bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiological interactions between sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes: A two‐way street influencing diagnosis and therapeutic options
Authors: Tack Wouter , De Cock Anne‐Marie , Dirinck Eveline Lia , Bastijns Sophie , Ariën Femke , Perkisas Stany
Published: October 2023

This review will try to elucidate the interconnected pathophysiology of sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and will try to identify a common pathway to explain their development. To this end, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for articles published about the underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of both sarcopenia and T2D. The medical subject heading (MeSH) terms ‘sarcopenia’ AND ‘diabetes mellitus’ AND (‘physiopathology’ OR ‘diagnosis’ OR ‘therapeutics’ OR ‘aetiology’ OR ‘causality’) were used. After screening, 32 papers were included. It was evident that sarcopenia and T2D share multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. Common changes in muscle architecture consist of a shift in myocyte composition, increased myosteatosis and a decreased capacity for muscle regeneration. Further, both diseases are linked to an imbalance in myokine and sex hormone production. Chronic low‐grade inflammation and increased levels of oxidative stress are also known pathophysiological contributors. In the future, research efforts should be directed towards discovering common checkpoints in the development of T2D and sarcopenia as possible shared therapeutic targets for both diseases. Current treatment for T2D with biguanides, incretins and insulin may already convey a protective effect on the development of sarcopenia. Furthermore, attention should be given to early diagnosis of sarcopenia within the population of people with T2D, given the sizeable physical and medical burden it encompasses. A combination of simple diagnostic techniques could be used at regular diabetes check‐ups to identify sarcopenia at an early stage and start lifestyle modifications and treatment as soon as possible.
The GR‐KLF15 axis promotes suppression of hepatic lipogenesis during fasting
Authors: Lu Jie , Dong Li , Montgomery Magdalene K.
Published: October 2023

Fasting leads to many physiological changes in peripheral tissues, including the liver, where suppression of de novo lipogenesis through inhibition of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP‐1) expression and/or activity is a key adaptation to preserve glucose for maintenance of blood glucose levels. Yoshinori Takeuchi and colleagues provide novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of SREBP‐1 expression during fasting and highlight the importance of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and, particularly, glucocorticoid‐induced binding of the glucocorticoid receptor to enhancer regions of the KLF15 (Kruppel‐like factor 15) gene as a novel mechanism underlying the suppression of SREBP‐1 during fasting.
The ongoing lateral expansion of peatlands in Finland
Authors: Juselius‐Rajamäki Teemu , Väliranta Minna , Korhola Atte
Published: October 2023

Peatlands are the most dense terrestrial carbon stock and since the last glacial epoch northern peatlands have accumulated between 400 and 1000 Gt of carbon. Although the horizontal development history of the peatlands during the Holocene has been previously researched, these studies have overlooked the current peatland margins. This has led to a long‐standing view that the lateral expansion of the peatlands has halted or significantly slowed down. However, no concentrated effort focusing on the recent development of the peatland margins has been conducted. To fulfil this knowledge gap, we studied the development of peatland margins in five Finnish peatlands. In addition, we studied the effect of peatland subsoil characteristics and past forest fires on the peatland expansion. We sampled 15 transects with a total of 47 peat cores utilizing 14C radiocarbon dating on the basal layers of these peat cores. Our results show that the Northern peatlands are still expanding with four of our study sites having recent, post‐1950's basal ages in the peatland margins. In addition, the rate of peatland lateral expansion has increased during the last 1500 years in our study sites, challenging the current knowledge of the recent peatland expansion dynamics. We recorded lateral expansion rates of 0.1–6.4 cm/year from the sites studied. The rate of lateral expansion was restricted by local characteristics, especially the steepness of subsoil (p = .0108). Forest fires likely played an important role as the trigger for lateral expansion in southern study sites with large number of charcoal found at the basal layer of the peat cores. Depending on the scope of this recent lateral expansion across the vast northern peatlands, the effect on the carbon balance could be significant and should be taken into account when estimating the development of carbon pools in these crucial ecosystems.
Physicochemical properties and biological activities of litchi glycans with different molecular weights
Authors: Tan Feng‐Xiang , Yu Yuan‐Shan , Xu Yu‐Juan , Wu Ji‐Jun , Xiao Geng‐Sheng , Hu Teng‐Gen
Published: October 2023

