bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pinoresinol diglucoside alleviates ischemia/reperfusion‐induced brain injury by modulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lei Yuanbiao , Yao Xiaoxi , Yi Jiping , Feng Ganghua
Published: September 2021

Brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common pathological process after ischemic stroke. Pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) has antioxidation and anti‐inflammation activities. However, whether PDG ameliorates brain I/R injury is still unclear. In this study, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established with male C57BL/6 mice, and the mice were treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg PDG via intravenous injection, respectively. The neurological deficit, infarct volume, and brain water content were then evaluated. HE staining and Nissl staining were used to analyze neuron injury. Besides, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetry assay were used to examine the level of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress markers, and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of p‐p65, Nrf2, and HO‐1. It was revealed that PDG could significantly alleviate the MCAO‐induced neurological dysfunction of the mice and reduce the infarct volume, brain water content, and neuron injury. PDG treatment decreased the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, NO, ROS, and MDA, and significantly increased the activities of SOD, GSH, and GSH‐Px in the brain tissue of the mice. Additionally, PDG could repress the activation of p65 and promote Nrf2 and HO‐1 expressions. In conclusion, PDG exerts anti‐inflammatory and antioxidation effects via regulating the NF‐κB pathway and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, thereby reducing the I/R‐induced brain injury of mice.
The correlation between neonatal parameters and late‐onset inner ear disorders in congenital cytomegalovirus infection: a 10‐year population‐based cohort study
Authors: Wu Pei‐Hsuan , Lee Chia‐Yi , Huang Jing‐Yang , Yang Shun‐Fa , Shih Cheng‐Ping
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the correlation of neonatal parameters with late‐onset sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and vestibular dysfunction in individuals with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The whole Taiwanese population.

Participants

Patients with related diagnostic codes and examinations in their records were regarded as having cCMV infection. Each subject in that group was matched to 10 control individuals with noncongenital CMV infection on the basis of several neonatal parameters, including low gestational age, low birth weight, low Apgar score, maternal history of CMV infection and prolonged cCMV infection. A total of 5893 and 58 930 participants were enrolled in the study and control groups, respectively.

Main outcome measures

The main outcomes were the development of SNHL and the development of vestibular dysfunction within one year after birth as reflected by diagnostic codes and specific examinations. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each primary outcome between the two groups.

Results

Overall, 109 and 397 episodes of SNHL developed in the study group and the control group, respectively, and the study group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of SNHL (adjusted HR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.07–3.18). In addition, similar incidence rates of vestibular dysfunction were found in the study group and the control group, with 7 and 90 events, respectively (adjusted HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.36–1.67). In subgroup analyses, a higher incidence of SNHL was correlated with lower gestational age (GA) (adjusted HR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.29–3.39), lower birth weight (BW) (adjusted HR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.28–3.30) and prolonged cCMV infection (adjusted HR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.95–7.88).

Conclusions

Low GA, low BW and a long disease course are significantly correlated with late‐onset SNHL in cCMV infection.
Do or doughnut: A systematic review and pooled analysis on the utility of pathological evaluation of the anastomotic doughnut in oncological colorectal operations
Authors: Wlodarczyk Jordan , Gaur Kshitij , Mertz Kevin , Wickham Carey , Mirza Kasim L. , Hsieh Christine , Cologne Kyle G.
Published: September 2021

Aim

End‐to‐end anastomosis staplers are frequently used in colorectal surgery, generating two anastomotic doughnuts. Whether pathological evaluation of the doughnut changes clinical practice remains unclear. We aim to identify any effects of pathological evaluation of anastomotic doughnuts after oncological colorectal surgery.

Method

We performed a systematic literature search utilizing PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science databases and selected studies on evaluation of the anastomotic doughnut after oncological colorectal surgery with stapled end‐to‐end anastomosis. Outcome measures included: involved distal margin on the oncological sample, histological involvement of the doughnut, clinical change in management from a positive doughnut and study recommendations.

Results

Of the 5761 studies identified, eight studies encompassing 1754 patients were evaluated. Most operations were for primary colon (37.5%) or rectal adenocarcinoma (37.5%). Incidence of distal margin involvement of the oncological sample was reported in three papers, with six positive cases (1.1%). Of the 1754 doughnut pairs evaluated, five were positive for neoplasia (0.29%), three for adenomas (0.18%) and one for metaplastic polyp (0.06%), none of which changed postoperative treatment. Four studies recommended abandoning routine histopathological evaluation of anastomotic doughnuts, while the remaining four recommended evaluation only under certain criteria, including gross distal margin <2 cm (one study), gross distal margin <3 cm (one study), tumours undetected on gross examination (one study), ‘histologically aggressive cancers’ or grossly involved distal margin (one study).

