bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Typology of Guidance Tasks in Mixed‐Initiative Visual Analytics Environments
Authors: Pérez‐Messina I. , Ceneda D. , El‐Assady M. , Miksch S. , Sperrle F.
Published: July 2022

Guidance has been proposed as a conceptual framework to understand how mixed‐initiative visual analytics approaches can actively support users as they solve analytical tasks. While user tasks received a fair share of attention, it is still not completely clear how they could be supported with guidance and how such support could influence the progress of the task itself. Our observation is that there is a research gap in understanding the effect of guidance on the analytical discourse, in particular, for the knowledge generation in mixed‐initiative approaches. As a consequence, guidance in a visual analytics environment is usually indistinguishable from common visualization features, making user responses challenging to predict and measure. To address these issues, we take a system perspective to propose the notion of guidance tasks and we present it as a typology closely aligned to established user task typologies. We derived the proposed typology directly from a model of guidance in the knowledge generation process and illustrate its implications for guidance design. By discussing three case studies, we show how our typology can be applied to analyze existing guidance systems. We argue that without a clear consideration of the system perspective, the analysis of tasks in mixed‐initiative approaches is incomplete. Finally, by analyzing matchings of user and guidance tasks, we describe how guidance tasks could either help the user conclude the analysis or change its course.
A Grammar‐Based Approach for Applying Visualization Taxonomies to Interaction Logs
Authors: Gathani Sneha , Monadjemi Shayan , Ottley Alvitta , Battle Leilani
Published: July 2022

Researchers collect large amounts of user interaction data with the goal of mapping user's workflows and behaviors to their high‐level motivations, intuitions, and goals. Although the visual analytics community has proposed numerous taxonomies to facilitate this mapping process, no formal methods exist for systematically applying these existing theories to user interaction logs. This paper seeks to bridge the gap between visualization task taxonomies and interaction log data by making the taxonomies more actionable for interaction log analysis. To achieve this, we leverage structural parallels between how people express themselves through interactions and language by reformulating existing theories as regular grammars. We represent interactions as terminals within a regular grammar, similar to the role of individual words in a language, and patterns of interactions or non‐terminals as regular expressions over these terminals to capture common language patterns. To demonstrate our approach, we generate regular grammars for seven existing visualization taxonomies and develop code to apply them to three public interaction log datasets. In analyzing these regular grammars, we find that the taxonomies at the low‐level (i.e., terminals) show mixed results in expressing multiple interaction log datasets, and taxonomies at the high‐level (i.e., regular expressions) have limited expressiveness, due to primarily two challenges: inconsistencies in interaction log dataset granularity and structure, and under‐expressiveness of certain terminals. Based on our findings, we suggest new research directions for the visualization community to augment existing taxonomies, develop new ones, and build better interaction log recording processes to facilitate the data‐driven development of user behavior taxonomies.
Vessel Maps: A Survey of Map‐Like Visualizations of the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Eulzer P. , Meuschke M. , Mistelbauer G. , Lawonn K.
Published: July 2022

Map‐like visualizations of patient‐specific cardiovascular structures have been applied in numerous medical application contexts. The term map‐like alludes to the characteristics these depictions share with cartographic maps: they show the spatial relations of data attributes from a single perspective, they abstract the underlying data to inCrease legibility, and they facilitate tasks centered around overview, navigation, and comparison. A vast landscape of techniques exists to derive such maps from heterogeneous data spaces. Yet, they all target similar purposes within disease diagnostics, treatment, or research and they face coinciding challenges in mapping the spatial component of a treelike structure to a legible layout. In this report, we present a framing to unify these approaches. On the one hand, we provide a classification of the existing literature according to the data spaces such maps can be derived from. On the other hand, we view the approaches in light of the manifold requirements medical practitioners and researchers have in their efforts to combat the ever‐growing burden of cardiovascular disease. Based on these two perspectives, we offer recommendations for the design of map‐like visualizations of the cardiovascular system.
Assessing taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of giant clams across the Indo‐Pacific for conservation prioritization
Authors: Tan Edwin Y. W. , Neo Mei Lin , Huang Danwei
Published: July 2022

Aim

Giant clams are iconic bivalves known to serve numerous ecological roles contributing to the functioning of coral reef ecosystems. In the next decade, giant clams will continue to face critical anthropogenic pressures from over‐exploitation for their meat and shells, the aquarium trade and global warming that threaten the persistence of their species. Here, we assess the relationships between different biodiversity components to inform conservation prioritization and management.

Location

Indo‐Pacific marine realm.

Methods

We quantified taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity measures throughout 25 marine provinces and assessed their relationships for all 12 giant clam species in the subfamily Tridacninae. These biodiversity measures were used to identify potentially threatened species that contribute disproportionately to trait and evolutionary diversity and to highlight areas for global conservation prioritization of giant clam species.

