bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire severity and the post‐fire soil environment affect seedling regeneration success of the threatened Persoonia hirsuta (Proteaceae)
Authors: Andres Samantha E. , Powell Jeff R. , Rymer Paul D. , Emery Nathan J.
Published: June 2022

Climate change and land management decisions have considerably altered fire regimes globally resulting in increased risks of extreme fire seasons. Fire intensity is one characteristic of fire regime which is projected to increase. However, the magnitude and impact of intense fires on plant habitat and life history characteristics (such as the soil environment or seedling recruitment) remain unclear for many species. The widespread 2019–2020 Black Summer fires across Eastern Australia provided the opportunity to examine the impact of these fires on the short‐term regeneration of the Endangered Persoonia hirsuta (Proteaceae), an obligate seeding (reliant on regeneration from seed following fire) shrub presently threatened by population decline and dieback (plant death from branch and root tips backwards) of an unknown cause. In this study, we used a combination of metrics to estimate fire severity in the field at 22 plots across three fire‐affected populations which we used as a proxy to understand the relative impacts of fire intensity on P. hirsuta regeneration post‐fire. We also recorded the recruitment, growth, dieback and mortality of P. hirsuta seedlings at these plots over 21 months following the fires and examined whether the post‐fire soil environment (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) was related to fire severity and seedling responses. Seedling recruitment and growth were variable across sites and showed no relationship to fire severity. However, seedling dieback and mortality were significantly higher among plots exposed to high severity fires. Additionally, characteristics of the post‐fire soil environment varied by fire severity and explained variation in seedling recruitment, growth and dieback. Our work provides important evidence that already vulnerable populations of P. hirsuta may be further threatened by increasing fire severity, highlighting the importance of understanding the effects of fire on habitat and life history characteristics for threatened plants.
Macroecological patterns of fruit infestation rates by the invasive fly Drosophila suzukii in the wild reservoir host plant Sambucus nigra
Authors: Ulmer Romain , Couty Aude , Eslin Patrice , Catterou Manuella , Baliteau Lucas , Bonis Anne , Borowiec Nicolas , Colinet Hervé , Delbac Lionel , Dubois Françoise , Estoup Arnaud , Froissard Joris , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Gard Benjamin , Georges Romain , Gibert Patricia , Le Goff Isabelle , Lemauviel‐Lavenant Servane , Loucougaray Gregory , Michelot‐Antalik Alice , Odoux Jean‐Francois , Pincebourde Sylvain , Rode Nicolas O. , Thaon Marcel , Till‐Bottraud Irène , Chabrerie Olivier
Published: June 2022

The invasive pest Drosophila suzukii is a fruit fly native to Asia that infests a wide variety of fruits. Wild plant species are major reservoirs for D. suzukii populations but their infestation rates vary greatly among geographical areas.

We aimed at disentangling the relative roles of macroclimatic, landscape and local factors in the rate of D. suzukii infestation of elderberry fruits (Sambucus nigra), a major wild host plant in Europe.

We collected elderberry fruits across 215 sites distributed in 13 regions from North to South of France. We counted the number of emerging D. suzukii adults and tested for the effect of macroclimatic, landscape, local biotic and abiotic variables, as well as plant traits using linear mixed models.

Site latitude and mean daily maximum temperature since the beginning of the year had respectively the strongest positive and negative effects on mean infestation rates across regions. Infestation rates also increased with forest cover in a 100 m radius around sampling sites.

This study shows the importance of taking into account multiple scales and factors, from the fruit characteristics (i.e. maturity) to landscape composition and macroclimatic variables, when studying the interaction between D. suzukii and its host plants.
Two cases of granulomatous mycosis fungoides mimicking interstitial granulomatous dermatosis
Authors: Stagg Brendan , Ma Joyce , Ibbetson Jan , James Craig , Ly Hoang , Sidhu Shireen
Published: June 2022

Two patients presented with erythematous papules within larger patches and thin plaques. Following biopsies, each case was initially thought to represent interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD); however, clinicopathological correlation led to a diagnosis of granulomatous mycosis fungoides (GMF). Drawing upon the similarities between these cases, this report explores the clinical and histological manifestations of GMF, features distinguishing GMF from other granulomatous diseases like IGD and the prognostic significance of distinguishing GMF from classic mycosis fungoides. This report also shows that despite the potential for histological overlap between GMF and IGD, the existing literature does not reveal an epidemiological or pathophysiological link between these two conditions.
Immunocastration in adult boars as a model for late‐onset hypogonadism
Authors: Batorek‐Lukač Nina , Kress Kevin , Čandek‐Potokar Marjeta , Fazarinc Gregor , Škrlep Martin , Poklukar Klavdija , Wesoly Raffael , Stefanski Volker , Vrecl Milka
Published: June 2022

Background

While immunocastration has been studied in male pre‐pubertal pigs, data on older, sexually mature animals are limited. To understand the physiological effects of androgen deprivation in the late sexual development phase, we compared mature immunocastrated boars (n = 19; average age = 480 days) to young male immunocastrated pigs (n = 6; average age = 183 days) and young entire males (n = 6; average age = 186 days) as positive and negative controls, respectively.

