bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grassland easement evaluation and acquisition with uncertain conversion and conservation returns
Authors: Miao Ruiqing , Hennessy David A. , Feng Hongli
Published: February 2022

We develop an analytical framework to examine an agency's optimal grassland easement acquisition while accounting for landowners’ optimal decisions under uncertainty in both conversion and conservation returns. We derive the value of “wait and see” (i.e., neither convert nor ease grassland) for landowners and find that grassland‐to‐cropland conversion probability and easement value vary in opposing directions when “wait and see” is preferred, indicating that a larger conversion probability does not necessarily imply a higher easement value. Our analysis shows that when conservation funds can be flexibly allocated across periods then the agency's optimal acquisition can be readily achieved by sorting land tracts according to their owners’ optimal choices. When funds cannot be flexibly allocated across periods, we examine both a rational agency's and a myopic agency's decision problems. An acquisition index is developed to facilitate optimal easement acquisition.
Kidney donor profile index and post‐transplant health care utilization: Implications for value of transplant care delivery
Authors: Mour Girish K. , Chang Yu‐Hui , Calderon Esteban , Chang James M. , Velazco Cristine S. , Jadlowiec Caroline C. , Reddy Kunam S. , Heilman Raymond L. , Mathur Amit K.
Published: February 2022

Background

Centers discard high kidney donor profile index (KDPI) allografts, potentially related to delayed graft function and prolonged hospital use by kidney transplant recipients (KTR). We sought to determine whether high KDPI KTRs have excess health care utilization.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a high‐volume center analyzing KTRs from January 3, 2011 to April 12, 2015 (n = 652). We measured differences in hospital use, emergency visits, and outpatient visits within the first 90 days between low (≤85%) versus high KDPI (>85%) KTRs, as well as long‐term graft function and patient survival.

Results

High (n = 107) and low KDPI (n = 545) KTRs had similar length of stay (median = 3 days, P = .66), and readmission rates at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery (all, P > .05). High KDPI kidneys were not associated with excess utilization of the hospital, emergency services, outpatient transplant clinics, or ambulatory infusion visits on univariate or multivariate analysis (all, P > .05). Low KDPI KTRs had significantly better eGFR at 2 years (Low vs. High KDPI: 60.35 vs. 41.54 ml/min, P < .001), but similar 3‐year patient and graft survival (both, P > .09).

Conclusions

High and low KDPI KTRs demonstrated similar 90‐day risk‐adjusted health care utilization, which should encourage use of high KDPI kidneys.
Incremental healthcare expenditure attributable to diabetes mellitus: A cost of illness study in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Dinh Ngan T. T. , de Graaff Barbara , Campbell Julie A. , Jose Matthew D. , Burgess John , Saunder Timothy , Kitsos Alex , Wiggins Nadine , Palmer Andrew J.
Published: February 2022

Aims

To quantify the incremental direct medical costs in people with diabetes from the healthcare system perspective; and to identify trends in the incremental costs.

Methods

This was a matched retrospective cohort study based on a linked data set developed for investigating chronic kidney disease in Tasmania, Australia. Using propensity score matching, 51,324 people with diabetes were matched on age, sex and residential area with 102,648 people without diabetes. Direct medical costs (Australian dollars 2020–2021) due to hospitalisation, Emergency Department visits and pathology tests were included. The incremental costs and cost ratios between mean annual costs of people with diabetes and their controls were calculated.

Results

On average, people with diabetes had healthcare costs that were almost double their controls ($2427 [95% CI 2322–2543]; ratio 1.87 [95% CI 1.85–1.91]; pooled from 2007–2017). While in the first year of follow‐up, the costs of a person with diabetes were $1643 (95% CI 1489–1806); ratio 1.83 (95% CI 1.76–1.92) more than their control, this increased to $2480 (95% CI 2265–2680); ratio 1.69 (95% CI 1.62–1.77) in the final year. Although the incremental costs were higher in older age groups (e.g., ≥70: $2498 [95% CI 2265–2754]; 40–49: $2117 [95% CI 1887–2384]), the cost ratios were higher in younger age groups (≥70: 1.52 [95% CI 1.48–1.56]; 40–49: 2.37 [95% CI 2.25–2.61]).

Conclusions

Given the increasing burden that diabetes imposes, our findings will support policymakers in future planning for diabetes and enable targeting sub‐groups with higher long‐term costs for possible cost savings for the Tasmanian healthcare system.
Influence of a major pre‐clinical programme restructure on undergraduate student fixed prosthodontics clinical unit completions
Authors: Dudley James
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Research is limited in measuring the effectiveness of pre‐clinical programmes in preparing students for fixed prosthodontics clinical practice. The aim of this retrospectively study was to assess the influence of a major pre‐clinical programme restructure on undergraduate student fixed prosthodontics clinical unit completions.

Materials and Methods

The fixed prosthodontics treatment registers from 2011 to 2020 were reviewed, and units completed per student (UCS) and units completed per student per session (UCSS) were calculated in the years before (2011–2013) and after (2014–2020) a major pre‐clinical programme restructure (PR). Data were summarised in Microsoft Excel software (version 2016), and Student'st‐test and pairedt‐tests were performed to determine the significance of difference in UCS and UCSS in the years before and after the PR.

