bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PP2Cα positively regulates neuronal insulin signalling and aggravates neuronal insulin resistance
Authors: Yadav Yamini , Dey Chinmoy Sankar
Published: July 2022

PP2Cα is one of the newly identified isoforms of metal‐dependent protein phosphatases (PPM). The role of this phosphatase in neuronal insulin signalling is completely unknown. In the present study, we show insulin‐mediated rapid upregulation of a protein of the insulin signalling cascade, PP2Cα, in mouse N2a cells and human SH‐SY5Y cells. By contrast, such PP2Cα upregulation is not observed in insulin‐resistant conditions despite insulin stimulation. Here, we report that, under insulin‐sensitive and insulin‐resistant conditions, the translation of PP2Cα was regulated by insulin through c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase. PP2Cα in turn dephosphorylated a novel inhibitory site of insulin receptor substrate‐1 at Ser522 and AMP‐activated protein kinase, hence positively regulating neuronal insulin signalling and insulin resistance.
Comparing growth and body condition of wild and hatcheryMYYbrook trout in streams and alpine lakes
Authors: Unsworth James S. , Roth Curtis J. , Meyer Kevin A.
Published: July 2022

Biologists have theorized that stocking YY males (created via in‐hatchery hormonal sex‐reversal and selective breeding; hereafter MYYfish) could be used to eradicate unwanted non‐native vertebrate populations, but little is known about the fitness of MYYindividuals once released into the wild. We compared growth and body condition of stocked hatchery‐reared MYYbrook trout (Salvelinus fontinalisMitchell) to wild conspecifics in two streams and two alpine lakes. Maximum age for wild fish was age 6 at one stream and age 4 or 5 at the remaining waters, whereas for hatchery MYYfish, maximum age was age 5 at one stream and age 4 at the remaining waters. Total length ranged from 103 to 359 mm for wild brook trout and 115 to 353 mm for hatchery MYYbrook trout. Growth rates and body condition of stocked MYYbrook trout did not differ from wild fish in the same waters. Given that the success of MYYeradication programs is primarily contingent upon MYYindividuals having fitness characteristics similar to wild conspecifics, our results provide further evidence that the stocking of hatchery‐reared MYYfish may be a viable tool for eradicating unwanted non‐native fish populations.
Assessing long‐term dynamics of non‐breeding Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) populations using Christmas Bird Count data
Authors: Evans Kristine O. , Davis J. Brian , Wang Guiming
Published: July 2022

Brown PelicanPelecanus occidentalispopulations are recovering in many parts of their geographical range in coastal areas of North and Central America following near‐decimation in the mid‐20th century. However, populations have exhibited varying recovery rates that could be rectified with improved understanding of influencing factors, including population stressors, particularly during the non‐breeding period. Brown Pelicans are central‐place foragers and sensitive to changes in surface fish distributions that may result from stochastic events such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation. We used 34 years of Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data (1984–2017) to evaluate long‐term density‐dependent and density‐independent population dynamics of Brown Pelican populations in coastal areas of Alabama, California, Louisiana and Mississippi. We used exploratory dynamic factor analysis across four population time series to model a linear combination of common trends from CBC data. We then developed a suite of state space models to assess effects of density‐dependent and density‐independent factors (e.g. Southern Oscillation Index) on Pelican populations dynamics over time. Generally, Brown Pelican populations increased substantially following recovery efforts in the mid‐1980s, but have stabilized and fluctuated over time, represented by three latent trends. Populations generally were subject to density‐dependent regulatory mechanisms, with only the Louisiana population exhibiting a significant negative association with the fall/winter Southern Oscillation Index from 2 years earlier. Improved understanding of underlying regulatory mechanisms driving or hindering Brown Pelican population recovery may help in targeting regional or sub‐regional conservation measures, particularly during lesser‐known periods of their annual cycle.
(Hf0.25Zr0.25Sn0.25Ti0.25)O2 high‐entropy ceramics and their microwave dielectric characteristics
Authors: Ding Yi Han , Liu Lu , Guo Rui Ze , Li Lei , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: July 2022

(Hf0.25Zr0.25Sn0.25Ti0.25)O2 high‐entropy ceramics were designed and prepared, and their microwave dielectric characteristics were investigated together with the microstructures. The single‐phase structure in space group Pbcn was determined, and the excellent microwave dielectric characteristics were achieved in the present ceramics: εr = 25.6, Qf = 74 600 GHz at 6.5 GHz and τf = −47 ppm/°C. The significant improvement of Qf value was achieved with a prolonged sintering, where the dielectric constant increased slightly while the negative τf decreased in the absolute value at first and then turned to increase. The variation tendency of microwave dielectric characteristics was deeply linked with the microstructure homogeneity, and the introduction of Hf and Sn elements to create the high‐entropy ceramics resulted in the disordered state, and finally led to the improved Qf value. The present work provided an effective approach to achieve enhanced Qf value in microwave dielectric ceramics.
Construction of miRNA‐lncRNA‐mRNA co‐expression network affecting EMT‐mediated cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Naghsh‐Nilchi Amirhosein , Ebrahimi Ghahnavieh Laleh , Dehghanian Fariba
Published: July 2022

