bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic analysis of cancer‐specific synthetic lethal interactions provides insight into personalized anticancer therapy
Authors: Guo Li , Dou Yuyang , Xiang Yangyang , Luo Lulu , Xu Xinru , Wang Qiushi , Zhang Yuting , Liang Tingming
Published: October 2022

The concept of synthetic lethality has great potential for anticancer therapy as a new strategy to specifically kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. To further understand the potential molecular interactions and gene characteristics involved in synthetic lethality, we performed a comprehensive analysis of predicted cancer‐specific genetic interactions. Many genes were identified as cancer‐associated genes that contributed to multiple biological processes and pathways, and the gene features were not random, indicating their potential roles in human carcinogenesis. Some relevant genes detected in multiple cancers were prone to be enriched in specific biological progresses and pathways, especially processes associated with DNA damage, chromosome‐related functions and cancer pathways. These findings strongly implicated potential roles for these genes in cancer pathophysiology and functional relationships, as well as applications for future anticancer drug discovery. Further experimental validation indicated that the synthetic lethal interaction of APC and GFER may provide a potential anticancer strategy for patients with APC‐mutant colon cancer. These results will contribute to further exploration of synthetic lethal interactions and broader application of the concept of synthetic lethality in anticancer therapeutics.
Paternal supervisor gatekeeping: How supervising fathers hinder other fathers at work in their uptake of flexible work arrangements
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , Kelland Jasmine , Dumazert Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2022

This study explores the role that supervisors play in the low uptake of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) among fathers in France. We draw on 28 interviews with fathers who had requested access to FWA and reported on the reaction of their supervisors. These supervisors were all fathers themselves and had previously benefitted from such arrangements themselves, but did not grant such policies to other fathers. To understand these unexpected findings, we conducted an additional 16 interviews with supervising fathers in organizations who had previously enjoyed similar FWA. The findings show that supervising fathers can act as barriers to other fathers in their organizations who try to push for more gender equality. We identified four ways in which supervisors tend to dissuade fathers from accessing policies to which they are entitled: gender‐role confirming discourses; career threats; practical reasons as a justification; and a lack of paternal workplace support. The findings highlight the role of men (in this case, supervising fathers) in the lack of increasing gender equality at work. By showing that fathers can function as ‘paternal supervisor gatekeepers’ for other fathers in their organizations, we open up new fruitful ways for studying gender equality in organizations.
Using self‐determination theory in research and evaluation in primary care
Authors: Huang Huayi , Wang Harry H. X. , Donaghy Eddie , Henderson David , Mercer Stewart W.
Published: October 2022

Background

Multimorbidity (the co‐existence of two or more long‐term conditions within an individual) is a complex management challenge, with a very limited evidence base. Theories can help in the design and operationalization of complex interventions.

Objective

This article proposes self‐determination theory (SDT) as a candidate theory for the development and evaluation of interventions in multimorbidity.

Methods

We provide an overview of SDT, its use in research to date, and its potential utility in complex interventions for patients with multimorbidity based on the new MRC framework.

Results

SDT‐based interventions have mainly focused on health behaviour change in the primary prevention of disease, with limited use in primary care and chronic conditions management. However, SDT may be a useful candidate theory in informing complex intervention development and evaluation, both in randomized controlled trials and in evaluations of ‘natural experiments’. We illustrate how it could be used multimorbidity interventions in primary care by drawing on the example of CARE Plus (a primary care‐based complex intervention for patients with multimorbidity in deprived areas of Scotland).

Conclusions

SDT may have utility in both the design and evaluation of complex interventions for multimorbidity. Further research is required to establish its usefulness, and limitations, compared with other candidate theories.

Patient or Public Contribution

Our funded research programme, of which this paper is an early output, has a newly embedded patient and public involvement group of four members with lived experience of long‐term conditions and/or of being informal carers. They read and commented on the draft manuscript and made useful suggestions on the text. They will be fully involved at all stages in the rest of the programme of research.
Comprehensive clinicopathological characteristics and mucin core protein expression profiles of bronchiolar adenoma
Authors: Kishikawa Satsuki , Hayashi Takuo , Takamochi Kazuya , Takekawa Shiori , Sasahara Noriko , Handa Takafumi , Saito Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Kenji , Yao Takashi ,   the Tokyo Metropolitan Innovative Oncology Research Group (TMIG)
Published: October 2022

Aims

Bronchiolar adenoma (BA) is a novel entity in the 2021 WHO classification of lung tumours. The expression profile of mucin core proteins in BAs is not clear. The aim of this study was to clarify the expression profiles of mucins and to validate the clinicopathologic and molecular features of BAs.

Methods and results

We examined the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of 20 BAs. Our cohort comprised 10 proximal and 10 distal BAs. Only seven of 18 patients (39%) were accurately diagnosed with BA at the time of intraoperative consultation. The frequent genetic alterations were BRAF V600E (35%) and KRAS (30%) mutations, which were mutually exclusive. The expression of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC5B was observed in all cases and that of MUC5AC and MUC6 was observed in nine (45%) and five (25%) cases, respectively. MUC4 was diffusely expressed in 18 cases. In contrast, MUC1, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC6 displayed a patchy expression pattern. These expression patterns were similar to that of bronchiolar epithelium in normal lung tissue. In addition, overexpression of MUC1 and MUC4 on the entire cell surface was not observed in any of the BAs, suggesting their benign nature.

