bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Restoration of Cell Phenotype and Matrix Forming Capacity Following Transient Nuclear Softening
Authors: Locke Ryan C. , Miller Liane , Lemmon Elisabeth A. , Assi Sereen S. , Jones Dakota L. , Bonnevie Eddie D. , Burdick Jason A. , Heo Su Jin , Mauck Robert L.
Published: December 2022

The dense extracellular matrix of connective tissues impedes cell migration and subsequent matrix formation at sites of injury. We recently employed transient nuclear softening via histone deacetylase inhibition with trichostatin A (TSA) treatment to overcome the stiff nuclear impediments to cell migration through dense tissues and electrospun matrices. Despite these positive findings, the long-term implications of transient nuclear softening on cell transcriptional phenotype and matrix formation capacity are unknown. To address this, we investigated the influence of transient TSA treatment on porcine meniscal cell behavior, beginning with the efficacy and reproducibility of transient TSA treatment on histone acetylation and chromatin remodeling in vitro and cell migration through native meniscus tissue. Within 3 days after cessation of transient TSA treatment, histone acetylation and chromatin remodeling returned to control levels. Following TSA treatment, endogenous cell migration through native meniscus tissue increased greater than 3-fold compared to controls. Importantly, meniscal cells completely restored their transcriptional phenotype and maintained their capacity to respond transcriptionally and functionally to a secondary pro-matrix stimuli (i.e., transforming growth factor β3) within 7 days after cessation of TSA treatment. Towards translation, we also showed the feasibility of biomaterial-delivered TSA to increase endogenous cell migration to a wound edge ex vivo. Together, this work defines the efficacy, reproducibility, safety, and feasibility of future translational approaches for nuclear softening to treat dense connective tissue injuries.
SOS1 and KSR1 modulate MEK inhibitor responsiveness to target resistant cell populations based on PI3K and KRAS mutation status
Authors: Daley Brianna R. , Vieira Heidi M. , Rao Chaitra , Hughes Jacob M. , Beckley Zaria M. , Huisman Dianna H. , Chatterjee Deepan , Sealover Nancy E. , Cox Katherine , Askew James W. , Svoboda Robert A. , Fisher Kurt W. , Lewis Robert E. , Kortum Robert L.
Published: December 2022

KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene. Targeted therapies have been developed against mediators of key downstream signaling pathways, predominantly components of the RAF/MEK/ERK kinase cascade. Unfortunately, single-agent efficacy of these agents is limited both by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Survival of drug-tolerant persister cells (DTPs) within the heterogeneous tumor population and/or acquired mutations that reactivate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS signaling can lead to outgrowth of tumor initiating cells (TICs) and drive therapeutic resistance. Here, we show that targeting the key RTK/RAS pathway signaling intermediates SOS1 or KSR1 both enhances the efficacy of, and prevents resistance to, the MEK inhibitor trametinib inKRAS-mutated lung (LUAD) and colorectal (COAD) adenocarcinoma cell lines depending on the specific mutational landscape. The SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406 enhanced the efficacy of trametinib and prevented trametinib resistance by targeting spheroid initiating cells (SICs) inKRASG12/G13-mutated LUAD and COAD cell lines that lackedPIK3CAco-mutations. Cell lines withKRASQ61and/orPIK3CAmutations were insensitive to trametinib and BI-3406 combination therapy. In contrast, deletion of the RAF/MEK/ERK scaffold proteinKSR1prevented drug-induced SIC upregulation and restored trametinib sensitivity across all testedKRASmutant cell lines in bothPIK3CA- mutated andPIK3CAwildtype cancers. Our findings demonstrate that vertical inhibition of RTK/RAS signaling is an effective strategy to prevent therapeutic resistance inKRAS- mutated cancers, but therapeutic efficacy is dependent on both the specific KRAS mutant and underlying co-mutations. Thus, selection of optimal therapeutic combinations inKRAS-mutated cancers will require a detailed understanding of functional dependencies imposed by allele-specific KRAS mutations.

Significance Statement

We provide an experimental framework for evaluating both adaptive and acquired resistance to RAS pathway-targeted therapies and demonstrate how targeting specific RAS pathway signaling intermediates SOS1 or KSR1 enhanced effectiveness of and prevented resistance to MEK inhibitors inKRAS-mutated cancer cells with genotypic precision. The contribution of either effector was dependent upon the mutational landscape: SOS1 inhibition synergized with trametinib inKRASG12/G13-mutated cells expressing WT PI3K but not inKRASQ61-mutated cells or ifPIK3CAis mutated.KSR1deletion inhibited MEK/ERK complex stability and was effective in cells that are unresponsive to SOS1 inhibition. These data demonstrate how a detailed understanding of functional dependencies imposed both by allele specificKRASmutations and specific co-mutations facilitates the optimization of therapeutic combinations.
Redundant representations are required to disambiguate simultaneously presented complex stimuli
Authors: Johnston W. Jeffrey , Freedman David J.
Published: December 2022

