bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on internationalisation and globalisation in higher education—Reflections on historical paths, current perspectives and future possibilities
Authors: Lee Jenny J. , Stensaker Bjørn
Published: May 2021

Internationalisation and globalisation are intertwined and complex phenomena that have attracted the interest of higher education scholars for several decades. This article offers some reflections on how research on internationalisation and globalisation has developed over the years and the perspectives that appear to have dominated these studies. A key argument is that while the field is, in many ways, booming—both in the numbers of publications and with respect to topics explored—whether substantial theoretical advances have been made is questionable. Many publications still tend to be quite descriptive with shallow observations, mostly on reporting national trends and political agendas. As internationalisation and globalisation undoubtedly continue to make an impact on higher education in the years to come, there is a need for a stronger theoretical basis, which can underpin future studies. The current article discusses potential future advancements enabling a more integrated, theoretical grounding for understanding and interpreting internationalisation and globalisation in the years to come.
Mytilus trossulus introgression and consequences for shell traits in longline cultivated mussels
Authors: Michalek Kati , Vendrami David L. J. , Bekaert Michaël , Green David H. , Last Kim S. , Telesca Luca , Wilding Thomas A. , Hoffman Joseph I.
Published: May 2021

Mussels belonging to the Mytilus species complex (M. edulis, ME; M. galloprovincialis, MG; and M. trossulus, MT) often occur in sympatry, facilitating introgressive hybridization. This may be further promoted by mussel aquaculture practices, with MT introgression often resulting in commercially unfavourable traits such as low meat yield and weak shells. To investigate the relationship between genotype and shell phenotype, genetic and morphological variability was quantified across depth (1 m to 7 m) along a cultivation rope at a mussel farm on the West coast of Scotland. A single nuclear marker (Me15/16) and a novel panel of 33 MT‐diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms were used to evaluate stock structure and the extent of MT introgression across depth. Variation in shell strength, determined as the maximum compression force for shell puncture, and shell shape using geometric morphometric analysis were evaluated in relation to cultivation depth and the genetic profiles of the mussels. Overall, ME was the dominant genotype across depth, followed by ME × MG hybrids and smaller quantities of ME × MT hybrids and pure MT individuals. In parallel, we identified multiple individuals that were either predominantly homozygous or heterozygous for MT‐diagnostic alleles, likely representing pure MT and first‐generation ME × MT hybrids, respectively. Both the proportion of individuals carrying MT alleles and MT allele frequency declined with depth. Furthermore, MT‐introgressed individuals had significantly weaker and more elongate shells than nonintrogressed individuals. This study provides detailed insights into stock structure along a cultivation rope and suggests that practical methods to assess shell strength and shape of cultivated mussels may facilitate the rapid identification of MT, limiting the impact of this commercially damaging species.
A proactive model to predict osteoporosis: An artificial immune system approach
Authors: Periasamy Keerthika , Periasamy Suresh , Velayutham Sathiyamoorthi , Zhang Zuopeng , Ahmed Syed Thouheed , Jayapalan Anitha
Published: May 2021

Osteoporosis disease is caused by hormonal changes, vitamin D, and calcium deficiency. With current technologies, the identification of osteoporosis requires many tests with the support of medications. Bone mineral density is a typical measure implemented using a DEXA scan which can be very costly. Such high technology equipment is usually not accessible for remote people, and thus a low‐cost screening system is very appealing. This article proposes an osteoporosis prediction system that effectively determines its possibility of occurrence based on essential factors such as smoking habits and calcium level so that the people at high risk can be referred to access the DEXA scanner. Our proposed system is implemented by an improved version of the artificial immune system, enabling care providers to take precautionary measures at the right time to avoid the early development of osteoporosis. The experiments demonstrated a promising result of 94% prediction accuracy that proved its usefulness in identifying people with potential osteoporosis in the future.
Development of the MES criterion for brittle fracture prediction in V‐shaped notches under mixed mode I/II loading conditions
Authors: Sajjadi S. H. , Khorshidvand A. R. , Jabbari M. , Javadi M.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a new brittle fracture criterion was developed to predict the fracture in sharp V‐shaped notches. This criterion, by defining a quantity called “V‐shaped notch effective stress,” takes into account the effect of the shear stress in addition to the tangential stress. The initial crack criterion, which lays the foundation for developing this criterion, has yielded remarkable results for a broad spectrum of brittle materials in the entire range of mixed‐mode I/II loading conditions. This development helps to employ a novel criterion for V‐shaped notches with the capability of being used in the entire range of mixed‐mode I/II loading conditions. The outcomes of the two other valid criteria and multiple experimental results were compared with the developed criterion results to validate it. The developed criterion's predicted results revealed a strong correlation with experimental results, particularly in conditions where mode II loading was predominant.
The effect of LED lights on trap catches in Finnish inland fisheries
Authors: Ruokonen Timo J. , Keskinen Tapio , Luoma Mikael , Leskelä Ari , Suuronen Petri
Published: May 2021

