bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of production systems on phenolic characteristics and antioxidant capacity of highbush blueberry cultivars
Authors: Jung Young Sung , Kwak In Ae , Lee Sang Gil , Cho Hye‐Sung , Cho Youn‐Sup , Kim Dae‐Ok
Published: June 2021

Blueberry is a crop grown worldwide due to the excellent quality and high polyphenol content of its fruit and tolerance to cold conditions. We investigated the influence of three production systems, namely an open field, heated greenhouse, and non‐heated (plastic) greenhouse, on the phenolic characteristics (total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content) and antioxidant capacities of “Spartan” (northern highbush), “Sharpblue” (southern highbush), and “O'Neal” (southern highbush) blueberry cultivars. The non‐heated production system showed the highest phenolic characteristics and antioxidant capacity in “Spartan” and “O'Neal,” while the open field production system showed the highest phenolic characteristics and antioxidant capacity in “Sharpblue.” Derivatives of delphinidin and malvidin were two of the most abundant anthocyanins. The heated greenhouse production system resulted in larger amounts of delphinidin derivatives compared with the other production systems, while the blueberry grown in the non‐heated greenhouse produced larger amount of malvidin derivatives. The anthocyanin profiles varied according to production system and blueberry cultivars. The principal component analysis loading plot of blueberries for individual anthocyanins explained over 95% of the total variance. In summary, the results of this study suggest that a strategic approach to blueberry production could elevate the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of cultivated blueberry.

Practical Application

The highbush blueberry, a rich source of bioactive polyphenols, is a popular fruit. The microclimate of the production system of highbush blueberries affects the concentrations of antioxidative phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins. Therefore, discovering and applying the appropriate method of production for each blueberry cultivar could facilitate production of high‐quality blueberries rich in phenolic antioxidants.
Effect of capsaicinoids in hot pepper powder on microbial community and free sugar during kimchi fermentation
Authors: Chung Young Bae , Lee Hyojung , Hwang Sojeong , Seo Hye‐Young , Suh Hyung Joo , Jo Kyungae
Published: June 2021

Effect of capsaicinoids in hot pepper powder (HP) contains various chemical compounds, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, which are the main ingredients of the spicy taste. To evaluate the effect of HP on the microbial community in kimchi fermentation, kimchi [kimchi‐HP, kimchi‐HPE and kimchi‐HPER made by adding HP, HP alcohol extract (HPE) and HPE residues (HPER)] was fermented at 4°C for 28 days. The pH and titratable acidity of the samples and the number of bacteria changed with fermentation time. Kimchi‐HPER had significantly higher total viable and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) than other samples after 28 days of fermentation. The capsaicinoids content did not differ before and after fermentation, whereas the major free sugar content decreased, and the mannitol content increased. The principal component analysis (PCA) biplots showed similar patterns between kimchi‐HP and ‐HPE. It was confirmed that Leuconostoc and Weissella were related to the initial fermentation, and Lactobacillus was involved in late fermentation. Kimchi‐HP and kimchi‐HPE increased the ratio of Lactobacillus sakei and decreased that of Leuconostoc mesenteroides compared to kimchi‐HPER. Overall, these results revealed that capsaicinoids contained in HP affected Lactobacillus proliferation and mannitol increase during kimchi fermentation.
Listeria environmental sampling tests are compatible with polymorphic locus sequence typing
Authors: Edlind Tom , Liu Yanhong
Published: June 2021

Food processors invest significant resources into environmental sampling to detect contamination with potential pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes. To facilitate these efforts, multiple environmental sampling tests (ESTs) have been developed and commercialized that minimize workload, turnaround time, and cost while providing convenient colorimetric detection. For presumptive‐positive ESTs, we hypothesized that a relatively minor additional investment could provide, in addition to species confirmation, valuable strain typing data for tracking pathogen spread through a facility, identifying harborage sites, and distinguishing sporadic from persistent or resident contaminants. This hypothesis is based on the demonstrated compatibility of polymorphic locus sequence typing (PLST) with crude samples including food enrichments. Five Listeria ESTs were tested here: broth‐based InSite (Hygiena), Path‐Chek (Mericon), and Pathfinder (Hardy Diagnositics); and gel‐based Petrifilm (3M) and HardyChrom (Hardy Diagnostics). ESTs were inoculated with strains representing two common L. monocytogenes serotypes and nonpathogenic Listeria innocua. Following incubation, broths or suspended colonies were heat treated to inactivate bacteria. Lysates or purified DNAs were prepared and used as templates in PCRs targeting the previously described PLST loci LmiMT1 and LisMT2. Single clear products were obtained from all inoculated ESTs; uninoculated controls were negative. PCR products were subjected to Sanger sequencing, yielding high‐quality chromatograms. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed identities to previously determined sequences and revealed relatedness to serotype‐matched strains represented in GenBank databases.

