bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grasslands enhance ecosystem service multifunctionality above and below‐ground in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Tamburini Giovanni , Aguilera Guillermo , Öckinger Erik
Published: September 2022

Managing agricultural landscapes integrate production, biodiversity conservation and the flow of ecosystem services (ES) is of paramount importance to simultaneously meet production goals and environmental challenges. However, the response of farmland biodiversity and multiple ES to land‐use change at multiple spatial scales remains poorly understood.

We explored the effects of land‐use at local (grassland vs. oilseed rape fields) and landscape scale (cover of permanent grasslands) on the provision of biodiversity (plants, arthropods, birds), five ES (pollination, pest control, soil fertility, carbon storage and water regulation) and overall ES‐multifunctionality.

ES‐multifunctionality was higher in grasslands than in crop fields, by 25.2% above‐ground and by 106.1% below‐ground. Multiple threshold analyses highlighted a particularly poor level of performance for below‐ground functions in crop fields. This habitat type was however capable of providing numerous above‐ground functions simultaneously, although at low levels of performance when compared to the maximum values recorded in the study. Grasslands supported higher biodiversity and provision of pollination, soil fertility, carbon storage and water regulation.

Landscape composition influenced the provision of multiple ES: a 10% increase in grassland cover in the landscape enhanced above‐ground ES‐multifunctionality by 11.0% in both habitats. In particular, grasslands cover in the landscape supported the provision of arthropod diversity, pollination and pest control provided by carabids.

Synthesis and applications. The results of this field study show the key importance of preserving semi‐natural grasslands in agricultural landscapes for the conservation of farmland biodiversity, for the protection of soils and the delivery of multiple ES critical for crop production. Maximization of multifunctionality necessitates the integration at the landscape scale (0.5–2 km) of semi‐natural patches within the intensively farmed agricultural matrix. This would require not only the protection of existing grasslands, but also their restoration in simplified landscapes. The promotion of mixed farming (i.e., both crop and livestock production) might increase semi‐natural grassland cover at the landscape scale.
Xenobiotic estradiol‐17ß alters gut microbiota of hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Murphy Kaitlyn M. , Watkins Madison M. , Finger John W. , Kelley Meghan D. , Elsey Ruth M. , Warner Daniel A. , Mendonça Mary T.
Published: September 2022

Environmental oestrogens pose serious concerns for ecosystems through their effects on organismal survival and physiology. The gut microbiome is highly vulnerable to environmental influence, yet the effects of oestrogens on gut homeostasis are unknown because they are poorly studied in wildlife populations. To determine the influence of environmental oestrogens (i.e., xenoestrogens) on the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota, we randomly assigned 23 hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) to three ecologically relevant treatments (control, low, and high oestrogen concentrations) for 10 weeks. We predicted that xenoestrogen exposure would decrease microbial diversity and abundance within the digestive tract and that this effect would be dose‐dependent. Microbial samples were collected following diet treatments and microbial diversity was determined using 16S rRNA gene‐sequencing. Individuals in oestrogen‐treatment groups had decreased microbial diversity, but a greater relative abundance of operational taxonomic units than those in the control group. In addition, this effect was dose‐dependent; as individuals were exposed to more oestrogen, their microbiome became less diverse, less rich and less even. Findings from this study suggest that oestrogen contamination can influence wildlife populations at the internal microbial‐level, which may lead to future deleterious health effects.
The Other made visible: creative methods, inner figures and agents of change when working through early childhood trauma in adulthood1
Authors: Swan‐Foster Nora
Published: September 2022

Jung used creative methods such as picture‐making and active imagination to work with complexes and in particular trauma and dissociation. A clinical example of a 60‐year‐old woman demonstrates the benefits of using creative methods to work with issues linked to early life, such as somatic intrusions of early childhood trauma. Significant inner figures were delineated, including the original figure associated with the infantile dissociative split. The figures illustrated Jung’s complex theory by making visible the nonverbal inner states that were initially feared and experienced as Other. Within an analytic relationship that included a working through, an innate creative process unfolded that permitted inner figures to become agents of change within her psyche. This paper highlights the value of Jung’s complex theory and the use of creative methods when working with dissociation, regression and unformulated infantile states, even when the analysand is in the later stages of adulthood.
Comparative study of neuropeptide signaling systems in Hemiptera
Authors: Gao Han , Li Yanxiao , Zhang Hui , Wang Suisui , Feng Fan , Tang Jing , Li Bin
Published: September 2022

