bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the use of technology create technology engagement? Comparing three structural models
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Pesqueira-Sanchez Rogelio
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Some aspects of technology behaviour remain unclear, such as the generation of technology use and engagement. So, this study aims to address the following question: does engagement with technology drive the use of technology?or does the use of technology create the engagement with technology?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the uses and gratifications theory, this study compares three alternative competing models that explain technology behaviour on a sample of 715 individuals, using the selection criteria proposed by Mathieson. A comprehensive analysis and comparison of three structural competing models on technology behaviour, namely, “use-and-engagement”, “use-to-engagement” and “engagement-to-use”, are presented.

Findings

Findings show that the “use-and-engagement” model provides a better explanation of technology behaviour and is superior to predict technology behaviour, suggesting that both technology engagement and use could be considered as consequences.

Originality/value

This study’s major contribution is the empirical examination of three structural competing models and the selection of the best explaining model of technology behaviour.
Working from home vs working from office in terms of job performance during the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis: evidence from China
Authors: Qu Jingjing , Yan Jiaqi
Published: September 2022

Despite being a worldwide disaster, the COVID‐19 pandemic has also provided an opportunity for renewed discussion about the way we work. By contextualizing in the early periods of China's ending of lockdown policy on COVID‐19, this paper offers evidence to respond to an essential discussion in the field of working from home (WFH): In terms of job performance, can WFH replace working from the office (WFO)? The present study compares job performance in terms of quality and productivity between WFH and WFO from 861 Chinese respondents using entropy balance matching, a quasi‐experimental methodology. Results reveal that WFH enhances job performance in terms of job quality but lowers it in terms of job productivity. In addition, the present study aims to capture and empirically measure the variations in fundamental job characteristics in terms of job control and job demand between WFH and WFO by applying the job demand control support model. More specifically, we find that job control items, such as ‘talking right’ and ‘work rate’, and job demand items, such as ‘a long time of intense concentration’ and ‘hecticness of the job’, are vital factors that contribute to how these differences exert influence on employees' performance in the context of the pandemic.
Application of Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles within PVA to reduce growth of E. coli and S. aureus in beef patties
Authors: Zhao Jianying , Qian Jing , Luo Ji , Huang Mingming , Yan Wenjing , Zhang Jianhao
Published: September 2022

To overcome defects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and expand its applications in food preservation, PVA/Ag@SiO2 nanocomposite films were prepared using the solution intercalation film‐casting method. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and UV‐visible absorption spectra were applied to confirm the synthesis of the nanoparticles (NPs). Effects of Ag@SiO2NPs on physicochemical characteristics of films like viscosity, swelling ratio, tensile strength, elongation at break, as well as antibacterial activity were also evaluated. Results indicate that Ag@SiO2NPs could be synthesized successfully, and the increasing concentration of Ag@SiO2NPs led to the decrease in viscosity and the swelling ratio of the PVA/Ag@SiO2NPs nanocomposite films. PVA/Ag@SiO2 nanocomposite films exhibited increased tensile strength and strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The films had higher antibacterial activity toward E. coli compared with S. aureus. Beef patties were applied to verify the practicality of PVA/Ag@SiO2 films. PVA/Ag@SiO2NPs nanocomposite films act as an active food packaging system showing great potential in retaining food safety and prolonging the shelf‐life of packaged foods.

Practical Application

During the storage of fresh meat, the microbial count on the meat surface increased with increasing storage time; meat proteins could be broken down by microorganisms, causing the tissue structure to be destroyed, leading to loose muscle fibers and loss of nutrient‐containing juices. In this paper, by improving the PVA film, a new antibacterial membrane was prepared, which can be used for fresh meat sold in supermarkets, as a lining at the bottom of the meat or directly covering the meat. The method can significantly decrease the number of microorganisms and extend the shelf‐life of fresh meat.
Rapid growth in disposable e‐cigarette vaping among young adults in Great Britain from 2021 to 2022: a repeat cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Tattan‐Birch Harry , Jackson Sarah E. , Kock Loren , Dockrell Martin , Brown Jamie
Published: September 2022

Aims

To estimate recent trends in the prevalence of disposable e‐cigarette vaping in Great Britain, overall and across ages, and to measure these trends in the context of changes in smoking and vaping prevalence.

Design

The Smoking Toolkit Study, a monthly representative cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Great Britain.

Participants

A total of 36 876 adults (≥ 18 years) completed telephone interviews between January 2021 and April 2022.

Measurements

Current e‐cigarette vapers were asked which type of device they mainly use. We estimated age‐specific monthly time trends in the prevalence of current disposable e‐cigarette use among vapers and inhaled nicotine use (vaping/smoking), smoking and vaping among adults.

