bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abundance and biomass of Bdelloid rotifers in the microbial mats from East Antarctica: The ecological relations between microscopic phototrophs and invertebrates
Authors: Wada Tomotake , Kudoh Sakae , Koyama Hiroshi , Iakovenko Nataliia , Elster Josef , Kvíderová Jana , Otani Masahiro , Shimada Sho , Imura Satoshi
Published: December 2022

Microbial mats in Antarctica are known to harbor microscopic organisms. Recently, comprehensive studies of the diversity of microbial mats have been conducted using genetic analysis of 16 S rRNA and 18 S rRNA genes. However, the quantitative biological contribution of each microorganism constituting the microbial mats remains unknown. We surveyed microscopic phototrophs and invertebrates in mats sampled from five lakes and one ephemeral wetland on the Sôya Coast, East Antarctica. We identified seven taxonomic groups of phototrophs, of which five (Orders Chroococcales, Nostocales, and Oscillatoriales, and Classes Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae) were found at all sites, and three taxonomic groups of invertebrates (Class Bdelloidea, and Phyla Nematoda, Tardigrada). Bdelloidea were the most predominant invertebrate group at all sampling sites. The biomass of the Bdelloidea was 4–10 times higher than the total biomass of the Nematoda and Tardigrada at all sampling sites. The total biomass of all groups identified was higher in the ephemeral wetland than in the lakes. Of the five lakes, Skallen Ôike had the highest total biomass. These findings suggest that higher biomasses exist in eutrophic environments (the marine relict lake, Skallen Ôike, and an ephemeral wetland) where nutritional carryover or higher nutritional flux is expected. In addition, statistical differences in the community structure among the lakes and the ephemeral wetland could be detected based on the biomass compositions of the taxonomic groups. The community structure of each lake and the wetland was statistically dissimilar, indicating the phototrophs and invertebrates had a unique community structure at each study site.
Current developmental screening practices in young children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Aguwa Chibuzo J. , Cannon Alicia D. , Casella James F. , Shapiro Bruce K. , Lance Eboni I.
Published: December 2022

Despite recent developmental screening guidelines, rates of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) remain lower than expected in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). A retrospective chart review identified 276 eligible patients; 214 charts were available for developmental screening and 207 charts for autism‐specific screening. Developmental surveillance/screening was conducted in 70% of charts and autism‐specific screening in 19% of charts. Validated tools were used in 32% of developmental screenings and 92% of autism‐specific screenings. Many children (57%) were screened outside recommended ages. In conclusion, children with SCD are not regularly receiving appropriate developmental screening and surveillance by their healthcare providers.
Latitudinal cline of flowering and fruiting phenology in Fagaceae in Asia
Authors: Araye Quenta , Yahara Tetsukazu , Satake Akiko
Published: December 2022

The seasonal timing of flowering and fruiting is crucial for the reproductive success of plants and for resource availability to animals. Although plants synchronize their reproductive timing to coincide with appropriate seasons by responding to environmental cues, seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation vary minimally in very wet tropical environments. To explore the latitudinal cline in the reproductive phenology of the Fagaceae in Asia, we analyzed phenology data for a total of 94, 121, and 219 species from Thailand, Malesia, and China, respectively, in the three genera of Fagaceae, Quercus, Castanopsis, and Lithocarpus. We found that Quercus and Castanopsis showed flowering peaks in April in China. In Thailand, the peak shifted to an earlier month, and the peak disappeared in Malesia. The flowering period lengthened with decreasing latitude in the animal‐pollinated genera Castanopsis and Lithocarpus. However, this was not the case for the wind‐pollinated genus Quercus. The fruiting period lengthened with decreasing latitude in all three genera. We examined the relationship between reproductive phenology and climatic factors. The combination of monthly temperature and precipitation best explained the monthly change in the proportion of flowering and fruiting species in China in all three genera. However, climatic factors had almost no impact on the predictive ability of the model in Malesia. Our results on phenological shifts in the family Fagaceae, from the temperate climates and seasonal tropics to the humid tropics, provide valuable information for predicting phenological changes in future climate change.
Survival and long‐term socioeconomic consequences of childhood and adolescent onset of brain tumours
Authors: Pickering Line , Main Katharina M. , Feldt‐Rasmussen Ulla , Sehested Astrid , Mathiasen René , Klose Marianne , Ibsen Rikke , Kjellberg Jakob , Jennum Poul
Published: December 2022

Aim

To evaluate survival distributions, long‐term socioeconomic consequences, and health care costs in patients with childhood and adolescent onset of brain tumours in a Danish nationwide prospective cohort study.

Method

A search of national registries identified 2283 patients (1198 males, 1085 females; mean age 9 years 6 months [SD 5 years 7 months]) diagnosed with a brain tumour between 1980 and 2015 and aged no older than 18 years at diagnosis. These were compared with sex‐, age‐, and residency‐matched comparison individuals. Patients with malignant tumours were compared with those with benign tumours. Survival distributions were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and hazard ratio by the Cox proportional hazard model. Socioeconomic data at age 20 and 30 years were assessed.

