bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the effects of microalgal diversity and thermal history on freshwater phototrophic biofilms facing heat stress: A thermal dose approach
Authors: Courcoul Camille , Laviale Martin , Baillard Vincent , Billoir Elise , Leflaive Joséphine , Boulêtreau Stéphanie
Published: December 2022

The increase in heatwave intensity and duration is challenging microalgal photosynthesis in shallow waters. In particular, the extent of photosynthesis impairment or limitation due to short extreme heat stress events occurring during a heatwave remains unknown.

In this study, we investigated the importance of microalgal diversity and thermal history in response of phototrophic biofilms to severe heat stress. We exposed isolated microalgal strains, synthetic communities previously acclimated at three temperatures, and natural phototrophic biofilms sampled at different seasons to several temperature/duration pairs (from 31 to 44°C for 30, 60, 120 or 180 min). Microalgal photosynthetic activity (FV/FM) was measured after each heat stress and was shown to be a function of thermal dose, defined as the product of time and an exponential function of temperature.

It appeared that the thermal history plays an important role in tolerance to heat stress, with synthetic communities acclimated at highest temperature being more tolerant. However, the responsiveness (i.e. the strength of the response) to heat stress was driven by the microalgal diversity of the community.

Synthesis. Our analysis showed that although photosynthetic activity was negatively impacted by heat stress, gross primary productivity was even more strongly and rapidly impacted, highlighting the fact that in situ, even moderate heat stress can significantly impair primary productivity in shallow waters.
The Impacts of Land and Real Estate Price Fluctuations on Financial Stability: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Jinsong , Wu Wenhui , Li Yueqiao , Yang Qiyuan
Published: December 2022

We construct a provincial financial stability index, and use panel vector autoregression to construct a model for empirical testing. We find that local governments' reliance on land grant premiums amplifies the impact on financial stability. In addition, the relationship between the real estate market and the financial system allows real estate price fluctuations to significantly affect market participants, further impacting financial system stability. Finally, in the eastern region, land price fluctuations have a less adverse impact on financial stability, while in other regions, rising commodity real estate prices are the biggest threat to financial stability.
Does the primary treatment sequence affect post‐relapse survival in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer? A real‐world multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Zhao Yingjun , Jiao Xiaofei , Yu Yang , Li Ruyuan , Zeng Shaoqing , Chi Jianhua , Ma Guanchen , Huo Yabing , Li Ming , Peng Zikun , Liu Jiahao , Zhou Qi , Zou Dongling , Wang Li , Li Qingshui , Wang Jing , Yao Shuzhong , Chen Youguo , Ma Ding , Hu Ting , Gao Qinglei
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the impact of the primary treatment sequence (primary debulking surgery, PDS, versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery, NACT‐IDS) on post‐relapse survival (PRS) and recurrence characteristics of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (REOC).

Design

Real‐world retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary hospitals in China.

Population

A total of 853 patients with REOC at International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stages IIIC–IV from September 2007 to June 2020. Overall, 377 and 476 patients received NACT‐IDS and PDS, respectively.

Methods

Propensity score‐based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to balance the between‐group differences.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinicopathological factors related to PRS.

Results

The overall median PRS was 29.3 months (95% CI 27.0–31.5 months). Multivariate analysis before and after IPTW adjustment showed that NACT‐IDS and residual R1/R2 disease were independent risk factors for PRS (p < 0.05). Patients with diffuse carcinomatosis and platinum‐free interval (PFI) ≤ 12 months had a significantly worse PRS (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that NACT‐IDS was an independent risk factor for diffuse carcinomatosis (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01–1.82, p = 0.040) and PFI ≤ 12 months (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08–2.35, p = 0.019). In IPTW analysis, NACT‐IDS was still significantly associated with diffuse carcinomatosis (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05–1.58, p = 0.015) and PFI ≤ 12 months (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.52–2.38, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The primary treatment sequence may affect the PRS of patients with REOC by altering the recurrence pattern and PFI duration.
LncRNA HOTTIP promotes inflammatory response in acute gouty arthritis via miR‐101‐3p/BRD4 axis
Authors: Shao Ping , Liu Huijie , Xue Yanyan , Xiang Ting , Sun Zhanjuan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is characterized by the accumulation of pro‐inflammatory factors. This research aimed to examine the regulation of long non‐coding RNA HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA (HOTTIP) in AGA on inflammation and its potential mechanisms.

Methods

Serum levels of HOTTIP in AGA patients were examined by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The receiver operating characteristic curve was performed in the diagnosis of AGA patients. Monosodium urate (MSU) stimulation of THP‐1‐derived macrophages was used to establish an in vitro AGA model. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was carried out to assess the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Pearson correlation was applied to examine the correlation. RNA immunoprecipitation assay and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were employed to identify the targeting relationship between miR‐101‐3p and HOTTIP or bromodomain‐containing 4 (BRD4).

