bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIGHLY PHAGOCYTIC LIPID-ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGES (LAMs) ARE INCREASED IN COLONIC LAMINA PROPRIA IN OBESITY
Authors: Castoldi Angela , Sanin David E , van Teijlingen Bakker Nikki , Aguiar Christiane F , de Brito Monteiro Lauar , Rana Nisha , Grzes Katarzyna M , Kabat Agnieszka M , Curtis Jonathan , Cameron Alanna M , Caputa George , de Souza Tiago Antônio , O Souto Fabrício , Buescher Joerg M , Edwards-Hicks Joy , Pearce Erika L , Pearce Edward J , Saraiva Camara Niels Olsen
Published: December 2022

Little is known about the effects of high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on resident colonic lamina propria (LP) macrophages (LPMs) function and metabolism. Here, we report that obesity and diabetes resulted in increased macrophage infiltration in the colon. These macrophages exhibited the residency phenotype CX3CR1hiMHCIIhi, and were CD4−TIM4−. During HFD, resident colonic LPM exhibited a lipid metabolism gene expression signature that overlapped that used to define lipid associated macrophages (LAMs). Via single cell RNA sequencing, we identified a sub-cluster of macrophages, increased in HDF, that were responsible for the LAM signature. Compared to other macrophages in the colon, these cells were characterized by elevated glycolysis, phagocytosis and efferocytosis signatures. CX3CR1hiMHCIIhicolonic resident LPMs had fewer lipid droplets (LD) and decreased triacylglycerol (TAG) content compared to equivalent cells in lean mice, and exhibited increased phagocytic capacity, suggesting that HFD induces adaptive responses in LPMs to limit bacterial translocation.
Spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of land use and its driving factor analysis during the period of 2000-2020 in Putian City, Fujian Province
Authors: Zhang Jinshan , Wu Dongqing , Peng Qingxia , Lin Zhimin , Lin Wenxiong , Su Kai
Published: December 2022

Exploring the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of land use and its driving force can provide scientific basis for the construction of regional ecological civilization. Based on the remote sensing cloud computing platform of Google Earth Engine (GEE), the study took the remote sensing images of the three periods of 2000, 2010 and 2020 as the basic data and interpreted them to obtain the basic land use data of Putian city and its five districts and counties. The land-use change characteristics of Putian city in those periods were systematically analyzed by using the methods of single land-use dynamics and Geo-informatic Tupu, so as to reveal the Tupu characteristics of land-use transfer and the spatial-temporal evolution pattern in the past 20 years. Then social and economic development indicators were selected to further explore the key driving force of land-use evolution in the study area by canonical correspondence analysis. The results showed that: 1) the land use structure of Putian city was mainly composed of cultivated land and forest land, and the other land types were embedded in them and the built-up land continued to expand outward. 2) The spatial distribution of Tupu units of land use transfer in Putian city was significantly different, change types of land use were diversified and the areas of cultivated land and grassland transferred out were the most obvious. Different degrees of cultivated land abandonment had occurred in various regions. Putian city was facing great challenges in ensuring food security and curbing the non-agricultural and non grain of cultivated land. 3) The macro-economic development in a specific period, especially the urban expansion and the development of the secondary industry caused by the merger of cities and counties, were the key factors driving the spatial and temporal evolution of land use and the differential distribution pattern in Putian city. The author suggested that land resources should be used efficiently in addition to optimizing the layout of land use and carrying out the renovation of abandoned land. Therefore, the study proposed to strengthen the scientific planning and effective regulation of land use, combine spatial and temporal resources of cultivated land with agriculture, culture and tourism, and build ecological barriers and ecological corridors to ensure the coordinated and sustainable development of regional ecology and economy.
Transposable element and host silencing activity in gigantic genomes
Authors: Wang Jie , Yuan Liang , Tang Jiaxing , Liu Jiongyu , Sun Cheng , Itgen Michael W. , Chen Guiying , Sessions Stanley K. , Zhang Guangpu , Mueller Rachel Lockridge
Published: December 2022

Transposable elements (TEs) and the silencing machinery of their hosts are engaged in a germline arms-race dynamic that shapes TE accumulation and, therefore, genome size. In animal species with extremely large genomes (>10 Gb), TE accumulation has been pushed to the extreme, prompting the question of whether TE silencing also deviates from typical conditions. To address this question, we characterize TE silencing via two pathways — the piRNA pathway and KRAB-ZFP transcriptional repression — in the male and female gonads ofRanodon sibiricus, a salamander species with a ∼21 Gb genome. We quantify 1) genomic TE diversity, 2) TE expression, and 3) small RNA expression and find a significant relationship between the expression of piRNAs and TEs they target for silencing in both sexes. We also quantified TE silencing pathway gene expression inR. sibiricusand 14 other vertebrates with genome sizes ranging from 1 – 130 Gb and find no association between pathway expression and genome size. Taken together, our results reveal that the giganticR. sibiricusgenome includes at least 19 putatively active TE superfamilies, all of which are targeted by the piRNA pathway in proportion to their expression levels, suggesting comprehensive piRNA-mediated silencing. Males have higher TE expression than females, suggesting that they may contribute more to the species’ high genomic TE load. We posit that apparently conflicting interpretations of TE silencing and genomic gigantism in the literature, as well as the absence of a correlation between TE silencing pathway gene expression and genome size, can be reconciled by considering whether the TE community or the host is currently “on the attack” in the arms race dynamic.
Dissecting Complexity: The Hidden Impact of Application Parameters on Bioinformatics Research
Authors: Cashman Mikaela , Cohen Myra B. , Marsh Alexis L. , Cottingham Robert W.
Published: December 2022

