bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal variability in food choice and availability for the semi‐captive critically endangered mountain bongo in the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Authors: Fundi Peter , Mwangi Evans , Githaiga John
Published: May 2022

Dietary selection and preference are poorly understood for the mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci Thomas, 1902). Focal animal sampling was used to determine seasonal food choice and preference for captive‐bred individuals at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, in preparation for reintroduction into the wild at a proposed sanctuary within the surrounding forest reserve. Food availability was assessed using nested plot sampling. Plant life forms contributed differently to the diet (H[4] = 28.93, p < 0.01), with shrubs accounting for 55%. Relative abundance of the principal food plant species influenced their contribution to the diet in both wet and dry seasons (χ2 = 7.33, df = 1, p = 0.07; χ2 = 2.47, df = 1, p = 0.116 respectively). Despite having a high relative abundance (1.88%), Trichocladus ellipticus Eckl. & Zeyh. was less preferred during the wet season (E* = 0.20). It was however most preferred during the dry season (E* = 0.78), possibly reflecting relative nutritive value. The bongos included a large proportion of grass (27%) in their diet like other browsing herbivores that inhabit forest glades. Compared to the conservancy, plant foods were well represented at the proposed sanctuary with 72% and 80% similarity in both wet and dry seasons. This potentially enhances the likelihood of bongos adapting and establishing once reintroduced.
Rodent models to study sodium retention in experimental nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Xiao Mengyun , Bohnert Bernhard N. , Grahammer Florian , Artunc Ferruh
Published: May 2022

Sodium retention and edema are hallmarks of nephrotic syndrome (NS). Different experimental rodent models have been established for simulating NS, however, not all of them feature sodium retention which requires proteinuria to exceed a certain threshold. In rats, puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN) is a classic NS model introduced in 1955 that was adopted as doxorubicin‐induced nephropathy (DIN) in 129S1/SvImJ mice. In recent years, mice with inducible podocin deletion (Nphs2Δipod) or podocyte apoptosis (POD‐ATTAC) have been developed. In these models, sodium retention is thought to be caused by activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the distal nephron through aberrantly filtered serine proteases or proteasuria. Strikingly, rodent NS models follow an identical chronological time course after the development of proteinuria featuring sodium retention within days and spontaneous reversal thereafter. In DIN andNphs2Δipodmice, inhibition of ENaC by amiloride or urinary serine protease activity by aprotinin prevents sodium retention, opening up new and promising therapeutic approaches that could be translated into the treatment of nephrotic patients. However, the essential serine protease(s) responsible for ENaC activation is (are) still unknown. With the use of nephrotic rodent models, there is the possibility that this (these) will be identified in the future. This review summarizes the various rodent models used to study experimental nephrotic syndrome and the insights gained from these models with regard to the pathophysiology of sodium retention.
Extracting business cycles with three filters: A comparative study and application in the case of China
Authors: Sun Chentong , Li Naiqian
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to evaluate the performances of the wavelet, Hodrick–Prescott (HP), and Baxter–King (BK) filters in extracting cyclical information and to use an appropriate method to analyze China's business cycles. First, we use a second‐order autoregression (AR (2)) and random walk, based on Monte Carlo simulation experiments, to generate the data‐generating processes (DGPs) with different frequency characteristics. Second, the HP, BK, and wavelet filters are applied to extract the cyclical components of the respective DGPs. Third, the filtering abilities of the three methods are statistically compared. The results show the following: (1) Under the condition that the DGP is low frequency (long cycle) and trend dominated, the filtering performance of the three methods will remain unsatisfactory. (2) If the DGP is high frequency (short cycle), all three methods can serve as effective methods regardless of whether they are trend dominated or cycle dominated. However, it can be seen that the BK and wavelet filters present better performance than the HP filter. (3) In other cases, better filtering performances can be observed in the wavelet. Finally, the three methods are applied to estimate China's business cycles. In conclusion, this paper argues that the wavelet can effectively replace HP and BK filters to extract cyclical components.
Outsourcing via reverse auction with a built‐in menu of change orders
Authors: Wolfstetter Elmar G.
Published: May 2022

Many firms invent and design products while outsourcing their production to independent contractors. We consider a dominant strategy mechanism that selects a contractor using a reverse auction, combined with a menu of permitted change orders from which the contractor can choose after updated cost information has become available. That mechanism maximizes the gain from trade, allows the firm to extract the second highest surplus, and induces the contractor to make efficient adjustments to output after updated cost information has emerged.
Lessons learnt from multiple private land conservation programs in Canada to inform species at risk conservation
Authors: Reiter Dana , Pittman Jeremy , Ayambire Raphael Anammasiya , Brown H. Carolyn P. , Colla Sheila R. , Loewen Theresa M. , McCune Jenny L. , Olive Andrea , Parrott Lael
Published: May 2022

