bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of radiology training and role of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology in supporting radiology trainees in NSW: Results of the first radiology trainee survey
Authors: Kyaw Merribel M , Dedova Irina , Young Noel , Moscova Michelle
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College radiology training programme is a 5‐year programme with a vast curriculum including reporting and research requirements. Undertaking training can be stressful for trainees who must balance their educational needs and work responsibilities. We undertook the first independent survey of New South Wales (NSW) radiology trainees to evaluate their perceptions about the quality of their training.

Methods

Focus groups with trainees from multiple NSW training sites were conducted to construct a survey which was then distributed to all NSW Radiology trainees (n = 118). Data from the survey were analysed, and factors correlating to the overall satisfaction with the programme were explored using Spearman's correlation.

Results

Survey response rate was 70.3%. Eighty‐nine per cent of trainees were satisfied with their career choice, and 73% were satisfied with the training programme. Majority felt they had a good exposure to cases, modalities and access to resources to complete their training. Trainee satisfaction significantly correlated with a supportive work environment (rs = 0.83, P < 0.0001), which involved supportive consultants (rs = 0.75, P < 0.0001), good peer support (rs = 0.60, P < 0.0001) and their training site respecting work/life balance (rs = 0.62, P < 0.0001). As trainees progressed through the training programme, they became less satisfied, with trainees in years 3 and above being the most dissatisfied.

Conclusion

NSW radiology trainees are generally satisfied with their training programme and career choices. Trainee satisfaction correlated most strongly with supportive work environment, good consultant support, peer relationships and good work/life balance; satisfaction decreased for senior trainees.
Deubiquitinating enzyme USP41 promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Ji Jiaqi , Yang Shuping , Zu Lingling , Li Yongwen , Li Ying
Published: February 2021

Background

To reveal the function of deubiquitylating enzyme USP41 in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The relationship between USP41 and lung cancer was determined by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A549 and H1299 cell lines were transfected with short hairpin RNA against USP41 (shUSP41 group) or negative control (shCon group). Western blotting was used to verify the transfection efficacy and marker expression. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by EdU assay, MTT assay, and flow cytometry after USP41 knockdown. Transwell assay was used to determine the effect of USP41 downregulation on cell migration.

Results

Analysis of lung cancer data from TCGA database indicated a higher level of USP41 expression in lung cancer tumor tissue compared with that in noncancerous tissue, and USP41 overexpression was correlated with poor overall survival of lung cancer patients (p < 0.01). The outcomes of the EdU, MTT, and flow cytometry assays indicated decreased cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in shUSP41‐transfected cells. Transwell assay further demonstrated that USP41 knockdown increased the migration rate of A549 and H1299 cells.

Conclusions

In our study, USP41 was overexpressed in lung cancer tissue and associated with poor prognosis of lung cancer. USP41 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation and migration and induces cell apoptosis of lung cancer.
Orbitofrontal cortex thickness and substance use disorders in emerging adulthood: causal inferences from a co‐twin control/discordant twin study
Authors: Harper Jeremy , Wilson Sylia , Malone Stephen M. , Hunt Ruskin H. , Thomas Kathleen M. , Iacono William G.
Published: February 2021

Background/aims

Research linking orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) structure and substance use disorders (SUDs) is largely correlational and often implies a causal effect of addiction/substance exposure on the brain, but familial risk factors (e.g. genetic liability) may confound these associations. We tested whether associations between alcohol, cannabis and tobacco use disorders and OFC thickness reflected the potential causal effects of familial risk or SUDs‐related consequences (e.g. substance exposure).

Design

A co‐twin control/discordant twin design separated familial risk confounding from SUD‐related consequences.

Setting/participants

A population‐based sample of 436 24‐year‐old twins (62% monozygotic) from the Minnesota Twin Family Study, USA.

Measurements

Alcohol, cannabis and tobacco use disorders were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview—Substance Abuse Module. Cortical thickness of the medial and lateral OFC (mOFC and lOFC, respectively) was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Findings

Lower mOFC (P‐values ≤ 0.006) but not lOFC (P‐values ≥ 0.190) thickness was observed in diagnosed individuals (n = 185) relative to non‐SUD controls (n = 251). Co‐twin control analyses offered evidence that mOFC associations were consistent with familial risk across SUDs (between‐pair effect: P‐values ≤ 0.047) and the independent consequences of having an alcohol or cannabis use disorder (within‐pair effect: P‐values ≤ 0.024). That is, within alcohol/cannabis discordant twin pairs, affected twins had significantly lower mOFC thickness compared with their unaffected co‐twins.

