bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local adaptation of switchgrass drives trait relations to yield and differential responses to climate and soil environments
Authors: Ricketts Michael P. , Heckman Robert W. , Fay Philip A. , Matamala Roser , Jastrow Julie D. , Fritschi Felix B. , Bonnette Jason , Juenger Thomas E.
Published: February 2023

Switchgrass, a potential biofuel crop, is a genetically diverse species with phenotypic plasticity enabling it to grow in a range of environments. Two primary divergent ecotypes, uplands and lowlands, exhibit trait combinations representative of acquisitive and conservative growth allocation strategies, respectively. Whether these ecotypes respond differently to various types of environmental drivers remains unclear but is crucial to understanding how switchgrass varieties will respond to climate change. We grew two upland, two lowland, and two intermediate/hybrid cultivars of switchgrass at three sites along a latitudinal gradient in the central United States. Over a 4‐year period, we measured plant functional traits and biomass yields and evaluated genotype‐by‐environment (G × E) interaction effects by analyzing switchgrass responses to soil and climate variables. We found substantial evidence of G × E interactions on biomass yield, primarily due to deviations in the response of the southern lowland cultivar Alamo, which produced more biomass in hotter and drier environments relative to other cultivars. While lowland cultivars had the highest potential for yield, their yields were more variable year‐to‐year compared to other cultivars, suggesting greater sensitivity to environmental perturbations. Models comparing soil and climate principal components as explanatory variables revealed soil properties, especially nutrients, to be most effective at predicting switchgrass biomass yield. Also, positive correlations between biomass yield and conservative plant traits, such as high stem mass and tiller height,  became stronger at lower latitudes where the climate is hotter and drier, regardless of ecotype. Lowland cultivars, however, showed a greater predisposition to exhibit these conservative traits. These results suggest switchgrass trait allocation trade‐offs that prioritize aboveground biomass production are more tightly associated in hot, dry environments and that lowland cultivars may exhibit a more specialized strategy relative to other cultivars. Altogether, this research provides essential knowledge for improving the viability of switchgrass as a biofuel crop.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Japan Society of Hepatology 2021 version (5th JSH‐HCC Guidelines)
Authors: Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Takemura Nobuyuki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Watadani Takeyuki , Kaibori Masaki , Kubo Shoji , Shimada Mitsuo , Nagano Hiroaki , Hatano Etsuro , Aikata Hiroshi , Iijima Hiroko , Ueshima Kazuomi , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Genda Takuya , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Torimura Takuji , Ikeda Masafumi , Furuse Junji , Akahane Masaaki , Kobayashi Satoshi , Sakurai Hideyuki , Takeda Atsuya , Murakami Takamichi , Motosugi Utaroh , Matsuyama Yutaka , Kudo Masatoshi , Tateishi Ryosuke ,   The committee for Revision of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Tokyo, Japan
Published: February 2023

The fifth version of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hepatocellular Carcinoma was revised by the Japan Society of Hepatology, according to the methodology of evidence‐based medicine and partly to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, which was published in October 2021 in Japanese. In addition to surveillance–diagnostic and treatment algorithms, a new algorithm for systemic therapy has been created, as multiple drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma can be currently selected. Here, new or revised algorithms and evidence on which the recommendations are based are described.
Double cancer of primary hepatic angiosarcoma and hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab
Authors: Yamauchi Yurika , Saeki Issei , Yamasaki Takahiro , Egusa Maho , Nishiyama Natsuko , Fujioka Tsuyoshi , Kawamoto Daiki , Nishimura Tatsuro , Tanabe Norikazu , Oono Takashi , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Ishikawa Tsuyoshi , Marumoto Yoshio , Matsukuma Satoshi , Shindo Yoshitaro , Tokumitsu Yukio , Yoshimine Sota , Murakami Junichi , Tanaka Toshiki , Kimura Sotai , Hoshii Yoshinobu , Hamano Kimikazu , Nagano Hiroaki , Takami Taro
Published: February 2023

Aim

Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) is extremely rare, and its imaging findings are similar to those of other liver tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report a case of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related HCC followed by PHA that showed remarkable clinical response to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo/Bev) therapy.

Case Presentation

A 78‐year‐old man with recurrent HCC had a liver tumor with lymphadenopathy. Although considered as HCC recurrence, microscopic examination of the resected liver and lymph node showed PHA. Three months later, a solitary lung nodule was newly detected and subsequently resected. The pathological diagnosis was poorly differentiated HCC. Therefore, the patient was finally diagnosed with double cancer of PHA and HCC. Thereafter, he developed a new liver tumor with lymphadenopathy and received Atezo/Bev therapy. Liver tumor biopsy was carried out before the treatment. The pathological diagnosis was angiosarcoma. The patient showed a partial response after two courses of Atezo/Bev therapy.

