bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased frequency of CYP2C19 loss‐of‐function alleles in clopidogrel‐treated patients with recurrent cerebral ischemia
Authors: Minderhoud Crista , Otten Leila S. , Hilkens Pieter H. E. , van den Broek Marcel P. H. , Harmsze Ankie M.
Published: February 2022

Aims

Clopidogrel is used as secondary prevention after cerebral ischaemia. Previous, mainly Asian, studies have shown that genetic variations in CYP2C19 are associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke in clopidogrel‐treated patients. Evidence on the impact of this drug–gene interaction in European neurology patients is currently limited. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of CYP2C19 loss‐of‐function (LoF) alleles in a population with recurrent cerebral ischaemia to two reference groups from the same region.

Methods

CYP2C19‐genotyping (*2 and *3) was performed in clopidogrel‐treated patients who presented with a recurrent ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Genotype distributions were compared with two reference groups; a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary stent implantation and a cohort of healthy Dutch volunteers.

Results

In total, 188 cases with a recurrent ischaemic event were identified, of whom 38 (20.2%) experienced an early recurrent event (24 hours to 90 days after the previous event). Among the total case group, 43.6% of the patients carried at least one CYP2C19 LoF allele, compared with 27.6% and 24.7% in respectively the cardiology and the healthy volunteers reference groups (P < .001 for both comparisons). Among the cases with an early recurrent event, 55.3% of patients were carriers of at least one CYP2C19 LoF allele (P < .0001).

Conclusion

In this clopidogrel‐treated population with recurrent cerebral ischaemia, the frequency of CYP2C19 LoF alleles was significantly higher than in reference groups, especially in early recurrent events. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that genotype‐guided antiplatelet therapy could improve patient outcomes.
The differential interplay of TPACK, teacher beliefs, school culture and professional development with the nature of in‐service EFL teachers' technology adoption
Authors: Lai Chun , Wang Qiu , Huang Xianhan
Published: February 2022

Previous research has identified various internal and external factors that predict teachers' technology adoption. Limited studies have explored how these internal and external factors interplay to determine different types of technology use. This study used the survey responses of 280 English as foreign language (EFL) teachers to examine how two key external factors (ie, school culture and professional development) interact with the two constitutive internal components (ie, knowledge/skill and belief) to determine three types of technology use in teaching and learning (ie, technology for content delivery, technology for learning enrichment and technology for transformed education towards self‐directed learning). It identified the salience of school culture, professional development and TPACK over teaching and learning beliefs in determining technology use. It further revealed that these factors influenced the three types of technology use differently. The findings suggest a differentiated approach towards researching and supporting teacher technology adoption.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about the topic

Belief factors (Beliefs about teaching), knowledge factors (TPACK) and contextual factors (school culture and professional development) are significant predictors of teacher technology adoption.

What this paper adds

When examined together, school culture, professional development and TPACK were the more significant predictors of in‐service EFL teachers' technology integration, and the contributions of the belief systems were minimal.

The interactions of these factors vary for different types of teacher technology use.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Need differentiated considerations in supporting different types of teacher technology use.

A favourable school culture is instrumental to teachers' technology use for content delivery and for supporting students' self‐directed learning.

TPACK is most critical to the use of technology for learning enrichment.
Accessing the States of Enhanced Cognition in a Gaming Context: The Importance of Psychophysiological Arousal
Authors: Kozhevnikov Maria , Strasser Alina , Abdullah Muhammad Azri
Published: February 2022

The goal of this study was to examine activities and experiences where enhanced cognitive states (ECSs), characterized by dramatic boosts in focused attention, could be elicited under specific gaming contexts. In Experiment 1, expert gamers were tested on the attentional blink task before and after playing games of different genres, varying on four game design dimensions (perspective, “adrenaline‐rush,” immersivity, and collaborative vs. individual context) and two cognitive dimensions (speed of processing and attentional focus). In Experiment 2, using ECG‐HRV methodology, we examined the physiological markers of gaming dimensions found to be critical for accessing ECSs in Experiment 1. The findings suggest that ECSs are a universal phenomenon that demands focusing one's attention on a single task from the egocentric perspective, and ought to involve an adventurous “adrenaline‐rush” type of activity. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that an underlying physiological mechanism of ECSs includes parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) withdrawal‐associated arousal. Specifically, the gaming dimensions leading to greater PSNS withdrawal‐associated arousal resulted in greater improvements on the attentional blink task during ECSs. These findings suggest that individuals can transcend what was hitherto assumed to be a limitation of human cognition, granting new prospects for eliciting exceptional human performance.
Can we efficiently learn a variety of classifications for the differentiation of colorectal polyps?
Authors: Tamai Naoto , Sumiyama Kazuki
Published: February 2022

This Editorial refers to the article by C. Koehn et al., p 191‐197 of the issue DEN 34:1.
A core outcome set for multimorbidity risk in individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: McPhee Patrick G. , Benner Joyce L. , Sanvido Liam , Roebroeck Marij E. , van den Berg‐Emons Rita J. , van der Slot Wilma M. , Verschuren Olaf , Hurvitz Edward A. , Peterson Mark D. , Gorter Jan Willem
Published: February 2022

Aim

To: (1) investigate the importance of outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) within a core outcome set (COS) for multimorbidity (at least two chronic health conditions) risk in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP); (2) investigate the feasibility of OMIs within the COS in international clinical research settings in adolescents and adults with CP; and (3) describe the associations between the COS data and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels.