Conclusions

A confounder‐adjusted analysis of the Minnesota Twin Family Study appeared to indicate that, beyond a substance use disorders general familial risk effect, the experience of an alcohol or cannabis use disorder in emerging adulthood reduces the thickness of the medial orbitofrontal cortex, a region associated with value‐guided decision‐making.
Review of the biosystematics and bio‐ecology of the groundnut/soya bean leaf miner species (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Buthelezi Makhosi N , Conlong Desmond E , Zharare Godfrey E
Published: February 2021

Aproaerema modicella (Deventer), Aproaerema simplexella (Walker) and Stomopteryx subsecivella (Zeller, 1852) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) are micro moth (Micro‐Lepidoptera) pests of groundnut and soya bean that have been described as different species on different continents. Recent DNA analyses of these species suggest that they are conspecific. Here, a review with emphasis on the genetics, biology, ecology and known host plant preferences of this apparent species is given. We argue, through the genetic/DNA data and analyses, that the three species should be grouped as a single species. The review ends by highlighting the areas that need further research to confirm our hypothesis.
Biomechanics of the fresh and conserved bovine pericardium
Authors: Soares Laura Gusman , de Oliveira Fabrício Singaretti , Queiroz Andréa Barros Piazzon de Souza , de Medeiros Ana Carolina Souza Ramos , Bariani Junior Antônio Fernando , Fechis Alisson Diego Senna , Rocha Thiago André Salvitti de Sá
Published: February 2021

The use of biological membranes in surgeries is a reality for years, and one of the most used is the bovine pericardium, so the purpose of this research is to describe the bovine pericardium's biomechanics by comparing two directions of a test, one parallel to the longitudinal heart axis and one perpendicular. 20 adult bovine pericardium were tested for the maximum rupture force and rupture elongation, collecting four samples of each pericardium direction. In phase 2, eight pericardia were conserved for 4 months in a 98% glycerine solution, and the solution in which they were submerged was microbiologically analysed monthly. The Mann–Whitney test was used; there was a very significant difference between the perpendicular and parallel groups (p = .0001). The T test showed no significant difference for the rupture elongation (p = .0938). In pericardium preserved in glycerine, the outliers were removed regarding the maximum rupture force, and a Boxcox transformation was performed (λ = 0.25). Outliers were removed for the rupture elongation, and Bartlett's test (p = .7836), and Cramer–Von Mises (p = .5033) were performed and then, the analysis of variance (p < .0001), followed by the Tukey test at 5%. In the microbiological analysis, there was no presence of microorganisms during conservation. The research has shown that the pericardium collection direction influences its resistance and it can be stored in glycerine for 4 months without losing biomechanical characteristics.
U.S. Interstate Trade Will Mitigate the Negative Impact of Climate Change on Crop Profit
Authors: Dall'Erba Sandy , Chen Zhangliang , Nava Noé J.
Published: February 2021

According to the current Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change report, climate change will increase the probability of occurrence of droughts in some areas. Recent contributions at the international level indicate that trade is expected to act as an efficient tool to mitigate the adverse effect of future climate conditions on agriculture. However, no contribution has focused on the similar capacity of trade within any country yet. The U.S. is an obvious choice given that many climate impact studies focus on its agriculture and around 90% of the U.S. crop trade is domestic. Combining a recent state‐to‐state trade flow dataset with detailed drought records at a fine spatial and temporal resolution, this paper highlights first that trade increases as the destination state experiences more drought and inversely in the origin state. As a result, crop growers' profits depend on both local and trade partners' weather conditions. Projections based on future weather data convert the crop grower's expected loss without trade into expected profit. As such, this paper challenges the estimates of the current climate impact literature and concludes that trade is expected to act as a $14.5 billion mitigation tool in the near future.
Unmet need for postpartum long‐acting reversible contraception in women with substance use disorders and/or socioeconomic disadvantage
Authors: Best Emanuelle , Lokuge Buddhima , Dunlop Adrian , Dunford Angela
Published: February 2021

Background

In Australia, it is estimated that 30% of pregnancies are unintended and 25% of pregnancies end in abortion. Unintended pregnancy can be particularly problematic for women with substance use disorders (SUD) and/or socioeconomic disadvantage. Long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) including progestogen implants and intrauterine devices (IUD) are safe, affordable and extremely effective in decreasing rates of unintended pregnancy, yet are currently underutilised in Australia.

Aims

To determine the current rate of unintended pregnancy, contraception counselling and postpartum LARC use in women who attend an antenatal clinic for SUD and/or socioeconomic disadvantage in pregnancy. We hypothesise that there is an unmet need for contraception in this population.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective audit of women who birthed in a tertiary hospital in 2018 with SUD and/or additional social support needs. We recorded the rate of unintended pregnancy, the occurrence of antenatal and postpartum contraception counselling and the rate of immediate postpartum LARC uptake through review of our electronic medical database.

Results

Of the 210 women in our study population, we identified a high proportion of unintended pregnancies (64%), a low rate of antenatal (11%) and postpartum (35%) contraception counselling, and a low uptake of immediate postpartum LARC use (3.3%), confirming an unmet need for contraception.

Conclusions

Further intervention is required to enhance the access to immediate postpartum LARC and reduce the risk and health burden of unintended pregnancy.
SD + SV4 diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy, a revaluation of ECG criterion by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Demin , Su Hanqi , Wu Bailin , Zhu Di , Gu Guoqiang , Xie Dina , Cui Wei
Published: February 2021

Backgroud

Present electrocardiogram (ECG) criteria for diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) usually have low sensitivity, while the newly proposed SD + SV4 criterion, namely the deepest S‐wave amplitude in any lead (SD) plus SV4 amplitude, has been reported to have higher sensitivity and accuracy compared with other existing criteria. We aimed to further evaluate the diagnostic value of the SD + SV4 criterion in reference to the gold standard cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in LVH diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 138 patients who received CMR examination—60 patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and 78 patients with preserved EF. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) measured by CMR was used as the gold standard for diagnosing LVH.