Results

HOTTIP and BRD4 were statistically overexpressed in AGA patients compared with controls, while miR‐101‐3p was reduced (P < 0.05). Serum HOTTIP can significantly distinguish AGA patients from healthy controls. HOTTIP bound with miR‐101‐3p then augmented BRD4 via a competing endogenous RNA mechanism. Additionally, HOTTIP levels were elevated in a dose‐dependent manner by MSU (P < 0.05). Weakened HOTTIP significantly inhibited MSU‐induced release of pro‐inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, and transforming growth factor‐α in macrophages (P < 0.05), but this inhibition was reversed by silencing miR‐101‐3p (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In short, HOTTIP contributes to inflammation via miR‐101‐3p/BRD4 axis, and serves as a new diagnostic biomarker. This study offers a renewed perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of AGA.
Epidemiology of esophageal cancer in 2020 and projections to 2030 and 2040
Authors: Liu Chun‐Quan , Ma Yun‐Lei , Qin Qi , Wang Pei‐Hao , Luo Yi , Xu Peng‐Fei , Cui Yong
Published: December 2022

Esophageal cancer is a familiar malignancy with high incidence and mortality, and the overall prognosis is poor. The numbers of cases of and deaths from esophageal cancer have risen rapidly in recent decades. It is one of the most malignant cancers, with more than 0.6 million new cases and 0.54 million deaths worldwide in 2020. Here, we present the global epidemiology of esophageal cancer in 2020 and projections to 2030 and 2040 at different geographical levels of continents, regions and countries, and analyze them by gender, race, geographic region and human development index. We summarize the prospects for the esophageal cancer burden and risk factors in different areas, which will be useful for global esophageal cancer clinical therapy and cancer control planning.
Evaluation of a new medical retrieval and primary health care advice model in Central Australia: Results of pre‐ and post‐implementation surveys
Authors: Green Danielle , Russell Deborah Jane , Zhao Yuejen , Mathew Supriya , Fitts Michelle Susannah , Johnson Richard , Reeve David Mark , Honan Bridget , Niclasen Petra , Liddle Zania , Maguire Graeme , Remond Marc , Wakerman John
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In February 2018 the Remote Medical Practitioner (RMP)‐led telehealth model for providing both primary care advice and aeromedical retrievals in Central Australia was replaced by the Medical Retrieval and Consultation Centre (MRaCC) and Remote Outreach Consultation Centre (ROCC). In this new model, specialists with advanced critical care skills provide telehealth consultations for emergencies 24/7 and afterhours primary care advice (MRaCC) while RMPs (general practitioners) provide primary care telehealth advice in business hours via the separate ROCC.

Objective

To evaluate changes in clinicians’ perceptions of efficiency and timeliness of the new (MRaCC) and (ROCC) model in Central Australia.

Design

There were 103 and 72 respondents, respectively, to pre‐ and post‐implementation surveys of remote clinicians and specialist staff.

Findings

Both emergency and primary care aspects of telehealth support were perceived as being significantly more timely and efficient under the newly introduced MRaCC/ROCC model. Importantly, health professionals in remote community were more likely to feel that their access to clinical support during emergencies was consistent and immediately available.

Discussion

Respondents consistently perceived the new MRaCC/ROCC model more favourably than the previous RMP‐led model, suggesting that there are benefits to having separate referral streams for telehealth advice for primary health care and emergencies, and staffing the emergency stream with specialists with advanced critical care skills.

Conclusion

Given the paucity of literature about optimal models for providing pre‐hospital medical care to remote residents, the findings have substantial local, national and international relevance and implications, particularly in similar geographically large countries, with low population density.
PROspective Meta‐analysis Of Trials of Initial Oxygen in preterm Newborns (PROMOTION): Protocol for a systematic review and prospective meta‐analysis with individual participant data on initial oxygen concentration for resuscitation of preterm infants
Authors: Sotiropoulos James X. , Schmölzer Georg M. , Oei Ju Lee , Libesman Sol , Hunter Kylie E. , Williams Jonathan G. , Webster Angela C. , Tarnow‐Mordi William O. , Vento Maximo , Asztalos Elizabeth , Shah Prakesh S. , Katheria Anup , Seidler Anna Lene
Published: December 2022

Background

Clinicians favour low oxygen concentrations when resuscitating preterm infants immediately after birth despite inconclusive evidence to support this practice. Prospective meta‐analysis (PMA) is a novel approach where studies are identified as eligible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis before their results are known.

Aims

To explore whether high (60%) or low (30%) oxygen is associated with greater efficacy and safety for the initial resuscitation (immediately after birth) of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation.

Methods

We will conduct a prospective meta‐analysis (PMA) with individual participant data (IPD). We will perform a systematic search to identify ongoing RCTs including infants <29 weeks' gestation randomised to high (60%) or low (30%) oxygen for initial resuscitation after birth. IPD will be sought for all infants randomised for the purpose of meta‐analysis. We will employ a one‐stage random‐effects approach to IPD meta‐analysis. Potential heterogeneity and the differential effect of high or low oxygen will be explored through subgroup and interaction analyses. The primary outcome of this study is all‐cause mortality prior to hospital discharge. There will be a follow‐up analysis of neurodevelopmental outcomes once available.