Results

There was a significant difference in the UCS (p < .05) and UCSS (p < .01) in the years before and after the PR. The average UCS in the years before the PR was 2.20 units compared with 3.86 units after the PR, an increase of 75% per student. The average UCSS in the years before the PR was 0.15 units compared with 0.28 units after the PR, an increase of 87% per session.

Conclusion

The fixed prosthodontics pre‐clinical programme restructure resulted in statistically significantly increased student clinical unit completions.
Huntingtin gene intermediate alleles influence the progression from subjective cognitive decline to mild cognitive impairment: A 14‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Mazzeo Salvatore , Emiliani Filippo , Bagnoli Silvia , Padiglioni Sonia , Conti Vittoria , Ingannato Assunta , Giacomucci Giulia , Balestrini Juri , Ferrari Camilla , Sorbi Sandro , Nacmias Benedetta , Bessi Valentina
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose

Huntingtin (HTT) is a gene containing a key region of CAG repeats. HTT alleles containing from 27 to 35 CAG repeats are termed intermediate alleles (IAs). We aimed to assess the effect of IAs on progression of cognitive impairment in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

Methods

We included 106 patients with SCD. All the patients underwent neuropsychological assessments and blood sample collection at baseline. Patients were followed up for a median (interquartile range) time of 13.75 (8.17) years. We genotyped APOE and HTT at the end of the follow‐up.

Results

Eleven out of 106 patients (10.38%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.57–16.18) were carriers of IAs (IA+). During the follow‐up, 44 patients (41.51%, 95% CI 32.13–50.89) progressed to mild cognitive impairment (MCI; p‐SCD group), while 62 patients (58.49%, 95% CI 49.11–67.87) did not (np‐SCD group). Rate of progression to MCI was associated with IAs, age at baseline, and APOE ɛ4. We dichotomized age at baseline (<60 years = younger patients [YP], >60 years = older patients [OP]) and then classified patients into four groups: YP/IA–, YP/IA+, OP/IA– and OP/IA+. The OP/IA+ group had a higher proportion of patients with progression from SCD to MCI (85.71%, 95% CI 59.79–100) as compared to the YP/IA– group (28.57%, 95% CI 13.60–43.54, χ2 = 15.25; p < 0.001) and the OP/IA– group (45.00%, 95% CI 32.41–57.59, χ2 = 7.903; p = 0.005). We classified patients according to APOE and IA as: ɛ4–/IA–, ɛ4–/IA+, ɛ4+/IA–, ɛ4+/IA+. The proportion of patients with progression in the ɛ4+/IA+ group (100%) was higher as compared to the ɛ4–/IA– group (33.33%, 95% CI 21.96–44.71, χ2 = 14.43; p < 0.001) and ɛ4+/IA– (55.56%, 95% CI 36.81–74.30, χ2 = 4.60; p = 0.032).

Conclusions

Intermediate alleles interact with age and APOE ɛ4, increasing the risk of progression to MCI in SCD patients.
Irradiation with 590‐nm yellow light‐emitting diode light attenuates oxidative stress and modulates UVB‐induced change of dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Hong Ji Yeon , Han Hye Sung , Youn Ji Hyun , Kim Hyun‐wook , Ryu Hyun‐Seung , Park Kui Young
Published: February 2022

Recently, light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based devices have emerged as effective and safe tools for the treatment of photoaged skin. However, few studies have been conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanism behind the effect on photoageing of LED light. In this study, we induced photoageing of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) with Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation and evaluated the ability of 590‐nm LED radiation to induce recovery from oxidative stress, restore collagen formation and regulate inflammatory changes. Photoageing was induced in cultured human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) using UVB irradiation of 50 mJ/cm2. Then, the photoaged HDFs were irradiated with LED using a custom‐built 590‐nm LED device which emits light with an intensity of 38 mW/cm2(irradiated for 900 s with 34.2 J/cm2of total energy). LED irradiation significantly attenuated UVB‐induced reactive oxygen species generation and UVB‐induced phosphorylation of JNK, c‐Fos and c‐Jun. In addition, the procollagen levels were recovered significantly, and MMP‐9 levels were significantly suppressed after LED irradiation. The UVB‐induced phosphorylation levels of NF‐κB and pro‐inflammatory enzyme COX‐2 also significantly decreased. Our results suggest that 590‐nm yellow light irradiation may be an effective and safe anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory treatment modality for photoaged skin.
Cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment combined with starvation increases autophagy and apoptosis in melanoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Golpour Monireh , Alimohammadi Mina , Sohbatzadeh Farshad , Fattahi Sadegh , Bekeschus Sander , Rafiei Alireza
Published: February 2022

