bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High intraspecies allelic diversity inArabidopsisNLR immune receptors is associated with distinct genomic and epigenomic features
Authors: Sutherland Chandler A. , Prigozhin Daniil M. , Monroe J. Grey , Krasileva Ksenia V.
Published: January 2023

Plants rely on Nucleotide-binding, Leucine-rich repeat Receptors (NLRs) for pathogen recognition. Highly variable NLRs (hvNLRs) show remarkable intraspecies diversity, while their low variability paralogs (non-hvNLRs) are conserved between ecotypes. At a population level, hvNLRs provide new pathogen recognition specificities, but the association between allelic diversity and genomic and epigenomic features has not been established. Our investigation of NLRs inArabidopsisCol-0 has revealed that hvNLRs show higher expression, less gene body cytosine methylation, and closer proximity to transposable elements than non-hvNLRs. hvNLRs show elevated synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide diversity and are in chromatin states associated with an increased probability of mutation. Diversifying selection maintains variability at a subset of codons of hvNLRs, while purifying selection maintains conservation at non-hvNLRs. How these features are established and maintained, and whether they contribute to the observed diversity of hvNLRs is key to understanding the evolution of plant innate immune receptors.
VAP-mediated membrane tethering mechanisms implicate ER-PM contact function in pH homeostasis
Authors: Hoh Kar Ling , Mu Baicong , See Tingyi , Ng Amanda Yunn Ee , Ng Annabel Qi En , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2023

VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs) are highly conserved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident proteins that establish ER contacts with multiple membrane compartments in many eukaryotes. However, VAP-mediated membrane tethering mechanisms remain ambiguous. Here, focusing on fission yeast ER-plasma membrane (PM) contact formation, using systematic interactome analyses and quantitative microscopy, we predict a non-VAP-protein direct binding-based tethering mechanism of VAPs. We further demonstrate that VAP-anionic phospholipids interactions underlie ER-PM association and define the pH-responsive nature of VAP-tethered membrane contacts. Importantly, such conserved interactions with anionic phospholipids are generally defective in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated human VAPB mutant. Moreover, we identify a conserved FFAT-like motif locating at the autoinhibitory hotspot of the essential PM proton pump Pma1. This modulatory VAP-Pma1 interaction is crucial for pH homeostasis. We thus propose an ingenious strategy for maintaining intracellular pH by coupling Pma1 modulation with pH-sensory ER-PM contacts via VAP-mediated interactions.
Profiles of the composite biomarker specific for β-amyloid accumulation in the brain relevant to age and sex
Authors: Satoh Kouji , Sato-Ueshima Maremi , Kagami-Katsuyama Hiroyo , Nakamura Masakazu , Ogata Akihiko , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Nishihira Jun
Published: January 2023

Accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain occurs in the early phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), without symptoms of cognitive decline. Therefore, early detection of the accumulation phase is essential to prevent or delay AD. In this study, we investigated the effects of age, sex, apoprotein-E (ApoE) genotype and cognitive dysfunction on the ratio of Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40, and amyloid β precursor protein (APP)669-711(composite biomarker: CM) in plasma using a sensitive Time of flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). In healthy subjects, the average CM value of males aged 30– 59 years was significantly higher than that of females, but no difference was observed between those aged 60 and 79 years. CM values increased considerably after 50 years of age, especially in females. The effect of the ApoE4 genotype on CM was greater in females than in males. The CM value of patients with AD was higher than that of healthy subjects and that of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The CM value of patients with PD complicated by AD was higher than that of patients with PD. These results suggest that the CM value is influenced by age, sex, ApoE4 genotype, and central nervous system disorder. In addition, the CM value could be a reliable biomarker to distinguish not only patients with AD and healthy subjects but also AD and patients with PD. Since the measurement of CM is less invasive to the subjects, the method is helpful for the early detection of accumulation of Aβ before the appearance of AD symptoms. Moreover, this practical method can be used for differential diagnosis among a variety of patients with dementia.
Assessing racial bias in type 2 diabetes risk prediction algorithms
Authors: Cronjé Héléne T. , Katsiferis Alexandros , Elsenburg Leonie K. , Andersen Thea O. , Rod Naja H. , Nguyen Tri-Long , Varga Tibor V.
Published: January 2023