Results

The probability of mortality was highest during the first year after tumour diagnosis. In young adulthood, the patients were generally less likely to be married, had lower grade‐point averages, educational levels, and income, were less likely to be in employment, and had higher health care costs than comparison individuals. Patients with malignant tumours had worse outcomes with respect to education, employment, and health care costs than those with benign tumours.

Interpretation

A diagnosis of brain tumour in childhood and adolescence adversely affects survival and has negative long‐term socioeconomic consequences, especially in patients with malignant tumours. These patients require continuous social support.
The gut microbiome dysbiosis is recovered by restoring a normal diet in hypercholesterolemic pigs
Authors: Schoch Leonie , Sutelman Pablo , Suades Rosa , Badimon Lina , Moreno‐Indias Isabel , Vilahur Gemma
Published: December 2022

Background

Gut microbiota is thought to modulate cardiovascular risk. However, the effect of cardiovascular primary prevention strategies on gut microbiota remains largely unknown. This study investigates the impact of diet and rosuvastatin interventions on gut microbiota composition in hypercholesterolemic pigs and associated potential changes in host metabolic pathways.

Methods

Diet‐induced hypercholesterolemic pigs (n = 32) were randomly distributed to receive one of the following 30‐day interventions: (I) continued hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD; n = 9), (II) normocholesterolemic diet (NCD; n = 8), (III) continued HCD plus 40 mg rosuvastatin/daily (n = 7), or (IV) NCD plus 40 mg rosuvastatin/daily (n = 8). Faeces were collected at study endpoint for characterisation of the gut microbiome and metabolic profile prediction (PICRUSt2). TMAO levels and biochemical parameters were determined.

Results

Principal coordinate analyses (beta‐diversity) showed clear differences in the microbiota of NCD vs HCD pigs (PERMANOVA, p = .001). NCD‐fed animals displayed significantly higher alpha‐diversity, which inversely correlated with total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol levels (p < .0003). NCD and HCD animals differed in the abundance of 12 genera (ANCOM; p = .001 vs HCD), and PICRUSt2 analysis revealed detrimental changes in HCD‐related microbiota metabolic capacities. These latter findings were associated with a significant fivefold increase in TMAO levels in HCD‐fed pigs (p < .0001 vs NCD). The addition of a 30‐day rosuvastatin treatment to either of the diets exerted no effects in microbiota nor lipid profile.

Conclusion

In hypercholesterolemic animals, the ingestion of a low‐fat diet for 30 days modifies gut microbiota composition in favour of alpha‐diversity and towards a healthy metabolic profile, whereas rosuvastatin treatment for this period exerts no effects.
LncRNA BBOX1‐AS1 targets miR‐361‐3p/COL1A1 axis to drive the progression of oesophageal carcinoma
Authors: Ma Ruidong , Lu Yuhai , He Xiaoping , Zeng Xiaofei
Published: December 2022

Background

Oesophageal carcinoma (EC) is one of the types of prevalent malignant cancer in the globe. Many researchers reported the vital role played by long‐coding RNAs in EC. In the current research, we investigated the mechanisms of the action of lncRNA BBOX1‐AS1 in EC progression.

Methods

In EC tissues and EC cells, the expression levels of miR‐361‐3p along with COL1A1 and BBOX1‐AS1 were detected through RT‐qPCR or western blotting. MiR‐361‐3p interactions with BBOX1‐AS1 or COL1A1 were verified through Luciferase reporter and RIP tests. Loss of function combined with caspase‐3 activity, CCK‐8 and Transwell assays was performed to investigate cell apoptosis, proliferation and migration, respectively. Knockdown of BBOX1‐AS1 was used for evaluating BBOX1‐AS1 effects on tumour development in vivo.

Results

BBOX1‐AS1 was remarkably elevated in EC tissues and cells. In addition, the silencing of BBOX1‐AS1 attenuated the cell viability, cell migration and enhanced cell apoptosis of EC, as well as suppressed EC tumour formation in vivo. Moreover, BBOX1‐AS1 was found to be a sponge of miR‐361‐3p, which downregulated miR‐361‐3p expression. MiR‐361‐3p inhibitor rescued the anti‐tumour effect of BBOX1‐AS1 knockdown on the progression of EC. Furthermore, we discovered that miR‐361‐3p specially bound to COL1A1 3′UTR and downregulated COL1A1 and COL1A1 reduction declined the promoting effect of silencing miR‐361‐3p on EC cell malignant phenotypes.

Conclusion

BBOX1‐AS1 facilitated the EC development and malignancy via miR‐361‐3p/COL1A1 axis, indicating BBOX1‐AS1 could be a novel therapy target for the diagnostic of EC.
Effective T‐cell replete haploidentical stem cell transplantation for pediatric patients with high‐risk hematologic disorders
Authors: Tannumsaeung Supavich , Anurathapan Usanarat , Pakakasama Samart , Pongpitcha Pongpak , Songdej Duantida , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Andersson Borje S. , Hongeng Suradej
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Patients with high‐risk hematologic diseases require intensive modalities, including high‐dose chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Haploidentical T‐cell–replete transplantation is a logical choice because of the limited availability of matched sibling donors and the prolonged time needed to identify matched unrelated donors in Thailand.