Trap fisheries can provide catches of high quality, and unwanted bycatch can be released with high survival. Light attraction could be an effective way of increasing trap catches, but research results are largely lacking. Experiments to test the effect of LED lights in trap‐net fishing were conducted in two Finnish lakes where fishing targeted Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L. and roach Rutilus rutilus (L.). LED lights (white, green, red, blue and combinations) were attached inside the traps. The use of LED lights did not increase fish CPUE. Contrary to expectation, Eurasian perch catches were higher in traps without LED lights. Significant variation in CPUEs was observed, but without interaction with light treatments. The LED lights tested in this study do not increase the effectiveness of trap fishery targeting Eurasian perch and roach in Finnish lakes in the ice‐free season.
Zooplankton β diversity dynamics and metacommunity structure depend on spatial and temporal scales in a Neotropical floodplain
Authors: Diniz Leidiane Pereira , Petsch Danielle Katharine , Bonecker Claudia Costa
Published: May 2021

Both β diversity and metacommunity structure vary in time and space. It is necessary to examine different scales, especially in the face of extreme hydrological conditions.

We investigated seasonal variation in β diversity and Elements of Metacommunity Structure [EMS] of zooplankton during four years (two years of prolonged drought and two years with extreme flood events) and at two spatial scales (sub‐basins and floodplain; smaller and larger spatial scale, respectively).

We sampled 29 lakes quarterly during four years in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil. We estimated the replacement component of β diversity using the Jaccard dissimilarity index. We also used EMS to determine the metacommunity pattern of zooplankton distribution in each period and spatial scale.

The flood peak observed in the snapshot sampling drove the homogenization of zooplanktonic assemblages. However, β diversity was not reduced in the two years with extreme flood events compared to the period of prolonged drought at either of the spatial scales (floodplain and sub‐basins), except for a single sub‐basin. This finding shows the importance of longer‐term ecological studies to better capture the dynamics of the zooplanktonic metacommunity.

Regardless of the hydrological period and spatial scale zooplanktonic metacommunity structure remained practically constant throughout the four years, with a predominance of species range turnover (Clementsian). At the smallest spatial scale (sub‐basins), we found quasi‐structural patterns (quasi‐Clementsian and quasi‐Gleasonian). The predominance of the Clementsian pattern suggests that the associations of zooplankton species in the floodplain responded similarly to the environmental gradient and that the responses differed among species groups.

Over time, the smaller spatial scale (sub‐basin) better represents the dynamics of β diversity than the larger spatial scale (floodplain), and better represents the structure of the zooplankton metacommunity. However, we emphasize the need for further studies to consider different biological groups and larger spatial scale over time to maximize the understanding of aquatic metacommunities dynamics.

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The bioenergy crop Sorghum bicolor is a relevant pollen source for honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Siede Reinhold , Eickhoff Benedikt , Freyer Christian , Windpassinger Steffen , Büchler Ralph
Published: May 2021

Abundance and diversity of pollinating insects are decreasing. Intensification of agricultural bioenergy production is presumed to accelerate the decline of pollinators. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a promising bioenergy crop. Enhanced dual‐purpose type cultivars have been developed and tested for suitability for bioenergy cropping in Germany. Sorghum is assumed to be a nutritional resource for pollen‐collecting insects. To evaluate this assumption, we studied the foraging strategy of A. mellifera colonies, which were migrated to sorghum fields in Germany. The bee hives were equipped with bottom fixed pollen traps. The pollen loads of the colonies contained variable shares of sorghum pollen ranging between approx. 10% and 50% (weight/weight). Sorghum pollen occurred frequently in more than 50% of all pollen samples. Experimental mini colonies were placed in plots which were grown with two varieties of sorghum, phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), maize (Zea mays) and a control plot without any vegetation. All plots were encased with flight tents. Significant effects of the crop were found for the productivity parameters brood rearing and pollen collection. The sorghum and maize variants performed significantly better than the controls but significantly poorer than phacelia (p < 0.05). The parameters number of dead bees and colony sizes were not affected by the crops (p < 0.05). Pollen of sorghum is a valuable food for bees which supports nursing of bee brood, but its availability proved to be inferior to phacelia as the pollen shedding of sorghum lasted a considerably shorter time. Pollen collection by honeybees did not negatively affect seed yield of sorghum in any case. Under unfavourable weather conditions, flower visiting bees enhanced seed yield of sorghum.
Converting perennial energy crops cup plant and field grass to arable cropping affects weed infestation, soil nitrogen mineralization and subsequent silage maize yield
Authors: Schittenhelm Siegfried , Panten Kerstin , Gabriel Doreen
Published: May 2021