Conclusion

To our best knowledge, this report is the first case to present HCV‐related HCC followed by PHA and to show that Atezo/Bev therapy is beneficial for PHA.
Zr‐doped SiOC ceramics fibers and the high‐temperature thermal performance
Authors: Li Jing , Rui Jianming , Li Yajing , Qiu Yiyang , Hongli Liu , Tian Hongchun
Published: February 2023

Silicon‐containing ceramics fibers are ideal candidates for thermal resistance due to their incomparable thermo‐stability and chemical stability. Research into anti‐oxidation behavior of silicon‐containing ceramics through metal elements doping is important for the application in extreme high‐temperature environment. Thus, uniform belts‐like Zr‐doped SiOC ceramics fibers were successfully prepared by electrospinning and polymer‐derived ceramics routine with polycarbosilane (PCS) and zirconium butoxide as precursors. The morphology and dimension of the fibers were conveniently controlled by tuning PCS concentration, types of spinning additives and pyrolysis temperature. The ceramics fibers were composed of SiC, ZrO2 and SiO2 crystals, accompanied with amorphous SimZrnCxOy. The structure and compositions realized the excellent thermal stability above 1300°C and the enhanced flexibility. The obtained fibers maintained ultra‐low thermal conductivity of .038–.053 W/(m·K). Thus, the materials were anticipated to be ideal for the thermal insulation up to 1400°C or higher.
Facile synthesis of nanofibrous and hollow titania microspheres as drug‐laden cell carriers
Authors: Bai Yajia , Wang Yixuan , Chen Song , Li Hao , Zhang Jianan , Li Xiaona , Chen Weiyi , Ikoma Toshiyuki , Osaka Akiyoshi
Published: February 2023

Microspheres are one type of promising cell‐supporting matrices. However, the synthesis of nanofibrous and hollow microspheres as drug‐laden cell carriers is still a great challenge. Here, the nanofibrous and hollow titania nanowire (NH‐TiNW) microspheres were synthesized by in situ alkali hydrothermal treatment of hollow titania (H‐Ti) microspheres, and their microstructure, biocompatibility, and drug delivery property were evaluated. By controlling hydrothermal temperature from 80 to 120°C and hydrothermal time from 1 to 4 h, the surface of H‐Ti microspheres was controllably tailored with nanoparticles and NWs. The results showed that NH‐TiNW microspheres were spherical in morphology with a diameter of 100–200 µm, hierarchically assembled by numerous TiNWs with the diameter of 10–20 nm, and possessed a nanofibrous and hollow structure. In vitro biocompatibility evaluation showed that NH‐TiNW microspheres presented an enhanced cell attachment and proliferation compared with H‐Ti microspheres due to the presence of the nanofibrous surface. Drug delivery evaluation showed that NH‐TiNW microspheres strongly adsorbed tetracycline hydrochloride (one type of antibiotic, model drug) with a loading efficiency of 81.5% ± 1% due to the presence of the nanofibrous and hollow structure and also effectively maintained the biological efficiency of the loaded drugs to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Dynamic response of the TiB2–SiC/B4C composite ceramic under dynamic loading
Authors: Song Qi , Cheng Zhitao
Published: February 2023

TiB2–SiC/B4C composite ceramics have application as lightweight armor ceramic material, and therefore, it is particularly important to research their dynamic mechanical properties and fracture behavior under high strain rates. In the present research, the dynamic compression strength and Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of these composite ceramics were determined by split Hopkinson pressure bar technology and plate impact equipment, respectively. The experimental investigation results illustrated that the composite ceramic exhibited outstanding dynamic compression strength (2750 MPa) and displayed a remarkable strain‐rate strengthening effect. The HEL was calculated as 18.49 GPa, and the commonly used P–μ form of the Hugoniot curve was derived from the calculated data of the shock velocity and particle velocity. The dynamic fracture morphologies of the TiB2–SiC/B4C composite ceramic and monolithic B4C ceramic (correlation data) at macro and micro scales were observed and analyzed in detail. The dynamic fracture mechanisms were summarized in‐depth into the following three points. First, the strengthening mechanism offered by the in situ second phases could significantly improve the comprehensive property. Second, the mixed‐inter/transgranular fracture mode was conducive to energy absorption. Third, the anchoring effect and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch contributed to the energy dissipation and fracture toughness improvement. This work provides the foundation for the application and development of lightweight armor ceramic materials.
Our dementia challenge: arise palliative care
Authors: Brennan Frank , Chapman Michael , Gardiner Matthew D. , Narasimhan Manisha , Cohen Joshua
Published: February 2023

While many of the maladies of the 20th century are steadily coming under control, the march of neurodegenerative disorders continues largely unchecked. Dementias are an exemplar of such disorders; their incidence and prevalence continue to rise, in large part due to a steadily ageing population worldwide. They represent a group of chronic, progressive and, ultimately, fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia has remained therapeutically recalcitrant. It is not a single disease, and because of that, we cannot expect a single panacea. While primary prevention rightly gains prominence, those with established disease currently require a shift in focus from curative intent towards improved quality of life. Enter palliative care. The sheer number and complexity of needs of patients with dementia, from the physical to the psychosocial and spiritual, necessitates the engagement of a wide range of medical disciplines, nursing and allied health professionals. One of those disciplines, as highlighted in the recent Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, is palliative care. This paper shall expand upon that role in the overall context of care for those with dementia.
Oral health behavior during early childhood in children with major congenital heart defects
Authors: Karikoski Essi , Sarkola Taisto , Blomqvist My
Published: February 2023

Background

Good oral health in children with congenital heart defect (CHD) is important.

