bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling cancer subtype-specific driver genes in single-cell transcriptomics data with CSDGI
Authors: Huang Meng , Ma Jiangtao , An Guangqi , Ye Xiucai
Published: August 2023

Cancer is known as a heterogeneous disease.Cancerdrivergenes (CDGs) need to be inferred for understanding tumor heterogeneity in cancer. However, the existing computational methods have identified many common CDGs. A key challenge exploring cancer progression is to infer cancer subtype-specific driver genes (CSDGs), which provides guidane for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cancer. The significant advancements in single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have opened up new possibilities for studying human cancers at the individual cell level. In this study, we develop a novel unsupervised method,CSDGI(CancerSubtype-specificDriverGeneInference), which applies Encoder-Decoder-Framework consisting of low-rank residual neural networks to inferring driver genes corresponding to potential cancer subtypes at single-cell level. To infer CSDGs, we applyCSDGIto the tumor single-cell transcriptomics data. To filter the redundant genes before driver gene inference, we perform the differential expression genes (DEGs). The experimental results demonstrateCSDGIis effective to infer driver genes that are cancer subtype-specific. Functional and disease enrichment analysis shows these inferred CSDGs indicate the key biological processes and disease pathways.CSDGIis the first method to explore cancer driver genes at the cancer subtype level. We believe that it can be a useful method to understand the mechanisms of cell transformation driving tumours.

Author summary

Cancer is recognized as a complex disease with diverse characteristics. In order to comprehend the diversity within tumors, it is essential to infer cancer subtype-specific driver genes (CSDGs), which offer valuable insights for investigating cancer progression and treatment. The remarkable progress made in single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies has ushered in new prospects for studying human cancers at the cellular level. Cancer Subtype-specific Driver Gene Inference (CSDGI) is a novel unsupervised method proposed. In our study, we use Encoder-Decoder-Framework to infer driver genes specific to cancer subtypes in the CSDGI. We apply CSDGI to three tumor single-cell transcriptomics data. The experimental results have shown the effectiveness of CSDGI. Furthermore, functional and disease enrichment analyses illustrate that these inferred CSDGs shed light on crucial biological processes and disease pathways. Our collection of driver genes will serve as a valuable resource in unraveling the mechanisms driving cell transformation in tumors.
Targeted mutagenesis of Medicago truncatula Nodule-specific Cysteine-rich (NCR) genes using the Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Güngör Berivan , Biró János Barnabás , Domonkos Ágota , Horváth Beatrix , Kaló Péter
Published: August 2023

The host-produced nodule specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides control the terminal differentiation of endosymbiotic rhizobia in the nodules of IRLC legumes. Although the Medicago truncatula genome encodes about 700 NCR peptides, only few of them have been proved to be crucial for nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. In this study, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to generate knock-out mutants of NCR genes for which no genetic or functional data were previously available. We have developed a workflow to analyse the mutation and the symbiotic phenotype of individual nodules formed on Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transgenic hairy roots. The selected NCR genes were successfully edited by the CRISPR/Cas9 system and nodules formed on knockout hairy roots showed wild type phenotype indicating that peptides NCR068, NCR089, NCR128 and NCR161 are not essential for symbiosis between M. truncatula Jemalong and Sinorhizobium medicae WSM419. We regenerated stable mutants edited for the NCR068 from hairy roots obtained from A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation. The analysis of the symbiotic phenotype of stable ncr068 mutants showed that peptide NCR068 is not required for symbiosis with S. meliloti strains 2011 and FSM-MA either. Our study reports that gene editing can help to elicit the role of particular NCRs in symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Histidine N1-position-specific methyltransferase CARNMT1 targets C3H zinc finger proteins and modulates RNA metabolism
Authors: Shimazu Tadahiro , Yoshimoto Rei , Kotoshiba Kaoru , Suzuki Takehiro , Matoba Shogo , Hirose Michiko , Akakabe Mai , Sohtome Yoshihiro , Sodeoka Mikiko , Ogura Atsuo , Dohmae Naoshi , Shinkai Yoichi
Published: August 2023

Histidine (His) residues are methylated in various proteins, but their roles and regulation mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that carnosine N-methyltransferase 1 (CARNMT1), a known His methyltransferase of dipeptide carnosine (βAla-His), is a major His N1-position-specific methyltransferase. We found that 52 His sites in 20 proteins underwent CARNMT1-mediated methylation. The consensus methylation site for CARNMT1 was identified as Cx(F/Y)xH, a C3H zinc finger (C3H ZF) motif. CARNMT1-deficient and catalytically inactive mutant mice showed embryonic lethality. Among the CARNMT1 target C3H ZF proteins, RNA degradation mediated by Roquin and tristetraprolin (TTP) was affected by CARNMT1 and its enzymatic activity. Furthermore, the recognition of the 3′ splice site of the CARNMT1 target C3H ZF protein U2AF1 was perturbed, and pre-mRNA alternative splicing (AS) was affected by CARNMT1 deficiency. These findings indicate that CARNMT1-mediated protein His methylation, which is essential for embryogenesis, plays roles in diverse aspects of RNA metabolism by targeting C3H ZF-type RNA-binding proteins and modulating their functions, including pre-mRNA AS and mRNA degradation regulation.
High-resolution 3D grain orientation mapping by inclined scanning 3D X-ray diffraction microscopy
Authors: Kim Jaemyung , Hayashi Yujiro , Yabashi Makina
Published: August 2023

