bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Lode parameter on damage and fracture behavior of polyethylene materials
Authors: Zhang Yi , Han Limei , Qiao Liang , Fan Junming , Zhou Bo
Published: May 2022

In this study, a series of tests on notched polyethylene (PE) plate specimens providing clues to damage and fracture behavior for a wide range of Lode parameters was carried out. Two series of numerical simulations of each test were performed, the first one without taking damage evolution into consideration and the second one taking damage evolution into consideration. Good correlation of experimental and numerical results in terms of the engineering stress–displacement relation has been achieved. The results show that the average Lode parameter increases with the increasing notch radius of the plate specimens. In addition, the damaged and undamaged constitutive equations were determined from the first and second series of finite element (FE) simulation, respectively. The critical damage parameter calculated from the damaged and undamaged constitutive equations was found to decrease when the average Lode parameter is increased. Furthermore, fracture occurs at the center of the minimum cross section, where the maximum damage parameter and plastic strain occur. The fracture strain was found to increase with the increase in the average Lode parameter.
The carbon cost of the 2019–20 Australian fires varies with fire severity and forest type
Authors: Nolan Rachael H. , Collins Luke , Gibson Rebecca K. , Samson Stephanie A. , Rolls Katherine T. , Milner Kirsty , Medlyn Belinda E. , Price Owen F. , Griebel Anne , Choat Brendan , Jiang Mingkai , Boer Matthias M.
Published: May 2022

Aim

To estimate loss of above‐ground carbon (AGC) and conversion of live carbon to dead carbon following understorey and canopy fire.

Location

South‐eastern Australia.

Time period

2019–2020.

Major taxa studied

Four widespread resprouting eucalypt forests.

Methods

Above‐ground carbon was measured in 15 plots in each of four forest types one‐year post‐fire. We also assessed topkill, that is, trees subject to canopy loss that failed to resprout epicormically.

Results

While canopy fire was associated with greater declines in AGC than understorey fire, this was only statistically significant for only one forest type, where AGC declined from 154 to 85 Mg C ha−1 following canopy fire. Significant post‐fire increases in dead AGC were observed in one forest type, where dead carbon increased from 22 to 60% after canopy fire. Topkill of trees following canopy fire (48–78% of stems) was higher than topkill after understorey fire (36–53% of stems) and in unburnt forest (12–55%). Topkill occurred primarily in small‐diameter stems. Consequently, there was no effect of fire on the proportion of dead AGC in trees, with the exception of the forest with lowest productivity (i.e., lowest biomass) and lowest annual rainfall, where dead tree carbon increased from 8% in unburnt forest to 13 and 53% after understorey and canopy fire, respectively. AGC in understorey vegetation and coarse woody debris was similar or lower in burnt compared with unburnt forest. Litter carbon was significantly lower and pyrogenic carbon significantly higher in burnt forest, with no difference between understorey and canopy fire.

Main conclusions

While increased fire severity was associated with increased changes to carbon stocks, there were differences among forest types. Specifically, the driest forest type had the highest rates of topkill following canopy fire. These results highlight the importance of spatial variability in fire severity and forest type in determining the effects of fire on carbon stocks.
Antioxidation effect of alginate beads containing thyme, rosemary or geranium essential oils in lard and coconut oil
Authors: Thanaruenin Phattheera , Sutthasupa Sutthira , Kanha Nattapong , Sangsuwan Jurmkwan
Published: May 2022

The alginate beads encapsulated thyme (AT), rosemary (AR) and geranium (AG) essential oils (EOs) were prepared to inhibit lipid oxidation in lard and coconut oil. The result showed that beads dried in hot air oven (45 °C) encapsulated higher amount of EOs than drying by desiccation method. Sachets containing AT, AR and AG were applied in PET bottles containing lard and coconut oils and stored at 45 °C. The DPPH scavenging activities of AT, AR and AG were 85.39%, 78.26%, and 78.12%, respectively. During storage, released EOs reduced PV and TBARS of lard and coconut oil and did not affect their colour acceptability scores. From PV, FFA and TBARS, AT at 0.50 g exhibited the best results in terms of lipid oxidation inhibition, although encapsulation percentage and release were significantly lower than AG and AR. Porous in alginate beads could entrap lipid oxidation products, including volatile compounds and water vapour. Besides, the hydrophilic property of polymer matrix led to water absorption, which lower aw value. In week3, the odour acceptability scores of control lard failed, while those packed with AT, AR and AG were acceptable. Alginate beads containing EOs can be used to extend the storage life of lard and coconut oil.
Physical properties and hypoglycaemic activity of biscuits as affected by the addition of stigma maydis extract
Authors: Yao Lianmou , Zhang Yi , Qiao Yongjin , Wang Chunfang , Wang Xiao , Liu Chenxia , Han Qing , Hua Fang
Published: May 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the potential ingredient of stigma maydis (S.M.) as a hypoglycaemic functional food. In the present study, waxy corn flour and corn‐resistant starch were used to make biscuits; the influence of S.M. extracts (aqueous extract, SMA; ethanol extract, SME; mixed solvent extract, SMM) on the physical features and in vitro digestibility of biscuit were surveyed. In the meantime, the α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition of different S.M. extracts were analysed. Compared with the control dough, 5% ethanol S.M. extract (SME2) dough was observed to have the lowest storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), hardness, water absorption capacity (P < 0.05), while creep strain was the highest (P < 0.05). Adding S.M. extracts could significantly reduce the L*, b* value and increase the a* value of biscuits. Besides, the S.M. extracts could decrease the glycaemic index (G.I.) of biscuits and reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. The GI of SMA1, SMA2, SME1, SME2, SMM1 and SMM2 was decreased to 62.47, 55.17, 51.46, 44.89, 53.05 and 50.11 respectively. Further, the addition of S.M. extract could show a certain inhibitory rate of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase when added to biscuits. The inhibition ratio of 5% extract (SMA2, SME2 and SMM2) biscuit was higher than that of 1% extract (SMA1, SME1 and SMM1) biscuit (P < 0.05). As a natural functional component, S.M. extract could be a potential food supplement for type II diabetic mellitus.
Before perceptual narrowing: The emergence of the native sounds of language
Authors: Zacharaki Konstantina , Sebastian‐Galles Nuria
Published: May 2022