Biology is a quest; an ongoing inquiry about the nature of life. How do the different forms of life interact? What makes up an ecosystem? How does a tiny bacterium work? To answer these questions biologists turn increasingly to sophisticated computational tools. Many of these tools are highly configurable, allowing customization in support of a wide range of uses. For example, algorithms can be tuned for precision, efficiency, type of inquiry, or for specific categories of organisms or their component subsystems. Ideally, configurability provides useful flexibility. However, the complex landscape of configurability may be fraught with pitfalls. This paper examines that landscape in bioinformatics tools. We propose a methodology, SOMATA, to facilitate systematic exploration of the vast choice of application parameters, and apply it to three different tools on a range of scientific inquires. We further argue that the tools themselves are complex ecosystems. If biologists explore these, ask questions, and experiment just as they do with their biological counterparts, they will benefit by both finding improved solutions to their problems as well as increasing repeatability and transparency. We end with a call to the community for an increase in shared responsibility and communication between tool developers and the biologists that use them in the context of complex system decomposition.
Choice of Parcellation Atlas Might Not be Too Critical for Connectomic Analysis
Authors: Nesbit Steven C. , Parker Drew , Verma Ragini , Osmanlıoğlu Yusuf
Published: December 2022

Connectomics has been a rapidly growing discipline in neuroimaging and neuroscience that evolved our understanding of the brain. Connectomics involves representing the brain as a network of regions, where the parcellation of the brain into regions using a template atlas is an integral part of the analysis. Over developmental and young adult cohorts of healthy individuals, we investigated how choosing parcellation atlases at certain resolutions affect sex classification and age prediction tasks performed using deep learning on structural connectomes. Datasets were processed on a total of 35 parcellations, where the only significant difference was observed for age prediction on the developmental cohort with a slight improvement on higher resolutions. This indicates that choice of parcellation scheme is generally not critical for deep learningbased age prediction and sex classification. Therefore, results between studies using different parcellation schemes could be comparable and repeating analyses on multiple atlases might be unnecessary.
Inhibition of pyrimidine synthesis in murine skin wounds induces a pyoderma gangrenosum-like neutrophilic dermatosis accompanied by spontaneous gut inflammation
Authors: Jatana Samreen , Ponti András K. , Johnson Erin E. , Rebert Nancy A. , Smith Jordyn L. , Fulmer Clifton G. , Maytin Edward V. , Achkar Jean-Paul , Fernandez Anthony P. , McDonald Christine
Published: December 2022

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a debilitating skin condition often accompanied by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Strikingly, ∼40% of patients that present with PG have underlying IBD, suggesting shared but unknown pathogenesis mechanisms. Impeding the development of effective treatments for PG is the absence of an animal model that exhibits features of both skin and gut manifestations. This study describes the development of the first experimental drug-induced mouse model of PG with concurrent intestinal inflammation. Topical application of pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors on wounded mouse skin generates skin ulcers enriched in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and pro-inflammatory cellular as well as soluble mediators mimicking human PG. The mice also develop spontaneous intestinal inflammation demonstrated by histologic damage. Further investigations revealed increased circulating immature low-density IL-1β primed granulocytes that undergo enhanced NETosis at inflamed tissue sites supported by increase in circulatory citrullinated histone 3, a marker of aberrant NET formation. Granulocyte depletion dampens the intestinal inflammation in this model, further supporting the notion that granulocytes contribute to the skin-gut crosstalk in PG mice. We anticipate that this novel murine PG model will enable researchers to probe common disease mechanisms and identify more effective targets for treatment for PG patients with IBD.
Dissociating Attentional Capture from Action Cancellation in the Stop Signal Task
Authors: Weber Simon , Salomoni Sauro , Kilpatrick Callum , Hinder Mark R.
Published: December 2022

Inhibiting ongoing responses when environmental demands change is a critical component of human motor control. Experimentally, the stop signal task (SST) represents the gold standard response inhibition paradigm. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests that the SST conflates two dissociable sources of inhibition, namely an involuntarily pause associated with attentional capture and the (subsequent) voluntary cancellation of action. The extent to which these processes also occur in other response tasks is unknown.

24 younger (20-35 years) and 23 older (60-85 years) adults completed a series of tasks involving rapid unimanual or bimanual responses to a visual stimulus. A subset of trials required cancellation of one component of an initial bimanual response (i.e., selective stop task; stop left response, continue with right response) or enacting an additional response (e.g., press left button as well as right button). Critically, both tasks involved some infrequent stimuli which bore no behavioural imperative (i.e., they had to be ignored).