Results/Conclusion

The results of neonatal outcomes at hospital discharge are expected by 2025, and neurodevelopmental outcomes by 2027.
Religious pluralism and the ethics of healthcare
Authors: Audi Robert , Smith William R.
Published: December 2022

Democratic societies that separate church and state face major challenges in accommodating religious convictions. This applies especially to determining healthcare policies. Building on our prior work on the demands and limits of religious accommodation in democratic societies, we propose a set of ethical standards that can guide societies in meeting this challenge. In applying and defending these standards, we explore three topics: vaccine resistance, abortion, and concerns about rights to healthcare. We clarify these and other issues of religious accommodation and propose ethical standards for approaching these and other problems.
Metabolomic profile in patients with primary warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Rabelo Iara B. , Chiba Akemi K. , Moritz Elyse , D'Amora Paulo , Silva Ismael Dale C. G. , Rodrigues Celso A. , Barros Melca M. O. , Bordin José O.
Published: December 2022

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a rare clinical condition with immunoglobulin fixation on the surface of erythrocytes, with or without complement activation. The pathophysiology of AIHA is complex and multifactorial, presenting functional abnormalities of T and B lymphocytes that generate an imbalance between lymphocyte activation, immunotolerance and cytokine production that culminates in autoimmune haemolysis. In AIHA, further laboratory data are needed to predict relapse and refractoriness of therapy, and thus, prevent adverse side‐effects and treatment‐induced toxicity. The metabolomic profile of AIHA has not yet been described. Our group developed a cross‐sectional study with follow‐up to assess the metabolomic profile in these patients, as well as to compare the metabolites found depending on the activity and intensity of haemolysis. We analysed the plasma of 26 patients with primary warm AIHA compared to 150 healthy individuals by mass spectrometry. Of the 95 metabolites found in the patients with AIHA, four acylcarnitines, two phosphatidylcholines (PC), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and three sphingomyelins were significantly increased. There was an increase in PC, spermine and spermidine in the AIHA group with haemolytic activity. The PC ae 34:3/PC ae 40:2 ratio, seen only in the 12‐month relapse group, was a predictor of relapse with 81% specificity and 100% sensitivity. Increased sphingomyelin, ADMA, PC and polyamines in patients with warm AIHA can interfere in autoantigen and autoimmune recognition mechanisms in a number of ways (deficient action of regulatory T lymphocytes on erythrocyte recognition as self, negative regulation of macrophage nuclear factor kappa beta activity, perpetuation of effector T lymphocyte and antibody production against erythrocyte antigens). The presence of PC ae 34:3/PC ae 40:2 ratio as a relapse predictor can help in identifying cases that require more frequent follow‐up or early second‐line therapies.
Cover Image
Authors: Zhu Ning , Liu Jiayu , Ma Ting , Zhang Yu , Lin Ye
Published: December 2022

The cover image is based on the Original Article Fully digital versus conventional workflow for horizontal ridge augmentation with intraoral block bone: A randomized controlled clinical trial by Ning Zhu DMD et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cid.13129.

image
Adiponectin receptors activation performs dual effects on regulating myogenesis and adipogenesis of young and aged muscle satellite cells
Authors: Liu Shibo , Liu Hanghang , Liu Yao , Zhang Ju , Liu Zhikai , Zheng Zizhuo , Luo En
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Skeletal muscle mass and function deteriorate with ageing. Adiponectin receptors (APNrs), mainly activated by adiponectin, participate in various physiological activities and have varying signalling pathways at different ages. This study aimed to explore whether discrepant performance exists in APNr activation regulating young and aged muscle satellite cells (MUSCs) and whether age‐related muscle dysfunction could be alleviated upon APNr activation.

Methods

The gastrocnemius muscle phenotype was observed in male mice aged 2 and 18 months. An APNr agonist (AdipoRon) was usedin vitroandin vivoto investigate the changes in cell biological behaviours and whether muscle dysfunction could be retarded after APNr activation.

Results

Aged mice exhibited decreased muscle mass and increased fat infiltration. APNr activation inhibited C2C12 cells and young MUSCs (YMUSCs) proliferation but showed no obvious effect on aged MUSCs (AMUSCs). Moreover, APNr activation inhibited the migration of both YMUSCs and AMUSCs. Interestingly, APNr activation hampered the myogenic differentiation but advanced the adipogenic differentiation of YMUSCs, yet exact opposite results were presented in AMUSCs. It was demonstrated that Wnt and PI3K signalling pathways may mediate the phenotypic differences. Furthermore,in vivoexperiments verified that APNr activation ameliorated age‐related muscle atrophy and excessive fat infiltration.