Result

The diagnostic value of the SD + SV4 criterion was compared with other 4 commonly used criteria. By CMR, 29 out of 138 people (21%) were diagnosed with LVH in reference to CMR. The SD + SV4 criterion had markedly higher sensitivity in diagnosing LVH compared with other criteria, but no higher specificity. There was no significant difference in area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve among these criteria. The SD + SV4 criterion was not markedly consistent with CMR in diagnosing LVH. Compared to the other criteria, the SD + SV4 criterion had the highest sensitivity in patients with reduced ejection fraction; however, the area under the curve (AUC) of the SD + SV4 criterion in patients with reduced EF was significantly lower than in patients with preserved EF.

Conclusion

The newly proposed SD + SV4 criterion did not have a better diagnostic value compared with other existing criteria, and the statistical power of the SD + SV4 criterion was influenced by EF.
Projection properties of three‐level screening designs
Authors: Alomair Mohammed A. , Georgiou Stelios D. , Aggarwal Manohar
Published: February 2021

Screening designs are important for finding the factors that have a major effect on industrial experiments. In regard to quantitative factors, certain experimenters prefer three‐level rather than two‐level factors because having three levels can provide some assessments for capturing curvature in the response. In a recent paper, Jones and Nachtsheim, Journal of Quality Technology43, 1–15, proposed a new class of designs called definitive screening designs. Definitive screening designs have more favourable properties than classical screening designs. In this paper, we study the projection properties of three‐level screening designs. The comparison is based on several criteria such as D‐efficiency, G‐efficiency, A‐efficiency and average of variance over a range of models that include main effects, interaction and quadratic terms. New designs are generated as projections of the full designs into a smaller factor dimensional space. The best projections and their properties are presented in a tabular form.
The focussed information criterion for generalised linear regression models for time series
Authors: Pandhare S. C. , Ramanathan T. V.
Published: February 2021

The present paper proposes the focussed information criterion (FIC) to tackle the model selection problems pertinent to generalised linear models (GLM) for time series. As a first step towards constructing the FIC, we formally discuss the local asymptotic theory of quasi‐maximum likelihood estimation for time series GLM under potential model misspecification. The general FIC formula is derived subsequently that is useful for the simultaneous selection of the order of the autoregressive response as well as a subset of important covariates. We also develop the average FIC (AFIC) that is instrumental in selecting an overall good model for a range of covariates and time regions and establish the equivalence of the AFIC with the classical Akaike's information criterion (AIC). We demonstrate our theory with the analysis of rainfall patterns in Melbourne by means of the logistic and Gamma regression models.
Simultaneous estimation of cluster number and feature sparsity in high‐dimensional cluster analysis
Authors: Li Yujia , Zeng Xiangrui , Lin Chien‐Wei , Tseng George C.
Published: February 2021

Estimating the number of clusters (K) is a critical and often difficult task in cluster analysis. Many methods have been proposed to estimate K, including some top performers using resampling approach. When performing cluster analysis in high‐dimensional data, simultaneous clustering and feature selection is needed for improved interpretation and performance. To our knowledge, little has been studied for simultaneous estimation of K and feature sparsity parameter in a high‐dimensional exploratory cluster analysis. In this paper, we propose a resampling method to bridge this gap and evaluate its performance under the sparse K‐means clustering framework. The proposed target function balances between sensitivity and specificity of clustering evaluation of pairwise subjects from clustering of full and subsampled data. Through extensive simulations, the method performs among the best over classical methods in estimating K in low‐dimensional data. For high‐dimensional simulation data, it also shows superior performance to simultaneously estimate K and feature sparsity parameter. Finally, we evaluated the methods in four microarray, two RNA‐seq, one SNP, and two nonomics datasets. The proposed method achieves better clustering accuracy with fewer selected predictive genes in almost all real applications.
Cover Image
Authors: Li Songhang , Zhang Tianxu , Zhou Mi , Zhang Xiaolin , Gao Yang , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: February 2021

The cover image is based on the Original Article A Novel Digital and Visualized Guided Bone Regeneration Procedure and Digital Precise Bone Augmentation: A Case Series by Songhang Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cid.12959.