Findings

From January 2021 to April 2022, there was an 18‐fold increase in the percentage of vapers who used disposables, rising from 1.2 to 22.2% [prevalence ratio (PR) = 18.0; 95% compatibility interval (CI) = 9.18–49.0]. Growth in disposable e‐cigarette vaping was most pronounced in younger adults (interaction P‐value = 0.013): for example, the percentage of 18‐year‐old vapers using disposables rose from 0.4 to 54.8% (PR = 129; 95% CI = 28.5–4520), while it rose from 2.1 to 10.0% (PR = 4.73; 95% CI = 2.06–23.6) among 45‐year‐old vapers. However, the overall percentage of people currently using any inhaled nicotine remained stable over time both among all adults (20.0 versus 21.2%; PR = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.92–1.22) and among 18‐year‐olds (30.2 versus 29.7%; PR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.80–1.22). In 18‐year‐olds, vaping prevalence grew (11.3 versus 17.7%; PR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.12–2.29), and there was imprecise evidence for a decline in smoking (24.5 versus 19.5%; PR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.63–1.04). In 45‐year‐olds, there was relatively little change in vaping (PR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.88–1.33) or smoking prevalence (PR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.88–1.16).

Conclusions

Use of disposable e‐cigarettes in Great Britain grew rapidly between 2021 and 2022, especially among younger adults, but the overall prevalence of inhaled nicotine use was stable over time. Most young adult vapers in Great Britain now use disposable products.
Role of β1‐integrin in promoting cell motility and tamoxifen resistance of human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Hu Song , Yang Qian , Chen Zhenhai , Fu Weijie
Published: September 2022

Background

The mechanism of acquired resistance of tamoxifen in endocrine therapy of breast cancer is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the genomic changes in acquired tamoxifen‐resistant cell lines.

Methods

Tamoxifen‐resistant subclones (MCF‐7R) derived from parent MCF‐7 cells, which is an ER(+) breast cancer cell line, cultured with 4‐hydrotamoxifen more than 6 months were used to obtain genomic alterations. Cell growth, microarray, and quantitative real‐time PCR (q‐RTPCR) assays were conducted. Additionally, the ITGB1 function was investigated in MCF‐7R cells and MCF‐7R ITGB1‐silenced subclones using MTT and Transwell assays. Online pathway analysis was performed to assess the genetic characteristics of tamoxifen resistance.

Results

The gene expression profile of the tamoxifen‐resistant cell line was considerably changed compared to the tamoxifen‐sensitive cell line. Of 4102 genes with altered expressions, 1986 genes were upregulated, whereas 2116 were downregulated. The ITGB1 expression in MCF‐7R cells was higher than that in MCF‐7 cells. Interestingly, ITGB1 silencing partially rescued the sensitivity of MCF‐7R cells to tamoxifen and reduced their motility. The activation of the β1‐integrin signaling pathway was probably responsible for this phenomenon.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the presence of alterations in the genes of tamoxifen‐resistance breast cancer cells. ITGB1 probably partially contributes to tamoxifen resistance and cell motility via the β1‐integrin signaling pathway. Thus, ITGB1 may be a potential target for the improvement of anti‐hormone therapy reaction in ER(+) breast cancer patients.
Clinical and histopathological analysis of 141 dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in Korea: A comparative study according to trauma
Authors: Choi Myoung Eun , Lee Miyoung , Lee Woo Jin , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo
Published: September 2022

Background

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare fibrohistiocytic tumour of unknown pathogenesis with intermediate malignant potential. Although trauma has been hypothesized as a predisposing factor for DFSP development, clinicopathological characteristics of trauma‐related DFSP have not been investigated.

Objective

This study investigated the differences between trauma‐associated DFSP and trauma‐unrelated DFSP.

Methods

Patients histopathologically diagnosed with DFSP from January 2000 to December 2019 at the Dermatology Department were included. Clinical, histopathological, prognostic features and trauma history were analysed.

Results

We recruited 141 patients with DFSP (mean age, 36.1 years; male: female, 1:1.01). Recurrence and systemic metastasis were observed in 15.6% and 2.8% of patients, respectively. Older patients were likely to develop DFSP at the trauma sites more frequently on the face and lower legs. The active‐growing lesions were more frequently associated with trauma‐related DFSP. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that age at diagnosis (OR: 1.031; 95% CI: 1.004–1.059; p = 0.024) and tumour growth (OR: 3.336; 95% CI: 1.162–9.578, p = 0.025) were significantly associated with trauma‐related DFSPs.

