bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological behavior of GNPs doped Al2O3 coating fabricated by SHVOF thermal spraying on cemented carbide
Authors: Sun Junlong , Liu Changxia , Ni Xiuying , Zhang Rui , Li Fengxun
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) doped Al2O3 coating deposited on the surface of cemented carbide substrate using suspension high velocity oxy fuel (SHVOF) thermal spraying technique. Scanning electron microscopy was applied to characterize GNPs doped Al2O3 feedstock, the surface morphologies of cemented carbide before and after spraying, and the wear track morphology of cemented carbide after wear tests. The phases of GNPs doped Al2O3 feedstock, uncoated and coated cemented carbide were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction. The existence of GNPs was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. A mixture of un‐molten and molten splats formed on the surface of cemented carbide substrate after SHVOF thermal spray. The average coefficient of friction (CoF) of coated samples was slightly lower than that of uncoated samples, which might be due to the friction‐reduction effect of GNPs. The wear rate of the samples was one order of magnitude higher than that of the alumina ball, showing that the wear of samples was the main wear between the friction couples. The wear mechanism of uncoated sample was mainly fatigue spalling, and that of cemented carbide substrate coated with GNPs doped Al2O3 coating was mainly plowing and abrasive wear.
Elevated serum level of B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) after rituximab therapy in pemphigus vulgaris patients suggests a possible therapeutic efficacy of B‐cell depletion therapies combined with anti‐BAFF agents
Authors: Daneshvar Elham , Tavakolpour Soheil , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Teimourpour Amir , Aslani Saeed , Balighi Kamran
Published: July 2022

Background

Rituximab is widely used for treatment of pemphigus patients. B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) play key roles in B cell survival, maturation, and differentiation. Here, the effect of rituximab on BAFF and APRIL in patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) was studied.

Methods

Fifty PV cases and 56 healthy individuals were recruited. Patients received rituximab for a period of 6 months. The levels of BAFF and APRIL were measured in the serum samples. The frequency of CD19+ B cells was measured by flow cytometry.

Results

The level of BAFF was significantly higher in the patients at the baseline level than controls (P = 0.0005). The level of BAFF was significantly higher at the 3rd month follow‐up compared to the baseline (P = 0.033). There was a significant increase in the BAFF level at the 6th month follow‐up compared to baseline (P = 0.0134). There was no significant difference in the CD19+ B cells/total lymphocytes ratio in the PV patients between the 3rd and 6th month follow‐ups.

Conclusions

Elevated BAFF in the sera could be associated with PV immunopathogenesis. Inhibition of BAFF after rituximab therapy might interfere with repopulation of B cells and confer a therapeutic approach in PV.
Extraction of bound phenolics from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) by combined acid and base hydrolysis procedures and analysis of phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacities
Authors: Wang Xueqing , He Xingxing , Sun Chaoren , Peng Mengyun , Zhang Qianqian , Brennan Charles S. , Guan Wenqiang , Wang Fengling , Zhang Na
Published: July 2022

Shiitake mushrooms contain free phenolics (FPs) and bound phenolics (BPs). BPs embedded in mushrooms are generally neglected and underestimated. Methods of hydrolysis with acid, base and their combination in different sequences were developed to release BPs. The contents, compositions and antioxidant capacities of FPs and BPs were investigated. Results found that BPs yielded with combining base and acid hydrolysis received the highest value (25.67 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g dry weight (DW)), which was higher than FPs (20.62 mg GAE/100 g DW). LC‐ESI‐QqQ‐MS/MS analysis demonstrated that gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid presented in all BPs fractions, whereas hesperidin, luteolin, quercetin, and cinnamic acid were affected by hydrolysis methods and procedures. BPs fractions with higher phenolic content showed strong antioxidant capacities. These results demonstrate the importance of BPs and can be applied to enhance the amount and bioavailability of BPs from shiitake mushrooms and other foods.
Financing the retailer capital‐constrained supply chain with consideration of product quality and demand uncertainty
Authors: Jin Xiaodan , Zhou Hong , Wang Jiepeng
Published: July 2022

A two‐echelon supply chain with a capital‐constrained retailer is investigated where uncertain demand and defective products are considered. As an intermediate between the retailer and the bank, the supplier provides a credit guarantee for the retailer. Two credit guarantee schemes are proposed, guarantee for quality and guarantee for both quality and sales (GQS). The partners' optimal decisions under different schemes are derived via Stackelberg game. As a critical influential factor to determine the financing cost, the loan interest rate is carefully examined with respect to its effect on the strategies of both partners. Furthermore, the influence of loss aversion on the participants' decisions is examined. Based on the theoretical analysis and numerical experiments, the following conclusions are drawn. First, the retailer's optimal order quantity is independent of the supplier's decision on the technology level, whereas the supplier's optimal decision is affected by the retailer's order size. Second, financing is not always attractive to the retailer, and is adopted only with a reasonably lower loan interest rate. Third, the GQS scheme is a win–win strategy for the supply chain if the loan interest rate is relatively high. Finally, the loss‐averse strategy is more robust for the retailer when the demand is volatile and unpredictable.
Reflections on the implementation and evaluation of a system‐wide improvement programme based on the fundamentals of care: Lessons learned
Authors: Aspinall Cathleen , Johnstone Penelope , Parr Jenny M.
Published: July 2022

Aim

To demonstrate how implementing a system‐wide measurement and improvement programme can make the delivery of the Fundamentals of Care visible in practice.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data Sources

A retrospective evaluation of the experience of implementing a system‐wide peer review programme using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework.