Platinum resistance is one of the major concerns in ovarian cancer treatment. Recent evidence shows the critical role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in this resistance. Epithelial‐like ovarian cancer cells show decreased sensitivity to cisplatin after cisplatin treatment. Our study prospected the association between epithelial phenotype and response to cisplatin in ovarian cancer. Microarray dataset GSE47856 was acquired from the GEO database. After identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between epithelial‐like and mesenchymal‐like cells, the module identification analysis was performed using weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). The gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses of the most considerable modules were performed. The protein–protein interaction network was also constructed. The hub genes were specified using Cytoscape plugins MCODE and cytoHubba, followed by the survival analysis and data validation. Finally, the co‐expression of miRNA‐lncRNA‐TF with the hub genes was reconstructed. The co‐expression network analysis suggests 20 modules relating to the Epithelial phenotype. The antiquewhite4, brown and darkmagenta modules are the most significant non‐preserved modules in the Epithelial phenotype and contain the most differentially expressed genes. GO, and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses on these modules divulge that these genes were primarily enriched in the focal adhesion, DNA replication pathways and stress response processes. ROC curve and overall survival rate analysis show that the co‐expression pattern of the brown module's hub genes could be a potential prognostic biomarker for ovarian cancer cisplatin resistance.
Sildenafil improves radiation‐induced oral mucositis by attenuating oxidative stress, NF‐κB, ERK and JNK signalling pathways
Authors: Ala Moein , Mohammad Jafari Razieh , Ala Mahan , Hejazi Sedigheh Marjaneh , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Mahdavi Seied Rabi , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: July 2022

Radiation‐induced oral mucositis is a common and dose‐limiting complication of head and neck radiotherapy with no effective treatment. Previous studies revealed that sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of sildenafil on radiation‐induced mucositis in rats. Two doses of radiation (8 and 26 Gy X‐ray) were used to induce low‐grade and high‐grade oral mucositis, separately. A control group and three groups of sildenafil citrate‐treated rats (5, 10, and 40 mg/kg/day) were used for each dose of radiation. Radiation increased MDA and activated NF‐κB, ERK and JNK signalling pathways. Sildenafil significantly decreased MDA level, nitric oxide (NO) level, IL1β, IL6 and TNF‐α. The most effective dose of sildenafil was 40 mg/kg/day in this study. Sildenafil also significantly inhibited NF‐κB, ERK and JNK signalling pathways and increased bcl2/bax ratio. In addition, high‐dose radiation severely destructed the mucosal layer in histopathology and led to mucosal cell apoptosis in the TUNEL assay. Sildenafil significantly improved mucosal structure and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration after exposure to high‐dose radiation and reduced apoptosis in the TUNEL assay. These findings show that sildenafil can improve radiation‐induced oral mucositis and decrease the apoptosis of mucosal cells via attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Impact of a leaf‐cutting ant (Atta sexdens L.) on a Pinus taeda plantation: A 6 year‐long study
Authors: Scherf Abel Nicolas , Corley Juan Carlos , Gioia Carlos David , Eskiviski Edgar Rafael , Carazzo Cristhian , Patzer Hernán Raul , Dimarco Romina Daniela
Published: July 2022

Leaf‐cutting ants are the most economically important pest of plantation forests in the Neotropics. These social insects can defoliate whole trees, reducing their growth ability and occasionally causing tree mortality. Control of leaf‐cutting ants in plantations is mainly carried out by using insecticides such as sulfluramid or fipronil. Foresters that adhere to voluntary sustainability certification systems are requested to implement integrated pest management programmes that reduce the use of insecticides. However, this approach is much delayed since it requires a better understanding of ant ecology, including quantitative data on the long‐term impact that leaf‐cutting ants have on tree plantations. In this study, we show, for the first time, the results on the long‐term impact of Atta sexdens L. on a Pinus taeda L. plantation in NE Argentina. The annual growth in diameter, height, volume and mortality of P. taeda trees in two 11 ha stands were evaluated up to the middle of the harvest cycle (i.e. 6 years). One of the stands had no control of A. sexdens nests, and in the other stand, all ant nests were removed (total control). After six years since planting, P. taeda trees show significant reductions in total height (19%), diameter at breast height (4.4%) and wood volume (21%) in sites with A. sexdens present. Moreover, tree mortality reached 31.2% when ants were present. Forest managers could use these results to improve their integrated management programmes, by better adjusting their economic damage threshold parameters.
Presence and distribution of the African citrus psyllid in São Tomé island
Authors: Benhadi‐Marín Jacinto , Félix‐Oliveira Diogo , Carvalho Miclay Dos Reis Pereira , Mendes José Luis , Baptista Paula , Pereira José A.
Published: July 2022