Conclusion

Routine evaluation of anastomotic doughnuts should be reconsidered, as <1% are positive for neoplasia. Exceptions may include specific scenarios where histopathology is likely to be clinically useful.
Influence of donor and recipient hepatitis B virus infection on long‐term outcomes after kidney transplantation
Authors: Yuan Qing , Haque Omar , Hong Shanjuan , Ortiz Andric , Bethea Emily D. , Sise Meghan E. , Markmann James F. , Elias Nahel
Published: September 2021

Background

The demand for transplantable kidneys continues to outstrip supply, and the risk of donor‐derived infection limits utilization. The effect of donor or recipient HBV status, defined by surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity, on long‐term survival outcomes of kidney transplant (KT) is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data from 2000 to 2019. We identified three cohorts based on donor (D) or recipient (R) HBsAg status: D–R, D–R+, and D+R–. Pairwise comparisons of patient survival (PS) and all‐cause graft survival (GS) after propensity score matching were performed to assess the effect of HBV infection in KT recipients.

Results

Our findings showed that there were no statistically significant differences in PS and GS among D–R, D–R+, and D+R–groups, nor was the patient or GS different between donor and recipient HBsAg+ status. Finally, in 2019 kidney discard rates were 15% higher for HBsAg+ deceased donors compared to HBsAg– donors.

Conclusions

HBsAg+ status was not associated with worse PS or GS after KT. Prior to broadly advocating utilization of HbsAg+ kidneys, further studies assessing KT recipient morbidity and safety are necessary.
The effects of donor‐specific antibody characteristics on cardiac allograft vasculopathy
Authors: Wang Maggie , Patel Nikhil J. , Zhang Xiaohai , Kransdorf Evan P. , Azarbal Babak , Kittleson Michelle M. , Czer Lawrence S.C. , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Patel Jignesh K.
Published: September 2021

Background

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) causes late graft dysfunction and post‐transplant mortality. Currently, the effects of different donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) on the severity of CAV remain unclear.

Method

We evaluated 526 adult heart transplant recipients at a single center between January 2010 and August 2015. Subjects were divided into those with DSA (n = 142) and those without DSA (n = 384, control). The DSA group was stratified into persistent DSA (n = 34), transient DSA (n = 105), 1:8 dilution DSA (n = 45), complement‐binding (C1q) DSA (n = 36), Class I DSA (n = 37), and Class II DSA (n = 105). The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate‐to‐severe CAV (CAV 2/3) at 5‐year follow‐up.

Results

Subjects with persistent DSA, 1:8 dilution DSA, and C1q DSA had higher incidence of CAV 2/3 compared the control group (17.6%, 13.3%, and 16.7% vs. 3.1%, respectively; P≤ .001). The incidence of CAV 2/3 between subjects with transient DSA and the control group was similar (2.8% vs. 3.1%; P = .888). Subjects with Class II DSA also had higher incidence of CAV 2/3 (7.6% vs. 3.1%; P = .039).

Conclusion

DSA that are persistent, 1:8 dilution positive, C1q positive, and Class II are associated with more severe grades of CAV. These DSA characteristics may prognosticate disease and warrant consideration for treatment.
Implications of macroinvertebrate taxonomic resolution for freshwater assessments using functional traits: The Paute River Basin (Ecuador) case
Authors: Sotomayor Gonzalo , Hampel Henrietta , Vázquez Raúl F. , Forio Marie Anne Eurie , Goethals Peter L. M.
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aimed at investigating the taxonomic resolutions (TRs) of benthic macroinvertebrates for freshwater assessments in the scope of the functional trait approach (FTA).

Location

Macroinvertebrate samples were collected in 22 locations within the Paute River Basin (PRB), Ecuador, over three years (2010, 2011 and 2012).

Methods

Biological traits were allocated as scores to the macroinvertebrate data (at genus level) through fuzzy coding, using published data. The scores of each genus were used to derive scores for the corresponding family. These two sets of scores were standardized and compared, they were similar in 82% of the cases. Functional diversity (FD) was described by the rRao index, which showed no significant differences between coarse (family level) and fine (genus level) TRs. Cluster analyses using the K‐means algorithm were performed to determine similarities between both rRao data sets. The WQ cluster number (K) was varied between 2 and 5 to determine a threshold K value (Kth), after which a WQ assessment differed as a function of the TR being used.

Results

Kth was 3. Family‐level identification in the framework of the FTA in the PRB was suitable in detecting changes of macroinvertebrate assemblages (until Kth = 3).