Implications for Nursing

Implementing this programme engages nursing leaders at all levels in fundamental care delivery, evaluation and improvement. It positions nursing leaders as accountable for and champions of fundamental care.

Conclusion

The peer review programme offers a solution to the complex challenge of measuring the fundamentals of care in practice. Successful implementations of this programme at two New Zealand inpatient sites have shown positive results in improved care and patient experience. This makes it worthy of consideration for other health organizations. Nursing leadership has proven to be critical to success. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework highlights the components that assist with successful implementation and assists in presenting a case for change.

Impact

This paper addressed the problem of the lack of action and dearth of quality, integrated data, visibility of the patient experience and the contribution of nursing leadership in an inpatient setting. Findings indicate that the peer review programme is translatable, modifiable and sensitive to ethnicity and disability. Using the implementation framework to evaluate the process has provided a guide for future implementations.
Guilt by association, change by individuation: Examining the role of guilt and efficacy in mitigating collective risks
Authors: Suresh Sapna , Walter Nathan
Published: July 2022

Research assessing the persuasiveness of guilt has generally focused on appeals made to larger groups (collective guilt) or to individuals (personal guilt). However, a direct comparison of the two messaging strategies is crucial to discerning effective methods of behavior change in the context of risks to wellbeing where issue responsibility lies with the community at large and the burden of action to create measurable change is also shared. Furthermore, although efficacy messaging has been widely used to improve individuals' beliefs about their ability to engage in desired tasks and achieve goals, limited empirical evidence exists on the use of guilt and efficacy in concert to promote strategic communication outcomes. Informed by prior studies on guilt, efficacy, and collective emotions, the present research used a message‐based intervention to experimentally manipulate the responsibility level of guilt (collective vs. personal) and the target level of efficacy (collective vs. self) in the context of an environmental health risk (Study 1, N = 211) and a socioeconomic risk (Study 2, N = 264). Across both studies, results indicated that pairing collective guilt appeals with self‐efficacy messaging most effectively elicits risk‐mitigating attitudes and intentions for shared problems. Beyond the theoretical implications for the literature on discrete emotions and persuasion, the findings highlight the need to consider both the type of guilt and efficacy appeals when designing campaigns that address collective concerns.
Nocturnal blood pressure rather than night‐to‐day blood pressure ratio is related to arterial stiffening in untreated young and middle‐aged adults with non‐dipper hypertension
Authors: Liu Jing , Su Xiaofeng , Nie Ying , Zeng Zhihuan , Chen Hongyan ,   the NARRAS investigators
Published: July 2022

Little is known about nocturnal blood pressure (BP) or night‐to‐day BP ratio, which is a more specific determinant of arterial stiffness in subjects with non‐dipper hypertension? This study aims to investigate the correlation of nocturnal BP and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba PWV), an index of arterial stiffness in untreated young and middle‐aged adults with non‐dipper hypertension.

A cross‐sectional analysis of baseline parameters of the NARRAS trial was performed. Twenty‐four hour ambulatory BP measurements, ba PWV and routine clinical data collection were performed in all patients. The relationship of 24‐h ambulatory BP profiles, biochemical measures as well as demographic parameters and ba PWV were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple stepwise regression analysis.

A total of 77 patients (mean age 47.0 ± 11.7 years) with non‐dipper hypertension were included. Age, height, weight and nocturnal systolic BP were related to ba PWV in Pearson's correlation analysis. In stepwise regression analysis, age (β = 10.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.099–15.042, p < 0.001) and weight (β = −3.835, 95% CI: −7.658‐−0.013, p = 0.049) are related to ba PWV. Nocturnal systolic BP (β = 8.662, 95% CI: 2.511–14.814, p = 0.006) was the independent predictors of ba PWV, even after night‐to‐day systolic BP ratio or 24‐h ambulatory BP profile were taken into account.

