bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secukinumab treatment showed improved quality of life in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis in Australia: Results from the HOPE study
Authors: Foley Peter , Spelman Lynda , Murrell Dedee F. , Mate Eric , Tronnberg Rebecca , Lowe Patricia M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Psoriasis imposes a disease burden that can have a profound negative impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). HOPE was the first non‐interventional study conducted in patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis in Australia that evaluated health‐related QoL in response to treatment with secukinumab.

Methods

HOPE was a prospective, open‐label, single‐arm, multicentre, non‐interventional, exploratory study in patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis in Australia. The study investigated the change in QoL, using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Assessment Quality of Life‐8 Dimension questionnaire (AQoL‐8D) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and safety profile in response to treatment with secukinumab 300 mg SC weekly for 4 weeks followed by monthly maintenance for 58 weeks.

Results

At Week 14, the mean percentage reduction in total DLQI score from baseline was −82.4% (n = 65), which indicates a substantial improvement in QoL. This level of improvement was sustained up to Week ≥58, with a mean percentage change of −87.4%. The mean percentage change from baseline for AQoL‐8D weighted total score decreased from Week 14 (41.1%) to Week 58 (35.2%), indicating an improvement in patients' QoL. A high proportion of patients achieved PASI 75/90/100 responses at Week 14 (97.0%/71.2%/34.8%), with rates sustained up to Week ≥58 (100%/87.9%/43.1%). The safety profile of secukinumab was favourable, with no cumulative or unexpected safety concerns.

Conclusion

Secukinumab treatment demonstrated a striking improvement in patients' QoL in the HOPE study, the first real‐world study in patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis in the Australian clinical setting.
Non‐immediate hypersensitivity reactions to iomeprol: Diagnostic value of skin tests and cross‐reactivity with other iodinated contrast media
Authors: Gamboa Pedro , Sánchez de Vicente Javier , Galán Cristina , Jáuregui Ignacio , Segurola Aritza , García‐Lirio Eduardo , Seras Yolanda , Martínez‐Antón Mª. Dolores , Arrien de Lecea Angel
Published: July 2022

Background

Iodinated contrast media produce non‐immediate hypersensitivity reactions (NIHR). The goal of this prospective study was to determine the utility of skin tests and the subsequent tolerance to negative skin‐tested iodinated contrasts in patients with NIHR caused by iomeprol.

Methods

Prick and intradermal tests with iomeprol, iopamidol, iopromide, and iobitridol were performed in all patients. IV challenge with the causative contrast (iomeprol in 90%) was made if skin tests were negative. In case of a positive skin test with the causal contrast, or a positive challenge test with it, IV challenge test with an alternative, negative skin‐tested contrast was performed in all patients.

Results

Skin tests were positive in 47.6% (20/42) of patients with NIHR induced by iomeprol. Of the 66 challenge tests performed with negative skin‐tested iodinated contrasts, tolerance was confirmed in 35 (53%): 32 iomeron, 2 iobitridol, 1 iopamidol. Cross‐reactivity between iomeprol and iopamidol was 22% (4/20 in patients with positive skin tests and 5/21 in patients with negative skin tests).

Conclusions

Sensitivity of the skin tests was less than 50% NIHRs due to iomeprol, while the negative predictive value of skin tests in patients who tolerated challenges with alternative contrasts (mainly iopamidol) was 53% (35 tolerated out of 66 performed). The cross‐reactivity between iomeprol and iopamidol is high.
Esteeming goods for non‐accumulation, small realms with few people: Interpreting kula withLaozi
Authors: Liang Yongjia
Published: July 2022

This article interprets the kula system through the lens of theLaozi, a Chinese classic of the 6th century BCE. Laozi's ideas regarding “esteeming goods,” “non‐accumulation,” and “small realms with few people” allow us to understand why kula shells and names are precious but impossible to accumulate and how kula serves to keep societies small and peaceful with its subtle practice of organizations, technologies, and calendars. Through exemplary “elders” who esteem goods hard to accumulate, the kula operates as a void system close to the spontaneous order idealized by Laozi, who promoted the ideal of the non‐accumulative Sage. Epistemologically, the article continues the anthropological tradition of perspectivist comparison by proposing a Sinic interpretation, a version of multi‐universalism that does not intend to invalidate the existing universalism but seeks to transcend the view of a singular western universalism and multiple non‐Western exceptionalisms.
Review article: Diagnosis of coeliac disease: a perspective on current and future approaches
Authors: Anderson Robert P.
Published: July 2022