An individual observing a barking dog and purring cat together in a field has distinct pairs of representations of the two animals in their visual and auditory systems. Without prior knowledge, how does the observer infer that the dog barks and the cat purrs? This integration of distributed representations is called the assignment problem, and it must be solved to integrate distinct representations across but also within sensory modalities. Here, we identify and analyze a solution to the assignment problem: the representation of one or more common stimulus features in pairs of relevant brain regions – for example, estimates of the spatial position of both the cat and the dog represented in both the visual and auditory systems. We characterize how the reliability of this solution depends on different features of the stimulus set (e.g., the size of the set and the complexity of the stimuli) and the details of the split representations (e.g., the precision of each stimulus representation and the amount of overlapping information). Next, we implement this solution in a biologically plausible receptive field code and show how constraints on the number of neurons and spikes used by the code force the brain to navigate a tradeoff between local and catastrophic errors. We show that, when many spikes and neurons are available, representing stimuli from a single sensory modality can be done more reliably across multiple brain regions, despite the risk of assignment errors. Finally, we show that a feedforward neural network can learn the optimal solution to the assignment problem. We also discuss relevant results on assignment errors from the human working memory literature and show that several key predictions of our theory already have support.
Gremlin 1 is required for macrophage M2 polarization
Authors: Mthunzi Liberty , Rowan Simon C , Knaus Ulla G , McLoughlin Paul
Published: December 2022

Pro-proliferative, M2-like polarization of macrophages is a critical step in the development of fibrosis and remodeling in chronic lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Macrophages in healthy and diseased lungs express gremlin 1 (Grem1), a secreted glycoprotein that acts in both paracrine and autocrine manners to modulate cellular function. Increased Grem1 expression plays a central role in pulmonary fibrosis and remodelling, however, the role of Grem1 in M2-like polarization of macrophages has not previously been explored. The results reported here show that recombinant Grem1 potentiated M2-like polarization of mouse macrophages and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) in response to the Th2 cytokines IL4 and IL13. Genetic depletion of Grem1 in BMDMs inhibited M2 polarization while exogenous gremlin 1 could partially rescue this effect. Taken together, these findings reveal that gremlin 1 is required for M2-like polarization of macrophages.
Low-pass sequencing plus imputation using avidity sequencing displays comparable imputation accuracy to sequencing by synthesis while reducing duplicates
Authors: Li Jeremiah H. , Findley Karrah , Pickrell Joseph K. , Blease Kelly , Zhao Junhua , Kruglyak Semyon
Published: December 2022

Low-pass sequencing with genotype imputation has been adopted as a cost-effective method for genotyping. The most widely used method of short-read sequencing uses sequencing by synthesis (SBS). Here we perform a study of a novel sequencing technology — avidity sequencing. In this short note, we compare the performance of imputation from low-pass libraries sequenced on an Element AVITI system (which utilizes avidity sequencing) to those sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (which utilizes SBS) with an SP flow cell for the same set of biological samples across a range of genetic ancestries. We observed dramatically lower duplication rates in the data deriving from the AVITI system compared to the NovaSeq 6000, resulting in higher effective coverage given a fixed number of sequenced bases, and comparable imputation accuracy performance between sequencing chemistries across ancestries. This study demonstrates that avidity sequencing is a viable alternative to the standard SBS chemistries for applications involving low-pass sequencing plus imputation.
Direct data–driven strategy for closed-loop aircraft flutter test
Authors: Jianhong Wang , Ramirez-Mendoza Ricardo A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This new paper aims to extend the authors’ previous contributions about open-loop aircraft flutter test to closed-loop aircraft flutter test by virtue of the proposed direct data–driven strategy. After feeding back the output signal to the input and introducing one feedback controller in the adding feedback loop, two parts, i.e. unknown aircraft flutter model and unknown feedback controller, exist in this closed-loop aircraft flutter system, simultaneously, whose input and output are all corrupted with external noise. Because of the relations between aircraft flutter model parameters and the unknown aircraft model, direct data–driven identification is proposed to identify that aircraft flutter model, then some identification algorithms and their statistical analysis are given through the authors’ own derivations. As the feedback controller can suppress the aircraft flutter or guarantee the flutter response converge to one desired constant value, the direct data–driven control is applied to design that feedback controller only through the observed data sequence directly. Numerical simulation results have demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed direct data–driven strategy. Generally, during our new information age, direct data–driven strategy is widely applied around our living life.

