bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization-based hexapod robot locomotion generation
Authors: Liu Fusheng , He Zhihang , Qiao Yue , Liu Xinxin , Li Xuelong , Wei Wang , Su Bo , Dang Ruina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is specifically to provide a more intelligent locomotion planning method for a hexapod robot based on trajectory optimization, which could reduce the complexity of locomotion design, shorten time of design and generate efficient and accurate motion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors generated locomotion for the hexapod robot based on trajectory optimization method and it just need to specify the high-level motion requirements. Here the authors first transcribed the trajectory optimization problem to a nonlinear programming problem, in which the specified motion requirements and the dynamics with complementarity constraints were defined as the constraints, then a nonlinear solver was used to solve. The leg compliance was taken into consideration and the generated motions were deployed on the hexapod robot prototype to prove the utility of the method and, meanwhile, the influence of different environments was considered.

Findings

The generated motions were deployed on the hexapod robot and the movements were demonstrated very much in line with the planning. The new planning method does not require lots of parameter-tuning work and therefore significantly reduces the cycle for designing a new locomotion.

Originality/value

A locomotion generation method based on trajectory optimization was constructed for a 12-degree of freedom hexapod robot. The variable stiffness compliance of legs was considered to improve the accuracy of locomotion generation. And also, different from some simulation work before, the authors have designed the locomotion in three cases and constructed field tests to demonstrate its utility.
Construction of a volatility index from exchange-traded dollar–rupee options
Authors: Bhat Aparna Prasad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose the implied volatility index for the US dollar–Indian rupee pair (INRVIX). The study seeks to examine whether INRVIX truly reflects future USDINR (US Dollar-Indian rupee) volatility and signals profitable currency trading strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two measures of INRVIX are constructed and compared: a model-free version based on the methodology adopted by the Chicago Board of Options Exchange (CBOE) and a model-dependent version constructed from Black–Scholes–Merton-implied volatility. The proposed INRVIX is computed by tweaking some parameters of the CBOE methodology to ensure compatibility with the microstructure of the Indian currency derivatives market. The volatility forecasting ability of INRVIX is compared to that of a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (1,1) model. Ordinary least squares regression is used to examine the relationship between n-day-ahead USDINR returns and different quantiles of INRVIX.

Findings

Results indicate that INRVIX based on the model-free approach reflects ex post volatility in a better manner than its model-dependent counterpart, although neither measure is found to be an unbiased and efficient forecast. Subsample analysis across tranquil and turbulent periods corroborates the results. The volatility forecasting performance of INRVIX is found to be better than that of forecasts based on historical time-series. These results are consistent with similar studies of developed market currencies. The study does not find any significant relationship between extreme levels of INRVIX and the profitability of trading strategies based on such levels, which is contrary to results from the equity options market.

Practical implications

Foreign exchange volatility affects the costs of international trade and the external sector competitiveness of Indian multinationals. It is a significant risk factor for financial institutions and traders in the financial markets. An implied VIX for the USDINR could serve as an indicator of expected foreign exchange risk. It could thus provide a signal for a possible intervention in the forex market by the regulator. Regulators could introduce volatility derivative contracts based on the INRVIX. Such contracts would enable hedging of the pure volatility risk of dollar–rupee exposure. Thus, the study has practical implications for investors, hedgers, regulators and academicians alike.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is one of a few studies to construct an implied VIX for an emerging currency like the rupee. The study is based on up-to-date sample data that includes the recent COVID-19 market crash. A novel contribution of this paper is that in addition to examining whether INRVIX contains information about future USDINR volatility, and it also examines the signalling power of INRVIX for currency trading strategies.
Where service recovery meets its paradox: implications for avoiding overcompensation
Authors: Edström Andreas , Nylander Beatrice , Molin Jonas , Ahmadi Zahra , Sörqvist Patrik
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The service recovery paradox (SRP) is the phenomenon that happens when customer satisfaction level post-service failure and recovery surpasses the customer satisfaction level achieved at error-free service. The aim of this study was to identify how large the size of compensation has to be at recovery for customer satisfaction to surpass that of error-free service (i.e. to identify a threshold value for SRP). The purpose of this is to inform managers how to restore customer satisfaction yet avoid overcompensation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper covers two studies. Study 1 used the novel approach of asking participants who had experienced a service failure in the hotel industry what amount of money (recovery) would make them more satisfied than in the case of error-free service. Study 2 then tested the compensation levels expressed by Study 1 participants to be sufficient for the service recovery paradox to occur.

Findings

Study 1 indicated that the threshold for the SRP was (on average) around 1,204 SEK, or just over 80% of the original room reservation price of 1,500 SEK (approx. $180). Study 2 found that (on average) the customer satisfaction of participants who received 1,204 SEK in compensation for service failure marked the point where it surpassed that of error-free service. Participants who received 633 SEK were less satisfied; participants who received 1,774 SEK were more satisfied.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are context-specific. Future research should test the findings' generalizability.