Diagnostics will play a central role in addressing the ongoing dramatic rise in global prevalence of coeliac disease, and in deploying new non‐dietary therapeutics. Clearer understanding of the immunopathogenesis of coeliac disease and the utility of serology has led to partial acceptance of non‐biopsy diagnosis in selected cases. Non‐biopsy diagnosis may expand further because research methods for measuring gluten‐specific CD4+ T cells and the acute recall response to gluten ingestion in patients is now relatively straightforward. This perspective on diagnosis in the context of the immunopathogenesis of coeliac disease sets out to highlight current consensus, limitations of current practices, gluten food challenge for diagnosis and the potential for diagnostics that measure the underlying cause for coeliac disease, gluten‐specific immunity.
Ovarian maturation of Penaeus subtilis (Decapoda: Penaeidae): A new insight to describe oocyte development and somatic structures
Authors: Craveiro Cecília , Soares Roberta , Castro‐Neto Hildemário , Silva Emanuell F. , Soares Andrey , de Oliveira Paulo G. V. , Gonzalez Evelyn , Peixoto Silvio
Published: July 2022

We observed the presence of follicular cells (FC) in the ovaries of Penaeus subtilis (n = 1198), which led us to classify the development of germ cells into six phases: oogonia, previtellogenic oocytes, primary and secondary vitellogenic oocytes, mature oocytes and atretic oocytes. The FC changes their shape according to the development of germ cells and showed a different distribution along the ovary, which allowed differentiating vitellogenic oocytes into primary and secondary. We also observed that the postovulatory follicles (POF) are composed of follicular cells. The presence of POF in penaeids ovaries is rarely reported, but allows the differentiation between spent and resting stages, commonly grouped in reproductive biology research. Furthermore, observation of ovarian lining was useful to differentiate immature females from females that had spawned at least once. Thus, ovarian development was classified into six stages: immature, early developing, advanced developing, ripe, spent and resting. The distribution and shape variations of FC, ovarian lining features and presence of POF were considered crucial for the classification of ovarian maturation stages. The methods developed here may improve estimates of their reproductive cycle, size at first maturity and spawning season, which are important variables in future studies of the reproductive dynamics.
Basal extrusion of single‐oncogenic mutant cells induces dome‐like structures with altered microenvironments
Authors: Shirai Takanobu , Sekai Miho , Kozawa Kei , Sato Nanami , Tanimura Nobuyuki , Kon Shunsuke , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Murakami Takeru , Ito Shoko , Tilston‐Lunel Andrew , Varelas Xaralabos , Fujita Yasuyuki
Published: July 2022

At the initial stage of carcinogenesis, oncogenic transformation occurs in single cells within epithelial layers. However, the behavior and fate of the newly emerging transformed cells remain enigmatic. Here, using originally established mouse models, we investigate the fate of RasV12‐transformed cells that appear in a mosaic manner within epithelial tissues. In the lung bronchial epithelium, most majority of RasV12‐transformed cells are apically extruded, whereas noneliminated RasV12 cells are often basally delaminated leading to various noncell‐autonomous changes in surrounding environments; macrophages and activated fibroblasts are accumulated, and normal epithelial cells overlying RasV12 cells overproliferate and form a convex multilayer, which is termed a ‘dome‐like structure’. In addition, basally extruded RasV12 cells acquire certain features of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, the expression of COX‐2 is profoundly elevated in RasV12 cells in dome‐like structures, and treatment with the COX inhibitor ibuprofen suppresses the recruitment of activated fibroblasts and moderately diminishes the formation of dome‐like structures. Therefore, basal extrusion of single‐oncogenic mutant cells can induce a tumor microenvironment and EMT and generate characteristic precancerous lesions, providing molecular insights into the earlier steps of cancer development.
Monthly income volatility and health outcomes
Authors: Bania Neil , Leete Laura
Published: July 2022

A growing literature shows that income volatility has negative effects on household well‐being. Using the Survey of Income and Program Participation, we use temporal ordering to investigate the relationship between monthly household income volatility and the subsequent change in self‐reported health status of the household head. For liquidity constrained households, a one standard deviation increase in volatility over 24 months leads to a 1.3%–4.3% increase in the probability of worsened health. The magnitude of this effect is approximately two‐thirds that of the impact of a one standard deviation change in the level of mean household income.
PAPPA2 mutation as a novel indicator stratifying beneficiaries of immune checkpoint inhibitors in skin cutaneous melanoma and non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Dong Yiting , Zhao Lele , Duan Jianchun , Bai Hua , Chen Dongsheng , Li Si , Yu Yangyang , Xiao Mingzhe , Zhang Qin , Duan Qianqian , Sun Tingting , Qi Chuang , Wang Jie , Wang Zhijie
Published: July 2022

Background

Pappalysin 2 (PAPPA2) mutation, occurring most frequently in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is found to be related to anti‐tumour immune response. However, the association between PAPPA2 and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy remains unknown.

Methods

To analyse the performance of PAPPA2 mutation as an indicator stratifying beneficiaries of ICIs, seven public cohorts with whole‐exome sequencing (WES) data were divided into the NSCLC set (n = 165) and the SKCM set (n = 210). For further validation, 41 NSCLC patients receiving anti‐PD‐(L)1 treatment were enrolled in China cohort (n = 41). The mechanism was explored based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database (n = 1467).