The microstructure of a material plays a crucial role in determining its mechanical and chemical properties, as well as in predicting potential malfunctions. In polycrystalline materials, the orientation of each grain has a significant impact on the material's properties. It is thus imperative to conduct non-destructive 3D observations of the grain orientation with high resolution. This study presents a novel method to enhance the spatial resolution of 3D grain orientation maps in scanning 3D X-ray diffraction (S3DXRD) microscopy beyond the size of the probe beam. The new method, inclined scanning 3D X-ray diffraction (iS3DXRD) microscopy, combines an inclined geometry for the rotation axis of the object with the concept of `sub-voxel' analysis, where the voxel is subdivided into smaller pieces. The validity of the method was verified for a polycrystalline α-Fe wire using a 37 keV X-ray beam with a size of 10 × 20 µm (horizontal × vertical), and it successfully produced a high-resolution 3D grain orientation map with a spatial resolution of about 2.5 µm. The method can provide complex details on the microstructure of a polycrystalline material, which will pave the way for precise prediction of the material's properties.
Pathological crystal structures
Authors: Raymond Kenneth N. , Girolami Gregory S.
Published: August 2023

Recent decades have seen enormous changes in the technology of crystal structure analysis, but the interpretation of these data still depends on human judgment, and errors are far from uncommon. Although analysing the crystallographic results with available software tools can catch many types of errors, others can be detected only by combining knowledge of both crystallography and chemistry. We discuss several such examples from the published literature, and for each of them we identify what lessons they teach us. The examples are categorized by the type of error: correct crystallography but incorrect chemistry, mis-assignment of atoms, high-symmetry superstructures with included guest molecules, incorrect choice of space group, incorrect choice of unit-cell size, and unresolved problems. These examples are intended to counteract the aura of infallibility that crystal structures sometimes assume and to alert the reader to features to look for in detecting pathological structures.
A key to recovery for working mothers? Psychological detachment and the roles of relaxation, mastery and control on boundary violations
Authors: Trzebiatowski Tiffany
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to incorporate theory on effort-recovery and stressor-detachment models to examine the roles of relaxation, mastery and types of control on the relationship between psychological detachment from work and boundary violations at home.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes data from two time points using a sample of 348 working mothers recruited from Prolific.

Findings

Working moms who psychologically detach from work have less work boundary violations at home. There are mixed findings on whether and when the other types of recovery experiences moderate the relationship between psychological detachment and boundary violations at home. Relaxation, control after work and job autonomy do not moderate the effect while mastery and boundary control do. Specifically, psychological detachment is more effective as reducing boundary violations at home for working moms who have (1) low levels of mastery and (2) high levels of boundary control.

Practical implications

Working mothers juggle multiple roles and often have increased stress and less time to manage the two domains. The findings of this study illustrate whether and when psychological detachment from work acts as a key to recovery from work-based stressors.

Originality/value

Much of the research on recovery experiences is based on employees without consideration of motherhood status. Further, scholars have not examined the combinative potential of recovery experiences. Finally, examining control over both domains (vs. one domain) adds precision to the literature.
An investigation of linked data catalogue features in libraries, archives, and museums: a checklist approach
Authors: Chen Ya-Ning
Published: August 2023

Purpose

In this study, the distinctive functional features of linked data (LD) catalogues were investigated to contrast with existing online public access catalogues (OPACs) and discovery systems using a checklist approach. The checklist was derived from a literature review and is composed of 10 items as follows: self-descriptive and dynamic content for resource description, linkage to external LD sources and online services, aggregation of knowledge contexts into knowledge graphs (KGs), URI-based link discovery, representation and query of LD relationships, URI-based serendipitous discovery, keyword recommendation, faceted limitation and browsing, visualization and openness of data.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten functional features derived from the literature were checked against existing LD catalogues offered by libraries, archives and museums (LAMs). The LD catalogues were regarded as qualified subjects if they offered functional features that were distinct from current OPACs and discovery systems through URI-based enrichment and aggregation from various LD sources. In addition to individual organizations, LD union catalogues were also included. However, LD hubs, such as ISNI, OCLC WorldCat Entities, VIAF and Wikidata, were excluded. In total, six LD catalogues from LAMs were selected as subjects for examination.