Action at local scales is needed to reduce documented declines in global biodiversity. Agricultural land constitutes 6.8% of the surface area of Canada, including more than 20 million hectares of grazing pasture alone, providing habitat to many species at risk of extinction. In Canada, where a voluntary stewardship approach is the main strategy for species at risk conservation on privately owned and managed lands, the challenge is to create conservation programs that maximize participation. We reviewed research on voluntary conservation programs on agricultural lands from five Canadian provinces to understand which approaches were most effective in maximizing participation. The objective of this paper is to contribute to policy development for conservation on private lands in Canada. We highlight common themes from all five regions. Key findings include the value of establishing a local delivery agent for the program, and the importance of designing the program to be in alignment with existing agricultural operations. Private landowners may build trust with local program managers, and are more open to making subtle adjustments to their land management rather than major changes. We conclude with eight recommendations to support the development of high impact species at risk stewardship programs on agricultural lands in Canada.
Design and synthesis of five‐membered heterocyclic derivatives of istradefylline with comparable pharmacological activity
Authors: Wang Yiyun , Wang Hongyi , Xu Haojie , Zheng Zhonghui , Meng Zihui , Xu Zhibin , Li Jiarong , Xue Min
Published: May 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system among the elderly. Istradefylline, an FDA‐approved adenosine A2A receptor antagonist (anti‐PD drug), has good efficacy. However, it has been reported that the double bond of istradefylline is easily converted into cis‐configuration when exposed to an indoor environment or direct light in a dilute solution. In order to find more stable adenosine A2A receptor antagonists with similar pharmacological efficacy to istradefylline, the compounds series I‐1 (12 compounds) was designed by maintaining the xanthine skeleton of istradefylline unchanged and replacing the trans‐double bond with thiazole or benzothiazole and other biologically active heterocyclic compounds. These compounds were synthesized via multi‐step experiment and successfully confirmed through different characterization techniques for their ability to inhibit cAMP formation in A2AAR overexpressing cells. The thiazole derivative of istradefylline (Compound I‐1‐11, I‐1‐12) exhibited significant activity (IC50 = 16.74 ± 4.11 μM, 10.36 ± 3.09 μM), as compared to istradefylline (IC50 = 5.05 ± 1.32 μM). In addition, the molecular docking of benzothiazole derivatives I‐1‐11 and thiazole derivatives I‐1‐12 with higher inhibition rate were carried out and compared with istradefylline. The molecular docking results showed that I‐1‐11 and I‐1‐12 anchored in the same site as that of XAC (3REY) with predicted affinity binding energy −6.63 kcal/mol and − 6.75 kcal/mol, respectively. Validation through dynamics simulation also showed stable interactions, with fluctuations <3 Å and MM/GBSA energy <−20 kcal/mol. Hence, this study could provide a basis for the rational design of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists with better potency.
Difference of income inequalities of denture use by co‐payment rates: A JAGES cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hoshi‐Harada Manami , Aida Jun , Cooray Upul , Nakazawa Noriko , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Studies suggest that wearing dentures to restore missing teeth can have a positive impact on health status. However, income inequalities in denture wearing exist. The aim of this study was to investigate how differing co‐payment rates under the current Japanese Universal Health Insurance Coverage System affect income inequalities in denture non‐use among older adults with severe tooth loss.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data from the 2019 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed to 345 356 independent people who did not receive long‐term care insurance benefits and were aged ≥65 years. The dependent variable was denture non‐use, and the independent variable was the equivalent annual household income. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were used with regression‐based approaches to determine both absolute and relative inequalities in denture non‐use by co‐payment rates. The covariates were sex, age, years of education, number of teeth and comorbidities.

Results

Of the 240 889 responses received (response rate =69.9%), we analysed 21 594 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 72.8 years (standard deviation =4.1), and 57.6% were men. For 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent co‐payment rates, the percentages of people who did not use dentures and had severe tooth loss (≤9 teeth) were 18.3%, 13.3%, and 8.5%, respectively. All analyses confirmed significant inequalities in denture non‐use. The lower the co‐payment rate, the smaller the inequalities. SIIs for each co‐payment rate were as follows: 30 per cent =13.35% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.61–17.09); 20 per cent =7.85% (95% CI = 4.88–10.81); and 10 per cent =4.85% (95% CI = 2.55–7.16). Inclusion of interaction term between income and co‐payment rate significantly lowered the inequalities by co‐payment rate in logistic regression analysis and SII. For RII, although the interaction was not statistically significant, a similar trend was observed.