EMG recordings of voluntary responses during the stopping tasks revealed bimanual covert responses (i.e., muscle activation which was suppressed before a button press ensued), consistent with a pause process, following both stopandignore stimuli, before the required response was subsequently enacted. Critically, we also observed the behavioural consequences of a similar involuntary pause in trials where action cancellation was not part of the response set (i.e., when the additional stimulus required additional action or ignoring, but not inhibition). The findings shed new light on the mechanisms of inhibition and their generalisability to other task contexts.
Phosphorylation of phase-separated p62 bodies by ULK1 activates a redox-independent stress response
Authors: Ikeda Ryo , Noshiro Daisuke , Morishita Hideaki , Takada Shuhei , Kageyama Shun , Fujioka Yuko , Funakoshi Tomoko , Komatsu-Hirota Satoko , Arai Ritsuko , Ryzhii Elena , Abe Manabu , Koga Tomoaki , Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Sakimura Kenji , Horii Arata , Waguri Satoshi , Ichimura Yoshinobu , Noda Nobuo N , Komatsu Masaaki
Published: December 2022

NRF2 is a transcription factor responsible for antioxidant stress responses that is usually regulated in a redox-dependent manner. p62 bodies formed by liquid-liquid phase separation contain Ser349-phosphorylated p62, which participates in the redox-independent activation of NRF2. However, the regulatory mechanism and physiological significance of phosphorylation remain unclear. Herein, we identify ULK1 as a kinase responsible for phosphorylation of p62. ULK1 co-localizes with p62 bodies, and directly interacts with p62. This phosphorylation allows KEAP1 to be retained within p62 bodies, activating NRF2.p62S351E/+mice are phosphomimetic knock-in mice in which Ser351 corresponding to human Ser349 is replaced by Glu. These mice, but not phosphodefectivep62S351A/S351Amice, exhibit NRF2 hyperactivation and growth retardation, the latter caused by malnutrition and dehydration due to obstruction of the esophagus and forestomach secondary to hyperkeratosis.p62S351E/+mice are a phenocopy of systemicKeap1-knockout mice. Our results expand our understanding of the physiological importance of the redox-independent NRF2 activation pathway and provide new insight into the role of phase separation in this process.
Three-dimensional natural frequency investigation of bidirectional FG truncated thick hollow cone
Authors: Najibi Amir , Kianifar Morteza , Ghazifard Payman
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The authors examined the numerical natural frequency analysis of a 2D functionally graded (FG) truncated thick hollow cone using 3D elasticity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The material properties of the 2D-FGM (two dimensional-functionally graded materials) cone are graded along the radial and axial axes of the cone using a power–law distribution. The eigenvalue problem was solved using finite element analysis (FEA) employing graded hexahedral elements, and the verification of the finite element approach was assessed by comparing the current solution to earlier experimental studies.

Findings

The effects of semivertex angle, material distribution and the cone configuration on the natural frequencies have been analyzed. For various semivertex angles, thickness, length and power law exponents, many results in the form of natural frequencies and mode shapes are presented for the 2D-FGM cone. As a result, the effects of the given parameters were addressed, and the results were compared, demonstrating the direct efficiency of raising the power–law exponents and cone thickness on the rise of natural frequencies.

Originality/value

For the first time, the numerical natural frequency analysis of a 2D-FG truncated thick hollow truncated cone based on 3D equations of elasticity has been investigated. The material properties of the truncated cone have been distributed along two directions, which has not been considered before in any research for the truncated thick cone. The reason for using these innovative volume fraction functions is the lack of accurate coverage by functions that are available in the literature (Asemi et al., 2011; Babaei et al. 2021).
Influencing sub-contracted operatives' attitudes and behaviours towards improved health and safety culture in construction
Authors: Ajayi Saheed O. , Lister Natasha , Dauda Jamiu Adetayo , Oyegoke Adekunle , Alaka Hafiz
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Health and safety is an important issue in workplaces, and despite safety procedures becoming more strict, serious accidents are still happening within the UK construction sector. This demonstrates poor performance in the implementation of safety procedures on construction sites. One of the key challenges is the unwillingness of the site workforce, especially the subcontracted operatives, to adhere to safety provisions on construction sites. As such, this study investigates the strategies for enhancing safe behaviour amongst subcontracted operatives in the UK construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used exploratory sequential mixed method research, involving interviews and questionnaires as means of data collection, and thematic analysis, reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis as methods of data analysis.

Findings

The study suggests that various carrot and stick measures are expected to be put in place as part of the strategies for enhancing safe behaviour amongst subcontracted operatives. These include adequate enforcement of safety practices by the management, operative engagement and motivation, commendation and rewards, site safety targets, leadership style and motivation.