Perennial energy crop (PEC) fields need to be reintegrated into the farm's crop rotation when yield performance declines after years of use or when the farm operation requires it. In this study, 8‐year‐old stands of cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) and lucerne grass followed by field grass were converted to arable cropping, while continuous silage maize (Zea mays L.) grown over the same period served as a control. The study aimed to assess changes in the weed flora, control of cup plant regrowth, pre‐crop value of PECs for subsequently grown maize and N release through mineralization of crop litter and soil organic matter in the first year after converting the PECs. The previously practiced cropping systems resulted in widely divergent maize weed populations. About 90% of the cup plant volunteers were successfully eliminated by two treatments of herbicides containing clopyralid. Maize following cup plant exhibited a faster soil cover, earlier male and female flowering, taller plants and a 10.6% and 13.6% higher aboveground biomass yield than former field grass and maize respectively. The N release by mineralization of 222 and 238 kg N ha−1 following cup plant and field grass conversion, respectively, clearly exceeded the 129 kg N ha−1 observed in the maize control. The residual mineral nitrogen in the 90 cm soil profile after the maize harvest was also significantly higher in the former field grass and cup plant plots than in the maize control. The excess N in the first year after reverting to annual cropping runs the risk of N leaching. Given that N fertilization is substantially reduced after cup plant and field grass conversion, maize appears to be a well‐suited follow‐up crop due to its good suppression of cup plant volunteers and high N uptake capacity which helps minimize nutrient losses to the environment.
Adapting the CROPGRO model to simulate growth and production of Brassica carinata, a bio‐fuel crop
Authors: Boote Kenneth J. , Seepaul Ramdeo , Mulvaney Michael J. , Hagan Austin K. , Bashyal Mahesh , George Sheeja , Small Ian , Wright David L.
Published: May 2021

Carinata (Brassica carinata) is an oilseed crop which, because of its non‐edible oil composition and favorable fatty acid profile, is proposed as a “green” sustainable aviation fuel. It can be grown as a winter crop in the southeastern USA or as a summer annual crop in northern latitudes. No crop models exist for carinata because it is a relatively new crop. The CROPGRO model is a mechanistic crop simulation of daily crop growth and development as a function of daily weather, soil properties, crop management, and species parameters. We adapted the CROPGRO model to simulate carinata based on growth analysis data collected over two seasons at three sites: Quincy, FL, Jay, FL, and Shorter, AL. The adaptation process required literature knowledge as well as optimization against field observations. The parameterization of model sensitivities to climatic factors is presented. The adapted model gave good simulations of carinata growth dynamics compared to observed growth during different seasons and locations and in response to N fertilization. While additional testing is appropriate, the model is sufficiently ready to be used for various applications. An example application is presented for the effect of sowing date on carinata yield and maturity over long‐term weather in the Southeastern USA.
The SLIM study—Shared medical appointments to change lifestyles of overweight people with haemophilia: A randomized multiple baseline (n‐of‐1) design
Authors: Hendriks Marcel A. L. , van Wanroij Johanna W. M. , Laros‐van Gorkom Britta A. P. , Nijhuis‐van der Sanden Maria W. G. , Hoogeboom Thomas J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

People with haemophilia suffer from haemophilic joint disease that may result in physical inactivity and overweight. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) might help limit the consequences of haemophilic arthropathy. SMAs are group meetings supervised by one or more healthcare professionals that can be utilized to improve lifestyle.

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of SMAs in people with haemophilia to improve physical activity and eating habits.

Methods

A multiple baseline single‐case design was used. Overweight people with haemophilia were eligible to participate. Seven weekly SMAs were conducted using multiple behavioural change techniques to improve physical activity and eating habits. Feasibility of SMAs was evaluated using (a) dropout rate, (b) occurrence of adverse events (AEs), (c) adherence rate and (d) patient satisfaction. During 13 weeks, physical activity was measured daily and eating habits were measured three times per week. The efficacy of SMAs was determined using randomization tests and visual data inspection.

Results

Out of the six men participating in the study, one participant dropped out. No study‐related AEs occurred. The adherence rate of SMAs was 80%, and participants reported to be ‘very satisfied’ with the SMAs. Randomization tests and visual analyses demonstrated (statistical) improvements in physical activity (p = .03). No effect was found in self‐reported eating habits (p = .55).

Conclusion

Shared medical appointments are feasible in people with haemophilia and appear to improve physical activity. The effect on improving eating habits could not be established. Scientific replication of our approach is warranted to confirm or refute the merit of SMAs in people with haemophilia.
Dataset for the reporting of nephrectomy specimens for Wilms' tumour treated with preoperative chemotherapy: recommendations from the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Renal Tumour Study Group
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M , D'Hooghe Ellen , Vokuhl Christian , Collini Paola
Published: May 2021