Methods

The clinical outcomes data of 43 patients undergoing allo‐HSCT were reviewed. All patients had high‐risk hematologic malignancies, were younger than 20 years, and were in complete cytological remission at the time of allo‐HSCT. We used two different conditioning regimens: total body irradiation (TBI) combined with cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and melphalan (n = 23) and thiotepa combined with fludarabine and busulfan (n = 20). All patients received a graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and a calcineurin inhibitor or sirolimus.

Results

There was no difference in engraftment between patients receiving either of the regimens. After a median follow‐up of 35.8 (range, 0.6–106.2) months, the overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) rates were 62.4% and 54.7%, respectively. OS and EFS were comparable between the respective regimens.

Conclusions

We conclude that thiotepa‐based conditioning has similar efficacy and tolerability as TBI‐based conditioning for haploidentical HSCT with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide.
The gut microbiota is important for the maintenance of blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier integrity
Authors: Knox Emily G. , Lynch Caoimhe M. K. , Lee Ye Seul , O'Driscoll Caitriona M. , Clarke Gerard , Cryan John F. , Aburto Maria R.
Published: December 2022

The gut microbiota communicates with the brain through several pathways including the vagus nerve, immune system, microbial metabolites and through the endocrine system. Pathways along the humoral/immune gut microbiota–brain axis are composed of a series of vascular and epithelial barriers including the intestinal epithelial barrier, gut–vascular barrier, blood–brain barrier and blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Of these barriers, the relationship between the gut microbiota and blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier is yet to be fully defined. Here, using a germ‐free mouse model, we aimed to assess the relationship between the gut microbiota and the integrity of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, which is localized to the choroid plexus epithelium. Using confocal microscopy, we visualized the tight junction protein zonula occludens‐1, an integral aspect of choroid plexus integrity, as well as the choroid plexus fenestrated capillaries. Quantification of tight junction proteins via network analysis led to the observation that there was a decrease in the zonula occludens‐1 network organization in germ‐free mice; however, we did not observe any differences in capillary structure. Taken together, these data indicate that the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier is another barrier along the gut microbiota–brain axis. Future studies are required to elucidate its relative contribution in signalling from microbiota to the brain.
Complications of equine cheek teeth extractions
Authors: Dixon Padraic M.
Published: December 2022

Due to the length of the reserve crown and roots of equine cheek teeth, especially in young horses, their extraction (exodontia) can be a challenging procedure with the potential for many types of post‐extraction complications to develop. The prevalence of post‐extraction complications is greatly influenced by the exodontia technique used, with unacceptably high levels of complications with the traditional repulsion technique and conversely, low levels of complications with oral extraction performed by skilled operators. Recent objective studies on post‐exodontia problems in horses have also highlighted some risk factors for the development of post‐extraction problems including exodontia of rostral mandibular teeth in young horses, and exodontia of teeth with apical infections. The recent recognition that some nonhealing post‐extraction equine alveoli suffer from a disorder very similar to dry socket in humans, may help clinicians to recognise, treat and possibly help prevent this disorder.
Dexterous robotic manipulation using deep reinforcement learning and knowledge transfer for complex sparse reward‐based tasks
Authors: Wang Qiang , Sanchez Francisco Roldan , McCarthy Robert , Bulens David Cordova , McGuinness Kevin , O'Connor Noel , Wüthrich Manuel , Widmaier Felix , Bauer Stefan , Redmond Stephen J.
Published: December 2022

This paper describes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approach that won Phase 1 of the Real Robot Challenge (RRC) 2021, and then extends this method to a more difficult manipulation task. The RRC consisted of using a TriFinger robot to manipulate a cube along a specified positional trajectory, but with no requirement for the cube to have any specific orientation. We used a relatively simple reward function, a combination of a goal‐based sparse reward and a distance reward, in conjunction with Hindsight Experience Replay (HER) to guide the learning of the DRL agent (Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient [DDPG]). Our approach allowed our agents to acquire dexterous robotic manipulation strategies in simulation. These strategies were then deployed on the real robot and outperformed all other competition submissions, including those using more traditional robotic control techniques, in the final evaluation stage of the RRC. Here we extend this method, by modifying the task of Phase 1 of the RRC to require the robot to maintain the cube in a particular orientation, while the cube is moved along the required positional trajectory. The requirement to also orient the cube makes the agent less able to learn the task through blind exploration due to increased problem complexity. To circumvent this issue, we make novel use of a Knowledge Transfer (KT) technique that allows the strategies learned by the agent in the original task (which was agnostic to cube orientation) to be transferred to this task (where orientation matters). KT allowed the agent to learn and perform the extended task in the simulator, which improved the average positional deviation from 0.134 to 0.02 m, and average orientation deviation from 142° to 76° during evaluation. This KT concept shows good generalization properties and could be applied to any actor‐critic learning algorithm.
Evolution of deep‐sea fisheries policies in China: Review, performance and prospects
Authors: Yu Jinkai , Wang Yan
Published: December 2022

