bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early microbiome and metabolome signatures in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Elgarten Caitlin W. , Tanes Ceylan , Lee Jung-jin , Danziger-Isakov Lara A. , Grimley Michael S. , Green Michael , Michaels Marian G. , Barnum Jessie L. , Ardura Monica I. , Auletta Jeffery J. , Blumenstock Jesse , Seif Alix E. , Bittinger Kyle L. , Fisher Brian T.
Published: June 2021

Background

The contribution of the gastrointestinal tract microbiome to outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is increasingly recognized. Investigations of larger pediatric cohorts aimed at defining the microbiome state and associated metabolic patterns pre-transplant are needed.

Methods

We sought to describe the pre-transplant stool microbiome in pediatric allogenic HCT patients at four centers. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolic profiling on pre-transplant stool samples. Samples were compared with normal age-matched controls and by clinical characteristics. We then explored associations between stool microbiome measurements and metabolite concentrations.

Results

We profiled stool samples from 88 pediatric allogeneic HCT patients, a median of 4 days before transplant. Pre-transplant stool samples differed from healthy controls based on indices of alpha diversity and in the proportional abundance of specific taxa and bacterial genes. Relative to stool from healthy patients, samples from HCT patients had decreased proportion of Bacteroides, Ruminococcaeae and genes involved in butyrate production, but were enriched for gammaproteobacterial species. No systematic differences in stool microbiome or metabolomic profiles by age, transplant indication or hospital were noted. Stool metabolites demonstrated strong correlations with microbiome composition.

Discussion

Stool samples from pediatric allogeneic HCT patients demonstrate substantial dysbiosis early in the transplant course. As microbiome disruptions associate with adverse transplant outcomes, pediatric-specific analyses examining longitudinal microbiome and metabolome change are imperative to identify causal associations and to inform rational design of interventions.
Adaptive doctors: preparing tomorrow’s doctors for practice in the Anthropocene Epoch
Authors: Slimings Claudia , Sisson Emily , Larson Connor , Bowles Devin , Hussain Rafat
Published: June 2021

Background

The future health workforce needs to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to deliver sustainable healthcare and promote planetary health. The aim of this study was to design, implement and evaluate a new suite of planetary health learning activities piloted by medical students for a range of medical professionals.

Methods

The study consisted of three components: curriculum mapping, development of learning activities and evaluation. Curriculum mapping involved searching program learning outcomes using relevant search terms. Two learning activities were co-developed with medical students comprising of an e-learning component and an inquiry-based small group workshop presented to 99 2nd year students. Evaluation consisted of pre- and post-learning knowledge quizzes and a student feedback survey.

Results

A total of 30 learning outcomes were identified with the majority located in the first two years of the four-year program. The overall evaluation response rate was 49.5%, and 19% completed the feedback survey. The mean pre- and post-lesson scores, respectively, were 7.09 (SD=1.84) and 9.53 (SD=1.69) out of a possible score of 12, increasing by 2.37 points on average (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66-3.09). Overall, the new activities were rated as excellent/good by 84.2% of respondents. The e-learning module rated more highly as a meaningful learning experience than the workshop (89% v. 63.2%). The most common criticism was the length of time it took to complete the e-learning.

Conclusion

Students already had a good understanding of planetary health ‘facts’ and the e-learning lesson served to confirm, review and update their knowledge. Students embraced the opportunity to engage in interactive learning through the problem-solving group work activity. There is very little vertical alignment of environmental and climate issues across all four years of the medical program in our institution and a variety of learning approaches should be considered when revising the curriculum.
Lysosome Lipid Signaling from the Periphery to Neurons Regulates Longevity
Authors: Savini Marzia , Duffy Jonathon D. , Folick Andrew , Lee Yi-Tang , Hu Pei-Wen , Neve Isaiah A. , Jin Feng , Zhang Qinghao , Tillman Matthew , Ye Youqiong , Mair William B. , Wang Jin , Han Leng , Ortlund Eric A. , Wang Meng C.
Published: June 2021

Lysosomes are key cellular organelles that metabolize extra- and intracellular substrates. Alterations in lysosomal metabolism are implicated in aging-associated metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. However, how lysosomal metabolism actively coordinates the metabolic and nervous systems to regulate aging remains unclear. Here, we report a fat-to-neuron lipid signaling pathway induced by lysosomal metabolism and its longevity promoting role in Caenorhabditis elegans. We discovered that lysosomal lipolysis in peripheral fat storage tissue up-regulates the neuropeptide signaling pathway in the nervous system to promote longevity. This cell-non-autonomous regulation requires the secretion from the fat storage tissue of a lipid chaperone protein LBP-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). LBP-3 binds to specific PUFAs, and acts through a nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49 and neuropeptide NLP-11 in neurons to extend lifespan. Together, these results reveal lysosomes as a signaling hub to coordinate metabolism and aging, and a lysosomal signaling mechanism that mediates intertissue communication to promote longevity.
Postmortem whole-genome sequencing on a dried blood spot identifies a novel homozygous SUOX variant causing isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency
Authors: Owen Mallory J. , Lenberg Jerica , Feigenbaum Annette , Gold Jeffrey , Chau Kevin , Bezares-Orin Zaira , Ding Yan , Chowdhury Shimul , Kingsmore Stephen F.
Published: June 2021