Findings

First, LD catalogues provide similar KG information through URI combination, and KGs also facilitate information serendipity, including social-document, intellectual, conceptual, spatial and temporal contexts and networks of corporate bodies, persons and families (CPFs). Second, LD catalogues have transformed the “seek first and browse later” paradigm into a “seek or browse” paradigm by refreshing the browsing function of traditional card catalogues with preview and new options to facilitate LD identification and discovery. Third, LD catalogues have refined keyword recommendation with the addition of the following fields: person’s title, CPF relationships, entity type and LD source. Lastly, a virtual union LD catalogue is offered.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed checklist revealed the unique/improved functional features of LD catalogues, allowing further investigation and comparison. More cases from the fields of medicine, engineering science and so on will be required to make revisions to fine-tune the proposed checklist approach.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to propose a checklist of functional features for LD catalogues and examine what the results and features of LD catalogues have achieved and are supported by from ontologies across LAMs. The findings suggest that LD provides a viable alternative to catalogues. The proposed checklist and results pave the way for the future development of LD catalogues and next-generation catalogues and also provide a basis for the future study of LD catalogues from other fields to refine the proposed checklist.
Students' core self-evaluations and academic burnout: the mediating role of personal resources
Authors: Paloș Ramona
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Although many studies emphasize the need to design programs to help students manage post-pandemic burnout, few address personal resources' mediating role in the relationship between positive self-evaluation and experienced academic burnout. The present study aims to investigate the mediating role of two personal resources (i.e. psychological capital and proactive coping) on the relationship between core self-evaluations and academic burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out in the first part of 2022, at the end of two years of online teaching. The sample consisted of 183 Romanian university students who voluntarily filled in four questionnaires that measured core self-evaluations, academic burnout, psychological capital and proactive coping. To verify the hypotheses, a mediation analysis using the PROCESS 4.0 macro in SPSS 23.0, Model 6 was conducted. The indirect effect was tested based on a bias-corrected bootstrapping procedure with 5,000 samples, and a bootstrap confidence interval (95% CI).

Findings

Results showed that students with a high level of core self-evaluations report a low level of burnout. Also, students with positive core self-evaluations are more likely to use their psychological resources (i.e. psychological capital) and act proactively (i.e. proactive coping) in dealing with challenging situations, which can increase their burnout. However, the overall effect of the core self-evaluations on burnout was lower in the case of mediation by students' personal resources.

Originality/value

These research findings highlight the role of personal resources in coping with a challenging context, being among the few studies that have focused on student burnout in the immediate post-pandemic period. Furthermore, by working with malleable personal resources that can be enhanced through instruction, this research underlines how students can be taught to assess and develop these resources to cope with a highly demanding educational context.
Isolation and chemistry of plant pigments
Authors: Naharwal Pankaj , Meena Mahesh , Somani Charul , Kumari Neetu , Yadav Dinesh Kumar
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to critically review the isolation and chemistry of plant pigments.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature survey from 1974 to 2022 was carried out and studied thoroughly. The authors reviewed literature in various areas such as isolation methods and catalytic properties of pigments.

Findings

With vast growing research in the field of catalytic activities of various pigments like chlorophyll, anthocyanin and flavonoids, there is still scope for further research for the pigments such as Lycopene, carotenoids and xanthophyll as there has not been any significant work in this area.

Research limitations/implications

Plant pigments may be used as an ecofriendly catalyst for chemical reactions.

Practical implications

One can get the direction of pigment research.

Social implications

Plant pigments are natural and ecofriendly catalyst which can reduce the pollution.

Originality/value

This is an original work. This paper precisely depicts the advantages as well as disadvantages of the isolation techniques of pigments. This study also presents the chemistry of plant pigments.

Graphical abstract
Associations between handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass with all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in people with type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study of the UK Biobank
Authors: Wei Lingqi , Zeng Jingjing , Fan Menglin , Chen Bo , Li Xiaying , Li Ying , Xu Shaoyong
Published: August 2023

Aims

To explore the associations between handgrip strength (HGS) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.

Materials and Methods

Data were obtained from the UK Biobank. Baseline survey was conducted between 2006 and 2010, and followed up for a median of 12.52 years. HGS was measured using dynamometer, and SMM was measured using bioelectrical impedance method. Mortality was available via links to the National Health Service Information Centre. Sex‐specific analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 13 392 T2DM participants were included, with a mean age of 60.39 years and 52.35% men. During the follow‐up, there were 3006 (22.45%) deaths, including 746 (5.57%) CVD deaths. The risk for all‐cause mortality and CVD mortality among both men and women increased progressively with decreasing HGS quartiles (p trend <.05). A 1 SD decrease in HGS was found to both increase the all‐cause risk (HR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.24–1.38]) and CVD mortality risk (HR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.22–1.50]) for men, and all‐cause risk (HR: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.11–1.42]) and CVD mortality risk (HR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.09–1.89]) for women. There was no statistically significant trend association between SMM/height2 and mortality risk, and the restricted cubic regression splines indicated that SMM/height2 showed a U‐shaped nonlinear relationship (pnonlinear <.05).