The African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a natural vector of Candidatus Liberibacter spp., the causal agents of the citrus greening disease or Huanglongbing (HLB). Despite the global losses of the Citrus industry due to HLB, the vector is rapidly spread to new areas threatening citrus crops and raising concern for stakeholders. Until now, there was a single old register of T. erytreae from the São Tomé island (Bulletin of the British Museum of Natural History, Entomology, 49, 1–102). In this work, we provide up‐to‐date occurrence data on the presence of T. erytreae throughout the isle of São Tomé. The identity of the captured adults was assessed and confirmed through molecular identification by sequencing a portion of the mitochondrial COI. The psyllid was found in lemon, orange and tangerine orchards. Further monitoring is advisable to manage potential outbreaks.
Growth, consumption and digestive enzyme activities of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) on various mung bean cultivars reveal potential tolerance traits
Authors: Zamani Fard Shabnam , Hemmati Seyed Ali , Shishehbor Parviz , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: July 2022

Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) is a worldwide pest of economic importance for agricultural crops. We investigated nutritional efficiency and digestive enzyme activity of S. littoralis on various mung bean cultivars, including Parto, Simite1, Simite2, VC6173A, VC3960, VC6368 and VC6371. Furthermore, various biochemical traits of mung bean cultivars, including protein, starch, total phenolic and flavonoid content, were measured to investigate their relationships with nutritional physiology of S. littoralis. The nutritional indices, as well as proteolytic and amylolytic activities of S. littoralis were significantly affected by feeding of the pest on various mung bean cultivars. Larvae reared on VC6371 exhibited the highest efficiency of conversion of digested food, while the lowest was recorded in those fed on Simite2. Spodoptera littoralis larvae fed on the Simite1 cultivar exhibited the lowest relative growth rate, while those reared on Simite2 were characterized by the lowest efficiency of conversion of ingested food. The highest proteolytic activity of sixth‐instar larvae was on VC6371, while the lowest activity was on VC3960, Simite1 and Simite2 cultivars. Amylolytic activity was the lowest in those larvae fed on VC6368 and VC6371 cultivars, while the highest activity occurred in larvae reared on Simite2. Significant variation in phytochemical contents was quantified among tested mung bean cultivars. Moreover, significant correlations were found between the nutritional indices and digestive enzyme activities of S. littoralis with biochemical properties of the cultivars. Our results suggest that VC6371 is a suitable cultivar for S littoralis, while Simite2 and Simite1 cultivars are less suitable and may be useful selections to minimize damage caused by this pest.
How innovations in methodology offer new prospects for volume electron microscopy
Authors: Kievits Arent J. , Lane Ryan , Carroll Elizabeth C. , Hoogenboom Jacob P.
Published: July 2022

Detailed knowledge of biological structure has been key in understanding biology at several levels of organisation, from organs to cells and proteins. Volume electron microscopy (volume EM) provides high resolution 3D structural information about tissues on the nanometre scale. However, the throughput rate of conventional electron microscopes has limited the volume size and number of samples that can be imaged. Recent improvements in methodology are currently driving a revolution in volume EM, making possible the structural imaging of whole organs and small organisms. In turn, these recent developments in image acquisition have created or stressed bottlenecks in other parts of the pipeline, like sample preparation, image analysis and data management. While the progress in image analysis is stunning due to the advent of automatic segmentation and server‐based annotation tools, several challenges remain. Here we discuss recent trends in volume EM, emerging methods for increasing throughput and implications for sample preparation, image analysis and data management.
Comparison of three different surgical approaches for the treatment of large/giant congenital melanocytic nevus
Authors: Cheng Xialin , Wang Wenxuan , He Yan , Bao Wu , Jia Chiyu , Dai Tao
Published: July 2022

Objective

Treating large/giant congenital melanocytic nevus (L/GCMN) is challenging for surgeons. Operative approaches commonly used to remove L/GCMN include serial excision, tissue expansion, and skin grafting. Thus, we retrospectively compared these three operations' applications and therapeutic effects.

Methods

The clinical data of 97 L/GCMN patients from June 1, 2015, to June 1, 2019, were collected and divided into three groups according to the operations used: serial excision group (SE group, n = 18), tissue expansion group (TE group, n = 23), and skin grafting group (SG group, n = 56). The location and size of the lesion, the number of operations, duration of each operation, preoperative preparation time, postoperative hospital stay, complications, and clinical outcomes of all patients were collected and assessed.

Results

The SE group had the most times of operation (3.9 and 6.0 for LCMN and GCMN, respectively), the shortest surgery length (56.3 min), and the shortest postoperative hospital stay (10.0d). The SE and SG groups required much less time to prepare for surgery and had a lower rate of complications than the TE group. During the 11.9‐month median follow‐up period, the SE and TE groups had better postoperative outcomes than the SG group.

Conclusion

Each of the three operations has different advantages and disadvantages, and the specific surgical strategy should be decided based on the patient's unique circumstances.
"Bi‐Bi” technique for lip augmentation: A retrospective study on 30 cases
Authors: Stéphane Smarrito , Candice Smarrito‐Menozzi , Florence Brunel
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Lip augmentation is achieved mainly by using hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. The injection procedures are performed either superficially or deeply with a needle or a cannula, and only one type of hyaluronic acid is used. The authors' objective was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and satisfaction level of a procedure combining two anatomical injection plans, two injection modes (i.e., cannula and needle), and two types of hyaluronic acid fillers.