Conclusion

BA commonly exhibits diffuse MUC4 and patchy MUC1 and MUC5B expression. Its unique expression pattern is probably attributed to mucin expression specific to the bronchiolar epithelium. These results confirm the clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics of BA, including the difficulty in intraoperative frozen section diagnosis and the broad morphologic spectrum of BA derived from the bronchiolar epithelium.
Defect structures and dopant solution states of Hf‐doped Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Kuwabara Akihide , Gao Xiang , Riedel Ralf , Ionescu Emanuel , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: October 2022

Transition‐metal‐doped silicon nitride ceramics have attracted much attention as gate materials for semiconductors because of their electrical properties as well as chemical and thermal stability. The present study aims to clarify the defect structures of Hf‐doped β‐Si3N4 by theoretical calculations and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). First‐principles calculations based on a hybrid functional method were performed. It was found that Hf dopants are mainly substituted for the Si sites and can be occasionally located at interstitial sites in the lattice of β‐Si3N4. The substitution sites of Hf dopants predicted by the first‐principles calculations were also confirmed by the high‐resolution STEM images.
Prevalence of chronic conditions and influenza vaccination coverage rates in Germany: Results of a health insurance claims data analysis
Authors: Damm Oliver , Krefft Anya , Ahlers Jonas , Kramer Rolf , Witte Julian , Batram Manuel , Schelling Jörg , Greiner Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

Background

The significant annual burden caused by seasonal influenza has led to global calls for increased influenza vaccination coverage rates (VCRs). We aimed to estimate the proportion of the German population at high risk of serious illness from influenza due to chronic conditions and to estimate age‐specific VCRs of people with/without chronic conditions.

Methods

Using health insurance claims data covering nine influenza seasons (2010–2019), we assessed up to 7 million insured individuals per season across all German regions. Individuals were classified according to age and presence of chronic health conditions. VCRs were estimated using outpatient healthcare utilization documentation.

Results

In the 2018–2019 influenza season, 47.3% of individuals had ≥1 chronic condition. Most common were circulatory disorders, accounting for more than a third of individuals with ≥1 condition. Prevalence of chronic diseases, and therefore the proportion of high‐risk individuals, increased slightly over time across most age groups.

A downward trend in influenza VCRs was observed in all age groups until the 2017–2018 season, followed by a noticeable increase in the 2018–2019 season. Highest VCRs occurred among individuals of ≥60 years, with a 38.5% VCR for this age group in the 2018–2019 season. Several factors, including age, chronic condition type, and geographical location, affected VCRs.

Conclusions

Influenza VCRs in individuals at high risk of severe complications from influenza infection are insufficient. Our results suggest that intensified public health efforts are necessary to reach the World Health Organization vaccination coverage target of 75%.
LP relaxation and dynamic programming enhancing VNS for the multiple knapsack problem with setup
Authors: Masmoudi Malek , Adouani Yassine , Jarboui Bassem
Published: October 2022

We consider the multiple knapsack problem (KP) with setup (MKPS), which is an extension of the KP with setup (KPS). We propose a new solving approach denoted by LP&DP‐VNS that combines linear programming (LP) relaxation and dynamic programming (DP) to enhance variable neighborhood search (VNS). The LP&DP‐VNS is tailored to the characteristics of the MKPS and reduced to LP&DP to solve the KPS. The approach is tested on 200 KPS and 360 MKPS benchmark instances. Computational experiments show the effectiveness of the LP&DP‐VNS, compared to integer programming (using CPLEX) and the best state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. It reaches 299/342 optimal solutions and 316/318 best‐known solutions and provides 127 new best solutions. An additional computational study shows that the LP&DP‐VNS scales up extremely well, solving optimally and near‐optimally very large instances with up 200 families and 300,000 items in a reasonable amount of time.
Flux crystal growth of Ba2[(UO2)2Ti2O8]: Structures, spectroscopies and implications
Authors: Lu Kimbal T. , Zhang Yingjie , Wei Tao , Karatchevtseva Inna , Zhang Zhaoming , Zheng Rongkun
Published: October 2022

We report a flux crystal growth of Ba2[(UO2)2Ti2O8] and subsequent structural and spectroscopic studies using multiple techniques. The layered crystal structure, built up with sheets of edge‐sharing dimeric uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and dimeric TiO5 square pyramids with interlayer Ba(II) ions, was revealed by synchrotron single crystal x‐ray diffraction and confirmed with electron diffraction using a transmission electron microscope. The presence of only hexavalent uranium was confirmed by both diffuse reflectance and x‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopies, consistent with the bond valence sum calculations. Its vibrational modes were revealed by Raman spectroscopy. In addition, its implications as a potential hexavalent uranium waste form for the immobilization of uranium‐rich radioactive wastes were discussed.
Interaction of lanthanide and actinide with BaHfO3 perovskite: A case study with cerium and uranium
Authors: Gupta Santosh Kumar , Modak Brindaban , Tyagi Mohit , Modak Pampa , Sudarshan Kathi
Published: October 2022