Practical Application

Multiple environmental sampling tests have been commercialized in recent years to facilitate the proactive detection of pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, within food processing facilities. Coupling a positive detection test with strain typing would enhance its value by providing data that can be used to track pathogen spread through a facility, identify harborage sites, and distinguish sporadic from resident contamination.
Comparative analysis of volatile and carotenoid metabolites and mineral elements in the flesh of 17 kiwifruit
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Mo Xiaoqin , Tang Dongmei , Ma Yuhua , Xie Yunxia , Yang Hongbin , Shi Meiyan , Li Lin , Li Wenyun , Yan Fuhua , Zhang Yajuan , Zhang Hongyan , Xu Juan
Published: June 2021

Kiwifruit contains abundant nutritive compounds and is highly favored by the consumers worldwide. Therefore, detailed metabolic profiling is important to provide theoretic basis for the improvement of kiwifruit quality. In this study, the levels of volatiles, carotenoids, and mineral elements in the flesh of 17 kiwifruit accessions were evaluated. Acids and esters were the main volatiles in kiwifruit. During these 17 kiwifruit accessions, “Chenhong,” three “Jinyan,” and two “Guichang” germplasms were specifically rich in aromatic esters, which might be associated with their special taste. The main carotenoids were lutein, β‐carotene, and zeaxanthin, and their levels were also genotype specific, with the green‐fleshed “Guichang” having the highest level of carotenoids, and red‐fleshed “Fuhong” and “Chenhong” being rich in zeaxanthin. Partial correlation analysis showed that the contents of some mineral elements were significantly correlated with those of specific volatiles and carotenoids, indicating the impacts of mineral elements on the accumulation of volatiles and carotenoids in the kiwifruit flesh. These results indicated that the contents of carotenoids and volatiles seemed to be affected by mineral elements and also provided a new potential method for improving fruit flavor quality in production.
Microplastics contamination in food and beverages: Direct exposure to humans
Authors: Jin Mengke , Wang Xue , Ren Tao , Wang Jian , Shan Jiajia
Published: June 2021

Since microplastics (MPs) bring the potential risks to human health when plastics are ingested, more needs to be known about the presence and abundance of human ingestion of MPs. To address these issues, we reviewed 108 publications in Web of Science concerning abundances, sources, and analytical methods of MPs in human daily intake including fish, salt, drinking water, beverages, package food, and other food. The results demonstrate that aquatic food products (fish and bivalves) present a wide range of 0–10.5 items/g for bivalves and 0–20 items/individual for fish. Salt data in literatures present a concentration of 0–13,629 particles/kg. Drinking water is also a pathway of MPs exposure to human, presenting a concentration range from 0 to 61 particles/L for tap water and 0 to 6292 MPs/L for bottled water. Besides, MPs have been found in beverages, package food, sugar, honey, vegetables, and fruits. Therefore, human intake of MPs via ingestion is a nonnegligible exposure route.
Optimization of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Hemerocallis citrina and the antioxidant activity study
Authors: Meng Qingran , Chen Zhihong , Chen Feng , Zhang Zhiguo , Gao Wenjie
Published: June 2021

The present study discussed the optimization of the ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of polysaccharides from daylily polysaccharides (DPs). The extracted crude polysaccharides were further separated and purified, and the antioxidant activities including 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐111 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2'‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activities of the obtained fractions were also evaluated. The results showed that the optimal ultrasonic‐assisted extraction parameters with DPs yield of 15.25 ± 1.13% were water to powder ratio of 25 ml/g, extraction power of 694 W, extraction temperature of 71°C, extraction time of 38 min, and three times extraction. By DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column, four water‐soluble polysaccharide fractions (DP‐1, DP‐2, DP‐3, and DP‐4) were successfully obtained. Monosaccharide component analysis showed that the four obtained fractions were all hetero‐polysaccharides that mainly contained rhamnose, arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid in different molar ratios. All the four DP fractions did show obvious antioxidant activities in vitro, and the DP‐3 component had relatively high ABTS free radical scavenging activity. Overall, our research showed that DPs could provide cheap raw materials for the development of natural antioxidants in medicines, functional foods, and even cosmetics.

Practical Application

This article deals with the optimization of the ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of polysaccharides from daylily and its antioxidant activities. The results showed that the optimal ultrasonic‐assisted extraction yield of DPs was 15.25 ± 1.13%. By DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column, four water‐soluble polysaccharide fractions were successfully obtained, and all the four DP fractions did show obvious antioxidant activities in vitro. Daylily polysaccharides could provide cheap raw materials for the development of natural antioxidants in medicines, functional foods, and even cosmetics.
The effects of pectin and wax on the characteristics of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions
Authors: Elik Aysel , Koçak Yanik Derya , Ozel Baris , Oztop Mecit Halil , Göğüş Fahrettin
Published: June 2021

