bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
False‐negative probability in the SEM/EDS automated discovery of iGSR particles: A Bayesian approach
Authors: Onetto Martín A. , Carignano Edgardo , Pregliasco Rodolfo G.
Published: July 2023

The automated search software integrated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) has been the standard tool for detecting inorganic gunshot residues (iGSR) for several decades. The detection of these particles depends on various factors such as collection, preservation, contamination with organic matter, and the method for sample analysis. This article focuses on the influence of equipment resolution setup on the backscattered electron images of the sample. The pixel size of these images plays a crucial role in determining the detectability of iGSR particles, especially those with sizes close to the pixel size. In this study, we calculated the probability of missing all characteristic iGSR particles in a sample using an SEM/EDS automated search and how it depends on the image pixel resolution setup. We developed and validated an iGSR particle detection model that links particle size with equipment registers and applied it to 320 samples analyzed by a forensic science laboratory. Our results show that the probability of missing all characteristic iGSR particles due to their size is below 5% for pixel sizes below 0.32 μm2. These findings indicate that pixel sizes as large as twice the one commonly used in laboratory casework, that is, 0.16 μm2, are effective for initial sample scanning, yielding good detection rates of characteristic particles that could exponentially reduce laboratory workload.
Visualised AKIS Diagnosis – an Instrumental Approach to Support AKIS Appraisal
Authors: Knierim Andrea , Birke Fanos M.
Published: July 2023

The AKIS (Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System) concept is now widely applied in the EU partly due to latest CAP regulation. Visualisation‐based AKIS diagnosis relies on the iterative elaboration of an AKIS diagram that provides a static picture of what elements of the system are linked through what kind of relations in which socio‐economic contexts and environments. In this article we discuss the implications of using the visualised AKIS diagnosis method based on our empirical assessment of AKIS in 28 European countries. The method involved drafting AKIS diagrams based on targeted desk research, conducting dialogues with experts affiliated with or overseeing prominent knowledge organisations to adjust and refine the diagrams and to analyse actor diversity and linkages. The final diagrams and the background reports on AKIS appraisal were used to deepen the AKIS understanding among various stakeholders in the agriculture sector, as well as an input for the CAP strategic plan preparation in some countries. We conclude that the visualised AKIS diagnosis has a great potential to make complex knowledge infrastructures and exchange processes tangible. However, it also comes with risks, for example, that the snapshot in time may become misleading, through being an outdated or erroneous representation.
Salidroside suppresses the multiple oncogenic activates and immune escape of lung adenocarcinoma through the circ_0009624‐mediated PD‐L1 pathway
Authors: Jin Guilin , Ma Mi , Yang Chunyan , Zhen Luo , Feng Mingke
Published: July 2023

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a fatal malignancy all over the world. Salidroside (SAL) is an active component extracted from Rhodiola rosea that has been reported to exert antitumor activity against several human cancers, containing lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of SAL in LUAD.

Methods

Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured using cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), and transwell assays. Effects of LUAD cells on the cytotoxicity, percentage, and death of CD8+ cells were detected using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and flow cytometry assays. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) protein level was examined using western blot. Circ_0009624, enolase 1 (ENO1), and PD‐L1 levels were determined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The biological role of SAL on LUAD tumor growth was assessed using the xenograft tumor model in vivo.

Results

SAL restrained LUAD cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and immune escape in vitro via modulating PD‐L1. Circ_0009624 expression was increased in LUAD. Applying SAL repressed circ_0009624 and PD‐L1 expression in LUAD cells. SAL treatment hindered suppressed various oncogenic activates and immune escape of LUAD cells by regulating the circ_0009624/PD‐L1 pathway. SAL blocked LUAD xenograft growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Applying SAL might constrain malignant phenotypes and immune escape of LUAD cells partially through the circ_0009624‐mediated PD‐L1 pathway, providing a novel insight for LUAD treatment.
A systematic review of relative risks for the relationship between chronic alcohol use and the occurrence of disease
Authors: Levesque Christine , Sanger Nitika , Edalati Hanie , Sohi Ivneet , Shield Kevin D. , Sherk Adam , Stockwell Tim , Butt Peter R. , Paradis Catherine
Published: July 2023

Alcohol use is causally linked to the development of and mortality from numerous diseases. The aim of this study is to provide an update to a previous systematic review of meta‐analyses that quantify the sex‐specific dose–response risk relationships between chronic alcohol use and disease occurrence and/or mortality. An updated systematic search of multiple databases was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses criteria to identify meta‐analyses published from January 1, 2017, to March 8, 2021, which quantified the risk relationships between chronic alcohol use and the risk of disease occurrence and/or mortality. This systematic review was not preregistered. The comparator was people who have never consumed at least one standard drink of alcohol. Measurements included relative risks, odds ratios, and hazard ratios of disease occurrence and/or mortality based on long‐term alcohol intake measured in grams per day. The systematic search yielded 5953 articles, of which 14 were included in the narrative review. All diseases showed an increased risk of occurrence as alcohol use increased. At all doses examined, alcohol had a significant detrimental effect on tuberculosis, lower respiratory infections, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, laryngeal cancer, epilepsy, hypertension, liver cirrhosis, and pancreatitis (among men). For ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage, protective effects from low‐dose chronic alcohol use among both men and women were observed. Low‐dose alcohol consumption also had a protective effect for diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis among women (approximately to 50 g/day and 30 g/day, respectively). Alcohol use increases the risk of numerous infectious and noncommunicable diseases in a dose–response manner. Higher levels of alcohol use have a clear detrimental impact on health; however, at lower levels of use, alcohol can have both disease‐specific protective and detrimental effects.
The association between longitudinal trends in receipt of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder and buprenorphine‐waivered providers in the United States
Authors: Stringfellow Erin J. , Lim Tse Yang , Dong Huiru , Zhang Ziyuan , Jalali Mohammad S.
Published: July 2023