In this study, three litchi glycans (Lzp1–Lzp3) with molecular weights (Mw) of 2.25 × 106 Da, 6.00 × 103 Da and 3.24 × 102 Da were purified, and their structural characteristics, biological activities and structure–activity relationships were investigated. The results showed that Lzp1–Lzp3 had similar inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as evidenced by the fact that there were no significant correlations between the Mw, active groups, monosaccharide compositions of Lzp1–Lzp3 and their antimicrobial activities. Lzp1 consisted of more mannose, galactose and arabinose, and less ribose and xylose, thus leading to its higher antioxidant activities of DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging and ferric‐ion reducing with the values of 78.0%, 99.0%, 90.2%, 1.08 and 3.93 respectively. Lzp2 contained more sulphonic acid and uronic acid, and the least glucose possessed the best effect on the promotion of exopolysaccharide production (24.77 mg/mL) by Weissella confusa, and the proliferation of Weissella confusa, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve with the OD600 ranging from 0.278–1.082. This study can provide a reference for the preparation of litchi glycans possessed specific biological activity.
RETRACTED: Effects of bundle‐care interventions on pressure ulcers in patients with stroke: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Li‐Ping , Gao Ming‐Ming , Wang Xiu‐Qin , Gu Min‐Min , Qi Qin‐De
Published: October 2023

We conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the effects of bundle‐care interventions on pressure ulcers in patients with stroke to provide a basis for clinical work. Randomised controlled trials on the effects of bundle‐care interventions in patients with stroke were identified using computerised searches of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and Wanfang databases, from the time of inception of each database to July 2023, supplemented by manual literature searches. Two researchers independently retrieved and screened the articles, extracted the data and evaluated the quality of the included studies. After reaching consensus, meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Twenty‐four papers were included, involving 3330 patients of whom 1679 were in the intervention group and 1651 were in the control group. The results showed that, compared with standard care, bundle‐care interventions significantly reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers (3.28% vs. 14.84%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.26, p < 0.001), and aspiration (5.60% vs. 18.84%, OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.17–0.39, p < 0.001), and improved patient satisfaction with nursing care (96.59% vs. 84.43%, OR. 5.45, 95% CI: 3.76–7.90, p < 0.001). Current evidence suggests that care bundles are significantly better than conventional nursing measures in preventing pressure ulcers and aspiration, and improving patient satisfaction with nursing care in patients with stroke, and are worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Effect of robotic versus laparoscopic surgery on postoperative wound infection in patients with cervical cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Jin , Tan Zhe , Wu Wenyue , Wu Xiuqian , Liu Lian , Li Chunlin
Published: October 2023

