bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somewhere I belong: phylogeny and morphological evolution in a species‐rich lineage of ectoparasitic flatworms infecting cichlid fishes
Authors: Cruz‐Laufer Armando J. , Pariselle Antoine , Jorissen Michiel W. P. , Muterezi Bukinga Fidel , Al Assadi Anwar , Van Steenberge Maarten , Koblmüller Stephan , Sturmbauer Christian , Smeets Karen , Huyse Tine , Artois Tom , Vanhove Maarten P. M.
Published: April 2022

A substantial portion of biodiversity has evolved through adaptive radiation. However, the effects of explosive speciation on species interactions remain poorly understood. Metazoan parasites infecting radiating host lineages could improve our knowledge because of their intimate host relationships. Yet limited molecular, phenotypic and ecological data discourage multivariate analyses of evolutionary patterns and encourage the use of discrete characters. Here, we assemble new molecular, morphological and host range data widely inferred from a species‐rich lineage of parasites (Cichlidogyrus, Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) infecting cichlid fishes to address data scarcity. We infer a multimarker (28S/18S rDNA, ITS1, COI mtDNA) phylogeny of 58 of 137 species and characterize major lineages through synapomorphies inferred from mapping morphological characters. We predict the phylogenetic position of species without DNA data through shared character states, a morphological phylogenetic analysis, and a classification analysis with support vector machines. Based on these predictions and a cluster analysis, we assess the systematic informativeness of continuous characters, search for continuous equivalents for discrete characters, and suggest new characters for morphological traits not analysed to date. We also model the attachment/reproductive organ and host range evolution using the data for 136 of 137 described species and multivariate phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs). We show that discrete characters not only can mask phylogenetic signals, but also are key for characterizing species groups. Regarding the attachment organ morphology, a divergent evolutionary regime for at least one lineage was detected and a limited morphological variation indicates host and environmental parameters affecting its evolution. However, moderate success in predicting phylogenetic positions, and a low systematic informativeness and high multicollinearity of morphological characters call for a revaluation of characters included in species characterizations.
Flapless osteotome‐mediated sinus floor elevation using platelet‐rich fibrin versus lateral approach using deproteinised bovine bone mineral for residual bone height of 2–6 mm: A randomised trial
Authors: Lv Huixin , Sun Xiaolin , Wang Jia , Wang Hanchi , Wang Lin , Zhou Yanmin
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To evaluate patient‐reported outcomes and radiographic results of simultaneous implant placement in severely atrophic maxilla using flapless endoscope‐assisted osteotome sinus floor elevation with platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), also defined as PESS, and to compare the results with those of lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE).

Methods

Patients with a residual bone height (RBH) of 2–6 mm were included in a randomised controlled trial. PESS was performed with PRF as the sole grafting material. LSFE was performed using deproteinised bovine bone matrix. Patient‐reported outcomes were recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS‐pain) and visual rating scale (VRS‐swelling and VRS‐willingness). Peri‐implant bone height (PBH), bone mineral density (BMD) and sinus grafting remodelling index were measured using CBCT immediately postoperatively and 3rd, 6th and 18th months post‐surgery.

Results

The study population consisted of 20 patients in each group. The RBH of two groups averaged 3.35 ± 0.79 mm and 2.92 ± 0.63 mm with no significant difference (p > .05). VAS‐pain was 18.0 (IR 15.0–22.5) and 35.0 (IR 32.5–37.0) in the PESS and LSFE groups, respectively (p < .01). VAS‐pain decreased with time in both groups. VRS‐swelling was lower in the PESS group than LSFE group. VRS‐willingness was higher in the PESS group than LSFE group (p < .01). At 18 months post‐surgery, the marginal bone loss was 0.60 ± 0.25 mm and 0.69 ± 0.35 mm in the two groups with no significant difference (p = .52).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, PESS was associated with lower postoperative morbidity and was more tolerable than LSFE. PESS could be a reliable procedure for sinus floor elevation in patients with insufficient RBH.
Copredication in Context: A Predictive Processing Approach
Authors: Löhr Guido , Michel Christian
Published: April 2022

We propose a cognitive‐psychological model of linguistic intuitions about copredication statements. In copredication statements, like “The book is heavy and informative,” the nominal denotes two ontologically distinct entities at the same time. This has been considered a problem for standard truth‐conditional semantics. In this paper, we discuss two questions that have so far received less attention: What kinds of word representations and cognitive mechanisms are responsible for judgments about the felicitousness of copredication statements? Relatedly, why can similar copredication statements have different degrees of felicitousness? We first propose a cognitive‐computational model of copredication within the predictive processing framework. We then suggest that certain asymmetries in felicitousness judgments can be modeled in terms of a set of expectations that are influenced by higher‐order priors associated with discourse context and world knowledge.
A robust ensemble feature selection technique for high‐dimensional datasets based on minimum weight threshold method
Authors: Guney Huseyin , Oztoprak Huseyin
Published: April 2022