Results

In the NSCLC set, patients with PAPPA2 mutation (PAPPA2‐Mut) demonstrated a significantly superior progress free survival (PFS, hazard ratio [HR], 0.28 [95% CI, 0.14–0.53]; p < 0.001) and objective response rate (ORR, 77.8% vs. 23.2%; p < 0.001) compared to those with wide‐type PAPPA2 (PAPPA2‐WT), consistent in the SKCM set (overall survival, HR, 0.49 [95% CI: 0.31–0.78], p < 0.001; ORR, 34.1% vs. 16.9%, p = 0.039) and China cohort. Similar results were observed in multivariable models. Accordingly, PAPPA2 mutation exhibited superior performance in predicting ICIs efficacy compared with other published ICIs‐related gene mutations, such as EPHA family, MUC16, LRP1B and TTN, etc. In addition, combined utilization of PAPPA2 mutation and tumour mutational burden (TMB) could expand the identification of potential responders to ICIs therapy in both NSCLC set (HR, 0.36 [95% CI: 0.23–0.57], p < 0.001) and SKCM set (HR, 0.51 [95% CI: 0.34–0.76], p < 0.001). Moreover, PAPPA2 mutation was correlated with enhanced anti‐tumour immunity including higher activated CD4 memory T cells level, lower Treg cells level, and upregulated DNA damage repair pathways.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that PAPPA2 mutation could serve as a novel indicator to stratify beneficiaries from ICIs therapy in NSCLC and SKCM, warranting further prospective studies.
Intracellular antibody targeting HBx suppresses invasion and metastasis in hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocarcinogenesis via protein phosphatase 2A‐B56γ‐mediated dephosphorylation of protein kinase B
Authors: Che Lin , Du Ze‐Bang , Wang Wei‐Hua , Wu Jia‐Shen , Han Tun , Chen Yuan‐Yuan , Han Pei‐Yu , Lei Zhao , Chen Xiao‐Xuan , He Yun , Xu Ling , Lin Xu , Lin Zhong‐Ning , Lin Yu‐Chun
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) is closely associated with HBV‐related hepatocarcinogenesis via the inactivation of tumour suppressors. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit B56 gamma (B56γ), as a tumour suppressor, plays a critical role in regulating cellular phosphorylation signals via dephosphorylation of signalling proteins. However, the underlying mechanism that B56γ involved in regulating HBx‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis phenotypes and mediating anti‐HBx antibody‐mediated tumour suppression remains unknown.

Materials and Methods

We used bioinformatics analysis, paired HCC patient specimens, HBx transgenic (HBx‐Tg) mice, xenograft nude mice, HBV stable replication in the HepG2.2.15 cells, and anti‐HBx antibody intervention to systematically evaluate the biological function of protein kinase B (AKT) dephosphorylation through B56γ in HBx‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that AKT, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and MMP9 were markedly upregulated, while cell migration and viral carcinogenesis pathways were activated in HBV‐infected liver tissues and HBV‐associated HCC tissues. Our results demonstrated that HBx‐expression promotes AKT phosphorylation (p‐AKTThr308/Ser473), mediating the migration and invasion phenotypes in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, in clinical samples, HBx and B56γ were downregulated in HBV‐associated HCC tumour tissues compared with peritumor tissues. Moreover, intervention with site‐directed mutagenesis (AKTT308A, AKTS473A) of p‐AKTThr308/Ser473 mimics dephosphorylation, genetics‐based B56γ overexpression, and intracellular anti‐HBx antibody inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion in HBx‐expressing HCC cells.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that B56γ inhibited HBV/HBx‐dependent hepatocarcinogenesis by regulating the dephosphorylation of p‐AKTThr308/Ser473 in HCC cells. The intracellular anti‐HBx antibody and the activator of B56γ may provide a multipattern chemopreventive strategy against HBV‐related HCC.
Iny Karajá Presence: Material and Visual Culture of Ritxoko Dolls in Museums
Authors: Morais de Andrade Rita , Duarte Cândido Manuelina Maria
Published: July 2022

Museums face the challenge of the lack of information on their museological documentation of ethnographic objects, specially those collected from indigenous peoples in an array of colonial and post‐colonial contexts. The PPK research project presented in this paper aims to contribute to the improvement of documentation on the Brazilian indigenous Iny Karajá dolls (ritxoko), which have been identified in museum collections around the world. This is most relevant to understudied collections in those museums expected to substantiate exhibitions, educational actions and other forms of access and communication of the collections to the public. In order to address the goal, the PPK project traces the dolls and the museums collections' trajectories, and targets at specifics such as the study of the dolls' clothing and body adornments. Participative research methodologies have proved to be critical as the interpersonal interfaces between researchers/institutions and Iny Karajá indigenous groups provides new data and a fresh understanding of the artifacts in the contexts of museum practices. The information has been organized in a database, which will be available at the digital Platform Tainacan. The usefulness of these findings to the museum field are to acknowledge and disseminate more accurately the Iny Karajá doll collections; to meet UNESCO's Recommendation on the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections (2015); and to account for ritxoko dress, seeking to discuss the place of indigenous artifacts at “ethnic” niches in museums.
MOHOA. A Lesson in Sustainability Given by Modern Heritage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Sacred Architecture of Paul Dequeker
Authors: Michieletto Manlio , Mukanya Victor Bay
Published: July 2022