The objective of this research is to evaluate the risk of postoperative infection and other risks associated with robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) compared with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH). Recent studies on RRH versus LRH have not been conclusive for cervical carcinoma. Our group attempted to use meta‐analyses to evaluate the effects of both RRH and LRH on postoperative outcomes in order to make sure that the best operative method was used to prevent wound infections. We looked up Cochrane Library and published databases for this research and found 594 findings. Articles were screened by title and abstract and then carefully examined for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed independently by two researchers. Comparison studies were used to describe the incidence of wound complications after surgery. The publication bias was assessed using Egger regression correlation analysis. There were six trials eligible for inclusion, of which 491 RRH and 807 LRH. Depending on surgery for cervical carcinoma, it is true that there is a difference in the way that surgery affects the postoperative complications. Our analysis demonstrated that the use of robotic operation can decrease the amount of blood loss during operation as compared with routine laparoscopy (MD, −77.69; 95% CI, −132.08, −23.30; p = 0.005). However, there were no statistical differences in the incidence of postoperative wound infections (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.25, 1.19; p = 0.13) and intraoperative operative time (MD, 13.01; 95% CI, −41.38, 67.41; p = 0.64) among the two procedures. There was no statistically significant difference between these two groups of patients with severe postoperative complications. Unlike other research, the findings of this meta‐analysis are not consistent with the findings of the present study, which suggest that robotic operations cannot lower the rate of postoperative wound infections. However, because of the limitations and the retrospective character of the trials covered, these findings should be interpreted with care and more extensive research is required.
Toward a Sociocultural Perspective on Means of Self‐Destruction*
Authors: Marks Alan , Abernathy Thomas
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The relationship between an individual's intent to die and choice of method is examined. A sociocultural perspective is developed in an attempt to: explain the principle differences in choice of method by sex; to explain regional variations over time, by sex; and to differentiate between regional and/or cultural areas in their use of firearms as a means of self‐destruction. The concept of availability is examined, and it is shown that it consists of, at least, two dimensions: the physical presence of a method, and the sociocultural acceptability of that method that results in the individual's selection of a particular method of self‐destruction from a range of socially and culturally acceptable means of suicide. A concept of suicidal threshold is advanced as suggestive of a suicidal level that an individual must reach before a suicidal process develops and results in the person's self‐inflicted death.
Parents of the Battered Child: A Multidisciplinary Group Therapy Approach to Life‐Threatening Behavior
Authors: Paulson Morris J. , Savino Anne B. , Chaleff Anne B. , Sanders R. Wyman , Frisch Florence , Dunn Richard
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the demographic findings and the experience of a three‐year, multidisciplinary group psychotherapy program, with 31 child‐abusing families. No predictive demographic characteristics were identified. The abuse of children ranged from mild bruising to severe brain damage and multiple fractures. Group therapy as an intervention procedure had its successes and failures. The dynamics of male‐female co‐therapists, the peer group sharing, and the capacity to ultimately verbalize inadequacies in the parenting role were crucial factors in therapy. As an experiential encounter the study gives a poignant insight into the personal and family pathology of parents who abuse their children.
The World of the Abused Child: A Phenomenological Report
Authors: Babow Irving , Babow Robin
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A verbatim interview of one 21‐year‐old suicidal woman, who had a long history of abuse by her mother, is presented. Some theoretical issues concerning the scientific and clinical usefulness of phenomenological reports in the understanding of child abuse (and other aberrant behavior) are briefly discussed.
Suicide in the Subway: Psychodynamic Aspects*
Authors: Guggenheim Frederick G. , Weisman Avery
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Fifty‐one cases of suicide attempts in the subway have been investigated to examine the question of whether the method used has psychodynamic significance or is merely adventitious. We found that no single characteristic distinguished subway suicide from all other suicide modalities, although as a group the subway cases had a higher proportion of psychotic and previously suicidal patients than other series quoted in the literature. However, there were important differences between subway suicide cases seeking a “traumatic” death (jumping in front of a train; lying across the track awaiting destruction) and those seeking a “nontraumatic” death (electrocution on the live “third rail”). The traumatic group had histories of exposure to violence, other traumatic suicide attempts, hostile or destructive delusions, and many “destroy” words on psychological test protocols. The smaller nontraumatic group had no such history of exposure to violence; their previous suicide attempts were nontraumatic; delusions, when present, were not menacing; and the psychological tests showed more “escape” words than “destroy” words.
Exchange, Balance, and Formal Organization in Psychotherapeutic Interactions*
Authors: Connor Huell E. , Maris Ronald W.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Psychotherapeutic interactions in crisis situations are analyzed in terms of the “sociodynamic” concepts of exchange, balance, and formal organization. It is argued that psychodynamic interpretations of crisis intervention therapy tend to be incomplete and nonsystematic and, thus, fail to produce adequate predictions, explanations, and control of psychotherapeutic outcomes. Small‐group principles and methods are applied to selected crisis cases to illustrate gains in prediction and control over psychiatric approaches.
Suicide and Drug Abuse in the Medical Community
Authors: Bressler Bernard
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: In the United States each year the equivalent of an average‐size medical school graduating class commits suicide, with the highest incidence occurring in the decade following the completion of training. Of these suicides, 20% to 30% are associated with drug abuse and 40% with alcoholism. Various problem areas are considered. Role strain, leading to excessive drug use in an attempt to increase work efficiency, is coupled with a denial of the physician's own dependency needs and gratification. The problem of identity occurs in relation to the exaggerated sense of duty and obligation the physician feels in attending to the demands of the patients and their families. Medicine as magical thinking is also discussed, revealing the physician's belief in his own immunity, which is strenuously tested when he actually sets up in practice. The community's high regard for the physician further complicates the situation. Too little has been done about working with emotional problems of medical students during their training and after they begin to practice. Unfortunately, physicians feel uncomfortable in turning to colleagues for help; rather, they tend to isolate themselves, resorting to alcohol and drugs. One should question the selection of medical students and their overall training, not only in terms of academic learning but also with more consideration for the stresses and strains of the future career.
Law Enforcement and Crisis Intervention Services: A Critical Relationship
Authors: Cesnik Bernard I. , Pierce Nancy , Puls Michael
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Law‐enforcement officers tend to look at traditional mental health services as being of little help to them in dealing with persons they encounter experiencing emotional emergencies. They are frequently skeptical that emergency mental health programs offer more than they deliver. Because of their traditional base as the primary, and frequently only, available emergency “field” service in a community, a mental health emergency program must have a cooperative working relationship with law enforcement to serve a community successfully. This paper describes the development and maintenance of such a relationship, designed to increase the police case‐finding potential.
Crystal structure and phase formation of MgO–MoO3‐based ceramics with ultralow dielectric loss: A comprehensive study
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Wang Hongye , Xu Xinwei , Chen Naichao , Guo Biao , Cheng Jin , Chen Xianqiang , Wang Hong
Published: October 2023

The MgO‐MoO3 system shows significant potential for applications in microwave dielectric ceramics. However, the formation mechanism, crystal structures, and microwave dielectric properties of this system have not been systematically investigated. This work aims to comprehensively study the crystal structures, phase transitions, and microwave dielectric properties of compounds in the MgO‐MoO3 system. In particular, the research delves into the unexplored transformation mechanism from β‐MgMo2O7 to α‐MgMo2O7 and MgMoO4. As a result, the three compounds exhibiting favorable microwave dielectric properties have been successfully fabricated. These compounds can be effectively sintered at temperatures ranging from 685 to 900°C and exhibited dielectric constants (εr) ranging from 5.41 to 6.89, as well as Qf values ranging from 100 000 to 130 000 GHz. Additionally, prototype microstrip antennas are designed and fabricated using β‐MgMo2O7 and MgMoO4 ceramics as substrates. The obtained antenna's performance is excellent, with S11 values below −30 dB and a gain exceeding 6 dB at 5.8 GHz, highlighting the potential of the developed ceramics for practical applications in microwave devices.
Integrin beta1 mediates the effect of telocytes on mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and migration in the treatment of acute lung injury
Authors: Qi Ruixue , Hou Jiayun , Yang Ying , Yang Zhicheng , Wu Lihong , Qiao Tiankui , Wang Xiangdong , Song Dongli
Published: October 2023