Ensemble feature selection (EFS) is a valuable technique for developing accurate and robust machine‐learning (ML) models. Data variation plays a crucial role in the success of EFS models; however, it also causes some outliers in the ranked lists. In this study, we proposed the minimum weight threshold method‐based EFS (MWT‐EFS) to address the outlier problem and use the true power of EFS. The proposed method employs the support vector classifier to assign weights for features, and the MWT method handles outliers in the ranked feature lists while creating the ensemble list. First, a threshold value is determined. After that, the feature weights below the threshold are replaced with this value. This approach eliminates the negative effect of outliers. After the new feature weights are assigned, the average of the feature weights is calculated (mean aggregation) for all features, and the ensemble (final) feature list is created accordingly. The experiment results showed that the proposed method significantly improves gene selection stability while maintaining classification performance and reducing computational complexity. In conclusion, the proposed method led to an accurate and robust classification that can help domain experts to make more confident decisions with less effort, resources, and time.
Real‐time COVID‐19 detection over chest x‐ray images in edge computing
Authors: Xu Weijie , Chen Beijing , Shi Haoyang , Tian Hao , Xu Xiaolong
Published: April 2022

Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been a global pandemic which provokes massive devastation to the society, economy, and culture since January 2020. The pandemic demonstrates the inefficiency of superannuated manual detection approaches and inspires novel approaches that detect COVID‐19 by classifying chest x‐ray (CXR) images with deep learning technology. Although a wide range of researches about bran‐new COVID‐19 detection methods that classify CXR images with centralized convolutional neural network (CNN) models have been proposed, the latency, privacy, and cost of information transmission between the data resources and the centralized data center will make the detection inefficient. Hence, in this article, a COVID‐19 detection scheme via CXR images classification with a lightweight CNN model called MobileNet in edge computing is proposed to alleviate the computing pressure of centralized data center and ameliorate detection efficiency. Specifically, the general framework is introduced first to manifest the overall arrangement of the computing and information services ecosystem. Then, an unsupervised model DCGAN is employed to make up for the small scale of data set. Moreover, the implementation of the MobileNet for CXR images classification is presented at great length. The specific distribution strategy of MobileNet models is followed. The extensive evaluations of the experiments demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed scheme for detecting COVID‐19 over CXR images in edge computing.
PRAME immunohistochemistry of spitzoid neoplasms
Authors: Koh Stephen S. , Lau Sean K. , Scapa Jason V. , Cassarino David S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms are well known to be diagnostically challenging. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular approaches have been used as ancillary diagnostic tests. Herein, we investigate the use of PRAME IHC for the assessment of spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.

Methods

Ten Spitz nevi, 14 atypical Spitz tumors, and 11 spitzoid melanomas were retrieved, and PRAME IHC was scored on a scale of 1–4 (in % quartiles). Intensity of staining was categorized as weak or strong. Cases with no staining received a score of 0. Positive lymph nodes from three spitzoid melanomas were also analyzed.

Results

Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz tumors, and spitzoid melanomas had mean PRAME IHC scores of 1.20, 0.93, and 3.36, respectively. The percentage of cases with a score 3 or higher for each category of spitzoid neoplasms are as follows: Spitz nevus (20%), atypical Spitz tumor (0%), and spitzoid melanoma (82%). Among the spitzoid melanomas, three cases had positive sentinel lymph nodes, which showed PRAME score of 2, 4, and 4 in the metastatic deposits.

Conclusions

Previous reports revealed PRAME IHC as useful tool to distinguish benign from malignant melanocytic lesions. The results presented here are concordant with the prior studies, but expand the application of this marker to Spitz nevi/tumors and spitzoid melanomas. The present findings suggest the potential diagnostic utility of PRAME IHC in the assessment of spitzoid melanocytic lesions, particularly in distinguishing spitzoid melanomas from Spitz nevi and atypical Spitz tumors.
Real‐world prospective observational single‐centre study: Hybrid closed loop improves HbA1c, time‐in‐range and quality of life for children, young people and their carers
Authors: Ng Sze May , Katkat Nancy , Day Helen , Hubbard Rebecca , Quinn Michelle , Finnigan Lynne
Published: April 2022