Numerous physiological processes in insects are tightly regulated by neuropeptides and their receptors. Although they form an ancient signaling system, there is still a great deal of variety in neuropeptides and their receptors among different species within the same order. Neuropeptides and their receptors have been documented in many hemipteran insects, but the differences among them have been poorly characterized. Commercial grapevines worldwide are plagued by the bug Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha). Here, 33 neuropeptide precursors and 48 putative neuropeptide G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) genes were identified in D. vitifoliae. Their expression profiles at the probe and feeding stages reflected potential regulatory roles in probe behavior. By comparison, we found that the Releasing Hormone‐Related Peptides (GnRHs) system of Sternorrhyncha was differentiated from those of the other 2 suborders in Hemiptera. Independent secondary losses of the adipokinetic hormone/corazonin‐related peptide receptor (ACP) and corazonin (CRZ) occurred during the evolution of Sternorrhyncha. Additionally, we discovered that the neuropeptide signaling systems of Sternorrhyncha were very different from those of Heteroptera and Auchenorrhyncha, which was consistent with Sternorrhyncha's phylogenetic position at the base of the order. This research provides more knowledge on neuropeptide systems and sets the groundwork for the creation of novel D. vitifoliae management strategies that specifically target these signaling pathways.
Adaptation criterion for segmentectomy in small‐sized early stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Motono Nozomu , Mizoguchi Takaki , Ishikawa Masahito , Iwai Shun , Iijima Yoshihito , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: September 2022

Background

Although the utility of segmentectomy for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been reported, the adaptation criterion for segmentectomy is unclear.

Methods

In total, 171 NSCLC patients who underwent segmentectomy or lobectomy with a consolidation tumor diameter on computed tomography of ≤20 mm were analyzed.

Results

Consolidation diameter (p = 0.01), consolidation to tumor ratio (CTR) (p < 0.01), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) (p < 0.01), and segmentectomy (p = 0.01) were significantly different upon univariate analysis among patients stratified by recurrence. Positive correlations were observed between the consolidation diameter on CT and CEA (correlation coefficient; r = 0.19, p = 0.01), SUVmax (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), and CTR (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Because there was a significant correlation among the consolidation diameter of tumors on CT, CTR, and SUVmax in this study, we integrated these factors into one. Consolidation, CTR, and SUVmax (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–11.29, p = 0.01) and segmentectomy (HR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.03–0.90, p = 0.03) were risk factors for recurrence in a multivariate analysis. There was a significant difference between the segmentectomy and lobectomy groups (5‐year relapse‐free survival [RFS] 96.5% vs. 80.7%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Consolidation tumor diameter on CT, CTR, and SUVmax is a risk factor for recurrence. These results suggest that for patients with small‐sized early stage NSCLC, this combined factor is important for determining the indication for segmentectomy.
Fluctuating ecological networks: A synthesis of maximum‐entropy approaches for pattern detection and process inference
Authors: Caruso Tancredi , Clemente Giulio Virginio , Rillig Matthias C. , Garlaschelli Diego
Published: September 2022

Ecological networks such as plant–pollinator systems and food webs vary in space and time. This variability includes fluctuations in global properties such as the total number and intensity of interactions in the network but also in the number and intensity of local (i.e. node level) species interactions.

Fluctuations of species' properties can significantly affect higher‐order network features, for example, robustness and nestedness, and should therefore be taken into account in null models for pattern detection and hypothesis testing.

In ecological research, classical null models treat node‐level properties as ‘hard’ constraints that cannot fluctuate. Here, we review and synthesize a set of maximum‐entropy methods that allow for fluctuating (‘soft’) constraints, offering a new addition to the classical toolkit of the ecologist. We illustrate the methods with some practical examples, pointing to currently available open‐source computer codes. We clarify how this approach can be used by experimental ecologists to detect non‐random patterns with null models that not only rewire, but also redistribute interaction strengths by allowing fluctuations in the enforced constraints.

Explicit modelling of interspecific heterogeneity through local (i.e. species level) fluctuations of topological and quantitative constraints offers a statistically robust and expanded (e.g. including weighted links) set of tools to understand the assembly and resilience of ecological networks.
Rates, characteristics and toxicology of cocaine‐related deaths in Australia, 2000–2021
Authors: Darke Shane , Duflou Johan , Peacock Amy , Chrzanowska Agata , Farrell Michael , Lappin Julia
Published: September 2022

Aims

To (i) assess the population mortality rates of cocaine‐related deaths in Australia, 2000 to 2021; (ii) determine the circumstances of death and case characteristics; and (iii) determine their toxicological profile.

Design

Retrospective study of cocaine‐related deaths in Australia, 2000 to 2021, retrieved from the National Coronial Information System.

Setting

Australia‐wide.

Cases

A total of 884 cases, mean age = 33.8 (SD, 10.0) years and 86.5% (n = 765) male.

Measurements

Information was collected on characteristics, manner of death and toxicology. Only cases in which the presence of blood cocaine and/or metabolites were included.