Datasets for histopathological reporting of many cancer types are developed by the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), and are used in order to ensure standardised and uniformly accepted reporting as one of the essential requirements for comparison across patient populations in evaluating and validating pathological prognostic and predictive factors. Wilms' tumours are rare, and international reporting guidelines have not yet been published by the ICCR. The assessment of Wilms' tumours differs according to the treatment approach. The Children's Oncology Group, whose approach is followed mainly in North America, advocates primary surgery, and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Renal Tumour Study Group (SIOP‐RTSG), whose approach is followed in most countries around the world, uses preoperative chemotherapy as a first step, resulting in different subclassifications, staging criteria, and histopathological prognostic factors. This dataset is developed for the countries and institutions following the SIOP‐RTSG approach, and it contains core (required) and non‐core (recommended) elements, based on the results of the previous SIOP‐RTSG studies, which are incorporated in the latest SIOP‐RTSG UMBRELLA 2016 Study protocol. The core elements include clinical information, additional specimen submitted, macroscopic tumour site and appearance, tumour focality, tumour dimensions, macroscopic extent of invasion, block identification key, histological tumour type, histological tumour grade and risk group assessment, microscopic extent of invasion, lymphovascular invasion, resection margin status, regional lymph node status, histologically confirmed distant metastases, and pathological staging (SIOP staging system). The dataset should improve communication for patient care and prognostic determination of the old and new histopathological features.
Applied Linguistics, language guidelines, and inclusive practices: The case for the use of who with nonhuman animals
Authors: Chau Meng Huat , Jacobs George M.
Published: May 2021

To promote a more open and more self‐aware Applied Linguistics, we can consider how the many current and developing initiatives and resources in the field can be instruments for achieving a better world. For instance, applied linguists have examined such issues as inclusiveness (e.g., avoiding generic he) and the interface between language and environmental destruction. The purpose of this article, based on the same spirit of inclusiveness and addressing global concerns, is to highlight an observation about the instruction on the restrictive use of “who” with human beings in the recent seventh edition of the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (2020), as a case in point to contribute to the wider discussion on inclusive language use and a respect for nonhuman animals. We invite fellow applied linguists to reflect on this issue together.
Individual disagreement point concavity and the bargaining problem
Authors: Bossert Walter , Peters Hans
Published: May 2021

In this study, we provide a characterization of the class of proportional bargaining solutions introduced by Kalai. Our result differs from earlier axiomatizations in that we use a property that we label individual disagreement point concavity. This property is a weakening of disagreement point concavity used by Chun and Thomson. An application illustrates the potential usefulness of our new property in a strategic setting.
Memory Matters: Ressourcement Theology’s Debt to Henri Bergson
Authors: Martin Jennifer Newsome
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this article is to illuminate certain lines and layers of readings and rereadings – specifically running from Jewish philosopher Henri Bergson (1859–1941) through Catholic poet Charles Péguy (1873–1914) to Hans Urs von Balthasar – to suggest that certain fundamental ressourcement concepts of tradition and history are conditioned constitutionally by Bergsonian metaphysics, epistemology and theories of time. Péguy’s final, recently translated texts ‘Note sur M. Bergson et la Philosophie Bergsonienne’ (1914) and ‘Note Conjointe sur M Descartes et la Philosophie Cartésienne’ (1924) will be prioritized. Finally, this study considers distinct methodological differences within the field of theology regarding the status of history and its capacity to speak – and how – to contemporary theological concerns.
The evolution of Portuguese trade unionism: Political economies and power resources
Authors: Dias Hugo
Published: May 2021

The present work set out to study the evolution of Portuguese trade unionism, by articulating the different cycles of economic growth of the country and their respective political economies with the impacts on the development of its power resources. The study is divided into four parts: first, it gives an overview of the economy, labour relations and trade unionism; the second part analyses the process of asymmetric European integration and the implementation of the austerity policies (2011–2015); the third part studies the political cycle between 2015 and 2019, the so‐calledContraption; finally, some preliminary considerations are advanced.
Knowledge and Attitude of Community Nurses on Pressure Injury Prevention: A Cross‐sectional Study in an Indonesian City
Authors: Sari Sheizi Prista , Everink Irma HJ , Amir Yufitriana , Lohrmann Christa , Halfens Ruud JG , Moore Zena , Beeckman Dimitri , Schols Jos MGA
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study were to examine the knowledge and attitude of Indonesian community nurses regarding Pressure Injury (PI) prevention. A cross‐sectional design was used and included the community nurses permanently working in the Public Health Center (Puskemas) in Bandung, West Java Indonesia. Knowledge was measured using the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT 2.0). Attitudes were measured using a predesigned instrument which included 11 statements on a five point Likert scale. All data were collected using paper‐based questionnaires. The response rate was 100%. Respondents (n = 235) consisted of 80 community nursing program coordinators (34.0%) and 155 community nurses (66.0%). Regarding knowledge, the percentage of correct answers in the total group of community nurses on the PUKAT 2.0 was 30.7%. The theme “Prevention” had the lowest percentage of correct answers (20.8%). Community nurses who had additional PI or wound care training had a higher knowledge score compared with community nurses who did not have additional PI training (33.7% vs 30.3%; Z = −1.995; P = 0.046). The median attitude score was 44 (maximum score 55; range 28–55), demonstrating a positive attitude among participants towards PI prevention. Further, the higher the education status of participants, the more positive the attitudes (H = 11.773; P = 0.003). This study shows that community nurses need to improve their basic knowledge of PI prevention. Furthermore, research should be performed to explore what community nurses need to strengthen their role in PI prevention.
Microbiological effects in patients with leg ulcers and diabetic foot treated with Lucilia sericata larvae
Authors: Szczepanowski Zbigniew , Grabarek Beniamin O. , Boroń Dariusz , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Kulik‐Parobczy Iwona , Miszczyk Leszek
Published: May 2021