Results

Analyses show positive correlations among species richness (SR), functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD), with the strongest relationship between FD and PD. However, spatial patterns of higher‐than‐expected FD and PD are incongruent with SR patterns, indicating that SR omits information associated with functional and phylogenetic diversity. Among the giant clam species, Tridacna gigas and Hippopus spp. have the greatest functional and evolutionary diversity contributions within assemblies, respectively. Spatial analyses reveal that the Bay of Bengal, Andaman and numerous parts of the eastern Indo‐Pacific potentially hold higher‐than‐expected FD and PD levels relative to their SR and thus warrant more attention with respect to conserving the diversity of giant clams.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of integrating functional trait contributions and evolutionary diversity into conservation planning to better differentiate giant clam assemblages, as it remains challenging to implement dedicated conservation given the limited resources. This study provides comprehensive biodiversity information for managers to initiate measures that holistically capture species' ecological and evolutionary standings across global reef ecosystems.
Risk of reinfection and disease afterSARS‐CoV‐2 primary infection: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Flacco Maria Elena , Acuti Martellucci Cecilia , Baccolini Valentina , De Vito Corrado , Renzi Erika , Villari Paolo , Manzoli Lamberto
Published: July 2022

Introduction

A precise estimate of the frequency and severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 reinfections would be critical to optimize restriction and vaccination policies for the hundreds of millions previously infected subjects. We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the risk of reinfection and COVID‐19 following primary infection.

Methods

We searched MedLine, Scopus and preprint repositories for cohort studies evaluating the onset of new infections among baseline SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive subjects. Random‐effect meta‐analyses of proportions were stratified by gender, exposure risk, vaccination status, viral strain, time between episodes, and reinfection definition.

Results

Ninety‐one studies, enrolling 15,034,624 subjects, were included. Overall, 158,478 reinfections were recorded, corresponding to a pooled rate of 0.97% (95% CI: 0.71%–1.27%), with no substantial differences by definition criteria, exposure risk or gender. Reinfection rates were still 0.66% after ≥12 months from first infection, and the risk was substantially lower among vaccinated subjects (0.32% vs. 0.74% for unvaccinated individuals). During the first 3 months of Omicron wave, the reinfection rates reached 3.31%. Overall rates of severe/lethal COVID‐19 were very low (2–7 per 10,000 subjects according to definition criteria) and were not affected by strain predominance.

Conclusions

A strong natural immunity follows the primary infection and may last for more than one year, suggesting that the risk and health care needs of recovered subjects might be limited. Although the reinfection rates considerably increased during the Omicron wave, the risk of a secondary severe or lethal disease remained very low. The risk–benefit profile of multiple vaccine doses for this subset of population needs to be carefully evaluated.
Novel insights into the pathogenic impact of diabetes on the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Portincasa Piero , Bonfrate Leonilde , Wang David Q.‐H. , Frühbeck Gema , Garruti Gabriella , Di Ciaula Agostino
Published: July 2022

Type 2 and type 1 diabetes are common endocrine disorders with a progressively increasing incidence worldwide. These chronic, systemic diseases have multiorgan implications, and the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents a frequent target in terms of symptom appearance and interdependent pathophysiological mechanisms. Metabolic alterations linked with diabetic complications, neuropathy and disrupted hormone homeostasis can lead to upper and/or lower GI symptoms in up to 75% of diabetic patients, with multifactorial involvement of the oesophagus, stomach, upper and lower intestine, and of the gallbladder. On the other hand, altered gastrointestinal motility and/or secretions are able to affect glucose and lipid homeostasis in the short and long term. Finally, diabetes has been linked with increased cancer risk at different levels of the GI tract. The presence of GI symptoms and a comprehensive assessment of GI function should be carefully considered in the management of diabetic patients to avoid further complications and to ameliorate the quality of life. Additionally, the presence of gastrointestinal dysfunction should be adequately managed to improve metabolic homeostasis, the efficacy of antidiabetic treatments and secondary prevention strategies.
α‐Glyceryl‐phosphoryl‐ethanolamine protects human hippocampal neurons from ageing‐induced cellular alterations
Authors: Zappelli Elisa , Daniele Simona , Ceccarelli Lorenzo , Vergassola Matteo , Ragni Lorella , Mangano Giorgina , Martini Claudia
Published: July 2022

Brain ageing has been related to a decrease in cellular metabolism, to an accumulation of misfolded proteins and to an alteration of the lipid membrane composition. These alterations act as contributive aspects of age‐related memory decline by reducing membrane excitability and neurotransmitter release. In this sense, precursors of phospholipids (PLs) can restore the physiological composition of cellular membranes and ameliorate the cellular defects associated with brain ageing. In particular, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) have been shown to restore mitochondrial function, reduce the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and, at the same time, provide the amount of acetylcholine needed to reduce memory deficit. Among PL precursors, alpha‐glycerylphosphorylethanolamine (GPE) has shown to protect astrocytes from Aβ injuries and to slow‐down ageing of human neural stem cells. GPE has been evaluated in aged human hippocampal neurons, which are implicated in learning and memory, and constitute a good in vitro model to investigate the beneficial properties of GPE. In order to mimic cellular ageing, the cells have been maintained 21 days in vitro and challenged with GPE. Results of the present paper showed GPE ability to increase PE and PC content, glucose uptake and the activity of the chain respiratory complex I and of the GSK‐3β pathway. Moreover, the nootropic compound showed an increase in the transcriptional/protein levels of neurotrophic and well‐being related genes. Finally, GPE counteracted the accumulation of ageing‐related misfolded proteins (a‐synuclein and tau). Overall, our data underline promising effects of GPE in counteracting cellular alterations related to brain ageing and cognitive decline.
Movement disorders in valine métabolism diseases caused by HIBCH and ECHS1 deficiencies
Authors: François‐Heude Marie‐Céline , Lebigot Elise , Roze Emmanuel , Warde Marie Thérèse Abi , Cances Claude , Damaj Lena , Espil Caroline , Fluss Joel , de Lonlay Pascale , Kern Ilse , Lenaers Guy , Munnich Arnold , Meyer Pierre , Spitz Marie‐Aude , Torre Stéphanie , Doummar Diane , Touati Guy , Leboucq Nicolas , Roubertie Agathe
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose

