bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current status and future perspectives on immunotherapy in neoadjuvant therapy of resectable non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Xing Huifang , Liu Hongyu , Chen Jun
Published: November 2021

Resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is defined as stage I‐II, and some locally advanced (stage III) tumor. Despite the associated relatively high recurrence rates after surgery, surgical treatment remains the standard treatment for patients with early‐stage NSCLC. At present, neoadjuvant therapy is becoming an increasingly popular therapeutic strategy for resectable NSCLC. However, studies have reported that neoadjuvant chemotherapy only slightly improves recurrence rates, making it inadequate for extending patient survival. The significant survival benefits of immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC have greatly stimulated researchers’ interests in applying immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for treating early‐stage resectable NSCLC. A few recent phase II radomized clinical trials suggested that ICIs yield better major pathologic response (MPR) rates than neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, demonstrating their potential as alternatives to the existing fixed therapy pattern for early‐stage NSCLC. Most initial studies regarding neoadjuvant immunotherapy selected MPR and pathologic complete response (pCR) as primary or secondary endpoints, leading to a significant reduction in the time and cost of research and development compared with the use of overall survival time and median survival time as endpoints. Meanwhile, to confirm these benefits, more phase III clinical trials are being conducted, and there is a growing demand for research on related problems, including the screening of population, formulation of treatment strategies, duration and course of immunotherapy, influence of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on the safety of surgery, standardization of treatment effect evaluation and pathologic evaluation, and ways to effectively identify pseudoprogression and avoid resultant misjudgment in surgery and adjuvant therapy.
Terminal differentiation of bone marrow NK cells and increased circulation of TIGIT+ NK cells may be related to poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zeng Xiangbo , Yao Danlin , Liu Lian , Zhang Yikai , Lai Jing , Zhong Jun , Zha Xianfeng , Lu Yuhong , Jin Zhenyi , Chen Shaohua , Li Yangqiu , Xu Ling
Published: November 2021

Aim

In order to further understand the feature of natural killer cell (NK) dysfunction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), The distribution of NK cell subset the expression of the inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), killer cell lectin‐like receptor (KLRG1), and the expression of maturation marker CD57 in NK cell subsets and their correlation with patient outcomes were analyzed in this study.

Methods

We collected peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from de novo AML (AML‐DN) patients, patients who achieved complete remission after chemotherapy (AML‐CR), and healthy individuals. An eight‐color flow cytometry panel was used to identify different NK subsets and their expression of TIGIT, CD57 and KLRG1.

Results

Decreased percentage of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells was found only in the PB of AML‐DN and AML‐CR patients but not in the BM. The expression frequency of TIGIT and KLRG1 was elevated on NK cells from the PB of AML‐DN patients, while it was recovered in AML‐CR patients. Moreover, a higher percentage of CD57+CD56dimCD16+ NK cells, representing a terminally differentiated NK subset with strong cytotoxic capacity but defective replication potential, was detected in the BM of AML‐DN patients and predicted sub‐optimal survival for patients.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the NK cell subsets in the PB of AML patients had an exhaustion phenotype, while the BM NK cells had a terminally differentiated phenotype, which correlated with short survival for AML patients.
How many worlds are there?
Authors: NADASDY PAUL
Published: November 2021

Questions about the nature of reality have lately become something of a preoccupation in anthropology. One prominent approach to such questions holds that different peoples inhabit distinct and incommensurable realities, or worlds. Although proponents of the “multiple‐worlds thesis” claim to be decolonizing social theory, their approach is beset by significant political and theoretical problems. I illustrate these problems by referring to my own ethnographic research in Canada's southwest Yukon. I then suggest an alternative approach: shifting the focus from multiplicity to indeterminacy. The indeterminacy framework can help us avoid the pitfalls of the multiple‐worlds thesis while leaving open the possibility that radically different understandings of the world might reveal something important about the nature of reality. Indeterminacy thus supports a more robust anti‐colonial politics than does the multiple‐worlds thesis. [ontology,indeterminacy,practice,indigeneity,Yukon]
Population pharmacokinetics of clonazepam in saliva and plasma: Steps towards noninvasive pharmacokinetic studies in vulnerable populations
Authors: Kruizinga Matthijs D. , Zuiker Rob G. J. A. , Bergmann Kirsten R. , Egas Annelies C. , Cohen Adam F. , Santen Gijs W. E. , van Esdonk Michiel J.
Published: November 2021

Aim

Traditional studies focusing on the relationship between pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics necessitate blood draws, which are too invasive for children or other vulnerable populations. A potential solution is to use noninvasive sampling matrices, such as saliva. The aim of this study was to develop a population PK model describing the relationship between plasma and saliva clonazepam kinetics and assess whether the model can be used to determine trough plasma concentrations based on saliva samples.

Methods

Twenty healthy subjects, aged 18‐30, were recruited and administered 0.5 or 1 mg of clonazepam solution. Paired plasma and saliva samples were obtained until 48 hours post‐dose. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed describing the PK of clonazepam in plasma and the relationship between plasma and saliva concentrations. Bayesian maximum a posteriori optimization was applied to estimate the predictive accuracy of the model.