Speciation of actinide (An) and lanthanide (Ln) in technologically important ceramics is very important from both fundamental as well as technological aspects. The intrinsic structural flexibility of perovskite containing AO6 and BO12 polyhedra makes them suitable and rich hosts for An and Ln. In this work, emphasis was given to deciphering information such as oxidation state, local dopant site, charge compensating defects, excited state kinetics, and so forth in BaHfO3 (BHO) related to dopant uranium (BHO‐U) and cerium (BHO‐Ce). Several spectroscopic techniques namely, time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), positron annihilation lifetime spectra (PALS), and thermoluminescence (TL) spectroscopy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) were employed to probe the same. Ce and U though are distributed at both Ba and Hf sites, Ce prefers the former, while U prefers the latter site. Uranium on the other hand stabilizes as U6+ in the form of octahedral uranate ion giving green emission. PALS suggested the formation of defects in BHO‐Ce and BHO‐U with oxygen vacancies predominating in the former whereas BHO‐U perovskites are loaded with cation vacancies and vacancy clusters. These cation vacancies are responsible for lower TL output in BHO‐U. TL measurements also suggested cerium doping leads to a higher density of deeper traps in BHO‐Ce compared to uranium doping in BHO‐U which is in concurrence with DFT results and may have implications in designing afterglow phosphors based on perovskite. We believe this work would have a long‐term impact on exploring the potential of perovskite for nuclear waste host and afterglow phosphors applications.
Resistive‐switching in yttria‐stabilized hafnia ceramics
Authors: Alotaibi Meshari , Almutairi Fawaz , West Anthony R
Published: October 2022

Yttria‐stabilized hafnia ceramics are high‐temperature oxide ion conductors that lose a small amount of oxygen, both at high temperatures and on the application of a small dc bias. At zero applied bias, a small amount of p‐type conductivity is present. This increases with low bias and is attributed to reactions initiated at the positive electrode/ceramic interface. With a further increase in bias, n‐type conductivity is initiated at the negative electrode/ceramic interface. After a short time‐lapse, the overall conductivity increases rapidly by 1.5–3 orders of magnitude and is reversible, with hysteresis, on subsequent removal of the bias. Switching has been observed over the range 457–531°C and is sensitive to both temperature and oxygen partial pressure in the surrounding atmosphere. This is the first example of low field, resistive switching in bulk hafnia ceramics, in contrast to most examples of resistive switching which are observed in nanometre‐thick devices using similarly applied voltages.
Cognitive and Moral Enhancement: A Practical Proposal
Authors: Gordon Emma C. , Ragonese Viola
Published: October 2022

According to Persson and Savulescu, the risks posed by a morally corrupt minority's potential to abuse cognitive enhancement make it such that we have an urgent imperative to first pursue moral enhancement of humankind – and, consequently, if we are a long way from safe, effective moral enhancement, then we have at least one good reason to consider opposing further cognitive enhancement. However, as Harris points out, such a proposal seems to support delaying life‐saving cognitive progress. In this article, we first show that Harris's worry can be expanded to show that Persson and Savulescu's proposal also threatens the development of moral enhancement – precisely what they suggest we have pro tanto reason to pursue. From there, we offer our own, alternative proposal – one on which cognitively enhanced researchers play a key role in the production of moral enhancement, and those in the general population who wish to be cognitively enhanced must first accept moral enhancement as an entry requirement. We engage with four substantive objections to our proposal and use these objections to refine and strengthen the details.
A miR‐15a related polymorphism affects NSCLC prognosis via altering ERCC1 repair to platinum‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Xue Ping , Zhang Guopei , Zhang Hongchao , Cui Su , Zhang Liang , Yu Tao , Xiao Mingyang , Li Liuli , Lu Xiaobo
Published: October 2022

Platinum‐based chemotherapy is regarded as a preferential curative‐intent option for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while the acquired drug resistance has become a major obstacle that limits its clinical application. Since the repair efficiency of tumour cells to platinum‐DNA adducts plays a crucial role in chemotherapy resistance, we aimed to explore whether several meaningful polymorphisms of DNA repair genes were associated with the benefits of platinum‐based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. Firstly, six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of three DNA repair genes were detected in 246 NSCLC patients receiving platinum‐based chemotherapy and analysed the correlation of these candidate SNPs with the overall survival. Cox proportional hazard model showed that NSCLC patients carrying ERCC1 rs3212986 AA genotype had a shorter overall survival compared to those with CC. Mechanistically, we performed tumour chemosensitivity assay to observe the convincing linkage of rs3212986 polymorphism with ERCC1 expression and cisplatin sensitivity. The subsequent in vitro experiments identified that rs3212986 polymorphism altered the post‐transcriptional regulation of ERCC1 via affecting the binding of miR‐15a, and further changed the sensitivity to platinum analogue. It reminded that patients carrying ERCC1 rs3212986 CC homozygote were expected to respond better to platinum‐based chemotherapy due to a lower expression of ERCC1. Compared with previous studies, our current comprehensive study suggested that rs3212986, a 3'UTR polymorphism in ERCC1, might have clinical relevance in predicting the prognosis of NSCLC patients receiving platinum‐based chemotherapy.
Patient presentation, skin biopsy utilization and cutaneous malignant melanoma incidence and mortality in northern Italy: Trends and correlations
Authors: Bucchi Lauro , Mancini Silvia , Zamagni Federica , Crocetti Emanuele , Dal Maso Luigino , Ferretti Stefano , Baldacchini Flavia , Giuliani Orietta , Ravaioli Alessandra , Vattiato Rosa , Brustolin Angelita , Candela Giuseppa , Carone Simona , Carrozzi Giuliano , Cavallo Rossella , Dinaro Ylenia Maria , Ferrante Margherita , Iacovacci Silvia , Mazzoleni Guido , Musolino Antonino , Rizzello Roberto Vito , Serraino Diego , Biggeri Annibale , Stanganelli Ignazio , Falcini Fabio ,   the AIRTUM Working Group
Published: October 2022