Risk prediction models for type 2 diabetes can be useful for the early detection of individuals at high risk. However, models may also bias clinical decision-making processes, for instance by differential risk miscalibration across racial groups. We investigated whether the Prediabetes Risk Test (PRT) issued by the National Diabetes Prevention Program, and two prognostic models, the Framingham Offspring Risk Score, and the ARIC Model, demonstrate racial bias between non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, sampled in six independent two-year batches between 1999 and 2010. A total of 9,987 adults without a prior diagnosis of diabetes and with fasting blood samples available were included. We calculated race- and year-specific average predicted risks of type 2 diabetes according to the risk models. We compared the predicted risks with observed ones extracted from the US Diabetes Surveillance System across racial groups (summary calibration). All investigated models were found to be miscalibrated with regards to race, consistently across the survey years. The Framingham Offspring Risk Score overestimated type 2 diabetes risk for non-Hispanic Whites and underestimated risk for non-Hispanic Blacks. The PRT and the ARIC models overestimated risk for both races, but more so for non-Hispanic Whites. The risk of type 2 diabetes extracted from these landmark models were more severely overestimated for non-Hispanic Whites compared to non-Hispanic Blacks, potentially resulting in a larger fraction of non-Hispanic Whites being prioritized for a preventive intervention, but also more likely to be overdiagnosed and overtreated, with a larger fraction of non-Hispanic Blacks being potentially underprioritized and undertreated.
Rice Yellow Mottle Virusresistance by genome editing of theOryza sativaL. ssp. japonica nucleoporin geneOsCPR5.1but notOsCPR5.2
Authors: Arra Yugander , Auguy Florence , Stiebner Melissa , Chéron Sophie , Wudick Michael M. , Miras Manuel , Schepler-Luu Van , Cunnac Sébastien , Frommer Wolf B. , Albar Laurence
Published: January 2023

Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) causes one of the most devastating rice diseases in Africa. Management of RYMV is challenging. Genetic resistance provides the most effective and environment-friendly control. The recessive resistance locusrymv2(OsCPR5.1) had been identified in African rice (O. glaberrima), however, introgression intoO. sativa ssp. japonicaandindicaremains challenging due to crossing barriers. Here, we evaluated whether CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of the two rice nucleoporin paralogsOsCPR5.1(RYMV2) andOsCPR5.2can be used to introduce RYMV resistance into thejaponicavariety Kitaake. Both paralogs had been shown to complement the defects of the Arabidopsisatcpr5mutant, indicating partial redundancy. Despite striking sequence and structural similarities between the two paralogs, only oscpr5.1loss-of-function mutants were fully resistant, while loss-of-functionoscpr5.2mutants remained susceptible, intimating thatOsCPR5.1plays a specific role in RYMV susceptibility. Notably, edited lines with short in-frame deletions or replacements in the N-terminal domain (predicted to be unstructured) ofOsCPR5.1were hypersusceptible to RYMV. In contrast to mutations in the single ArabidopsisAtCPR5gene, which caused severely dwarfed plants,oscpr5.1andoscpr5.2singleknockoutmutants show neither substantial growth defects nor symptoms indicative of programmed cell death, possibly reflecting functional redundancy of the isoforms regarding other important functions. The specific editing ofOsCPR5.1, while maintainingOsCPR5.2activity, provides a promising strategy for generating RYMV-resistance in eliteOryza sativalines as well as for effective stacking with other RYMV resistance genes or other traits.
Equivalence of charge imbalance and external electric fields during free energy calculations of membrane electroporation
Authors: Kasparyan Gari , Hub Jochen S.
Published: January 2023

Electric fields across lipid membranes play important roles in physiology, medicine, and biotechnology, rationalizing the wide interest in modeling transmembrane potentials in molecular dynamics simulations. Transmembrane potentials have been implemented with external electric fields or by imposing charge imbalance between the two water compartments of a stacked double-membrane system. We compare the two methods in the context of membrane electroporation, which involves a large change of membrane structure and capacitance. We show that, given that Ewald electrostatics are defined with tinfoil boundary conditions, the two methods lead to (i) identical potentials of means force (PMFs) of pore formation and expansion at various potentials, demonstrating that the two methods impose equivalent driving forces for large-scale transitions at membranes and (ii) to identical polarization of water within thin water wires or open pores, suggesting that the two methods furthermore impose equivalent local electric fields. Without tinfoil boundary conditions, effects from external fields on pore formation are spuriously suppressed or even removed. Together, our study shows that both methods, external fields and charge imbalance, are well suitable for studying large-scale transitions of lipid membranes that involve changes of membrane capacitance. However, using charge imbalance is technically more challenging for maintaining a constant transmembrane potential since it requires updating of the charges as the capacitance of the membrane changes.
Biochemical characterization of a GDP-mannose transporter fromChaetomium thermophilum
Authors: Premageetha Gowtham Thambra Rajan , Dhanabalan KanagaVijayan , Bose Sucharita , Manjunath Lavanyaa , Joseph Deepthi , Paz Aviv , Grandfield Samuel , Nayak Vinod , Bredeston Luis M. , Abramson Jeff , Subramanian Ramaswamy
Published: January 2023

Nucleotide Sugar Transporters (NSTs) belong to the SLC35 family (human solute carrier) of membrane transport proteins and are crucial components of the glycosylation machinery. NSTs are localized in the ER and Golgi apparatus membranes, where they accumulate nucleotide sugars from the cytosol for subsequent polysaccharide biosynthesis. Loss of NST function impacts the glycosylation of cell surface molecules. Mutations in NSTs cause several developmental disorders, immune disorders, and increased susceptibility to infection. Atomic resolution structures of three NSTs have provided a blueprint for a detailed molecular interpretation of their biochemical properties. In this work, we have identified, cloned, and expressed 18 members of the SLC35 family from various eukaryotic organisms inSaccharomyces cerevisiae.Out of 18 clones, we determined Vrg4 fromChaetomium thermophilum(CtVrg4) is a GDP-mannose transporter with an enhanced melting point temperature (Tm) of 56.9 °C, which increases with the addition of substrates, GMP and GDP-mannose. In addition, we report—for the first time—that the CtVrg4 shows an affinity to bind to phosphatidylinositol lipids.
Effects of synchrotron-based X-rays and gold nanoparticles on normal and cancer cell morphology and migration
Authors: Shahhoseini Elham , Nakayama Masao , Panettieri Vanessa , Hall Chris , Feltis Bryce , Geso Moshi
Published: January 2023