Conclusions

Income inequalities in denture use existed among older adults with severe tooth loss in Japan, and the inequalities appeared to be greater when the co‐payment rate was higher.
Benefits of alignment quality‐control processing steps and an Angiosperms353 phylogenomics pipeline applied to the Celastrales
Authors: Simmons Mark P. , Maurin Olivier , Bailey Paul , Brewer Grace E. , Roy Shyamali , Lombardi Julio A. , Forest Félix , Baker William J.
Published: May 2022

We examined the impact of successive alignment quality‐control steps on downstream phylogenomic analyses. We applied a recently published phylogenomics pipeline that was developed for the Angiosperms353 target‐sequence‐capture probe set to the flowering plant order Celastrales. Our final dataset consists of 158 species, including at least one exemplar from all 109 currently recognized Celastrales genera. We performed nine quality‐control steps and compared the inferred resolution, branch support, and topological congruence of the inferred gene and species trees with those generated after each of the first six steps. We describe and justify each of our quality‐control steps, including manual masking, in detail so that they may be readily applied to other lineages. We found that highly supported clades could generally be relied upon even if stringent orthology and alignment quality‐control measures had not been applied. But separate instances were identified, for both concatenation and coalescence, wherein a clade was highly supported before manual masking but then subsequently contradicted. These results are generally reassuring for broad‐scale analyses that use phylogenomics pipelines, but also indicate that we cannot rely exclusively on these analyses to conclude how challenging phylogenetic problems are best resolved.
Continuous glucose monitoring to assess glucose variability in type 3c diabetes
Authors: Lee Victoria T. Y. , Poynten Ann , Depczynski Barbara
Published: May 2022

Aim

The effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in maintaining glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been well demonstrated. However, the degree of glycaemic variability (GV) in people with type 3c diabetes mellitus has not been fully explored using CGM. This study aims to evaluate GV in type 3c diabetes mellitus participants and compare it to type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Participants were grouped according to type of diabetes. GV, defined as percentage coefficient of variation (%CV), and other glycaemic indices were obtained using CGM (FreeStyle Libre, Abbott, Australia) from 82 participants across all three cohorts over a 14‐day period. Comparison of baseline characteristics and GV were performed across all groups. Correlation of GV with C‐peptide values, and whether pancreatic supplementation had an effect on GV were also assessed in the type 3c diabetes mellitus cohort.

Results

GV of type 3c diabetes mellitus participants was within the recommended target of less than %CV 36% (p = 0.004). Type 3c diabetes mellitus participants had the lowest GV among the three groups (p = 0.001). There was a trend for lower C‐peptide levels to be associated with higher GV in type 3c diabetes mellitus participants (p = 0.22). Pancreatic enzyme supplementation in type 3c diabetes mellitus participants did not have an effect on GV (p = 0.664).

Conclusions

Although type 3c diabetes mellitus participants were the least variable, they had the highest mean glucose levels and estimated HbA1c, which suggests that the concept of ‘brittle’ diabetes in type 3c diabetes mellitus is not supported by the results of CGM in this study and may be leading to poorer glycaemic control.
Effect of host plants on development and reproduction of Diaphorina citri and their host preference
Authors: Meng Lixue , Cheng Xiaoqin , Xia Changxiu , Zhang Hongyu
Published: May 2022

The effects of five host plant species – tangerine, Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shatangju, C. reticulata cv. Ponkan, orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, lemon, Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, and navel orange, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (all Rutaceae) – on the life‐table parameters and host preference of the citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), were evaluated under laboratory conditions. In the presence of the host plants tested, citrus psyllid showed higher preference for navel orange, followed by Shatangju and orange jasmine. Total nymph duration of D. citri was longest on lemon (14.1 days) and shortest on Shatangju (12.7 days). The survival rate (lx) of citrus psyllid on orange jasmine was significantly higher than on other tested host plants. The highest longevity of females was observed on lemon (47.6 days), whereas the shortest was on navel orange (40.5 days). The total number of eggs laid by females was not significantly different among host species. The net reproductive rate (R0) was significantly affected by host plants, being highest on Shatangju (162.1 females/female per generation) and lowest on navel orange (130.7). The intrinsic rates of natural increase (rm) was not significantly different among hosts, and ranged from 0.112 on lemon to 0.123 on orange jasmine. Cluster analysis of the life‐table parameters of D. citri on five host plant species indicated that Shatangju was the most suitable host to D. citri, followed by orange jasmine, and navel orange was the least suitable.
Above‐ and belowground resistance in Brazilian maize varieties under attack of Spodoptera frugiperda and Diabrotica speciosa
Authors: Costa Eduardo Neves , Fernandes Marcos Gino , Reis Lucas Coutinho , Martins Lucas Ortega , Foresti Andressa Caroline , de Paula Quintão Scalon Silvana
Published: May 2022