Results

A two‐compartment distribution model best characterized clonazepam plasma kinetics with a mixture component on the absorption rate constants. Oral administration of the clonazepam solution caused contamination of the saliva compartment during the first 4 hours post‐dose, after which the concentrations were driven by the plasma concentrations. Simulations demonstrated that the lower and upper limits of agreements between true and predicted plasma concentrations were −28% to 36% with one saliva sample. Increasing the number of saliva samples improved these limits to −18% to 17%.

Conclusion

The developed model described the salivary and plasma kinetics of clonazepam, and could predict steady‐state trough plasma concentrations based on saliva concentrations with acceptable accuracy.
Microbial metabolite deoxycholic acid promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in intestinal carcinogenesis
Authors: Song Xueli , An Yaping , Chen Danfeng , Zhang Wanru , Wu Xuemei , Li Chuqiao , Wang Sinan , Dong Wenxiao , Wang Bangmao , Liu Tianyu , Zhong Weilong , Sun Tao , Cao Hailong
Published: November 2021

A high‐fat diet (HFD) leads to long‐term exposure to gut microbial metabolite secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), in the intestine, which is closely linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence reveals that vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a critical event for the malignant transformation of cancer. Therefore, this study investigated the crucial roles of DCA in the regulation of VM and the progression of intestinal carcinogenesis. The effects of an HFD on VM formation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human CRC tissues were investigated. The fecal DCA level was detected in HFD‐treated Apcmin/+ mice. Then the effects of DCA on VM formation, EMT, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrated that compared with a normal diet, an HFD exacerbated VM formation and EMT in CRC patients. An HFD could alter the composition of the gut microbiota and significantly increase the fecal DCA level in Apcmin/+ mice. More importantly, DCA promoted tumor cell proliferation, induced EMT, increased VM formation, and activated VEGFR2, which led to intestinal carcinogenesis. In addition, DCA enhanced the proliferation and migration of HCT‐116 cells, and induced EMT process and vitro tube formation. Furthermore, the silence of VEGFR2 reduced DCA‐induced EMT, VM formation, and migration. Collectively, our results indicated that microbial metabolite DCA promoted VM formation and EMT through VEGFR2 activation, which further exacerbated intestinal carcinogenesis.
PDRG1 promotes the proliferation and migration of GBM cells by the MEK/ERK/CD44 pathway
Authors: Sun Jinmin , Xu Yixin , Liu Jia , Cui Huiyue , Cao Haowei , Ren Jing
Published: November 2021

P53 and DNA damage‐regulated gene1 (PDRG1) is overexpressed in diverse carcinomas. Here, we discover that PDRG1 is overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, the clinical significance, biological role, and underlying molecular mechanisms of PDRG1 in GBM remain unclear. PDRG1 was aberrantly overexpressed in glioma, especially prevalent in GBM, and correlated with poor clinicopathologic features of glioma. The risk score, operational feature curve analysis, Kaplan‐Meier curve, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that PDRG1 was an independent prognostic indicator and significantly correlates with disease progression of glioma. A prognostic nomogram was constructed to predict the survival risk of individual patients. The function and pathway enrichment analysis of PDRG1 in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort was performed. PDRG1 knockdown significantly inhibited the migration and proliferation of GBM cells in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing analysis of PDRG1 knockdown U‐118 MG(U118) cells indicated that biological regulation adhesion, growth and death, cell motility, cell adhesion molecular and proteoglycans in cancer were significantly enriched. Importantly, we found that the expression of adhesion molecule cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) was regulated by PDRG1 in GBM. We found that PDRG1 promoted the migration and proliferation of GBM cells via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)/CD44 pathway. Our findings provide proof that PDRG1 upregulation predicts progression and poor prognosis in human gliomas, especially in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wt glioma patients. The study provides new evidence that PDRG1 regulates the expression of CD44 in GBM cells and might promote the migration and proliferation via the MEK/ERK/CD44pathway. PDRG1 might be a novel diagnostic indicator and promising therapeutic target for GBM.
Effectiveness of a trauma‐informed intervention in a deinstitutionalization programme in rural Rwanda
Authors: Hunsley Jana L. , Crawley Rachel D. , Styffe Elizabeth J. , West Ashley , Call Casey D. , Hategekimana Celestin
Published: November 2021

Rwanda established a programme to end institutional care and transition children to family‐based care. As part of their process in a rural area of the country, caregivers who reunited with or adopted a child from institutional care received training in a trauma‐informed intervention (Trust‐Based Relational Intervention® [TBRI®]). To evaluate the potential usefulness of this training, a mixed‐methods, retrospective design was used to examine caregiver‐perceived changes among their reunited/adopted children from pre‐TBRI training to the present day. Results revealed significant decreases in perceived challenging behaviours and trauma symptoms over time. Results from the phenomenological analysis demonstrated that caregivers perceived the training to be effective at equipping them with appropriate parenting strategies and reducing their children's struggles in the home. Findings suggest that training in a trauma‐informed intervention, such as TBRI, may be useful to equip caregivers with strategies to meet the emotional needs of children who are reunited or adopted into families. Success of deinstitutionalization requires programming to support quality family‐based care that meets both the emotional and physical needs of children, and efforts must be made to ensure these resources are included when reuniting or adopting children into families.
A practical conservation tool to combine diverse types of evidence for transparent evidence‐based decision‐making
Authors: Christie Alec P. , Downey Harriet , Frick Winifred F. , Grainger Matthew , O'Brien David , Tinsley‐Marshall Paul , White Thomas B. , Winter Michael , Sutherland William J.
Published: November 2021