Objectives

We hypothesized that the timing of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone suppression (early or late sexual development phases) influences the extent of reproductive function inhibition, histological structure of testicular tissue, and expression levels of selected genes related to steroid metabolism.

Materials and methods

Antibody titer, hormonal status, and histomorphometric analysis of testicular tissue were subjected to principal component analysis followed by hierarchical clustering to evaluate the immunocastration effectiveness in mature boars.

Results

Hierarchical clustering differentiated mature immunocastrated boars clustered with young immunocastrated pigs from those clustered with entire males. Although all mature immunocastrated boars responded to vaccination, as evidenced by the increased gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antibody titers (p < 0.001), decreased serum luteinizing hormone concentrations (p = 0.002), and changes in testicular tissue vascularization (lighter and less red testicular parenchyma; p ≤ 0.001), the responses were variable. Sharp decreases in testes index (p < 0.001), Leydig cell volume density (p < 0.001), Leydig cell nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm ratio (p < 0.001), and testosterone concentration (p < 0.001) were observed in mature immunocastrated boars clustered with young immunocastrated pigs compared with those that clustered with entire males. Additionally, mature immunocastrated boars clustered with young immunocastrated pigs showed lower hydroxysteroid 17‐beta dehydrogenase 7 expression than entire males (p < 0.05). The young immunocastrated pigs group showed higher follicle‐stimulating hormone receptors than the entire males and mature immunocastrated boars, lower steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression levels compared with entire males, and mature immunocastrated boars clustered with entire males (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The two‐dose vaccination regime resulted in progressive but variable regression of testicular function in adult (post‐pubertal) pigs; however, it was insufficient to induce a complete immunocastration response in all animals.
Exercise training to increase tumour natural killer‐cell infiltration in men with localised prostate cancer: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Djurhuus Sissal Sigmundsdóttir , Simonsen Casper , Toft Birgitte Grønkær , Thomsen Simon Nørskov , Wielsøe Sabrina , Røder Martin Andreas , Hasselager Thomas , Østergren Peter Busch , Jakobsen Henrik , Pedersen Bente Klarlund , Hojman Pernille , Brasso Klaus , Christensen Jesper Frank
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To explore the effects of preoperative high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) compared to usual care on tumour natural killer (NK)‐cell infiltration in men with localised prostate cancer (PCa), as NK‐cell infiltration has been proposed as one of the key mechanisms whereby exercise can modulate human tumours.

Patients and Methods

A total of 30 patients with localised PCa undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) were randomised (2:1) to either preoperative aerobic HIIT four‐times weekly (EX; n = 20) or usual care (CON; n = 10) from time of inclusion until scheduled surgery. Tumour NK‐cell infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemistry (CD56+) in diagnostic core needle biopsies and corresponding prostatic tissue from the RP. Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood biochemistry, and health‐related quality of life were also evaluated.

Results

The change in tumour NK‐cell infiltration did not differ between the EX and CON groups (between‐group difference: −0.09 cells/mm2, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.85 to 1.66; P = 0.913) in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. The total number of exercise sessions varied considerably from four to 30 sessions. The per‐protocol analysis showed a significant increase in tumour NK‐cell infiltration of 1.60 cells/mm2 (95% CI 0.59 to 2.62; P = 0.004) in the EX group. Further, the total number of training sessions was positively correlated with the change in NK‐cell infiltration (r = 0.526, P = 0.021), peak oxygen uptake (r = 0.514, P = 0.035) and peak power output (r = 0.506, P = 0.038).

Conclusion

Preoperative HIIT did not result in between‐group differences in tumour NK‐cell infiltration. Per‐protocol and exploratory analyses demonstrate an enhanced NK‐cell infiltration in PCa. Future studies are needed to test the capability of exercise to increase tumour immune cell infiltration.
Pentecostal spirituality in the context of faith and hope gospel (prosperity preaching): African Pentecostal response to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: White Peter
Published: June 2022

Covid‐19 has challenged humanity in several ways and has created the opportunity for reflection on our spirituality and the hope for divine healing of the world, while scientific communities do their best to find solutions to the pandemic from their perspective. In light of this, the article seeks to address issues of spirituality in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic and how the Pentecostal community is responding to this challenge through the preaching of faith and hope messages. The article addresses the issue of “prosperity preaching” from the perspective of the concept of faith and hope gospel. The article argues that the faith and hope messages of the Pentecostals are not only proclaimed as means of the spiritual sustainability of members but also for psychological/emotional stability. It also argues that although Pentecostals are doing their best in their religious and spiritual response to the pandemic, they should accommodate the application of the theology of the sovereignty of God in every situation and encourage their members to seek medical attention where applicable.
Dental trauma simulation training using four splinting models: A cross sectional study
Authors: Zafar Sobia , Peters Christine I.
Published: June 2022

Background/Aim

Opportunities for dental students to obtain clinical experience in the management of traumatic dental injuries are scarce, and most dentists encounter difficulties with their first trauma patients after graduation. The aim of this study was to question students on the ease of handling of four types of flexible splints, with two common methods of bonding to the tooth.