The Tropical Modernism that spread in the sub‐Saharan Africa, consigning to history many ancient architectural artifacts and practices. The Democratic Republic of the Congo preserves some precious examples of tropical architecture that were realized before and after independence. The aim of this paper is to examine this heritage and the sustainability already embedded in the language of tropical architecture, and its application in the design process through analyzing quintessential instances of Paul Dequeker's work, in particular his sacred architecture. Six projects in DR Congo are presented: King Christ Church, St. Anthony I Church, St. Luke Church, St. Augustine Church, St. Anthony II Church and St. Raphaël Church. This research explores each case study through a qualitative method analyzing, first, historical documents relating to their conception as architectural projects, and second, as part of an African modern heritage that needs to be classified, studied, and protected. Moreover, the analysis focuses on the tropical details and features characterizing the architectural artifacts.
Illiberal economic institutions and racial intolerance in the United States
Authors: Wright Walker
Published: July 2022

This article presents the history of anti‐black racism in the United States as a case study of the interrelation between economic institutions and racial (in)tolerance. It begins by reviewing the current social science on the topic of economic systems and tolerance. It then moves from the history of slavery through Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights movement, demonstrating that government intervention in the economy helped maintain a racial hierarchy and solidify racist attitudes. The article concludes by arguing that liberal economic institutions are a means of dissolving segregated racial orders and creating more tolerant, integrated ones.
Rethinking the pandemic narrative: An ordoliberal perspective
Authors: Trubnikov Dmitrii
Published: July 2022

This article analyses the Covid‐19 pandemic narrative through the lens of the ordoliberal concept of interdependence of orders. This approach explains why the measures adopted eschewed market‐based solutions and suggests what their real driving forces were. The ordoliberal approach asserts that the concentration of power problem is not only a direct outcome of the government response to the crisis, but is also the main cause of the ways chosen to deal with it. This power concentration reached very dangerous levels, which affected social, technological, political and even academic orders, forming the system of incentives that encouraged all crucial players to support the chosen methods.
Attitudes towards the rich in China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam
Authors: Zitelmann Rainer
Published: July 2022

This article is based on representative surveys conducted in China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam as part of the ongoing The Rich in Public Opinion project. While in Western countries 28 per cent of respondents say it is important for them to become rich, in the surveyed Asian countries the figure is 58 per cent. Social envy directed at the rich is much lower in Japan, South Korea and Vietnam than in Europe and the United States, while in China it is at a similar level to that in some Western countries. In particular, popular attitudes towards the rich are far more positive in Japan, South Korea and Vietnam than in Western countries, while in China they are more similar to those in Europe.
How might the United Kingdom's debt–GDP ratio be reduced? Evidence from the last 120 years
Authors: Wickens Michael
Published: July 2022

This article examines how the currently high level of the UK's debt–GDP ratio can be reduced. We consider whether anything can be learned from previous experience over the last 120 years by examining the contributions both to the increase in the debt–GDP ratio and to the reduction of the debt–GDP ratio by various components of the government budget constraint: the primary surplus, growth, inflation, and interest rates and payments. We also examine the effectiveness of policy in influencing these components. We conclude by considering what level of UK debt might be sustainable and whether this is economically and politically achievable.
Venezuela's collapse: Exogenous shock or institutional design?
Authors: Jraissati Jorge , Jakee Keith
Published: July 2022

Venezuela was the fastest‐growing economy of the twentieth century until the 1970s, and it still has the world's largest known oil reserves. Yet in recent years, it has experienced the greatest economic collapse in South America's history, condemning 96 per cent of its people to poverty. Much of the existing literature blames foreign sanctions or a decline in oil prices, or both. We disagree, arguing the breakdown was caused by explicit institutional changes that politicised the oil industry and replaced market mechanisms with central planning. The institutional restructuring also disregarded monetary stability and basic infrastructure, including electricity supply, telecommunications, and even security.
Ten‐year longitudinal analysis of hydroxyurea implementation in a pediatric sickle cell program
Authors: Phan Vivian , Park Ju Ae , Dulman Robin , Lewis Angela , Briere Noravy , Notarangelo Bailey , Yang Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