Conclusions

Grip strength displayed a linear downward trend with mortality risk among T2DM patients, whereas muscle mass showed a U‐shaped relationship. Low grip strength seemed to be a better predictor for mortality compared to low muscle mass.
Safety of tracheostomy during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: A single‐center experience
Authors: Morosin Marco , Azzu Alessia , Antonopoulos Alexios , Kuhn Timothy , Anandanadesan Rathai , Garfield Benjamin , Aw Tuan‐Chen , Ledot Stephane , Bianchi Paolo
Published: August 2023

Background

Some patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) require prolonged mechanical ventilation. An early tracheostomy strategy while on ECMO has appeared to be beneficial for these patients. This study aims to explore the safety of tracheostomy in ECMO patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational single‐center study.

Results

Hundred and nine patients underwent tracheostomy (76 percutaneous and 33 surgical) during V‐V ECMO support over an 8‐year period. Patients with a percutaneous tracheostomy showed a significantly shorter ECMO duration [25.5 (17.3–40.1) vs 37.2 (26.5–53.2) days, p = 0.013] and a shorter ECMO‐to‐tracheostomy time [13.3 (8.5–19.7) vs 27.8 (16.3–36.9) days, p < 0.001] compared to those who underwent a surgical approach. There was no difference between the two strategies regarding both major and minor/no bleeding (p = 0.756). There was no difference in survival rate between patients who underwent percutaneous or surgical tracheostomy (p = 0.173). Patients who underwent an early tracheostomy (within 10 days from ECMO insertion) showed a significantly shorter hospital stay (p < 0.001) and a shorter duration of V‐V ECMO support (p < 0.001). Our series includes 24 patients affected by COVID‐19, who did not show significantly higher rates of major bleeding when compared to non‐COVID‐19 patients (p = 0.297). Within the COVID‐19 subgroup, there was no difference in major bleeding rates between surgical and percutaneous approach (p = 1.0).

Conclusions

Percutaneous and surgical tracheostomy during ECMO have a similar safety profile in terms of bleeding risk and mortality. Percutaneous tracheostomy may favor a shorter duration of ECMO support and hospital stay and can be considered a safe alternative to surgical tracheostomy, even in COVID‐19 patients, if relevant clinical expertise is available.
Cavity‐nesting birds are limited by nesting habitat in Neotropical agricultural landscapes
Authors: Ke Alison , Cedeño Evaristo , Karubian Jordan , Carrasco Luis , Castillo Fernando , Gonzales Nelson , Karp Daniel S.
Published: August 2023

Most studies comparing biodiversity between natural and human‐modified landscapes focus on patterns in species occurrence or abundance, but do not consider how different habitat types meet species' breeding requirements. Organisms that use or nest in tree cavities may be especially threatened by habitat conversion due to the loss of their nesting sites. Although cavity‐nesting bird diversity is highest in the tropics, little is known about how tropical birds use cavities, how agriculture affects their reproductive biology, and how effective nest boxes could be as a conservation strategy in tropical agriculture. Here, we explored how habitat conversion from tropical forests to pasture affects the abundance, nesting habitat availability, and nest success of cavity‐nesting birds in Northwest Ecuador. We conducted bird surveys and measured natural cavity availability and use in forest and agriculture. We also added artificial nest boxes to forest and agriculture to see whether cavity limitation in agriculture would elicit higher use of artificial nest boxes. We found evidence of cavity limitation in agriculture—there were many more natural cavities in forest than in agriculture, as well as more avian use of nest boxes placed in agriculture as compared to forest. Our results suggest that it is important to retain remnant trees in tropical agriculture to provide critical nesting habitat for birds. In addition, adding nest boxes to tropical agricultural systems could be a good conservation strategy for certain species, including insectivores that could provide pest‐control services to farmers.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Psychotic‐like experiences and adverse life events in young people. Does gender matter?
Authors: Adjorlolo Samuel , Awortwe Victoria , Anum Adote , Huang Keng‐Yen , Mamah Daniel
Published: August 2023

Background

Psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) and adverse life events (ALEs) are highly prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa where gendered practices are also common. There is, however, a paucity of data on how the relationship between PLEs and life adversities is influenced by gender. The current study addressed this gap.

Method

Data were collected from 1886 school‐based young people (1174 females) in Ghana, West Africa using a cross‐sectional survey methodology and analyzed using Chi‐square, independent t‐test, Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression.

Results

The results showed that victimization experiences, school stress and having a family member with mental illness were significantly associated with PLEs in both males and females. In contrast, substance misuse and experiences of head trauma correlated significantly with PLEs in females only.