Nocturnal systolic BP rather than night‐to‐day systolic BP ratio appears to be a more specific determinant for arterial stiffness, as assessed by ba PWV in young and middle‐aged adults with non‐dipper hypertension. 24‐h ambulatory BP measurements are essential for cardiovascular risk evaluation.
The positive correlation between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity and aortic diameter in Chinese patients with diabetes
Authors: Li Liping , Xie Wenhui , Li Qingqing , Hong Huashan
Published: July 2022

Aortic dilation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Increased brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a hallmark of vascular aging and arterial stiffness, as well as an important risk factor for vascular disease. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the correlation between baPWV and aortic diameter (AoD) of inpatients with diabetes. A total of 1294 diabetic patients with the detailed medical records were investigated. Arterial stiffness was assessed using baPWV and AoD using echocardiography. The results showed that baPWV and AoD increase with age (p <0.05). Based on multiple linear regression analysis, age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, left atrial diameter, right ventricle diameter, pulmonary artery diameter, peak velocity of early transmitral blood flow/peak velocity of late transmitral blood flow, and baPWV independently correlated with AoD in patients with diabetes. Additionally, an increased risk of aortic dilation occurred in the highest baPWV quartile compared with the lowest quartile (p <0.001). In conclusion, baPWV is independently and positively associated with AoD. Hence, prospective cohorts or randomized clinical trials will be the next step to further determine whether interventions designed to improve arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes will reduce the risk of aortic dilation.
Christian Europe Redux
Authors: Wolkenstein Fabio
Published: July 2022

The notion of ‘Christian Europe’ has returned with a vengeance in recent times. It figures prominently in the political rhetoric of conservative nationalists, who link appeals to Europe's Christian heritage and identity to avowedly illiberal political projects. This article examines this revived idea of Christian Europe by contrasting it with the meanings that prominent Christian Democratic leaders ascribed to the term in the post‐war era. This contrast is insightful because it reveals what is distinctive about present understandings of Christian Europe, and it is politically relevant because some of the most committed contemporary proponents of Christian Europe claim to be ‘true’ Christian Democrats. Using Ernst‐Wolfgang Böckenförde's work on the emergence of the modern state as a broad analytical frame, I show that today's visions of Christian Europe are more modern, statist and secular than their post‐war counterparts.
Synchronous primary cutaneous melanomas: a descriptive study of their clinical features, histology, genetic background of the patients and clinical outcomes
Authors: Antúnez‐Lay A. , Podlipnik S. , Carrera C. , Potrony M. , Tell‐Martí G. , Badenas C. , Puig‐Butille J.A. , Espinosa N. , Puig S. , Malvehy J.
Published: July 2022

Background

Around 0.5% of cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients will present with synchronous melanomas when first seen. Moreover, 26–40% of patients with multiple primary melanomas present with synchronous lesions.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, clinical and histopathological characteristics, germline mutations and outcome in patients with synchronous melanoma.

Methods

Clinical and histopathological data from 4703 melanoma patients were included. Clinical, histological and genetic mutational status information was analysed. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to investigate survival outcomes.

Results

A total of 144 patients (3.06%) presented simultaneously with two or more primary melanomas. During follow‐up, 25.7% of patients with synchronous melanoma developed a new primary melanoma compared to 8.6% of patients diagnosed with single melanoma (P < 0.001). Germinal CDKN2A mutations were identified in 10.7% of patients with synchronous melanomas and genetic variants in MC1R in 72%. No significant differences in all survival outcomes between patients with synchronous melanomas and single melanomas were found.

Conclusion

Synchronous melanomas are more frequent than previously reported and are more frequent in older patients compared to single melanomas. Moreover, these patients have a higher risk of developing a new primary melanoma during follow‐up and have higher rates of germline susceptibility variants. Nevertheless, these findings were not associated with worse outcomes.
New contributions to the Cyrtophoria ciliates (Protista, Ciliophora): Establishment of new taxa and phylogenetic analyses using two ribosomal genes
Authors: Wang Congcong , Jiang Limin , Pan Hongbo , Warren Alan , Hu Xiaozhong
Published: July 2022

Periphytic ciliates play a vital role in the material cycle and energy flow of microbial food web, however, their taxonomy and biodiversity are inadequately studied given their high species richness. Two new and one little known species, viz. Derouxella lembodes gen. et sp. nov., Cyrtophoron multivacuolatum sp. nov., and Cyrtophoron apsheronica Aliev, 1991, collected from coastal waters of China, were investigated using modern methods. Derouxella gen. nov. can be recognized by having dorsoventrally flattened body, a podite, one fragmented preoral kinety, two parallel circumoral kineties, and somatic kineties progressively shortened from right to left. Morphological classification and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA (nSSU rRNA) and mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal RNA (mtSSU rRNA) gene sequence data inferred that Derouxella gen. nov. occupies an intermediate position between Hartmannulidae and Dysteriidae. Cyrtophoron multivacuolatum sp. nov. is characterized by large body size, the numbers of somatic kineties and nematodesmal rods, and having numerous contractile vacuoles. The genus Cyrtophoron and the poorly known species C. apsheronica were redefined. Even with the addition of newly obtained nSSU rRNA and mtSSU rRNA gene sequences of Cyrtophoron, the family Chlamydodontidae was still recovered as a monophyletic group, the monophyly of Cyrtophoron was supported too.
Blue light‐induced phosphorylation of Arabidopsis cryptochrome 1 is essential for its photosensitivity
Authors: Gao Lin , Liu Qing , Zhong Ming , Zeng Nannan , Deng Weixian , Li Yaxing , Wang Dong , Liu Siyuan , Wang Qin
Published: July 2022