Design/methodology/approach

First, consider one more complex closed loop stochastic aircraft flutter model, whose input–output are all corrupted with external noise. Second, for the identification problem of closed-loop aircraft flutter model parameters, new identification algorithm and some considerations are given to the corresponding direct data–driven identification. Third, to design that feedback controller, existing in that closed-loop aircraft flutter model, direct data–driven control is proposed to design the feedback controller, which suppresses the flutter response actively.

Findings

A novel direct data–driven strategy is proposed to achieve the dual missions, i.e. identification and control for closed-loop aircraft flutter test. First, direct data–driven identification is applied to identify that unknown aircraft flutter model being related with aircraft flutter model parameters identification. Second, direct data–driven control is proposed to design that feedback controller.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this new paper extends the authors’ previous contributions about open-loop aircraft flutter test to closed-loop aircraft flutter test by virtue of the proposed direct data–driven strategy. Consider the identification problem of aircraft flutter model parameters within the presented closed loop environment, direct data–driven identification algorithm is proposed to achieve the identification goal. Direct data–driven control is proposed to design the feedback controller, i.e. only using the observed data to design the feedback controller.
Use of visuals in sustainability reporting by New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) listed companies: an impression management perspective
Authors: Momin Mahmood Ahmed , Ahmed Zahir Uddin , Liu Renhe
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the use of visuals in communicating symbolic sustainability information by the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) listed companies through their standalone sustainability reports.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the impression management theoretical framework and Barthes' conceptions of denotation and connotation, the study seeks to examine the way visuals, such as photos, tables and figures, are used to convey symbolic sustainability messages and information. The content analysis method was used to analyse 1,064 visuals from 20 New Zealand Stock Exchange listed companies' standalone sustainability reports for 2017.

Findings

The authors observe variations in the use of visuals to convey messages about sustainability and the appeal of these visuals to readers in the process of creating a symbolic sustainability message. While photos focus on emotions as their main method of impression management, tables and figures focus on the logical link between readers and a positive sustainability message.

Research limitations/implications

The study adds to the impression management theory work that companies use a combination of photos, tables and figures in communicating symbolic positive sustainability messages. The insights inform the corporate culture of the use of visuals and the effect of future reporting practices regarding sustainability information in New Zealand and globally.

Originality/value

Unlike other studies on sustainability reporting, we contend that a company uses a combination of visuals to create impressions that include not only positive but also negative and neutral sustainability messages.
The ghost city: chronicles of the apocalypse after COVID-19
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano Emanuel , George Babu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The present conceptual paper evinces a new understanding of the present and future of the tourist city in a post-COVID-19 world. The pandemic has wreaked havoc in the tourism industry as well as global trade. The world, at least as we know, is debating the next recovery steps for 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, the authors explore the substantial shifts faced by the urban areas during and post-COVID-19 pandemic. The disposed [and imposed] restrictive measures have affected negatively not only mobilities but also the urban landscape. The tourist-city, at least as it was imagined by J. Urry, has invariably set the pace to a ghost-city. In this new landscape, citizens are confined to be at home.

Findings

The tourist city has faced substantial changes. The authors dubbed the term ghost city to give some reflections on the radical changes urban zones are experiencing during 2020 and 2021. Classic notions as “the Other,” “globalization” and the “city” are in motion. The borders of some nations are being re-drawn while some radicalized voices and movements flourish.

Research limitations/implications

The authors introduce readers to the literature about the tourist city, which offers a perfect landscape for attraction, consumption and protest. The tourist city has been developed by scholars as a sign of a globalizing process that laid the foundations toward a new understanding of urban zones.

Practical implications

The present paper discusses critically the problem of COVID-19 and its severe restriction of free circulation and the forms in which the city is lived and dwelled. We were pressed to live our proximity through the lens of a screen or using digital media. The basic rights that are historically characterized by the legal architecture of the nation-state – which is based on high mobilities and the right of traveling – were suddenly suspended.

Originality/value

The authors deal with the problems of sociology to study the ghost city, which include not only the dilemmas revolving around the health passport but also the introduction of technology in formalizing the creation of a surveillance society that scrutinizes and, at the same time, entertains modern citizens, in a new culture where the “Other” becomes an undesired guest.
A relationship between perceived investment in temporary employee development and organizational performance: an empirical study
Authors: Manelkar Kishore Ashok , Iyer Radha , Gupta Kiran , Sampat Brinda
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Owing to business uncertainty, it is prudent for organizations to rely on temporary employees to achieve numerical flexibility. This paper investigates the effect of perceived investment in temporary employee development (PITED) on organizational performance (OP) through the mediation process of organizational identification (OI), work engagement (WE) and the moderation process of perceived human resource policies (PHRP). A conceptual framework was built on social exchange theory and job demands-resource theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from skilled temporary employees deputed at client organizations in the information technology business process management (IT-BPM) industry. Analysis was done using the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method using SmartPLS 3.0 software.