Deep‐sea fisheries policies promulgated by the Chinese government have contributed to healthy development of deep‐sea fisheries. Using content analysis, we explored the evolution of 159 deep‐sea fisheries policy documents enacted in China since 1979. These policies were divided into three periods: initial start‐up during 1979–2002, optimisation and adjustment during 2003–2016 and rapid development during 2017–2021. During the optimisation and adjustment period, deep‐sea aquaculture policies predominated (more than 80%) and policy focus shifted from deep‐sea fishing to deep‐sea aquaculture. Since then, policy power has intensified, and policy support modes evolved from single to diverse. Future deep‐sea fisheries policies should strengthen scientific and technological innovation support, build stakeholder interest consultation mechanisms, strengthen supervision of ecological impacts on surrounding sea areas and adhere to sustainable development goals.
Visiting here, there, and somewhere: Multi‐locality and the geographies of transnational family visiting
Authors: McNeil‐Walsh Colleen Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

For transnational families, visits represent an opportunity to temporarily punctuate the geographical distance that separates them from significant others in everyday life. Drawing on data from mapping‐interviews conducted with older skilled migrants in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, this paper is concerned with how transnational visiting is harnessed to sustain a sense of family togetherness at a later stage of the life course. The discussion contributes to migration scholarship on return visits and visits by relatives to the migration destination but also draws attention to a third dimension of visiting; family meet‐ups in a third space—a location that is neither the country of origin nor the migration destination. Hence, I propose an explicitly spatial, relational conceptualization of transnational family visits, arranged around a multi‐local framework: the return visit (‘there’); the receiving of visits in the migration destination (‘here’); and visits in an in‐between geographical space (‘somewhere’). In so doing, this paper places the spotlight on the geographies of visiting, drawing attention to the dynamic way in which the practice of transnational family visiting in enacted in later life.
Evolution of prevention of vertical HIV transmission in Uganda: 2008–2017
Authors: Nahirney Marissa , Grist Jesse , Namasopo Sophie , Brophy Jason , Hawkes Michael T.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Uganda adapted its policy for prevention of vertical transmission (VT) of HIV transmission as the World Health Organization released Options A, B and B+. We assessed trends in diagnostic testing, breastfeeding practices, maternal and infant antiretroviral therapy (ART), mortality, VT and HIV‐free survival (HFS) among Ugandan infants born to women living with HIV during this period of successive guideline changes.

Methods

This is is a retrospective observational study of infants attending early infant diagnosis clinics at two Ugandan hospitals.

Results

A total of 1885 infants (48% female) were managed from 2009 to 2017. DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for early infant diagnosis was performed on 1719 infants (92%, one or more PCR tests) and 676 infants (36%, two PCR tests). HIV serology was performed on 90 infants (4.8%). Testing increased over the study period but remained suboptimal, due to high loss to follow‐up (LTFU). A total of 93% of infants were breastfed, for a median of 9.5 months. The duration of breast milk exposure increased over the study period, consistent with guidelines that increasingly encouraged breastfeeding. Nine cases (0.48%) of suspected breast milk transmission were observed. The use of ART increased significantly over the study period. Mortality (3.5%, 2.7% and 1.1%; p = 0.0076) and VT (17%, 12% and 7.4%; p < 0.0001) decreased over the study period (2008–2010, 2011–2012 and 2013–2017, respectively). LTFU values were 31%, 49% and 59% at 6, 12 and 18 months of age, respectively, with only modest improvements over time. HFS could only be conclusively documented in 532 infants (28%) because of LTFU.

Conclusions

From 2009 to 2017, outcomes improved among HIV‐exposed infants in Uganda. LTFU remains a barrier to optimal care.
Moisturizing at a molecular level – The basis of Corneocare
Authors: Voegeli Rainer , Rawlings Anthony V.
Published: December 2022

This review covers the last 20 years of research we and our collaborators have conducted on ethnic differences in facial skin moisturization placed in historical context with previous research. We have focussed particularly on the biochemical and cellular gradients of the stratum corneum (SC) with the aim of discovering new skin moisturization and SC maturation mechanisms, identifying new technologies and/or providing conceptual innovations for ingredients that will improve our understanding and treatment of dry skin. Specifically, we discuss gradients for corneodesmosomes and proteases, corneocyte phenotype‐inducing enzymes, filaggrin and natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and barrier lipids. These gradients are interdependent and influence greatly corneocyte maturation. The interrelationship between corneodesmolysis and the covalent attachment of ω‐hydroxy ceramides and ω‐hydroxy fatty acids to the corneocyte protein envelope forming the corneocyte lipid envelope is especially relevant in our new understanding of mechanisms leading to dry skin. This process is initiated by a linoleoyl‐ω‐acyl ceramide transforming enzyme cascade including 12R lipoxygenase (12R‐LOX), epidermal lipoxygenase‐3 (eLOX3), epoxide hydrolase 3 (EPHX3), short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 9C member 7 (SDR9C7), ceramidase and transglutaminase 1. Our research has opened the opportunity of using novel treatment systems for dry skin based on lipids, humectants, niacinamide and inhibitors of the plasminogen system. It is clear that skin moisturization is a more complex mechanism than simple skin hydration.
You ruined our love story, but I just cannot hate you—A moderation–mediation analysis of past experienced brand love and brand hate
Authors: Brandão Amélia , Ribeiro Bruno , Gadekar Mahesh
Published: December 2022

