bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanner model classification with characteristic brightness variations
Authors: Lee Joong , Kim Hongseok , Kang Tae‐Yi , Yook Simyub
Published: May 2022

Analog documents and scanned digitized files are now considered equivalent in legal contexts, and the widespread supply of multi‐functional printers has led to a surge in the use of scanned documents. With image editing tools, there has been more cases of forgery involving scanned files. This has highlighted the importance of integrity and authenticity verification of scanned documents submitted as court evidence. Extensive studies have been conducted on source scanner identification and detection of alteration in scanned documents. Past research usually relied on machine learning with Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and was focused more on images rather than text documents. Brightness variations are produced depending on the repetitive arrangement and relative intensity of light sources, and such patterns can be clearly observed in scanned images by the Charged Coupled Device (CCD) type flatbed scanner. The separate image module of the Contact Image Sensor (CIS) also leads to characteristic brightness variations. To extract and enhance these brightness variations, image processing techniques such as separating color channel and adjusting gradation and contrast are applied. The proposed method was tested on five scanner models, and the results confirmed that each scanner had unique brightness variations. This study is the first to extract brightness variations as a unique characteristic of each scanner model and recognize the potential of brightness variations in source identification and manipulation detection. A major advantage is that brightness variations are physical, robust, and visible. The research will be expanded with multicolor documents, counterfeit documents, and text‐independent detection.
Disposition disparities in an urban tertiary emergency department
Authors: Ho Jess , Burbridge Hayley , Raumati Inia , Khalil Rana , Hill Dane , Jones Peter
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore disparities between Māori and non‐Māori patients with respect to triage acuity and disposition based on presenting complaint.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 5788 (n = 594 Māori, n = 5194 non‐Māori) ED visits in February 2021, extracted from the hospital data warehouse.

Results

Māori were triaged similarly to non‐Māori but were less likely to be admitted compared to non‐Māori: relative risk 0.87 (0.78, 0.97), P = 0.008.

Conclusion

Māori were less likely to be admitted for similar presenting complaints, despite similar triage acuity. Further research is required to determine the reasons for this apparent inequity.
ddPCR surpasses classical qPCR technology in quantitating bacteria and fungi in the environment
Authors: Wang Danrui , Wang Shang , Du Xiongfeng , He Qing , Liu Yue , Wang Zhujun , Feng Kai , Li Yan , Deng Ye
Published: May 2022

Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) has been widely used in quantifying bacterial and fungal populations in various ecosystems, as well as the fungi to bacteria ratio (F:B ratio). Recently, researchers have begun to apply droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to this area; however, no study has systematically compared qPCR and ddPCR for quantitating both bacteria and fungi in environmental samples at the same time. Here, we designed probe‐primer pair combinations targeting the 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) for the detection of bacteria and fungi, respectively, and tested both SYBR Green and TaqMan approaches in qPCR and ddPCR methods for mock communities and in real environmental samples. In mock communities, the quantification results of ddPCR were significantly closer to expected values (p < .05), and had smaller coefficients of variations (p < .05) than qPCR, suggesting ddPCR was more accurate and repeatable. In environmental samples, ddPCR consistently quantified ITS and 16S rRNA gene concentrations in all four habitats without abnormal overestimation or underestimation, and the F:B ratio obtained by ddPCR was consistent with phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Our results indicated that ddPCR had better precision, repeatability, sensitivity, and stability in bacterial and fungal quantitation than qPCR. Although ddPCR has high cost, complicated processes and restricted detection range, it shows insensitivity to PCR inhibitors and the potential of quantifying long target fragments. We expect that ddPCR, which is complementary to qPCR, will contribute to microbial quantification in environmental monitoring and evaluation.
MHCtools – an R package for MHC high‐throughput sequencing data: Genotyping, haplotype and supertype inference, and downstream genetic analyses in non‐model organisms
Authors: Roved Jacob , Hansson Bengt , Stervander Martin , Hasselquist Dennis , Westerdahl Helena
Published: May 2022

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a central role in the vertebrate adaptive immune system and has been of long‐term interest in evolutionary biology. While several protocols have been developed for MHC genotyping, there is a lack of transparent and standardized tools for downstream analysis of MHC data. Here, we present the r package mhctools and demonstrate the use of its functions to (i) assist accurate MHC genotyping from high‐throughput amplicon‐sequencing data, (ii) infer functional MHC supertypes using bootstrapped clustering analysis, (iii) identify segregating MHC haplotypes from family data, and (iv) analyse functional and genetic distances between MHC sequences. We employed mhctools to analyse MHC class I (MHC‐I) amplicon data of 559 great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus). We identified 390 MHC‐I alleles which clustered into 14 functional supertypes. A phylogenetic analysis and analyses of positive selection suggested that the MHC‐I alleles belong to several distinct functional groups. We furthermore identified 107 segregating haplotypes among 116 families, and found substantial variation in diversity with 4–21 MHC‐I alleles and 3–13 MHC‐I supertypes per haplotype. Finally, we show that the great reed warbler haplotypes harboured combinations of MHC‐I supertypes with greater functional divergence than observed in simulated populations of possible haplotypes, a result that is in accordance with the divergent allele advantage hypothesis. Our study demonstrates the power of mhctools to support genotyping and analysis of MHC in non‐model species, which we hope will encourage broad implementation among researchers in MHC genetics and evolution.
Poor compliance documenting informed consent in trauma patients with distal radius fractures compared to elective total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Bolam Scott M. , Munro Leigh , Wright Mark
Published: May 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the adequacy of informed consent documentation in the trauma setting for distal radius fracture surgery compared with the elective setting for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a large public hospital and (2) to explore the relevant guidelines in New Zealand relating to consent documentation.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients (≥16 years) undergoing operations for distal radius fractures and elective TKA over a 12‐month period in a single‐centre were retrospectively identified. All medical records were reviewed for the risks and complications recorded. The consent form was analysed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index readability scores.