Despite advances in therapy, malignant melanoma remains a fatal disease. Among several emerging approaches to combat cancer, cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) has shown promising results as a novel antitumor agent in preclinical models so far. The technology mainly relies on the emittance of various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) that are tumor‐toxic at high concentrations. Moreover, malignant melanoma has a metabolic dimension that can be targeted by mild starvation. To this end, we investigated the combined effect of starvation and CAP treatment on melanoma in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, starvation+CAP led to cell morphology changes, decreased metabolic activity and increased lipid peroxidation accompanied by apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in murine B16 melanoma cells but not murine non‐malignant L929 fibroblasts. This was paralleled by increased apoptosis (Bax, Bcl‐2 and Caspase‐3) and autophagy (Lc3 and Atg5)‐related gene expression. In vivo, starvation reduced tumor burden. Combination with CAP treatment augmented this effect significantly, albeit there was no difference of combination treatment to CAP exposure alone. Interestingly, there was an overall greater increase of Lc3 and Atg5 in the tumor tissue compared to CAP exposure alone, while starvation‐induced autophagy‐related gene expression was similar to in the combination group. These data collectively suggest that CAP‐derived ROS/RNS treatment and autophagy‐induction augment antitumor effects in malignant melanoma in vitro and in vivo.
Fatigue damage detection and risk assessment via neural network modeling of ultrasonic signals
Authors: Alqahtani Hassan , Ray Asok
Published: February 2022

This paper develops a data‐driven autonomous method for detection of fatigue damage and classification of the associated damage risk in mechanical structures, based on ultrasonic signal energy. The underlying concept is built upon attenuation of the signal and stability of the attenuation process. The attenuation provides pertinent information for damage quantification, whereas the stability represents resistance toward the fatigue damage growth. The proposed neural network (NN) model has been trained using the scaled conjugate‐gradient back‐propagation method. The NN model is capable of damage detection and damage classification into five classes of increasing risk. The wavelet transform tool has been used to reduce the noisy pattern of the ultrasonic signal energy by using the associated approximation coefficients. The results show that the proposed method of approximation signal energy can detect and classify the damage with an accuracy of up to ∼98.5%.
Drivers and spatial patterns of population synchrony of fish species in a floodplain
Authors: Vendrametto Granzotti Rafaela , Agostinho Angelo Antonio , Bini Luis Mauricio
Published: February 2022

Spatial synchrony is the correlation between the temporal dynamics of local populations. This pattern may be driven by spatially correlated environmental variation (i.e., Moran effect), dispersal and trophic interactions. Investigating geographic patterns of synchrony can help disentangle the relative importance of these drivers.

Using fish abundance data from long‐term ecological research (17 years) in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, we studied the relative roles of dispersal distance, density dependence differences, and environmental synchrony in determining spatial synchrony of the most common species in this floodplain. We also investigated the geography of spatial synchrony by estimating modularity and site‐level contributions to synchrony and anti‐synchrony networks.

We found positive spatial synchrony for most species, but levels were relatively low. For most species, our explanatory matrices were poorly related to spatial synchrony. We detected modular structures in some species networks, which reflected complex spatial patterns in synchrony. We also detected sites with high importance to spatial synchrony patterns that could be managed to increase metapopulation stability.

The variable levels of spatial synchrony for fish species in the Upper Paraná River floodplain implies the need to monitor several sites to understand their dynamics in this region. Also, some migratory species of high importance to regional fisheries, such as Prochilodus lineatus, may deserve special monitoring attention due to the increased regional extinction risk associated with their high levels of spatial synchrony.

Finally, we speculate that hydrological manipulation from upstream reservoirs should consider the timing of water releases to avoid spatially correlated population declines.
Proximate and evolutionary sources of variation in offspring energy expenditure in songbirds
Authors: Mitchell Adam E. , Wolf Blair O. , Martin Thomas E.
Published: February 2022

Aim

Understanding variation in offspring energy expenditure is important because energy is critical for growth and development. Weather may exert proximate effects on offspring energy expenditure, but in altricial species these might be masked by parental care and huddling with siblings. Such effects are particularly important to understand given changing global weather patterns, yet studies of wild offspring in the presence of parental care are lacking. Offspring energy expenditure may also vary among species due to evolved responses to environmental selection pressures, requiring studies at both proximate and ultimate levels.

Location

USA, South Africa, Malaysia.

Time period

2016–2019.

Major taxa studied

Songbirds.

Methods

We used the doubly‐labelled water technique to estimate nestling daily energy expenditure of 54 songbird species across three continents. We used Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models to test proximate and evolutionary causes of variation in offspring energy expenditure while accounting for phylogeny and phylogenetic uncertainty.

Results

Offspring energy expenditure increased with more rainfall and colder air temperatures, but decreased among offspring in broods with more siblings. Across species, nestling and adult mortality, but not growth rate, were positively associated with offspring energy use.