Findings

Population rates did not significantly increase during 2001–2011 (annual percentage change [APC] = 1.5; CI, −3.2, 6.5), but from 2012, there was a marked acceleration (APC = 20.0, 95% CI, 15.5, 25.3). Circumstances of death were unintentional drug toxicity (70.7%, n = 625), intentional self‐harm (17.8%, n = 157), traumatic accident (11.5%, n = 102). The proportion of cases constituted by unintentional toxicity declined across the study period (APC = −2.6; CI, −3.1, −2.1). There was a substantial decline in the proportion of cases with a history of injecting drug use (APC = −5.7; CI, −6.5, −4.9) and with a history of substance use problems (APC = −3.2; CI, −3.9, −2.5). Both cocaine (0.100 vs 0.050 mg/L, P < 0.001) and benzoylecgonine (0.590 vs 0.240 mg/L, P < 0.001) concentrations were higher amongst toxicity cases than in cases of death from traumatic injury. Cocaethylene was present in 26.4% (n = 233), levamisole in 18.6% (n = 164) and lignocaine in 11.5% (n = 102). Psychoactive drugs in addition to cocaine were present in 92.9% (n = 821), most commonly opioids (50.5%, n = 446), alcohol (47.1%, n = 416), hypnosedatives (43.2%, n = 382) and psychostimulants (30.3%, n = 268). There was a steady decline in the proportion of opioid positive cases (APC = −5.4; CI, −6.3, −4.5).

Conclusions

There was a large increase in cocaine‐related deaths across Australia from 2000 to 2021. This was accompanied by changes in case profiles, with histories of injecting drug use and substance use problems, as well as recent opioid use, becoming less prominent.
Predictors of histologic response to dietary therapy in eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Wang Lillian , Mara Kristin C. , Ravi Karthik , Wu Tsung‐Teh , Smyrk Thomas C. , Katzka David A. , Alexander Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Dietary therapy successfully treats eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), but limited data exist on predictors of patient response.

Aims

To determine response rates and to identify predictors of histologic response to elimination diets in adults with EoE

Methods

This was a retrospective, single‐centre study of adults with PPI‐refractory EoE undergoing dietary therapy with six food elimination diet (SFED) or extended six food elimination diet (ExSFED) in an outpatient setting from January 2012 to January 2019. Patient demographics, radiologic and endoscopic findings, endoscopic reference (EREF) scores, histology and symptoms were evaluated before and after food elimination. Histologic response was assessed via tissue obtained from endoscopically‐guided biopsy or Cytosponge. Dietary therapy adherence was assessed via structured phone interview. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of dietary response.

Results

We included 68 patients, of whom 62% had a histologic response to dietary therapy (81% to SFED, 19% to ExSFED). Median duration of follow‐up was 45 months (IQR, 34–53 months). On multivariable analysis, higher pre‐SFED EREF score was the only variable associated with dietary non‐response (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.49, 0.98; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

In adults with EoE, histologic dietary non‐response to SFED was associated with a higher pre‐SFED EREF score, suggesting that fixed structural disease may predict dietary non‐response. Our additional observations of poor correlation between symptomatic and histologic flares, and identification of ExSFED responders, suggest that histologic confirmation should be sought before committing patients to lifelong dietary changes. We also recommend the consideration of restricting legumes and corn in SFED non‐responders as ExSFED detected additional dietary responders.
GABAA receptors as targets for anaesthetics and analgesics and promising candidates to help treat coronavirus infections: A mini‐review
Authors: Luo Yujia , Balle Thomas
Published: September 2022

GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates the balance between excitatory and inhibitory circuits in the human nervous system. The GABA receptors are divided into three main subtypes, GABAA, GABAB, and GABAC (also termed GABAA rho) receptors. GABAA receptors are pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels widely expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. The activation of GABAA receptors results in opening of an anion‐selective channel that mainly gates chloride ions and allows them to flow into the neuron, causing hyperpolarization of the cell membrane that dampens neural excitability. This makes GABAA receptors critical anaesthetic and analgesic targets for existing as well as for the development of novel drugs. In this review, we first summarize the biochemical properties of GABAA receptors and the clinical anaesthetics and analgesics targeting the receptors. In a forward‐looking section, we summarize the emerging role of GABAergic signalling in treatment of COVID‐19 related infections. Finally, we discuss the opportunities arising from targeting specific and unique subunit interfaces for the development of novel anaesthetics and analgesics leading to more efficient therapies.
An fMRI examination of the neural basis of suicide attempts: The role of mentalizing in the context of mood
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Das Pritha , Outhred Tim , Bryant Richard A. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Facial emotion recognition (FER) deficits in depressed mood disorder patients contribute to suicidality. Prior research shows that intrinsic brain activity patterns are altered by attempting suicide. Therefore, we investigated in depressed patients whether differences in FER contribute to their clinical symptoms of suicide.

Methods

Neural activity in response to an FER task was compared across three groups: healthy controls (HCs, N = 66), suicide non‐attempter (SNA, N = 50), suicide attempter (SA, N = 25). Modulation of brain networks by the task and functional connectivity (FC) within (using spatial map, spectral power) and between (using functional network connectivity; FNC) were examined. The contribution of these differences to suicidal symptoms in each group was also examined.

Results

Patient groups displayed impaired FC both within and between networks but differed in nature and networks involved. They also showed differential modulation of networks by task, such that compared with both HC and SNA, SA displayed impaired FC within the default‐mode network (DMN) and also its task modulation. In the SA group, FC within the DMN and FNC between two lateral prefrontal networks, and its interaction with the basal ganglia network contributed significantly to the clinical symptoms of suicide.