Aims, Design and Setting

We sought to describe longitudinal trends in buprenorphine receipt and buprenorphine‐waivered providers in the United States from 2003 to 2021 and measure whether the relationship between the two differed after capacity‐building strategies were enacted nationally in 2017. This was a retrospective study of two separate cohorts covering the years 2003–21, testing whether the association between two trends in these cohorts changed comparing 2003 to 2016 and from 2017 to 2021, among buprenorphine providers in the United States, regardless of treatment setting. Patients receiving dispensed buprenorphine at retail pharmacies.

Participants

All providers who have obtained a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in the United States, and an estimate of the annual number of patients who had buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) dispensed to them at a retail pharmacy.

Measurements

We synthesized and summarized data from multiple sources to assess the cumulative number of buprenorphine‐waivered providers over time. We used national‐level prescription data from IQVIA to estimate annual buprenorphine receipt for OUD.

Findings

From 2003 to 2021, the number of buprenorphine‐waivered providers in the United States increased from fewer than 5000 in the first 2 years of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to more than 114 000 in 2021, while patients receiving buprenorphine products for OUD increased from approximately 19 000 to more than 1.4 million. The strength of association between waivered providers and patients is significantly different before and after 2017 (P < 0.001). From 2003 to 2016, for each additional provider, there was an average increase of 32.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 28.7–35.6] patients, but an increase of only 4.6 (95% CI= 3.5–5.7) patients for each additional provider, beginning in 2017.

Conclusions

In the United States, the relationship between the rates of growth in buprenorphine providers and patients became weaker after 2017. While efforts to increase buprenorphine‐waivered providers were successful, there was less success in translating that into significant increases in buprenorphine receipt.
Effectiveness and safety of brodalumab in the treatment of plaque, scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis: A multicentre retrospective study in a Spanish population
Authors: Sahuquillo‐Torralba A. , Hospital‐Gil M. , Vilarrasa‐Rull E. , Llamas‐Velasco M. , Rivera R. , Carrascosa J. M. , de la Cueva‐Dovao P. , Armesto‐Santos S. , Ruíz‐Villaverde R. , Velasco‐Pastor M. , Magdaleno‐Tapial J. , Yanguas‐Bayona J. I. , Ribera‐Pibernat M. , Salgado‐Boquete L. , Herranz‐Pinto P. , Romero‐Mate A. , Martínez‐Lorenzo E. , López‐Estebaranz J. L. , Ballescá‐López F. , Botella‐Estrada R.
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

The data in clinical practice regarding the effectiveness and safety of brodalumab in psoriasis are scarce, especially at scalp and palmoplantar locations. The main objective was the percentage of patients achieving absolute PASI ≤3/ ≤1/ =0 for plaque psoriasis and the percentage of patients achieving an IGA 0‐1/IGA 0 for the special locations at Week 52 of treatment.

Patients and Methods

Observational retrospective multicentre study in 28 Spanish Hospitals that included adult patients with plaque psoriasis treated with brodalumab, from September 2018 until March 2021.

Results

A total of 200 patients were included. The mean baseline PASI was 10.97 (±6.28) with a mean basal scalp (n = 58) and palmoplantar (n = 40) IGA of 2.10 (±0.97) and 2.15 (±1.26), respectively. At Week 52, 93.98%/75.90%/68.67% of patients reached an absolute PASI ≤3/ ≤1/ =0 in plaque psoriasis (n = 83), with a percentage of patients achieving scalp (n = 27) and palmoplantar (n = 19) IGA 0‐1/IGA 0 of 96.3%/88.9% and 100%/88.9%, respectively. Fifteen per cent of patients reported any adverse events with candidiasis being the most reported (6%), but only 6% of the adverse events required the withdrawal.

Conclusions

Brodalumab demonstrated high PASI and IGA responses and was well tolerated in clinical practice in plaque, scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis.
Disrupted epithelial permeability as a predictor of severe COVID‐19 development
Authors: Yazici Duygu , Cagan Eren , Tan Ge , Li Manru , Do Evan , Kucukkase Ozan C. , Simsek Abdurrahman , Kizmaz Muhammed Ali , Bozkurt Tugce , Aydin Tamer , Heider Anja , Rückert Beate , Brüggen Marie‐Charlotte , Dhir Raja , O'Mahony Liam , Akdis Mubeccel , Nadeau Kari C. , Budak Ferah , Akdis Cezmi A. , Ogulur Ismail
Published: July 2023

Background

An impaired epithelial barrier integrity in the gastrointestinal tract is important to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. Accordingly, we assessed the potential of biomarkers of epithelial barrier dysfunction as predictive of severe COVID‐19.