Results

A total of 133 patients undergoing 134 operations for 135 distal radius fractures and 239 patients undergoing 247 TKA were included. Specific risks of surgery were recorded significantly less frequently for distal radius fractures than TKA (43.3% versus 78.5%, P < 0.001). Significantly fewer risks were recorded in the trauma setting compared to the elective (2.35 ± 2.98 versus 4.95 ± 3.33, P < 0.001). The readability of the consent form was 40.5 using the FRES and 10.9 using the SMOG index, indicating a university undergraduate level of reading.

Conclusions

This study has shown poor compliance in documenting risks of surgery during the informed consent process in an acute trauma setting compared to elective arthroplasty. Institutions must prioritize improving documentation of informed consent for orthopaedic trauma patients to ensure a patient‐centred approach to healthcare.
COVID‐19 vaccine associated cervical lymphadenopathy: a case series
Authors: Heaven Chelsea L. , Barber Lucy , Ahmadi Omid , Selvarajah Kumanan , Shetty Subhaschandra
Published: May 2022

Background

COVID‐19 is an evolving worldwide pandemic causing significant morbidity and mortality. COVID‐19 vaccinations have been developed to increase immunity against the virus. In New Zealand, the Pfizer BioNTech mRNA vaccine has been provisionally approved for use. Axillary lymphadenopathy is a recognized side effect of the mRNA vaccine, however cervical lymphadenopathy has also been reported. Due to a wide range of differential diagnoses, the finding of cervical lymphadenopathy requires thorough investigation which can include imaging and invasive diagnostic procedures.

Methods

Five patients were identified by otorhinolaryngology (ORL) consultants at Whangarei Base Hospital and Waikato Hospital between 15/7/2021 and 21/12/2021 after being investigated through high suspicion of cancer triage pathways set by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with cervical lymphadenopathy following vaccination. Exclusion criteria were no history of vaccination or lymphadenopathy present before vaccination.

Results

All patients were identified to have cervical lymphadenopathy on radiological imaging and a recent history of COVID‐19 vaccination with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Interval vaccination to fine needle aspiration time ranged between 41 and 76 days. All patients had cytological or histological diagnosis showing reactive findings or interval imaging showing resolution of lymphadenopathy.

Conclusion

With increasing levels of COVID‐19 vaccination and booster vaccinations we will continue to see cases of COVID‐19 vaccine associated cervical lymphadenopathy. We highlight the importance of taking a COVID‐19 vaccination history and including COVID‐19 associated cervical lymphadenopathy in the differential diagnosis of presentation with a neck lump.
Pipelines in the “Public Interest”? The Jurisdictional Work of a Concept in Canadian Pipeline Assessment
Authors: Fox Liam
Published: May 2022

This paper contributes to research on the means by which the Canadian state authorises, enables, and secures new major petroleum pipelines. While disruptions to pipeline construction are now increasingly common, state and industry alike have continued to finance and approve new projects, even despite serious and ongoing concerns about impacts on ecologies and Indigenous jurisdiction. The paper focuses on one under‐researched mechanism of state authorisation: federal impact assessments for new oil and gas pipeline projects, undertaken by the National Energy Board (NEB), Canada’s now former energy regulator, which operated between 1959 and 2019. The NEB’s mandate was to deem, via impact assessment, whether a new project would be in the “public interest”. I argue public interest is an effective legal‐political mechanism for securing and obscuring the state’s claim to jurisdiction, the traction of which lies partly in an underlying colonial scalar logic and imaginary.
Developing and validating a university needs instrument to measure the psychosocial needs of university students
Authors: Tindle Richard , Castillo Paola , Doring Natalie , Grant Leigh , Willis Royce
Published: May 2022

Background

University students are four times more likely to experience elevated levels of psychological distress compared to their peers. The psychosocial needs of university students are associated with high psychological distress, stressful life events, and academic performance. Our study focuses on developing a measure to help universities identify these psychosocial needs.

Aims

The study aimed to develop and validate the factor structure of the University Needs Instrument and identify the relationship between psychosocial needs, psychological distress and academic performance among university students.

Sample

Undergraduate university students (N = 511) currently studying at university.