Rapid whole-genome sequencing (rWGS) has shown that genetic diseases are a common cause of infant mortality in neonatal intensive care units. Dried blood spots collected for newborn screening allow investigation of causes of infant mortality that were not diagnosed during life. Here, we present a neonate who developed seizures and encephalopathy on the third day of life that was refractory to antiepileptic medications. The patient died on day of life 16 after progressive respiratory failure and sepsis. The parents had lost two prior children after similar presentations, neither of whom had a definitive diagnosis. Postmortem rWGS of a dried blood spot identified a pathogenic homozygous frameshift variant in the SUOX gene associated with isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (c.1390_1391del, p.Leu464GlyfsTer10). This case highlights that early, accurate molecular diagnosis has the potential to influence prenatal counseling and guide management in rare, genetic disorders and has added importance in cases of a strong family history and risk factors such as consanguinity.
High accuracy disturbance observer-based agile attitude stabilization with three-dimensional MSW
Authors: Tayebi Javad , Han Chao , Yu Yuanjin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is agile attitude control design with the novel three-dimensional (3D) magnetically suspended wheel (MSW) that is the preferred type for agile maneuvering compared to conventional control moment gyro due to frictionless, low vibration and long lifetime. This system does not require a separate steering law for pyramid arrangement to derive tilt angles. It is also conducting an agile maneuver with high accuracy despite the high-frequency disturbances.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a disturbance observer-based attitude stabilization method is proposed for an agile satellite with a pyramid cluster of the novel 3D magnetically suspended wheel actuator. This strategy includes a disturbance observer and a linear quadratic regulator controller. The rotor shaft deflection of MSW is actively controlled to reduce vibration and producing gyro torque. The deflection angle of the pyramid cluster MSWs considered as control parameters. The closed-loop stability is proved by using the Lyapunov strategy. The efficiency and performance of the offered method verified by numerical simulation via MATLAB/SIMULINK software.

Findings

According to simulation results, the disturbance observer-based control controller stabilized the system with high accuracy and optimal tilt angles without any extra steering law equation. Hence, the system speed is increased, and the system error is minimized without separate steering law.

Practical implications

The magnetically suspended wheel is a new kind of inertia actuator for attitude control that has several benefits such as frictionless, high-speed rotor, clean environment and low vibration compared to the traditional wheel. It has complex nonlinear dynamics that cause have complicated controller design. The proposed strategy stabilizes the system and conducting an agile maneuver with high precision despite the high-frequency disturbances. It is applicable for some missions requiring high accuracies, like Earth observation and the solar observation mission that require a very accurate pointing control and a long lifetime.

Originality/value

This paper is the initial paper to design a pyramid array for magnetically suspended wheels. Compared to other research, this method doesn’t need a separate steering law of the MSWs cluster and presented optimal tilt angles with less computational. Also, it designs a disturbance observer-based controller for this system that proposed high accuracy and agile stabilization.
The transforming generation: increasing student awareness about the effects of economic decisions on sustainability
Authors: Sierra Javier , Suárez-Collado Ángela
Published: June 2021

Purpose

There is a growing trend in higher education institutions to develop multi-disciplinary approaches to education for sustainable development and to implement student-centered and problem-based methodologies to increase student engagement and satisfaction. This paper aims to present an innovative methodology to increase student awareness about the effects of economic decisions on sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This method uses a videogame and two board games to simulate three spheres of economic interaction, namely, local, national and international. For every sphere, three key economic sectors and their relationships with fundamental sustainable development goals (SDGs) are addressed. This study uses pre- and post-simulation data to analyze the students’ perceptions regarding the usefulness of the simulations and their awareness about the effects of economic decisions on sustainability.

Findings

The implementation of this teaching and learning method demonstrated not only that active learning can effectively increase student awareness about the potential social and environmental consequences of economic decisions but also that students perceive games and simulations as useful teaching and learning tools.

Social implications

Students in these areas need to learn not only how to transform original ideas into successful projects but also to align financial results with social and environmental objectives. The methodology presented in this research allows to enhance learning from a multi-disciplinary perspective, helping the students to analyze different economic sectors and their connection with a number of SDGs through the lens of public economics.

Originality/value

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has shown the effects of a global pandemic at the economic, social and environmental levels. This paper presents an innovative active learning framework to increase sustainability awareness among students of economics, business and management.
Unsubstantiated conclusions about the Family Star Plus as an outcome measure: a rebuttal to Sweet, Winter, Neeson and Connolly (2020)
Authors: Good Anna , MacKeith Joy
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explain why Sweet et al.'s assertions are not well founded and raise unsubstantiated doubt over the use of the Family star Plus and the Outcomes Star suite of tools as outcomes measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence is presented of flaws in the analysis, reporting and conclusions of an article published in this journal (Sweet et al., 2020).