The study was aimed to investigate characteristics of emulsion containing pectin, wax, maltodextrin, and carotenoid enriched flaxseed oil by means of stability, rheology, particle size, and low‐resolution of time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry measurements. Emulsions were prepared with different carotenoid enriched‐flaxseed oil concentrations (6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% w/w) and ratios of maltodextrin/(pectin+wax) (3:1, 6:1, 9:1, and 12:1 g/g). Percentage separation of 12% oil 12:1 ratio of maltodextrin/(pectin+wax) (g/g), 15% oil 9:1, and 12:1 ratios of maltodextrin/(pectin+wax) (g/g) of emulsions was determined as 2.0 ± 0.5%, 4.0 ± 0.5%, and 8.0 ± 0.5%, respectively. No separation was observed in other emulsions. The rheological behavior of emulsions was best described by the power law model. When the concentration of pectin+wax in the emulsion decreased, the n values of the emulsions were close to 1, indicating that the fluid behavior approaches Newtonian behavior. Moreover, the emulsion viscosity was observed to increase when pectin and wax concentrations in the emulsion increased. The increase in pectin and wax concentration in emulsions with oil contents of 6% and 9% resulted in a reduction in the average particle size. However, if the oil concentration in the emulsions was 12% or more, the increase in the ratio of maltodextrin/(pectin+wax) (g/g) led to a decrease in the average particle size. NMR transverse relaxation times (T2) of emulsions were measured and results showed that T2 values for almost all formulations decreased when the ratio of maltodextrin/(pectin+wax) reduced.

Practical Application

Study results demonstrated that the combination of pectin and wax together with maltodextrin as a filling material could be an alternative way to improve emulsion stability. Findings of this study provided useful guidance for the future studies about the potential use of pectin, wax, and maltodextrin as wall material in encapsulation of oils or in producing edible films.
A review of medical image data augmentation techniques for deep learning applications
Authors: Chlap Phillip , Min Hang , Vandenberg Nym , Dowling Jason , Holloway Lois , Haworth Annette
Published: June 2021

Research in artificial intelligence for radiology and radiotherapy has recently become increasingly reliant on the use of deep learning‐based algorithms. While the performance of the models which these algorithms produce can significantly outperform more traditional machine learning methods, they do rely on larger datasets being available for training. To address this issue, data augmentation has become a popular method for increasing the size of a training dataset, particularly in fields where large datasets aren’t typically available, which is often the case when working with medical images. Data augmentation aims to generate additional data which is used to train the model and has been shown to improve performance when validated on a separate unseen dataset. This approach has become commonplace so to help understand the types of data augmentation techniques used in state‐of‐the‐art deep learning models, we conducted a systematic review of the literature where data augmentation was utilised on medical images (limited to CT and MRI) to train a deep learning model. Articles were categorised into basic, deformable, deep learning or other data augmentation techniques. As artificial intelligence models trained using augmented data make their way into the clinic, this review aims to give an insight to these techniques and confidence in the validity of the models produced.
21st Century Capitalism and Innovation for Health
Authors: Sell Susan K.
Published: June 2021

21st century capitalism undermines health outcomes in myriad ways. Structural economic changes have had negative effects on medical innovation and public health and are poorly aligned with social goals. Key features of the contemporary political economy include both monopoly capitalism, based upon stringent intellectual (IP) protection that suppresses economic competition, and Wall Street capitalism, or financialization, that prioritizes value extraction over value creation to maximize shareholder value. Contemporary trends in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, digital health, and regulatory change demonstrate some of the negative impacts of 21st century capitalism on public health.
The Big Digital Contact Tracing Experiment1
Authors: de Bengy Puyvallée Antoine , Storeng Katerini Tagmatarchi
Published: June 2021

Over a third of the world’s countries have launched contact‐tracing apps in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, generating much hype about the prospect of automating contact‐tracing to manage outbreaks and to alleviate costly and labour‐intensive ‘manual’ contact tracing. Despite the stringent scientific criteria applied to the development of vaccines and other ‘biomedical countermeasures’ in responding to the pandemic, digital contact tracing has been widely recommended despite being an unproven public health intervention. Evidence for its effectiveness is thin, based on theoretical mathematical modelling and unsystematic observations across diverse country contexts. Establishing evidence of effectiveness is complicated by the fact that two private corporations, Apple and Google, own the technology upon which most government contact‐tracing apps are based and which, by design, restricts access to needed data on privacy grounds. In this policy insight, we make the case for why public health authorities urgently need to establish the effectiveness and societal implications of this big digital contact‐tracing experiment.
Emerging Consensus on ‘Ethical AI’: Human Rights Critique of Stakeholder Guidelines
Authors: Fukuda‐Parr Sakiko , Gibbons Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Voluntary guidelines on ‘ethical practices’ have been the response by stakeholders to address the growing concern over harmful social consequences of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Issued by dozens of actors from industry, government and professional associations, the guidelines are creating a consensus on core standards and principles for ethical design, development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). Using human rights principles (equality, participation and accountability) and attention to the right to privacy, this paper reviews 15 guidelines preselected to be strongest on human rights, and on global health. We find about half of these ground their guidelines in international human rights law and incorporate the key principles; even these could go further, especially in suggesting ways to operationalize them. Those that adopt the ethics framework are particularly weak in laying out standards for accountability, often focusing on ‘transparency’, and remaining silent on enforceability and participation which would effectively protect the social good. These guidelines mention human rights as a rhetorical device to obscure the absence of enforceable standards and accountability measures, and give their attention to the single right to privacy. These ‘ethics’ guidelines, disproportionately from corporations and other interest groups, are also weak on addressing inequalities and discrimination. We argue that voluntary guidelines are creating a set of de facto norms and re‐interpretation of the term ‘human rights’ for what would be considered ‘ethical’ practice in the field. This exposes an urgent need for action by governments and civil society to develop more rigorous standards and regulatory measures, grounded in international human rights frameworks, capable of holding Big Tech and other powerful actors to account.
Determining maximal achievable effect sizes of antidepressant therapies in placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Hieronymus Fredrik , Lisinski Alexander , Hieronymus Magnus , Näslund Jakob , Eriksson Elias , Østergaard Søren Dinesen
Published: June 2021