Method

The retrospective study included 30 patients who underwent the following procedure: Intramuscular retro‐trace injections of Stylage M (Vivacy® Laboratories) were conducted through a 27‐gauge cannula at the level of the upper and lower hemi‐lip. Then, intradermal injections of Stylage Lips (Vivacy® Laboratories) using a 33‐gauge needle were carried out on the entire lip border as well as the cupid's bow. During a post‐injection follow‐up, subjects were asked to evaluate satisfaction level and the effect of fillers over time. Elastic (G′) and viscosity (G″) moduli of HA fillers were measured with a rheometer (AR2000, TA Instruments) prior to and after extrusion through a 33‐gauge needle.

Results

Rheological assessment showed that passage through a 33‐gauge needle did not alter the viscoelastic properties of HA fillers. After the clinical procedure, no side effects were observed except for standard post‐treatment bruises and edema. No vascular incident occurred. Moreover, overall patient satisfaction was high (2.6/3) and there was a long‐lasting perception of the effect of the filler.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated that dissociating the anatomical zones of the lip during the injection procedure by means of different hyaluronic acids in the muscular and dermal planes would efficiently and safely provide both lip projection and fullness for a natural and lasting effect.
An application of AR in cosmetological industry after coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic
Authors: Seo Yoo Jung , Kwon Ki Han
Published: July 2022

Background

The consumption pattern in the beauty Industry has been changed due to the coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) crisis. As hygiene issues were raised, non‐face‐to‐face communication was emphasized, and within this framework, the use of augmented reality (AR) emerged as one of the hottest topics in the industry.

Aims

To check the usefulness of AR in the beauty Industry by systematically examining quantitative research which in turn verifies empirically the effectiveness of AR.

Methods

A total of eight quantitative studies that verified the effect of AR in the cosmetic field were identified, and the contents of the studies were analyzed using PRISMA flow diagram.

Result

Sub‐elements of reciprocity and expressive power for AR showed that they stimulate individual emotions and encourage purchase.

Conclusion

In the current beauty Industry dominated by non‐face‐to‐face interactions, AR was evaluated as an appropriate means to respond to changes in the market.
An open‐label, 4‐week, prospective clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel targeted skin care line addressing five common skin conditions
Authors: Duschek Nikolaus , Cajkovsky Mia , Prinz Valentina , Müller Daniel , Hundsamer Andrea , Baierl Andreas , Möllhoff Nicholas , Sulovsky Monika , Frank Konstantin
Published: July 2022

Background

Common skin conditions, such as irritated, dry, aging, and oily skin or dark eye circles with periorbital edema, usually do not require pharmaceutical therapy in form of dermatological drugs. They can, however, still affect the quality of life significantly. With the advent of newer cosmetics, a more targeted treatment of these dermatological conditions has become available to the public. There are few clinical studies investigating the efficacy and safety of cosmetics, leaving consumers exposed to potentially false claims of the cosmetic industry. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel skin care series addressing the aforementioned five common skin conditions.

Methods

This open‐label, single‐center, 4‐week, prospective clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of five novel skin care formulations, each targeting one of five common skin issues in 176 study subjects. The primary endpoint parameters for the change in irritated skin, dark and puffy eyes, dry skin, aging skin, and oily skin were assessed through validated questionnaires, scales, and biomedical devices.

Results

After 4 weeks of topical application of each formulation of a new targeted skin care, a significant improvement in all primary endpoints was detected. No undesirable effects occurred during this study.

Conclusion

This study showed a significant improvement in five common dermatological conditions with a novel targeted skin care series. Moreover, this study leads the way for an overdue critical assessment and certification of cosmetic product claims.
Clinical and metagenomic profiling of hormonal acne‐prone skin in different populations
Authors: Hrapovic Nina , Richard Thibaud , Messaraa Cyril , Li Xi , Abbaspour Afrouz , Fabre Susanne , Mavon Alain , Andersson Björn , Khmaladze Ia
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns of unknown etiology, often connected to the menstrual cycle in women, and possibly to the microbial profile and function.

Objective

We aimed to investigate how hormonal fluctuation affects hormonal acne‐prone skin in different populations in relation to skin clinical parameters and microbial profiles.