Hybrid closed‐loop (HCL) systems are characterised by integrating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with insulin pumps which automate insulin delivery via specific algorithms and user‐initiated insulin delivery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of HCLs on Hba1c, time‐in‐range (TIR), time in hypoglycaemia, fear of hypoglycaemia, sleep and quality of life measure in children and young people (CYP) with T1D and their carers. Data on HbA1c, TIR and hypoglycaemia frequency were reviewed at baseline prior to starting HCL and 3 months after commencement. As part of clinical care, all patients and carers were provided with key education on the use of the HCL system by trained diabetes healthcare professionals. CYP aged 12 years and above independently completed the validated Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey (HFS). Parents of patients <12 were asked to complete a modified version of the HFS‐Parent (HFS‐P) survey. There were 39 CYP (22 men) with T1D included with a mean age of 11.8 ± 4.4 at commencement of HCL. Median duration of diabetes was 3.8 years (interquartile range 1.3–6.0). There were 55% of patients who were prepubertal at the time of HCL commencement. 91% were on the Control‐IQ system and 9% on the CamAPS FX system. HCL use demonstrated significant improvements at 3 months in the following: HbA1c in mmol/mol (63.0 vs. 56.6, p = 0.03), TIR (50.5 vs. 67.0, p = 0.001) and time in hypoglycaemia (4.3% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.004). HFS scores showed improved behaviour (34.0 vs. 27.5.9, p = 0.02) and worry (40.2 vs. 31.6, p = 0.03), and HFS‐P scores also showed improved behaviour (p < 0.001) and worry (p = 0.01). Our study shows that HCL at 3 months improves glucose control, diabetes management and quality of life measures such as fear and worry of hypoglycaemia for CYP and carers.
Informed consent and biological agents in rheumatology and internal medicine
Authors: Mandarelli Gabriele , Iannone Florenzo , Ferracuti Stefano , Grattagliano Ignazio , Benevento Marcello , Solarino Biagio , Ferorelli Davide , Catanesi Roberto
Published: April 2022

Background

The need for highly effective therapies in rheumatologic diseases has led to the widespread and growing use of a heterogeneous class of molecules called biological agents. The increasing experience with biological agents has raised concerns about safety and efficacy issues that need to be discussed in the informed consent acquisition process.

Methods

The authors performed a review of the literature on biological agents focusing on their most important characteristics concerning the informed consent procedures.

Results

No studies specifically addressed the issue of informed consent in patients receiving biological agents. Several studies reported data about off‐label use of biological agents usually with no obvious attention to informed consent shortcomings.

Conclusion

The reported association between biological agents and serious infections or malignancies, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis, needs specific disclosure in informed consent acquisition, together with information about the possible efficacy in clinical contexts often characterized by resistance to previous treatments. Ethical and clinical issues bound to the need for experimenting with new agents with potentially serious adverse effects deserve specific attention. Studies aimed at evaluating mental capacity to consent in subjects receiving biological agents are required.
Liraglutide treatment attenuates inflammation markers in the cardiac, cerebral and renal microvasculature in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Baylan Umit , Korn Amber , Emmens Reindert W. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Niessen Hans W. M. , Krijnen Paul A. J. , Simsek Suat
Published: April 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces cardiac and cerebral microvascular dysfunction via increased glycation, oxidative stress and endothelial activation. Liraglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue, inhibited NOX2 and adhesion molecules in isolated endothelial cells. Here, we have studied how Liraglutide affects advanced glycation, NOX expression and inflammation of the cardiac, cerebral and renal microvasculature in diabetic rats.

Methods

DM was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 15) via intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injection (60 mg/kg bodyweight). Ten control rats remained nondiabetic. From day 9 post‐STZ injection, Liraglutide (200 μg/kg bodyweight; n = 7) or vehicle (n = 8) was injected subcutaneously daily until termination on day 29. The advanced glycation endproduct N‐ε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), NOX2, NOX4, ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 were subsequently immunohistochemically analysed and quantified to compare Liraglutide treatment with placebo.

Results

In the heart, Liraglutide treatment significantly reduced the DM‐increased scores/cm2 for CML in both ventricles (from 253 ± 53 to 72 ± 12; p = .003) and atria (343 ± 29 to 122 ± 8; p = .0001) and for NOX2, ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, but not for NOX4. Also in the cerebrum and cerebellum of the brain, Liraglutide significantly reduced the scores/cm2 for CML (to 60 ± 7 (p = .0005) and 47 ± 13 (p = .02), respectively), and for NOX2 and NOX4. In the kidney, the DM‐induced expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 was decreased in the blood vessels and glomeruli by Liraglutide treatment. Liraglutide did not affect blood glucose levels or bodyweight.

Conclusions

Our study implies that Liraglutide protects the cardiac, cerebral and renal microvasculature against diabetes‐induced dysfunction, independent of lowering blood glucose in a type 1 diabetes rat model.
The effect of settler farming on indigenous agriculture: Evidence from Italian Libya
Authors: Bertazzini Mattia C.
Published: April 2022

What effect did the settlement of European farmers have on the indigenous agricultural sector during the colonial period? On the one hand, European immigrants imported skills and capital but, on the other, they took control of local resources. By looking at the short‐term effect of Italian farming in colonial Libya, I shed new light on this question. Through regression analysis on a novel village dataset covering the entire country, I show that, in 1939, proximity to Italian farms was associated with significantly lower land productivity relative to distant locations. Lower yields can be explained by the adoption of land‐extensive cultivation techniques, implemented by indigenous farmers to counteract a labour drain operated by Italian farms through factor markets. The combined mitigating effect of monetary wages and land‐extensive farming only partially compensated for the fall in income linked to reduced land productivity.
HLA‐DRB1*03:01 is associated with female sex and younger age of anti‐LGI1 encephalitis
Authors: Liu Xu , Guo Kun Dian , Lin Jingfang , Gong Xue , Li Ai Qing , Zhou Dong , Hong Zhen
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to investigate the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and clinical characteristics of anti‐LGI1 encephalitis.