Conclusions

This study affirms differences between SA and SNA brain activity patterns and suggests that suicidal activity probably emanates via different mechanisms in these patient groups. Perhaps, over‐attribution of emotion impairs one's self‐referential thought processes and coupled with diminished emotional control this makes depressed individuals vulnerable to suicide.
The inhibition of MDM2 slows cell proliferation and activates apoptosis in ADPKD cell lines
Authors: Patergnani Simone , Giattino Antonino , Bianchi Nicoletta , Giorgi Carlotta , Pinton Paolo , Aguiari Gianluca
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterised by progressive cysts formation and renal enlargement that in most of cases leads to end stage of renal disease (ESRD). This pathology is caused by mutations of either PKD1 or PKD2 genes that encode for polycystin‐1 (PC1) and polycystin‐2 (PC2), respectively. These proteins function as receptor‐channel complex able to regulate calcium homeostasis. PKD1/2 loss of function impairs different signalling pathways including cAMP and mTOR that are considered therapeutic targets for this disease. In fact, Tolvaptan, a vasopressin‐2 antagonist that reduces cAMP levels, is the only drug approved for ADPKD treatment. Nevertheless, some ADPKD patients developed side effects in response to Tolvaptan including liver damage. Conversely, mTOR inhibitors that induced disease regression in ADPKD animal models failed the clinical trials.

Results

Here, we show that the inhibition of mTOR causes the activation of autophagy in ADPKD cells that could reduce therapy effectiveness by drug degradation through the autophagic vesicles. Consistently, the combined treatment with rapamycin and chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, potentiates the decrease of cell proliferation induced by rapamycin. To overcome the dangerous activation of autophagy by mTOR inhibition, we targeted MDM2 (a downstream effector of mTOR signalling) that is involved in TP53 degradation by using RG7112, a small‐molecule MDM2 inhibitor used for the treatment of haematologic malignancies. The inhibition of MDM2 by RG7112 prevents TP53 degradation and increases p21 expression leading to the decrease of cell proliferation and the activation of apoptosis.

Conclusion

The targeting of MDM2 by RG7112 might represent a new therapeutic option for the treatment of ADPKD.
The prevalence of acromegaly is higher than previously reported: Changes over a three‐decade period
Authors: Aagaard Charlotte , Christophersen Amanda S. , Finnerup Susanne , Rosendal Christian , Gulisano Helga A. , Ettrup Kåre S. , Vestergaard Peter , Karmisholt Jesper , Nielsen Eigil Husted , Dal Jakob
Published: September 2022

Objective

To study time‐related changes in the prevalence and patient characteristics of acromegaly, as well as to assess the impact of changes in treatment on disease control.

Methods

A total of 107 patients with acromegaly were identified by healthcare registries and subsequently validated by patient chart review over a three‐decade period (1992–2021). A systematic literature review focusing on the incidence and prevalence of acromegaly was performed identifying 31 studies.

Results

The prevalence of acromegaly significantly increased throughout the study period (R2 = 0.94, p < .001) and was 122 cases/106 persons in 2021 whereas the annual incidence remained constant at 4.6 cases/106 persons. The age at the first sign of acromegaly and the age at diagnosis significantly increased during the study period, whereas growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor I decreased. Incidentalomas constituted 32% of all cases diagnosed with acromegaly in the last decade. Primary surgery was used in 93% of all cases, and repeated surgery decreased from 24% to 10% during the three decades. The use of first‐generation somatostatin analogues (21%–48%) and second‐line medical treatment (4%–20%) increased with a concomitant improvement of biochemical disease control (58%–91%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of acromegaly is higher than previously reported and the clinical presentation has shifted towards a milder phenotype. Modern treatment of acromegaly enables individualized treatment and disease control in the majority of patients.
Effects of writers, erasers and readers within miRNA‐related m6A modification in cancers
Authors: Feng Huiru , Yuan Xiaofei , Wu Shuting , Yuan Yue , Cui Linchong , Lin Danfan , Peng Xiaohong , Liu Xiong , Wang Fan
Published: September 2022

Background

As one of the most abundant post‐transcriptional mRNA modifications, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) has attracted extensive attention from scientists. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A modification plays a significant role in cancer‐related signalling pathways. Existing research demonstrates that m6A modifications were also identified in miRNAs and contribute to cancer‐related signalling pathways.

Methods

A literature retrieval has been performed to collect m6A‐miRNA‐related original articles published in recent years. Later, a systematic analysis has been conducted to abstract and classify the relationships between m6A modification and miRNAs, and their contributions to tumorigenesis and cancer development.