Objective

Antidepressants outperform placebo with an effect size of around 0.30. It has been suggested that effect sizes as high as 0.875 are necessary for a minimal clinically important difference. Whether such effect sizes are achievable in placebo‐controlled trials is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to assess what effect sizes are theoretically achievable in placebo‐controlled trials of antidepressants.

Methods

Patient‐level analyses comparing Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS‐17) outcomes for simulated antidepressant therapies to placebo‐treated participants (n = 2201) from clinical trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Results

An optimally effective antidepressant, where all treated participants achieve HDRS‐17 scores comparable to those displayed by healthy volunteers (remission‐type model), had a maximum effect size of 1.75, with a mean difference of 11.6 points on the HDRS‐17. In simulations where patients received an additional 50% symptom reduction over that obtained with placebo (improvement‐type model), the maximum effect size was 1.08 with a mean HDRS‐17 difference of 7.2. When adjusting for normal rates of treatment discontinuation, maximum effect sizes were 1.10 (remission‐type model) and 0.76 (improvement‐type model) with HDRS‐17 mean differences of 8.8 and 5.6, respectively.

Conclusions

Three methodological issues (i) a large and variable placebo response, (ii) a high rate of dropout and (iii) HDRS‐17‐ratings significantly larger than zero in healthy volunteers, reduce the degree of treatment‐placebo separation achievable in depression trials. Assuming that those who discontinue treatment have only partial response, even a highly effective antidepressant would have difficulties surpassing such effect size cut‐offs as have been suggested to signify a minimal clinically important difference.
Extrusion of debris with and without intentional foraminal enlargement – A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Machado Ricardo , Vigarani Gislayne , Macoppi Tainara , Pawar Ajinkya , Glaci Reinke Stella Maria , Kovalik Gonçalves Ana Cristina
Published: June 2021

This systematic review and meta‐analysis was sought to assess whether intentional foraminal enlargement (IFE) is responsible for extrusion of a larger quantity of debris from extracted human teeth with fully formed apexes. Following the recommendations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis – PRISMA, electronic and manual searches were performed to identify studies that evaluated the extrusion of debris, comparing different apical limits of instrumentation (with/without IFE). The quality of the studies selected was evaluated, and statistical analysis was conducted. To perform the meta‐analysis, just 3 papers could be used. The heterogeneity was high, however; there was no statistically significant difference in relation to the extrusion of debris in teeth either submitted or not submitted to IFE. The general risk of bias was moderate. In conclusion, IFE is not responsible for extrusion of a larger quantity of debris from extracted human teeth with fully formed apexes.
Microsatellite variation in Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from Argentina
Authors: Herrero María I. , Murúa María G. , Casmuz Augusto S. , Gastaminza Gerardo , Sosa‐Gómez Daniel R.
Published: June 2021

Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest that has been reported causing damage in many agricultural crops such as soybean, chickpea and cotton. This species, together with Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Chloridea virescens (Fabricius), belongs to the Heliothinae complex of economic importance in Northwestern Argentina.

Many species in the Heliothinae subfamily have developed resistance to insecticides and insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Managing resistance to these control tactics in H. gelotopoeon is of high importance and dependant on knowledge of population genetics of this species.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability and structure of H. gelotopoeon populations from different host plants and geographic regions of Argentina. Towards this goal, six microsatellite loci were screened across 196 individuals.

The results obtained revealed high genetic diversity and lack of clear structure among the populations of H. gelotopoeon studied. This genetic homogeneity between populations from different geographical regions and hosts could be attributed to the long‐range migratory capacity of Heliothinae and the generalist behaviour of H. gelotopoeon.
Supporting health students on rural placements: A scoping review
Authors: Rogers Cathy
Published: June 2021

Objective

To review Australian literature on initiatives used to provide support for pre‐registration health students undertaking a rural placement.