Aim

To assess oral health behavior during early childhood in children with CHD in comparison with children with no known systemic conditions and to explore parental oral health behavior associated with children's behavior.

Design

Seventy of all 89 children born in Finland between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2020, with (a) major CHD potentially included in the criteria of endocarditis prophylaxis or (b) any CHD with surgical repair combined with a chromosomal syndrome, and a comparison group of 87 children with no known systemic conditions were recruited. Thirty‐five children with CHD were randomized to usual care (no intensified counseling) and were compared with 87 matched comparison children by a parental questionnaire assessing child and parental oral health behavior at child age at 24 months.

Results

Toothbrushing twice a day (p = .008) and the use of fluoride toothpaste twice a day (p = .059) were less common in children with CHD than in children in the comparison group. Nonwater drinks between meals was more common among children in the CHD group than in the comparison group (p = .015).

Conclusion

Children with major CHD experience poorer oral health behavior in comparison with children with no known systemic conditions during early childhood.
Dynamic pricing and investment for fashion products under reference effect
Authors: Shi Ruishu , You Cuilian
Published: February 2023

In this study, we discuss on the dynamic pricing and investment strategy for fashion products which decay in value, such as fashion clothes. The products are sold by an enterprise under a monopoly market in a finite horizon. Due to the obsolescence of fashion products, their fashion level decreases over time. Obviously, the selling price has a negative effect on demand, while the fashion level has a positive effect. Moreover, we introduce a reference value, which is used to indicate consumers' requirements for fashion level. We assume that investment on products performance or goodwill can reduce consumers' requirements for fashion level, an optimal control model is established. To maximize the enterprise's total profit, we obtain the trajectories of the optimal pricing and investment strategy by utilizing the Pontryagin's maximum principle. The optimal strategy is to gradually lower the selling price and then slightly raise it at the end of the sales period and reduce investment as products become obsolete. Afterwards, we provide a numerical example to illustrate our conclusions. Through the sensitivity analysis of the main parameters, we capture the influence of the parameters on an optimal decision. Moreover, some management implications are given.
Reclaim the streets: The link between positive and negative direct intergroup contact and movement support against immigration via threat perceptions
Authors: Pollmanns Claas , Asbrock Frank
Published: February 2023

In recent years, anti‐immigration movements have emerged and aim to gain the attention and support of the public. In two studies (Study 1, N = 775, student sample; Study 2, N = 500, non student sample) we investigated the role of positive and negative intergroup contact to predict support for anti‐immigration movements from native Germans in a context of a recent intergroup conflict. Using path analysis, we analyzed the mediating processes of threat perceptions for the intentions to engage in collective action against immigration policies and the justification of the protests. Extending previous research on collective action, intergroup contact and threat, we further tested the moderating role of the identification with Germany. Findings from both studies supported the predictive power of intergroup contact as well as the mediating role of threat for collective action intentions and the justification of protests. Our results suggest that behavioral support was predicted by a strong identification with the threatened ingroup, whereass passive support was not. These findings highlighting the role importance of identification for movement support.
Comparison of electrocardiographic versus echocardiographic detection of left ventricular mass changes over time and evaluation of new onset left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Bombelli Michele , Vanoli Jennifer , Cuspidi Cesare , Dell'Oro Raffaella , Facchetti Rita , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido
Published: February 2023

We assessed the value of 3 electrocardiographic (EKG) voltage criteria in detecting variations of left ventricular mass (LVM) over time, taking echocardiographic (ECHO) LVM as reference, in the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E Loro Associazioni study. In 927 subjects (age 47 ± 13 years on entry, 49.9% men) an ECHO evaluation of LVM and EKG suitable for measurement of EKG‐LVH criteria (Sokolow‐Lyon voltage, Cornell voltage and R‐wave voltage in aVL) were available at baseline and at a 2nd evaluation performed 10 years later. Δ (delta) LVM, Δ LVMI, and Δ EKG parameters values were calculated from 2nd evaluation to baseline. The sensitivity of the EKG criteria in the diagnosis of LVH, poor at baseline, becomes even worse after 10 years, reaching very low values. Only the sensitivity of R‐wave amplitude exhibited slight increase over time but with unsatisfactory absolute values. Despite the prevalence of ECHO‐LVH at the 2nd evaluation was threefold increased compared to baseline (29.3% and 33.7% for LVM indexed to BSA and height2.7, respectively), the prevalence of EKG‐LVH was unchanged when evaluated by Sokolow‐Lyon criteria, significantly reduced when assessed by Cornell voltage index, while significantly increased using R‐wave voltage in aVL criteria. Despite an ECHO‐LVM increase over the time, mean EKG changes were of opposite sign, except for R‐wave amplitude in aVL. Our study highlights the discrepancy between ECHO and EKG in monitoring LVM changes over the time, especially for Sokolow‐Lyon and Cornell voltage. Thus, EKG is an unsuitable method for the longitudinal evaluation of LVM variations.
TGFβ1 priming enhances CXCR3‐mediated mesenchymal stromal cell engraftment to the liver and enhances anti‐inflammatory efficacy
Authors: Garg Abhilok , Khan Sheeba , Luu N. , Nicholas Davies J. , Day Victoria , King Andrew L. , Fear Janine , Lalor Patricia F. , Newsome Philip N.
Published: February 2023