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Rhino horn use by consumers of traditional Chinese medicine in China
Authors: Cheung Hubert , Mazerolle Lorraine , Possingham Hugh P. , Biggs Duan
Published: February 2021

The medicinal use of rhino horn in Asia is a major driver of poaching and illegal trade. Research into the different actors involved in this trade is needed to inform policymaking and improve conservation outcomes. While researchers have investigated rhino horn consumers in Vietnam, studies have yet to focus on China. Here, we conducted a large‐scale online survey to investigate medicinal rhino horn consumption in China's Guangdong province. One in seven respondents reported having used rhino horn in the past year. These individuals tended to be older, male, wealthier and better educated; several healthcare usage variables were also associated with rhino horn consumption. These findings can help guide the development of tailored demand reduction interventions. Our results question the effectiveness of the global community's current approach to rhino conservation. We conclude by highlighting the need for conservationists to work more closely with key stakeholders to find lasting and sustainable solutions.
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling: Structure, assembly and endocytosis of the signalosome
Authors: Colozza Gabriele , Koo Bon‐Kyoung
Published: February 2021

Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is an ancient pathway that regulates key aspects of embryonic development, cell differentiation, proliferation, and adult stem cell homeostasis. Work from different laboratories has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the Wnt pathway, including structural details of ligand–receptor interactions. One key aspect that has emerged from multiple studies is that endocytosis of the receptor complex plays a crucial role in fine‐tuning Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Endocytosis is a key process involved in both activation as well as attenuation of Wnt signaling, but how this is regulated is still poorly understood. Importantly, recent findings show that Wnt also regulates central metabolic pathways such as the acquisition of nutrients through actin‐driven endocytic mechanisms. In this review, we propose that the Wnt pathway displays diverse characteristics that go beyond the regulation of gene expression, through a connection with the endocytic machinery.
An overview of obesity mechanisms in humans: Endocrine regulation of food intake, eating behaviour and common determinants of body weight
Authors: Theilade Simone , Christensen Mikkel B. , Vilsbøll Tina , Knop Filip K.
Published: February 2021

Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges of the 21st century, already affecting close to 700 million people worldwide, debilitating and shortening lives and costing billions of pounds in healthcare costs and loss of workability. Body weight homeostasis relies on complex biological mechanisms and the development of obesity occurs on a background of genetic susceptibility and an environment promoting increased caloric intake and reduced physical activity. The pathophysiology of common obesity links neuro‐endocrine and metabolic disturbances with behavioural changes, genetics, epigenetics and cultural habits. Also, specific causes of obesity exist, including monogenetic diseases and iatrogenic causes. In this review, we provide an overview of obesity mechanisms in humans with a focus on energy homeostasis, endocrine regulation of food intake and eating behavior, as well as the most common specific causes of obesity.
Utility of transesophageal echocardiography to assess real time left atrial pressure changes and dynamic mitral regurgitation following placement of transseptal multistage venous cannula for systemic venous drainage and indirect left ventricular venting in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Meers Jacob Bradley , Nanda Navin C. , Watts Thomas Evan , Prejean Shane , Hoopes Charles W. , Lenneman Andrew , Ahmed Mustafa I.
Published: February 2021

A patient with heart failure due to nonischemic cardiomyopathy presented as a transfer to our institution following peripheral (femoral) venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) placement. With peripheral VA ECMO cannulation, the patient continued to have unstable ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular (LV) dilation and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with clinical and chest X‐ray evidence of pulmonary edema. To provide venous drainage and simultaneous decompression of the left atrium (LA) and thereby indirect LV venting, a single multistage venous cannula was placed across the inter‐atrial septum (IAS) using the previously described left atrial venoarterial (LA‐VA) ECMO cannulation technique. Two‐ and three‐dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrated utility in guiding cannula placement into the appropriate position and providing real time assessment of ventricular decompression and MR severity. There was subsequent improvement in pulmonary edema. This case is thought to be the first demonstration of real time resolution of pulmonary venous flow reversal in a patient undergoing LA‐VA ECMO cannulation. This demonstration offers important mechanistic insight into some of the potential benefits of such an approach.
Climatic aridity increases temporal nestedness of invertebrate communities in naturally drying rivers
Authors: Vander Vorste Ross , Stubbington Rachel , Acuña Vicenç , Bogan Michael T. , Bonada Núria , Cid Núria , Datry Thibault , Storey Richard , Wood Paul J. , Ruhí Albert
Published: February 2021

Climate change is altering the water cycle globally, increasing the frequency and magnitude of floods and droughts. An outstanding question is whether biodiversity responses to hydrological disturbance depend on background climatic context – and if so, which contexts increase vulnerability to disturbance. Answering this question requires comparison of organismal responses across environmental gradients. However, opportunities to track disturbed communities against an undisturbed baseline remain rare. Here we gathered a global dataset capturing responses of aquatic invertebrate communities to river drying, which includes 112 sites spanning a gradient of climatic aridity. We measured the effects of river drying on taxonomic richness and temporal β‐diversity (turnover and nestedness components). We also measured the relative abundance of aquatic invertebrates with strategies that confer resilience (or resistance) to drying. Contrary to our expectations, we found that taxonomic richness recovered from drying similarly across the aridity gradient. The turnover component of β‐diversity (i.e. species replacements over time) largely accounted for differences in community composition before versus after drying. However, increasing aridity was associated with greater nestedness‐driven compositional changes at intermittent sites – that is, after drying communities became subsets of those before drying. These results show that climatic context can explain variation in community responses to the same hydrological disturbance (drying), and suggest that increased aridity will constrain biodiversity responses at regional scales. Further consideration of the climatic context in hydroecological research may help improve predictions of the local impacts of hydrological disturbance by identifying climate regions where communities are more (or less) sensitive to extremes, including river drying events.
Twenty‐four‐hour patterns in electrodermal activity recordings of patients with and without epileptic seizures
Authors: Vieluf Solveig , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Zhang Bo , El Atrache Rima , Ufongene Claire , Jackson Michele C. , Branch Sarah , Reinsberger Claus , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: February 2021

Objective

Daytime and nighttime patterns affect the dynamic modulation of brain and body functions and influence the autonomic nervous system response to seizures. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate 24‐hour patterns of electrodermal activity (EDA) in patients with and without seizures.