Lucilia sericata bottle fly worms can be used to heal infected, chronic, or necrotic wounds, including those associated with ulceration and diabetic foot. The study aimed to evaluate changes in the microflora in patients treated with L sericata larvae due to leg ulcers and diabetic foot. One hundred twenty‐nine patients diagnosed with lower limb ulceration and diabetic foot were enrolled in the study, of which 80 of them met the eligibility criteria for maggot debridement therapy (MDT). On the contrary, 49 unqualified patients were offered ozone therapy (22 with leg ulcers; 27 with diabetic foot). In each of these patients, a microbiological swab was performed before and after the start of therapy. The group of 80 patients was further divided into four equal groups in terms of the treated area (lower leg vs foot) and the number of larvae/cm2 (5 vs 10). Twenty‐three particular species of bacteria in the infected wound were studied microbiologically in terms of presence/absence within the wound environment before and after treatment of patients with diabetic foot and lower limb ulceration. It was noted that there was a more intensive bacterial accumulation in the feet of patients compared to legs; furthermore, this applies to almost all analysed species. Diabetes status is also a clinical factor that generates a lower chance of bacterial appearance in the wound environment. Densification of MDT larvae per wound area unit also reduced the chance of the presence of Corynebacterium species, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, and Streptococcus coagulase negativa; however, it increased the likelihood of occurrence for Proteus mirabilis and the Proteus species. A microbiological analysis in this non‐reference study shows the efficacy of larval therapy for leg and foot ulcers. Rearrangement of the microflora within the wound has been reported as a result of the therapy.
A review of the meta‐analysis by Tingir and colleagues (2017) on the effects of mobile devices on learning
Authors: Bissonnette Steve , Boyer Christian
Published: May 2021

Tingir et al. (2017) concluded from their meta‐analysis that the subject areas taught through mobile devices had significantly higher achievement scores (d = 0.48) than the ones taught with traditional teaching methods. Given the relatively high positive effect of mobile devices on student achievement, we carefully analysed the selected research in this meta‐analysis. We reviewed Tingir et al.’s (2017) meta‐analysis based on analysis of the methodology of the selected research, while drawing on the work of Slavin (2003), Cheung and Slavin (2016), and Sung et al. (2019). Twelve of the 14 (86%) studies included in the meta‐analysis done by Tingir and his team (2017) present such major methodological flaws that they should not have been included. Our analysis leads us to believe that the conclusion of Tingir et al. (2017) is not justified. It is recognized that duration of experiment is negatively correlated with effect size: the shorter the duration, the higher the effect (Burston, 2015; Slavin & Lake, 2009). Although demanding more effort, the field of education must raise the bar if it is to have knowledge of acceptable value.
Circ_0023404 sponges miR‐136 to induce HK‐2 cells injury triggered by hypoxia/reoxygenation via up‐regulating IL‐6R
Authors: Xu Yong , Li Xiang , Li Hailun , Zhong Lili , Lin Yongtao , Xie Juan , Zheng Donghui
Published: May 2021

The significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is reported in various kidney diseases including acute kidney injury (AKI). Specific circRNAs have the capacity to function as novel indicators of AKI. Circ_0023404 exhibits an important role in several diseases. Nevertheless, the detailed biological role of circ_0023404 in AKI remains poorly known. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of circ_0023404 on renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in vitro. Here, we evaluated the function of circ_0023404 in HK‐2 cells in response to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). We established a cell AKI model induced by H/R in HK‐2 cells. We found circ_0023404 was significantly increased in AKI. Then, we found loss of circ_0023404 increased cell growth, repressed apoptosis, reduced inflammatory factors secretion and oxidative stress generation in vitro. Besides, circ_0023404 sponged miR‐136. miR‐136 overturned the effects of circ_0023404 on HK‐2 cell injury. We assumed IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) as a target of miR‐136 and IL‐6R was activated by circ_0023404 via sponging miR‐136. In conclusion, we revealed circ_0023404 contributed to HK‐2 cells injury stimulated by H/R via sponging miR‐136 and activating IL‐6R.
MiR‐664‐3p suppresses osteoblast differentiation and impairs bone formation via targeting Smad4 and Osterix
Authors: Xu Yuexin , Jin Yucui , Hong Fangling , Ma Yunfei , Yang Jiashu , Tang Yuting , Zhu Zhu , Wu Jiahui , Bao Qianyi , Li Lingyun , Yao Bing , Li Dong , Ma Changyan
Published: May 2021