Findings

The study established a significant association between PITED, OI and OP, in which OI acts as a partial mediator. In contrast, the mediating relationship of WE between PITED and OP was insignificant. PHRP moderated the relationship between PITED and OP.

Practical implications

This research suggests to top management and human resource leaders that PITED makes temporary employees identify with client organizations, resulting in increased OP.

Originality/value

This research builds on theoretical assumptions to adopt a temporary employee perspective on organizational initiatives and performance in the IT-BPM industry, which is uncommon.
A machine learning approach for predicting critical factors determining adoption of offsite construction in Nigeria
Authors: Wusu Godoyon Ebenezer , Alaka Hafiz , Yusuf Wasiu , Mporas Iofis , Toriola-Coker Luqman , Oseghale Raphael
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Several factors influence OSC adoption, but extant literature did not articulate the dominant barriers or drivers influencing adoption. Therefore, this research has not only ventured into analyzing the core influencing factors but has also employed one of the best-known predictive means, Machine Learning, to identify the most influencing OSC adoption factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach is deductive in nature, focusing on finding out the most critical factors through literature review and reinforcing — the factors through a 5- point Likert scale survey questionnaire. The responses received were tested for reliability before being run through Machine Learning algorithms to determine the most influencing OSC factors within the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI).

Findings

The research outcome identifies seven (7) best-performing algorithms for predicting OSC adoption: Decision Tree, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbour, Extra-Trees, AdaBoost, Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Network. It also reported finance, awareness, use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and belief in OSC as the main influencing factors.

Research limitations/implications

Data were primarily collected among the NCI professionals/workers and the whole exercise was Nigeria region-based. The research outcome, however, provides a foundation for OSC adoption potential within Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

Practical implications

The research concluded that with detailed attention paid to the identified factors, OSC usage could find its footing in Nigeria and, consequently, Africa. The models can also serve as a template for other regions where OSC adoption is being considered.

Originality/value

The research establishes the most effective algorithms for the prediction of OSC adoption possibilities as well as critical influencing factors to successfully adopting OSC within the NCI as a means to surmount its housing shortage.
Metabolic reconstruction of the near complete microbiome of the model sponge Ianthella basta
Authors: Engelberts Joan Pamela , Robbins Steven J. , Herbold Craig W. , Moeller Florian U. , Jehmlich Nico , Laffy Patrick W. , Wagner Michael , Webster Nicole S.
Published: December 2022

Many marine sponges host highly diverse microbiomes that contribute to various aspects of host health. Although the putative function of individual groups of sponge symbionts has been increasingly described, the extreme diversity has generally precluded in‐depth characterization of entire microbiomes, including identification of syntrophic partnerships. The Indo‐Pacific sponge Ianthella basta is emerging as a model organism for symbiosis research, hosting only three dominant symbionts: a Thaumarchaeotum, a Gammaproteobacterium, and an Alphaproteobacterium and a range of other low abundance or transitory taxa. Here, we retrieved metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) representing >90% of I. basta's microbial community, facilitating the metabolic reconstruction of the sponge's near complete microbiome. Through this analysis, we identified metabolic complementarity between microbes, including vitamin sharing, described the importance of low abundance symbionts, and characterized a novel microbe–host attachment mechanism in the Alphaproteobacterium. We further identified putative viral sequences, highlighting the role viruses can play in maintaining symbioses in I. basta through the horizontal transfer of eukaryotic‐like proteins, and complemented this data with metaproteomics to identify active metabolic pathways in bacteria, archaea, and viruses. This data provide the framework to adopt I. basta as a model organism for studying host–microbe interactions and provide a basis for in‐depth physiological experiments.
Plant leaf proteins for food applications: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Anoop A. A. , Pillai Prasanth K. S. , Nickerson Michael , Ragavan K. V.
Published: December 2022

Plant‐based proteins are gaining a lot of attention for their health benefits and are considered as an alternative to animal proteins for developing sustainable food systems. Against the backdrop, ensuring a healthy diet supplemented with good quality protein will be a massive responsibility of governments across the globe. Increasing the yield of food crops has its limitations, including low acceptance of genetically modified crops, land availability for cultivation, and the need for large quantities of agrochemicals. It necessitates the sensible use of existing resources and farm output to derive the proteins. On average, the protein content of plant leaves is similar to that of milk, which can be efficiently tapped for food applications across the globe. There has been limited research on utilizing plant leaf proteins for food product development over the years, which has not been fruitful. However, the current global food production scenario has pushed some leading economies to reconsider the scope of plant leaf proteins with dedicated efforts. It is evident from installing pilot‐scale demonstration plants for protein extraction from agro‐food residues to cater to the protein demand with product formulation. The present study thoroughly reviews the opportunities and challenges linked to the production of plant leaf proteins, including its nutritional aspects, extraction and purification strategies, anti‐nutritional factors, functional and sensory properties in food product development, and finally, its impact on the environment.