Methods

HLA genotyping was performed in 34 patients with anti‐LGI1 encephalitis admitted to West China Hospital between April 2014 and May 2021, as well as in 305 healthy controls. The online tool NetMHCIIpan 4.0 and AutoDock Vina software were used to predict binding between LGI1 peptide and HLA class II molecules.

Results

Risk of anti‐LGI1 encephalitis was strongly associated with the DRB1*03:01 allele (odds ratio [OR] = 4.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.96–9.25, corrected p = 2.75 × 10−4) and the DRB1*03:01‐DQB1*02:01 haplotype (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 2.02–9.59, corrected p = 2.94 × 10−4). Compared to carriers of the DRB1*07:01 allele, those with the DRB1*03:01 allele were more likely to be female (93.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.004) and to be younger (median age = 38 vs. 65 years, p < 0.001). DRB1*03:01 carriers showed stronger response to immunotherapy than carriers of the DRB1*07:01 allele, based on median score decrease on the modified Rankin scale (2, interquartile range = 1–2 vs. 1, interquartile range = 0–1; p = 0.03) at 4 weeks after immunotherapy. Prediction and docking algorithms suggested that the LGI1 peptide can bind to the DRB1*03:01 molecule strongly.

Conclusions

The strong association between anti‐LGI1 encephalitis and certain HLA class II alleles supports a primary autoimmune origin for the disease. Carriers of the DRB1*03:01 allele in Chinese patients with anti‐LGI1 encephalitis are more likely to be female, to suffer earlier disease onset, and to respond better to immunotherapy.
Seed pathway for pest dissemination: The ISTA Reference Pest List, a bibliographic resource in non‐vegetable crops
Authors: Denancé Nicolas , Grimault Valérie
Published: April 2022

Food security is threatened by harmful pests whose impact may strongly differ among crops, agricultural practices and world regions. International movement of seed can be a pathway for pest dissemination into new geographic areas. The most damaging pests are regulated in some countries and/or regions of the world. Scientific evidence is crucial in taking such decisions. Seed testing is key in preventing movement of pests by seeds. It should target pests which have been selected based on defined scientific criteria. The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Reference Pest List summarizes scientific knowledge on the possible dissemination of pests through seeds in non‐vegetable plant species. Released as an evolving, free online tool, it currently contains 255 seed‐borne or seed‐contaminating pests in 11 plant species, including 126 host–pest combinations where seed is a pathway of spread (v7.0, Feb. 2021; https://www.seedtest.org/en/pest‐list‐tool‐_content‐‐‐1‐‐3477.html). The ISTA Reference Pest List should become a valuable source for risk assessors and policy makers.
Clinical, biological, and genetic features in an afibrinogenemia patient series in Algeria
Authors: Hadjali‐Saichi Soraya , de Mazancourt Philippe , Tapon‐Bretaudière Jacqueline , Mirault Tristan , Guenounou Kahina , Frigaa Issam , Fischer Anne‐Marie , Chafa Ouerdia , Helley Dominique
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The incidence of afibrinogenemia had not been previously reported in Algeria. Afibrinogenemia patients are prone to both haemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Predictive markers of thrombosis in afibrinogenemia patients are not existent.

Aims and methods

Clinical and biological data from 46 afibrinogenemia patients are reported. Biological investigations included routine tests, genetics analysis and thrombin generation.

Results

FGA mutations (four novel and four previously described) and FGB mutations (seven mutations; five novels) were homozygous in all but one family as a result of 28 consanguineous marriages out of 30 discrete families. Incidence of afibrinogenemia in Algeria is at least 3 per million births. Umbilical bleeding was reported in 39/46 cases and was the main discovery circumstance. We also report post trauma or post‐surgery (3/46) bleeding and spontaneous deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in adulthood (1/46), as discovery circumstances. The median age (10.5‐year‐old) of the population reported here explains why there are few hemarthrosis and obstetrical or gynaecological complications in this series. Thrombotic events were reported in seven patients (four spontaneous). Endogenous Thrombin Potential was significantly increased in thrombosis‐prone patients compared to afibrinogenemic patients with and without personal or familial history (1118 vs. 744 and 817 nM IIa × min, respectively).

Conclusion

The incidence of afibrinogenemia in Algeria is the consequence of consanguineous marriage in families carrying private mutations. The thrombin generation test (TGT) could identify, among afibrinogenemic patients, those presenting a thrombotic risk.
Outcome of single‐ versus two‐visit root canal retreatment in teeth with periapical lesions: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Karaoğlan Fulya , Miçooğulları Kurt Seniha , Çalışkan Mehmet Kemal
Published: April 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of single‐visit root canal retreatment and compare the results with conventional two‐visit root canal retreatment as control group.

