bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASCL1 and DLL3 expressions and their clinicopathological implications in surgically resected pure small cell lung cancer: A study of 247 cases from the National Cancer Center of China
Authors: Hu Chunfang , Dong Jiyan , Liu Li , Liu Jingbo , Sun Xujie , Teng Fei , Wang Xin , Ying Jianming , Li Junling , Xing Puyuan , Yang Lin
Published: December 2021

Objective

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies characterized by neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. The Delta‐like protein 3 (DLL3), as a direct downstream target of ASCL1, is involved in NE differentiation and carcinogenesis of SCLC. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ASCL1 and DLL3 expressions and their clinicopathological implications in SCLC.

Methods

A total of 247 surgically resected pure SCLC samples with limited clinical stage and follow‐up data were retrieved in this retrospective study. ASCL1 and DLL3 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. The correlations between ASCL1 and DLL3 expressions, as well as their clinicopathological features, were analyzed by χ2 tests. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in SCLC patients with ASCL1/DLL3 low and high expressions were compared by the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank tests.

Results

ASCL1 high expression was detected in 105 (42.5%) patients. Its expression was positively correlated with the clinical stage (p = 0.02) and nerve invasion (p = 0.03). DLL3 high expression was observed in 188 (72.8%) patients and was correlated with vascular invasion (p = 0.04). ASCL1 expression was positively associated with DLL3 expression (p = 0.03). In addition, DLL3 expression has a strong correlation with the expression of thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF1) and conventional NE markers.

Conclusion

ASCL1 and DLL3 were highly expressed in SCLC tumor samples, and a positive correlation between these two markers was observed. Co‐analysis of ASCL1 and DLL3 may identify a distinct SCLC subgroup benefit from targeted therapy. Therefore, ASCL1 and DLL3 could be potential biomarkers served for the selection of related patients.
Accounting for a nonlinear functional response when estimating prey dynamics using predator diet data
Authors: Robertson Matthew D. , Koen‐Alonso Mariano , Regular Paul M. , Cadigan Noel , Zhang Fan
Published: December 2021

Forage fish species are key in the transfer of energy from lower to upper trophic levels in marine ecosystems. Therefore, understanding their population dynamics, including population levels, is crucial for understanding productivity and the regulation of marine food webs. However, many forage fishes are poorly sampled by bottom trawl surveys, leading to poor estimates of their abundance. These estimates can be improved by using predator stomach contents as an additional sampling strategy; however, nonlinear relationships between prey abundance and predator consumption (i.e. the functional response) may bias stomach data as well.

Using predator stomach contents and bottom trawl survey data, this study aimed to minimize this bias by developing a model to estimate prey dynamics and account for the predator functional response. This model was tested using a series of simulations and applied to a case study of northern sand lance Ammodytes dubius on the Grand Bank, Newfoundland, Canada.

The simulations revealed that when predators consumed prey following a nonlinear functional response, our model outperformed a classical model (the model adopted by most studies) that assumed a linear functional response. In the case study, we estimated the relative abundance of sand lance from 1995 to 2018, which exhibited oscillatory dynamics with a period of approximately 7 years.

Our results demonstrate that our model is capable of more accurately estimating the abundance of data‐limited prey populations, which contributes to a better understanding of food web dynamics.
The impact of air pollution on financial reporting quality: evidence from China
Authors: Hu Nan , Xue Xingnan , Liu Ling
Published: December 2021

In this study, we investigate whether the unpleasant mood of managers caused by air pollution leads to poorer decision‐making quality. Using a sample of 9,282 firm‐year observations from 2014 to 2017 in China, we show that (i) the mood of managers becomes more negative as air quality decreases; and (ii) there is a negative relation between air pollution and financial reporting quality. Furthermore, this association is stronger for firms with (i) weaker corporate governance; and (ii) top management teams with a lower average age, fewer females and a lower average educational level. Our results hold through various robustness tests.
Forest fragments, primary and secondary forests harbour similar arthropod assemblages after 40 years of landscape regeneration in the Central Amazon
Authors: De Aquino Karina Kethelen Silva , Baccaro Fabricio Beggiato , Appel Giulliana , Henriques Augusto Loureiro , Dineli Bobrowiec Paulo Estefano , Borges Sérgio Henrique
Published: December 2021

Large‐scale deforestation leads to habitat loss and fragmentation with major consequences for biodiversity. However, the impacts of these environmental disturbances can be mitigated by forest regeneration. We evaluated the effects of forest fragmentation and vegetation recovery on arthropod assemblages in human‐modified landscapes in the Amazon.

Arthropods were sampled in 10‐ha forest fragments, continuous primary forests, and secondary forests using Malaise traps. We identified arthropods in multiple taxonomic resolutions from order to species.

We collected 25,230 arthropods belonging to 17 orders. Coleoptera and Hemiptera were more abundant in secondary forests compared to other habitats. A dipteran family (Clusiidae) and a horse fly species (Dichelacera cervicornis—Tabanidae) were identified as indicators of forest fragments and continuous forests, respectively. Similar levels of taxonomic diversity between habitats were documented. The taxonomic composition also was similar between studied habitats in all taxonomic resolutions.