Co‐transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with telocytes (TCs) was found to have therapeutic effects, although the mechanism of intercellular communication is still unknown. Our current studies aim at exploring the potential molecular mechanisms of TCs interaction and communication with MSCs with a focus on integrin beta1 (ITGB1) in TCs. We found that the co‐culture of MSCs with ITGB1‐deleted TCs (TCITGB1‐ko) changed the proliferation, differentiation and growth dynamics ability of MSC in responses to LPS or PI3K inhibitor. Changes of MSC proliferation and apoptosis were accompanied with the dysregulation of cytokine mRNA expression in MSCs co‐cultured with TCITGB1‐ko during the exposure of PI3Kα/δ/β inhibitor, of which IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α increased, while IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐10 decreased. The responses of PI3K p85, PI3K p110 and pAKT of MSCs co‐cultured with TCITGB1‐ko to LPS or PI3K inhibitor were opposite to those with ITGB1‐presented TCs. The intraperitoneal injection of TCITGB1‐ko, TCvector or MSCs alone, as well as the combination of MSCs with TCITGB1‐ko or TCvector exhibited therapeutic effects on LPS‐induced acute lung injury. Thus, our data indicate that telocyte ITGB1 contributes to the interaction and intercellular communication between MSCs and TCs, responsible for influencing other cell phenomes and functions.
Glycerin‐based dispensers of fir oil reduce response of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, to citrus odours
Authors: Chuang Angela , Stelinski Lukasz L. , Pérez Cordero Lourdes , Antolinez Carlos Andres , Rivera Monique J. , Setamou Mamoudou , Diepenbrock Lauren M.
Published: October 2023

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the bacterial pathogen associated with huanglongbing, a fatal citrus disease. Alternatives to insecticides for D. citri management are being explored, given the development of insecticide resistance and the lack of efficient biological controls. Essential oils as pest repellents have shown some efficacy in laboratory and field evaluations; however, lack of an effective dispenser for field deployment has prevented their application. In this investigation, we evaluated glycerin‐based dispensers releasing fir (Abies spp.) oil as repellents for D. citri. In olfactometer tests, glycerin dispensers loaded with fir oil at 20% w/w repelled psyllids from citrus odours but did not cause repellency at lower loading dosages. Field evaluations were conducted with dispensers at the 20% loading dosage based on laboratory results. In open‐air cage bioassays, fewer psyllids alighted on trees treated with 2 dispensers per tree than on control trees. Similarly, fewer psyllids were found on mature lime trees in homeowner landscapes treated with 4 dispensers per tree compared to paired control trees. In small plot experiments in commercial grapefruit, psyllid infestation of young leaf flush shoots was reduced in plots treated with at least 250 dispensers/ha compared to untreated control plots. Our results indicate that these glycerin‐based fir oil dispensers can reduce infestation of citrus by D. citri. However, the efficacy observed within replicated small plots of citrus grown in monoculture was judged insufficient to manage this vector as a stand‐alone treatment. Larger scale evaluations at higher loading dosages of fir oil and/or in combination with other management tools are warranted based on the outcomes of these initial experiments.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer in a fecal immunochemical test‐positive group: The National Health Insurance Service‐National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Park Joo Hyun , Cho Kyung Hee , Choi Junho , Chun Sungyoun , Lee Jae Kwang , Cho Hyunsoon , Kim Bun
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) was the fourth most common cancer in Republic of Korea in 2019. It has a gradually increasing mortality rate, indicating the importance of screening for CRC. Among the various CRC screening test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a simple yet most commonly used. Neverthelss, there have been only few long‐term studies on subjects with FIT‐positive. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for CRC in FIT‐positive patients using the National Health Insurance Service Bigdata database.

Methods

Among 1 737 633 individuals with a FIT screening result for CRC in 2009, 101 143 (5.82%) were confirmed to be FIT positive. The CRC incidence over 10 years (up to 2018) of these participants was investigated using the National Cancer Registry.

Results

Out of the 101 143 FIT‐positive participants, 4395 (4.35%) were diagnosed with CRC. The FIT‐positive patients who underwent a second round of screening showed a 5‐year cumulative CRC incidence of approximately 1.25%, whereas those who did not showed an incidence of approximately 3.75%. Among the FIT‐positive patients, the CRC incidence in the non‐compliance group for the second round of screening was 2.8 times higher than that in the compliance group.