Material and methods

A total of 161 fourth year dental students completed a simulated treatment of an avulsed tooth using orthodontic wire, Twistflex wire, nylon fishing line, and Powermesh as splints. The bonding materials were composite resin (Spectra ST LV) or glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji LC Ortho). The students then answered 16 questions on a 5‐point Likert scale, or with an open answer field.

Results

Most students agreed (48.8%) or strongly agreed (31.3%) that the simulated trauma exercise assisted their learning. There was strong agreement (68.8%) and agreement (28.7%) that the simulation added value to their dental training compared to didactic training only. Similarly, 52.3% of participants strongly agreed and 40% agreed that they felt engaged in the learning activity. Only 53.8% of the participants agreed and 7.5% strongly agreed that the simulation felt realistic. Most students (56.2%) found a Powermesh/composite splint was the easiest to place, and nylon fishing line/GC Fuji LC Ortho splints was the least difficult to remove (35%).

Conclusion

Wire‐free splints with composite bonding were judged as the easiest to place by students, while glass ionomer cement was the easiest to remove.
“Normal” TEWL‐how can it be defined? A systematic review
Authors: Green Maxwell , Feschuk Aileen M. , Kashetsky Nadia , Maibach Howard I.
Published: June 2022

Trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL), the total non‐eccrine sweat water evaporating from a given area of epidermis over time, is a measurement of skin barrier integrity. Skin diseases (e.g., psoriasis and atopic dermatitis) often result in transient increases in TEWL, so, knowledge of “normal” TEWL values may be used to predict disease progression in dermatological settings. Variables such as age, race and anatomic location have been suggested to affect TEWL, but current regulatory agencies have failed to control for additional variables of interest. Thus, this review summarizes variables that may cause TEWL variation. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Embase, PubMed and Web of Science to find human studies that provided data on variables affecting TEWL. 31 studies, analysing 22 affecting TEWL, were identified. Variables causing increased TEWL were mask‐use (n = 1), dry eye disease (n = 1), chronic venous disease (n = 1), coronary artery disease (n = 1), age (infants vs adults) (n = 4), nourishment in infants (n = 1), stress within individuals (n = 2), Body Mass Index (n = 2), bathing versus showering (n = 2) and scratching/friction (n = 1). Variables with decreases in TEWL were genetic variability with SNPs on chromosome 9q34.3 (n = 1) and cancer‐cachexia (n = 1). We summarized 12 variables that impact TEWL and are not typically controlled for in experimental settings. Therefore, defining normal TEWL may currently be problematic. Thus, regulatory agencies should provide stricter guidelines on proper measurement of TEWL to minimize human introduced TEWL variation, and we should continue to examine factors impacting individual skin integrity.
A novel hybrid robust architecture for automatic screening of glaucoma using fundus photos, built on feature selection and machine learning‐nature driven computing
Authors: Singh Law Kumar , Khanna Munish , Thawkar Shankar
Published: June 2022

Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent vision loss. Early detection and treatment of this infection is critical for recovery and slowing the progression of vision loss. An efficient novel system focused on customized particle swarm optimization (CPSO) and four state‐of‐the‐art machine‐learning classifiers is proposed to boost prediction performance. This interconnected architecture detects glaucoma through five main phases: (1) pre‐processing, (2) segmentation, (3) feature extraction, (4) finding the best scored features, and (5) classification using the proposed CPSO‐machine learning dependent classifier. The subject images belong to the publically available benchmark Digital Retinal Images for Optic Nerve Segmentation retinal fundus data set. Rather than focusing on the initial 20 extracted features of the retinal fundus, half of the critical features are chosen to form a feature vector based on scores provided by the univariate method and the feature importance method separately. These features are fed into this system for training, testing, and multiple sets of results are created as a result of multiple combinations of CPSO and supervised machine‐learning classifiers. These result sets are evaluated using six efficiency metrics. According to the simulation results, the best output is recorded when a univariate selected feature vector is fed into the CPSO—K‐nearest neighbour dependent hybrid method. This model outperformed other models with a maximum accuracy of 0.99, a specificity of 0.96, a sensitivity of 0.97, a precision of 0.97, an F1‐score of 0.97, and a Kappa of 0.94. A fivefold cross‐validation method is used to derive the values. This research would help to achieve good levels of glaucoma care since the proposed system is excellent at distinguishing between stable and glaucomatous eyes. For ophthalmologists, this new technique can be used as second opinion for improving diagnostic accuracy for glaucoma.
Roadkill patterns in Latin American birds and mammals
Authors: Medrano‐Vizcaíno Pablo , Grilo Clara , Silva Pinto Fernando Antônio , Carvalho William Douglas , Melinski Ramiro Dário , Schultz Eduardo D. , González‐Suárez Manuela
Published: June 2022

Aim

Roads are a major threat for wildlife, degrading habitat and causing mortality via wildlife–vehicle collisions. In Latin America, the conjunction of high biodiversity and a rapidly expanding road network is reason for concern. We introduce an approach that combines species traits and habitat preferences to describe vulnerability and map areas of high roadkill risk. Thus, we present the first assessment of roadkill impacts for Latin American birds and mammals.