Although the studied landscapes suffered strong environmental disturbances four decades ago, the vegetation has been in continuous regeneration since then, favouring the dispersal of arthropods throughout habitats.

Forest fragments and old secondary forests contribute to the maintenance of a rich and diverse arthropod assemblage in landscapes composed of large tracts of continuous primary forests.
Intangible Capital and Market Reactions to Earnings News*
Authors: Jung Woosung , Kho Bong‐Chan
Published: December 2021

We investigate how market reactions to earnings news differ between U.S. firms with high and low intangible capital. We expect investors to have difficulty processing information on earnings news for firms with high intangible capital, leading to a larger reaction to earnings news. Measuring intangible capital as the accumulated sum of externally purchased and internally created intangible assets, we show that both immediate and delayed market reactions to earnings news are larger for high‐intangible firms. Multivariate regressions and four‐factor alphas support the results. This effect is more substantial for firms with limited investor attention and mainly driven by organization capital.
Role of psychological distress on long‐term risky and heavy‐episodic drinking patterns in major cities and rural and remote areas
Authors: Bozic Stefan , Vicendese Don , Livingston Michael , Erbas Bircan
Published: December 2021

Objective

Psychological distress and alcohol consumption are associated but few studies have focused on the association with problematic drinking in semi‐urban and rural settings. In this study, we assessed the role of psychological distress on various measures of problematic drinking in urban, semi‐urban and rural settings.

Design

Retrospective descriptive study

Setting

Setting

National Drug Strategy Household Survey population health survey data

Participants

151,341 Australian residents

Main outcome measures

Problematic alcohol consumption categorised as either heavy‐episodic drinking (defined as drinking 5 or more standard drinks at least once in the last 12 months) or long‐term risky drinking (defined as drinking more than 730 standard drinks in the past 12 months) was the outcome variables. Psychological distress was identified from the K10 questionnaire. Participants were grouped into area of residence: urban, semi‐urban and rural. Sex differences were also explored.

Results

Poor‐to‐severe psychological distress was associated with higher odds of both long‐term and heavy‐episodic drinking. Being male alone increased the risk of both long‐term and heavy‐episodic drinking in all areas. When stratified by sex, being female and severe levels of psychological distress increased the risk of both long‐term risky and heavy‐episodic drinking. These risks were greater in non‐urban environments.

Conclusions

Poor mental health outcomes may exacerbate problematic drinking amongst females, especially those living in non‐urban environments. Public health campaigns could both target these at‐risk groups of females in non‐urban settings and also account for the interplay between problematic drinking and mental health.
Impact of a new post‐operative care model in a rural hospital after total hip replacement and total knee replacement
Authors: Joo Baeho , Marquez Jodie , Model Gemma , Fan Bo , Osmotherly Peter G.
Published: December 2021

Problem

The predicted global trend of increasing total hip replacement and total knee replacement numbers leads to a direct and growing impact on health care services. Models of care including ‘fast‐track’ mobilisation after total hip replacement and total knee replacement have been reported to reduce length of stay. This has not been verified in rural settings.

Setting

Armidale Rural Referral Hospital.

Key measures for improvement

The new post‐operative care included early discharge planning with or without Day 0 mobilisation with aims to decrease hospital length of stay without affecting complication rates, compared to the conventional model of care.

Strategies for change

Consistent communication and planning for early discharge occurred before and throughout admission and Day 0 mobilisation.

Effects of change

There was a statistically significantly less median length of stay following implementation of the new post‐operative care model (3.24 vs 2.29 days [P < .01]). There was no statistically significant difference in complications or readmissions following the change. Those who were allocated to mobilise on Day 0 had a lesser median length of stay than those who did not (2.40 vs 2.27 days, P = .03).

Lessons learnt

Our results indicate that the new post‐operative care model is safe and feasible for total knee replacement or total hip replacement patients in a rural setting and might reduce length of stay without compromising clinical outcomes.
Impact of severe mitral regurgitation on postoperative outcome after durable left‐ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Zubarevich Alina , Szczechowicz Marcin , Arjomandi Rad Arian , Osswald Anja , Papathanasiou Maria , Luedike Peter , Koch Achim , Pizanis Nikolaus , Kamler Markus , Schmack Bastian , Ruhparwar Arjang , Weymann Alexander
Published: December 2021

Background

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is a common finding in patients with end‐stage heart failure. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of preoperative moderate‐to‐severe MR on postoperative outcomes and survival after durable left‐ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.

Methods

From August 2010 to May 2021, 246 patients underwent a durable LVAD implantation. We stratified the patients into two groups: Group A (n = 109) presented with MR 0‐I°, and Group B presented with MR II‐III° (n = 137). MR II‐III° was defined according to the current recommendations (i.e., vena contracta ≥ 7 mm, regurgitation volume ≥ 30 ml or effective regurgitation orifice area ≥ 20 mm2).