Conclusions

The age at diagnosis, lesion location and tumour growth were associated with DFSPs in this study. Analysis of DFSP with trauma history provides a deeper understanding of long‐term trauma effects on sarcoma development.
Not just “bodies with vaginas”: A Kantian defense of pelvic exam consent laws
Authors: Seybold Samantha L.
Published: September 2022

Medical students commonly learn how to administer pelvic exams by practicing on unconscious patients, often without first obtaining explicit consent from patients to do so. While 21 states currently have laws that require teaching hospitals to obtain consent from patients to participate in this educational experience, opposition from the medical community has stymied legislative progress. In this paper, I respond to the two most common reasons offered to oppose the legislation, which appeal to (1) the educational benefits of these exams or (2) protecting institutional autonomy. Kantian ideas about autonomy help to illuminate the problematic ways in which these arguments supplant the importance of women's choices over how their bodies are used while seeking medical treatment. Ultimately, neither argument offers sufficient reason to oppose laws that require explicit consent before administering training pelvic exams.
Psoriasis treatment: no more room on the summit?
Authors: Puig Lluís
Published: September 2022

Linked Article:  Blauvelt et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:866–877.
What are the research priorities for optimising the safe and effective use of opioids in Australian general practice?
Authors: Jung Monica , Cangadis‐Douglass Helena , Nielsen Suzanne , Lalic Samanta , Dobbin Malcolm , Russell Grant , Prathivadi Pallavi , Wood Pene , Manias Elizabeth , Lee Cik Y. , Arnold Carolyn , Kuleas Megan , Schumann Jennifer L. , Ilomäki Jenni , Bell J. Simon
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Persistent high rates of prescription opioid use and harms remain a concern in Australia, Europe and North America. Research priority setting can inform the research agenda, strategic responses and evidence‐based interventions. The objective of this study was to establish research priorities related to the safe and effective use of prescription opioids in general practice.

Methods

Consumers, clinicians and policy makers were invited to participate in a structured consensus workshop in May 2021. A modified nominal group technique was used to explore research priorities for the safe and effective use of opioids in Australian general practice. Research priorities were identified, consolidated and prioritised using a structured process.

Results

Seventeen consumer, medical, pharmacy, nursing, allied health and policy participants generated 26 consolidated priorities across three domains: (i) consumer‐focused priorities; (ii) clinician and practice‐focused priorities; and (iii) system and policy‐focused priorities. The highest ranked research priorities in each of the domains were consumer characteristics that influence opioid prescribing and outcomes, opioid deprescribing strategies, and system‐level barriers to prescribing alternatives to opioids, in the consumer, clinician and practice, and system and policy domains, respectively.

Discussion and Conclusion

The priorities reflect opportunities for research priority setting within Australian general practice. The priorities provide a map for future qualitative and quantitative research that will inform safe and effective opioid prescribing.
Uma pesquisa clínica não ética e a politização da pandemia da COVID‐19 no Brasil: o caso da Prevent Senior
Authors: Hellmann Fernando , Homedes Núria
Published: September 2022

O Senado Federal brasileiro criou uma Comissão Parlamentar de Inquérito (CPI) para investigar as irregularidades do governo Bolsonaro na gestão da pandemia da COVID‐19. Um dos casos que chamou a atenção foi a pesquisa realizada pela Prevent Senior, uma seguradora privada de saúde, sobre o tratamento precoce da COVID‐19. O artigo analisa a validade científica da pesquisa e os problemas éticos relacionados à sua implementação. Baseia‐se na análise do relatório do ensaio clínico da Prevent Senior, dos registros do ensaio clínico em plataformas do Brasil e dos EUA, do relatório da CPI do Senado e nas informações divulgadas pela mídia. Esse caso de fraude científica e viés político‐ideológico exemplifica como a Prevent Senior, usando um protocolo questionável para melhorar sua reputação e ganhar o apoio do governo, foi fundamental na construção da narrativa do “tratamento precoce” para a COVID‐19, e mostra como serviu de base para uma política pública governamental que promoveu o uso de drogas ineficazes.
Phytophagous mite performance on intact plants and leaf discs with different defence levels
Authors: Dias Cleide Rosa , Ataíde Livia Maria Silva , Meijer Tomas Tjalling , Venzon Madelaine , Pallini Angelo , Janssen Arne
Published: September 2022

Plant quality for herbivores is usually evaluated with molecular and physiological techniques and with herbivore performance bioassays. These performance assays are usually done either on intact plants or on detached plant parts, such as leaves, leaflets, and leaf discs. It is thus far unclear how performance experiments on intact plants and on plant parts compare. Plant quality may change in detached plant parts because of the mechanical wounding inflicted, which may induce plant defences. Moreover, plant defences are often systemic, i.e., involving the entire plant, and may not be fully expressed in leaf discs. We investigated the effects of plant quality on the performance of a phytophagous mite on intact plants and on leaf discs. Plant quality was manipulated by infesting intact tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L., Solanaceae) either with a strain of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) that induces plant defences, or with Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard, which suppresses defences, and using uninfested tomato plants as control. We subsequently evaluated the oviposition rate and survival of individual females of T. evansi on intact plants and on leaf discs as a measure of herbivore performance. The mites produced fewer eggs on detached leaf discs than on intact plants. However, the oviposition rate of T. evansi was lower on plants infested with the inducer T. urticae than on plants infested with the suppressor T. evansi, and than on uninfested plants, both on leaf discs and on intact plants. We conclude that both intact plants and leaf discs can be used to evaluate the effects of plant quality on performance of this herbivore.
Identification of mitochondrial genetic variants associated with human corneocyte size in Japanese women
Authors: Inoue Yu , Igarashi Toshio , Hasebe Yuichi , Kawagishi‐Hotta Mika , Okuno Ryosuke , Yamada Takaaki , Hasegawa Seiji
Published: September 2022

Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA). Genetic variants are likely to accumulate in mtDNA, and its base substitution rate is known to be very fast, 10–20 times faster than that of nuclear DNA. For this reason, mtSNPs (mitochondrial genome single nucleotide polymorphisms) are frequently detected in mtDNA. Several thousands of copies of mtDNA are considered to be present in a cell, and variants that have occurred in mtDNA are expected to markedly affect the intracellular energy production system and ROS (reactive oxygen species) kinetics. Therefore, recently, mtSNPs have come to be considered very important as a determinant of the individual constitution such as the life‐span and disease susceptibility. In this study, we searched for mtSNPs that affect the individual corneocyte size using samples from 358 Japanese women. As a result, mtSNPs 10609C and 12406A were found to be significantly related to the corneocyte size in the outermost layer of the epidermis. There have been a large number of reports concerning the association between mtSNPs and individual constitution, but little evaluation of their relationships with epidermal properties has been made. The results of the present study first suggested that mtSNPs may affect the epidermal properties in Japanese women.
Financial resilience! A comparative study of three lower tier authorities in England
Authors: Coyle Hilary , Ferry Laurence
Published: September 2022

Austerity policies have affected local government for over a decade challenging their financial resilience to cope with further financial shocks. Using a financial resilience framework, this paper examines whether lower tier authorities behave in the same way as their higher tier counterparts when it comes to financial resilience to shocks. From a detailed field study of three lower tier (district) authorities in English local government, it is concluded that they do not have the capacity to ‘Bounce Forwards’. They can only ‘Bounce Back’ in the short term and even that is becoming increasingly difficult.
Framing the Muslim subject, contesting the secular citizen: Tablighi Jamaat and the (trans)nationalization of Islam in Singapore
Authors: Woods Orlando
Published: September 2022

This paper explores how the (trans)nationalization of Islam can lead to differential understandings of the Muslim subject and secular citizen in Singapore. (Trans)nationalization problematizes the state‐led regulation of religion by revealing the complexities that emerge when religious subject positions are indexed to citizenship status. Islamic expression is closely regulated in Singapore, meaning the Singaporean Muslim subject is framed by the state in secular‐first terms. Complicating this framing is the presence of Bangladeshi migrant workers, who, by virtue of their visa and residency statuses, are viewed as transient members of society and denied access to citizenship. Non‐citizenship causes a variety of Islamic expressions to become viable pathways to religious subject formation, including those associated with Islamic missionary movement, Tablighi Jamaat. By claiming these subject positions, Bangladeshi Tablighis become vectors through which Singapore's Muslim spaces are exposed to transnational Islamic influences, causing the mosque to be imbued with divergent, and sometimes contested, meanings and attributions of value.
Functional enhancement of hydroxypropyl cellulose‐based bionanocomposite films incorporating chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Wardana Ata Aditya , Wigati Laras Putri , Tanaka Fumina , Tanaka Fumihiko
Published: September 2022

The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect of the incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles (ChiNPs) on the physicochemical properties and antifungal activity of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) bionanocomposite films. The films of 4% HPC and ChiNP at various dosages (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 3% w/w of HPC) were prepared. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) verified the dispersion of spherical‐shaped ChiNP in a nanoscale size range (14.75–56.74 nm). Incorporation of nanofiller affected the functional properties by increasing the film–water contact angle to >53°, improving the optical properties, and reducing water vapour permeability by 5.73–12.54%. These results were influenced by surface roughness and microstructure characteristics of a bionanocomposite film, which were confirmed using AFM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tensile assays of the films showed slight increases in tensile strength from 8.87 to 11.08 MPa and Young's modulus from 0.10 to 0.15 GPa with increasing proportions of ChiNP (1.5%). An effective concentration of ChiNP of 1.5% (w/w of HPC) was able to improve the performance of HPC and offered antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, as confirmed through mycelial growth inhibition assays and by membrane integrity changes. The HPC/ChiNP bionanocomposite films may have potential applications for active packaging, particularly for fresh fruit commodities.
Effect of different roasting methods on the proximate by composition, flow properties, amino acid compositions, colour, texture, and sensory profile of the chickpeas
Authors: Tekgül Barut Yeliz , Çalışkan Koç Gülşah , Rayman Ergün Ahsen , Bozkır Hamza , Pandiselvam Ravi
Published: September 2022