Originality/value

Application of the suggested measures could enhance safety on construction sites, as it provides practical measures and solutions for inculcating safety behaviours amongst the site operatives who are most likely to be the victims of site accidents.
Strategic responses to the pandemic: a case study of the US department store industry
Authors: Wang Ruifeng , Dresner Martin , Pan Xiaodan
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The study focuses on (1) the success of three strategies employed during the pandemic – two “persevering” strategies, curbside pickup and return window extension and one innovative strategy, virtual try-on technology and (2) whether the strategies are likely to be successful in the post-pandemic world.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a panel dataset containing 17 department store chains in the US The panel includes weekly sales by the retailers at the city level from 2018 to 2021, encompassing both a pre-COVID-19 period and a period during the pandemic. A two-way fixed effects model, including retailer-city fixed effects and year-week fixed effects, is used to estimate department store sales.

Findings

The authors find that the two persevering strategies offset the negative impact of government-imposed containment and health measures on sales performance. On the other hand, the innovative strategy is more effective with a low level of containment and health measures, leading to our observation that virtual try-on may be more sustainable than the other two strategies in a post-pandemic environment.

Originality/value

This paper makes the following contributions: First, the authors contribute to the literature on strategies that may be used to respond to crises. Second, the authors contribute to the retail management literature, assessing the impact of the three retail strategies on department store sales. Finally, the authors compare the impact on sales of the two persevering strategies to the innovative strategy and conclude that a mix of these types of strategies may be most effective at generating short-term sales during a crisis and longer-term sales post crisis.
Examining how and when digital platform capabilities drive technological innovation: a strategic information perspective
Authors: Liu Longjun , Long Jing , Liu Ruhong , Fan Qing , Wan Wenhai
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine how and when digital platform capabilities drive technological innovation from a strategic information perspective, regarding information flow and information quality as mediators and business intelligence analytics as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This study engaged corporate executives in surveys and obtained 182 firm data and then tested the hypotheses using linear regression models and the robustness using the structural equation model.

Findings

Digital platform capabilities drive corporate technological innovation through access to strategic information, i.e. strategic information mediates between digital platform capabilities and technological innovation. Business intelligence analytics increases the influence of strategic information on technological innovation.

Practical implications

This study underlines the importance for companies to construct digital platform capabilities to access strategic information to achieve technological innovation and the role of business intelligence analytics in processing strategic information.

Originality/value

This study finds a new perspective, strategic information, to explain the mechanisms by which digital platform capabilities drive firms’ technological innovation. In addition, the robustness of the resource-based view in understanding digital platform capabilities is stressed.
Adoption of FinTech services amidst COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from Assam
Authors: Das Ankita , Das Debabrata
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The paper intends to comprehend the pattern of usage of FinTech services among bank customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper also examines the factors influencing the adoption of FinTech services by using the constructs from the technology acceptance model (TAM) together with highlighting the issues faced in using FinTech services in Assam.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is empirical in nature. Data have been collected from 1,066 prime earners of the households having a bank account.

Findings

There has been an upsurge in the use of FinTech services in the area of study. Apart from government and private service employees, businessmen, self-employed professionals, many daily-wage earners and agriculturists have also experienced an increase in their frequency of usage of FinTech services thereby making technology-based financial services an indispensable tool in enhancing access, improving inclusivity in the times of crisis and aftermath. Government support, trust, perceived usefulness (PU), attitude and social influence have a positive influence on FinTech adoption; however, perceived risks impact respondents’ trust towards FinTech services thereby requiring necessary measures to evaluate organizations’ preparedness to deal with cyber threats.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into the factors impacting the adoption of FinTech services to stimulate superior connectivity infrastructure, robust security measures and maintaining financial stability with adequate supervisory and monitoring regulations to enhance trust towards FinTech services during the crisis and aftermath.
Exploring the spatial distribution pattern and influencing factors of Shanghai's cultural functional elements based on the point of interest data
Authors: Li Shuhan , Liu Shilin , Ding Xushi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To offer a realistic foundation for urban cultural construction planning, we want to investigate the distribution features of Shanghai's cultural functional elements and examine the distribution patterns in urban space.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, we managed to gather POI geographic data, refined and categorized them to integrate eight categories of cultural functional elements, observed the density and agglomeration, distribution direction and hot and cold spots of overall and each type of cultural functional elements using geospatial analysis methods and then investigated the factors influencing cultural functional elements using geographic detectors.

Findings

Our research shows apparent differences between regions and most cultural functional elements are found in the inner city. Second, there are hot and cold spots in the way different cultural functional elements are spread out. Its geographic structure is primarily influenced by third-party traffic service capacity and available time.