Conclusions

APNr activation exerted dual effects on the regulation of myogenesis and adipogenesis of YMUSCs and AMUSCs and rescued age‐related skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Local news sentiment towards FEMA recovery efforts after Hurricane Florence in North Carolina
Authors: Cardwell Julia , Cowan Kristen N.
Published: December 2022

Newspaper sentiment and framing have the power to represent and inform public opinion on a variety of important issues. This study examines local news articles after Hurricane Florence struck North Carolina in the United States in September 2018 to understand the framing efforts undertaken by the outlets that produced these reports, as well as their impact on news sentiment towards the flood recovery efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The results indicate that while most articles published in the wake of Florence have a neutral sentiment, there are a significant number of both positively and negatively coded articles that illuminate important information about how the public engaged with and comprehended the role of FEMA during recovery from the disaster, and how the media chose to cover its involvement. Such scrutiny will continue to inform how public, private, and government actors understand FEMA's role and whether it achieves its goals in the future.
Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy is a useful tool for multi‐perspective psychobiological study of neurophysiological correlates of parenting behaviour
Authors: Russo Carmela , Senese Vincenzo Paolo
Published: December 2022

The quality of the relationship between caregiver and child has long‐term effects on the cognitive and socio‐emotional development of children. A process involved in human parenting is the bio‐behavioural synchrony that occurs between the partners in the relationship during interaction. Through interaction, bio‐behavioural synchronicity allows the adaptation of the physiological systems of the parent to those of the child and promotes the positive development and modelling of the child's social brain. The role of bio‐behavioural synchrony in building social bonds could be investigated using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In this paper we have (a) highlighted the importance of the quality of the caregiver‐child relationship for the child's cognitive and socio‐emotional development, as well as the relevance of infantile stimuli in the activation of parenting behaviour; (b) discussed the tools used in the study of the neurophysiological substrates of the parental response; (c) proposed fNIRS as a particularly suitable tool for the study of parental responses; and (d) underlined the need for a multi‐systemic psychobiological approach to understand the mechanisms that regulate caregiver‐child interactions and their bio‐behavioural synchrony. We propose to adopt a multi‐system psychobiological approach to the study of parental behaviour and social interaction.
Ocular penetration of oral acetaminophen in horses
Authors: Peraza Jacky , Hector Rachel C. , Lee Sera , Terhaar Hannah M. , Knych Heather K. , Wotman Kathryn L.
Published: December 2022

Background

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is increasingly used to treat painful conditions in horses but its ocular penetration has not been studied.

Objectives

To determine whether orally administered acetaminophen penetrates the aqueous humour of the normal equine eye and report an aqueous humour:serum acetaminophen concentration ratio in horses.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

Six privately owned horses with normal ophthalmic examinations weighing 568 ± 65 kg (mean ± standard deviation) and aged 11 ± 4 years were given 20 mg/kg acetaminophen orally every 12 h for a total of six doses. Physical exam parameters were recorded prior to, during, and after the dosing period. One hour after the final dose, horses were sedated and simultaneous aqueous humour and serum samples were collected and analysed for acetaminophen concentrations and selected eicosanoids. An aqueous humour:serum acetaminophen concentration ratio was calculated. A second aqueous humour sample was taken and analysed for eicosanoid concentrations 3 months after acetaminophen dosing. Physical exam data were compared between time points using a mixed model analysis (significancep < 0.05).

Results

Acetaminophen was detected in both serum and aqueous humour of all horses and mean ± standard deviation aqueous humour:serum acetaminophen concentration ratio was 44.9 ± 15.9%. No significant changes in physical exam parameters occurred during or after dosing. Eicosanoids were not detected in aqueous humour at any sampling point.

Main limitations

Presence of acetaminophen in the aqueous humour may not relate to clinical effect. A therapeutic level of acetaminophen has not been determined in horses, and the absence of ocular inflammation does not reflect conditions in which acetaminophen may be used.

Conclusions

Acetaminophen readily penetrates the aqueous humour of the normal equine eye after consecutive oral dosing. Further study is required to determine whether acetaminophen is useful in the treatment of ocular pain and inflammation.
‘it was that … specialist … that finally listened to us … that's probably a weird answer to what you were expecting’: Clinician and carer perspectives on brilliant feeding care
Authors: Dadich Ann , Kaplun Simone , Kaplun Cathy , Hopwood Nick , Elliot Christopher
Published: December 2022

Introduction

To extend research on positive aspects of health care, this article focusses on health care for children who tube‐feed—this is because knowledge about tube‐feeding for children is limited and fragmented. This is achieved by consulting with clinicians and carers who supported children who tube‐feed to clarify their understandings of and experiences with brilliant feeding care.

Methods

Nine clinicians and nine carers who supported children who tube‐fed were interviewed. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results

Findings highlighted several features of brilliant feeding care—namely: practices that go above and beyond; attentiveness; empowerment; being ‘on the same page’; hopefulness and normalcy.