Plants possess two cryptochrome photoreceptors, cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) and cryptochrome 2 (CRY2), that mediate overlapping and distinct physiological responses. Both CRY1 and CRY2 undergo blue light‐induced phosphorylation, but the molecular details of CRY1 phosphorylation remain unclear. Here we identify 19 in vivo phosphorylation sites in CRY1 using mass spectrometry and systematically analyze the physiological and photobiochemical activities of CRY1 variants with phosphosite substitutions. We demonstrate that nonphosphorylatable CRY1 variants have impaired phosphorylation, degradation, and physiological functions, whereas phosphomimetic variants mimic the physiological functions of phosphorylated CRY1 to constitutively inhibit hypocotyl elongation. We further demonstrate that phosphomimetic CRY1 variants exhibit enhanced interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 (CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1). This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that phosphorylation of CRY1 is required for COP1‐dependent signaling and regulation of CRY1. We also determine that PHOTOREGULATORY PROTEIN KINASEs (PPKs) phosphorylate CRY1 in a blue light‐dependent manner and that this phosphorylation is critical for CRY1 signaling and regulation. These results indicate that, similar to CRY2, blue light‐dependent phosphorylation of CRY1 determines its photosensitivity.
Fluorescence fluctuation‐based super‐resolution microscopy: Basic concepts for an easy start
Authors: Alva Alma , Brito‐Alarcón Eduardo , Linares Alejandro , Torres‐García Esley , Hernández Haydee O. , Pinto‐Cámara Raúl , Martínez Damián , Hernández‐Herrera Paul , D'Antuono Rocco , Wood Christopher , Guerrero Adán
Published: July 2022

Due to the wave nature of light, optical microscopy has a lower‐bound lateral resolution limit of approximately half of the wavelength of visible light, that is, within the range of 200 to 350 nm. Fluorescence fluctuation‐based super‐resolution microscopy (FF‐SRM) is a term used to encompass a collection of image analysis techniques that rely on the statistical processing of temporal variations of the fluorescence signal. FF‐SRM aims to reduce the uncertainty of the location of fluorophores within an image, often improving spatial resolution by several tens of nanometers. FF‐SRM is suitable for live‐cell imaging due to its compatibility with most fluorescent probes and relatively simple instrumental and experimental requirements, which are mostly camera‐based epifluorescence instruments. Each FF‐SRM approach has strengths and weaknesses, which depend directly on the underlying statistical principles through which enhanced spatial resolution is achieved. In this review, the basic concepts and principles behind a range of FF‐SRM methods published to date are described. Their operational parameters are explained and guidance for their selection is provided.
Mindfully aware and open: Mitigating subjective and objective financial vulnerability via mindfulness practices
Authors: Bayuk Julia , Lee Hyunjung Crystal , Park Jooyoung , Saka Serkan , Talukdar Debabrata , Sinha Jayati
Published: July 2022

Our research presents mindfulness as a potential intervention to mitigate financial vulnerability, defined as the ability to handle unexpected future financial setbacks. As potential interventions to mitigate consumer financial vulnerability, we provide a conceptual framework on how two types of mindfulness practices (i.e., non‐judgmental awareness and openness to experience) can mitigate the subjective and objective financial vulnerability differently. We suggest ways to manipulate the two types of mindfulness and discuss the results of our initial pilot study, focusing on lower‐income consumers. In addition, we propose fruitful avenues for future research and provide recommendations for managers and policymakers to better address consumer financial vulnerability and enhance consumer welfare via mindfulness practice.
Ultrasonographic analysis of the calves for efficient botulinum toxin type A injection
Authors: Chong Yuming , Li Zhijin , Zhang Dingyue , Jin Lin , Chen Cheng , Yu Nanze , Long Xiao
Published: July 2022

Background

Large calves are considered unattractive. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A), acting as a neurotoxin that reduces muscle contraction, is widely used in calf contouring. However, there lacks detailed anatomical data to guide clinical injection.

Objectives

This study aims to use ultrasonography to provide depth information of the calf muscles and determine the morphological types of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Methods

Ultrasound scanning was performed at six sites on 40 Chinese adults. A real‐time ultrasound scannerwas used to detect the depth of the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle.

Results

The thickness of the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle was measured. The depth from the skin to the surface, the middle, and the bottom of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured. The morphology of gastrocnemius muscle was classified into four different types under ultrasound according to the muscle bulge pattern.

Conclusion

This study took ultrasonic measurements of Asian calves to guide accurate and effective BoNT‐A injection in real clinical practice.
A quasi‐randomized controlled trial of Ninjin'yoeito for the treatment of postpartum anemia and the prevention of postpartum depression
Authors: Kawakami Sho‐ichi , Fukuda Shigeru , Shinbori Yoko , Umeki Michiko , Mitani Minoru , Kuramoto Akitaka , Sugimoto Chisato , Nitta Makoto , Higashi Kenji , Ito Masaharu
Published: July 2022

Aim

To study the effect of Ninjin'yoeito (NYT) on postpartum anemia and on the development of postpartum depression (PPD).