Method

Participants completed demographic questions, the University Needs Instrument and the Kessler‐10 Psychological Distress scale. The University Needs Instrument comprises 30 items within six psychosocial factors (academic support, financial support, support from family, support from friends, practical support and emotional support), each consisting of five items.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis showed that all items significantly loaded on the six hypothesized factors. The hypothesized model was supported by the data displaying excellent model fit and psychometric properties. Our analysis determined that the UNI has strong internal consistency. The results also confirmed that university students' high levels of psychological distress and their academic performance may be affected by their psychosocial needs.

Conclusions

Our findings have provided an initial validation of the UNI to help screen and identify the psychosocial needs of university students. This scale can be used to identify the appropriate psychosocial support that can be offered to students and in turn could help reduce their psychological distress, improve their psychosocial well‐being and increase academic performance.
Analytic Causal Knowledge for Constructing Useable Empirical Causal Knowledge: Two Experiments on Pre‐schoolers
Authors: Cheng Patricia W. , Sandhofer Catherine M. , Liljeholm Mimi
Published: May 2022

The present paper examines a type of abstract domain‐general knowledge required for the process of constructing useable domain‐specific causal knowledge, the evident goal of causal learning. It tests the hypothesis that analytic knowledge ofcausal‐invariance decomposition functionsis essential for this process. Such knowledge specifies the decomposition of an observed outcome into contributions from constituent causes under the default assumption that the empirical knowledge acquired isinvariantacross contextual/background causes. The paper reports two psychological experiments (and replication studies) with pre‐school‐age children on generalization across contexts involving binary cause and effect variables. The critical role of causal invariance for constructing useable causal knowledge predicts that even young children should (tacitly) use the causal‐invariance decomposition function for such variables rather than a non‐causal‐invariance decomposition function common in statistical practice in research involving binary outcomes. The findings support the rational shaping of empirical causal knowledge by the causal‐invariance constraint, ruling out alternative explanations in terms of non‐causal‐invariance decomposition functions, heuristics, and biases. For the same causal structure involving candidate causes and outcomes that are binary variables with a “present” value and an “absent” value, the paper argues against the possibility of multiple rational characterizations of the “sameness of causal influence” that justifies generalization across contexts.
Meta‐feature based few‐shot Siamese learning for Urdu optical character recognition
Authors: Naseer Asma , Zafar Kashif
Published: May 2022

Standard convolution neural network (CNN) achieves high level of accuracy for the recognition of characters in different languages. However, like other deep neural networks, training of CNN requires a substantial amount of data. Lack of sufficient training data invokes dataset bias, during learning process, which leads to a decay in the performance of CNN. The limitation of training data can be addressed by using few‐shot learners. In this research, CNN‐based few‐shot Siamese learner is trained on meta‐features, extracted from Urdu text images using a novel graph‐based normal to tangent line (GNTL) technique, for Urdu optical character recognition (OCR) across different font sizes. The learner is trained on three corpora (datasets) including one benchmark corpus “Centre for Language Engineering Text Images” and two other corpora, that is, “Urdu Thickness Graphs” (UTG) and “Urdu OCR Font 16 to 36” (UOF) which are developed and released in this research. 80% of data is used for training while 20% of data is used for testing. To create UTG corpus, the proposed novel feature extraction technique GNTL is used and a meta‐features‐based corpus is developed in form of thickness graphs. The third corpus UOF is based on five different font sizes, that is, 16, 20, 26, 30, and 36. The performance of few‐shot Siamese learner is compared with a standard CNN, trained on the same three corpora. Meta‐feature based few‐shot Siamese learner achieves a promising recognition accuracy and outperforms standard CNN by around 3%. On average, the performance of few‐shot Siamese learner is 96.82% while standard CNN reveals an average performance of 93.96%.
Understanding debates about Asiatic cheetah conservation through media analysis
Authors: Nayeri Danial , Hosseini Mahshid , Gore Meredith , Farhadinia Mohammad S.
Published: May 2022

Given the global popularity and ubiquity of electronic media coverage of wildlife and conservation, media frame analysis is widely used to help conservation decision‐makers understand public opinion, differing goals and priorities, and arguments used in conflict. Nonetheless, media frame analysis has only been used on occasion to elucidate how different conservation stakeholders frame wildlife management plans. We applied media frame analysis to the case of critically endangered Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), one of the world's rarest felids now confined to Iranian deserts. Between January 2018 and December 2020, 91 interviews from 44 conservation stakeholders were published in Persian‐language electronic media following the development of an Asiatic cheetah management plan. Media framed conservationists as agreeing on the alarming situation of Asiatic cheetahs and high‐level interventions needed for possible recovery yet disagreeing about using integrated (in situ + ex situ) versus single management approaches (in situ only) between academic and NGO interviewees. Interviews presented a balance of thematic (year‐round) and episodic around National and International Cheetah Days. We also found that the current media debate was highly skewed toward non‐local perspectives while views from reserve staffs were rarely (n = 2) reflected in the media. The increasing number of controversial conservation topics in media debates can persuade the public or policymakers by setting agenda. Disagreement in premises, threats and interventions confuse managers and potentially creates procrastination of necessary actions. Higher inclusion of reserve staffs, technical cooperation between stakeholders and pursuing the existing management plan are interventions that may portend great potential to enhance the conservation impact of media debates.
1016. ASARUM CRASSUM: Aristolochiaceae
Authors: Moore Richard , King Christabel
Published: May 2022