Background

The global increase in incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) occurring in the past decades has been partly attributed to increased diagnostic scrutiny of early lesions, with a potential phenomenon of overdiagnosis. The reported positive linear relation between skin biopsy rate and incidence of early CMM is compatible with this hypothesis.

Objectives

We explored the ecological association between the trends in annual dermatologic office visit rates, skin biopsy rates, incidence rates of in situ and invasive CMM by tumour thickness category, and CMM mortality rates in the Emilia‐Romagna Region (northern Italy).

Methods

Four cancer registries covering a population of 2,696,000 provided CMM incidence data for the years 2003–2017. Dermatologic office visit rates and skin biopsy rates were calculated using the Regional outpatient care database. All rates were age‐standardized. Trends were described with the estimated average annual per cent change (EAAPC). Correlations were tested with the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

Incidence increased significantly. The increase was steeper for in situ CMM (EAAPC: men, 10.2; women, 6.9) followed by CMM <0.8 mm thick (9.1; 5.2), but the rates grew significantly for most subgroups of CMMs ≥0.8 mm thick. Mortality decreased significantly among women (−2.3) and non‐significantly among men. For dermatologic office visit rate and skin biopsy rate the EAAPC were, respectively, 1.7 and 1.8 for men and 1.2 and 0.9 for women. Annual dermatologic office visit rate correlated with skin biopsy rate in both sexes. However, the proportion of skin biopsies out of dermatologic office visits was constant across the years (range: men, 0.182–0.216; women, 0.157–0.191).

Conclusions

In Italy, the increasing CMM incidence trend is, at least in part, genuine. Overdiagnosis—if any—is due to an increased patient presentation at dermatologic offices and not to a lower dermatologic threshold to perform biopsy.
Enhancement of quality attributes of dried Poria cocos Wolf cubes by stress sweating combined with steam pretreatment
Authors: Liu Zi‐Liang , Chen Shu‐Feng , Gao Lei , Zielinska Sara , Wang Shan‐Yu , Wang Hui , Wang Wen‐Jie , Zheng Zhi‐An
Published: October 2022

The effect of different pretreatment namely natural sweating (NS), steam treatment (S), and stress sweating combined with steam treatment (SS) on the quality attributes (water‐soluble polysaccharide, total triterpene content, alcohol‐soluble extractive values, and broken rate) and drying characteristics of Poria cocos Wolf (PCW) cubes were investigated. The results showed that NS and SS pretreatment resulted in a noticeable weight loss, while S pretreatment resulted in a significant weight gain by PWC cubes. Such treatments as NS, S, and SS did not significantly affect the drying time of PCW cubes. SS pretreatment greatly improved the water‐soluble polysaccharide content and alcohol‐soluble extractive values of dried products by 1.54 and 1.68 times, respectively. NS pretreatment for four days resulted in the highest content of total triterpenes, that is, 6.46 mg/g d.b. of dried PCW cubes, while S pretreatment significantly reduced the broken index. A comprehensive evaluation method was used to quantify the feasibility of NS, S, and SS pretreatments in terms of drying time and quality attributes. Samples subjected to SS pretreatment were characterized by the highest comprehensive score. The results of this study showed that the selection of the appropriate treatment may help to improve the material quality and drying characteristics.

Novelty impact statement

SS pretreatment greatly improved the water‐soluble polysaccharide content.

S obviously reduced the broken rate of dried products.

SS pretreatment comprehensively enhanced the quality attributes of dried products.
Study on rapid brewing of fish sauce based on ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic digestion of the skin of Thamnaconus septentrionalis
Authors: Sun Ziting , Kong Qing , Chen Jie , Mou Haijin , Liu Tongjie , Yu Dongxing
Published: October 2022

In this study, we investigated a new method for rapid brewing of fish sauce by ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic digestion of the skin of Thamnaconus septentrionalis. The optimal conditions for ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic digestion of fish skin were explored by response surface experiments. Then, the effects of seed koji content, salt addition, and temperature on fermentation were investigated by orthogonal tests. The results showed that the optimal conditions for ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic digestion of fish skin were: ultrasonic power of 195 W, enzyme addition of 3000u/g, the temperature of 60°C, and time of 7 h; the optimal conditions for fermentation were: 20% of seed koji addition, 15% of salt added, and temperature of 40°C. After 7 days of fermentation under these conditions, the amino acid‐N content of the fish sauce was 0.48 ± 0.002 g/100 g, the total nitrogen content was 0.85 ± 0.002 g/100 g, the acidity was 0.37 ± 0.03 g/100 g, and the pH was 5.87 ± 0.14.