It has been shown lately that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and ionizing radiation (IR) have inhibitory effects on cancer cell migration while having promoting effects on normal cells' motility. Also, IR increases cancer cell adhesion with no significant effects on normal cells. In this study, synchrotron-based microbeam radiation therapy, as a novel pre-clinical radiotherapy protocol, is employed to investigate the effects of AuNPs on cell migration. Experiments were conducted utilizing synchrotron X-rays to investigate cancer and normal cell morphology and migration behaviour when they are exposed to synchrotron broad beams (SBB) and synchrotron microbeams (SMB). This in vitro study was conducted in two phases. In phase I two cancer cell lines – human prostate (DU145) and human lung (A549) – were exposed to various doses of SBB and SMB. Based on the phase I results, in phase II two normal cell lines were studied: human epidermal melanocytes (HEM) and human primary colon epithelial (CCD841), along with their respective cancerous counterparts, human primary melanoma (MM418-C1) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (SW48). The results show that radiation-induced damage in cells' morphology becomes visible with SBB at doses greater than 50 Gy, and incorporating AuNPs increases this effect. Interestly, under the same conditions, no visible morphological changes were observed in the normal cell lines post-irradiation (HEM and CCD841). This can be attributed to the differences in cell metabolic and reactive oxygen species levels between normal and cancer cells. The outcome of this study highlights future applications of synchrotron-based radiotherapy, where it is possible to deliver extremely high doses to cancer tissues whilst preserving surrounding normal tissues from radiation-induced damage.
Designing an internal audit effectiveness model for public sector: qualitative and quantitative evidence from a developing country
Authors: Shuwaili Ahmed Mohammed Jasim , Hesarzadeh Reza , Bagherpour Velashani Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In recent decades, managerial desire to use internal audit services to promote well-controlled organizational processes has significantly increased in the public sector. Yet, there is rare information on how internal audits may effectively be implemented in the public sector. The present research aims to design a comprehensive internal audit effectiveness model for the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is an applied mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) and descriptive survey study. The research population in both qualitative and quantitative sections included all internal and external audit managers and staff of Iraqi public organizations. The study sample of the qualitative section included 28 audit managers and staff selected using purposive sampling, and the study sample of the quantitative section included 399 individuals selected using convenience sampling. The data collection instruments in the qualitative and quantitative sections included semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, respectively. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis in Atlas.ti software in the qualitative section. Quantitative analysis and model validation were also performed using path analysis and structural equation modeling in Smart-PLS software in the quantitative section.

Findings

The results of the qualitative section led to the identification of 38 effectiveness factors among seven main categories, which were finally presented in the form of a comprehensive model. The main categories included the communication between internal and external auditors, granting independence and authority to internal auditors, providing specialized human resources, providing technological resources, developing management support, strengthening organizational culture and developing audit plans. In the qualitative section, the model was validated and confirmed. Quantitative results further showed that the compilation of audit plans and the development of management support were the most important factors.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive framework on internal audit with an emphasis on resource-based theory and reducing the research gap in the field of agents influencing internal audit efficacy in the public sector of developing countries. Further, the study provides insights into an under-studied developing country, Iraq.
The role of the organizational and operational dimensions in the open collaboration performance: a strategic alignment perspective
Authors: Kissimoto Kumiko Oshio , Mattos Cláudia Aparecida , Laurindo Fernando José
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the business model and the strategic intent to adopt an open collaboration initiative influence the perceived quality of collaboration outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a framework to analyze the role of the strategic dimension and the operational dimension in open collaboration initiatives through multiple case studies in three companies to understand how the open collaboration initiative was deployed and how was the level of the alignment between these two dimensions.

Findings

The studied cases revealed that when an open collaboration initiative starts in the strategic dimension and there is an alignment between the organizational dimension and operational dimension, the collaboration outcomes are clearer and more traceable.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights the need to consider the involvement and the internal alignment between strategic and operational dimensions when deploying an open collaboration activity if they want to achieve all the benefits.

Practical implications

The presented framework can help managers to evaluate and understand how open collaboration activities are deployed within the company.

Social implications

The study shows that when an open collaboration initiative is planned, its results and benefits can be extended to local communities by developing them.