Roasting is a common process for chickpeas to improve their texture, palatability, appearance, shelf‐life, physical, and functional properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of different roasting methods (conventional, microwave, and microwave + conventional) on the proximate and amino acid compositions, powder properties, texture, and sensorial properties of the chickpeas. For this purpose three different roasting times (3, 5, and 7 min), microwave powers (100, 300, and 600 W), and microwave roasting + conventional roasting treatment (100 W + 250 °C, 300 W + 250 °C, and 600 W + 250 °C) were applied to raw chickpea samples. The moisture content and water activity values of roasted chickpeas were found to be lower than 7% (w.b.) and 0.50, respectively. The lower ash and protein contents, hygroscopicity value, wettability time and higher fat content and L* value were observed for control compared to roasted samples. The flowability behaviour of the samples was found at a fair level. Roasting methods significantly affected the amount of amino acids in chickpeas but do not reduce the nutritional quality of their proteins. The hardness value of chickpea samples from the suture and cheek angle was decreased parallel to the increase in the roasting temperature and time. The highest sensory scores in terms of general appeal were obtained from the combined group (300 W–250 °C) for 3 min.
High CX3CR1 expression predicts poor prognosis in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia undergoing hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Mei Nan , Su Hong , Gong Sha , Du Hanzhi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Wang Lu , Wang Huaiyu
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Paediatric AML patients with hyperleukocytosis have a poor prognosis and higher early mortality. Therefore, more studies are needed to explore relevant prognostic indicators and develop effective prevention strategies for this type of childhood AML.

Methods

All original data were obtained from the TARGET database. First, we explored meaningful differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the hyperleukocytosis group and the non‐hyperleukocytosis group. Next, we screened and identified valuable target genes using univariate Cox regression, Cytoscape software, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Finally, the coexpressed genes, functional networks, and immune‐related activities associated with the target gene were deeply analysed by the GeneMANIA, LinkedOmics, GEPIA2021, TISIDB, and GSCA databases.

Results

We selected 1229 DEGs between the hyperleukocytosis group and the non‐hyperleukocytosis group in paediatric AML patients. Among them, 495 DEGs were significantly linked with the overall survival of paediatric AML patients. Further, we discovered that CX3CR1 was a promising target gene. Meanwhile, we identified CX3CR1 as an independent prognostic predictor. Besides, we showed that CX3CR1 had strong physical interactions with CX3CL1. Additionally, functional network analysis suggested that CX3CR1 and its coexpressed genes modulated immune response pathways. Subsequent analysis found that immune cells with a high median value of CX3CR1 were monocytes, resting NK cells and CD8 T cells. Finally, we observed that CX3CR1 expression correlated with infiltrating levels of immune cells and immune signatures.

Conclusion

Elevated CX3CR1 expression may be an adverse prognostic indicator in paediatric AML patients undergoing hyperleukocytosis. Moreover, CX3CR1 may serve as an immunotherapeutic target for AML with hyperleukocytosis in children.
Effects of different glass formers on Li2S–P2S5–MS2(M = Si, Ge, Sn) chalcogenide solid‐state electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Gao Chengwei , He Chengmiao , Tan Linling , Kang Shiliang , Jiao Qing , Xu Tiefeng , Lin Changgui
Published: September 2022

Chalcogenide solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) have been receiving growing attentions due to their high ionic conductivity and suitable mechanic properties, especially the Li2S–P2S5systems incorporated with a second glass network formers (Si, Ge, Sn, and so on) besides P. Although the ionic conductivities are generally enhanced with the second glass network formers, the comprehensive effects of different glass formers on other properties, including electrochemical, cycling, and air stability, remain elusive. To acquire deeper understanding, herein, three common but representative glass network formers (SiS2, GeS2, and SnS2) were introduced into Li2S–P2S5, and their individual effects were investigated systematically. The results of multiscale characterizations before and after lithium stripping/plating cycling confirmed that the introduction of metal cations (Ge, Sn) generally leads to worse electrochemical stability and shorter cycle life of these SSEs toward lithium metal compared with SSEs with nonmetal cation (Si) modification. However, the air stability is related to the binding energy of M–S (M = Si, Ge, Sn), which is consistent with the hard base soft acid theory. This work provides valuable understanding for designing pragmatic Li2S–P2S5–MS2‐based SSEs with high electrochemistry, cycling, and air stability.
Forest‐permafrost feedbacks and glacial refugia help explain the unequal distribution of larch across continents
Authors: Schulte Luise , Li Chenzhi , Lisovski Simeon , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: September 2022

Aim

The continental‐scale distribution of plant functional types, such as evergreen and summergreen needle‐leaf forest, is assumed to be determined by contemporary climate. However, the distribution of summergreen needle‐leaf forest of larch (Larix Mill.) differs markedly between the continents, despite relatively similar climatic conditions. The reasons for these differences are little understood. Our aim is to identify potential triggers and drivers of the current distribution patterns by comparing species' bioclimatic niches, glacial refugia and postglacial recolonization patterns.

Location

Northern hemisphere.

Taxon

Species of the genus Larix (Mill.).