Originality/value

This work provides a benchmark for cultural planning in Shanghai by establishing the spatial aggregation impact of cultural functional elements.
Recent topics in the management of herpes zoster
Authors: Asada Hideo
Published: December 2022

Herpes zoster is a disease caused by reactivation of the varicella‐zoster virus that has been latently infecting the body and is more common among the elderly. In Japan, the incidence of herpes zoster has been increasing steadily and is expected to increase further in the future. In 2016, the varicella vaccine was expanded to include prevention of herpes zoster, and a new subunit vaccine was also launched in 2020. In recent years, anti‐herpesvirus drugs with novel pharmacological effects have also been introduced, and the environment surrounding the treatment of herpes zoster is entering a new era.
Elevated serum osteopontin levels in patients with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions
Authors: Suzuki Marie , Koshikawa Sachiko , Watanabe Hideaki , Inomata Naoko , Yamaguchi Yukie , Aihara Michiko , Sueki Hirohiko
Published: December 2022

Osteopontin (OPN) was initially described as a protein involved in bone metabolism, but the roles played by OPN in the immune system and allergic reactions have attracted increasing attention. Here, we clarify the OPN‐related dynamics of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions, and assess whether the OPN level has utility for classifying such reactions and serving as a biomarker of severity. Serum OPN levels in patients with drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS), Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and erythema multiforme‐type drug reaction (EM‐DR) were quantified by ELISA. The OPN sources were analyzed by dual immunofluorescence assay of DIHS, SJS/TEN and EM‐DR biopsy specimens. The serum OPN levels of DIHS/DRESS patients (489.1 ± 37.0 ng/mL) and SJS/TEN patients (508.5 ± 47.8 ng/mL) were significantly higher compared with controls (314.4 ± 14.3 ng/mL; p < 0.001). After treatment, the serum OPN level of DIHS/DRESS patients decreased to that of controls. In addition, OPN levels in DIHS/DRESS patients and SJS/TEN patients were higher than in patients with EM‐DR (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05). However, when the Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the OPN levels among the three groups of patients, the difference was not significant (p = 0.055). Dual immunofluorescence assay revealed that T lymphocytes and macrophages were the main OPN sources in DIHS, SJS/TEN and EM‐DR patients. These data suggest that the OPN level can be used to evaluate the severity of inflammation in patients experiencing drug reactions.
An intronic splice‐site variant in MBTPS2 underlies ichthyosis follicularis with atrichia and photophobia syndrome
Authors: Chen Gang , Wang Mengwei , Wang Peiguang , Liang Bo
Published: December 2022

Ichthyosis follicularis with atrichia and photophobia (IFAP) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis characterized by a classic triad of follicular ichthyosis, alopecia, and photophobia. We report a Chinese patient displaying features of IFAP triad along with painful palmoplantar keratoderma, recurrent infections, periorificial keratotic plaques, nail dystrophy, and pachyonychia. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed an intronic variant (NM_015884.3: exon7:c.970+5G>A) in the gene MBTPS2. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the variant segerated with phenotype in the family. Sequencing of cDNAs derived from the patient indicated the variant introduced a new splice donor site, leading to partial skipping of exon 7 (r.951_970del). An in vitro mini‐gene assay also revealed abnormal splicing of exon 7. This study presents a case complicated with X‐linked IFAP syndrome and Olmsted syndrome, and highlights the significance of using validation assays to identify the pathogenicity of intronic variants in MBTPS2.
Occupational therapists' understanding of supporting physical activity participation when working with children and adolescents: A national survey
Authors: Hill Jessica , Vogler Jessica , Gullo Hannah
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor to disease and mortality. Despite the recognised benefits of physical activity, over half of the Australian population are not sufficiently active. For individuals with a disability, inactivity rates are further increased placing them at a higher risk of the negative effects of physical inactivity. Developing healthy lifestyle habits such as physical activity participation in early childhood has been found to be supportive of health behaviours being maintained into adulthood. Physical activity is an occupation said to involve the complex interaction between psychological, social, environmental, and physical factors placing it within the scope of occupation therapy. However, limited research is available exploring what this role looks like in practice.

Method

An online, anonymous survey was developed to better understand how Australian occupational therapists understood physical activity participation, as well as their current and potential role in facilitating regular physical activity participation with their clients. All registered Australian occupational therapists were eligible to participate in this survey, which consisted of both closed and open answered questions.

Results

A total of 43 occupational therapists registered to practice within Australia completed the survey. All participants viewed physical activity as an important occupation for maintaining the health and well‐being of their clients. Participants described the holistic role occupational therapists could play supporting physical activity participation outside of motor skill development. Therapists identified several ways in which a family‐centred, occupation‐based approach could be used to support sustained engagement in physical activity.

Conclusion

The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the role occupational therapy can play supporting physical activity participation for children and adolescents. This sparsely researched area requires more evaluation to ensure intervention is delivered in a way that is most effective.
Do labels matter? Analysis of teachers' self‐efficacy towards the autism spectrum disorder depending on the diagnostic label used (ASD or Asperger's)
Authors: Gómez‐Marí Irene , Pastor‐Cerezuela Gemma , Lacruz‐Pérez Irene , Tárraga‐Mínguez Raúl
Published: December 2022