Main conclusions

The proposed methodology could be implemented in other basins where decision‐makers could decide whether the level of functional trait data similarity is sufficient for WQ management purposes and whether the defined Kth is acceptable. The reliability of the key methodological steps was assessed using performance statistics that have rarely been applied to ecological studies. Despite related research performed in other regions, the present study is the first South American attempt to investigate the effects of TR of benthic macroinvertebrates on freshwater bioassessments using functional traits.
Automated insulin dosing systems: Advances after a century of insulin
Authors: Thabit Hood , Lal Rayhan , Leelarathna Lalantha
Published: September 2021

The daily complexities of insulin therapy and glucose variability in type 1 diabetes still pose significant challenges, despite advancements in modern insulin analogues. Minimising hypoglycaemia and optimising time spent within target glucose range are recommended to reduce the risk of diabetes‐related complications and distress. Access to structured education and adjuvant diabetes technologies, such as insulin pumps and glucose sensors, are recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to enable people with type 1 diabetes achieve their glycaemic goals. One hundred years after the discovery of insulin, automated insulin dosing (AID, a.k.a. closed loop or artificial pancreas) systems are a reality with a number of systems available and being used in usual clinical practice. Evidence from randomised clinical trials and real‐world prospective studies support efficacy, effectiveness and safety of AID systems. Qualitative evaluations reveal treatment satisfaction and positive effects on quality of life. Current insulin‐only AID systems still require carbohydrate and activity announcement (hybrid closed loop) due to the inherent pharmacokinetic limitations of rapid‐acting insulin analogies. Ultra‐rapid acting insulin and adjunctive use of other therapies (e.g. glucagon, pramlitide) are being evaluated to achieve full closed loop. Open‐source AID (OS‐AID) systems have been developed by the diabetes community, driven by a desire for safety and to accelerate technological advancement. In addition to effectiveness and safety, real‐world prospective studies suggest that OS‐AID systems fulfil unmet needs of commercially approved systems. The development, ongoing challenges and expectations of AID are outlined in this review.
Neuroprotective effect of sumatriptan in pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizure is mediated through N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate/nitric oxide and cAMP response element‐binding protein signaling pathway
Authors: Mumtaz Faiza , Rashki Asma , Imran Khan Muhammad , Shadboorestan Amir , Abdollahi Alireza , Ghazi‐Khansari Mahmoud , Alotaibi Ghallab , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: September 2021

Seizure occurs as a result of uncontrolled electrical disturbances within the brain. Various biomolecules such as N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA), nitric oxide (NO), and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of seizure. Sumatriptan is a specific 5‐Hydroxytryptamine 1B/1D receptor agonist and has neuroprotective effects in various neuropsychiatric disorders. In the current study, we tried to investigate the possible interaction of sumatriptan with NMDA/NO and CREB signaling pathway in PTZ induced seizure. For this purpose, various agonist and antagonist of NMDA such as MK‐801 and Ketamine, NO precursor L‐ARG, and NOS inhibitors L‐NAME and 7‐NI were co‐administered with sumatriptan in PTZ induced seizure model. The level of nitrite in mice hippocampus was determined by Griess reaction. The gene expression of NR1, NR2A, NR2B, and CREB were quantified by quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Furthermore, the involved neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein expression was examined via western blot analysis. Effective dose of sumatriptan (1.2 mg/kg) alone and subeffective dose of sumatriptan (0.3 mg/kg) in combination with NMDA and/or NO antagonist showed significant (P < 0.001) anticonvulsant activity in mice. Furthermore, sumatriptan significantly inhibited the PTZ‐induced mRNA expression of NR2A (P < 0.0001), NR2B (P < 0.05), and CREB (P < 0.01). Also, the expression of nNOS protein in PTZ treated group was reversed by sumatriptan (P < 0.01). Hence, current findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of sumatriptan was due to down regulation of NMDA/NO and CREB signaling pathway.
Fatigue fracture and probabilistic assessments of a cone and pipe welded structure of stainless steels
Authors: Oh Gyoko
Published: September 2021

Probabilistic assessments are important for weldments due to large scatters in the fatigue strength. Using thin‐walled cone‐pipe welded joints of stainless steels, fatigue tests under bending loads were carried out. The test data were statistically analyzed with the Benard's approximation, Gaussian, 2P‐Weibull, and 3P‐Weibull distributions. Stress–life curves at different failure probabilities by a uniform scatter band model were obtained. The metallographic structures were investigated, and the stress concentration states were analyzed to elucidate the causes of the strengths and scatters. In the high‐cycle fatigue regime, the 3P‐Weibull distribution was most matched with the Benard's approximation, and the coefficient of determination was 0.9817. The microstructure of the weld metal with a high weld opening angle was mainly ferrite phase with 20% austenite distribution, which had the high strength. The stress concentration factors depended on the weld opening angle, indicating the main factor that affected strengths and scatters.
Effects of benchmarking and peer‐assessment on French learners' self‐assessments of accentedness, comprehensibility, and fluency
Authors: Tsunemoto Aki , Trofimovich Pavel , Blanchet Josée , Bertrand Juliane , Kennedy Sara
Published: September 2021