Findings

Sweet et al. failed to mention a body of Outcomes Star validation work, including over 20 online reports and a manuscript they had seen of a now published article supporting the reliability and validity of the Family Star Plus (Good and MacKeith, 2020). There are significant issues with their methodology, presentation of results and conclusions including: reliance on statistical significance with a small sample size; use of statistics not intended for ordinal data and; and inappropriate conclusions from convergence with measures conceptually different to the Family Star Plus.

Originality/value

Evidence is presented that the Family Star Plus is a useful and valid outcome measure and that Sweet et al.’s conclusions can be attributed to issues with their methodology and interpretation.
What Social Media Facilitates, Social Media should Regulate: Duties in the New Public Sphere
Authors: Smith Leonie , Niker Fay
Published: June 2021

This article offers a distinctive way of grounding the regulative duties held by social media companies (SMCs). One function of the democratic state is to provide what we term the right to democratic epistemic participation within the public sphere. But social media has transformed our public sphere, such that SMCs now facilitate citizens’ right to democratic epistemic participation and do so on a scale that was previously impossible. We argue that this role of SMCs in expanding the scope of what counts as fair democratic epistemic participation, and in becoming the providers of access to the digital public sphere, brings with it duties of regulation.
Women's Literacy in a Late Medieval Religious Community: Organisation and Memorialisation at Santa Marta in Milan, 1405–1454
Authors: Brown Josh
Published: June 2021

This article argues for literacy as a form of memorialisation in female religious organisations in late medieval Italy. Using freshly discovered archival materials from the Archivio di Stato in Milan, focus is placed on organisation and memorialisation in one particular community, the women of Santa Marta during the period 1405–1454. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, new communities formed who wished to organise according to their own principles. Some of these communities eventually adopted an official rule, such as the Rule of Saint Augustine, and obtained papal approval for their specific way of living when they did not follow the rule absolutely. This article argues that access to reading and writing were fundamental aspects in these communities, and enabled women to empower themselves in ways that had not been possible. I focus on the writing of a semi‐religious nun, Margherita Lambertenghi, and the other narratives relating to the convent of Santa Marta in Milan during the early fifteenth century, as a case‐study to show the central role that literacy played in the development of the community. Since the extant writing of the convent reveals interesting practices of copying and memorialisation, sometimes mediated by men, the article also discusses these issues.
Study on water resources consumption and environmental pollution of China's provinces under different economic development levels
Authors: Zhang Chenjun , Hua Rui , Shi Zhen , Chiu Yung‐ho , Qin Shijiong , Sun Xinrui
Published: June 2021

In China, the contradiction between rapid economic development and water shortage has attracted much attention. This paper explores the problems of water consumption and environmental pollution in provinces with different economic development levels in China. Sewage discharge is put into the undesirable meta frontier dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) model as an undesirable output variable. The water use efficiency under different income levels from 2013 to 2017 is compared at the provincial level from the perspective of domestic water use efficiency, ecological water use efficiency, industrial water use efficiency and agricultural water use efficiency, and the dynamic evolution is further revealed by using kernel density estimation. The results show that water resource utilisation efficiency is positively correlated with regional income level and economic development level. The internal differences in high‐income areas are narrowing, while the internal differences in middle‐income areas are significantly expanding; agricultural water use efficiency is the most prominent problem. In view of these situations, the total amount and intensity of water consumption should be controlled in high‐income areas. For middle‐income provinces with abundant water resources but low efficiency, local governments can strengthen legislation and supervision.
Financial Analysis in Banking: The Challenge of Segment Reporting*
Authors: Bui Long T. , Magnan Michel , Moldovan Rucsandra
Published: June 2021

An equity analyst at Q&M Independent Research Corporation is assessing the financial and business prospects of two Canadian banks: Bank of Montréal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Relying on recent information provided in the financial statements and proxy circulars from both banks, the analyst faces some challenges in performing a prospective analysis, a key input to any valuation model. The case highlights the cost‐benefit analysis of disclosure that banks may perform when applying IFRS 8 – Operating Segments. The case also illustrates the challenges that segment disclosure poses to financial analysts and investors as they attempt to forecast a bank's earnings and to perform a valuation. Furthermore, the case develops the process by which a bank's business model is linked with its financial reporting and, ultimately, its valuation.
Role of multiparametric ultrasound in testicular focal lesions and diffuse pathology evaluation, with particular regard to elastography: Review of literature
Authors: Cantisani Vito , Di Leo Nicola , Bertolotto Michele , Fresilli Daniele , Granata Antonio , Polti Giorgia , Polito Eleonora , Pacini Patrizia , Guiban Olga , Del Gaudio Giovanni , Dolcetti Vincenzo , DʼAndrea Vito , Di Pierro Giovanni Battista , Verrengia Marco , Drudi Francesco Maria , Catalano Carlo
Published: June 2021

Background

Ultrasound is the main requested technique for the assessment of traumatic, vascular, neoplastic, and inflammatory testicular pathology. Moreover, the role of ultrasound has broadened over the years along with the introduction of new techniques, such as contrast enhanced ultrasound and ultrasound elastography.