Originality/value

This study aims to analyze the open collaboration initiative’s contribution to the overall organizational performance through the alignment between the organizational dimension and operational dimension perspective.
Project-based learning for proactive skills development of postgraduate students in solar energy building design digitalisation
Authors: Gunarathna Chathuri , Yang Rebecca , Wijeratne Mudiyanselage Pabasara , Amarasinghe Gayashan , Samarasinghalage Tharushi , Weerasinghe R.P. Nilmini , Zhao Hongying , Zhang Chaoxiang , Liu Chengyang , Wang Kaige , Dev Sureshkumar Jayakumari Sujan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness is not much investigated focusing on the students' narrative. This study aims at evaluating the students' experience and perspective on adopting project-based learning in master by research and doctoral programmes for proactive skills development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the self-reflection of 10 postgraduate students and their supervisor who have participated in developing a software tool for solar photovoltaics (PV) integrated building envelope design, management and the related education.

Findings

Findings reveal that the students have effectively improved their knowledge on the subject via collaborating with the industry, self-learning/observation, peer learning, problem-solving and teamwork. Dividing the project into student-led tasks has improved the decision-making and leadership skills, risks identification, planning and time management skills. The overall experience has (1) built up confidence in students, (2) enhanced their creativity and critical thinking and (3) improved their proactive skills and context knowledge.

Originality/value

A clear research gap can be seen in exploring the effectiveness of project-based learning for master by research and doctoral programmes, which mainly focus on extensive research. These programmes do not necessarily focus on developing students' proactive skills, which is the main requirement if they intend to work in the construction industry. This paper addresses the above research gap by demonstrating the effectiveness of project-based learning for developing the proactive skills in a research-intensive learning environment.
Senolytic drugs, dasatinib and quercetin, attenuate adipose tissue inflammation, and ameliorate metabolic function in old age
Authors: Islam Md Torikul , Tuday Eric , Allen Shanena , Kim John , Trott Daniel W. , Holland William L. , Donato Anthony J. , Lesniewski Lisa A.
Published: January 2023

Aging results in an elevated burden of senescent cells, senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and tissue infiltration of immune cells contributing to chronic low‐grade inflammation and a host of age‐related diseases. Recent evidence suggests that the clearance of senescent cells alleviates chronic inflammation and its associated dysfunction and diseases. However, the effect of this intervention on metabolic function in old age remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that dasatinib and quercetin (D&Q) have senolytic effects, reducing age‐related increase in senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase, expression of p16 and p21 gene and P16 protein in perigonadal white adipose tissue (pgWAT; all p ≤ 0.04). This treatment also suppressed age‐related increase in the expression of a subset of pro‐inflammatory SASP genes (mcp1, tnf‐α, il‐1α, il‐1β, il‐6, cxcl2, and cxcl10), crown‐like structures, abundance of T cells and macrophages in pgWAT (all p ≤ 0.04). In the liver and skeletal muscle, we did not find a robust effect of D&Q on senescence and inflammatory SASP markers. Although we did not observe an age‐related difference in glucose tolerance, D&Q treatment improved fasting blood glucose (p = 0.001) and glucose tolerance (p = 0.007) in old mice that was concomitant with lower hepatic gluconeogenesis. Additionally, D&Q improved insulin‐stimulated suppression of plasma NEFAs (p = 0.01), reduced fed and fasted plasma triglycerides (both p ≤ 0.04), and improved systemic lipid tolerance (p = 0.006). Collectively, results from this study suggest that D&Q attenuates adipose tissue inflammation and improves systemic metabolic function in old age. These findings have implications for the development of therapeutic agents to combat metabolic dysfunction and diseases in old age.
Increase in size and shrub cover improves bird functional diversity in Neotropical urban green spaces
Authors: Melo Marcos Antônio , Piratelli Augusto João
Published: January 2023

Latin American cityscapes are growing fast, posing risks to many bird communities and ecosystem services (e.g. seed dispersal and arthropod population control), but few studies have addressed how bird functional diversity respond to urbanization in Neotropical cities. In this study, we tested which biotic (i.e. vegetation characteristics and human and pet disturbances) and abiotic variables (i.e. area size, number of vehicles, and glass panes) influence functional diversity indices of insectivores, frugivores‐nectarivores, migrants, residents, and total bird community at urban green spaces in São Paulo megacity, southeastern Brazil. A rich avian community (235 species) from 25 studied sites was recorded. Generalized linear models (GLM) analyses showed that large‐sized areas of urban green spaces and shrub cover are the main characteristics that drive high bird functional diversity. Small‐sized sites were less favourable for preserving bird functional diversity. We showed that these areas were related to some negative impacts for bird species (e.g. absence of shrub layer, heavy traffic and massive presence of glass panes, and domestic animals), thus causing declines in avian functional diversity. Off‐leash and homeless dogs and cats may cause declines in bird ecological functions (e.g. insect control, seed dispersal and pollination), which are essential to sustain biodiversity. Therefore, as management actions to improve bird diversity and better provisioning of ecosystem functions, we recommend that urban planners and managers should prioritize large‐sized areas with high shrub cover. Additionally, we highlight the need to mitigate the negative impact on birds caused by glass panes, traffic of vehicles, and off‐leash and homeless dogs and cats.
Incidence of cutaneous graft‐versus‐host disease in a Singapore academic medical centre – A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tan Wen Hao , Ho Aloysius , Kadir Hanis Abdul , Zin That Khaing , Jordan Hwang Chung Cheng , Lee Haur Yueh , Pang Shiu Ming , Yeo Yi Wei , Choo Karen Jui Lin , Oh Choon Chiat
Published: January 2023