Methodology

One hundred root canal‐treated, single‐rooted asymptomatic teeth with periapical lesion were retreated by one operator. Fifty of the teeth were randomly assigned to the single‐visit group and the others were treated in two visits. In both groups, root canal filling material was removed, and re‐instrumentation of the root canal was performed using step‐back technique with hand files using 2.5% NaOCl and 5% EDTA as irrigants. In the single‐visit group, 5 ml 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) were applied as the final irrigation and in the two‐visit group, calcium hydroxide paste was placed into the root canal as an interappointment dressing. All root canal obturations were performed with lateral compaction. All patients were followed up for 24 months. The success was determined depending on both healed and healing cases. The chi‐square or Fisher's exact test was used to analyse the differences between the groups for success rates and the factors affecting the outcome.

Results

The recall rate was 89 (89%). At 24 months, 39 teeth (88.6%) were considered as healed, three teeth (6.8%) as healing, and two teeth (4.5%) were identified as failed in the single‐visit group, while in the two‐visit group 39 teeth (86.7%) had healed, two teeth (4.4%) were scored as healing, and four teeth (8.9%) as failed. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rates between the two groups (p > .05). Size of the lesion and the preoperative length of root canal filling had a statistically significant impact on the outcome (p < .05).

Conclusion

No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of healing in 24‐month follow‐up of retreatments completed in single visit or two visits in asymptomatic teeth with periapical lesions. The size of the periapical lesion and initial apical level of root canal filling have affected the outcome of root canal retreatment.
Mediating roles of karma and self‐enhancement in the effect of religious and spiritual primes on bystanders' reporting intention
Authors: Muralidharan Sidharth
Published: April 2022

Religious priming promotes engagement in prosocial action; however, findings about spiritual priming are relatively scant. Using Hindu (India) and Christian (U.S.) participants, a two‐part study was conducted. The aim of the first part (i.e., Study 1) was to observe which motives to volunteer (i.e., egoistic or altruistic) related to religiosity and spirituality. Findings show that religiosity had a positive impact on egoistic volunteering, while spirituality had a positive impact on altruistic volunteering. The aim of the second part (i.e., Study 2) was to apply the findings from Study 1 to test priming effects in public service announcements about domestic violence prevention. The mediating effects of karma and self‐enhancement in the relationship between religiosity or spirituality and reporting intention were also examined. Findings show that the religious ad was more effective than the spiritual ad in priming religiosity and spirituality among Hindus; that is, karma mediated the effect of religiosity and spirituality on their reporting intention. Among Christians, spiritual primes were effective, and self‐enhancement mediated the impact of spirituality on reporting intention; at the same time, religious primes led to the direct impact of religiosity and spirituality on reporting intention. Overall, the apparent efficacy of religious and spiritual priming is promising, and the findings indicate the significance of spirituality in domestic violence prevention messaging. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Relationship between parents' and children's objectively assessed movement behaviours prior to and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: García‐Alonso Yesenia , García‐Hermoso Antonio , Izquierdo Mikel , Legarra‐Gorgoñon Gaizka , Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson , Alonso‐Martínez Alicia M.
Published: April 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic could have provoked undesirable harmful effects on movement behaviours among children.

Objective

To compare levels of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep time in children prior to and during the COVID‐19 pandemic (after the lockdown) and to determine the association between changes in moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA), total PA (TPA), SB, and sleep time between mothers and fathers with their children.

Methods

A total of 110 children (aged 4–7 years) and their parents (63 mothers and 52 fathers) wore GENEActiv accelerometers for 6 days (4 weekdays and 2 weekend days) prior to the pandemic and 1 year into the pandemic to assess SB, MVPA, TPA, and sleep time.

Results

Children performed more MVPA on weekdays (p = 0.002), had higher SB (p = 0.001), and slept fewer hours during the pandemic than before (p < 0.001). Likewise, children performed more weekend day MVPA and TPA (p < 0.001) during the pandemic, and slept less than prior to the pandemic (p = 0.002). On weekdays, an increase in mother's MVPA and TPA (categorized as tertiles) was associated with higher increased on MVPA (p = 0.030) and TPA in their children (p = 0.023), respectively. On weekends, an increase in mother's MVPA was also associated with higher increases in MVPA (p = 0.011) in their children.

Conclusion

During the pandemic, children got more MVPA, more SB, and slept fewer hours than before. Changes in PA seem to be associated with mother's behaviours, especially during weekdays.
Affinely adjustable robust optimization for a multi‐period inventory problem with capital constraints and demand uncertainties
Authors: Qiu Ruozhen , Sun Yimeng , Sun Minghe , Yu Yue
Published: April 2022

This study focuses on a multi‐period inventory problem with capital constraints and demand uncertainties. The multi‐period inventory problem is formulated as an optimization model with a joint chance constraint (JCC) requiring the purchase cost for each period not to exceed the available capital with a probability guarantee. To hedge against demand uncertainties, an affinely adjustable robust optimization approach is used to convert the developed model into a robust counterpart. By approximating the JCC under a budgeted uncertainty set to which the demands belong, the robust multi‐period inventory model with the JCC is transformed into a linear programming model, which can be solved efficiently. Numerical studies are reported to illustrate the robustness, practicality, and effectiveness of the proposed model and the solution approach. The numerical results show that the proposed model and solution approach outperform the sample average approximation approach. Numerical studies are used further to analyze the impact of the budget coefficient and the upper bound parameter on the inventory costs and the realized capital constraint satisfaction rate. The proposed model and solution approach are further extended to the multi‐product case.
Deficit irrigation maintains maize yield through improved soil water extraction and stable canopy radiation interception
Authors: Zhao Jin , Xue Qingwu , Jessup Kirk E. , Marek Thomas H. , Xu Wenwei , Bell Jourdan
Published: April 2022