Methods

Levels of bacterial DNA and zonulin family peptides (ZFP) as markers of bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability and a total of 180 immune and inflammatory proteins were analyzed from the sera of 328 COVID‐19 patients and 49 healthy controls.

Results

Significantly high levels of circulating bacterial DNA were detected in severe COVID‐19 cases. In mild COVID‐19 cases, serum bacterial DNA levels were significantly lower than in healthy controls suggesting epithelial barrier tightness as a predictor of a mild disease course. COVID‐19 patients were characterized by significantly elevated levels of circulating ZFP. We identified 36 proteins as potential early biomarkers of COVID‐19, and six of them (AREG, AXIN1, CLEC4C, CXCL10, CXCL11, and TRANCE) correlated strongly with bacterial translocation and can be used to predict and discriminate severe cases from healthy controls and mild cases (area under the curve (AUC): 1 and 0.88, respectively). Proteomic analysis of the serum of 21 patients with moderate disease at admission which progressed to severe disease revealed 10 proteins associated with disease progression and mortality (AUC: 0.88), including CLEC7A, EIF4EBP1, TRANCE, CXCL10, HGF, KRT19, LAMP3, CKAP4, CXADR, and ITGB6.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that biomarkers of intact or defective epithelial barriers are associated with disease severity and can provide early information on the prediction at the time of hospital admission.
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing on skin microbiome indicates dysbiosis exists prior to the onset of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chaudhary Prem Prashant , Myles Ian A. , Zeldin Jordan , Dabdoub Shareef , Deopujari Varsha , Baveja Rajiv , Baker Robin , Bengtson Sarah , Sutton Ashleigh , Levy Shira , Hourigan Suchitra K.
Published: July 2023

Background

While the microbiome is increasingly seen as a targetable contributor to atopic dermatitis (AD), questions remain as to whether the dysbiosis is secondary to diseased skin or if it predates symptom onset. Previous work has evaluated how the skin microbiome changes with age and established the influence of factors like delivery mode and breastfeeding on global microbiome diversity. However, these studies were unable to identify taxa which predict subsequent AD.

Methods

Skin swab samples were collected from the first week of life for 72 children in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a single site hospital. Participants were followed for 3 years to determine their health status. We applied shotgun metagenomic sequencing to assess the microbiome differences between 31 children who went on to develop AD and 41 controls.

Results

We identified that subsequent development of AD was associated with differential abundance of several bacterial and fungal taxa as well as several metabolic pathways, each of which have been previously associated with active AD.

Conclusions

Our work provides evidence of reproducibility for the previously reported dysbiotic signatures predating AD onset while also expanding prior findings through the first use of metagenomic assessment prior to AD onset. While extrapolation of our findings beyond the pre‐term, NICU cohort is limited, our findings add to the evidence that the dysbiosis associated with AD pre‐dates disease onset rather than reflect a secondary consequence of skin inflammation.
Life beyond life: Perceptions of post‐mortem organ donation and consent to donate—A focus group study in Italy
Authors: Cipolletta Sabrina , Tomaino Silvia Caterina Maria , Brena Alessandra , Di Ciaccio Paola , Gentile Margherita , Procaccio Francesco , Cardillo Massimo
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Many factors such as personal and cultural beliefs, misinformation, fear of death and inadequate will registering procedures can influence post‐mortem organ donation. The present study aimed to explore the perceptions, beliefs and information around post‐mortem donation and will expression in different groups of the Italian population, to orient future interventions and raise awareness.

Design

Qualitative research with focus groups.

Methods

A total of 38 focus groups involving 353 participants including the general population (young adults: 18–39, mature adults: 40–70), local and hospital health professionals, critical area health professionals (emergency room and intensive care), registry office employees and opinion leaders, were conducted in six regions from different parts of Italy between June and November 2021. Thematic analysis was conducted with the use of Atlas.ti9.

Results

Five overarching themes were identified: dilemmas regarding donation, resistance to donation, facilitators of donation, difficulties in terms of will expression and proposals to encourage will expression. Possible facilitators were having personal and professional experiences with organ donation, feeling useful for society, having reliable information and trust in the health care system. Potential barriers to donation were doubts and fears about brain death, bodily integrity concerns, religious beliefs, misinformation and distrust in the health care system.

Conclusions

These results highlighted the significance of a bottom‐up perspective with regard to identifying the personal perceptions and beliefs with regard to donation, underlining the urgency of creating tailored interventions to sensitize different groups of the population in terms of promoting an informed choice and a culture of donation.
Structured physical exercise interventions and children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Fenghua , Fang Yuan , Chan Carmen Ka Man , Poon Eric Tsz Chun , Chung Louisa Ming Yan , Or Peggy Pui Lai , Chen Yajun , Cooper Simon B.
Published: July 2023

Background

The efficacy of structured physical exercise (SPE) has been examined in empirical studies to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review aimed (i) to systematically review and quantify the effects of SPE on ADHD symptomology and executive function (primary outcomes) and on physical health, physical fitness and mental health issues (secondary outcomes) in children/adolescents with ADHD; (ii) to evaluate the study quality and explore moderation of the effects of SPE; and (iii) to summarize the design of SPE interventions.