Methods

We evaluated skin features by using biophysical and topographical tools. For microbial profiling, we sequenced facial skin microbiota and associated the findings with the skin clinical parameters during the different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Results

We identified differences between and within hormonal phases in women of Chinese and Caucasian origin. Changes were discovered in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum level, hydration level, and pore volume. The most abundant identifiable genera in both ethnicities were Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, without any significant abundant differences within the menstrual cycle. Interestingly, 11 bacterial metabolic pathways were downregulated in Chinese compared to Caucasian skin during the follicular phase. The majority of these pathways were associated with skin redox balance, perhaps indicating a weaker oxidative stress response in Chinese versus Caucasian skin. Novosphingobium taxa were increased in the Chinese skin microbiome, which has been reported to protect skin from pollution‐mediated oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Thus, this pilot study explored some of the clinical and metagenomic changes in acne‐prone skin, and provide guidance to tailor‐personalized skin care regimes during the menstrual cycle. Also, the skin redox status in acne‐prone skin, provides more opportunity to tailor‐personalized skin care regimes.
Clinical implications and biological features of a novel postoperative recurrent HCC classification: A multi‐centre study
Authors: Qi Lu‐Nan , Ma Liang , Wu Fei‐Xiang , Chen Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Xuan , Peng Yu‐Chong , Chen Zu‐Shun , Gong Wen‐Feng , Yang Cheng‐Lei , Wei Hao‐Wen , Qin Shui‐Ling , Shang Jin‐Jie , Wang Qiu‐Yan , Yu Hong‐Ping , Peng Tao , Huang Ying‐Wu , Ling Yong‐Chi , Tang Wei‐Zhong , Xiang Bang‐De , Li Le‐Qun
Published: July 2022

Background & Aims

The multiplicity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence patterns is the most important determinant of patients' postsurgical survival. A systematic HCC recurrence classification is needed to help prevent and treat postoperative HCC recurrence in the era of precision medicine.

Methods

A total of 1319 patients with recurrent HCC from four hospitals were enrolled and divided into a development cohort (n = 916), internal validation cohort (n = 225) and external validation cohort (n = 178). A comprehensive study of patients' clinicopathological factors and biological features was conducted.

Results

Four subtypes of recurrence were identified, which integrated recurrence features, survival, effects on systemic and liver function and potential therapeutics after recurrence: type I (solitary‐intrahepatic oligorecurrence); type II (multi‐intrahepatic oligorecurrence); type III (progression recurrence) and type IV (hyper‐progression recurrence). Type III~IV recurrence indicated exceptionally poor prognosis. Subsequently, two nomogram models were established for type III~IV recurrence prediction, and both demonstrated excellent predictive performance and applicability of pre and postoperative strategy formulation. Multiple biological analyses revealed that HCC cases with type III~IV recurrence were characterized by enrichment in p53 mutations, CCND1 amplification, high proliferation/metastasis potential, inactive metabolism and immune exhaustion features. Over‐expression of high mobility group protein 2 (HMGA2) enhanced the highly malignant behaviour of HCC through multiple molecular pathways, making it a potential prognostic predictor and therapeutic target.

Conclusions

This ‘recurrent HCC classification’ has important potential value in identifying patients with surgical benefit, predicting postsurgical survival and guiding treatment strategies. Multidimensional biological insights also increased knowledge of factors associated with HCC recurrence.
Chromosomal inversions can limit adaptation to new environments
Authors: Roesti Marius , Gilbert Kimberly J. , Samuk Kieran
Published: July 2022

Chromosomal inversions are often thought to facilitate local adaptation and population divergence because they can link multiple adaptive alleles into non‐recombining genomic blocks. Selection should thus be more efficient in driving inversion‐linked adaptive alleles to high frequency in a population, particularly in the face of maladaptive gene flow. But what if ecological conditions and hence selection on inversion‐linked alleles change? Reduced recombination within inversions could then constrain the formation of optimal combinations of pre‐existing alleles under these new ecological conditions. Here, we outline this idea of inversions limiting adaptation and divergence when ecological conditions change across time or space. We reason and use simulations to illustrate that the benefit of inversions for local adaptation and divergence under one set of ecological conditions can come with a concomitant constraint for adaptation to novel sets of ecological conditions. This limitation of inversions to adaptation may contribute to the maintenance of polymorphism within species.
Simulation‐based optimization method for arterial signal control considering traffic safety and efficiency under uncertainties
Authors: Zheng Liang , Li Xiaoru
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes an arterial signal control stochastic simulation‐based optimization model with traffic safety and efficiency as biobjectives and solves it by a biobjective surrogate‐based promising area search (BOSPAS) method. In this model, traffic safety and efficiency are indexed by the average potential collision energy (APCE) and the vehicular throughput of the arterial road, respectively, and the arterial signal control plan is designed in a ring‐and‐barrier structure. In the BOSPAS method, each solution is evaluated by traffic simulation only once and stochastic evaluation noises of the sampled solutions are smoothed by a shrinking ball method to approximate their biobjective expectations. Based on the solutions and their estimated biobjective values, two surrogate models of biobjectives are constructed and optimized to obtain the nondominated solutions, which will guide the establishment of the joint promising area for sampling in the next iteration. In the numerical experiments, BOSPAS is first tested to outperform three other counterparts (i.e., nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II [NSGA‐II], biobjective efficient global optimization [BOEGO], and biobjective promising area search [BOPAS]) by a stochastic FON function from the aspects of convergence and diversity. It is then applied to optimize the signal control plan of an arterial road with six four‐leg signalized intersections in Changsha, China. The numerical results show that the nondominated solutions by BOSPAS perform better than those by NSGA‐II, BOEGO, and BOPAS under limited simulation budgets, and also mostly outperform three solutions by Synchro, MAXBAND, and MULTIBAND, especially in reducing APCE. In contrast with the field‐implemented signal plan, the optimized ones by BOSPAS improve the APCE and the vehicular throughput of the arterial road by at most 50.2% and 24.8%, respectively. Moreover, considering the vehicular throughput of arterial road as one objective may have a negative effect on the vehicular throughput of the overall road network. In conclusion, BOSPAS is promising to address biobjective optimization problems characterized by costly evaluation, high dimensions, and stochastic noises.
Pexophagy is critical for fungal development, stress response, and virulence in Alternaria alternata
Authors: Wu Pei‐Ching , Choo Celine Yen Ling , Lu Hsin‐Yu , Wei Xian‐Yong , Chen Yu‐Kun , Yago Jonar I. , Chung Kuang‐Ren
Published: July 2022

