation, this study, conducted in Israel, assessed the adequacy of a theoretical model linking stress, coping, activism, growth, and empowerment of parents of children with disabilities. Activist and nonactivist parents (N = 123) completed a structured questionnaire that included measures of stress, coping, empowerment, and growth. Stress was negatively associated with empowerment and growth, whereas problem‐focused coping and parental activism were positively associated with empowerment and growth. Activism was found to mediate the relationships between stress and growth and empowerment, with lower levels of stress being related to higher levels of activism, which was in turn correlated to higher levels of empowerment and growth. Parental activism, consisting of deconstructing problems faced by the family and demanding change in social discourse with a view toward inclusion, choice, rights, and equality, is a useful mechanism for parents in alleviating levels of stress and enhancing sense of empowerment and growth.
Micronodular PEComas of the appendix
Authors: Anderson William J , Kojc Nika , Fletcher Christopher D M , Hornick Jason L
Published: January 2021

Aims

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComas) of the appendix have been reported very rarely. In this study, we describe three cases of a distinctive micronodular proliferation in the appendix consistent with a variant of PEComa. Although known as ‘granular degeneration of smooth muscle’ in prior reports, we reappraise its clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features which support a change in classification.

Methods and results

Patients were two females (aged 33 and 41 years) and one male (aged 41). None had a history of tuberous sclerosis. Histologically, each case demonstrated a multifocal nodular proliferation towards the distal tip of the appendix, composed of epithelioid cells with abundant granular eosinophilic to clear cytoplasm. By immunohistochemistry, the lesional cells were positive for muscle markers [smooth muscle actin (SMA) and desmin], melanocytic markers (HMB45, melan A), cathepsin K and the lysosomal marker NKI‐C3 in each case. MITF was positive in two of three cases. None expressed S100 protein. Electron microscopy in one case revealed striated electron‐dense structures consistent with pre‐melanosomes. Follow‐up, available in one case, showed no recurrence at 5 years.

Conclusions

We propose the term ‘micronodular PEComa’ for this appendiceal lesion to reflect more accurately its histological and immunohistochemical characteristics, which include consistent positivity for both muscle and melanocytic markers. Micronodular PEComa seems to follow an indolent course, consistent with its uniformly low‐grade histological features, and appears to be unassociated with tuberous sclerosis.
Time response of rat testicular alterations induced by cryptorchidism and orchiopexy
Authors: Ferragut Cardoso Ana P. , Gomide Lígia M. M. , Souza Nathalia P. , de Jesus Carlos Márcio N. , Arnold Lora L. , Cohen Samuel M. , de Camargo João Lauro V. , Nascimento e Pontes Merielen G.
Published: January 2021

Cryptorchidism is one of the main risk factors for infertility and testicular cancer. Orchiopexy surgery corrects cryptorchidism effects. Different models of cryptorchidism developed in the rat include surgery. We assessed testicular alterations in rats submitted to surgical cryptorchidism and examined their potential for reversibility at different time points in order to verify time dependency effect(s) on the recovery of the undescended testes. Cryptorchidism was induced in 3‐week‐old rats. Animals were euthanized 3, 6 or 11 weeks after surgery to evaluate the morphological progression of cryptorchidism‐induced germinative epithelial alterations. Other groups underwent orchiopexy 3, 5 or 9 weeks after surgical cryptorchidism, before or after puberty. Animals were euthanized 3 or 8 weeks after orchiopexy. Controls underwent sham surgery at the same time points as the surgical groups. Cryptorchid testes showed decreased weight, germinative epithelial degeneration, apoptosis and vacuolation, corresponding to impairment of spermatogenesis and of Sertoli cells. Some tubules has a Sertoli cell‐only pattern and atrophy. The intensity of damage was related to the duration of cryptorchidism. After orchiopexy, spermatogenesis completely recovered only when testicular relocation occurred before puberty and the interval for recovery was extended. These results indicate that age, sexual maturity and extension of germ cell damage were relevant for producing germ cell restoration and normal spermatogenesis. We provide original observations on the time dependency of testicular alterations induced by cryptorchidism and their restoration using morphologic, morphometric and immunohistochemical approaches. It may be useful to study germ cell impairment, progression and recovery in different experimental settings, including exposure to exogenous chemicals.
A psychometric evaluation of the Health Literacy Questionnaire for Chinese immigrants: Linguistic and cultural considerations
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ding Ding , Fethney Judith , Gallagher Robyn
Published: January 2021

Objective

Health literacy is an important predictor of health outcomes. The Health Literacy Questionnaire has been widely adopted to measure health literacy and has been translated into multiple languages including Chinese. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the simplified Chinese Health Literacy Questionnaire.