This study examined the effect of benchmarking and peer‐assessment activities on second language (L2) French learners' self‐assessments of accentedness, comprehensibility, and fluency. The learners, who included 25 L2 French students enrolled in a 15‐week university‐level French course, recorded two oral presentations at the beginning and the end of the course and self‐assessed their accentedness, comprehensibility, and fluency four times. In addition to regular course instruction, the treatment group also engaged in benchmarking (discussing and applying pre‐established evaluation criteria) and peer‐assessment (evaluating peers' speaking performances). The students' self‐assessments were compared with ratings of accentedness, comprehensibility, and fluency by 10 native‐speaking French raters. At the end of the course (i.e., for the second oral presentation), the treatment group showed greater alignment in self‐assessment of comprehensibility than the comparison group, relative to the external raters' assessments. Results highlight the value of assessment‐focused activities targeting L2 learners' awareness of pronunciation.
Metagenomic analysis of microbial communities across a transect from low to highly hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils in King George Island, Maritime Antarctica
Authors: Jurelevicius Diogo , Pereira Raphael da Silva , da Mota Fabio Faria , Cury Juliano C. , de Oliveira Ivan Cardoso , Rosado Alexandre S. , Mason Olivia U. , Jansson Janet K. , Seldin Lucy
Published: September 2021

Soil samples from a transect from low to highly hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils were collected around the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (EACF), located at King George Island, Antarctica. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes, 16S rRNA gene (iTag), and shotgun metagenomic sequencing were used to characterize microbial community structure and the potential for petroleum degradation by indigenous microbes. Hydrocarbon contamination did not affect bacterial abundance in EACF soils (bacterial 16S rRNA gene qPCR). However, analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a successive change in the microbial community along the pollution gradient. Microbial richness and diversity decreased with the increase of hydrocarbon concentration in EACF soils. The abundance of Cytophaga, Methyloversatilis, Polaromonas, and Williamsia was positively correlated (p‐value = <.05) with the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Annotation of metagenomic data revealed that the most abundant hydrocarbon degradation pathway in EACF soils was related to alkyl derivative‐PAH degradation (mainly methylnaphthalenes) via the CYP450 enzyme family. The abundance of genes related to nitrogen fixation increased in EACF soils as the concentration of hydrocarbons increased. The results obtained here are valuable for the future of bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils in polar environments.
Contrasting effects of host or local specialization: Widespread haemosporidians are host generalist, whereas local specialists are locally abundant
Authors: de Angeli Dutra Daniela , Moreira Félix Gabriel , Poulin Robert
Published: September 2021

Aim

Despite the wide distribution of many parasites around the globe, the range of individual species varies significantly, even among phylogenetically related taxa. Given that parasites need suitable hosts to complete their development, parasite geographical and environmental ranges should be limited to communities where their hosts are found. Parasites might also suffer from a trade‐off between being locally abundant or widely dispersed. We hypothesize that the geographical and environmental ranges of parasites are negatively associated with their host specificity and their local abundance.

Location

World‐wide.

Time period

2009–2021.

Major taxa studied

Avian haemosporidian parasites.

Methods

We tested these hypotheses using a global database that comprises data on avian haemosporidian parasites from across the world. For each parasite lineage, we computed five metrics, namely phylogenetic host range, environmental range, geographical range and the mean local and total number of observations in the database. Phylogenetic generalized least squares models were run to evaluate the influence of phylogenetic host range and the total and local abundances on geographical and environmental ranges. In addition, we analysed separately the two regions with the largest amount of available data: Europe and South America.

Results

We evaluated 401 lineages from 757 localities and observed that generalism (i.e., phylogenetic host range) was associated positively with both the geographical and environmental ranges of the parasites at global and European scales. For South America, generalism was associated only with geographical range. Finally, mean local abundance (mean local number of parasite occurrences) was negatively related to geographical and environmental ranges. This pattern was detected world‐wide and in South America, but not in Europe.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate that parasite specificity is linked to both their geographical and environmental ranges. The fact that locally abundant parasites present restricted ranges indicates a trade‐off between these two traits. This trade‐off, however, becomes evident only when sufficient heterogeneous host communities are considered.
Green Criminology: Its Foundation in Critical Criminology and the Way Forward
Authors: SOLLUND RAGNHILD
Published: September 2021

This article outlines the field of critical criminology and how its development was essential for the development of green criminology. Through a personal trajectory, I use my experiences first as a student and later as Professor of Criminology at the University of Oslo as an entry point. I draw on my involvement with the European Group for the Study of Deviance and Social Control to explore how critical criminology has influenced green critical criminology. Critical criminology, with its focus on the crimes of the powerful, is concerned with victims of injustice, and a social harm approach was, I argue, a necessary foundation for non‐speciesist, green critical criminology. The article concludes by elucidating the challenges for a green critical non‐speciesist criminology, which includes a presentation of my current research project, ‘Criminal justice, wildlife conservation and animal rights in the Anthropocene – CRIMEANTHROP’.
Muscarinic receptor binding activity in rat tissues by vibegron and prediction of its receptor occupancy levels in the human bladder
Authors: Yamada Shizuo , Chimoto Junko , Shiho Mizuki , Okura Takashi , Morikawa Kana , Kagota Satomi , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To examine the effects of vibegron, a selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, used to treat overactive bladder, on muscarinic receptors in the rat bladder, and to predict the occupancy levels of muscarinic receptors by vibegron in the bladders of humans orally administered a clinical dose.