Results

Significantly more patients in Group B suffered from pulmonary hypertension and presented with chronic obstructive lung disease. We observed significantly higher rates of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) II‐III° in Group B (76.1%) versus Group A (14.8%) (p < 0.001) and TR III° in Group B (30.4%) versus Group A (3.7%) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of right heart failure between the groups. Within our cohort, the in‐hospital, 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year mortality was 22.4%, 32.1%, 50.7%, and 64.4%, respectively. Group B showed significantly worse overall survival (p = 0.05). Patients with preoperative TR II‐III° had a significantly worse survival than those with TR 0‐I° (p = 0.048). In patients presenting with MR II‐III°, we discovered that TR III° seems to predict both in‐hospital and mid‐term mortality.

Conclusion

MR II‐III° negatively affects the outcomes in patients requiring LVAD implantation. Persisting MR II‐III° is an independent predictor of mortality. Patients with concomitant preoperative TR II‐III° are at increased risk of developing postoperative major adverse events. Addressing the MR might be considered for these patients.
Impact of adaptive gastric electrical stimulation on weight, food intake, and food intake rate in dogs
Authors: Debelle Adrien , Hesta Myriam , de Rooster Hilde , Bianchini Erika , Vanhoestenberghe Anne , Stock Emmelie , Vanderperren Katrien , Polis Ingeborgh , Smets Hugo , Cury Joaquin , Acuña Vicente , Delchambre Alain , Innocenti Bernardo , Devière Jacques , Nonclercq Antoine
Published: December 2021

Background

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been studied for decades as a promising treatment for obesity. Stimulation pulses with fixed amplitude and pulse width are usually applied, but these have limitations with regard to overcoming habituation to GES and inter‐subject variation. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of an adaptive GES protocol for reducing food intake and maintaining lean weight in dogs.

Methods

Six beagle dogs were implanted with a remotely programmable gastric stimulator. An adaptive protocol was designed to increase the stimulation energy proportionally to the excess of food consumption, with respect to the dogs’ maintenance energy requirements. After surgery and habituation to experimental conditions, the dogs went through both a control and a stimulation period of 4 weeks each, in a randomized order. The stimulation parameters were adapted daily. Body weight, food intake, food intake rate, and postprandial cutaneous electrogastrograms (EGG) were recorded to assess the effect of adaptive GES.

Results

Adaptive GES decreased food intake and food intake rate (p < 0.05) resulting in weight maintenance. In the absence of GES, the dogs gained weight (p < 0.05). Postprandial EGG dominant frequency was accelerated by GES (p < 0.05). The strategy of adapting the stimulation energy was effective in causing significant mid‐term changes.

Conclusion

Adaptive GES is effective for reducing food intake and maintaining lean weight. The proposed adaptive strategy may offer benefits to counter habituation and adapt to inter‐subject variation in clinical use of GES for obesity.
Dynamic pressure—flow curve analysis of the native heart and left ventricular assist device for full and partial bypass conditions
Authors: May‐Newman Karen
Published: December 2021

Background

During left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, the external work performed by the native heart combines with the work performed by the rotary LVAD to provide cyclic flow through the LVAD and, in some conditions, through the aortic valve. In this study, a balance of external work was developed and validated for both full and partial bypass conditions that includes valve opening and aortic compliance.

Methods

The theory assumes a steady‐state contribution of external work from the rotary LVAD and a dynamic portion from the heart. Cyclic flow may be ejected through either the LVAD or ascending aorta, and an energy absorption term accounts for aortic compliance. Mock loop studies were performed for LV ejection fractions of 10%–28% combined with HeartMate II LVAD support at 8 and 11 krpm to produce a range of full and partial bypass conditions. The external work of the LVAD and native heart was computed from the experimental pressure‐flow (H–Q) relations and compared to the theory.

Results

Native heart contraction produces a counterclockwise loop in the pressure–flow relation of the LVAD which increased with ejection fraction, and during full bypass conditions the external work was preserved in the total systemic flow. During partial bypass conditions, forward flow through the ascending aorta was accompanied by a reversal during aortic valve closure resulting in a reduction in energy in the downstream flow.

Conclusions

The study presents a balance of external work during full and partial bypass LVAD support. Experimental data validated the additional terms corresponding to forward flow and aortic compliance that contribute to the system balance. This expanded theory can be applied to LVAD design and control to improve pulsatility and aortic valve biomechanics.
Precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia—a global view
Authors: Biondi Andrea , Conter Valentino , Chandy Mammen , Ewald Primus , Lucia de Martino Lee Marie , Radhakrishnan Vivek S. , Rotchanapanya Wannaphorn , Scanlan Patricia , Patrick Smith Owen , Togo Boubacar , Hokland Peter
Published: December 2021