HIBCH and ECHS1 genes encode two enzymes implicated in the critical steps of valine catabolism, 3‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐coenzyme A (CoA) hydrolase (HIBCH) and short‐chainenoyl‐CoA hydratase (ECHS1), respectively. HIBCH deficiency (HIBCHD) and ECHS1 deficiency (ECHS1D) generate rare metabolic dysfunctions, often revealed by neurological symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe movement disorders spectrum in patients with pathogenic variants in ECHS1 and HIBC.

Methods

We reviewed a series of 18 patients (HIBCHD: 5; ECHS1D: 13) as well as 105 patients from the literature. We analysed the detailed phenotype of HIBCHD (38 patients) and ECHS1D (85 patients), focusing on MDs.

Results

The two diseases have a very similar neurological phenotype, with an early onset before 10 years of age for three clinical presentations: neonatal onset, Leigh‐like syndrome (progressive onset or acute neurological decompensation), and isolated paroxysmal dyskinesia. Permanent or paroxysmal MDs were recorded in 61% of HIBCHD patients and 72% of ECHS1D patients. Patients had a variable combination of either isolated or combined MD, and dystonia was the main MD. These continuous MDs included dystonia, chorea, parkinsonism, athetosis, myoclonus, tremors, and abnormal eye movements. Patients with paroxysmal dyskinesia (HIBCHD: 4; ECHS1D: 9) usually had pure paroxysmal dystonia with normal clinical examination and no major impairment in psychomotor development. No correlation could be identified between clinical pattern (especially MD) and genetic pathogenic variants.

Conclusions

Movement disorders, including abnormal ocular movements, are a hallmark of HIBCHD and ECHS1D. MDs are not uniform; dystonia is the most frequent, and various types of MD are combined in single patient.
Trigeminal neuropathy in two horses following trauma to the infraorbital and mental nerves
Authors: Ogden Nadine , Thomas Hannah , Carslake Harry , Kane‐Smyth Justine
Published: July 2022

This case series describes two cases of a head injury resulting in a traumatic neuropathy of the infraorbital nerve and the mental nerve, respectively. Both cases presented with head‐shaking behaviour and assumed facial dysaesthesia. This is a cause of head‐shaking not previously described in horses. One horse (Case 1) had a small wound at the level of the infraorbital foramen and was diagnosed with a bony fragment adjacent to the infraorbital nerve using computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography. Treatment consisted of surgical removal of the fragment, systemic anti‐inflammatories and multimodal analgesia. The second case (Case 2) was diagnosed with a nondisplaced comminuted fracture of the right hemi‐mandible using CT. The fracture line, along with multiple small fragments, was overlying the mental nerve as the nerve exits the mental foramen. The horse was treated with multimodal analgesia, and the fracture healed without requiring stabilisation. Clinical signs took several months to resolve in both cases. There were no reported signs of dysaesthesia or head‐shaking 6 months (Case 1) and 4 months (Case 2) following diagnosis. Long‐term follow‐up is still required to assess these horses. Traumatic neuropathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses presenting with head‐shaking behaviour.
Middle‐aged and Elderly Adult Wellbeing: Connections to Travel Motivation and Restorative Servicescapes
Authors: Huang Yu Chih
Published: July 2022

This study integrated two research strands to investigate the influence of restorative servicescapes and travel motivations on the wellbeing of middle‐aged and elderly (MAE) adults. A total of 203 valid questionnaires surveying MAE adults staying in wellness resorts was used in the data analysis. The findings indicated that the travel motivations of MAE adults to pursue health improvement in wellness resort contexts are significantly associated with emotional experiences, thus contributing to subjective wellbeing (SWB). This study extends the concept of the restorative potentials of servicescapes by demonstrating the relevance of a restorative servicescape provided by wellness resort to SWB.
A single centre, open label, pilot study evaluating the effect of intra‐articular hyaluronic acid injection on pain and functionality when injected into the ankle (tibio‐talar and sub‐talar) joint in patients with haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Taylor Stephanie , David Joel , Partington Karen , Pemberton Sam , Mangles Sarah , Wells Anna , Curry Nicola
Published: July 2022

Aims

Ankle arthropathy commonly affects persons with haemophilia (PWH). Joint damage causes loss of movement, pain and reduced function. Current treatments are limited. Viscosupplementation has been used to treat other patient groups with joint damage. Viscosupplements serve to augment or act as a substitute for synovial fluid and may ameliorate the effects of cartilage loss by cushioning joints and reducing pain. This study evaluated intra‐articular Ostenil Plus™ (HA) for ankle arthropathy in PWH. Reduction in pain was the primary outcome.