Methods

Muscarinic receptors in the rat bladder and other tissues were examined by a radioligand binding assay using [N‐methyl‐3H]scopolamine chloride. The occupancy levels of muscarinic receptors by vibegron in bladders of humans after its oral administration were predicted from the estimation of unbound concentrations in human plasma and urine in the literature.

Results

Vibegron (0.1–100 μmol/L) inhibited specific [N‐methyl‐3H]scopolamine chloride binding in the bladder and other tissues of rats in a concentration‐dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration value of vibegron in the bladder was approximately twofold higher than that in the heart, and approximately 315‐ and 3.5‐fold lower than those in the submaxillary gland and brain, respectively. Therefore, the binding affinity of vibegron for muscarinic receptors was higher in the heart and bladder than in the submaxillary gland and brain. By using the rat bladder receptor binding affinity, occupancy levels of muscarinic receptors in the human bladder were predicted to be 51–91% until 24 h after its oral administration at 50 mg of vibegron.

Conclusions

This is the first study to suggest that vibegron binds to muscarinic receptors in the rat bladder and other tissues, with a potentially higher affinity for the M2 subtype than the M1 and M3 subtypes. These results might be clinically relevant for pharmacotherapy with vibegron for overactive bladder.
AIRE in context: Leveraging chromatin plasticity to trigger ectopic gene expression*
Authors: Kaiser Caroline , Bradu Alexandra , Gamble Noah , Caldwell Jason A. , Koh Andrew S.
Published: September 2021

The emergence of antigen receptor diversity in clonotypic lymphocytes drove the evolution of a novel gene, Aire, that enabled the adaptive immune system to discriminate foreign invaders from self‐constituents. AIRE functions in the epithelial cells of the thymus to express genes highly restricted to alternative cell lineages. This somatic plasticity facilitates the selection of a balanced repertoire of T cells that protects the host from harmful self‐reactive clones, yet maintains a wide range of affinities for virtually any foreign antigen. Here, we review the latest understanding of AIRE’s molecular actions with a focus on its interplay with chromatin. We argue that AIRE is a multi‐valent chromatin effector that acts late in the transcription cycle to modulate the activity of previously poised non‐coding regulatory elements of tissue‐specific genes. We postulate a role for chromatin instability—caused in part by ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling—that variably sets the scope of the accessible landscape on which AIRE can act. We highlight AIRE’s intrinsic repressive function and its relevance in providing feedback control. We synthesize these recent advances into a putative model for the mechanistic modes by which AIRE triggers ectopic transcription for immune repertoire selection.
High energy storage density and efficiency in nanostructured (Bi0.2Na0.2K0.2La0.2Sr0.2)TiO3 high‐entropy ceramics
Authors: Yang Wentao , Zheng Guangping
Published: September 2021

High‐entropy ceramics (HECs) (Bi0.2Na0.2K0.2La0.2Sr0.2)TiO3 (BNKLST) with single‐phase perovskite structure have been successfully prepared by a modified citrate acid method. In comparison to (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 (BNT) ceramics prepared by the same synthesis route, the BNKLST HECs exhibit dense nanostructures with grain sizes as small as 45 nm, which are suggested to be responsible for the significantly improved electric breakdown fields and reduced leakage currents in the ceramics, and they have much enhanced elastic modulus owing to the entropy‐stabilized perovskite structure. The electrical and dielectric characterizations reveal that BNKLST has high electrical resistances and dielectric constants at elevated temperatures, and, in particular, a recoverable energy storage density of 0.959 J/cm3 can be achieved under an applied electric field of 180 kV/cm. Moreover, the energy storage efficiency in BNKLST can be maintained to be larger than 90% at 40–200°C. These excellent properties suggest that entropy‐stabilized BNT‐based ceramics are promising dielectrics for electrical energy storage applications.
Anticancer effects of melatonin via regulating lncRNA JPX‐Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Li Yuan , Zou Jilong , Li Bo , Du Jianyang
Published: September 2021