Objective

An updated representation of the pre‐existing Literature evidence for multiparametric ultrasound imaging with particular regard to elastography, in the evaluation of focal and diffuse testicular pathologies, has been presented.

Methods

The search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus databases from the earliest available article (1977) until January 2021. Based on the evidence of the Literature, the current role of US imaging for focal and diffuse testicular pathologies has been reported and illustrated, with emphasis on examination technique, classification, and pitfalls. Results: Multiparametric Ultrasound has a recognized role for testicle focal and diffuse disease. Elastography is nowadays recognized as an essential part of the multiparametric ultrasound examination. However, in the setting of testicular pathology this method showed some promising results in the setting of varicocoele and for focal lesions characterization. In the remaining field its role is still under debate.

Discussion

B‐mode ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound have been for a long time the diagnostic gold standard for testicular pathologies. The introduction of both contrast enhanced ultrasound and elastography in the last two decades has brought to the emergence of the multiparametric ultrasound concept. These methods are currently able to increase diagnostic confidence especially for testicular lesions characterization, with different relevance depending on the pathology under consideration.

Conclusion

Multiparametric ultrasound testis assessment, with specific regard to elastography is nowadays recommended for focal and diffuse disease evaluation. Further and larger studies are however needed to validate these results and to understand if the role of elastography in testicular pathology may be broadened.
Comparative evaluation of forestry carbon baseline between North Korea and Mongolia from Google Earth
Authors: Um Dan‐Bi
Published: June 2021

This comparative empirical study on North Korea and Mongolia was conducted to demonstrate how satellite imagery extracted from Google Earth can be used to estimate the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) baseline. Forests in North Korea are eight times more densely distributed (8 471 787 hectares, 69.6% of its total land area) than that of Mongolia (12 842 624 hectares, only 8% of its total land area). Forests in North Korea have up to 10 times more carbon storage capacity (e.g. above‐ground biomass of Pinus koraiensis under the category of the temperate continental forest, IPCC Guideline: 58.23 ton) than that of Mongolia (e.g. above‐ground biomass of coniferous in boreal tundra woodland: 5 ton). Results are expected to be used as objective basic data in the process of introducing REDD+ to North Korea by verifying sharp differences between North Korea and Mongolia. The study could help companies preparing for carbon offset ventures in North Korea since it provides evidence for a more cost‐effective carbon credit than in Mongolia despite less initial investment and maintenance cost for forest plantation.
Carcinoembryonic antigen as a specific glycoprotein ligand of rBC2LCN lectin on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Furuta Tomoaki , Oda Tatsuya , Kiyoi Kayo , Yusuke Ozawa , Kimura Sota , Kurimori Ko , Miyazaki Yoshihiro , Yu Yang , Furuya Kinji , Akashi Yoshimasa , Shimomura Osamu , Tateno Hiroaki
Published: June 2021

The rBC2LCN lectin, known as a stem cell marker probe that binds to an H type 3 fucosylated trisaccharide motif, was recently revealed to also bind to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. A lectin‐drug conjugate was generated by fusing rBC2LCN with a cytocidal toxin, and it showed a strong anticancer effect in in vitro and in vivo PDAC models. However, it is unclear which molecules are carrier proteins of rBC2LCN on PDAC cells. In this study, we identified a rBC2LCN‐positive glycoprotein expressed in PDAC. Tumor lysates of PDAC patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) were coprecipitated with rBC2LCN lectin and analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 343 proteins were initially identified. We used a web‐based database to select five glycoproteins and independently evaluated their expression in PDAC by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Among them, we focused on carcinoembryonic antigen 5 (CEA) as the most cancer‐specific carrier protein in PDAC, as it showed the most prominent difference in expression rate between PDAC cells (74%) and normal pancreatic duct cells (0%, P > .0001). rBC2LCN lectin and CEA colocalization in PDAC samples was confirmed by double‐staining analysis. Furthermore, rBC2LCN‐precipitated fractions were blotted with an anti‐CEA polyclonal antibody (pAb), and CEA pAb–precipitated fractions were blotted with rBC2LCN lectin. The results demonstrate that CEA is in fact a ligand of rBC2LCN lectin.
Fat chance? Endangered penguin rehabilitation has mixed conservation outcomes
Authors: Alden Bryony , van Heezik Yolanda , Seddon Philip J. , Reid Julia , Young Melanie J.
Published: June 2021