Method

Eighty‐three individuals with CP completed a survey on health outcomes: physical behaviour, nutrition, sleep, endurance, body composition, blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose. A cross‐sectional study assessed the feasibility of the COS in 67 adolescents and adults with CP (mean age 30y, SD 15y 1mo, min–max: 14–68y, 52.2% male) at four centres. Prevalence of multimorbidity risk and associations with GMFCS levels are described.

Results

Most participants rated physical behaviour, nutrition, sleep, and endurance as very important. Body composition, blood pressure, nutrition, and sleep were highly feasible since data were collected in 88% or more participants who consented to having the assessments. Physical behaviour, cardiorespiratory endurance, and blood draws were collected in less than 60% of participants. Total time sedentary (ρ=0.53, p<0.01) and endurance (ρ=−0.46, p<0.01) were significantly associated with GMFCS level.

Interpretation

The COS identified that most participants had poor sleep quality and endurance, did not have healthy diets, and showed increased sedentary behaviour. Individuals with CP valued these outcomes as most important, suggesting a need to assess these modifiable behaviours in this population. Objective measures of physical behaviour and cardiorespiratory endurance in the COS required additional personnel, time, and participant burden. We recommend that healthcare providers should perform a simpler first screen using questionnaire‐based assessments and then focus the use of the remainder of the COS if required for the patient.
Cascading effects of a disease outbreak in a remote protected area
Authors: Monk Julia D. , Smith Justine A. , Donadío Emiliano , Perrig Paula L. , Crego Ramiro D. , Fileni Martin , Bidder Owen , Lambertucci Sergio A. , Pauli Jonathan N. , Schmitz Oswald J. , Middleton Arthur D.
Published: February 2022

Disease outbreaks induced by humans increasingly threaten wildlife communities worldwide. Like predators, pathogens can be key top‐down forces in ecosystems, initiating trophic cascades that may alter food webs. An outbreak of mange in a remote Andean protected area caused a dramatic population decline in a mammalian herbivore (the vicuña), creating conditions to test the cascading effects of disease on the ecological community. By comparing a suite of ecological measurements to pre‐disease baseline records, we demonstrate that mange restructured tightly linked trophic interactions previously driven by a mammalian predator (the puma). Following the mange outbreak, scavenger (Andean condor) occurrence in the ecosystem declined sharply and plant biomass and cover increased dramatically in predation refuges where herbivory was historically concentrated. The evidence shows that a disease‐induced trophic cascade, mediated by vicuña density, could supplant the predator‐induced trophic cascade, mediated by vicuña behaviour, thereby transforming the Andean ecosystem.
Is money really left on the table? The role of regular investors in IPO pricing
Authors: Geranio Manuela , Mazzoli Camilla , Palmucci Fabrizio
Published: February 2022

We study how ongoing relationships between lead underwriters and institutional investors affect initial public offering (IPO) pricing. By introducing a new approach, we find that stronger relationships reduce the partial adjustment of the offer price, leaving ‘excess underpricing’ that favors regular investors, especially in hot IPOs, while generating an agency cost for issuers. At the same time, stronger relationships lead to higher offer prices, since they reduce information asymmetries and uncertainty in the primary market. This ‘excess price adjustment’ creates value for issuers. Taken together, these two apparently contradictory results reveal a win‐win outcome for issuers and regular investors.
Neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist rolapitant suppresses anxiety and alcohol intake produced by repeated withdrawal episodes
Authors: Kokhan Viktor S. , Anokhin Petr K. , Abaimov Denis A. , Shamakina Inna Yu. , Soldatov Vladislav O. , Deykin Alexey V.
Published: February 2022

Neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1r) antagonists have been shown to suppress operant self‐administration of alcohol, voluntary alcohol consumption and stress‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behaviour. Considering the long half‐life and anxiolytic‐like properties of NK1r antagonist rolapitant, we expected that it may be an effective option for reducing anxiety and alcohol motivation during early withdrawal. Voluntary alcohol intake (two‐bottles paradigm) was recorded in male Wistar rats during the three periods: 24 days (basal level), 6‐day period when rats received 5 mg·kg−1 rolapitant or vehicle and 12‐h period after repeated withdrawal episodes (alcohol cessation for 36 h). We found that upon intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, rolapitant rapidly penetrated into specific rat brain regions – amygdala, hypothalamus and neocortex – implicated in the control of anxiety and reward. Rolapitant did not affect basal voluntary alcohol intake, but significantly suppressed anxiety‐like behaviour and alcohol consumption following withdrawal episodes. Our findings suggest that rolapitant should be further investigated as a novel treatment option for relapse prevention in alcohol‐dependent patients.
Escherichia coli robustly expresses ATP synthase at growth rate‐maximizing concentrations
Authors: Rabbers Iraes , Bruggeman Frank J.
Published: February 2022