Results

Accumulating literature provides important insights into multiple relationships between m6A modifications and miRNAs. Mechanically, m6A writer and eraser alter pri‐miRNAs m6A levels, and m6A readers could dually modulate pri‐miRNAs processing and pri‐miRNAs degradation. It is also been demonstrated that miRNAs impair m6A regulators' translation to influence m6A medication function in return. Aberrant expressions of m6A regulators and miRNAs could dysregulate proliferative, apoptosis, cell adhesion‐related, and malignant transformation signalling pathways, and contribute to tumour occurrence and development.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the interrelationship between m6A modification and miRNAs; highlights the combined effects of each type of m6A regulator and miRNAs in cancers. These findings enhance our understanding of m6A‐miRNAs' multiple interactions and significant modulatory role in tumorigenesis and progression.
Analysis of individual components of frailty: Pre‐transplant grip strength is the strongest predictor of post kidney transplant outcomes
Authors: Parajuli Sandesh , Astor Brad C. , Lorden Heather M. , O'Toole Kristan A. , Wallschlaeger Rebecca E. , Breyer Isabel C. , Dodin Ban , Aziz Fahad , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline , Mandelbrot Didier A.
Published: September 2022

Frailty is commonly assessed during kidney transplant recipient (KTR) evaluation. However, individual frailty components may have varying impact on post‐transplant outcomes. In this single‐center study of 825 KTRs, we determined the association between the individual components of a modified Fried frailty score and delayed graft function (DGF), early hospital readmission (EHR), cardiovascular (CV) events, acute rejection (AR), death censored graft failure (DCGF), and death. Sum frailty ≥3 was significantly associated with EHR (aOR = 3.62; 95% CI: 1.21–10.80). Among individual components, only grip strength was significantly associated with EHR (aOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.03–2.31). The addition of grip strength to a model with the other four components resulted in Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) of 20.51% (p = .01). Similarly, only grip strength was significantly associated with CV events (aOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.12–2.86). The addition of grip strength to a model with the other four components resulted in NRI of 27.37% (p = .006). No other frailty components were associated with the outcomes of interest. Based on our findings, handgrip strength may be an important tool while assessing frailty, mainly predicting early readmission and cardiovascular events post‐transplant.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling of evobrutinib in healthy adult participants
Authors: Papasouliotis Orestis , Mitchell David , Girard Pascal , Dyroff Martin
Published: September 2022

Evobrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, has shown therapeutic potential in relapsing multiple sclerosis. This analysis aimed to develop pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD; BTK occupancy [BTKO]) models of evobrutinib and simulate PK and BTKO profiles under alternative dosing regimens. Data were obtained from two phase I evobrutinib studies in healthy adult participants (Japanese and non‐Japanese). Overall, 2326 observations were available from 76 participants; n = 42 from Study MS200527_0017 Part A received evobrutinib 25, 75, or 200 mg once‐daily oral doses for 6 days while fasted; n = 18 from Study MS200527_0019 and n = 16 from Study MS200527_0017 Part B received single evobrutinib 75 mg oral doses with food (low‐fat meal) and while fasted. Population PK/PD modeling for evobrutinib concentrations and BTKO (fraction unbound) were performed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. The effect of once‐daily/twice‐daily regimens and doses of 10–200 mg on BTKO were simulated. A two‐compartment model with sequential zero‐first order absorption and first‐order elimination adequately described the data. Bioavailability increased by 49% with food compared with when fasted. There was no difference in PK parameters between Japanese and non‐Japanese participants. The BTKO profile of evobrutinib was described by the irreversible binding population model. The simulated percentage of participants with minimum BTKO increased in a dose‐dependent manner across the BTKO thresholds of interest (70%, 80%, 90%, and 95% occupancy). Evobrutinib doses of 25 mg once‐daily, 50 mg twice‐daily, or 75 mg twice‐daily while fasted are possible choices for further development, assuming BTKO ≥70% at trough is needed to achieve efficacy.
Helicobacter pylori infection and PD‐L1 expression in gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Yaodong , Zhu Fangyuan , Ba He , Chen Jie , Bian Xiuliang
Published: September 2022

Background

High expression of programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) has been related to good response to immunotherapy patients with gastric cancer (GC). However, the influence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection on PD‐L1 expression in GC remains unknown. A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the association between HP infection and PD‐L1 expression in GC.

Methods

Observational studies that investigated the relationship between HP infection and PD‐L1 expression in patients with GC were obtained by search electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane's Library and Web of Science. A random‐effect model incorporating the possible influence of between‐study heterogeneity was used to pool the results.

Results

Ten studies with 1870 patients with GC contributed to the meta‐analysis. Pooled results showed that HP infection was significantly associated with the tumour expression of PD‐L1 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.33–2.72, p < .001; I2 = 53%). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between HP infection and PD‐L1 expression in GC was not significantly affected by sample size, methods for PD‐L1 evaluation and quality score (p for subgroup analyses all >.05). However, a stronger association was observed in studies with higher prevalence of HP infection (≥35%, OR: 2.58) as compared with those with lower prevalence (<35%, OR: 1.45, p for subgroup difference = .04).