Asarum crassum Maekawa is a rare evergreen perennial, endemic to two small, uninhabited islands off the south coast of Kyūshū island, Japan. It is illustrated here and its introduction, horticultural merits and cultivation are discussed.
1021. COELOGYNE SQUAMULOSA: Orchidaceae
Authors: Schuiteman André , Want Terry , Lambkin Deborah
Published: May 2022

Coelogyne squamulosa is illustrated from a specimen flowering in cultivation. The history of its discovery and rediscovery in Borneo and its ecology are described. Related species are discussed and a detailed description of C. squamulosa is given.
The Social Contract and India's Right to Education
Authors: Dyer Caroline , Sriprakash Arathi , Jacob Suraj , Thomas Nisha
Published: May 2022

India's 2009 Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act presents an idealized social contract which assigns roles to multiple actors to uphold a mutual duty, or collective responsibility, to secure children's access to a quality school education. This article explores how the social contract assumed by the RTE Act misrepresents the conditions required to enact mutual responsibilities as well as actors’ agreement to do so. Qualitative data from Bihar and Rajasthan show how state actors, parents, community groups and teachers negotiate and contest the RTE Act norms. The analysis illuminates the unequal conditions and ever‐present politics of accountability relations in education. It problematizes the idealization of the social contract in education reform: it proposes that if the relations of power and domination through which ‘contracts’ are entered into remain unaddressed, then expressions of ‘mutual’ responsibility are unlikely to do other than reproduce injustice. It argues that policy discourses need to recognize and attend to the socially situated contingencies of accountability relations, and that doing so would offer an alternative pathway towards addressing structural inequalities and their manifestations in education.
Fibro‐inflammatory recovery and type 2 diabetes remission following a low calorie diet but not exercise training: A secondary analysis of the DIASTOLIC randomised controlled trial
Authors: Brady Emer M. , Gulsin Gaurav S. , Mirkes Evgeny M. , Parke Kelly , Kanagala Prathap , Ng Leong L. , Graham‐Brown Matthew P. M. , Athithan Lavanya , Henson Joseph , Redman Emma , Yang Jang , Zhao Lei , Argyridou Stavroula , Gray Laura J. , Yates Thomas , Davies Melanie J. , McCann Gerry P.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To investigate the relationship between fibro‐inflammatory biomarkers and cardiovascular structure/function in people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) compared to healthy controls and the effect of two lifestyle interventions in T2D.

Methods

Data were derived from the DIASTOLIC randomised controlled trial (RCT) and includes a comparison between those with T2D and the matched healthy volunteers recruited at baseline. Adults with T2D without cardiovascular disease (CVD) were randomized to a 12‐week intervention either: (1) exercise training, (2) a low‐energy (∼810 kcal/day) meal‐replacement plan (MRP) or (3) standard care. Principal Component and Fisher's linear discriminant analysis were used to investigate the relationships between MRI acquired cardiovascular outcomes and fibro‐inflammatory biomarkers in cases versus controls and pre‐ and post‐intervention in T2D.

Results

At baseline, 83 people with T2D (mean age 50.5 ± 6.4; 58% male) and 36 healthy controls (mean age 48.6 ± 6.2; 53% male) were compared and 76 people with T2D completed the RCT for pre‐ post‐analysis. Compared to healthy controls, subjects with T2D had adverse cardiovascular remodelling and a fibro‐inflammatory profile (20 differentially expressed biomarkers). The 3D data visualisations showed almost complete separation between healthy controls and those with T2D, and a marked shift towards healthy controls following the MRP (15 biomarkers significantly changed) but not exercise training.

Conclusions

Fibro‐inflammatory pathways and cardiovascular structure/function are adversely altered before the onset of symptomatic CVD in middle‐aged adults with T2D. The MRP improved the fibro‐inflammatory profile of people with T2D towards a more healthy status. Long‐term studies are required to assess whether these changes lead to continued reverse cardiac remodelling and prevent CVD.
Understanding inactive membership in voluntary contributory schemes: A case study of micro‐traders in Kenya
Authors: Indimuli Raphael , Mitullah Winnie , Riisgaard Lone , Kamau Anne
Published: May 2022

Motivation

The provision of health insurance is a public policy response to address the problem of catastrophic health expenditure, which leads to deprivation. Studies show a low uptake of health insurance among informal workers, but the focus has been on understanding enrolment behaviour. Little attention has been paid to understanding inactive membership among informal workers.

Purpose

This article asks why informal workers in Kenya are abandoning health insurance schemes. It uses micro‐traders as a case study to understand inactive membership among voluntary contributors in Kenya's national health insurance scheme.