Novelty impact statement

In this study, a new method of preparing fish sauce by ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic digestion of Thamnaconus septentrionalis skin was explored. The method shortened the time of fish sauce preparation to one week.
Nutritional evaluation, microstructure, and storage stability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) flour blends at different ratios
Authors: Bamidele Oluwaseun P. , Ogundele Opeolu M.
Published: October 2022

The flour blend between wheat and cocoyam flours at different proportions (70:30, 50:50, and 40:60) was tested for physicochemical, functional, and nutritional quality. When compared to other blend ratios, the flour blend at 70:30 (wheat and cocoyam flour) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein, fat, and crude fiber content (50:50 and 40:60). The flour blends at 50:50 and 60:40 wheat to cocoyam flour ratio had considerably higher water absorption, bulk density, and swelling power than wheat and cocoyam flour blends at 70:30. When compared to other blend ratios, the wheat and cocoyam flour blend at 70:30 exhibited a significantly lower pasting viscosity (50:50 and 60:40). The pasted samples' microstructure revealed a honeycomb structure that increased as the quantity of cocoyam flour added to wheat flour increased. The wheat and cocoyam flour mixes competed favorably with wheat flour in terms of amino acid profile, and the fortified flours had the lowest peroxide values. The blends of wheat and cocoyam flour in proportions of 70:30 and 40:60 can be useful in the culinary and food industries.

Practical applications

The problem of high cost of importation of wheat is one of the major challenges of African country and cocoyam root is underutilized in some African countries. Production of flour from cocoyam root serve as alternative use of cocoyam root which improve the utilization of cocoyam root. Compositing cocoyam flour with wheat flour may be a way to go in reducing wheat importation. Cocoyam flour added to wheat flour increase the functional properties and the pasting properties of the flour blend. The amino acids of the flour blends also compete favorably with amino acid profile of wheat flour alone. This shows that the flour blends from wheat and cocoyam flour can serve as new raw material in making bread, doughnut, and other confectionaries in food industry. This may reduce the price of wheat flour in the market and reduce the cost of living for low‐income earners.
Process optimization for preparation of milk protein co‐precipitate using calcium lactate as coagulant
Authors: Amila S. , Arora Sumit , Gawande Hemant , Mehla Rita , Meena Ganga Sahay , Singh Ashish Kumar
Published: October 2022

Milk protein co‐precipitates (MPCP) are rich in milk proteins but rejected globally owing to their poor solubility. The investigation was aimed to prepare MPCP with enhanced solubility via modification of their existing production method. MPCP was manufactured from pasteurized cow skim milk (PCSM) by spray‐drying calcium lactate‐induced co‐precipitate dispersion. The conditions for the preparation of coagulum (gel point‐Tg, holding time and coagulation time) and for efficient spray drying (pH of feed solution and inlet air temperature) were optimized. PCSM containing 0.5% calcium lactate incubated at 30°C/15 min and heated at 80°C/20 min, exhibited maximum protein recovery (92%) in the coagulum. The coagulum was diluted with distilled water (1:1.4, curd: water), and feed characteristics were optimized for spray drying. MPCP powders obtained from feed solution (adjusted to pH 6.7 with disodium hydrogen phosphate) spray‐dried at an inlet temperature of 160°C and outlet temperature (~60°C) demonstrated maximum solubility of 39.57% with a protein content of 78.99%.

Novelty impact statement

This trial successfully achieved ~80% of protein content in MPCP with solubility of ~40% using a lower level (<0.132%) of calcium chelator (DSP). This enhances the potential of MPCP as an ingredient in various food formulations. MPCP can be a potential ingredient in bread and bakery industry as well as dairy industry in cheese formulations; high protein yoghurt formulations etc.
Artificial intelligence and colon capsule endoscopy: Automatic detection of ulcers and erosions using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Mascarenhas Miguel , Afonso João , Cardoso Hélder , Andrade Patrícia , Lopes Susana , Ferreira João , Mascarenhas Saraiva Miguel , Macedo Guilherme
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) has become a minimally invasive alternative for conventional colonoscopy. Nevertheless, each CCE exam produces between 50 000 and 100 000 frames, making its analysis time‐consuming and prone to errors. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are a type of artificial intelligence (AI) architecture with high performance in image analysis. This study aims to develop a CNN model for the identification of colonic ulcers and erosions in CCE images.

Methods

A CNN model was designed using a database of CCE images. A total of 124 CCE exams performed between 2010 and 2020 in two centers were reviewed. For CNN development, a total of 37 319 images were extracted, 33 749 showing normal colonic mucosa and 3570 showing colonic ulcers and erosions. Datasets for CNN training, validation, and testing were created. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated regarding its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and area under the curve.