Hydroxyurea (HU) has proven benefit in sickle cell anemia (SCA), but HU is still underutilized. The Pediatric Sickle Cell Program of Northern Virginia prescribes HU regardless of symptoms to all SCA patients age ≥ 9 months and prospectively tracks outcomes. HU is dosed to maximum tolerated dosing (MTD), targeting 30% Hgb F. Longitudinal data from 2009 to 2019 encompassing 1222 HU‐eligible and 950 HU‐exposure patient‐years were analyzed in 2‐year intervals for hemoglobin (Hgb), fetal hemoglobin (Hgb F), hospitalizations, transfusions, and treat‐and‐release ED visits. Comparing HU‐eligible patients in the interval prior to HU implementation (2009–2011) to the last interval analyzed after HU implementation (2017–2019), HU usage increased from 33% to 93%, average Hgb increased from 8.3 ± 0.98 to 9.8 ± 1.3 g/dl (p < .0001), average Hgb F rose from 13 ± 8.7% to 26 ± 9.9% (p < .0001), hospitalizations decreased from 0.71 (95% CI 0.54–0.91) to 0.2 (95% CI 0.13–0.28) admissions/person‐year, sporadic transfusions decreased from 0.4 (95% CI 0.27–0.55) to 0.05 (95% CI 0.02–0.12) transfusions/person‐year. Treat‐and‐release ED visit rates remained unchanged, varying between 0.49 (95% CI 0.36–0.64) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.48–0.83) visits/person‐year. By the last interval, 72% of patients had Hgb ≥ 9 g/dl, 42% had Hgb F ≥ 30%, 79% experienced no hospitalizations, and 94% received no transfusions. Uniform HU prescription for SCA patients with close monitoring to achieve high Hgb F resulted in significant improvements in laboratory and clinical outcomes within 2 years, which continued to improve over the next 6 years. Rigorous HU implementation in a pediatric sickle cell population is feasible, effective, and sustainable.
Pollen‐based reconstruction reveals the impact of the onset of agriculture on plant functional trait composition
Authors: Veeken Annegreet , Santos Maria J. , McGowan Suzanne , Davies Althea L. , Schrodt Franziska
Published: July 2022

The onset of agriculture improved the capacity of ecosystems to produce food, but inadvertently altered other vital ecosystem functions. Plant traits play a central role in determining ecosystem properties, therefore we investigated how the onset of agriculture in Europe changed plant trait composition using 78 pollen records. Using a novel Bayesian approach for reconstructing plant trait composition from pollen records, we provide a robust method that can account for trait variability within pollen types. We estimate an overall four‐fold decrease in plant size through agriculture and associated decreases in leaf and seed size. We show an increase in niche space towards the resource‐acquisitive end of the leaf economic spectrum. Decreases in leaf phosphorus might have been caused by nutrient depletion through grazing and burning. Our results show that agriculture, from its start, has likely been gradually impacting biogeochemical cycles through altered vegetation composition.
Occurrence of Ophraella communaLeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Vidović Vesna , Hrnčić Snježana , Nježić Branimir
Published: July 2022

Ophraella communa, a potential biological control agent for Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed), was recorded from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2020 for the first time. In the present paper, we report its occurence in other localities in the country. The species was found on A. artemisiifolia, an important invasive alien plant species that causes human health issues and negative impacts on crop yields. All stages of the insect were found in four locations in the northern part of the country where ragweed is highly invasive. A high level of damage on leaves indicates that it has already been established in the area for some time. According to the literature, O. communa might have two generations per year in Bosnia and Herzegovina and relative humidity might play a major role in population development.
Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. (Solanales: Solanaceae) presence confirmed in Portugal
Authors: Tataridas Alexandros , Oliveira Rui S. , Frazão Luciana , Moreira Miguel , Travlos Ilias , Freitas Helena
Published: July 2022

Field surveys conducted in December 2021 in two regions in Portugal revealed the occurrence of the invasive plant species Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. (silverleaf nightshade), following records from the web portal BioDiversity4All. The first population was found at Costa da Caparica, municipality of Almada (Lisbon region), in an abandoned area located in an urban environment and next to the ocean, presenting a small infestation to date (ca. 200 stems). The second population was found in an abandoned field located in an agricultural area at Cano, municipality of Sousel (Northern Alentejo region). The infestation was large (>0.5 ha) and may serve as a reservoir for future invasions in nearby arable fields and olive groves. Negative effects reported in the literature for S. elaeagnifolium include competition with native vegetation, reduces crop yields and is toxic for livestock. Therefore, eradication attempts should be applied promptly in the Costa da Caparica site to eliminate the invasive alien plant before further spread. Monitoring actions and control of the population are the measures to prevent further dispersal of the plant in agricultural land in the Cano site.
Mate selection in China: Trends and determinants
Authors: Liu Hao , Mu Zheng
Published: July 2022

Objective

Using pooled data from the 2010, 2012, and 2014 China Family Panel Studies, this paper elucidates the internal heterogeneity among non‐arranged marriages by examining changing patterns and determinants of mate selection in China from 1950 to 2014.

Background

Previous research has documented a decline in arranged marriages and a rise in self‐initiated marriages in the Asian context.

Methods

This study uses two measures to capture the nuanced nature of mate selection, namely, arranged versus non‐arranged marriages among all couples, and introduced versus self‐initiated marriages among non‐arranged couples.

Results

While arranged marriages declined rapidly and were replaced mostly by introduced marriages before 1980, after 1980, self‐initiated marriages began to increase. Urbanization and better education led to more non‐arranged marriages, particularly through self‐initiated means. The influence of county‐level per capita GDP on mate selection is quadratic.