Methods and approach

Based on primary data combining qualitative and quantitative methods, the article compares inactive members with active and non‐members to identify factors contributing to inactive status.

Findings

This article contends that unmarried voluntary contributors who consider themselves to be healthy and are own‐account workers with low and irregular earnings are more likely to drop out of the scheme. The key drivers of “inactiveness” are the inability to commit to the payment of regular premiums, due to the irregularity of earnings, the change of employment status from formal to informal, and dissatisfaction with scheme services.

Policy implications

Since unmarried, “healthy,” voluntary contributors are more likely to drop out, this creates problems of adverse selection in cases where the scheme retains “unhealthy” members, who are more likely to claim benefits. When “healthy” members drop out, this may force the scheme to increase the level of premiums, since contributory schemes rely on members' contributions. An increase in premiums may trigger further dropouts, which is counterproductive in relation to the global agenda of increasing access to essential health care.
Pay and employee intrapreneurialism in Russia, 1994–2015: A longitudinal study
Authors: Croucher Richard , Morrison Claudio , Rizov Marian
Published: May 2022

We examine whether a high wage–high employee intrapreneurial inputs model remains a significant feature of the Russian economy. We do so by estimating the evolution of employee ‘intrapreneurial’ contributions to companies in Russia, 1994–2015, using Akerlof's theory of ‘partial gift exchange’. Akerlof (1982) suggests that employee discretionary contributions to organizational capacities rise when pay exceeds employee perceptions of ‘fair’ pay in comparable employment. Using the extensive Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS), we find that overall employee intrapreneurial contributions significantly declined, 1994–2015, mirroring the declining Akerlof wage premium. Intrapreneurialism in highly informalized sectors was associated with labour market pressures. We extend Akerlof's theory to recognize intrapreneurial activity associated with coercive labour market pressures in the secondary labour market.
Different efficiency of auxiliary/chaperone proteins to promote the functional reconstitution of honeybee glutamate and acetylcholine receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Brunello Lorène , Ménard Claudine , Rousset Matthieu , Vignes Michel , Charnet Pierre , Cens Thierry
Published: May 2022

Heterologous expression systems (e.g., Xenopus laevis oocytes) are useful to study the biophysical properties and pharmacology of ionotropic receptors such as ionotropic glutamate (iGLuRs) and nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChRs) receptors. However, insect receptors often require the co‐expression of chaperone proteins to be functional. Only few iGluRs and nAChRs have been successfully expressed in such systems. Here, we compared the efficiency of chaperone proteins to promote the functional expression of one Apis mellifera iGluR and several nAChR subunit combinations (α1α8β1, α7, α2α8β1 and α2α7α8β1) in Xenopus oocytes. To this end, we cloned a new iGluR (GluR‐1) and potential chaperone proteins (e.g., SOL‐1, Neto, NACHO) and tested more than 40 combinations of human, nematode and honeybee proteins. We obtained robust expression of GluR‐1 and α1α8β1 when co‐expressed with honeybee chaperone proteins and found that nAChR expression critically depended on the α1 subunit N‐terminal sequence. We recorded small ACh‐gated currents in few oocytes when the α7 subunit was co‐expressed with Caenorhabditis elegans RIC‐3, but none of the chaperone proteins allowed efficient expression of α2α8β1 or α2α7α8β1. Our results show that only some protein combinations can reconstitute functional receptors in Xenopus oocytes and that protein combination efficient in one species is not always efficient in another species.
Carry‐over effects on reproduction in food‐supplemented wintering great tits
Authors: Broggi Juli , Watson Hannah , Nilsson Johan , Nilsson Jan‐Åke
Published: May 2022

Bird winter‐feeding has become a popular backyard activity around the world, particularly in northern regions of Europe and America with cold winters. However, the short‐ and long‐term ecological consequences of such artificial feeding remain inconclusive. In seasonal environments, timing of breeding is a crucial aspect that can strongly influence reproductive output and ultimately fitness. Individual condition at the start of the breeding season is especially important in determining breeding success, by influencing the onset of and investment in breeding. However, empirical evidence on the effects of winter feeding on avian breeding performance remain equivocal.

We studied onset of reproduction (laying date) and breeding investment (clutch size) over seven consecutive seasons in a population of wild great tits Parus major in southern Sweden. During the first three years of study, no experimental manipulation was undertaken, while over the last four years the study area was exposed to either supplemented or unmanipulated winter feeding conditions. Breeding was positively affected by supplementary feeding during winter, as birds breeding in the supplemented area increased their clutch size compared to birds from the control area, although laying date remained unaffected by winter feeding. Since differences in clutch size were absent during the three years prior to the experimental manipulation, the results suggest that winter supplementary feeding, and not inherent differences between the two areas, was the reason for the observed effect. Both breeding parameters varied over the years of study, although the effects of the experimental manipulation on clutch size remained consistent, which suggests a carry‐over effect of winter feeding on subsequent breeding performance.
Three dispersal routes out of Africa: A puzzling biogeographical history in freshwater planarians
Authors: Solà Eduard , Leria Laia , Stocchino Giacinta Angela , Bagherzadeh Reza , Balke Michael , Daniels Savel R. , Harrath Abdel Halim , Khang Tsung Fei , Krailas Duangduen , Kumar Biju , Li Mei‐Hui , Maghsoudlou Abdolvahab , Matsumoto Midori , Naser Niamul , Oben Benedicta , Segev Ori , Thielicke Matthias , Tong Xiaoli , Zivanovic Goran , Manconi Renata , Baguñà Jaume , Riutort Marta
Published: May 2022