Deficit irrigation (DI) is an effective way to save irrigation water while maintaining sustainable yield in irrigated crops. However, limited information is available related to canopy structure and solar radiation use under DI condition. In this study, our objective was to assess maize hybrids for leaf development, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception and water use under DI condition. Field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in four maize hybrids at well‐watered (I100, referring to 100% evapotranspiration [ET] requirement) and DI (I75, referring to 75% ET requirement) water regimes. Compared to I100, I75 did not reduce maize biomass and grain yield. Although DI reduced the leaf appearance rates (1.5% in 2016 and 7.6% in 2017) and resulted in greater variations in leaf area index (LAI) among hybrids, the amount of PAR interception was not affected during the growing season. DI significantly reduced the seasonal ET in both years (19.8% in 2016 and 26.6% in 2017). All the hybrids extracted more soil water (29 mm in 2016 and 27 mm in 2017) at I75 than at I100. Maize plants at I75 had greater water use efficiency (WUE) (1.68 kg m−3) than those at I100 (1.41 kg m−3). However, DI did not affect radiation use efficiency (RUE). In conclusion, DI at I75 maintained grain yield through improved soil water extraction and WUE but stable canopy radiation interception and RUE.
Microbial and metabolic profiles of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and therapeutic effects of potential probiotics Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium bifidum
Authors: Li Ying , He Li , Zhao Qin , Bo Tao
Published: April 2022

Aims

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common respiratory disease in newborns; however, there is no effective treatment. We aimed to investigate the effects of the potential probiotics Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium bifidum on BPD using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics methods.

Methods and Results

Faecal samples were collected from 10 BPD patients and 10 healthy subjects. 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that microbial diversity was decreased and compositions were affected in BPD. Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 were increased in the BPD group, and Enterobacteriaceae, Megamonas, Blautia, Lactobacillus (Limosilactobacillus), [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group, Phascolarctobacterium and Bifidobacterium were reduced. Metabolomics analysis identified 129 differentiated metabolites that were changed in BPD patients, and they were associated with a preference for carbohydrate metabolism in translation and metabolism during genetic information processing. Correlation analysis revealed a remarkable relationship between gut microbiota and metabolites. Subsequently, a BPD cell model was constructed to test the effect of the potential probiotics. Cell function experiments verified that treatment with the potential probiotics L. reuteri and B. bifidum promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of hyperoxia-induced MLE-12 cells. In addition, treatment with the potential probiotics L. reuteri and B. bifidum reduced inflammation and oxidative stress damage.

Conclusions

Treatment with the potential probiotics L. reuteri and B. bifidum could alleviate BPD and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress damage.

Significance and Impact

This study was the first to report positive roles for the potential probiotics L. reuteri and B. bifidum in BPD. The potential probiotics L. reuteri and B. bifidum were shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress damage in BPD. This study provided new insights on the pathogenesis and treatment of BPD.
Mexiletine effectively prevented refractory Torsades de Pointes and ventricular fibrillation in a patient with congenital type 2 long QT syndrome
Authors: Nakashima Ryosuke , Takase Susumu , Kai Keiji , Sakamoto Kazuo , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

We report a 28‐year‐old female patient with congenital type 2 long QT syndrome (LQTS) in which mexiletine shortened corrected QT interval (QTc) and effectively prevented refractory Torsade de Pointes (TdP) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). She developed TdP and VF, and was subsequently diagnosed with congenital type 2 LQTS. She had refractory TdP and VF every day despite medical therapy including β‐blocker. They were completely suppressed after the initiation of mexiletine with shorting of QTc interval.
Esophagogastric complications in radiofrequency and cryoballoon catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Oikawa Jun , Fukaya Hidehira , Wada Takuya , Kishihara Jun , Sato Tetsuro , Matsuura Gen , Nakamura Hironori , Ishizue Naruya , Katada Chikatoshi , Tanabe Satoshi , Niwano Shinichi , kusano Chika , Ako Junya
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Direct comparison studies about the incidence of esophagogastric complications between radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon (CB) catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been scarce. We sought to elucidate the relationship between the pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) modalities and esophagogastric complications.

Methods

The study population consisted of 254 patients who underwent CA for AF from November 2017 to October 2018. Finally, 160 patients were enrolled and divided into the RF and CB groups. Esophageal ulcers, gastric hypomotility, and exfoliative esophagitis detected by esophagogastroduodenoscopy were defined as esophagogastric complications in this study.