Fitness‐enhancing adaptations of protein expression and its regulation are an important aspect of bacterial evolution. A key question is whether evolution has led to optimal protein expression that maximizes immediate growth rate (short‐term fitness) in a robust manner (consistently across diverse conditions). Alternatively, they could display suboptimal short‐term fitness, because they cannot do better or because they instead strive for long‐term fitness maximization by, for instance, preparing for future conditions. To address this question, we focus on the ATP‐producing enzyme F1F0 H+‐ATPase, which is an abundant enzyme and ubiquitously expressed across conditions. Its expression is highly regulated and dependent on growth rate and nutrient conditions. For instance, during growth on sugars, when metabolism is overflowing acetate, glycolysis supplies most ATP, while H+‐ATPase is the main source of ATP synthesis during growth on acetate. We tested the optimality of H+‐ATPase expression in Escherichia coli across different nutrient conditions. In all tested conditions, wild‐type E. coli expresses its H+‐ATPase remarkably close (within a few per cent) to optimal concentrations that maximize immediate growth rate. This work indicates that bacteria can indeed achieve robust optimal protein expression for immediate growth‐rate maximization.
CMYA5 is a novel interaction partner of FHL2 in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Stathopoulou Konstantina , Schnittger Josef , Raabe Janice , Fleischer Frederic , Mangels Nils , Piasecki Angelika , Findlay Jane , Hartmann Kristin , Krasemann Susanne , Schlossarek Saskia , Uebeler June , Wixler Viktor , Blake Derek J. , Baillie George S. , Carrier Lucie , Ehler Elisabeth , Cuello Friederike
Published: February 2022

Four‐and‐a‐half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2) is an anti‐hypertrophic adaptor protein that regulates cardiac myocyte signalling and function. Herein, we identified cardiomyopathy‐associated 5 (CMYA5) as a novel FHL2 interaction partner in cardiac myocytes. In vitro pull‐down assays demonstrated interaction between FHL2 and the N‐ and C‐terminal regions of CMYA5. The interaction was verified in adult cardiac myocytes by proximity ligation assays. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy demonstrated co‐localisation in the same subcellular compartment. The binding interface between FHL2 and CMYA5 was mapped by peptide arrays. Exposure of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes to a CMYA5 peptide covering one of the FHL2 interaction sites led to an increase in cell area at baseline, but a blunted response to chronic phenylephrine treatment. In contrast to wild‐type hearts, loss or reduced FHL2 expression in Fhl2‐targeted knockout mouse hearts or in a humanised mouse model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy led to redistribution of CMYA5 into the perinuclear and intercalated disc region. Taken together, our results indicate a direct interaction of the two adaptor proteins FHL2 and CMYA5 in cardiac myocytes, which might impact subcellular compartmentation of CMYA5.
The Yin‐Yang roles of protease‐activated receptors in inflammatory signalling and diseases
Authors: Zhuo Xin , Wu Yue , Fu Xiujuan , Liang Xiaoyu , Xiang Yuxin , Li Jianbin , Mao Canquan , Jiang Yuhong
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory diseases have become increasingly prevalent throughout the world. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), which has recently become pandemic, also exhibits hyperinflammation and cytokine release syndrome. To address inflammation‐related diseases, numerous molecular targets have been explored in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Among them, the protease‐activated receptors (PARs) that belong to G protein‐coupled receptors are one of the most popular classes of drug targets, participating in inflammatory signalling and diseases. PARs activation can trigger downstream intracellular signalling to modulate a variety of inflammatory responses in multiple systems, including nervous, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, urinary and immune systems. Importantly, there are the Yin‐Yang effects, comprising anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory roles, of PARs activation in different types of inflammations, and these are context‐dependent. Alternatively, it was recently revealed that PARs not only modulate inflammatory‐related tumour progression, but also participate in inflammatory cytokine release related to COVID‐19 via direct interaction with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 protein, suggesting that PARs also participate in other diseases via inflammatory responses. In this review, we renew and discuss the findings of PARs as molecular targets for treating inflammatory diseases, highlighting the novel roles of PARs and facilitating a better understanding of their designated values in the specific inflammatory environment.
Contemporary environment and historical legacy explain functional diversity of freshwater fishes in the world rivers
Authors: Su Guohuan , Tedesco Pablo A. , Toussaint Aurèle , Villéger Sébastien , Brosse Sébastien
Published: February 2022

Aim

Regional taxonomic diversity (species richness) is strongly influenced by a joint effect of the current processes (habitat and energy availability) and historical legacies (past climate and geography), but it is still unclear how those historical and current environmental drivers have shaped the functional diversity of species assemblages.

Major taxa studied

Freshwater fish.

Location

Global.

Time period

1960s–2000s.