Methods

We compare species distribution and dominance using species ranges and sites of dominance, as well as their occurrence on modelled permafrost extent, and active layer thickness (ALT). We compare the bioclimatic niches and calculate the niche overlap between species, using the same data in addition to modern climate data. We synthesize pollen, macrofossil and ancient DNA palaeo‐evidence of past Larix occurrences of the last 60,000 years and track differences in distribution patterns through time.

Results

Bioclimatic niches show large overlaps between Asian larch species and American Larix laricina. The distribution across various degrees of permafrost extent is distinctly different for Asian L. gmelinii and L. cajanderi compared to the other species, whereas the distribution on different depths of ALT is more similar among Asian and American species. Northern glacial refugia for Larix are only present in eastern Asia and Alaska.

Main Conclusion

The dominance of summergreen larches in Asia, where evergreen conifers dominate most of the rest of the boreal forests, is dependent on the interaction of several factors which allows Asian L. gmelinii and L. cajanderi to dominate where these factors coincide. These factors include the early postglacial spread out of northern glacial refugia in the absence of competitors as well as a positive feedback mechanism between frozen ground and forest.
Disentangling seasonal from maternal effects on egg characteristics in western Baltic spring‐spawning herring Clupea harengus
Authors: Huang Amy T. , Alter Katharina , Polte Patrick , Peck Myron A.
Published: September 2022

In marine fishes, the timing of spawning determines the environment offspring will face and, therefore, the chances of early life stage survival. Different waves of Atlantic herring Clupea harengus spawn throughout spring in the western Baltic Sea, and the survival of offspring from early in the season has been low in the most recent decade. The authors assessed changes in egg traits from early, middle and late phases of the spawning season to examine whether seasonal and/or maternal effects influenced embryo survival. At each phase, fertilized eggs of six to eight females were incubated at two temperatures (7 and 13°C), and egg size, fertilization success, mortality and time to hatch were recorded. A compilation of data from 2017 to 2020 spawning seasons indicated that mean total length of females decreased with progression of the season and increasing in situ water temperature. For the sub‐set of females used in the laboratory study, early spawners were 7.6% larger and produced 14.2% larger eggs than late‐spring spawners. Fertilization success was consistently high (>90%), and mortality to hatch was low (<3%). Neither the former nor latter were influenced by season, but both were influenced by maternity. This significant female effect was, however, not related to any maternal trait measured here (total length, Fulton's condition factor or age). There was no maternal effect on development rate at 7 or 13°C. The results suggest that intrinsic differences among females or among spawning waves are unlikely to markedly contribute to the poor survival observed for progeny from early in the season in this population and point towards other extrinsic factors or processes acting on eggs or early larval stages (e.g., seasonal match–mismatch dynamics with prey) as more likely causes of mortality.
Exploring diet shifts and ecology in modern sharks using calcium isotopes and trace metal records of their teeth
Authors: Assemat Alexandre , Adnet Sylvain , Bayez Kani , Hassler Auguste , Arnaud‐Godet Florent , Mollen Frederik H. , Girard Catherine , Martin Jeremy E.
Published: September 2022

Sharks occupy all living environments of the marine realm as well as some freshwater systems. They display varied and flexible feeding behaviours, but understanding their diet remains challenging due to their elusive ecology and the invasiveness of stomach content analyses in regard of their threatened status. As a potential alternative, we discuss the variability in δ44/42Ca values recorded in the tooth enamel of size‐graded individuals belonging to three species of large sharks with distinct diets (Isurus oxyrinchus, Hexanchus griseus and Carcharodon carcharias). The preliminary results highlight shifts in diet linked to ontogeny (I. oxyrinchus and H. griseus) and spatial distribution (C. carcharias) characterizing feeding behaviour in these species at individual and population level. These outcomes agree with the results of traditional stomach analyses supporting that nontraditional stable isotopes thus represent new perspectives for the study of modern and extinct shark ecology. In addition, for the first time, the Sr/Ca elemental ratios measured in H. griseus reflect sexual differences that could be interpreted in terms of spatial segregation or physiological heterogeneities.
Adult and juvenile dermatomyositis treatment
Authors: Patil Anant , Lu Jun , Kassir Martin , Babaei Mahsa , Goldust Mohamad
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting skin and muscles. The disease can be seen in both adults and children. It can be associated with malignancy. Considering involvement of skin in the disease, many patients consult dermatologists for its treatment. Hence, knowledge about its presentation, complications, prognosis, and treatment is necessary.

Objective

The objective of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about treatment of dermatomyositis.

Methods

In this review article, we reviewed the published literature on adult and juvenile dermatomyositis to highlight the treatment. Articles published in peer‐reviewed journals including reviews, clinical trials, case series, and case reports published in electronic database (MEDLINE/PubMed) through January 2021, cross references of respective articles and trials from clinicaltrials.gov were included for qualitative analysis of the literature.