The immunomodulatory characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) confers them with potential therapeutic value in the treatment of inflammatory/immune‐mediated conditions. Previous studies have reported only modest beneficial effects in murine models of liver injury. In our study we explored the role of MSC priming to enhance their effectiveness. Herein we demonstrate that stimulation of human MSC with cytokine TGβ1 enhances their homing and engraftment to human and murine hepatic sinusoidal endothelium in vivo and in vitro, which was mediated by increased expression of CXCR3. Alongside improved hepatic homing there was also greater reduction in liver inflammation and necrosis, with no adverse effects, in the CCL4 murine model of liver injury treated with primed MSC. Priming of MSCs with TGFβ1 is a novel strategy to improve the anti‐inflammatory efficacy of MSCs.
Overlooked Yet Ongoing: Policy Termination in the European Union
Authors: Brandsma Gijs Jan , Pollex Jan , Tobin Paul
Published: February 2023

During the 2010s, research focusing on the dismantling of policies grew considerably and contributed to a better understanding of the dynamics of policy change. Policy termination, that is, the complete deleting of policies, is a separate but equally relevant concept, yet it has been overlooked due to the difficulty of obtaining the extensive datasets needed to demonstrate patterns. We seek to fill this gap in research by providing a first analysis of policy termination in the European Union (EU), based on a dataset of over 120,000 EU policies. After differentiating the concept of termination from dismantling, we analyse the prevalence of termination between 1971 and 2021 across all policy areas. We show that termination is a constant but limited feature of EU policy‐making, and, in contrast to existing assumptions, termination was not more prominent during the 2010s despite the rhetorical commitments to more streamlined regulation.
Morphological and molecular diagnosis of two new species of Trypanosoma Gruby, 1843 infecting South African cordylid lizards (Squamata: Cordylidae: Cordylinae), Trypanosoma (Squamatrypanum) ndumoensis n. sp. and Trypanosoma (Trypanosoma) tokoloshi n. sp.
Authors: Jordaan Bernard J. , van As Johann , Netherlands Edward C.
Published: February 2023

Despite reptile trypanosomes forming a large group, the majority of species descriptions are data deficient, lacking key characteristic data and supporting molecular data. Reptile hosts show potential to facilitate transmission of zoonotic trypanosomiases and offer key information to understanding the genus of Trypanosoma. Several species of squamates from different localities in South Africa were screened molecularly and microscopically for trypanosomes in the present study. Based on the combination of morphological and molecular analyses, two new species of Trypanosoma, Trypanosoma (Squamatrypanum) ndumoensis n. sp. and Trypanosoma (Trypanosoma) tokoloshi n. sp., infecting South African cordylid lizards (Cordylidae: Cordylinae) are described in this study. The first molecular data for a South African reptile trypanosome is provided herewith.
An integrative and prospective approach to regional material flow analysis: Modeling the decarbonization of the North Rhine‐Westphalian steel industry
Authors: Radloff Rainer , Abdelshafy Ali , Walther Grit
Published: February 2023

North‐Rhine Westphalia is the center of the German and European steel production. Its steel industry is heavily based on the primary production route and emits up to 30 Mt CO2 annually. One possible and increasingly prominent alternative to reduce these emissions is the hydrogen‐based direct reduction. While this technology allows for a near climate‐neutral production of primary steel, it poses substantial impacts on regional energy and material flows. Hence, the aim of this paper is to quantify the alterations in energy and material flows over time via integrating top‐down energy and material flow models with bottom‐up process models. The resulting values of emissions, energy, and material flows are then used to develop prospective scenarios that depict the requirements and consequences of potential pathways toward a climate‐neutral steel production by 2045. The outcomes show that decarbonizing the North Rhine‐Westphalian steel industry leads to an additional demand for renewable energies of up to 52.5 TWh per year, which represents 10% of the current electricity production in Germany. As securing the green electricity demand is a large challenge, the study also analyzes the impact of a partial recourse to natural gas as a reducing agent in combination with other measures like carbon capture and utilization/storage. The results show that such a recourse would reduce the electricity demand to 36.8 TWh. Hence, the paper illustrates relevant implications of the different scenarios, which can be used by policymakers to develop more realistic and resilient strategies for reaching carbon neutrality.
Patient's learning needs and self‐efficacy level after percutaneous coronary intervention: A descriptive study
Authors: Salgado Ricardo , Paulo Natércia , Zufferey Arnaud , Bucher Claudia Ortoleva
Published: February 2023

Aims and Objectives

Identify and compare learning needs, levels of self‐efficacy and their association among inpatients and outpatients of a cardiac care unit with coronary heart disease who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a Swiss university hospital.