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori infection in GC patients is associated with tumour expression of PD‐L1, suggesting HP infection may be a predictor of good response to immunotherapy in GC.
RETRACTED: Cyber security for federated learning environment using AI technique
Authors: J. Alyamani Hasan
Published: September 2022

A cyber‐security threat in the Android environment is seen as malicious code. Due to the rapid development of Android malware deployments, manually detecting malicious apps inside the Android environment is almost impossible. In the end of an outcome, machine learning has emerged as a promising method for detecting malware. Because the increasing accessibility and appropriate attributes have a significant impact on machine learning performance, selecting features becomes more critical in malware detection using the machine learning. In the existing system, a filter‐based feature selection method was used. The filter‐based feature subset selection strategies are mathematically efficient for computation. But they refuse to address concerns including such multicollinearity, which impacts the filter methods' accuracy. To overcome this issue, this research develops a hybrid method that combines the findings of both static and dynamic malware examination. This method tackles the issue of more effectively analysing, identifying, and classifying Android malware. Many feature selection approaches are compared and contrasted based on a variety of parameters, such as the composition of important extracted features. By using extracted features, whilst completing static and dynamic malware examinations, several machine learning methods are used to identify and characterize malware. The experimental result shows the evaluation of the feature selection method which is varied from other algorithms. It enhances the accuracy and minimizes the run time of the learning models.
Metaheuristics with federated learning enabled intrusion detection system in Internet of Things environment
Authors: Vaiyapuri Thavavel , Algamdi Shabbab , John Rajan , Sbai Zohra , Al‐Helal Munira , alkhayyat Ahmed , Gupta Deepak
Published: September 2022

Because of increased applications of Internet of Things (IoT) environment in real‐time environment, confidential data gathered by the IoT devices are being communicated to the cloud environment to train the machine learning (ML) models in understanding the patterns that exist in the data. At the same time, the sensitive nature of the IoT data attracts malicious users into hacking efforts. An intrusion detection system (IDS) can be applied to ensure security in the IoT environment. In order to improve security, the ML models can be executed at the data source instead of centralized cloud server. Federated learning (FL) is a recent progression of ML model which enables the ML models to move into the data source rather than moving the data to centralized cloud and thereby resolves cybersecurity problems in the IoT environment. In this view, this study introduces an FL based IDS using bird swarm algorithm based feature selection with classification (FLIDS‐BSAFSC) model in IoT environment. The presented FLIDS‐BSAFSC model undergoes training on multiple aspects of IoT dataset in a decentralized format to classify, detect, and defend against attacks. The proposed FLIDS‐BSAFSC model initially applies min–max normalization technique to pre‐process the IoT data. Besides, BSA based feature selection (BSA‐FS) technique is designed to elect feature subsets. Finally, social group optimization algorithm with kernel extreme learning machine model is employed for identifying various kinds of classes. In the view of FL where the IoT dataset is not distributed to the server carries out profile aggregation competently with the advantage of peer learning. The experimental validation of the FLIDS‐BSAFSC model is tested using benchmark datasets and the results are inspected under several aspects. The experimental values highlighted the better performance of the FLIDS‐BSAFSC model over recent approaches.
Emicizumab for the treatment of acquired hemophilia A: Retrospective review of a single‐institution experience
Authors: Chen Evan C. , Gibson William , Temoczko Paula , Connell Nathan T. , Handin Robert , Parnes Aric D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare and potentially life‐threatening bleeding disorder arising from autoantibodies that inhibit coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Treatment entails achieving haemostasis with bypassing agents or factor replacement, and eradication of the inhibitor with immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Due to the rarity of AHA, there are few prospective data to guide management.

Methods

We present a retrospective report of 11 AHA patients treated with emicizumab, a FVIII‐mimetic bispecific antibody, administered at 3 mg/kg weekly for 4 weeks in conjunction with rituximab‐based immunosuppressive therapy. The chromogenic FVIII inhibitor assay was used to assess for inhibitor eradication.

Results

The median follow‐up was 13.9 months. The median number of days of additional haemostatic therapy or red blood cell transfusions after initiating emicizumab was 2 (range 0–15). The median was 0 days (range 0–8) for patients who did not require vascular embolization to achieve haemostasis. Eight patients achieved a complete remission (defined as recovery of FVIII activity to > 50% with a negative inhibitor test in the absence of haemostatic and IST); two patients achieved a partial remission (FVIII activity > 50% but with detectable inhibitor); one patient experienced refractory disease. One patient experienced rebleeding and two patients experienced inhibitor recurrence. No thrombotic, thrombotic microangiopathic or infectious complications occurred.

Conclusion

Our observations suggest emicizumab can facilitate haemostasis for AHA patients and be combined with safer, lower‐intensity immunosuppressive therapies to achieve remission.
Factor IX inhibitors in haemophilia B: A report of National Haemophilia Registry in China
Authors: Dou Xueqing , Zhang Wenhui , Poon Man‐Chiu , Zhang Xinsheng , Wu Runhui , Feng Xiaoqin , Yang Linhua , Cheng Peng , Chen Shu , Wang Ying , Zhou Hu , Huang Meijuan , Song Yanping , Jin Chenghao , Zhang Donglei , Chen Lingling , Liu Wei , Zhang Lei , Xue Feng , Yang Renchi
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The development of inhibitors against factor FIX (FIX) is the most serious complication of FIX replacement therapy in haemophilia B (HB) patients. Currently, only few cohorts of HB inhibitor patients have been reported worldwide.