Methods

A single centre open label pilot study. PWH and significant ankle arthropathy, according to MRI scores, were recruited. Participants received intra‐articular HA injections at baseline and 6 months. Follow up assessments were completed three‐monthly for 1 year. Pain was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participant perceptions of overall changes to pain, function and quality of life were sought.

Results

Twenty‐four participants were recruited, three withdrew. Twenty‐six joints were injected. Twenty participants had severe haemophilia. Mean age 35 years. Participants reported significant reduction in pain over the study. VAS baseline: 5.62; 6 month 3.92; 12‐month 3.42, P < .0001. Joint function improved together with ankle HJHS. No change was seen for EQ‐5D‐5L. Sixteen participants reported reductions in ankle pain and stiffness and greater confidence in undertaking physical activities. No significant adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusion

Ostenil Plus™ treatment improves pain, function and patient perception of functional ability in PWH and ankle arthropathy. This study supports the use of HA as a safe treatment in PWH.
PARENTAL TIME INVESTMENT AND INTERGENERATIONAL MOBILITY
Authors: Yum Minchul
Published: July 2022

This article constructs an overlapping generations general equilibrium model to explore the extent to which heterogeneity in time investment shapes intergenerational mobility of lifetime income. The calibrated model successfully accounts for untargeted distributional aspects of income mobility. Counterfactual exercises show that removing heterogeneity in parental time investment reduces intergenerational persistence by around 7–8% for early childhood but only marginally in later childhood. Policy experiments find that an asset‐tested subsidy for parental monetary investments in early childhood can raise intergenerational mobility in a cost‐effective way, though it reduces mobility substantially if given to parents with older school‐aged children.
Application of fresh beef tumbling to enhance tenderness and proteolysis of cull cow beef loins (M. longissimus lumborum)
Authors: Nondorf Mariah J. , Romanyk Madison , Lemenager Ronald P. , Koranne Vishvesh , Malshe Ajay , Kim Yuan H. Brad
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the effect of fresh beef tumbling and postmortem ageing on the quality and proteolysis of loins from cull cows. Loins (M. longissimus lumborum) from twelve carcasses (Holstein breed, fat utility, >30 months) were obtained at 5d postmortem, sectioned, and assigned to three treatments (NT, T: tumbled, and TS: tumbled with spike mat). The beef sections were cut into halves and assigned to ageing treatments (0d or 14d). No significant tumbling impacts were found on instrumental tenderness, proteolysis (desmin and troponin‐T degradation and myofibrillar fragmentation) of cull cow beef loins. Tumbling did not affect the initial purge, drip or thaw loss of beef samples (P > 0.05), while TS induced higher moisture losses compared with NT (P < 0.05). Significant interactions between tumbling and ageing treatments were found, where consumer panel determined higher tenderness liking and overall liking of tumbled beef loins (T and TS) compared to NT without further ageing. However, after additional 2 weeks of ageing, no differences between treatments were observed in those sensory attributes (P > 0.05). These results indicate that fresh beef tumbling could be an effective, simple and natural method to improve tenderness of cull cow beef loins.
The structural characteristic of bamboo shoot shell polysaccharides extracted using ultrasound‐assisted phosphotungstic acid hydrolysis and its protection against cell oxidative injury
Authors: Dai Jing , Xiao Zhuqian , Li Jiajie , Ge Qing , Wang Hongpeng , Sha Ruyi , Mao Jianwei
Published: July 2022

In this study, crude polysaccharide (BSSP) was extracted from bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoot shell using the ultrasonic‐assisted phosphotungstic acid hydrolysis method. Then, BSSP was further fractionated by DEAE Sepharose fast flow column and serial NaCl solution elutions to obtain two fractions, BSSP‐A and BSSP‐B. The results showed that the maximum yield of BSSP was 195.2 mg g−1 (19.52%) under optimised conditions. Structural analysis indicated that both BSSP‐A and BSSP‐B were heteropolysaccharides with α‐pyranoside bond structure and mainly consisted of xylose by scanning electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermal characterisation and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. BSSP‐B showed a better protective effect than BSSP‐A against H2O2‐induced oxidative injury in WRL‐68 cells by protecting the cell membrane structure, maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential and increasing intracellular antioxidant enzymes activities. Immunoblotting indicated that polysaccharides might up‐regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes through the Keap1/Nrf2 signalling pathway and thus alleviate H2O2‐induced cell injury. The findings of this study suggested that polysaccharides from bamboo shoot shell may act as potent antioxidants in functional food industries.
The history of migraine from Mesopotamian to Medieval times
Authors: Rose F Clifford
Published: July 2022

The first descriptions of migraine can be traced back nearly 4,000 years from the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia (Sumeria and Babylonia) through Egyptian, Greek and Roman epochs. Through Byzantine, Arabic and Medieval times there are only patchy references until the 17th century, when European physicians first gave full case reports.
Migraine Patients as Trainers of Their Fellow Patients in Non-Pharmacological Preventive Attack Management: Short-Term Effects of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mérelle SYM , Sorbi MJ , van Doornen LJP , Passchier J
Published: July 2022