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder characterized by low bone mass and deteriorated microarchitecture, with an increased risk of fracture. Some miRNAs have been confirmed as potential modulators of osteoblast differentiation to maintain bone mass. Our miRNA sequencing results showed that miR‐664‐3p was significantly down‐regulated during the osteogenic differentiation of the preosteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells. However, whether miR‐664‐3p has an impact on bone homeostasis remains unknown. In this study, we identified overexpression of miR‐664‐3p inhibited the osteoblast activity and matrix mineralization in vitro. Osteoblastic miR‐664‐3p transgenic mice exhibited reduced bone mass due to suppressed osteoblast function. Target prediction analysis and experimental validation confirmed Smad4 and Osterix (Osx) are the direct targets of miR‐664‐3p. Furthermore, specific inhibition of miR‐664‐3p by subperiosteal injection with miR‐664‐3p antagomir protected against ovariectomy‐induced bone loss. In addition, miR‐664‐3p expression was markedly higher in the serum from patients with osteoporosis compared to that from normal subjects. Taken together, this study revealed that miR‐664‐3p suppressed osteogenesis and bone formation via targeting Smad4 and Osx. It also highlights the potential of miR‐664‐3p as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for osteoporotic patients.
Transforming growth factor‐β1 signalling triggers vascular endothelial growth factor resistance and monocyte dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Makowski Lena‐Maria , Leffers Merle , Waltenberger Johannes , Pardali Evangelia
Published: May 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to monocyte dysfunction associated with atherogenesis and defective arteriogenesis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, placenta growth factor (PlGF)‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)A play important roles in atherogenesis and arteriogenesis. VEGF‐receptor (VEGFR)‐mediated monocyte migration is inhibited in T2DM (VEGFA resistance), while TGF‐β1‐induced monocyte migration is fully functional. Therefore, we hypothesize that TGF‐β antagonises the VEGFA responses in human monocytes. We demonstrate that monocytes from T2DM patients have an increased migratory response towards low concentrations of TGF‐β1, while PlGF‐1/VEGFA responses are mitigated. Mechanistically, this is due to increased expression of type II TGF‐β receptor in monocytes under high‐glucose conditions and increased expression of soluble (s)VEGFR1, which is known to interfere with VEGFA signalling. VEGFA resistance in monocytes from T2DM patients can be rescued by either experimental down‐regulation of TGF‐β receptor expression in vitro or by functional blocking of TGF‐β signalling using either a TGF‐β receptor kinase inhibitor or a TGF‐β neutralizing antibody. Our data demonstrate that both T2DM and high‐glucose potentiate the TGF‐β pathway. TGF‐β signalling impairs VEGFR‐mediated responses in T2DM monocytes and in this way contributes to mononuclear cell dysfunction, provide novel insights into T2DM vascular dysfunction.
Effect of lncRNA‐ATB/miR‐651‐3p/Yin Yang 1 pathway on trophoblast‐endothelial cell interaction networks
Authors: Yin Yangxue , Zhang Jiashuo , Yu Hongbiao , Liu Min , Zheng Xuelian , Zhou Rong
Published: May 2021

Our previous studies have confirmed that lncRNA‐ATB may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, however, it is uncertain whether lncRNA‐ATB influence the interaction between trophoblast and endothelial cells, which is crucial to the uterine spiral artery remodelling. Scratch wound healing and transwell invasion assay were conducted to test the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells. Co‐culture model was used to simulate the physiological environment in vivo. The expression levels of lncRNA‐ATB were analyzed in placenta tissues from healthy pregnant women and preeclampsia patients. Subsequently, the binding site of lncRNA‐ATB and miR‐651‐3p was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter assay, and the rescue experiment was used to study the effects of these two on the biological function. The direct effects of miR‐651‐3p and Yin Yang 1 (YY1) were verified using similar methods. LncRNA‐ATB was found to be down‐regulated in the placenta of preeclampsia patients. LncRNA‐ATB knockdown decreased trophoblast migration, invasion and colocalisation with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. MiR‐651‐3p was a direct target of lncRNA‐ATB and they had opposite effects. Moreover, the expression of lncRNA‐ATB and miR‐651‐3p in placental tissues was negatively correlated. MiR‐651‐3p has been confirmed to directly target the 3′ untranslated region of YY1. The inhibitory effects of YY1 low expression on biological function was rescued by miR‐651‐3p depletion. Western blot analysis showed that lncRNA‐ATB could regulate YY1 expression by sponging miR‐651‐3p. LncRNA‐ATB functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR‐651‐3p to regulate YY1 on progress of spiral artery remodelling.
Liver fibrosis is independently associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Jinya , Li Rumei , Liu Naijia , Yi Na , Zheng Hangping , Zhang Qi , Zhou Lianying , Zhou Linuo , Hu Renming , Lu Bin
Published: May 2021

Aims/Introduction

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus are closely related, and often occur simultaneously in patients. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, resulting in intolerable pain and extremity amputation that reduces the quality of life. However, the role of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy remains unclear. Thus, we evaluated the correlation of liver fibrosis and steatosis, which are representative histological morphologies of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

Five hundred twenty individuals with type 2 diabetes were recruited. All the patients were detected nerve conduction study for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibro touch for liver steatosis and fibrosis. Correlation of DPN with liver steatosis and fibrosis were analysed with binary logistic analysis.