Design

A scoping literature review.

Setting

Rural, regional and remote areas of Australia.

Participants

Publications were sourced from scientific databases including Ebscohost and CINAHL. Grey literature and journal citations were searched to identify other relevant articles.

Main outcome measure

Identification of the various initiatives used to support students, evaluation of the success of these initiatives, and the feasibility and sustainability of implementing these initiatives.

Results

There were 36 articles included in the final analysis. The findings identified support initiatives specific to individual professions, not on supporting health students as a whole cohort. The key findings were grouped into identification of support initiatives and the alignment of these to students feeling a sense satisfaction, belonging and connectedness. Constraints to support health students undertaking rural placements identified disparity and inequity of support initiatives available for health students with medical students provided more support than other health students.

Conclusion

This review highlights the importance of students developing a sense of belonging and building connections to community, which are strongly aligned with rural placements and student satisfaction. The need for socio‐cultural, organisational and institutional support is linked to higher student satisfaction and intention to practice rurally. A centralised collation of support initiatives would benefit students, higher education institutions and stakeholders in their efforts to attract students to undertake rural placements and be immersed in these unique learning experiences.
An openly available wearable, a diaper cover, monitors infant's respiration and position during rest and sleep
Authors: Ranta Jukka , Ilén Elina , Palmu Kirsi , Salama Jonna , Roienko Oleksii , Vanhatalo Sampsa
Published: June 2021

Aim

To describe and test the accuracy of respiratory rate assessment in long‐term surveillance using an open‐source infant wearable, NAPping PAnts (NAPPA).

Methods

We recorded 24 infants aged 1–9 months using our newly developed infant wearable that is a diaper cover with an integrated programmable electronics with accelerometer and gyroscope sensors. The sensor collects child's respiration rate (RR), activity and body posture in 30‐s epochs, to be downloaded afterwards into a mobile phone application. An automated RR quality measure was also implemented using autocorrelation function, and the accuracy of RR estimate was compared with a reference obtained from the simultaneously recorded capnography signal that was part of polysomnography recordings.

Results

Altogether 88 h 27 min of data were recorded, and 4147 epochs (39% of all data) were accepted after quality detection. The median of patient wise mean absolute errors in RR estimates was 1.5 breaths per minute (interquartile range 1.1–2.6 bpm), and the Blandt‐Altman analysis indicated an RR bias of 0.0 bpm with the 95% limits of agreement of −5.7–5.7 bpm.

Conclusion

Long‐term monitoring of RR and posture can be done with reasonable accuracy in out‐of‐hospital settings using NAPPA, an openly available infant wearable.
Employee–supervisor political skill congruence and work outcomes: The mediating role of leader–member exchange quality
Authors: Öztürk Engin Bağış , Emirza Sevgi
Published: June 2021

This study aims to investigate the effect of employee–supervisor political skill congruence on the quality of leader–member exchange (LMX), which in turn influences employees' job satisfaction and turnover intention. For this purpose, two survey studies were conducted. The first study examined the relationship between employee–supervisor political skill congruence and LMX using multi‐source data collected from 287 employee–supervisor dyads. The second study examined the indirect effect of congruence in political skill on work outcomes through LMX by using time‐lagged multi‐source data collected from 142 employee–supervisor dyads. The findings indicate that compared with incongruence, congruence in political skill is associated with higher employee‐rated LMX. Moreover, among dyads with congruent political skills, congruence at high levels of political skill is associated with higher employee‐rated LMX compared with congruence at low levels of political skill. Moreover, in case of incongruency, low employee–high supervisor political skill combination was related to higher supervisor‐rated LMX compared with high employee–low supervisor political skill combination. Lastly, employee–supervisor political skill congruency indirectly influences job satisfaction and turnover intention through employee‐rated LMX. This research significantly contributes to the political skill literature by examining potential consequences of employee–supervisor congruence in political skill in the workplace.
The clinical impact of robot‐assisted laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery associated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Maeda Anri , Takahashi Hiroki , Watanabe Kaori , Yanagita Takeshi , Suzuki Takuya , Nakai Nozomu , Maeda Yuzo , Shiga Kazuyoshi , Hirokawa Takahisa , Ogawa Ryo , Hara Masayasu , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery has been performed in various fields, especially in the pelvic cavity. However, little is known about the utility of robot‐assisted laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery associated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We herein report the clinical impact of robot‐assisted laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery associated with RARP.

Methods

We experienced five cases of robot‐assisted laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery associated with RARP. One involved robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with en bloc prostatectomy for T4b rectal cancer, and one involved robot‐assisted laparoscopic intersphincteric resection combined with RARP for synchronous rectal and prostate cancer. The remaining three involved robot‐assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection (RaLAR) after RARP. For robot‐assisted laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, the da Vinci Xi surgical system was used.