Background

Cutaneous graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is common in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. HLA mismatch is the most significant determinant of GVHD. Our study aimed to compare the incidence of cutaneous GVHD haploidentical (Haplo) and matched donors in an Asian population.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of the 2015–2019 bone marrow transplant registry was conducted in a transplant centre. We compared the incidence of cutaneous GVHD in Haplo with allogeneic matched unrelated donor (MUD) and matched–sibling donor (MSD) transplant recipients. Secondary objectives include acute and chronic GVHD incidence, dermatology referrals, and histological findings.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐nine out of 203 cases were reviewed; 17 (9.5%) Haplo, 80 (44.7%) MUDs and 82 (45.8%) MSDs. The median follow‐up for Haplo, MUD and MSD was 15.2, 34.2 and 35.7 months, respectively. Haplo had a higher cumulative incidence of cutaneous GVHD than MUD and MSD (p = 0.053). Chronic GVHD was only reported in MSD. The most common histology was vacuolar interface changes (13 [44.8%]) with a wide range of onset post‐transplant (19–456 days).

Conclusions

Haplo donors may have a higher GVHD incidence than MUD and MSD in our predominantly Asian cohort. This information may be helpful when counselling patients pre‐transplant. Further prospective studies are required.
Relational peace versus pacific primacy: Configuring US strategy for Asia's regional order
Authors: Jackson Van
Published: January 2023

This article challenges the presumption that American commitment to the greater Indo‐Pacific region has positive effects on regional stability. It argues that the degree to which America's strategic choices in Asia embrittle or consolidate peace depends on how they intersect with relational configurations of regional order. An accommodative strategy of restraint and mutual threat reduction offers the greatest stability with the least risk either when China's ties to a unified Asia are predatory or when Asia is fractured but China's ties to it are cooperative. A balance‐of‐power strategy offers the greatest stability and least risk when China's ties to a fractured Asia are confrontational or predatory. And an institutional strategy offers the greatest stability with the least risk when China enjoys broadly cooperative ties to Asia regardless of whether Asian states are unified or fractured. Crucially, a strategy of primacy or containment embrittles regional peace because it conflicts with every foreseeable configuration of relational order. America's role as a Pacific Power should adapt to local relational conditions if it is to serve the greater purpose of regional peace.
South Korea in the ASEAN‐centered regional network
Authors: Teo Sarah
Published: January 2023

Relying on a networked perspective, this article argues that South Korea is an actor of relative importance in ASEAN's regional network, but it ultimately does not occupy a place that is more crucial than the association's other dialogue partners. In the context of ASEAN seeking to maintain its network power in an evolving Indo‐Pacific, South Korea has played a supportive role in ASEAN's pursuit of social access, brokerage links and minimizing its exit potential from the Indo‐Pacific network. South Korea's role, however, has been a comparably limited one rooted in specific functional areas and focused on certain ASEAN member states. While these efforts would certainly reinforce ASEAN's network power to some extent, the relatively thin network links between ASEAN and South Korea in other sectors suggest that there is little potential to expand cooperation beyond a functional and socioeconomic trajectory.
Multiple canopy opening effects on recruited saplings in a typhoon‐disturbed tropical rainforest, Taiwan
Authors: Chao Kuo‐Jung , Hsu Tien‐Yao , Lu Tain‐Chi , Song Guo‐Zhang Michael , Chao Wei‐Chun , Wu Chen‐Fa , Sheue Chiou‐Rong , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Schupp Eugene W.
Published: January 2023

To investigate the influence of multiple canopy openings on the composition and diversity of recruited saplings in a forest frequently disturbed by typhoons. We conducted tree‐by‐tree censuses (diameter at breast height ≥ 1 cm) and mapped gaps (canopy height < 5 m) in 1993, 2000, 2008, and 2013 in a tropical mountain zonal foothill evergreen broad‐leaved forest in Nanjenshan Nature Reserve, Taiwan. We analyzed the composition and diversity of recruited saplings within a 2.1 ha plot (840 sampling quadrats (5 m × 5 m)) with variable numbers of canopy openings recorded during the study period. Composition of recruited saplings was dissimilar between quadrats that stayed opened and those that stayed closed throughout the study period (pairwise similarity estimates C02 = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.38–0.66). The quadrats under closed canopy had high diversity when weighting rare species (species richness), whereas quadrats with one or two gap opening records during the past 20 years had high diversity when weighting the abundance of species. Although canopy openings provided establishment conditions for saplings of some shade‐intolerant species, due to the nature of small gap size, such habitats do not favor the dominance of shade‐intolerant species. Even in a frequently disturbed forest, species composition and richness of recruited saplings were mainly contributed by shade‐tolerant species. Although multiple canopy openings facilitated the establishment of shade‐intolerant species, species diversity in the study forests is possibly mainly mediated by coexistence mechanisms of those shade‐tolerant species rather than light‐gap‐related species strategies.
Underwater approach to identify severe anastomosis stricture after Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction
Authors: Fujita Akashi , Mizuide Masafumi , Ryozawa Shomei
Published: January 2023

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Patient education information material assessment criteria: A scoping review
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Khadijeh , Bahrami Masoud , Zare‐Farashbandi Firoozeh , Adibi Payman , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Rahimi Alireza
Published: January 2023

Background

Patient education information material (PEIM) is an essential component of patient education programs in increasing patients' ability to cope with their diseases. Therefore, it is essential to consider the criteria that will be used to prepare and evaluate these resources.