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a type of malignant primary bone cancer, which is highly aggressive and occurs more commonly in children and adolescents. Thus, novel potential drugs and therapeutic methods are urgently needed. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects and mechanism of melatonin on OS cells to provide a potential treatment strategy for OS. The cell survival rate, cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis were examined by trypan blue assay, MTT, colony formation, wound healing, transwell invasion and attachment/detachment assay, respectively. The expression of relevant lncRNAs in OS cells was determined by real‐time qPCR analysis. The functional roles of lncRNA JPX in OS cells were further examined by gain and loss of function assays. The protein expression was measured by western blot assay. Melatonin inhibited the cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis of OS cells (Saos‐2, MG63 and U2OS) in a dose‐dependent manner. Melatonin treatment significantly downregulated the expression of lncRNA JPX in Saos‐2, MG63 and U2OS cells. Overexpression of lncRNA JPX into OS cell lines elevated the cell viability and proliferation, which was accompanied by the increased metastasis. We also found that melatonin inhibited the OS progression by suppressing the expression of lncRNA JPX via regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Our results suggested that melatonin inhibited the biological functions of OS cells by repressing the expression of lncRNA JPX through regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, which indicated that melatonin might be applied as a potentially useful and effective natural agent in the treatment of OS.
LncRNA TUG1 attenuates ischaemia‐reperfusion‐induced apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by sponging miR‐144‐3p via targeting Nrf2
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Chen Wu , Li Wei , Yu Weimin , Li Siqi , Rao Ting , Ruan Yuan , Zhou Xiangjun , Liu Cong , Qi Yucheng , Cheng Fan
Published: September 2021

Renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury may induce kidney damage and dysfunction, in which oxidative stress and apoptosis play important roles. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are reported to be closely related to renal I/R, but the specific molecular mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this research was to explore the regulatory effect of lncRNA TUG1 on oxidative stress and apoptosis in renal I/R injury. This research revealed that in renal I/R injury and hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R) injury in vitro, the expression level of lncRNA TUG1 was upregulated, and oxidative stress levels and apoptosis levels were negatively correlated with the expression level of lncRNA TUG1. Using bioinformatics databases such as TargetScan and microRNA.org, microRNA‐144‐3p (miR‐144‐3p) was predicted to be involved in the association between lncRNA TUG1 and Nrf2. This study confirmed that the level of miR‐144‐3p was significantly reduced following renal I/R injury and H/R injury in vitro, and miR‐144‐3p was determined to target Nrf2 and inhibit its expression. In addition, lncRNA TUG1 can reduce the inhibitory effect of miR‐144‐3p on Nrf2 by sponging miR‐144‐3p. In summary, our research shows that lncRNA TUG1 regulates oxidative stress and apoptosis during renal I/R injury through the miR‐144‐3p/Nrf2 axis, which may be a new treatment target for renal I/R injury.
Effects of an emollient application on newborn skin from birth for prevention of atopic dermatitis: a randomized controlled study in Thai neonates
Authors: Techasatian L. , Kiatchoosakun P.
Published: September 2021

Background

Enhancing the skin barrier in high‐risk neonates by daily use of emollients during infancy might prevent atopic dermatitis (AD); however, there have been no studies on this topic in a country with a tropical climate. Climate may affect the results of the use of emollients in neonates for AD prevention and possible adverse cutaneous eruptions.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that emollients used during infancy can prevent AD in high‐risk neonates in a country with a tropical climate and to evaluate other possible adverse cutaneous eruptions in this population.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled study in a tertiary care hospital with a 6 months' duration. Eligible neonates were randomly assigned to receive either emollient and skincare advice (emollient group) or skincare advice only (control group). The intervention was started within 3 weeks of birth.

Results

The emollient group showed a significant reduction in the cumulative incidence of AD at 6 months (relative risk, 0.39; 95% CI 0.24–0.64; P < 0.001). The emollient group started to develop AD later and had a lower severity of AD than the control group (P < 0.001). Compared to moderate adherence, low adherence to emollient application was associated with a lower number of patients with AD (P = 0.008). Potentially emollient‐related cutaneous eruptions, such as miliaria, and suspected cutaneous infections, such as impetigo, were more frequent in the emollient group. Exposure to passive smoking showed a significant difference in the development of AD compared to non‐smoking exposure, both during pregnancy and after the child's birth (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study suggests that, in a tropical climate, emollient applied to the skin of at‐risk neonates on an ‘as needed’ basis (depending on environmental factors, level of skin dryness), rather than on a ‘daily basis', can provide a substantial benefit for AD prevention.
Genetic and ecomorphological divergence between sympatricAstyanaxmorphs from Central America
Authors: Garita‐Alvarado Carlos A. , Garduño‐Sánchez Marco Antonio , Barluenga Marta , Ornelas‐García Claudia Patricia
Published: September 2021