Methods

We combined the spatial occurrences over 2,400 river basins world‐wide and the functional traits measured on 10,682 freshwater fish species to quantify the relative role of the habitat, climate and historical processes on the current global fish functional diversity. To avoid any correlation between taxonomic diversity and functional diversity, we controlled for differences in the number of species (species richness) between rivers. Functional diversity was considered through three complementary facets: functional richness, functional dispersion and functional identity.

Results

The habitat‐related variables explained most of the gradient in functional richness, verifying the habitat size–diversity hypothesis. In contrast, the historical climate–geography legacies markedly imprinted the functional dispersion and functional identity patterns, leading to a balanced influence of the current and historical processes. Indeed, the distribution of morphological traits related to fish dispersal was explained largely by the glaciation events during the Quaternary, leading to strong latitudinal gradients.

Main conclusions

This study provides new insights into the role of historical and current environmental determinants on the functional structure of fish assemblages and strengthens the proposal that the independence of facets of functional diversity from the species richness makes them essential biodiversity variables to understand the structure of communities and their responses to global changes.
The Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) has an effective camouflage against mammalian but not avian vision in boreal forests
Authors: Nokelainen Ossi , Helle Heikki , Hartikka Juho , Jolkkonen Juho , Valkonen Janne K.
Published: February 2022

A well‐known example of visual camouflage in birds is the plumage coloration of the Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris, yet this species’ camouflage has never been objectively quantified. Here, we quantify Treecreeper camouflage in its boreal forest habitat, test whether Treecreepers better match tree backgrounds at nest‐site, territory or habitat spatial scales, and explore which common tree species provide the best background match. Using photographic data of the birds and forested backgrounds, we test their background match using human, ferret and avian vision modelling. We found that a Treecreeper’s wing and mantle provided the closest background matching, whereas the wing stripe and tail were more conspicuous against tree trunks. Vision modelling also suggests that Treecreeper camouflage provides a better protection against mammalian than against avian vision. The matching was not significantly different across spatial scales in local spruce forests. However, the background match was better on conifers than on deciduous trees. Our results support the long‐standing conjecture of Treecreeper camouflage but also suggest that the camouflage is an adaptation especially against mammalian predators, which are important nest predators of Treecreepers.
Consumer behavior in sustainable fashion: A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Busalim Abdelsalam , Fox Grace , Lynn Theo
Published: February 2022

During the last decade, sustainable fashion has attracted increasing attention from policymakers, firms, and consumers. This interest is also reflected in consumer behavior research in this area. Notwithstanding this, there are few systematic literature reviews from a consumer behavior perspective. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review and critically assess the studies on consumer behavior in sustainable fashion to identify the research gap in this context and inform a future research agenda. A total of 167 journal articles were identified, and a final sample of 88 articles were synthesized. A descriptive analysis was performed to examine the research methods, research trends, and theoretical underpinnings. Separately, a synthetic analysis was performed using the Stimulus‐Organism‐Response (S‐O‐R) framework. Findings reveal a significant increase in the volume of publications since 2009. Qualitative, experimental, cross‐cultural, and longitudinal studies are significantly less represented in the literature. No evidence of research using big data techniques were identified. Much of the research published is not adequately grounded in theory. The findings also suggest that the consumer attitude‐behavior gap requires further exploration. This review fills a need to summarize the current state of consumer behavior in sustainable fashion literature and provides valuable insights into the existing marketing corpus on the topic. Moreover, the review identifies a number of outstanding research gaps that can inform future research.
Payout policies, government ownership, and financial constraints: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Bui Nha Duc , Wang Yun‐Yi , Lee Jin‐Ping
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the impact of government ownership on payout policies, cash holdings, capital expenditures, and borrowing costs for firms in Vietnam. Using the central hypothesis that state‐owned firms (SOEs) are less financially constrained than privately‐owned firms, we provide several main findings. First, we reveal that SOEs typically pay higher dividends, have higher total payouts, but undertake lower repurchases than privately‐owned firms. Second, we find that SOEs have less need to hoard cash and spend less of their cash flow on capital expenditures than non‐state‐owned firms. Finally, our research indicates that SOEs have lower borrowing costs than privately owned firms. These findings support the view that, in frontier markets, firms with non‐state ownership can mitigate the adverse effects of financial constraints by decreasing total payouts to shareholders and instead using their cash flow to increase cash holdings or capital spending.
Synthesis of CaWO4:Ln3+ nanocomposites with high transparency via ligand‐assisted re‐precipitation method
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Jiang Yitong , Zeng Ming , Liu Jie , Yu Xibin
Published: February 2022