Results

The median age was 68 years old, with 34% being females. Esophagogastric complications were observed in 42.5% of patients who underwent CA. According to the detailed esophagogastric complications, the RF group had a higher prevalence of esophageal ulcers than the CB group (19% vs. 0%, p < .0001). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding gastric hypomotility and exfoliative esophagitis (18% vs. 28%; p = .15 and 16% vs. 21%; p = .42, respectively).

Conclusion

Asymptomatic esophagogastric complications were common in CA for AF. The incidence of esophageal ulcers was higher in the RF group than in the CB group, whereas the other esophagogastric complications did not significantly differ.
Increased mTORC2 pathway activation in lymph nodes of iMCD‐TAFRO
Authors: Phillips Alexis D. , Kakkis Joseph J. , Tsao Patricia Y. , Pierson Sheila K. , Fajgenbaum David C.
Published: April 2022

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare and life‐threatening haematologic disorder involving polyclonal lymphoproliferation and organ dysfunction due to excessive cytokine production, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Clinical trial and real‐world data demonstrate that IL‐6 inhibition is effective in 34–50% of patients. mTOR, which functions through mTORC1 and mTORC2, is a recently discovered therapeutic target. The mTOR inhibitor sirolimus, which preferentially inhibits mTORC1, has led to sustained remission in a small cohort of anti‐IL‐6‐refractory iMCD patients with thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, renal dysfunction and organomegaly (iMCD‐TAFRO). However, sirolimus has not shown uniform effect, potentially due to its limited mTORC2 inhibition. To investigate mTORC2 activation in iMCD, we quantified the mTORC2 effector protein pNDRG1 by immunohistochemistry of lymph node tissue from six iMCD‐TAFRO and eight iMCD patients who do not meet TAFRO criteria (iMCD‐not‐otherwise‐specified; iMCD‐NOS). mTORC2 activation was increased in all regions of iMCD‐TAFRO lymph nodes and the interfollicular space of iMCD‐NOS compared with control tissue. Immunohistochemistry also revealed increased pNDRG1 expression in iMCD‐TAFRO germinal centres compared with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), an mTOR‐driven, sirolimus‐responsive lymphoproliferative disorder, and comparable staining between iMCD‐NOS and ALPS. These results suggest increased mTORC2 activity in iMCD and that dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors may be a rational therapeutic approach.
Systematic molecular analysis of the human secretome and membrane proteome in gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Rehman Adeel ur , Olsson Per Olof , Akhtar Aleena , Padhiar Arshad Ahmed , Liu Hanyang , Dai Yi , Gong Yu , Zhou Yan , Khan Naveed , Yang Haojun , Tang Liming
Published: April 2022

The human secretome and membrane proteome are a large source of cancer biomarkers. Membrane‐bound and secreted proteins are promising targets for many clinically approved drugs, including for the treatment of tumours. Here, we report a deep systematic analysis of 957 adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum to examine the cancer‐associated human secretome and membrane proteome of gastrointestinal tract adenocarcinomas (GIACs). Transcriptomic data from these GIACs were applied to an innovative majority decision‐based algorithm. We quantified significantly expressed protein‐coding genes. Interestingly, we found a consistent pattern in a small group of genes found to be overexpressed in GIACs, which were associated with a cytokine–cytokine interaction pathway (CCRI) in all four cancer subtypes. These CCRI associated genes, which spanned both one secretory and one membrane isoform were further analysed, revealing a putative biomarker, interleukin‐1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP), which indicated a poor overall survival, a positive correlation with cancer stemness and a negative correlation with several kinds of T cells. These results were further validated in vitro through the knockdown of IL1RAP in two human gastric carcinoma cell lines, which resulted in a reduced indication of cellular proliferation, migration and markers of invasiveness. Following IL1RAP silencing, RNA seq results showed a consistent pattern of inhibition related to CCRI, proliferation pathways and low infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8 naive cells. The significance of the human secretome and membrane proteome is elucidated by these findings, which indicate IL1RAP as a potential candidate biomarker for cytokine‐mediated cancer immunotherapy in gastric carcinoma.
RNA‐seq profiling of tubulointerstitial tissue reveals a potential therapeutic role of dual anti‐phosphatase 1 in glomerulonephritis
Authors: Park Sehoon , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jeongha , Lee Sangmoon , Cho Semin , Huh Hyeok , Kim Joo Young , Park Minkyoung , Lee Soojin , Kim Yaerim , Choi Murim , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Yang Seung Hee , Kim Dong Ki
Published: April 2022