Location

Latin America.

Time period

1994–2020.

Major taxa studied

Birds and mammals.

Methods

We compiled data from 85 roadkill surveys from Latin America that provided 1,691 roadkill rate estimates for 346 bird and 159 mammalian species, from which 520 rates from 249 birds and 457 rates from 103 mammals were used for analyses. We applied random forest models to predict observed roadkill rates considering species traits, habitat preferences and the geographical coordinates of each study to control for local and regional variation. Fitted models were used to predict spatial risks on Latin American roads for roadkilled birds and mammals across their areas of habitat.

Results

We found higher roadkill rates for larger birds and medium‐sized mammals with faster reproduction (more clutches/litters per year and early maturity ages), higher population densities and wider use of habitats that included anthropized areas. In mammals, scavengers and those with diets based on invertebrates showed higher rates. Spatial predictions revealed higher rates on roads across Central America, northern Andean regions, eastern Brazil, Uruguay, central and eastern Argentina and southern Chile.

Main conclusions

This first comprehensive assessment for Latin America explores various drivers of roadkill risk for birds and mammals and identifies species and areas where existing roads can impact wildlife. Trait‐based models fine‐tuned with realistic spatial information that accounts for habitat suitability provide a valuable tool for the assessment of human impacts, including roads and traffic.
Local abundance of neotropical orchid bees in Amazon forests not related to large‐scale climate suitability
Authors: Lopes Eric Jó Moura , Vilela Bruno , de Freitas Brito Thaline , do Socorro Araújo de Moura Talyanne , Nemésio André , Maués Márcia Motta , Krug Cristiane , Martins Marlucia Bonifácio , de Paiva Silva Daniel , Dobrovolski Ricardo , de Oliveira Favízia Freitas
Published: June 2022

One of the main objectives of ecology is to understand how species abundance varies in space. Throughout the distribution of a species, a population is expected to increase its abundance where environmental conditions are most suitable for survival and reproduction. It is possible to evaluate environmental suitability and species distribution with ecological niche modelling regarding predictors of interest.

Suitability measures derived from ecological niche models have primarily been used as proxies for abundance, mainly for conservation purposes. However, the suitability–abundance pattern is far from general, with several local biotic and abiotic factors and demographic causes that may interfere with this relationship. We evaluated the relationship between suitability and the local abundance of four Eulaema (Apidae: Euglossini) species.

We modelled the ecological niche of the species and evaluated its relationship to local abundance values across the Amazon Forest. Given our results, there was no significant relationship between climate suitability and abundance. We used quantile regression to examine whether climate suitability limited species abundance, which confirmed our result that climate suitability model estimates are not related to the abundance of Eulaema species. Our results suggest that the relationship between climatic suitability and abundance cannot be generalised to the orchid bee species in Amazon Forest, and, probably, the abundance of these species reflects variables on smaller spatial scales.
Impact of systemic health on treatment outcomes in endodontics
Authors: Segura‐Egea Juan J. , Cabanillas‐Balsera Daniel , Martín‐González Jenifer , Cintra Luciano T. A.
Published: June 2022

Background

The healing of periapical lesions after root canal treatment (RCT) is not the result of the curative action of the treatment. The process of healing begins with inflammation, and is resolved by the clearance of the immunogen that induces the immune response. Then, the periapical tissue itself carries out the healing of the periapical lesion, by repair or by a combination of repair and regeneration, depending on the host's reparative response working properly. The ultimate objective of RCT is to achieve wound healing by removing the source of bacterial antigens and toxins, allowing chronic inflammatory tissue to become reparative tissue. Some systemic conditions increase the susceptibility of the host to infection or impair the tissue reparative response, maintaining the inflammatory process and periapical bone resorption after RCT. This can cause the failure of RCT and even the need for extraction of the affected tooth.

Objective

To analyse the scientific literature on the possible influence of systemic conditions on the treatment outcomes in endodontics, as well as to discuss the biological mechanisms that may be involved.

Methods

The search was carried out in PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria established were original scientific articles reporting data about some systemic condition in relation to treatment outcomes in endodontics, including clinical studies and studies carried out in animal models.

Results

Systemic factors (age, nutrition, stress, hormones, smoking habits), and systemic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, HIV infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and others, can influence or interfere in the repair of periapical tissues after RCT.

Discussion

Some of these systemic diseases can alter bone turnover and fibroblast function, preventing or delaying periapical wound healing. Others can alter the microvasculature, reducing nutrients and oxygen supply to periapical tissues. As a result, these systemic conditions can decrease the success rate of RCT and provoke incomplete wound healing (typically granulomatous tissue formation) in the periapical region.