Objective

This paper aims to identify these criteria and recognize the tools or methods used to evaluate them.

Methods

National and international databases and indexing banks, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, the Cochrane Library, Magiran, SID and ISC, were searched for this review. Original or review articles, theses, short surveys, and conference papers published between January 1990 and June 2022 were included.

Results

Overall, 4688 documents were retrieved, of which 298 documents met the inclusion criteria. The criteria were grouped into 24 overarching criteria. The most frequently used criteria were readability, quality, suitability, comprehensibility and understandability.

Conclusion

This review has provided empirical evidence to identify criteria, tools, techniques or methods for developing or evaluating a PEIM. The authors suggest that developing a comprehensive tool based on these findings is critical for evaluating the overall efficiency of PEIM using effective criteria.
Diagnostic test accuracy of D‐dimer with or without a clinical decision rule in peripartum patients with suspected venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Oh Jeong S. , Jayasimhan Dilip , Sithamparanathan Sasiharan
Published: January 2023

Background

Pregnancy and the peripartum period is a hypercoagulable state increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). There may be a role in utilising D‐dimer in the peripartum setting.

Aims

The purpose of this review was to summarise the latest evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy of D‐dimer in the peripartum setting with or without the addition of clinical decision rules.

Methods

We searched PubMed and CENTRAL databases to identify articles that included studies of women who had suspected VTE, underwent a D‐dimer index test to rule out VTE and where radiological imaging or clinical follow‐up, to a minimum of 30 days, was used as the reference standard.

Results

We included 11 studies in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. The log diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for identifying VTE using D‐dimer was 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59–2.52). The pooled sensitivity was 87% (95% CI 76.8–93%), specificity was 63.2% (95% CI 47.1–76.7%), and the area under receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves was 0.76. We included four studies evaluating D‐dimer combined with YEARS to detect VTE. The log DOR for identifying VTE using D‐dimer combined with YEARS was 1.13 (95% CI 0.005–2.25). The pooled sensitivity was 89.8% (95% CI 60.2–98.1%), specificity was 65.7% (95% CI 54.7–75.2%) and the area under ROC for studies included with the YEARS clinical decision rule was 0.49.

Conclusion

This review highlighted that D‐dimer use in the peripartum period for detection of VTE had a high sensitivity and high DOR but a poor area under ROC, which may limit its use in clinical practice.
CLEFMA induces intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways through ERK1/2 and p38 signalling in uterine cervical cancer cells
Authors: Lee Chung‐Yuan , Hsiao Yi‐Hsuan , Chen Pei‐Ni , Wu Heng‐Hsiung , Lu Chih‐Yun , Yang Shun‐Fa , Wang Po‐Hui
Published: January 2023

Although concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for locally advanced or recurrent uterine cervical cancer, treatment fails at a high rate. Therefore, the development of novel targeting agents is critical. This study investigated the action of CLEFMA, a potent, synthetic curcumin derivative, on cervical cancer cells and its mechanism of action. We found that CLEFMA negatively regulated the viability of cervical cancer cells, involving induction of cell apoptosis. Cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved poly(adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase, cleaved caspase‐8, and cleaved caspase‐9 expression were increased by treatment with CLEFMA. After U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) were applied as cotreatment with CLEFMA, the expression of cleaved caspase‐8, ‐9, and ‐3 was reduced significantly. In conclusion, CLEFMA activates both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways through ERK1/2 and p38 signal transduction in cervical cancer cells.
Reproductive isolating mechanisms contributing to asymmetric hybridization in Killifishes (Fundulus spp.)
Authors: MacPherson Nathalie , Champion Chloe P. , Weir Laura K. , Dalziel Anne C.
Published: January 2023