In conformity with current views on patient empowerment, we designed and evaluated the effects of home-based behavioural training (BT) provided by lay trainers with migraine to small groups of fellow patients. The primary aims of BT were to reduce attack frequency and increase perceived control over and self-confidence in attack prevention. In a randomized controlled trial the BT group ( n = 51) was compared with a waitlist-control group (WLC), receiving usual care ( n = 57). BT produced a minor (-21%) short-term effect on attack frequency and clinically significant improvement in 35% of the participants. Covariance analysis showed a non-significant trend ( P = 0.07) compared with WLC. However, patients’ perceived control over migraine attacks and self-confidence in attack prevention increased significantly with large effect sizes. Patients with high baseline attack frequency might benefit more from BT than those with low attack frequency. In conclusion, lay trainers with migraine strengthened fellow patients' perceived control, but did not induce a significant immediate improvement in attack frequency.
Conversion of borate glass microspheres to hollow biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic microspheres for bone defects
Authors: Shen Youqu , Semon Julie A. , Brow Richard K.
Published: July 2022

Hollow biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) microspheres with different fractions of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) were prepared, and their in vitro and in vivo reactivity were assessed. The microspheres were prepared by reacting soluble borate glass microspheres in phosphate solutions (0.1‐ or 0.25‐M K2HPO4) with different values of pH (7–12) to produce hollow calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) microspheres with Ca/P ratios that increased with solution pH. Heating the hollow CDHA microspheres to 800°C produced hollow, nanoporous BCP microspheres with ratios of nanocrystalline HA and β‐TCP that correspond to the Ca/P ratio of the CDHA precursors. Hollow BCP microspheres with a greater fraction of β‐TCP released calcium ions most quickly in a K‐acetate acidic buffer solution, consistent with their greater bioactivity in the in vivo tests. CDHA and BCP microspheres converted to nanocrystalline carbonated HA when immersed in 37°C simulated body fluid. Hollow CDHA and BCP microspheres were implanted in rat calvarial defects, and after 8 weeks, the BCP microspheres with a β‐TCP/HA ratio of 70/30 (by weight) promoted a greater fraction of new bone formation (33% ± 7%) compared to BCP microspheres with a β‐TCP/HA ratio of 44/56 (20% ± 9%) and compared to the respective CDHA precursor microspheres (17% ± 4%, 17% ± 5%). Bone formation was not observed in the subcutaneous implants of any types of these hollow microspheres, after 8 and 12 weeks, and the more reactive BCP microspheres (β‐TCP/HA = 70/30) were associated with significantly more blood vessel formation in the subcutaneous implants. These results indicate that the properties of hollow BCP microspheres can be tailored by their processing conditions and are useful as scaffold materials for tissue regeneration.
Transcriptome analysis of Micrococcus luteus in response to treatment with protocatechuic acid
Authors: Tian Lu , Wu Mi , Li Hui , Gong Guoli
Published: July 2022

Aim

To reveal the antibacterial mechanism of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against Micrococcus luteus.

Methods and Results

M. luteus was exposed to PCA, and the antibacterial mechanism was revealed by measuring membrane potential, intracellular ATP and pH levels and transcriptome analysis. PCA induced the membrane potential depolarization of M. luteus, significantly decreased the intracellular ATP and pH levels of M. luteus and disrupted the integrity of the M. luteus cell membrane. Transcriptome analysis showed that PCA induced 782 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of M. luteus. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the majority of DEGs are involved in pathways of metabolic process, cellular process, biological regulation and transport activity. In addition, PCA inhibited the growth of M. luteus in skimmed milk and extended the shelf life of skimmed milk.

Conclusion

PCA had good bactericidal activity against M. luteus through the mechanism of cell membrane disruption and metabolic process disorder.

Significance and Impact of the Study

PCA inhibits the growth of M. luteus in skimmed milk, suggesting that PCA is promising to be used as a novel preservative in food storage.
Genetic parameters of immune traits for Landrace and Large White pig breeds
Authors: Roth Katharina , Pröll‐Cornelissen Maren Julia , Heuß Esther Maren , Dauben Christina Mechthilde , Henne Hubert , Appel Anne Kathrin , Schellander Karl , Tholen Ernst , Große‐Brinkhaus Christine
Published: July 2022