Practical Application: Plant leaf proteins are one of the sustainable and alternative source of proteins. It can be produced in most of the agroclimatic conditions without requiring much agricultural inputs. It's functional properties are unique and finds application in novel food product formulations.
GARP: A family of glycine and alanine‐rich proteins that helps spider mites feed on plants
Authors: Sun Qin‐Zhe , Li Xiao‐Lin , Shi Yu‐Fei , Zhang Yan‐Chun , Chai Wen‐Jie , Chen Ruo‐Yu , Niu Jinzhi , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: December 2022

Spider mites (Tetranychidae) are destructive agricultural pests which have evolved strategies to overcome plant defenses, such as the ability to puncture the leaves of their hosts to feed. The expression of many genes with unknown functions is altered during feeding, but little is known about the role of these genes in plant–mite interactions. Here, we identified 3 novel gene families through analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data from 3 spider mite species. These GARP family genes encode glycine and alanine‐rich proteins; they are present in mites (Acariformes) but absent in ticks (Parasitiformes) in the subclass Acari, indicating that these genes have undergone a significant expansion in spider mites and thus play important adaptive roles. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the expression of GARP genes is strongly correlated with feeding and the transfer to new hosts. We used RNA interference to silence GARP1d in the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae, which inhibited feeding and egg laying and significantly increased mortality when the mites were transferred to soybean shoots; a similar effect was observed after TuVATPase was silenced. However, no changes in mite mortality were observed after TuGARP1d‐silenced mites were placed on an artificial diet, which was different from the effect of TuVATPase silencing. Our results indicate that GARP family members play important roles in mite–plant interactions. Additional studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these interactions.
Uptake of Ecological Farming Practices by EU Farms: A Pan‐European Typology
Authors: Rega Carlo , Thompson Bethan , Niedermayr Andreas , Desjeux Yann , Kantelhardt Jochen , D’Alberto Riccardo , Gouta Penelope , Konstantidelli Vasilia , Schaller Lena , Latruffe Laure , Paracchini Maria Luisa
Published: December 2022

Understanding and measuring the sustainability of farms is key to evaluating progress towards policy goals for a more sustainable agriculture. In the LIFT project, a farm typology was developed to classify farms according to their ecological performance, based on farm‐level variables from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). Selected variables are used to assess three key ecological dimensions of farming: total input intensity; degree of circularity (reliance on own‐produced versus external inputs); and avoidance of the use of specific inputs of concern for the environment and consumers. The combination of these aspects is considered as a measure of the farm proximity to a full agroecological approach. The typology allows comparison of farms across farm types, countries and years. We briefly present the method and discuss two key aspects: 1) how the proposed farm typology can inform policymaking in the context of a new EU policy framework; 2) how it can inform the foreseen transformation of the FADN into a Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN). We suggest that the use of a typology approach under the new FSDN provides useful information on the impacts of the implementation of agroecological practices with an acceptable additional effort in terms of data collection.
Tracing the geographic origin of endangered plant species using transcriptome‐derived SNPs: An example of Cathaya argyrophylla
Authors: Sun Jing‐Jing , Xia Xiao‐Mei , Wei Xiao‐Xin , Wang Xiao‐Quan
Published: December 2022

Genetic markers have emerged as one of the most promising tools for species identification and geographic traceability in biodiversity conservation and international trade of biological products. However, traditional molecular markers rarely have sufficient resolution at lower taxonomic levels, especially for discriminating closely related forest tree species and their populations. In this study, we developed a panel of RNA‐Seq based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for tracing the geographic origin of an endangered conifer, Cathaya argyrophylla, which is a paleoendemic restricted to four mountain regions in subtropical China. A total of 69 individuals from five populations (DLS, SHS, HP, BMS, and DYS) covering the entire range were used for transcriptome sequencing. Based on these transcriptomic data, we evaluated genetic variation and population structure of C. argyrophylla, and found extremely low nucleotide diversity but strong population differentiation. We also screened 113 population‐specific SNP loci, including 96 for BMS, eight for DYS, six for SHS, two for HP, and one for one of the three subpopulations from DLS. According to these geographically diagnostic SNPs, we designed four population‐specific molecular barcodes for PCR amplification. To test the utility and efficiency of the four markers in geographic discrimination, double‐blind experiment was performed using 157 individuals labelled without any locality information. We found that almost all tested individuals could be successfully assigned to their geographic localities. Our study not only sheds some new light on the genetic profile of C. argyrophylla, but also provides a practical and cost‐efficient solution for geographic traceability using transcriptome‐derived SNPs.
Diagnostic yield of radial probe endobronchial ultrasonography‐guided transbronchial biopsy without fluoroscopy in peripheral pulmonary lesions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Jonghoo , Song Jae‐Uk
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Although radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R‐EBUS) has been used to investigate peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), its diagnostic performance without fluoroscopy remains unclear. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of R‐EBUS‐guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) without fluoroscopy.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review using Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register. Then, we performed a proportional meta‐analysis to determine the diagnostic yield of this modality. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the performance of R‐EBUS‐guided TBB without fluoroscopy.