Main conclusions

Weather had clear proximate effects on offspring energy expenditure and parents were either unable or unwilling to fully offset these effects. However, the decrease in offspring energy use when huddling with more siblings demonstrated a modulating effect of life history traits. For example, high nest predation rates favour reduced parental care and can force offspring to spend more energy coping with environmental conditions. Furthermore, reduced energy expenditure is thought to facilitate increased longevity, which is increasingly realized with lower extrinsic mortality rates, providing an explanation for the positive association between adult mortality and offspring energy expenditure. Ultimately, both proximate and evolutionary influences need to be considered to better understand causes of offspring energetics.
Pelagic larval polyclads that practice macrophagous carnivory
Authors: von Dassow George , Mendes Cecili B.
Published: February 2022

Among polyclad flatworms, many species are known to develop indirectly via long‐lived planktotrophic larvae, whereas the rest hatch as adult‐like juveniles. Such adult‐like hatchlings have been presumed to represent direct development. However, we report evidence that hatchling polyclads of several genera feed in the plankton on large prey. These ciliated swimmers, despite apparently lacking means to concentrate food or even detect it at a distance, subdue and consume fast‐moving active‐swimming plankters such as crustacean larvae and copepods, or molluscan veligers. We describe feeding events in captivity using videomicroscopy and identify several wild‐caught predatory pelagic polyclad larvae to genus or species level by DNA barcoding. Remarkably, one of these types is identified unambiguously with a species previously observed as Müller's larvae, which live as conventional planktotrophs on a diet inferred to consist of small phytoflagellates. Therefore, we conclude first that although so‐called direct‐developing polyclad flatworms may hatch with juvenile‐like morphology, at least some of these are functionally larvae. Second, these soft‐bodied ciliated larvae are neither lecithotrophs nor conventional planktotrophs feeding on unicellular algae, but pelagic predators; indeed, this may constitute the first demonstration that pelagic polyclads eat zooplankton. Third, some species of polyclad have at least a triphasic life cycle, in which a first larval stage lives in the plankton and feeds on primary producers, followed by a second larval stage that remains in the plankton to feed by macrophagous carnivory, before presumably settling to the benthos for adult life.
On the catalytic effect of zirconia on flash sintering of alumina
Authors: Cross Landen , Raj Rishi , Jalali Syed I.A.
Published: February 2022

Flash sintering of alumina is more difficult than of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Whereas (MgO doped) alumina requires fields greater than 1 kVcm–1 and temperatures often significantly higher than 1000°C, YSZ can be flashed sintered at ∼100 Vcm–1 at temperatures below 800°C. Mixed powders of such bi‐phasic ceramics, on the other hand, can be flashed under conditions below those for alumina. This effect is usually subscribed to the influence of YSZ on the overall electrical conductivity of the composite. However, such rationalization leaves open the mechanism by which YSZ catalyzes the flash event in alumina. Here, we present results for the onset of flash in a layered structure of YSZ and alumina where both constituents extend from one electrode to the other. We find that the flash initiates, at first, exclusively in the YSZ layer, under conditions identical to those in usual voltage‐to‐current experiments in single phase YSZ, and then, after a brief incubation period, spreads transversely through the thickness of the alumina layer at a speed of ∼3.3 mm s–1, while the power supply is held at constant current. This observation opens a new question as to how flash once initiated in an “easy” phase can migrate normal to itself into a second ceramic, which is nominally more‐difficult‐to flash. (In the present experiments, the alumina layer sintered to full density with all the shrinkage being accommodated in the thickness direction, consistent with an earlier study that articulated that flash obviates constrained sintering.) It is noteworthy that the catalytic effect depends not only on the volume fraction of YSZ, but also on the architecture of the green state (for example a two‐phase powder mixture vs. layered structure), which may affect the initiation of the flash in YSZ but, likely, not its migration behavior into the second phase.
Religiosity and corruption in bank lending
Authors: Niu Geng , Zhou Yang , Lu Weijie , Gan Hongwu
Published: February 2022

This paper explores the effect of country‐level religiosity on corruption in bank lending. By using the World Business Environment Survey, we find that firms in more religious countries perceive a higher level of bank lending corruption. Furthermore, larger (smaller) foreign (government) ownership and more competition in a country's banking system attenuate the adverse effect of religiosity. The effect of religiosity carries over to bank loan performance. Our findings are confirmed by various robustness checks. This study contributes to a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of the role of religion in business ethics.
Dividend payouts, cash‐flow uncertainty and the role of institutions
Authors: An Zhe , Gao Wenlian , Li Donghui , Ye Dezhu
Published: February 2022

This study examines the impact of cash‐flow uncertainty on corporate dividend payouts and how this impact is shaped by country‐level institutional environments. Employing a large sample of 41,157 firms in 49 economies from 1996 to 2018, we document that cash‐flow uncertainty has a negative impact on dividend payouts and that this negative relation is more pronounced in economies with stronger institutions. Our results indicate that strong institutions could facilitate information disclosure, reduce government interventions and promote corporate financing opportunities, thus making firms less subject to agency costs and less motivated to disguise their cash‐flow risk.
Species distribution models and a 60‐year‐old transplant experiment reveal inhibited forest plant range shifts under climate change
Authors: Sanczuk Pieter , De Lombaerde Emiel , Haesen Stef , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Van der Veken Bas , Hermy Martin , Verheyen Kris , Vangansbeke Pieter , De Frenne Pieter
Published: February 2022

Aim

Climate change causes species to shift their distributions. Individual species, however, greatly vary in their capacity to track the macroclimatic temperature increase due to differences in demography and dispersal. To better predict range shifts to climate change we need a complementary integration of long‐term empirical data and predictive modelling.

Location

Belgium and North‐West Europe.