Methods

We included pediatric patients with (a) seizures (SZ), including focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS) or generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GTCS), (b) no seizures and normal electroencephalography (NEEG), or (c) no seizures but epileptiform activity in the EEG (EA) during vEEG monitoring. Patients wore a device that continuously recorded EDA and temperature (TEMP). EDA levels, EDA spectral power, and TEMP levels were analyzed. To investigate 24‐hour patterns, we performed a nonlinear mixed‐effects model analysis. Relative mean pre‐ictal (−30 min to seizure onset) and post‐ictal (I: 30 min after seizure offset; II: 30 to 60 min after seizure offset) values were compared for SZ subgroups.

Results

We included 119 patients (40 SZ, 17 NEEG, 62 EA). EDA level and power group‐specific models (SZ, NEEG, EA) (h = 1; P < .01) were superior to the all‐patient cohort model. Fifty‐nine seizures were analyzed. Pre‐ictal EDA values were lower than respective 24‐hour modulated SZ group values. Post hoc comparisons following the period‐by‐seizure type interaction (EDA level:  = 18.50; P < .001, and power:  = 6.73; P = .035) revealed that EDA levels were higher in the post‐ictal period I for FIAS and GTCS and in post‐ictal period II for GTCS only compared to the pre‐ictal period.

Significance

Continuously monitored EDA shows a pattern of change over 24 hours. Curve amplitudes in patients with recorded seizures were lower as compared to patients who did not exhibit seizures during the recording period. Sympathetic skin responses were greater and more prolonged in GTCS compared to FIAS. EDA recordings from wearable devices offer a noninvasive tool to continuously monitor sympathetic activity with potential applications for seizure detection, prediction, and potentially sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk estimation.
Depressed β‐adrenergic inotropic responsiveness and intracellular calcium handling abnormalities in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients’ induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Mekies Lucy N. , Regev Danielle , Eisen Binyamin , Fernandez‐Gracia Jonatan , Baskin Polina , Ben Jehuda Ronen , Shulman Rita , Reiter Irina , Palty Raz , Arad Michael , Gottlieb Eyal , Binah Ofer
Published: February 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, is an X‐linked disease affecting male and rarely adult heterozygous females, resulting in death by the late 20s to early 30s. Previous studies reported depressed left ventricular function in DMD patients which may result from deranged intracellular Ca2+‐handling. To decipher the mechanism(s) underlying the depressed LV function, we tested the hypothesis that iPSC‐CMs generated from DMD patients feature blunted positive inotropic response to β‐adrenergic stimulation. To test the hypothesis, [Ca2+]i transients and contractions were recorded from healthy and DMD‐CMs. While in healthy CMs (HC) isoproterenol caused a prominent positive inotropic effect, DMD‐CMs displayed a blunted inotropic response. Next, we tested the functionality of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) by measuring caffeine‐induced Ca2+ release. In contrast to HC, DMD‐CMs exhibited reduced caffeine‐induced Ca2+ signal amplitude and recovery time. In support of the depleted SR Ca2+ stores hypothesis, in DMD‐CMs the negative inotropic effects of ryanodine and cyclopiazonic acid were smaller than in HC. RNA‐seq analyses demonstrated that in DMD CMs the RNA‐expression levels of specific subunits of the L‐type calcium channel, the β1‐adrenergic receptor (ADRβ1) and adenylate cyclase were down‐regulated by 3.5‐, 2.8‐ and 3‐fold, respectively, which collectively contribute to the depressed β‐adrenergic responsiveness.
Early efficacy and safety data with fixed‐dose combination calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam attributed to mechanism of absorption and steroid potency
Authors: Tada Y. , Iversen L. , Koo J.
Published: February 2021

Topical therapy is the mainstay of treatment for the majority of patients with psoriasis vulgaris (chronic plaque psoriasis), with combinations of vitamin D analogues and glucocorticoids having been shown to negate many of the negative effects associated with either monocomponent individually. Following the established efficacy of fixed‐dose combination calcipotriol (Cal; 50 µg/g) plus betamethasone dipropionate (BD; 0.5 mg/g) ointment and gel formulations, a novel Cal/BD foam formulation was developed. When applied, Cal/BD foam forms a supersaturated solution on the skin, increasing the penetration and bioavailability of Cal and BD. Early data indicate that this results in improved efficacy outcomes versus Cal/BD ointment, without negatively affecting safety outcomes (such as the incidence/severity of side effects or impacted calcium homeostasis or hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis). This article discusses the potency and absorption of fixed‐dose combination Cal/BD foam, as well as the positive early efficacy and safety data associated with its utilisation in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
Fixed‐dose combination calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam provides a rapid onset of action, effective itch relief and improves patient quality of life
Authors: Jalili A. , Yosipovitch G.
Published: February 2021