Aim

Freshwater planarians may have a wide geographical range despite their assumed low vagility. Found across four continents, Dugesia may have either an ancient origin on a large palaeo landmass, followed by colonisation in different regions before continental fragmentation, or a more recent origin and subsequent transoceanic dispersal. We seek to resolve between these two hypotheses.

Location

Africa, Eurasia and Australasia.

Taxon

Genus Dugesia (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Dugesiidae).

Methods

We used data from the sequencing of six gene fragments and comprehensive taxonomic sampling of Dugesia from across its distribution range to reconstruct the phylogeny of this genus using maximum likelihood and bayesian inference methods. We conducted two phylogenetic dating analyses using Platyhelminthes fossils and palaeogeological events. Basing on the time‐calibrated molecular phylogenetic framework we evaluated the contribution of vicariance and dispersal to the biogeographical evolution of Dugesia. By reconstructing the ancestral areas and present‐day potential distribution using BioGeoBEARS and niche modelling, we elucidated the biogeographical history of the genus.

Results

The present‐day distribution of Dugesia is a result of different vicariance and dispersal events. However, we also found evidence of transoceanic dispersal. Consistent with previous hypotheses, Dugesia dates to the Upper Jurassic in the Afro‐Malagasy Gondwana region. We unveiled a novel biogeographical scenario for the genus, involving multiple events of colonisation in Eurasia from continental Africa via at least three dispersal routes.

Main conclusions

Dugesia is an ancient genus having reached its present distribution through a complex history of dispersal and vicariant events following its origin in southern Gondwana. Despite the low vagility of Dugesia, we found evidence of their overseas dispersal.
T‐cell‐derived Hodgkin lymphoma has motility characteristics intermediate between Hodgkin and anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Bein Julia , Flinner Nadine , Häupl Björn , Mathur Aastha , Schneider Olga , Abu‐Ayyad Marwa , Hansmann Martin‐Leo , Piel Matthieu , Oellerich Thomas , Hartmann Sylvia
Published: May 2022

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is usually characterized by a low tumour cell content, derived from crippled germinal centre B cells. Rare cases have been described in which the tumour cells show clonal T‐cell receptor rearrangements. From a clinicopathological perspective, it is unclear if these cases should be classified as cHL or anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma (ALCL). Since we recently observed differences in the motility of ALCL and cHL tumour cells, here, we aimed to obtain a better understanding of T‐cell‐derived cHL by investigating their global proteomic profiles and their motility. In a proteomics analysis, when only motility‐associated proteins were regarded, T‐cell‐derived cHL cell lines showed the highest similarity to ALK− ALCL cell lines. In contrast, T‐cell‐derived cHL cell lines presented a very low overall motility, similar to that observed in conventional cHL. Whereas all ALCL cell lines, as well as T‐cell‐derived cHL, predominantly presented an amoeboid migration pattern with uropod at the rear, conventional cHL never presented with uropods. The migration of ALCL cell lines was strongly impaired upon application of different inhibitors. This effect was less pronounced in cHL cell lines and almost invisible in T‐cell‐derived cHL. In summary, our cell line‐derived data suggest that based on proteomics and migration behaviour, T‐cell‐derived cHL is a neoplasm that shares features with both cHL and ALCL and is not an ALCL with low tumour cell content. Complementary clinical studies on this lymphoma are warranted.
Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide secretion after oral macronutrient ingestion: The human literature revisited and a systematic study in model experiments in mice
Authors: Ahrén Bo
Published: May 2022

Aims/Introduction

The incretin hormone glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is secreted after meal ingestion. This study explored the relative influence of classes of macronutrients on GIP secretion.

Materials and Methods

The human literature was revisited by identifying articles from PubMed using key words GIP, macronutrients, carbohydrates, fat, protein, healthy subjects. In model experiments in anesthetized mice, glucose (25–125 mg), protein (15–120 mg), fat emulsion (6–100 mg) or saline was given orally with determination of GIP levels.

Results

The literature survey identified 15 studies in which glucose, protein or fat was administered to healthy subjects. All three classes of macronutrients stimulated GIP secretion with a 30–45 min peak after glucose and protein, and a more prolonged release after fat. Limitations in study designs preclude firm conclusions on the relative potency of the macronutrients. In mice, glucose was more potent to stimulate GIP secretion than fat and protein, with no significant difference between protein and fat. By co‐administration of the macronutrients at moderate caloric combinations, a synergistic stimulation of GIP secretion was observed. In contrast, when raising the glucose challenge together with protein and fat, no synergy, but an additive effect, was evident.