Improving the immunocompetence towards pathogens represents a desirable objective of breeding strategies to increase resilience. However, the immune system is complex and the genetic foundation of the underlying components is not yet clarified. In the present study, we focused on 22 blood parameters of 1,144 Landrace (LR) and Large White (LW) piglets at the age of 6–7 weeks. The immune profiles covered immune cells, red blood cell characteristics and cytokines. Genetic parameters based on pedigree information along with possible environmental effects were estimated. Litter effects play an important role in the expression of immune parameters of their young progenies. Hence, litter impacts on the piglet's immune profile including the immune parameters of the dam itself were investigated by different models. To incorporate the complexity of the immune network, the data were further investigated with a principal component analysis. Immune traits showed low to high breed‐specific heritabilities (h2). Strong positive rg were estimated among red blood cell characteristics (0.77–0.99) and among cytokines (0.48–0.99). Neutrophils and lymphocytes illustrated a high negative rg (−0.96 to −0.98). The litter impact on piglet's immunity was examined and strengthened already observed breed differences. In LR, h2 (0.22–0.15) and litter effect (c2) (0.52–0.44) for IFN‐γ decreased after statistical consideration of maternal impact. In LW, a decrease in h2 (0.32–0.18) for IFN‐γ and an increase in c2 (0.54–0.56) were observed. Here, sufficient correlations were detected within various immune traits and functional biological networks of principal components. Most immune traits are heritable and are promising to cover global breed‐specific immunocompetence in pigs. The analysis of immune traits has to be extended in order to find an optimal range and to characterize relationships between immunity and performance to gain an improved immune system without accidental losses in productivity.
Information or Accountability? A Research Agenda on European Commissioners in National Parliaments
Authors: Crum Ben , Oleart Alvaro
Published: July 2022

Research on national parliaments in the EU has greatly expanded since the Treaty of Lisbon fully recognized their role in providing democratic legitimacy for EU decision‐making. However, the direct interaction between national parliaments and the European Commission has received little academic attention. This research note seeks to frame a research agenda that explores whether, and under which conditions, the Commission visits to national parliaments have the potential to develop from sites for inter‐institutional exchange of information to arenas for cross‐level accountability. We lay out a framework to capture the relation between national parliaments and the Commission based on three kinds of indicators: the formal set‐up, logic of interaction, and public communication. We illustrate the kind of evidence and range of variation that this agenda may unearth by applying this framework in an exploratory analysis of Trade Commissioner Malmström's visits to seven national parliaments in the EU.
Editorial Perspective: A perfect storm – how and why eating disorders in young people have thrived in lockdown and what is happening to address it
Authors: Nicholls Dasha
Published: July 2022

The number of children and young people referred to community eating disorders services escalated dramatically shortly after onset of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Many presented with medical instability following restrictive eating and needed acute hospitalisation to correct malnutrition. In addition to the many risk factors for mental health problems that young people have been subjected to since onset of the pandemic, the question for eating disorders researchers, practitioners and policy makers is how, for so many, did it become about eating. In this editorial, some of the factors that may explain how eating, weight, shape and body image may have taken centre stage in young people's lives are explored. Finally, some clinical service adaptations and gaps, policy considerations, and research priorities are outlined.
Shame anxiety, stigma and clinical encounters
Authors: Dolezal Luna
Published: July 2022

Stigma has been associated with delays in seeking treatment, avoiding clinical encounters, prolonged risk of transmission, poor adherence to treatment, mental distress, mental ill health and an increased risk of the recurrence of health problems, among many other factors that negatively impact on health outcomes. While the burdens and consequences of stigma have long been recognized in the health literature, there remains some ambiguity about how stigma is experienced by individuals who live with it. The aim of this paper is to elucidate the phenomenology of stigma, or to describe how it is that stigma shows up in the first‐person experience of individuals who live with stigma and its burdens. Exploring the relationship between shame and stigma, I argue that shame anxiety, or the chronic anticipation of shame, best characterises the experience of living with a health‐related, or health‐relevant, stigma. Understanding the experiential features, or phenomenology, of shame anxiety will give healthcare professionals a greater sensitivity to stigma and its impacts in clinical settings and encounters. I will conclude by suggesting that ‘shame‐sensitive’ practice would be beneficial in healthcare.
Effect of inulin and whey protein concentrate on the physicochemical properties and shelf life of reduced‐fat cream puffs
Authors: Onsri Narudee , Hudthagosol Chatrapa , Sanporkha Promluck
Published: July 2022

This study used inulin at 20, 35, and 50% and whey protein concentrate (WPC) at 5, 10, and 15% in crust (CPC) and filling (CPF) of cream puffs. Addition of inulin and WPC significantly decreased the viscosity and specific volume. Using inulin at 20% retained a defined structure of CPC. In sensory evaluation, 20% inulin and 10% WPC formula received the highest scores of appearance and taste among the formulas. For CPF, too high viscosity was found in treatment using inulin at 35 and 50%. The panelists rated the 20% inulin and 5% WPC highest in texture, taste, odor, and overall acceptability. Thus, developed formula could reduce total energy from fat and increase 90% of dietary fiber and 19% of protein. Inulin and WPC were successfully used as fat replacers to extend shelf life of the storage times from 9 to 13 days while passing the microbiological standard.

Novelty impact statement

Inulin and WPC could be used to replace fat in cream puff products.

Inulin and WPC could extend the shelf life of cream puff products in terms of microbiological and sensory properties.