Conclusions

These findings show that seemingly trivial or small acts of care can make a significant meaningful difference to carers of children who tube‐feed. Such accounts elucidate brilliant care as grounded in feasible, everyday actions, within clinicians' reach. The implications associated with these findings are threefold. First, the findings highlight the need for clinicians to listen, be attuned and committed to the well‐being of children who tube‐feed and their carers, share decision‐making, source resources, and instil hope. Second, the findings suggest that carers should seek out and acknowledge clinicians who listen, involve them in decision‐making processes, and continue to source the resources required to optimize child and carer well‐being. Third, the findings point to the need for research to clarify the models of care that foster brilliant feeding care, and the conditions required to introduce and sustain these models.

Patient or Public Contribution

All of the carers and clinicians who contributed to this study were invited to participate in a workshop to discuss, critique, and sense‐check the findings. Three carers and one clinician accepted this invitation. Collectively, they indicated that the findings resonated with them, and they agreed with the themes, which they indicated were well‐substantiated by the data.
Pathology of neoadjuvant therapy and immunotherapy testing for breast cancer
Authors: Provenzano Elena , Shaaban Abeer M
Published: December 2022

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has become the standard of care for high‐risk breast cancer, including triple‐negative (TNBC) and HER2‐positive disease. As a result, handling and reporting of breast specimens post‐NACT is part of routine practice, and it is important for pathologists to recognise the changes in tumour cells, tumour‐associated stroma and background breast tissue induced by NACT. Familiarity with characteristic stromal features enables identification of the pre‐treatment tumour site and allows confident diagnosis of pathological complete response (pCR) which is important for decisions concerning adjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NAET) is used less frequently than NACT; however, the SARS‐COVID‐19 pandemic has changed practice, with increased use as bridging therapy if surgery is delayed. NAET also induces characteristic changes in the tumour and stroma. Changes in the tumour microenvironment following NACT and NAET are also described. Immunotherapy is approved for use in advanced TNBC, and there are several trials exploring its role in early TNBC in the neoadjuvant setting. The current biomarker to determine eligibility for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) immunohistochemistry; however, this is complicated by lack of standardisation with different drugs linked to tests using different antibodies with different scoring systems. The situation in the neoadjuvant setting is further complicated by improved pCR rates for PD‐L1‐positive tumours in both immune therapy and placebo arms. Alternative biomarkers are urgently needed to identify which patients will derive benefit from immunotherapy and key candidates are discussed.
Mesenchymal lesions of the breast
Authors: Anderson William J , Fletcher Christopher D M
Published: December 2022

Mesenchymal lesions of the breast are a heterogeneous range of entities with diverse clinical, histological, and molecular features, as well as biological behaviour. Their morphologic overlap with non‐mesenchymal lesions (such as metaplastic carcinoma and phyllodes tumour) and relative rarity also pose significant diagnostic challenges. In this review, we summarize the salient features of selected mesenchymal lesions of the breast, emphasizing those that are the most common and problematic. Vascular, fibroblastic/myofibroblastic, adipocytic, and smooth muscle lesions are each covered with regard to their clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis, while recent advances and the role of immunohistochemistry and molecular tests are also highlighted.
Artificial intelligence in breast cancer histopathology
Authors: Chan Ronald CK , To Chun Kit Curtis , Cheng Ka Chuen Tom , Yoshikazu Tada , Yan Lai Ling Amy , Tse Gary M
Published: December 2022

This is a review on the use of artificial intelligence for digital breast pathology. A systematic search on PubMed was conducted, identifying 17,324 research papers related to breast cancer pathology. Following a semimanual screening, 664 papers were retrieved and pursued. The papers are grouped into six major tasks performed by pathologists—namely, molecular and hormonal analysis, grading, mitotic figure counting, ki‐67 indexing, tumour‐infiltrating lymphocyte assessment, and lymph node metastases identification. Under each task, open‐source datasets for research to build artificial intelligence (AI) tools are also listed. Many AI tools showed promise and demonstrated feasibility in the automation of routine pathology investigations. We expect continued growth of AI in this field as new algorithms mature.
Current knowledge on the early stages of human neutropoiesis
Authors: Calzetti Federica , Finotti Giulia , Cassatella Marco A.
Published: December 2022

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils are no longer considered as a homogeneous population of terminally differentiated and short‐lived cells that belong to the innate immune system only. In fact, data from the past decades have uncovered that neutrophils exhibit large phenotypic heterogeneity and functional versatility that render them more plastic than previously thought. Hence, their precise role as effector cells in inflammation, in immune response and in other pathophysiological processes, including tumors, needs to be better evaluated. In such a complex scenario, common knowledge of the differentiation of neutrophils in bone marrow refers to lineage precursors, starting from the still poorly defined myeloblasts, and proceeding sequentially to promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, band cells, segmented neutrophils, and mature neutrophils, with each progenitor stage being more mature and better characterized. Thanks to the development and utilization of cutting‐edge technologies, novel information about neutrophil precursors at stages earlier than the promyelocytes, hence closer to the hematopoietic stem cells, is emerging. Accordingly, this review discusses the main findings related to the very early precursors of human neutrophils and provides our perspectives on human neutropoiesis.
David and Solomon
Authors: van Saane Wilbert
Published: December 2022