When species hybridize, one F1 hybrid cross type often predominates. Such asymmetry can arise from differences in a variety of reproductive barriers, but the relative roles and concordance of pre‐mating, post‐mating prezygotic, and post‐zygotic barriers in producing these biases in natural animal populations have not been widely investigated. Here, we study a population of predominantly F1 hybrids between two killifish species (Fundulus heteroclitus and F. diaphanus) in which >95% of F1 hybrids have F. diaphanus mothers and F. heteroclitus fathers (D♀ × H♂). To determine why F. heteroclitus × F. diaphanus F1 hybrids (H♀ × D♂) are so rare, we tested for asymmetry in pre‐mating reproductive barriers (female preference and male aggression) at a common salinity (10 ppt) and post‐mating, pre‐zygotic (fertilization success) and post‐zygotic (embryonic development time and hatching success) reproductive barriers at a range of ecologically relevant salinities (0, 5, 10, and 15 ppt). We found that F. heteroclitus females preferred conspecific males, whereas F. diaphanus females did not, matching the observed cross bias in the wild. Naturally rare H♀ × D♂ crosses also had lower fertilization success than all other cross types, and a lower hatching success than the prevalent D♀ × H♂ crosses at the salinity found in the hybrid zone centre (10 ppt). Furthermore, the naturally predominant D♀ × H♂ crosses had a higher hatching success than F. diaphanus crosses at 10 ppt, which may further increase their relative abundance. The present study suggests that a combination of incomplete mating, post‐mating pre‐zygotic and post‐zygotic reproductive isolating mechanisms act in concert to produce hybrid asymmetry in this system.
Ionized hypercalcemia in 238 cats from a referral hospital population (2009‐2019)
Authors: Broughton Sophie E. , O'Neill Dan G. , Syme Harriet M. , Geddes Rebecca F.
Published: January 2023

Background

Ionized calcium concentration ([iCa]) is more sensitive for detecting calcium disturbances than serum total calcium concentration but literature on ionized hypercalcemia in cats is limited. Urolithiasis is a possible adverse consequence of hypercalcemia.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe clinical details of diagnoses associated with ionized hypercalcemia in cats and association with urolithiasis.

Animals

Cats (238) seen between 2009 and 2019 at a referral hospital with [iCa] above the normal reference interval.

Methods

Observational cross‐sectional study. Signalment, serum biochemical and imaging findings were reviewed for cats with ionized hypercalcemia considered to be clinically relevant (>1.41 mmol/L). Data were summarized by cause of hypercalcemia (i.e., diagnosis).

Results

Diagnoses for the 238 cats with [iCa] >1.41 mmol/L included: acute kidney injury (AKI; 13%), malignancy‐associated (10.1%), idiopathic hypercalcemia (IHC; 10.1%), chronic kidney disease/renal diet‐associated (8.4%), iatrogenic (5.5%), primary hyperparathyroidism (2.1%), vitamin D toxicity (2.1%) and granulomatous disease (1.7%). In 112 cases (47.1%), no cause for ionized hypercalcemia could be determined (n = 95), hypercalcemia was transient (n = 12), or the cat was juvenile (<1 year; n = 5). Urolithiasis was identified in 83.3% of AKI, 72.7% of iatrogenic, 61.1% of CKD/renal diet‐associated and 50% of IHC cases that were imaged (<50% for other diagnoses). Diagnoses with a high proportion of concurrent total hypercalcemia included primary hyperparathyroidism (100%), vitamin D toxicity (100%), malignancy‐associated (71.4%), granulomatous disease (66.7%) and IHC (65.2%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ionized hypercalcemia was most commonly associated with kidney diseases, neoplasia or IHC. The proportion of urolithiasis cases varied by diagnosis.
Surgical Treatment of Adams Type IV Anterolateral Fracture of the Ulna Coronoid Process
Authors: Zhang Bo , Liu Lintao , Liu Junyang , Wang Guangyu , Han Lei , Tian Xu , Dong Jingming
Published: January 2023

Objective

Anterolateral coronal fractures are so rare that the mechanism of injury, the type of combined fracture and ligament injury, and the optimal treatment are unknown. To study the outcome of surgical treatments for anterolateral (AL) fracture of the ulna coronoid process (Adams Type IV) and summarize the characteristics of this type of fracture and to guide clinical applications.

Methods

From February 2015 to April 2021, 32 patients were included in the study. All patients had standard radiography with anteroposterior and lateral views, computed tomography, and intraoperative fluoroscopy. All patients were treated surgically. Surgery‐related information, including surgical approach, operation duration, blood loss, and repairing the lateral collateral ligament and the medial collateral ligament integrity, were recorded. The patient's clinical details, such as the final range of motion (ROM), the Broberg–Morrey scores and the visual analogue scale (VAS) at the last follow‐up, were described. The chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

We divided patients into two groups according to the anterolateral coronoid fracture morphology. In the intact group, 20 patients with an intact anterolateral coronoid fracture fragment. In the comminuted group, 12 patients with comminuted anterolateral coronoid fracture fragments extended the less sigmoid notch of the ulna. There was no difference in age, sex, total incision length, follow‐up duration, and recovery with rehabilitation among the two groups (all Ps >0.05). The other follow‐up outcomes, such as elbow ROM (Flexion, Extension, Posterior rotation, Anterior rotation), VAS score, or Broberg–Morrey scores, were not different between the two groups (all Ps >0.05). Both groups achieved relatively satisfactory clinical outcomes, and the Broberg–Morrey score and index excellence rate reached 84.38%. There is a statistical difference in the history of elbow dislocation (P = 0.017), radial head fracture type (P = 0.041), operation duration (P = 0.014) and blood loss at operation (P = 0.029) between the two groups. Cannulated screws, anchors, and sutures were used as point fixation in the coronoid process of the ulna. There was a statistical difference between the two groups in the choice of internal fixation (P = 0.020).