Taxon

Hyacinthoides non‐scripta¸ forest understorey plants.

Methods

Complementing species distribution models with demographic data from an exceptional 60‐year‐old over‐the‐range‐edge transplant experiment measured not less than 45 and 60 years after installation, we evaluated the long‐term consequences of climate change on one of the most emblematic but also among the slowest colonizing plant species of European forests, bluebellHyacinthoides non‐scripta.

Results

We found bluebell able to establish viable populations beyond its natural range. These results were confirmed by the SDM, showing that bluebell’s potential range is considerably larger than its current range. Colonization rates of only 2 m century−1were observed in the transplanted populations. Beyond bluebell’s current range, we observed decreasing trends in population growth rates over the past 15 years. By the end of the 21st century, substantial decreases in the southern parts of bluebell’s range were predicted.

Main conclusions

Based on empirical and modelling results, we expect serious population declines in large parts of its current natural distribution of bluebell. Although the species is able to establish viable populations beyond the natural range edge, slow demography and local colonization rates four orders of magnitude lower than the velocity of climate change make fast enough range shifts virtually impossible in this species.
Ageing causes an aortic contractile dysfunction phenotype by targeting the expression of members of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway
Authors: Nicholson Christopher J. , Xing Yi , Lee Sophie , Liang Stephanie , Mohan Shivani , O’Rourke Caitlin , Kang Joshua , Morgan Kathleen G.
Published: February 2022

The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is a well‐known regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, but it also serves as a regulator of caldesmon, which negatively regulates vascular contractility. This study examined whether aortic contractile function requires ERK activation and if this activation is regulated by ageing. Biomechanical experiments revealed that contractile responses to the alpha1‐adrenergic agonist phenylephrine are attenuated specifically in aged mice, which is associated with downregulation of ERK phosphorylation. ERK inhibition attenuates phenylephrine‐induced contractility, indicating that the contractile tone is at least partially ERK‐dependent. To explore the mechanisms of this age‐related downregulation of ERK phosphorylation, we transfected microRNAs, miR‐34a and miR‐137 we have previously shown to increase with ageing and demonstrated that in A7r5 cells, both miRs downregulate the expression of Src and paxillin, known regulators of ERK signalling, as well as ERK phosphorylation. Further studies in aortic tissues transfected with miRs show that miR‐34a but not miR‐137 has a negative effect on mRNA levels of Src and paxillin. Furthermore, ERK phosphorylation is decreased in aortic tissue treated with the Src inhibitor PP2. Increases in miR‐34a and miR‐137 with ageing downregulate the expression of Src and paxillin, leading to impaired ERK signalling and aortic contractile dysfunction.
Nur77 Prevents Osteoporosis by Inhibiting the NF‐κB Signalling Pathway and Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Tian Huanlian , Chen Feng , Wang Yingfang , Liu Yixuan , Ma Guojing , Zhao Yuhong , Ma Yanan , Tian Tingting , Ma Ruze , Yu Yang , Wang Difei
Published: February 2022

Inflammation is a major risk factor for osteoporosis, and reducing inflammatory levels is important for the prevention of osteoporosis. Although nuclear receptor 77 (Nur77) protects against inflammation in a variety of diseases, its role in osteoporosis is unknown. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the osteoprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of Nur77. The microCT and haematoxylin and eosin staining results indicated that knockout of Nur77 accelerated femoral bone loss in mice. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that knockout of Nur77 increased the serum levels of hsCRP and IL‐6. The expression levels of NF‐κB, IL‐6, TNF‐α and osteoclastogenesis factors (TRAP, NFATC1, Car2, Ctsk) in the femurs of Nur77 knockout mice were increased significantly. Furthermore, in vitro, shNur77 promoted the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts by activating NF‐κB, which was confirmed by PDTC treatment. Mechanistically, Nur77 inhibited osteoclast differentiation by inducing IκB‐α and suppressing IKK‐β. In RAW264.7 cells, overexpression of Nur77 alleviated inflammation induced by siIκB‐α, while siIKK‐β alleviated inflammation induced by shNur77. Consistent with the in vivo studies, we found that compared with control group, older adults with high serum hsCRP levels were more likely to suffer from osteoporosis (OR = 1.76, p < 0.001). Our data suggest that Nur77 suppresses osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting the NF‐κB signalling pathway, strongly supporting the notion that Nur77 has the potential to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
2021 European guideline on the management of Mycoplasma genitalium infections
Authors: Jensen J.S. , Cusini M. , Gomberg M. , Moi H. , Wilson J. , Unemo M.
Published: February 2022

Mycoplasma genitalium infection contributes to 10–35% of non‐chlamydial non‐gonococcal urethritis in men. In women, M. genitalium is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in 10–25%. Transmission of M. genitalium occurs through direct mucosal contact.

Clinical features and diagnostic tests

Asymptomatic infections are frequent. In men, urethritis, dysuria and discharge predominate. In women, symptoms include vaginal discharge, dysuria or symptoms of PID – abdominal pain and dyspareunia. Symptoms are the main indication for diagnostic testing. Diagnosis is achievable only through nucleic acid amplification testing and must include investigation for macrolide resistance mutations.