Results

The network had a sensitivity of 96.9% and a specificity of 99.9% specific for the detection of colonic ulcers and erosions. The algorithm had an overall accuracy of 99.6%. The area under the curve was 1.00. The CNN had an image processing capacity of 90 frames per second.

Conclusions

The developed algorithm is the first CNN‐based model to accurately detect ulcers and erosions in CCE images, also providing a good image processing performance. The development of these AI systems may contribute to improve both the diagnostic and time efficiency of CCE exams, facilitating CCE adoption to routine clinical practice.
Altered gut microbiota in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Authors: Bamba Shigeki , Imai Takayuki , Sasaki Masaya , Ohno Masashi , Yoshida Shinya , Nishida Atsushi , Takahashi Kenichiro , Inatomi Osamu , Andoh Akira
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is diagnosed by using quantitative culture of duodenal aspirates and/or a hydrogen breath test. However, few studies have analyzed bacterial microbiota in Japanese patients with SIBO.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with any abdominal symptoms and suspected SIBO were enrolled. Quantitative culture of duodenal aspirates and a glucose hydrogen breath test were performed on the same day. SIBO was diagnosed based on a bacterial count ≥ 103 CFU/mL or a rise in the hydrogen breath level of ≥ 20 ppm. The composition of the duodenal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was diagnosed in 17 of the 24 patients (71%). The positive rates for the hydrogen breath test and quantitative culture of duodenal aspirates were 50% and 62%, respectively. Patients with SIBO showed significantly reduced α‐diversity compared with non‐SIBO patients, and analysis of β‐diversity revealed significantly different distributions between SIBO and non‐SIBO patients. In addition, the intestinal microbiome in SIBO patients was characterized by increased relative abundance of Streptococcus and decreased relative abundance of Bacteroides compared with non‐SIBO patients.

Conclusions

Duodenal dysbiosis was identified in patients with SIBO and may play a role in the pathophysiology of SIBO.
The Puccinia striiformis effector Hasp98 facilitates pathogenicity by blocking the kinase activity of wheat TaMAPK4
Authors: Wei Jinping , Wang Xiaodong , Hu Zeyu , Wang Xiaojie , Wang Jialiu , Wang Jianfeng , Huang Xueling , Kang Zhensheng , Tang Chunlei
Published: October 2022

The obligate biotrophic fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) employs virulence effectors to disturb host immunity and causes devastating stripe rust disease. However, our understanding of how Pst effectors regulate host defense responses remains limited. In this study, we determined that the Pst effector Hasp98, which is highly expressed in Pst haustoria, inhibits plant immune responses triggered by flg22 or nonpathogenic bacteria. Overexpression of Hasp98 in wheat (Triticum aestivum) suppressed avirulent Pst‐triggered immunity, leading to decreased H2O2 accumulation and promoting P. striiformis infection, whereas stable silencing of Hasp98 impaired P. striiformis pathogenicity. Hasp98 interacts with the wheat mitogen‐activated protein kinase TaMAPK4, a positive regulator of plant resistance to stripe rust. The conserved TEY motif of TaMAPK4 is important for its kinase activity, which is required for the resistance function. We demonstrate that Hasp98 inhibits the kinase activity of TaMAPK4 and that the stable silencing of TaMAPK4 compromises wheat resistance against P. striiformis. These results suggest that Hasp98 acts as a virulence effector to interfere with the MAPK signaling pathway in wheat, thereby promoting P. striiformis infection.
Mechanisms driving vestibular lamina formation and opening in the mouse
Authors: Qiu Tengyang , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: October 2022

The vestibular lamina (VL) forms as an epithelial outgrowth parallel to the dental lamina (DL) in the oral cavity. During late development, it opens to create a furrow that divides the dental tissue from the cheeks and lips and is known as the vestibule. Defects in this process lead to failure in the separation of the teeth from the lips and cheeks, including the presence of multiple frenula. In this paper, the development of the VL is followed in the mouse, from epithelial placode in the embryo to postnatal opening and vestibule formation. During early outgrowth, differential proliferation controls the curvature of the VL as it extends under the forming incisors. Apoptosis plays a role in thinning the deepest part of the lamina, while terminal differentiation of the epithelium, highlighted by the expression of loricrin and flattening of the nuclei, predates the division of the VL into two to create the vestibule. Development in the mouse is compared to the human VL, with respect to the relationship of the VL to the DL, VL morphology and mechanisms of opening. Overall, this paper provides insight into an understudied part of the oral anatomy, shedding light on how defects could form in this region.
COVID‐19 vaccines and filler reactions: Should it be considered as a concern?
Authors: Aryanian Zeinab , Balighi Kamran , Emadi Seyed Naser , Razavi Zahra , Hatami Parvaneh , Afshar Zeinab Mohseni
Published: October 2022

Background

Any implant or external material used in the body tissues can potentially be followed by autoimmune or inflammatory reactions. With the global vaccination program against COVID‐19, the reports of tissue filler reactions would be increasingly demonstrated.

Aim

To summarize the data regarding COVID vaccination and filler reactions.

Method

We reviewed the existing data in this regard through searching on PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus. All of the relevant papers published until March 2022, which we could access to their fulltexts were included.