Results

We identified 31 studies consisting of a total of 6491 patients. Pooled overall diagnostic yield of R‐EBUS‐guided TBB without fluoroscopy was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–0.74). There was significant heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 89.45%, p < 0.001). In subgroup and meta‐regression analyses, air bronchus sign on chest computed tomography scans, larger size PPLs, probe location within lesions, and heterogeneous echogenicity were associated with significantly higher diagnostic yield. Diagnostic yield from the upper lobe was statistically lower than that from the middle and lower lobes. Pooled pneumothorax rate was 0.01 (95% CI, 0.01–0.01, I2 = 63.51%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

R‐EBUS‐guided TBB without fluoroscopy appears to be a relatively useful tool with a low pneumothorax rate for the diagnosis of PPLs. Factors mentioned above may affect the diagnostic yield of this tool. Because of substantial between‐study heterogeneity, our results should be interpreted with caution.
Factors influencing the conduction of confidential conversations with adolescents in the emergency department: A multicenter, qualitative analysis
Authors: Chernick Lauren S. , Bugaighis Mona , Britton Laura , Cruz Andrea T. , Goyal Monika K. , Mistry Rakesh D. , Reed Jennifer L. , Bakken Suzanne , Santelli John S. , Dayan Peter S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Health care providers (HCPs) in the emergency department (ED) frequently must decide whether to conduct or forego confidential conversations with adolescent patients about sensitive topics, such as those related to mental health, substance use, and sexual and reproductive health. The objective of this multicenter qualitative analysis was to identify factors that influence the conduct of confidential conversations with adolescent patients in the ED.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we conducted semistructured interviews of ED HCPs from five academic, pediatric EDs in distinct geographic regions. We purposively sampled HCPs across gender, professional title, and professional experience. We used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to develop an interview guide to assess individual and system‐level factors affecting HCP behavior regarding the conduct of confidential conversations with adolescents. Enrollment continued until we reached saturation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by three investigators based on thematic analysis. We used the coded transcripts to collaboratively generate belief statements, which are first‐person statements that reflect shared perspectives.

Results

We conducted 38 interviews (18 physicians, 11 registered nurses, five nurse practitioners, and four physician assistants). We generated 17 belief statements across nine TDF domains. Predominant influences on having confidential conversations included self‐efficacy in speaking with adolescents alone, wanting to address sexual health complaints, maintaining patient flow, experiencing parental resistance and limited space, and having inadequate resources to address patient concerns and personal preconceptions about patients. Perspectives divided between wanting to provide focused medical care related only to their chief complaint versus self‐identifying as a holistic medical HCP.

Conclusions

The factors influencing the conduct of confidential conversations included multiple TDF domains, elucidating how numerous intersecting factors influence whether ED HCPs address sensitive adolescent health needs. These data suggest methods to enhance and facilitate confidential conversations when deemed appropriate in the care of adolescents in the ED.
A new species of Collartida Villiers from the Solomon Islands (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Davranoglou Leonidas‐Romanos , Baňař Petr , Malenovský Igor , Kment Petr
Published: December 2022

In the present study, Collartida eowilsoni sp. nov. is described from Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands), which extends the distribution of the genus and the tribe Collartidini as a whole to the Oceanian biogeographic realm. The highly aberrant morphology of the new species required a reassessment of the diagnostic characters and generic limits of Collartida. To evaluate the systematic position of C. eowilsoni sp. nov. a morphology‐based cladistic analysis was performed, for which homologies of cephalic armature were reinterpreted. Phylogenetic relationships of the new species to its congeners and among other members of the tribe are discussed.
Identification of key variants correlated with susceptibility of primary osteoporosis in the Chinese Han group
Authors: Li Yanjiao , Liu Qi , Ma Qiuye , Ma Zhaoxia , Chen Juan , Yu An , Ma Changguo , Qiu Lihua , Shi Hong , Liang Hongsuo , Hu Min
Published: December 2022

Background

Primary osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mass and vulnerability to fractures. The genetics of osteoporosis in the Chinese population remain unclear, which hinders the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in China. This study aimed to explore the susceptibility genes and the roles played by their variants in osteoporosis.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 45 osteoporosis patients and 30 healthy individuals, and genome‐wide association study was performed on array data. The expression levels of the candidate gene in different genotypes were further determined by using quantitative real‐time PCR. Moreover, the differentiation capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under different genotypes from osteoporosis patients was investigated.