A facile method to synthesis of CaWO4:Ln3+ nanocrystals and transparent CaWO4:Ln3+/polystyrene (PS) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) copolymer films with outstanding luminescent property and high transparency is proposed. The average diameter of CaWO4:Ln3+ nanorods is 3.3 ± 3 nm, and the average length is 40.3 ± 20 nm. The as‐prepared CaWO4:Ln3+/PS or PMMA copolymer films with high solids loading (>5 vol%) exhibit excellent near‐ultraviolet absorption and outstanding visible transparency under the naked eye. The experiment results about the relationship between the solids loading and the film transparency are compared and analyzed. These optical results suggest that our nanorod has a versatile strategy for producing highly transparent functional luminescent composites, which indicates the promising applications in the field of optoelectronics in the future.
The impact of huddles on a multidisciplinary healthcare teams' work engagement, teamwork and job satisfaction: A systematic review
Authors: Rowan Brendan L. , Anjara Sabrina , De Brún Aoife , MacDonald Steve , Kearns Emma C. , Marnane Michael , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: February 2022

Background

Job satisfaction and retention of healthcare staff remains an ongoing issue in many health systems. Huddles have been endorsed as a mechanism to improve patient safety by improving teamwork, collaboration, and communication in teams.

Aim

This study aims to synthesises the literature to investigate the impact of huddles on job satisfaction, teamwork, and work engagement in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Methods

Five academic databases were searched to conduct a systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature published from January 2000 to January 2020. Articles were included if they (1) featured a daily huddle, were conducted in a healthcare setting, and involved a multidisciplinary team and (2) measured variables including job satisfaction, work engagement, or teamwork. Results were reported in accordance with the systematic synthesis without meta‐analysis and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis guidelines. We identified 445 articles of which 12 met the eligibility criteria and are included in this review.

Results

All 12 included studies found a predominantly positive impact on teamwork and job satisfaction. None of the studies discussed or reported evidence of the impact of huddles on work engagement. This review highlights the value of a daily multidisciplinary healthcare team huddle in improving job satisfaction and teamwork for the healthcare staff involved. However, there is a dearth of high‐quality, peer‐reviewed evidence regarding the direct impact of huddles on job satisfaction, teamwork and in particular on work engagement. Further research—particularly controlled studies on adoption, implementation and outcomes for healthcare team culture—is needed to further assess this intervention.
Development of automated fumigation chamber for treatment of grapes with SO2 and CO2
Authors: Vishwakarma Rajesh Kumar , Bashir Akhoon Asrar , Kumar Yogesh , Yadav Deependra Singh , Sharma Ajay Kumar , Lohakare Nagpal C.
Published: February 2022

The export of grapes from one country to another is dependent on the grape's quality that should pass the strict phytosanitary requirements of the importing country. There is a requirement of fumigation of grapes with CO2 and SO2 at specified concentrations for a certain period besides the other pack‐house protocols and export standards. This study was focused to develop and establish an electronically controlled model fumigation chamber for the treatment of grapes in the grapes‐producing region. The gas injection and evacuation systems are electronically operated, and the fumigant concentration can be varied according to the requirement. Heaters of 2 kW are fitted inside the chamber to maintain the treatment temperature above 16°C for grapes fumigation. The fumigation chamber was found leak‐proof during pressurized helium leak testing. The CO2 and SO2 gas concentrations can be maintained between 600 and 60,000 ± 100 ppmv and 10 and 10,000 ± 2 ppmv, respectively, for 1–90 min (1% is equivalent to 10,000 ppmv). The fumigation of grapes with 6% CO2 for 30 min followed by fumigation with 1% SO2 for 30 min ensured 100% mortality of the adult fruit fly (Drosophilla melanogaster). This chamber may also be used for the fumigation treatment of other fruits, vegetables, nuts, and so on, as per the time and concentration of gases required for the 100% mortality of target pest. Nevertheless, the protocol for such treatments should be developed for other fruits, and the effect of the gases on the quality of the products should be studied.

Practical Applications

The developed automated fumigation chamber for treatment of grapes with CO2 and SO2 is an effective measure for disinfesting the grapes from invasive pests like Drosophilla suzukii, spiders, and so on. This would help in overcoming phytosanitary measures put in place by many grapes importing countries like New Zealand, Australia, and so on. These countries offer huge market potential for export of Indian grapes, and if the trade barriers are overcome, it would lead to earning huge foreign exchange. Furthermore, the developed automated fumigation chamber can be used as an integral part of horticultural pack houses both for domestic as well as international trade as it would eliminate most of the adult field pests at preliminary stages before pack‐house operation.
Fibre and micronutrient intakes among fruit juice consumers and non‐consumers in the UK and France: Modelling the effects of consumption of an orange pomace juice product
Authors: Dicklin Mary R. , Barron Rebecca , Goltz Shellen , Warren Janet , Boileau Thomas , Pigat Sandrine , Maki Kevin C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Fruit intake, including consumption of 100% fruit juice, is generally associated with a better diet quality and overall health. However, fruit and vegetable intakes are below recommendations in many countries.

Methods

The present study examined fruit juice intake and total energy and nutrient intakes according to juice consumption or non‐consumption in participants in the National Dietary and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme 2014–2016 in the UK (n = 2723) and the Individual and National Study on Food Consumption 2006–2007 (n = 4079) in France. Total energy and nutrient intakes were also estimated for scenarios in which orange juice with pomace was either added to the daily diet or replaced 100% orange juice or beverages containing fruit juice.