As haematologists, we always seek to follow standardised guidelines for practice and apply the best treatment within our means for our patients with blood diseases. However, treatment can never follow an exact recipe. Opinions differ as to the best approach; sometimes more than one treatment approach results in identical outcomes, or treatments differ only by the manner in which they fail. Furthermore, the haematologist is faced with constraints relating to the local economic environment. Patients too are not the same the world over. Early presentation is commoner in the developed world, as is the patient’s understanding of the disease process. This in turn has an impact on the way patients are managed, the rigorousness of patient adhesion to the treatment schedule and the outcome. Here we take a look at the precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in an adolescent in a range of different settings from low‐ to high income countries with widely differing challenges for diagnosis, therpy and follow‐up. For these reasons, given the same starting conditions, patients will be treated differently according to the institute and the country they are in. Experts from around the world have been tasked to describe their management plan and rationale for a specific disease presentation. Here they explore the management of precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (pre‐B ALL) in five different institutions worldwide with a focus on those with more or less strained economies. We end with a conclusion from an expert in the field comparing and contrasting these different management styles and considering their merits and limitations.
MEK inhibition suppresses metastatic progression of KRAS‐mutated gastric cancer
Authors: Yamasaki Juntaro , Hirata Yuki , Otsuki Yuji , Suina Kentaro , Saito Yoshiyuki , Masuda Kenta , Okazaki Shogo , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Saya Hideyuki , Nagano Osamu
Published: December 2021

Metastatic progression of tumors is driven by genetic alterations and tumor‐stroma interaction. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the oncogene‐induced gastric tumor progression, we have developed an organoid‐based model of gastric cancer from GAstric Neoplasia (GAN) mice, which express Wnt1 and the enzymes COX2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 in the stomach. Both p53 knockout (GAN‐p53KO) organoids and KRASG12V‐expressing GAN‐p53KO (GAN‐KP) organoids were generated by genetic manipulation of GAN mouse‐derived tumor (GAN wild‐type [WT]) organoids. In contrast with GAN‐WT and GAN‐p53KO organoids, which manifested Wnt addiction, GAN‐KP organoids showed a Wnt‐independent phenotype and the ability to proliferate without formation of a Wnt‐regulated three‐dimensional epithelial architecture. After transplantation in syngeneic mouse stomach, GAN‐p53KO cells formed only small tumors, whereas GAN‐KP cells gave rise to invasive tumors associated with the development of hypoxia as well as to liver metastasis. Spatial transcriptomics analysis suggested that hypoxia signaling contributes to the metastatic progression of GAN‐KP tumors. In particular, such analysis identified a cluster of stromal cells located at the tumor invasive front that expressed genes related to hypoxia signaling, angiogenesis, and cell migration. These cells were also positive for phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), suggesting that mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling promotes development of both tumor and microenvironment. The MEK (MAPK kinase) inhibitor trametinib suppressed the development of GAN‐KP gastric tumors, formation of a hypoxic microenvironment, tumor angiogenesis, and liver metastasis. Our findings therefore establish a rationale for application of trametinib to suppress metastatic progression of KRAS‐mutated gastric cancer.
Anthropogenic and landscape features are associated with ink disease impact in Central Italy
Authors: Vannini Andrea , Natili Giuseppina , Thomidis Thomas , Belli Claudio , Morales‐Rodriguez Carmen
Published: December 2021

Ink disease of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) caused by the oomycetes Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. x cambivora is the limiting factor for chestnut cultivation in several European regions. The objective of this study was to explore how the spatial landscape heterogeneity affects the distribution pattern of ink disease over a large chestnut area in Central Italy using an approach that combined remote sensing, ground truthing activities and GIS. A multivariate model was developed that explained a large proportion of the variance of the impact of the disease using the density of roads and drainage networks as predictor variables. The association of these landscape elements, specifically with ink disease foci, also provides practical tool to improve the accuracy of monitoring of this disease and the preparation of risk maps.
Association between antiseizure medications and quality of life in epilepsy: A mediation analysis
Authors: Wang Meng , Perera Kevin , Josephson Colin B. , Lamidi Mubasiru , Lawal Oluwaseyi A. , Awosoga Oluwagbohunmi , Roach Pamela , Patten Scott B. , Wiebe Samuel , Sajobi Tolulope T.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The relationship between antiseizure medications (ASMs), which improve health outcomes by controlling seizures, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is poorly understood and may involve intermediate variables. We evaluated the potential mediators of the association between ASMs and HRQOL.

Methods

Data are from an outpatient registry of adult patients with epilepsy seen at the Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Quality of life was measured using the 10‐item Quality of Life in Epilepsy, and depression was measured using the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for covariate imbalance between patients who received a single ASM (monotherapy) and those who received two or more ASMs (polytherapy) due to confounding. Mediation analysis was used to estimate the mediating effects of depression and ASM side effects on the association between patients' ASM polytherapy and HRQOL.

Results

Of 778 patients included in this analysis, 274 (35.2%) were on two or more ASMs. Patient‐reported depression and ASM side effects jointly mediated the association between ASMs and HRQOL; these mediators accounted for 42% of the total average effect of ASM polytherapy ( = −13.6, 95% confidence interval = −18.2 to −8.6) on HRQOL.