While the ministry of cross‐cultural, long‐term missionaries was at the heart of the work and reflection of the International Missionary Council (IMC), the meetings of its successor, the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, paid much less attention to the role of missionaries and even fell virtually silent on it for some decades. This article traces the shift in the perception of missionaries in the ecumenical movement in the era of decolonization, especially in the 1950s and early 1960s. It contends that with the bathwater of colonial ecclesiastical domination, the baby – the cross‐cultural missionary – was also thrown out. At the Ghana assembly of the IMC, one delegate compared the missionary societies to David and the local churches to Solomon and argued that the time had come for David to give way to Solomon. While many in the ecumenical movement were inclined to go along with this idea, the voluntary principle that had fuelled the Protestant missionary movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries could not be quelled. Missionaries continued to be sent, often outside the mainstream ecclesiastical bodies, and increasingly from countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This article ends with a plea for fresh ecumenical reflection on the role of missionaries in churches and missions. The illustrations are drawn from the context of the Middle East, where mainstream Protestant missionaries helped birth the ecumenical movement but steadily decreased in number over the course of the 20th century. As elsewhere, new waves of non‐mainstream and non‐Western Protestant missionaries have come to the Middle East, a development that necessitates renewed ecumenical reflection and new forms of cooperation.
Pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection increase offspring quality but impose survival costs to female field crickets
Authors: Matzke Magdalena , Rossi Aurora , Tuni Cristina
Published: December 2022

Whether sexual selection increases or decreases fitness is under ongoing debate. Sexual selection operates before and after mating. Yet, the effects of each episode of selection on individual reproductive success remain largely unexplored. We ask how disentangled pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection contribute to fitness of field cricketsGryllus bimaculatus.Treatments allowed exclusively for (i) pre‐copulatory selection, with males fighting and courting one female, and the resulting pair breeding monogamously, (ii) post‐copulatory selection, with females mating consecutively to multiple males and (iii) relaxed selection, with enforced pair monogamy. While standardizing the number of matings, we estimated a number of fitness traits across treatments and show that females experiencing sexual selection were more likely to reproduce, their offspring hatched sooner, developed faster and had higher body mass at adulthood, but females suffered survival costs. Interestingly, we found no differences in fitness of females or their offspring from pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection treatments. Our findings highlight the potential for sexual selection in enhancing indirect female fitness while concurrently imposing direct survival costs. By potentially outweighing these costs, increased offspring quality could lead to beneficial population‐level consequences of sexual selection.
Sexual Health and Integrative Pleasure (SHIP) Model: Using a clinical case example to guide assessment and treatment
Authors: Girard Abby , Newstrom Nicholas P. , Connor Jennifer , Arenella Katherine , Vencill Jennifer , Robinson Beatrice “Bean”
Published: December 2022

This manuscript presents a conceptual model—the Sexual Health and Integrative Pleasure (SHIP) Model—for the clinical assessment and intervention of sexual health concerns. The model was developed by a group of couple/marital family therapy and psychologists who specialize in the treatment of sexual problems. The model consists of five philosophical foundations (systems framework, intersectionality, biopsychosocial model, lifespan approach, and empiricism) and five core therapeutic components (sexual literacy, sexual adaptation and resilience, relational intimacy, pleasure‐oriented positive sexuality, and multidisciplinary care). We define each foundation and component, and compare and contrast the SHIP model with other existing sexual health models. Finally, we demonstrate how the SHIP model was used to provide individual and couple therapy with a cis/heterosexual couple in a university‐based sexual health clinic and make recommendations for additional clinical applications of the model.
MRI‐based strain measurements reflect morphological changes following myocardial infarction: A study on the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Mansell Doyin S. , Sammut Eva , Bruno Vito D. , Ascione Raimondo , Rodrigues Jonathan C. L. , Gill Harinderjit S. , Fraser Katharine H. , Cookson Andrew N.
Published: December 2022

In a porcine experimental model of myocardial infarction, a localised, layer‐specific, circumferential left ventricular strain metric has been shown to indicate chronic changes in ventricular function post‐infarction more strongly than ejection fraction. This novel strain metric might therefore provide useful prognostic information clinically. In this study, existing clinical volume indices, global strains, and the novel, layer‐specific strain were calculated for a large human cohort to assess variations in ventricular function and morphology with age, sex, and health status. Imaging and health data from the UK Biobank were obtained, including healthy volunteers and those with a history of cardiovascular illness. In total, 710 individuals were analysed and stratified by age, sex and health. Significant differences in all strain metrics were found between healthy and unhealthy populations, as well as between males and females. Significant differences in basal circumferential strain and global circumferential strain were found between healthy males and females, with males having smaller absolute values for both (all 0.001). There were significant differences in the functional variables left ventricular ejection fraction, end‐systolic volume, end‐systolic volume index and mid‐ventricular circumferential strain between healthy and unhealthy male cohorts aged 65–74 (all 0.001). These results suggest that whilst regional circumferential strains may be useful clinically for assessing cardiovascular health, care must be taken to ensure critical values are indexed correctly to age and sex, due to the differences in these values observed here.
Inner workings of the alligator ankle reveal the mechanistic origins of archosaur locomotor diversity
Authors: Turner Morgan L. , Gatesy Stephen M.
Published: December 2022