Conclusion

Life adversities constitute major risk factors for PLEs among school‐based young people in Ghana, who could benefit from gender neutral and gender‐sensitive intervention programming to remediate the effects of life adversities on PLEs.
Biomarkers in congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Bacila Irina‐Alexandra , Lawrence Neil R. , Badrinath Surabhi G. , Balagamage Chamila , Krone Nils P.
Published: August 2023

Monitoring of hormone replacement therapy represents a major challenge in the management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). In the absence of clear guidance and standardised monitoring strategies, there is no consensus among clinicians regarding the relevance of various biochemical markers used in practice, leading to wide variability in their application and interpretation. In this review, we summarise the published evidence on biochemical monitoring of CAH. We discuss temporal variations of the most commonly measured biomarkers throughout the day, the interrelationship between different biomarkers, as well as their relationship with different glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid treatment regimens and clinical outcomes. Our review highlights significant heterogeneity across studies in both aims and methodology. However, we identified key messages for the management of patients with CAH. The approach to hormone replacement therapy should be individualised, based on the individual hormonal profile throughout the day in relation to medication. There are limitations to using 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone, and the role of additional biomarkers such 11‐oxygenated androgens which are more disease specific should be further established. Noninvasive monitoring via salivary and urinary steroid measurements is becoming increasingly available and should be considered, especially in the management of children with CAH. Additionally, this review indicates the need for large scale longitudinal studies analysing the interrelation between different monitoring strategies used in clinical practice and health outcomes in children and adults with CAH.
Rehabilitation with implant‐supported overdentures in preteens patients with ectodermal dysplasia: A cohort study
Authors: Montanari Marco , Grande Francesco , Lepidi Luca , Piana Gabriela , Catapano Santo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) patients suffering of oligo‐anodontia require early dental treatment to improve oral functions and reduce social impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal growth, implant and prosthetic survival rate, success, and complications after the rehabilitation with a maxillary denture and an implant‐supported overdenture provided by a sliding bar in case of severe hypodontia/anodontia related to HED.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study began in 2009. Nine patients over 7 years old with HED and associated oligo‐anodontia who presented at the University of Bologna for dental treatment were included in the study. They were first treated with conventional dentures and then with a maxillary denture and an implant‐supported overdenture with a sliding bar connected to two implants placed in the anterior mandible. The subjects treated were followed for 3–12 years. In each case, orthopanoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographic exam were taken before implant placement and annually after prosthetic load. Vertical and transverse dimensions of the mandible in the symphysis area at implant sites were taken on the lateral cephalometric radiography at the time of implant placement and after 5 years from the prosthetic loading to assess the presence or absence of an anterior mandibular growth. Biologic and mechanical complications were also recorded at every visit.

Results

A mandibular vertical growth under the implant apex, at the implant neck, and a sagittal growth of the symphysis after 5 years from the prosthetic loading were observed and measured. Implant and prosthetic success and survival rates were 100% after 8.1 years (mean) follow‐up period. No complications were reported except in one patient, where the repositioning of a retentive cap on the counter bar in the superstructure was necessary after 3 years from the prosthetic loading.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that the growth of the mandible near implant sites continues even after their positioning. Implants can be successfully placed and provide support for prosthetic rehabilitation in preteens patients with HED.
Free entry in mixed oligopoly leads to insufficient privatization?
Authors: Wang Leonard F. S. , Tomaru Yoshihiro , Zhou Chan
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates privatization policy in mixed oligopoly when partial privatization changes a technological difference between semi‐public and private firms. It shows that when the degree of privatization is partial, privatization is insufficient. Furthermore, privatization is more likely to be insufficient as the market becomes more competitive. If the cost efficiency gain is captured by decreasing the degree of privatization, privatization is insufficient regardless of whether entry by private firms is restricted or free.
Exploring the Ln–O bonding nature and charge characteristics in monazite in relation to microwave dielectric properties
Authors: Li Jian , Liu Jia , Zhang Yongcui , Sun Wei , Wang Yang , Wu Haitao , Li Ling , Cheng Chuanbing , Wang Yingying , Tan Ke , Liu Futian
Published: August 2023