Conclusions

In FIT‐positive participants, non‐compliance with the second round of screening was identified as a major risk factor for CRC development. It is necessary to establish appropriate strategies for managing risk factors for CRC in FIT‐positive patients to increase the rate of compliance with the second round of CRC screening.
A method for extraction of exosomes from breast tumour cells and characterisation by transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Liu Zhiang , Xue Haowen , Chen Qi , Yang Ge
Published: October 2023

Exosomes can not only be used as markers of tumour metastasis but also be used for noninvasive diagnosis of clinical diseases, which holds significant medical research value. Observing the morphology and distribution of exosomes using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is highly significant. In this study, we use breast tumour cell (MDA‐MB‐231) exosomes as a representative sample and focus on the extraction and purification of exosomes, as well as the investigation of optimal conditions for the observation of exosomes using TEM. Through comparative tests, we obtained the optimal dilution concentration and staining method for TEM of exosomes, the best dilution concentration is 100 times, the best negative staining time is 1.5 min. Western blotting and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the presence of exosome. The particle size experiment shows that the size of exosomes is mainly distributed between 60 nm and 150 nm. This method provides a reference for TEM sample preparation of subcellular structures and small molecular biomaterials other than exosomes.
Holdup, Knowledge Transferability, and Productivity: Theory and Evidence from Knowledge Workers*
Authors: Ekinci Emre , Wehrheim David
Published: October 2023

This article studies how firing costs affect the productivity of knowledge workers. We develop a holdup model in which workers are essential to knowledge transfer between firms and show that if the worker's knowledge stock is sufficiently transferable to competing firms, an increase in firing costs inhibits the firm's ability to hold up the worker and thereby leads to higher effort. We consider the passage of the wrongful discharge laws in the US as an exogenous increase in firing costs and test our theory using data on patents filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Osteopontin and fibronectin in lung tissue, serum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of dogs with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and control dogs
Authors: Fastrès Aline , Roels Elodie , Tutunaru Alexandru C. , Bolen Géraldine , Merveille Anne‐Christine , Day Michael J. , Garigliany Mutien‐Marie , Antoine Nadine , Clercx Cécile
Published: October 2023

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) affects West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). Osteopontin (SPP1) and fibronectin (FN1) are associated with human IPF and are overexpressed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) macrophages in dogs with IPF.

Objective

To investigate the value of these proteins as biomarkers of IPF.

Animals

West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) with IPF, control WHWTs, and terriers.

Methods

Cross‐sectional observational study. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize SPP1 and FN1 in lung tissue. Serum and BALF SPP1 and FN1 concentrations were measured using canine ELISA kits and compared between groups.

Results

Osteopontin stained ciliated epithelial cells, smooth muscular cells, and macrophages of all included dogs, and type‐II pneumocytes and extracellular matrix of all 12 diseased WHWTs, 4/6 control WHWTs, and none of the 3 terriers. Osteopontin serum concentration was higher in diseased WHWTs (n = 22; 2.15 ng/mL [0.74‐5.30]) compared with control WHWTs (n = 13; 0.63 ng/mL [0.41‐1.63]; P = .005) and terriers (n = 15; 0.31 ng/mL [0.19‐0.51]; P < .0001), and in control WHWTs compared with terriers (P = .005). Osteopontin BALF concentrations were higher in diseased (0.27 ng/mL [0.14‐0.43]) and control WHWTs (0.25 ng/mL [0.14‐0.40]), compared with terriers (0.02 ng/mL [0.01‐0.08]; P < .0001 and P = .003, respectively). Fibronectin (FN1) serum concentrations were lower in diseased dogs (1.03 ng/mL [0.35‐1.48]) and control WHWTs (0.61 ng/mL [0.24‐0.65]) compared with terriers (2.72 ng/mL [0.15‐5.21]; P < .0001 and P = .0001, respectively). There was no difference in FN1 immunostaining and FN1 BALF concentrations between groups.

Conclusions

Results suggest that SPP1 is involved in pathogenesis of IPF and could predispose that breed to the disease. Osteopontin serum concentration could serve as a diagnostic biomarker of IPF.
Spatial variation of the Akosombo hydroelectric power dam and its effects on downstream water quality, people and living organisms
Authors: Gbedemah Shine Francis , Andoh Andreas , Adanu Selase
Published: October 2023

The Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Plant (AHPP) is one of the largest man‐made lakes in the world. The impact of the dam after its construction on living organisms and people is not known. This paper offers new insights into our understanding of how the lake affects water quality for living organisms and people living downstream of its tailrace at different spatial levels. Water samples were collected to determine physicochemical and bacteriological parameters at fifteen strategically chosen sampling points. The data were analysed in the laboratory for certain physicochemical and biological parameters. About 95 questionnaires were also administered at Abume to households to ascertain their concerns with the water from the dam. The results indicated that the operation of AHPP has statistically significant effects on pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), faecal coliform and total coliform. The DO and total coliform did not rejuvenate by the 1km tailrace distance of the study. However, pH rejuvenated at a distance of 750 meters. The people also point out that the quality of the river at Abume is not safe for drinking and living organisms. The study concludes that water from the AHPP downstream is a satisfactory source of raw water that can be treated for domestic use. The water can also not support large fish species like tilapia. The study recommends that cage fishing should not take place close to the tailrace. The Volta River Authority and the government should provide potable drinking water to the communities affected by the construction of the dam and new sustainable turbines should be employed to manage the dam.
Payment delay in workfare programmes and household welfare: Theory and some evidence from India
Authors: Basu Parantap , S. N Rajesh Raj , Sen Kunal
Published: October 2023

Using the lens of a life cycle model, we argue that an administrative failure of a wage payment delay in a workfare programme could adversely affect the welfare of the poor through two channels. First, it imposes an implicit consumption tax on the household. Second, it changes the status of labour from a “cash” to a credit” good and encourages workers with negative net worth to work harder to clear off the debt. The loss of welfare persists even when the worker has outside employment options. The model's prediction accords well with India's flagship National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), where payment delay to workers participating in the programme has been endemic. Our empirical evidence suggests that, contrary to conventional wisdom, worker participation in the MGNREGA programme is positively associated with a wage payment delay. However, such increased worker participation instead of signalling success of the programme points to a deeper problem of this workfare programme because of the welfare loss suffered by asset‐poor households.
Naturalizing unnatural death in Los Angeles County jails
Authors: Shapiro Nicholas , Keel Terence
Published: October 2023

In this paper we use quantitative and qualitative methods to examine how death investigations in Los Angeles County jails disproportionately naturalize death among Black and Latino incarcerated people. Our study is based on an assessment of 58 autopsies, coroner investigator narratives, and toxicology reports produced between 2009 and 2018. We found that the Medical Examiner frequently arrived at natural or undetermined death determinations that minimized the culpability of carceral staff for loss of life that occurred within county jail. In our dataset, Black people were disproportionately classified as natural. Undetermined deaths were almost exclusively Latino. More than 75% of the cases in our study were deaths that occurred before standing trial. Our findings reveal how biomedical knowledge about incarcerated Black and Latino people is used to erase the life‐diminishing effects of punishment, neglect, and maltreatment that are central to the project of mass incarceration.
Adding edaphic nuance to species distribution models complicates predictions of range shifts
Authors: Zettlemoyer Meredith A.
Published: October 2023

This article is a Commentary on Ni and Vellend (2023), 241: 131–141.
Shaping the development of complex social behavior
Authors: Curley James P. , Champagne Frances A.
Published: October 2023

Early life experiences can have an enduring impact on the brain and behavior, with implications for stress reactivity, cognition, and social behavior. In particular, the neural systems that contribute to the expression of social behavior are altered by early life social environments. However, paradigms that have been used to alter the social environment during development have typically focused on exposure to stress, adversity, and deprivation of species‐typical social stimulation. Here, we explore whether complex social environments can shape the development of complex social behavior. We describe lab‐based paradigms for studying early life social complexity in rodents that are generally focused on enriching the social and sensory experiences of the neonatal and juvenile periods of development. The impact of these experiences on social behavior and neuroplasticity is highlighted. Finally, we discuss the degree to which our current approaches for studying social behavior outcomes give insight into “complex” social behavior and how social complexity can be better integrated into lab‐based methodologies.
Roles of DNA methylation in influencing the functions of dental‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Shi Liyan , Ye Xingchen , Zhou Jing , Fang Yuwen , Yang Jiazhen , Meng Mingmei , Zou Jing
Published: October 2023

Objective

DNA methylation as intensively studied epigenetic regulatory mechanism exerts pleiotropic effects on dental‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs). DMSCs have self‐renewal and multidifferentiation potential. Here, this review aims at summarizing the research status about application of DMSCs in tissue engineering and clarifying the roles of DNA methylation in influencing the functions of DMSCs, with expectation of paving the way for its in‐depth exploration in tissue engineering.

Method

The current research status about influence of DNA methylation in DMSCs was acquired by MEDLINE (through PubMed) and Web of Science using the keywords ‘DNA methylation’, ‘dental‐derived mesenchymal stem cells’, ‘dental pulp stem cells’, ‘periodontal ligament stem cells’, ‘dental follicle stem cells’, ‘stem cells from the apical papilla’, ‘stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth’, and ‘gingival‐derived mesenchymal stem cells’.

Results

This review indicates DNA methylation affects DMSCs' differentiation and function through inhibiting or enhancing the expression of specific gene resulted by DNA methylation‐related genes or relevant inhibitors.