Significance

These findings highlight the importance of managing depression and ASM side effects for improving health outcomes of patients requiring treatment with ASMs. Intervention programs aimed at improving HRQOL of patients with epilepsy need to target these potential mediators.
Redesign of dryland apple orchards by intercropping the bioenergy crop canola (Brassica napus L.): Achieving sustainable intensification
Authors: Gao Xiaodong , He Nana , Jia Ruhao , Hu Pan , Zhao Xining
Published: December 2021

China's Loess Plateau (LOP) contains around 22% of all the world's apple trees, mainly on smallholdings run by farmers. However, business‐as‐usual (BAU) intensification has reduced the ecological resilience of orchards. Agroforestry is considered to be an important method of realizing sustainable intensification of agroecosystems. However, the design of practical agroforestry systems in drylands remains poorly researched. We hypothesized that crop density is a key factor in designing dryland apple tree‐based agroforestry systems. We carried out an experiment in apple orchards in the semiarid LOP, where the bioenergy crop canola (Brassica napus L.) was intercropped at low, medium, and high densities with row spacings of 25, 50, and 100 cm, respectively, to study its effects on water, carbon, and production. We found that intercropping of canola at different densities clearly decreased soil water content (SWC) in the top 60 cm soil layer at all sampling locations, reduced midday leaf water potential (Ψm) and leaf water content (LWC), and caused apple trees to produce more fine roots at greater depths. However, intercropping did not affect SWC in soil layers below 60 cm. The SWC profiles, Ψm and LWC, progressively recovered over the mulching period. Introduction of canola also significantly (p < 0.05) increased SOC content in the surface layer, an effect less visible in deeper layers, and increased the quality of apple fruit to varying degrees while not affecting apple yield measurably. Overall, higher intercropping density does not lead to severer water deficit but have better carbon sequestration benefit than lower density, and therefore seems more appropriate in our study site. Our findings provide solid evidence that agroforestry helps achieve sustainable intensification of dryland orchards.
The effect of long‐acting injectable antipsychotic medications compared with oral antipsychotic medications among people with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Okoli Chizimuzo T.C. , Kappi Amani , Wang Tianyi , Makowski Andrew , Cooley Andrew T.
Published: December 2021

Long‐acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications may be an important modality of reducing costs, improving symptoms, and fostering quality of life outcomes for those with schizophrenia. Our objective was to systematically review and conduct a meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of LAIs compared with oral antipsychotics on medication adherence, symptom remission/relapse, rehospitalization, outpatient visits, emergency department visits, healthcare costs, and social functioning. We performed a systematic search of PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases to examine studies meeting inclusion criteria prior to August 30th, 2020. Randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, prospective studies among people with schizophrenia with at least 6‐month follow‐up data were obtained. Overall effect sizes and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with random‐effects modeling. We found 75 articles meeting our inclusion criteria, including 341 730 individuals with schizophrenia. Systematic review results indicated that LAIs compared with orals improved medication adherence (25/29 studies), symptom remission/relapse (10/18 studies), rehospitalizations (26/49 studies), emergency department visits (9/17 studies), medical costs (11/15 studies), and social functioning (5/9 studies); however, LAIs also increased outpatient visits (7/16 studies) and pharmacy costs (10/10 studies). Meta‐analytic results of studies with similar outcome measures did not find differences between LAIs and orals in respect to outcomes, except lowering emergency department visits and increasing pharmacy costs. The differences between the results of the narrative synthesis and the meta‐analyses were possibly because of the low availability of studies with similar outcomes in the pooled analyses. Our overall results suggest that LAIs are at least comparable to orals in supporting important healthcare outcomes for those with schizophrenia. These findings support clinical practice in encouraging providers to prescribe LAIs when indicated.
Association of time in range with postoperative wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Huang Ze‐Xin , Zhang Hui‐Hui , Huang Ying , Ye Sheng‐Lie , Ma Yu‐Ning , Xin Ying‐Huan , Chen Xiao‐Qian , Zhao Sheng
Published: December 2021

Time in range (TIR) is a novel indicator of glycaemic control that has been reported to have an association with diabetic complications. The objective of the study was to explore the association of TIR with postoperative wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We retrospectively analysed the data of DFU patients who had undergone surgical treatment from 2015 to 2019. A 1:1 ratio in propensity score matching (PSM) was adopted to compare patients with TIR ≥50% with those <50%. Data were summarised using chi‐squared, Fisher's exact, and Mann‐Whitney U tests. Patients with TIR <50% underwent a higher rate of secondary surgery within a month (P = .032) and had a longer hospital stay (P = .045) with greater hospital charges (P < .001) than the TIR ≥50% group. Multivariate analysis revealed that TIR (P = .034), Wagner score (P = .009), diabetes treatment (P = .006), and type of surgery (P = .013) were independent risk factors for secondary surgery. Additionally, patient subgroups with TIR <50% and baseline HbA1c < 7.5% (P = .025), albumin level ≥ 30 g/L (P = .039), HDL < 1.16 (P = .021), or Wagner score ≥ 3 (P = .048) also experienced a higher incidence of secondary surgery. TIR was correlated with postoperative wound healing in patients with DFUs. Strict glycaemic targets should be established for surgical patients.
Identification of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal passages of healthy dairy cattle
Authors: Wheelhouse Nick , Hearn Jack , Livingstone Morag , Flockhart Allen , Dagleish Mark , Longbottom David
Published: December 2021