Methods

In this prospective, single‐center, open‐label, quasi‐randomized controlled trial, patients with anemia 1–2 days postdelivery were randomized to receive either NYT or an oral iron preparation for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the hemoglobin (Hb) level. Secondary endpoints were fatigue (assessed by the numerical rating scale [NRS]) and prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms, as defined by an Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) score ≥9. Hb levels and fatigue were measured before, and 4 weeks after, treatment and the EPDS was measured 4 weeks posttreatment.

Results

Of 1066 participants (NYT group: 532, iron group: 534) 1061 (NYT group: 529, iron group: 532) underwent full analysis. The Hb level increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001), and there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the change in Hb levels (NYT: 2.4 ± 0.8 g/dL vs. iron: 2.5 ± 0.7 g/dL, p = 0.098). Fatigue decreased significantly in the NYT group (p < 0.001) but did not change in the iron group, and the difference was significant (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms (NYT: 5.7% vs. iron: 9.4%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36–0.93).

Conclusion

The results suggest that NYT improves postpartum anemia and fatigue, and may be able to prevent the development of PPD.
Using a self‐guided app to provide communication strategies for caregivers of young children with developmental disorders: A pilot investigation
Authors: Romski Mary Ann , Sevcik Rose A. , King Marika , DeLeo Gianluca , Branum‐Martin Lee , Bornman Juan
Published: July 2022

One important evidence‐based component of early communication interventions in high‐income countries is teaching parents and other primary caregivers to provide communication opportunities in daily activities to stimulate the development of beginning communication skills. To address some of the barriers to communication interventions for children with developmental disorders (DD) in rural South Africa, we developed a prototype Web‐based self‐guided app for caregivers to use at home with their children with DD who were at the beginning stages of communication development. The purpose of this study is to examine how this app intervention functioned for caregivers and its secondary effects on their children. Fifty‐one caregiver‐child dyads were randomly assigned to either a typical care intervention group (a 30‐minute hospital‐based intervention once a month) or the self‐guided mobile health technology (MHT) app plus the typical care intervention. We assessed both the caregivers and their children. The majority of the 27 caregiver‐child dyads (81%) assigned to the app group used the app and completed a mean of 35.8 sessions across the 48 sessions (mean range = 5.08–15.75). Eighty percent of these caregivers employed the “help” function of the app (M per caregiver = 9.89). The caregivers who completed 44–48 sessions reported that more than half of the children moved from pre‐symbolic forms of communication (e.g., crying) to symbolic forms of communication (e.g., words) by the end of the intervention. Compared to the typical care group, the caregivers perceived that their children's success increased even though their difficulties remained stable. The app group showed a very modest gain in expressive language while the typical care group did not. The findings suggest that the self‐guided app framework shows promise as a supplement to traditional monthly speech‐language intervention in South Africa.
Hybridization and genome duplication for early evolutionary success in the Asian Palmate group of Araliaceae
Authors: Gallego‐Narbón Angélica , Wen Jun , Liu Jing , Valcárcel Virginia
Published: July 2022

The phenomenal advances in sequencing techniques and analytical development during the last decade have provided a unique opportunity to unravel the evolutionary history of lineages under complex patterns of evolution. This is the case of the largest clade of the ginseng family (Araliaceae), the Asian Palmate group (AsPG), where the large internal polytomies and genome incongruences detected in previous studies pointed to a scenario of radiation with hybridization events between genera for the early evolution of the group. In this study, we aim to obtain well‐resolved nuclear and plastid phylogenies of the AsPG using Hyb‐Seq to evaluate the radiation hypothesis and assess the role of hybridization in the early evolution of the group. We performed concatenated‐ and coalescent‐based phylogenetic analyses from the 936 targeted nuclear loci and 261 plastid loci obtained for 72 species representing 20 genera of the AsPG and the main clades of Araliaceae. The impact of hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) was assessed with SNaQ, and genome duplications were evaluated with ChromEvol. Our nuclear and plastid phylogenies are compatible with a scenario of early radiation in the AsPG. Also, the identification of extensive signals of hybridization and ILS behind the genome incongruences supports hybridization as a major driving force during the early radiation. We hypothesize a whole‐genome duplication event at the origin of the AsPG, followed by a radiation that led to extensive ILS, which, alongside the early inter‐genera hybridization, is obscuring the phylogenetic signal in the early evolution of this major clade.
Captivity induces large and population‐dependent brain transcriptomic changes in wild‐caught cane toads (Rhinella marina)
Authors: Yagound Boris , West Andrea J. , Richardson Mark F. , Gruber Jodie , Reid Jack G. , Whiting Martin J. , Rollins Lee A.
Published: July 2022