Conclusions

The results of this narrative review show worse success rate of RCT, with higher percentage of postoperative radiolucent periapical lesions and higher proportion of non‐retained teeth (RFT), associated with several systemic conditions, such as smoking habits and diabetes.
Induction of a cytokine storm involves suppression of the Osteopontin‐dependent TH1 response
Authors: Fnu Gulimirerouzi , Hudock Kristin , Powers‐Fletcher Margaret , Huang Ruo‐Pan , Weber Georg F.
Published: June 2022

Cytokine release syndromes represent a severe turn in certain disease states, which may be caused by several infections, including those with the virus SARS‐CoV‐2. This inefficient, even harmful, immune response has been associated with a broad release of chemokines. Although a cellular (type I) immune reaction is efficacious against viral infections, we noted a type I deficit in the cytokine patterns produced by cytokine storms of all reported etiologies. Agents including lipopolysaccharide (LPS, bacterial), anti‐CD3 (antibody) and a version of the prominent SARS‐CoV‐2 viral surface molecule, Spike Glycoprotein, were individually sufficient to induce IL‐6 and multiple chemokines in mice. They failed to upregulate the TH1 inducer cytokine Osteopontin, and the pathophysiologic triggers actually suppressed the PMA‐induced Osteopontin secretion from monocytic cells. Osteopontin administration partially reversed the chemokine elevation, more effectively so in a mouse strain with TH1 bias. Corroboration was obtained from the inverse correlation in the levels of IL‐6 and Osteopontin in plasma samples from acute COVID‐19 patients. We hypothesize that the inhibition of Osteopontin by SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Glycoprotein or LPS represents an immune evasion mechanism employed by the pathogens of origin. The ensuing dysfunctional inflammatory response promotes a vicious cycle of amplification, resulting in a cytokine storm.
The dephosphorylation of FADD at S191 induces an excessive expansion of TCRαβ+IELs in the intestinal mucosa
Authors: Zhang Xuerui , Zhu Banghui , Li Lin , Xu Jiahong , Han Yuheng , Zhang Jing , Hua Zichun
Published: June 2022

Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) play a crucial role in host defence against pathogens in the intestinal mucosa. The development of intestinal IELs is distinct from peripheral T lymphocytes and remains elusive. Fas‐associated protein with death domain (FADD) is important for T cell development in the thymus. Here we describe a novel function of FADD in the IEL development. FADD (S191A), a mouse FADD mutant at Ser191 to Ala mimicking constitutively unphosphorylated FADD, promoted a rapid expansion of TCRαβ+ IELs, not TCRγδ+ IELs. Mechanism investigation indicated that the dephosphorylation of FADD was required for cell activation mainly in TCRαβ+CD8+ T cells. Consistently, FADD (S191A) as dephosphorylated FADD led to a high NF‐κB activation in the TCR‐dependent cell expansion. In addition, The FADD (S191A)‐induced abnormal IEL populations resulted in the increased incidence and severity of colitis in mice. In summary, FADD signalling is involved in the intestinal IEL development and might be a regulator for intestinal mucosal homeostasis.
Asymmetric T cell division of GAD65 specific naive T cells contribute to an early divergence in the differentiation fate into memory T cell subsets
Authors: Alampi Greta , Vignali Debora , Centorame Ilenia , Canu Adriana , Cosorich Ilaria , Filoni Jessica , Di Dedda Carla , Monti Paolo
Published: June 2022

Autoreactive T cells with the phenotype and function of different memory subsets are present in patients who developed type 1 diabetes (TID). According to the progressive differentiation model, memory subsets generate from naïve precursors in a linear and unidirectional path depending on the strength and quality of stimulatory signals. By observing human naïve T cells in contact with GAD65 loaded autologous dendritic cells, we observed that approximately 10% of cells divided with the plane of cell division parallel to the one of the immune synapse, causing phenotypic asymmetries in the proximal and distal daughter T cells. After the first T cell division, proximal and distal daughter T cells showed different phenotype, metabolic signature and commitment to differentiate towards long‐lived memory T cells or T cells with effector function. Subjects with or without T1D showed a similar frequency of asymmetric T cell division (ATCD) for autoantigens and recall antigens specific T cells, however the frequency of ATCD is significantly increased in autoreactive T cells in patients with T1D when IL‐7 was added to the culture. An increased upregulation of GLUT1 in response to IL‐7 in patients with T1D was related to the rate of ATCD. Our results showed that ATCD is associated with an early divergence in the differentiation fate of naïve T cells specific for GAD65 during first antigen encounter.
Transcriptome analysis uncovers the autophagy‐mediated regulatory patterns of the immune microenvironment in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sun Shuo , Lu Jiangting , Lai Chaojie , Feng Zhaojin , Sheng Xia , Liu Xianglan , Wang Yao , Huang Chengchen , Shen Zhida , Lv Qingbo , Fu Guosheng , Shang Min
Published: June 2022