Practical implications

The approach used in this paper could provide managers with a tool to guide their service recovery efforts. The findings could help hotel managers to make strategic decisions to restore customer satisfaction yet avoid overcompensation, given a legitimate service failure in which the organization is at fault.

Originality/value

Numerous previous studies have investigated the occurrence or absence of the SRP at predetermined compensation levels. This paper used a novel approach to find a quantitative threshold at which the magnitude of the recovery effort makes customer satisfaction surpass that of error-free service.
Investigating supply chain research trends amid Covid-19: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Erboz Gizem , Abbas Haidar , Nosratabadi Saeed
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of Covid-19 on the supply chain management and to provide an agenda for future research in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the SCOPUS database, a total of 191 articles of 1,323 research articles were selected for further analysis. Bibliometric analysis and science mapping were performed which included author influence, affiliation statistics, keywords, citations, co-citation and co-word analysis.

Findings

Five clusters were identified in the context of supply chain management under Covid-19: managing disruptions in global food supply chains (SCs), using Industry 4.0 technologies for sustainable SCs, collaboration across the supply network for contingency situations, coping with disease outbreaks in personal and professional lives and countering the ripple effect of pandemics. These clusters are potential areas for future research.

Originality/value

Literature is still rare about SC practices amid the Covid-19 crisis. Therefore, this study attempts to provide insights and fill the current gaps on this field.
Facilitator or enforcer, ally or enemy? Claimant’s perceptions of insurers’ roles in occupational rehabilitation
Authors: Pasanen Jarna
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to deepen the understanding of insurers’ role within the return-to-work (RTW) process by uncovering and categorizing the multiple roles assumed by the insurer based on the claimant’s perceptions and identifying the underlying mechanisms that explain the relationship between perceived insurer roles and occupational rehabilitation outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a qualitative approach with theory-guided content analysis to examine 24 semi-structured interviews with occupational rehabilitation claimants who had undergone occupational rehabilitation within the earnings-related pension insurance system in Finland.

Findings

The author uncovered three perceived insurer roles in relation to other stakeholders in the rehabilitation network: financier, coordinator and leader. These roles have different perceived responsibilities and influences on rehabilitation outcomes. Additionally, the author found four perceived insurer roles in relation to the claimants, which varied according to their democracy and activity levels: ally, facilitator, enforcer or enemy. Based on this study, the author recommends that insurers adopt democratic and participatory actor roles (ally and facilitator) to promote the RTW process in occupational rehabilitation.

Originality/value

This inaugural study applied role theory to insurers within the RTW process, developing a new framework of insurer profiles. This study reveals the dynamic nature of insurers and enhances the understanding of the connections between perceived insurer roles and rehabilitation outcomes.
Parasitism dramatically alters the ecosystem services provided by freshwater mussels
Authors: Brian Joshua I. , Reynolds Sam A. , Aldridge David C.
Published: May 2022

Parasites can indirectly affect ecosystem function by altering host phenotype, but the trait‐mediated impacts of parasitism at an ecosystem level remain poorly characterised. However, understanding the influence of parasites is central to understanding the ecosystem services provided by host species, especially in an era of global environmental change.

We examined the effect of native (the trematode Rhipidocotyle campanula) and invasive (the bitterling fish Rhodeus amarus) parasites, and their interaction, on the clearance rates of unionid mussels, a dominant ecosystem‐engineering group that modify freshwater ecosystems worldwide. We used a combination of field experiments, laboratory experiments and ecological simulations to demonstrate the phenotypic impact of parasites on the functional response of two mussel species across an environmental gradient (suspended particle concentration), and extended this with host and parasite community data to demonstrate the consequences for a real‐world ecosystem, the Old West River in Cambridgeshire, England.

Both parasites altered the clearance rates of their hosts but in contrasting fashion: while R. campanula increased host clearance rates relative to uninfected conspecifics under all conditions, R. amarus supressed clearance rates at high suspended particle concentrations (eutrophic conditions) but elevated them otherwise. The parasites displayed different infection patterns in the two host species, and the invasive R. amarus rarely co‐infected mussels with R. campanula.

Given their disparate effects, the parasites' distributions reversed the relative filtration capacity of the two host species under high vs. low concentrations of suspended particles, demonstrating how differences between the infection patterns of native and invasive parasites, as well as their individual effects, need to be considered. Overall, the proportion of daily river discharge filtered by the combined mussel community changed by up to 96% in the presence of parasites. By incorporating multiple host species and multiple parasite species, we provide ecologically relevant evidence for the trait‐mediated effects of parasites on ecosystem processes.