Results

Among the 520 patients, the prevalence of liver steatosis, fibrosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 63.0% (n = 328), 18.1% (n = 94) and 52.1% (n = 271), respectively. The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was significantly elevated in patients with liver steatosis (55.7 vs 44.9%, P = 0.03) and fibrosis (61.5 vs 50%, P = 0.04), and it increased as liver stiffness measurement increased. Additionally, both hepatic steatosis (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.11, P = 0.03) and fibrosis (odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.02–2.51, P = 0.04) were correlated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. After adjusting for age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, waist hip ratio, duration of type 2 diabetes, blood glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, blood pressure, serum lipid, liver enzyme, urea, uric acid, creatinine and inflammatory factors, liver fibrosis remained associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (odds ratio 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.11–4.53, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was elevated in patients with liver steatosis and fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was also independently associated with an increased risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
iGlarLixi reduces residual hyperglycemia in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin: A post‐hoc analysis of the LixiLan JP‐L trial
Authors: Yabe Daisuke , Iizuka Katsumi , Baxter Mike , Watanabe Daisuke , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Treatments for type 2 diabetes targeting baseline glucose levels but not postprandial glucose can result in normalized fasting blood glucose but suboptimal overall glycemic control (high glycated hemoglobin): residual hyperglycemia. In Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes the predominant pathophysiology is a lower insulin secretory capacity, and residual hyperglycemia is common with basal insulin treatment. Single‐injection, fixed‐ratio combinations of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and basal insulin have been developed. iGlarLixi (insulin glargine 100 units/mL [iGlar]: lixisenatide ratio of 1 unit:1 µg) is for specific use in Japan. Post‐hoc analysis of the LixiLan JP‐L trial (NCT02752412) compared the effect of iGlarLixi with iGlar on this specific subpopulation with residual hyperglycemia.

Materials and Methods

Outcomes at week 26 (based on the last observation carried forward) were assessed in patients in the modified intent‐to‐treat population with baseline residual hyperglycemia.

Results

Overall, 83 (32.5%) patients in the iGlarLixi group and 79 (30.7%) patients in the iGlar group had baseline residual hyperglycemia. The proportion of patients with residual hyperglycemia at week 26 decreased to 15.7% in the iGlarLixi group, and increased to 36.9% in the iGlar group. Patients in the iGlarLixi group had significantly greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin compared with the iGlar group (−0.72% difference between groups; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

New data from this post‐hoc analysis of the JP‐L trial show that treatment with the fixed‐ratio combination iGlarLixi reduced the proportion of Japanese patients with residual hyperglycemia from baseline to week 26 and significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin vs similar doses of iGlar alone.
Physical enrichment research for captive fish: Time to focus on the DETAILS
Authors: Jones Nick A. R. , Webster Mike M. , Salvanes Anne Gro Vea
Published: May 2021

Growing research effort has shown that physical enrichment (PE) can improve fish welfare and research validity. However, the inclusion of PE does not always result in positive effects and conflicting findings have highlighted the many nuances involved. Effects are known to depend on species and life stage tested, but effects may also vary with differences in the specific items used as enrichment between and within studies. Reporting fine‐scale characteristics of items used as enrichment in studies may help to reveal these factors. We conducted a survey of PE‐focused studies published in the last 5 years to examine the current state of methodological reporting. The survey results suggest that some aspects of enrichment are not adequately detailed. For example, the amount and dimensions of objects used as enrichment were frequently omitted. Similarly, the ecological relevance, or other justification, for enrichment items was frequently not made explicit. Focusing on ecologically relevant aspects of PE and increasing the level of detail reported in studies may benefit future work and we propose a framework with the acronym DETAILS (Dimensions, Ecological rationale, Timing of enrichment, Amount, Inputs, Lighting and Social environment). We outline the potential importance of each of the elements of this framework with the hope it may aid in the level of reporting and standardization across studies, ultimately aiding the search for more beneficial types of PE and the development of our understanding and ability to improve the welfare of captive fish and promote more biologically relevant behaviour.
The relationship between water‐holding capacities of soybean–whey mixed protein and ice crystal size for ice cream
Authors: Liu Yayong , Liu Aiguo , Liu Lizeng , Kan Zhuorui , Wang Weijia
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the water‐holding properties of a mixture of whey protein (WP) and soy protein (SP) (WP–SP) and their effect on ice crystal size using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and freezing microscopy techniques. The size of ice crystals determines the perceived quality of ice cream. Furthermore, the addition of plant protein facilitates the study of the water‐holding properties of mixed proteins and limits the size of ice crystals. WP and SP proteins were mixed in different ratios (10:0–0:10), the water‐holding capacity was measured by LF‐NMR, and the size of the ice crystals observed by freezing microscopy. The results showed that the water‐holding capacity of the mixed proteins increased with increasing SP content. A mixed protein ratio of 3:7 had the highest water‐holding capacity but also displayed a strong inhibitory effect on the size of the ice crystals formed. Hence, the ice crystal area of SP solution alone was 128.96 μm2 with an average diameter of 11.74 μm, and, in contrast, a mixed protein ratio of 3:7 had an ice crystal area of 79.49 μm2, and an average diameter of 8.61 μm.