Methods

An extensive literature search in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCOhost was conducted to identify eligible intervention studies for meta‐analysis. A descriptive account of the features of the studies is provided, including assessment of risk/quality (ROB‐2/ROBINS‐I). Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with random effects models to compare post‐intervention effects.

Results

A total of 18 studies were included in the review. The majority of the studies examined the effects of SPE lasting for 3–12 weeks. Assessment of bias/quality indicated half of the included studies as high quality. The meta‐analysis (pooled n = 627) revealed that SPE had a positive effect on primary and secondary outcomes, that is, inattention (SMD = −1.79), executive function (SMD = 2.19), physical fitness (SMD = 1.39) and mental health issues (SMD = −0.89). Subgroup analysis showed that long‐term practice of SPE, featured/tailored SPE, non‐Chinese participants, taking methylphenidate and study with low quality had larger effects.

Conclusions

There is emerging evidence that SPE is a promising option to enhance symptom management and physical/mental health in children/adolescents with ADHD.
1066. Viburnum oliganthum Batalin: Viburnaceae
Authors: Rix Martyn , Battle Christine
Published: July 2023

Viburnum oliganthum Batalin is illustrated in flower and fruit: its relationships and ecology are discussed. Instructions for its successful cultivation are given.
Fine needle aspiration of bone lesions: A tertiary care centre experience
Authors: Saoud Carla , Lam Hansen , Gross John M. , Ali Syed Z.
Published: July 2023

Background

Bone fine needle aspiration (FNA) presents several diagnostic challenges including limited sample material, reduced ability to assess the architecture, and lack of a standardised reporting system. The aim of our study is to present our experience regarding bone FNA.

Methods

We performed a 6‐year retrospective search of our archives to identify all FNA cases of bone lesions. Available data regarding patients' demographics, cytopathology, and surgical pathology were recorded. The FNA cases were then grouped into five categories (atypical, neoplasm‐benign, neoplasm of unknown malignant potential, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant) and the risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated.

Results

A total of 341 FNA cases performed in 337 patients (M = 173, F = 164; mean age = 57.2 years) were identified. The iliac crest was the most commonly biopsied site (n = 134). The adequacy of bone FNA was 77.4%. The sensitivity and specificity regarding the nature of the lesion were 96.5% and 100%, respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracy of bone FNA was 77%. The accuracy of bone FNA for non‐metastatic bone lesions including non‐neoplastic lesions was 74%, while the diagnostic accuracy of bone FNA for a metastatic disease was 83.5%. The diagnostic accuracy for primary neoplastic lesions was 70%. The frequency (n,%) of cytomorphological categories were as follows: atypical (30, 8.8%); neoplasm‐benign (6, 1.8%); neoplasm of unknown malignant potential (18, 5.3%); suspicious for malignancy (4, 1.2%); and malignant (145, 42.5%). The ROM in these categories was respectively as follows: 51.7%, 0%, 46.7%, 100%, and 99.1%.

Conclusion

FNA is a sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of bone lesions. In most instances, an accurate diagnosis can be achieved if adequate material, ancillary studies, and radiological correlation are available.
Debt and currency value during COVID‐19 in the Global South
Authors: Gharleghi Behrooz
Published: July 2023

The aim of this article is to examine debt and currency vulnerability during economic turbulence in the Global South. A panel data analysis is performed on a panel of 25 economies consisting of nine developed and 16 developing countries with a focus on public and private debt. The empirical findings reveal that only public debt build‐up has an adverse effect on currency value. There is no evidence of a significant impact of recession periods on currency value for both private and public debt estimations. I also found that private debt build‐up can be more harmful than public debt in developing countries. In addition, both public and private debt have increased as percentages of GDP during COVID‐19.
The relationship between economic freedom and peace
Authors: Jelloian Alexander
Published: July 2023

Classical liberals have long held that free markets foster peaceful societies. Many argue that free trade between nations will foster economic interdependence, and peace should ensue as a result. Nevertheless, there are many dissenters. While exploring the relationship between free trade and peace is important, it is only one part of ‘economic freedom.’ More research needs to be conducted to see how countries with high levels of entrepreneurship, low levels of corruption, independent judiciaries, and sound regulatory environments might be fostering peace.
Investor beliefs about transformative innovations under uncertainty
Authors: Binswanger Johannes , Garbely Anja , Oechslin Manuel
Published: July 2023

Modern economies sometimes produce potentially transformative innovations whose development and implementation involves large amounts of capital. Often, the required initial investments are fraught with uncertainty, and there is a scarcity of objective information that would help interested investors to predict success. How, in this situation, do investors form subjective beliefs about prospective returns? This paper explores the role of competing, specialized financial intermediaries that are incentivized to steer capital either towards or away from a potentially transformative innovation. We develop a model in which investors' subjective beliefs arise from a competitive campaign game, or belief contest, between two financial intermediaries. We discuss how a financial regulator—who does not possess superior information—may influence the contest outcome in favour of impartial beliefs, away from exuberant or overly pessimistic ones.
Racial differences in attenuated psychotic symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: James Sydney H. , Strauss Gregory P.
Published: July 2023

Aim

Rates of attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) have increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic; however, it is unclear whether this is most evident among individuals from marginalized racial groups.