Conclusion

DNA methylation can influence DMSCs in aspects of osteogenesis, adipogenesis, immunomodulatory function, and so on. Yet, the present studies about DNA methylation in DMSCs commonly focus on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Little has been reported for other DMSCs.
System Xc− exacerbates metabolic stress under glucose depletion in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Miao , Li Bo , Meng Wanrong , Chen Yafei , Liu Hanghang , Zhang Zhuoyuan , Li Longjiang
Published: October 2023

Objective

Emerging evidence suggests that glucose depletion (GD)‐induced cell death depends on system Xc−, a glutamate/cystine antiporter extensively studied in ferroptosis. However, the underlying mechanism remains debated. Our study confirmed the correlation between system Xc− and GD‐induced cell death and provided a strategic treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

qPCR and Western blotting were performed to detect changes in xCT and CD98 expression after glucose withdrawal. Then, the cell viability of OSCCs under the indicated conditions was measured. To identify the GD‐responsible transcriptional factors of SLC7A11, we performed a luciferase reporter assay and a ChIP assay. Further, metabolomics was conducted to identify changes in metabolites. Finally, mitochondrial function and ATP production were evaluated using the seahorse assay, and NADP+/NADPH dynamics were measured using a NADP+/NADPH kit.

Results

In OSCCs, system Xc− promoted GD‐induced cell death by increasing glutamate consumption, which promoted NADPH exhaustion and TCA blockade. Moreover, GD‐induced xCT upregulation was governed by the p‐eIF2α/ATF4 axis.

Conclusions

System Xc− overexpression compromised the metabolic flexibility of OSCC under GD conditions, and thus, glucose starvation therapy is effective for killing OSCC cells.
Cortical Endplate Bone Density Measured by Novel Phantomless Quantitative Computed Tomography May Predict Cage Subsidence more Conveniently and Accurately
Authors: Di Mingyuan , Weng Yuanzhi , Wang Guohua , Bian Hanming , Qi Huan , Wu Hongjin , Chen Chao , Dou Yiming , Wang Zhi , Ma Xinlong , Xu Baoshan , Zhu Shan , Lu Weijia William , Yang Qiang
Published: October 2023

Objective

Previous studies have shown that bone mineral density (BMD) is a predictor of cage subsidence. Phantom‐less quantitative computed tomography (PL‐QCT) can measure volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of lumbar trabecular and cortical bone. The study of endplate vBMD (EP‐vBMD) is important in predicting cage settlement after extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF). This study aimed to determine the risk factors for postoperative cage subsidence after XLIF, particularly focusing on the relationship between vBMD measured by automatic PL‐QCT and cage subsidence.

Methods

Patients who underwent XLIF surgery from January 2018 to October 2020 with a minimum of 6 months of follow‐up were retrospectively included. Cage subsidence was defined as >2 mm cage sinking on the adjacent endplate in follow‐up imaging evaluation. Outcome measures were localized vBMDs included EP‐vBMDs with different region of interest (ROI) heights measured by PL‐QCT based on a customized muscle‐fat algorithm. Shapiro–Wilk test, one‐way ANOVA, Mann–Whitney test, Fisher exact test, univariable and multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were executed in this study.

Results

One hundred and thirteen levels of 78 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 65 ± 7.9 years for 11 males and 67 females. Cage subsidence occurred on 45 (39.8%) surgical levels. There was no significant difference in demographics, fused levels, or preoperative radiographic parameters. 1.25‐mm EP‐vBMD (0.991 [0.985,0.997], p = 0.004) and P‐TB‐vBMD (cage‐positioned trabecular volumetric bone mineral density) (0.988 [0.977–0.999], p = 0.026) were cage‐subsidence relevant according to univariate analysis. Low 1.25‐mm EP‐vBMD (0.992 [0.985, 0.999], p = 0.029) was an independent risk factor according to multifactorial analysis.

Conclusion

Preoperative low EP‐vBMD was an independent risk factor for postoperative cage subsidence after XLIF. EP‐vBMD measured by most cortex‐occupied ROI may be the optimal vBMD parameter for cage subsidence prediction.
Diabetes‐related Screw Loosening: The Distinction of Surgical Sites and the Relationship among Diabetes, Implant Stabilization and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Wang Tianji , Wang Jing , Hu Xiaofan , Hao Kaili , Xiang Geng , Wu Zixiang , Ma Zhensheng , Li Tianqing , Chen Yu , Zhao Xiong , Zhang Yang , Ma Tiancheng , Ren Jingjuan , Lei Wei , Feng Yafei
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is correlated with poor clinical outcomes in spinal surgery. However, the effect of it on screw stabilization has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the screw loosening rate and postoperative outcomes in diabetic patients and to identify potential risk factors associated with loosening.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Two hundred and forty‐three patients who received cervical or lumbar internal fixation between 2015 and 2019 were enrolled. Screw loosening was assessed on radiography, and clinical outcomes were evaluated by the improvement of visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) or Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. The relationship of DM, screw loosening and clinical outcomes were analyzed with chi‐square tests and regression analyses.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐two patients (50.2%) with diabetes were included in this study. Diabetes led to the increase of the rate of screw loosening in the lumbar spine, while the loosening rate did not vary significantly in the cervical spine. The occurrence of screw loosening in the lumbar spine was more likely to be associated with clinical outcomes for motor performance including walking and sitting. However, no significant effect on JOA and VAS scores in the cervical spine of screw loosening was found. Moreover, the history of DM affected the outcomes of the patients who underwent spinal surgery.