Aim

This Chinese nationwide study of HB inhibitor patients explored their risk factors for FIX inhibitor development and experience on their management.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patient characteristics, F9 genotypes, treatment strategies and outcomes of HB inhibitor patients registered to the Chinese National Registry and Patient Organization Registry.

Results

Forty‐four unique HB inhibitor patients were identified in 4485 unique HB patients registered by year 2021 to the two Registries. Inhibitor diagnosis were usually delayed and the low prevalence (.98%) may suggest some inhibitor patients were not identified. Their median age at inhibitor diagnosis was 7.5 (IQR, 3.0–14.8) years. Most patients (95.5%) had high‐titre inhibitors. Allergic/Anaphylactic reactions occurred in 59.1% patients. Large deletions and nonsense mutations were the most common F9 mutation types in our FIX inhibitor patients. Patients with large F9 gene deletions were more likely to develop inhibitors (p = .0002), while those with missense mutations had a low risk (p < .0001). Thirteen (29.5%) patients received immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy using low‐dose prothrombin complex concentrate regimens. Twelve completed ITI with three (25.0%) achieving success. Nephrotic syndrome developed in two (16.7%) patients during ITI.

Conclusion

This study reports the largest Chinese cohort of HB inhibitor patients. Large deletions were most significantly associated with inhibitor development. Low‐dose ITI might be feasible for FIX inhibitor eradication.
Effect of popping water content and amylose/amylopectin ratio on the physical properties of expanded starch products with different shear histories
Authors: Beech Daniel , Beech John , Gould Joanne , Hill Sandra
Published: September 2022

Aerated starch products are a staple of the food industry, with particular relevance in the snack market. Water plays a crucial role in the formation of such products due to its utility both as a blowing agent and as a starch plasticiser. Amylose/amylopectin ratio and shear are traditionally also important factors in starch expansion. In this study, waxy, normal and high amylose maize starch variants were expanded using a rice‐cake style popping head at water contents between 0% and 24%. This range of water contents was achieved by drying the material at 105 °C and then rehydrating by suspension over water at 50 °C until the desired water content was reached prior to popping. Sample types were further subdivided into low shear (native) and high shear (extruded) processing prior to popping. Processing history, amylose content and water content all influenced the water interaction properties of the popped products. However, density was largely governed by water content with little apparent influence of other factors. An optimum water content range to produce low‐density (and therefore high desirability in industry) products was identified in the region of ~15–21% water. Samples popped below this range exhibited suboptimal expansion whilst those popped at higher water contents experienced violent blowout.
Effects of HVEF treatment on the physicochemical properties and bacterial communities of Larimichthys crocea fillets during refrigerated storage
Authors: Qian Chenru , Pan Huijuan , Shao Haitao , Yu Qi , Lou Yongjiang , Li Yongyong
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the effects of a high voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) on the physicochemical properties and bacterial communities of Larimichthys crocea (L. crocea) fillets. HVEF‐treated samples (5, 10 and 15 kV/m) and control samples (0 kV/m) were stored at −1 ± 0.5 °C for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 days. Compared with the control group, the HVEF‐treated groups (10 and 15 kV/m) had less muscle fibre damage and better tissue structures. In addition, HVEF treatment delayed the decrease in springiness and hardness, improved the quality of fish during refrigerated storage and effectively extended the shelf‐life of L. crocea fillets. The HVEF‐treated groups had a considerably lower total viable count (TVC) than the control group. Furthermore, high‐throughput sequencing revealed that HVEF treatment reduced the relative abundance of Shewanella by 21.48% at 8th day, implying that spoilage bacteria growth was inhibited. The results indicated that HVEF treatment could be used as a new technology in the fish processing industry to delay L. crocea fillet deterioration.
A scientometrics analysis and visualisation of diabetic foot research from 1955 to 2022
Authors: Shen Jin‐Ming , Chen Jie , Feng Lei , Feng Chun
Published: September 2022

Diabetic foot (DF) has become a serious health problem in modern society, and it has been a hotspot of research for a long time. However, little scientometric analysis has been carried out on DF. In the present study, we analysed 8633 literature reports on DF in the Web of Science Core Collection from database inception until April 23, 2022. VOSviewer (Centre for Science and Technology Studies at Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands) and CiteSpace (College of Computing and Informatics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States) were employed to address high‐impact countries and institutions, journals, references, research hotspots, and key research fields in DF research. Our analysis findings indicated that publications on DF have increased markedly since 2016 and were primarily published in the United States of America. The recent studies focus on the amniotic membrane, foot ulcers, osteomyelitis, and diabetic wound healing. The five keyword clusters, which included DF ulcer and wound healing therapies, management and guidelines, neuropathy and plantar pressure, amputation and ischemia, and DF infection and osteomyelitis, are helpful for enhancing prevention, standardising treatment, avoiding complications, and improving prognosis. These findings indicated a method for future therapies and research in DF.
Combining models for animal tracking: Defining behavioural states to understand space use for conservation
Authors: Peters Natasha M. , Beale Colin M. , Bracebridge Claire , Mgumba Msafiri P. , Kendall Corinne J.
Published: September 2022