Methods

The current study evaluated APS screening data across a six‐year period in the state of Georgia in the United States, spanning several years prior to and during the COVID‐19 pandemic to evaluate interactions between time and race. Participants included 435 clinical help‐seeking individuals.

Results

The rate of individuals scoring above the APS screening cut‐off was higher during the pandemic compared to pre‐pandemic (41% vs 23%). This pandemic‐related increase in APS was significant for Black, but not White or Asian participants.

Conclusions

Findings indicate APS are increasing during the COVID‐19 pandemic among clinical help‐seeking populations. Black individuals may be at greater risk for developing a psychotic disorder during the pandemic, suggesting increased need for screening, mental health monitoring, and treatment.
Prediction of shunt response in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus by combined lumbar infusion test and preoperative imaging scoring
Authors: Hasselbalch Steen Gregers , Carlsen Jonathan Frederik , Alaouie Mohamed Moussa , Munch Tina Nørgaard , Holst Anders Vedel , Taudorf Sarah , Rørvig‐Løppentien Christina , Juhler Marianne , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a potentially treatable disorder, but prognostic tests or biomarkers are lacking. The aim was to study the predictive power of clinical, neuroimaging and lumbar infusion test parameters (resistance to outflow Rout, cardiac‐related pulse amplitude PA and the PA to intracranial pressure ICP ratio).

Methods

In all, 127 patients diagnosed with iNPH who had a lumbar infusion test, a subsequent ventriculo‐peritoneal shunt operation and at least 2 months of postoperative follow‐up were retrospectively included. Preoperative magnetic resonance images were visually scored for NPH features using the iNPH Radscale. Preoperative and postoperative assessment was performed using cognitive testing, as well as gait and incontinence scales.

Results

At follow‐up (7.4 months, range 2–20 months), an overall positive response was seen in 82% of the patients. Gait was more severely impaired at baseline in responders compared to non‐responders. The iNPH Radscale score was borderline significantly higher in responders compared with non‐responders, whereas no significant differences in infusion test parameters were seen between responders and non‐responders. Infusion test parameters performed modestly with high positive (75%–92%) but low negative (17%–23%) predictive values. Although not significant, PA and PA/ICP seemed to perform better than Rout, and the odds ratio for shunt response seemed to increase in patients with higher PA/ICP, especially in patients with lower iNPH Radscale scores.

Conclusion

Although only indicative, lumbar infusion test results increased the likelihood of a positive shunt outcome. Pulse amplitude measures showed promising results that should be further explored in prospective studies.
Pre‐adaptation and adaptation shape trait‐environment matching in the Neotropics
Authors: Velásquez‐Puentes Francisco J. , Torke Benjamin M. , Barratt Christopher D. , Dexter Kyle G. , Pennington Toby , Pezzini Flávia Fonseca , Zizka Alexander , Onstein Renske E.
Published: July 2023

Aim

Functional traits shape the distribution of taxa across environments. However, it remains unclear whether trait and environmental niche evolution are correlated, and what happened first: trait change facilitating environment shifts (pre‐adaptation) or environmental change leading to trait change (adaptation). We focus on a species‐rich Neotropical legume radiation to shed light on this enigma.

Location

Neotropics.

Time Period

Cenozoic.

Major Taxa Studied

Fabaceae: Papilionoidae: Swartzia.

Methods

We assembled leaflet, fruit and petal size data from monographs and herbarium collections for 86 to 96% of the c. 180 Swartzia species, inferred a dated Swartzia phylogenetic tree from existing DNA sequences covering 38% of the species and integrated these with distribution, soil and climate data. We used phylogenetic linear regression to quantify trait–environment relationships and applied comparative methods to evaluate modes of correlated evolution between traits and environments.

Results

Leaflet and petal size were strongly linked to climate, while fruit size was not associated with climate or soil characteristics. Evolutionary transitions to relatively low rainfall and low temperature environments were conditional on the evolution of small leaflets, whereas transitions to wet and warm environments were preceded by the evolution of larger leaflets. In contrast, transitions to the warmest or coldest environments were followed, rather than preceded, by petal loss.

Main Conclusion

Our results show that the macroevolution of functional traits has influenced the broad‐scale distribution of Swartzia across Neotropical rainforest, seasonally dry, montane and inundated habitats. We suggest that trait evolution is conditional on environmental change but both pre‐adaptive and adaptive processes may occur. These processes are important to understand the distribution of diversity at both regional (e.g. Amazonia) and global biogeographical scales.
Comprehensive investigation of clinicopathological and immunological features to determine prognostic impact in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: The JEWEL study
Authors: Ohba Kojiro , Monji Keisuke , Osawa Takahiro , Yamana Kazutoshi , Yasuda Yosuke , Tanaka Hajime , Nakagawa Yuki , Fukuyama Tamaki , Matsubara Nobuaki , Uemura Hirotsugu , Sakai Hideki , Eto Masatoshi
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Current prognostic models for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are likely inaccurate due to recent treatment advances and improved survival outcomes. The JEWEL study used a data set from patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to explore the prognostic impact of the tumor immune environment in the absence of immune checkpoint inhibitor intervention.

