bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new subspecies ofFicusL. (Moraceae) from North Andaman Island, India
Authors: Kusom Raja Kullayiswamy , Naidu SarojiniDevi
Published: October 2023

Ficus pellucidopunctatasubsp.obpyriformisis described and illustrated from the North Andaman Island of India. The new taxon resemblesFicus pellucidopunctatain punctale leaf, leaf shape and venation, but differs with the typical species by its longer and obpyriform fig, (verses ellipsoid); scaly minute (ca. 2 mm) basal bracts that do not cover the base of the fig (verses larger (ca. 6 mm) basal bracts that cover the base of the fig); fig orange to dark brown (verses green to yellow); branches terete (verses. angular).Ficus pellucidopunctatasubsp.obpyriformisseeds germinated and saplings were planted and are growing in the Dharmavana Nature Ark (DNA), Bhongir, Telangana as part of the DNA’sexsituconservation programme.
One-pot virus detection based on isothermal amplification coupled with temperature-activated argonaute
Authors: Ye Xingyu , Li Zhonglei , Fang Zhengwei , Shen Nan , Zhou Yuanjie , Sun Peng , Xu Heshan , Liu Qian , Feng Yan
Published: October 2023

Advances in programmable nucleases like CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) and Argonaute (Ago), combined with isothermal amplification, have made point-of-care testing (POCT) more accessible. However, the specific binding of the nuclease resulted in compatibility issues between the amplification and nuclease systems, substantially limiting the feasibility of a one-step workflow. Here, a temperature control solution based on immobilized thermotolerantPyrococcus furiosusAgo (PfAgo) has been proposed. The use of immobilizedPfAgo can effectively prevent interference with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) at 65°C and accurately identifies amplicons when activated at 95°C. Following optimization, a sensitivity of 0.6 copies/μL was achieved within 45 minutes, and high specificity was verified with no cross-reactivity among 22 other viruses. Additionally, the multiplex detection was designed for herpes virus sensing, with agreements of 86.4% for positive and 100% for negative samples. Our research presents an effective method for combining amplification and cleavage through the use of controllable nucleases, significantly improving the clinical applicability of diagnostic techniques dependent on programmable nucleases.
The ArabidopsisSNAREcomplex genes regulate the early stages of pollen-stigma interactions
Authors: Macgregor Stuart R. , Beronilla Paula K.S. , Goring Daphne R.
Published: October 2023

In the Brassicaceae, the process of accepting compatible pollen is a key step in successful reproduction and highly regulated following interactions between the pollen and the stigma. Central to this, is the initiation of secretion in the stigma, which is proposed to provide resources to the pollen for hydration and germination and pollen tube growth. Previously, the eight exocyst subunit genes were shown to be required in the Arabidopsis stigma to support these pollen responses. One of the roles of the exocyst is to tether secretory vesicles at the plasma membrane for membrane fusion by the SNARE complex to enable vesicle cargo release. Here, we investigate the role of ArabidopsisSNAREgenes in the stigma for pollen responses. Using a combination of different knockout and knockdownSNAREmutant lines, we show thatVAMP721, VAMP722, SYP121, SYP122andSNAP33are involved in this process. Significant disruptions in pollen hydration were observed following pollination of wildtype pollen on the mutantSNAREstigmas. Overall, these results place the Arabidopsis SNARE complex as a contributor in the stigma for pollen responses and reaffirm the significance of secretion in the stigma to support the pollen-stigma interactions.

Key Message

The VAMP721, VAMP722, SYP121, SYP122 and SNAP33 SNAREs are required in the Arabidopsis stigma for pollen hydration, further supporting a role for vesicle trafficking in the stigma’s pollen responses.
Bidirectional feedforward regulatory loop of Dicer-like 4 and flavonoids causes floral bicolor patterning in petunia and dahlia
Authors: Kuriyama Kazunori , Ohno Sho , Yamazaki Niichi , Tabara Midori , Koiwa Hisashi , Moriyam Hiromitsu , Fukuhara Toshiyuki
Published: October 2023

Floral bicolor pigmentation is caused by naturally occurring RNA interference (RNAi) in some cultivars of petunia and dahlia. In both plants, the chalcone synthase gene is highly expressed only in the pigmented region of bicolor petals. However, it remains unknown why RNAi is induced only in the unpigmented region. To elucidate the mechanism of this clear bicolor pattern formation, we examined the dicing activity of Dicer-like 4 (DCL4), which produces small interfering RNAs essential for the induction of RNAi. We showed that the crude extract in the pigmented petal region inhibits dicing activity of DCL4, but not when flavonoids were depleted from the extract. Moreover, we showed the inhibitory activity was associated with flavonoid aglycons. Thein vivodicing activities were detected in the intact protoplasts prepared from the unpigmented region but not from the pigmented region. These results suggest that in the unpigmented region, flavonoids that inhibit DCL4 are not synthesized, and RNAi is maintained, whereas in the pigmented region, DCL4 is inhibited by flavonoids, RNAi is not induced, and anthocyanin biosynthesis is maintained, which ensures RNAi inhibition. Therefore, a clear bicolor pattern is generated by the bidirectional feedforward mechanism of antagonizing DCL4 and flavonoids.
The PDIM paradox ofMycobacterium tuberculosis: new solutions to a persistent problem
Authors: Mulholland Claire V. , Wiggins Thomas J. , Cui Jinhua , Vilchèze Catherine , Rajagopalan Saranathan , Shultis Michael W. , Reyes-Fernández Esmeralda Z. , Jacobs William R. , Berney Michael
Published: October 2023

Phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM) is an essential virulence lipid ofMycobacterium tuberculosis.In vitroculturing rapidly selects for spontaneous mutations that cause PDIM loss leading to virulence attenuation and increased cell wall permeability. We discovered that PDIM loss is due to a metabolic deficiency of methylmalonyl-CoA that impedes the growth of PDIM-producing bacilli. This can be remedied by supplementation with odd-chain fatty acids, cholesterol, or vitamin B12. We developed a much-needed facile and scalable routine assay for PDIM production and show that propionate supplementation enhances the growth of PDIM-producing bacilli and selects against PDIM-negative mutants, analogous toin vivoconditions. Our results solve a major issue in tuberculosis research and exemplify how discrepancies between the host andin vitronutrient environments can attenuate bacterial pathogenicity.
Arabidopsis LRR-MAL Receptor-like Kinasesregulate intraspecific and interspecific pollen-stigma interactions
Authors: Lee Hyun Kyung , Sanchez Laura E. Canales , Bordeleau Stephen J. , Goring Daphne R.
Published: October 2023

Flowering plants contain tightly controlled pollen-pistil interactions required for promoting intraspecies fertilization and preventing interspecies hybridizations. InArabidopsis, several receptor kinases (RKs) are known to regulate the later stages of intraspecies pollen tube growth and ovular reception in the pistil, but less is known about RK regulation of the earlier stages. TheArabidopsis RKF1cluster ofLeucine-Rich Repeat Malectin(LRR-MAL) RKswas previously found to function in the stigma to promote intraspecies pollen hydration. Here, we tested additional combinations of up to sevenArabidopsis LRR-MAL RKknockout mutants for theRKF1cluster,LIK1,RIR1andNILR2. TheseLRR-MAL RKswere discovered to function in the female stigma to support intraspeciesArabidopsispollen tube growth and to establish a pre-zygotic interspecies barrier againstCapsella rubellapollen. Thus this study uncovered new biological functions for these poorly understood group ofRKsin regulating the early stages ofArabidopsissexual reproduction.
Genetic and transcriptomic dissection of nitrate-independent function of Arabidopsis NRT1.1/NPF6.3/CHL1 under high ammonium condition
Authors: Hachiya Takushi , Makita Nobue , Bach Liên , Gojon Alain , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Sakakibara Hitoshi
Published: October 2023

The Arabidopsis nitrate transceptor NRT1.1/NPF6.3/CHL1 regulates physiological responses to nitrate. Several studies have reported that Arabidopsis plants lacking NRT1.1 show enhanced shoot growth under toxic levels of ammonium without nitrate, suggesting a nitrate-independent function for NRT1.1. To further investigate this nitrate-independent function and its impact on ammonium tolerance, we conducted genetic analysis, tissue-specific expression analysis, and transcriptome analysis using various NRT1.1-related lines. Transgenic plants expressing either nonphosphomimic or phosphomimic mutants of NRT1.1 exhibited similar ammonium tolerance to the wild-type. Thechl1-9mutant, in which NRT1.1 with the P492L substitution is localized intracellularly rather than at the plasma membrane and fails to transport nitrate, showed significantly improved ammonium tolerance. Confocal imaging revealed that the NRT1.1-GFP signal was detected in the plasma membrane of various tissues, including cotyledon pavement cells, hypocotyl epidermal cells, mesophyll cells, root cap cells, and epidermal cells near root tips. In early seedlings, the absence of functional NRT1.1 altered the expression of genes associated with aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis, ethylene signaling, and low pH stress. Genes predicted to encode products localized to the extracellular space were enriched among those differentially expressed due toNRT1.1deficiency. Our data suggest that in the absence of nitrate, plasma membrane-targeted NRT1.1 reduces ammonium tolerance irrespective of its phosphorylation state with alterations of gene expression associated with stress and senescence.
E-procurement adoption in Nigeria: perceptions from the public sector employees
Authors: Musa Usman , Jaafar Mastura , Raslim Faraziera Mohd
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study attempts to examine the factors that influence user intention to adopt e-procurement in the Nigerian public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 278 procurement and information technology (IT) departments’ officials of key federal government ministries and agencies. The technology acceptance model (TAM) model was adopted and extended with security-related factors, namely perceived trust and perceived security. A partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to test and validate the model.