Therapy

Therapy for M .genitalium is indicated if M. genitalium is detected.

Doxycycline has a cure rate of 30–40%, but resistance is not increasing. Azithromycin has a cure rate of 85–95% in macrolide‐susceptible infections. An extended course of azithromycin appears to have a higher cure rate, and pre‐treatment with doxycycline may decrease organism load and the risk of macrolide resistance selection. Moxifloxacin can be used as second‐line therapy but resistance is increasing.

Recommended treatment

Uncomplicated M. genitalium infection without macrolide resistance mutations or resistance testing:

Azithromycin 500 mg on day one, then 250 mg on days 2–5 (oral).

Second‐line treatment and treatment for uncomplicated macrolide‐resistant M. genitalium infection:

Moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 7 days (oral).

Third‐line treatment for persistent M. genitalium infection after azithromycin and moxifloxacin:

Doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg bid for 14 days (oral) may cure 40–70%.

Pristinamycin 1 g qid for 10 days (oral) has a cure rate of around 75%.

Complicated M. genitalium infection (PID, epididymitis):

Moxifloxacin 400 mg od for 14 days.

Main changes from the 2016 European M. genitalium guideline

Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and warnings against moxifloxacin use, indications for testing and treatment have been narrowed to primarily involve symptomatic patients. The importance of macrolide resistance‐guided therapy is emphasised.
microRNA (miR‐KT‐635) encoded by Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 regulates the viral replication with targeting to the ORF23
Authors: Chen Qikang , Luo Yang , Fu Yan , Feng Zizhao , Lu Liqun , Jiang Yousheng , Xu Dan
Published: February 2022

Herpesviruses have been reported to be able to encode and express functional viral microRNAs that target both viral and cellular transcripts. In our previous studies, we found a new miRNA miR‐KT‐635 encoded by Cyprinid herpesvirus 2, which is predicted to target viral genes and cellular genes involved in innate immune signalling pathway and apoptosis. However, the function and target gene of miR‐KT‐635 are not proved. In this study, the regulating target gene of miR‐KT‐635 was proved as the viral gene ORF23 directly, the target point sequence on gene was verified and miR‐KT‐635 was identified to regulate the expression of ORF23 protein. According to the bioinformatics analysis, the tRNA domain and ribosome domain in the protein sequence of ORF23 were found to share high homology with R2i and P53R2i, which are related to the ribonucleotide reductase small subunit in the host (transform NTP to dNTP). Within expectations, silencing of viral ORF23 or transfecting miR‐KT‐635 mimics in Carassius auratus gibelio caudal fin cell line (GiCF) could suppress viral propagation significantly.
Multidrug resistance of Escherichia coli in fish supply chain: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Kusunur Ahamed Basha , Kuraganti George Kamal , Mogilipuri Shanmukha Sai , Vaiyapuri Murugadas , Narayanan Sreejith Viyyokkaran , Badireddy Madhusudana Rao
Published: February 2022

Ninety‐five Escherichia coli isolates recovered from different supply points of freshwater fish namely fish pond (W1, n = 16), wholesale fish market (W2, n = 14), retail fish market (R1, n = 29), street fish vending unit (R2, n = 30), and modern fish vending unit (R3, n = 6) were investigated for antimicrobial‐resistant profile and prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant genes. Overall, multidrug‐resistant (MDR) E. coli in the fish supply chain was 21% with higher MDR incidence in the downstream fish supply points. MDR was relatively higher in the tertiary fish supply points viz., retail fish market (45%), street fish vending unit (30%), and modern fish vending unit (15%) compared to the secondary fish supply point, that is, wholesale fish market (5%) and primary fish supply point, that is, fish pond (5%). All the ampicillin‐resistant isolates carried ampC gene, whereas only 21% of the β‐lactam resistant isolates carried blaCTX‐M‐gp1. The tetracycline resistance determinant, tetA (89%) was predominant in the tetracycline‐resistant isolates compared to tetB and tetD (11%). The trimethoprim resistance gene, dfrA and sulfonamide‐resistance gene, Sul1 were detected in 9% of the trimethoprim‐resistant isolates and 9% of the sulfonamide‐resistant isolates, respectively. Enterobacterial repetitive intergeneric consensus‐PCR has delineated the MDR isolates from the different fish supply points into three major clusters but all the MDR isolates from the street fish vending point are grouped into a single cluster. The results indicate an increase in the proportion of MDR E. coli and the occurrence of diverse MDR profiles in the downstream points of the fish supply chain that needs to be addressed to avoid fish‐food‐borne antimicrobial resistance.
Equilibrium Yield Curve, the Phillips Curve, and Monetary Policy
Authors: KATAGIRI MITSURU
Published: February 2022

Upward‐sloping yield curves are hard to reconcile with the positive relationship between income and inflation (the Phillips curve) in consumption‐based asset pricing models. Using the U.S. and the UK data, this paper shows inflation is negatively correlated with long‐run income growth but positively correlated with cyclical income, thus enabling the model to replicate positive and sizable term premiums, along with the Phillips curve over business cycles. According to the model, a permanently low‐growth and low‐inflation environment would precipitate flatter yield curves due to constraints to monetary policy around the zero lower bound.
Efficacy and safety of 5% glycolic acid‐based Gel essence in the treatment of mild to moderate acne
Authors: Chen Linjiao , Lu Lingling , Tu Shaozhong , Zhang Tao , Du Xianni , Chen Lifen , Zhang Milin , Li Lihao , Lin Huaner
Published: February 2022