Methods

Data were obtained from a sample of 362 Chinese immigrants from Chinese community organizations in New South Wales, Australia. Statistical analyses include descriptive and exploratory factor analyses.

Results

A seven‐factor solution was derived from 39 of the original 44 items, all with acceptable to excellent internal consistency but differing from the original construction. The health literacy subscale scores were negatively associated with age and with age at immigration, but positively associated with duration of stay (years) in Australia, better English proficiency and current employment. Differing interpretations of the questions based on Chinese culture could possibly explain the variations between the two versions.

Conclusion

The simplified Chinese Health Literacy Questionnaire measures some central concepts of health literacy well. However, the questionnaire may require further development, especially in linguistic and cultural aspects.
Enterprise architecture operationalization and institutional pluralism: The case of the Norwegian Hospital sector
Authors: Ajer Anne Kristin Sortehaug , Hustad Eli , Vassilakopoulou Polyxeni
Published: January 2021

Enterprise architecture (EA) is a systematic way of designing, planning, and implementing process and technology changes to address the complexity of information system (IS) landscapes. EA is operationalized when architecture visions move towards realization through concrete projects. We report a case study on the dynamics of operationalizing EA in the Norwegian hospital sector by exploring different EA project trajectories. Our empirical context is an institutionally pluralistic setting where multiple logics coexist. We show that the distinct logic of EA is added to the institutional context and we find that tensions among existing medical, technical, and managerial logics and EA principles and assumptions emerge. We contribute to the under‐researched topic of EA operationalization by suggesting a model that demonstrates how the meeting of multiple institutional logics can lead to varying degrees of differentiation or even disassociation from EA visions during decision‐taking in projects. Furthermore, we advance extant research on IS projects' implementation in institutionally pluralistic settings by providing an empirical account of actors' interactions and project leadership arrangements that contribute to the persistence of coexisting logics in a dynamic equilibrium.
Clinical audit of adherence to hypertension treatment guideline and control rates in hospitals of different sizes in Thailand
Authors: Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , Pinyopornpanish Kanokporn , Srivanichakorn Supattra , Sanchaisuriya Pattara , Thepthien Bang‐on , Tooprakai Dusida , Ngetich Elisha , Damasceno Albertino , Olsen Michael Hecht , Sharman James E. , Garg Renu
Published: January 2021

A clinical audit of hospitals in Thailand was conducted to assess compliance with the national hypertension treatment guidelines and determine hypertension control rates across facilities of different sizes. Stratified random sampling was used to select sixteen hospitals of different sizes from four provinces. These included community (<90 beds), large (90–120 beds), and provincial (>120 beds) hospitals. Among new cases, the audit determined whether (i) the recommended baseline laboratory assessment was completed, (ii) the initial choice of medication was appropriate based on the patient's cardiovascular risk, and (iii) patients received medication adjustments when indicated. The hypertension control rates at six months and at the last visit were recorded. Among the 1406 patients, about 75% had their baseline glucose and kidney function assessed. Nearly 30% (n = 425/1406) of patients were indicated for dual therapy but only 43% of them (n = 182/425) received this. During treatment, 28% (198/1406) required adjustments in medication but this was not done. The control of hypertension at six months after treatment initiation was 53% varying between 51% in community and 56% in large hospitals (p < .01). The hypertension control rate at last visit was 64% but varied between 59% in community hospitals and 71% in large hospitals (p < .01). Failure to adjust medication when required was associated with 30% decrease in the odds of hypertension control (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0. 50 to 0.90). Failure to comply with the treatment guidelines regarding adjustment of medication and lost to follow‐up are possible target areas to improve hypertension control in Thailand.
Nicorandil decreases oxidative stress in slow‐ and fast‐twitch muscle fibers of diabetic rats by improving the glutathione system functioning
Authors: Sánchez‐Duarte Sarai , Márquez‐Gamiño Sergio , Montoya‐Pérez Rocío , Villicaña‐Gómez Erick Andrés , Vera‐Delgado Karla Susana , Caudillo‐Cisneros Cipriana , Sotelo‐Barroso Fernando , Melchor‐Moreno Ma Teresa , Sánchez‐Duarte Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Aims/Introduction