Our study demonstrates that parasitism can significantly alter wider ecosystem processes through changing the phenotype of their host. Future work on ecosystem function should take parasitism into account, and consider both trait‐mediated and density‐mediated effects.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Biochemical and structural characterization of the cyanophage‐encoded phosphate‐binding protein: implications for enhanced phosphate uptake of infected cyanobacteria
Authors: Zhao Fangxin , Lin Xingqin , Cai Kun , Jiang YongLiang , Ni Tianchi , Chen Yue , Feng Jianrong , Dang Shangyu , Zhou Cong‐Zhao , Zeng Qinglu
Published: May 2022

To acquire phosphorus, cyanobacteria use the typical bacterial ABC‐type phosphate transporter, which is composed of a periplasmic high‐affinity phosphate‐binding protein PstS and a channel formed by two transmembrane proteins PstC and PstA. A putative pstS gene was identified in the genomes of cyanophages that infect the unicellular marine cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus. However, it has not been determined whether the cyanophage PstS protein is functional during infection to enhance the phosphate uptake rate of host cells. Here we showed that the cyanophage P‐SSM2 PstS protein was abundant in the infected Prochlorococcus NATL2A cells and the host phosphate uptake rate was enhanced after infection. This is consistent with our biochemical and structural analyses showing that the phage PstS protein is indeed a high‐affinity phosphate‐binding protein. We further modelled the complex structure of phage PstS with host PstCA and revealed three putative interfaces that may facilitate the formation of a chimeric ABC transporter. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanism by which cyanophages enhance the phosphate uptake rate of cyanobacteria. Phosphate acquisition by infected bacteria can increase the phosphorus contents of released cellular debris and virus particles, which together constitute a significant proportion of the marine dissolved organic phosphorus pool.
New evidence on geographic disparities in United States hospital capacity
Authors: Hegland Thomas A. , Owens Pamela L. , Selden Thomas M.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To characterize the quantity and quality of hospital capacity across the United States.

Data Sources

We combine a 2017 near‐census of US hospital inpatient discharges from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) with American Hospital Association Survey, Hospital Compare, and American Community Survey data.

Study Design

This study produces local hospital capacity quantity and care quality measures by allocating capacity to zip codes using market shares and population totals. Disparities in these measures are examined by race and ethnicity, income, age, and urbanicity.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

All data are derived from pre‐existing sources. All hospitals and zip codes in states, including the District of Columbia, contributing complete data to HCUP in 2017 are included.

Principal Findings

Non‐Hispanic Black individuals living in zip codes supplied, on average, 0.11 more beds per 1000 population (SE = 0.01) than places where non‐Hispanic White individuals live. However, the hospitals supplying this capacity have 0.36 fewer staff per bed (SE = 0.03) and perform worse on many care quality measures. Zip codes in the most urban parts of America have the least hospital capacity (2.11 beds per 1000 persons; SEM = 0.01) from across the rural–urban continuum. While more rural areas have markedly higher capacity levels, urban areas have advantages in staff and capital per bed. We do not find systematic differences in care quality between rural and urban areas.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of lower hospital care quality and resource intensity in driving racial and ethnic, as well as income, disparities in hospital care‐related outcomes. This study also contributes an alternative approach for measuring local hospital capacity that accounts for cross‐hospital service area flows. Adjusting for these flows is necessary to avoid underestimating the supply of capacity in rural areas and overestimating it in places where non‐Hispanic Black individuals tend to live.
Enrichment of taste and aroma perceptions in chicken meat stewed in braised soup used repeatedly
Authors: Du Chao , Qi Jun , Yang Cong , Zhang Qingyong , Liu Dengyong
Published: May 2022

Flavor enrichment of sauce‐braised chicken creates a popular umami taste and aroma. In order to preliminarily reveal the enrichment of taste and aroma compounds of sauce‐braised meat products processed with braised soup used repeatedly, the system containing only chicken and chicken soup was designed to simulate the process of repeated stewing. Free amino acids, 5‐nucleotides, fatty acids, and volatile compounds in stewed chicken were determined, and taste and aroma profiles were evaluated using an electronic tongue (E‐tongue) and an electronic nose (E‐nose), respectively. As repeated stewing times increased, the total free amino acid content increased from 514.37 mg/100 g to 721.33 mg/100 g, and the contents of 5′‐inosine monophosphate, 5′‐guanosine monophosphate, and 5′‐adenosine monophosphate increased by approximately 20%. Meanwhile, the relative content of saturated fatty acids increased, and the relative content of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly. Oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid accounted for more than 80% of the total fatty acid content. A total of 15 aroma‐active compounds were identified during repeated stewing, and their concentrations increased by more than 40%, especially for monounsaturated alkenals. Within 10 times of repeated stewing, the taste and aroma compounds were enriched because of a decrease in the concentration difference of taste substances and an increase in the flavor‐adsorption capacity of fat, which was also consistent with the results from the E‐nose and E‐tongue. The taste and aroma of stewed chicken tended to remain constant after 10 times of repeated stewing of braised soup. The obtained information can provide guidelines for regulating the aroma and taste of sauce‐braised chicken.