Alternaria alternata can resist high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The protective roles of autophagy or autophagy‐mediated degradation of peroxisomes (termed pexophagy) against oxidative stress remain unclear. The present study, using transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy coupled with a GFP‐AaAtg8 proteolysis assay and an mCherry tagging assay with peroxisomal targeting tripeptides, demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitrogen depletion induced autophagy and pexophagy. Experimental evidence showed that H2O2 triggered autophagy and the translocation of peroxisomes into the vacuoles. Mutational inactivation of the AaAtg8 gene in A. alternata led to autophagy impairment, resulting in the accumulation of peroxisomes, increased ROS sensitivity, and decreased virulence. Compared to the wild type, ΔAaAtg8 failed to detoxify ROS effectively, leading to ROS accumulation. Deleting AaAtg8 down‐regulated the expression of genes encoding an NADPH oxidase and a Yap1 transcription factor, both involved in ROS resistance. Deleting AaAtg8 affected the development of conidia and appressorium‐like structures. Deleting AaAtg8 also compromised the integrity of the cell wall. Reintroduction of a functional copy of AaAtg8 in the mutant completely restored all defective phenotypes. Although ΔAaAtg8 produced wild‐type toxin levels in axenic culture, the mutant induced a lower level of H2O2 and smaller necrotic lesions on citrus leaves. In addition to H2O2, nitrogen starvation triggered peroxisome turnover. We concluded that ΔAaAtg8 failed to degrade peroxisomes effectively, leading to the accumulation of peroxisomes and the reduction of the stress response. Autophagy‐mediated peroxisome turnover could increase cell adaptability and survival under oxidative stress and starvation conditions.
Therapeutic alliance in a cognitive rehabilitation programme for people with serious mental illness: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Faith Laura A. , Howie J. Hunter , Blanco Emily , Jarvis Stephen P. , Rempfer Melisa V.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Therapeutic alliance is an important element of evidence‐based treatments for people diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET) is an efficacious cognitive rehabilitation programme that emphasizes coach–participant relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine experiences of therapeutic alliance among CET participants.

Design

We used an exploratory qualitative approach.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Interview transcripts were analysed by three independent coders using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes related to therapeutic alliance emerged: (1) positive regard; (2) collaboration; (3) authenticity; (4) negative alliance.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that therapeutic alliance is an important component of CET that bolsters the learning environment and ensures a positive group experience. Our qualitative analyses contribute greater understanding of how strong therapeutic relationships impact people with serious mental illnesses participating in evidence‐based treatments beyond psychotherapy context.
Single‐cell transcriptome atlas reveals developmental trajectories and a novel metabolic pathway of catechin esters in tea leaves
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wu Yi , Peng Anqi , Cui Jilai , Zhao Mingyue , Pan Yuting , Zhang Mengting , Tian Kai , Schwab Wilfried , Song Chuankui
Published: July 2022

The tea plant is an economically important woody beverage crop. The unique taste of tea is evoked by certain metabolites, especially catechin esters, whereas their precise formation mechanism in different cell types remains unclear. Here, a fast protoplast isolation method was established and the transcriptional profiles of 16 977 single cells from 1st and 3rd leaves were investigated. We first identified 79 marker genes based on six isolated tissues and constructed a transcriptome atlas, mapped developmental trajectories and further delineated the distribution of different cell types during leaf differentiation and genes associated with cell fate transformation. Interestingly, eight differently expressed genes were found to co‐exist at four branch points. Genes involved in the biosynthesis of certain metabolites showed cell‐ and development‐specific characteristics. An unexpected catechin ester glycosyltransferase was characterized for the first time in plants by a gene co‐expression network in mesophyll cells. Thus, the first single‐cell transcriptional landscape in woody crop leave was reported and a novel metabolism pathway of catechin esters in plants was discovered.
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome: Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes – a single center study in Japan
Authors: Ohnishi Takuma , Sato Satoshi , Uejima Yoji , Kawano Yutaka , Suganuma Eisuke
Published: July 2022

Background

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease occurring in children. Although PFAPA is the most common periodic fever syndrome found in children, there are only a few studies defining the clinical characteristics and the efficacy of treatment strategies among Japanese children. This study aimed to clarify the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with PFAPA syndrome and to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features of children with PFAPA who visited Saitama Children's Medical Center between January and December 2019. We also evaluated treatment strategies and their efficacy; abortive treatment with corticosteroids, prophylaxis with cimetidine or colchicine, and surgical management with tonsillectomy.