The relationship between autophagy and immunity has been well studied. However, little is known about the role of autophagy in the immune microenvironment during the progression of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Therefore, this study aims to uncover the effect of autophagy on the immune microenvironment in the context of DCM. By investigating the autophagy gene expression differences between healthy donors and DCM samples, 23 dysregulated autophagy genes were identified. Using a series of bioinformatics methods, 13 DCM‐related autophagy genes were screened and used to construct a risk prediction model, which can well distinguish DCM and healthy samples. Then, the connections between autophagy and immune responses including infiltrated immunocytes, immune reaction gene‐sets and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes were systematically evaluated. In addition, two autophagy‐mediated expression patterns in DCM were determined via the unsupervised consensus clustering analysis, and the immune characteristics of different patterns were revealed. In conclusion, our study revealed the strong effect of autophagy on the DCM immune microenvironment and provided new insights to understand the pathogenesis and treatment of DCM.
The role of wisdom in navigating social media paradoxes: Implications for consumers, firms, and public policy
Authors: Schneider Abigail B. , Chugani Sunaina , Kaur Tavleen , Stornelli Jason , G. Luchs Michael , Bakpayev Marat , Garcia‐Collart Tessa , Leonard Bridget , Ottlewski Lydia , Pricer Laura
Published: June 2022

Social media has transformed the nature of communication and simultaneously given rise to paradoxes—irresolvable situations where contradictory elements co‐exist. These paradoxes are pervasive, and they can jeopardize consumer welfare because they are difficult to navigate. In this conceptual article, we argue that the principles of wisdom provide a unique and constructive lens through which to view the social media landscape with the aim of maximizing well‐being. We illustrate three social media paradoxes at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels of analysis. We also translate wisdom theory into practical recommendations for consumers, marketers, and public policy makers to facilitate wiser use of social media. Finally, we propose avenues for future transformative consumer research on how wisdom can help consumers to fruitfully approach paradoxes in the context of social media and beyond.
Effect of Vent Hole and Cement Type on Fracture Resistance of CAD‐CAM Monolithic Zirconia Crowns
Authors: Talay Çevlik Esra , Alkan Demetoğlu Göknil , Yıldız Pınar
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To assess the fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia crowns cemented with different types of cement on cement‐retained implant abutments.

Materials and methods

Forty implant analogs were positioned in acrylic resin blocks, and cement‐retained straight implant abutments were fastened to the analogs. Crowns were designed with/without occlusal vent holes and produced from monolithic zirconia blocks by the CAD‐CAM technique. The two crown types were divided into two groups and cemented with resin and zinc‐polycarboxylate cement under 5 kg weight. A universal testing machine applied compressive forces to the crowns until fracture. Fracture resistance values were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA and the independent samples t‐test with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

According to the two‐way ANOVA results, although the crown design did not have a significant effect on fracture resistance (1417.65 ± 337.39 N, 1565.16 ± 517.12 N; crowns with and without vent holes, respectively), the main effect of the cement variable on the fracture resistance was significant. Zinc‐polycarboxylate cement (1680.1 ± 375.23 N) showed higher fracture resistance than resin cement (1302.71 ± 420.64 N) in the crowns designed with vent holes (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

The use of cement‐retained implant‐supported monolithic zirconia crowns with an occlusal vent hole is safe, and zinc‐polycarboxylate cement use may be an appropriate choice for cementation of these crowns.
Infrastructure and income inequality: An application to the Brazilian case using hierarchical spatial autoregressive models
Authors: Medeiros Victor , Saulo Marques Ribeiro Rafael , Vasconscelos Maia do Amaral Pedro
Published: June 2022

Many scholars have highlighted the role of infrastructure in reducing income inequality. Developing economies present immense regional and income discrepancies, which are correlated with unequally distributed infrastructure in territorial and population terms. In this paper, we assess the effects of infrastructure supply on income inequality and verify whether these effects vary according to the infrastructure sector and its degree of quality and access in Brazil. The analysis is based on spatial hierarchical models. Results allow us to say that infrastructure correlates negatively with income inequality. Hence, policies aimed at improving infrastructure quality and expanding access are crucial for reducing income concentration.
Prevalence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum sclerotia recovered from soybean and sunflower silo's
Authors: Rothmann Lisa Ann , McLaren Neal Wynne
Published: June 2022

The fungal pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causes significant disease in oil‐seed crops, and produces sclerotia, primarily serving as a survival structure, but also as means of dispersal. The aim of this study was to quantify sclerotia recovered from South African soybean and sunflower silos between 2012/2013 and 2020, for each crop respectively. Historic data were retrieved from a public database managed by the South African Grain Laboratories. A one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and summary statistics were visualized to determine variation in percentage (mass per seed mass) and prevalence (percentage of positive seed lots) of sclerotia recovered. Sclerotia recoveries were mapped to determine regions and years which were below or above legislative and industry sclerotia thresholds. A total of 190 and 163 soybean and sunflower silos were sampled, respectively, where between 100 and 176 3‐kg sub‐samples per annum were included. Prevalence of sclerotia recovered ranged between 33.3% (2015) and 78.3% (2020) in soybean production regions and 9.1% (2013) and 95.0% (2020) in sunflower production regions. ANOVA indicated significant differences between reported years, for both crops, and variation in frequency of sclerotia with regard to policy thresholds. Sclerotia recovered may provide an indication of sclerotia retained in farm‐saved seed as well as sclerotia remaining on and in fields. South Africa is one of the few countries with national and industry policies in place to monitor and restrict sclerotia in seed. This practice should continue, with the addition of research, which is underway, to understand the risk associated with S. sclerotiorum to remain seed‐borne and potentially cause infections.
TRIM27‐USP7 complex promotes tumour progression via STAT3 activation in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sakamoto Toshiya , Kuboki Satoshi , Furukawa Katsunori , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Takano Shigetsugu , Yoshizumi Arihito , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: June 2022

Background & Aims

TRIM27 is stabilized by binding to USP7 and mediates tumour progression in several cancers; however, the roles of TRIM27‐USP7 complex on STAT3 activation in HCC are unknown.