The efficacy and safety of commercial low‐concentration glycolic acid products on acne were evaluated by recruiting volunteers accompanying mild to moderate acne of different ages and genders, which is a clinical practice for acne. We recruited a total of 30 volunteers according to the inclusion criteria, conducting clinical evaluation and skin physiological index testing, VISIA skin analysis, distributing products, and informing the trial method. Clinical testing and assessment will be carried out in weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4. 27 acne volunteers finished the entire trial. After 4 weeks of using low‐concentration glycolic acid products, most subjects experienced a significant improvement in their skin lesions and the GAGS score. At the same time, the VISIA test showed that the subjects had an obvious amelioration in facial porphyrins, which was statistically significant, and there was a slight improvement in residual spots and erythema. The skin physiological indexes showed that the skin hydration value increased from 236.2 ± 98.05 to 278.2 ± 90.26 after 14 days. At the end of the test, the skin hydration value dropped to 234.6 ± 81.88. Regarding the melanin and erythema, the value decreased in the 4th week significantly. Repeated use of 5% low‐concentration glycolic acid improves the appearance and chromaticity of the treatment site. It increases the brightness L* and reduces the redness a*. This study shows that low concentrations of glycolic acids have a good effect on the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It may pay the way to carry out further large‐scale clinical research.
Efficacy and adverse reactions of fractional CO2 laser for atrophic acne scars and related clinical factors: A retrospective study on 121 patients
Authors: Li Bingyan , Ren Kehui , Yin Xufeng , She Huihui , Liu Houfang , Zhou Bingrong
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study was performed to analyze the efficacy, adverse reactions of fractional CO2 laser for atrophic acne scars, and related clinical factors. Methods: The clinical data of 121 patients with atrophic acne scars treated with ultra‐pulsed fractional CO2 laser in the Cosmetic Dermatology from August 2014 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy and adverse reactions of atrophic acne scar after fractional CO2 laser therapy were statistically analyzed. The clinical factors related to efficacy and adverse reactions after the first therapy session were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 121 patients received 206 sessions of fractional CO2 laser therapy, with an average of 1.7 sessions. Moderate to excellent improvement rate reached 50.4% after the first session. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that rolling scars responded better to fractional CO2 laser treatment than icepick scars (OR = 7.3, 95% CI [1.2, 43.4], p = 0.029), and scar improvement was more significant in the high‐energy laser group than in the low‐energy laser group (OR = 10.9, 95% CI [1.1, 106.8], p = 0.041). The main adverse reactions after fractional laser surgery were pigmentation, skin sensitivity, persistent erythema, and acneiform eruption. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the longer the scar duration, the higher incidence of postoperative adverse reactions (OR = 1.3, 95% CI [1.1, 1.5], p = 0.008). Compared with icepick scars, rolling scars (OR = 10.4, 95% CI [2.3, 47.7], p = 0.003) and boxcar scars (OR = 12.0, 95% CI [3.3, 44.0], p < 0.001) had higher risk of developing adverse reactions. The incidence of postoperative adverse reactions was also higher in the combined mode group (DeepFX mode + ActiveFX mode) than in the single‐mode group (OR = 7.8, 95% CI [2.4, 25.5], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Fractional CO2 laser was effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, without serious adverse reactions. Scar type and laser energy were independent clinical factors affecting its efficacy. Scar course, scar type, and fractional laser mode were independent clinical factors affecting its adverse reactions.
Correlates of stigma for poststroke patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Chen , Hu Mingyue , Yang Tao , Shao Xinmei , Zheng Dongxiang
Published: February 2022

Aims

A meta‐analysis was carried out to review and identify correlates of stigma in poststroke patients.

Background

Patients suffer from impaired physical functions and sequelae of stroke. Stroke‐related stigma hinders the recovery process and produces poorer clinical outcomes of stroke, leading to compromised quality of life.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was reported by following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Review Methods

Nine databases were searched from their inception to May 2021 to identify studies focused on the relationships among demographics, disease‐related factors, psychosocial factors and poststroke stigma. Included studies were assessed by using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) scale. The statistical software R studios were used to perform statistical analysis.

Results

Nineteen studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Four demographic factors (age, caregiver, residence, monthly income), seven stroke‐related characteristics (type of stroke, mRS, ADLs, stroke duration, recurrence, sequelae, chronic disease comorbidity) and three psychosocial factors (depression, social support, quality of life) showed significant associations with stroke‐related stigma.

Conclusions

The results of our study can serve as a foundation for designing interventions to reduce stigma and improve the overall quality of life of poststroke patients and may produce positive clinical outcomes. Healthcare professionals should be aware of stroke patients who are characterised by correlates of stigma.