Gene expression levels are key molecular phenotypes at the interplay between genotype and environment. Mounting evidence suggests that short‐term changes in environmental conditions, such as those encountered in captivity, can substantially affect gene expression levels. Yet, the exact magnitude of this effect, how general it is, and whether it results in parallel changes across populations are not well understood. Here, we take advantage of the well‐studied cane toad, Rhinella marina, to examine the effect of short‐term captivity on brain gene expression levels, and determine whether effects of captivity differ between long‐colonized and vanguard populations of the cane toad's Australian invasion range. We compared the transcriptomes of wild‐caught toads immediately assayed with those from toads captured from the same populations but maintained in captivity for seven months. We found large differences in gene expression levels between captive and wild‐caught toads from the same population, with an over‐representation of processes related to behaviour and the response to stress. Captivity had a much larger effect on both gene expression levels and gene expression variability in toads from vanguard populations compared to toads from long‐colonized areas, potentially indicating an increased plasticity in toads at the leading edge of the invasion. Overall, our findings indicate that short‐term captivity can induce large and population‐specific transcriptomic changes, which has significant implications for studies comparing phenotypic traits of wild‐caught organisms from different populations that have been held in captivity.
DNA methylation profiling improves routine diagnosis of paediatric central nervous system tumours: A prospective population‐based study
Authors: Schepke Elizabeth , Löfgren Maja , Pietsch Torsten , Olsson Bontell Thomas , Kling Teresia , Wenger Anna , Ferreyra Vega Sandra , Danielsson Anna , Dosa Sandor , Holm Stefan , Öberg Anders , Nyman Per , Eliasson‐Hofvander Marie , Sandström Per‐Erik , Pfister Stefan M. , Lannering Birgitta , Sabel Magnus , Carén Helena
Published: July 2022

Aims

Paediatric brain tumours are rare, and establishing a precise diagnosis can be challenging. Analysis of DNA methylation profiles has been shown to be a reliable method to classify central nervous system (CNS) tumours with high accuracy. We aimed to prospectively analyse CNS tumours diagnosed in Sweden, to assess the clinical impact of adding DNA methylation‐based classification to standard paediatric brain tumour diagnostics in an unselected cohort.

Methods

All CNS tumours diagnosed in children (0–18 years) during 2017–2020 were eligible for inclusion provided sufficient tumour material was available. Tumours were analysed using genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling and classified by the MNP brain tumour classifier. The initial histopathological diagnosis was compared with the DNA methylation‐based classification. For incongruent results, a blinded re‐evaluation was performed by an experienced neuropathologist.

Results

Two hundred forty tumours with a histopathology‐based diagnosis were profiled. A high‐confidence methylation score of 0.84 or more was reached in 78% of the cases. In 69%, the histopathological diagnosis was confirmed, and for some of these also refined, 6% were incongruent, and the re‐evaluation favoured the methylation‐based classification. In the remaining 3% of cases, the methylation class was non‐contributory.

The change in diagnosis would have had a direct impact on the clinical management in 5% of all patients.

Conclusions

Integrating DNA methylation‐based tumour classification into routine clinical analysis improves diagnostics and provides molecular information that is important for treatment decisions. The results from methylation profiling should be interpreted in the context of clinical and histopathological information.
Integration of multi‐omics data reveals interplay between brassinosteroid and Target of Rapamycin Complex signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Montes Christian , Wang Ping , Liao Ching‐Yi , Nolan Trevor M. , Song Gaoyuan , Clark Natalie M. , Elmore J. Mitch , Guo Hongqing , Bassham Diane C. , Yin Yanhai , Walley Justin W.
Published: July 2022

Brassinosteroids (BRs) and Target of Rapamycin Complex (TORC) are two major actors coordinating plant growth and stress responses. Brassinosteroids function through a signaling pathway to extensively regulate gene expression and TORC is known to regulate translation and autophagy. Recent studies have revealed connections between these two pathways, but a system‐wide view of their interplay is still missing.

We quantified the level of 23 975 transcripts, 11 183 proteins, and 27 887 phosphorylation sites in wild‐type Arabidopsis thaliana and in mutants with altered levels of either BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 2 (BIN2) or REGULATORY ASSOCIATED PROTEIN OF TOR 1B (RAPTOR1B), two key players in BR and TORC signaling, respectively.

We found that perturbation of BIN2 or RAPTOR1B levels affects a common set of gene‐products involved in growth and stress responses. Furthermore, we used the multi‐omic data to reconstruct an integrated signaling network. We screened 41 candidate genes identified from the reconstructed network and found that loss of function mutants of many of these proteins led to an altered BR response and/or modulated autophagy activity.

Altogether, these results establish a predictive network that defines different layers of molecular interactions between BR‐ or TORC‐regulated growth and autophagy.
Unraveling the intestinal epithelial barrier in cyanotoxin microcystin‐treated Caco‐2 cell monolayers
Authors: Kaak Jan‐Leo , Lobo de Sá Fábia D. , Turner Jerrold R. , Schulzke Jörg‐Dieter , Bücker Roland
Published: July 2022