Methods

The primary analysis population comprised 569 of the 770 Japanese patients enrolled in the ARCHERY study who received first‐line TKIs. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with the primary (overall survival [OS]) and secondary outcomes (treatment duration) using 34 candidate explanatory variables.

Results

Median OS was 34.1 months (95% CI, 30.4–37.6) in the primary analysis population. A considerable negative prognostic impact (descriptive p ≤ 0.0005) on OS was seen with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >1.5 × upper limit of normal (adjusted HR [aHR], 3.30; 95% CI, 2.19–4.98), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 (aHR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.56–2.94), World Health Organization (WHO)/International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade 4 (aHR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.43–2.51), C‐reactive protein (CRP) level ≥0.3 (aHR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.40–2.26), and age ≥75 years (aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.24–2.18) in the multivariable analysis. PD‐L1 and immunophenotype affected OS in univariable analyses but were not selected in the multivariable model as explanatory variables.

Conclusions

JEWEL identified sex, age, ECOG PS, liver and bone metastases, CRP levels, WHO/ISUP grade, LDH, and albumin levels as key prognostic factors for OS after first‐line TKI therapy for mRCC.
Comparison of oral morbidity and mid‐term efficacy of anterior urethroplasty using an autologous tissue‐engineered graft (MukoCell®) versus native oral mucosa graft
Authors: Karapanos Leonidas , Knorr Vincent , Halbe Luisa , Schmautz Maximilian , Ergashev Bobirjon , Heidenreich Axel
Published: July 2023

Objective

Our study aimed to compare surgical success rate (SR) and oral morbidity of augmentation urethroplasty for anterior urethral strictures using autologous tissue‐engineered oral mucosa graft (TEOMG) named MukoCell® versus native oral mucosa graft (NOMG).

Methods

We conducted a single‐institution observational study on patients undergoing TEOMG and NOMG urethroplasty for anterior urethral strictures >2 cm in length from January 2016 to July 2020. SR, oral morbidity, and potential risk factors of recurrence were compared between groups were analyzed. A decrease of maximum uroflow rate < 15 mL/s or further instrumentation was considered a failure.

Results

Overall, TEOMG (n = 77) and NOMG (n = 76) groups had comparable SR (68.8% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.155) after a median follow‐up of 52 (interquartile range [IQR] 45–60) months for TEOMG and 53.5 (IQR 43–58) months for NOMG. Subgroup analysis revealed comparable SR according to surgical technique, stricture localization, and length. Only following repetitive urethral dilatations, TEOMG achieved lower SR (31.3% vs. 81.3%, p = 0.003). Surgical time was significantly shorter by TEOMG use (median 104 vs. 182 min, p < 0.001). Oral morbidity and the associated “burden” in patients' quality of life were significantly less at 3 weeks following the biopsy required for TEOMG manufacture, compared to NOMG harvesting and totally absent at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

The SR of TEOMG urethroplasty appeared to be comparable to NOMG at a mid‐term follow‐up but taking into account the uneven distribution of stricture site and the surgical techniques used in both groups. Surgical time was significantly shortened, since no intraoperative mucosa harvesting was required, and oral complications were diminished through the preoperative biopsy for MukoCell® manufacture.
Sedation with a 1:1 mixture of etomidate and propofol for gastroscopy in hypertensive elderly patients
Authors: Liu Yanpeng , Huang Yiping , Wang Ruoguo , Zhai Yongji , Huang Kechang , Ren Zhanjie
Published: July 2023

We hypothesized that the combined use of etomidate and propofol for endoscopic sedation in elderly hypertensive patients could reduce adverse reactions while providing ideal sedation. To validate our hypothesis, we conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, double‐blinded study. A total of 360 elderly hypertensive patients scheduled for gastroscopy at our hospital were enrolled in the study, of whom 328 completed the trial. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the propofol group (group P), the etomidate group (group E), or the propofol‐etomidate combination group (mixed at a ratio of 1:1, group PE). We collected and analyzed the cardiopulmonary effects and side effects in each group. Regardless of the sedation drug used, the systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, and heart rate of involved patients were significantly affected. Oxygen desaturation and injection pain were more common in group P compared to groups E (33.6% vs. 14.8%, 31.8% vs. 2.7%, both P < 0.01) and group PE (33.6% vs. 13.6%, 31.8% vs. 6.4%, both P < 0.01). The incidence of myoclonus in the PE group was lower than that in the E group (10.9% vs. 61.2%, P < 0.01). Our results indeed demonstrated that the combined use of etomidate and propofol appeared to maintain cardiopulmonary stability with minimal side effects in older hypertensive patients scheduled for gastroscopy, which further implied that this sedation strategy could be a safe and pain‐free option for managing patients undergoing gastroscopy, particularly those at a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Effects of fluorescent dust and protein markers on the foraging behaviour of a whitefly parasitoid, Eretmocerus emiratus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)
Authors: Hagler James R.
Published: July 2023