Background

After primary PCI, 42% of patients will suffer a recurrent ischemic cardiovascular event. Although adherence to therapeutic regimen contributes to prevent recurrence, patient adherence remains low. To strengthen it, learning needs and self‐efficacy must be considered when developing effective therapeutic patient education (TPE).

Methods

Learning needs and self‐efficacy were assessed using the Cardiac Patient Learning Needs Inventory (CPLNI) and the Cardiac Self‐Efficacy Scale among inpatients and outpatients. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used in reporting this study.

Results

Ninety‐three patients participated in the study with a participation rate of 73.9%. The CPLNI median total score was significantly higher in inpatients than in outpatients: 4.23 (3.82, 4.64) versus 3.67 (3.33, 4.09), p < .001. In both units, participants declared that the most important need was related to ‘anatomy and physiology’ of the heart. Despite the high score, the least important need was about ‘physical activity’ for inpatients and ‘miscellaneous information’ for outpatients. No statistically significant differences were found among patients from both units regarding their self‐efficacy level.

Conclusions

This study shows that after PCI, patients have high learning needs and moderate levels of self‐efficacy that require addressing.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Patient's individual learning needs and self‐efficacy level must be assessed prior/after PCI. A tailored TPE that considers individual learning needs and self‐efficacy is recommended as a preventative measure to reduce recurrent ischemic cardiovascular events. Nurses can play a key role in this process.

No Patient or Public Contribution

For feasibility reasons, patients and public were not involved in the design, conduct, reporting or dissemination plans of this research.
The interacting partner as the immediate environment: Personality, interpersonal dynamics, and bodily synchronization
Authors: Arellano‐Véliz Nicol A. , Jeronimus Bertus F. , Kunnen E. Saskia , Cox Ralf F. A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

In social interactions, humans tend to naturally synchronize their body movements. We investigated interpersonal synchronization in conversations and examined its relationship with personality differences and post‐interaction appraisals.

Method

In a 15‐minute semi‐structured conversation, 56 previously‐unfamiliar dyads introduced themselves, followed by self‐disclosing and argumentative conversations. Their bodily movements were video‐recorded in a standardized room (112 young adults, aged 18–33, mean = 20.54, SD = 2.74; 58% Dutch, 31% German, 11% other). Interpersonal bodily synchronization was estimated as (a) synchronization strength using Windowed Lagged Cross‐Correlations and (b) Dynamic Organization (Determinism/Entropy/Laminarity/Mean Line) using Cross‐Recurrence Quantification Analysis. Bodily synchronization was associated with differences in Agreeableness and Extraversion (IPIP‐NEO‐120) and post‐conversational appraisals (affect/closeness/enjoyment) in mixed‐effect models.

Results

Agreeable participants exhibited higher complexity in bodily synchronization dynamics (higher Entropy) than disagreeable individuals, who also reported more negative affect afterward. Interpersonal synchronization was stronger among extroverts than among introverts and extroverts appraised conversations as more positive and enjoyable. Bodily synchronization strength and dynamic organization were related to the type of conversation (self‐disclosing/argumentative).

Conclusions

Interpersonal dynamics were intimately connected to differences in Agreeableness and Extraversion, varied across situations, and these parameters affected how pleasant, close, and enjoyable each conversation felt.
Hepatitis A occurrence and outbreaks in Europe over the past two decades: A systematic review
Authors: Andani Anar , Bunge Eveline , Kassianos George , Eeuwijk Jennifer , Mellou Kassiani , Van Damme Pierre , Mukherjee Piyali , Steffen Robert
Published: February 2023

Hepatitis A (HA) is a vaccine‐preventable liver disease with >170 million new cases occurring yearly. In recent outbreaks in the USA, hospitalization and case‐fatality ratios were >60% and ~1%, respectively. In Europe, endemicity persists and outbreaks continue to occur. We performed a systematic literature review to understand the changes in HA occurrence in Europe over the past two decades. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for peer‐reviewed articles published between 1 January 2001 and 14 April 2021 using terms covering HA, 11 selected European countries, outbreaks, outcomes and HA virus circulation. Here, we focus on HA occurrence and outbreaks in the five countries with the largest population and the most comprehensive vaccination recommendations: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK; 118 reports included data for these five European countries. Notification rates (≤9.7/100,000 population) and percentages of men among cases (≤83.0%) peaked in 2017. The number of person‐to‐person‐transmitted cases and outbreaks decreased in children but increased in other risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). Sexually transmitted outbreaks in MSM clustered around 2017. Travel‐related outbreaks were few; the proportion of travel‐related cases decreased during the past two decades, while the number of domestic cases increased. Despite the existing risk‐based vaccination recommendations, HA transmission shifted in proportions from travelers and children to other risk groups, such as MSM and older age groups. Because a substantial proportion of the European population is susceptible to HA, adherence to existing recommendations should be monitored more closely, and enhanced vaccination strategies should be considered.
Different mutation rates in the basal core promoter and precore regions between hepatitis B virus subgenotype F1b clusters
Authors: Martínez Micaela , Elizalde María Mercedes , Giadans Cecilia Graciela , Monzani Cecilia , Campos Rodolfo , Flichman Diego
Published: February 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the main etiological agent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. It has been classified into nine genotypes and several subgenotypes, with uneven global distribution. There is growing evidence that the viral genotype influences the course and outcome of chronic hepatitis B infection. Two evolutionarily different clusters of the subgenotype F1b, called basal and cosmopolitan, have been described. The two clusters have constrained geographical distribution, with the particular feature that the basal cluster is present in regions of high HCC incidence, while the Cosmopolitan cluster is found in regions of low HCC incidence. The BCP/pC region was sequenced in 68 cases chronically infected with the F1b subgenotype to determine if there was a differential pattern of pathogenic‐associated mutations between both clusters. Twenty‐two of the 68 cases belonged to the subgenotype F1b basal cluster and 46 to the cosmopolitan cluster. Among the HBeAg‐negative patients the A1762T/G1764A and G1896A mutations were more frequently found in the basal samples (85.7 and 92.9%) compared to the cosmopolitan ones (50 and 18.2%). Interestingly, no HBeAg loss‐associated mutations were observed in 7.1 and 36.4% of the basal and cosmopolitan cases, respectively. The different rate of mutations associated with a more severe course of chronic hepatitis in the basal cluster would support the difference in the HCC incidence rate in the geographical regions where the basal cluster is restricted.
Writing for wellness: storytelling, care, and reflection in teacher education
Authors: Varga‐Dobai Kinga
Published: February 2023