The physical symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris (chronic plaque psoriasis), such as itch and itch‐related sleep loss, and the psychological impact of visible plaques on the body, all contribute to significantly reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriasis. In fact, the deterioration of HRQoL in patients with psoriasis is similar to patients with other chronic conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Rapid and effective improvements in HRQoL and itch‐related outcomes would therefore be highly valued by patients and may even improve adherence to treatment. In this article, we summarise previously published data assessing the impact of fixed‐dose combination calcipotriol 50 µg/g plus betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g cutaneous foam (Cal/BD foam) on itch relief, quality of sleep, onset of action and HRQoL. Findings across multiple analyses indicate that Cal/BD foam provides significant improvements in itch, itch‐related sleep loss and HRQoL compared with vehicle foam or Cal/BD gel comparators. Additionally, the benefits of Cal/BD foam were recorded earlier than these comparators, often within 1 week of treatment, indicating a rapid onset of action. With the published data to hand, it is clear that Cal/BD foam provides significant improvements in the outcomes that matter most to patients and should be considered an effective topical treatment for psoriasis.
The subversive practice of counting bodies: Documenting violence and conflict in rural Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Ricardo , Roriz João
Published: February 2021

This paper appraises Pastoral Land Commission's (CPT) practice of documenting the violence and conflict that has taken place in the Brazilian countryside since 1975. Based on 10 interviews with CPT National members and other primary sources, the paper conceptually explores the organisations' subversive practice of compiling and publishing data on this type of violence, hence producing emancipatory knowledge that supports progressive agrarian change. Although the state benefits from having such knowledge obscured, CPT's efforts shine a light on conflicts in the countryside and frame them as such. Documenting as a technology of resistance has been crucial for Brazilian social movements and scholar‐activists and has significant potential for reproduction elsewhere.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing of preadipocytes reveals the cell fate heterogeneity induced by melatonin
Authors: Li Zhenhui , Zheng Ming , Mo Jiawei , Li Kan , Yang Xin , Guo Lijin , Zhang Xiquan , Abdalla Bahareldin Ali , Nie Qinghua
Published: February 2021

Obesity is a global epidemic health disorder and associated with several diseases. Body weight–reducing effects of melatonin have been reported; however, no investigation toward examining whether the beneficial effects of melatonin are associated with preadipocyte heterogeneity has been reported. In this study, we profiled 25 071 transcriptomes of normal and melatonin‐treated preadipocytes using scRNA‐seq. By tSNE analysis, we present a cellular‐state landscape for melatonin‐treated preadipocytes that covers multiple‐cell subpopulations, defined as cluster 0 to cluster 13. Cluster 0 and cluster 1 were the largest components of normal and melatonin‐treated preadipocytes, respectively. G0S2, an inhibitor of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), was significantly upregulated in cluster 0 and downregulated in cluster 1. We redefined cluster 0 as the G0S2‐positive cluster (G0S2+) and cluster 1 as the G0S2‐negative cluster (G0S2−). Through pseudotime analysis, the G0S2− cluster cell differentiation trajectory was divided into three major structures, that is, the prebranch, the lipid catabolism branch, and the cell fate 2 branch. In vitro, G0S2 knockdown enhanced the expression levels of ATGL, BAT markers and fatty acid oxidation–related genes, but inhibited C/EBPα and PPARγ expression. In vivo, knockdown of G0S2 reduced the body weight gain in high‐fat‐fed mice. The beneficial effects of the G0S2− cell cluster in promoting lipolysis and inhibiting adipogenesis are dependent on two major aspects: first, downregulation of the G0S2 gene in the G0S2− cluster, resulting in activation of ATGL, which is responsible for the bulk of triacylglycerol hydrolase activity; and second, upregulation of FABP4 in the G0S2− cluster, resulting in inhibition of PPARγ and further reducing adipogenesis.
Own‐Race Advantage in Visual Working Memory for Faces Reflects Enhanced Storage Capacity and Quick Encoding1
Authors: Nishimura Yuka , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Ogawa Hirokazu
Published: February 2021

Previous research has shown that working memory (WM) performance for own‐race faces is better than for other‐race faces. We focused on the storage capacity and encoding rate to identify WM characteristics that facilitate own‐race face recognition. We investigated WM's temporal dynamics for own‐ and other‐race faces to separately identify the contribution of storage capacity and encoding rate on the own‐race advantage in WM. We presented Asian participants with Asian faces as own‐race faces and Black faces as other‐race faces in two experiments. Experiments 1 and 2 indicated a higher storage capacity for own‐race faces, and Experiment 2 also indicated an increased encoding rate for own‐race faces when backward masking was used. Moreover, there was no association between storage capacity and encoding rate. These findings suggest that both storage capacity and encoding rate independently contribute to the cross‐race effect in WM.
How Deification Became Eastern: German Idealism, Liberal Protestantism, and the Modern Misconstruction of the Doctrine
Authors: McInroy Mark
Published: February 2021