Methods

Regulations and functions of TRIM27 for activating STAT3 in HCC were assessed using 207 HCC samples or HCC cells.

Results

TRIM27 expression was increased in some cases of HCC. High TRIM27 expression was an independent predictor for poor prognosis in HCC after surgery. It was correlated with the expression of EpCAM, vimentin, MMP‐9, and activation of STAT3 in HCC. TRIM27 expression was correlated with USP7 expression, and HCC with high TRIM27 expression together with high USP7 expression showed enhanced STAT3 activation, resulting in poorer prognosis. p‐JAK1 expression was correlated with STAT3 activation in HCC with high TRIM27 expression. In vitro, USP7 knockdown decreased TRIM27 expression, suggesting that USP7 was essential for TRIM27 stabilization. Knocking down of TRIM27 or USP7 suppressed STAT3 activation and overexpression of TRIM27 accelerated STAT3 activation; therefore, the formation of TRIM27‐USP7 complex was needed for STAT3 activation, which led to aggressive tumour proliferation and invasion by enhancing EMT and CSC‐like property. Binding of JAK1 to TRIM27‐USP7 complex was confirmed in vitro. Deletion of TRIM27‐USP7 complex by USP7 inhibitor significantly inhibited tumour cell invasion by suppressing STAT3 activation.

Conclusions

TRIM27 is stabilized by binding to USP7 and is related to aggressive tumour progression in HCC via STAT3 activation, resulting in poor prognosis after operation. Therefore, TRIM27‐USP7 complex is a useful prognostic predictor and a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
Global trends and the impact of chronic hepatitis B and C on disability‐adjusted life years
Authors: Veracruz Nicolette , Gish Robert G. , Cheung Ramsey , Chitnis Amit S. , Wong Robert J.
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Advances in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies have improved morbidity and mortality, but global disparities in viral hepatitis outcomes remain. We evaluate global trends in the impact of HBV and HCV on disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs).

Methods

Using data from the 2010–2019 Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD), overall all‐cause DALYs for patients with acute HBV or HCV, HBV‐ or HCV‐related cirrhosis, and HBV‐ or HCV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was calculated as the sum of years of life lost because of premature death and years lived with disability. DALYs were presented as age‐standardized rates per 100 000 population stratified by age and sex.

Results

From 2010 to 2019, the overall global impact of HBV on DALYs per 100 000 decreased from 27.6 to 20.9 for acute HBV and 168.6 to 129.8 for HBV‐related cirrhosis but remained stable for HBV‐related HCC. The impact of HCV on DALYs per 100 000 decreased from 5.23 to 3.3 for acute HCV, 159.2 to 146.2 for HCV‐related cirrhosis, and 37.5 to 34.9 for HCV‐related HCC. We observed significant differences in the impact of HBV and HCV on DALYs when stratified by world regions.

Conclusion

Decreases in HBV and HCV DALYs from 2010 to 2019 were observed. Disparities in DALY improvements across world regions suggest unequal access to viral hepatitis care and treatment. Achieving goals of viral hepatitis elimination will require enhanced prevention efforts and funding for high‐burden regions and regions that have not had substantial reductions in DALYs because of HBV and HCV.
Ockham on the Side of the Angels: Why a Classical Theist Shouldn't be Moved by Oppy's Argument from Simplicity
Authors: McNabb Tyler , DeVito Michael
Published: June 2022

A common argument put forth by naturalists (including the prominent philosopher Graham Oppy) in support of naturalism as a worldview over theism, is to claim that naturalism is a simpler hypothesis. Theism posits the existence of everything that naturalism does, plus the existence of a theistic realm. Thus, all things being equal, via Ockham's Razor, naturalism should be preferred to theism. In this essay, we argue that the Classical Theist need not worry about the naturalist's Simplicity argument. Specifically, we argue that, the one holding to a scholastic metaphysics (i.e., potency-act distinction, participatory metaphysics, and existence-in-degree), in the end, will be the one with the simpler worldview.
Deep‐learning‐based removal of autofluorescence and fluorescence quantification in plant‐colonizing bacteria in vivo
Authors: Jiang Xun , Pees Tobias , Reinhold‐Hurek Barbara
Published: June 2022

Fluorescence microscopy is common in bacteria–plant interaction studies. However, strong autofluorescence from plant tissues impedes in vivo studies on endophytes tagged with fluorescent proteins. To solve this problem, we developed a deep‐learning‐based approach to eliminate plant autofluorescence from fluorescence microscopy images, tested for the model endophyte Azoarcus olearius BH72 colonizing Oryza sativa roots.