Making the reasoning and evidence behind conservation management decisions clear and transparent is a key challenge for the conservation community. Similarly, combining evidence from diverse sources (e.g., scientific and local knowledge) into decision‐making is also difficult. Our group of conservation researchers and practitioners has co‐produced an intuitive tool and template (Evidence‐to‐Decision [E2D] tool: www.evidence2decisiontool.com) to guide practitioners through a structured process to transparently document and report the evidence and reasoning behind decisions. The tool has three major steps: (1). Define the Decision Context; (2). Gather Evidence; and (3). Make an Evidence‐Based Decision. In each step, practitioners enter information (e.g., from the scientific literature, practitioner knowledge and experience, and costs) to inform their decision‐making and document their reasoning. The tool packages this information into a customized downloadable report (or is documented if using the offline template), which we hope can stimulate the exchange of information on decisions within and between organizations. By enabling practitioners to revisit how and why past decisions were made, and integrate diverse forms of evidence, we believe our open‐access tool's template can help increase the transparency and quality of decision‐making in conservation.
HTK‐N as a new preservation solution for human kidney preservation: Results of a pilot randomized controlled clinical phase II trial in living donor transplantation
Authors: Hoyer Dieter P. , Benkö Tamas , Gallinat Anja , Lefering Rolf , Kaths Moritz , Kribben Andreas , Korth Johannes , Rauen Ursula , Treckmann Juergen W. , Paul Andreas
Published: November 2021

Background

HTK‐N was developed based on the traditional HTK preservation solution, resulting in stronger protection against reactive oxygen species as well as better tolerance to hypothermia and ischemia. Aim of the present study was to compare HTK‐N to HTK in clinical kidney transplantation demonstrating safety and non‐inferiority.

Methods

We performed a randomized controlled single blinded clinical phase II trial in patients undergoing living donor kidney transplantation. After retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy kidneys were either perfused and stored with classical HTK solution or the new HTK‐N solution. Primary endpoint was the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR according to CKD EPI) 3 months after transplantation. Secondary endpoints included graft and patient survival beside others.

Results

The study included 42 patients, of which 22 were randomized in the HTK‐N group and 20 in the HTK group. The primary end point showed a mean eGFR of 55.4 ± 14.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the HTK group compared to a GFR of 57.2 ± 16.7 ml/min/m2 in the HTK‐N group (P = .72). Regarding secondary endpoints, there were no apparent differences. Posttransplant graft and patient survival was 100%.

Conclusion

This study is the first clinical application of HTK‐N for kidney preservation and demonstrates non‐inferiority compared to HTK in the setting of living donor kidney transplantation.
The Impacts of COVID‐19 on Migrants, Remittances, and Poverty in China: A Microsimulation Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Zhan Yue , Diao Xinshen , Chen Kevin Z. , Robinson Sherman
Published: November 2021

Chinese migrant workers are very exposed to the shocks caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Falling remittances adversely affect their families who rely on remittance incomes. The impacts of COVID‐19 on migrants and remittance‐receiving households are assessed using a nationally representative household dataset and a microsimulation model. We found about 70 percent of migrant workers lost part of their wage income during the pandemic lockdown period and rural migrants working in small and medium enterprises were affected the most. This led to about 50 percent of remittance‐receiving households being affected adversely by falling remittances, and the average decline in such income was more than 45 percent. Nearly 13 percent of pre‐pandemic nonpoor remittance‐receiving households could fall into poverty, raising the poverty rate among remittance‐receiving households by 4 percentage points. Many households that were poor prior to the pandemic became more impoverished. The results indicate that social protection programs targeting vulnerable migrants and their families at home are important.
Ethnische Diversität in deutschsprachigen Dermatologielehrbüchern: Ist sie vorhanden und wie wichtig ist diese? ein Mini‐Review
Authors: Gregersen Deborah Maria , Elsner Peter
Published: November 2021