Findings

The results indicated that perceived usefulness is the best predictor of users’ intention to adopt e-procurement, followed by perceived security and perceived trust. In contrast, however, perceived ease of use was found to have a significant negative effect on the intention to adopt e-procurement.

Originality/value

This study is among the first in the Nigerian public sector context to evaluate users’ perceptions on e-procurement adoption with the use of a distinctive research model (TAM). The study's findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of e-procurement in the Nigerian public sector.
A systematic approach to analyzing the enablers of post-pandemic supply chain resilience in an emerging economy: a fuzzy AHP approach
Authors: Shaikh Abdul Rehman
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the enablers of supply chain resilience (SCR) through a literature review and expert panel input in the context of Pakistan and the post-pandemic era. This study also aims to categorize and rank the identified enablers using expert panel input.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the extant literature was conducted to investigate and identify the factors that contribute to SCR. The relative ranking of the enablers was carried out by a group of industry and academic experts. The expert panel was convened to compare the main categories and each enabler in pairs and to score the enablers using triangular fuzzy numbers.

Findings

This study identified 16 critical SCR enablers. Using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), these enablers were divided into three groups and analyzed. The results show that financial enablers, technology enablers and then social enablers are prioritized when it comes to SCR in emerging markets. The robustness of the ranking of enablers is tested through sensitivity analysis.

Practical implications

The results shall be helpful for policymakers and managers to understand the important enablers and also help allocate resources to important enablers. Managers will be able to formulate strategies to achieve SCR in an uncertain environment.

Originality/value

This is one of the first attempts to identify and rank the enablers of SCR in an emerging economy context.
Filling in the gaps: examining the prevalence of Black homelessness in Canada
Authors: Wilkinson Ashley , Muhajir Khater , Bailey-Brown Patricia , Jones Alana , Schiff Rebecca
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Due to ongoing inequities in the social determinants of health and systemic barriers, homelessness continues to be a significant concern that disproportionately impacts racialized communities. Despite constituting a small proportion of the population, Black individuals are over-represented among people experiencing homelessness in many Canadian cities. However, although Black homelessness in Canada is a pressing issue, it has received limited attention in the academic literature. The purpose of this paper is to examine the reported prevalence of Black homelessness across Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

By consulting enumerations from 61 designated communities that participated in the 2018 Nationally Coordinated Point-in-Time Count and two regional repositories – one for homeless counts supported by the government of British Columbia and another from the Rural Development Network – this paper reports on the scale and scope of Black homelessness across Canada.

Findings

Significantly, these reports demonstrate that Black people are over-represented among those experiencing homelessness compared to local and national populations. These enumerations also demonstrate significant gaps in the reporting of Black homelessness and inadequate nuance in data collection methods, which limit the ability of respondents to describe their identity beyond “Black.”

Originality/value

This research provides an unprecedented examination of Black homelessness across Canada and concludes with recommendations to expand knowledge on this important and under-researched issue, provide suggestions for future iterations of homeless enumerations and facilitate the development of inclusive housing policy.
Supply chain coordination: the application of consignment and zero wholesale price contracts under customized cap-and-trade and consumers' environmental awareness
Authors: Tat Roya , Heydari Jafar , Mlinar Tanja
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Within a framework of supply chain (SC) coordination, this paper analyzes a green SC consisting of a retailer and a manufacturer, under government incentives and legislations and the consumer environmental awareness. To mitigate carbon emissions and promote the sustainability of the SC, a customized carbon emission trading mechanism is developed.

Design/methodology/approach

A game-theoretical decision model formulated determines the optimal sustainability level and the optimal quota of carbon credit from the ceiling capacity set by the government. In order to coordinate the SC and optimize environmental decisions, a novel combination of consignment and zero wholesale price contracts is proposed.

Findings

Analytical and numerical analyses conducted highlight that the proposed contract generates a Pareto improvement for both channel members, boosts the profit of the green SC, enhances the sustainability level of the channel and contributes to a reduction in the requested carbon emission credit by the manufacturer.

Social implications

With the proposed mechanism, governments can protect their industries and, more importantly, comply with European Union (EU) rules on annually reducing emission ceilings allocated to industries.

Originality/value

Different from previous studies on cap-and-trade strategies, the proposed mechanism enables companies to select lower emission quota/allowances than the maximum amount set by the government, and in return, companies can benefit from several incentive strategies of the government.
Collision avoidance control for redundant manipulators in construction operations: a null-space-based task-priority adjustment approach
Authors: Wu Yi , Jia Xiaohui , Li Tiejun , Xu Chao , Liu Jinyue
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to use redundant manipulators to solve the challenge of collision avoidance in construction operations such as welding and painting.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a null-space-based task-priority adjustment approach is developed to avoid collisions. The method establishes the relative position of the obstacle and the robot arm by defining the “link space,” and then the priority of the collision avoidance task and the end-effector task is adjusted according to the relative position by introducing the null space task conversion factors.

Findings

Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed method can realize collision-free maneuvers for redundant manipulators and guarantee the tracking precision of the end-effector task. The experimental results show that the method can avoid dynamic obstacles in redundant manipulator welding tasks.