Aims

The order Chlamydiales comprises a broad range of bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts, which infect a wide variety of host species. Within this order, members of the family Parachlamydiaceae, which includes Parachlamydia and Neochlamydia species, have been particularly associated with infections in both humans and cattle, including having a potential pathogenic role in cases of bovine abortion. While the route of transmission has yet to be defined, it has been hypothesised that asymptomatic carriage and contamination of the immediate environment may be a route of inter-animal transmission. We investigated the asymptomatic carriage of Chlamydia-related organisms in healthy cattle.

Methods & Results

DNA was isolated from nasal and rectal swabs obtained from 38 healthy dairy heifers. A Chlamydiales sp. 16S rRNA qPCR was performed on each sample. A total of 18/38 nasal samples and all 38/38 rectal samples were identified as positive for Chlamydiales sp. Each positive sample was sequenced confirming the presence of DNA belonging to the Parachlamydiaceae.

Conclusions

The presence of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal swab samples of healthy cattle provides evidence for the asymptomatic carriage of parachlamydial organisms within cattle.

Significance & Impact of the Study

The study provides evidence of potential routes of environmental contamination that could provide a route for inter-animal and animal transmission of Parachlamydiaceae.
The role of dctP gene in regulating colonization, adhesion and pathogenicity of Vibrio alginolyticus strain HY9901
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Tan Huimin , Yang Shiping , Huang Yucong , Cai Shuanghu , Jian Jichang , Cai Jia , Qin Qiwei
Published: December 2021

Vibriosis caused by Vibrio alginolyticus has severely affected the development of mariculture industry in recent decades. DctP, a tripartite ATP‐independent periplasmic transporter solute‐binding subunit, is thought to be one of the virulence factors in Vibrio. In this study, the results displayed no difference in morphological characteristics and growth between ΔdctP (dctP mutant strain) and WT (wild‐type strain). Nevertheless, the ability of swarming motility, biofilm formation, ECPase formation, cell adhesion and colonized ability of ΔdctP significantly decreased compared to those of WT. The LD50 of ΔdctP significantly increased by 40‐fold compared to that of WT. The transcriptome analysis demonstrated the deletion mutation of dctP could regulate the expression levels of 22 genes related to colonization, adhesion and pathogenicity in V. alginolyticus. The analysis of qRT‐PCR showed the transcriptome data were reliable. These results reveal the effect of attenuated function of DctP on colonization, adherence and pathogenicity by controlling the expression of related gene.
Solubilization mechanism and structural properties of high‐denatured peanut protein treated by shearing
Authors: Yu Jiao‐jiao , Li Nan , Li Shuhong , Chen Ye
Published: December 2021

High‐denatured peanut protein (PP), which exhibited a surface structure dominated by hydrophobic groups due to the high temperature and pressure in oil extraction, was limited in application with poor hydration property. To improve the interaction between PP and water molecules, high‐speed shearing homogenization (HSH) technique was used to depolymerize the aggregates. The results showed that the concentration of soluble protein was increased from 0.22 to 0.79 mg/mL at 15 min, followed by enhanced water holding ability, decreased particle size, and thermal stability. Otherwise, the decrease of α‐helix structure and the exposure of chromophoric groups indicated that the secondary and tertiary structure were unfolded. The stretching vibration of C–O, C=O, C–H, the increase of β‐turn structure, and the exposure of hydrophilic groups (–OH) were the main reason for the improved hydration property. Furthermore, the increased hydration property facilitated the formation of a stable emulsion via stabilizing the water phase. The enhanced hydration property of PP contributed to extending its application in the preparation of beverages and delivery products such as Pickering emulsion and gel for drugs.

Practical applications

As one of the non‐thermal processing technologies, HSH technology has been widely used in the field of food processing. HSH treatment depolymerized the materials via producing strong shear force, vortex, and cavitation, which was easy to operate and avoided pollution. This study used the HSH technology to improve the hydration property of PP, which has great research potential for the preparation of drug delivery carriers, nutritional products, tissue scaffolds, and food packaging materials.
Twenty‐five years ofLiving Under Contract: Contract farming and agrarian change in the developing world
Authors: Vicol Mark , Fold Niels , Hambloch Caroline , Narayanan Sudha , Pérez Niño Helena
Published: December 2021