The microstructure design is important for regulating the microwave dielectric properties of materials. However, in‐depth studies on the frequency temperature stability and related micromechanism remain poorly understood. The work investigates the correlation among the sintering behavior, crystal structure, bonding nature, and microwave dielectric properties of LnPO4 (Ln = Eu, Pr) ceramics by combining first‐principles calculations and experimental perspective. The high density (ρ > 97%) and large grains associated with lattice expansion benefit the optimum dielectric properties: εr = 11.24, Q×f = 61,138 GHz @ 13.311 GHz, and τf = −30.3 ppm/°C for EuPO4 sintered at 1500°C (εr = 11.35, Q×f = 63,496 GHz @ 13.042 GHz and τf = −39.5 ppm/°C for PrPO4 sintered at 1525°C). Bond valence analysis shows a rattling effect in [EuO9] due to a smaller ionic radius. The effect induces an abnormally large polarization, effectively shifting the negative τf toward near‐zero values. The electron localization functions, charge transfer, and bonding nature are discussed by density functional theory calculations, which illustrate stronger charge transfer and ionicity between Eu and O. This observation effectively predicts and validates the nonharmonic lattice vibrations and abnormally large polarization obtained from Raman spectrums and Rietveld refinement. These findings systematically clarify the optimized effect and micromechanism of lanthanides on the dielectric properties of monazite ceramics.
Reduced parental brood visit rate in wild zebra finches Taeniopygia castanotis is correlated with high maximum daily ambient temperature
Authors: Wheeler Madeleine , Ton Riccardo , Brandl Hanja B. , Schuett Wiebke , Griffith Simon C.
Published: August 2023

As a result of a warming global climate, understanding how organisms adjust their behaviour to environmental thermal conditions has become an increasingly important question in animal biology. Temperature‐driven adjustments in parental care are potentially important given the repercussions on offspring size, quality and survival. In 2015 and 2016 we monitored parental care for 83 zebra finch Taeniopygia castanotis breeding attempts in the wild with known brood sizes. We recorded the frequency of parental visits to the nest together with mean maximum ambient temperature experienced between day 7 and 14 of the nestling period. We found that for each increase of 1°C in the daytime temperature there was a 0.91% reduction in the hourly rate of parental visits, whilst also accounting for other variables such as nestling age, time of season, and wind speed. Our data suggest that nestlings may receive less food under thermally challenging conditions, which is consistent with recent studies that demonstrate offspring are smaller when reared during periods of high temperature. Understanding the behavioural drivers that may contribute to the production of smaller offspring in extreme heat conditions could prove useful to forecast long‐term consequences for fitness triggered by climate change.
Accuracy of periodontitis diagnosis obtained using multiple molecular biomarkers in oral fluids: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Blanco‐Pintos T. , Regueira‐Iglesias A. , Seijo‐Porto I. , Balsa‐Castro C. , Castelo‐Baz P. , Nibali L. , Tomás I.
Published: August 2023

Aim

To determine the accuracy of biomarker combinations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva through meta‐analysis to diagnose periodontitis in systemically healthy subjects.

Methods

Studies on combining two or more biomarkers providing a binary classification table, sensitivity/specificity values or group sizes in subjects diagnosed with periodontitis were included. The search was performed in August 2022 through PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, SCOPUS and Web of Science. The methodological quality of the articles selected was evaluated using the QUADAS‐2 checklist. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic modelling was employed to perform the meta‐analyses (CRD42020175021).

Results

Twenty‐one combinations in GCF and 47 in saliva were evaluated. Meta‐analyses were possible for six salivary combinations (median sensitivity/specificity values): IL‐6 with MMP‐8 (86.2%/80.5%); IL‐1β with IL‐6 (83.0%/83.7%); IL‐1β with MMP‐8 (82.7%/80.8%); MIP‐1α with MMP‐8 (71.0%/75.6%); IL‐1β, IL‐6 and MMP‐8 (81.8%/84.3%); and IL‐1β, IL‐6, MIP‐1α and MMP‐8 (76.6%/79.7%).

Conclusions

Two‐biomarker combinations in oral fluids show high diagnostic accuracy for periodontitis, which is not substantially improved by incorporating more biomarkers. In saliva, the dual combinations of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and MMP‐8 have an excellent ability to detect periodontitis and a good capacity to detect non‐periodontitis. Because of the limited number of biomarker combinations evaluated, further research is required to corroborate these observations.
High‐ and intermediate‐risk susceptibility variants in melanoma families from the Mediterranean area: A multicentre cohort from the MelaNostrum Consortium
Authors: Pellegrini C. , Cardelli L. , Ghiorzo P. , Pastorino L. , Potrony M. , García‐Casado Z. , Elefanti L. , Stefanaki I. , Mastrangelo M. , Necozione S. , Aguilera P. , Rodríguez‐Hernández A. , Di Nardo L. , Rocco T. , Del Regno L. , Badenas C. , Carrera C. , Malvehy J. , Requena C. , Bañuls J. , Stratigos A. J. , Peris K. , Menin C. , Calista D. , Nagore E. , Puig S. , Landi M. T. , Fargnoli MC.
Published: August 2023

Background

Most of large epidemiological studies on melanoma susceptibility have been conducted on fair skinned individuals (US, Australia and Northern Europe), while Southern European populations, characterized by high UV exposure and dark‐skinned individuals, are underrepresented.

Objectives

We report a comprehensive pooled analysis of established high‐ and intermediate‐penetrance genetic variants and clinical characteristics of Mediterranean melanoma families from the MelaNostrum Consortium.