Results

The most significant variant rs1891632 located in the upstream (918 bp) region of CRB2, which could down‐regulate the expression levels of CRB2 in genotype‐tissue expression database and played an essential role in the regulation of osteoblastic and osteoclastic differentiation during skeletal development. Another significant variant rs1061657 located within the 3′UTR region of TBX3 gene. We found that the mRNA levels of TBX3 decreased in the bMSCs of old osteoporosis patients. Interestingly, osteoblast differentiation capacity and TBX3 mRNA levels were similar between the young healthy individuals carrying derived and ancestral allele of rs1061657, whereas the differentiation capacity and TBX3 mRNA levels dramatically declined in elderly patients with osteoporosis.

Conclusions

The variant rs1061657 might affect the osteogenesis of bMSCs in an age‐dependent manner and that TBX3 may be a key susceptibility gene for primary osteoporosis. In conclusion, CRB2 and TBX3 may influence the development of osteoporosis; additionally, rs1891632 and rs1061657, as the key variants first reported to be associated with primary osteoporosis, may potentially contribute to predicting the risk of osteoporosis (especially for older individuals) and may serve as therapeutic targets.
Optimal common limb length in Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery: is it important for an ideal outcome? – a systematic review
Authors: Hort Amy , Cheng Qiuye , Morosin Tia , Yoon Peter , Talbot Michael
Published: December 2022

Background

In Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery the common limb length (CLL) is thought to significantly impact on nutritional and metabolic outcomes. However, there has been little focus on establishing routine standardized CLL measurements and its subsequent effect on weight loss and nutritional status. This review aimed to determine the effect of variations of CLL in RYGB surgery on post‐operative outcomes, particularly nutritional status, while considering the need for routine CLL measurements in addition to measuring biliopancreatic limb and alimentary limb lengths.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. All English language articles addressing CLL and impact on weight loss, nutritional and metabolic outcomes were retrieved and reviewed.

Results

Thirteen relevant studies were identified with CLLs varying from 76 to >600 cm. No significant difference in total body weight loss or excess weight loss was observed. Significant metabolic improvements occurred with shorter CLLs. Nutritional deficiencies were more severe when the CLL was <400 cm.

Conclusion

The data from this systematic review suggests that reasonable weight loss and positive impacts on metabolic outcomes can be achieved with CLLs of >400 cm.
Editorial: selecting therapy for ulcerative colitis—think a step ahead
Authors: Laharie David , Riviere Pauline
Published: December 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Straatmijer et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17248
Editorial: terlipressin in patients with ACLF grade 3—too late? Authorsʼ reply
Authors: Wong Florence , Pappas S. Chris , Jamil Khurram
Published: December 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wong et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17195 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17244
A narrative review of vaccine pharmacovigilance during mass vaccination campaigns: Focus on myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Piché‐Renaud Pierre‐Philippe , Morris Shaun K. , Top Karina A.
Published: December 2022

Vaccines have had a tremendous impact on reducing the burden of infectious diseases; however, they have the potential to cause adverse events following immunization (AEFIs). Prelicensure clinical trials are limited in their ability to detect rare AEFIs that may occur in less than one per thousand individuals. While postmarketing surveillance systems have shown COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines to be safe, they led to the identification of rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID‐19 vaccination that were not initially detected in clinical trials. In this narrative review, we highlight concepts of vaccine pharmacovigilance during mass vaccination campaigns and compare the approaches used in the context of myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID‐19 vaccination to historical examples. We describe mechanisms of passive and active surveillance, their strengths and limitations, and how they interacted to identify and characterize the safety signal of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination. Articles were synthesized from a PubMed search using relevant keywords for articles published on vaccine surveillance systems and myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID‐19 vaccination, as well as the authors' collections of relevant publications and grey literature reports. The global experience around the identification and monitoring of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination has provided important lessons for vaccine safety surveillance and highlighted its importance in maintaining public trust in mass vaccination programmes in a pandemic context.
Postmortem quantitative MRI disentangles histological lesion types in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Galbusera Riccardo , Bahn Erik , Weigel Matthias , Schaedelin Sabine , Franz Jonas , Lu Po‐Jui , Barakovic Muhamed , Melie‐Garcia Lester , Dechent Peter , Lutti Antoine , Sati Pascal , Reich Daniel S. , Nair Govind , Brück Wolfgang , Kappos Ludwig , Stadelmann Christine , Granziera Cristina
Published: December 2022