Originality/value

A new formula for task priority adjustment for collision avoidance of redundant manipulators is proposed, and the original task tracking accuracy is guaranteed under the premise of safety.
The mathematics-based learning method and its impact on student performance in the Introductory Accounting course: cognitive load theory
Authors: Warsono Sony , Sari Ratna Candra , Kusuma Putri Laura Neviyanti , Haryana Muhammad Roy Aziz
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to describe and examine the effectiveness of the mathematics-based learning method, called Accountamatics (Accounting from Mathematics perspective). The Accountamatics method is rooted in the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and the rules of debits and credits, which were initially documented by Luca Pacioli, a Mathematics Professor, in a mathematics book.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quasi-experimental design, spanning a duration of one semester, to examine its research objectives. The participants included 230 students from the Faculty of Economics and Business in Indonesia, who were accredited by AACSB. Control variables, including gender, majors and study backgrounds, were taken into consideration. The data was analyzed using a linear regression test, followed by a comparative t-test.

Findings

The study findings show a significant positive impact of the Accountamatics method on student performance when compared to traditional learning approaches. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that the control variables examined in the study did not have a significant effect on student performance. Thus, it can be inferred that the implementation of the Accountamatics method has a beneficial effect on the academic performance of college students.

Practical implications

The study findings provide valuable insights for faculty members in higher education institutions, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating mathematics-based teaching in accounting as an alternative approach for business students. These findings contribute to the existing knowledge on innovative teaching methods that can enhance the study of accounting within the business curriculum.

Originality/value

Over the span of around 25 years, extensive research has been conducted to compare traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches. However, the results have not consistently shown that the innovative methods outperform their traditional counterparts. In response to this, the Accountamatics method has been developed, building upon the fundamental knowledge in accounting that has been used since 1494. Despite its historical significance, this method is sometimes regarded as limited to technical knowledge in the modern era.
Seasonal dynamics of floral composition and flower visitors in a subtropical alpine ecosystem in Taiwan
Authors: Kudo Gaku , Kohyama Tetsuo I. , Chen Kai‐Hsiu , Hsu Tsai‐Wen , Wang Chun‐Neng
Published: October 2023

Flowering phenology of alpine plant communities and seasonal dynamics of flower visitors have been scarcely studied in the tropical/subtropical alpine regions. We report flowering phenology, flower production, and flower‐visiting insects in an alpine site of central Taiwan. Throughout the research period (2017–2018), we recorded flowering phenology of 130 plant species, flower production of 81 species, and 15,127 insects visiting alpine flowers. Most of the alpine plants were visited by dipteran insects and/or hymenopteran insects. The seasonal patterns of flowering were more apparent in bee‐visited plants compared to fly‐visited plants in which the flowering of bee‐visited plants clearly increased as the season progressed. About 63% of flower visitors were dipteran insects (syrphid and non‐syrphid flies), and 30% were hymenopteran insects (mostly bumble‐bee workers). Although the seasonal trend in fly abundance was less clear between years, bumble‐bee abundance consistently increased in the middle to late seasons, reflecting colony development. There was a positive correlation between bee abundance and the number of flowering species of bee‐visited plants, but there was no correlation between fly abundance and the number of flowering species of fly‐visited plants throughout the season. These results suggest that the flowering phenology of subtropical alpine communities is influenced by the seasonal availability of pollinators. Bumble bees, syrphid flies, and non‐syrphid flies had wide ranges of foraging flowers, but their niche overlap was relatively small. Because cold‐adapted bumble bees are threatened by climate change in Taiwan, plant–pollinator interactions may be disturbed by global warming.
What effect did the New Zealand COVID‐19 lockdown have on computed tomography‐head scan utilisation in patients presenting to the emergency department with traumatic head injuries?
Authors: Hawkins Eden , Stewart Beatrice , Huggins Margaret , Compson Kathryn , Larsen Peter , Rogan Alice
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To explore the unique impact the first COVID‐19 national lockdown in New Zealand (NZ) had on the utility of computed tomography (CT)‐head scanning in patients presenting to the ED with head injuries.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of CT‐head use in head‐injured patients presenting to the ED during the 2020 COVID‐19 lockdown compared to the corresponding time period in 2019.

Results

During the lockdown period in 2020, the total number of ED presentations reduced by 30.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.8–31.6) from 13 477 to 9403. The total number of head injury presentations also reduced by 32% (95% CI 27–36.7) from 523 to 356. The proportion of head‐injured patients remained similar (3.9% [n = 523] in 2019 vs 3.8% [n = 356] in 2020). Of the head injured patients, 185 (51.9%, 95% CI 44.5–59.4) had CT‐head scans performed in 2020 compared to 269 (51.4%, 95% CI 45.2–57.5) in 2019; a reduction of 31.2% (95% CI 24.5–37.9). The proportion of patients who had a CT‐head scan remained similar (51.4% [95% CI 45.2–57.5] in 2019 vs 51.9% [95% CI 44.5–59.4] in 2020). There were no significant differences in the proportion of CT‐head scans with acute traumatic pathology (13.0% [95% CI 8.7–17.3] in 2019 vs 12.4% [95% CI 7.4–17.5] in 2020, P = 0.86).