The present study investigates the precursors of representations of phonemes in 4.5‐month‐olds. The emergence of phonemes has been mainly studied within the framework of perceptual narrowing, that is, infants tuning to their native language and losing sensitivity to non‐native speech. One of the mechanisms behind this phenomenon is distributional learning. In this article, we tested the preference of 4.5‐month‐old infants using lists of pseudowords that resemble the vowel distribution of the native or a non‐native language. We found that infants prefer listening to the lists mirroring the native language. The results suggest that infants can extract vowel information from novel stimuli, and they can map it on pre‐existing knowledge on vowels that leads to a preference for the native lists.
Robust traveling salesman problem with drone: balancing risk and makespan in contactless delivery
Authors: Zhao Lei , Bi Xinhua , Dong Zhaohui , Xiao Ni , Zhao Anni
Published: May 2022

The spread of COVID‐19 outbreak has promoted truck‐drone delivery from trials to commercial applications in end‐to‐end contactless solutions. To fully integrate truck‐drone delivery in contactless solutions, we introduce the robust traveling salesman problem with a drone, in which a drone makes deliveries and returns to the truck that is moving on its route under uncertainty. The challenge is to find, for each customer location in truck‐drone routing, an assignment to minimize the expected makespan. Apart from the complexity of this problem, the risk of synchronization failure associated with uncertain travel time should be also considered. The problem is first formulated as a robust model, and a novel efficient frontier heuristic is proposed to solve this model. By coupling the implicit adaptive weighting with epsilon‐constraint methods, the heuristic generates a series of scalarized single‐objective problems, where the goal is to minimize expected makespan under the constraint of synchronization risk. The experiment results show that the robust (near‐)optimal solutions offer a considerable reduction in risk, yet only hint at a small increase in makespan. The heuristic in the present study is effective to construct approximations of Pareto frontier and allows for assignment decisions in a priori or a posteriori manner.
Lugol's solution and Gentian violet eradicate methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in skin wound infections
Authors: Grønseth Torstein , Ovchinnikov Kirill V. , Carlsen Harald , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Diep Dzung B. , von Unge Magnus , Silvola Juha T.
Published: May 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Lugol's solution 5% and Gentian violet 1% against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm in vivo. The bactericidal efficacy for treatment of MRSA‐biofilm skin wound infection was tested in a murine model. Luciferase‐tagged S. aureus Xen31, a MRSA‐strain derived from S. aureus ATCC‐3359130, was used for infection. Wounds were made in the skin of mice and infected with MRSA. The mice were treated with Lugol's solution and Gentian violet. Application of the antimicrobial agents started 24 hours post infection and was repeated daily for five‐days. The antimicrobial effect on the biofilm bacteria was evaluated by measuring bioluminescence from MRSA daily for seven‐days. Lugol's solution and Gentian violet showed a significant reduction in luminescent signals from the first assessment day to all subsequent days (P < .001). Lugol's solution and Gentian violet effectively eradicated MRSA in biofilm in vivo and could be alternatives or in addition to topical antibiotics when MRSA‐biofilm wound infection is suspected.
Processing and characterization of an Li7La3Zr0.5Nb0.5Ta0.5Hf0.5O12 high‐entropy Li–garnet electrolyte
Authors: Fu Zhezhen , Ferguson Jacob
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we demonstrated the processing of Li7La3Zr0.5Nb0.5Ta0.5Hf0.5O12 (LLZNTH) high‐entropy Li–garnet with promising properties for lithium batteries. We first synthesized the LLZNTH Li–garnet powders which have a single cubic garnet phase (space group: ; No. 230) without any secondary phases as well as uniform elements distributions. The prepared powders were further densified to a relative density of ∼94% with well‐crystallized grains and good contact with the neighboring grains. Minimal grain growth can be observed in the sintering time range from 8 to 20 h, which is likely due to the sluggish effects of high‐entropy compounds. The sample also maintains the cubic garnet phase along with uniform elements distribution after sintering. Electrochemical characterizations indicate that the densified sample has an adequate ionic conductivity of 4.67 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature, a low activation energy of 0.25 eV, and a low electronic conductivity in the order of 10−8 S cm−1. The significance of designing high‐entropy electrolyte is further discussed.
Moths and butterflies on alien shores: Global biogeography of non‐native Lepidoptera
Authors: Mally Richard , Turner Rebecca M. , Blake Rachael E. , Fenn‐Moltu Gyda , Bertelsmeier Cleo , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Hoare Robert J. B. , Nahrung Helen F. , Roques Alain , Pureswaran Deepa S. , Yamanaka Takehiko , Liebhold Andrew M.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Lepidoptera is a highly diverse, predominantly herbivorous insect order, with species transported to outside their native range largely facilitated by the global trade of plants and plant‐based goods. Analogous to island disharmony, we examine invasion disharmony, where species filtering during invasions increases systematic compositional differences between native and non‐native species assemblages, and test whether some families are more successful at establishing in non‐native regions than others.