In the face of the traumas of a global pandemic, it became pertinent for teacher training programmes and educators like me to be intentional about practices that foreground a pedagogy of care with a focus on wellness and healing, courageous conversations and what Price‐Dennis and Sealey‐Ruiz (2021) has described as critical love. What does it mean to be a justice‐oriented educator? How can we learn to have brave conversations in the classroom? How does writing and storytelling play into this? In this article, I will seek to show how I used writing and storytelling as a pedagogy and practice of care and critical love in my work with elementary education pre‐service teachers. I will define and provide a comprehensive summary of these writing and storytelling practices. I use the term storytelling as an overarching theme that connects various reflective practices.
Competence in the Eye of the Electorate: Appearance, Incumbency, and Vote Shares
Authors: Bilson Thomas , Rai Birendra , Smyth Russell , Wang Liang Choon
Published: February 2023

Prior studies have documented incumbency advantage for electoral candidates. A largely unrelated strand of literature has shown that perceived competence of candidates, as inferred from their physical appearance, also predicts their electoral success. We draw upon the framework of statistical discrimination and the dual‐system theory of human cognition to understand the relationship between a political candidate's vote share, physical appearance, and incumbency status. Voters possess relatively richer information about incumbents compared to challengers. Perceived competence of candidates, as inferred from their physical appearance, is therefore expected to have a relatively weaker influence on voters' decisions to vote for incumbents. Data from Australian state elections support this prediction.
An in situ investigation of the preservation and alteration of presolar silicates in the Miller Range 07687 chondrite
Authors: Seifert Laura B. , Haenecour Pierre , Ramprasad Tarunika , Brearley Adrian J. , Zega Thomas J.
Published: February 2023

Dust grains that formed around ancient stars and in stellar explosions seeded the early solar protoplanetary disk. While most of such presolar grains were destroyed during solar system formation, a fraction of such grains were preserved in primitive materials such as meteorites. These grains can provide constraints on stellar origins and secondary processing such as aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism on their parent asteroids. Here, we report on the nature of aqueous alteration in the Miller Range (MIL) 07687 chondrite through the analysis of four presolar silicates and their surrounding material. The grains occur in the Fe‐rich and Fe‐poor lithologies, reflecting relatively altered and unaltered material, respectively. The O‐isotopic compositions of two grains, one each from the Fe‐rich and Fe‐poor matrix, are consistent with formation in the circumstellar envelopes of low‐mass Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB)/Red Giant Branch (RGB) stars. The other two grains, also one each from the Fe‐rich and Fe‐poor matrix, have O‐isotopic compositions consistent with formation in the ejecta of type‐II supernovae (SNe). The grains derived from AGB/RGB stars include two polycrystalline pyroxene grains that contain Fe‐rich rims. The SNe grains include a polycrystalline Ca‐bearing pyroxene and a polycrystalline assemblage consistent with a mixture of olivine and pyroxene. Ferrihydrite is observed in all focused ion beam sections, consistent with parent‐body aqueous alteration of the fine‐grained matrix under oxidizing conditions. The Fe‐rich rims around presolar silicates in this study are consistent with Fe‐diffusion into the grains resulting from early‐stage hydrothermal alteration, but such alteration was not extensive enough to lead to isotopic equilibration with the surrounding matrix.
How Studying Anthropology Changes Students
Authors: Kitchin Maria , Ding Emily , Nortman Colette A. , Hunter Gina , Roberts William
Published: February 2023

Student research fellows at three universities (Illinois State University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and Wheaton College) conducted ethnographic research among peers in anthropology programs to better understand students’ experiences in the major and their career goals. In this article, we highlight student narratives of personal and intellectual growth. We found that current majors had more to say about how they had been transformed by anthropology than about the specific anthropological skills relevant to future careers. We posit that students’ personal growth, including greater empathy and open‐mindedness, and intellectual growth, including cross‐cultural understanding and the ability to think critically, developed through students’ integration into departmental communities of practice.
The role and mechanism of tight junctions in the regulation of salivary gland secretion
Authors: Cong Xin , Mao Xiang‐Di , Wu Li‐Ling , Yu Guang‐Yan
Published: February 2023