Mark‐release‐recapture studies require the application of a taggant to the arthropod under investigation before release at the study site so that recaptured specimens are identifiable. This mark must not affect the dispersal or foraging behaviour of the targeted organism. In this study, groups of Eretmocerus eremicus Rose and Zolnerowich (Hymenoptera: Aleyrodidae), a whitefly parasitoid, were marked externally with fluorescent dust or a liquid protein, or internally with a protein incorporated in their diet. Subsequently, the mark treatments' effects on foraging behaviour were compared with unmarked parasitoids. For the most part, marked specimens behaved similarly to their unmarked counterparts. However, there was an increase in host feeding, probing, and grooming activities exhibited by parasitoids exposed to certain mark treatments.
Probiotics enhance resistance to Streptococcus iniae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in biofloc systems
Authors: Padeniya Uthpala , Davis D. Allen , Liles Mark R. , LaFrentz Stacey A. , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Shoemaker Craig A. , Beck Benjamin H. , Wells Daniel E. , Bruce Timothy J.
Published: July 2023

Biofloc technology is a rearing technique that maintains desired water quality by manipulating carbon and nitrogen and their inherent mixture of organic matter and microbes. Beneficial microorganisms in biofloc systems produce bioactive metabolites that may deter the growth of pathogenic microbes. As little is known about the interaction of biofloc systems and the addition of probiotics, this study focused on this integration to manipulate the microbial community and its interactions within biofloc systems. The present study evaluated two probiotics (B. velezensis AP193 and BiOWiSH FeedBuilder Syn 3) for use in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture in a biofloc system. Nine independent 3785 L circular tanks were stocked with 120 juveniles (71.4 ± 4.4 g). Tilapia were fed for 16 weeks and randomly assigned three diets: a commercial control diet or a commercial diet top‐coated with either AP193 or BiOWiSH FeedBuilder Syn3. At 14 weeks, the fish were challenged with a low dose of Streptococcus iniae (ARS‐98‐60, 7.2 × 107 CFU mL−1, via intraperitoneal injection) in a common garden experimental design. At 16 weeks, the fish were challenged with a high dose of S. iniae (6.6 × 108 CFU mL−1) in the same manner. At the end of each challenge trial, cumulative per cent mortality, lysozyme activity and expression of 4 genes (il‐1β, il6, il8 and tnfα) from the spleen were measured. In both challenges, the mortalities of the probiotic‐fed groups were significantly lower (p < .05) than in the control diet. Although there were some strong trends, probiotic applications did not result in significant immune gene expression changes related to diet during the pre‐trial period and following exposure to S. iniae. Nonetheless, overall il6 expression was lower in fish challenged with a high dose of ARS‐98‐60, while tnfα expression was lower in fish subjected to a lower pathogen dose. Study findings demonstrate the applicability of probiotics as a dietary supplement for tilapia reared in biofloc systems.
Identification of N1 methyladenosine‐related biomarker predicting overall survival outcomes and experimental verification in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhao Jing , Han Hua , Wang Runfang , Wang Yazhuo , Zhang Yuan , Li Na , Wang Bei , Chu Zhaoping , Zhang Yunxia , Zhang Hongzhen
Published: July 2023

Aim

This study aimed to construct a N1‐methyladenosine (m1A)‐related biomarker model for predicting the prognosis of ovarian cancer (OVCA).

Methods

OVCA samples were clustered into two subtypes using the Non‐Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) algorithm, including TCGA (n = 374) as the training set and GSE26712 (n = 185) as the external validation set. Hub genes, which were screened to construct a risk model, and nomogram to predict the overall survival of OVCA were explored and validated through various bioinformatic analysis and quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

Following bootstrap correction, the C‐index of nomogram was 0.62515, showing reliable performance. The functions of DEGs in the high‐ and low‐risk groups were mainly enriched in immune response, immune regulation, and immune‐related diseases. The immune cells relevant to the expression of hub genes were explored, for example, Natural Killer (NK) cells, T cells, activated dendritic cells (aDC).

Conclusions

AADAC, CD38, CACNA1C, and ATP1A3 might be used as m1A‐related biomarkers for OVCA, and the nomogram labeled with m1A for the first time had excellent performance for predicting overall survival in OVCA.
Application of organoselenium in inhibiting Candida albicans biofilm adhesion on 3D printed denture base material
Authors: Alawadi Ahmad , AbdulAzees Parveez Ahmed , Lin Chun‐Yen , Haney Stephan J. , Hanlon John P. , Angelara Konstantina , Taft Robert M. , Amaechi Bennett T.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Denture Stomatitis, a chronic mucosal inflammation associated with Candida albicans, is common among denture wearers. Several health conditions have been linked to chronic Candida infections. The complex, multifactorial nature of denture stomatitis requires the continuous pursuit of effective long‐term solutions. The present in vitro study investigated the effect of incorporating organoselenium into 3D‐printed denture base resin on C. albicans adhesion and biofilm formation.