Location

Hawaii, North America, Galapagos, Europe, South Africa, South Korea, Japan, Nansei Islands, Ogasawara Islands, Australia, New Zealand.

Taxon

Lepidoptera.

Methods

We compared numbers of non‐native, unintentionally introduced Lepidoptera species with the land area of 11 regions worldwide. Differences among native and non‐native assemblages in the distribution of species among families were investigated using ordination analysis. We tested whether invasion disharmony is explained by propagule pressure (proxied by species richness in border interceptions) and if families were associated with specific trade commodities.

Results

In total, 741 non‐native Lepidoptera species, accounting for 0.47% of the global diversity of lepidopterans, are established in at least one of the 11 regions. Crambidae, Pyralidae, Tineidae and Gracillariidae were particularly successful invaders, whereas the two most species‐rich families, Erebidae and Geometridae, were under‐represented among non‐native Lepidoptera. Much of the variation in species numbers in the native, and less so in the non‐native assemblages could be attributed to land area. Although native assemblages were similar among nearby regions, non‐native assemblages were not, suggesting geography had little effect on invasion disharmony. Comparison of established with intercepted species revealed that macromoth families were generally under‐represented in establishments, whereas several micromoth families were under‐represented in interceptions. This discrepancy may relate to greater detectability of larger species or high propagule pressure via associations with specific invasion pathways.

Main conclusions

Invasion disharmony in Lepidoptera appears to be driven by processes unrelated to the success of native assemblages. While native assemblages developed through long‐term evolutionary radiation, the composition of non‐native assemblages is driven by differential invasion pathways and traits affecting the establishment of founder populations that vary among families.
The late Pleistocene endemicity increase hypothesis and the origins of diversity in the Canary Islands Flora
Authors: Caujapé‐Castells Juli , García‐Verdugo Carlos , Sanmartín Isabel , Fuertes‐Aguilar Javier , Romeiras Maria M. , Zurita‐Pérez Nieves , Nebot Rafael
Published: May 2022

Aim

We explore the idea that most pre‐glacial non‐endemic Canarian flora became endemic to the archipelago by the extinction of its mainland populations during the late Pleistocene glaciations, implying that the extant non‐endemic flora is mostly post‐glacial: the ‘late Pleistocene endemicity increase hypothesis’.

Taxon

The native flora of the Canarian archipelago.

Methods

We statistically compare the distributions of 2087 Canarian endemic and native non‐endemic plants across islands. We also carry out connectivity analyses using their dispersal paths, obtained by connecting all the islands of occurrence for each taxon.

Results

While the distribution of the endemic flora is strongly L‐shaped (with a much higher proportion of Single‐Island Endemics than Multiple‐Island Endemics), that of the native non‐endemics is U‐shaped (i.e. similar prevalence of single‐island taxa and taxa distributed on all islands). The native non‐endemics have a significantly lower proportion of single‐island taxa and a higher proportion of widespread taxa than the endemics. Most dispersal paths in the endemics connect the central and western islands, whereas they are extended across all islands in the native non‐endemics.

Main conclusions

The contrasting distributional patterns of the endemics and the native non‐endemics support an outstanding role of species diversification in the endemic flora, but a still negligible influence of the insular selective and stochastic pressures (including extinction) in the native non‐endemic flora, arguably due to its recent origin. Our results suggest that the high endemicity levels of the extant Canarian flora can be explained by two complementary processes: (i) high diversification rates throughout the ontogeny of the archipelago, often from colonisers that attained a widespread distribution prior to speciation, and (ii) an ‘endemicity increase’ during the late Pleistocene glaciations, whereby most of the pre‐glacial non‐endemic Canarian flora became endemic due to the extinction of its mainland conspecific populations, thus emphasising the role of the Canaries as climatic refugia.
Roles of FoxM1‐driven basal β‐cell proliferation in maintenance of β‐cell mass and glucose tolerance during adulthood
Authors: Kohata Masato , Imai Junta , Izumi Tomohito , Yamamoto Junpei , Kawana Yohei , Endo Akira , Sugawara Hiroto , Seike Junro , Kubo Haremaru , Komamura Hiroshi , Sato Toshihiro , Hosaka Shinichiro , Munakata Yuichiro , Asai Yoichiro , Kodama Shinjiro , Takahashi Kei , Kaneko Keizo , Katagiri Hideki
Published: May 2022

Aims/Introduction

Whether basal β‐cell proliferation during adulthood is involved in maintaining sufficient β‐cell mass, and if so, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying basal β‐cell proliferation remain unclear. FoxM1 is a critical transcription factor which is known to play roles in ‘adaptive’ β‐cell proliferation, which facilitates rapid increases in β‐cell mass in response to increased insulin demands. Therefore, herein we focused on the roles of β‐cell FoxM1 in ‘basal’ β‐cell proliferation under normal conditions and in the maintenance of sufficient β‐cell mass as well as glucose homeostasis during adulthood.