Practical Application

The fat level of stewed chicken and the difference in concentration between stewed meat and braised soup were important potential factors that could be employed to enhance the flavor of stewed meat.
Bee foraging preferences, microbiota and pathogens revealed by direct shotgun metagenomics of honey
Authors: Galanis Anastasios , Vardakas Philippos , Reczko Martin , Harokopos Vaggelis , Hatzis Pantelis , Skoulakis Efthimios M. C. , Pavlopoulos Georgios A. , Patalano Solenn
Published: May 2022

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) continue to succumb to human and environmental pressures despite their crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services. Owing to their foraging and honey production activities, honeybees form complex relationships with species across all domains, such as plants, viruses, bacteria and other hive pests, making honey a valuable biomonitoring tool for assessing their ecological niche. Thus, the application of honey shotgun metagenomics (SM) has paved the way for a detailed description of the species honeybees interact with. Nevertheless, SM bioinformatics tools and DNA extraction methods rely on resources not necessarily optimized for honey. In this study, we compared five widely used taxonomic classifiers using simulated species communities commonly found in honey. We found that Kraken 2 with a threshold of 0.5 performs best in assessing species distribution. We also optimized a simple NaOH‐based honey DNA extraction methodology (Direct‐SM), which profiled species seasonal variability similarly to an established column‐based DNA extraction approach (SM). Both approaches produce results consistent with melissopalinology analysis describing the botanical landscape surrounding the apiary. Interestingly, we detected a strong stability of the bacteria constituting the core and noncore gut microbiome across seasons, pointing to the potential utility of honey for noninvasive assessment of bee microbiota. Finally, the Direct‐SM approach to detect Varroa correlates well with the biomonitoring of mite infestation observed in hives. These observations suggest that Direct‐SM methodology has the potential to comprehensively describe honeybee ecological niches and can be tested as a building block for large‐scale studies to assess bee health in the field.
The chromosome‐level genome assembly of the Japanese yellowtail jack Seriola aureovittata provides insights into genome evolution and efficient oxygen transport
Authors: Li Ming , Xu Xiwen , Liu Shanshan , Fan Guangyi , Zhou Qian , Chen Songlin
Published: May 2022

Fishes of the genus Seriola are widely farmed and highly valued in global aquaculture production. To further understand their economically important traits and help improve aquaculture product quality and sustainability, we performed a chromosome‐level genome construction for Seriola aureovittata. Combining two technologies, PacBio and BGISEQ‐500, we assembled 649.86 Mb S. aureovittata genome sequences with a contig N50 of 22.21 Mb, and 98% of BUSCO genes were detected in total. The initial assembly was then further scaffolded into 24 pseudochromosomes using Hi‐C data, indicating the high quality of the genome. Genome evolution analysis showed that many genes related to fatty acid metabolism and oxygen binding, or transport were expanded, which provided insights into the metabolic characteristics of fatty acids and efficient oxygen transport. Based on the genome data, we confirmed the evolutionary relationship of S. aureovittata, S. dorsalis and S. lalandi and identified chr12 as the putative sex chromosome of S. aureovittata. Our chromosome‐level genome assembly provides a genetic foundation for the phylogenetic and taxonomic investigation of different Seriola species. Moreover, the genome will provide an important genomic resource for further biological and aquaculture studies of S. aureovittata.
Progress in three‐dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy
Authors: Wu Zhe , Huang Zhangfeng , Qin Yi , Jiao Wenjie
Published: May 2022

The number of minimally invasive surgeries, such as video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robot‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery, has increased enormously in recent years. More and more relevant studies report that anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy has the same effect as traditional lobectomy in the surgical treatment of early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (diameter less than 2.0 cm). Segmentectomy requires sufficient knowledge of the location of the pulmonary nodules, as well as the anatomy of the target segments, blood vessels, and bronchi. With the rapid development of imaging technology and three‐dimensional technology, three‐dimensional reconstruction has been widely used in the medical field. It can effectively assess the vascular branching patterns, discover the anatomic variations of the blood vessels and bronchi, determine the location of the lesion, and clarify the division of the segments. Therefore, it is helpful for preoperative positioning, surgical planning, preoperative simulation and intraoperative navigation, and provides a reference for formulating an individualized surgical plan. It therefore plays a positive role in anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy. This study reviews the progress made in three‐dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy.
How age and race affect the frequency, timing, and content of conversations about race with children
Authors: Sullivan Jessica , Wilton Leigh , Apfelbaum Evan P.
Published: May 2022