Conclusion

The two‐stage transitions in mate selection reflect the importance of accounting for both structural and ideational factors in explaining these changes.

Implications

We challenge the assumed unilinear change from arranged marriages to self‐initiated marriages along the processes of economic development. The intensified economic pressures may have driven some young adults back to introduced, even arranged, marriages.
The rising threat of climate change for arthropods from Earth's cold regions: Taxonomic rather than native status drives species sensitivity
Authors: Renault David , Leclerc Camille , Colleu Marc‐Antoine , Boutet Aude , Hotte Hoel , Colinet Hervé , Chown Steven L. , Convey Peter
Published: July 2022

Polar and alpine regions are changing rapidly with global climate change. Yet, the impacts on biodiversity, especially on the invertebrate ectotherms which are dominant in these areas, remain poorly understood. Short‐term extreme temperature events, which are growing in frequency, are expected to have profound impacts on high‐latitude ectotherms, with native species being less resilient than their alien counterparts. Here, we examined in the laboratory the effects of short periodic exposures to thermal extremes on survival responses of seven native and two non‐native invertebrates from the sub‐Antarctic Islands. We found that survival of dipterans was significantly reduced under warming exposures, on average having median lethal times (LT50) of about 30 days in control conditions, which declined to about 20 days when exposed to daily short‐term maxima of 24°C. Conversely, coleopterans were either not, or were less, affected by the climatic scenarios applied, with predicted LT50 as high as 65 days under the warmest condition (daily exposures at 28°C for 2 h). The native spider Myro kerguelensis was characterized by an intermediate sensitivity when subjected to short‐term daily heat maxima. Our results unexpectedly revealed a taxonomic influence, with physiological sensitivity to heat differing between higher level taxa, but not between native and non‐native species representing the same higher taxon. The survival of a non‐native carabid beetle under the experimentally imposed conditions was very high, but similar to that of native beetles, while native and non‐native flies also exhibited very similar sensitivity to warming. As dipterans are a major element of diversity of sub‐Antarctic, Arctic and other cold ecosystems, such observations suggest that the increased occurrence of extreme, short‐term, thermal events could lead to large‐scale restructuring of key terrestrial ecosystem components both in ecosystems protected from and those exposed to the additional impacts of biological invasions.
Planning for Managed Aquifer Recharge Projects
Authors: McCurry Gordon , Pyne David
Published: July 2022

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) involves the intentional recharge of water to aquifers for subsequent recovery or for environmental benefits. It is an increasingly common water resources management strategy but, despite its use for many decades, is unfamiliar to many. This lack of widespread understanding makes it essential that MAR projects are developed using a systematic, comprehensive and transparent approach. This paper outlines a proven and successful approach to planning and developing MAR projects. The process includes three steps, consisting of developing project objectives, developing evaluation criteria for potential MAR projects, and, after collecting and evaluating pertinent data, ranking potential projects against those criteria. Project objectives help define the data that should be collected and the evaluation criteria that are relevant to consider. Commonly used criteria include those relating to water supply, aquifer restoration, water quality and environmental protection. Key evaluation criteria that are discussed in more detail include the availability of water that would be used for recharge, the suitability of receiving aquifers to accept and retain the recharged water, and the compatibility of recharged water with the aquifer into which it is placed. Potential MAR projects can be ranked objectively by quantifying the evaluation criteria and assigning ranking scores to them. The potential project that best meets the project objectives will score the most favorably. Using a quantitative and objective process to evaluate and rank potential projects will increase support by project stakeholders and increase the likelihood that the project will be successful.
Psychopathological symptoms in dermatology: A basic approach toward psychocutaneous disorders
Authors: Rahman Syed Minhaj , Abduelmula Abrahim , Jafferany Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Dermatological conditions impact not only an individual's physical body but also their psychological health. Similar to how cutaneous conditions can affect one's psychological health, worsening psychological conditions can exacerbate or even induce dermatological conditions. There are four common psychiatric pathologies typically found in dermatology practices: depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, obsessive–compulsive disorder behaviors, and psychosis. Common cutaneous disorders associated with these psychopathological symptoms include, but are not limited to, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and delusions of parasitosis. The goal of this review is to examine the relationship between these four psychopathological symptoms with common psychodermatological conditions and to help providers better diagnose and implement appropriate psychological support to treat their patients.
Neonatal haemostatic parameters in correlation to gestational age and birth weight
Authors: Mitsiakos Georgios , Katsaras Georgios N. , Pouliakis Abraham , Papadakis Emmanouil , Chatziioannidis Ilias , Mitsiakou Christina , Gialamprinou Dimitra , Papacharalampous Efthimia , Kioumi Anna , Athanasiou Miranda , Athanassiadou Fani , Sfoungaris Dimitrios , Nikolaidis Nikolaos
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The aim of our study was to establish reference ranges for neonatal coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters and to investigate their relationship with gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW).

Methods

A single‐centre prospective study was conducted in all healthy neonates born in our hospital during the study period, excluding those with maternal or neonatal disorders and diseases that affect haemostasis. The following parameters were measured: fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) as well as factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII, von Willebrand (vWF), protein C, free protein S, antithrombin (AT), activated protein C resistance (APCr), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1).