Myopathy is a common complication of any diabetes type, consisting in failure to preserve mass and muscular function. Oxidative stress has been considered one of the main causes for this condition. This study aimed to search if Nicorandil, a KATP channel opener, could protect slow‐ and fast‐twitch diabetic rat muscles from oxidative stress, and to unveil its possible mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by applying intraperitoneally streptozotocin (STZ) at 100 mg/kg doses. Nicorandil (3 mg/kg/day) was administered along 4 weeks. An insulin tolerance test and assessment of fasting blood glucose (FBG), TBARS, reduced (GSH), and disulfide (GSSG) glutathione levels, GSH/GSSG ratio, and mRNA expression of glutathione metabolism‐related genes were performed at end of treatment in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles.

Results

Nicorandil significantly reduced FBG levels and enhanced insulin tolerance in diabetic rats. In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Nicorandil attenuated the oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation (TBARS), increasing total glutathione and modulating GPX1‐mRNA expression in both muscle’s types. Nicorandil also increased GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio and downregulated the GCLC‐ and GSR‐mRNA in gastrocnemius, without significative effect on those enzymes’ mRNA expression in diabetic soleus muscle.

Conclusions

In diabetic rats, Nicorandil attenuates oxidative stress in slow‐ and fast‐twitch skeletal muscles by improving the glutathione system functioning. The underlying mechanisms for the modulation of glutathione redox state and the transcriptional expression of glutathione metabolism‐related genes seem to be fiber type‐dependent.
A Functional Aqp1 Gene Product Localizes on The Contractile Vacuole Complex in Parameciummultimicronucleatum
Authors: Ishida Masaki , Hori Manabu , Ooba Yui , Kinoshita Masako , Matsutani Tsuyoshi , Naito Musumi , Hagimoto Taeko , Miyazaki Kuniko , Ueda Sou , Miura Ken , Tominaga Takashi
Published: January 2021

In a ciliate Paramecium, the presence of water channels on the membrane of contractile vacuole has long been predicted by both morphological and physiological data, however, to date either the biochemical or the molecular biological data have not been provided. In the present study, to examine the presence of aquaporin in Paramecium, we carried out RT‐PCR with degenerated primers designed based on the ParameciumDB, and an aquaporin cDNA (aquaporin 1, aqp1) with a full‐length ORF encoding 251 amino acids was obtained from Paramecium multimicronucleatum by using RACE. The deduced amino acid sequence of AQP1 had NPA‐NPG motifs, and the prediction of protein secondary structure by CNR5000 and hydropathy plot showed the presence of six putative transmembrane domains and five connecting loops. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that the amino acid sequence of AQP1 was close to that of the Super‐aquaporin group. The AQP1‐GFP fusion protein clearly demonstrated the subcellular localization of AQP1 on the contractile vacuole complex, except for the decorated spongiome membrane. The functional analyses of aqp1 were done by RNA interference‐based gene silencing, using an established feeding method. The aqp1 was found to be crucial for the total fluid output of the cell, the function of contractile vacuole membranes.
Online relationship education programs improve individual and relationship functioning: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Spencer Chelsea M. , Anderson Jared R.
Published: January 2021

Online access to relationship enhancing educational resources are needed now more than ever, and there is a growing number of available programs for couples to choose. But, what is the evidence that these programs improve individual and relationship well‐being? We conducted a meta‐analysis, using random‐effects, examining individual and relationship outcomes of online relationship education programs. We identified 12 publications included in the analysis, and found that online relationship education programs produced significant effects in increasing relationship satisfaction, communication skills, relationship confidence, positive relationship qualities, and decreasing negative relationship qualities. At the individual‐level, we found that online relationship programs reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, increased health satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Additionally, we found no differences related to gender, whether or not couples were identified as “distressed,” whether or not the programs were “enhanced,” or length of the program.
A review of inpatient nursing workload measures
Authors: Racy Stepney , Davidson Patricia M. , Peeler Anna , Hager David N. , Street Lara , Koirala Binu
Published: January 2021

Background

Fiscal constraints, an ageing populations and the increasing burden of chronic conditions are stressing health systems internationally. Nurses are the linchpin of effective healthcare delivery and their success is dependent on adequate staffing models, which must align knowledge, skills and competencies with workload.