Anti‐racist efforts require talking with children about race. The present work tested the predictors of U.S. adults' (N = 441; 52% female; 32% BIPOC participants; Mage = 35 years) conversations about race with children across two timepoints in 2019. Approximately 60% of adult participants talked to their children (3–12 years) about race during the preceding week; only 29% talked to other adults about race during the same period. This paper describes the content and predictors of conversations about race, revealing how conversations differ depending on the participant's race, a child's age, and whether the conversation occurs with children or another adult. These data have important implications for theorizing about when, why, and how adults actually talk about race with children and adults.
Effectiveness, nephrotoxicity, and therapeutic drug monitoring of polymyxin B in nosocomial pneumonia among critically ill patients
Authors: Ye Qinghua , Wang Qianlin , Chen Ziying , Chen Wenqian , Zhan Qingyuan , Wang Chen
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We aimed to assess the effectiveness and nephrotoxicity of polymyxin B in critically ill patients with nosocomial pneumonia and to evaluate the utility of its therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who received polymyxin B treatment for ≥48 h since the establishment of polymyxin B TDM in a 26‐bed tertiary referral intensive care unit. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the variables associated with polymyxin B effectiveness and nephrotoxicity.

Results

A total of 62 patients were enrolled. Most (56.5%) of the patients performed TDM, 54.3% of them reached the therapeutic target of area under curve across 24 h at steady state (AUCss,24h) of 50–100 mg h L−1, and 10 patients had an AUCss,24h value of <50 mg h L−1. Thirty‐six (58.1) and 31 (50.0%) patients had favorable clinical and microbiological responses, respectively. Reaching the therapeutic target of AUCss,24h (odds ratio [OR] = 13.15, p = 0.015), a favorable microbiological response (OR = 40.80, p = 0.00), and complicated with septic shock (OR = 0.12, p = 0.021) were independently associated with favorable clinical outcomes of polymyxin B treatment. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was 45.2%. A lower creatinine clearance (OR = 0.96, p = 0.008) and concomitant treatment with loop diuretics (OR = 5.93, p = 0.046) were predictive of nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion

Our findings show that TDM of polymyxin B is a valuable intervention, and the achievement of its optimal pharmacodynamic target can improve treatment outcome. Renal insufficiency and concomitant treatment with loop diuretics were found to be associated with the risk of nephrotoxicity.
Pharmacokinetics of vaginal versus buccal misoprostol for labor induction at term
Authors: Vorontsova Yana , Haas David M. , Flannery Kathleen , Masters Andrea R. , Silva Larissa L. , Pierson Rebecca C. , Yeley Brittany , Hogg Graham , Guise David , Heathman Michael , Quinney Sara K.
Published: May 2022

The IMPROVE study (NCT02408315) compared the efficacy and safety of vaginal and buccal administration of misoprostol for full‐term, uncomplicated labor induction. This report compares the pharmacokinetics of misoprostol between vaginal and buccal routes. Women greater than or equal to 14 years of age undergoing induction of labor greater than or equal to 37 weeks gestation without significant complications were randomized to vaginal or buccal misoprostol 25 μg followed by 50 μg doses every 4 h. Misoprostol acid concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for the first 8 h in a subgroup of participants. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using NONMEM. Plasma concentrations (n = 469) from 47 women were fit to a one‐compartment nonlinear clearance model. The absorption rate constant (ka) was dependent on both route and dose of administration: buccal 25 μg 0.724 (95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.92) h−1; 50 μg 0.531 (0.37–0.63) h−1; vaginal 25 μg 0.507 (0. 2–1. 4) h−1; and 50 μg 0.246 (0.103–0.453) h−1. Relative bioavailability for vaginal compared to buccal route was 2.4 (1.63–4.77). There was no effect of body mass index or age on apparent clearance 705 (431–1099) L/h or apparent volume of distribution 632 (343–1008) L. The area under the concentration–time curve to 4 h following the first 25 μg dose of misoprostol was 16.5 (15.4–17.5) pg h/ml for buccal and 34.3 (32.5–36.1) pg h/ml for vaginal administration. The rate of buccal absorption was two times faster than that of vaginal, whereas bioavailability of vaginal administration was 2.4 times higher than that of buccal. Decreased time to delivery observed with vaginal dosing may be due to higher exposure to misoprostol acid compared to buccal.
Evolution of preclinical characterization and insights into clinical pharmacology of checkpoint inhibitors approved for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kasichayanula Sreeneeranj , Mandlekar Sandhya , Shivva Vittal , Patel Maulik , Girish Sandhya
Published: May 2022

Cancer immunotherapy has significantly advanced the treatment paradigm in oncology, with approvals of immuno‐oncology agents for over 16 indications, many of them first line. Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are recognized as an essential backbone for a successful anticancer therapy regimen. This review focuses on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory approvals of major CPIs and the evolution of translational advances since their first approval close to a decade ago. In addition, critical preclinical and clinical pharmacology considerations, an overview of the pharmacokinetic and dose/regimen aspects, and a discussion of the future of CPI translational and clinical pharmacology as combination therapy becomes a mainstay of industrial immunotherapy development and in clinical practice are also discussed.
Canagliflozin and atrial fibrillation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A secondary analysis from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Chao , Yu Jie , Hockham Carinna , Perkovic Vlado , Neuen Brendon L. , Badve Sunil V. , Houston Lauren , Lee Vivian Y. J. , Barraclough Jennifer Y. , Fletcher Robert A. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Cannon Christopher P. , Neal Bruce , Arnott Clare
Published: May 2022

Aim

To assess the effects of canagliflozin on the incidence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) and other key cardiorenal outcomes in a pooled analysis of the CANVAS and CREDENCE trials.