Increasing WPC content more than 10% in filling formulation added undesirable sensory characteristics.
Agronomical selection on loss‐of‐function of GIGANTEA simultaneously facilitates soybean salt tolerance and early maturity
Authors: Dong Lidong , Hou Zhihong , Li Haiyang , Li Zhaobo , Fang Chao , Kong Lingping , Li Yongli , Du Hao , Li Tai , Wang Lingshuang , He Milan , Zhao Xiaohui , Cheng Qun , Kong Fanjiang , Liu Baohui
Published: July 2022

Salt stress and flowering time are major factors limiting geographic adaptation and yield productivity in soybean (Glycine max). Although improving crop salt tolerance and latitude adaptation are essential for efficient agricultural production, whether and how these two traits are integrated remains largely unknown. Here, we used a genome‐wide association study to identify a major salt‐tolerance locus controlled by E2, an ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana GIGANTEA (GI). Loss of E2 function not only shortened flowering time and maturity, but also enhanced salt‐tolerance in soybean. E2 delayed soybean flowering by enhancing the transcription of the core flowering suppressor gene E1, thereby repressing Flowering Locus T (FT) expression. An E2 knockout mutant e2CR displayed reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the response to salt stress by releasing peroxidase, which functions in ROS scavenging to avoid cytotoxicity. Evolutionary and population genetic analyses also suggested that loss‐of‐function e2 alleles have been artificially selected during breeding for soybean adaptation to high‐latitude regions with greater salt stress. Our findings provide insights into the coupled selection for adaptation to both latitude and salt stress in soybean; and offer an ideal target for molecular breeding of early‐maturing and salt‐tolerant cultivars.
HTLP metamorphism and fluid‐fluxed melting during multistage anatexis of continental crust (N Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Casini Leonardo , Maino Matteo , Langone Antonio , Oggiano Giacomo , Corvò Stefania , Estrada Joan Reche , Liesa Montserrat
Published: July 2022

The Variscan high‐grade metamorphic basement of northern Sardinia and southern Corsica record lower Carboniferous anatexis related to post‐collisional decompression of the orogen. Migmatites exposed in the Punta Bianca locality (Italy) consist of quartz + biotite + plagioclase + K‐feldspar orthogneisses, garnet and cordierite‐bearing diatexite and metatexites, derived from metasediments. Field evidence, petrographic observations, ELA‐ICP‐MS zircon and monazite dating and pseudosection modelling suggest that anatexis was apparently episodic involving two main stages of partial melting. Using pseudosection modelling, we infer that the first stage of partial melting is in the upper amphibolite facies (~0.45 GPa at ~740°C). Cordierite overgrowths replacing sillimanite, combined with the composition of plagioclase and K‐feldspar, suggest decompression followed cooling below the solidus at low pressures of ~0.3 GPa. The age of the first anatectic event is not precisely constrained because of extensive resetting of the isotopic systems during the second melting stage, yet few zircons preserve a lower Carboniferous age which is consistent with the regional dataset. This lower Carboniferous migmatitic fabric is offset by a network of pseudotachylyte‐bearing faults suggestive of cooling to greenschist facies conditions. Garnet/cordierite‐bearing diatexites incorporate fragments of pseudotachylite‐bearing orthogneiss and metatexites. Pseudosection modelling indicates nearly isobaric re‐heating up to ~750°C, followed by further cooling below the solidus. The inferred P–T path is consistent with decompression and cooling of the Variscan crust through post‐collisional extension and collapse of the thickened orogenic crust, followed by nearly isobaric re‐heating at low pressures (~0.3 GPa) yielding to a second melting stage under LP‐HT conditions. U/Th‐Pb monazite ages for diatexite migmatites indicate an upper bound of 310–316 Ma for the second melting stage, suggesting that the second melting stage is coincident with the regional phase of crustal shearing. The cause of the high geothermal gradient required for re‐heating during the second melting stage is unknown but likely requires some heat source that was probably related to dissipation of mechanical work within crustal‐scale shear zones. According to this interpretation, some upper Carboniferous peraluminous granite precursors of the Corsica–Sardinia Batholith could be the outcome rather than the cause of the late‐Variscan high‐T metamorphism.
Involvement of high‐mobility group box‐1 and Dermoscopy in diagnosis of psoriasis severity
Authors: Mohamad Noha Ezzat , Hashem Noha , Eltahlawy Samar , Gomaa Enas
Published: July 2022

Background/Objectives

The diagnosis of psoriasis is usually established on clinical grounds but there is lacking of such diagnostic tools to stratify its severity. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin, nails, and joints. Dermoscopy represent a novel diagnostic tool to diagnose and assess psoriasis severity. The main purpose of this study is to assess the value of dermoscopy associated with serum level of high‐mobility group box‐1 level (HMGB‐1) in the diagnosis and stratification of psoriasis severity.

Methods

This study included 60 Egyptians subdivided into two equal groups, psoriatic patients, and controls. All patients were subjected first to dermoscopic examination, and then we evaluated the serum levels of HMGB‐1 among all studied groups.

Results

The level of HMGB‐1 increased in psoriatic patients than controls. There was significant difference between patients and controls in the serum levels of HMGB ‐1. There were also a positive significant correlation between HMGB‐1 and different stages of disease severity. There were also significant correlations between HMGB‐1 and specific dermoscopic findings like vascular pattern and vascular number, erythema grades as well as types of scales (Fine, coarse) and (Fine, thick).