Results

Fruit juice consumers had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables than non‐consumers, were more likely to reach 5‐a‐day targets for fruit and vegetable consumption, and had significantly higher intakes of folate, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fibre. Juice consumers also had higher total energy and sugar intakes, but lower body mass index than non‐juice consumers. Modelling consumption of orange juice with pomace increased fibre and potassium intakes in orange juice consumers, and also increased fibre, most micronutrients, and 5‐a‐day achievements in non‐juice consumers.

Conclusions

These national survey results demonstrate that fruit juice consumers in the UK and France had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables than fruit juice non‐consumers, and significantly higher intakes of several micronutrients and fibre. Furthermore, modelling of consumption of orange juice with pomace increased fibre and select micronutrient intakes, particularly among fruit juice non‐consumers.
Time perspective and amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Coelho Sara , de Mendonça Alexandre , Maroco João , Cardoso Sandra , Mello Zena , Guerreiro Manuela
Published: February 2022

Objective

We examined time perspective in patients with amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Prior research has shown that aMCI is associated with difficulties in experiencing time duration and succession. However, this line of inquiry has not been extended to time perspective. We examined associations between aMCI and multiple dimensions of time perspective including perceived orientations and relationships among the past, present, and future.

Method

Thirty aMCI patients and thirty‐three healthy controls participated. Measures were the Time Orientation Scale (TOS), the Time Relation Scale (TRS), and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), as well as a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

Results

The TRS was associated with aMCI. Patients with aMCI were more likely to perceive that time was unrelated than the healthy older adults. Among patients with aMCI, an unrelated time perspective was associated with poorer performance in executive function measures. However, aMCI was not associated with the TOS or the ZTPI.

Conclusions

Patients with aMCI have difficulty in perceiving relationships among the past, present, and future. This could be the consequence of deficits in executive functions. This research suggests that patients with aMCI may have limited understanding for how their current behaviours are related to both their past and future.
Lipoid proteinosis: A systematic presentation of an unusual disease
Authors: Mofarrah Ramin , Ghasemi Maryam , Mofarrah Ramina , Emadi Sadaf , Rostamian Fatemeh
Published: February 2022

Background

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) or Hyalinosis Cutis et Mucosae or Urbach–Wiethe disease is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by an amorphous hyaline material deposition in the skin mucosa and viscera. The clinical symptoms of this disease often begin in childhood, which persist throughout life. Skin manifestations include inflammation, scaling, acne, and eventually ulceration, and hyaline amorphous deposits in these areas of the wound cause a waxy and thick appearance on the skin. In addition, wounds leave atrophic scars like chickenpox.

Aim

Herein, we present the first case of LP in the north of Iran; although LP is a sporadic disease, it occurs all around the world, with about 400 cases worldwide having been reported thus far.

Patient

We report the case of a 28‐year‐old female patient with a history of skin lesions on her face, scalp, extremities, and buttock, as well as hoarse cry, respiratory problems, dysphagia, and migraine since childhood. There was no evidence of other clinical presentations. A biopsy was taken from the lesions, and the patient was diagnosed with LP. A laryngeal laser was performed for the patient, and peeling creams were used for her skin lesions.

Result

According to previous findings, there has been no case report of LP with systemic symptoms in the north of Iran.
Alarin: A new predictive marker in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A case–control study
Authors: Gorkem Umit , Yildirim Engin
Published: February 2022

Aim

There is scant evidence concerning the relationship of alarin concentrations for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) status in the existing literature. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the relationship about predictive value of serum alarin concentrations for PCOS risk in infertile women.

Methods

This prospective case–control study included a total of 151 infertile women who met eligibility criteria of the study. Infertile women diagnosed with PCOS formed the study group (n = 80). Women with diagnoses of unexplained infertility constituted the control group (n = 71). The biochemical analyses of serum concentrations of lipid profiles, estradiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) and alarin were performed.

Results

There were no differences for the study parameters, including age, body mass index, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total triglyceride, E2, and FSH levels in either group. Serum LH, AMH, alarin concentrations, and antral follicle counts had higher values in the PCOS group compared with the controls. Correlation analysis revealed that serum alarin levels were significantly positively correlated with LH and AMH levels, only in the PCOS group. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that infertile women with high alarin concentrations were significantly more likely to develop PCOS (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 0.095–0.332, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher serum concentrations of alarin and a positive correlation with serum LH levels were found in infertile women with PCOS. This evidence supported that high alarin concentrations might play a role in the development of PCOS.
Low first trimester maternal serum PAPP‐A concentrations in women with non‐cavity‐distorting intramural uterine fibroids
Authors: Kahraman Alper , Tulek Firat
Published: February 2022

Objective

Reliable aneuploidy risk estimation in first trimester is prominently interconnected with accurate assessment of maternal serum biomarkers. Some maternal factors like insulin‐dependent diabetes, weight, and rhesus status are known to alter levels of these biomarkers. Adjustment of biomarker values for specific factor is crucial to avoid excessive invasive procedures or missed diagnoses. We aimed to investigate the effects of noncavity distorting intramural uterine fibroids on first trimester aneuploidy screening test maternal serum biomarkers.