In South America, maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae) crops are commonly infested with larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), known as voracious leaf feeders, as well as by larvae of Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest that destroys maize root systems. Despite the relevance of these insects to maize fields, there is no information available about the effects of these herbivores on one another. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate in different maize varieties: (1) the influence of previous leaf consumption by S. frugiperda on D. speciosa larval weight and survival, (2) effects of previous root attack by D. speciosa on S. frugiperda larval weight and survival, and (3) the relationship between peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (resistance‐related enzymes) and maize resistance to the pests. One fifth instar S. frugiperda was released per potted maize plant at vegetative stage 4 (V4), and 24 h later plants were infested with 25 D. speciosa larvae. One set of plants was infested with D. speciosa only, and 16 days later whorl leaf sections were brought to the laboratory and offered to S. frugiperda neonate larvae. Performance of both insect pests was determined based on larval weight and survival. Uninfested plants of variety Maisena were susceptible to both herbivores. However, plants of this variety pre‐infested with S. frugiperda disfavored D. speciosa larval survival. Similarly, plants of variety Maisena pre‐infested with D. speciosa adversely affected S. frugiperda larval growth. Nevertheless, this induction of resistance was inhibited when the plant was also pre‐infested with S. frugiperda. In most cases, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase did not seem to play a role in mediating resistance to the pests. Overall, variety Maisena appears as a template for the development of maize genotypes expressing induced resistance. The potential of some varieties regarding constitutive resistance is also discussed.
Protocol for assessing soybean antibiosis toChloridea virescens
Authors: Boiça Júnior Arlindo Leal , Eduardo Wellington Ivo , de Souza Bruno Henrique Sardinha , de Moraes Renato Franco Oliveira , Louvandini Helder , Barbosa José Carlos , Stout Michael Joseph
Published: May 2022

There are no standard protocols for assessing antibiosis in soybean,Glycine max(L.) (Fabaceae), cultivars to lepidopterans, including tobacco budworm,Chloridea virescens(Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important species that causes damage to soybean crops in several production regions. This study was conducted to assess methodologies to determine the optimal combination of larval density, confinement container size, and plant structure in soybean antibiosis assays toC. virescens. In addition, primary and secondary metabolites in plant structures were analyzed to elucidate potential chemical resistance mechanisms against this lepidopteran. Antibiosis assays toC. virescensin resistant (IAC‐100) and susceptible (BR‐16) soybean cultivars were performed using three larval densities (one, two, and three larvae), two confinement container sizes (150 and 300 ml), and combinations of soybean plant structures (leaves, uncut pods, leaves + uncut pods, cut pods, and leaves + cut pods). Phenol, tannin, fiber, and lignin contents were quantified in the leaves, uncut pods, and grains of the soybean cultivars and related to biological development ofC. virescens. Resistance levels in soybean cultivars in antibiosis assays were best differentiated using one larva per 150‐ml confinement container, fed only on soybean leaves. Higher contents of condensed tannins in the leaves of IAC‐100 cultivar may be one of the main chemical mechanisms of resistance toC. virescens. Our study is the first to determine the optimal combination of larval density, confinement container size, and plant structure for antibiosis assays in soybean cultivars toC. virescens. The developed protocol will benefit high‐throughput phenotyping in genetic breeding programs to obtain cultivars resistant to lepidopterans for use in integrated pest management.
Validation of patient‐reported vaso‐occlusive crisis day as an endpoint in sickle cell disease studies
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Currie Brooke M. , Callaghan Michael , Wyrwich Kathleen W. , Pease Sheryl , Baker Christine L. , Arkin Steven , Pittman Debra D.
Published: May 2022

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience vaso‐occlusive crises (VOC). Historically, VOC episodes have been assessed through medical utilization, thereby excluding events managed at home. In order to validate a daily patient‐reported outcome for patients with SCD to accurately report their VOC status and experience of a pain crisis, a SCD Diary was included in Evaluation of Longitudinal Pain Study in Sickle Cell Disease (ELIPSIS), a longitudinal, six‐month, non‐interventional study. The daily patient‐completed diary included a description of SCD pain crisis, followed by questions on: pain crisis in the past 24 h (VOC Day question; respective response yes or no), worst pain, tiredness, and functioning. Thirty‐five patients with SCD participated in ELIPSIS. Analyses were performed to validate the patient‐reported VOC Day. Mean symptoms and functioning scores on the first or last VOC Day of a VOC Event were compared using t‐tests with the mean of the three non‐VOC Days before and after the event. Mean severity of symptoms and functioning scores on all VOC Days compared to all non‐VOC Days were higher, with statistically significant mean differences between first/last VOC Days and respective three non‐VOC Days (p's < .01). A subset of patients (n = 15) and caregivers (n = 9) were interviewed to evaluate their understanding of the SCD Diary questions. Nearly all confirmed that the pain crisis description accurately described the VOC experience, and participants expressed confidence differentiating SCD crisis pain from everyday pain. These results demonstrate patients can reliably report their experiences with VOC‐related pain crises using the SCD Diary.
Dental anxiety treatment by a dentist in primary care: A 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Hauge Mariann Saanum , Stora Bent , Willumsen Tiril
Published: May 2022