Methods

Pooled epidemiological, clinical and genetic (CDKN2A, CDK4, ACD, BAP1, POT1, TERT, and TERF2IP and MC1R genes) retrospective data of melanoma families, collected within the MelaNostrum Consortium in Greece, Italy and Spain, were analysed. Univariate methods and multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of variants with characteristics of families and of affected and unaffected family members. Subgroup analysis was performed for each country.

Results

We included 839 families (1365 affected members and 2123 unaffected individuals). Pathogenic/likely pathogenic CDKN2A variants were identified in 13.8% of families. The strongest predictors of melanoma were ≥2 multiple primary melanoma cases (OR 8.1; 95% CI 3.3–19.7), >3 affected members (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3–5.2) and occurrence of pancreatic cancer (OR 4.8; 95% CI 2.4–9.4) in the family (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.71–0.82). We observed low frequency variants in POT1 (3.8%), TERF2IP (2.5%), ACD (0.8%) and BAP1 (0.3%). MC1R common variants (≥2 variants and ≥2 RHC variants) were associated with melanoma risk (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–2.0 and OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.2–14.6, respectively).

Conclusions

Variants in known high‐penetrance genes explain nearly 20% of melanoma familial aggregation in Mediterranean areas. CDKN2A melanoma predictors were identified with potential clinical relevance for cancer risk assessment.
Patient‐reported experiences and satisfaction with head and neck surgery outreach clinics in regional New South Wales, Australia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Venchiarutti Rebecca L. , Sharman Ashleigh R. , Dawson Tania , Elliott Michael S. , Clark Jonathan R. , Palme Carsten E.
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Head and neck surgery services are increasingly being centralised in Australia. Outreach models can overcome burdens of travel that patients in regional and rural areas experience when attending routine appointments, by providing services closer to home.

Aim

To explore patient‐reported experiences and satisfaction with regional outreach services for head and neck surgery in Australia.

Methods

Patients who attended two regional outreach clinics in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, were surveyed over a 6‐month period. Patients completed the Outpatient Cancer Clinics Survey (2020 version) that explored perceptions and experiences of the clinic. Patients with cancer were asked to complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and the Communication and Attitudinal Self‐Efficacy scale. Descriptive statistics and analysis of data was performed, and results were compared to the NSW statewide Outpatient Cancer Clinics Survey (2020). Content analysis of free text responses was performed.

Results

Some 128 patients responded (56% response rate; mean age 67.2 years, 46.1% female). Compared to the 2020 NSW survey, a higher proportion of patients in our cohort responded positively to 14 of the 26 questions, with the greatest differences observed for questions regarding waiting area comfort (+12.1%, p = 0.008), being informed about different treatment options (+9.5%, p = 0.04), and issues relating to parking (+9.5%, p = 0.03). A lower proportion of our sample responded positively to the question about whether health professionals knew enough about their medical history (−19.3%, p < 0.001). Respondents appreciated having a local clinic that helped them avoid travel to major cities and associated expenses and highlighted benefits of expert consultation and timeliness of investigations. However, cost of appointments and level of reimbursements remain barriers for some patients.

Conclusions

Patients had a high level of satisfaction with regional outreach clinics for head and neck surgery across most domains, indicating patients highly value this service.
Investigating flavor sensory properties of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar and factors impacting perception using quantitative descriptive analysis and temporal dominance of sensations
Authors: Wang Li , Xiong Feng , Huang Xingyi , Yu Shanshan , Wang Yu , Ren Yi , Zhang Xiaorui , Chang Xianhui
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to make a sensory scientific and chemical characterization of flavor profiles of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV) from different grades, and to investigate their potential correlation for evaluating the effects of chemical components on sensory perception. The quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) was combined with temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) to assess the sensory properties of different grades of ZAV. The grades of ZAV were best differentiated by pungent (p < .001), almond (p < .001), burnt (p < .001), sour (p < .001), bitter (p < .001), and salty perception (p < .001). TDS showed ZAV of five grades differed in the combination of dominant sensory attributes. Both QDA and TDS differentiated the ZAV samples of different grades. Multiple factor analysis (MFA) of QDA, aroma, and physicochemical data showed these data set were well correlated, which contributed to the identification the chemical drivers of sensory attributes.