Results

Treatment options for dermatomyositis include traditional immunosuppressive agents and immunomodulatory therapy. High‐dose corticosteroids represent the first line of treatment while other immunosuppressive agents are also used, either in combination with or as an alternative to corticosteroids, after initial treatment failure. Some biological agents have been used for the treatment of dermatomyositis with variable responses.

Conclusion

Although several treatment options are available, several questions remain unanswered about the optimal treatment of dermatomyositis.
‘F**k this game … I'm off’: financial and emotional factors in declining legal representation in miscarriage of justice cases
Authors: CLARKE AMY , WELSH LUCY
Published: September 2022

In this article, we use data from interviews with 45 criminal defence lawyers to examine the reasons behind a decline in publicly funded representation in applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). In doing so, we pay particular attention to the relative significance of financial and emotional factors. Our analysis finds that financial factors related to changes to legal aid are significant drivers of a decline in publicly funded representation, but that the financial unviability of CCRC work is also compounded by emotional factors. These include a sense of insecurity, low levels of satisfaction, and a perceived lack of recognition and appreciation, symbolized by low levels of remuneration and exacerbated by poor relationships with external parties. Emotional factors thus combine with financial factors to reduce the supply of publicly funded advice and deter junior lawyers from specializing in this niche area of practice.
PLCE1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker by promoting the growth and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Abulaiti Zumuretiguli , Chen Leiyu , Xiao Qiaoling , Aimaier Aierfati , Ma Yandi , He Shangfeng , Zhang Jie , Xu Jiang , Cui Xiaobin
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of phospholipase C epsilon1 (PLCE1) in the growth and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and determine its potential as a biomarker with respect to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of OSCC.

Methods

The expression level of PLCE1 in tissue specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry (182 OSCC cases and 76 controls) and its relationship to clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. Then, the diagnostic value of PLCE1 in OSCC was verified by constructing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan–Meier and Cox analysis were performed to investigate the role of PLCE1 in predicting the prognosis of OSCC patients. Furthermore, the effects of PLCE1 on the occurrence and development of OSCC were revealed by knocking down the level of PLCE1.

Results

PLCE1 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of OSCC cells, and its level in OSCC tissues was obviously higher than in adjacent normal tissues. While the expression of PLCE1 did not correlate with clinicopathological parameters of OSCC. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PLCE1 was 0.865 with a sensitivity of 75.8% and a specificity of 78.8%. Besides, high expression of PLCE1 suggested a worse prognosis in OSCC patients than those with low expression. The knockdown of PLCE1 obviously inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells, and induce G0 cell cycle phase arrest and apoptosis, thus preventing the progression of OSCC.

Conclusion

PLCE1 may cause carcinogenesis and development of OSCC, which provide a novel possibility in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of OSCC.
Geography of contestation: A study on the Yellow Vest movement and the rise of populism in France
Authors: Bourdin Sebastien , Torre André
Published: September 2022

The rise of a geography of discontent highlighted in recent studies points to a strong association between voting for populist parties and territories with socioeconomic difficulties. While discontent has primarily been addressed through the analysis of populist votes, we provide additional elements of analysis by comparing these populist votes to the Yellow Vest movement, and we distinguish the populist votes coming from the far‐left party from those coming from the far‐right party. Our results show that the Yellow Vest movement cannot be confused with French populist supporters and that their sensitivity to territorial dimensions also differs from that of the latter, especially in terms of access to public services. Their behavior highlights that the geography of protest takes multiple shapes and cannot be reduced to a simple opposition between urban and mostly rural or peripheral areas. This raises serious concerns about the dynamics of territories and the deleterious effects of metropolization and the closure of public services in peri‐urban and rural territories that are not specific to France.
Making waves: The changing tide of cerebral palsy
Authors: Cooper Monica S , Fahey Michael C , Mackay Mark T
Published: September 2022