In an earlier randomized controlled trial of dental anxiety treatments (n = 96) we compared the effects of dentist‐administered cognitive behavioural therapy (D‐CBT) and dental treatment supplemented with the Four Habits communication model plus midazolam sedation. Both treatments, applied in a general dental practice, were associated with a clinically relevant decrease in dental anxiety. In this follow‐up study, 52 of the 82 treatment completers responded to an online questionnaire 1 year post‐treatment. Reduction in dental anxiety persisted for both treatment groups. From baseline to 1 year post‐treatment the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale was reduced by 7.8 [SD: 4.4; Cohen's d effect size: 1.2 (CI: 0.8–1.7)] and 7.8 [SD: 4.2; Cohen's d: 1.4 (0.9–1.8)] in the D‐CBT and Four Habits/midazolam groups, respectively. Most patients (74% for D‐CBT, 80% for Four Habits/midazolam) continued with dental treatment. Nine patients in the D‐CBT and seven in the Four Habits/midazolam groups received additional CBT treatment from a psychologist/dentist team. Both methods tested should be accessible to interested dentists who receive adequate training. Effective first‐line treatments for dental anxiety in general dental practice can generate more accessible care pathways for patients with dental anxiety. Evidence‐based dental anxiety treatment programmes should be included in the dental curriculum and established as best practice for dentists.
Correlation between fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography brain hypometabolism and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Soncin Lisa‐Dounia , Faure Sylvane , McGonigal Aileen , Horowitz Tatiana , Belquaid Sara , Bartolomei Fabrice , Guedj Eric
Published: May 2022

The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and focal epilepsy is poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that there is a complex and reciprocal potential reinforcement of the symptoms of each condition. In this study, we investigated whether there are PTSD‐specific brain changes in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Brain fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) metabolism was compared between controls and two groups of TLE patients: one group of 15 patients fulfilling the criteria for a potential diagnosis of PTSD (TLE‐PTSD+), another group of 24 patients without a diagnosis of PTSD (TLE‐PTSD‐), and a group of 30 healthy control participants. We compared the differences in brain PET metabolism among these three groups, and we studied their correlations with interictal and peri‐ictal scales of PTSD symptoms. TLE‐PTSD+ patients showed more significant hypometabolism involving right temporal and right orbitofrontal cortex in comparison to TLE‐PTSD‐ patients and healthy subjects. Moreover, degree of reduced metabolism in these brain areas correlated with interictal and peri‐ictal PTSD questionnaire scores. PTSD in temporal epilepsy is associated with specific changes in neural networks, affecting limbic and paralimbic structures. This illustrates the close intertwining of epileptogenic and psychogenic processes in these patients.
Does social capital foster sustainable investment?
Authors: Choy Siu Kai , Koci Iva , Wang Mingzhu
Published: May 2022

How do country‐level societal norms affect financial investments? We provide evidence that mutual funds managed in high social capital countries are inclined to consider environmental, social and governance filters in their portfolios, especially when acquiring new stocks and investing abroad. We argue that social capital nurtures the investment preferences of retail investors, whose demand incentivizes fund managers to respond in kind. Such impact is more pronounced in individualistic and high–power distance societies, suggesting that the social cohesion benefit of social capital complements altruistic inclinations in the former and provides mechanisms to punish unsustainable investment behaviour in the latter.
The effect of exercise on cytokine concentration in equine autologous conditioned serum
Authors: Hale Josephine N. , Hughes Kristopher J. , Hall Sarah , Labens Raphael
Published: May 2022

Background

Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is a commonly administered intra‐articular treatment for the management of osteoarthritis in athletic horses.

Objectives

To investigate the influence of exercise on the concentration of cytokines in a non‐commercial method of ACS production.

Study design

Non‐randomised cross over design.

Methods

Whole blood was obtained from eight healthy Standardbred horses immediately prior to, 1 h and 24 h following a single bout of exhaustive exercise. Blood was processed using a non‐commercial method of ACS production. Fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (FMIA) analysis was performed to quantify Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), Interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) concentrations at each time point. Mixed effect repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the pre‐exercise and post‐exercise cytokine concentrations. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A reduced concentration of IL‐1Ra (median 584.4, IQR 81.9–5098 pg/ml,p = 0.004) and an increased concentration of TNF‐α (11.92, 9.28–39.75 pg/ml,P = .05) at 1 h post‐exercise were observed when compared with baseline values (IL‐Ra 7349, 1272–10 760 pg/ml; TNF TNF‐α 11.16, 8.36–32.74 pg/ml). No difference in cytokine concentrations of IL‐10 or IL‐1β were found between any of the time points.

Main limitations

The large biological variability and small sample size represents limitations of this study.