Conclusions

During the first COVID‐19 lockdown in NZ, the total number of patients presenting to the ED decreased by one third. Reassuringly, the proportion of patients who presented with head injuries, had a CT‐head scan performed, and had positive CT‐head findings remained the same as the previous year.
Could commercial meal kits be part of the solution to food insecurity during pregnancy? An Australian exploratory study
Authors: McKay Fiona H. , Zinga Julia , van der Pligt Paige
Published: October 2023

Aim

To explore the nutritional content of meal kits from two main Australian companies over a 6‐week period against healthy eating guidelines for pregnancy.

Method

Across the 6‐week period, weekly meal kits from both Provider 1 and Provider 2 were purchased, 36 individual meals were assessed. All data were analysed for the development of a macronutrient and micronutrient profile of meals. Extracted data were macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral composition, which were compared against the healthy eating guidelines for pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand.

Results

Meal kits include higher levels of sodium, and lower levels of dietary fibre, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, grains, and dairy when compared against the guidelines for healthy eating for pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusions and implications

Meal kits may increase meals prepared and consumed in the home, and thanks to the clear instructions and pre‐portioned ingredients, may reduce stress related to food preparation. They have the potential to provide nutritionally adequate meals to pregnant women as a way to mitigate food insecurity or hunger during pregnancy and may provide some nutritional benefits and have the potential to remove some of the challenges with maintaining an adequate diet when pregnant.
Corruption, Conspiracy and Collusion: Anti‐Monopoly Petitioning in the Parliament of 1621*
Authors: Paterson Ellen
Published: October 2023

In the Jacobean period, monopolies were central to crown financial policy. Through petitions, subjects protested the effect of these grants on their trades and livelihoods. In the parliament of 1621, the Commons’ standing committee for grievances emerged as an important recipient of anti‐monopoly petitions. Moving beyond the current historiographical focus on institutional and procedural developments in parliamentary petitioning practice, this article offers a close rhetorical analysis of anti‐monopoly petitions and counter‐petitions in 1621, highlighting the dialogic nature of petitioning disputes. An emerging language of corruption and modes of politic reasoning will be shown to have shaped petitionary appeals, as subjects used the concepts of faction and conspiracy to oppose and defend monopolies. The article argues for the need to consider the close interrelation between the economic and political in 1620s England.
Contraceptive effects on the cervicovaginal microbiome: Recent evidence including randomized trials
Authors: Balle Christina , Happel Anna‐Ursula , Heffron Renee , Jaspan Heather B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Until recently, most data regarding the effects of non‐barrier contraceptives on the mucosal microbiome have derived from observational studies, which are potentially biased due to behavioral confounders that may mask their true biological effects.

Method of Study

This narrative review summarises recent evidence of the effect of contraceptives on the cervicovaginal microbiome, emphasising data obtained through randomized trials.

Results

Good quality data describe that initiation of long‐acting progestin‐only contraceptives, including levonorgestrel (LNG)‐implant and the injectables depot‐medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA‐IM) and norethisterone enanthate (NET‐EN) do not alter the mucosal microbial environment. Likewise, no strong evidence exists that the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) is associated with alterations of the vaginal microbiome or increased risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited data on the effect of intravaginal rings (IVRs) on the mucosal environment exist and show conflicting effects on the vaginal microbiota. Copper intrauterine device (Cu‐IUD) initiation has been associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) acquisition, including in a randomized trial. LNG‐IUDs may have similar affects but need to be evaluated further.

Conclusion

Different synthetic hormones have divergent effects on the microbiome and therefore novel hormonal methods need to be rigorously evaluated. Furthermore, the addition of antiretrovirals into multipurpose technologies may alter the effects of the hormonal component. There is thus a critical need to improve our understanding of the biological effects of contraceptive hormones and delivery methods with different pharmacokinetic and chemical properties on the mucosal microbiome in rigorous trials, to inform the development of novel contraceptives and improve individual family planning guidance.
Surgical and short‐term oncological safety of total neoadjuvant therapy in high‐risk locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Ng Yvonne Y. , Seow‐En Isaac , Chok Aik Yong , Lee Terence S. , Palanisamy Prasad , Tan Emile K.
Published: October 2023

Background

Management for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) conventionally comprises long‐course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT), total mesorectal excision (TME), and adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the RAPIDO study published in 2021 showed that total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) led to better oncological outcomes without increased toxicity. We review the surgical and short‐term oncological outcomes of patients with high‐risk LARC who underwent TNT or LCCRT before TME.