Conclusions

Dermoscopy and HMGB‐1 can be considered as a combined novel diagnostic tool for psoriasis severity.
PGC‐1α attenuates TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in OCCM‐30 cells
Authors: Fu Yihui , Du Mingyuan , Cao Zhengguo , He Hong
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator (PGC)‐1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism, has been associated with many inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of PGC‐1α in cementoblasts under periodontitis. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of PGC‐1α in immortalized cementoblast cell line OCCM‐30 under TNF‐α stimulation.

Materials and Methods

OCCM‐30 cells were cultured and exposed to TNF‐α, and PGC‐1α expression was assessed by Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting. Chemical inhibitors targeting various signaling pathways including NF‐κB, p38 MAPK, Akt, and p53 were used to identify the regulatory mechanism involved. ZLN005 was used to upregulate PGC‐1α and the subsequent alteration of inflammatory cytokines expression under TNF‐α stimulation were examined by qRT‐PCR and Elisa. PGC‐1α siRNA was employed to further verify the role of PGC‐1α in inflammatory response. Dual‐reporter gene assays were performed to examine the transcriptional activity of p65, and the phosphorylation level of p65 was evaluated by western blotting. Immunofluorescence assays and nuclear and cytoplasmic extractions were performed to check the nuclear translocation of p65. Coimmunoprecipitation studies were also performed to check whether there is direct binding between p65 and PGC‐1α.

Results

TNF‐α suppressed PGC‐1α expression in OCCM‐30 cells. Blocking p38 MAPK pathways restored the expression of PGC‐1α. ZLN005 can upregulate PGC‐1α in OCCM‐30 cells. The upregulation of PGC‐1α by ZLN005 inhibited TNF‐α‐induced proinflammatory cytokine expression, which was impaired by the transfection of PGC‐1α siRNA. Knocking down PGC‐1α also partially restored the ZLN005‐decreased transcriptional activity of p65. However, the phosphorylation level and nuclear translocation of p65 were not significantly affected by PGC‐1α. It was found that p65 was bound to PGC‐1α in OCCM‐30 cells stimulated by TNF‐α, and the binding was increased upon ZLN005 treatment.

Conclusions

PGC‐1α can attenuate TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in OCCM‐30 cells.
FBXW7 affects autophagy through MCL1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Yang , Nie Wei , Qiu Bo , Yang Qi , Zhao Huanhuan
Published: July 2022

Background

Oral cancer is associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. However, effective treatment for oral cancer is urgently required in clinics. In this study, we aimed to determine whether F‐box/WD repeat‐containing protein 7 (FBXW7), an essential tumor suppressor gene, can regulate autophagy and improve the prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

mRNA levels of FBXW7 and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL‐1) in OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were measured by qRT‐PCR. FBXW7 and MCL‐1 were overexpressed in OSCC cell line using lentivirus containing FBXW7 and MCL‐1, respectively. Protein expression was determined by Western blot.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of FBXW7 were decreased in patients with OSCC, whereas the mRNA and protein levels of MCL‐1 were increased. Moreover, the mRNA coding for autophagy proteins was reduced in patients with OSCC. Additionally, it was found that overexpression of FBXW7 significantly reduced MCL‐1 expression and upregulated autophagy‐related proteins, including Beclin1, autophagy related 7, and microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that FBXW7 affects autophagy through MCL1 in OSCC.
The salivary effector protein Sg2204 in the greenbug Schizaphis graminum suppresses wheat defence and is essential for enabling aphid feeding on host plants
Authors: Zhang Yong , Liu Xiaobei , Francis Frédéric , Xie Haicui , Fan Jia , Wang Qian , Liu Huan , Sun Yu , Chen Julian
Published: July 2022

Aphids secrete diverse repertoires of salivary effectors into host plant cells to promote infestation by modulating plant defence. The greenbug Schizaphis graminum is an important cereal aphid worldwide. However, the secreted effectors of S. graminum are still uncharacterized. Here, 76 salivary proteins were identified from the watery saliva of S. graminum using transcriptome and proteome analyses. Among them, a putative salivary effector Sg2204 was significantly up‐regulated during aphid feeding stages, and transient overexpression of Sg2204 in Nicotiana benthamiana inhibited cell death induced by BAX or INF1. Delivering Sg2204 into wheat via the type III secretion system of Pseudomonas fluorescens EtAnH suppressed pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI)‐associated callose deposition. The transcript levels of jasmonic acid (JA)‐ and salicylic acid (SA)‐associated defence genes of wheat were significantly down‐regulated, and the contents of both JA and SA were also significantly decreased after delivery of Sg2204 into wheat leaves. Additionally, feeding on wheat expressing Sg2204 significantly increased the weight and fecundity of S. graminum and promoted aphid phloem feeding. Sg2204 was efficiently silenced via spray‐based application of the nanocarrier‐mediated transdermal dsRNA delivery system. Moreover, Sg2204‐silenced aphids induced a stronger wheat defence response and resulted in negative impacts on aphid feeding behaviour, survival and fecundity. Silencing of Sg2204 homologues from four aphid species using nanocarrier‐delivered dsRNA also significantly reduced aphid performance on host plants. Thus, our study characterized the salivary effector Sg2204 of S. graminum involved in promoting host susceptibility by suppressing wheat defence, which can also be regarded as a promising RNAi target for aphid control.