Conclusions

These results suggest that a single bout of intense exercise can reduce the concentration of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1Ra and increase the concentration of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α, reducing the 'anti‐inflammatory' cytokine composition of ACS. Our findings suggest that collection of blood for ACS production should be performed no sooner than 24 h following a single episode of intense exercise.
Characterisation of the testicular transcriptome in stallions with age‐related testicular degeneration
Authors: Woodward Elizabeth , Schlingmann Karen , Tobias John , Turner Regina
Published: May 2022

Background

Age‐related testicular degeneration can be defined as the progressive deterioration of the testis that typically occurs in middle‐aged or older males and that leads to diminished testicular function and subfertility. In the equine breeding industry, genetically valuable males maintain their value as breeding animals well into old age. Because testicular degeneration is common in middle‐aged and older stallions, the disease often has a significant negative impact on a stallion's breeding career and leads to economic losses in the horse breeding industry.

Objective

Because testicular degeneration is a tissue autologous disease in the horse, the objective of this study was to use whole‐transcriptome sequencing to compare the testicular transcriptomes of normal, fertile stallions to those of stallions affected by age‐related testicular degeneration in order to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease.

Study design

Cross sectional.

Methods

Testicular tissue samples from clinical castrations or euthanasia were collected from normal healthy (n = 3) or older subfertile (n = 4) stallions. Samples were processed and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 Sequencing System. Bioinformatic analysis of the data was performed in R/RStudio, and the transcriptomes were compared between the two groups. Genes were considered to be differentially expressed between healthy and diseased tissue if they demonstrated at least a ±1.5× fold change difference and had a false discovery rate‐adjusted P value <0.05. Gene ontology analysis was performed using Ingenuity® IPA.

Results

Analyses of differential expression of individual genes, as well as computer‐based gene ontology analysis, identified upregulation of cytokine‐mediated inflammatory pathways in testes from stallions affected with testicular degeneration. This upregulation of inflammation was associated with upregulation of cell survival pathways, inhibition of apoptotic pathways and increases in collagen formation.

Main limitations

There are unavoidable confounding factors (e.g. differences in breed, management, environment, age) that could create non disease‐related genetic variation between our normal and affected samples. In addition, there are practical limitations to applying computer‐based gene ontology analysis to equine samples. Gene ontology software relies on published information (mostly non‐equine), and some biological processes (e.g. apoptosis and inflammation) are more commonly studied than others and so are over‐represented in the literature and therefore more likely to be identified by computer algorithms. Caution should be taken when interpreting the data, as alterations in gene expression can be the cause of disease processes or can be the result of disease processes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that chronic, low‐grade inflammation may be involved in the pathophysiology of age‐related testicular degeneration in stallions.
A review of equine tibial fractures
Authors: Bowers Kristin , Weinhandl Joshua T. , Anderson David E.
Published: May 2022

Equine tibial fractures are relatively infrequent in racing and non‐racing sport horses, but limitations in successful treatment of tibial fractures in adult horses result in relatively high mortality compared with other musculoskeletal injuries. The aetiology of tibial fracture can be classified into two general categories: traumatic impact or fatigue failure. Tibial stress fractures, also known as fatigue fractures, are often rated as the second most common stress fracture in racing Thoroughbreds; young age, early stage in race training, and initiation of training after a period of rest are the reported risk factors. Both impact and fatigue fracture propagation are dependent on the magnitude of force applied and on the local composition/alignment of mineralised collagen in the tibial lamella. Extensive research has characterised the pattern of strain distribution and stress remodelling within the equine tibia, but in vivo measurement of load and angular moments are currently not feasible. Further research is warranted to correlate biomechanical theory of tibia fatigue fracture propagation with current histopathological data. Preventative measures for fatigue fractures aim to optimise diagnostic efficiency, reduce the interval between injury and diagnosis and modify racing and training conditions to reduce non‐specific fracture risk. Treatment options for complete tibial fractures in adult horses are limited, but with careful case selection, successful outcomes have been reported after open reduction and internal fixation. On the other hand, tibial stress fractures and minimally displaced incomplete fractures are typically treated conservatively and have good prognosis for athletic recovery. This review aims to describe the current literature regarding tibial fracture aetiology, prevalence, risk factors, fracture biomechanics, treatment, prognosis and prevention.
A Long Way to Complexity: Nonlinear “Growth Stages” and Spatially Uncoordinated Settlement Expansion in a Compact City (Athens, Greece)
Authors: Salvati Luca
Published: May 2022

Recent urbanization trends reflect an increasing dependence on regional economic transformations, local population dynamics, and planning constraints, becoming intrinsically complex and nonlinear. Following this assumption, the present study proposes a new approach for the analysis of long‐term urban expansion in a compact metropolitan region (Athens, Greece), clarifying the importance of spatial heterogeneity and volatility in building activity over more than one century. A spatially explicit statistical approach was used to define a development cycle reflecting the stratification of heterogeneous waves of compact and dispersed urbanization at municipal scale. While resulting in distinctive spatial patterns of building activity, long‐term urban growth emerged as a multifaceted response to market stimuli, social change, and diversified territorial contexts. Results of a spatially explicit analysis of long‐term urban expansion based on official statistics shed further light on processes of metropolitan growth and change, and contribute to design integrated strategies enhancing spatial coordination and a more balanced socioeconomic development of contemporary cities.
Pre‐analytical processing protocol of breast biopsies affects multigene panel results
Authors: Lima Vanessa Reinaldo , da Costa Aguiar Alves Beatriz , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Zveibil Debora Krutman , del Giglio Auro
Published: May 2022