Methods

Pregnant women who underwent first trimester aneuploidy screening test in a single tertiary center between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively assessed. One hundred ninety‐eight women were found to have at least one noncavity distorting intramural uterine leiomyoma (Figo type 3–6) of at least 2 cm diameter and remaining women were assigned as controls. First trimester aneuploidy screening test parameters were compared.

Results

Pregnancy associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) MoMs were found significantly lower in leiomyoma group in comparison to control group (1.19 ± 0.60 MoM vs. 1.40 ± 0.73 MoM, p = 0.002). PAPP‐A MoMs in women with leiomyomas larger than 5.5 cm were significantly lower in comparison to both control group and women with ≤5.5 cm leiomyomas (0.82 ± 0.376 vs. 1.40 ± 0.73, p < 0.001; 0.82 ± 0.376 vs. 1.33 ± 0.61 p < 0.001, respectively). PAPP‐A MoM and size of leiomyoma were found inversely correlated when fibroid size exceeds 5.5 cm (r = −0.467, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Noncavity distorting intramural uterine leiomyomas >5.5 cm are associated with low first trimester PAPP‐A MoMs (<0.5). PAPP‐A concentrations are inversely correlated with fibroid size in women with >5.5 cm intramural uterine leiomyomas. Fibroids ≤5.5 cm are not associated with alterations in first trimester aneuploidy screening test parameters.
Downregulation of VAP‐1 in OSCC suppresses tumor growth and metastasis via NF‐κB/IL‐8 signaling and reduces neutrophil infiltration
Authors: Xu Qiongdong , Chen Xueru , Yu Tao , Tang Qinchao , Zhou Zhuoqian , Wang Hongyu , Huang Wanqian , Huang Tianjing , Liang Feixin
Published: February 2022

Background

Vascular adhesion protein‐1 (VAP‐1) is believed to play a role in inflammation. Studies have suggested that VAP‐1‐mediated activation of inflammation is dependent on NF‐κB, leading to secretion of the interleukin (IL)‐8; however, no reports have addressed the association between VAP‐1 and NF‐κB/IL‐8 signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to investigate the role of VAP‐1 in OSCC and further explore whether VAP‐1 is involved in the regulation of neutrophil infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Methods

Immunochemistry staining was used to observe VAP‐1 expression. CCK‐8 and Transwell assays were used to measure cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. OSCC xenograft mouse models were used for in vivo verification of the VAP‐1 function. The expression of NF‐κB and IL‐8 were determined by qRT‐PCR and western blot. ELISA for IL‐8 was also conducted. The relationship between VAP‐1 expression and neutrophil infiltration was analyzed by immunofluorescence.

Results

VAP‐1 was overexpressed in human OSCC tissues. Downregulation of VAP‐1 suppressed OSCC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and inhibited tumor proliferation and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, downregulation of VAP‐1 inhibited NF‐κB/IL‐8 signaling in vitro and in vivo. VAP‐1 expression was positively correlated with neutrophil infiltration in human OSCC tissues. Moreover, blocking VAP‐1 decreased neutrophil infiltration by reducing IL‐8 production.

Conclusions

VAP‐1 downregulation in OSCC suppresses tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting NF‐κB/IL‐8 signaling and reducing neutrophil infiltration in the TME, suggesting that VAP‐1 may be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Melatonin delays dark‐induced leaf senescence by inducing miR171b expression in tomato
Authors: Wang Kaixin , Cai Shuyu , Xing Qufan , Qi Zhenyu , Fotopoulos Vasileios , Yu Jingquan , Zhou Jie
Published: February 2022

Melatonin functions in multiple aspects of plant growth, development, and stress response. Nonetheless, the mechanism of melatonin in plant carbon metabolism remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the influence of melatonin on the degradation of starch in tomato leaves. Results showed that exogenous melatonin attenuated carbon starvation‐induced chlorophyll degradation and leaf senescence. In addition, melatonin delayed leaf starch degradation and inhibited the transcription of starch‐degrading enzymes after sunset. Interestingly, melatonin‐alleviated symptoms of leaf senescence and starch degradation were compromised when the first key gene for starch degradation, α‐glucan water dikinase (GWD), was overexpressed. Furthermore, exogenous melatonin significantly upregulated the transcript levels of several microRNAs, including miR171b. Crucially, the GWD gene was identified as a target of miR171b, and the overexpression of miR171b ameliorated the carbon starvation‐induced degradation of chlorophyll and starch, and inhibited the expression of the GWD gene. Taken together, these results demonstrate that melatonin promotes plant tolerance against carbon starvation by upregulating the expression of miR171b, which can directly inhibit GWD expression in tomato leaves.
Melatonin suppresses the metastatic potential of osteoblastic prostate cancers by inhibiting integrin α2β1 expression
Authors: Tai Huai‐Ching , Wang Shih‐Wei , Swain Sanskruti , Lin Liang‐Wei , Tsai Hsiao‐Chi , Liu Shan‐Chi , Wu Hsi‐Chin , Guo Jeng‐Hung , Liu Chun‐Lin , Lai Yu‐Wei , Lin Tien‐Huang , Yang Shun‐Fa , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: February 2022