This article develops an original account of the rise of the modern misperception of deification as an exclusively Eastern Christian doctrine antithetical to Western theology. The study argues that the origins of the misconstruction lie in the distorting influence of German Idealism on the seminal treatment of the doctrine advanced by Ferdinand Christian Baur. With Idealist categories shaping his retrieval, Baur inaccurately portrays ancient Christian figures as advocating an automatic, mechanical deification of humanity as a whole that leaves the individual no role to play in his or her salvation. Such a view of deification as a mechanical, “physical” process is the precise basis on which Baur’s student Albrecht Ritschl and those in his school influentially claim it has no place in Western theology. The antecedent condition for deification coming to be characterized as Eastern, then, is it being understood as “physical,” and it is Baur who is ultimately responsible for Ritschl so viewing the doctrine. Baur’s Idealist‐inspired retrieval thus raises a mistaken understanding of deification to prominence in the modern period, resulting in misunderstandings of the doctrine that persist down to the present day.
CircCDR1as Suppresses Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cell Activity and Angiogenesis Through Targeting miR‐135b/ FIH‐1 Axis
Authors: Mao Zheng , Liu Gang , Xiao Gui‐Yang , Zhao Chang , Zou Yu‐Cong
Published: February 2021

Objective

The current study investigated the role of CircCDR1as on angiogenesis of bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) isolated from non‐traumatic ONFH.

Methods

Forty corticosteroid‐induced ONFH patients received THA were enrolled in our study. Expressions of CircCDR1as, miR‐135b, and FIH‐1 were detected by qRT‐PCR in affected necrosis tissue and non‐affected normal tissue. Bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) were isolated from six patients and treated with 0.1 mg/mL hydrocortisone to establish a GC‐damaged model of BMECs. Circ CDR1as plasmid and miR‐135b mimic were transfected into BMECs. BMEC proliferation was assessed using MTT assays. The migration ability of cells was detected by scratch‐wound assays. Matrigel assay was performed to detect angiogenesis in vitro. Western blot assay was used to detect HIF‐1α, VEGF, and FIH‐1 expressions. FISH, RNA pull down, RIP, and luciferase assay were carried out to determine the interaction of CircCDR1as, miR‐135b, and FIH‐1.

Results

CircCDR1as was upregulated(2.02 ± 0.30 vs. 1.00 ± 0.10,P < 0.001) whereas miR‐135b was downregulated (0.55 ± 0.12 vs. 1.00 ± 0.10,P < 0.001) in affected tissues than in non‐affected tissues. Expression of CircCDR1as and FIH‐1 were negatively associated with miR‐135b in affected tissues (CircCDR1as with miR‐135b: r = −0.506, P < 0.001; FIH‐1 with miR‐135b r = −0.510, P < 0.001). Total blood tubule density was increased when CircCDR1as was silenced compared with NC (P < 0.01 vs. NC). The number of migrated BMECs were significantly increased in CircCDR1as silencing group compared with NC group (P < 0.05 vs. NC). In addition, CircCDR1as plasmids transfection increased the protein expressions of FIH‐1 (P < 0.05 vs. NC) and reduced the HIF‐1α as well as VEGF expression compared with NC group (P < 0.05 vs. NC). FISH, RNA pull down, RIP, and luciferase assay identified that FIH‐1 was a target of miR‐135b and could be modulated by CircCDR1as.

Conclusion

CircCDR1as decreases angiogenesis and proliferation of BMECs by sponging miR‐135b and upregulate FIH‐1.
Exogenous melatonin enhances the reactive oxygen species metabolism, antioxidant defense‐related gene expression, and photosynthetic capacity of Phaseolus vulgaris L. to confer salt stress tolerance
Authors: ElSayed Abdelaleim Ismail , Rafudeen Mohammed Suhail , Gomaa Ayman M. , Hasanuzzaman Mirza
Published: February 2021

Melatonin (MT) has been reported to regulate certain plant physiological processes and promote tolerance to different environmental stresses such as salinity. Green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Royal Nel) seedlings were exposed to 200 mM NaCl with or without pre‐treatment with 150 μM MT. Salt stress led to a lower chlorophyll content, a reduced photosynthetic activity, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents, and decreased photosystem II (PSII) activity. The application of exogenous MT to green bean seedlings under salt stress improved photosynthetic activity and alleviated the oxidative damages by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The expression of catalase (CAT1), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD1), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Peroxiredoxin Q (PrxQ), and 2‐cysteine peroxiredoxin (2‐Cys‐Prx) encoding genes was significantly increased under salt stress in green bean seedling compared with the untreated control. However, plants treated with exogenous MT and NaCl had 28.8, 21.1, 26.1, 20, 26.2, and 22.4% higher CuZnSOD, CAT1, APX, GR, PrxQ, and 2‐Cys‐Prx transcript levels, respectively, compared to NaCl stress alone. Our study revealed the protective mechanisms mediated by exogenous MT application in NaCl stress alleviation and our findings could be used in the management of green bean cultivation in salinity‐prone soils.
Reconstructing the nonadaptive radiation of an ancient lineage of ground‐dwelling stick insects (Phasmatodea: Heteropterygidae)
Authors: Bank Sarah , Buckley Thomas R. , Büscher Thies H. , Bresseel Joachim , Constant Jérôme , de   Haan Mayk , Dittmar Daniel , Dräger Holger , Kahar Rafhiah S. , Kang Albert , Kneubühler Bruno , Langton‐Myers Shelley S. , Bradler Sven
Published: February 2021