Objectives

To compare measures of nursing workload in adult inpatient settings.

Design, data sources and review method

A review of published studies characterising nursing workload measures was undertaken. Databases—PubMed and CINHAL—were used to identify published studies. A description of the psychometric properties of each measure and its use in an inpatient setting was required for inclusion. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to guide and report the review.

Results

Of the 1,422 studies identified, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Nursing workload was measured in the intermediate care unit (n = 6), overall hospital (n = 7), emergency department (n = 1) and burn unit (n = 1) settings and also by mailed survey (n = 1). Eleven different workload measures were identified. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (n = 3), Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (n = 3) and Nursing Activities Score (n = 2) were the most common nursing workload measures identified with reported psychometric properties.

Conclusion

Researchers, clinicians and hospital administrators should carefully identify and assess the psychometric properties of nursing workload measures before using these in routine practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Gaining a consensus on effective nursing workload measures is a crucial step in designing appropriate staffing models and policies, improving nurse productivity and well‐being, as well as enhancing patient health outcomes in inpatient settings.
Circ‐LRP6 mediates epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Zhang Qian , Jiang Chunmiao , Ren Wenhao , Li Shaoming , Zheng Jingjing , Gao Yuli , Zhi Keqian , Gao Ling
Published: January 2021

Background

Tumor metastasis seriously affects the therapeutic effect and prognosis of cancer patients. Here, we studied the role of has_circ_0000378 (circ‐LRP6) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastasis to explore new ideas and schemes for clinical treatment.

Methods

The expressions of circ‐LRP6 in OSCC and normal tissues from matched controls were measured by real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR). Levels of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors, P62 and LC3B, were determined by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of circ‐LRP6 downregulation on migration, invasion, and autophagy using CCK8, transwell assays, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence (IF) assay.

Results

The expression of circ‐LRP6 in OSCC tissues was high. Downregulation of circ‐LRP6 reduced the EMT process of SCC‐15 cells, as evidenced by increased E‐cadherin and decreased vimentin and Zeb1 levels. Downregulation of circ‐LRP6 also decreased autophagy as shown by increased levels of P62 and decreased LC3B in SCC‐15 cells. Autophagy revulsant rapamycin (RAPA) rescued the inhibitory effect of circ‐LRP6 on LC3B, vimentin, and Zeb1.

Conclusions

circ‐LRP6 promoted EMT and autophagy of OSCC and increased autophagy could rescue EMT in OSCC cells inhibited by circ‐LRP6 siRNA.
Teacher‐ versus researcher‐provided affirmation effects on students’ task engagement and positive perceptions of teachers
Authors: Smith Eric N. , Rozek Christopher S. , Manke Kody J. , Dweck Carol S. , Walton Gregory M.
Published: January 2021

Values‐affirmation interventions have the potential to improve students’ experience and achievement in school. Researchers have proposed that these benefits are greatest when affirmation exercises are delivered by teachers (versus researchers). The current research provides an experimental test of whether describing affirmation activities as provided by teachers increases students’ engagement with the activities and students’ positive perceptions of their teachers. In a 2×2 field experiment, delivered to students during their first year of high school, students completed either an affirmation or matched control activity purportedly provided by either teachers or researchers. We found that describing affirmation activities as provided by teachers led students to perceive that teachers at their school were more interested in students’ broader lives outside of school and provided marginally more care and support to students, as compared to the same affirmation exercise described as provided by researchers and control activities attributed to either source. In addition, teacher‐provided affirmation activities prompted students to write more during the activities. The present study provides initial evidence that affirmation interventions can improve students’ perceptions of their relationship with their teachers—a potent driver of student success—but only when affirmation activities are seen as coming from and of interest to teachers.