The expansion of contract farming schemes through regions of the developing world in the era of the globalization of agriculture raises questions that are central to the study of agrarian political economy. Contract farming has extended the footprint of commodity production and integrated land and labour not otherwise captured in forms of direct production and marketing. 25 years after the publication ofLiving Under Contract: Contract Farming and Agrarian Transformation in Sub‐Saharan Africa, a foundational collection edited by Peter Little and Michael Watts, it is necessary to take stock of the most prominent developments in the practice of contract farming and in the political economy literature studying it. The ultimate contribution ofLiving Under Contractwas framing contract farming as expressing the unevenness of power relations in agriculture and grounding it in specific political, historical and social contexts that were not examined in the mainstream accounts. This introduction to the special issue revisits the questions that have remained relevant or re‐emerged in the political economy literature on contract farming; it raises new questions that reflect contemporary developments and it explains how the papers in this collection contribute to the expansion of the theoretical and empirical horizons of the research on contemporary contract farming in low and middle‐income countries.
Factors affecting the outcome of fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of various types of scars in skin of color
Authors: Maninder Kaur , Richa Rupla , Dinesh Asati P. , Suman Patra
Published: December 2021

Background

Fractional laser resurfacing has been used widely in management of scars. However, data for post‐traumatic and post‐burn scar are limited in skin of color.

Aims

This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser in treatment of various types of scars other than acne scars. We also tried to find out the effect of different factors like skin type, duration, shape, location, and color of the scars on the outcome.

Materials and methods

Forty‐two patients with 67 scars including post‐traumatic (43), post‐burn (15), post‐surgical (5), and post‐folliculitis (5) scars treated during 2019–2020 were analyzed. The improvement was graded according to investigator and patient global assessment (IGA & PGA) through percentage improvement and quartile scale.

Results

Overall, there was 45.4% and 32.7% of improvement according to PGA and IGA, respectively. Scars with >50% improvement were recorded in 13.43% of the scars with IGA and 41.78% with PGA. Early scars, scars without hyperpigmentation, lighter skin type, post‐traumatic scars had better results. There was no significant difference for other parameters like atrophic versus hypertrophic, facial versus extra facial, linear versus non‐linear, or the number of sessions.

Conclusion

Fractional carbon dioxide laser efficacious for non‐acne facial and extra facial scars in the skin of color. Early intervention could yield more satisfactory results.
The relation between self‐event connections and personality functioning in youth with severe psychopathology
Authors: de Moor Elisabeth L. , Van der Graaff Jolien , Koster Nagila , Laceulle Odilia M. , Branje Susan
Published: December 2021

Objective

One way in which individuals construct their narrative identity is by making self‐event connections, which are often linked to better functioning. Being unable to make connections is related to identity discontinuity and psychopathology. Work in the general population corroborates this association, but also highlights the importance of focusing on specific aspects of these connections and on vulnerable populations.

Method

We examined the association of self‐event connections with personality functioning in youth with severe psychopathology (cross‐sectional N = 228, Mage = 19.5, longitudinal N = 84), and the role of event and connection valence in the subsample of youth who made a connection (n = 188 and n = 68). Negative affectivity was controlled for in all models.

Results

We found no evidence that self‐event connections, nor connection valence and its interaction with event valence, are related to functioning. Positive event valence was associated with better functioning. Higher negative affectivity was strongly linked to lower functioning and explained the relation between event valence and functioning. No longitudinal associations emerged.

Conclusions

These findings show that for youth with severe psychopathology making self‐event connections may not be associated with better functioning. Moreover, negative affectivity may be a distal predictor of both event valence and functioning.
Ecological importance of the Myrtaceae in New Zealand's natural forests
Authors: Jo Insu , Bellingham Peter J. , McCarthy James K. , Easdale Tomás A. , Padamsee Mahajabeen , Wiser Susan K. , Richardson Sarah J.
Published: December 2021

Aims

The Myrtaceae is a woody family that plays an important role in forest ecosystems globally. The recent spread of myrtle rust, caused by a fungal pathogen (Austropuccinia psidii), from its native South America into New Zealand (NZ), highlights the need to quantify the ecological importance of Myrtaceae in NZ woody ecosystems.

Location

New Zealand.

Methods

Using NZ nationwide forest and shrubland inventory data, collected from 2009 to 2014, we quantified the ecological importance of Myrtaceae based on its richness and abundance relative to co‐occurring woody families. We then explored how climate and forest stand structure affect Myrtaceae importance in general and by tribe and growth form. Finally, we compared functional traits associated with plant growth and reproductive strategies with other dominant woody families and determined Myrtaceae's contributions to community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values.

Results

Myrtaceae occurred in 74% of the study plots and its importance value was the second highest across the woody families. It was the only one in which climbers substantially contributed to the importance value (17%). Greater Myrtaceae importance values were associated with warmer and more mesic climates and early forest successional stages. Climate associations were similar within tribes and growth forms, whereas forest structure effects varied. Myrtaceae was functionally distinct from most co‐occurring woody families. Contributions to CWM wood density, maximum height, and specific leaf area values were significantly greater than expected from its importance value.