Aktuell publizierte Literatur weist auf Missverhältnisse der medizinischen Versorgung in Abhängigkeit von der Hautfarbe in angloamerikanischen Ländern hin. Ein Teil dieses Phänomens wird darauf zurückgeführt, dass sich über 90 % der Fallbeispiele und Abbildungen in Lehrbüchern und Publikationen auf helle Hauttypen (Hauttypen I–III nach Fitzpatrick) beziehen. Dieses systematische Review zeigt ähnliche Verhältnisse für die deutsche Referenzliteratur. Es stellt sich somit die Frage, ob die sich diversifizierende deutsche Bevölkerung durch die aktuelle Medizinerausbildung gut abgebildet und versorgt ist.
Lupus erythematodes: Korrelation klinischer und histologischer Parameter und Vorschlag zur Modifizierung der Krankheitsklassifikation
Authors: Weldemann Anne , Ziepert Marita , Kreuz Markus , Dumann Konstantin , Simon Jan Christoph , Kunz Manfred , Ziemer Mirjana
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Die Einteilung des Lupus erythematodes (LE) ist widersprüchlich, erfolgt sie doch von verschiedenen Standpunkten aus. Dermatologische Klassifikationen unterteilen den LE morphologisch anhand spezifischer Hautveränderungen, rheumatologische hingegen von symptomatischen Anschauungen aus. Tatsächlich ist der LE eine systemische Autoimmunerkrankung mit variabler Akuität und Organbeteiligung. Alle kutanen Krankheitsbilder können sowohl bei limitiert‐kutanem als auch systemischem LE auftreten.

Patienten und Methodik

Retrospektiv wurden 76 LE‐Patienten mit vollständigen Befunden, Fotografie und Biopsie der Hautmanifestationen sowie paraklinischen Daten analysiert. Basierend auf einem publizierten zweidimensionalen Klassifikationssystem, welches die krankheitsspezifischen Hautveränderungen und die abschließende Diagnose getrennt voneinander betrachtet, wurden die Krankheitsdiagnosen revidiert und mit denen der Krankenakten verglichen. Zudem wurde untersucht, inwiefern sich die Patienten anhand ihrer LE‐spezifischen Hautmanifestationen, korrespondierenden histopathologischen Veränderungen und paraklinischen Daten nach Diagnosen gruppieren lassen.

Ergebnisse

Nach Re‐Evaluation reduzierte sich der Anteil an Patienten mit limitiert‐kutanem LE von zuvor 82 % auf 24 %. Mehr als zwei Drittel der Patienten zeigten tatsächlich einen intermediären oder systemischen LE. Die krankheitsspezifischen Hautveränderungen, histologischen Charakteristika und paraklinischen Daten gruppierten nicht mit den Diagnosen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Zum einen unterstreicht die Arbeit den Systemcharakter der Erkrankung. Zum anderen zeigt sie, dass mit einer zweidimensionalen Betrachtungsweise die Klassifikationsschwierigkeiten des LE überwunden werden können, da sich hautmorphologische und symptomatische Aspekte getrennt voneinander betrachten lassen.
Komorbidität bei Pemphigus: eine Fall‐Kontroll‐Studie
Authors: Bardazzi Federico , Rucci Paola , Rosa Simona , Loi Camilla , Iommi Marica , Altobrando Ambra Di
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund und Ziele

Pemphigus ist mit physischen und psychischen Erkrankungen assoziiert. Diese Studie soll derartige Zusammenhänge bei Patienten mit Pemphigus näher untersuchen sowie die Komorbidität nach Geschlecht, Alter, dem Pemphigus Disease Area Index, der Diagnoseverzögerung und der Beteiligung von Haut/Schleimhaut analysieren.

Patienten und Methoden

Jedem Pemphigus‐Patienten wurden acht Kontrollen mit ähnlichem Alter, Geschlecht und Wohnsitz zugeordnet. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit für Begleiterkrankungen bei Patienten und Kontrollpersonen wurde anhand univariater konditionaler Regressionsmodelle bestimmt. Begleiterkrankungen, die in den univariaten Modellen mit P < 0,05 mit der Diagnose Pemphigus assoziiert waren, wurden dann in einem Vorwärtsverfahren in ein multivariates konditionales Regressionsmodell eingefügt.

Ergebnisse

Die Studie umfasste 163 Patienten mit Pemphigus. Die hauptsächlichen Erkrankungen zum Diagnosezeitpunkt waren kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen, Hyperlipidämie, Autoimmunerkrankungen der Schilddrüse, autoimmune/entzündliche Dermatosen und Krebs. In der multivariaten konditionalen Regressionsanalyse waren Krebs und autoimmune/entzündliche Dermatosen unabhängig mit Pemphigus assoziiert. In Sensitivitätsanalysen, in denen vier Patienten mit paraneoplastischem Pemphigus ausgeschlossen wurden, waren diese Assoziationen ebenfalls signifikant.

Schlussfolgerungen

Krebs und autoimmune/entzündliche Dermatosen sind möglicherweise auslösende Faktoren für Pemphigus dar und sollten als frühe Warnsignale für diese Erkrankung angesehen werden.
Size and shape regional differentiation during the development of the spine in the nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Authors: Oliver Jillian D. , Jones Katrina E. , Pierce Stephanie E. , Hautier Lionel
Published: November 2021