Rehabilitation of sick or injured wildlife supports wild populations of threatened species by improving the health of individuals. Post‐release assessment of the efficacy of rehabilitation relies on re‐sighting and identification of both rehabilitated and comparable wild individuals. For species or age classes with naturally low survival rates and re‐sighting probabilities, evaluating the long‐term success of rehabilitation is challenging. We use a rehabilitation database in conjunction with a long‐term monitoring database to determine rehabilitation outcomes for yellow‐eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) chicks across 10 breeding seasons. Although rehabilitated chicks fledged at a higher mass, their post‐fledging survival probability was lower (0.23 ± 0.10—0.47 95% CI) than that of healthy (>5 kg) wild‐fledging conspecifics (0.38 ± 0.26—0.51 95% CI), or even of underweight (<5 kg) chicks fledging naturally (0.28 ± 0.11—0.53 95% CI). Removing underweight chicks for rehabilitation did not improve parent survival to the following season nor did it influence future breeding propensity; c. 100% of parents subsequently attempted to breed regardless of previous breeding outcome or interventions. Most wildlife rehabilitation programmes assume that efforts are improving the conservation status of the species, but longer‐term implications must be tested to ensure that scarce resources are expended on the best possible conservation outcomes.
Genetic testing in individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: May Halie J , Fasheun Jennifer A , Bain Jennifer M , Baugh Evan H , Bier Louise E , Revah‐Politi Anya ,   New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Genomics Team, Roye David P , Goldstein David B , Carmel Jason B
Published: June 2021

AIM To determine which patients with cerebral palsy (CP) should undergo genetic testing, we compared the rate of likely causative genetic variants from whole‐exome sequencing in individuals with and without environmental risk factors.

METHOD Patients were part of a convenience and physician‐referred cohort recruited from a single medical center, and research whole‐exome sequencing was completed. Participants were evaluated for the following risk factors: extreme preterm birth, brain bleed or stroke, birth asphyxia, brain malformations, and intrauterine infection.

RESULTS A total of 151 unrelated individuals with CP (81 females, 70 males; mean age 25y 7mo [SD 17y 5mo], range 3wks–72y) participated. Causative genetic variants were identified in 14 participants (9.3%). There was no significant difference in diagnostic rate between individuals with risk factors (10 out of 123; 8.1%) and those without (4 out of 28; 14.3%) (Fisher’s exact p=0.3).

INTERPRETATION While the rate of genetic diagnoses among individuals without risk factors was higher than those with risk factors, the difference was not statistically significant at this sample size. The identification of genetic diagnoses in over 8% of cases with risk factors suggests that these might confer susceptibility to environmental factors, and that further research should include individuals with risk factors.

What this paper adds

There is no significant difference in diagnostic rate between individuals with and without risk factors.

Genetic variants may confer susceptibility to environmental risk factors.

Six causative variants were identified in genes not previously associated with cerebral palsy.

Global developmental delay/intellectual disability is positively associated with a genetic etiology.

Extreme preterm birth, stroke/brain hemorrhage, and older age are negatively associated with a genetic etiology.
A Remarkable Alliance: Sibling Autonomy Support and Goal Progress in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Audet Élodie C. , Levine Shelby L. , Holding Anne C. , Koestner Richard , Powers Theodore A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

The present study used a self‐determination theory framework to investigate whether sibling autonomy support enhanced goal progress, need satisfaction, and well‐being during emerging adulthood.

Background

Prior research has demonstrated that autonomy support from parents was significantly more beneficial for emerging adults than similar support from peers. However, little is known about sibling autonomy support on goal progress, need satisfaction, and subjective well‐being.

Methods

A five‐wave prospective longitudinal study was conducted across four consecutive school years (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) and included a total of 1,544 university students (82% female; mean age 20.44) who answered surveys. Separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses for parent, peer, and sibling support were conducted.

Results

Although goal support from siblings was much less common than support from parents and peers (13% vs. 70% and 82%, respectively), the effects of sibling support paralleled those obtained for parental support, demonstrating higher goal progress, need satisfaction, and subjective well‐being over the year. The beneficial effect of sibling autonomy support on well‐being was mediated by enhanced goal progress and need satisfaction.

Conclusion

The results indicate that turning to siblings for support when pursuing goals can be highly advantageous as long as it is empathic rather than directive.

Implication

Practitioners should address sibling dynamics when working with emerging adults, as autonomy‐supportive siblings were associated with greater goal progress and need satisfaction, which together enhanced well‐being over time.
Isotopic Compositions (Li‐B‐Si‐O‐Mg‐Sr‐Nd‐Hf‐Pb) and Fe2+/ΣFe Ratios of Three Synthetic Andesite Glass Reference Materials (ARM‐1, ARM‐2, ARM‐3)
Authors: Wu Shitou , Yang Yueheng , Jochum Klaus Peter , Romer Rolf L. , Glodny Johannes , Savov Ivan P. , Agostini Samuele , De Hoog Jan C.M. , Peters Stefan T.M. , Kronz Andreas , Zhang Chao , Bao Zhian , Wang Xiaojun , Li Youlian , Tang Guoqiang , Feng Lianjun , Yu Huimin , Li Zhenxin , Zhang Le , Lin Jie , Zeng Yuan , Xu Chunxue , Wang Yaping , Cui Zhu , Deng Li , Xiao Jun , Liu Yanhong , Xue Dingshuai , Zhang Di , Jia Lihui , Wang Hao , Xu Lei , Huang Chao , Xie Liewen , Pack Andreas , Wörner Gerhard , He Maoyong , Li Chaofeng , Yuan Honglin , Huang Fang , Li Qiuli , Yang Jinhui , Li Xianhua , Wu Fuyuan
Published: June 2021