Practical Applications

The study provides insight into the design of an ice cream formula to assist with the industrial production of ice cream products of improved quality and consumer appeal.
Technical assessment of reverse osmosis for concentration of fresh tea leaf extract
Authors: Lai Quoc Dat , Doan Ngoc Thuc Trinh , Nguyen Hoang Dung
Published: May 2021

This paper focused on the concentration of waste fresh tea leaf extract, byproduct of tea processing, by application of reverse osmosis. The concentration was carried out by plate and frame crossflow system equipped HR98PP membrane, operating as concentration mode with full recirculation of retentate. Results show that permeate flux increased with increase in operating pressure. Modeling of permeate flux based on osmotic pressure model at 30 and 40 bar of operating pressure was proposed. Hermia's model was applied for analyzed the membrane fouling in operation process. Good agreement between complete pore blocking model and experimental data was found. The recovery yields and contents of total solid (TS), total polyphenols (PPs) and antioxidant capacity (AC), consequently effectiveness, at 40 bar of operating pressure were higher than those at 30 bar. At 40 bar of operating pressure and 7.57 of concentration factor, the recovery yields of TS, PPs, and AC were 83.7, 85.1, and 79.6%, respectively. Contents of TS, PPs, and AC in retentate and permeate were 64.62 and 1.91 g/L; 25.82 and 0.61 g GAE/L; 97.87 and 3.35 mM TEAC, respectively. Maximum theoretical content of TS at 40 bar was estimated as 341 g/L. Results imply that it is potential to apply reverse osmosis for concentration of waste fresh tea leaf extract to produce instant powder with high content of polyphenols.

Practical applications

The concentration of waste fresh tea leaf extract by reverse osmosis membrane

Modeling of permeate flux in reverse osmosis

Fouling mechanism was analyzed by Hermia's model.

Recovery yields and contents of total solid, total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in concentrate against concentration factor were estimated.
Cannabinoid Receptor 1 associates to different molecular complexes during GABAergic neuron maturation
Authors: Molina‐Holgado Eduardo , Paniagua‐Torija Beatriz , Arevalo‐Martin Angel , Moreno‐Luna Rafael , Esteban Pedro F. , Le Minh Quynh Uyen , Del Cerro Maria del Mar , Garcia‐Ovejero Daniel
Published: May 2021

CB1 cannabinoid receptor is widely expressed in the central nervous system of animals from late prenatal development to adulthood. Appropriate activation and signaling of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in cortical interneurons are crucial during perinatal/postnatal ages and adolescence, when long‐lasting changes in brain activity may elicit subsequent appearance of disorders in the adult brain. Here we used an optimized immunoprecipitation protocol based on specific antibodies followed by shot‐gun proteomics to find CB1 interacting partners in postnatal rat GABAergic cortical neurons in vitro at two different stages of maturation. Besides describing new proteins associated with CB1 like dihydrolipoyllysine‐residue acetyltransferase component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (DLAT), fatty acid synthase (FASN), tyrosine 3‐monooxygenase/tryptophan 5‐monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ), voltage‐dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), myosin phosphatase Rho‐interacting protein (MPRIP) or usher syndrome type‐1C protein‐binding protein 1 (USHBP1), we show that the signaling complex of CB1 is different between maturational stages. Interestingly, the CB1 signaling complex is enriched at the more immature stage in mitochondrial associated proteins and metabolic molecular functions, whereas at more mature stage, CB1 complex is increased in maturation and synaptic‐associated proteins. We describe also interacting partners specifically immunoprecipitated with either N‐terminal or C‐terminal CB1 directed antibodies. Our results highlight new players that may be affected by altered cannabinoid signaling at this critical window of postnatal cortical development.

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Gerald Lincoln: A man for all seasons
Authors: Ebling Francis J. P. , Fletcher John , Hazlerigg David G. , Loudon Andrew S. I.
Published: May 2021

Gerald Anthony Lincoln died after a short illness on 15 July 2020 at the age of 75 years. Gerald was Emeritus Professor of Biological Timing at Edinburgh University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was an outstanding scientist and naturalist who was a seminal figure in developing our understanding of the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying seasonal rhythmicity. This review considers his life and some of his major scientific contributions to our understanding of seasonality, photoperiodism and circannual rhythmicity. It is based on a presentation at the online 2nd annual seasonality symposium (2 October 2020) that was supported financially by the Journal of Neuroendocrinology.