Practical Applications

Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV) is a highly appreciated product all over the world due to its unique and pleasant flavor sensory properties. The combined use of QDA and TDS permitted the identification and quantitative description of flavor profiles for ZAV from different grades while providing additional information during the consumption of ZAV, which has proved to be more beneficial than each just on its own. In addition, the key flavor substances that influence the sensory attributes were found out by analyzing the variables correlations and product spaces though MFA, thus it is help to strengthen the flavor quality control in the ZAV products. Taken overall, this work provides a reference for the measurement of flavor profiles of ZAV related products and evaluation the internal chemical components affecting sensory attributes.
Characteristics of glucolipid metabolism and oxidative stress in breeding pigeons (Columba livia) during lactation
Authors: Peng Jie , Huang Weiying , Yang Menglin , Gao Hongyan , Lv Yantao , Gou Zhongyong , Wang Ziying , Wang Wei , Huang Yanhua
Published: August 2023

Breeding pigeons is a fundamental source of profit in various enterprises but little is known on the metabolic laws governing their lactation. In this study, we analysed the metabolic profile of different sex of breeding pigeons (Columba livia, European pigeons, Mimas) during lactation. We found that male pigeons exhibited catabolism during lactation. Extension of lactation resulted in increased weight loss, then slow recovery of body weight. Conversely, the weight loss in female pigeons peaked on the seventh day of lactation. They then gradually recovered their body weight. Male pigeons showed more duration of combing, while female pigeons showed more duration of resting. In male pigeons, except for triglyceride (TG), which increased, blood lipid indexes barely changed during lactation. Conversely, in females, both TG and total cholesterol increased in middle and late lactation. The level of oxidative stress in female pigeons during lactation was higher than in males, lipid peroxide malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), plasma calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels increased in late lactation. Levels of estradiol and progesterone in female pigeons increased during lactation, whereas those of luteotropic hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone gradually decreased. As per LC‐MS spectra analysis, the differential metabolites in the plasma on the day of hatching and before laying in female pigeons in lactation were enriched in retrograde endocannabinoid signalling, α‐linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, choline, glycerophospholipid metabolisms, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradations. Levels of fatty acids, amino acids, sphingomyelin and phosphatidylinositol related to the secretion of pigeon milk had reduced, whereas the levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and TG, which are all related to egg production, had increased. In conclusion, our study systematically revealed the different metabolic characteristics of male and female breeding pigeons during lactation. This is useful for precision feeding of pigeons and applicable in nutritional interventions for improved production.
First recognition of the extinct eudicot genus Palibinia in North America: Leaves and fruits of Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov. from the Eocene of Utah and Colorado, USA
Authors: Manchester Steven R. , Judd Walter S. , Kodrul Tatiana
Published: August 2023

Newly investigated leafy twigs bearing axillary fruits from the Eocene Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation in eastern Utah, USA, have provided more information on the species previously attributed to the Proteaceae as Banksia comptonifolia R.W.Br. The leaves are simple, estipulate with short petioles, and elongate laminae with prominent angular nonglandular teeth. The laminae have a thick midvein and pinnate craspedodromous secondaries, and are distinctive in the presence of a thick, often coalified, marginal rim. Vegetative and reproductive buds occur in the axils of the leaves. These features indicate that the species belongs to Palibinia Korovin—an extinct Eudicot genus previously known only from the Paleogene of Asia and Europe. Small pedicellate ovoid fruits 1.5–2.2 mm wide are borne in fascicles of three and are seen to be capsules with four apical valves. Despite the specific epithet referring to similarity of the foliage to that of Comptonia (Myricaceae), the fasciculate inflorescence organization with axillary flowers is quite distinct from the catkins characteristic of that family. Assignment to Banksia or other Proteaceae with complex inflorescences and follicular fruits is also problematic. Additionally, MacGinitie′s transfer of the species to Vauquelinia of the Rosaceae is contradicted by the lack of stipule scars on the twig and by differences in leaf venation and floral morphology. We transfer the species to Palibinia comptonifolia (R.W.Br.) comb. nov., but its familial affinity within the Pentapetalae remains uncertain. This new occurrence augments records from the Paleogene of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, China, England, and Germany.
When nursing education becomes political: Norm‐critical perspectives in a campus‐based clinical learning environment
Authors: Castillo Ivan Andrés , Tengelin Ellinor , Arveklev Susanna H. , Dahlborg Elisabeth
Published: August 2023

Nursing education is in the process of incorporating critical thinking, social justice, and health inequality perspectives into educational structures, aspiring to help nursing students develop into professional nurses prepared to provide equal care. Norm criticism is a pedagogical philosophy that promotes social justice. This qualitative case study aimed to gain an understanding of and elaborate on an educational development initiative in which norm criticism was incorporated into the composition of a new campus‐based clinical learning environment for nursing education. By analyzing documents and interviews with the help of reflexive thematic analysis three themes were generated: “Intention to educate beyond nursing education,” “Educating in alliance with society,” and “The educative ambiguity of the Clinical Learning Centre.” The case study indicates that the incorporation of norm criticism into a campus‐based clinical learning environment may encourage nursing students to evolve social skills for nursing practice that support health equality within healthcare. By collaborating with society, nursing education can considerably improve its educational frameworks in alignment with societal demands. However, the inclusion of norm criticism in a setting such as a campus‐based clinical learning environment entails a clash with established institutionalized norms and being perceived as too proximate to politics.