Xenarthrans (armadillos, anteaters, sloths, and their extinct relatives) are unique among mammals in displaying a distinctive specialization of the posterior trunk vertebrae—supernumerary vertebral xenarthrous articulations. This study seeks to understand how xenarthry develops through ontogeny and if it may be constrained to appear within pre‐existing vertebral regions. Using three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics on the neural arches of vertebrae, we explore phenotypic, allometric, and disparity patterns of the different axial morphotypes during the ontogeny of nine‐banded armadillos. Shape‐based regionalization analyses showed that the adult thoracolumbar column is divided into three regions according to the presence or absence of ribs and the presence or absence of xenarthrous articulations. A three‐region division was retrieved in almost all specimens through development, although younger stages (e.g., fetuses, neonates) have more region boundary variability. In size‐based regionalization analyses, thoracolumbar vertebrae are separated into two regions: a prediaphragmatic, prexenarthrous region, and a postdiaphragmatic xenarthrous region. We show that posterior thoracic vertebrae grow at a slower rate, while anterior thoracics and lumbars grow at a faster rate relatively, with rates decreasing anteroposteriorly in the former and increasing anteroposteriorly in the latter. We propose that different proportions between vertebrae and vertebral regions might result from differences in growth pattern and timing of ossification.
Disruptive Innovation and the Relational Novelty
Authors: Sidorkin Alexander M.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

This essay is a critique of Clayton Christensen's theory of disruptive innovations as it is applied to education. In it, Alexander Sidorkin shows that education is different from other industries because of its relational nature. Using Boris Groys's theory of novelty, Sidorkin suggests how the “difference beyond difference” can be used to reconstruct the notion of educational innovation.
The Red Fish in a Shoal of Greenish‐Blue Fish? A Critique of the Biomedical Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Leysen Joyce , Jacobs Delphine , Ramaekers Stefan
Published: November 2021

Abstract

The biomedical model states that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this article, Joyce Leysen, Delphine Jacobs, and Stefan Ramaekers argue that this is a narrow way of looking at autism and, further, that the biomedical view has implications for our understanding of parenthood and circumscribes the pedagogical agency of parents of children diagnosed with ASD. The authors adopt a critical stance toward assumptions implicit in the biomedical model concerning autism, reject the model's status as a norm, and problematize the demands the biomedical approach places on parents. As both the object of analysis and an illustration of their argument, Leysen, Jacobs, and Ramaekers use an example of neurodiscourse that introduces the biomedical model of ASD on the public stage to a broad audience. Then, they propose that Martin Buber's thoughts on continual beginning anew, the dialogical nature of the parent–child relationship, and the importance of attention to the whole human being can provide a means to open up the currently narrow confines of the biomedical perspective on autism. Finally, the authors use Buber's concepts to articulate a pedagogical view on the parent–child relationship that restores parents' pedagogical agency.
Validation of a digital, tablet‐based version of the Trail Making Test in the ∆elta platform
Authors: Baykara Ebru , Kuhn Caroline , Linz Nicklas , Tröger Johannes , Karbach Julia
Published: November 2021

Using digital technology for neuropsychological assessment is gaining popularity in both clinical and research settings. Digital neuropsychology offers many benefits over the traditional paper‐pencil assessments; however, their comparability requires further validation. The aim of this study was to compare a digital, tablet‐based Trail Making Test to the standard paper version. In a within‐subject design, 108 healthy adults completed both digital and paper Trail Making Test in a counterbalanced order. Each participant also performed other tasks measuring core executive abilities (inhibition, working memory, and flexibility) on the tablet. Our findings indicated that the Trail Making Test performance on the two different modalities correlated significantly. Furthermore, correlations of Trail Making Test performance with other cognitive tasks revealed that digital Trail Making Test is comparable with the paper version. However, the modality had a significant effect on Trail Making Test performance; that is, participants were generally faster on the digital platform. Taken together, our findings suggest that with new normative data, traditional Trail Making Test can be adapted successfully to a digital platform.
Impacts of native and invasive crayfish on three native and one invasive freshwater mussel species
Authors: Dobler Andreas H. , Geist Juergen
Published: November 2021

Freshwater mussels and crayfish provide important ecosystem functions and services. In both groups, global declines of native species are paralleled by invasions of non‐native species. Knowledge on differences in predation susceptibility of native and invasive freshwater mussels exposed to native and invasive crayfish is essential for understanding their ecological interactions and for conservation management.

In this study, we compared the predation impact of the native European noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) and the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) on three native (Anodonta anatina, Anodonta cygnea, and Unio pictorum) and one invasive (Sinanodonta woodiana) mussel species in controlled laboratory experiments. We repeated the same experiments with the same crayfish specimens to investigate a potential learning effect of crayfish and assessed the in situ impacts in a natural stream.

Mussel predation and damage caused by P. leniusculus was significantly higher than by A. astacus. Irrespective of the crayfish species, susceptibility was greater in native mussel species compared to invasive S. woodiana. Predation and damage was greatest in the thick‐shelled U. pictorum, suggesting that other factors such as shell shape are more important in explaining susceptibility than shell thickness. A predation learning effect from previous co‐exposure was evident, being most pronounced for A. astacus.