Materials and Methods

FoxM1 deficiency was induced specifically in β‐cells of 8‐week‐old mice, followed by analyzing its short‐ (2 weeks) and long‐ (10 months) term effects on β‐cell proliferation, β‐cell mass, and glucose tolerance.

Results

FoxM1 deficiency suppressed β‐cell proliferation at both ages, indicating critical roles of FoxM1 in basal β‐cell proliferation throughout adulthood. While short‐term FoxM1 deficiency affected neither β‐cell mass nor glucose tolerance, long‐term FoxM1 deficiency suppressed β‐cell mass increases with impaired insulin secretion, thereby worsening glucose tolerance. In contrast, the insulin secretory function was not impaired in islets isolated from mice subjected to long‐term β‐cell FoxM1 deficiency. Therefore, β‐cell mass reduction is the primary cause of impaired insulin secretion and deterioration of glucose tolerance due to long‐term β‐cell FoxM1 deficiency.

Conclusions

Basal low‐level proliferation of β‐cells during adulthood is important for maintaining sufficient β‐cell mass and good glucose tolerance and β‐cell FoxM1 underlies this mechanism. Preserving β‐cell FoxM1 activity may prevent the impairment of glucose tolerance with advancing age.
Seasonal differences in thermal stress susceptibility of diploid and triploid brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Teleostei, Pisces)
Authors: Lahnsteiner Franz
Published: May 2022

Many physiological processes of teleost fish show periodicity due to intrinsic rhythms. It may be hypothesized that also susceptibility to thermal stress differs seasonally. To shed more light on this problem the following experiment was conducted. Diploid and triploid Salvelinus fontinalis were kept at an acclimation temperature of 9°C and at a natural photoperiod typical for the Northern Hemisphere during their entire live. During eight different periods of the year, different subgroups were exposed to a 32 day lasting thermal stress of 20°C. Rate of fish maintaining equilibrium, daily growth rate, condition factor, viscerosomatic index and hepato‐somatic index were measured. Complementary mRNA expression of genes characterizing growth (GHR1, GHR2), proteolysis (Protreg, Protα5), stress (Hsp47, Hsp90) and respiratory energy metabolism (ATPJ52) was determined. Seasonal differences in thermal stress susceptibility of 2n and 3n S. fontinalis were detected. It was highest from September to December and moderate from January to March. During the remaining period of the year, susceptibility to thermal stress was minimal. Increased thermal stress susceptibility was related to decreased rates of fish maintaining equilibrium, decreased growth rates, reduction of viscera and liver mass and changes in mRNA expression of genes characterizing proteolysis, growth, respiratory energy metabolism and stress. The differences in seasonal stress susceptibility were minor between 2n and 3n S. fontinalis. The data are valuable for ecology and fish culture to identify periods when animals are most susceptible to thermal stress.
Basal cell carcinoma in an albino pindani (Chindongo socolofi) and a cobalt‐zebra (Maylandia callainos): Diagnostic imaging, clinical and histopathological study
Authors: Shokrpoor Sara , Rahmati Holasoo Hooman , Soroori Sarang , Marandi Amin , Imantalab Bahram
Published: May 2022

A female albino pindani (Chindongo socolofi) and female cobalt‐zebra (Maylandia callainos) were referred to the Ornamental Fish Clinic with a soft tissue mass on their upper jaw. Also, during clinical examination, an unencapsulated intraoral soft tissue mass was observed in the cobalt‐zebra cichlid. Digital radiography showed soft tissue masses and osteolytic lesions. Computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed that osteolytic lesions occurred in skull bones of cobalt‐zebra. Also, soft tissue mass invaded to the intraoral space. Histopathologically, a non‐encapsulated, multilobulated and densely cellular neoplastic mass was identified. Extensive infiltration of neoplastic cells to the dermis and subcutaneous tissue was observed in both cases. The masses were composed of multiple coalescing nests, sheets, lobules and trabeculae of neoplastic cells within a fibrovascular stroma. The palisading basaloid neoplastic cells were markedly extended from the basal cells of the epidermis into the dermis and subcutis. The majority of the neoplastic cells had scant amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm with indistinct margins, round to ovoid nuclei and typically a single small basophilic nucleolus. There was invasion of basaloid neoplastic cells into the bone tissue that caused osteolytic lesions. Mitotic figures were three to seven per high‐power field. Epidermal basement membrane was periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) positive and neoplastic cell extension into the dermis was identified by the PAS staining. Fibrovascular stroma of the mass was also stained blue with Masson's trichrome. Based on histopathological and histochemical findings, the masses were diagnosed as infiltrative type of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Investigating the NLRP3 inflammasome and its regulator miR‐223‐3p in multiple sclerosis and experimental demyelination
Authors: Galloway Dylan A. , Carew Samantha J. , Blandford Stephanie N. , Benoit Rochelle Y. , Fudge Neva J. , Berry Tangyne , Moore George R. Wayne , Barron Jane , Moore Craig S.
Published: May 2022