Major transformations in the locomotor system of archosaurs (a major clade of reptiles including birds, crocodiles, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs) were accompanied by significant modifications to ankle anatomy. How the evolution of such a complex multi‐joint structure is related to shifts in ankle function and locomotor diversity across this clade remains unclear and weakly grounded in extant experimental data. Here, we used X‐ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology to reconstruct skeletal motion and quantify the sources of three‐dimensional ankle mobility in the American alligator, a species that retains the ancestral archosaur ankle structure. We then applied the observed relationships between joint excursion and locomotor behaviors to predict ankle function in extinct archosaurs. High‐resolution reconstructions ofAlligatorskeletal movement revealed previously unseen regionalized coordination among joints responsible for overall ankle rotation. Differences in joint contributions between maneuvers and steady walking parallel transitions in mobility inferred from the ankle structure of fossil taxa in lineages with more erect hind limb postures. Key ankle structures related to ankle mobility were identified in the alligator, which permitted the characterization of ancestral archosaur ankle function. Modifications of these structures provide morphological evidence for functional convergence among sublineages of bird‐line and crocodylian‐line archosaurs. Using the dynamic insight into the internal sources ofAlligatorankle mobility and trends among locomotor modes, we trace anatomical shifts and propose a mechanistic hypothesis for the evolution of ankle structure and function across Archosauria.
Iran's Trade with Neighbors: Sanctions’ Impact and the Alternatives
Authors: Zweiri Mahjoob , Abusharar Nael
Published: December 2022

This article investigates whether sanctions have changed or influenced Iran's trade patterns, focusing on neighboring countries. The study concentrates first on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), considered Iran's main regional partner. We hypothesize that the sanctions should have had a negative impact on Iran's trade with the UAE, as the latter cooperated with US policies toward the Islamic Republic. By contrast, sanctions were likely to positively influence its trade with Qatar. Indeed, the research shows that Iranian trade with Qatar increased significantly after 2017, while its trade with the UAE declined as a result of the measures adopted toward Iranian businesses in Dubai. However, the results also indicate that despite the UAE's anti‐Iranian stance, the country still constitutes a major trading partner for the Islamic Republic, which is trying to mitigate the paralyzing impact of sanctions by developing trade relations with Qatar and other countries, such as Turkey.
A reduced role for water transport during the Cenozoic evolution of epiphytic Eupolypod ferns
Authors: Pittermann Jarmila , Baer Alex , Campany Courtney , Jansen Steven , Holmlund Helen , Schuettpelz Eric , Mehltreter Klaus , Watkins James E.
Published: December 2022

The Cretaceous–Cenozoic expansion of tropical forests created canopy space that was subsequently occupied by diverse epiphytic communities including Eupolypod ferns. Eupolypods proliferated in this more stressful niche, where lower competition enabled the adaptive radiation of thousands of species. Here, we examine whether xylem traits helped shape the Cenozoic radiation of Eupolypod ferns.

We characterized the petiole xylem anatomy of 39 species belonging to the Eupolypod I and Eupolypod II clades occupying the epiphytic, hemiepiphytic, and terrestrial niche, and we assessed vulnerability to embolism in a subset of species.

The transition to the canopy was associated with reduced xylem content and smaller tracheid diameters, but no differences were found in species vulnerability to embolism and pit membrane thickness. Phylogenetic analyses support selection for traits associated with reduced water transport in Eupolypod 1 species.

We posit that in Eupolypod epiphytes, selection favored water retention via thicker leaves and lower stomatal density over higher rates of water transport. Consequently, lower leaf water loss was coupled with smaller quantities of xylem and narrower tracheid diameters. Traits associated with water conservation were evident in terrestrial Eupolypod 1 ferns and may have predisposed this clade toward radiation in the canopy.
Short‐term Clinical Outcome of Dual Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures with Calcar Comminution
Authors: Liu Junyang , Cui Peng , Wu Xiaoming , Han Lei , Wang Guangyu , Dong Jingming
Published: December 2022

Objective

Calcar comminution has been considered to be the main cause of the failure of internal fixation and fracture nonunion in proximal humerus surgery. Anatomical reduction and increasing the strength of internal fixation is the key to success. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short‐term clinical effect of dual plate fixation in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures with calcar comminution.

Methods

The data of 37 patients with proximal humeral fractures with calcar comminution, treated in our departments from July 2018 to April 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were treated with anterior plate and lateral PHILOS plate, and followed up for more than 12 months, including 25 cases in Tianjin Hospital and 12 cases in Shanghai General Hospital. The patients included 12 males and 25 females, their age was 54.89 ± 13.59 years (range from 32–79 years), and 21 patients had dominant hand injury. According to the Neer classification, there were 11 two‐part fractures, 22 three‐part fractures, and four four‐part fractures. The range of motion of the shoulder joint, visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), Constant–Murley shoulder score, neck‐shaft angle, anterior–posterior angle, and other complication scores were recorded at the last follow‐up.