The development of the consumer–brand relationship is crucial for brands as it reflects how well a consumer is emotionally connected with the brand. However, due to unacceptable behaviour, brands have become susceptible to negative consumer–brand relationships. Given the recent importance of the negative consumer–brand relationship and its consequences, little is known about the role of previously experienced brand love. Studies support the link between strongly remembered events and experiences, customer knowledge, brand association, and consumer congruence with brands in creating long‐lasting influence and deep emotion towards the brand. The study examines moderation–mediation analysis of past experienced brand love and brand hate. This research, anchored in consumer brand relationship literature, builds on an analysis of data from 207 respondents. We conducted a research survey in a South‐Western European country and performed the SPSS Hayes Process macro 58 to analyse the moderating role of past experienced brand love alongside the mediating role of brand hate to test our hypotheses. The moderation results show that past experienced brand love significantly moderated the link between brand hate causes (corporate wrongdoings) and brand hate. However, there is no significant moderation influence of past experienced brand love on the consequences of brand hate causes. The study also demonstrates that brand hate mediates the link between corporate wrongdoings and violations of expectations with negative word of mouth, consumer complaints, and patronage reduction/cessation. The current study is unique in that it highlights new avenues in existing research by extending the domain in consumer–brand relationships. The findings of the study have theoretical and empirical implications for brand managers.
Expanding the molecular and morphological diversity of Apusomonadida, a deep‐branching group of gliding bacterivorous protists
Authors: Torruella Guifré , Galindo Luis Javier , Moreira David , Ciobanu Maria , Heiss Aaron A. , Yubuki Naoji , Kim Eunsoo , López‐García Purificación
Published: December 2022

Apusomonads are cosmopolitan bacterivorous biflagellate protists usually gliding on freshwater and marine sediment or wet soils. These nanoflagellates form a sister lineage to opisthokonts and may have retained ancestral features helpful to understanding the early evolution of this large supergroup. Although molecular environmental analyses indicate that apusomonads are genetically diverse, few species have been described. Here, we morphologically characterize 11 new apusomonad strains. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of the rRNA gene operon, we describe four new strains of the known species Multimonas media, Podomonas capensis, Apusomonas proboscidea, and Apusomonas australiensis, and rename Thecamonas oxoniensis as Mylnikovia oxoniensis n. gen., n. comb. Additionally, we describe four new genera and six new species: Catacumbia lutetiensis n. gen. n. sp., Cavaliersmithia chaoae n. gen. n. sp., Singekia montserratensis n. gen. n. sp., Singekia franciliensis n. gen. n. sp., Karpovia croatica n. gen. n. sp., and Chelonemonas dolani n. sp. Our comparative analysis suggests that apusomonad ancestor was a fusiform biflagellate with a dorsal pellicle, a plastic ventral surface, and a sleeve covering the anterior flagellum, that thrived in marine, possibly oxygen‐poor, environments. It likely had a complex cell cycle with dormant and multiple fission stages, and sex. Our results extend known apusomonad diversity, allow updating their taxonomy, and provide elements to understand early eukaryotic evolution.
A review of commercial process simulators applied to food processing
Authors: Ureta M. Micaela , Salvadori Viviana O.
Published: December 2022

The aim of this paper is to give a state of art of the application of commercial process simulators that describes food process transformations from a macro approach, considering the mass and energy balances and the physical and chemical changes, immersed in the context of the whole industrial plant. Most popular commercial software's and its characteristics are exposed. Additionally, the most relevant works in the field are discussed, with emphasis on physicochemical properties of food matrices, the selection of the fluid package and strategies to simulate several common processing stages involved. This review includes a wide variety of food and beverages process like evaporation, concentration, distillation, fermentative reactions, membrane separation and oil refining. Simulated models are an effective tool when several scenarios need to be considered. This area orientated to food processing simulation, still needs to incorporate equation‐oriented approaches and adapt to more versatile operational management.
Involvement of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor methylation in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in male mice
Authors: Cheng Shuyue , Wang Wei , Zhu Zemeng , Zhao Mingyue , Li Hannao , Liu Dexiang , Pan Fang
Published: December 2022