Innate immune signaling pathways are essential mediators of inflammation and repair following myelin injury. Inflammasome activation has recently been implicated as a driver of myelin injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal models, although the regulation and contributions of inflammasome activation in the demyelinated central nervous system (CNS) are not completely understood. Herein, we investigated the NLRP3 (NBD‐, LRR‐ and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3) inflammasome and its endogenous regulator microRNA‐223‐3p within the demyelinated CNS in both MS and an animal model of focal demyelination. We observed that NLRP3 inflammasome components and microRNA‐223‐3p were upregulated at sites of myelin injury within activated macrophages and microglia. Both microRNA‐223‐3p and a small‐molecule NLRP3 inhibitor, MCC950, suppressed inflammasome activation in macrophages and microglia in vitro; compared with microglia, macrophages were more prone to inflammasome activation in vitro. Finally, systemic delivery of MCC950 to mice following lysolecithin‐induced demyelination resulted in a significant reduction in axonal injury within demyelinated lesions. In conclusion, we demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome activity by macrophages and microglia is a critical component of the inflammatory microenvironment following demyelination and represents a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory‐mediated demyelinating diseases, including MS.

image

Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15422
Untangling perceptions of atypical parents
Authors: Quadlin Natasha , Jeon Nanum , Doan Long , Powell Brian
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study examines how the public perceives of five types of “atypical” parents in the United States—single mothers, single fathers, lesbian couples, gay couples, and adoptive parents—including, critically, the factors that contribute to these perceptions.

Background

Although a handful of studies have considered attitudes toward atypical parents, virtually no studies have considered why people hold the attitudes they do. In addition, few studies have compared multiple types of parents simultaneously, to understand the direction and magnitude of people's perceptions of alternative families.

Method

The authors designed and conducted a national phone survey (N = 827). Respondents were randomly assigned to an experimental condition corresponding to one of these five types of parents. Then, respondents were asked how well the parent(s) can: bring up a child (i.e., an overall perception item), provide for children's basic needs, have a warm relationship, and teach important values, compared to their normative counterparts.

Results

Respondents are by far the most receptive toward adoptive parents across all four of these items. Perceptions of single parents are most strongly shaped by beliefs about economic resources. Perceptions of same‐sex parents are most strongly shaped by beliefs about morality. We also find key gendered perceptions within these parent groups. For example, emotional considerations shape perceptions of gay couples, but not lesbian couples.

Conclusion

Adoptive parents are broadly accepted in the United States, but much resistance toward single parents (on mostly economic grounds) and same‐sex parents (on mostly moral grounds) remains.
Prevalence of risk and factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome in an adult population in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Tete Boniface , Albdewi Mohamad Ammar , Nkodila Aliocha , Muhala Blaise , Akilimali Pierre , Bisuta Serge , Makulo Jean Robert , Kayembe Jean Marie
Published: May 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is an underdiagnosed and lesser known disease in sub‐Saharan Africa. We believe that this is the first descriptive and analytical cross‐sectional study in Kinshasa (from February 1 to October 31, 2021), which included respondents aged ≥18 years. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of the risk and factors associated with OSAHS. Each participant signed a free and informed consent. Statistical analyses were performed using XLStat 2020 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24 for Windows. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to determine the degree of association between these variables and a high risk of OSAHS. The significance threshold was p < 0.05 and confidence interval (CI) at 95%. There were 4,162 participants, including 2,287 men (54.9%), with an mean (SD) age of 32 ± 12.6 years. The prevalence of OSAS risk was 17.4% and 7.9% for men and women, respectively. The associated risk factors were male sex (OR 4, 95% CI 3.20–5.54), hypertension (OR 6.7, 95% CI 4.87–9.30), age ≥60 years (OR 8.7, 95% CI 4.07–18.88), obesity/overweight (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.13–3.78), and excessive daytime sleepiness (OR 2.63, 95% CI 2.05–3.56). The risk of OSAS in Kinshasa is high and it increases with age, male sex, obesity, and hypertension. The Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, Body mass index, Age, Neck circumference, and male Gender (STOP‐BANG) questionnaire is an easy‐to‐use tool for diagnostic orientation.
TRPM2 regulates autophagy to participate in hepatitis B virus replication
Authors: Chen Liyan , Zhu Liying , Lu Xingyu , Ming Xiaoyu , Yang Baoshan
Published: May 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects over 300 million people across the world and is further associated with the self‐digesting process of autophagy. Accordingly, the current study set out to explore the role of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 2 (TRPM2) in HBV replication. Firstly, Huh‐7 cells were transfected with the pHBV1.3 plasmid to detect the expression patterns of TRPM2 and neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (p47 phox), followed by evaluating the role of TRPM2 in autophagy and HBV replication and exploring the interaction between TRPM2 and p47 phox. Collaborative experiments were further designed to explore the role of p47 phox and autophagy in TRPM2 regulation of HBV replication, in addition to animal experimentation to validate the role of TRPM2/p47 phox axis in vivo. It was found that TRPM2 up‐regulation was associated with HBV replication. On the other hand, silencing of TRPM2 inhibited HBV replication and autophagy in vitro and in vivo, as evidenced by reduced HBV DNA load, HBV mRNA, HBeAg and HBsAg, and diminished autophagic spot number, LC3 II/I ratio, Beclin‐1 expressions and increased p62 expressions. Mechanistic experimentation illustrated that TRPM2 interacted with p47 phox and positively regulated p47 phox, such that p47 phox up‐regulation or use of Rapamycin (autophagy activator) weakened the inhibitory role of silencing TRPM2. Collectively, our findings indicated that HBV infection promotes TRPM2 expression, and TRPM2 interacts with p47 phox to induce autophagy and facilitate HVB replication.
Environmental risk factors for the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats
Authors: Zaccone Riccardo , Renzi Andrea , Chalfon Carmit , Lenzi Jacopo , Bellei Emma , Marconato Laura , Ros Eriberta , Rigillo Antonella , Bettini Giuliano , Faroni Eugenio , Guerra Dina , Sabattini Silvia
Published: May 2022