Microcystin is a widespread cyanobacterial toxin that affects the intestine to produce diarrheal symptoms after ingestion of freshwater blue‐green algae. Our study aimed to characterize the mechanism by which the toxin leads to diarrhea via epithelial barrier dysfunction in a small intestine Caco‐2 cell model. Microcystin‐treated human Caco‐2 epithelial monolayers were functionally and molecularly analyzed for barrier dysfunction. Tight junctions (TJs) and cell damage were analyzed in relation to transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) changes. TER of microcystin‐treated Caco‐2 cells was reduced by 65% of the initial value after 24 h; concomitantly, permeability for fluorescein increased 2.6‐fold. Western blot analysis showed reduced claudin‐1 expression, while expression of claudin‐3 and ‐4 remained unchanged. Super‐resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy revealed that TJ integrity was compromised by fraying and splitting of the TJ domain of the epithelial cells. Epithelial apoptosis did not significantly contribute to epithelial barrier dysfunction, while cytoskeletal actomyosin constriction was associated with TJ disintegration and the barrier defect. Our results indicate that microcystin causes intestinal barrier leakiness, which helps to explain the leak flux type of diarrhea as the main pathomechanism after ingestion of cyanobacterial toxin.
Customized Multilevel 3D Printing Implant for Reconstructing Spine Tumor: A Retrospective Case Series Study in a Single Center
Authors: Sun Zhengwang , Yin Mengchen , Sun Yueli , Cheng Mo , Fang Meng , Huang Wending , Ma Junming , Yan Wangjun
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of 3D printed artificial vertebral body for patients who underwent multilevel total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) and analyze whether it could reduce the incidence of implant subsidence.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. From January 2017 to May 2018, eight consecutive cases with spine tumor undergoing multilevel TES were analyzed. All patients underwent X‐ray and CT examinations to evaluate the stability of internal fixation during the postoperative follow‐up. Demographic, surgical details, clinical data, and perioperative complications was collected. Visual analog scale, Frankel score, and spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS) classification were also recorded.

Results

There were six cases of primary spinal tumor and two cases of metastatic spinal tumor. All patients achieved remarkable pain relief and improvement in neurological function. Five patients underwent operation through the posterior approach, one patient underwent operation through the anterior approach and the remaining two patients through a combined anterior and posterior approach. At the last follow‐up period, X‐rays showed that the 3D printed artificial vertebral body of all cases matched well, and the fixation was reliable. Hardware failure such as loosening, sinking, breaking, and displacement wasn't observed during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

3D printed customized artificial vertebral body can provide satisfying good clinical and radiological outcomes for patients who have undergone multilevel TES.
A consensus statement on health‐care transition for childhood‐onset inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Kumagai Hideki , Shimizu Toshiaki , Iwama Itaru , Hagiwara Shin‐Ichiro , Kudo Takahiro , Takahashi Michiko , Saito Takeshi , Kunisaki Reiko , Uchino Motoi , Hiraoka Sakiko , Naganuma Makoto , Sugimoto Ken , Miyoshi Jun , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: July 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the intestine. The incidence of IBD is increasing worldwide, including Japan, and in approximately 25% of all affected patients it is diagnosed before 18 years of age. For the health maintenance of such patients, planned transition to adult care systems is essential. Previous Japanese surveys have revealed gaps between adult and pediatric gastroenterologists with regard to their knowledge and perception of health‐care transition for patients with childhood‐onset IBD. In 2021–2022, several Web workshops to discuss issues related to the transitional care of IBD patients were held by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan as part of their program for research on intractable diseases. Clinicians experienced in IBD treatment for pediatric and adult patients participated. As a result, this panel of adult and pediatric gastroenterologists developed five consensus statements on the issue of “transfer from pediatric to adult care” and nine statements on the issue of “addressing transitional care (transition program).” To address current gaps in health‐care transition for childhood‐onset IBD patients, a programmed approach to transition, and better partnerships between pediatric and adult gastroenterologists are indicated. It is hoped that this consensus statement will provide a basis for the development of appropriate guidelines for clinical practice.
Foreknowledge requires determinism
Authors: Todd Patrick
Published: July 2022

There is a longstanding argument that purports to show that divine foreknowledge is inconsistent with human freedom to do otherwise. Proponents of this argument, however, have for some time been met with the following reply: the argument posits what would have to be a mysterious non‐causal constraint on freedom. In this paper, I argue that this objection is misguided—not because after all there can indeed be non‐causal constraints on freedom (as in Pike, Fischer, and Hunt), but because the success of the incompatibilist's argument does not require the real possibility of non‐causal constraints on freedom. I contend that the incompatibilist's argument is best seen as showing that, given divine foreknowledge, something makes one unfree—and that this something is most plausibly identified, not with the foreknowledge itself, but with the causally deterministic factors that would have to be in place in order for there to be infallible foreknowledge in the first place.
Assumption-lean Inference for Generalised Linear Model Parameters
Authors: Vansteelandt Stijn , Dukes Oliver
Published: July 2022