Tight junctions (TJs) are cell–cell interactions that localize at the most apical portion of epithelial/endothelial cells. One of the predominant functions of TJs is to regulate material transport through paracellular pathway, which serves as a selective barrier. In recent years, the expression and function of TJs in salivary glands has attracted great interest. The characteristics of multiple salivary gland TJ proteins have been identified. During salivation, the activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1, as well as other stimuli, promote the opening of acinar TJs by inducing internalization of TJs, thereby contributing to increased paracellular permeability. Besides, endothelial TJs are also redistributed with leakage of blood vessels in cholinergic‐stimulated submandibular glands. Furthermore, under pathological conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes mellitus, immunoglobulin G4‐related sialadenitis, and autotransplantation, the integrity and barrier function of TJ complex are impaired and may contribute to hyposalivation. Moreover, in submandibular glands of Sjögren's syndrome mouse model and patients, the endothelial barrier is disrupted and involved in hyposecretion and lymphocytic infiltration. These findings enrich our understanding of the secretory mechanisms that link the importance of epithelial and endothelial TJ functions to salivation under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Burning mouth syndrome: Analysis of diagnostic delay in 500 patients
Authors: Adamo Daniela , Calabria Elena , Canfora Federica , Coppola Noemi , Pecoraro Giuseppe , D'Aniello Luca , Aria Massimo , Mignogna Michele Davide , Leuci Stefania
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic delay, the number and type of referrals and the clinical and psychological profile in a wide sample of patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS).

Materials and Methods

Data on the disease onset, oral symptoms, type and number of practitioners consulted, misdiagnoses, and the presence of medically unexplained extraoral physical symptoms were recorded in 500 BMS patients. Potential predictors of diagnostic delay were also evaluated.

Results

The mean diagnostic delay was 29.71 ± 47.19 months. An average of 2.61 ± 1.65 practitioners were consulted by each patient, the most frequent being the general physicians (287; 57.4%), maxillofacial surgeons (111; 22.2%), and otolaryngologists (104; 20.8%). The mean number of misdiagnoses was 3.54 ± 1.85. Nonspecific stomatitis, candidiasis, and gastroesophageal reflux were the most common misdiagnoses. Higher age, low education, the presence of dysgeusia, and a previous history of psychiatric illness were predictors of a longer diagnostic delay (p‐value: 0.028, 0.050, 0.007, 0.034, respectively).

Conclusions

The lack of knowledge among specialists, the high rate of misdiagnosis, and the diagnostic delay of BMS highlight the need to introduce educational interventions in all medical specialties in order to promote an early and appropriate diagnosis, thereby improving the prognosis and quality of life of the patients.
Safety of pediatric sedation and analgesia during burn dressing changes by pediatric residents
Authors: Hubara Evyatar , Berzon Baruch , E Nellis Marianne , Ram Reut , Kassif Lerner Reut , Alfandary Many Yael , Feldman Oren , Pessach Itai
Published: February 2023

Background

Acute pain and anxiety management during pediatric burn dressing change is very challenging. There are limited data regarding feasibility and safety of sedation administration by nonanesthesiologists. We sought to describe the implementation of a sedation protocol for pediatric residents during burn dressing changes in the pediatric ward.

Methods

An analgesia and sedation protocol was designed and implemented in the pediatric wards in 2015. Retrospective data were collected on all children who were sedated by pediatric residents for burns in the pediatric wards over a 4‐year period in our hospital. Demographics, burn characteristics, and data regarding adverse events were collected from patients' electronic medical records. The main outcomes were successful procedure completion and safety.

Results

During the study period, 1130 sedations were performed in 272 patients by pediatric residents. The median age was 2.5 years (IQR 1.3–9.1). Sixty‐two percent (695/1130) of the patients were male. The majority of the burns (84%, 955/1130) were <20%, and the majority of the patients (91%, 1030/1130) had an ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score of 1. The incidence rate of adverse events was 4.3% (49/1130) and 1.3% (15/1130) for serious adverse events . There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, ASA, or burn degree between patients with or without adverse events.