Background

Risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in cats are derived from a single study dated almost 20 years ago. The relationship between inflammation of oral tissues and OSCC is still unclear.

Objectives

To investigate previously proposed and novel potential risk factors for OSCC development, including oral inflammatory diseases.

Animals

Hundred cats with OSCC, 70 cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (CGS), 63 cats with periodontal disease (PD), and 500 controls.

Methods

Prospective, observational case‐control study. Cats with OSCC were compared with an age‐matched control sample of client‐owned cats and cats with CGS or PD. Owners of cats completed an anonymous questionnaire including demographic, environmental and lifestyle information.

Results

On multivariable logistic regression, covariates significantly associated with an increased risk of OSCC were rural environment (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.03‐3.04;P = .04), outdoor access (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.07‐2.63;P = .02), environmental tobacco smoke (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.05‐3;P = .03), and petfood containing chemical additives (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.04‐3.76;P = .04). Risk factors shared with CGS and PD were outdoor access and petfood containing chemical additives, respectively. A history of oral inflammation was reported in 35% of cats with OSCC but did not emerge as a risk factor.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The study proposes novel potential risk factors for OSCC in cats. Although a history of inflammatory oral disease was not significantly more frequent compared with random age‐matched controls, OSCC shared several risk factors with CGS and PD.
Elevational patterns in tropical bryophyte diversity differ among substrates: A case study on Baru volcano, Panama
Authors: Rodríguez‐Quiel Eyvar Elías , Kluge Jürgen , Mendieta‐Leiva Glenda , Bader Maaike Y.
Published: May 2022

Questions

Bryophytes attain their highest diversity in tropical mountain forests. Although distribution patterns have been described, little emphasis has been placed on comparing patterns among substrates (e.g., terrestrial, epiphytic). Understanding these patterns is important, because they determine not only the pool of genetic resources, but also the functioning of these forest ecosystems. Therefore, we studied how bryophyte species diversity changes with elevation, how elevational patterns differ between substrate types, and how elevational trends relate to environmental drivers.

Location

Baru volcano, Panama.

Methods

At each of eight elevations, between 1900 and 3300 m, bryophytes were collected in 600‐cm2 plots from six substrate types with four replicates. Species cover was registered as a measure of relative abundance. Species richness and community structure were determined and related to elevation, substrate types, and environmental drivers at three scales (plots, sets of four replicate plots per substrate per elevation, and all plots at each elevation).

Results

Bryophyte species richness decreased towards higher elevations, at all three scales and on all substrates except bryophytes on soil, for which, at the plot scale, richness peaked at higher elevations than on the other substrates. Relative humidity explained richness slightly better than elevation. Communities at the lowest elevations had the most uneven compositions, due to the presence of many small species with low abundance.

Conclusions

In studies on the spatial distribution of bryophyte diversity, it is essential to consider different substrates and spatial scales separately. If substrates differ in their elevational species richness patterns, climate and land‐use change may affect bryophyte diversity patterns not only directly, but also indirectly via changes in substrate availability. Therefore, a better understanding of the spatial variation in bryophyte diversity in mountains is essential to elucidate the effects of environmental change on this important group of plants and their implications for ecosystem functioning.
The classical SOS pathway confers natural variation of salt tolerance in maize
Authors: Zhou Xueyan , Li Jianfang , Wang Yiqiao , Liang Xiaoyan , Zhang Ming , Lu Minhui , Guo Yan , Qin Feng , Jiang Caifu
Published: May 2022

Sodium (Na+) is the major cation damaging crops in the salinised farmland. Previous studies have shown that the Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway is important for salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Nevertheless, the SOS pathway remains poorly investigated in most crops.

This study addresses the function of the SOS pathway and its association with the natural variation of salt tolerance in maize.