Intraspecific ecological and morphological polymorphism can promote ecological speciation and the build‐up of reproductive isolation. Here, we evaluate correlations among morphology, trophic ecology and genetic differentiation between two divergent morphs (elongateanddeep‐body) of the fish genusAstyanaxin the San Juan River basin in Central America, to infer the putative evolutionary mechanism shaping this system. We collected the two morphs from three water bodies and analysed: (1) the correlation between body shape and the shape of the premaxilla, a relevant trophic morphological structure, (2) the trophic level and niche width of each morph, (3) the correspondence between trophic level and body and premaxillary shape, and (4) the genetic differentiation between morphs using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We found a strong correlation between the body and premaxillary shape of the morphs. The elongate‐body morph had a streamlined body, a premaxilla with acuter angles and a narrower ascending process, and a higher trophic level, characteristic of species with predatorial habits. By contrast, the deep‐body morph had a higher body depth, a premaxilla with less acute angles and a broader trophic niche, suggesting generalist habits. Despite the strong correlation between morphological and ecological divergence, the morphs showed limited genetic differentiation, supporting the idea that morphs may be undergoing incipient ecological speciation, although alternative scenarios such as stable polymorphism or plasticity should also be considered. This study provides support for the role of ecological factors promoting diversification in both lake and stream‐dwelling freshwater fish.
Effect of drying temperature on the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of “Palmer” mango peels
Authors: de Brito Araújo Ana Júlia , da Silva Wilton Pereira , dos Santos Moreira Inácia , Santos Newton Carlos
Published: September 2021

The present study evaluated the effects of temperature in the drying of “Palmer” mango peel on its physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity, generating information for a better utilization of this by‐product and its use in food products. Peels with average thickness of 1.5 mm were dried in an air circulation oven at different temperatures (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80°C). Mathematical models (empirical and diffusive) were fitted to the experimental data obtained and, subsequently, the dehydrated peels were crushed to obtain the powders, which were characterized in terms of physical attributes, physicochemical attributes, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity (ABTS+, DPPH, and FRAP). The diffusion model indicated that “Palmer” mango peels show a uniform moisture distribution over time and the Wang and Singh model does not have a consistent physical behavior for the study (R2 <.91). The extraction process using solvents with different polarities allowed the extraction of phenolic compounds (13,761.32 ± 1.12 mg/kg), but aqueous extraction revealed superior results for antioxidant activity by the different methods: ABTS (31.72 ± 1.00 mM TEAC/kg), DPPH (162.26 ± 0.23 mM TEAC/kg), and FRAP (66.63 ± 2.27 mM Fe2+/kg). The temperature of 60°C was the most efficient for drying the peels.

Practical applications

The powder obtained in the present study showed functional potential, as a source of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, highlighting the possibility of its use as additive and supplement or incorporated in the formulation of new foods.
Grief experiences in parents of adult children with serious mental illness
Authors: Williams‐Wengerd Anne M. , Solheim Catherine
Published: September 2021

Because of systemic changes in mental health treatment since deinstitutionalization, parents have taken on more involved roles for their children with serious mental illness (SMI), even when their children have reached young adulthood. However, the changes in parental roles and relationships with their adult children with SMI, and the grief that stems from those changes, have not been adequately reflected in research or treatment interventions. Studies primarily focus on individual perspectives and neglect the relational nature of grief within a family. The absence of a family perspective in treatment systems leave parents to navigate grief and loss on their own. In this article, we systematically review 12 papers on the grief experiences of parents of an adult child with SMI. Through a thematic analysis of the findings it becomes clear that there is a need for employing a family theoretical perspective to address the inherent relational nature of grief. Ambiguous loss theory provides a relationally grounded model which expands our understanding of parents' grief and gives direction for more effective interventions for families.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy may be sufficient for initial evaluation of suspected immunotherapy‐mediated colitis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: De Silva Sadie , Trieu Harry , Rajan Anand , Liang Yu , Lin James L , Kidambi Trilokesh D
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise in treating a variety of cancers. Their increased use coincides with increased incidence of immunotherapy‐mediated colitis (IMC), a common adverse effect. Optimal strategy for endoscopic evaluation of IMC (full colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) is not well‐defined.

Methods

Retrospective review of all patients at City of Hope referred to gastroenterology for evaluation of IMC due to gastrointestinal symptoms was performed. Patients with an existing histologic diagnosis of IMC established at an outside hospital or a diagnosis of infectious or chronic colitis were excluded.

Results

We identified 51 symptomatic patients on ICIs prompting evaluation for IMC with colonoscopy (47/51) or flexible sigmoidoscopy (4/51). All distal rectosigmoid biopsies during flexible sigmoidoscopy demonstrated histologic evidence of IMC. In full colonoscopy, IMC was either present in all segments of colon simultaneously (35/47) or absent from all segments (12/47). No isolated proximal colonic biopsies demonstrated IMC. Endoscopically normal mucosa demonstrated histologic evidence of IMC up to 68.6% of the time. Endoscopically abnormal right, transverse, and left colon had low sensitivity (35.3%, 34.3%, and 41.7%, respectively) and high specificity (100.0%, 100.0%, and 91.7%, respectively) for histological presence of IMC.

Conclusions

Distal colon biopsies in patients on ICI therapy with diarrhea and suspected IMC were sufficient for diagnosing IMC in our cohort. Further, we found histologic evidence of IMC in biopsies taken from normal‐appearing mucosa in a number of patients, suggesting that a normal endoscopic appearance does not preclude the presence of IMC and biopsies should be taken from both normal and abnormal‐appearing mucosa.
Maternal exposure to work schedule unpredictability and child behavior
Authors: Schneider Daniel , Harknett Kristen
Published: September 2021

Objective

This article estimates the association between maternal exposure to unpredictable work schedules in the service sector and child internalizing and externalizing behavior.