Advanced prostate cancer often develops into bone metastasis, which is characterized by aberrant bone formation with chronic pain and lower chances of survival. No treatment exists as yet for osteoblastic bone metastasis in prostate cancer. The indolamine melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is a major regulator of the circadian rhythm. Melatonin has shown antiproliferative and antimetastatic activities but has not yet been shown to be active in osteoblastic bone lesions of prostate cancer. Our study investigations reveal that melatonin concentration‐dependently decreases the migratory and invasive abilities of two osteoblastic prostate cancer cell lines by inhibiting FAK, c‐Src, and NF‐κB transcriptional activity via the melatonin MT1 receptor, which effectively inhibits integrin α2β1 expression. Melatonin therapy appears to offer therapeutic possibilities for reducing osteoblastic bone lesions in prostate cancer.
Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on alfalfa seeds by the combination treatment of vacuumed hydrogen peroxide vapour and vacuumed dry heat
Authors: Song W.-J. , Kang D.-H.
Published: February 2022

We evaluated the combined effects of vacuumed hydrogen peroxide vapour (VHPV) and vacuum-sealed dry heat (vacuum heat, VH) to inactivate food-borne pathogens (Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes) on alfalfa seeds. Alfalfa seeds inoculated with food-borne pathogens were sequentially treated initially with 1·0 ml of 0 or 30% VHPV for 1 min and later with dry heat (DH) or VH for 2 h, and the rate of seed germination was evaluated. The combination treatment decreased the populations of three food-borne pathogens below the limit of detection (1·0 log CFU per gram) on alfalfa seeds without decreasing germinability. The sequential treatment using VHPV and VH greatly reduced the total treatment time needed to inactivate pathogens on alfalfa seeds by more than 5 log CFU per gram. These results demonstrate that a combination of VHPV and VH has potentially employed as a new method for pasteurization of alfalfa seeds without affecting their germinability.
Rhizobial infection of 4C cells triggers their endoreduplication during symbiotic nodule development in soybean
Authors: Fan Wei , Xia Chunjiao , Wang Shixiang , Liu Jing , Deng Lijun , Sun Shiyong , Wang Xuelu
Published: February 2022

Symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia results in the formation of nitrogen‐fixing root nodules. Endoreduplication is essential for nodule development and efficient nitrogen fixation; however, the cellular mechanism by which rhizobial infection causes endoreduplication in symbiotic nodules and the roles of the resulting polyploid cells in nitrogen fixation remain largely unknown.

Here, we developed a series of different approaches to separate infected cells (ICs) and uninfected cells (UCs) and determined their ploidy levels in soybean (Glycine max) developing nodules. We demonstrated that 4C nuclei exist in both UCs and ICs of developing nodules and that these 4C cells are primarily invaded by rhizobia and subsequently undergo endoreduplication.

Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing analysis of nuclei with different ploidy levels from soybean nodules at 12 d post‐infection (dpi) and 20 dpi showed that 4C cells are predominantly ICs in 12‐dpi nodules but UCs in 20‐dpi nodules.

We conclude that the infection of 4C cells by rhizobia is critical for initiating endoreduplication. These findings provide significant insight into rhizobial infection, nodule endoreduplication and nitrogen fixation in symbiotic nodules.
Long non‐coding RNA MRPL23‐AS1 suppresses anoikis in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma in vitro
Authors: Li Yin‐Ran , Fu Min , Song Ye‐Qing , Li Sheng‐Lin , Ge Xi‐Yuan
Published: February 2022

Distant lung metastasis is the main factor that affects the survival rate of patients with salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). Anoikis resistance is a feature of tumor cells that easily metastasize. The long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) MRPL23 antisense RNA 1 (MPRL23‐AS1) is related to lung metastasis in SACC, but its role in anoikis resistance is unknown. After altering MPRL23‐AS1 expression in SACC cells, anoikis resistance was detected by calcein AM/PI staining and annexin V/PI flow cytometry. The apoptosis marker activated caspase‐3 and the bcl‐2/bax ratio were detected by Western blotting. The relationship between MPRL23‐AS1 and the promoter of the potential downstream target gene p19INK4D was identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐PCR assay. p19INK4D expression in patient tissues was determined using qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. The functional experiments showed that MPRL23‐AS1 could promote anoikis resistance in vitro. MRPL23‐AS1 recruited the EZH2 to the promoter region of p19INK4D, inhibited p19INK4D expression, and promoted tumor cell anoikis resistance. p19INK4D overexpression did not affect anoikis in attached cells; however, it attenuated the anoikis resistance effect of MPRL23‐AS1 in suspension cells. p19INK4D expression was significantly lower in SACC tissues than in normal tissues. The novel MRPL23‐AS1/p19INK4D axis may be a potential SACC biomarker or therapeutic target.