Quantitative MRI (qMRI) probes the microstructural properties of the central nervous system (CNS) by providing biophysical measures of tissue characteristics. In this work, we aimed to (i) identify qMRI measures that distinguish histological lesion types in postmortem multiple sclerosis (MS) brains, especially the remyelinated ones; and to (ii) investigate the relationship between those measures and quantitative histological markers of myelin, axons, and astrocytes in the same experimental setting. Three fixed MS whole brains were imaged with qMRI at 3T to obtain magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), myelin water fraction (MWF), quantitative T1 (qT1), quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) maps. The identification of lesion types (active, inactive, chronic active, or remyelinated) and quantification of tissue components were performed using histological staining methods as well as immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Pairwise logistic and LASSO regression models were used to identify the best qMRI discriminators of lesion types. The association between qMRI and quantitative histological measures was performed using Spearman's correlations and linear mixed‐effect models. We identified a total of 65 lesions. MTR and MWF best predicted the chance of a lesion to be remyelinated, whereas RD and QSM were useful in the discrimination of active lesions. The measurement of microstructural properties through qMRI did not show any difference between chronic active and inactive lesions. MWF and RD were associated with myelin content in both lesions and normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM), FA was the measure most associated with axon content in both locations, while MWF was associated with astrocyte immunoreactivity only in lesions. Moreover, we provided evidence of extensive astrogliosis in remyelinated lesions. Our study provides new information on the discriminative power of qMRI in differentiating MS lesions ‐especially remyelinated ones‐ as well as on the relative association between multiple qMRI measures and myelin, axon and astrocytes.
Fine‐scale temporal dynamics of flower visitors sheds light on insect‐assemblage overlap between sexes in a dioecious Ecuadorian palm
Authors: Auffray Thomas , Montúfar Rommel , Uquillas Santiago Xavier Palacios , Barragán Alvaro , Pincebourde Sylvain , Gibernau Marc , Dangles Olivier
Published: December 2022

Dioecious plants generally display sexual dimorphism in male and female floral traits, potentially attracting slightly different pollinator communities. The sharing of common floral visitors between male and female flowers and their timing of visits to both sexes is of critical importance to ensure plant's reproductive success. Palm inflorescences are visited by abundant and diverse insect communities, yet the temporal patterns of insect visits on both sexes remain poorly known. We characterized the composition of a community of flower‐visiting arthropods associated with the dioecious ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis, Spruce) in a pre‐montane forest of Ecuador. We monitored the temporal variations in insect visits along the flowering of 12 inflorescences (eight female and four male) using interception traps recovered every 4 h. We report 59 morphospecies in the arthropod community, dominated by three beetle families: Staphylinidae, Nitidulidae, and Curculionidae. Male inflorescences were more abundantly visited than female, but visitors of the later were taxonomically more diverse. Among the 16 pollinator candidates identified, nine visited both inflorescence sexes synchronously at dusk /night whereas the others did so asynchronously during the day. Our study provides new insights into the pollination mechanism ofP. aequatorialis.We found evidence of differential pollinator attraction between floral sexes, which may be explained by the sexual dimorphism of both flowers. Synchronicity in dusk/night visits of both inflorescence sexes suggests a sexual synchronization of the signal used to attract pollinators.

Abstract in Spainsh is available with online material
Altered neurovascular coupling in children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Hu Jie , Ran Haifeng , Chen Guiqin , He Yulun , Li Qinghui , Liu Junwei , Li Fangling , Liu Heng , Zhang Tijiang
Published: December 2022

Aims

Alterations in neuronal activity and cerebral hemodynamics have been reported in idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) patients, possibly resulting in neurovascular decoupling; however, no neuroimaging evidence confirmed this disruption. This study aimed to investigate the possible presence of neurovascular decoupling and its clinical implications in childhood IGE using resting‐state fMRI and arterial spin labeling imaging.

Methods

IGE patients and healthy participants underwent resting‐state fMRI and arterial spin labeling imaging to calculate degree centrality (DC) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), respectively. Across‐voxel CBF‐DC correlations were analyzed to evaluate the neurovascular coupling within the whole gray matter, and the regional coupling of brain region was assessed with the CBF/DC ratio.

Results

The study included 26 children with IGE and 35 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls (HCs). Compared with the HCs, the IGE group presented lower across‐voxel CBF‐DC correlations, higher CBF/DC ratio in the right posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, middle frontal gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus (MFG), and lower ratio in the left inferior frontal gyrus. The increased CBF/DC ratio in the right MFG was correlated with lower performance intelligence quotient scores in the IGE group.

Conclusion

Children with IGE present altered neurovascular coupling, associated with lower performance intelligence quotient scores. The study shed a new insight into the pathophysiology of epilepsy and provided potential imaging biomarkers of cognitive performances in children with IGE.