Methods

Patients with high‐risk LARC who underwent TNT or LCCRT before TME between 2021 and 2022 were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐five patients (66%) had TNT as per RAPIDO whilst 18 underwent LCCRT. Median follow‐up was 16 months (range 5–25). Of the patients who had TNT, median age was 65 years old (range 44–79), 34 (97%) had clinical Stage 3 LARC and median height FAV was 5 cm (range 0.5–14). Nine (26%) required a dose delay/reduction due to treatment toxicity. Seven (50%) showed resolution of previously enlarged lateral nodes. Three (9%) had pathological complete response. Postoperative major morbidity was 23%, of which 4 patients required a reoperation. Six (17%) patients had disease‐related treatment failure, with two having disease progression during TNT, two developed local recurrence, and two developed distal metastasis following surgery. Median duration to surgery following completion of chemotherapy was significantly shorter with TNT (36 days versus 74 days) (P < 0.001). There were no other significant differences in outcomes.

Conclusion

TNT is clinically safe in high‐risk LARC patients with no significant difference to surgical and short‐term oncological outcomes compared to LCCRT, although a higher incidence of early surgical morbidity was observed.
Prevalence and stability of blood–injection–injury phobia in childhood—A prospective community study in Norway
Authors: Berg Johnsen Ingrid , Wichstrøm Lars , Dahllöf Göran
Published: October 2023

Aim

An individual with a blood–injection–injury (BII) phobia often avoids exposure to triggers, such as blood tests and clinic appointments, leading to potentially serious health complications. This population‐based study examined the prevalence, stability and course of BII phobia in children and adolescents.

Methods

The data came from the Trondheim Early Secure Study, conducted from 2007 to 2018. All children born in Trondheim, Norway, in 2003 and 2004 were invited to attend. Clinical interviews were conducted by trained personnel to assess BII phobia in 1042 children (51% female) every 2 years from 4 to 14 years of age. Latent growth curves and logistic regression analyses were used in the data analysis.

Results

Just under 20% of the cohort experienced a BII phobia at least once, with no significant sex differences. The prevalence of BII phobias increased from 3% at 4 years of age and peaked at about 8% at 10 years of age, before levelling off. The two‐year stability increased as 12–14 years of age approached.

Conclusion

The prevalence of BII was affected by age, but not sex. Early BII phobias often recede with time, but children may need treatment if they persist from 8 years of age.
Does government effectiveness moderate public spending on education–shadow economy nexus in ASEAN countries?
Authors: Tran Pham Toan Khanh
Published: October 2023

A plethora of empirical work has aimed to investigate the determinants of the shadow economy over the last few years. The impacts of government spending on the shadow economy have been explored. However, the effect of a moderating factor that affects this nexus has been largely ignored in the existing literature. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating role of government effectiveness on public spending on the education–shadow economy nexus, in eight Southeast Asian countries from 2001 to 2017. This paper uses the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and the panel causality approach to analyze the data. Empirical findings from this paper indicate that public spending on education and government effectiveness negatively impacts the size of the shadow economy. Interestingly, government effectiveness serves as a critical catalyst in shaping the effect of government spending on education. We also observed that economic growth and foreign direct investment have significant negative effects, while unemployment and inflation have significant positive effects on the shadow economy. Additionally, the causality results confirmed the presence of bidirectional causality in public spending education, government effectiveness, economic growth, foreign direct investment, and unemployment in the shadow economy. This study recommends that governments and policymakers pursue policies and programs that invest more in education and enhance government effectiveness.
Central Mediterranean tephrochronology for the time interval 250–315 ka derived from the Fucino sediment succession
Authors: Leicher Niklas , Monaco Lorenzo , Giaccio Biagio , Nomade Sebastien , Pereira Alison , Mannella Giorgio , Wulf Sabine , Sottili Gianluca , Palladino Danilo M. , Zanchetta Giovanni , Wagner Bernd
Published: October 2023