Even if our experimental findings could not be confirmed in the field, the experimental results suggest that crayfish may have a negative impact on mussels and this impact will likely increase with the ongoing spread of P. leniusculus replacing A. astacus populations in Europe. The co‐occurrence of invasive P. leniusculus with the invasive S. woodiana could potentially exacerbate declines of endangered native mussel populations.
American mink (Neovison vison) preying on hatchery and wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) juveniles in semi‐natural streams
Authors: Vehanen Teppo , Huusko Ari , Bergman Eva , Enefalk Åsa , Louhi Pauliina , Sutela Tapio
Published: November 2021

Predator–prey interactions are one of the main ecological factors influencing the structure of fish communities. The impact of wading and diving semi‐aquatic predators on riverine fish populations is poorly known. We studied the effect of feral American mink predation on brown trout juveniles during winter in two experiments conducted in semi‐natural streams (length 26 m, width 1.5 m).

In the first experiment, we compared the vulnerability of age‐1+ hatchery (length 142 ± 16 mm, average ±SD) and wild (112 ± 8 mm) brown trout of similar genetic origin in sympatry and allopatry. In the second experiment we used age‐0+ brown trout (79 ± 5 mm), increased habitat heterogeneity by addition of fine wood, and compared those to treatments without fine wood addition.

Hatchery fish were more vulnerable to mink predation than their wild counterpart, and the predation rate increased with increasing body size among the hatchery trout. Predation by mink on wild trout was higher in sympatric than in allopatric treatments suggesting that stocking of hatchery fish may increase predation on wild conspecifics. Increased habitat heterogeneity resulted in reduced predation rate.

The results show that a large size of hatchery fish in small streams was a negative trait, which was opposite to the mainstream observations of salmonid stockings made directly of feeding areas in lakes and oceans. Adding habitat heterogeneity was found important for habitat enhancements in streams with mammalian predators.

We highlight the importance of taking all the habitats during the life cycle of migratory fish into account in management decisions and carefully considering whether using hatchery fish to support wild populations in streams.
Diagnostic variability in the histopathological assessment of advanced colorectal adenomas and early colorectal cancer in a screening population
Authors: Smits Lisanne J H , Vink‐Börger Elisa , van Lijnschoten Gesina , Focke‐Snieders Isabelle , van der Post Rachel S , Tuynman Jurriaan B , van Grieken Nicole C T , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: November 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate interobserver variability between individual pathologists and a panel of pathologists in the histopathological assessment of advanced colorectal neoplasms in the Dutch bowel cancer screening population.

Methods and results

Histological slides of adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia and early colorectal carcinomas (CRC) from 20 different laboratories were reviewed by the pathology panel of the Dutch bowel screening programme. Interobserver variability was reported by descriptive statistics. In addition, potential clinical consequences of discrepancies were evaluated. A total of 104 cases of adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia and 83 early CRCs were reviewed. Discrepancies were observed in 41 of 104 (39.4%) adenoma cases, which potentially had clinical consequences in 16 (15.4%) cases. For CRC, discrepancies were shown in 44 of 83 cases (53.0%) and would have potentially led to alternative treatment strategies in 25 (30.1%) cases. Most frequently, discrepancies were observed in the assessment of lymphovascular invasion (23 of 73 cases, 31.5%).

Conclusion

This study showed that considerable interobserver variability is present in the histopathological assessment of advanced colorectal neoplasia, which may impact upon treatment choices. Additional stains and education, as well as intercollegial consultation, might decrease this variability.
La Revue internationale du Travail et l'égalité entre hommes et femmes: l'importance du travail des femmes, rémunéré et non rémunéré
Authors: FOLBRE Nancy
Published: November 2021

L'autrice de cette introduction commente et analyse les diverses contributions qui composent ce numéro du centenaire de la Revue internationale du Travail sur les femmes, le travail et l'égalité entre les sexes. Elle souligne la nécessité de reconnaître que le travail des femmes est sous‐évalué, qu'il soit accompli dans leur foyer ou sur le marché du travail. Elle met également en lumière les divers efforts déployés pour remédier à ces problèmes étroitement imbriqués.
Child‐ and family‐level factors associated with toothbrushing frequency in a sample of Australian children
Authors: Tadakamadla Santosh Kumar , Rathore Vatsna , Mitchell Amy E. , Kaul Anshul , Morawska Alina
Published: November 2021

Background

Identifying the factors that are conducive to good toothbrushing practices is fundamental for planning oral health promotion interventions.

Aim

This study evaluated the relationships between child and family socio‐demographic characteristics; children's behaviour during toothbrushing; family support for toothbrushing; parents’ practices, attitudes and knowledge related to toothbrushing; general parenting practices; and children's behavioural problems, and children's toothbrushing frequency.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between February and May 2020 with parents of children aged 2‐8 years, recruited through childcare centres throughout Australia. Parents completed self‐administered surveys on child and family characteristics.