Materials and Methods

Participants with type 2 diabetes and high risk of cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease were included and randomly assigned to canagliflozin or placebo. We explored the effects of canagliflozin on the incidence of first AF/AFL events and AF/AFL‐related complications (ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack/hospitalization for heart failure). Major adverse cardiovascular events and a renal‐specific outcome by baseline AF/AFL status were analysed using Cox regression models.

Results

Overall, 354 participants experienced a first AF/AFL event. Canagliflozin had no detectable effect on AF/AFL (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67‐1.02) compared with placebo. Subgroup analysis, however, suggested a possible reduction in AF/AFL in those with no AF/AFL history (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62‐0.99). Canagliflozin was also associated with a reduction in AF/AFL‐related complications (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.65‐0.86). There was no evidence of treatment heterogeneity by baseline AF/AFL history for other key cardiorenal outcomes (all Pinteraction > 0.14). Meta‐analysis of five sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor trials demonstrated a 19% reduction in AF/AFL events with active treatment (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72‐0.92).

Conclusions

Overall, a significant effect of canagliflozin on the incidence of AF/AFL events could not be shown, however, a possible reduction in AF/AFL events in those with no prior history requires further investigation. Meta‐analysis suggests SGLT2 inhibition reduces AF/AFL incidence.
Temporal trends in the spatial bias of species occurrence records
Authors: Bowler Diana E. , Callaghan Corey T. , Bhandari Netra , Henle Klaus , Benjamin Barth M. , Koppitz Christian , Klenke Reinhard , Winter Marten , Jansen Florian , Bruelheide Helge , Bonn Aletta
Published: May 2022

Large‐scale biodiversity databases have great potential for quantifying long‐term trends of species, but they also bring many methodological challenges. Spatial bias of species occurrence records is well recognized. Yet, the dynamic nature of this spatial bias – how spatial bias has changed over time – has been largely overlooked. We examined the spatial bias of species occurrence records within multiple biodiversity databases in Germany and tested whether spatial bias in relation to land cover or land use (urban and protected areas) has changed over time. We focused our analyses on urban and protected areas as these represent two well‐known correlates of sampling bias in biodiversity datasets. We found that the proportion of annual records from urban areas has increased over time while the proportion of annual records within protected areas has not consistently changed. Using simulations, we examined the implications of this changing sampling bias for estimation of long‐term trends of species' distributions. When assessing biodiversity change, our findings suggest that the effects of spatial bias depend on how it affects sampling of the underlying land‐use change drivers affecting species. Oversampling of regions undergoing the greatest degree of change, for instance near human settlements, might lead to overestimation of the trends of specialist species. For robust estimation of the long‐term trends in species' distributions, analyses using species occurrence records may need to consider not only spatial bias, but also changes in the spatial bias through time.
Liquid fluorophore taggants for mark‐release‐recapture research: a survey of potential arthropod targets
Authors: Hagler James R. , Casey Miles T. , Hull Allya M. , Machtley Scott A.
Published: May 2022

We evaluated a method for marking arthropods that could serve as a valuable tool for mark‐release‐recapture dispersal research. The taggants tested consisted of three liquid fluorophores labeled cartax green, magenta, and orange. The manufacturer markets these fluorescent markers as forensic theft deterrents. Specimens of 16 genera of arthropods were externally marked with either one of the colored fluorophores or with water (negative control treatment). The specimens were then qualitatively and quantitatively inspected for fluorescence 24 h later. For the qualitative analysis, three independent observers scored each specimen by direct observation for the presence of a fluorescent mark. The specimens were scored using a portable ultraviolet (UV) tube lantern and a specialized NIGHTSEA‐brand LED UV light. The three fluorophores were readily detected on many but not all the species examined, regardless of the type of UV light used. Moreover, the NIGHTSEA LED light yielded fewer false‐negative observer errors than the lantern. Each specimen's fluorescence was measured with an automated dual‐wavelength microplate fluorometer for the quantitative analysis. Overall, the quantitative analysis was very reliable at detecting fluorescence on a few taxa [e.g.,Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae),Chrysoperlaspp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)], effective on most taxa, and unreliable on several others [e.g.,Collops vittatus(Say) (Coleoptera: Melyridae),Geocorisspp. (Hemiptera: Geocoridae),Mecaphesa celer(Hentz) (Araneae: Thomisidae)]. The cartax green marker was more readily detected than the magenta and orange markers with both visual and automated detection. Overall, the results show that these fluorophores could be effective markers for many arthropod species.
Clinical characteristics and long‐term outcome of cerebral cavernous malformations‐related epilepsy
Authors: Shih Yen‐Cheng , Chou Chien‐Chen , Peng Syu‐Jyun , Yu Hsiang‐Yu , Hsu Sanford P. C. , Lin Chun‐Fu , Lee Cheng‐Chia , Yang Huai‐Che , Chen Yi‐Chieh , Kwan Shang‐Yeong , Chen Chien , Wang Shuu‐Jiun , Lin Chung‐Jung , Lirng Jiing‐Feng , Shih Yang‐Hsin , Yen Der‐Jen , Liu Yo‐Tsen
Published: May 2022