Materials and Methods

Thirty disks were fabricated using 3D‐printed denture base resin and assigned to three experimental groups (10/group): disks without organoselenium (control), disks with 0.5% organoselenium (0.5%SE), and disks with 1% organoselenium (1%SE). Each disk was incubated with approximately 1 × 106 cells/mL of C. albicans for 48 h. Microbial viability (CFU/mL) was quantified by the spread plate method, while Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscope were performed for quantifying the biofilm thickness and examining biofilm morphology, respectively. Data were analyzed using One‐way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test.

Results

CFU/mL was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Control when compared with 0.5%SE and 1%SE, but no significant difference between 0.5%SE and 1%SE. A similar trend was observed with biofilm thickness except that there was no significant difference between the Control and 0.5%SE. There was C. albicans biofilm adhesion on the Control disks, with yeast cells and hyphae formation, whereas on 0.5%SE and 1%SE, there was inhibition of yeast cells transition to hyphae formation.

Conclusions

Incorporation of organoselenium into 3D‐printed denture base resin was effective in reducing C. albicans biofilm formation and growth on denture base material.
Small‐scale heterogeneity shapes grassland diversity in low‐to‐intermediate resource environments
Authors: Olagoke Adewole , Jeltsch Florian , Tietjen Britta , Berger Uta , Ritter Hagen , Maaß Stefanie
Published: July 2023

Questions

Soil resource heterogeneity influences the outcome of plant–plant interactions and, consequently, species co‐existence and diversity patterns. The magnitude and direction of heterogeneity effects vary widely, and the processes underlying such variations are not fully understood. In this study, we explored how and under what resource conditions small‐scale heterogeneity modulates grassland plant diversity.

Location

Oderhänge Mallnow, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany.

Methods

We expanded the individual‐based plant community model (IBC‐grass) to incorporate dynamic below‐ground resource maps, simulating spatial heterogeneity of resource availability. Empirical centimeter‐scale data of soil C/N ratio were integrated into the model, accounting for both configurational and compositional heterogeneity. We then analyzed the interplay between small‐scale heterogeneity and resource availability on the interaction and co‐existence of plant species and overall diversity.

Results

Our results showed significant differences between the low‐ and high‐resource scenarios, with both configurational and compositional heterogeneity having a positive effect on species richness and Simpson's diversity, but only under low‐resource conditions. As compositional heterogeneity in the fine‐scale C/N ratio increased, we observed a positive shift in Simpson's diversity and species richness, with the highest effects at the highest level of variability tested. We observed little to no effect in nutrient‐rich scenarios, and a shift to negative effects at the intermediate resource level. The study demonstrates that site‐specific resource levels underpin how fine‐scale heterogeneity influences plant diversity and species co‐existence, and partly explains the divergent effects recorded in different empirical studies.

Conclusions

This study provides mechanistic insights into the complex relationship between resource heterogeneity and diversity patterns. It highlights the context‐dependent effects of small‐scale heterogeneity, which can be positive under low‐resource, neutral under high‐resource, and negative under intermediate‐resource conditions. These findings provide a foundation for future investigations into small‐scale heterogeneity–diversity relationships, contributing to a deeper understanding of the processes that promote species co‐existence in plant communities.
Epitaxial fluorapatite vein in Northwest Africa 998 host apatite: Clues on the geochemistry of late hydrothermal fluids on Mars
Authors: Martínez Marina , Shearer Charles K. , Brearley Adrian J.
Published: July 2023

Secondary minerals in martian nakhlites provide a powerful tool for investigating the nature, composition, and duration of aqueous activity in the martian crust. Northwest Africa (NWA) 998 crystallized early from the nakhlite magmatic source and has evidence of minimal signatures of the late hydrothermal alteration event that altered the nakhlites. Using FIB‐TEM techniques to study a cumulus apatite grain in NWA 998, we report the first evidence of a submicron‐scale vein consisting of fluorapatite and an SiO2‐rich phase. Fluorapatite grew epitaxially on the walls of an opened cleavage plane of host F‐bearing chlorapatite and the SiO2‐rich phase filled the center of the vein. The presence of nanoporosity and nanometer‐scale amorphous material and the sharp interface between the vein and the host apatite indicate the vein represents a coupled dissolution–reprecipitation process that generated apatite of a different composition that was more stable with the fluid. Using experimental data and diffusion coefficients of Cl in apatite from the literature, we conclude that the vein was caused by a low temperature (~300°C), slightly acidic, F‐, Si‐rich, aqueous fluid that acted as a closed system. Based on the characteristics of the vein (formation by rapid injection of fluid) and the fluid (composition, temperature, pH), and the lack of terrestrial weathering products in our SEM and TEM images, we infer that the vein is pre‐terrestrial in origin. Our observations support the hypothesis that the heat source triggering a hydrothermal system was a low‐shock velocity impact and rule out a magmatic origin. Finally, the vein could have formed from a late‐stage fluid different from that reported in other nakhlites, but formation during the same magmatic event by, for example, a less evolved fluid might also be plausible.