Results

Here, we summarized the data regarding COVID‐19 vaccination and filler reactions and discussed its etiopathogenesis, management, and importance.

Conclusion

Although the end of pandemic was announced, the necessity of continuing COVI‐D19 vaccination in future mandates gathering data regarding safety of vaccines.
Correlation between experiences of clinical nurses in the COVID‐19 pandemic with learning agility and readiness level for future pandemics
Authors: Aygul Nagihan Sim , Senyuva Emine
Published: October 2022

Aims and objectives

The study aimed to determine the impact of clinical nurses' experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic on their learning agility and readiness for other future pandemics.

Background

It is important that nurses have high learning agility so they can successfully adapt their experience to COVID‐19 and other pandemics that may occur in the future. This will positively affect the readiness of nurses to fight against possible future pandemics.

Design

The study is cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational research.

Methods

The study was carried outby data collection from 383 nurses. Data were collected via online survey using social media. The study methods were followed by the STORBE guidelines.

Results

The average score of nurses on the Marmara Learning Agility Scale was 4.07 ± .030. The level of readiness of nurses for new pandemics was 96.1%. Positive but weak correlations were found between the effect of nurses' experiences in the COVID‐19 pandemic with their readiness for potential future pandemics and their learning agility.

Conclusions

It was observed that nurses have high learning agility, gained experience during the COVID‐19 pandemic and these experiences affected their readiness for other potential future pandemics.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health institutions to develop learning agility to support career management, manager selection and performance improvement for clinical nurses.
Stigma arising from youth police contact: The protective role ofmother–youthcloseness
Authors: Turney Kristin , Testa Alexander , Jackson Dylan B.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between mother–youth closeness and stigma stemming from police contact.

Background

Research increasingly indicates that stigma stemming from police–youth encounters links police contact to compromised outcomes among youth, though less is known about the correlates of stigma stemming from this criminal legal contact. Close mother–youth relationships, commonly understood to be protective for youth outcomes, may be one factor that buffers against stop‐related stigma, especially the anticipation of stigma.

Method

We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a sample of youth born in urban areas around the turn of the 21st century, to examine the relationship between mother–youth closeness and stop‐related stigma.

Results

We find that mother–youth closeness is negatively associated with stop‐related anticipated stigma but not stop‐related experienced stigma. We also find that the relationship between mother–youth closeness and stop‐related anticipated stigma is concentrated among youth experiencing a non‐intrusive stop.

Conclusion

Close mother–youth relationships may protect against stigma stemming from criminal legal contact.
Dorsal medulla surface texture: Differentiating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Okuda Darin T. , Stanley Thomas , McCreary Morgan , Smith Alexander D. , Burgess Katy W. , Wilson Andrew , Guo Xiaohu , Moog Tatum M.
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose

The timely and accurate diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is essential and exposure to multiple sclerosis (MS) disease‐modifying therapies may result in permanent neurological disability.

Methods

Standardized 3‐Tesla 3‐dimensional brain MRI studies were retrospectively studied from people with NMOSD, MS, other CNS neurological diseases, and healthy control subjects. Comparisons of surface texture characteristics at the area postrema involving absolute introverted planar triangle counts, representing more complex and concave tissue topography, along with the spatial dissemination pattern of these triangles were performed cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. An ideal introverted planar triangle threshold separating groups with NMOSD and MS was accomplished using the highest Youden's J statistic. For the classification of NMOSD, out‐of‐sample and in‐sample measurements of the following were acquired: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

The study cohort included 60 people with NMOSD, 100 people with MS, 12 with other neurological diseases, and five healthy controls. Significantly higher cross‐sectional median introverted triangle counts were observed when the NMOSD (median [interquartile range]: 100 [23.5]) group was compared to MS (65 [20.25]; p < .0001) and other neurological diseases (66 [13.75]; p < .0001). Distinct spatial dissemination patterns of triangles extending craniocaudally at the region of interest within the dorsal medulla was also seen between groups with NMOSD and MS (p < .0001). For the identification of NMOSD, out‐of‐sample sensitivity (83%), specificity (100%), PPV (100%), and NPV (60%) were achieved.

Conclusions

Cross‐sectional and longitudinal dorsal medulla surface texture differences within selective regions of vulnerability differentiate NMOSD from MS.
Color is to flavor as shape is to texture: A choice‐based conjoint study of visual cues on chocolate packaging
Authors: Baptista Iuri , Spence Charles , Shimizu Renata , Ferreira Eric , Behrens Jorge
Published: October 2022

The effect(s) of visual cues and their crossmodal correspondences in the context of food packaging have been increasingly researched over the last two decades. This study contributes to the subject by integrating four visual variables into a choice‐based conjoint analysis test. The contributions of color (pink/black), typeface (rounded/angular), ingredient image (milk/chocolate), and chocolate shape (curved/flat) on milk chocolate packaging are evaluated. All 16 possible combinations were evaluated online by a total of 480 Brazilian chocolate consumers for preference, expected sweetness, and expected creaminess. The participants also listed the first three words that came to mind for a subset of four of the samples. The results were statistically analyzed by mixed logit model and correspondence analysis. It was found significant effects of color, typeface, and ingredient on preference, of color and shape on sweetness, and of shape on creaminess. Except for ratings of expected creaminess, color was the most relevant attribute of all independent variables.