Conclusion

DM had an adverse effect on screw stabilization. The impaired improvement of clinical outcomes in diabetics after spinal surgery was related to screw loosening. In addition to the direct effects on operative wounds and neural function, the impact on the screws due to DM was also worth noting.
Targeted mutagenesis of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes reveals functional divergence in seed coat colour, oil content and fatty acid composition in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Li Huailin , Yu Kaidi , Zhang Zilu , Yu Yalun , Wan Jiakai , He Hanzi , Fan Chuchuan
Published: October 2023

Yellow‐seed is widely accepted as a good‐quality trait in Brassica crops. Previous studies have shown that the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is essential for the development of seed colour, but its function in Brassica napus, an important oil crop, is poorly understood. To systematically explore the gene functions of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in rapeseed, several representative TRANSPARENT TESTA (TT) genes, including three structural genes (BnaTT7, BnaTT18, BnaTT10), two regulatory genes (BnaTT1, BnaTT2) and a transporter (BnaTT12), were selected for targeted mutation by CRISPR/Cas9 in the present study. Seed coat colour, lignin content, seed quality and yield‐related traits were investigated in these Bnatt mutants together with Bnatt8 generated previously. These Bnatt mutants produced seeds with an elevated seed oil content and decreased pigment and lignin accumulation in the seed coat without any serious defects in the yield‐related traits. In addition, the fatty acid (FA) composition was also altered to different degrees, i.e., decreased oleic acid and increased linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid, in all Bnatt mutants except Bnatt18. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that most of BnaTT mutations resulted in the down‐regulation of key genes related to flavonoid and lignin synthesis, and the up‐regulation of key genes related to lipid synthesis and oil body formation, which may contribute to the phenotype. Collectively, our study generated valuable resources for breeding programs, and more importantly demonstrated the functional divergence and overlap of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes in seed coat colour, oil content and FA composition of rapeseed.
Establishing a nationwide pediatric heart transplantation program with mid‐term results comparable to worldwide data – The Czech experience
Authors: Koubský Karel , Gebauer Roman , Poruban Rudolf , Vojtovič Pavel , Materna Ondřej , Melenovský Vojtěch , Hošková Lenka , Netuka Ivan , Burkert Jan , Janoušek Jan
Published: October 2023

Background

Heart transplantation (HTx) is an established therapeutic option for children with end‐stage heart failure. Comprehensive pediatric nationwide HTx program was introduced in 2014 in the Czech Republic. The aim of this study was to evaluate its mid‐term characteristics and outcomes and to compare them with international data.

Methods

Retrospective observational study, including all patients who underwent HTx from June 2014 till December 2022. Data from the institutional database were used for descriptive statistics and survival analyses.

Results

A total of 30 HTx were performed in 29 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD, N = 15, single ventricular physiology in 10 patients) and cardiomyopathy (CMP, N = 14). Ten patients were bridged to HTx by durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for a mean duration of 104 (SD 89) days. There was one early and one late death during median follow‐up of 3.3 (IQR 1.3–6.1) years. Survival probability at 5 years after HTx was 93%. Two patients underwent re‐transplantation (one of them in an adult center). Significant rejection‐free survival at 1, 3, and 6 years after HTx was 76%, 63%, and 63%, respectively.

Conclusions

The introduced pediatric HTx program reflects the complexity of the treated population, with half of the patients having complex CHD and one‐third being bridged to HTx by LVADs. Mid‐term results are comparable to worldwide data. The data confirm the possibility of establishing a successful nationwide pediatric HTx program in a relatively small population country with well‐developed pediatric cardiovascular care and other transplantation programs.
Facing up to the problem of intentionality
Authors: Mendelovici Angela , Bourget David
Published: October 2023

We distinguish between different problems of “aboutness”: the “hard” problem of explaining the everyday phenomenon of intentionality and three less challenging “easy” sets of problems concerning the posits of folk psychology, the notions of representation invoked in the mind‐brain sciences, and the intensionality (with an “s”) of mental language. The problem of intentionality is especially hard in that, as is the case with the hard problem of phenomenal consciousness, there is no clear path to a solution using current methods. We argue that naturalistic theories of mental representation do not address the hard problem—either they are only intended to address the easy problems, or the claims they make help address the problem of intentionality only under undefended andprima facieimplausible assumptions to the effect that the hard problem reduces to some combination of the easy problems. We offer a positive account of what would be required to properly face up to the problem of intentionality.