Objective

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) present variably, and epileptic seizures are the most common symptom. The factors contributing to cavernoma‐related epilepsy (CRE) and drug resistance remain inconclusive. The outcomes of CRE after different treatment modalities have not yet been fully addressed. This study aimed to characterize the clinical features of patients with CRE and the long‐term seizure outcomes of medical and surgical treatment strategies.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort of 135 patients with CCM who were diagnosed in 2007–2011 and followed up for 93.6 months on average. The patients were divided into drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE;n = 29), non‐DRE (n = 45), and no epilepsy (NE;n = 61).

Results

Temporal CCM was the factor most strongly associated with the development of both CRE and DRE. The majority of patients with single temporal CCMs had CRE (86.8%,n = 33), and 50% had DRE, whereas only 14.7% (n = 5) with a nontemporal supratentorial CCM had DRE (p < .05). The most common lesion site in the DRE group was the mesiotemporal lobe (50%). Multiple CCMs were more frequently observed in the CRE (29.2%) than the NE (11.5%) group (p < .05). In patients with CRE, multiple lesions were associated with a higher rebleeding rate (odds ratio = 11.1), particularly in those with DRE (odds ratio = 15.4). The majority of patients who underwent resective surgery for DRE (76.5%,n = 13) achieved International League Against Epilepsy Class I and II seizure outcomes even after a long disease course.

Significance

Temporal CCM not only predisposes to CRE but also is a major risk factor for drug resistance. The mesiotemporal lobe is the most epileptogenic zone. Multiple CCMs are another risk factor for CRE and increase the rebleeding risk in these patients. Surgical resection could provide beneficial long‐term seizure outcomes in patients with DRE.
Pervasive transcription: a controlled risk
Authors: Villa Tommaso , Porrua Odil
Published: May 2022

Transcriptome‐wide interrogation of eukaryotic genomes has unveiled the pervasive nature of RNA polymerase II transcription. Virtually, any DNA region with an accessible chromatin structure can be transcribed, resulting in a mass production of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with the potential of interfering with gene expression programs. Budding yeast has proved to be a powerful model organism to understand the mechanisms at play to control pervasive transcription and overcome the risks of hazardous disruption of cellular functions. In this review, we focus on the actors and strategies yeasts employ to govern ncRNA production, and we discuss recent findings highlighting the dangers of losing control over pervasive transcription.
Detection rate and variables associated with incidental prostate cancer by holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Banno Taro , Nakamura Kazutaka , Kaneda Yudai , Ozaki Akihiko , Kouchi Yukiko , Ohira Tadashi , Shimmura Hiroaki
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is well‐established and effective for bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The objective of this study was to examine the detection rate of incidental prostate cancer by holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and variables associated with them.

Methods

A total of 612 patients were enrolled. We retrospectively examined the detection rate of incidental prostate cancer and perioperative variables associated with them.

Results

Forty‐nine of 612 patients were diagnosed with incidental prostate cancer. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher prostate‐specific antigen density (odds ratio 3.34, 95% confidence interval 1.02–10.94, P = 0.05), higher prostate‐specific antigen density of the transition zone (odds ratio 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.02–5.09, P = 0.04), and findings of the prostate cancer on magnetic resonance imaging (peripheral zone: odds ratio 4.71, 95% confidence interval 1.70–13.1, P = 0.003; transition zone: odds ratio 3.46, 95% confidence interval 1.74–6.86, P < 0.001; peripheral and transition zones: odds ratio 6.00, 95% confidence interval 1.51–23.8, P = 0.01) were significantly associated with incidental prostate cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that findings of the prostate cancer on magnetic resonance imaging (peripheral zone: odds ratio 4.36, 95% confidence interval 1.49–12.8, P = 0.001; transition zone: odds ratio 3.54, 95% confidence interval 1.75–7.16, P < 0.001; peripheral and transition zones: odds ratio 6.14, 95% confidence interval 1.53–24.5, P = 0.01) was an independent risk factor for incidental prostate cancer.