Results

We could perform planned robotic rectal cancer surgery in all cases. The median operation time was 529 min (373–793 min), and the median blood loss was 307 ml (32–1191 ml). No patients required any transfusion in the intra‐operative or immediate peri‐operative period. The circumferential resection margin was negative in all cases. There were no complications of grade ≥III according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification and no conversions to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery associated with RARP is feasible in patients with rectal cancer. The long‐term surgical outcomes remain to be further evaluated.
Enjoying tranquility — Development of ground vegetation after cessation of management in forests on loamy soils in Flanders (Belgium)
Authors: Vandekerkhove Kris , Thomaes Arno , De Keersmaeker Luc , Van de Kerckhove Peter , Onkelinx Thierry , Van Calster Hans , Verheyen Kris
Published: June 2021

Questions

Managed forests often show a more homogeneous age structure compared to unmanaged forests, but also a higher share and frequency of canopy and soil disturbances due to harvest operations. Here, we investigate what happens when non‐intervention is introduced in formerly managed forests:

Was there a significant decrease in vascular plant species richness?

Which species were particularly affected? Are there non‐random shifts in species composition?

Were typical shade‐tolerant forest species also jeopardized due to prolonged deep shade?

Location

Four recently installed strict reserves in Atlantic to Sub‐Atlantic lowland oak and beech forests on fertile loess soils east and southwest of Brussels (Belgium).

Methods

We compared vegetation relevés in permanent plots (183 plots of 16 m × 16 m) with a 10‐year interval. Total species richness per site was derived from rarefaction curves; significance of differences in species richness and composition at plot level were tested using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was used to check for non‐random shifts in species composition.

Results

We registered significant declines in species richness both at reserve and plot level. This decline was not random, but strongly dependent on ecological traits and strategies, with strong declines in light‐demanding gap phase‐associated species like Lonicera periclymenum and Deschampsia cespitosa, and species requiring soil disturbance, such as Juncus effusus and Carex sylvatica. Shade‐tolerant mesic species like Anemone nemorosa and Allium ursinum clearly increased in frequency and cover, despite strong declines in previous decades.

Conclusion

The effect of lower disturbance frequency leading to continued closed canopy, against a background of reduced atmospheric deposition, induces the development of a ground vegetation with lower species richness, due to decrease of species related to disturbance, but with higher dominance and cover of characteristic species of mesic lowland oak and beech forests.
Road verges provide alternative habitats for some, but not all, meadow plants
Authors: Oldén Anna , Pitkämäki Tinja , Halme Panu , Komonen Atte , Raatikainen Kaisa J.
Published: June 2021

Questions

Agricultural intensification has led to the decline of biodiverse meadows and other semi‐natural grasslands. Road verges offer potential alternative habitats for meadow species, but they may not be suitable for all meadow species due to different soil properties, frequent disturbances, pollution or suboptimal management. Are their communities of vascular plants and bryophytes similar or dissimilar to those in mown or grazed meadows? What kind of species are associated with road verges, mown meadows or grazed meadows? How do the habitat types differ in their soil conditions and disturbance intensity?

Location

The study was conducted at 36 sites in central Finland.

Methods

We compared the vascular plant and bryophyte flora and the habitat characteristics of road verges, mown meadows and grazed meadows.

Results

The community composition of both vascular plants and bryophytes differed among the habitat types. Many species occurred in all three habitat types, but several meadow specialists were absent or less frequent in the road verges. In contrast, road verges hosted more forest species and ruderal species, especially bryophytes. Road verges differed from meadows in their soil conditions.

Conclusions

We conclude that although road verges may host some species typical to meadows, their value as alternative habitats could be increased by improved soil preparation and vegetation management. Meanwhile, the continued decline of quality habitats for meadow species underscores the need to maintain, increase and improve meadow management.
Access to maternity and prenatal care services in rural Michigan
Authors: Wendling Andrea , Taglione Valerie , Rezmer Rachel , Lwin Poe , Frost Jessica , Terhune Julia , Kerver Jean
Published: June 2021

Background

The United States physician shortages affect rural health care access, including maternity care. Project aims were to identify and characterize prenatal and delivery care in Michigan's rural counties and to explore access to trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) services for women in rural Michigan.

Methods

Descriptive, cross‐sectional design used 2015 Medicaid claims data and public health plan information to identify maternity care services provided within Michigan's rural counties. Publicly available health plan information was used to identify rural maternity hospitals and prenatal care practitioners; findings were verified by Internet searches and telephone interviews. Medicaid claims data were used to determine services provided. High‐risk geographic areas were defined as those where women needed to travel >30 miles for maternity‐related care. Expected TOLAC rate was determined based on published national birth data; rural hospitals were stratified based on whether they met the expected TOLAC rate, delivered 20%‐60% of expected rate, or billed ≤1 TOLAC birth to Medicaid in 2015.