Aim

Rapid advances in technology have created tools able to explore how animals differ in their use of the environment based on behaviour, which can provide insights into the ecology of endangered animals and the threats they face. Though threatened, we know little of vultures' spatial ecology. We examine the external variables that affect vultures' decisions regarding space use, specifically during foraging and feeding when they are at greatest risk for encountering threats, and use this to inform effective conservation interventions.

Location

Tanzania, specifically Southern Tanzanian protected area networks.

Taxon

Gyps africanus.

Methods

We tracked 26 African white‐backed vultures between 2015 and 2019 in Southern Tanzania. Using hidden Markov models to identify behaviour from raw GPS points and point process models to spatially analyse these behaviours, we tested resource selection decisions in vultures during foraging and feeding, when they are at greatest risk of poisoning.

Results

African white‐backed vultures are most likely to forage early in the day outside National Parks, specifically in Game Reserves and Wildlife Management Areas, but avoid areas with high livestock numbers to feed. Eastern and Western populations showed slight differences in preferences, highlighting the need for population level considerations. When not selecting for behaviour, closeness to rivers and habitat openness were more important than protected area status for predicting vulture use.

Main conclusions

Through combining complex analyses, we identified results which simple statistical analyses could not offer. Hidden Markov models and point process models are complementary and can be used to define specific behaviours and associated resource selection. These results provide insight into how animals use their habitat explicitly rather than describing where they spend most of their time. This adds to the growing evidence that although National Parks are important, the management of surrounding areas must be included in conservation efforts.
Landscape‐scale range filling and dispersal limitation of woody plants
Authors: Arnell Matilda , Eriksson Ove
Published: September 2022

Aim

The extent to which species fill their predicted current ranges and the underlying process of dispersal limitation have implications for species' abilities to track climate change. Range filling is intimately related to spatial scale, yet range filling estimates at high resolutions are largely lacking. In this study, we aim to estimate range filling and dispersal limitation at a high resolution for woody plants with different dispersal systems and habitat affinities.

Location

Sweden.

Taxon

All genera of woody plants (trees and shrubs).

Methods

We estimated landscape‐scale range filling for 64 species. Two main dispersal systems, vertebrate dispersal and abiotic dispersal, occurred among these species. Range filling was estimated as the realized range divided by the potential range, that is, the occupied proportion of a species' modelled range, at a 1 km2resolution. We estimated potential ranges using species distribution models and realized ranges from presence records. To increase the likelihood that absences represented true absences the estimations were restricted to areas with high sampling effort. We tested the effects of dispersal system on range filling, controlling for species' habitat affinities.

Results

Vertebrate‐dispersed woody species had significantly lower landscape‐scale range filling than species with abiotic dispersal. Range filling was also linked to habitat affinity. Species associated with intermediate levels of light and moisture had the highest range filling estimates.

Main conclusions

Landscape‐scale range filling of woody species is linked to their dispersal traits. When controlling for habitat affinity, our result suggests that dispersal limitation partly explains the lower occupancy in suitable habitat found for vertebrate‐dispersed plants. Given that vertebrate‐dispersed species fail to reach suitable habitats at this scale, they are less likely to track changes in climate than woody plants with abiotic dispersal.
The effect of different salt concentrations on corn storage
Authors: Bilgin Duygu Gizem , Erbaş Mustafa
Published: September 2022

The aim of this research is to determine the protective effects of different concentrations of salt solutions on microbiological degradation, germination, and weevil activity in stored corn. For this purpose; salt solutions are prepared at four concentrations (0% control, 10, 18, and 26%), and grains are dipped into these solutions within four different durations (10, 20, 40, and 60 s). Results of this study indicate that salt application respectively increase the water content and activity values of grains by an average of 1.86% and 0.110 units. The germination loss is determined as 63% during the storage, and amount of weevils reaches 813 counts at the end of 8 months storage duration even though the initial count of weevils is 5. Increasing salt concentration has an inhibiting effect on the yeast and mold growth in corn and the 26% salt concentration caused a three‐log unit decrease in yeast and mold count.

Novelty impact statement

In this research, the protective effect of salt application as a minimal treatment against mold and insects in corn storage was investigated.

It was determined that salt application reduced the number of mold in the sample a three‐log unit without causing a loss of germination in corn, but it was not effective against insects (Sitophilus oryzae).

It has been gained insight into that salt application can be more effective with a slightly drying after it is applied as a spray instead of dipping and thus it can be also a restrictive effect on insect activity.