Conclusions

For anterolateral ulnar coronoid fractures with different degrees of comminution, effective and reliable surgical treatment can achieve better results and fewer complications.
Pseudo repetitive non‐reentrant ventriculoatrial synchrony: Current challenges
Authors: Gjermeni Erind , Doering Michael , Hindricks Gerhard , Bode Kerstin
Published: January 2023

Background

We recently described a novel pacemaker‐mediated arrhythmia in Abbott cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), called pseudo‐RNRVAS, that mimics repetitive non‐reentrant ventriculoatrial synchrony (RNRVAS), but can appear in patients with ventriculoatrial (VA) block. It is caused by sinus‐p‐waves, trapped in the post‐ventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP), which mimic VA conduction. The p‐waves are followed by atrial pacing during the myocardial refractory time, which can trigger atrial fibrillation (AF). Pseudo‐RNRVAS and RNRVAS are probably more common than appreciated, but the recognition and differentiation of the two can be challenging because most CIEDs do not recognize and store them.

Objective

We illustrate practical challenges in the assessment of Pseudo‐RNRVAS and provide programming options that proved safe and effective for preventing Pseudo‐RNRVAS and reducing the risk for typical RNRVAS.

Methods and Results

We illustrate in 10 patients the characteristics of Pseudo‐RNRVAS and their treatment. The outcome regarding the recurrence of pseudo‐RNRVAS after 6 months of follow‐up was collected. Inappropriate atrial pacing during pseudo‐RNRVAS resulted in AF in six patients. After shortening the PVARP in nine, inactivation/reduction of rate response in four, and reduction of the basic pacing rate in one patient, pseudo‐RNRVAS was avoided in eight patients and reduced in one. In one patient AF became permanent.

Conclusions

Pseudo‐RNRVAS is a pacemaker‐mediated arrhythmia that can appear in patients without VA conduction and may lead to AF. The suggested adjustments of pacing parameters were safe and effective in preventing the arrhythmia.
Populist things. A study on the materiality of political ideas
Authors: Carreira da Silva Filipe , Rogenhofer Julius
Published: January 2023

Is there such thing as a populist thing? This article tries to answer this question by comparing two iconic populist objects: the Make America Great Again (MAGA) cap and the yellow vest. Despite their centrality to populist politics, there is remarkably little systematic examination of these objects' populist affordances, let alone a comparative study. We propose to address this lacuna by performing a pragmatic analysis of each object's role in the populist politics of the United States and France, respectively. Our comparison uncovers two findings, which, in turn, help us answer our research question. First, our study of the MAGA cap reveals how nationalism and populism can be combined into a powerful political message. Second, the yellow vest exemplifies how populism functions on its own that is, as a way of doing politics that is centred on feelings of resentment. Either in conjunction with other political phenomena (e.g., nationalism) or by itself, populism emerges from our analysis as a logic of action that involves both linguistic claims and physical objects. Things, in this reading, are surprisingly central to how populism operates.
Evaluation of outcome associated with feline trauma: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study
Authors: Gregory Carly W. , Davros Akaterina M. , Cockrell Darren M. , Hall Kelly E.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate outcome (survival to discharge) among trauma types (blunt, penetrating, both) in cats. Secondary objectives were to evaluate for associations between trauma type, injury severity, and the diagnostics and interventions selected by primary clinicians.

Design

Retrospective evaluation of veterinary trauma registry data.

Setting

Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) veterinary trauma centers (VTCs).

Animals

A total of 3895 feline trauma patients entered in the VetCOT trauma registry from April 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

Interventions

Data collected included patient demographics, trauma type, Abdominal Fluid Score (AFS), Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score, surgical intervention, glide sign on Thoracic Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, Triage, and Tracking (TFAST), pleural effusion on TFAST, modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS), and outcome (survival to discharge).

Measurements and Main Results

Data from 3895 cats were collected over a 30‐month period. Incidence of trauma types was as follows: blunt, 58% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56%–59%); penetrating, 35% (95% CI: 34%–37%); and combination, 7.4% (95% CI: 6.7%–8.3%). Differences in survival incidence among the trauma types were identified: blunt, 80% (95% CI: 78%–81%); penetrating, 90% (95% CI: 89%–92%); and combined, 68% (95% CI: 63%–74%) (P < 0.01). Cats in the penetrating trauma group had the lowest proportion of severe injuries (6%) and highest proportion of mGCS of 18 (89%); cats with combined trauma had the highest proportion of severe injuries (26%) and lowest proportion of mGCS of 18 (63%). Point‐of‐care ultrasound and surgery were not performed in the majority of cases. When surgery was performed, the majority of blunt cases’ procedures occurred in the operating room (79%), and the majority of penetrating cases’ procedures were performed in the emergency room (81%).

Conclusions

Cats suffering from penetrating trauma had the best outcome (survival), lower ATT scores, and higher mGCS overall. Cats that sustained a component of blunt trauma had a lower survival rate, higher ATT scores, and the highest proportion of mGCS <18.