Conclusions

Glucose, protein and fat all stimulate GIP secretion in humans and mice. In mice, glucose is more potent than fat and protein, and there is also a synergy between the macronutrients on GIP secretion at moderate caloric doses. Further studies are warranted in humans to explore the relative potency of macronutrients.
The mitosome of the anaerobic parasitic protist Entamoeba histolytica: A peculiar and minimalist mitochondrion‐related organelle
Authors: Santos Herbert J. , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: May 2022

The simplest class of mitochondrion‐related organelles (MROs) is the mitosome, an organelle present in a few anaerobic protozoan parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, and Cryptosporidium parvum. E. histolytica causes amoebiasis in humans, deemed as one of the important, yet neglected tropical infections in the world. Much of the enigma of the E. histolytica mitosome circles around the obvious lack of a majority of known mitochondrial components and functions exhibited in other organisms. The identification of enzymes responsible for sulfate activation (AS, IPP, and APSK) and a number of lineage‐specific proteins such as the outer membrane beta‐barrel protein (MBOMP30), and transmembrane domain‐containing proteins that bind to various organellar proteins (ETMP1, ETMP30, EHI_170120, and EHI_099350) showcased the remarkable divergence of this organelle compared to the other MROs of anaerobic protozoa. Here, we summarize the findings regarding the biology of the mitosomes in E. histolytica, from their discovery up to the present understanding of its roles and interactions. We also include current advances and future perspectives on the biology, biochemistry, and evolution of the mitosomes of E. histolytica.
Altered PVN‐to‐CA2 hippocampal oxytocin pathway and reduced number of oxytocin‐receptor expressing astrocytes in heart failure rats
Authors: Althammer Ferdinand , Roy Ranjan K. , Lefevre Arthur , Najjar Rami S. , Schoenig Kai , Bartsch Dusan , Eliava Marina , Feresin Rafaela G. , Hammock Elizabeth A. D. , Murphy Anne Z. , Charlet Alexandre , Grinevich Valery , Stern Javier E.
Published: May 2022

Oxytocinergic actions within the hippocampal CA2 are important for neuromodulation, memory processing and social recognition. However, the source of the OTergic innervation, the cellular targets expressing the OT receptors (OTRs) and whether the PVN‐to‐CA2 OTergic system is altered during heart failure (HF), a condition recently associated with cognitive and mood decline, remains unknown. Using immunohistochemistry along with retrograde monosynaptic tracing, RNAscope and a novel OTR‐Cre rat line, we show that the PVN (but not the supraoptic nucleus) is an important source of OTergic innervation to the CA2. These OTergic fibers were found in many instances in close apposition to OTR expressing cells within the CA2. Interestingly, while only a small proportion of neurons were found to express OTRs (~15%), this expression was much more abundant in CA2 astrocytes (~40%), an even higher proportion that was recently reported for astrocytes in the central amygdala. Using an established ischemic rat heart failure (HF) model, we found that HF resulted in robust changes in the PVN‐to‐CA2 OTergic system, both at the source and target levels. Within the PVN, we found an increased OT immunoreactivity, along with a diminished OTR expression in PVN neurons. Within the CA2 of HF rats, we observed a blunted OTergic innervation, along with a diminished OTR expression, which appeared to be restricted to CA2 astrocytes. Taken together, our studies highlight astrocytes as key cellular targets mediating OTergic PVN inputs to the CA2 hippocampal region. Moreover, they provide the first evidence for an altered PVN‐to‐CA2 OTergic system in HF rats, which could potentially contribute to previously reported cognitive and mood impairments in this animal model.
2‐kDa hyaluronan ameliorates human facial wrinkles through increased dermal collagen density related to promotion of collagen remodeling
Authors: Abe Yukina , Seino Satoshi , Kurihara Hitoshi , Kage Madoka , Tokudome Yoshihiro
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims

Hyaluronan (HA) oligosaccharides are involved in several biological processes, primarily collagen remodeling and wound healing. Collagen remodeling is retarded in aging skin and causes wrinkles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2‐kDa HA oligosaccharides (HA2k) on wrinkles by permeation through the stratum corneum and promotion of collagen remodeling.

Methods

A 3D skin model and excised human skin were used to evaluate the permeation of fluorescein‐labeled HA2k. The effect of HA2k on collagen metabolism was evaluated by measuring the protein level of type 1 pro‐collagen (COL1A1) and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) in the 3D skin model. 0.1% HA2k solution and vehicle control was applied to the human forearm for 8 weeks to evaluate dermal collagen density. To evaluate the effect of HA2k on depth of facial wrinkles, a randomized controlled trial was conducted with 0.1% HA2k lotion and vehicle lotion for 8 weeks.

Results

HA2k was confirmed to permeate through the stratum corneum by fluorescent microscopy. Both COL1A1 and MMP‐1 were upregulated by HA2k application in a 3D skin model culture. The collagen density was higher for the HA2k‐treated forearm than for the vehicle control‐treated forearm after 4 weeks. The maximum wrinkle depths in the nasolabial fold and crow's feet area were significantly shallower in the HA2k lotion group than in the control group.