Early life stress alters brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoter IV methylation and BDNF expression, which is closely related to the pathophysiological process of depression. However, the role of abnormal methylation of BDNF induced by stress during adolescence due to depression has not yet been clarified. In this study, adolescent mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Depression‐like behaviors, BDNF promoter IV methylation, expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), demethylation machinery enzymes, BDNF protein levels, and neuronal development in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP) were assessed in adolescent and adult mice. The DNMT inhibitor, 5‐Aza‐2‐deoxycytidine (5‐AzaD), was used as an intervention. Stress in adolescence induces behavioral dysfunction, elevated methylation levels of BDNF promoter IV, changes in the expression of DNMT, and demethylation machinery enzymes in adolescent and adult mice. Additionally, the stress in adolescence induced lower levels of BDNF and abnormal hippocampal doublecortin (DCX) expression in adolescent and adult mice. However, DNMT inhibitor treatment in adolescent‐stressed mice relieved the abnormal behaviors, normalized the methylation level of BDNF promoter IV, BDNF protein expression, expression of DNMTs, and demethylation machinery enzymes, and improved the neuronal development of adult mice. These results suggest that stress in adolescence induces short‐ and long‐term hypermethylation of BDNF promoter IV, which is regulated by DNMTs, and leads to the development of depression.

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Knockdown of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP leads to the death of parvocellular AVP/CRH neurons in mice
Authors: Kawaguchi Yohei , Hagiwara Daisuke , Tsumura Tetsuro , Miyata Takashi , Kobayashi Tomoko , Sugiyama Mariko , Onoue Takeshi , Yasuda Yoshinori , Iwama Shintaro , Suga Hidetaka , Banno Ryoichi , Grinevich Valery , Arima Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is expressed in both magnocellular (magnAVP) and parvocellular AVP (parvAVP) neurons of the paraventricular nucleus, and AVP colocalizes with corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) only in the parvocellular neurons. The immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP) is a major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone which regulates the unfolded protein response under ER stress. We previously demonstrated that knockdown of BiP in magnAVP neurons exacerbated ER stress, which resulted in the autophagy‐associated cell death of magnAVP neurons. Using the same approach, in the present study we examined the role of BiP in mouse parvAVP/CRH neurons. Our data demonstrate that BiP is expressed in mouse parvAVP/CRH neurons under nonstress conditions and is upregulated in proportion to the increase in CRH expression after adrenalectomy. For BiP knockdown in parvAVP/CRH neurons, we utilized a viral approach in combination with shRNA interference. Knockdown of BiP expression induced ER stress in parvAVP/CRH neurons, as reflected by the expression of C/EBP homologous protein. Furthermore, BiP knockdown led to the loss of parvAVP/CRH neurons after 4 weeks. In summary, our results demonstrate that BiP plays a pivotal role in parvAVP/CRH neurons, which function as neuroendocrine cells producing a large number of secretory proteins.
Temporariness made interminable: Pacific Islander farmworkers in Australia and the enduring crises of global agricultural production
Authors: Stead Victoria
Published: December 2022

Drawing on long‐term ethnographic fieldwork with Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) workers in south‐east Australia, I reflect in this paper on the experience of interminable temporariness and on its implications for the structural conditions underpinning contemporary horticultural labour in Australia. Although in many ways reflective of the specificities of a unique historical moment, the interminable temporariness experienced through the COVID‐19 pandemic also speaks to broader, enduring conditions produced within contemporary Australian agriculture. Here, the restructuring of the agri‐industry produces for many what Lauren Berlant describes as the “impasse” or “crisis ordinariness” of life under neoliberalism. At the same time, logics of development—including racialized imaginaries and border regimes—articulate with agricultural guest worker schemes in ways that seek to fix whole populations and regions in relations of suspended hope. In this context, I argue, the pandemic exposed and intensified structural vulnerabilities and unequal distributions of risk, which are encoded in the political economy of farm work in Australia, while also cleaving open new, if tentative, possibilities for agency and solidarity.
Apparent and standardised ileal amino acid digestibilities in heat‐stressed pigs fed wheat‐soybean meal diets supplemented with l‐arginine and dl‐methionine
Authors: Valle Alan , Cervantes Miguel , Morales Adriana , Castillo Gilberto , Montoya Estela , González‐Vega Jollie Caroline , Htoo John K. , Avelar Ernesto
Published: December 2022

Heat stress (HS) exposure may damage the small intestine epithelia of pigs affecting the digestibility and absorption of amino acids (AA). Arg and Met can enhance antioxidant and intestinal cell proliferation activity, thus supplementing them in diets might alleviate epithelial damage and correct the reduced AA digestibility. The effect of adding extra l‐Arg and dl‐Met to diets on the apparent (AID) and standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of AA was analysed in a 10‐day experiment conducted with 10 ileal‐cannulated HS pigs (25.3 ± 2.4 kg body weight). The pigs were divided into two treatments: Control, wheat‐soybean meal diet supplemented with l‐Lys, l‐Thr, dl‐Met and l‐Trp; and control diet plus 0.20% l‐Arg and 0.20% dl‐Met (Arg + Met). Following an 8‐day diet adaptation period, ileal digesta was continuously collected for 12 h, starting at 0700, on Days 9 and 10. All pigs were daily exposed to 29.6–36.1°C; ileal temperature was continuously monitored at 15‐min intervals. Feed was provided twice a day. The ileal temperature ranged from 40.3 to 41.5°C. Daily ileal outflow of His, Ile, Leu, Phe, Thr, Ser and Tyr decreased (p < 0.05), and that of Arg, Val and Pro tended to decrease (p < 0.10) in the Arg + Met pigs. The AID of Arg, His, Met, Thr and Tyr, and the SID of His, Met, and Thr increased in pigs fed the Arg + Met diet (p < 0.05). Thr and Val had the lowest AID values whereas Arg, Met, and Lys had the highest values. Arg (r = 0.64) and Met (r = 0.84) intake were highly correlated with their AID values; Met intake was highly correlated with its SID value (r = 0.72). Valine and Arg had the lowest whereas Arg had the highest SID values. In conclusion, supplementing l‐Arg and dl‐Met above the requirement decreases the ileal outflow of several AA, and increases the AID and SID of some essential AA in HS pigs.
Estimating small structural motions based on sparsity enforcement
Authors: Cai Enjian , Zhang Yi , Lu Xinzheng , Ji Xiaodong , Li Yinbin , Li Jianying , Song Xinyu , Zhang Hong , Liu Yong
Published: December 2022