Conclusions

Myrtaceae is the second most ecologically important woody family in NZ woody ecosystems. The family has a distinctive functional trait spectrum associated with high wood density and tall stature, ensuring large and enduring carbon stocks. There will potentially be large and deleterious outcomes in forest ecosystems if taxon‐specific pathogens, such as Austropuccinia psidii, spread and significantly reduce Myrtaceae importance.
Panel Probit Models with Time‐Varying Individual Effects: Reestimating the Effects of Fertility on Female Labour Participation*
Authors: Wei Jie , Zhang Yonghui
Published: December 2021

This paper considers a probit model for panel data in which the individual effects vary over time by interacting with unobserved factors. In estimation we adopt a correlated random effects approach for individual effects to get around the incidental parameter problem. This allows us to construct (asymptotically) unbiased estimators for average marginal effects (AMEs), which are often the ultimate quantities of interest in many empirical studies. We derive the asymptotic distributions for the AME estimators as well as provide the consistent estimators for their asymptotic variances. Next, we design a specification test for detecting whether individual effects are time‐varying or not, and establish the asymptotic distribution for the proposed test statistic under the null hypothesis of no time variation of individual effects. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate satisfactory finite sample performance of our proposed method. An empirical application to study the effect of fertility on labour force participation (LFP) is provided. We find that fertility has a larger impact on female LFP in Germany than in the US during the 1980s. We also provide some new empirical evidence of a even stronger effect of fertility on LFP during the 2010s in Germany, which might call for a reconsideration of relevant policies recently enacted such as the subsidized child care programme.
Profiling the oral microbiomes in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guo Haiying , Li Biao , Yao Hantao , Liu Danfeng , Chen Rourong , Zhou Shuhui , Ji Yaoting , Zeng Lin , Du Minquan
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To analyse the characteristics of the oral microbiomes and expected to find biomarkers about Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Subjects and Methods

AD patients (n = 26) and cognitive intact people (n = 26) were examined for cognition, depression, oral health and collected saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in the morning. Full‐length 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequencing was performed using the PacBio platform.

Results

The predominant bacterium of salivary microbiome and periodontal microbiome from AD patients was Streptococcus oralis and Porphyromonas gingivalis, respectively. With respect to β diversity analysis, there was a significance difference in periodontal microbiome between AD patients and cognitively intact subjects. The relative abundance of Veillonella parvula significantly increased in oral microbiomes from AD patients. Interestingly, the dominant species were different between early‐onset AD and late‐onset AD patients. Moreover, the predominant species were changed as the clinical severity of AD. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that V. parvula was associated with AD in both saliva and GCF and that P. gingivalis was associated with AD only in GCF.

Conclusions

In this study, the microbiome community of oral microbes was altered in AD patients and periodontal microbiome was sensitive to cognition changes. Moreover, V. parvula and P. gingivalis were associated with AD.
Selective Engagement of US Naval Power in Maritime Conflicts: The Guardian of Freedom of Navigation
Authors: Han Jonghwan
Published: December 2021

Since the Second World War, the United States has deterred conflictual behaviors over maritime claims that can impede the freedom of navigation, because it is essential for maintaining its leading position in the global system. Basically, many US naval warships operating in the sea clearly shows the US intention to maintain status quo and to prevent the occurrence of any types of disruptions in disputed maritime areas. However, it does not necessarily mean that the pacifying effect of US naval power is homogeneous to all maritime claims. When considering the vast area of the sea and the limited number of US naval warships, it is impossible to deploy an equal number of naval warships to all maritime areas. Therefore, the influence of US naval power in maintaining order in the sea is conditional based on the characteristic of maritime claims which can determine the US priority to use its naval power. This research finds that when maritime claims are related to the freedom of navigation, the pacifying effect of US naval power to maintain stability in the sea is increased.
Targeted Sanctions with Chinese Characteristics and “Green Taishang”
Authors: Cheng Hyunwook
Published: December 2021

This study explores the recent features of China's economic coercion against Taiwan by offering an up‐to‐date and in‐depth analysis of China's targeted sanctions on Taishang in Tsai Ing‐wen's first term. The paper elaborates on China's specific reasons and means for imposing informal targeted sanctions, as well as their newly observed features in comparison with the past. Heavy dependence on the Chinese economy by certain enterprises of the island has made them vulnerable to sanction targeting. Compared to the past, nationalist boycotts by Chinese consumers and online activities have had a greater influence as part of China's informal targeted sanctions. Beijing's demands for supporting the “one China” policy and the “1992 Consensus” have also become more obvious. These findings suggest that the impetus for developing the cross‐Strait economic exchanges has become more susceptible to the effects of non‐economic factors. Although Beijing's sanctions on Taishang have not yet changed Taipei's policy, they cannot be said to be ineffective. Through the tactics, Beijing definitely sends clear signals of what it wants as it advances their strategy on cross‐Strait relations to the outside world. The case studies on Taiwan provide important implications for other economies as a barometer of China's increasing economic sanction practices.