Results

Study population consisted of 327 neonates. Fibrinogen, AT III, proteins C and S, PAI‐1, vWF and factors II, V, VIII, IX, XI and XII were positively correlated, while PT, aPPT, INR, APCr and tPA were negatively correlated with GA and BW. Proteins C and S, factors II, VIII, IX, XI and vWF, as well AT III and PAI‐1 had a significant positive linear correlation with GA, while aPTT had a significant negative one. Fibrinogen, and factors V, VII and XII had a significant positive linear correlation with BW, while factor VIII, tPA, as well PT and INR had a significant negative one.

Conclusion

Fibrinogen, AT III, proteins C and S, PAI‐1, vWF and factors II, V, VIII, IX, XI and XII increase with GA and BW.
Phenotypic characterization of the Hordeum bulbosum derived leaf rust resistance genes Rph22 and Rph26 in barley
Authors: Yu Xiaohui , Casonato Seona , Jones Eirian , Butler Ruth C. , Johnston Paul A. , Chng Soonie
Published: July 2022

Aims

Two introgression lines (ILs), 182Q20 and 200A12, which had chromosomal segments introgressed from Hordeum bulbosum in H. vulgare backgrounds, were identified to show seedling resistance against Puccinia hordei, possibly attributed to two resistance genes, Rph22 and Rph26, respectively. This study characterized the phenotypic responses of the two genes against P. hordei over different plant development stages.

Methods and Results

Using visual and fungal biomass assessments, responses of ILs 182Q20, 200A12 and four other barley cultivars against P. hordei were determined at seedling, tillering, stem elongation and booting stages. Plants carrying either Rph22 or Rph26 were found to confer gradually increasing resistance over the course of different development stages, with partial resistant phenotypes (i.e. prolonged rust latency periods, reduced uredinia numbers but with susceptible infection types) observed at seedling stage and adult plant resistance (APR) at booting stage. A definitive switch between the two types of resistance occurred at tillering stage.

Conclusions

Rph22 and Rph26 derived from H. bulbosum were well characterized and had typical APR phenotypes against P. hordei.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study provides important insights on the effectiveness and expression of Rph22 and Rph26 against P. hordei during plant development and underpins future barley breeding programmes using non-host as a genetic resource for leaf rust management.
Nest defence behaviour is similar between pair members but only male behaviour predicts nest survival in barnacle geese
Authors: Speelman Frigg J. D. , Hammers Martijn , Komdeur Jan , Loonen Maarten J. J. E.
Published: July 2022

Behavioural patterns often differ consistently across individuals and are linked to fitness. In species with biparental care, the defence behaviour of both parents can affect reproductive success through offspring survival. In addition to the intensity of defence behaviour by both pair members, the similarity in this behaviour among parents may affect offspring survival. However, few studies have investigated the relative impact of both the intensity and similarity of defence behaviour. Here, we examined nest defence behaviour of males and females during the incubation stage in an Arctic population of barnacle geeseBranta leucopsis. We calculated the repeatability of defence behaviour to test whether this behaviour is consistent within individuals and investigated how it is associated with age. In addition, we investigated how daily survival rate (DSR) of the nests until hatching is associated with nest defence behaviour and age of the parents, as well as the effect of parent similarity in nest defence behaviour as an emergent trait of the pair bond. Both male and female defence behaviour were highly repeatable. The ages of both partners within breeding pairs were positively related, but age was only significantly associated with defence behaviour in females. Further, we found high similarity in defence behaviour within breeding pairs, but the similarity and intensity of defence behaviour within breeding pairs did not predict DSR. Finally, male defence behaviour positively predicted DSR, but female defence behaviour and male and female age did not. Our results suggest that nest protection is adaptive in males but behavioural similarity of pair members does not enhance nest survival, indicating behavioural similarity itself is not adaptive but rather a by‐product of different effects.
Identification of a candidate sex determination gene in Culaea inconstans suggests convergent recruitment of an Amh duplicate in two lineages of stickleback
Authors: Jeffries Daniel L. , Mee Jonathan A. , Peichel Catherine L.
Published: July 2022