Inference for the parameters indexing generalised linear models is routinely based on the assumption that the model is correct and a priori specified. This is unsatisfactory because the chosen model is usually the result of a data-adaptive model selection process, which may induce excess uncertainty that is not usually acknowledged. Moreover, the assumptions encoded in the chosen model rarely represent some a priori known, ground truth, making standard inferences prone to bias, but also failing to give a pure reflection of the information that is contained in the data. Inspired by developments on assumption-free inference for so-called projection parameters, we here propose novel nonparametric definitions of main effect estimands and effect modification estimands. These reduce to standard main effect and effect modification parameters in generalised linear models when these models are correctly specified, but have the advantage that they continue to capture respectively the (conditional) association between two variables, or the degree to which two variables interact in their association with outcome, even when these models are misspecified. We achieve an assumption-lean inference for these estimands on the basis of their efficient influence function under the nonparametric model while invoking flexible data-adaptive (e.g. machine learning) procedures.
Pentoxifylline and tocopherol for prevention of osteoradionecrosis in patients who underwent oral surgery: A clinical audit
Authors: Lombardi Niccolò , Varoni Elena , Villa Giulio , Salis Annalisa , Lodi Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw is a severe and debilitating complication of the head and neck radiotherapy which frequently occurrs after oral surgery. This clinical audit aims aevaluate the effectiveness of combined use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PENTO) in prevention ORN onset in patient who underwent oral surgery after head and neck radiotherapy (RT).

Material method

In this clinical audit Pentoxifylline 400 mg, twice a day, and Tocopherol 800 IU once a day (PENTO protocol) have been prescribed. Patients started the protocol 1 week before the surgical procedure and continued for 8 weeks after.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients were included. They received 75 surgical interventions under PENTO protocol: 71 surgical procedures of dental extraction (single or multiple dental extractions in each session) and four implant placements. A total of 152 dental extractions were carried out: 64 surgical extractions which required the raising of mucoperiosteal flap, and 88 simple extractions. Four out of 29 patients developed ORN after surgical procedures: four cases of ORN occurred after dental extractions (5.6%) and one case of ORN after implant placement (25%).

Conclusion

PENTO is a useful ORN preventive protocol, low‐cost and clinically feasible, safe and well tolerated by patients. Further studies should focus on better defining the effectiveness PENTO, independently from the antibiotic therapy.
Poverty, social work, and radical incrementalism: Current developments of the poverty‐aware paradigm
Authors: Krumer‐Nevo Michal
Published: July 2022

Facing the growing domination of neoliberalism and new public management in welfare services, social work scholars and practitioners are engaged in efforts to resist it. Using Schram's concept of radical incrementalism, this article describes and analyzes the development of the Poverty‐Aware Paradigm (PAP) in Israel in light of this resistance. The PAP is a critical framework that focuses on poverty as a central axis of the analysis of power relations between service users and social workers. Since 2015, when the Israeli welfare ministry adopted the PAP as a leading model for social work practice in the social service departments, the paradigm has had a surprisingly warm reception, and its implementation has been extended to the health and justice systems as well as to additional welfare ministry units. The article discusses these developments as examples of ‘radical incrementalism’ that is, strategies of resisting neoliberalism by collaborating with the establishment to ‘bend’ the power of the state to benefit marginalized groups. The article analyzes the contribution of specific elements of the PAP‐its dialectic process of bottom‐up and top‐down development; its discursive contribution; its organizational framework; and its training model. Finally, the article discusses the radical nature of the PAP.
Grass‐specific ABERRANT MICROSPORE DEVELOPMENT 1 is required for maintaining pollen fertility in rice
Authors: Zou Ting , Xiong Pingping , Zhou Fuxing , Zhou Dan , Chen Hao , Li Gongwen , Peng Kun , Zheng Kaiyou , Han Yuhao , Zhang Kaixuan , Zhang Xu , Yang Shangyu , Deng Qiming , Wang Shiquan , Zhu Jun , Liang Yueyang , Sun Changhui , Yu Xiumei , Liu Huainian , Wang Lingxia , Li Ping , Li Shuangcheng
Published: July 2022

Pollen development includes a series of biological events that require precise gene regulation. Although several transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to play roles in maintaining pollen fertility, the major regulatory networks underlying tapetum development and pollen wall formation are largely unknown. Herein, we report that ABERRANT MICROSPORE DEVELOPMENT1 (AMD1), a protein annotated previously as unknown protein, is required for tapetum development and pollen exine patterning in rice (Oryza sativa L.). AMD1 encodes a grass‐specific protein exhibiting transactivation activity in the nucleus and is spatiotemporally expressed in the tapetum and microspores during pollen development. Further biochemical assays indicate that AMD1 directly activates the transcription of DEFECTIVE POLLEN WALL (DPW) and POLYKETIDE SYNTHASE2 (OsPKS2), which are both implicated in sporopollenin biosynthesis during exine formation. Additionally, AMD1 directly interacts with TAPETUM DEGENERATION RETARDATION (TDR), a key TF involved in the regulation of tapetum degradation and exine formation. Taken together, we demonstrate that AMD1 is an important regulatory component involved in the TDR‐mediated regulatory pathway to regulate sporopollenin biosynthesis, tapetum degradation, and exine formation for pollen development. Our work provides insights into the regulatory network of rice sexual reproduction and a useful target for genetic engineering of new male‐sterile lines for hybrid rice breeding.