First, we showed that a naturally occurring 4‐bp frame‐shifting deletion in ZmSOS1 caused the salt hypersensitive phenotype of the maize inbred line LH65. Accordingly, mutants lacking ZmSOS1 also displayed a salt hypersensitive phenotype, due to an impaired root‐to‐rhizosphere Na+ efflux and an increased shoot Na+ concentration. We next showed that the maize SOS3/SOS2 complex (ZmCBL4/ZmCIPK24a and ZmCBL8/ZmCIPK24a) phosphorylates ZmSOS1 therefore activating its Na+‐transporting activity, with their loss‐of‐function mutants displaying salt hypersensitive phenotypes. Moreover, we observed that a LTR/Gypsy insertion decreased the expression of ZmCBL8, thereby increasing shoot Na+ concentration in natural maize population.

Taken together, our study demonstrated that the maize SOS pathway confers a conservative salt‐tolerant role, and the components of SOS pathway (ZmSOS1 and ZmCBL8) confer the natural variations of Na+ regulation and salt tolerance in maize, therefore providing important gene targets for breeding salt‐tolerant maize.
Candidate evaluation of national recruitment in oral surgery
Authors: McKernon Sarah L. , Yates Julian , Foster Martin , Blacklock Pippa , Balmer Colette , Spencer R James
Published: May 2022

Aim

To ascertain the perceptions and experiences of candidates of national recruitment and multi‐station interviews for the selection of oral surgery specialty trainees to UK during the first 3 years of being introduced.

Material and methods

A pre‐piloted questionnaire was administered in paper format to applicants immediately following completion of the final recruitment day. Applicants were asked six questions regarding appropriateness of each of the stations using a Likert scales (1 strongly disagree to 5 strongly agree).

Results

During a 3‐year period, feedback was favourable for those stations most likely to be associated with a career in oral surgery, which was in stark contrast to the critical appraisal station which consistently received feedback regarding the time allocated to it. Survey feedback each year was presented to the working group and helped to develop and inform future stations.

Conclusions

Candidates considered national recruitment to be both a fair and transparent process, which the majority supporting the move away from traditional CV‐focused interviews.
Assessing the feasibility of using autogenous maxillary bone graft to repair isolated orbital floor fractures: A pilot study using CT measurements
Authors: Yu Stephen , De Silva Harsha , Narsinh Pritesh , Marra Jamie , Fong Amy , Dias George
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Orbital floor fractures are a common injury managed by oral maxillofacial surgeons. They can result in significant bony defects that increase the orbital volume and necessitate surgical repair to avoid the development of enophthalmos. A variety of materials have been used in the reconstruction of orbits including alloplastic materials and autogenous bone grafts. The use of the anterior maxillary antral wall as a bone graft offers the advantage of being readily accessible, naturally thin and has less donor site morbidity than other bone graft sites. There is a paucity of literature in regards to how and when to use an anterior maxillary antral wall graft.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of computerized tomography head scans for patients presenting with isolated orbital floor fractures over a 5‐year period. 25 patients were included in the study and manual measurements were recorded for the orbital floor defect and the dimensions of the ipsilateral and contralateral anterior maxillary wall.

Results

It was found that 92% of fractures could have been repaired using a contralateral anterior maxillary wall bone graft (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Use of the anterior wall of the maxillary antrum is a feasible alternative to traditional alloplastic materials. Further study using three‐dimensional bio‐modelling could help developing more accurate guidelines for using this technique in orbital fracture repair.
Arthroscopic Modified Double‐Row Biceps Tenodesis versus Labral Repair for the Treatment of Isolated Type II SLAP Lesions in Non‐Overhead Athletes
Authors: Song Yu , Wu Zhong , Wang Miao , Liu Shengfu , Cong Ruijun , Tao Kun
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the postoperative efficacy and the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic modified double‐row biceps tenodesis versus labral repair.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 56 patients with isolated type II superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions from March 2015 to November 2018. Thirty patients (male:female = 17:13) were treated with labral repair, and 26 patients (male:female = 15:11) were treated with modified double‐row biceps tenodesis. The average age of the labral repair group and the modified double‐row biceps tenodesis group were 42.8 ± 10.6 and 40.9 ± 10.2 years, respectively. Pre‐ and postoperative assessments with the visual analog scale (VAS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were compared between the two treatment groups. Additional outcome measures included patient satisfaction, the time to return to previous activities, workers' compensation status, and postoperative complications.

Results

At a 2‐year follow‐up, the tenodesis group showed significant differences in postoperative VAS (1.5 to 1.8, respectively; p = 0.008), patient satisfaction (92.3% vs. 46.7%, p < 0.001), and recovery time to return to their previous activities (6.8 ± 1.8 vs. 8.1 ± 1.5, p = 0.007) compared to the labral repair group; however, there was no significant difference in postoperative ASES and UCLA scores between the two groups. Additionally, one patient in the tenodesis group developed persistent postoperative stiffness, which was resolved by conservative treatment. In the labral repair group, two patients presented with persistent postoperative night pain, three developed persistent postoperative stiffness, and two required a subsequent capsular release.