Sex chromosomes vary greatly in their age and levels of differentiation across the tree of life. This variation is largely due to the rates of sex chromosome turnover in different lineages; however, we still lack an explanation for why sex chromosomes are so conserved in some lineages (e.g. mammals, birds) but so labile in others (e.g. teleosts, amphibians). To identify general mechanisms driving transitions in sex determination systems or forces which favour their conservation, we first require empirical data on sex chromosome systems from multiple lineages. Stickleback fishes are a valuable model lineage for the study of sex chromosome evolution due to variation in sex chromosome systems between closely‐related species. Here, we identify the sex chromosome and a strong candidate for the master sex determination gene in the brook stickleback, Culaea inconstans. Using whole‐genome sequencing of wild‐caught samples and a lab cross, we identify AmhY, a male specific duplication of the gene Amh, as the candidate master sex determination gene. AmhY resides on Chromosome 20 in C. inconstans and is likely a recent duplication, as both AmhY and the sex‐linked region of Chromosome 20 show little sequence divergence. Importantly, this duplicate AmhY represents the second independent duplication and recruitment of Amh as the sex determination gene in stickleback and the eighth example known across teleosts. We discuss this convergence in the context of sex chromosome turnovers and the role that the Amh/AmhrII pathway, which is crucial for sex determination, may play in the evolution of sex chromosomes in teleosts.
7‐day versus 14‐day tegoprazan‐based triple therapy to treat Helicobacter pylori infection: Real‐world evidence
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Kim Sunyong , Kim Hyun‐Young , Noh Seung Jae , Park Jung Ho , Park Chan Hyuk
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Potassium‐competitive acid blockers (P‐CABs) can be used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection. We aimed to evaluate the impact of treatment duration (7 vs 14 days) on successful H. pylori eradication with P‐CAB‐based triple therapy in Korea, where clarithromycin resistance rate is high.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who received first‐line treatment for H. pylori infection with tegoprazan‐based triple therapy (50 mg tegoprazan + 1000 mg amoxicillin + 500 mg clarithromycin twice daily for 1 or 2 weeks). The primary endpoint was the eradication rate in intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis.

Results

Of the 948 patients included in the study, 435 and 513 received 7‐day and 14‐day tegoprazan‐based triple therapy, respectively. The eradication rate was higher in the 14‐day therapy group than in the 7‐day therapy group (ITT, 63.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 59.3–68.3%] vs 78.6% [95% CI, 74.9–81.9%], respectively, P < 0.001; per‐protocol, 70.5% [95% CI, 65.8–74.8%] vs 85.1% [81.7–88.1%], respectively, P < 0.001). Overall adverse event rates did not differ between the two groups. Although six patients in the 14‐day treatment group discontinued the prescribed medications due to adverse events, four of them (67%) discontinued the medication within 4 days.

Conclusions

The 14‐day tegoprazan‐based triple therapy showed a superior eradication rate and acceptable adverse events compared with the 7‐day tegoprazan‐based triple therapy. A 14‐day treatment regimen may be required when H. pylori infection is treated with tegoprazan‐based triple therapy in regions with high clarithromycin resistance.
Alterations in gut microbiota of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheung Man Kit , Yue Grace Gar Lee , Lauw Susana , Li Cindy Shin Yee , Yung Man Yee , Ng Siew Chien , Yip Hon Chi , Kwan Hoi Shan , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Lau Clara Bik San
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer worldwide. Patients with ESCC display an altered esophageal microbiota compared with healthy individuals; however, little is known about the gut microbiota in ESCC.

Methods

Here, we characterized the fecal microbiota of 15 ESCC patients and 16 healthy control subjects using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

After controlling for potential confounders, significant alterations in both taxonomic and functional composition of the gut microbiota in ESCC patients were observed. By contrast, alpha diversity of the gut microbiota did not significantly differ between the cases and controls. We observed an enrichment of potentially pro‐inflammatory and/or carcinogenic bacteria, such as Butyricimonas, Veillonella, and Streptococcus, and a depletion of butyrate‐producing and/or potentially anti‐inflammatory bacteria, such as Butyricicoccus, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, and Eubacterium eligens group, in the gut microbiota of ESCC patients. The log‐ratios of Streptococcus to Butyricicoccus and Streptococcus to Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group of the gut microbiota were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ESCC, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.863 (95% confidence interval: 0.707–1.000) and 0.825 (0.673–0.977), respectively. The diagnostic performance of both microbial biomarkers was validated in another ESCC cohort.

Conclusions

This pilot study has revealed an altered gut microbiota in ESCC patients and has paved the way for large‐scale prospective cohort studies to examine the causative relationship between ESCC and gut dysbiosis.
The role of vaginal microecology in the cervical cancer
Authors: Wei Wei , Xie Liang‐Zhen , Xia Qing , Fu Yang , Liu Fang‐Yuan , Ding Dan‐Ni , Han Feng‐Juan
Published: July 2022

Aim

To explore the role of vaginal microecology in cervical cancer, so as to increase the understanding of cervical cancer and lay a foundation for future large‐sample clinical trials.

Methods

We reviewed and summarized the literature comprehensively, and discussed the relationship between vaginal microecology and HPV infection, CIN progression and cervical cancer, as well as the potential molecular mechanism and the prospects of probiotics and prebiotics in future cancer treatments.

Results

With the popularization of high‐throughput sequencing technology and the development of bioinformatics analysis technology, many evidences show that the increase in the diversity of the bacterial community in the vaginal microecological environment and the decrease in the number of Lactobacilli are associated with the continuous infection of HPV and the further development of CIN, cervical cancer‐related.

Conclusions

Vaginal microecological imbalance has an important impact on the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. However, the pathogenesis is not completely clear, and more high‐level basic research and longitudinal clinical studies are needed to verify.