Results

A total of 606 parents completed the survey. Only half (52.5%) of the children of surveyed parents brushed their teeth twice or more/day. Children of university‐educated parents [odds ratio (OR): 6.48; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.21–34.71] and those concerned about their child's toothbrushing (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.21–1.72) were more likely to brush twice or more/day. Where children were non‐compliant during toothbrushing or parents reported using ineffective parenting strategies during toothbrushing, children were less likely to brush their teeth twice or more/day. Lack of concern of parent about toothbrushing was associated with brushing less than twice/day in children

Conclusions

Measures of parenting and child behaviour that were specific to the toothbrushing context were associated with twice daily brushing while general measures of parenting and child behaviour were not correlated with twice daily brushing.
A novel porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic aerogels with ultralow thermal conductivity and photocatalytic property
Authors: Liu De‐bao , Zhou Fei‐fei , Qu Li‐jie , Wang Yi‐guang , Xu Bao‐sheng , Ai Shi‐gang
Published: November 2021

Porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic aerogels (CAs) were prepared by sol‐gel template method and thermal treated process. The microstructure and crystallisation behavior of the samples were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that the as‐prepared porous La2Zr2O7 CAs had a single‐phase pyrochlore structure with typical three‐dimensional (3‐D) porous structure. Meanwhile, the formation mechanisms of the as‐prepared porous La2Zr2O7 CAs were investigated. At the same time, the as‐prepared porous La2Zr2O7 CAs presented an ultralow room‐temperature thermal conductivity of 0.07 W/(m K), high specific surface areas of 325.17 m2/g, and a relatively high compressive strength of 11.95 MPa. What's more, the as‐prepared porous La2Zr2O7 CAs possessed ideal photocatalytic activities due to its high crystallinity, large surface area as well as unique 3‐D porous structure. Therefore, the present work is proposing some new insight to prepare rare‐earth zirconates CAs with porous structures for thermal insulation and dye degradation applications.
Genomic characterization and production of antimicrobial lipopeptides by Bacillus velezensis P45 growing on feather by-products
Authors: da Rosa Carolini Esmeriz , Pinilla Cristian Mauricio Barreto , Stincone Paolo , Pereira Jamile Queiroz , Varela Ana Paula Muterle , Mayer Fabiana Quoos , Brandelli Adriano
Published: November 2021

Aims

To investigate the potential of novel Bacillus velezensis P45 as an eco-friendly alternative for bioprocessing poultry by-products into valuable antimicrobial products.

Methods and Results

The complete genome of B. velezensis P45 was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform, showing 4455 protein and 98 RNA coding sequences according to the annotation on the RAST server. Moreover, the genome contains eight gene clusters for the production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites and 25 putative protease-related genes, which can be related to feather-degrading activity. Then, in vitro tests were performed to determine the production of antimicrobial compounds using feather, feather meal and brain–heart infusion (BHI) cultures. Antimicrobial activity was observed in feather meal and BHI media, reaching 800 and 3200 AU ml−1 against Listeria monocytogenes respectively. Mass spectrometry analysis indicates the production of antimicrobial lipopeptides surfactin, fengycin and iturin.

Conclusions

The biotechnological potential of B. velezensis P45 was deciphered through genome analysis and in vitro studies. This strain produced antimicrobial lipopeptides growing on feather meal, a low-cost substrate.

Significance and Impact of Study

The production of antimicrobial peptides by this keratinolytic strain may represent a sustainable alternative for recycling by-products from poultry industry. Furthermore, whole B. velezensis P45 genome sequence was obtained and deposited.
Consumer informedness: A key driver of differentiation
Authors: Pazgal Amit , Soberman David , Thomadsen Raphael
Published: November 2021

Minimum Differentiation is the equilibrium in spatial models with fixed prices, while firms move apart to reduce the intensity of competition when firms set prices. Nevertheless, firms collocate in many industries where marketing‐active firms compete on price. This puzzle is called the Hotelling paradox. We offer a resolution of this puzzle by noting that imperfect information about the availability of all products can soften competition, allowing firms to produce similar products without engaging in intense price competition. Specifically, we construct a model that predicts minimum differentiation when consumers have low awareness about products and maximum differentiation when they are well informed.
Predictors of nutrition care process knowledge and use among dietitians internationally
Authors: Middeke Julia , Palmer Kayla , Lövestam Elin , Vivanti Angela , Orrevall Ylva , Steiber Alison , Lyons‐Wall Philippa , Lo Johnny , Devine Amanda , Lieffers Jessica , Papoutsakis Constantina , Lang Nanna R. , Thoresen Lene , Lloyd Lyn , O'Sullivan Therese A. ,   The INIS Consortium
Published: November 2021

Background

The nutrition care process (NCP) and its associated standardised terminology (NCPT, referred to collectively as NCP/T) forms a problem‐solving framework fundamental to dietetic practice. Global implementation would assist in confirming outcomes from dietetic care, but implementation rates have varied between countries. We investigated which factors predict NCP/T knowledge and use among dietetic professionals in an international cohort, aiming to understand how implementation can be strengthened.

Methods

The validated International NCP Implementation Survey was disseminated to dietitians in 10 countries via professional networks. Implementation, attitudes and knowledge of the NCP/T along with workplace and educational data were assessed. Independent predictive factors associated with higher NCP/T knowledge and use were identified using backward stepwise logistic regression.