The creation of multigene panels for prognostic and predictive purposes allows a more accurate indication of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer. In a previous study, we reproduced a multigene panel of 21 genes based on the commercial Oncotype‐DX method. We submitted 183 embedded specimens obtained from breast surgery on patients with locoregional disease (stages I to III) between 2005 and 2010 performed at the Hospitals of the Medical School of the ABC Foundation. When we analysed the correlations between the score of the multigene panel and the progression‐free interval (PFI) in all patients, we did not find a statistically significant association. However, when we selected only the 71 samples that had amplification of at least eight non‐housekeeping genes, we observed that those with scores above the 75th percentile had a significantly lower PFI (p = .0054). Samples processed with nonbuffered formaldehyde were associated with a worse quality of extracted RNA (p = .004) and a significantly higher multigene panel score (p = .021). We conclude that variations in the pre‐analytical processing of specimens destined for multigene panel amplification can significantly affect the results, with a potential impact on clinical management.
Structure and luminescent properties of Sm/Dy‐doped Sr2MgSi2O7 glass–ceramics
Authors: Fernández‐Rodríguez Laura , Balda Rolindes , Fernández Joaquín , Durán Alicia , Pascual María Jesús
Published: May 2022

Sm3+‐doped and Sm3+/Dy3+ codoped SiO2–SrO–MgO glasses were prepared by conventional melt quenching and Sr2MgSi2O7 based glass–ceramics from sintering and crystallization of the glass powders. The thermal, structural, and optical properties of the glasses and glass–ceramics were investigated as a function of the dopant concentration. The optical characterization includes the photoluminescence spectra and the lifetimes of the 4G5/2 (Sm3+) and 4F9/2 (Dy3+) excited states. In Sm3+ single‐doped samples, the emission intensity increases up to a concentration of 0.3 mol% Sm3+ ions and then decreases due to nonradiative energy transfer processes. The emission spectra in the glass–ceramics show a more resolved structure and higher intensity compared to the glass samples, suggesting a different and crystalline environment for the Sm3+ ions. The non‐radiative processes also influence the experimental decays of the glass samples which deviate from a single exponential with lifetimes decreasing as Sm3+ concentration increases. The emission and excitation spectra of the codoped samples do not show significant energy transfer between Sm3+ and Dy3+ ions. Different emitting colors can be obtained in the codoped glasses by changing the excitation wavelength. The studied glass–ceramics could be applied as enamels on ceramic or metallic substrates.
Burden and risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shita Endalew Yizengaw , Nibret Endalkachew , Munshea Abaineh , Gashaw Bizuayehu
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. About 30 million people are at risk, and there are 20,000 to 50,000 new cases annually. It is maintained by rock hyraxes and Phlebotomus sand flies. Different studies showed the presence and risk factors of CL. However, there is no study on the pooled prevalence and risk factors. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and risk factors of CL in Ethiopia.

Method

We retrieved published articles from different databases. The review was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. The meta‐analysis was done with Stata software version 14. The forest plot with random‐effect model and inverse variance index was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval and heterogeneity of articles, respectively.

Results

A total of 99,226 people from 19 studies were screened. The overall pooled prevalence of CL was 20.4% with 95% CI (15.67–25.13%). The pooled prevalence is a weighted average of results of the included 19 studies. Highest pooled prevalence, 65.39% (95% CI: 61.14–69.47%), was in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), and the lowest was 1.53% (95% CI: 1.43–1.63%) in Amhara Region. Children were the most affected age group. Living in a home close to farmlands, outdoor sleeping behavior, the presence of gorge, hyrax, cracked walls, animal dung, and other cases in the neighborhood were identified as risk factors for CL.