Changes in the classification of autism and Asperger's syndrome led to changes in social perception of ASD. Since last criteria, studies indicate higher levels of stigma towards ASD than towards Asperger's. These prejudices are barriers to inclusive education. Thus, it is relevant (1) to evaluate pre‐service teachers' self‐efficacy towards the label of ASD; (2) to evaluate pre‐service teachers' self‐efficacy towards the label of Asperger's and (3) to compare those results to analyse whether the use of different diagnostic labels brings about different levels of self‐efficacy. One hundred and eighty‐six primary education pre‐service teachers participated in the current study. Two adaptations of the Autism Self‐Efficacy Scale for Teachers (ASSET) were used: a version with the label of ‘ASD’ (n = 96) and another for ‘Asperger's’ (n = 90). The scores obtained by the group asked about ASD were high according to the ASSET score range, while the scores obtained by the group asked about Asperger's were medium. After comparing the results, participants asked about the label ASD showed higher levels of self‐efficacy than participants asked about Asperger's. These results could be a consequence of the consolidation of the ASD diagnosis among society and the higher presence of children with ASD in schools and cultural products, among other factors.
Identification of Nocardia and non‐tuberculous Mycobacterium species by MALDI‐TOF MS using the VITEK MS coupled to IVD and RUO databases
Authors: Rodríguez‐Temporal David , Zvezdánova Margarita Estreya , Benedí Pablo , Marín Mercedes , Blázquez‐Sánchez Mario , Ruiz‐Serrano María Jesús , Muñoz Patricia , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Belén
Published: December 2022

Identification of Nocardia and Mycobacterium species by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is still a challenging task that requires both suitable protein extraction procedures and extensive databases. This study aimed to evaluate the VITEK MS Plus system coupled with updated RUO (v4.17) and IVD (v3.2) databases for the identification of Nocardia spp. and Mycobacterium spp. clinical isolates. Sample preparation was carried out using the VITEK MS Mycobacterium/Nocardia kit for protein extraction. From 90 Nocardia spp. isolates analysed, 86 (95.6%) were correctly identified at species or complex level using IVD and 78 (86.7%) using RUO. Only two strains were misidentified as other species pertaining to the same complex. Among the 106 non‐tuberculous Mycobacterium clinical isolates tested from a liquid culture medium, VITEK MS identified correctly at species or complex level 96 (90.6%) isolates in the IVD mode and 89 (84.0%) isolates in the RUO mode. No misidentifications were detected. Although the IVD mode was unable to differentiate members of the M. fortuitum complex, the RUO mode correctly discriminated M. peregrinum and M. septicum. The robustness and accuracy showed by this system allow its implementation for routine identification of these microorganisms in clinical laboratories.
Using imaging methods to assess severe calcinosis in juvenile dermatomyositis: A case report
Authors: Xu Heng , Wang Li , Wei Shufeng , Li Chen , Yuan Kai
Published: December 2022

Calcinosis and lipodystrophy are severe complications of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Up to 20% of patients have calcinosis, and the onset of calcinosis usually occurs 1 to 3 years after that of the illness. We report a case of JDM with severe complications of calcinosis and lipodystrophy, and we assess calcinosis using a variety of imaging methods. To evaluate the patient's inflammatory state, bone scintigraphy was performed, which demonstrated increased uptake in the right scapula, in addition, multiple calcifications are present subcutaneously on the shoulder and back, and inflammatory imaging features are also present in the right knee joint.
Derivatives and ESG
Authors: Baker Colleen
Published: December 2022

Financial markets are increasingly developing innovative, ESG‐related derivatives and relying upon these instruments to hedge ESG‐related risks. The global derivatives markets are among the largest, most consequential financial markets in the world. Derivatives are financial contracts that derive their value from an underlying reference entity which can be almost anything, including interest rates, credit, equities, foreign exchange, the weather, or the price of carbon. They provide for hedging, investment (speculation), and arbitrage, and trade on regulated exchanges and in over‐the‐counter markets. Derivatives can also facilitate access to the tremendous amounts of capital necessary for the transition to a cleaner energy future and to the objective of net zero emissions by 2050 of governments around the world. Through an exploration of recent innovations and developments in the exchange‐traded and over‐the‐counter derivative markets, this article explores the role of the derivatives ecosystem—the instruments themselves, trading exchanges, and clearinghouses—in promoting ESG objectives.
Maintenance chemotherapy in advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer, a narrative review and case series
Authors: Chehade Laudy , Elias Charbel , Mukherji Deborah , Temraz Sally , Salem Ziad , Charafeddine Maya , Darazi Monita Al , Shamseddine Ali
Published: December 2022

Limited data exist on the management of patients with locally advanced (aPC) or metastatic pancreatic (mPC) cancer who achieve stable disease/response after first‐line chemotherapy. In this setting, maintenance therapy is important to minimize toxicity while preserving survival benefits. The aim of this study is to conduct a narrative review of the evidence available on the topic and present the results of a retrospective case series of patients with aPC or mPC who received maintenance therapy following a good response to induction chemotherapy. Olaparib is the only drug approved for maintenance therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and germline Breast Cancer gene mutation. Data from several trials, including the phase II PANOPTIMOX‐PRODIGE35 trial, showed clinical benefit from the use of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) as maintenance. We also conducted a case series including 12 patients who received FOLFIRINOX as induction chemotherapy for aPC or mPC followed by fluorouracil (5‐FU) or FOLFIRI maintenance therapy. Median progression‐free survival is 22.13 months which is higher than that reported in the literature, which ranges between 5 and 10.6 months. Although further conclusions cannot be drawn because of the small sample size, the results are promising and encourage further exploration of this topic in larger prospective trials.
Retrospective histological evaluation of orchiectomy specimens following testicular torsion reveals a 10% incidence of reversible injury. Is it time for a change of strategy?
Authors: Marcou Marios , Hartmann Arndt , Wullich Bernd , Apel Hendrik , Hirsch‐Koch Karin
Published: December 2022

Background

According to standard medical practice, immediate orchiectomy is advised in the case of a non‐viable testis following testicular torsion. Because of the lack of objective criteria in the evaluation of testicular viability, the fate of the testis solely depends on the discretion and experience of the surgeon.