Background

Precarious work is widespread and characterized by low wages, few benefits, and nonstandard schedules. But working parents, especially in the service sector, contend with unpredictable work schedules as well. These schedules have negative consequences for workers, but may also perpetuate inequality across generations by negatively affecting children.

Method

This article takes advantage of novel survey data from The Shift Project, covering 2,613 mothers (surveyed 2017–2019) working in the service sector with children (mean child age of 7.5), to examine the association between maternal work schedules and child behavior as well as the mediators of this relationship.

Results

Maternal exposure to unpredictable work schedules is associated with children's externalizing and internalizing behavior. Mediation analysis shows that for parents with the most unpredictable schedules, this aspect of job quality operates on children's behavior by increasing household economic insecurity, reducing developmental parenting time, and diminishing maternal well‐being.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that work scheduling conditions may have consequences not just for workers themselves but also for their children.
The integration of oral health‐related best practice recommendations in the management of patients with diabetes: a cross‐sectional survey of primary care physicians
Authors: Ahern John , Nunn June
Published: September 2021

Objective

To determine whether best practice recommendations are being followed by primary care physicians (PCPs) by examining the integration of oral health‐related practices in their management of patients with diabetes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was used to examine PCPs' knowledge of the bidirectional link between diabetes and periodontal disease (PD), their adherence to international best practice recommendations, and their experience of interprofessional collaboration with dentists via an online survey.

Results

In total, 79 of 173 PCPs completed the online survey. Almost 90 percent of PCPs neither inform patients with diabetes about the link with PD nor advise dental care. Approximately, one‐third of PCPs (32 percent) felt confident facilitating access to dentists. However, 93 percent of PCPs do not refer patients with diabetes to dentists as part of diabetes management.

Conclusion

PCPs tend not to inform their patients with diabetes of the bidirectional link with PD, or provide advice or referral to attend dental care as part of diabetes management.
Family functioning and dental caries among preschool children
Authors: Almutairi Sarah , Scambler Sasha , Bernabé Eduardo
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To investigate the relationship of family functioning with dental caries among 3–4‐year‐olds and the role of family functioning in explaining the relationship of family socioeconomic status (SES) with childhood dental caries.

Methods

Data from 761 parent–child dyads who took part in the East London Oral Health Inequalities study were analyzed. Family functioning was assessed using the 60‐item family assessment device that yielded scores on general functioning and six domains (roles, communication, problem‐solving, affective involvement, affective responsiveness, and behavior control). Children were clinically examined at home for dental caries. The association of family functioning and family SES (education and socioeconomic classification) with dental caries (dmft and dt scores) was tested using negative binominal regression while adjusting for child and parental demographic factors.

Results

Children from families with unhealthy general functioning had 1.49 (95% CI: 1.01–2.20) and 1.84 (95% CI: 1.20–2.82) times greater dmft and dt, respectively, than those from families with healthy functioning after adjustment for confounders. The estimates for the associations of parental education and socioeconomic classification with dmft and dt were attenuated by around 12%–18% after adjusting for family functioning. Of the six family functioning domains assessed, only unhealthy behavior control in the family was associated with greater numbers of decayed teeth after adjustments.

Conclusions

This study showed that unhealthy family functioning was associated with dental caries among young children. Family functioning partly explained the relationship between family SES and childhood dental caries.
Intellectual property rights in e‐commerce industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Silvee Sadiya S. , Wasaf Madanoor Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Evolution of internet and technology has led to an increase in electronic commerce (e‐commerce). Consequently, disputes regarding commercial use of the internet are emerging in many developed and developing countries. Many of these disputes concern the infringement of intellectual property (IP) rights. However, IP rights are, perhaps, spurned by many developing countries when it comes to e‐commerce—making it a timely study for many developing countries such as Bangladesh; whose e‐commerce industry is experiencing extraordinary growth in the past few years. Although Bangladesh embarked into e‐commerce years ago, however, judiciary of the country has not yet experienced disputes addressing IP rights in the e‐commerce industry. Mostly, because the significant connection of IP rights with e‐commerce are yet to comprehend. Against this backdrop, focusing on the propinquity between e‐commerce and IP rights, this paper examines the adeptness of the contemporary IP rights enactments of Bangladesh in protecting IP rights in e‐commerce industry of Bangladesh. Arguing that IP rights are the most essential and value‐bearing component of e‐commerce industry, the paper presents how IP rights are violated by various entities of the industry every now and then. The paper delineates the disputes of such nature which already exist but remained unaddressed because of the inadequate understanding of IP rights and loopholes in the Bangladesh IP enactments. The paper concludes by giving a persuasive guideline to protect the legitimate rights and interests of various entities of the e‐commerce industry in Bangladesh.