In the lacustrine succession F4‐F5 of the Fucino Basin, central Italy, 20 visible tephra layers were identified in the time interval 250–315 ka (Marine Isotope Stages 8–9). Fifteen of them contained suitable material to explore their volcanic sources. Among these tephra some well‐known eruptions and eruptive sequences of the Roman and Roccamonfina volcanoes were identified, such as the Tufo Giallo di Sacrofano and the Lower White Trachytic Tuff, respectively. Furthermore, the sediment succession documents a more complex eruptive history of the Sabatini, Vulsini, Colli Albani and Roccamonfina volcanic complexes during the investigated period, as inferred from previously undescribed tephra deposits. Single‐crystal‐fusion 40Ar/39Ar dating of two of the inspected tephra layers combined with two already published tephra ages provided the basis for a Bayesian age‐depth model. The modelled tephra ages allow chronological constraining of so‐far undefined eruptions of the Sabatini (272.5±4.7, 281.8±4.7, 308.5±2.8, 312.8±2.1 ka), the Vulsini (311.7±2.3, 311.9±2.3 ka) and the Colli Albani (301.0±3.6 ka) volcanic districts. Two tephra layers of an undefined volcanic source from the Roman volcanoes have modelled ages of 309.5±2.7 and 310.5±2.6 ka. The new 40Ar/39Ar and modelled ages were further used for a reassessment of the timing of already known and dated eruptive units, such as the Tufo Giallo di Sacrofano (40Ar/39Ar: 289.3±4.8 ka). Tephra tentatively correlated with the Valle Santa Maria, Case Pisello and the White Trachytic Tuff Unit E3 or Unit F offer modelled ages for these eruptions of 296.6±3.9, 301.8±3.5 and 303.6±3.4 ka, respectively. The results complete the tephrostratigraphical investigations of the c. 425 ka old F4‐F5 record, extend the Mediterranean tephrostratigraphical framework and provide a significant contribution for improving knowledge on Italian volcanic explosive activity.
Fungi and bacteria in the beds of rural and urban infants correlate with later risk of atopic diseases
Authors: Lehtimäki Jenni , Gupta Shashank , Hjelmsø Mathis , Shah Shiraz , Thorsen Jonathan , Rasmussen Morten Arendt , Soverini Matteo , Li Xuanji , Russel Jakob , Trivedi Urvish , Brix Susanne , Bønnelykke Klaus , Chawes Bo Lund , Bisgaard Hans , Sørensen Søren J. , Stokholm Jakob
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Rural children have a lower risk of asthma and atopic diseases than urban children. However, whether indoor microbiota in non‐farming rural homes provides protection is unclear.

Methods

Here, we examine if microbes in the beds of rural and urban infants are associated with later development of atopic diseases. We studied fungi and bacteria in the beds of 6‐month‐old infants (n = 514) in association with the risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and aeroallergen sensitization at 6 years of age in the prospective COPSAC2010 cohort.

Results

Both fungal and bacterial diversity were lower in the beds of children, who later developed allergic rhinitis (−0.22 [−0.43,−0.01], padj = .04 and −.24 [−0.42,−0.05], padj = .01 respectively) and lower bacterial richness was discovered in beds of children later developing asthma (−41.34 [−76.95,−5.73], padj = .02) or allergic rhinitis (−45.65 [−81.19,−10.10], padj = .01). Interestingly, higher fungal diversity and richness were discovered in the beds of children developing eczema (0.23 [0.02,0.43], padj = .03 and 29.21 [1.59,56.83], padj = .04 respectively). We defined a limited set of fungal and bacterial genera that predicted rural/urban environment. Some rural‐associated bacterial genera such as Romboutsia and Bacillus and fungal genera Spegazzinia and Physcia were also associated with reduced risk of diseases, including eczema. These fungal and bacterial fingerprints predicting the living environment were associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, but not eczema, with rural compositions being protective. The bed dust bacteria mediated 27% of the protective association of a rural living environment for allergic rhinitis (p = .04).

Conclusions

Bed dust microbes can be differentially associated with airway‐ and skin‐related diseases. The differing bed dust microbiota between rural and urban infants may influence their later risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
A TGF‐β signaling‐related lncRNA signature for prediction of glioma prognosis, immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy response
Authors: Duan Wei‐Wei , Yang Li‐Ting , Liu Jian , Dai Zi‐Yu , Wang Ze‐Yu , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xun , Liang Xi‐Song , Luo Peng , Zhang Jian , Liu Zao‐Qu , Zhang Nan , Mo Hao‐Yang , Qu Chun‐Run , Xia Zhi‐Wei , Cheng Quan
Published: October 2023

Aims

The dysregulation of TGF‐β signaling is a crucial pathophysiological process in tumorigenesis and progression. LncRNAs have diverse biological functions and are significant participants in the regulation of tumor signaling pathways. However, the clinical value of lncRNAs related to TGF‐β signaling in glioma is currently unclear.

Methods

Data on glioma's RNA‐seq transcriptome, somatic mutation, DNA methylation data, and clinicopathological information were derived from the CGGA and TCGA databases. A prognostic lncRNA signature was constructed by Cox and LASSO regression analyses. TIMER2.0 database was utilized to deduce immune infiltration characteristics. “ELMER v.2” was used to reconstruct TF‐methylation‐gene regulatory network. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy response predictions were implemented by the TIDE algorithm and GDSC database, respectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to verify the results and clarify the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA.

Results

In glioma, a TGF‐β signaling‐related 15‐lncRNA signature was constructed, including AC010173.1, HOXA‐AS2, AC074286.1, AL592424.1, DRAIC, HOXC13‐AS, AC007938.1, AC010729.1, AC013472.3, AC093895.1, AC131097.4, AL606970.4, HOXC‐AS1, AGAP2‐AS1, and AC002456.1. This signature proved to be a reliable prognostic tool, with high risk indicating an unfavorable prognosis and being linked to malignant clinicopathological and genomic mutation traits. Risk levels were associated with different immune infiltration landscapes, where high risk was indicative of high levels of macrophage infiltration. In addition, high risk also suggested better immunotherapy and chemotherapy response. cg05987823 was an important methylation site in glioma progression, and AP‐1 transcription factor family participated in the regulation of signature lncRNA expression. AGAP2‐AS1 knockdown in in vitro and in vivo experiments inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells, as well as the growth of glioma, by downregulating the expression levels of NF‐κB and ERK 1/2 in the TGF‐β signaling pathway.