Conclusions

Compared with the labral repair group, the arthroscopic modified double‐row biceps tenodesis showed more encouraging postoperative pain reduction, earlier recovery to previous activities, and higher patient satisfaction.
Modified Chevron Osteotomy with Distal Soft Tissue Release for Treating Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Minimal Clinical Important Difference Values Study
Authors: Gong Xiao‐feng , Sun Ning , Li Heng , Li Ying , Lai Liang‐peng , Li Wen‐jing , Wang Yan , Wu Yong
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore whether modified Chevron osteotomy together with distal soft tissue release would correct moderate to severe HV deformity and what is the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) for objective and subjective evaluating parameters.

Methods

From March 2018 to January 2019, 40 hallux valgus patients (including moderate to severe) were enrolled in this retrospective study. The cohort included four males and 36 females. The average age at surgery was 50.95 (range 22–75) years. All patients underwent modified Chevron osteotomy together with distal soft tissue release and completed at least one follow‐up at clinic. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle forefoot score (AOFAS, forefoot), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Foot Function Index (FFI) were all collected before and after surgery. Besides, the hallux valgus angle (HVA), 1st–2nd intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were measured both before surgery and at last follow‐up. All MCID values were calculated by employing distribution‐based method.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients (92.5%) showed satisfied result at a mean 14.3‐month follow‐up (range 13–22 month). Two patients complained about residual pain at the bunion, and overcorrection (hallux varus) occurred in one patient. Meanwhile, no patient observed nonunion. Being female, age more than 60, residual HVA deformity (>15°), and post IMA more than 9° showed no statistical relationship with the post‐operation residual pain (P > 0.05). However, high VAS score before surgery (more than 7) showed strong correlation with residual pain (P < 0.01). The subjective MCID value was 9.50 for AOFAS, 18.92 for FFI, and 1.27 for VAS, respectively.

Conclusion

The modified Chevron osteotomy together with distal soft tissue release could achieve a satisfied result for moderate to severe HV deformity at early follow‐up. The residual pain was associated with severe pain before surgery (VAS more than 7).
Characteristics of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Isolated Lower Extremity Fractures and Unsolved Problems in Guidelines: A Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Zhao Wei‐guang , Zhang Wei‐li , Zhang Ying‐ze
Published: May 2022

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been characterized by a disorder of venous return caused by abnormal blood clotting in deep veins. It often occurs in the lower limbs and is a common complication in orthopaedics. Therefore, relevant professional organizations domestic and overseas had formulated and constantly updated relevant guidelines to prevent the occurrence of DVT. According to the management strategy of the guidelines, the incidence of DVT can be significantly reduced. However, due to the variety of fractures types, the guidelines cannot expound precautions and characteristics of DVT for all fracture types at present, and there are other related unresolved problems. For example, there is still a lack of consistent optimal strategies for the management of DVT following isolated lower extremity fractures with a higher incidence. The best anticoagulant strategies for patients with upper limb fractures, pediatric fractures, and those combined with other injuries are rarely described in orthopaedic guidelines, but such fractures are common in clinical orthopaedics. The long‐term complications after DVT, such as post‐thrombotic syndrome, are not well‐understood. In the absence of clear guidance, orthopaedic surgeons often resort to empiric anticoagulation or conservative treatment, so the prevention effects of DVT are inconsistent. The purpose of this review is to summarize the characteristics of DVT events after isolated lower extremity fractures and to discuss the unsolved issues in the guidelines by reviewing the previous literature and tracing the history of DVT discovery, to provide more scientific and comprehensive recommendations for the prediction and prevention of DVT.
PUVA therapy in persistent cutaneous histiocytosis: Case report and literature review
Authors: Taibo Ana , Martin Ignacio , Almagro Manuel , Rego Isidro , Sacristan Felipe , Fonseca Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Background

Cutaneous and mucocutaneous histiocytosis (group C) comprise a wide variety of entities affecting skin and/or mucosae. Although they are considered as reactive proliferations, their exact pathophysiology remains unknown and, therefore, they lack a specific treatment.

Aims

The aim of this study is to review the evidence on cases of histiocytosis treated with UVB and/or UVA and to report a new case of relapsing group C histiocytosis that has been successfully treated with PUVA therapy.

Materials & Methods

We have conducted a review of the literature published over the last 40 years on the treatment of histiocytosis with phototherapy in the online PubMed database. We also describe a new case of successful treatment of histiocytosis with PUVA therapy.

Results

Our patient was a 27‐year‐old man with persistent outbreaks of cutaneous histiocytosis over the previous 8 years. He responded successfully to PUVA therapy, and no relapse has been detected after one year of follow‐up.

Discussion

Self‐involution is usual in group C histiocytosis, so conservative management is usually the first approach. Relapsing cases pose a therapeutic challenge. Reported treatment options for these patients include isotretinoin, cryotherapy, immunosuppressants, low‐dose chemotherapy, CO2 laser, radiotherapy, and surgery. Phototherapy and photochemotherapy have been used in a small number of patients with considerable success. The main limitation to provide firm recommendations on histiocytosis therapy is the absence of solid evidence, as the articles published are mainly case reports with a short follow‐up. In our patient, despite the short follow‐up we have considered photochemotherapy to be effective since no spontaneous remission had been achieved in the previous 8 years.

Conclusion

PUVA therapy could be a safe and effective option to treat persistent cutaneous manifestations in patients with histiocytosis, although more evidence is required to support this statement.