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad diagnosis unbound by aetiology and is based on a clinical examination demonstrating abnormalities of movement or posture. CP represents a static neurological condition, provided that neurodegenerative conditions, leukoencephalopathies and neuromuscular disorders are excluded. In paediatrics, the genetic conditions associated with CP are rapidly increasing, with primary and overlapping neurodevelopmental conditions perhaps better categorised by the predominant clinical feature such as CP, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder or epilepsy. Progress in molecular genetics may challenge what constitutes CP, but a genetic diagnosis does not negate the CP diagnosis. As clinicians working in the field, we discuss the changing tide of CP. Neuroimaging provides essential information through pattern recognition and demonstration of static brain changes. We present examples of children where a layered clinical diagnosis or dual aetiologies are appropriate. We also present examples of children with genetic causes of CP to highlight the challenges and limitations of neuroimaging to provide an aetiological diagnosis. In consultation with a geneticist, access to genomic testing (exome or genome sequencing) is now available in Australia under Medicare billing for children under the age of 10 with dysmorphic features, one or more major structural organ anomalies, (an evolving) intellectual disability or global developmental delay. We encourage the uptake of genomic testing in CP, because it can be difficult to tell whether a child has an environmental or genetic cause for CP. A specific genetic diagnosis may change patient management, reduce guilt and enable more distinctive research in the future to assist with understanding disease mechanisms.
Characterization of the oral and faecal microbiota associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs selected from a purebred Shiba Inu colony
Authors: Uchiyama J. , Osumi T. , Mizukami K. , Fukuyama T. , Shima A. , Unno A. , Takemura-Uchiyama I. , Une Y. , Murakami H. , Sakaguchi M.
Published: September 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing multifactorial inflammatory skin disease that also affects dogs. The oral and gut microbiota are associated with many disorders, including allergy. Few studies have addressed the oral and gut microbiota in dogs, although the skin microbiota has been studied relatively well in these animals. Here, we studied the AD-associated oral and gut microbiota in 16 healthy and 9 AD dogs from a purebred Shiba Inu colony. We found that the diversity of the oral microbiota was significantly different among the dogs, whereas no significant difference was observed in the gut microbiota. Moreover, a differential abundance analysis detected the Family_XIII_AD3011_group (Anaerovoracaceae) in the gut microbiota of AD dogs; however, no bacterial taxa were detected in the oral microbiota. Third, the comparison of the microbial co-occurrence patterns between AD and healthy dogs identified differential networks in which the bacteria in the oral microbiota that were most strongly associated with AD were related to human periodontitis, whereas those in the gut microbiota were related to dysbiosis and gut inflammation. These results suggest that AD can alter the oral and gut microbiota in dogs.
Temporal dysregulation of genes in lamb testis cell during sheeppox virus infection
Authors: Sonowal J. , Patel C.L. , Gandham R.K. , Khan R.I.N. , Praharaj M.R. , Malla W.A. , Dev K. , Barkathullah N. , Bharali K. , Dubey A. , Singh N. , Mishra B.P. , Mishra B.
Published: September 2022

The present study was aimed to elucidate the host–virus interactions using RNA-Seq analysis at 1 h and 8 h of post-infection of sheeppox virus (SPPV) in lamb testis cell. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the underlying mechanisms linked to the host immune responses were obtained. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) illustrated the interaction between the DEGs and their involvement in cell signalling responses. Highly connected hubs viz. AURKA, CHEK1, CCNB2, CDC6 and MAPK14 were identified through PPI network analysis. IPA analysis showed that IL-6- and ERK5-mediated signalling pathways were highly enriched at both time points. The TP53 gene was identified to be the leading upstream regulator that directly responded to SPPV infection, resulting in downregulation at both time points. The study provides an overview of how the lamb testis genes and their underlying mechanisms link to growth and immune response during SPPV infection.
The leverage effect of bundling on monopoly power and product quality
Authors: Chung Hui‐Ling , Hu Jin‐Li , Lin Yan‐Shu
Published: September 2022

This paper re‐examines the leverage effect of bundling under vertical quality differentiation. That is, it studies whether or not the firm can still extend its monopoly power from the monopolist product market to the competing product market by bundling under vertical product quality differentiation. There is an intangible product (such as cloud storage, after sale service, etc.) in a bundled package with vertical quality differentiation. The model herein enables us to further analyze the effects of bundling on a competitor's profit, consumer surplus, and social welfare when the bundler is a high‐ or low‐quality firm and is facing a single‐product competitor. When the bundling product is a high quality product, bundling reinforces the monopolist's market power toward the monopoly good, which runs opposite from the traditional leverage effect. If bundling enhances (shortens) the quality difference in competing goods, then bundling increases (reduces) both the competitor's profit and social welfare, whereas it decreases (increases) consumer surplus. Contrary to traditional literature, we find that mixed bundling may not be superior to pure bundling and the price discrimination via mixed bundling by the multi‐product firm may enhance the consumer surplus.
Comparing different computational approaches for detecting long‐term vertical transmission in host‐associated microbiota
Authors: Perez‐Lamarque Benoît , Morlon Hélène
Published: September 2022

Long‐term vertical transmissions of gut bacteria are thought to be frequent and functionally important in mammals. Several phylogenetic‐based approaches have been proposed to detect, among species‐rich microbiota, the bacteria that have been vertically transmitted during a host clade radiation. Applied to mammal microbiota, these methods have sometimes led to conflicting results; in addition, how they cope with the slow evolution of markers typically used to characterize bacterial microbiota remains unclear. Here, we use simulations to test the statistical performances of two widely‐used global‐fit approaches (ParaFit and PACo) and two event‐based approaches (ALE and HOME). We find that these approaches have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the amount of variation in the bacterial DNA sequences and are therefore complementary. In particular, we show that ALE performs better when there is a lot of variation in the bacterial DNA sequences, whereas HOME performs better when there is not. Global‐fit approaches (ParaFit and PACo) have higher type I error rates (false positives) but have the advantage to be very fast to run. We apply these methods to the gut microbiota of primates and our results suggest that only a small fraction of their gut bacteria is vertically transmitted.