Conclusions

A prognostic lncRNA signature of TGF‐β signaling was established in glioma, which can be used for prognostic judgment, immune infiltration status inference, and immunotherapy response prediction. AGAP2‐AS1 plays an important role in glioma progression.
Incidental appendicectomy in pancreas transplantation: A single‐center study
Authors: Hussein Aliyah , Karydis Nikolaos , Gill‐Barman Baljit , Callaghan Chris
Published: October 2023

Background

Appendicitis in pancreatic transplant recipients can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Incidental appendicectomy (IA) during pancreas transplantation obviates the risk of appendicitis but potentially at the cost of increased operating time or early post‐operative complications. This study reviewed the value of IA at a single center.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent a pancreas transplant in our unit from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2020, with end of follow‐up on May 21st, 2023; recipients were grouped by whether or not an IA was performed during pancreas transplantation. Donor, recipient, operative, and graft outcomes were compared between the two groups. Post‐transplant complications related to appendiceal pathology (or IA) were recorded and classified.

Results

Two hundred forty‐three patients underwent a pancreas transplant; 227 (93%) patients had an appendix in situ at transplantation, and of these 53 (23%) underwent an IA and 174 (77%) did not. There were no statistically significant differences in operative time (p = .06) or hospital stay (p = .50) between the two groups. In the IA cohort, there were no Clavien‐Dindo Grade III‐V complications relating to the appendicectomy. In those that did not undergo an IA, two patients (1%) subsequently required appendicectomy due to appendicitis. Comparison of pancreatic graft survival showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .44).

Conclusions

This study suggests that IA is effective at reducing risks of post‐transplant appendiceal complications without significantly prolonging inpatient stay or impairing graft survival. These data support the consideration of undertaking an IA for all patients undergoing a pancreas transplant.
Systematic review of the role of calprotectin in cirrhosis
Authors: Fortuny Marta , Sarrias Maria‐Rosa , Torner Maria , Iborra Ignacio , Clos Ariadna , Ardèvol Alba , Bartolí Ramon , Morillas Rosa M. , Domènech Eugeni , Masnou Helena
Published: October 2023

Background

Calprotectin is a calcium‐binding‐S100‐protein synthetized mainly in neutrophils which has been demonstrated to be an accurate biomarker of the presence of these cells. Gut barrier dysfunction in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), in addition to the lack of noninvasive tools for diagnosis and prognosis of cirrhosis decompensations, has raised interest in this biomarker.

Aims

Our aim is to summarize the current evidence regarding the role of calprotectin in terms of its diagnostic and prognostic utility in ACLD.

Methods

We performed a systematic search (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023389069) of original articles published without any restrictions on the publication date until January 2023 providing information about calprotectin for the prognosis or diagnosis of ACLD and its decompensations in adult patients.

Results

A total 227 articles were identified, and 26 observational studies finally met the inclusion criteria. In 14 studies, calprotectin was measured in ascitic fluid, all of which reported higher calprotectin values in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, while cut‐off points for its diagnosis were proposed in nine studies. Three studies reported higher faecal calprotectin levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and portal hypertension. Four studies evaluated faecal calprotectin and one plasma calprotectin as biomarkers for gut barrier integrity and bacterial translocation.

Conclusions

Calprotectin is emerging as a promising biomarker in ACLD, particularly for the management of bacterial infections and alcohol‐related liver disease. Further research with better study designs should help to determine the feasibility of calprotectin measurement in routine clinical practice.
Role of alpha smooth muscle actin in odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Ma Zeyi , Shen Peiqi , Xu Xiaoqing , Li Weiyu , Li Yaoyin
Published: October 2023

Pulpotomy is an effective treatment for retaining vital pulp after pulp exposure caused by caries removal and/or trauma. The expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) is increased during the wound‐healing process, and α‐SMA‐positive fibroblasts accelerate tissue repair. However, it remains largely unknown whether α‐SMA‐positive fibroblasts influence pulpal repair. In this study, we established an experimental rat pulpotomy model and found that the expression of α‐SMA was increased in dental pulp after pulpotomy relative to that in normal dental pulp. In vitro results showed that the expression of α‐SMA was increased during the induction of odontogenic differentiation in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) compared with untreated DPSCs. Moreover, α‐SMA overexpression promoted the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs via increasing mitochondrial function. Mechanistically, α‐SMA overexpression activated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway by rapamycin decreased the mitochondrial function in α‐SMA‐overexpressing DPSCs and suppressed the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Furthermore, we found that α‐SMA overexpression increased the secretion of transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1). In sum, our present study demonstrates a novel mechanism by which α‐SMA promotes odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs by increasing mitochondrial respiratory activity via the mTOR signaling pathway.