Relevance to clinical practice

Poststroke patients showed a moderate‐to‐high level of stigma, and this issue warrants more attention. This review provides a preliminary foundation for healthcare professionals to develop interventions to address stroke‐related stigma by focusing on demographic, disease‐related and psychosocial factors. Additionally, stigma identification should be a part of clinical nursing evaluation. The involvement of clinical and community nursing is very important to screen stroke‐related stigma and pay attention to this population.
Social change and relationship quality among sexual minority individuals: Does minority stress still matter?
Authors: Frost David M. , Fingerhut Adam W. , Meyer Ilan H.
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study examined whether positive changes in social attitudes and policies surrounding sexual minority relationships have translated to diminished deleterious effects of minority stress on relationship quality.

Background

Sexual minority emerging adults now come of age at a time of greater equality and acceptance than previous generations. Research has demonstrated consistent negative effects of stigma—theorized as minority stress—on relationship quality for sexual minority individuals. However, given the improving social climate, questions remain regarding whether minority stress has the same deleterious effects on the romantic relationships of sexual minority emerging adults.

Method

Five‐hundred forty‐nine individuals in relationships drawn from a US national probability sample completed a survey containing validated measures of minority stressors and relationship satisfaction. Responses from emerging adults (aged 18–25) were compared to two cohorts who came of age during the HIV/AIDS crisis (aged 34–41) and post Stonewall (aged 52–59).

Results

Emerging adults were more satisfied with their relationships than older cohorts. Experiences of everyday discrimination were associated with decreased relationship satisfaction for all cohorts; however, felt stigma, stigma concealment, and internalized stigma were associated with lower relationship satisfaction for older but not younger cohorts.

Conclusion

Findings illustrate the continued but shifting role of minority stress and provide the first evidence that social and policy changes may have translated into more positive relationship experiences for sexual minority emerging adults.
Institutions matter: The impact of the covid‐19 pandemic on the political trust of young Europeans
Authors: Bottasso Anna , Cerruti Gianluca , Conti Maurizio
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the short‐run evolution of political trust during the recent covid‐19 pandemic using survey data for a sample of young individuals living in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. In particular, we analyze whether pre‐pandemic perceptions and experiences of citizens about various dimensions of local governments and institutional quality had any mediating effect on the evolution of political trust after the outbreak of the covid‐19 pandemic. The results show a relative increase in political trust of about 9% in regions with high institutional quality (75th percentile) compared with regions with low institutional quality (25th percentile) over the period 2019−2020. This divergence can be associated with either a better performance of policymakers in high‐quality institutions regions, or to more positive attitudes toward politicians by citizens that, before the pandemic, believed to live in regions with efficient institutions. Overall results are not affected by the inclusion of regional fixed effects or by possible differential evolution of political trust according to a large set of observable regional characteristics.
Historical episodes and their legacies across space: A famous case revisited
Authors: Wyrwich Michael
Published: February 2022

There is a growing amount of literature in economic geography showing that historical episodes can leave long‐lasting cultural and institutional legacies across space. For credibly identifying such persistent effects the analyses should not pick up trends preceding the respective episodes. Against this background, the paper re‐examines the famous case of the German division and reunification. The empirical focus is on the persistent mark‐up of women in work in East relative to West German regions that are often associated with legacy effects of the socialist regime that was in place in East Germany during the country's four decades of division. In contrast to the conventional wisdom in academia, policy, and the public, the current paper shows that the higher share of working women in East German regions is not due to a legacy of socialism. Female labor force participation was already remarkably higher in the East before the introduction of socialism. The general lesson is that any attempt to explain spatial variation in individual decision‐making by persisting institutional and cultural legacies of certain historical episodes needs to assess regional conditions predating these episodes.
Exclusive enteral nutrition: An optimal care pathway for use in children with active luminal Crohn's disease
Authors: Burgess Deirdre , McGrath Kathleen H , Watson Caitlin , Collins Tanya , Brown Stephanie , Marks Katie , Dehlsen Kate , Herbison Kim , Landorf Emma , Benn Laura , Fox Julia , Liew Ming
Published: February 2022

Aim

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is recommended as a first‐line therapy for active luminal paediatric Crohn's disease, by many contemporary consensus guidelines. However, EEN protocols vary internationally. A key enabler for the use of EEN therapy has been identified as the standardisation of protocols. The aim of this study was to develop an optimal care pathway for use of EEN in children with active luminal Crohn's disease.

Methods

A working group of 11 paediatric gastroenterology dietitians and one paediatric gastroenterologist from Australia and New Zealand was convened to develop a standard optimal care pathway. Seven key areas were identified; clinical indications, workup assessments, EEN prescription, monitoring, food reintroduction, partial enteral nutrition and maintenance enteral nutrition. Recent literature was reviewed, assessed according to the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines, and consensus statements were developed and voted on. Consensus opinion was used where literature gaps existed.

Results

A total of nineteen consensus statements from the seven key areas were agreed upon. The consensus statements informed the optimal care pathway for children with active luminal undertaking EEN in Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusion

This study developed an EEN optimal care pathway to facilitate standardisation of clinical care for children with active luminal Crohn's disease, and hopefully improve clinical outcomes and identify areas for future research.