Results

All 37 patients were followed up after operation, and the follow‐up time was 21.81 ± 7.35 months (range from 12–36 months). The fractures of all 37 patients had healed at the last follow‐up visit. The neck‐shaft angle measured immediately after operation was 132.59° ± 8.34°, and the neck‐shaft angle measured at the last follow‐up visit was 132.38 ± 8.53°. The anterior–posterior angle measured immediately after surgery was 3.45° ± 0.81°, and the anterior–posterior angle at the last follow‐up visit was 3.66° ± 0.77°. The range of motion of the shoulder joint was as follows: the shoulder joint could be forward elevated by 158.11° ± 13.09° (range: 140°–180°), rotated externally by 38.38° ± 7.55° (range: 20°–45°), and internally rotated to T4‐L4 level. The VAS score was 0.46 ± 0.87 (range: 0–3), the ASES was 86.58 ± 8.79 (range: 56.7–100), and the Constant–Murley score was 88.76 ± 8.25 (range: 60–100). Thirty‐three cases were excellent, and four cases were good. No obvious complications occurred.

Conclusion

The combination of anterior plate and lateral PHILOS plate in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures with calcar comminution can achieve stable fixation, and the postoperative clinical and imaging outcome was satisfactory. Firstly, the anterior plate can provide temporary stability when the Kirschner wires are removed, which can provide space for lateral plate placement during fracture reduction and fixation. Secondly, additional support by the anterior plate can provide higher stability in complex fractures with calcar comminution.
Elements of the Philosophy of ‘Right’
Authors: Westphal Jonathan
Published: December 2022

In the following paper, I discuss the adjectival uses of the English word ‘right’, in ethical and nonethical settings. I distinguish four distinct but related uses. In the central use, which includes the typical ethical applications, what is right is what conforms to a norm, or rule. The emphasis can be on the norm itself, or on the conforming to the norm. The view I offer is not original. It is to be found in the works of T.M. Scanlon, T.H. Green, R.M. Hare and W.D. Ross.1
Exploring the utility of synthetic data to extract more value from sensitive health data assets: A focused example in perinatal epidemiology
Authors: Braddon Amy Elise , Robinson Suzanne , Alati Rosa , Betts Kim S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Privacy, access and security concerns can hinder the availability of health data for research. The use of synthesised data in place of de‐identified electronic health records (EHRs) presents an opportunity to conduct research while minimising privacy concerns.

Objectives

To examine whether synthesised data can replicate two prenatal epidemiological associations: between prenatal smoking and lower birthweight, and between prenatal mood disorders and lower birthweight, using data synthesised from de‐identified health administrative data collections.

Methods

We generated two synthetic datasets, using parametric and non‐parametric data generating methods, and examined the synthetic data for evidence of privacy concerns. Next, univariable and multivariable logistic regression was utilised to estimate the associations in both synthetic datasets, with results then compared to the real data.

Results

Both synthesised datasets performed well in identifying the reduction in birthweight associated with prenatal smoking, while the non‐parametric data underestimated the reduction in birthweight associated with prenatal mood disorders. Improbable relationships between some variables were identified in the parametric synthesised data, however, these can be addressed with simple rules during data synthesis. No duplicate rows (i.e., exact copies of de‐identified data) were found in the parametric data, while only 0.6% of the rows in the non‐parametric data were duplicated.

Conclusions

Both synthesised datasets performed well in replicating the statistical properties of the original data while addressing privacy issues. Data synthesis methods provide an opportunity for researchers to utilise health data while managing privacy and security concerns.
Reduced Klotho expression and its prognostic significance in canine hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Geonuk , Chung Heaji , Lee Sungin , Kim Wan Hee
Published: December 2022

Klotho is an anti‐ageing gene and is known to act as a tumour suppressor in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to a previous study, Klotho is present in normal canine mammary glands, and down‐expression in tumours is positively associated with negative prognosis. However, the presence and significance of Klotho in canine HCC has not yet been reported. This study aimed to confirm Klotho expression in normal canine liver tissues using western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and whether the expression differed in non‐neoplastic liver disease and HCC. Furthermore, correlation between clinicopathologic features and expression of Klotho was evaluated. All of the normal liver tissues showed the presence of Klotho, and Klotho expression was significantly decreased in the HCC tissue as compared to the non‐neoplastic hepatic tissue. Additionally, Klotho expression was significantly associated with tumour size (P = .045), liver enzyme (alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) (P = .018), and metastasis (P = .024). Analysis of the survival curve revealed that reduced Klotho expression was significantly associated with poor disease‐free survival (P = .041) in HCC. These results show that Klotho expression is present in normal canine liver tissue and that reduced Klotho expression is associated with poor prognosis in canine HCC. Thus, Klotho was presumed to be a potential clinical prognostic marker for canine HCC.