To expand the newly developed ARM glasses as reference materials for in situ microanalysis of isotope ratios and iron oxidation state by a variety of techniques such as SIMS, LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS and EPMA, we report Li‐B‐Si‐O‐Mg‐Sr‐Nd‐Hf‐Pb isotope data and Fe2+/ΣFe ratios for these glasses. The data were mainly obtained by TIMS, MC‐ICP‐MS, IR‐MS and wet‐chemistry colorimetric techniques. The quality of these data was cross‐checked by comparing different techniques or by comparing the results from different laboratories using the same technique. All three glasses appear to be homogeneous with respect to the investigated isotope ratios (except for B in ARM‐3) and Fe2+/ΣFe ratios at the scale of sampling volume and level of the analytical precision of each technique. The homogeneity of Li‐B‐O‐Nd‐Pb isotope ratios at the microscale (30–120 μm) was estimated using LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS and SIMS techniques. We also present new EPMA major element data obtained using three different instruments for the glasses. The determination of reference values for the major elements and their uncertainties at the 95% confidence level closely followed ISO guidelines and the Certification Protocol of the International Association of Geoanalysts. The ARM glasses may be particularly useful as reference materials for in situ isotope ratio analysis.
A new, undescribed species of Melanocharis berrypecker from western New Guinea and the evolutionary history of the family Melanocharitidae
Authors: Milá Borja , Bruxaux Jade , Friis Guillermo , Sam Katerina , Ashari Hidayat , Thébaud Christophe
Published: June 2021

Western New Guinea remains one of the last biologically underexplored regions of the world, and much remains to be learned regarding the diversity and evolutionary history of its fauna and flora. During a recent ornithological expedition to the Kumawa Mountains in West Papua, we encountered an undescribed species of Melanocharis berrypecker (Melanocharitidae) in cloud forest at an elevation of 1200 m asl. Its main characteristics are iridescent blue‐black upperparts, satin‐white underparts washed lemon yellow, and white outer edges to the external rectrices. Initially thought to represent a close relative of the Mid‐mountain Berrypecker Melanocharis longicauda based on elevation and plumage colour traits, a complete phylogenetic analysis of the genus based on full mitogenomes and genome‐wide nuclear data revealed that the new species, which we name Satin Berrypecker Melanocharis citreola sp. nov., is in fact sister to the phenotypically dissimilar Streaked Berrypecker Melanocharis striativentris. Phylogenetic relationships within the family Melanocharitidae, including all presently recognized genera (Toxorhamphus, Oedistoma, Rhamphocharis and Melanocharis), reveal that this family endemic to the island of New Guinea diversified during the main uplift of New Guinea in the Middle and Late Miocene (14.6 Mya), and represents an evolutionary radiation with high disparity in bill morphology and signalling traits across species. Rhamphocharis berrypeckers fall within the Melanocharis clade despite their larger beaks and should be included in the latter genus. Interspecific genetic distances in Melanocharis are pronounced (average interspecific distance: 8.8% in COI, 12.4% in ND2), suggesting a long history of independent evolution of all lineages corresponding to currently recognized species, including the Satin Berrypecker, which shares a most recent common ancestor with its sister species in the early Pleistocene (˜ 2.0 Mya).
Effect of a sonic toothbrush on the abrasive dentine wear using toothpastes with different abrasivity values
Authors: Hamza Blend , Uka Entoni , Körner Philipp , Attin Thomas , Wegehaupt Florian Just
Published: June 2021

Objective

This in vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of a sonic toothbrush on the resulting abrasive dentine wear using toothpastes with different abrasivities compared to the use of a manual toothbrush.

Methods

Ninety‐six bovine dentine samples were divided into six groups and subjected to a brushing sequence (sonic: 20 min, 0.9 N, 10 strokes/min; manual: 20 min, 1.6 N, 60 strokes/min) as follows: group 1: Elmex Sensitive Plus (RDA = 28) + manual toothbrush; group 2: Elmex Sensitive + sonic toothbrush; group 3: Elmex Kariesschutz (RDA = 65) + manual toothbrush; group 4: Elmex Kariesschutz +sonic toothbrush; group 5: Colgate Total Original (RDA = 121) + manual toothbrush; and group 6: Colgate Total Original +sonic toothbrush. The abrasive dentine wear was measured profilometrically.