Transcriptome profiling of tubulointerstitial tissue in glomerulonephritis may reveal a potential tubulointerstitial injury‐related biomarker. We profiled manually microdissected tubulointerstitial tissue from biopsy cores of 65 glomerulonephritis cases, including 43 patients with IgA nephropathy, 3 with diabetes mellitus nephropathy, 3 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, 3 with lupus nephritis, 4 with membranous nephropathy and 9 with minimal change disease, and additional 22 nephrectomy controls by RNA sequencing. A potential biomarker was selected based on the false discovery rate, and experiments were performed in TNF‐α‐stimulated primary cultured human tubular epithelial cells (hTECs). We identified 3037 genes with low expression and 2852 genes with high expression in the disease samples compared to the controls. Dual‐specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) exhibited universal low expression in various diseases (log2 fold change, −3.87), with the lowest false discovery rate (7.03E‐132). In further experimental validation study, DUSP1 overexpression ameliorated inflammatory markers related to MAP kinase pathways in hTECs, while pharmacologic inhibition of DUSP1 increased these markers. The combination of DUSP1 overexpression with low‐concentration corticosteroid treatment resulted in more potent suppression of inflammation than high‐concentration corticosteroid treatment alone. The profiled transcriptomes provide insights into the pathophysiology of tubulointerstitial injury in kidney diseases and may reveal a potential therapeutic biomarker.
Which two heads are better than one? Uncovering the positive effects of diversity in creative teams
Authors: Dutcher Glenn , Rodet Cortney S.
Published: April 2022

We examine how diversity affects teams' output in the creative uses task. Diversity among team members' experience or knowledge leads to greater creative output; however, diversity over observable characteristics has no measurable impact. Surprisingly, we find no correlation between experiential diversity and diversity over observable characteristics in our sample. We propose that creative organizations can benefit by also emphasizing experiential diversity when constructing diversity policy to foster effective teams.
Regional differences in vertebral shape along the axial skeleton in caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)
Authors: Lowie Aurélien , De Kegel Barbara , Wilkinson Mark , Measey John , O'Reilly James C. , Kley Nathan J. , Gaucher Philippe , Brecko Jonathan , Kleinteich Thomas , Herrel Anthony , Adriaens Dominique
Published: April 2022

Caecilians are elongate, limbless and annulated amphibians that, as far as is known, all have an at least partly fossorial lifestyle. It has been suggested that elongate limbless vertebrates show little morphological differentiation throughout the postcranial skeleton. However, relatively few studies have explored the axial skeleton in limbless tetrapods. In this study, we used μCT data and three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics to explore regional differences in vertebral shape across a broad range of caecilian species. Our results highlight substantial differences in vertebral shape along the axial skeleton, with anterior vertebrae being short and bulky, whereas posterior vertebrae are more elongated. This study shows that despite being limbless, elongate tetrapods such as caecilians still show regional heterogeneity in the shape of individual vertebrae along the vertebral column. Further studies are needed, however, to understand the possible causes and functional consequences of the observed variation in vertebral shape in caecilians.
Outcomes of 1064‐nm picosecond laser alone and in combination with fractional 1064‐nm picosecond laser in tattoo removal
Authors: Sirithanabadeekul Punyaphat , Vongchansathapat Passaraporn , Sutthipisal Nalinee , Thanasarnaksorn Wilai , Suwanchinda Atchima
Published: April 2022

Background

Removal of the unwanted tattoo was initially focused treatment of picosecond laser in the setting of the unfractionated beam, whereas the fractionated 1064‐nm picosecond lasers (Fr‐Pico) has been successfully utilized in various skin conditions, including scar and benign pigmented lesions. However, no studies compared the combination of Fr‐Pico and unfractional 1064‐nm picosecond laser (UFr‐Pico) and UFr‐Pico alone in tattoo removal.

Objective

This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of Fr‐Pico and UFr‐Pico and the UFr‐Pico and in tattoo removal.

Materials and methods

Nineteen black tattoos in 11 patients were treated with UFr‐Pico on one half and in combination with Fr‐Pico on another half over three sessions with 4‐week intervals and 4‐week follow‐up after the last session. Treatment efficacy was assessed using digital photographs, skin imaging analysis, and patient satisfaction.

Results

After three treatments, tattoo clearance scores revealed that greater than 50% clearance was achieved in 11 (84.6%) tattoos treated with combination side and 9 (69.2%) tattoos with UFr‐Pico alone. Significant differences were observed between the groups at 8 and 12 weeks. Skin textural changes also demonstrated significant improvements in the combination side at Week 12. Adverse events, such as blistering and textural changes, were fewer in the combination side.

Conclusion

The combination of 1064 nm Fr‐Pico and UFr‐Pico may be more effective and safer in tattoo removal than UFr‐Pico alone.
Toward a Historical Sociology of COVID‐19: Path Dependence Method and Temporal Connections
Authors: Ru Sung Hee
Published: April 2022

Encountering the unprecedented social crisis of COVID‐19, an increasing number of sociologists are calling for historical sociology to engage empirically with the dynamics of the COVID‐19 crisis. I present the “path dependence method” and the “temporal connections” to interpret social life during the COVID‐19 pandemic. By using the path dependence method, I show how the personal, social, and national problems created by the COVID‐19 crisis initiate a new path and furthermore how this newly created path is justified in a society. Through the temporal connections, I will show how non‐Western countries responded more reasonably and quickly than most Western countries to the COVID‐19 crisis. The overall aim of this research is to disclose effectiveness of historical sociology, to encourage researchers to think time variable, and to argue that linking historical‐sociological knowledge to the COVID‐19 crisis would be a positive step for an in‐depth COVID‐19 sociology.