Conclusion

There is high burden of CL in Ethiopia. Larger surveys are required. Health education on the prevention and control strategies shall be implemented.
Effect of moderate hydrothermal‐acidic modified potato pulp on the rheological properties of wheat dough
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Kang , Liu Qiannan , Zhang Liang , Zhao Ruixuan , Xu Fen , Hu Honghai
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the potential of moderate hydrothermal (50–80 °C) and acidic (0%–0.35% citric acid) modification of potato pulp (PP) to improve the rheological properties of wheat dough. The results show that hydrothermal treatment (HMT) and citric acid (CA) decreased the swelling power, thickening ability and gelatinisation enthalpy, as well as increased the solubility and gelatinisation temperature, of PP with an increase in temperature and CA addition. Additionally, HMT‐ (80 °C) and CA‐ (0.07%–0.35%) modified PP effectively enhanced dough strength against mixing and suppressed retrogradation. The thermochemical parameters of the composite dough were significantly correlated with the swelling power, rapid visco analyser (RVA) viscosity parameters (except setback viscosity) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) parameters (P < 0.05). The results suggest that moderate hydrothermal‐acidic treatment is an effective way to overcome dough mixing and retrogradation shortages in potato pulp‐based staple production.
Heterogeneous cancer‐associated fibroblasts: A new perspective for understanding immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhilin , Zhang Huan , Shi Lin , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong
Published: May 2022

Immunotherapy has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of a wide range of cancers; however, it has had little effect on pancreatic cancer. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant mesenchymal cells present in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, are powerful supporters of the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer. CAFs can modify the microenvironment, establish a refuge to aid cancer cells in immune escape by secreting large amounts of extracellular matrix, and produce soluble cytokines and exosomal vesicles. Hence, CAFs are important contributors to the failure of immunotherapy. Current in‐depth studies of CAFs have shown that CAFs are a heterogeneous population of mesenchymal cells; therefore, the functional complexity of their populations needs in‐depth explorations in future studies. This review summarizes how heterogeneous CAFs help cancer cells achieve immune escape and suggests potential directions for using CAFs as targets to address immune escape.
Lymph node stromal cells support the maturation of pre‐DCs into cDC‐like cells via colony‐stimulating factor 1
Authors: Wiechers Carolin , Pezoldt Joern , Beckstette Michael , Berner Johanna , Schraml Barbara U. , Huehn Jochen
Published: May 2022

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) arise from committed precursor dendritic cells (pre‐DCs) in the bone marrow that continuously seed the periphery. Pre‐DCs and other upstream progenitors proliferate and mature in response to Fms‐related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, which is considered the key cytokine for cDC development. However, other cytokines such as stem cell factor and colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) were also shown to induce pre‐DC maturation into DC‐like cells. Yet, it is still only incompletely understood which cells contribute to cDC development once pre‐DCs arrive in peripheral tissues. Here, we analysed the impact of lymph node (LN) fibroblastic stromal cells (FSCs) on the maturation of pre‐DCs into cDC‐like cells. We could demonstrate that ex vivo isolated LN FSCs co‐cultured with pre‐DCs induce precursor maturation into DC‐like cells, which were capable of efficiently promoting the proliferation of naïve CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, FSCs isolated from distinct LNs induced DC‐like cells with highly comparable transcriptomes, characterized by the expression of signature genes of both ex vivo isolated DCs and macrophages. Finally, by performing supplementation and receptor blocking studies, we could demonstrate that CSF1 is a driving factor for LN FSC‐mediated pre‐DC maturation into DC‐like cells. In summary, we could identify CSF1 as a stromal cell‐derived factor that has the potential to support the maturation of pre‐DCs into cDC‐like cells within secondary lymphoid organs.
Tetrandrine, an immunosuppressive alkaloid isolated from Steohania tetrandra S. Moore, induces the generation of Treg cells through enhancing fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Fang Yulai , Zhang Qin , Yuan Xusheng , Lv Changjun , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yanrong , Wei Zhifeng , Xia Yufeng , Dai Yue
Published: May 2022

Our previous studies have demonstrated that tetrandrine can induce the generation of regulatory T (Treg) cells in vitro and in vivo. But, the underlying mechanism of tetrandrine remains obscure. Naïve CD4+ T cells are isolated from the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice for the differentiation of Treg cells. Flow cytometry is used to detect the frequencies of Treg cells. Non‐targeted metabolomics analysis based on UHPLC‐QTOF/MS is performed to assess the intracellular metabolic profiles. ChIP‐PCR analysis is conducted to detect the level of H3K27ac at Foxp3 promoter and CNS regions. Tetrandrine treatment alters the metabolic profile of Treg cells, and pathway enrichment of differential metabolites mainly involves fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Tetrandrine promotes the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1, and increases the level of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA) and the intracellular oxygen consumption rate. Either CPT1 inhibitor (etomoxir) or siRNA markedly diminishes the promotion of tetrandrine on Treg cell differentiation. Furthermore, tetrandrine enhances the acetylation of H3K27 in the promoter and CNS1 regions of Foxp3 through the acetyl‐CoA derived from FAO. In the mice with collagen‐induced arthritis, tetrandrine also induces Treg cell generation through FAO pathway. In addition, tetrandrine enhances the immunosuppressive function of Treg cells both in vitro and in vivo. The findings indicate that tetrandrine promotes Treg cell differentiation by enhancing FAO‐mediated Foxp3 acetylation, and the CPT1‐mediated FAO can serve as the target for the discovery of novel inducers of Treg cell generation.