This paper proposed a novel, efficient method to estimate challenging small structural motions from noisy video. To eliminate the phase limitation, ill‐posed problem, and high computational burden, the structural motion function is resampled and recovered. Because video signals have tremendous redundancies in spatial, block, and time domains, the objective is achieved by enforcing three levels of sparsity constraints. In the first step, the ill‐posed optimization is solved using the multi‐hypothesis prediction embedded with the Tikhonov regularization, to resample and recover the video signal in the spatial domain. The second step is to characterize the measurement uncertainty in the block domain, in which two weight matrices are proposed into the regularization terms of the sparse coding. Finally, the temporal correlation of video frames is exploited by the reweighted residual sparsity. The superiority of the sparsity‐enforcement method over existing methods was demonstrated through several case studies. Among the comparisons, the sparsity‐enforcement method yielded video magnifications, structural motions, and modal information more accurately. Meanwhile, it has the lowest computational burden.
The use of progressive addition lenses to improve the daily visual function of children receiving topical atropine treatment
Authors: Sun Han‐Yin , Tsai Jeng‐Dau , Nien Ying‐Shan , Peng Chien‐Chun , Ke Ching‐Hsiu , Kuo Hui‐Ying
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the changes in visual function when progressive addition lenses (PAL) are added in children using topical atropine as a myopia control therapy. Daily visual complaints and the determination of their near correction were studied.

Methods

Forty children aged 7–12 years were recruited. Distance and near visual acuity, accommodative lag, heterophoria, near point of convergence and stereopsis were examined, and a questionnaire of daily visual complaints was administered.

Results

Significant differences in visual functions were found after the near correction was prescribed. Significant improvements in distance and near visual acuity, lag of accommodation and binocular visual function were observed, and fewer visual complaints were reported at the Harmon distance.

Conclusion

The use of PAL is helpful for children undergoing topical atropine treatment for myopia control, particularly those receiving medium to high doses. This combination therapy could also be applied to younger children who have a low tolerance to contact lenses, with less risk of ocular adverse effects.
A Retrospective Study of the Perioperative Period Management of Joint Arthroplasty in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jin Hongfu , He Miao , Yang Guang , Xie Wenqing , Yu Dengjie , Li Hengzhen , Xiao Wenfeng , Li Yusheng
Published: December 2022

Objective

With the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the increasing demand for joint arthroplasty, the management of CKD patients in the perioperative period of joint arthroplasty has become an issue worthy of attention for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to explore comprehensive perioperative period management strategies for CKD patients.

Methods

From March 2017 to August 2022, 62 patients who underwent joint arthroplasty in our hospital were included in a retrospective study, including 31 CKD patients (mean age 69.8 ± 13.4 years old) and 31 non‐CKD patients (mean age 69.4 ± 14.2 years old). The outcome indicators were analyzed, including serum urea, serum creatinine, blood uric acid, hematocrit, and hemoglobin.

Results

All patients included in the retrospective study had an average preoperative preparation time of 4.3 ± 2.6 days and an average hospitalization time of 11.0 ± 7.3 days. There were no significant differences in the changes in the serum urea values between the preoperative and postoperative measurements in the CKD patients or in the serum creatinine values and blood uric acid values (P > 0.05). The hemoglobin value in postoperative measurements was lower than in preoperative measurements in the CKD patients (P < 0.05). The hematocrit value in postoperative measurements was lower than in preoperative measurements in the CKD patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with CKD have distinct characteristics compared to non‐CKD patients, and they generally have a higher risk for postoperative complications and adverse events. Recognition of risk factors, suitable timing of surgery, the undertaking of protective strategies, and proper management of complications are vital for managing CKD patients in the perioperative period of joint arthroplasty.
Photodynamics of Melanin Radicals: Contribution to Photoprotection by Melanin†
Authors: Sarna Tadeusz
Published: December 2022