Results

In Michigan's 57 rural counties, only 29 hospitals provide maternity care. Geographic high‐risk areas were identified in the Upper Peninsula and northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Only two rural hospitals billed for the expected rate of TOLAC births; six delivered at a lower rate, and the remaining 21 hospitals provided no TOLAC services, resulting in large areas of the state where women were not offered this option locally.

Conclusions

Maternity care services are limited for many rural Michigan women. Findings can be used to target specific strategies to improve access to care for these women. Similar analyses, exploring patterns of maternity care delivery in other rural regions worldwide, may uncover similar or additional inequities.
Impacts of volcanic eruptions and early recovery in freshwater environments and organisms
Authors: Carrillo Uara , Díaz‐Villanueva Verónica
Published: June 2021

Volcanic eruptions modify environments physically and chemically with serious consequences for the biota. In this review, we analysed 80 papers reporting the effects of volcanic eruptions in freshwater environments and on freshwater organisms. An increase in water turbidity is the most common reported physical effect while increases in concentrations of inorganic elements, many representing nutrients for primary producers, are the most common chemical effects. Bacterial growth is usually stimulated, while autotrophs can be either positively or negatively affected depending on the type of impact. A persistent effect reported in the biota is changes to the assemblage, which could generate further changes in terms of ecosystem functions. This analysis also identifies some information gaps, particularly involving the effects of eruptions on heterotrophic biofilms in streams and on invertebrates and fish in lakes. Most studies were carried out soon after the volcanic eruption, so it is difficult to assess the recovery of the ecosystems. Eruptions present unique opportunities for scientific discovery, although such studies are often hindered by a lack of pre‐eruption data, which would allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the effects.
Can public spending boost private consumption?
Authors: Asimakopoulos Stylianos , Lorusso Marco , Pieroni Luca
Published: June 2021

One of the most debated issues in modern macroeconomics relates to the behaviour of private consumption in response to an increase in government spending. Recent empirical studies have found a positive relationship between these two macroeconomic fundamentals. However, such a finding cannot be easily reconciled with simple real business cycle models. In this paper, we develop and estimate a new Keynesian model that is able to predict a rise in consumption in response to an increase in productive public spending. We show the two key elements that lead to a statistically significant positive reaction of private consumption, thereby creating consumption present‐value multipliers, are: (i) a productive component in public spending and (ii) nominal rigidities. Our key results remain valid to various robustness checks that include a sub‐sample analysis examining the pre‐Great Recession period and a sensitivity analysis on the structural, fiscal and monetary policy parameters of the model.
Visualization of the cancer cell cycle by tissue‐clearing technology using the Fucci reporter system
Authors: Takahashi Kei , Tanabe Ryo , Ehata Shogo , Kubota Shimpei I. , Morishita Yasuyuki , Ueda Hiroki R. , Miyazono Kohei
Published: June 2021

Tissue‐clearing technology is an emerging imaging technique currently utilized not only in neuroscience research but also in cancer research. In our previous reports, tissue‐clearing methods were used for the detection of metastatic tumors. Here, we showed that the cell cycles of primary and metastatic tumors were visualized by tissue‐clearing methods using a reporter system. First, we established cancer cell lines stably expressing fluorescent ubiquitination‐based cell cycle indicator (Fucci) reporter with widely used cancer cell lines A549 and 4T1. Fluorescence patterns of the Fucci reporter were investigated in various tumor inoculation models in mice. Interestingly, fluorescence patterns of the Fucci reporter of tumor colonies were different between various organs, and even among colonies in the same organs. The effects of antitumor drugs were also evaluated using these Fucci reporter cells. Of the three antitumor drugs studied, 5‐fluorouracil treatment on 4T1‐Fucci cells resulted in characteristic fluorescent patterns by the induction of G2/M arrest both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the combination of a tissue‐clearing method with the Fucci reporter is useful for analyzing the mechanisms of cancer metastasis and drug resistance.
MUSASHI‐2 confers resistance to third‐generation EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yiming Reheman , Takeuchi Yasuto , Nishimura Tatsunori , Li Mengjiao , Wang Yuming , Meguro‐Horike Makiko , Kohno Takashi , Horike Shin‐ichi , Nakata Asuka , Gotoh Noriko
Published: June 2021