Results

Data from 6149 respondents was used for this analysis. Enablers that were independent predictors of both high knowledge and frequent use of NCP/T were peer support, recommendation from national dietetic association and workplace requirements (all p < 0.001). Country of residence and working in clinical settings (p < 0.001) were demographic characteristics that were independent predictors of high knowledge and frequent use of NCP/T. A high knowledge score was an independent predictor of frequent NCP/T use (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Important modifiable enablers for NCP knowledge and use rely on organisational management. National dietetic organisations and key stakeholders such as employers are encouraged to integrate active NCP/T support in their leadership initiatives. This could take the form of policies, formalised and structured training strategies, and informatics initiatives for the integration in electronic health records.
Ineffective health management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of related factors
Authors: da Silva Ricardo Costa , Gondim Micaelle Costa , Cavalcante Agueda Maria Ruiz Zimmer , Bachion Maria Marcia , da Silva Viviane Martins , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venicius
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A standardized language system can support the elaboration of clinical guidelines by matching information from similar patterns of response to people. To identify the factors that are related to a higher likelihood of an ineffective health management nursing diagnosis.

Methods

We conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis. An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE databases via PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Embase between October and November 2020. Descriptive data were extracted from each article. The odds ratios for each etiological factor related to ineffective health management were directly extracted from the articles or calculated from the data described in the articles. The analysis of the measurements of exposure and the magnitude of the effect was performed using the statistical software R, and a forest plot was constructed for each etiological factor.

Findings

Ten studies were included, and 15 related factors were recovered from the primary studies. The factors that significantly increased the likelihood of an ineffective health management nursing diagnosis were insufficient knowledge of the therapeutic regimen, perceived barriers, powerlessness, economic disadvantage, and difficulty managing complex treatment regimens. No effect was verified with the following factors: decision conflict, family pattern of healthcare, and inadequate number of cues to action.

Conclusion

Factors related to a higher likelihood of ineffective health management may be the focus of early and targeted nursing interventions, contributing to an improved quality of care.

Clinical relevance

Understanding exposure to these factors can improve diagnostic reasoning at different population levels.
Influence of controlled masticatory muscle activity on dynamic reactive balance
Authors: Fadillioglu Cagla , Kanus Lisa , Möhler Felix , Ringhof Steffen , Schindler Hans J. , Stein Thorsten , Hellmann Daniel
Published: November 2021

Background

The influence of the stomatognatic system on human posture control has been investigated under static conditions, but the effects on dynamic balance have not yet been considered.

Objective

Investigating the influence of different functional stomatognatic activities (jaw clenching (JAW), tongue pressing (TON) and habitual jaw position (HAB)) on postural performance during a dynamic reactive balance task.

Methods

Forty‐eight physically active and healthy adults were assigned to three groups differing in oral‐motor tasks (JAW, TON or HAB). Dynamic reactive balance was assessed by an oscillating platform which was externally perturbed in four directions. Performance was quantified by means of Lehr's damping ratio. Mean speeds of the selected anatomical regions (head, trunk, pelvis, knee and foot) were analysed to determine significant performance differences.

Results

The groups differed significantly in balance performance in direction F (i.e., forwards acceleration of the platform). Post hoc tests revealed that the JAW group had significantly better performance compared with both the HAB and TON groups. Better performance was associated with a decreased mean speed of the analysed anatomical regions.

Conclusion

JAW can improve dynamic reactive balance but the occurrence of positive effects seems to be task‐specific and not general. TON seems not to have any observable effects on dynamic reactive balance performance, at least when evaluating it with an oscillating platform. JAW might be a valuable strategy which could possibly reduce the risk of falls in elderly people; however, further investigations are still needed.
Sensory analysis of nougat: Methodology, training, and validation of a panel for protected geographical indication Torró d'Agramunt
Authors: López‐Mas Laura , Romero del Castillo Roser
Published: November 2021

Nougat‐type confections, made with nuts, honey or sugar, and/or egg whites, are consumed in many countries. Torró d'Agramunt is a nougat produced in northeast Spain that has been awarded the European quality label Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). When sensory descriptors are included in the PGI's operating regulations, the sensory quality of products with the label must be guaranteed. The current study established eight descriptors and reference ranges for Torró d'Agramunt, differentiating between products labeled “supreme category” (containing ≥60% nuts) from those labeled “extra category” (containing ≥46% nuts), and developed a method to train a panel of tasters to evaluate this product. Applying the method also showed that sensory analysis is useful for identifying products that are nearing their expiry date. The work conducted within this study represents a step toward the standardization of the approach to the sensory analysis of nougats and similar products.

Practical Applications

Sensory analysis is a way to objectively characterize the attributes of products. Determining whether products fulfill established criteria for certain attributes is important for quality control and ensuring consumer trust. The present study aimed to devise a standardized method for the sensory analysis of nougats and similar products. The approach developed has enabled the sensory characterization of various PGI Torró d'Agramunt using the selected descriptors, making it possible to establish a sensory profile according to the percentage of nuts included in the product and to evaluate changes in the sensory profile that occur as the product approaches its expiry date. Training the panel and discussing the descriptors underlined the need for feedback between the Regulating Board, the director of the panel, and the tasters. This process resulted in a fast, feasible method that can be applied for quality control of other products or other quality labels.