Conclusion

The detection rate of incidental prostate cancer was 8.0%, and findings of the prostate cancer on magnetic resonance imaging were an independent predictive factor for incidental prostate cancer.
Potential of propolis antifungal activity for clinical applications
Authors: Cerqueira Patrícia , Cunha Ana , Almeida-Aguiar Cristina
Published: May 2022

The high incidence of skin diseases of microbial origin along with the widespread increase of microbial resistance demand for therapeutic alternatives. Research on natural compounds has been opening new perspectives for the development of new therapies with health-positive impacts. Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees from plant exudates, is widely used as a natural medicine since ancient times, mainly due to its antimicrobial properties. More recently, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory activities were also reported for this natural product, highlighting its high potential pharmacological interest. In the present work, an extensive review of the main fungi causing skin diseases as well as the effects of natural compounds, particularly propolis, against such disease-causing micro-organisms was organized and compiled in concise handy tables. This information allows to conclude that propolis is a highly effective antimicrobial agent suggesting that it could be used as an alternative skin treatment against pathogenic micro-organisms and also as a cosmeceutical component or as a source of bioactive ingredients.
Delineation of blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) nursery habitats in the north‐western Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Matich Philip , Bigelow Camryn L. , Chambers Barrett , Dodds Jillian J. , Hebert Jessica A. , Lemieux Alexis , Pittman Christy M. , Trapp Julianna , Bianco Brooke , Cadena Carolina P. , Castillo Emily I. , Castillo Gabriela I. , Dawdy Alexandra , Dominguez Alina I. , Dominique Nicholas , French Donavon R. , Glenn Callie F. , Jackson Elena C. H. , Johnson Breidon , Kohl Gunnar , Manka Cameron , Martin Jared K. , Pappas Matthew , Reedholm Audrey J. , Snead Kailey M. , Tyree Matthew K. , Fisher Mark
Published: May 2022

Coevolution with predators leads to the use of low‐risk habitats by many prey species, which promotes survival during early developmental phases. These nurseries are valued by conservation and management agencies because of their contributions to adult populations. However, the physical and geographic characteristics, like shallow depths and isolation from other marine habitats, that restrict access to predators and thereby reduce risk to juvenile animals can also limit scientific research. Consequently, many nursery habitats are still unidentified and understudied. Here we used gillnet monitoring from 1982 to 2018 to delineate blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) nurseries in the north‐western Gulf of Mexico and elucidated their physical, environmental and biological characteristics. Nursery habitats within estuaries (<2% of spatial area) were proximate to the Gulf of Mexico and exhibited significantly lower variability in salinity than non‐nurseries. However, relative abundances of predators and prey were not significant delineators of nursery habitats. As such, food and risk may not influence juvenile blacktip habitat use as expected. Alternatively, reduced osmoregulatory stress attributed to predictable environments likely provides advantageous conditions for blacktips to develop foraging and antipredator tactics, which is vital prior to the winter migration of juvenile sharks into the Gulf of Mexico.
Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of anti‐tyrosinase activity of solid lipid nanoparticles containing Undecylenoyl phenylalanine (Sepiwhite®)
Authors: Kabiri Homa , Tayarani‐Najaran Zahra , Rahmanian‐devin Pouria , Vaziri Mohadeseh Sadat , Nasirizadeh Samira , Golmohammadzadeh Shiva , Kamali Hossein
Published: May 2022

Background

Hyperpigmentation is darkened patches or spots on the skin occurred by increased melanin. Undecylenoyl phenylalanine (Sepiwhite®), as a commercial lipophilic derivative of phenylalanine, is a powerful new brightener that can be used in the treatment of skin pigmentation disorders.

Aims

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) increase the efficiency of hydrophobic drugs. The current study aimed to prepare and characterize SLNs containing Sepiwhite (SEPI‐SLN).

Methods

In this study, an optimized SEPI‐SLN formulation was selected by applying the response surface method. In vitro drug loading content, the release profile of SEPI, and cell viability were investigated. The permeation rate of SEPI‐SLN was also compared to conventional cream containing Sepiwhite (SEPI‐CREAM). Furthermore, the anti‐tyrosinase activity of Sepiwhite was also evaluated.

Results

The optimized formulation showed a spherical morphology with particle size and entrapment efficiency of 218.6 ± 11.1 nm and % 87.31 ± 0.65, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed SEPI‐loaded SLN formulation with no drug‐lipid incompatibility. The in vitro permeation experiment revealed the enhanced cutaneous uptake of SEPI‐SLN. The results also showed that Sepiwhite could stop melanogenesis with inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that SLNs could be a proper nanocarrier for the relevant usage of Sepiwhite as a powerful brightener agent.