Results

The median (IQR) abrasive dentine wear was as follows: Elmex Sensitive Plus (manual toothbrush: 2.7 µm (0.8), sonic toothbrush: 3.1 µm (1.9)); Elmex Kariesschutz (manual toothbrush: 4.9 µm (1.4), sonic toothbrush: 6.4 µm (2.1)); and Colgate Total Original (manual toothbrush: 5.2 µm (1.1), sonic toothbrush: 9.0 µm (3.1)). Differences in dentine wear between sonic and manual toothbrushes were statistically significant only in the groups brushed with Elmex Kariesschutz and Colgate Total Original (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Brushing with a sonic toothbrush could result in a higher abrasive dentine wear compared to manual toothbrush when combined with toothpastes with high abrasivity values.
B2M gene expression shapes the immune landscape of lung adenocarcinoma and determines the response to immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Yu , Cao Yuejiao , Chen Yiqi , Wu Lei , Hang Hua , Jiang Chenxia , Zhou Xiaorong
Published: June 2021

Loss of the B2M gene is associated with tumour immune escape and resistance to immunotherapy. However, genetic alterations of the B2M gene are rare. We performed an integrative analysis of the mutational and transcriptional profiles of large cohorts of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and found that epigenetic downregulation of B2M is common. B2M‐low tumours exhibit a suppressive immune microenvironment characterized by reduced infiltration of immune cells of various lineages; in B2M‐high tumours, more T and natural killer cells are present, but their activities are constrained by immune checkpoint molecules, indicating the diverse mechanisms of immune evasion. High levels of B2M mRNA, but not PD‐L1, are correlated with an enhanced response to PD‐1‐based immunotherapy, suggesting its value for immunotherapy response prediction in solid tumours. Notably, a high tumour mutation burden (TMB) is associated with low B2M expression, which may explain the poor predictive value of the TMB in some situations. In syngeneic mouse models, genetic ablation of B2M in tumour cells causes resistance to PD‐1‐based immunotherapy, and B2M knockdown also diminishes the therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, forced expression of B2M in tumour models improves the response to immunotherapy, suggesting that B2M levels have significant impacts on treatment outcomes. Finally, we provide insight into the roles of transcription factors and KRAS mutations in B2M expression and the anticancer immune response. In conclusion, genetic and epigenetic regulation of B2M fundamentally shapes the NSCLC immune microenvironment and may determine the response to checkpoint blockade‐based immunotherapy.
Nurse roles in the advance directive system in Korea
Authors: Hwang Hyeyoung , Kim Claire Junga
Published: June 2021

Background

In 2016, the Act on Decisions on Life‐Sustaining Treatment for Patients in Hospice and Palliative Care was implemented in Korea, providing a broad framework for end‐of‐life decision‐making for the first time and making advance directives legally recognized documents. This Act can correct long‐standing under‐recognition of patients as valid decision makers for their own treatment choices. However, limited recognition of patient self‐determination, rigid legal forms for documenting patient wishes, and the roles of family under the Act may pose challenges both to patients and nurses.

Aim

This paper critiques whether this newly introduced system of advance directives can truly guarantee protection of the patient’s interests and respect for patient autonomy in real life​, and discusses ethical and legal issues regarding the Act.

Source of evidence

We reviewed the current system of advance directives by raising three questions: (1) Do advance directives reflect a competent person’s voluntary and informed choice?, (2) Are advance directives applicable in diverse clinical situations?, and (3) Does the Korean advance directive system ensure that such directives are honored in reality?

Conclusion

Although the Act is an important first step in respecting patient autonomy in end‐of‐life decision‐making, it remains inadequate as it fails to provide thorough guidance in terms of the quality of writing process, applicability, and the guaranteed effects of advance directives.

Implications for nursing and health policy

As nurses are best situated for addressing these limitations due to their roles and competencies in clinical practice, expanding the roles of nurses in every stage of advance directive practice could help achieve the original purpose of advance directives. This calls for a policy that promotes an expanded role of nurses to improve the quality of advance directive practice.
Attitudes, beliefs and practice of Egyptian healthcare workers towards seasonal influenza vaccination
Authors: Hakim Sally Adel , Amin Wagdy , Allam Mohamed Farouk , Fathy Asmaa M. , Mohsen Amira
Published: June 2021

Background

Seasonal influenza vaccination is highly recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs) every year to protect them and reduce the risk of disease transmission at workplaces. Relatively few studies addressed influenza vaccination in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to explore the attitudes, beliefs and practice of Egyptian HCWs towards seasonal influenza vaccine.

Methods

This is a nationwide cross‐sectional study. Data were collected through self‐administered structured questionnaire. A sample of 3534 HCWs (physicians and nurses) was collected from different levels of healthcare facilities.

Results

The proportion of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake during the last season was 30.7% while the percentage of ever vaccinated was 46.8%. The most identified reason for non‐compliance was lack of trust about vaccine efficacy and its adverse events. Around 80% of participants expressed positive attitude towards influenza vaccine and the vast majority (98%) agreed to uptake the vaccine during pandemic. There was significant positive association between attitude score and influenza vaccine uptake. Raising awareness about vaccine and ensuring vaccine availability were the main suggestions by HCWs to improve vaccine uptake.