Results

A total of 100 Japanese children (61% male) with PFAPA were included. Median age of onset was 3 years, median duration of fever episodes was 5 days, and median interval between episodes was 4 weeks. The symptoms (frequencies) were pharyngitis (89%), exudate on tonsils (71%), cervical adenitis (50%), and aphthous stomatitis (49%). Approximately 37% of patients took prednisolone for aborting fever attacks, showing a 100% response; 93% were treated with cimetidine, showing an 79.6% response, and 18% were treated with colchicine, showing a 66.7% response. Only one patient underwent tonsillectomy.

Conclusions

Among Japanese children with PFAPA, 28% of them were ≥5 years with a male predominance. Pharyngitis is the most frequent symptom associated with fever. Cimetidine is suitable for initial therapy because of its safety and efficacy.
Food Literacy Evaluation Questionnaire (Chinese version, FLEQ‐Ch): a validity and cross‐cultural adaptation
Authors: Qian Weiwei , Jiang Qing , Wang Hao , Chen Jing , Ju Yang , Wang Xiaohua
Published: July 2022

Objective

To conduct a Food Literacy Evaluation Questionnaire Chinese Version (FLEQ‐Ch) through a cross‐cultural validation of the original questionnaire.

Design

This was an observational, cross‐sectional study undertaken in two phases: (1) translation and cross‐culture adaptation, and (2) psychometric evaluation.

Sample

A total of 509 residents in Yangzhou City, China were enrolled in this study.

Methods

A translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the FLEQ in Chinese was developed. The psychometric characteristics of FLEQ‐Ch were analyzed for internal consistency, content validity, construct validity and discriminant validity.

Results

The KMO value of the questionnaire was 0.901 and the approximate chi‐square value of Bartlett's sphericity test was 8132.538. The ranges of the Cronbach's α coefficient and the test‐retest coefficient of the total questionnaire and three dimensions were 0.869–0.955 and 0.941–0.952, respectively. The value of content validity index of the total questionnaire was 0.945. Construct validity: (1) Aggregation coefficient was between 0.828 and 0.955; (2) Discrimination coefficient was between 0.004 and 0.227; (3) Correlation coefficient between each factor was between 0.046 and 0.188; the correlation coefficient between each factor and the total questionnaire ranged from 0.419 to 0.788. Discriminant validity: the standardized factor loadings of all items on the corresponding factors were 0.75–0.96. The results of the model‐fit indices showed RMSEA was 0.08 and GFI was 0.91.

Conclusions

The FLEQ‐Ch can effectively evaluate the food literacy of the general public in terms of foods planning and management, foods selection, and foods‐making attitudes. It covers the four areas of food literacy, and shows good practicability and operability.
The relation between second‐generation antipsychotics and laxative use in elderly patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Lin Ching‐Hua , Lin Hsin‐Yi , Lin Ta‐Chun , Chan Hung‐Yu , Chen Jiahn‐Jyh
Published: July 2022

Background

We aimed to investigate factors associated with concomitant laxative use among elderly patients with schizophrenia, discharged on second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs), from two large public psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan.

Methods

Elderly patients with schizophrenia who were discharged between 2006 and 2019 and received SGA monotherapy at discharge were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with regular laxative use at discharge. The Cochrane‐Armitage trend test was used to evaluate whether significant time trends existed for rates of laxative use at discharge.

Results

A total of 2591 elderly patients with schizophrenia were discharged during the study period, and 1727 of 2591 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Of these 1727 patients, 732 (42.4%) also received concomitant laxatives. Female gender, mood stabiliser use and concomitant diabetes mellitus were found to be associated with increased laxative use. Among SGAs, clozapine was associated with the highest rate of laxative use, followed by zotepine, quetiapine, olanzapine and risperidone. Additionally, risperidone, amisulpride, aripiprazole, paliperidone and sulpiride were associated with comparable rates of laxative use. Laxative use rates grew over time from 30.8% in 2006 to 46.6% in 2019 (z = 4.83, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Laxative use is common in elderly schizophrenia patients treated with SGAs. In cases of clinically significant constipation, switching to an SGA with a lower risk for constipation, or discontinuing the use of mood stabilisers should be considered, if clinically feasible.
Improving oral health‐related quality of life for a child with Hunter's syndrome: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Elkhatib Amira Abdelhafeez
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Hunter's syndrome (HS) is a severe metabolic disorder with heterogeneous multisystemic manifestations including orodental features. The heterogeneity of manifestations of HS, complicate the provision of proper dental care.