Conclusions

We designed and implemented an analgesia and sedation protocol for pediatric residents to be applied in patients during burn dressing change. The implemented protocol in the pediatric wards was found to be feasible and with a low incidence of adverse events.
Effect of coffee husk and cocoa pods biochar on phosphorus fixation and release processes in acid soils from West Cameroon
Authors: Pouangam Ngalani Gilles , Ondo Jean Aubin , Njimou Jacques Romain , Nanseu Njiki Charles Peguy , Prudent Pascale , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: February 2023

Acid soil in West Cameroon has limited phosphorus (P) availability which limits plant growth. This is mainly because of low pH, high levels of exchangeable aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) and fixation of P. In this study, acid soils, sampled in Bafang, were amended with biochar produced from coffee husks (CH) and cocoa pod husks (CP) at two different temperatures (350 and 550 °C) in other to evaluate the effect on the physicochemical properties of the acid soil and the effect on P sorption and desorption. The soil was amended with biochar at a rate of 0, 20, 40 and 80 g/kg and incubated for 7 and 60 days. Physicochemical properties of all soil–biochar samples were determined followed by sorption experiments and data fitted in the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models in other to evaluate soil P sorption capacity and its affinity to soil amended with biochar. Moreover, desorption studies were done to evaluate the availability of P in soil amended with biochar after sorption. The outcomes of this study reveal an increase in soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available P, soil organic carbon and a drastic decrease in exchangeable Al and Fe. The point of zero charge of biochar‐amended soil was higher than the control and increased with amendment rate. The experimental data of the sorption of P on soils and soil–biochar samples fits into Langmuir and Freundlich models (R2 > 0.9) suggesting that the P adsorption is controlled by both model mechanisms. Soil–biochar mixture results in a decrease in the sorption capacity as compared with the control and the decrease was predominant with increasing amendment rate. At amendment rates of 20, 40 and 80 g/kg after 7 days of incubation, for SCH350 were 2267, 2048 and 1823 mg/kg which increased to 2407, 2112 and 1990 mg/kg after 60 days of incubation. This tendency was observed for all biochar inputs with respect to the increase in incubation days. Furthermore, desorption of P from soil–biochar mixtures was enhanced with biochar added at greater rate and produced at higher temperature. The desorption percentage was increased by more than around 10% for all biochar types from 20 mg/kg to 80 mg/kg amendment. Thus, biochar addition to acid soils reduces P fixation to acid soil and improves P desorption to soil solution, thereby providing more available P in the soil solution and better conditions for plant growth.
De novo induction of a DNA–histone H3K9 methylation loop on synthetic human repetitive DNA in cultured tobacco cells
Authors: Otake Koichiro , Kugou Kazuto , Robertlee Jekson , Ohzeki Jun‐ichirou , Okazaki Koei , Hanano Shigeru , Takahashi Seiji , Shibata Daisuke , Masumoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Genetic modifications in plants are crucial tools for fundamental and applied research. Transgene expression usually varies among independent lines or their progeny and is associated with the chromatin structure of the insertion site. Strategies based on understanding how to manipulate the epigenetic state of the inserted gene cassette would help to ensure transgene expression. Here, we report a strategy for chromatin manipulation by the artificial tethering of epigenetic effectors to a synthetic human centromeric repetitive DNA (alphoid DNA) platform in plant Bright‐Yellow‐2 (BY‐2) culture cells. By tethering DNA‐methyltransferase (Nicotiana tabacum DRM1), we effectively induced DNA methylation and histone methylation (H3K9me2) on the alphoid DNA platform. Tethering of the Arabidopsis SUVH9, which has been reported to lack histone methyltransferase activity, also induced a similar epigenetic state on the alphoid DNA in BY‐2 cells, presumably by activating the RNA‐dependent DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway. Our results emphasize that the interplay between DNA and histone methylation mechanisms is intrinsic to plant cells. We also found that once epigenetic modification states were induced by the tethering of either DRM1 or SUVH9, the modification was maintained even when the direct tethering of the effector was inhibited. Our system enables the analysis of more diverse epigenetic effectors and will help to elucidate the chromatin assembly mechanisms of plant cells.
Trade misreporting: Evidence from Pakistani importers
Authors: Khan Bilal M. , Hussain Karrar , Liaqat Zara
Published: February 2023

This paper provides direct evidence of attempted tax evasion in response to changes in tariff rates in a small open economy using transaction‐level customs data for Pakistani importers. Our results show that there exists a systematic relationship between the difference in declared and assessed import values of the shipment, and the duty rate charged to the importer. We demonstrate that higher duty rates are associated with a greater misdeclaration of imports. In particular, a one‐percentage point increase in duty rates, on average, is linked with 0.4% increase in under‐invoicing of imports by Pakistani firms. The study explores several dimensions to examine the variation in estimates obtained across product types, import origins, modes of processing import transactions and the role of firm characteristics, such as, frequency of imports, in determining the extent of misdeclaration.
On generalisations of the Aharoni–Pouzet base exchange theorem
Authors: Jankó Zsuzsanna , Joó Attila
Published: February 2023

The Greene–Magnanti theorem states that if is a finite matroid, and are bases and is a partition, then there is a partition such that is a base for every . The special case where each is a singleton can be rephrased as the existence of a perfect matching in the base transition graph. Pouzet conjectured that this remains true in infinite‐dimensional vector spaces. Later, he and Aharoni answered this conjecture affirmatively not just for vector spaces but also for infinite matroids. We prove two generalisations of their result. On the one hand, we show that ‘being a singleton’ can be relaxed to ‘being finite’ and this is sharp in the sense that the exclusion of infinite sets is really necessary. In addition, we prove that if and are bases, then there is a bijection between their finite subsets such that is a base for every . In contrast to the approach of Aharoni and Pouzet, our proofs are completely elementary, they do not rely on infinite matching theory.