The mechanism of very efficient relaxation of the melanin‐photoexcited states, responsible for the photoprotective action of the pigment, remains a subject for intense investigation. The most recent study by C. Grieco, F. Kohl, and B. Kohler, entitled “Ultrafast radical photogeneration pathways in eumelanin,” addresses key issues of melanin photophysics and photochemistry. By using femtosecond broad‐band pump probe‐transient absorption measurements, the researchers were able to identify the absorption spectrum of DOPA melanin radicals for the first time and proposed two distinct mechanisms of radical formation—photoionization and photoinduced charge separation. The observed photodynamic of melanin radicals suggests a new paradigm in which the ultrafast excited state deactivation is due to the efficient recombination of melanin radicals created promptly by photoexcitation.
What can climate change litigation learn from socio‐economic rights litigation?
Authors: Ragnarsson Kári
Published: December 2022

As advocates place hope in international climate change litigation, what lessons may be drawn from over two decades of efforts to litigate socio‐economic rights? Both types of litigation envision a role for courts in solving fundamental societal questions that involve complicated policy responses and far‐reaching consequences for societal and economic structures. Among the challenges faced by courts adjudicating socio‐economic rights are over‐individualization and unintended regressive outcomes. Innovative procedures and remedies have been developed, but courts, both at the national and international level, have often failed, or declined, to address underlying structural problems. The article identifies pitfalls that climate change litigation might avoid and best practices on which to build. It also explores what the experience of socio‐economic rights litigation cautions in terms of expectations of success through litigation.
Evolving peritoneal dialysis care in Chinese mainland from 2010 to 2020: Comparison data from two surveys
Authors: Li Ping , Cao Xueying , Liu Weicen , Zhao Delong , Pan Sai , Sun Xuefeng , Cai Guangyan , Zhou Jianhui , Chen Xiangmei
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Along with the peritoneal dialysis (PD)‐favored policy in China and the implementation of more comprehensive PD management, PD has evolved in Chinese mainland over the last decade. Despite the existence of national registries and several provincial epidemiological descriptive studies, there was almost no national research on the changing trajectory in PD population. A comparison study, based on two national surveys that were 10 years apart, was conducted to reveal the evolvement of PD care in Chinese mainland. Methods: Two national surveys have been done respectively in 2010 and 2020 to capture the epidemiological status, application of different modalities, management of perioperative infection, and long‐term complications among PD patients. Results: In the study with 730 participating hospitals (n = 14,912 PD patients) in 2010 and 746 hospitals (n = 101,537) in 2020, prevalent PD patients have increased in the past 10 years with increased numbers of PD patients in both secondary (average 5 ± 16 vs. 43 ± 41, p < 0.01) and tertiary hospitals (32 ± 53 vs. 153 ± 215, p < 0.01). Automated PD has been accessible in 0.4% of all hospitals, only in tertiary centers in 2010 and its application increased to 51% in 2020. PD centers have become more engaged in PD catheter placement, treated properly for the PD‐related infection, and carried out the follow‐up in compliance with the national protocols. Conclusions: Our study indicates that over the past decade, the prevalent PD population has quickly expanded with increased APD availability in Chinese mainland. The management of PD patients has become better conforming to the guidelines and long‐term follow‐up of patients have remained stable. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether the rapidly changing paradigm of PD could translate into the socio‐economic benefits in the society.
Systematic reviews on platelet transfusions: Is there unnecessary duplication of effort? A scoping review
Authors: Avau Bert , O Dorien , Veys Koen , Georgsen Jørgen , Nahirniak Susan , Shehata Nadine , Stanworth Simon J. , Van Remoortel Hans , De Buck Emmy , Compernolle Veerle , Vandekerckhove Philippe
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Platelet transfusions are used across multiple patient populations to prevent and correct bleeding. This scoping review aimed to map the currently available systematic reviews (SRs) and evidence‐based guidelines in the field of platelet transfusion.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in seven databases for SRs on effectiveness (including dose and timing, transfusion trigger and ratio to other blood products), production modalities and decision support related to platelet transfusion. The following data were charted: methodological features of the SR, population, concept and context features, outcomes reported, study design and number of studies included. Results were synthesized in interactive evidence maps.

Results

We identified 110 SRs. The majority focused on clinical effectiveness, including prophylactic or therapeutic transfusions compared to no platelet transfusion (34 SRs), prophylactic compared to therapeutic‐only transfusion (8 SRs), dose, timing (11 SRs) and threshold for platelet transfusion (15 SRs) and the ratio of platelet transfusion to other blood products in massive transfusion (14 SRs). Furthermore, we included 34 SRs on decision support, of which 26 evaluated viscoelastic testing. Finally, we identified 22 SRs on platelet production modalities, including derivation (4 SRs), pathogen inactivation (6 SRs), leucodepletion (4 SRs) and ABO/human leucocyte antigen matching (5 SRs). The SRs were mapped according to concept and clinical context.

Conclusion

An interactive evidence map of SRs and evidence‐based guidelines in the field of platelet transfusion has been developed and identified multiple reviews. This work serves as a tool for researchers looking for evidence gaps, thereby both supporting research and avoiding unnecessary duplication.