Objective

In this study, we retrospectively reassess the management of patients with testicular torsion in our center, and we ask the question, from a retrospective point of view, of whether the decision to perform orchiectomy has always been correct.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of patients with testicular torsion who underwent surgery in our center between 2001 and 2021. All orchiectomy specimens were reevaluated and graded by an experienced pathologist using the Mikuz grading system.

Results

Immediate orchiectomy was performed in 48 of the 136 patients (35%). Five (10.4%) of the 48 orchiectomy specimens were categorized as “grade 1,” and 17 (35.4%) were categorized as “grade 2.” The time between the onset of symptoms and surgical exploration exceeded 12 h in three of the five patients with a “grade 1” testicular injury, and in one case, it even exceeded 24 h.

Discussion

“Grade 1” testicular injury is potentially reversible, whereas the fate of a testis with a “grade 2” testicular injury remains unknown. Whether and to what extent partial testicular tissue salvage in a “grade 2” injury is still possible remain unclear.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that at least 10% of the testicles removed in our center could, from a retrospective point of view, have been salvaged. Our study further demonstrated that the duration of symptoms is not an absolute indicator of testicular damage and that the decision of whether orchiectomy should be performed, based simply on the subjective macroscopic image of the affected testis, is not always correct.
The association of preconception paternal metabolic syndrome on early childhood emergency department visits and hospitalizations
Authors: Chen Tony , Zhang Chiyuan A. , Li Shufeng , Schroeder Alan R. , Shaw Gary M. , Eisenberg Michael L.
Published: December 2022

Background

Increasing preconception paternal comorbidity has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, whether the father's health impacts the child after birth is uncertain.

Objectives

In the present study, we examined the association of preconception paternal metabolic syndrome status with childhood emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Materials and Methods

This is a longitudinal cohort study of children (295,355 boys and 278,735 girls) born to linked pairs of fathers and mothers in the United States between 2009 and 2016 within the IBM MarketScan Research database. Associations between paternal and maternal metabolic syndrome component diagnoses and subsequent hospitalizations and emergency department visits for offspring within the first 2 years of life were determined.

Results

Note that, 35.5% (203,617/574,090) of children had at least one emergency room visit and 6.1% (35,141/574,090) of children had an inpatient admission. After adjustment, the odds of inpatient admission and emergency department visits increased in a dose‐dependent fashion among fathers with higher comorbidities. Similar trends were seen for emergency department visit utilization.

Discussion and Conclusion

Increasing paternal preconception comorbidity is associated with a higher risk that a child requires the emergency department and inpatient care in the first years of life. An opportunity exists to engage men in preconception counseling to optimize their and their offspring's health.
The addition of vorinostat to lenalidomide maintenance for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma of all ages: results from ‘Myeloma XI’, a multicentre, open‐label, randomised, phase III trial
Authors: Jenner Matthew W. , Pawlyn Charlotte , Davies Faith E. , Menzies Tom , Hockaday Anna , Olivier Catherine , Jones John R. , Karunanithi Kamaraj , Lindsay Jindriska , Kishore Bhuvan , Cook Gordon , Drayson Mark T. , Kaiser Martin F. , Owen Roger G. , Gregory Walter , Cairns David A. , Morgan Gareth J. , Jackson Graham H. ,   for the UK National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Haemato‐oncology Clinical Studies Group
Published: December 2022

Lenalidomide is an effective maintenance agent for patients with myeloma, prolonging first remission and, in transplant eligible patients, improving overall survival (OS) compared to observation. The ‘Myeloma XI’ trial, for newly diagnosed patients, aimed to evaluate whether the addition of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat to the lenalidomide maintenance backbone could improve outcomes further. Patients included in this analysis were randomised to maintenance therapy with lenalidomide alone (10 mg/day on days 1–21 of each 28‐day cycle), or in combination with vorinostat (300 mg/day on day 1–7 and 15–21 of each 28‐day cycle) with treatment continuing until unacceptable toxicity or progressive disease. There was no significant difference in median progression‐free survival between those receiving lenalidomide‐vorinostat or lenalidomide alone, 34 and 40 months respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.44, p = 0.109). There was also no significant difference in median OS, not estimable and 75 months respectively (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.76–1.29, p = 0.929). Subgroup analysis demonstrated no statistically significant heterogeneity in outcomes. Combination lenalidomide‐vorinostat appeared to be poorly tolerated with more dose modifications, fewer cycles of maintenance therapy delivered and higher rates of discontinuation due to toxicity than lenalidomide alone. The trial did not meet its primary end‐point, there was no benefit from the addition of vorinostat to lenalidomide maintenance.
Abacavir causes leukocyte/platelet crosstalk by activating neutrophil P2X7 receptors thus releasing soluble lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1
Authors: Blanch‐Ruíz Maria Amparo , Sánchez‐López Ainhoa , Ríos‐Navarro César , Ortega‐Luna Raquel , Collado‐Díaz Víctor , Orden Samuel , Martínez‐Cuesta María Angeles , Esplugues Juan V. , Álvarez Ángeles
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose

Abacavir, an antiretroviral drug used in HIV therapy associated with myocardial infarction, promotes thrombosis through P2X7 receptors. The role of platelets as pro‐thrombotic cells is acknowledged whereas that of neutrophils—due to their secretory capacity—is gaining recognition. This study analyses the role of neutrophils—specifically the secretome of abacavir‐treated neutrophils (SNABC)—in platelet activation that precedes thrombosis.

Experimental Approach

Effects of abacavir or SNABC on platelet activation and platelet–leukocyte interactions and expression of lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LOX‐1) were analysed by flow cytometry. The secretome was analysed by proteomics. The role of leukocytes in the actions of abacavir was evaluated in a mouse model of thrombosis.

Key Results

Abacavir induced platelet–leukocyte interactions, not directly via effects of abacavir on platelets, but via activation of neutrophils, which triggered interactions between platelet P‐selectin and neutrophil P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 (PSGL‐1). SNABC stimulated platelet activation and platelet–leukocyte interactions through a process that was dependent on LOX‐1, neutrophil P2X7 and platelet P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2X1 receptors. Abacavir induced the expression of LOX‐1 on neutrophils and of the soluble form of LOX‐1 (sLOX‐1) in SNABC. Neutrophils, LOX‐1, P2X7, P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2X1 receptors were required for the pro‐thrombotic actions of abacavir in vivo.

Conclusion and Implications

Neutrophils are target cells in abacavir‐induced thrombosis. Abacavir released sLOX‐1 from neutrophils via activation of their P2X7 receptors, which in turn activated platelets. Hence, sLOX‐1 could be the missing link in the cardiovascular risk associated with abacavir.
Constraints on the timing of the India‐Asia collision and unroofing history of the Himalayan orogen using detrital zircon U‐Pb‐Hf and whole‐rock Sr‐Nd isotopes in Cretaceous‐Miocene Lesser Himalayan sedimentary rocks
Authors: Feng Wei , Meng Qingquan , Song Chunhui , Fang Xiaomin , Zhuang Guangsheng , He Pengju , Yang Shufen , Zhang Jing , Chen Yongfa , Zhang Yihu
Published: December 2022

Cretaceous‐Miocene sedimentary rocks in the Nepalese Lesser Himalaya provide an opportunity to decipher the timing of India‐Asia collision and unroofing history of the Himalayan orogen, which are significant for understanding the growth processes of the Himalayan‐Tibetan orogen. Our new data indicate that detrital zircon ages and whole‐rock Sr‐Nd isotopes in Cretaceous‐Miocene Lesser Himalayan sedimentary rocks underwent two significant changes. First, from the Upper Cretaceous‐Palaeocene Amile Formation to the Eocene Bhainskati Formation, the proportion of late Proterozoic‐early Palaeozoic zircons (quantified by an index of 500–1200 Ma/1600–2800 Ma) increased from nearly 0 to 0.7–1.4, and the percentage of Mesozoic zircons decreased from ca. 14% to 5–12%. The whole‐rock 87Sr/86Sr and εNd(t = 0) values changed markedly from 0.732139 and −17.2 for the Amile Formation to 0.718106 and −11.4 for the Bhainskati Formation. Second, from the Bhainskati Formation to the lower‐middle Miocene Dumri Formation, the index of 500–1200 Ma/1600–2800 Ma increased to 2.2–3.7 and the percentage of Mesozoic zircons abruptly decreased to nearly 0. The whole‐rock 87Sr/86Sr and εNd(t = 0) values changed significantly to 0.750124 and −15.8 for the Dumri Formation. The εHf(t) values of Early Cretaceous zircons in the Taltung Formation and Amile Formation plot in the U‐Pb‐εHf(t) field of Indian derivation, whereas εHf(t) values of Triassic‐Palaeocene zircons in the Bhainskati Formation demonstrate the arrival of Asian‐derived detritus in the Himalayan foreland basin in the Eocene based on available datasets. Our data indicate that (1) the timing of terminal India‐Asia collision was no later than the early‐middle Eocene in the central Himalaya, and (2) the Greater Himalaya served as a source for the Himalayan foreland basin by the early Miocene. When coupled with previous Palaeocene‐early Eocene provenance records of the Tethyan Himalaya, our new data challenge dual‐stage India‐Asia collision models, such as the Greater India Basin hypothesis and its variants and the arc–continent collision model.