Case report

A 12 years old male was diagnosed with HS and referred for a comprehensive oral rehabilitation after he failed to receive proper dental care. He was complaining of fractured infected central incisors due to trauma, multiple caries, and poor oral hygiene. Despite his negative behaviour and poor dental history, dental treatment was provided under local anesthesia, using basic behaviour guidance techniques. The treatment outcomes had a positive impact on his behavior toward dental treatment and his oral health. During the first year follow up, there was a significant improve in his oral health‐related quality of life assessed by Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire.

Conclusion

This report highlighted the importance of proper referral and treatment of the necessary dental needs for patients with HS. Pediatric dentists need to work together with pediatricians to promote oral health, and formulate educational programs to eliminate barriers to necessary dental care suitable for each patient's need.
Marginalized within the Margins: Minority Stress and Identity Centrality
Authors: Tuthill Zelma Oyarvide
Published: July 2022

Research documents how identity linked processes may have important health implications for people with marginalized or stigmatized identities. While previous work suggests that certain dimensions of identity may moderate the impact of minority stressors to wellbeing, work on identity centrality has yielded mixed findings about the directionality of the relationship between centrality and health. Given the importance of identity centrality on self‐concept, this study highlights how differential exposure to minority stressors matters for identity construction. Drawing from 25 in‐depth interviews on Black and Latino/a sexual minority adults, I examine perceptions of identity centrality and exposure to minority stressors. There are three key findings to highlight. First, results present evidence of intra‐group variability in identity centrality. Second, results indicate that differential exposure to minority stress matters for perceptions of identity centrality. Finally, results note that differentiating between stigma and race related stressors is necessary to better understand experiences of minority stress.
Physical activity, diet quality and all-cause cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: a prospective study of 346 627 UK Biobank participants
Authors: Ding Ding , Van Buskirk Joe , Nguyen Binh , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Elbarbary Mona , Veronese Nicola , Clare Philip J , Lee I-Min , Ekelund Ulf , Fontana Luigi
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To examine independent and interactive associations of physical activity and diet with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and physical activity, diet and adiposity-related (PDAR) cancer mortality.

Methods

This population-based prospective cohort study (n=346 627) is based on the UK Biobank data with linkage to the National Health Service death records to 30 April 2020. A left-truncated Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to examine the associations between exposures (self-reported total moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) and a diet quality index (score ranged 0–3)) and outcomes (all-cause, CVD and PDAR cancer mortality).

Results

During a median follow-up of 11.2 years, 13 869 participants died from all causes, 2650 from CVD and 4522 from PDAR cancers. Compared with quartile 1 (Q1, 0–210 min/week), Q2–Q4 of MVPA were associated with lower risks of all-cause (HR ranged from 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83 to 0.91) to 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.96)), CVD (HR ranged from 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.95) to 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81 to 1.00)) and PDAR cancer mortality (HR ranged from 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79 to 0.93) to 0.94 (95% CI: 0.86 to 1.02)). Compared with no VPA, any VPA was associated with lower risk for all-cause and CVD mortality (HR ranged from 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.89) to 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84 to 0.93) and from 0.75 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.83) to 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80 to 1.02), respectively). Although not reaching statistical significance for all-cause and CVD mortality, being in the best dietary category (diet quality index=2–3) was associated with a reduction in PDAR cancer mortality (HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.93). No additive or multiplicative interactions between physical activity categories and dietary quality was found. When comparing across physical activity and diet combinations, the lowest risk combinations consistently included the higher levels of physical activity and the highest diet quality score.

Conclusions

Adhering to both quality diet and sufficient physical activity is important for optimally reducing the risk of mortality from all causes, CVD and PDAR cancers.
Electronic nudge tool technology used in the critical care and peri-anaesthetic setting: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McIlmurray Lisa , Blackwood Bronagh , Dempster Martin , Kee Frank , Gillan Charles , Hagan Rachael , Lohfeld Lynne , Shyamsundar Murali
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Electronic clinical decision support (eCDS) tools are used to assist clinical decision making. Using computer-generated algorithms with evidence-based rule sets, they alert clinicians to events that require attention. eCDS tools generating alerts using nudge principles present clinicians with evidence-based clinical treatment options to guide clinician behaviour without restricting freedom of choice. Although eCDS tools have shown beneficial outcomes, challenges exist with regard to their acceptability most likely related to implementation. Furthermore, the pace of progress in this field has allowed little time to effectively evaluate the experience of the intended user. This scoping review aims to examine the development and implementation strategies, and the impact on the end user of eCDS tools that generate alerts using nudge principles, specifically in the critical care and peri-anaesthetic setting.

Methods and analysis

This review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A search will be conducted of literature published in the last 15 years in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science and SAGE databases. Citation screening and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers. Extracted data will include context, e-nudge tool type and design features, development, implementation strategies and associated impact on end users.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review will synthesise published literature therefore ethical approval is not required. Review findings will be published in topic relevant peer-reviewed journals and associated conferences.