Stick and leaf insects (Phasmatodea) are large terrestrial herbivorous arthropods known for masquerading as plant parts such as bark, twigs and leaves. Their evolutionary history is largely shaped by convergent evolution associated with adaptive radiations on geographically isolated landmasses that have repeatedly generated ground‐dwelling ecomorphs. The members of one lineage, however, the Oriental Heteropterygidae, are morphologically rather uniform, and have a predominantly ground‐dwelling lifestyle. The phylogeny of Heteropterygidae that comprises approximately 130 described species is controversial and remains uncertain. In particular, the systematic position of the giant Jungle Nymph Heteropteryx dilatata, whose males are capable of flight and exhibit the most plesiomorphic wing morphology among extant phasmatodeans, is of major interest to the scientific community. Here, we analysed a set of seven nuclear and mitochondrial genes to infer the phylogeny of Heteropterygidae covering the group's overall diversity. The divergence time estimation and reconstruction of the historical biogeography resulted in an ancestral distribution across Sundaland with long distance dispersal events to Wallacea, the Philippines and the South Pacific. We were able to resolve the relationships among the three principal subgroups of Heteropterygidae and revealed the Dataminae, which contain entirely wingless small forms, as the sister group of Heteropteryginae + Obriminae. Within Heteropteryginae, Haaniella is recovered as paraphyletic in regard to Heteropteryx. Consequently, Heteropteryx must be considered a subordinate taxon deeply embedded within a flightless clade of stick insects. Within Obriminae, the Bornean Hoploclonia is strongly supported as the earliest diverging lineage. Based on this finding, we recognize only two tribes of equal rank among Obriminae, the Hoplocloniini trib. nov. and Obrimini sensu nov. Within the latter, we demonstrate that previous tribal assignments do not reflect phylogenetic relationships and that a basal splitting event occurred between the wing‐bearing clade Miroceramia + Pterobrimus and the remaining wingless Obrimini. The Philippine genus Tisamenus is paraphyletic with regard to Ilocano hebardi, thus, we transfer the latter species to Tisamenus as Tisamenus hebardi comb. nov. and synonymize Ilocano with Tisamenus. We discuss character transformations in the light of the new phylogenetic results and conclude that the current taxonomic diversity appears to be mainly driven by allopatry and not to be the result of niche differentiation. This radiation is thus best described as a nonadaptive radiation.
Industrial Output and Economic Growth in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Ughulu Stephen Ebhodaghe
Published: February 2021

The importance of the industrial sector output in enhancing sustainable economic growth has long been documented given that the sector is generally perceived as the engine of growth in an economy. This notwithstanding, Nigeria seems not to have put in place appropriate policies and programs that would engender the desired industrial output growth. The main aim of the paper, therefore, is to examine empirically the relationships between industrial sector output and the sustainable economic growth of Nigeria for the period 1981 to 2018. In doing this, descriptive statistics, unit root and co-integration tests as well as long run and short run analyses were conducted using the error correction model (ECM) of the econometrics. The empirical results from these estimation procedures were quite revealing. For instance, there existed a positive relationship between industrial sector output and economic growth though this was weak considering the magnitude of effects. Capital expenditure and lending rate exerted negative relationships on industrial output and these tended to have accounted for the current low level of industrial activities in the country. The stability test carried out in the paper showed a significant structural stability, which affirmed that these results have called for appropriate policy options that would bring about the desired industrial sector output growth patterns. Hence, strengthening the industrial sector activities in Nigeria as well as streamlining capital expenditure and lending rate to enhance the sector’s output has become imperative. This is typically true as it is the only path that would lead to the enhancement of the industrial sector output and, invariably, the sustainable economic development that Nigeria desperately desires.
Allocation of Funds from Public Offerings of Shares (IPO's) in Brazil and Stock Returns
Authors: Sales George André Willrich , Olivo Rodolfo Leandro de Faria , Nunes Rodolfo Vieira , Silva Fabiana Lopes da
Published: February 2021

This study analyzes the relationship between the allocation of funds raised in a public offering of shares and abnormal profitability on the first day of trading. The objective is to identify whether the allocation of resources can be considered for the decision-making of investors. To measure the data, multivariate analysis was used, and the data survey considered the information from the prospectuses of the public offers and the announcements for the closing of the offers, between January 2007 and December 2011. Two hypotheses were tested: one in relation to allocation of resources and another in relation to the group of investors participating in the offer. The results show that there is no relationship between the allocation of resources and the abnormal returns of companies. However, for investors who are part of the company's management, they were related to abnormal stock returns on the first day of trading.