Practical applications

These results further our understanding on how multiple visual cues may combine to influence consumer preference and crossmodal correlations with taste and texture. It also indicates that companies and researchers may use choice‐based conjoint analysis to evaluate crossmodal effects of visual aspects, making the test faster, more spontaneous, and intuitive. Although this research was conducted on the packaging of bars of chocolate, the consistency of the results with studies that have used other products should encourage designers and manufacturers to take these findings into account when creating packaging for food and beverage in general.
Phylogenomic analysis of the hemp family (Cannabaceae) reveals deep cyto‐nuclear discordance and provides new insights into generic relationships
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Gang , Liu Shui‐Yin , van Velzen Robin , Stull Gregory W. , Tian Qin , Li Yun‐Xia , Folk Ryan A. , Guralnick Robert P. , Kates Heather R. , Jin Jian‐Jun , Li Zhong‐Hu , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Yi Ting‐Shuang
Published: October 2022

Cannabaceae are a relatively small family of angiosperms, but they include several species of huge economic and cultural significance: marijuana or hemp (Cannabis sativa) and hops (Humulus lupulus). Previous phylogenetic studies have clarified the most deep relationships in Cannabaceae, but relationships remain ambiguous among several major lineages. Here, we sampled 82 species representing all genera of Cannabaceae and utilized a new dataset of 90 nuclear genes and 82 chloroplast loci from Hyb‐Seq to investigate the phylogenomics of Cannabaceae. Nuclear phylogenetic analyses revealed a robust and consistent backbone for Cannabaceae. We observed nuclear gene‐tree conflict at several deep nodes in inferred species trees, also cyto‐nuclear discordance concerning the relationship between Gironniera and Lozanella and the relationships among Trema s.l. (including Parasponia), Cannabis + Humulus, and Chaetachme + Pteroceltis. Coalescent simulations and network analyses suggest that observed deep cyto‐nuclear discordances were most likely to stem from incomplete lineage sorting (ILS); nuclear gene‐tree conflict might be caused by both ILS and gene flow between species. All genera of Cannabaceae were recovered as monophyletic, except for Celtis, which consisted of two distinct clades: Celtis I (including most Celtis species) and Celtis II (including Celtis gomphophylla and Celtis schippii). We suggest that Celtis II should be recognized as the independent genus Sparrea based on both molecular and morphological evidence. Our work provides the most comprehensive and reliable phylogeny to date for Cannabaceae, enabling further exploration of evolutionary patterns across this family and highlighting the necessity of comparing nuclear with chloroplast data to examine the evolutionary history of plant groups.
Phylogeny and systematics of the tribe Sonerileae (Melastomataceae) in Africa: A revised taxonomic classification
Authors: Veranso‐Libalah Marie Claire , Mertes Hannah , Stone Robert Douglas , Chen Luo , Stévart Tariq , Almeda Frank , van der Burgt Xander M. , Kadereit Gudrun
Published: October 2022

The tribe Sonerileae in tropical Africa and Madagascar is a morphologically diverse lineage that consists of 239 species in 10 genera. In this study, we present the first in‐depth phylogenetic analysis of African Sonerileae to test monophyly of the currently recognized genera. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using sequence data from two nuclear (nrITS and nrETS) and three plastid loci (accD‐psaI,ndhFandpsbK‐psbL). Sampling consisted of 140 accessions including 64 African, 27 Malagasy, 46 Asian, and three neotropical Sonerileae together with a broad outgroup sampling (105 spp.). Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches, and a careful reassessment of morphological characters was carried out. Our results neither support the monophyly of the Old World nor African Sonerileae. The monospecific African genusBennais partially supported as sister toPhainantha, one of the basal neotropical lineages, while African and MalagasyMedinillaare nested among the SE Asian genera.Gravesia(116 spp.), the most species‐rich and morphologically diverse genus in Madagascar, is recovered as monophyletic. The African genera of SonerileaeCalvoa,Dicellandra, andPreussiellaform well‐supported clades. In contrast,Amphiblemma(includingAmphiblemma molle) andCincinnobotryss.l. (includingCincinnobotrys felicis) are not monophyletic. To accommodate the caulescentC. feliciswe propose reinstatement of the monospecific genusBourdaria. For the distinctiveA. mollea new genusMendeliais described.Calvoa hirsutais designated here as the type of genusCalvoa, lectotypes are designated forMedinilla engleriandVeprecella lutea, and a neotype is designated forPreussiella kamerunensis.
Real‐time stimulation during sleep: prior findings, novel developments, and future perspectives
Authors: Ngo Hong‐Viet V. , Antony James W. , Rasch Björn
Published: October 2022

Real‐time brain stimulation is a powerful technique that continues to gain importance in the field of sleep and cognition. In this special issue, we collected 14 articles about real‐time stimulation during sleep, including one review, 12 research articles and one letter covering both human and rodent research from various fields. We hope this special issue sparks greater interest and inspires fellow sleep researchers and clinicians to develop new ideas in the exciting topic of real‐time stimulation.