Conclusion

HA2k permeated the stratum corneum, activated collagen synthesis and degradation simultaneously, and ameliorated wrinkles.
The Long‐Term Effectiveness of a Multisetting Lifestyle Intervention on Tobacco‐Related Habits in Adolescent Boys and Girls: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Masihay‐Akbar Hasti , Amiri Parisa , Rezaei Marjan , Jalali‐Farahani Sara , Cheraghi Leila , Momenan Amir Abbas , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

This study assesses the long‐term effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention on cigarette, passive, and hookah smoking in adolescent boys and girls.

METHODS

One thousand one hundred and fifty‐nine adolescent participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) (2001‐2004) were followed for 12 years. Participants in the intervention area received lifestyle interventions in family, schools, and community settings, with the largest part implemented in schools. After excluding those with missing baseline parental data (n = 66), complete parental data of 1093 adolescents was used for cluster analysis. Families were classified as low‐ and high‐risk. Two hundred and ninety‐six individuals who did not complete intervention/follow‐ups were excluded, GEE was performed on 797 adolescents (369 boys, 192 intervention) to assess the intervention effect on tobacco‐related habits.

RESULTS

Adolescents' mean baseline age was 15.21 ± 1.95. Those living in high‐risk families were more at risk of cigarette, passive, and hookah smoking. Intervention decreased odds of cigarette and passive smoking by 38% and 57%, respectively. Intervention did not reduce hookah smoking in adolescents. After sex‐specific analysis, the intervention reduced current cigarette smoking by 40% only in boys and passive smoking in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting lifestyle behaviors in school‐aged adolescents and their families reduces cigarette smoking in boys and protects both sexes from secondhand smoke.
Effects of different dietary protein levels on intestinal aquaporins in weaned piglets
Authors: Ren Zhihua , Zhang Xinyue , Fan Haoyue , Yu Yueru , Yao Shuhua , Wang Yuqian , Dong Yanqiang , Deng Huidan , Zuo Zhicai , Deng Youtian , Wang Ya , Xu Zhiwen , Deng Junliang
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between changes in intestinal aquaporins (AQPs) in piglets fed diets with different protein levels and nutritional diarrhoea in piglets. Briefly, 96 weaned piglets were randomly divided into four groups fed diets with crude protein (CP) levels of 18%, 20%, 22% and 24%. The small intestines and colons of the weaned piglets were collected, and several experiments were conducted. In the small intestine, AQP4 protein expression was higher in weaned piglets fed the higher‐CP diets (22% and 24% CP) than in those fed the 20% CP diet except at 72 h (p < 0.01). At 72 h, the AQP4 protein expression in the small intestine was lower in the 18% group than in the other three groups (p < 0.01). Under 20% CP feeding, AQP2, AQP4 and AQP9 protein expression in the colons of piglets peaked at certain time points. The AQP2 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the colon and the AQP4 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the distal colon were approximately consistent with the protein expression levels. However, the AQP9 mRNA content in the colon was highest in the 18% group, and the AQP2 mRNA content in the distal colon was significantly higher in the 24% group than in the 20% group. AQP2 and AQP4 were expressed mainly around columnar cells in the upper part of the smooth colonic intestinal villi, and AQP9 was expressed mainly on columnar cells and goblet cells in the colonic mucosa. In conclusion, 20% CP is beneficial to the normal expression of AQP4 in the small intestine, AQP2, AQP4 and AQP9 in the colon of weaned piglets, which in turn maintains the balance of intestinal water absorption and secretion in piglets.
Speed of onset of a new chewable formulation of oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel®) in a canine model of IL‐31‐induced pruritus
Authors: Fleck Timothy , Norris Lori , King Vickie , Lesman Steven , Gonzales Andrea J.
Published: May 2022

Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel®, Zoetis Inc.) is commonly used around the world for the control/treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and the control/treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. A new flavored chewable formulation of oclacitinib has been developed where more than 90% of doses offered to dogs were freely accepted when tested in clinical trials. The objective of this study was to determine whether the new chewable formulation of oclacitinib has a similar onset of anti‐pruritic activity as the original oclacitinib film‐coated tablets (FCT). Twenty‐one laboratory beagle dogs were randomized to treatment and received placebo, 0.4–0.6 mg/kg oclacitinib FCT or 0.4–0.6 mg/kg flavored chewable oclacitinib tablet (n = 7/group). Efficacy was measured by assessing reduction in pruritus 1–3 h post‐administration of treatments. Pruritus was induced by injecting canine IL‐31, intravenously (2.5 μg/kg), approximately 15 min prior to the pruritus observation window. Results from this study demonstrated both oclacitinib FCT and the flavored chewable oclacitinib tablet significantly reduced IL‐31‐induced pruritus within 1–3 h post‐dosing compared to placebo (p = .0069 and .0113, respectively), suggesting the new formulation of oclacitinib chewable tablets works as quickly to reduce pruritus in dogs as the oclacitinib FCT.