Micrographs from three channels (tdTomato for gene expression, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and AutoFluorescence (AF)) were processed by a neural network based approach, generating images that simulate the background autofluorescence in the tdTomato channel. After subtracting the model‐generated signals from each pixel in the genuine channel, the autofluorescence in the tdTomato channel was greatly reduced or even removed.

The deep‐learning‐based approach can be applied for fluorescence detection and quantification, exemplified by a weakly expressed, a cell‐density modulated and a nitrogen‐fixation gene in A. olearius. A transcriptional nifH::tdTomato fusion demonstrated stronger induction of nif genes inside roots than outside, suggesting extension of the rhizosphere effect for diazotrophs into the endorhizosphere.

The pre‐trained convolutional neural network model is easily applied to process other images of the same plant tissues with the same settings. This study showed the high potential of deep‐learning‐based approaches in image processing. With proper training data and strategies, autofluorescence in other tissues or materials can be removed for broad applications.
The impact of social capital and transaction efficacy on salesperson performance
Authors: Mallapragada Girish , Gupta Aditya , Josephson Brett
Published: June 2022

In business‐to‐business (B2B) markets, salespeople often act as market‐makers, connecting customers with suppliers while collaborating with other salespeople to form a complex network of relationships. The authors propose that in such a relationship network, the salesperson's social capital, or “who they know,” and transaction efficacy, or “what they do,” have direct and interactive effects on performance. To test the proposed model, the authors use a transaction‐level dataset from a large brokerage firm in the residential construction materials industry. The dataset spans 3 years, enabling authors to observe changes in network structure and model the interplay between social capital and transaction efficacy and their impact on performance. They find that while a salesperson's social capital has a direct effect on performance, these effects are contingent on the salesperson's transaction efficacy. With these results, the authors establish that the joint consideration of the salesperson's network position and transaction efficacy are important determinants of salesperson performance.
Impact of credit default swaps on firms’ operational efficiency
Authors: Qiu Liangfei , Liu Ruiqi , Jin Yong , Ding Chao , Fan Yangyang , Yeung Andy C. L.
Published: June 2022

As one of the most important financial innovations in the last two decades, credit default swap (CDS) contracts have been initiated and actively traded in the market to hedge against credit risks. However, little is known about how these financial innovations affect an underlying firm's operations. In this empirical study, we find that an underlying firm's operational efficiency is significantly improved with the inception of CDS trading. Our results are robust to multiple causal identification strategies. Further analysis suggests that the inception of CDS tends to enhance the operational efficiency of a firm through the supply chain financing capability and trade credit. We also postulate that CDS leads to enhanced efficiency through institutional monitoring and improvements in management effectiveness. We then obtain suggestive evidence. Our findings have direct implications concerning the ongoing policy debate surrounding CDS. We contribute to operations management research by exploring how innovations in the financial market would, in turn, affect the operational performance of firms.
Secular trends in the prevalence of dementia based on a community‐based complete enumeration in Japan: the Nakayama Study
Authors: Shimizu Hideaki , Mori Takaaki , Yoshida Taku , Tachibana Ayumi , Ozaki Tomoki , Yoshino Yuta , Ochi Shinichiro , Sonobe Naomi , Matsumoto Teruhisa , Komori Kenjiro , Iga Jun‐ichi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Ueno Shu‐ichi , Ikeda Manabu
Published: June 2022

Background

The number of dementia patients is increasing worldwide, especially in Japan, which has the world's highest ageing population. The increase in the number of older people with dementia is a medical and socioeconomic problem that needs to be prevented, but the actual situation is still not fully understood.

Methods

Four cross‐sectional studies on dementia were conducted in 1997, 2004, 2012, and 2016 for complete enumeration of all residents aged 65 years and older. We examined the secular trends in the prevalence of all‐cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and other/unclassified dementia.

Results

The age‐standardised prevalence of all‐cause dementia significantly increased (4.5% in 1997, 5.7% in 2004, 5.3% in 2012, 9.5% in 2016; P for trend <0.05). Similar trends were observed for AD (1.7%, 3.0%, 2.5% and 4.9%, respectively; P for trend <0.05) and other/unclassified dementia (0.8%, 1.0%, 1.0% and 2.2%, respectively; P for trend <0.05), whereas no significant change in VaD was seen (2.1%, 1.8%, 1.8%, 2.4%, respectively; P for trend = 0.77). The crude prevalence of all‐cause dementia and AD increased from 1997 to 2016 among participants aged 75–79 years and ≥85 years (all P for trend <0.05). Similar trends were observed for other/unclassified dementia among participants aged ≥80 years (all P for trend <0.05), but not in VaD.

Conclusions

The prevalence of dementia has increased beyond the ageing of the population, suggesting that factors in addition to ageing are involved in the increase in the number of older people with dementia. To control the increase in the number of older people with dementia, elucidation of secular trends in the incidence, mortality, and prognosis of dementia as well as the factors that promote and protect against dementia, and development of preventive strategies are necessary.