Conclusions

Although there was positive attitude towards influenza vaccine, yet vaccination coverage was suboptimal particularly among those working in university hospitals. Educational messages and operational strategies addressing motivators and barriers that emerged from this study are needed to optimize vaccine uptake.
The distributive impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Luo Zhi , Wan Guanghua , Wang Chen , Zhang Xun
Published: June 2021

The mission of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is to achieve shared prosperity through cross‐border trade, investment flows, connectivity, people bond, and policy coordination. This motivates us to explore and evaluate the distributive effects of trade and investments under the BRI, as it offers a quasi‐natural experiment for impact evaluation by taking the BRI economies as the treatment group and other countries as the control group. Estimation results show that the BRI has generated benign distributive impacts, as the Gini estimates in BRI economies are significantly reduced after the implementation of the BRI. Further, the benign distributive impacts are found to come from imports from China. More specifically, imports from China that are complementary to local labor inputs are positively correlated with labor participation, thereby helping raise the labor share in national income and reduce income inequality. Conversely, imports of machinery, agricultural products, minerals, and so on from China are found to be negatively correlated with the GDP share of the primary industry. In other words, they help promote industrialization and urbanization in BRI economies, which are expected to lead to better income distribution in the long run.
Environmental regulation and inward foreign direct investment: Evidence from the eleventh Five‐Year Plan in China
Authors: Li Yanyun , Lin Faqin , Wang Wenxiao
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates whether environmental regulations affect inward foreign direct investment (FDI). The identification strategy uses the reduction target policy for air pollutants during eleventh Five‐Year Plan period implemented by the Chinese government in 2006. Our difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences estimation employs three‐dimension of variations; prefecture (i.e., high target prefectures vs. low target prefectures), industry (more polluting industries relative to less polluting ones), and year (i.e., before and after 2005). We find that tougher environmental regulations lead to less inward FDI through increasing the probability of exit and reducing the probability of entry of foreign invested enterprises. Mechanism analysis shows that foreign invested enterprises with relatively low productivity demonstrate strong negative response. This allocation of resource improves industry productivity.
Growth hormone and targeted oncological agents: Are we stopping children with brain tumours from reaching their true height potential?
Authors: Walker Hannah , Khuong Quang Dong Anh , Campbell Martin , Bhatia Kanika , Williams Molly , Sullivan Michael , Eisenstat David D , Kao Kung‐Ting , Ng Jessica , White Mary , Zacharin Margaret , Hansford Jordan R
Published: June 2021

Children with low‐grade gliomas have excellent long‐term survival outcomes. The development of therapies targeted to the driver mutations along the Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase signalling pathway are providing long‐term stability for many patients with these tumours. Given the frequency of these tumours residing within or near the suprasellar region, our patients commonly suffer from hormone deficiencies. In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme currently restricts growth hormone therapy to patients who are not being actively treated for cancer, including those receiving targeted therapies. This viewpoint hopes to facilitate an important discussion amongst our colleagues as to whether this should be changed to allow growth hormone to become available to children on chronic tumour suppressive therapy.
Optimal route design of electric transit networks considering travel reliability
Authors: Tong Pei , Yan Yadan , Wang Dongwei , Qu Xiaobo
Published: June 2021

Travel reliability is the most essential determinant for operating the transit system and improving its service level. In this study, an optimization model for the electric transit route network design problem is proposed, under the precondition that the locations of charging depots are predetermined. Objectives are to pursue maximum travel reliability and meanwhile control the total cost within a certain range. Constraints about the bus route and operation are also considered. A Reinforcement Learning Genetic Algorithm is developed to solve the proposed model. Two case studies including the classic Mandl's road network and a large road network in the context of Zhengzhou city are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and the solution algorithm. Results suggest that the proposed methodology is helpful for improving the travel reliability of the transit network with minimal cost increase.
Age‐related hearing loss and cognitive decline: MRI and cellular evidence
Authors: Jafari Zahra , Kolb Bryan E. , Mohajerani Majid H.
Published: June 2021

Extensive evidence supports the association between age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) and cognitive decline. It is, however, unknown whether a causal relationship exists between these two, or whether they both result from shared mechanisms. This paper intends to study this relationship through a comprehensive review of MRI findings as well as evidence of cellular alterations. Our review of structural MRI studies demonstrates that ARHL is independently linked to accelerated atrophy of total and regional brain volumes and reduced white matter integrity. Resting‐state and task‐based fMRI studies on ARHL also show changes in spontaneous neural activity and brain functional connectivity; and alterations in brain areas supporting auditory, language, cognitive, and affective processing independent of age, respectively. Although MRI findings support a causal relationship between ARHL and cognitive decline, the contribution of potential shared mechanisms should also be considered. In this regard, the review of cellular evidence indicates their role as possible common mechanisms underlying both age‐related changes in hearing and cognition. Considering existing evidence, no single hypothesis can explain the link between ARHL and cognitive decline, and the contribution of both causal (i.e., the sensory hypothesis) and shared (i.e., the common cause hypothesis) mechanisms is expected.