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) are effective in patients with non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. However, due to acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs, even patients on third‐generation osimertinib have a poor prognosis. Resistance mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that the increased expression of MUSASHI‐2 (MSI2), an RNA‐binding protein, is a novel mechanism for resistance to EGFR‐TKIs. We found that after a long‐term exposure to gefitinib, the first‐generation EGFR‐TKI lung cancer cells harboring the EGFR‐TKI‐sensitive mutations became resistant to both gefitinib and osimertinib. Although other mutations in EGFR were not found, expression levels of Nanog, a stemness core protein, and activities of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were increased, suggesting that cancer stem‐like properties were increased. Transcriptome analysis revealed that MSI2 was among the stemness‐related genes highly upregulated in EGFR‐TKI‐resistant cells. Knockdown of MSI2 reduced cancer stem‐like properties, including the expression levels of Nanog, a core stemness factor. We demonstrated that knockdown of MSI2 restored sensitivity to osimertinib or gefitinib in EGFR‐TKI‐resistant cells to levels similar to those of parental cells in vitro. An RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay revealed that antibodies against MSI2 were bound to Nanog mRNA, suggesting that MSI2 increases Nanog expression by binding to Nanog mRNA. Moreover, overexpression of MSI2 or Nanog conferred resistance to osimertinib or gefitinib in parental cells. Finally, MSI2 knockdown greatly increased the sensitivity to osimertinib in vivo. Collectively, our findings provide proof of principle that targeting the MSI2‐Nanog axis in combination with EGFR‐TKIs would effectively prevent the emergence of acquired resistance.
Fabrication, workflow and delivery of reconstruction: Summary and consensus statements of group 4. The 6th EAO Consensus Conference 2021
Authors: Jokstad Asbjorn , Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Mühlemann Sven , Wismeijer Daniel , Wolfart Stefan , Fehmer Vincent , Güth Jan Frederik , Holtzman Lucrezia Paterno , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Makarov Nikolay , Meijer Henny J.A. , Milinkovic Iva , Sailer Irena , Spitznagel Frank A. , Vandeweghe Stefan , de Velde Tommie Van , Zwahlen Marcel , Giertmuehlen Petra C.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To report assessments of four systematic reviews (SRs) on (i) clinical outcomes of all‐ceramic implant‐supported crowns (iSCs), (ii) production time, effectiveness, and costs of computer‐assisted manufacturing (CAM), (iii) computer‐assisted implant planning and surgery (CAIPS) time and costs, and (iv) patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMS).

Material and Methods

An author group consisting of experienced clinicians and content experts discussed and evaluated the SRs and formulated consensus on the main findings, statements, clinical recommendations, and need for future research.

Results

All four SRs were conducted and reported according to PRISMA and detailed comprehensive search strategies in at least three bibliometric databases and hand searching. The search strategies were deemed reproducible. Variation was noted regarding language restrictions and inclusion of grey literature, but the search comprehensiveness appeared persuasive. The SRs included bias risk assessments of the primary studies, and their study methodology impacted the interpretations of the extracted data.

Conclusions

(i) There is limited evidence (49 NRCT) showing that veneered and monolithic all‐ceramic iSCs have excellent outcomes observed up to 3 years. (ii) There is no evidence evaluating production time and effectiveness comparing subtractive and additive CAM of implant models, abutments and crowns. (iii) There is limited evidence (4 RCT) that CAIPS involves more time and costs when considering the entire workflow and for diagnostics, manufacturing, and insertion of the restoration. Time seems to be the decisive factor for higher costs. (iv) Patients’ comfort increases when optical compared to conventional impressions are used for fabricating iSCs and short‐span FPDs (2 RCT, 5 NRCT).
Soft tissue management at implants: Summary and consensus statements of group 2. The 6th EAO Consensus Conference 2021
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Cosyn Jan , Fickl Stefan , Jensen Simon S. , Jung Ronald E. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Rocchietta Isabella , Roccuzzo Mario , Sanz Mariano , Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Scarlat Pavel , Schou Soren , Stefanini Martina , Strasding Malin , Bertl Kristina
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The task of working Group 2 at the 6th Consensus Meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration was to comprehensively assess the effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures at dental implant sites on clinical, radiographic and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) including an overview on available outcome measures and methods of assessment.

Materials and methods

Three systematic reviews and one critical review were performed in advance on (i) the effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures on clinical, radiographic and aesthetic outcomes, (ii) reliability and validity of outcome measures and methods of assessment and (iii) PROMs applied in clinical studies for soft tissue augmentation procedures at dental implant sites. Major findings, consensus statements, clinical recommendations and implications for future research were discussed in the group and approved during the plenary sessions.

Results

The four reviews predominantly revealed:

Soft tissue augmentation procedures in conjunction with immediate and delayed implant placement result in superior aesthetic outcomes compared to no soft tissue augmentation in the zone of aesthetic priority.

Soft tissue augmentation procedures have a limited effect on marginal bone level changes compared to implant sites without soft tissue augmentation. Clinically relevant parameters (gingival index, mucosal recession) and plaque control improve at implant sites when the width of keratinised mucosa is increased.

A variety of aesthetic indices have been described with good reliability. Pink Esthetic Score and Complex Esthetic Index are the most validated aesthetic indices for single implants, though. Superimposed digital surface scans are most accurate to assess profilometric tissue changes.

PROMs following soft tissue augmentation procedures have been assessed using various forms of questionnaires. Soft tissue augmentation had a limited effect on PROMs.

Conclusions

Soft tissue augmentation procedures are widely applied in conjunction with implant therapy. Depending on the indication of these interventions, clinical, radiographic and aesthetic outcomes may improve, whereas the effect on PROMs is limited.